Rick Wilson checks in from the DNC in Chicago and brings you his interview with Stephen Ukaki about his film, 'Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy.’ Their discussion explores the ways in which evangelical activism and religious manipulation have shaped the political landscape and caused the emergence of Christian Nationalism, a dangerous bastardization of the Gospels that helped Donald Trump win the election in 2016 and, if left unchecked, could help him win this year as w...
Aug 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 378
Rick responds to the cease & desist letter The Lincoln Project received from Donald Trump today, and about the potential consequences Trump would face if he ever did sue us, which of course he never will. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you! Learn more about your a...
Aug 16, 2024•11 min•Ep. 377
Rick dives deep with Brian Tyler Cohen about his explosive new book, ‘Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy.’ Together, they unpack the glaring hypocrisy between the GOP’s ‘patriotic’ talk and their counterintuitive actions, while also stressing the urgent need for Democrats to stay focused and secure the necessary votes to preserve democracy. Follow Brian Tyler Cohen on X @BrianTylerCohen , check out his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/briantyler...
Aug 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 376
Rick speaks with hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman on what it takes to bring wrongly-detained Americans home from Russia and other hostile actors. Follow Mickey Bergman on X @MickeyBergman and buy his book “In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad” at fine bookstores everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and f...
Aug 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 375
Rick discusses Donald Trump’s rambling press conference and the danger posed by the media’s refusal to fact-check him in real-time. He also discusses the swift boat attack on Tim Walz and Nick LaLota’s disgraceful use of John Avlon’s children in his campaign. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And please subscribe, rate and revi...
Aug 09, 2024•23 min•Ep. 374
Rick Wilson interviews Preet Bharara on Trump’s alleged ten million Egyptian bribe, as well as his ongoing corruption and legal troubles. They also dive into the impact of Kamala Harris’s campaign, attacks on her identity, and the crucial 2024 election. Follow Preet Bharara on X @PreetBharara , listen to his podcast - “Stay Tuned With Preet” - on your favorite podcasting platform, and buy his book - “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law” at fine bookst...
Aug 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 373
Rick Wilson and Molly Jong-Fast talk Kamala's big launch, the Trump campaign in panic, and how music and pop culture are a not-so-secret weapon for the Harris campaign. Follow Molly Jong-Fast on X @MollyJongFast , listen to her podcast - ‘Fast Politics’ - on your favorite podcasting platform, and read her articles on Vanity Fair here: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fast . Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Jo...
Aug 06, 2024•24 min•Ep. 372
Trump melts down at NABJ, Biden and Harris save Americans from Putin. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 371
Rick and author Brody Mullins explore how Washington really works, focusing on the power of corporate lobbying and the influence of money in politics. They discuss how corporations often have more power than the government, the incredible amount of time politicians spend raising money, and the role of lobbyists in crafting legislation. Follow Brody Mullins on X @BrodyMullinsDC , and buy his book “The Wolves of K Street” at fine bookstores everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and...
Aug 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 370
Rick talks with author Robert Kagan about anti-liberalism and its resurgence in the United States. They explore the historical resistance to individual rights, the rise of white Christian nationalism, and the potential global implications of a second Trump administration. You can read Robert Kagan’s columns in The Washington Post and you can buy his book “Rebellion: How Antiiberalism Is Tearing America Apart – Again” at fine bookstores everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and su...
Jul 30, 2024•32 min•Ep. 369
Rick discusses the chaotic state of Trump’s campaign, the choice of JD Vance his VP, and the general panic in the MAGAverse ever since Harris became the democratic candidate. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And please like, rate and review this podcast, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 368
Rick talks to Michael Steele about the candidacy of Kamala Harris and the excitement and energy she brings to the campaign. They also touch on the lack of a “plan B” from the Trump campaign, and the need to prepare for potential election challenges from the right. Follow Michael Steele on X at @MichaelSteele , listen to his podcast - The Michael Steele Podcast - on your favorite podcasting platform, and watch him on The Weekend on MSNBC. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to...
Jul 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 367
Rick talks with Lincoln Project Chief Counsel Mario Nicolais about Biden’s withdrawal, the Supreme Court case over eliminating Trump from the Colorado ballot and the implications of the immunity decision. They also discuss the current political landscape and make predictions leading up to the 2024 election. Follow Mario Nicolais on X at @MarioNicolaiEsq and read his columns in the Colorado Sun here: https://coloradosun.com/?s=mario+nicolais Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe...
Jul 23, 2024•22 min•Ep. 366
Rick Wilson weighs in on Biden dropping out of the race and what happens next. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 21, 2024•10 min•Ep. 365
Rick Wilson dives head-first into the bizarre spectacle of the Republican National Convention. From Trump’s relentless self-adulation to the GOP’s cult-like devotion, the cracks in the MAGA movement, and the Trump family’s quest for dynastic rule. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . And, as always, please rate, review and subscri...
Jul 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 364
Rick Wilson speaks with fellow Lincoln Project co-founder Mike Madrid, as they delve into his new book ‘The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy’ and the crucial role of Latino voters in American democracy. They discuss the rise of younger Latino voters, the importance of economic issues and border security, and the need for creative targeted messaging on platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok. Follow Mike Madrid on X at @madrid_mike and buy his book ‘The Latino C...
Jul 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 363
In this episode, Rick Wilson and legal analyst Tristan Snell discuss Judge Cannon’s dismissal of Trump’s case, the recent assassination attempt on Trump, and its impact on political discourse. They also explore the issues of broken young men, online extremism, and legal immunity for the tech and gun industries. Follow Tristan Snell an X at @TristanSnell , read his Substack at www.tristansnell.com and buy his book “Taking Down Trump” at fine booksellers everywhere. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickW...
Jul 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 362
In this episode of “The Elephant in the Room,” Rick Wilson discusses the recent media portrayal of Joe Biden as frail and incapable, contrasting it with Biden’s strong performance at the NATO summit press conference. Rick emphasizes the divergence between media expectations and reality, highlighting Biden’s command over foreign and domestic policies. He also delves into the relentless efforts of the Lincoln Project to combat Donald Trump’s influence and potential return to power. The episode cri...
Jul 12, 2024•16 min•Ep. 361
Rick Wilson talks with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva about his latest novel, 'A Death in Cornwall,' which takes place against the backdrop of the British political scene. The book explores the use of fine art for money laundering and the global oligarchy of the super-rich. The conversation also touches on the rise of Putinism, the link between doctrinaire Christianity and hard-right authoritarian politics, and the historical context of his Gabriel Allon series. Follow Daniel Sil...
Jul 11, 2024•28 min•Ep. 360
Rick Wilson interviews Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley, on a range of critical topics. They discuss the tech industry’s support for Donald Trump, America’s and Congress’s readiness for artificial general intelligence (AGI), the necessity of antitrust regulation in Silicon Valley, the future of TikTok, and the impact of disinformation on politics. Follow Ro Khanna at @RepRoKhanna on X and https://khanna.house.gov/. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to hi...
Jul 09, 2024•26 min•Ep. 359
Rick Wilson speaks with Lauren Kunis, the Executive Director of VoteRiders, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to voting rights. VoteRiders focuses on voter ID assistance, offering free direct help to eligible voters and running voter education programs across the country. With 38 states now enforcing voter ID laws, these regulations disproportionately impact underrepresented groups, including young people, Black and Hispanic voters, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities...
Jul 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 358
The conversation between Rick Wilson and Nicholas Kristof covers a wide range of topics, including the state of American politics, social justice, democracy, rural-urban divide, and the role of media. They also discuss the challenges faced by rural communities, the impact of disinformation, and the need for a more nuanced and practical approach to governance. The conversation delves into the economic and social issues affecting different parts of the country, as well as the need for a more inclu...
Jul 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 357
Host Rick Wilson discusses the Biden-Trump debate, focusing on Biden's performance. Trump remains an existential threat to American democracy. The Lincoln Project is the tip of the spear with the unique ability to hit Trump in ways that only former Republicans can. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . Learn more about your ad choi...
Jun 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 356
Rick Wilson discusses the decline in Donald Trump's mental and physical fitness, contrasting it with Joe Biden's resilience and vision for the future. He emphasizes Trump's moral failings and the need to reach out to evangelical voters who support him. The conversation also includes a segment called 'Blocked and Reported' where Wilson reads and responds to mean tweets. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of character, leadership, and the ongoing fight against the MAGA movement. F...
Jun 28, 2024•21 min•Ep. 355
Francis Barry discusses his book "Backroads and Better Angels: A Journey into the Heart of American Democracy" and his cross-country road trip to explore the values that hold America together. He shares stories of meeting people from different backgrounds and political beliefs, highlighting the frustration and division that exists in the country. Despite the challenges, Barry finds hope in the resilience and faith in the country's values that he encounters along the way. He emphasizes the import...
Jun 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 354
On the two-year anniversary of the historic Dobbs Decision, guest Ryan Hamilton shares the experience he and his wife had, which Republicans continue to claim doesn’t exist: abortion laws endangering the life of a mother. Talking with host Rick Wilson, Ryan relays the harrowing experience of he and his wife losing their baby and the life-threatening circumstances they had to endure in the aftermath of archaic laws in Texas. You don’t want to miss this one. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on...
Jun 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 353
Host Rick Wilson urges listeners not to fall for Republican tricks. The VP pick for Donald Trump is just another attempt to turn this into a reality show and distract from the fact that he's a convicted felon (34 convictions!) trying to install a democracy-destroying authoritarian regime if he wins the election. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at...
Jun 21, 2024•18 min•Ep. 352
Host Rick Wilson and special guests George Monbiot and Peter Hutchison – co-authors of the book " The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life) "– discuss how the 2008 financial crisis contributed to current conditions, including the erosion of democracy and an increasingly rentier economy, which have opened the door to authoritarian populism and manipulation of information on a mass scale. Follow George Monbiot at @GeorgeMonbiot , Peter Hut...
Jun 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 351
In this episode, Host Rick Wilson and CNN Pundit and former Daily Beast editor John Avlon discuss John's campaign as a common sense Democrat in New York's first district, the frustrations around affordability, the need to rebuild the middle class, and the importance of reaching out to Republicans. John also emphasizes the stakes of the race and the need for a broad patriotic coalition to defend American democracy. Follow John Avlon at @JohnAvlon on X and support his campaign at johnavlon.com . F...
Jun 18, 2024•28 min•Ep. 350
Host Rick Wilson has a come-to-Jesus moment with the campaigns and politicians who stand in opposition to Donald Trump. The lesson? Get on message. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his sub stack at https://therickwilson.substack.com . Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jun 14, 2024•15 min•Ep. 349
