Politicians, pundits, and the media spend a lot of time talking about the problems our country faces but not enough time on how to solve them. Each week, John A...
Larry Diamond joins John Avlon to sound the alarm on the growing threat of authoritarianism in America. From legal intimidation to undermining democratic institutions, they break down Trump’s “authoritarian project” and what we can do to resist it—through civil action, unity, and courage.
Democracy Without America?
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/democracy-without-america-trump-larry-diamond
This Is What the Courts Can Do if Trump Defies Them
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/opinion/what-if-trump-defies-courts.html
First They Came for Columbia
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/3/14/enos-levitsky-harvard-columbia-trump/
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39:32
S2 Ep11: Can Democrats Ditch Identity Politics? | How to Fix it with John Avlon
John Avlon talks to Thomas Chatterton Williams on how to tackle one of the biggest challenges in American politics: Can Democrats move beyond identity politics and embrace a unifying vision of liberal democracy?
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36:38
S2 Ep10: Trump’s Pivot to Putin? Former U.S. Ambassador Exposes Why The Shift Is So Horrifying
John Avlon and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to discuss the Trump administration’s alarming realignment towards Russia. From halting military aid to Ukraine to inviting Putin back into the G7, McFaul breaks down the stunning policy shifts that threaten America's democratic alliances.
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38:15
S2 Ep9: You SHOULD Give A Damn About The NATIONAL DEBT (w/ Maya MacGuineas) | How To Fix It
John Avlon sits down with fiscal policy expert Maya MacGuineas to dissect the growing national debt, deficit, and the political dysfunction surrounding fiscal responsibility in Washington. They explore why skyrocketing debt should concern every American—not just economists and policymakers—and discuss practical, bipartisan solutions to restore fiscal balance.
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32:53
S2 Ep8: Rethinking the Environmental Movement (with Rachel Pritzker)
Climate activists have long advocated for consuming less energy and shrinking our carbon footprint. But a growing ecomodernist movement argues that we need more energy for prosperity, security—and to help combat climate change as well. Philanthropist Rachel Pritzker joins John to discuss the renewed interest in nuclear power, the bipartisan support for more energy infrastructure, and reorienting away from environmental orthodoxies.
Rachel Pritzker joins John Avlon.
show notes
"The Center Must Hold," a collection of essays, including Rachel's case for energy abundance
The Breakthrough Institute, where Rachel is chair of the board
The WSJ column Rachel referenced
Third Way think tank, where Rachel chairs the Board of Trustees
The Energy for Growth Hub, which works on reframing the problems of energy, climate, and poverty
Politicians, pundits, and the media spend a lot of time talking about the problems our country faces but not enough time on how to solve them. Each week, John Avlon and his guests hash out sensible and attainable solutions for some of the most vexing issues confronting our democracy—solutions that will likely emerge from the political center.
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