Rick Wilson's The Enemies List

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by friend of the show, Molly Jong-Fast to explore the power and pitfalls of political polling, as they dissect the blurred lines between facts and suppositions, revealing how it shapes narratives and fuels controversy. They tackle everything from the influence of polls on election outcomes to the impending presidential political showdown. Timestamps: [00:01:08] Stop treating polls as actual news events [00:11:42] Economic results [00:12:56] Trump's insanity [00:20:51] Continuing resolution [00:25:42] George Santos Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Together, they explore Kinzinger's journey from GOP member to a renegade figure in the party, his involvement in the January 6 hearings, and the insights shared in his book, "Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country." This conversation offers a compelling glimpse into our tumultuous political landscape and its implications. Timestamps: [00:01:37] Republican to Renegade [00:05:28] The caucus shifting [00:07:41] January 6th [00:11:20] How deep the rabbit hole went [00:16:58] Kevin McCarthy Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent, Jonathan Karl. The two sit down to discuss his new book "Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party." They explore the chaotic final year of Trump's presidency and his continued influence on the Republican Party, highlighting a blend of internal discord and controversial decisions that defined the Trump White House. This conversation is a stark reminder of the chaos and peril of a Trump presidency. Jonathan's new book,"Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party," is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:23] Tired of Winning [00:08:20] John McEntee [00:13:51] What a second term would look like [00:15:40] Enforcing loyalty [00:18:46] The best gig he's ever had [00:20:52] The legal peril Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Brian Stelter, former CNN host of "Reliable Sources" and renowned media analyst. Together they delve into the captivating world of his new book, "Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy." Stelter takes us behind the scenes of one of the most influential news networks in the country, exploring its intricate relationship with Donald Trump and its far-reaching impact on American democracy. Brian's new book, "Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy", is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:36] Origins of the book [00:04:25] Where FOX stands in the election [00:11:58] Cost of doing business [00:14:36] The economics of FOX [00:16:50] The rise and fall of Tucker Carlson [00:25:16] How will they treat Trump? Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by comedian, filmmaker, and activist, Toby Morton. Toby is also known for his legendary voice role as Scott Tenorman in "South Park." Together, they discuss his journey from animation to the sharp edges of political parody, crafting websites that humorously skewer prominent figures in today's tumultuous political landscape. Their conversation, charged with insights and revelations, offers a glimpse into the transformative power of satire in shaping public discourse. Timestamps: [00:02:22] Reacting to parody messaging [00:08:52] Moms for Liberty [00:16:40] The Presidential race Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Enemies List, Rick is joined by prolific author and film producer Jonathan Taplin. Together, they unpack a dystopian reality orchestrated by tech moguls Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, and Elon Musk. Taplin's book "The End of Reality" serves as a chilling beacon, illuminating the dark side of the Metaverse, AI's unchecked rise, and the folly of Martian dreams. Taplin reveals a stark vision where technology, fueled by greed and power, threatens the fabric of society. Jonathan's new book, "The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires are Selling a Fantasy Future of the Metaverse, Mars, and Crypto", is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:55] The four players in silicon valley [00:06:24] A techno monarchist [00:12:17] The Metaverse [00:16:16] The Reality Distortion Field [00:18:12] The desire to be a crypto baron [00:24:13] The demonic energy [00:29:34] The twitter aquisition Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Enemies List, Rick is joined by Ruy Teixeira and John Judis. Ruy is an author and political commentator and John is the editor-at-large at Talking Points Memo, as well as an author and journalist. Together, the three discuss the most compelling trends and statistics that signal how the 2024 election may go, including underrated voting demographics, turnout of young voters, and much more. Ruy and John's new book, Where Have All the Democrats Gone?, available now. Timestamps: [00:01:44] The unseen story [00:06:42] The centrist middle [00:08:46] The emergence of young voters [00:14:53] Florida is our warning [00:17:42] Where have all the democrats gone Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Enemies List, Rick Wilson is joined by Tom Nichols. Tom is a staff writer for The Atlantic, as well as a former professor. Together, they discuss the immaturity of most billionaires, why American colleges and universities feel the need to have corporate takes on controversial world events, what the faces of the Republican Party are keeping from the people, and more. Timestamps: [00:01:26] Who is running the economy? [00:03:12] Rising anti-semitism [00:08:59] Glory to our martyrs [00:13:08] The ascension of Mike Johnson [00:17:36] Unlimited government conservatives Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Ryan J. Reilly, an NBC News justice reporter and author of the new book "Sedition Hunters." Together, they discuss chilling truths and untold stories that emerged from the darkest hours of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. They shed light on legal developments and the impact on our justice system as they unpack the chaos that shook the foundations of democracy. Ryan's book, Sedition Hunters: How January 6th Broke the Justice System, is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:15] Shaping the perception of January 6th [00:03:12] The origin of the lie [00:06:36] Are they in denial? [00:08:58] Mike Johnson's position [00:12:13] Where Trump stands [00:18:30] Trump's attorney's [00:24:46] Close to a collapse Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by author, historian, and autocracy expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat. Together, they discuss how the modern GOP has shed any interest in democracy in favor of becoming a modern autocracy, even calling for an actual monarchy. From election denial and charismatic leaders, to statism, the conversation emphasizes just how close we are to total democratic collapse. They also touch on global examples, like the recent elections in Poland, to highlight the challenges democracies face in the modern world. Ruth's books and Newsletter, Lucid, are available at ruthbenghiat.com. Timestamps: [00:02:00] A collapsing democracy [00:06:08] A checklist of autocracy [00:10:53] Authoritarianism is still dangerous [00:13:55] The Polish elections [00:18:48] Election denial Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best-selling author and former GOP strategist, Stuart Stevens, joins Rick to discuss his new book: Conspiracy To End America. They discuss the GOP's reveal its ugly underbelly under Trump, drawing parallels to historical authoritarian movements. They delve into the party's collapse and the potential consequences of a second Trump term, emphasizing the erosion of democratic values and institutions. Stuart Stevens’ new book, The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy, is available now: Timestamps: [00:02:16] Building blocks of an autocratic movement [00:06:23] The Financiers [00:13:10] A strain of cruelty [00:19:39] Treating Putin as the hero [00:22:23] Losing control of the party [00:28:10] Authoritarian hallmark's [00:32:05] What a second term looks like Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Dr. Bandy Lee. Dr. Lee is an author, forensic psychiatrist, and editor of “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump.” Together, the two discuss Trump's mental state from a medical perspective, which of the lawsuits leveled against him are most likely to affect his demeanor, how his own personal mania has spread to the public, mental health comparisons for him, and more! All of Dr. Lee's books, including Profile of a Nation: Trump's Mind, America's Soul, are available now. Timestamps: [00:01:35] A public health threat [00:06:25] Eager to present his own narrative [00:07:30] An enormous figure [00:09:56] The second time around [00:13:37] The cult of Trump [00:15:46] The power of the mind [00:18:33] The next 12 months Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by writer, producer and former US attorney Jonathan Shapiro. Together they discuss Jonathan's new book How to Be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps to Leading a Legendary Life. They detail the various aspects of Abraham Lincoln's life and philosophy that made him a great leader. They emphasize the importance of these simple steps as a template for healing in our divisive political landscape. Jonathan's new book, How to Be Abe Lincoln, is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:27] Inspiration for the book [00:07:06] "I have to speak the truth" [00:08:52] Holding the union together [00:13:24] Navigation [00:17:38] Lincoln's stoicism [00:21:59] Applying the lessons Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Andrea Bernstein. Andrea is a journalist, author, and podcast host at WNYC. Together they discuss the untold story of Leonard Leo, his political beginnings, how he came to hold the power he does, his connection to Supreme Court justices, the insane $1.6 billion donation he just received, and more. Andrea's new podcast, We Don't Talk About Leonard, is available now on WNYC. Timestamps: [00:01:28] Inspiration behind the series [00:08:44] The Federalist Society [00:13:31] A traditional conservative [00:17:22] Missouri politics [00:20:20] A 1.6 billion dollar gift [00:22:47] The groups around him Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Politico's White House Bureau chief and political correspondent for MSNBC Jonathan Lemire. Together, they discuss how the government is still careening toward a shutdown since Kevin McCarthy's departure, who could potentially be the next speaker of the house, the realistic competition for Donald Trump in the Republican primary, what the Biden reelection campaign will look like, and the Democrat's discontent with Vice President Harris. Jonathan's book, The Big Lie, is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:23] Kevinpalooza [00:05:13] Future funding for Ukraine [00:06:41] Kevin's desire for the job [00:07:45] The republican cycle [00:09:04] Poisoning the well [00:10:48] Thoughts on the primary [00:13:23] The final anti-Trump effort [00:14:49] No one's getting used to it [00:16:32] The Biden campaign [00:18:34] Muttering about Vice President Harris [00:20:21] The Trump campaign Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by longtime political strategist Doug Sosnik. Doug served as White House Political Director (1995 - 1997) and Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton (1998 - 2001). Together, they discuss what led to congress nearly shutting down the government and how it compares to government shutdowns of the past, how today's Republican party compares to the Republican party Doug dealt with years ago, how Donald Trump is a symptom of many larger issues in the country, and Doug's perspective on the current presidential race. Timestamps: [00:01:19] The current climate in DC [00:04:42] A political realignment [00:09:27] Impeachment games [00:12:00] Making a fortune in America [00:15:13] The three legged stool [00:17:51] The narrative matters [00:20:31] The landscape for the race to come [00:25:40] What is the campaign about? Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is experiencing its most dangerous divisions since the Civil War. In this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by NPR’s Steve Inskeep, to discuss the risk our country faces and Steve’s new book, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. Together, they explore the lesser known moments in Lincoln's presidency, the intricacies of his political strategy, his key relationships, and what modern politicians and political systems can learn from his approach. Steve Inskeep's new book is available now.  Timestamps: [00:02:17] An admirer of Lincoln [00:05:40] The defining issue of his life [00:10:00] It wasn't all successful [00:14:01] The defining through line [00:15:52] What influenced the writing [00:18:02] The culture of the time [00:23:42] Lincoln's marriage Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Both are authors and professors at Harvard University. Together they discuss why the upcoming 2024 election rivals the importance of the 2020 election in maintaining our democracy, why the Republican Party has become so rigid and unmoving in their position and talking points, and how our democracy has stopped updating. Steven and Daniel's book, Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point, is available now. Timestamps: [00:01:30] The cracks in our democracy [00:06:44] Holding onto power [00:14:06] Collapses of democracy [00:18:05] Rebuilding our resiliance [00:24:19] Slow corosion or sudden shock Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Scott Galloway. Scott is an author, podcast host, businessman, and professor. Together, they discuss many of the issues in modern society such as young people not earning as much as their parents, young men lacking substantive role models, the monopolization and dangers of social media, and what TikTok means for business globally. You can follow Scott on Twitter @profgalloway, his books are available now, and his new book The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security is available April 30th, 2024. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:54] Where we're headed [00:04:22] The economic picture [00:06:59] Affirming young men [00:19:01] Social media and 230 protection [00:21:25] The algorithmic monster [00:24:05] The power of TikTok [00:26:40] Elon's brain [00:30:15] Power corrupts [00:32:45] Lawyer'd to death Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Sherrilyn Ifill. Sherrilyn is a lawyer and author and former President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Together, they discuss America's historical issues with voting rights, predominantly in African American communities. Sherrilyn describes the areas of the country where voting rights are at their weakest, what segregation looks like in modern day America, the Supreme Court's decimation of Section 5, and if she thinks Trump can be kept off the ballot in 2024. You can follow Sherrilyn on Twitter @SIfill_ and both of her books are available now. Timestamps: [00:01:28] The state of voting rights [00:03:37] States disenfranchising voters [00:8:07] Similarities to school integration [00:10:16] The slow erosion of the Voting Rights Act [00:13:42] The 14th amendment [00:21:48] A healthy democracy Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices