The Optimistic American

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Tom shares how his team uses advanced research, data, and AI to evaluate congressional representatives based on their ability to work constructively across party lines. The conversation highlights why leadership rooted in cooperation is essential for building durable solutions and how this initiative is a rallying call for citizens to demand better from their government.

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by panelists Eliott Pollack and Henry Thompson to dissect the key issues shaping the political landscape in the wake of the recent election. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s policy proposals, from economic reforms to the "America First" agenda, and their potential effects on the nation and beyond. The panel dives into the odds of Trump’s campaign promises being enacted, explores the upsides and downsides of each policy, and examines the implications of these issues on global alliances and domestic economic stability. Topics Discussed in This Video:

Election Results: The panel examines the aftermath of the recent election, discussing why Democrats faced significant losses and how Trump’s populist coalition, economic concerns, and cultural issues resonated with voters. The Economic Implications of Tariffs: Explore the potential winners and losers of Trump’s proposed tariffs. The discussion delves into the strategic use of tariffs, their impact on trade wars, and how they align with the America First agenda to protect domestic industries. Deficit Spending and Economic Policy: The panel discusses the feasibility of reducing deficit spending while pursuing aggressive economic reforms, exploring the challenges of balancing the budget in a politically divided environment. America First and Global Alliances: The conversation explores the geopolitical consequences of Trump’s America First agenda, focusing on NATO, Israel, and relationships with global powers like China. How might these policies reshape the U.S. role on the world stage?

Join Paul Johnson and panelists Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb in this episode of New Frontiers, where they discuss the high-stakes, anxiety-inducing upcoming U.S. election. As polling shows a close race between Trump and Harris, the panel explores why this election feels existential for many voters and how economic uncertainty and inflation fears add to the stress.

Topics Discussed: 

- Election Anxiety and Political Polarization: The panel opens with a discussion about the heightened levels of anxiety surrounding this election. With voters on both sides seeing the results as existential, they explore how political polarization, economic concerns, and media coverage contribute to this heightened tension.

- Trump vs. Harris: A Tight Race: Examining the close polling numbers, the panel reflects on how voter turnout and the effectiveness of each campaign’s ground game may ultimately decide the race. They analyze how Trump’s “outsider” status and Harris’s attempt to unify a broad coalition have shaped the election landscape and voter base.

- The Double Standards for Trump and Kamala Harris: The panel explores the media and public’s differing expectations for Trump and Kamala Harris. While both candidates have been criticized for avoiding direct answers, Harris’s hesitation on certain issues has sparked significant scrutiny. Meanwhile, Trump’s history of unfiltered remarks and accusations of being “slippery” are often viewed as part of his persona. The panel considers whether this discrepancy points to broader biases and how it impacts each candidate’s image among voters.

- Trump’s Fascism Accusations: In light of recent claims of authoritarianism directed at Trump, the panel discusses whether fears of “fascist” tendencies are campaign rhetoric or grounded concerns. They examine remarks from Trump’s former military advisors who have publicly expressed concern, exploring whether these warnings stem from personal disagreements or genuine fears for democratic norms. The discussion highlights how terms like “fascism” and “authoritarianism” influence voter perception and how such accusations impact the campaign dynamics.

- Inflation, Gold, and Home Ownership: Economist Elliott Pollack weighs in on the economic factors influencing voters, including rising inflation, fluctuating gold prices, and the value of home ownership as an inflation hedge. For young professionals considering an investment in gold versus real estate, the panel discusses why home ownership might be a better long-term option.

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins, an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning, McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement. They also address the complex dynamics between faith and politics, the struggle for moral integrity, and the role of religion in modern conservative politics.

Topics Discussed in This Video: 

- Mitt Romney: McKay reflects on Romney’s political journey – from his time as a presidential candidate to his emergence as a principled critic of Donald Trump. They discuss how Romney’s faith and moral compass guided his decisions and transformed his public image.

- Religion and Politics: The conversation delves into the uneasy relationship between Trumpism and religious conservatism. McKay discusses the struggles of people of faith – especially Mormons – with Trump’s leadership style and policies. They also touch on the broader implications of the Democratic Party’s secular tilt and its impact on religious voters.

- Faith in the Modern Media Landscape: What does it mean to be a person of faith in a secular media world? McKay recounts his personal journey as a religious journalist covering contentious political topics, including the pressure to remain fair and unbiased. He describes how faith offers unique perspectives, but also creates challenges in an industry often skeptical of religious belief.

- Inside Journalism Today and What Needs to Change: McKay and Paul explore the erosion of trust in journalism, the decline of local news, and the rise of hyper-partisan media outlets. They reflect on how media polarization fuels negative partisanship, making Americans more distrustful of opposing viewpoints. Despite these challenges, McKay expresses optimism about journalism's role in rebuilding civic trust.

- What Makes You Optimistic About America?: Despite the challenges in journalism and politics, Coppins expresses optimism. He highlights that most Americans are not consumed by partisan conflicts and continue to focus on everyday values – family, work, and community involvement. He believes this majority represents the country’s true spirit, offering hope for bridging divides.

Join host Paul Johnson on New Frontiers for an in-depth conversation with Nobel Prize winner and acclaimed economist Professor James Robinson. In this episode, Paul and James explore themes from Robinson’s transformative book, Why Nations Fail. They discuss the critical role of inclusive versus extractive institutions and how these structures influence the prosperity of nations. With insightful perspectives on the U.S., China, Nigeria, and other countries, the conversation highlights how empowering individuals and fostering innovation can shape nations' futures.