Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings have wrapped, and our hosts are here to break down the week on Capitol Hill. Jonah, David, and Andrew then turn to the latest developments in the war in Ukraine. Plus, what do the guys make of those Ginni Thomas texts to Mark Meadows? Or Trump dropping his endorsement of Mo Brooks in the Alabama Senate race? Show Notes: - TMD: “Biden, World Leaders Huddle on Russia” - The Dispatch: “Inside the First Ukrainian City to Fall to Russia” - W...
Mar 25, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 199
Steve talks with Taras Byk, a political consultant now working with the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv, to get a sense of what’s happening on the ground in Ukraine. What’s changed since the last time they talked? Steve then has a conversation with Tom Karako, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Why has Russia not been able to establish air superiority? What do we need to know about those hypersonic missiles that Russia launched? Tom has those answers and mo...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 198
As we pass the third week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our hosts are here to discuss the latest: The Biden administration looks to make a deal on Iran’s nuclear program. What are we to make of the president’s foregin policy? Plus, Sarah and the guys talk about inflation and the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Show Notes: - The Dispatch: “Concessions to Iran, Russia Pile Up in Nuclear Talks” - Uphill: “The House Hits Russia on Trade” - TMD: “An Interest Rate Increase” Learn more...
Mar 18, 2022•54 min•Ep. 197
On today’s episode, Steve speaks with Eric Edelman, a member of the U.S. foreign service for 28 years who served as a U.S. ambassador, a national security adviser to the vice president, and an under secretary of defense. They discuss Vladimir Putin and his strategy going into the invasion of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress, and finish with the latest on the Iran deal. Show Notes: - Edelman’s page at The Dispatch - Edelman’s podcast Shield of the Republic - TMD: “Iran Deal on th...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 196
On today’s episode, Steve has a conversation with Taras Byk, a political consultant and former journalist now working with the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv, Ukraine. What’s he seeing on the ground? How are the people of Ukraine holding up as we pass the second week of Russia’s invasion? Plus, Sarah, Steve, and Jonah are here to discuss the latest fallout around the world and here at home. Show Notes: - The Dispatch: “The Past Offers a Way Forward on Foreign Policy” - Uphill: “The Tug of Wa...
Mar 11, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 195
On today’s podcast, Sarah and Steve talk with Natalie Jaresko, Ukraine's former minister of finance. They discuss the history of Ukraine, its people, and what the last two weeks have meant for the country. Show Notes: - NPR: “Kenyan U.N. ambassador compares Ukraine's plight to colonial legacy in Africa” - The Dispatch: “Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine Now?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Mar 09, 2022•43 min•Ep. 194
As the first week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine passed, our hosts are here to discuss how the world has changed. Plus, President Biden delivers his first State of Union address and Texas holds the first primary elections of 2022. What have we learned from the last week? Show Notes: - TMD: “A Nuclear Plant Scare in Ukraine” - The Dispatch: “Will the European Union Admit Ukraine?” - The Dispatch: “The Coming Surrender to Iran” - The Dispatch: “Fact Checking the State of the Union” Learn more abo...
Mar 04, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 193
On today’s podcast, Steve is joined by Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our response to it, and his thoughts on the State of the Union. Steve is then joined by Barbara Comstock, former representative of Virginia, for a conversation about President Joe Biden’s speech last night and the future of the Republican Party. Show Notes: - French Press: “Questions and Answers After Six Days of War” - Jonah “Gradually, Th...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 192
Right before recording today’s episode started, news broke that President Joe Biden is nominating Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Our hosts take a quick look at that and what it means for SCOTUS. Then the conversation moved to the dire situation in Ukraine. David cautioned against believing all of the information we receive in the fog of war and the group discusses how many people on the right have flip-flopped on Putin. Tune in, too, for a preview of next week’s State of the Union a...
Feb 25, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 191
In a lively discussion about who Vladimir Putin is and the danger he poses to the world, Steve is joined by Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, and Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker. The two, who are married, offer insights to their book, Kremlin Rising, which they co-authored during their four year stay in Russia. The trio discuss Putin's rise to power, his current rhetoric, as well as how the Republican Party and Trump have grown increasingly close ...
Feb 23, 2022•56 min•Ep. 190
According to polling from Gallup, Americans are as happy as they’ve almost ever been. Yet their feelings toward the country as a whole are near an all-time low. Why is that? Sarah, Steve, David, and Declan discuss that and more. Plus, in San Francisco, the left seemed to do some self-correcting after a successful recall of a number of school board members. And finally, as Steve promised members on this week’s Dispatch Live, a continued conversation about Rep. Liz Cheney. Show Notes: - Gallup sat...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 189
Today on the podcast, Sarah and Steve are joined by Klon Kitchen, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss the latest in Ukraine after the country was hit by cyberattacks. Plus, how much is the Republican Party’s foreign policy views changing? And what exactly can the Chinese government do with all that TikTok data? Show Notes: - TMD: “Ukraine on the Brink” - Klon’s Dispatch piece: “The Old—and Incoherent—Foreign Policy of the New Right” - Ahmari, Deneen and Pappin: “Hawks ...
Feb 16, 2022•53 min•Ep. 188
On today’s podcast, Sarah and Steve talk with Todd Rose, author of Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions. How much of our thinking about each other is informed by false assumptions? What are the consequences of a society this mistrustful? And what are we to do about it? Show Notes: - Collective Illusions by Todd Rose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Feb 11, 2022•57 min•Ep. 187
On today’s podcast, our hosts discuss the Republican Party’s decision to censure two of its own members, Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, over their involvement in the January 6 investigation. Plus, a growing list of states have lifted their mask mandates. What’s changed? Show Notes: - TMD: “Republicans Choose Their Corners in the January 6 Brawl” - The Sweep: “Did McCain-Feingold Ruin America?” - National Journal: “Biden is blowing his COVID moment” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 186
Ohio Sen. Rob Portman joined The Dispatch Podcast to talk about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. What is Vladimir Putin doing? Why should Americans care? Plus, Steve and David ask Sen. Portman about efforts to reform the Electoral Count Act. Show Notes: - Sen. Portman on Meet the Press - French Press: “Stop Screwing Around and Reform the Electoral Count Act” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Feb 04, 2022•36 min•Ep. 185
On today’s podcast, our hosts discuss the latest round of statements from former President Donald Trump and new reports about his role after the 2020 election. How are elected Republicans reacting? Plus, President Joe Biden has a Supreme Court seat to fill, and the world turns its eyes toward China as the Winter Olympics get underway. Show Notes: - TMD: “Trump Doubles Down on January 6 Role” - G-File: “This Was Always the Plan” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 184
On today’s podcast, Steve moderates a conversation about the politics of replacing Justice Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court. Joining Sarah on the panel is Gregg Nunziata, who worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and John McCormack, Washington correspondent for National Review. What does replacing a Supreme Court justice look like from behind the scenes? Our panel has that answer and more. Show Notes: - Stirewaltisms: A Supreme Break for Biden - TMD: Breyer to Retire - Advisory Opinions: ...
Jan 28, 2022•59 min•Ep. 183
The problems in Ukraine are getting worse. Our hosts discuss what led to the current situation and the role President Biden played in getting to this point. Then Sarah, David, Jonah, and Steve talk about two issues that are not getting enough attention as we head to the midterms: immigration and crime. Show Notes: - TMD: Germany Drags Feet On Ukraine - Uphill: What Price Will Putin Pay for a Ukraine Invasion? - NATO spending requirements - Crime stats - San Francisco Mayor crime speech Learn mor...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 182
On today’s episode, Sarah and Steve speak with Heidi Heitkamp, former North Dakota senator and founder of One Country Project. They cover everything from the filibuster to President Biden’s first year in office. What doesn’t work about the Senate? Can Biden turn things around before the midterms? Show Notes: - TMD looks back at Biden’s first year - Uphill looks at the state of Build Back Better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 21, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 181
A year ago, almost to the day, Joe Biden was sworn in as president of the United States. The gang looks back at a year full of shifts to progressive policies from Biden. Is he living up to his promise of restoring normalcy in America? Plus, Gallup says 2021 saw the greatest shift in party preferences for as long as Gallup has been around. What does that mean for the country and our politics? Finally, are we on the brink of World War III with Russia threatening to go into Ukraine? Show Notes: - H...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 180
Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the 10 House Republicans to impeach Trump, joins Sarah and Steve on today’s podcast. They discuss why he is against Biden’s new voting rights legislation and how much influence the federal government should have over elections. Plus, the congressman talks about his view of the filibuster, and the rightward shift of rural America. Show Notes: - Rep. Newhouse's statement against new voting rights legislation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 14, 2022•54 min•Ep. 179
President Biden ran his 2020 campaign on the promise he’d bring back “normal” life in America. Almost one year later, there is still an ongoing pandemic, record-high inflation, and a serious lack of food in grocery stores. The gang discusses it all and what it means for the country. Plus, President Biden spoke about voting rights in Atlanta yesterday and the speech aggravated all four hosts. They discuss the speech and how it adds to the tearing of the social fabric in America. Show Notes: - Pre...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 178
On today’s podcast, Chris Stirewalt fills in for Steve and Sarah and has a discussion with Josh Kraushaar of National Journal. They talk about the teacher strike in Chicago, which leads to a broader discussion of Biden and the Democratic Party’s unwillingness to challenge the extremes of the party. Plus, they discuss the upcoming midterms and the projected Republican landslide that could be the party’s largest majority since the 1920s. Show Notes: - Josh’s Interview with Jared Polis - Josh’s art...
