The Lincoln Project

Host Reed Galen is joined by Journalist, Author, and Senior Advisor at the Brennan Center for Justice, Barton Gellman. They discuss Barton’s recent pivot from journalism to joining the fight for our democracy, the dangerous threat our nation’s institutions face if an authoritarian wins the presidency, and why a significant segment of Americans feel such a strong sense of dissatisfaction even though their quality of life has generally stayed the same...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Author/Journalist, Podcaster, and Tech Industry Expert Kara Swisher. They discuss the philosophy and impact of the tech industry, the tech industry’s messianic tendencies and the cult-like followings they often attract, tech’s lack of accountability, and the parallels between the tech industry and the Far-Right/Trump. Plus, what to expect in the area of artificial intelligence...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Author Arthur Goldwag to discuss the persistence of paranoia in American history and its influence on politics and society (both past and present). Plus, they examine the current political climate and the need to reach out to Trump supporters (especially through the lens of community)...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins, Assistant Professor in the College of Social Studies at Wesleyan University. They discuss the use of the term 'fascism' in the current political climate and the historical comparisons often cited, what sort of fascism has occurred in America, and whether or not Donald Trump should be considered a fascist? Plus, why democracy is so fragile and requires regular maintenance to prevent the rise of authoritarianism...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Authors/Journalists Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman, Co-Authors of, White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy. They discuss the anger and disconnect felt by white Americans in rural areas, the political tragedy of rural America, and why a comprehensive rural movement is needed to bring political competition and accountability back to rural America. Plus, our nation’s fascination with pickup trucks...

Host Reed Galen is joined by author, journalist, and political analyst, David Masciotra. They discuss the rise of exurbia as a haven for those seeking to escape progressive culture and diversity along with as a breeding ground for the radical right-wing insurgency. Plus how the collapse of community and local media prevalent in exurban areas goes hand-in-hand with the erosion of our nation’s democracy...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Ken Harbaugh, former Navy pilot and executive producer of the new documentary, Against All Enemies. They discuss the rise of violent extremism in the military and its connection to political movements, the appeal of extremist organizations to veterans and the responsibility of society to provide alternate pathways for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and the influence of political figures like Donald Trump on the growth of extremist movements...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Daniel Barkhuff, Former Navy SEAL and Founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership to discuss the continual disrespect Donald Trump shows our nation’s military, why a notable percentage of veterans have fallen prey to the disinformation of Trumpism, and why the far-right’s warped views on masculinity so easily result in the spread of extremism...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Imran Ahmed, the Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). They discuss CCDH’s latest legal victory against Elon Musk and Twitter, why our democracy’s stability is threatened by unregulated social media platforms and accompanying disinformation, and why balancing innovation with safety and prosperity is crucial for the future of technology and society...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Author, Filmmaker and Activist, Bill Carter where they discuss the soon-to-be released documentary, Kiss the Future. The film explores the perils of nationalism and art’s role as a weapon of resistance and activism through the lens of the 1990s Siege of Sarajevo and how American aid worker Bill Carter forged an unlikely relationship with the band U2 to raise global awareness to the conflict...