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To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes
Paul Rieckhoff: Trump, War Crimes, and the Afghan Betrayal
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Charlie Sykes sits down with veteran advocate and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff for a conversation about the escalating crises surrounding Donald Trump’s cabinet, the alleged “kill them all” order, and the looming threat of war with Venezuela. Rieckhoff breaks down the moral and national-security fallout of Trump’s shutdown of Afghan visas, arguing that America’s treatment of its wartime allies will shape our future on every battlefield. He also highlights the growing independent movement among veterans through Independent Americans (https://IndependentAmericans.us) and Independent Veterans of America (https://IndependentVeteransofAmerica.org), where new leaders are stepping up to challenge the political extremes.
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Ed Luce: Xenophobia, Murder on the High Seas, and Europe's Moment of Truth
46:15|In this episode, Charlie speaks with Ed Luce, US national editor and a columnist for the Financial Times. They discuss Trump's latest racist comments, the US military murderous boat strikes, and the decision that Europe has to make soon on whether to seize Russian assets and turn them over to Ukraine. Also, are we finally starting to imagine a post-Trump world?Tom Nichols: Black Friday Blues
56:02|Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols unpack a chaotic stretch in American politics that includes Trump’s fixation on loyalty, his escalating rhetoric, and his increasingly erratic behavior. They discuss the fallout from Trump’s attack on Sen. Mark Kelly, the strain inside the Pentagon, and the surreal spectacle of a president intervening in Hollywood sequels. From GOP dysfunction to Ukraine negotiations, they explore how an aging, insular Trump world is colliding with real-world crises—and why it all feels so much more dangerous this time around.Michael Scherer: Inside RFK Jr.’s Rise
45:50|Charlie Sykes speaks with The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer about his in-depth cover story on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now one of the most influential—and divisive—figures shaping American science policy. Scherer discusses Kennedy’s complicated personal history, his fraught relationship with scientific institutions, and his unexpected alliance with Donald Trump. The conversation explores what Kennedy’s ascent reveals about a country losing trust in expertise—and why understanding him matters, even for his critics.Terry Moran: Patriotism, Power, and a Perilous Moment
50:01|Charlie Sykes and journalist Terry Moran examine a week that showcased two starkly different Americas—from Dick Cheney’s solemn, apolitical funeral to the president’s public calls for executing political opponents. They discuss the escalating authoritarian rhetoric, the Ukraine “surrender plan,” the White House’s embrace of MBS, and the alarming signals around a possible conflict with Venezuela. Moran argues that beneath Trump’s projection of confidence lies a democracy under strain, institutions under pressure, and a country struggling to remember what normal governance looks like.Susan Glasser: Lame-Duck is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose
44:28|Charlie Sykes and Susan Glasser break down a stunning Oval Office moment in which Donald Trump defended Mohammed bin Salman and derided a reporter for asking about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. They explore Trump’s escalating attacks on the press, the gold-plated symbolism of his Oval Office, and the deepening corruption and impunity shaping his presidency. Plus, growing fractures inside MAGA world including Marjorie Taylor Greene’s unexpected revolt, and what these shifts reveal about a movement in turmoil.Matt Bennett: Lessons Democrats Can’t Ignore
44:32|Charlie Sykes sits down with Third Way’s Matt Bennett to break down why Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s New York City victory is not a roadmap for Democrats in swing states. Bennett argues that national Democrats must prioritize persuasion over ideological purity—and avoid language and policies that alienate working-class voters. Centrists like Mikey Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger, and others offer a more realistic path to defeating Donald Trump and winning elections that matter.The Streisand Effect Cover-Up
48:17|Charlie Sykes breaks down why Donald Trump appears increasingly panicked over the Epstein files—and why the attempted cover-up is only making the story bigger. In a solo Q&A episode, he tackles subscriber questions on everything from GOP fractures to the role of the military, free speech, pardons, and the future of accountability.Harry Litman: The Epstein Files Fallout
47:09|Charlie Sykes and legal analyst Harry Litman break down why the newly released Epstein files have Donald Trump and his allies unusually on edge. They discuss the political stakes behind the looming House vote on releasing the full Epstein cache, as well as Trump's sweeping pardons and efforts to rewrite the narrative of January 6th. The conversation also explores recent legal pushback against Trump-era overreach and the shifting public sentiment revealed in the latest elections.