Jan 07, 2022•29 min•Ep. 177
On the eve of the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, the podcast is dedicated entirely to the events at the Capitol. The gang recounts their memories from that bleak day in Washington and what it has meant for the country over the past year. A lively discussion about what role Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the left played in the lead-up and aftermath ensues. Finally, what will be different about how we talk about January 6 in 20 years? Show Notes: - First-ever editorial from The Dispatch call...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 176
In the final episode of “The Dispatch Podcast” in 2021, our hosts talk about Joe Manchin’s non-reliability for the Democrats, the increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the growing spread of the more-infectious Omicron variant. They close by asking a question: How will historians in 100 years view the past two decades? Show Notes: - Give someone a Dispatch subscription this Christmas - TMD: “Manchin Says No to Build Back Better” - Jonah: “Democrats Are Still Misreading Political Rea...
Dec 23, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 175
On today’s episode, our hosts discuss the House’s vote to hold Mark Meadows, Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the January 6 Select Committee. Plus, are we taking threats to vote counting seriously enough? Is Jonah right about Omicron? And, is President Biden being unfairly treated by the media? Show Notes: - TMD on Mark Meadows text messages - The Atlantic: “Trump’s Next Coup Has Already Begun” - Jonah’s G-File with his Omicron ar...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 174
On today’s podcast, Sarah and Steve are joined by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In 2020, Georgia was at the center of claims of voter fraud that kept President Trump from returning to the White House, and before that in 2018, the state was the site of claims of voter suppression that kept Stacey Abrams from the governor’s mansion. Raffensperger, author of the new book Integrity Counts, tells our hosts why Americans should have confidence and trust in our country’s elections. Sho...
Dec 10, 2021•31 min•Ep. 173
In his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, Jonathan Karl, ABC News' chief Washington correspondent, details what was really going on in the final months of the Trump administration, and in the aftermath of the 2020 election. What was happening behind-the-scenes as Trump left the White House? How should the press cover a potential 2024 campaign by the former president? Show Notes: - Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Dec 03, 2021•45 min•Ep. 172
With all eyes on the Supreme Court today, the gang starts with an explainer of what is happening in the oral arguments of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. What’s at stake? Is it as monumental as some are making it out to be? When might we know how the court rules? Plus, a new COVID variant emerges, Russia builds up its military presence near Ukraine, and blue states fail to live up to their own ideals. Show Notes: - SCOTUSblog on Dobbs v. Jackson - TMD on Omicron - U.S., Allies Warn...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 171
On today's podcast, our hosts discuss how to solve a problem like inflation. Will Biden's Build Back Better Act actually bring down prices? Plus, Sarah and the guys discuss pandemic fatigue driving voters to the GOP, what's going on at the Naval Observatory, and what the Kyle Rittenhouse and Ahmaud Arbery trials tell us about ourselves as a nation. Show Notes: - TMD: “Can the Build Back Better Act Curb Inflation?” - The Sweep: “Dems’ Permanent Pandemic Mindset Deepens Midterm Gap” - CNN: “Exaspe...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 170
