Sam speaks with Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat), professor of History and Italian studies at New York University, about her new book "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present."

On today's show: FEB 5, 2020: Biden's new chief of staff Ron Klain on covid response.

Sam speaks with Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat), professor of History and Italian studies at New York University, about her new book "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present." We are living in an age of authoritarian rulers. Across the world, political strongmen are capitalizing on economic and cultural crisis to obtain power for themselves at the expense of the population. By looking at authoritarian demagogues through history like Mussolini, Pinochet, and others, Ben-Ghiat analyzes how these men get into power, and how we might be able to defeat them.

This morning: WH Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany says "ask the White House" when questioned re: obstruction of Biden transition team.

On the fun half: Deutsche Bank strategists suggest workers should be taxed for the "privilege" of working from home. Fox and Friends on Michael Moore: "Not everyone thinks like Hollywood." Hannity and Karl Rove confused over who Cori Bush is. Rep. Kevin McCarthy won't denounce Q-anon caucus. Huge crowds celebrate Evo Morales' return to Bolivia following failed coup. Marco Rubio says the GOP should be a “multiracial working class party.” Plus, your calls and IMs!

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