Lainey Newman, co-author of Rust Belt Union Blues, joins the pod to shed light on how deindustrialization and globalization have weakened organized labor, particularly in regions like the Rust Belt. We discuss how these changes have left a void filled by conservative organizations and cultural movements, leading to a significant realignment of working-class voters towards the Republican Party.

Lainey traces the peak of union influence in the 1950s to its gradual decline from the 1970s onward. We discuss the evolving relationship between unions and political parties, examining how cultural and identity-based issues have impacted voting behaviors and party alignments. From the friction within the Democratic Party's coalition over cultural issues to the unintended consequences of political strategies - were these dynamics inevitable or could have been foreseen and mitigated?

From the fallout of not bailing out the steel industry in the 1970s to the perceived cultural and ideological challenges associated with figures like Kamala Harris, we discuss the long-term implications of these decisions on union and working class voters, and what the Democratic Party needs to do to win these voters back.

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We all, conservatives and progressives, are liberals. And, we are living liberal lives. Dr. Alexandre Lefebvre, a renowned professor of politics and philosophy, and author of the book Liberalism as a Way of Life, joins the pod to explain the complex and often misunderstood concept of liberalism, and how liberalism is more than just a political label—it is a framework built on the values of individual freedom, equality, and fairness that influences our daily interactions and societal norms.

We also discuss the ideological rifts that characterize modern political coalitions, and the critical role of internal criticism in achieving a more equitable society and delves into the philosophical challenges that echo Kierkegaard's critique of Christendom, placing a spotlight on contemporary issues of inequality and moral inconsistency.

Finally, we examine how liberalism might be under threat in the United States - and globally. We talk about the influence of reality TV and social media on societal empathy and How these elements contribute to a politics of resentment and reduced empathy. We dig into the ways in which liberalism is reflected in cultural shifts and language evolution. And, we consider whether liberalism, with its deeply ingrained nature, could be a subconscious safeguard of our way of life - and where it might be vulnerable.

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It's the end of the year, and that means our annual State of the Union episode is here! In this episode, I'm joined by judicial scholar Dr. Sara Benesh, historian and expert on the fall of Rome, Dr. Edward Watts, and scholar of political violence, Dr. James Hawdon. We draw striking parallels between Rome's transition from a republic to an autocracy and the current state of American politics, and we discuss the erosion of institutional integrity, the rise of political violence, and the unsettling warning sign found in events like the January 6th Capitol attack. We question whether America's democratic foundations might be at risk of crumbling under similar pressures of corruption and strongman politics.

As Donald Trump makes his return to the presidency, the dynamics of the U.S. Supreme Court face intense scrutiny. So, we discuss how the current Court might behave under a second Trump presidency, and how the Court's legitimacy may further erode amidst mounting partisan divides. Historical unpredictability among justices is a focal point, as we examine how their decisions could serve as both checks on presidential power and potential avenues for self-aggrandizement. The stakes are raised by provocative statements from Trump's vice president, J.D. Vance, about ignoring Supreme Court decisions, posing a significant challenge to the court's future authority.

The path forward for American democracy is fraught with challenges. Our discussion underscores the collective responsibility to defend democratic institutions, emphasizing that this duty extends beyond judges and politicians to each and every citizen. With the world watching, we weigh the potential consequences of ignoring warning signs of political decay, urging listeners to consider their stance in this pivotal moment. How will history judge our actions during this critical time for democracy?

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