Rick dissects "MAGA Granny" Pamela Hemphill's journey on J6 and with the MAGA cult, exploring what led her to join the group and what ultimately opened her eyes and prompted her exit.

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Introducing Cory Booker On Winning the Messaging War Against Trump with Radical Empathy from Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams.

Follow the show: Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

President Donald Trump’s first 100 days are well underway, implementing ruthless and legally questionable executive orders, eviscerating American political norms, and filling government positions with loyalists. This week, Stacey Abrams speaks to Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who speaks unabashedly about why Democrats must strive to reach more Americans, how he approaches working across the aisle on issues that matter, and what we can do to fight back and fight for all Americans. Together, Stacey and Sen. Booker give concrete suggestions on how to support elected officials and organizations doing the work that matters, how to speak up about Trump’s Cabinet nominations, and how even small steps like amplifying  democrats through social media can help expose more people to critical information. They also answer a listener’s question about how to communicate effectively with your elected representative!

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.

Learn & Do More:

• The most effective letters from constituents to their elected officials are creative, heartfelt, and detailed. Don't underestimate your power -- organizing with like-minded individuals around a shared message does make an impact.
• Do a social media audit: who are you following? Are there elected officials you admire who you can add to the list? What are you sharing and posting? Could it be more positive, engaging, and helpful?
• Send $1 today to an organization working on an issue you care about.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Rick talks to Peter Simi, a sociology professor and expert in extremism, about the alarming rise of white supremacy in the US, where the movement has evolved from the overt image of the Klan to a slick, social media-driven force. Simi highlights how figures like Donald Trump and his talking heads amplify these ideologies and how followers are being recruited online. He emphasizes the need for intervention programs to help individuals leave the movement and combat its growing influence.

Buy Peter Simi’s book – “Out of Hiding: Extremist White Supremacy and How It Can be Stopped” – at fine bookstores everywhere.

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

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Rick talks with author Robert Kagan about anti-liberalism and its resurgence in the United States. They explore the historical resistance to individual rights, the rise of white Christian nationalism, and the potential global implications of a second Trump administration.

You can read Robert Kagan’s columns in The Washington Post and you can buy his book “Rebellion: How Antiiberalism Is Tearing America Apart – Again” at fine bookstores everywhere.

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

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Rick dives deep with Brian Tyler Cohen about his explosive new book, ‘Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy.’ Together, they unpack the glaring hypocrisy between the GOP’s ‘patriotic’ talk and their counterintuitive actions, while also stressing the urgent need for Democrats to stay focused and secure the necessary votes to preserve democracy.

Follow Brian Tyler Cohen on X @BrianTylerCohen, check out his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/briantylercohen, and buy his book - ‘Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy’ - at briantylercohen.com/book or at fine bookstores everywhere. 

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Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon joins Rick to discuss bipartisanship and getting sh*t done.

Follow Senator Wyden on X at @RonWyden and buy his book “It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change” at fine bookstores everywhere.

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

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Rick breaks down the news from today regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's sentencing. 

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Pediatric immunologist Dr. Paul Offit unpacks what RFK Jr.’s radical vaccine reversal could mean for public health and our children.

Follow Paul Offit on X at @DrPaulOffit on X, subscribe to his Substack at pauloffit.substack.com, and buy his book “Tell Me When It’s Over” at fine bookstores everywhere.

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For those GOP folks who thought Rick would shut up or go away, he has a special message for you at the end of this episode. For those who stand alongside us as we forge ahead, don't obey in advance -- keep on keeping on with us.

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.

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Timothy Naftali, presidential historian for the Nixon Presidential Library, Columbia Scholar, and prolific writer/author, sits down with host Rick Wilson to discuss the possibility of an imperial presidency and what that means for the US on the world stage.

Follow Timothy Naftali on X at @TimNaftali and read the article Rick mentions in this episode here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/trump-worst-president-history/617730/

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

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Presidential historian, author, and former sports journalist Doris Kearns Goodwin goes on the record with host Rick Wilson and gives an inside look at what it was like to be behind the scenes at the Whitehouse during Kennedy's aspirational "Camelot Era" and into LBJ's "Great Society" period. As the wife of the late Dick Goodwin, the speechwriter who penned LBJ's "We Shall Overcome" speech, Doris remains deeply involved in American politics and served as a fellow for LBJ's administration.

Follow Doris Kearns Goodwin on X at @DorisKGoodwin and buy her book “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” at her website – doriskearnsgoodwin.com – or at fine bookstores everywhere.

Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.

And please subscribe, rate and review this podcast, thank you!

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