Shutdown, Corruption, and Campaign Cash: What They Have in Common

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Revealing the Reality: Analyzing Trump's Unhinged Militarization On Tuesday this week, Matt was a guest on the morning show hosted by the legendary radio host Howard Monroe, and he threw Howard bit of a curve ball. Howard asked about the unhinged performances from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US President Donald Trump last week, in which they dragged hundreds of generals and admirals across the world--to a meeting that essentially had no purpose--so that Hegseth could harangue them about personal grooming habits and Trump could go on a meandering campaign rally diatribe. But Matt made the case that what unfolded next was actually good news. And it's connected to Trump's military incursions into U.S. cities. 00:00 Introduction: Silver Linings in Unlikely Places08:33 Trump's National Guard Deployment Controversy16:23 The Legal Battle Over Militarization25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***  The one election race that gives the most insight into the state of politics in America right now is the campaign for Bucks County District Attorney in Pennsylvania. Bucks County is the true swingiest of swing counties in one of the few--and biggest--swing states in the country. Donald Trump won it by 0.07 percentage points in 2024...less than 300 votes out of more than 400,000 votes cast. We're joined by the Democratic candidate Joe Khan (https://www.bucksunitedpa.com/joe-khan), to talk about what he's seeing, what's resonating, and why, right now, he's winning.00:00 Introduction: The Bellwether Election02:35 Interview with Joe Khan: The Campaign Journey08:14 National Implications and Local Impact12:10 The Role of Courts and Future Prospects33:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Matt is joined by former prosecutor and former NBC legal analyst Glenn Kirschner. They discuss why, amid the critical state of American democracy, Kirschner is seeing evidence of positive movement. Kirschner shares insights on legal battles, judicial integrity, and the importance of civic engagement. The episode also delves into the recent Supreme Court term, the importance of economic, legal, and political power in safeguarding democracy, and the controversial Pam Bondi hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.05:33 Legal Developments and Optimism18:08 Judicial Pushback Against Trump27:56 Integrity in the Judiciary34:53 Pam Bondi's Senate Judiciary Committee Appearance38:27 Trump's Criminal Enterprise43:39 Accountability and the DOJ51:30 Supreme Court and Trump's Legal Battles55:38 Call to Action: Engaging for Justice01:01:19 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** With a shutdown looming, Democrats are in a desperate fight to make a stand against President Donald Trump's attack on the rule of law, not to mention his perceived political enemies, universities, law firms, science, and our health. Stanford political scientist and prolific Substack author Adam Bonica (https://data4democracy.substack.com/) joins political analyst Matt Robison (https://worthknowing.substack.com/) to talk about some of the common threads of the shutdown, corruption, and political campaigns. Are Democrats pursuing the right fight? What would a winning approach be? And how are the money wars destroying politics?00:58 The Deeper Implications of the Shutdown04:43 The Right Fight for Democrats?10:04 Polling Data and Shutdown Impact14:57 Democrats as the Anti-Corruption Party33:33 The Ineffectiveness of Campaign Ads43:43 The Impact of Fundraising on Polarization49:41 Unethical Fundraising Practices57:12 Conclusion and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Matt Robison hits his conservative Republican friend Matt Wylie with the toughest question for Republicans right now: when is all of this too much? When do you have to start fighting your own party? Wylie's answer was... surprising. They also address the erosion of rights and liberties under Trump and the necessity for core conservative Republicans to reclaim their party.04:30 Trump's UN Speech and Its Implications09:17 The MAGA Base and Political Strategy15:46 Challenges Within the Republican Party27:26 Republican Party's Identity Crisis34:10 Trump's Authoritarian Moves37:10 Democrats' Strategy and Future Elections40:30 Free Speech and Government Overreach46:57 The Role of Free Enterprise51:06 Concluding Thoughts on Political Landscape

