Jen Rubin's Green Room

Jen and Kim Wehle discuss the current state of the Constitution and the Supreme Court. They highlight the recent Supreme Court rulings that have redefined the power of the president and altered the foundational structure of government. They also discuss the implications of these rulings on the rule of law and the potential for abuse of power. Kim emphasizes the need for civic literacy and understanding of the Constitution among the American public. She suggests potential reforms to strengthen democracy and protect constitutional rights. Support Our Sponsor: Zbiotics: Get back into action after a night out with 15% off your first order of Zbiotics when you go to zbiotics.com/greenroom and use code: GREENROOM

Jen Rubin is joined this week by Adam Hochschild to discuss his book 'American Midnight: Fear, Magic, and the Reconstruction of Race in America'. He explores the parallels between the early 20th century and the present day, highlighting the rise of nativism, paranoia, and conspiracy theories.  Adam delves into the factors that fueled fear and prejudice during World War I, including the conflict between nativists and immigrants, racial tensions, and the conflict between business and labor. He also discusses the role of figures like Louis F. Post and J. Edgar Hoover, as well as the lasting impact of the Immigration Act of 1924.  Jen & Adam chat about how we all  learn from history to prevent the repetition of such events.

Jen, Malcolm and Yair explores the concept of centrism and the need for political moderation in the face of populism and extremism.  The guests discuss their book, 'The Center Must Hold,' which brings together voices from around the world to advocate for centrism. They emphasize the importance of shared values, compromise, and humility in politics. They also discuss the role of institutions, such as compulsory voting and preferential voting, in promoting centrism.  Touching on the challenges of media polarization and the need for fact-based journalism. They highlight the value of national service and bridging social capital in fostering unity and understanding. Amazon Link for the book: https://a.co/d/0j04MrWe Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, discusses the grassroots organizing efforts that have made Wisconsin a key battleground state. He highlights the importance of neighbor-to-neighbor organizing and building a unified operation. Wikler also emphasizes the significance of issues like reproductive rights and democracy in motivating voters. He praises Vice President Kamala Harris for her ability to connect with voters and make the stakes of the election clear. Wikler believes that Democrats can replicate the success of Wisconsin's organizing efforts in other states by focusing on key fights and giving people a way to be part of something bigger than themselves. Babbel:  Learn a new language with Babbel and get 55% off when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom

Jen Rubin discusses the upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. She predicts that Trump will come out aggressive and lie repeatedly, as he is immune to facts. She suggests that Biden should provoke Trump by bringing up his ridiculous stories and his history of losing in court. Jen also highlights the importance of Biden addressing issues such as abortion, the economy, Trump's foreign policy, and the potential dangers of a second Trump term. She emphasizes that Biden should showcase his wit and intelligence during the debate. Jen concludes by reminding listeners that the debate is just one event in a long election campaign, and that much can change in the coming months. Support Our Sponsor  IPVanish: Keep your financial details, personal information, and online activity safe from digital threats with 83% off a 2-year subscription to IPVanish VPN when you go to ipvanish.com/greenroom

Amy McGrath discusses Donald Trump's attitude towards the military and the perception of it within the military. She highlights the concerns about Trump's treatment of veterans and his disrespectful comments about fallen soldiers. Amy and Jen also discuss the potential dangers of a second Trump administration, including the lack of guardrails and the potential for misuse of presidential power. She emphasizes the importance of civilian control of the military and the potential challenges if the president issues unlawful orders.  Amy also talks about the need for leaders with national security experience in Congress and the value of national service. She addresses the disconnect between young people and politics and the importance of civics education. McGrath emphasizes the connection between American prosperity and international leadership, and the risks of isolationism. She encourages support for pro-democracy candidates and organizations. Democratic Majority Action- https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dmaction-em Honor Bound PAC- https://secure.actblue.com/donate/honor-bound-pac Jennifer Rubin Opinion Column The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/22/johnson-military-aid-damage-ukraine/ IPVanish: Keep your financial details, personal information, and online activity safe from digital threats with 83% off a 2-year subscription to IPVanish VPN when you go to http://ipvanish.com/greenroom

Jen Rubin and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca delve into the global phenomenon of democratic backsliding, exploring the erosion of democratic norms, the role of civil society, and the connection between financial corruption and political power. They also highlight the importance of individual responsibility and collective action in safeguarding democracy. Please Support This Week’s Sponsor Babbel:  Learn a new language with Babbel and get 55% off when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Lee Kovarsky and Jennifer Rubin discuss the recent conviction of a former president of the United States and the challenges faced by the judge and jury in the trial. They explore the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the criticism of the decision to prosecute, and the importance of respecting the rule of law. They also touch on the issue of presidential immunity and the potential involvement of the Supreme Court. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the breakdown of the federal court system and the challenges faced by prosecutors in dealing with difficult judges. Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Susan Page discusses her book on Barbara Walters, highlighting her groundbreaking career in journalism and entertainment. Walters, rising from a generation with low expectations for women, became known for her meticulous preparation and high-profile interviews. Despite facing criticism, she persevered to become a legend in the industry. Walters struggled with personal relationships, prioritizing her career and encouraging women to own production companies. Her complex relationship with Diane Sawyer, marked by competition fueled by their employer, is also explored. Walters' ability to adapt to the evolving medium of television further cemented her legacy. Buy the book "The Rulebreaker: The Life and times of Barbara Walters”.

