Episodes

For generations we, and by we I mean those of us with any kind of interest in policy, democracy, or public discourse, have been told that civil discourse, or civility, are the hallmarks of democratic exchange. We aren’t really a democracy if we aren’t engaged in enlightened, rational debate that elevates the decision-making process so that we are not just thinking about what is best for ourselves, but what is best for everyone. It’s a very small ‘r’ republican idea of discourse. [Read More]

I’ve read a lot of opining about masculinity in the last two weeks, specifically about the two political parties.

First, there is a general consensus that the Republicans and the Democrats are not just presenting different policies, and we know they are on different sides of the culture war, but part of that is the very different versions of masculinity that are on the ticket (and the ticket is loosely defined). [Read More]

I need to start on my syllabi really soon. I will probably do that later this week or this weekend.

I was thinking about my classes, and I kind of paused over one of them. I’ll be teaching rhetorical theory in the fall. And of all the courses I teach, that one is the toughest sell. [Read More]

Holy crap.

I leave you people alone for, just over two weeks and look at what happens.

There was an actual assassination attempt on a presidential candidate since I last talked to you. [Read More]

Oof.

The last few weeks on Kairoticast have been tough. We’ve talked about bears and guns and democracy – lots of stuff that is not for the faint of heart.

I have mentioned Project 2025 a few times at this point, and my producer and I talked about the fact that I really need to devote some time to that – but I just didn’t know if I could do that to you this week. Do I think Project 2025 and the upcoming election are the biggest threats to face America since we declared our Independence? I actually kind of do. I know that is wild and dramatic and may seem like a step too far, but this is where we are. I truly don’t know if the American experiment is going to survive the next four years. I mean, to the point that I have started thinking in terms of how I am going to take care of my family if America crumbles. Plan ahead and whatnot. [Read More]