To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

John Avlon — journalist, author, and political commentator — joins Charlie to reflect on the lessons of 9/11 as its 25th anniversary approaches, break down the emerging 2028 Democratic field, and unpack Trump's strange fixation on movie-villain imagery.A conversation about memory, politics, and power you won't want to miss.

Professor of Strategic Studies and host of The Phillips's Newsletter Podcast, Phillips O'Brien joins Charlie to talk about Trump's strange love for Russia, the decline of U.S. influence in Europe, and the Donald's infatuation with building monuments to himself.

Former University of Montana President and Green Beret Seth Bodnar is running for Senate as an Independent. He joins Charlie to talk about Hegseth's military purge, Canadian tariffs, and why neither party is what America needs.

Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie to break down Trump's trade war with Canada, the controversial oil deal with Venezuela, and concerns over politicizing the U.S. Census Bureau.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss joins Charlie to discuss a wide array of topics, including the future of the Democratic Party, how they can become the party of ideas again, and which MAGA disciples face a reckoning after the November elections. 

Author of Doomsday Scenario blog and former editor of Politico Magazine, Garrett Graff joins Charlie to talk about the emerging battle against AI data centers, the current political landscape, and Trump's weak sauce threat against Canada to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America. 

Charlie talks about yet another war Trump has started that no Americans wanted and author, historian and elections expert, Brian Rosenwald joins him to break down where all the important midterm races stand.

The Atlantic's Tom Nichols joins Charlie to talk about the frightening delusions of the Trump team, his human binky Natalie Harp, and Congress shirking its most basic responsibilities.

Charlie goes solo today to discuss Trump cozying up to another despot, pumping the brakes on data centers and who the hell is Natalie Harp.