Jen Rubin talks with Yasmin Radjy, executive director of Swing Left, an organization that aims to channel resources to the most impactful elections to ensure Democrats have the balance of power.  Swing Left believes that without Democratic control, nuanced policy disagreements are irrelevant because the government will be co-opted by extremists. They prioritize grassroots efforts, such as door-knocking and phone banking, to engage voters and persuade them to support Democratic candidates.  Swing Left encourages individuals to get involved by signing up on their website and contributing their time or money to support competitive races.

Jen Rubin and Tom Joscelyn dissect the intricate web of events surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack and its aftermath. They scrutinize key figures, investigative findings, law enforcement failures, and the pervasive threat posed by right-wing extremist groups. Delving into the implications of accountability, they explore the potential consequences of legal actions against former President Trump, the authoritarian tendencies within his movement, and the role of media in perpetuating conspiracy narratives.  Takeaways: The findings of the January 6th report have not been changed by subsequent information, and new details have only further corroborated the initial conclusions. Steve Bannon's involvement and communications on January 6th are of particular concern, as he was in contact with President Trump and expressed a willingness to obstruct the transfer of power. The investigation into the war room and its role in coordinating the attack is ongoing, and more information is needed to fully understand what happened. The failures of domestic law enforcement and the normalization of right-wing extremism are significant threats to American democracy. There are concerns about the reticence of the FBI and intelligence agencies to fully investigate and address the threat of right-wing extremist groups. The crimes committed by the January 6th defendants were serious, and their actions should not be downplayed or dismissed. Mike Pence was in danger on January 6th due to Donald Trump's targeting of him for not overturning the election results. The atmosphere of the January 6th committee was intense, with a focus on telling the story of what happened and holding individuals accountable. The Secret Service has had its share of scandals and issues, and there are concerns about its loyalty and performance. The erasure of emails and messages raises questions about transparency and accountability. The Espionage Act case against Donald Trump is significant and the message it sends if he is not prosecuted is dangerous. Trump's defense of taking classified documents and his belief that he can do anything as president reflects the authoritarian nature of his political movement. Right-wing media sustains an echo chamber of conspiracy theories, and defeating the insurgency requires reaching out to Republicans who do not want to be aligned with extremist ideologies. Losing decisively at the ballot box is necessary to initiate a reformation on the American right. Hope lies in the resilience of the American people and the belief that there are more people who reject extremism than those who embrace it.

Jen is joined this week by Marc Elias, sign up to democracydocket.com/signup The conversation covers the ongoing trial involving Stormy Daniels and the implications for Donald Trump's defense lawyers. It also delves into the Supreme Court's immunity case and the potential swing vote of Justice Barrett. The discussion then shifts to voting rights and the challenges posed by the Supreme Court's decisions on the Voting Rights Act and Section 2. The conversation concludes with a focus on the latest trends in Republican efforts to suppress voting and manipulate the electorate. The conversation discusses the efforts by Republicans to pass laws that target people in cities and racial minorities, making it harder for them to vote. These laws also create opportunities for voter intimidation and cheating. Republicans are challenging laws that protect election officials from harassment and intimidation. They are using big data and AI to target voters and challenge their right to vote. The conversation emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy and the need for citizens, lawyers, and politicians to stand up for voting rights.

Jennifer Rubin welcomes Steve Vladeck to discuss the Supreme Court’s immunity case deliberations, the decision not to expedite the appeal, and the potential implications of the  decision. They explore the ideological leanings of the justices, with a focus on Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett. They also delve into the concept of standing and its impact on cases, as well as the role of Congress in relation to the Court and  potential reforms for the Court.

John Dean discusses his study of authoritarian personalities and the lessons learned from Watergate. He explains that there are two approaches to understanding authoritarianism: studying the way authoritarian governments operate and studying the personality traits of those attracted to authoritarian leaders. Dean describes the traits of social dominators and right-wing authoritarian followers, as well as the enablers who support them. He emphasizes the importance of voting them out of power and the need for collaboration between the study of authoritarian governments and authoritarian personalities. Dean also discusses the challenges of changing the beliefs of authoritarian followers and the threat they pose to democracy.

