The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath

Instead of more conversation about the disastrous war in Iran, the mess Donald Trump has made of the law, or the door mat that is our Congress, G. Elliot Morris and I talk about something we love- the American people. As we head into No-Kings weekend, it’s worth considering how far Americans have moved to reject the policies and practices of Donald Trump. On ICE, airports, cost of living… On getti...

Give a listen and let us know what you think Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Todd Huntley is Director of National Security Law Program at Georgetown Law, and a retired US Navy JAG captain. He joined me to talk about the legality of the various uses of our military this past year: in the Caribbean, in Venezuela, and in Iran. We discussed OLC opinions, AUMFs, the war powers described in the constitution, as well as international laws and treaties. I sure wasn’t left thinking...

It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. It’s also election day. Two things we do well here. Susan, Joan, and I talk about that normal stuff, and the absolutely abnormal behavior of our President. Give a listen and let us know what you think! Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talked: * War in Iran * Kristi Noem and where the blame for ICE’s terrible behavior really belongs * The primaries in Texas and N. Carolina * GOP voter suppression As always, we have some fun and we disagree amicably. Thanks to all who participated live. For those catching the recording, leave a comment to tell us what you think. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwine...

In a conversation about news, and how news works, we talked about * Jared Kushner and foreign money * The gap between the law and the reporting on tariffs * Disappearing Epstein files * What breaks through * The media habits we all need As always, give a listen and leave a comment to tell us what you think. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

This week Joe and I catch up on a few things: * The State of the Union * Trump’s latest effort to undermine the upcoming elections * Whether the GOP will survive its fawning deal with the devil * The missing Epstein files * Our mutual love for Texas (really) Thank you to all who joined us live, your comments were terrific. For those seeing the recording, leave a comment to let us know what you thi...

You are going to want to hear this. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Starting with a discussion of the recent Munich Security Conference and moving on to the so-called Board of Peace this conversation gets off to a quick start. Towards the end we discuss the capture of the State Department by Elon Musk and the consequences for our democracy. Leave a comment and let us know what you think! Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com...

We discuss tariffs, the upcoming state of the union, the current state of the ICE invasion in Minnesota, the tragedy of kids in ICE detention facilities, and the amazing resilience and resistance on display by Americans. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

From women’s hockey to the Bagavad Gita, Joe and talk about it all. Thanks to all who watched live- your comments were great. For everyone else… tell us what you think. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

As always… thanks to all the folks who joined us today. For those who missed us live, please give a listen and tell us what you think! Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Dems now have real leverage over Trump. Joe and I talk about whether they will use it. Plus: a thought experiment about the future. Plus: Joe announces a national tour where we Americans actually hear each other As always- tell us what you think! Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Joe and I have had a lot of good conversations. This one was one of the best. I think you will like it. After you watch, please tell us what you think in the comments section. Meanwhile, stay strong, and keep the good folks in Minnesota in your thoughts. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

In our fist conversation of the new year, Joe and I share some strong thoughts on the self-proclaimed Emperor of America, the murder of a woman by ICE in Minnesota, and the news lies, news threats, and continued grift on offer by Mr. Trump and his enablers. We also talked about the actual and important job of Congress. Join us! Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.subst...

We cover last night’s prime time presidential tirade, the success of discharge petitions, the Democrat’s look back at 2024, renaming the Kennedy Center and more. Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Back after a brief Thanksgiving break, Joe and I discuss the sad state of the Department of Defense under the puerile leadership of Pete Hegseth. We asked who should be the first in the Trump cabinet to be impeached and removed- it turns out not to be an easy question. We also talked about what it means to win. We agreed that ending the animosities in America would be great, but that we cannot agr...

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to It's the democracy, stupid at edwineisendrath.substack.com/subscribe

Joe and I talk about Trump’s desire to turn the White House into a palace. We both agree that the founding generation did not fail to build a palace- they chose not to build one. Joe doesn’t think a singe Republican would speak out if Trump went after the Washington Monument next. I think we should offer a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of GOP congressman. Get full access to It'...

Joe and I talk about Republican censorship of Americans and of social media. The same Republicans that bayed at Joe Biden for sharing health information with Facebook now cheer as Trump forces Facebook to remove groups where citizens track ICE in their neighborhoods. We talk about ICE holding Americans in captivity. We cover the ICE provocations in Chicago, the judicial response, and the way the p...

Maybe you are tired of hearing from Chicagoans who love this city, but we aren’t going to stop even on a day when Donald Trump boasted that he got rid of the first amendment . In my first appearance on Mike Nellis’ terrific show, we talked about the attack on our city. We talked about what everyone can do to help. We agreed that the Texas National Guard shouldn’t be here, but also that every state...

Joe and I talk about Chicago. We talk about the unprecedented, militarized attack on an American city. When I asked folks who were watching live to punch those hearts for our great city response was amazing. As always, Joe knows the soul of his old party, and he doesn’t think one of them will break with Trump over this. But both of us think Americans, even in red districts, are growing more and mo...

“I think it’s a very it’s a dangerous time for the country. I think it’s a dangerous time for almost all of our constitutional guarantees and a free press and free speech are among the most important constitutional guarantees. So, yes, I think it’s a dangerous time…” That’s how Richard Tofel answered a question about this moment we are in. It was just one among many unflinching observations he mad...

Rep. Sean Casten is among the most thoughtful members of Congress. He is a scientist, trained in molecular biology and biochemical engineering. He was CEO of a company whose business was to recycle heat into energy to lower energy costs and fight climate change. In Congress he actually gets stuff done on a bipartisan basis while at the same time fighting the MAGA monstrosity that is threatening ou...