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Is the Backlash the Beginning? Matt Robison is joined by author Greg Olear to discuss how blatant corruption and abuses of power by Donald Trump might be opening the door to the rise of a more focused opposition. From manipulating law enforcement to target his enemies, attacking free speech, financial corruption tied to his cabinet, the collapse of economic policy, and the erosion of U.S. soft power, the public's increasing disapproval of Trump might also mean an opportunity, if the nearly 50% of Americans who strongly disapprove of him can mobilize and target their energy.00:00 Introduction and Overview05:46 Discussion on Trump's Actions and Consequences12:20 Economic Policies and Public Discontent27:47 Midterms and Gerrymandering Concerns33:18 Trump's UN Speech and Global Reactions40:19 Trump's Corruption and Financial Ties56:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Beyond Politics: The Rapid Shifts in Trump's AmericaMatt Robison discusses the swift changes in the political landscape, focusing on Trump's increasing authoritarianism and its implications. Taken from Matt's recent interview on Howard Monroe's radio show, where they discussed the assassination of Charlie Kirk and Trump's reaction. Plus, Trump's takeover attempts in different sectors, the role of the courts, and the critical state of freedom of speech. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:34 The Charlie Kirk Assassination03:39 Discussion on Robert Redford06:30 Trump's Authoritarian Tactics19:51 The Role of Courts and Media27:17 Future Challenges and Conclusion

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** Navigating the Kirk Crackdown: Democracy, Protests, and Vengeance. The Kirk crackdown has started. The shock and outrage that President Donald Trump and his orbit felt after the killing of Charlie Kirk has transformed into an all-out attack on political opponents, media, and people who dare offer any criticism of the administration. Former Congressman, prosecutor, and Obama National Co-Chairman Paul Hodes and political analyst Matt Robison hit provocative questions like whether institutions made a fundamental mistake early in Trump's term that led to disaster; if Americans need an "I Am Spartacus" moment; whether Democrats are walking into a shutdown trap; and will this show and all non-MAGA media get hit in the MAGA crackdown.00:00 Introduction 07:58 Gun Violence and Political Manipulation18:13 Economic Focus and Legal Battles35:14 Government Shutdown Debate49:48 The Role of Age and Experience in Politics57:15 Call to Action

**Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The Judicial Branch Is Our Last Line of Defense Against Trump. Is It Holding?Join Matt Robison and legal expert Kim Wehle as they explore the judiciary's role in countering the unprecedented consolidation of power and abuse of the law by the Trump administration. Amid the collapse of checks from the executive and legislative branches, the conversation delves into whether the judicial branch can stand firm or if it's on the brink of collapse. This episode is a deep-dive into recent rulings, constitutional law, and the imperative for collective civic engagement to uphold democracy.00:00 Introduction and Overview06:26 The Supreme Court's Abdication of Duty18:25 Emergency Powers and Presidential Overreach26:34 The Role of Lower Courts32:53 The Importance of Rule of Law38:31 Supreme Court Rulings and Their Implications44:47 The Need for Constitutional Protections49:20 Engaging in Constructive Dialogue54:33 Final Thoughts and Call to Unity

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/*** The Complex Web of Trump's Global Mess: Unpacking the DamageThe focus starts on the potential for lasting damage from President Trump's mounting failures around the world. Matt Robison is joined by former AP Editor for Europe, Middle East, and Africa Dan Perry to break down the implications of the thorny relationship dynamics exposed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, and the fallout from Trump's trade policies. But then, as Trump's press conference unfolds live while they were on air, the conversation turned to Trump's five-day disappearance and obvious health struggles, and what that means for the future. 00:14 Trump's Disappearance and Reemergence02:29 Trump's Trade Wars and Consequences07:22 India's Shift Towards China and Russia19:07 Internal and External Damage Under Trump32:06 The Original Sin and Economic Impact40:37 Israel, Gaza, and US Influence52:30 Trump's Health 01:05:06 Final Thoughts and Future Directions