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In this special episode of Deep Dive on this Trump Inauguration Day, we revisit the final episode of our limited series "After America" and ask - how does a nation rebuild itself after falling under authoritarian rule? In the series finale of After America, we take you through the harrowing aftermath of an imagined Trump's second presidential term, where democratic institutions were eroded, civil liberties dismantled, and marginalized communities oppressed. We examine the monumental task of transitioning back to democracy and preventing future authoritarian takeovers.

We imagine how this era of expanded executive control would eventually collapse under its own corruption and the public’s rising discontent. And, we shed light on how transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and criminal trials, can pave the way for a reconciled and democratic future.

But history has its lessons, and so we remember the failures of post-Civil War America, where the lack of transitional justice led to systemic racism and political polarization we're still grappling with today. So, we discuss the necessity of truth-seeking, reparations, and institutional reforms to transitional justice and the establishment of an enduring and healthy democracy. And, we close by emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive efforts to safeguard democracy against erosion, underscoring the need for systemic reforms and citizen engagement to ensure a resilient democratic future.

Guests: Dr. David Faris, Dr. Monika Nalepa, Dr. Alastair Smith, and Stephen Marche. 

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In this episode of Deep Dive, we examine the growing educational divide driving polarization in American politics and its implications for democracy. Dr. David Hopkins, co-author of the book Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics, joins the pod to explain how college attainment correlates with political alignment and explores cultural factors contributing to this complex landscape. We dig into:

• how the diploma divide influences voter behavior and party affiliation;
• if/how higher education shapes cultural and political identities; 
• how populism connects with working-class cultural concerns; 
• the fact that urban areas lean Democratic; rural areas gravitate towards
  Republicans;
• the perceived liberal bias in academia fuels skepticism among conservatives;
  and 
• how/why dialogue and empathy are vital for bridging educational divides.

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Lainey Newman, co-author of Rust Belt Union Blues, joins the pod to shed light on how deindustrialization and globalization have weakened organized labor, particularly in regions like the Rust Belt. We discuss how these changes have left a void filled by conservative organizations and cultural movements, leading to a significant realignment of working-class voters towards the Republican Party. 

Lainey traces the peak of union influence in the 1950s to its gradual decline from the 1970s onward. We discuss the evolving relationship between unions and political parties, examining how cultural and identity-based issues have impacted voting behaviors and party alignments. From the friction within the Democratic Party's coalition over cultural issues to the unintended consequences of political strategies - were these dynamics inevitable or could have been foreseen and mitigated?

From the fallout of not bailing out the steel industry in the 1970s to the perceived cultural and ideological challenges associated with figures like Kamala Harris, we discuss the long-term implications of these decisions on union and working class voters, and what the Democratic Party needs to do to win these voters back.

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We all, conservatives and progressives, are liberals. And, we are living liberal lives. Dr. Alexandre Lefebvre, a renowned professor of politics and philosophy, and author of the book Liberalism as a Way of Life, joins the pod to explain the complex and often misunderstood concept of liberalism, and how liberalism is more than just a political label—it is a framework built on the values of individual freedom, equality, and fairness that influences our daily interactions and societal norms. 

We also discuss the ideological rifts that characterize modern political coalitions, and the critical role of internal criticism in achieving a more equitable society and delves into the philosophical challenges that echo Kierkegaard's critique of Christendom, placing a spotlight on contemporary issues of inequality and moral inconsistency.

Finally, we examine how liberalism might be under threat in the United States - and globally. We talk about the influence of reality TV and social media on societal empathy and How these elements contribute to a politics of resentment and reduced empathy. We dig into the ways in which liberalism is reflected in cultural shifts and language evolution. And, we consider whether liberalism, with its deeply ingrained nature, could be a subconscious safeguard of our way of life - and where it might be vulnerable. 

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It's the end of the year, and that means our annual State of the Union episode is here! In this episode, I'm joined by judicial scholar Dr. Sara Benesh, historian and expert on the fall of Rome, Dr. Edward Watts, and scholar of political violence, Dr. James Hawdon. We draw striking parallels between Rome's transition from a republic to an autocracy and the current state of American politics, and we discuss the erosion of institutional integrity, the rise of political violence, and the unsettling warning sign found in events like the January 6th Capitol attack. We question whether America's democratic foundations might be at risk of crumbling under similar pressures of corruption and strongman politics.

As Donald Trump makes his return to the presidency, the dynamics of the U.S. Supreme Court face intense scrutiny. So, we discuss how the current Court might behave under a second Trump presidency, and how the Court's legitimacy may further erode amidst mounting partisan divides. Historical unpredictability among justices is a focal point, as we examine how their decisions could serve as both checks on presidential power and potential avenues for self-aggrandizement. The stakes are raised by provocative statements from Trump's vice president, J.D. Vance, about ignoring Supreme Court decisions, posing a significant challenge to the court's future authority.

The path forward for American democracy is fraught with challenges. Our discussion underscores the collective responsibility to defend democratic institutions, emphasizing that this duty extends beyond judges and politicians to each and every citizen. With the world watching, we weigh the potential consequences of ignoring warning signs of political decay, urging listeners to consider their stance in this pivotal moment. How will history judge our actions during this critical time for democracy?

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The second annual Few of Our Favorite Things episode has arrived! Friend of the Pod Justin Hentges returns, and we share personal stories and reflections on our cherished books, movies, music, and experiences from the past year. We aren't just highlighting new releases, but the gems that have brought us joy and comfort regardless of their release date. We also bring you a heartwarming Christmas story with Santa and magical snow globes, spreading hope and resilience to those feeling vulnerable in this uncertain times.

