To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes
  • 0.0 (0)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You are not the crazy ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Garry Kasparov: Putin, Poland, and the Peril of American Democracy

    Former world chess champion and democracy activist Garry Kasparov joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Russia’s escalating war, including the deliberate drone strike on Poland. He warns how Vladimir Putin thrives on testing NATO’s resolve while Donald Trump’s response further weakens Western unity. Kasparov also explains why America’s fragile democratic norms face their most dangerous test yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Jonathan Rauch: The Rise of the Woke Right

    Charlie Sykes is joined by Jonathan Rauch of the Brookings Institution and The Atlantic for a conversation recorded just as news of the shooting of Charlie Kirk broke. The conversation touches on the rise of political violence, the collapse of civic norms, and the spread of postmodern thinking on the right. Rauch explains how truth is being replaced by narrative, why patrimonialism defines Donald Trump’s style of governance, and how religion’s bargain with politics has left democracy weaker. They also look ahead at whether Democrats can seize a prosperity message to counter Republican overreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    Garrett Graff: America Tips Into Fascism

    Charlie Sykes sits down with historian and journalist Garrett Graff to examine his recent warning that America has entered a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. From federal occupations of U.S. cities and extrajudicial killings abroad to the intimidation of business leaders and the hollowing out of Congress, Graff argues the guardrails of democracy are collapsing. They talk about whether the nation has already crossed the tipping point into fascism—and what it means for the future of American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  4. 7 SEPT

    Paula Kerger: PBS is Not Going Anywhere

    Charlie Sykes sits down with Paula Kerger, the longest-serving president and CEO of PBS, to discuss the unprecedented defunding of public broadcasting. Kerger explains how the loss of federal support threatens hundreds of local stations, particularly in rural communities, and why this moment is a critical test for the future of public media. They also discuss the stakes for children’s programming, emergency alerts, and cultural projects as PBS seeks to survive on viewer and foundation support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  5. 5 SEPT

    Tara Palmeri: A Pivotal Week in the Epstein Cover-up

    Tara Palmeri and Charlie Sykes discuss a pivotal week in the Jeffrey Epstein case, as dozens of survivors gathered on Capitol Hill demanding the release of long-secret files. They examine the political maneuvering in Congress, the surprising alliances forming around transparency, and the intense pressure victims face in speaking out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  6. 4 SEPT

    David Frum: Trump’s Costly Failures

    Charlie Sykes sits down with David Frum of The Atlantic to unpack the mounting costs of Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions. From alienating India and Australia to emboldening China and Russia, Frum explains how short-sighted vanity and corruption are leaving the United States increasingly isolated. The conversation also covers Trump’s entanglement with the Epstein story, the misuse of tariffs, and the growing risks of authoritarianism at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  7. 31 AUG

    Ali Breland: Nick Fuentes and the Far Right’s Rising Influence

    Charlie Sykes is joined by Ali Breland of The Atlantic to discuss his recent article, America’s Next Top Racist. They examine how Nick Fuentes has built a devoted following, pushed the GOP further right, and influenced both rhetoric and policy despite his openly racist views. The conversation explores why Fuentes’ rise matters, how mainstream figures have failed to contain him, and what this means for the future of American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  8. 28 AUG

    Sarah McLaughlin: Authoritarians in the Academy

    Charlie Sykes speaks with Sarah McLaughlin, senior scholar at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, about her new book Authoritarians in the Academy. They explore how foreign governments and domestic pressures alike are eroding free expression on U.S. campuses, from disinviting speakers to surveilling international students. McLaughlin warns that universities face a crisis of values—and that protecting academic freedom requires courage, consistency, and a willingness to resist political and financial pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
See All (90)

Hosts & Guests

About

You are not the crazy ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

You Might Also Like