It's the democracy, stupid

David Roberts built Volts - a community built around his newsletters, podcasts, and social media focused on the intersection of politics, policy and climate. You won’t find reporting like Dave’s anywhere else.

He also has some views on American politics that make a lot of sense.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Give a listen and let us know what you think!

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Oona Hathaway is a Yale professor multiple times over: at the Yale Law School, in the Department of Political Science, and at the School of Global Affairs. She directs the Yale Law School Center for Global Legal Challenges. And, she has recently become president of the American Society of International Law.

She talked with me about the international order- a system of treaties and organizations that have made the world a healthier, safer, and more prosperous. We talked about the attacks on this order, largely coming from the White House. We discussed the need for more transparency and a clearer way to demonstrate the benefits of this system to the public.

As always, please listen and share your thoughts.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Dana Stroul directs research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. She previously served America as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East. That’s the Pentagon’s civilian official for that complicated part of the world. She has also worked at the Senate foreign Relations committee.

We discussed the Iran war, the politics of the region, as well as the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Southern Lebanon.

Please listen to this important conversation and, as always, let us know what you think.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Katie and I talked about building communities of small d democratic purpose. Red Wine and Blue is a fast-growing powerhouse and part of the reason I’m optimistic we will successfully put an end to this terrible chapter in American history.

I think you are going to like what she has to say.

Give a listen and, as always, let us know what you think.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

This week Susan and I discuss Trump’s effort to pass himself off as Jesus. His continuing failures in Iran, his destruction of our economy, the rule of law, and the values that make us American.

We also talk about the fall of Orban in Hungary and the growing resurgence of democracy around the world.

Plus, we discuss whether it is wise for Democrats to impeach and remove Trump ASAP, and the imperative of accountability.

Give a listen and let us know what you think.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

As usual… let us know what you think!

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Who talks of obliterating an entire civilization? Only madmen and monsters. Susan and I try to make sense of Trump’s horror show and to square it with the America will still believe in.

Give a listen and let us know what you think.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes on WCPT I join other show hosts to discuss important topics. This morning I joined Richard Chew to talk about the No Kings rally in Chicago and where we go from here.

Listen, and let us know what you think.

It's the democracy, stupid is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Ilan Goldenberg is Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at J Street. He comes to that role after serving as Middle East Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris and Iran Team Chief at the Department of Defense during the Obama Administration.

We talked about the war in Iran, the lack of good options for the United States and the recklessness of the decision to launch this war.

We talked about some of the less-reported political dynamics in the region, and the growing anger at Israel among many Americans, and we shared our belief that Israel’s future and the future of the Palestinians are linked.

We closed with a discussion of AIPAC and JStreet, and the future of the important American- Israeli relationship.

This conversation took place on my weekly radio show on WCPT820. Tune in Saturdays from 1-4pm central time or catch the show online wherever you get your podcasts.

It's the democracy, stupid is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

As always…. thanks to those who joined us live. For those didn’t, give a listen and let us know what you think.

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe