DMZ America Podcast with Ted Rall and Scott Stantis

Ted Rall & Scott Stantis
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Politics
  • Updated Biweekly

Left-wing political cartoonist Ted Rall (ex-Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize finalist) and right-wing political cartoonist Scott Stantis (Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist, "Prickly City" comic strip creator) break down the latest news and trends, with an emphasis on history, current events, cartoons, media and culture. In a world where politics is increasingly polarized, Ted and Scott are two political opposites who used to hate one another. Now they're best friends who work toward common-sense solutions to problems in a respectful yet always fun and freewheeling conversation that gives Americans hope for the future. LIVE Fridays, 10 AM Eastern Time: Streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DMZAmericaPodcast Streaming on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v4gkts0-dmz-america-podcast-with-ted-rall-left-vs.-scott-stantis-right.html

  1. 6d ago

    Wanted: More Luigis | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 253

    In a surprise turn, Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione admitted he stalked and shot Thompson in 2024 outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. He potentially faces life in prison. The 28-year-old is also still facing state murder charges for Thompson’s death in New York. He expressed no contrition, no remorse. A 2025 poll of college students found that half view Luigi extremely or somewhat favorably, and nearly half believe the killing was justified. 81% viewed the victim unfavorably. One out of four Americans in general support Luigi. Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) grapple with the question: Why haven’t there been more Luigis?

    Wanted: More Luigis | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 253

  2. Aug 9

    Civil War in the Democratic Party | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 252

    How has the upset victory of progressive Abdul El-Sayed over a DNC/AIPAC-backed corporatist in Michigan transformed the Democratic Party? Drawing on historical precedent, editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) break it down on today’s DMZ America Podcast. The Democratic Party is locked in a fierce internal civil war as progressive and Democratic Socialist insurgents surge against the centrist establishment. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated AIPAC-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Senate primary despite over $60 million in dark money, framing the race as a referendum on foreign influence and corporate power. Similar upsets in New York, where Mamdani-backed candidates toppled incumbents, and victories in Colorado, Maine, and elsewhere have alarmed moderates. Groups like Third Way are mobilizing millions to attack the Left within their own party, with strategists warning of a “schism” and labeling progressives “bomb-throwers.” The clash pits economic populism, antiwar stances, and young voters against the old guard’s focus on control and Israel. Establishment figures fear losing their grip on the DNC, while progressives argue the party’s corporate tilt caused recent losses and demand a bold new direction.

    Civil War in the Democratic Party | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 252

  3. Aug 7

    Cartoonists vs. Big Meme | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 251

    Get up to speed on a fascinating legal challenge to Big Tech by an independent web cartoonist. Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) break it down on today’s DMZ America Podcast. Who will win—cartoonists and creators, or Big Tech? Filipino cartoonist Elmer Saflor, who goes by pen name Superelmer, has filed a complaint against Memes App, LLC, the operator of Memes.ai and Memes AI Studio, for copyright infringement when they began selling a commercial template subscription plan that includes his viral cartoon “Running Away Balloon.” The complaint asks the court to stop the defendants use of his comic and compel discovery to see how many ads used his work. If instances are found, Memes App could face statutory damages upwards of $150,000 per “willful infringement.” By taking on the meme generator, Saflor may hit a wall if the court finds that his arguments apply to any meme generator and a finding in his favor could risk undercutting the entire meme ecosystem, Goldman said.

    Cartoonists vs. Big Meme | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 251

  4. Aug 7

    Civil War in the Democratic Party | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 252

    How has the upset victory of progressive Abdul El-Sayed over a DNC/AIPAC-backed corporatist in Michigan transformed the Democratic Party? Drawing on historical precedent, editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) break it down on today’s DMZ America Podcast. The Democratic Party is locked in a fierce internal civil war as progressive and Democratic Socialist insurgents surge against the centrist establishment. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated AIPAC-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Senate primary despite over $60 million in dark money, framing the race as a referendum on foreign influence and corporate power. Similar upsets in New York, where Mamdani-backed candidates toppled incumbents, and victories in Colorado, Maine, and elsewhere have alarmed moderates. Groups like Third Way are mobilizing millions to attack the Left within their own party, with strategists warning of a “schism” and labeling progressives “bomb-throwers.” The clash pits economic populism, antiwar stances, and young voters against the old guard’s focus on control and Israel. Establishment figures fear losing their grip on the DNC, while progressives argue the party’s corporate tilt caused recent losses and demand a bold new direction.

    Civil War in the Democratic Party | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 252

  5. Jul 23

    AI and Cartooning | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 250

    How will AI affect (or afflict) cartooning? Artificial Intelligence is reshaping cartooning, hitting political cartooning especially hard while transforming the broader industry. In political cartooning, AI tools now generate satirical images in seconds, flooding social media with viral memes and caricatures that mimic editorial styles. This undercuts traditional artists who rely on sharp timing, cultural insight, and hand-drawn originality for publications.  In general cartooning and illustration, generative AI has commoditized routine work. Studies show a surge in AI-generated images on platforms, driving human artists out and reducing commissions for illustrators and comic creators. San Diego Comic-Con banned AI art from its 2026 show, while animation faces massive job disruption—over 100,000 roles at risk.  Artists adapt by using AI for rapid prototyping and backgrounds, focusing on human storytelling, emotion, and unique vision that machines still struggle to replicate. However, style theft, copyright battles, and market saturation remain major threats, forcing many to rethink careers.  Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) explore the Brave New World of cartooning in the age of AI. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

    AI and Cartooning | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 250

  6. Jul 17

    Pat Oliphant 1935-2026 | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 249

    Pat Oliphant, one of the most influential political cartoonists of the 20th and 21st centuries, has died. Considering his legacy on DMZ are editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left), Scott Stantis (from the Right) and Mike Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American editorial cartoonist known for his sharp wit and bold, expressive style. Born in 1964, he is widely syndicated. Thompson’s work frequently appears in USA Today and other major outlets.  Born Patrick Bruce Oliphant on July 24, 1935, in Adelaide, Australia, he began his career as a news illustrator for The Adelaide Advertiser before moving to the United States in 1964. Hired by The Denver Post, Oliphant quickly gained national attention for his bold, fluid line work and savage wit. In 1974 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning. His cartoons appeared in over 500 newspapers through universal syndication, making him a daily fixture in American political discourse for more than five decades. Oliphant’s signature creation was “Punk,” a small, irreverent, tufted bird who often appeared in the corner of panels delivering a final dry or biting comment. His style blended elegant draftsmanship with ferocious satire, skewering presidents from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama with equal glee. He famously said he drew “not to change minds, but to make people angry enough to think.” Later in life he expanded into sculpture and fine-art painting while continuing to produce cartoons. Oliphant’s work is held in major collections including the Library of Congress. He died in 2026 at age 90, leaving behind a legacy as a defining voice of modern American editorial cartooning. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

    Pat Oliphant 1935-2026 | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 249

  7. Jul 10

    What’s Wrong with Cartooning? | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 248

    Why is American editorial cartooning in crisis? Sure, journalism is melting down. But the cartoonists might be guilty too.  Joining cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) to discuss is DC-based cartoonist Alexandra Bowman. Alexandra Bowman is a versatile American political cartoonist, illustrator, satirist, journalist, and fine artist based in Washington, D.C. Born in March 2000 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, she graduated early from Georgetown University with a BA and MA in English while double-majoring in Art.  Bowman served as editorial political cartoonist for The Hoya (Georgetown’s student newspaper) and has created work for The Lincoln Project, Our Daily Planet, World War Zero (John Kerry’s climate initiative), Voice of America, BBC Books, and the National Wildlife Federation. She is known for live political cartooning at events like the MSNBC Climate Forum and her role as Director of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Her syndicated work appears via Cagle Cartoons.  A multi-medium artist skilled in traditional pen-and-ink, digital tools, murals, and fine art painting, Bowman also illustrates children’s books, designs costumes, and hosts The Hilltop Show, a student political comedy series. Her sharp, witty style blends cultural commentary, environmental advocacy, and satire, establishing her as a rising voice in editorial cartooning. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

    What’s Wrong with Cartooning? | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 248

  8. Jul 3

    America at 250 | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 247

    As America turns 250, where are we now? DMZ America co-hosts and history buffs Ted Rall and Scott Stantis compare the state of the nation today to where we stood at year zero (1776) and at the previous 50-year benchmarks: 1826, 1876, 1926, and 1976.  Join the guys for a fascinating trip down memory lane through our country’s history—its triumphs, struggles, and everything in between! We discussed: 1776 – Revolution & Independence: The founders were divided roughly one-third each for independence, loyalty to Britain, and indifference. The war was a prolonged guerrilla effort aided by home advantage, French support, and British distraction with more valuable Caribbean colonies. 1826 – Era of Good Feelings: Marked by westward expansion, prosperity, and the simultaneous deaths of rivals-turned-friends John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Slavery debates simmered beneath surface harmony under President Monroe. 1876 – Centennial & Stolen Election: Celebrated 100 years amid Reconstruction's end. The disputed Hayes-Tilden election led to the Compromise of 1877, withdrawing Union troops from the South and enabling Jim Crow segregation and violence. 1926 – Roaring Prosperity: America boomed under popular President Coolidge with economic growth, innovation, and the Sesquicentennial Exposition. Women had the vote, but storm clouds of socialism and labor unrest loomed. 1976 – Bicentennial Recovery: Post-Vietnam, Watergate, and stagflation, Americans embraced commercialized but unifying celebrations with tall ships, fireworks, and the Freedom Train during a civilized Ford-Carter election year. 2026 & 2076 Outlook: America faces imperial decline after losing wars including to Iran, eroding patriotism, truth decay, and capital flight. Speakers foresee climate devastation, possible balkanization, and deepening rich-poor conflict or socialist pressures. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

    America at 250 | DMZ America Podcast | Ep 247
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4.3
out of 5
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About

Left-wing political cartoonist Ted Rall (ex-Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize finalist) and right-wing political cartoonist Scott Stantis (Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist, "Prickly City" comic strip creator) break down the latest news and trends, with an emphasis on history, current events, cartoons, media and culture. In a world where politics is increasingly polarized, Ted and Scott are two political opposites who used to hate one another. Now they're best friends who work toward common-sense solutions to problems in a respectful yet always fun and freewheeling conversation that gives Americans hope for the future. LIVE Fridays, 10 AM Eastern Time: Streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DMZAmericaPodcast Streaming on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v4gkts0-dmz-america-podcast-with-ted-rall-left-vs.-scott-stantis-right.html

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