Jen Rubin's Green Room

Jen welcomes historian and author Heather Cox Richardson to explore the historical continuum of the Right’s war on freedom and equality from before the Civil War through the rise of MAGA. They discuss how the Southern oligarchy of the Bleeding Kansas era used race to push the average citizen to vote against their interests, and lay out  how that authoritarian legacy continues to drive limitations on voting rights, sustain racism and misogyny, and undergird our politics with violence.  Will we be able to overcome the forces still conspiring against our rights to continue perfecting our democracy? Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: HelloFresh:  Enjoy 50% off plus free shipping with delicious HelloFresh meals delivered right to your door when you go to hellofresh.com/50greenroom and use promo code: 50GREENROOM Get More From This Week’s Guest: Heather Cox Richardson: Twitter | Boston College | Substack | Facebook | Author of “Democracy Awakening” & Many Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes Rep. Eric Swalwell to examine the MAGA takeover of the Republican Party and its effect on our politics.  They lay out how their party believes in ruling rather than governance and is undermining our democracy with attacks on our voting rights, using gerrymandering and lobbying to maintain power.  They also break down how the Right has abandoned our allies and weakened our national security by cozying up to Russia, its capitulation to Trump, and their pursuit of farcical impeachments against the Biden Administration.  Critically, they pivot to the role young people play in restoring our values and ensuring good governance. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Rep. Eric Swalwell: Twitter | Website | House.gov | Author of “End Game” Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes historian and democracy activist Thomas Zimmer to investigate the Right’s descent into ethno-religious authoritarianism and how to defeat it.  They break down how media bubbles have allowed the lies driving radicalism to flourish, and the ways the white christian nationalist minority is trying to gain control by using raw power to subvert our institutions.  Critically, they pivot to the steps that the Biden administration has taken to build a broad and diverse coalition around the defense of democracy, the need to resist fractures on other issues, and what can energize voters to create a vibrant pluralist majority capable of moving us forward. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Thomas Zimmer: Twitter | The Guardian | Substack | Georgetown | Is This Democracy Podcast Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by author and veteran political consultant Stuart Stevens to take a journey through the evolution of the Republican party towards authoritarianism under Trump.  They explain how it became dominated by white grievance and the religious right by forgoing policy solutions that could attract minorities, women, and young people in favor of conspiracy and control.  Jen and Stuart believe it was possible because Republican party leaders capitulated to the MAGA movement for power and the hope of getting their preferred policies without compromise– eroding our democracy.  To save it, they lay out what it will take to reclaim the principles essential to freedom, and make the argument that restoring democracy is the only issue that should decide elections when the alternative is conceding to one party rule.  Will 2024 be the turning point?  Get More From This Week’s Guest: Stuart Stevens: Twitter | The Lincoln Project | Website | Author of “The Conspiracy To End America” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by the co-founder of Protect Democracy Ian Bassin to explore the growing threat of authoritarianism at home and abroad by laying out the cultural, institutional, and personal forces that Trump and the MAGA Right are exploiting to undermine our democracy.  They examine how times of uncertainty allow the siren song of the strong man to encourage voters to compromise on our national values, how the politicization of the SCOTUS is weakening the independence of the justice system, and why our institutions are essential to fighting back.  In addition to reform, they emphasize the role we all play in becoming single issue voters against tyranny and participating in communities that bind us together in the democratic experiment.  Will it be enough to save us? HelloFresh:  Enjoy 50% off plus free shipping with delicious HelloFresh meals delivered right to your door when you go to hellofresh.com/50greenroom and use promo code: 50GREENROOM Get More From This Week’s Guest: Ian Bassin: Twitter | Protect Democracy | MacArthur Foundation Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes creator of The 1619 Project Nicole Hannah-Jones to illuminate how she has used the Black experience to revolutionize our understanding of our history across multiple mediums.  While explaining her process, they discuss the power of the personal story to connect to the past, how The 1619 Project uses the collective to take back control of our past from elites and those in power.  They also lay out how our country’s continuum of systemic injustice divides us, undermines our democracy, and stops us from reaching true equality.  To fight back, they share the successes of the Black press, rebuke both-sidesism and the tendency to defer to power, and call for the courage to tell the truth. Get More From This Week’s Guests: Nicole Hannah-Jones: Twitter | NYT | Howard University | Center for Journalism & Democracy | Instagram | Hulu’s The 1619 Project | Ida B. Wells Society | Author Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by legal maven and ethics expert Norm Eisen to review the pending cases against Trump and his associates.  