Jen Rubin chats with author Brian Klass about his new book, "Fluke," diving into the role of randomness in shaping events and the need to embrace uncertainty. They discuss how seemingly minor events can have major impacts and caution against overconfidence in predictions, advocating for policy experimentation and emphasizes individual responsibility in shaping the future. They also explore the challenges of social science research, urging for a nuanced perspective and action over mere worry. Takeaways: The world is far more random, complex, and unpredictable than we often imagine. Small, seemingly insignificant events can have significant consequences and shape the course of history. Social science often oversimplifies the complexity of the world, leading to misleading predictions and models. Policy experimentation and the use of randomness can lead to more effective solutions to social problems. Individual actions and decisions, no matter how small, can have far-reaching effects and should be recognized as important. Individuals have a significant impact on shaping the future through their personal actions and involvement in social and political activities. Taking action is more important than just worrying about the state of the world. Social science research is subject to biases and uncertainties, and findings can vary depending on methodologies and interpretations. A more nuanced understanding of the world and the recognition of individual power can lead to positive change.

Billy Ray discusses various movies he has worked on, including 'Breach' and 'Shattered Glass,' and delves into the complexities of understanding characters like Robert Hansen. He explores the themes of deception, confirmation bias, and the power of storytelling in politics. Billy emphasizes the importance of understanding conservative voters' fear of chaos and the need for Democrats to rebrand themselves as agents of stability and freedom. He also discusses the abortion issue and suggests effective messaging strategies for Democrats. Billy and Jen discuss the importance of Democrats appealing to the middle ground and avoiding extreme positions. They highlight the need for Democrats to call out the left and distance themselves from radical ideas that alienate voters. They also emphasize the power of framing the election as a choice between an American and an extremist, rather than a Democrat and a Republican. The conversation touches on topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, cult mentality, breaking the frame in political discussions, and the importance of addressing local issues. Overall, the conversation provides insights into effective messaging and strategy for Democrats. Billy Ray is an American screenwriter and film director. He has written numerous films including Captain Phillips, Richard Jewell, Breach, The Comey Rule and The Hunger Games. Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war and welcomes labor leader Michael Podhorzer.  They discuss how the rural-cosmopolitan divide has framed our politics from the founding to the present day, the role white Christian nationalism has played in the rise of MAGA, the threat extremist groups pose to our freedoms, and how we can preserve our democracy.  Their analysis lays out the importance of mass movements, the need to revitalize unions, and how to counter corporate media by informing the public about the dangers we face if we want our system to endure. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Michael Podhorzer: Twitter | AFL-CIO | Weekend Reading | CAP  Mentioned On The Show: Tyranny of the Minority Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes psychotherapist John Gartner to discuss the history of the psychiatric profession’s involvement in our elections and why the Goldwater Rule should not stand in the way of its duty to warn us about Trump’s decline into dementia.  They lay out how he presents symptoms of cognitive issues in line with DSM criteria by analyzing his patterns of speech, the repeated confusion of dates and names, and his uncontrolled movements.  As part of their analysis, they explain how the media has gaslit the country by normalizing his mental state while pathologizing Joe Biden’s age typical behavior.  Will a massive public information campaign be enough to educate the country about the dangers Donald poses if he wins in 2024? Get More From This Week’s Guest: John Gartner: Duty2Warn Twitter | Change.org Petition | Bio | Author  Mentioned On The Show: From The Baltimore Sun: John Gartner, Baltimore psychologist, takes his ‘duty to warn’ about Trump to film #Untruth Film Please Support Our Recent Sponsors With Deals In Their Episode Show Notes: Past Episode Show Notes Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes author and military historian Max Boot for a deep dive into the Ukraine-Russia war and to contrast the modern Republican Party with the presidency of Ronald Reagan.  They discuss the situation on the ground in Eastern Europe, what Ukraine is trying to preserve in light of Russia’s recent gains, the role of air power and ammunition production, and why support from the United States is essential as things become more desperate.  They also break down how the Republican Party has moved away from confronting authoritarianism to condoning it, and why their isolationism is creating a historical inflection point.  Do we have what it takes to support democracy at home and abroad? Get More From This Week’s Guest: Max Boot: Twitter | Threads | Website | WaPo | CFR | Author  Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Factor:  Get 50% off delicious ready to eat meals with code GREENROOM50 at factormeals.com/greenroom50 Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes legal maven Barb Mcquade of #SistersInLaw to discuss how malicious actors are using technology to endanger our democracy by spreading disinformation.  They analyze the ways that social media, algorithm manipulation, A.I., and other tools of mass communication can erode trust in our institutions, drive radicalization and partisanship, undermine elections, and even lead to violence.  With our national security increasingly at risk, they lay out how media literacy, targeted regulation, civics education, and legal action can protect us and the country from disaster. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Barb McQuade: #SistersInLaw Podcast | Live Podcast Tour | Twitter | Threads | University of Michigan Law | Just Security | MSNBC | Author of “Attack From Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America” | Book Tour Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Babbel:  Learn a new language with Babbel and get 55% off when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”