From Ronan Farrow's gripping "Catch and Kill" to Emmanuel Carrère's poignant "V13: Chronicle of a Trial," we discuss the year's most impactful books that have left us contemplating the dark corners of media and politics. We also explore the intriguing connections between business, government, and personal stories through the insightful narratives in Naomi Oreskes and Eric Conway's "The Big Myth" and Viola Davis's powerful autobiography "Finding Me." And, we curl up with our favorite TV series like Rowan Atkinson's "Maigret" and the heartfelt "Heartstopper." These stories serve as a reminder of the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching our understanding of the world.

Our conversation also takes some unexpected turns as we find joy in the children in our lives, and the sense of community that emerges during uncertain times. We reflect on the cultural impact across generations and the significance of empathy and compassion. As the holiday season approaches, we send you a heartfelt Happy Holidays!

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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Deep Dive is on vacation this week, so we are re-running our most listened to After America episode. We'll be back next week with an all new holiday episode of Deep Dive.
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Can Christian nationalism coexist with American democracy, or is it a threat to the very foundation of our nation? This episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Mike Johnson's rise to Speaker of the House and how his Christian nationalist views are shaping the legislative landscape. We discuss the erosion of the separation of church and state, exploring how Johnson's leadership might be steering the country towards authoritarianism.

We examine the historical intertwining of evangelicalism and conservative politics. From the televangelism boom driven by figures like Pat Robertson and James Dobson to the influential Moral Majority founded by Jerry Falwell, we trace the path that has aligned evangelical Christians with the Republican Party. We delve into the consequences of this alliance, from Reagan's judicial appointments to the overwhelming support for Donald Trump, illustrating how a desire for traditional values has paved the way for more authoritarian leadership.

Finally, we discuss the rise of militant Christian nationalism and its alarming impact on American society. We dissect the process of online radicalization, the normalization of extremist rhetoric, and the unsettling intersection of Christianity and right-wing extremism. We also examine the broader implications, including mass deportations and the undermining of democratic institutions.

Guests: Dr. Bernard Schlager, Dr. David Gushee, Dr. Tara Grove, Dr. Alice Marwick, Dr. Shalu Nigam

Credits:
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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Dr. Rachel Blum, an expert on political parties and factions, and author of the book How the Tea Party Captured the GOP: Insurgent Factions in American Politics, joins the pod to explore a bold transformation within the Republican Party. Can the rise of the MAGA movement be understood as a mere political shift, or does it signify a deeper change in American democracy? We discuss the movement’s historical lineage, from Barry Goldwater’s conservatism to its contemporary manifestations, and consider its profound implications on the GOP’s future and the broader democratic landscape.

Donald Trump’s indelible impact on American politics is undeniable, and we discuss the fascinating trajectory that has seen traditional Republican elites ousted in favor of a new MAGA-aligned core. What are the social and political repercussions of Trump's enduring influence, and how has his rhetoric redefined what is politically acceptable? We examine the psychological loyalty Trump inspires in his base, the dynamics of conservative Christian support, and the Democrats’ ongoing struggle to resonate with some Americans amid a fragmented media landscape.

Finally, we discuss with threats to democratic norms, including erosion of trust in election integrity and heightened polarization, posed by the MAGA movement. From potential authoritarian tendencies in a second Trump term to the Democrats’ strategic response to evolving identity politics, we consider how these factors might reshape America’s political future. 

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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What drives the deepening political divide in rural America? In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Jacobs from Colby College, and co-author of the book The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America discusses the cultural and economic threads that intertwine to bolster Donald Trump's appeal among rural voters. We examine the evolution of historically Democratic regions as they increasingly align with Republican ideologies, challenging the conventional narrative of rural resentment and highlighting the unique stories and perceptions that have taken hold.

We look at preliminary data from the 2024 election showing how demographic shifts, including a surge of first-time Latino Trump voters, are shaking up traditional voting patterns in rural areas. We discuss Kamala Harris's struggles to resonate with rural voters in key swing states, analyzing how the Democratic Party's approach may have missed the mark in addressing their core concerns. We also talk about the longstanding trends that have cemented Republican loyalty among non-college-educated and working-class voters.

Finally, we unpack why rural voters might support Democratic policies but balk at Democratic candidates. From the effectiveness of federal programs to the disillusionment with long-celebrated reforms like the Affordable Care Act, we explore the disconnect between political accomplishments and voter expectations. We close by discussing the broader implications of this urban-rural divide on the future of American democracy and how both Bernie Sanders and Trump have tapped into the sentiment of a broken system.

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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If some of the last 2024 presidential election polls were pointing to a decisive Kamala Harris win, then why did it become clear so early in the evening that Harris would, in fact, lose? Were the polls wrong...again? In this episode, Dr. W. Joseph Campbell discusses how polls work, the history of polling errors, and why it matters. He also takes on Selzer's Iowa poll that showed Kamala Harris's unexpected surge in Iowa days before the election, only for Donald Trump to secure a decisive win, echoing the shockwaves of 2016. We dissect the historical miscalculations that have shaped voter trust and question whether inherent biases, flawed methodologies, or media narratives are distorting the truth.

Harry Truman's stunning 1948 victory and the unexpected triumph of Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016 are some examples of polling error that we discuss. These moments show how fragile the balance is between the pursuit of precision in polling and the pillars of free speech. We talk about how these errors have an impact on voter engagement and democratic processes, and how challenging it is to read and engage with potentially faulty polls in an entrenched electoral culture.

Finally, we discuss the reasons why Trump's support has historically been underestimated and the implications for media narratives in shaping electoral momentum. Polling is an art and a science. It's not going away, so we should temper our expectations.

Recommended:
Lost in a Gallup: Polling Failure in U.S. Presidential Elections
Better But Not Stellar
Polls Were Largely Accurate in Anticipating Trump-Harris Race

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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