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Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. 

(01:05) The Bannon Line and how the dynamics of this cycle are different from 2020

(09:00) Why the traditional political spectrum isn’t a useful framework and the rise of populism

(17:50) The Fairness Doctrine and the impact of its Removal

(25:25) The debate over whether Biden should debate Trump 

(30:46) Trump’s takeover of the RNC 

(41:31) The Republican Party’s brand 

(46:26) Authoritarian Reactionary Christians in American Politics 

(50:02) The loss of focus on Community 

(1:03:00) The threat of Religious Nationalism


Have a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com!

You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid

Politics in America is transforming. We’re embarking on a new series to deepen our understanding of who we are, how we got here, and how we rebuild without repeating the mistakes of the past. Ron Steslow hosts academics, behavioral economists, social psychologists, politicos, philosophers, anthropologists, journalists, poets, and storytellers—and more—to discuss America’s political present and future and dive into the deeper problems we face as a nation. Email us questions or comments: podcast@politicology.com.

News

Politics

Government

Daily News

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This week, we discuss the “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” 

Then, we talk about the high-level NIH officials who tried to undermine government transparency—including about the coronavirus.

After that, we look at rising debt interest payments and why high interest rates are making it harder to manage the debt

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)

Anthony York (Fmr. Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom) 

Segments this week:

(05:39)  “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” 

(30:05) The NIH subverting FOIA 

(44:51) Rising Debt Interest costs

[Politicology+] Mike and Ron answer your questions 

Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.

Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬


Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/madrid_mike

https://x.com/anthonyyork49

Related reading:
Segment 1:
Politico - Dems in full-blown ‘freakout’ over Biden - POLITICO
NYT - Republicans who backed Biden in 2020 complain he’s lost their phone numbers
The Hill - Axelrod: Biden ‘pride’ may cost him election

Segment 2: 
NYT - Health Officials Tried to Evade Public Records Laws, Lawmakers Say - The New York Times
House oversight Committee - Wenstrup Investigates NIH Conspiracy to Evade FOIA, Avoid Public Transparency - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

Segment 3: 
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget - Interest Costs Just Surpassed Defense and Medicare-2024-05-10
 Bloomberg - Yellen Says Higher Path for Rates Boosts Need to Lift Revenue - Bloomberg
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Full Blown Freakout—The Weekly Roundup

Host Ron Steslow welcomes Alex Gladstein (Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation) to discuss the significant and often misunderstood role of Bitcoin in protecting human rights and fighting against authoritarians around the world.

Segments to look forward to:

(02:07) Alex’s background in human rights work and why he became interested in Bitcoin 

(16:18) Bitcoin vs other cryptocurrencies

(26:04) Financial privilege

(38:35) Bitcoin in action 

(45:50) Bitcoin creating financial independence for women in Afghanistan 

(56:25)How a human rights activist uses Bitcoin to free hostages 

(59:10) Bitcoin as a tool against monetary colonialism in west Africa 

(1:00:10) The importance  of peer-to-peer transactions 

(1:07:50) How Bitcoin mining can bring electricity to remote areas and support sustainable energy projects 

(1:19:40) Why Bitcoin matters for everyone

Follow Ron and Alex on X (formerly Twitter):

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https://twitter.com/gladstein

Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ 
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Bitcoin is Changing the Fight for Freedom

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** Get your ticket to our LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on Wednesday, May 29th: politicology.com/events **

This week, we discuss the crypto bills getting democratic support in Congress despite Biden’s opposition, why housing is a key issue driving Latinos away from Democrats, and the rise of political violence throughout this election cycle.

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Olivier Knox (veteran politics and foreign policy reporter, most recently at The Washington Post )

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)

Segments this week:

(02:33)  Crypto goes to Washington

(27:33) Housing is a Latino issue 

(44:02) Political violence 

[Politicology+] Pseudo-legislating on the border, why the left-right political spectrum isn’t useful, and why you’re still using these outdated terms

Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.

Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬


Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/OKnox

https://x.com/madrid_mike

Related reading:
Segment 1: 

Axios - Senate votes to kill SEC crypto accounting rule
Axios - 1 big thing: Gensler's testimony
Politico - Crypto is Trump's new weapon against Biden - POLITICO

Segment 2: 
UnidosUS - Housing Costs Driving Latino Voter Concerns About Inflation Ahead of the 2024 Election | UnidosUS
RedFin - 2023 Has Been The Least Affordable Year for Homebuying on Record—But 2024 Is Looking Up

Segment 3: 
NYT - ‘We’ll See You at Your House’: How Fear and Menace Are Transforming Politics - The New York Times
Insurance Journal - Global Election Super-Cycle Raises Risk of Political Violence, Large Insurance Losses
WP - Trump email falsely says Biden was ‘locked & loaded’ to ‘take me out’ in Mar-a-Lago search - The Washington Post
Axios - Trump spreads false "assassination" claims as voters fear violence
 
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Crypto Clash—The Weekly Roundup

** Get your ticket to our special LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events **

In the wake of the emotional and highly charged conversations surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, information pollution has only added to the confusion. 

This week, we bring in an urban warfare expert to offer a sober and clear-eyed discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, the objectives and challenges involved, and the true meaning behind some of the most contentious terms being used.

Segments to look forward to:

(02:06) John’s background in urban warfare

(06:20) The violence of October 7th

(20:37) How Hamas’s human shield strategy exploits our different expectations for them and Israel 

(30:36) The context of bomb usage in the Israel-Hamas war

(34:06) Misconceptions about urban warfare

(41:30) Precision guided munitions 

(42:20) Examining the war crimes accusations 

(52:20) The manipulation of casualty numbers

(1:04:10) Understanding what genocide means 

(1:18:40) The IDF’s standards of conduct in war 

(1:29:15) The importance of following a moral and ethical code during war

(1:34:18) Israel’s efforts to protect civilians 

(1:38:40) What success looks like for Israel 



Follow Ron and John on X (formerly Twitter):

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Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ 
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Urban Warfare

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** Get your ticket to our special LIVE recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events **

This week, we discuss Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine, stubborn inflation, Biden and Trump’s plans to debate, and the parade of Republicans going to Trump’s trial in New York City

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director)

Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare)

Segments this week:

(04:15)  Russia’s offensive 


(32:50) Stubborn inflation 

(50:00) Should Biden have pardoned Trump? 


[Politicology+] Laser weapons, rapidly advancing A.I., and growing privacy concerns

Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.

Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬


Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew

https://twitter.com/ZackCz

Related reading:
Segment 1: 
NYT -Mapping Russia’s Sudden Push Across Ukrainian Lines - The New York Times
NYT - Facing Russian Advance, a Top Ukrainian General Paints a Bleak Picture
CNN - Sergei Shoigu: Putin replaces Russia’s defense minister with a civilian as Ukraine war rages and defense spending spirals | CNN
WP - In surprise Ukraine visit, Blinken declares vision for Kyiv’s victory - The Washington Post

Segment 2: 
CNBC - CPI report shows inflation easing in April, with consumer prices still rising 3.4% from a year ago
NYT - Fed Chair’s Confidence in Slowing Inflation Is ‘Not as High’ as Before - The New York Times
CNN - What Biden’s tariffs on Chinese imports may mean for American jobs, the economy and inflation | CNN Business

Segment 3: 
CNN - Biden and Trump accept CNN’s invitation to debate on June 27 | CNN Politics
WP - Republicans flock to court to ‘kiss the ring’ during Trump criminal trial - The Washington Post
MSNBC - Romney interview with Stephanie Ruhle
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Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid

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