To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

On today’s episode, Charlie sits down with journalist and author, David Corn about the long-standing influence of Russia on American politics, Putin’s long-game with Trump and their dangerous decades-long relationship that’s shaped recent history and threatens democracy.

On today's episode, Charlie Sykes sits down with author and journalist, Jonathan Rauch to discuss a potpourri of topics, from Pete Hegseth’s recent War Department speech, AI advancement and risks and the moral dilemmas surrounding the death penalty.

On today’s episode, Charlie is joined by author and historian, Timothy Snyder. Charlie and Timothy discuss the relevance of Timothy’s book, “On Tyranny,” what citizens are called to do in the face of an all-powerful oligarchy and the unmasking of Trump’s true character.

Why do powerful people fold when it matters most? Charlie Sykes sits down with journalist and author Jacob Weisberg to discuss his explosive new book, Profiles in Cowardice — a deep dive into eight influential figures who chose silence, self-interest, and appeasement over standing up to Trump.Weisberg unpacks what separates courage from cowardice, why institutions built to check power so often buckle under pressure, and how fear and neediness can undo even the wealthiest and most powerful people in America. It's a candid conversation about principle, complicity, and what it really costs to say no.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on news, politics, and the state of American democracy.Topics discussed: cowardice in leadership • institutional weakness • political courage • Trump-era enablers • standing on principle

Susan Glasser, author of "Letter from Trump's Washington" in The New Yorker joins Charlie to discuss Trump breaking the law again, the GOP's midterm panic, the President's shameful groveling to a communist dictator, and much more.

Paulina Borsook predicted Silicon Valley's authoritarian turn back in the 1990s — we revisit her book "Cyberselfish" and how eerily right she was. Then I break down Trump's controversial statements at the United Nations, his attack on the First Ammendment, and what it all means for American democracy.

Is there a secret formula for Democratic victories in deep red states? Former Alabama Senator and current candidate for Governor, Doug Jones joins me to discuss his fight against the Republican machine, the attack on voting rights, and the Trump effect on races throughout the country. 

Charlie flies solo this episode to break down the biggest headlines in current events, dig into where the midterms actually stand right now, and get personal about the toll — both individual and societal — of a decade shaped by Trump.

Founder of Protect Democracy and winner of the MacArthur genius grant, Ian Bassin joins Charlie for a wide-ranging discussion about important reads, how technology shapes society, post-Trump America, and the weird new FBI rule about bestiality.