When Parties Collapse: The Rise of the GOP and the Road to Civil War

History is our greatest teacher. In this episode Rick speaks with historian David Brown, author of A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War. They explore the significance of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, a pivotal moment that led to the collapse of the Whig Party and fueled tensions that made the Civil War inevitable. Together, they discuss the cultural and political shifts of the time, drawing connections to today's political divisions and the rapid pace of change in American politics. David's book, A Hell of a Storm: The Battle for Kansas, the End of Compromise, and the Coming of the Civil War, available now. Timestamps: (00:02:06) A Hell of a Storm (00:07:51) The signals of a party collapsing (00:10:37) The culture of the civil war Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The framers envisioned a judiciary whose role was to check the power of the executive and legislative branches and ensure constitutional integrity. But what happens if corruption creeps its way into the most powerful court in the land? On today's episode Rick interviews David Brock, a veteran in the political and media landscape, about his new book Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America. They dive into how Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has influenced major rulings like the Dobbs decision and presidential immunity, and explore the broader ethical concerns surrounding the court. Brock discusses the decades-long conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary, Thomas’s entanglement with wealthy donors, and the urgent need for judicial reform to address the court’s corruption and accountability issues. David's book, Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America, available now. Timestamps: (00:01:50) Stench (00:04:04) A vast right wing conspiracy (00:08:53) Clarence Thomas (00:17:18) Corruption beyond Thomas Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democracy is under siege, and state-sanctioned vigilantes are leading the charge. In this episode Rick speaks with Jon Michaels and David Noll, authors of the upcoming book Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. They discuss the alarming rise of state-backed vigilante activities, particularly through laws like Texas SB8, and how these efforts are aimed at achieving authoritarian political control. The conversation explores the MAGA movement's tactics, the threats to democratic institutions, and the potential dangers surrounding future U.S. elections. It's a chilling analysis of how private actors, with state approval, are shaping America’s political landscape. Jon and David's book, Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy, available for pre-order now. Timestamps: (00:01:45) Vigilante Nation (00:14:56) If we keep on pushing (00:19:07) The spectrum of violent organizations Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Democratic party is changing. In this episode of The Enemies List, Rick speaks with historian Timothy Shenk about his new book, Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics? They explore the evolution of the Democratic Party, shifting from a working-class base to a more affluent, educated coalition, and the challenges that come with this transformation. Shenk delves into the party's struggle to reconnect with working-class voters and the rise of technocratic approaches in politics, while offering insights on how the party can adapt moving forward. Timothy's book,  Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics?, available now. Timestamps: (00:01:27) Left to Drift (00:04:54) Divorce from the working class (00:16:07) The democratic party over the last few decades Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick gives a blistering solo reaction to a blockbuster presidential debate. Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from TribFest, Rick interviews Harris-Walz Campaign Co-Chair Mitch Landrieu, who was a Senior Advisor to President Biden and also served as the Mayor of New Orleans. They discuss the important role of character in political leadership, the impact of Biden’s infrastructure bill, and the importance of finding common ground in a sharply divided country. Follow Mitch Landrieu on X @MitchLandrieu and learn more about TribFest at http://festival.texastribune.org/. Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Presidency is certainly among the world's most studied institutions, yet there is always more to learn. In this episode Rick interviews David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and author of The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency. They explore Rubenstein's deep fascination with the U.S. presidency, stemming from his personal experiences in Washington and interviews with scholars and former presidents. Rubenstein shares insights into the leadership qualities of figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and modern presidents such as Obama, Trump, and George W. Bush. The conversation delves into the importance of voting, the influence of speechwriters, and how the presidency shapes history. David's book, The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, available now. Timestamps: (00:01:19) The Highest Calling (00:07:15) Obama's legacy (00:09:23) The hinge of history president (00:19:26) George W. Bush Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we inch closer to this historic election there are many questions to answer. On this episode Rick picks a handful of your submitted questions and gives them a classic hot take. He touches on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's potential paths to electoral college victory, Trump's declining favorability and the recent criminal charges against him, while also sharing some personal reflections, including the joy of becoming a grandfather. Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historically the democratic party has struggled with clear, direct messaging. It's now clear they are finally getting the memo. In this episode Rick is joined by Leigh McGowan, also known as PoliticsGirl, for a discussion on the current political landscape. They dive into the smashing success of the Democratic Convention, how the dynamics of the election have changed, and share candid thoughts on the upcoming debates. They touch on the challenges of modern masculinity, the power of effective political messaging, and the importance of staying true to core American values. Timestamps: (00:01:40) DNC review (00:06:37) An ocean of American flags (00:16:13) The man box syndrome (00:23:47) Team Trump Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick recaps a wild week at the DNC. He gives an in-depth reaction to Kamala Harris' speech, noting her ability to appeal to moderate Republicans and independents. He also touches on the cruel attacks from some MAGA supporters and emphasizes the importance of not treating Trump and Harris as equivalent candidates. And finally, we discuss the increasingly bizarre RFK. Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices