The Politics Lab

This week, Bill and Phil discuss Trump’s dramatic actions regarding Ukraine, his embrace of Tariffs, and the ways that these actions will remake the international system. 

Bill and Phil consider the state of global democracy in light of the third anniversary of the Ukraine war, the success of the far right in Germany’s elections, and the Trump administration’s attacks on press freedom.

Bill and Phil assess the implications of Donald Trump’s embrace of Russia, examine JD Vance’s speech lecturing Europe on democracy, and ponder what Donald Trump posting pictures of himself as king and comparing himself to Napoleon means for our constitution.

This week, Bill and Phil take a look at what leading scholars are saying about Trump’s assault on American democracy and then lighten the mood by playing a round of “What’s More Stupid?”

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil discuss Trump’s pledge to own Gaza, starting a trade war with allies and enemies alike, and claims that Elon is up to some serious illegality.

This week, Bill and Phil sift through the chaos of the first 10 days of Trump, 2.0, including the halt on federal spending, opening a immigrant detention center in Guantanamo, a fight with Colombia over deportees, the firing of 17 inspectors general, and much, much more. Now lets go to the lab. 

This week, Bill and Phil react to Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

This week, Bill and Phil react to the breaking news of a ceasefire in Gaza, reflect of the life of Jimmy Carter, and discuss the transition from Biden to Trump.

This week, Bill and Phil assess the hybrid war Putin is waging across Europe, review Mitch McConnell’s recent Foreign Affairs article rejecting isolationism and calling for American primacy, and close with a look at how a debate over sandwiches has divided the British government. 

This week, Bill and Phil discuss the implications of Bashar al-Assad’s fall in Syria and the troublesome logic of the Supreme Court’s arguments on trans rights, and then play “What’s More Stupid: Trump Social Media edition”.

This week, its time for speed round. Bill and Phil tackle Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, the state of Trump’s cabinet nominations, the crisis in South Korea, and Trump’s offer to annex Canada.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil celebrate Thanksgiving by reviewing their top turkeys of the year,

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil examine the state of democracy in light of Trump’s early actions, then discuss the impact that Trump’s second term might have on global politics.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil try to wrap their heads around Trump’s initial cabinet nominations, and then consider the various explanations for the results of the 2024 presidential election.

This week, Bill and Phil react to Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 election. 

This week, Bill and Phil break down Trump and Harris’s closing arguments and predict what may happen in next Tuesday’s election. 

On this weeks episode, Bill and Phil discuss recent accusations that Trump is a fascist, explore Trump‘s bizarre pre-election behavior, and highlight possible post-election dangers.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil break down the state of the presidential race just three weeks until Election Day and explore the question of whether we are living through the most dangerous international moment since the Cold War.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil open with a spirited game of “What’s More Stupid,” then reflect on why our politics have become so stupid, and close by looking at how Jack Smith may have outsmarted the Supreme Court. 

Bill and Phil wrestle with the expanding war in the Middle East, break down the Vice Presidential debate, and look at Jimmy Carter’s legacy in light of his 100th birthday.

Bill and Phil the examine the dark and frightening world Trump is creating on his social media, explore what Reagan’s role in the end of the Cold War can teach us about how to approach China, and close with a look at the Mark Robinson super-scandal.

Bill guest hosts “The Big Picture" on WCPT radio in Chicago. Guests include Jake Lahut (21:50), Dr. Suzanne Chod (48:00), and Dr. Phil Barker (1:52:00). Enjoy the show in its entirety.

Bill and Phil assess the latest assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, grapple with the question of whether the United States and NATO should allow Ukraine to fire their missiles into Russia, and consider the tactical and moral implications of Israel’s pager attack on Hezbollah.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil break down the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil look at the role of humor in politics, as well as the impact of Whataboutism on American Foreign policy.