Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

Will Saletan: Navigating Toxic Partisanship and Challenging Extremist Absurdity

2025-04-07

In this episode, we welcome back political journalist and author Will Saletan. Will, formerly of Slate and now a writer for The Bulwark, is known for his sharp insights on American democracy, political corruption, and authoritarianism. Will reflects on the pivotal events leading up to and following the 2024 election, including Joe Biden’s withdrawal, Kamala Harris’s campaign, and Donald Trump's return to power. This thought-provoking conversation dives into the state of democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and how ordinary Americans are responding. What You Will Lea...

In this episode, we welcome back political journalist and author Will Saletan. Will, formerly of Slate and now a writer for The Bulwark, is known for his sharp insights on American democracy, political corruption, and authoritarianism. Will reflects on the pivotal events leading up to and following the 2024 election, including Joe Biden’s withdrawal, Kamala Harris’s campaign, and Donald Trump's return to power. This thought-provoking conversation dives into the state of democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and how ordinary Americans are responding.

What You Will Learn

How Will Saletan processed the chaotic political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
Why many Americans seem indifferent to threats against constitutional rights.
Will’s analysis of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the implications for democracy.
The emerging role of European allies as America’s commitment to NATO and democracy weakens.
Practical strategies for handling misinformation and toxic discourse on social media.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Introduction to Will Saletan and a reflection on major events since their last conversation.
[00:03:00] Will discusses his surprise at Biden’s physical and verbal deterioration during the 2024 campaign.
[00:07:00] The challenges Kamala Harris faced stepping into the race and why the "change election" dynamic mattered.
[00:11:00] Corey and Will examine why many Americans rationalized or minimized January 6th.
[00:23:00] Will explains how fear and profit motive lead companies and law firms to capitulate to authoritarian pressures.
[00:29:00] How self-censorship and fear of government retribution are stifling free speech.
[00:54:00] Will shares the "general idea" he’s concluded about the Trump administration: incompetence and stupidity at historic levels.
[01:03:00] Hope on the horizon: how European nations are stepping up to defend democratic values.
[01:06:00] Final reflections on the resilience of democracy beyond America’s current political struggles.

Featured Quotes

Will Saletan: "What clicks for me is very simple: they’re idiots. They're really stupid, and they think they're smart."
Will Saletan: "The danger isn’t just the lies themselves—it's the machinery of intimidation that stops people from even trying to tell the truth."
Corey Nathan: "It's encouraging when you realize people are so much more than the hat they might wear."
Will Saletan: "Even though America has faltered, there’s still goodness in the world—and it’s stepping up."

Resources Mentioned

Will Saletan at The Bulwark
Will's book: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham: A Case Study in The Rise of Authoritarianism
Will on Bluesky - @saletan.bsky.social

(Note: If Will referenced any other external resources or books you want linked specifically, just let me know!)

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