They discuss how he is his own worst enemy, why we should put our faith in the juries, the effect of his potential testimony, and the legal strategies he will likely use.  Further, they examine the impact of the 2024 election, the evidence against him and his co-conspirators, and the results of the war on the rule of law that he and other Republicans continue to wage.  Will an alliance of voters, lawyers, and the resilience of our judicial system be enough to win back our democracy?           Get More From This Week’s Guests: Norm Eisen: Twitter | Brookings Institute | Just Security | States United | Website | Author Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by the authors of “Tyranny of the Minority”, Professors Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky, to discuss how Republicans are wielding minority power to undermine our democracy.  They explore the constitutional mechanisms enabling them, spanning the electoral college, unbalanced representation in the Senate, and the adoption of the filibuster.  Then they lay out their proposals to fix things, including; removing constitutional protectionism, expanding popular representation, term limits, ending the filibuster, and adopting the interstate national vote compact.  Most importantly, they emphasize the need to vote and build momentum for change.       Get More From This Week’s Guests: Daniel Ziblatt: Twitter | Center For European Studies | Harvard | Google Scholar | WZB | Author of “Tyranny of the Minority” & Other Books Steven Levitsky: Harvard | Kellogg Institute | Google Scholar | University of Chicago | DRCLAS | Author of “Tyranny of the Minority” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by Reed Galen and Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project to discuss the fight to take down Trump. A fight they’ve waged since he revealed his authoritarian tendencies.  They explain why he can’t be fought like a normal candidate, how the media gets played by conservatives, and argue that defeating him is a battle for democracy that goes beyond party divisions.  Together, they explore how he fooled Republican voters, his use of vengeance while wielding power, the impact of his court cases, Kevin McCarthy’s failures, and how Trump’s primary challengers can gain ground.  Will our democracy be able to survive him? Get More From This Week’s Guests: Rick Wilson: Twitter | Website | Substack | Lincoln Project | The Lincoln Project Podcast | YouTube | Instagram | Author Reed Galen: Twitter | Resolute Square | Lincoln Project | The Lincoln Project Podcast | YouTube | Instagram Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning author Diane McWhorter to discuss the civil rights movement in the South that arose to defeat the fascistic alliance between industrialists, the wealthy, and their enforcers in the Klan.  They lay out how Black activists, labor unions, and their allies put aside their differences to overcome them and make civil rights a national issue.  During the conversation, they look at the internal dynamics of the civil rights movement, the role of Martin Luther King Jr., and the nefarious actions of government, Bull Connor, and law enforcement.  Perhaps most importantly, what will it take to honor and advance the legacy of those who fought so hard for freedom and equality? This Week’s Guest: Diane McWhorter: Website | Pulitzer.org | Author Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by Rep. Jamie Raskin to lay out the case against Trump and examine the legal issues that should keep him out of the presidency.  They cover the potential of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to keep him out of office for his role in the January 6th insurrection, why his incitement against the election is not protected by the Constitution, and how he attacked our voting rights and pressured officials to break their oaths.  They also discuss the bottom up legal strategy being used to prosecute him and those he inspired, and emphasize the role our institutions have in defending our democracy. This Week’s Guest: Congressman Jamie Raskin: Twitter | Website | House.gov | Author of “Unthinkable” Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by master political strategist Simon Rosenberg to discuss why polling vastly overestimated the non-existent so-called Red Wave in 2022 and how the results of the special elections since then demonstrate that the electorate is continuing to punish Republicans.  They explore how the Dobbs decision, Supreme Court radicalism, Trump and his party’s attempts to overturn the election, the possibility of a government shutdown, and their inability to moderate is giving democratic candidates positive numbers not seen in decades.  Building upon the decline in inflation and other successful policies, is a Blue Wave coming? This Week’s Guest: Simon Rosenberg: Twitter | New Democrat Network Bio | Substack Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by finance expert and human rights campaigner Bill Browder for an inside look at the corruption and oppression in Putin’s Russia that directly targeted Bill’s company and friends.  In their conversation they cover Putin’s massive theft from businesses operating there, how he uses torture and violence against his political enemies, and why defeating him in Ukraine is essential to protecting freedom and democracy around the world.  They also discuss how the bi-partisan Magnitsky Act is one of the most effective weapons in the war because of its power to freeze accounts and directly target the oligarchs behind the invasion.  Now that it is being passed in dozens of other countries, are we gaining the upper hand? This Week’s Guest: Bill Browder: Twitter | Website | Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign | Author of “Freezing Order” Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen talks with champion of voting rights Marc Elias to review developments in the court cases facing Trump relating to aggressive actions by his lawyers, his threatening behavior, and the attempts to move Georgia cases to federal court.  Then, they lay out the Republican war on voting rights through their efforts to influence elections by gerrymandering, the rogue legislatures like Alabama’s ignoring the courts, and attacking early voting.  However; they find hope in the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election win, how courts are stepping up to defend democracy, and our individual power to stand up for our most important values. This Week’s Guest: Marc Elias: Twitter | Democracy Docket | Elias Law Group | Defending Democracy Podcast Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by Amb. Dennis Ross to explore the recent developments shaking up middle eastern politics.  They cover the cross demographic and widespread protests in Israel against attempts by hard liners to take control of the judiciary and what it means for the country’s future.  Then, they dive into Netanyahu’s efforts to create a breakthrough deal to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, even though it might mean concessions to Palestine.  If successful, it has the potential to solidify peace with the Sunni countries.  Will it finally bring about a lasting transformation in the region? This Week’s Guest: Dennis Ross: Twitter | The Washington Institute |Georgetown | Author of “Be Strong and of Good Courage” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

With Trump racking up another indictment in Georgia, Jen sits down with legal maven Rep. Dan Goldman to dive into the charges he faces.  During their conversation they explore how RICO prosecutions work to bring down criminal enterprises and why it strengthens the possibility of conviction, and explain why the jury pool won’t be corrupted by politics or wild rhetoric from Donald.  They also emphasize the need to ground the law in objective reality, and shut down comparisons to the Biden family– especially when the Trump family has exhibited far more evident corruption.  Will this be the case that finally holds the former president to account? This Week’s Guest: Rep. Dan Goldman: Twitter | Campaign Site | Act Blue Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen welcomes NYU journalism professor Jay Rosen to discuss the modern media ecosystem and how the classic both sides approach and opinion free corporate coverage is failing us with repeated coverage centered on crisis.  They also examine the pressures on journalists from institutions, and more importantly what it will take to fix things.  Will re-establishing truths over savviness with a focus on transferring knowledge from a position of expertise be enough to tame the rising populist passions that rely on misinformation to spread? This Week’s Guest: Jay Rosen: Twitter | Mastodon| PressThink.org | NYU  Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen brings on legal maven and civil rights leader Maya Wiley to take on the continuing hold white grievance has over our politics, why its complaints are dangerous and misguided, and how it influences the Republican party.  From there, they explore the pernicious leverage social media gives to outdated philosophies of hate, and how to fight back with our institutions and at the personal level.  To do so, we might push for a culture of diversity, become civically engaged, live as agents of change in our daily lives, and most importantly– never give up! This Week’s Guest: Maya Wiley: Twitter | Civil Rights Org | Website | Instagram Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen is joined by author and activist Fred Guttenberg to tackle the pressing need to address gun violence, how we can fight back, and what our government needs to do to protect the vulnerable.  In their conversation they explore the obscene power of the NRA and the mythologies supporting weapons of war, how to construct a legal strategy that can start securing electoral and legislative wins, and the power of activism.  They also share the reasons we should have for hope, and more importantly ask how we can use our voices most effectively to end senseless gun violence? This Week’s Guest: Fred Guttenberg: Twitter | Website | Orange Ribbons For Jaime | Author of “American Carnage” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Jen sits down with expert on authoritarianism Ruth Ben-Ghiat for a look at the mythic hold strongmen have on political systems around the world and how Trump took up that mantle here.  They cover how he resurrected the spoils system, used divisive language to create a cult-like following, and his attempts to create disinformation that tears apart loyalty to anyone besides him.  More importantly, they explore how deep the threat to democracy goes– and when our system is threatened, how can we fight back to restore equality and justice under the law? This Week’s Guest: Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Twitter | NYU | Website | Substack | Author of “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”