Politicology

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This week we discuss the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. We also discuss the expectations game and the impact of the debate on undecided voters. Then we talk about the plausibility of a different Democratic nominee. We also get real about our frustration and embarrassment with the debate and the choice we’re facing in November. 

Then, in Politicology+ we talk about the increase in political text messages, how you can now get paid to tell your friends to go vote, and what they both show about the political exhaustion we’re seeing.

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Lucy Caldwell  (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party)

James Lynch (Communications Strategist)  

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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/lucymcaldwell

https://x.com/JamesGLynch

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Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?

What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”

How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?

In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.

Segments to look forward to in part 2:

(02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century  

(07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues 

(13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization

(18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities

(32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition

(35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies

(40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms.

For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/

Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

Email your questions and thoughts to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬.

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This week we discuss the recent viral videos of President Biden, deceptive editing, and spin. Then we talk about the report from Columbia University on antisemitism on its campus and the implications of GenZ’s struggle with conflict resolution. Then, we look at President Biden's executive order to give undocumented spouses of American citizens easier access to green cards and a pathway to citizenship. Finally, in Politicology+ we talk about the MAGA trend to deny that America is a democracy.

Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: 

Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN)

Olivier Knox (Senior National Political Correspondent at U.S. News & World Report)

Segments this week:

(03:18) The Biden videos 

(27:05) Columbia anti-Semitism Report

(50:10) Immigration Executive Order 

[Politicology+]  MAGA’s obsession with saying America is a republic and not a democracy

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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/HagarChemali

https://x.com/OKnox

Related reading:

Segment 1:

CNN- Right-wing media outlets use deceptively cropped video to misleadingly claim Biden wandered off at G7 summit | CNN Politics

NY Post - Biden appears to freeze up, has to be led off stage by Obama at mega-bucks LA fundraiser

CNN - Video: White House pushes back on GOP claims Biden froze during fundraiser | CNN Politics

Segment 2: 

Haaretz - Columbia Task Force Reveals Full Extent of Antisemitism on Campus Since Oct. 7, by Students and by Faculty - U.S. News - Haaretz.com

CNN - Man arrested in New York City with a gun, 8 loaded magazines, an NYPD vest and other weapons, police say

NYPost - Suspected NYC jihadist was caught near major airport as new details of averted 'disaster' are revealed

Segment 3: 

NYT- Biden Gives Legal Protections to Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens - The New York Times

Newsweek - Majority of Hispanics Now Favor Mass Deportation - Newsweek

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Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?

What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”

How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?

In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David’s book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.

In part 1:

(04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he’s had on Ron’s journey  

(07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career 

(13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values 

(16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it

(22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it’s a better term for what we’re seeing  than Christian Nationalism 

(28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values 

(34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions 

For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.com/

Follow Ron  on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

Email your questions and thoughts to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬.

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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.

This week we discuss the discrepancy between the positive headlines and the reality of people struggling with part-time jobs and rising prices, Israel rescuing hostages, and new Russian sanctions. 

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:

(03:46)  Jobs numbers and economic concerns

(21:09) Israel hostage rescue 

(32:08) Russia

[Politicology+]  What could happen if Trump wins?

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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

 https://x.com/MollyMcKew

https://x.com/ZackCz

Related reading:

Segment 1:

Reuters - The 'good' and 'bad' news inside the US jobs report | Reuters

CNBC - Jobs report May 2024: U.S. job gains totaled 272,000 in May

NYT - Trump Vows to Lower Prices. Some of His Policies May Raise Them.

FT - Joe Biden cuts Donald Trump’s lead on handling of US economy

Segment 2: 

WSJ - How Israel Saved a Hostage Rescue Mission That Nearly Failed - WSJ

WSJ - Gaza Chief’s Brutal Calculation: Civilian Bloodshed Will Help Hamas - WSJ

NBC - U.N. Security Council passes Gaza cease-fire proposal drafted by the U.S.

Segment 3: 

Axios - U.S. expands sanctions against Russia

NYT - At the G7, Biden Will Push for Frozen Russian Assets to Help Ukraine - The New York Times

AP - Russian warships conduct Atlantic drills en route to Cuba. New hypersonic missiles are on board | AP News

NYT - 46 Children Were Taken From Ukraine. Many Are Up for Adoption in Russia. - The New York Times

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Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. 

Why were these Christian images on prominent display? 

What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? 

How is it continuing to shape our politics? 

In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how the non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. 

Segments to look forward to:

(04:55) Matt’s Background 

(10:42) Why January 6th made him examine this brand of Charismatic Christianity 

(17:00) Why he used “Charismatic Revival Fury”

(21:21) How January 6th intersected with Charismatic Christianity 

(26:19) How independent Charismatic leaders became early Trump supporters

(35:18) Why “Christian Supremacy” is a better than “Christian Nationalism” 

(38:38) How the term “White Christian Nationalism” misses the multi-racial makeup of the movement 

(44:47) The theology that led to an increase in political engagement among Charismatic Christians 

Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb

Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD

Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. 

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Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. 

Why were these Christian images on prominent display? 

What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the capitol? 

How is it continuing to shape our politics? 

In this two-part episode, Matthew Taylor (writer and creator of the audio-documentary series “Charismatic Revival Fury: The New Apostolic Reformation” ) joins Ron Steslow to discuss how non-denominational Charismatic Christianity built to the attack on January 6th and what it will mean going forward. 

Segments to look forward to:

(01:43) The theological basis for believing Trump being chosen by God to be president 

(06:15) Belief that political leaders are appointed by God 

(11:10) Strategic spiritual warfare at the Capitol on January 6th 

(16:44) The discourse of violence in Charismatic Christianity leading to jan

(24:04) The lack of understanding of Charismatic Christians in American media 

(37:06) Being precise about the threats to pluralism presented by part of Charismatic Christianity

(43:16) What he’s seeing in the subculture as we head to 2024 

Listen to the full Charismatic Revival Fury series: https://bit.ly/49jqqVb

Follow Ron and Matt on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://twitter.com/TaylorMatthewD

Email questions and thoughts to [email protected]. 

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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.

Lucy Caldwell  (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) joins host Ron Steslow this week to discuss Donald Trump’s conviction in the New York hush money case, Joe Biden's executive order on border security, and the Wall Street Journal report on Biden's cognitive fitness

Segments this week:

(04:11)  Trump’s conviction

(26:07) Border executive order

(40:25) Biden slipping and Trumpflation

[Politicology+]  Anthony Fauci’s testimony at a  highly contentious hearing about the origins and response to the pandemic, and what looks like an unfolding coverup scandal

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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/lucymcaldwell

Related reading:

Segment 1:

NY Mag - Prosecutors Got Trump — But They Contorted the Law

NYT - Trump Guilty on All Counts in Hush-Money Case - The New York Times

NBC - RNC co-chair Lara Trump blasts Maryland GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan for urging the public to respect hush money verdict

Segment 2: 

NBC News - Biden signs executive action drastically tightening border

Politico - Biden issues new executive action: Much of southern border to close at midnight - POLITICO

Politico - Latino Dems are split over Biden's border action - POLITICO

Segment 3: 

WSJ - Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping - WSJ

The Atlantic - Trump’s Plan to Supercharge Inflation - The Atlantic

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Preorder The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy—https://bit.ly/4a7ZCqg

Host Ron Steslow sits down with Mike Madrid in front of a live audience in Sacramento, CA to discuss Mike’s upcoming book The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy.

Special thanks to everyone who made a donation and to our Politicology+ members who got early access to this intimate event! You can become a Politicology+ member today at https://politicology.com/plus

In this discussion:

(02:05) Why Mike’s optimistic in this book

(10:00) Mike’s personal journey from working at Domino’s Pizza to becoming a political strategist 

(13:43) A poignant moment involving Mike’s mom, the role of Latina women in leadership, and how the Latinization of American will reshape cultural and political roles for women

(21:23) Latinos and old-school conservatism 

(29:35) Messaging and policy in Democratic outreach to Latinos 

(36:37) How Republicans are winning Latino voters (despite their best efforts) 

(46:03) Practical takeaways for political professionals

(52:34) Reflections on American identity, values, and optimism 

Follow Ron and Mike on X (formerly Twitter):

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

https://x.com/madrid_mike

Email your questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬

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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.

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 [email protected] 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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