To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

By Charlie SykesNews News Commentary Politics

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To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes episodes

October 13 The Unbearable Lightness of Marco Rubio
Three weeks before the 2026 midterms, Charlie and Daniel Drezner dig into Trump’s Russia dealings, Marco Rubio’s rebrand, and what’s really driving the race for Congress. Is the blue wave real, or are Democrats headed for another heartbreak?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49 min
October 09 David Frum: America is Playing Russian Roulette
On today’s episode, Charlie sits down with journalist, David Frum to discuss the US’s status in the world economy, how the Trump administration compares to other historically corrupt administrations and the new rules of American politics approaching the midterms.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
55 min
October 08 After the Midterms, What is Trump Capable Of?
On today’s episode, Charlie flies solo to dive into Thom Thillis’ recent debate gone wrong with Stephanie Ruhle, Trump’s publicly funded PSA video, the importance of staying vigilant against misinformation as citizens and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39 min
October 06 How Russia Won
On today’s episode, Charlie sits down with journalist and author, David Corn about the long-standing influence of Russia on American politics, Putin’s long-game with Trump and their dangerous decades-long relationship that’s shaped recent history and threatens democracy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49 min
October 03 Pete Hegseth: The Music Man Meets Mussolini
On today's episode, Charlie Sykes sits down with author and journalist, Jonathan Rauch to discuss a potpourri of topics, from Pete Hegseth’s recent War Department speech, AI advancement and risks and the moral dilemmas surrounding the death penalty.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
55 min
October 01 How Tyranny Rises. And Falls.
On today’s episode, Charlie is joined by author and historian, Timothy Snyder. Charlie and Timothy discuss the relevance of Timothy’s book, “On Tyranny,” what citizens are called to do in the face of an all-powerful oligarchy and the unmasking of Trump’s true character.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40 min
September 29 Weisberg: Profiles in Cowardice. The Story of Eight Trump-era Quislings
Why do powerful people fold when it matters most? Charlie Sykes sits down with journalist and author Jacob Weisberg to discuss his explosive new book, Profiles in Cowardice — a deep dive into eight influential figures who chose silence, self-interest, and appeasement over standing up to Trump.

Weisberg unpacks what separates courage from cowardice, why institutions built to check power so often buckle under pressure, and how fear and neediness can undo even the wealthiest and most powerful people in America. It's a candid conversation about principle, complicity, and what it really costs to say no.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on news, politics, and the state of American democracy.

Topics discussed: cowardice in leadership • institutional weakness • political courage • Trump-era enablers • standing on principle
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46 min
September 26 How China Humiliated Trump
Susan Glasser, author of "Letter from Trump's Washington" in The New Yorker joins Charlie to discuss Trump breaking the law again, the GOP's midterm panic, the President's shameful groveling to a communist dictator, and much more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47 min
September 24 Tech Overlords and Wannabe Dictators
Paulina Borsook predicted Silicon Valley's authoritarian turn back in the 1990s — we revisit her book "Cyberselfish" and how eerily right she was. Then I break down Trump's controversial statements at the United Nations, his attack on the First Ammendment, and what it all means for American democracy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43 min
September 22 Can Doug Jones Turn Alabama Blue (Again)?
Is there a secret formula for Democratic victories in deep red states? Former Alabama Senator and current candidate for Governor, Doug Jones joins me to discuss his fight against the Republican machine, the attack on voting rights, and the Trump effect on races throughout the country.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37 min