WTF Friday with Presidential Historian Alexis Coe

Today, Reed and Denver Riggleman discuss the current political landscape in America, focusing on the influence of the Trump administration, media manipulation, and the rise of authoritarianism. They explore how money plays a crucial role in politics, the impact of disinformation, and the challenges of navigating political apathy. The discussion also touches on the consequences of political violence and the future of American democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I take a few minutes to pay tribute to Robert Redford, explain why Congress hasn't passed an on-time budget in 30 years why incompetence is key to surviving inside Trumplandia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Reed Galen and activist Corbin Trent as they discuss why the current political system is broken, why too much money chases too few results, and why the political parties and players we have now aren't going to lead us out of the darkness. Recorded previously on Substack Live! Subscribe to my substack HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Presidential Historian Alexis Coe delve into the unsettling rise of political violence in America, tracing its roots from historical events to contemporary incidents. They explore the societal factors contributing to this trend, including the isolation of young men and the role of media figures like Charlie Kirk. Through a historical lens, they discuss the implications of political violence, drawing parallels from the American Revolution to modern-day challenges. Join the conversation as they examine the complexities of civic engagement and the urgent need for community action in the face of growing polarization. #PoliticalViolence #CivicEngagement #HistoricalContext Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed Galen reflects on the recent surge of political violence in America, particularly in light of the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. He discusses the implications of such violence on society, especially concerning the safety of children and the normalization of political assassinations. Galen emphasizes the need for grace, patience, and resilience in facing these challenges, urging listeners to look towards the future with hope and determination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by ⁠David Jolly⁠ (Former Republican Congressman and 2026 Democratic Candidate for Governor of Florida) for a conversation about his political evolution and what it means for the future of the Sunshine State. They discuss Jolly’s journey from Republican to Independent to Democrat, why he believes Florida is at an inflection point, and how affordability, insurance, education, and corruption are shaping the lives of everyday Floridians. Jolly also shares his vision for building a winning coalition, what it will take for Democrats to compete in a state long dominated by the GOP, and why leadership must be about values, not ideology. Plus, the dangers of political apathy, Ron DeSantis’ myth of the “Free State of Florida,” and why he believes this election cycle could change the state’s direction for good. For more from David Jolly, visit ⁠DavidJolly.com⁠ and follow his campaign on social media, @DavidJollyFL. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy this bonus episode of The Home Front featuring Katie Phang. Originally recorded on Substack Live. Follow Katie on Substack! Follow Reed on Substack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for the second half of their conversation to explore the deeper cultural, psychological, and institutional forces shaping America’s political transformation. They discuss why both the right and left seem increasingly disillusioned with democracy, how China’s model of state capitalism is influencing leaders across the spectrum, and why exhaustion (not outrage) may be the biggest threat to democratic life. From the normalization of authoritarian tactics to the eerie quiet of a sidelined U.S. Senate, Gerstle offers a historian’s long view on what happens when civic imagination disappears. For more from Gary Gerstle, pick up “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for a sweeping conversation about the past, present, and future of American politics. They explore how the old political orders…from FDR’s New Deal to Reagan’s neoliberal revolution…shaped the last century, and whether Donald Trump is on the verge of establishing a new political order of his own. Gerstle traces the intellectual roots of Trumpism, including figures like Pat Buchanan and Viktor Orbán, and explains how the theory of the “unitary executive” is reshaping America’s institutions. Plus, the Democratic Party’s response (or lack thereof), and what it would take to rebuild confidence in democracy for the next generation. For more from Gary Gerstle, pick up “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, host Reed Galen and former tech-executive Mike Brock discusses the concept of revanchism in liberalism, emphasizing the need to reclaim lost values in the face of rising neo-fascism. He reflects on historical lessons, the importance of understanding power dynamics, and the challenges posed by the attention economy. The discussion highlights the necessity for personal integrity, community engagement, and a positive vision for the future of the Democratic Party, urging a shift away from fear-based politics towards a more inclusive and proactive approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices