Jen Rubin's Green Room

Jen Rubin's Green Room

This is Jen Rubin, columnist for The Washington Post, contributor to MSNBC, author of How Women Saved America from Donald Trump. I'm delighted to tell you all about my new podcast, Jen Rubin's Green Room. We're gonna have weeks of fun with friends of Jen. Some of us will talk about the ins and outs of Washington gossip, the fun stories that we don't talk about on air, and sometimes we'll talk about deadly serious subjects and religion. Keep up with the show every Wednesday when you follow Jen Rubin's Green Room on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. I can't wait for you to join us. read less

Our Editor's Take

Jen Rubin's Green Room invites listeners to hear what Rubin talks to columnists, politicians, CEOs, and lawyers about when they aren't on air. The host is a political commentator and former lawyer. She created this podcast for people who enjoy hearing about politics but not repetitive narratives. Rubin isn't interested in reanalyzing Joe Biden's age or poll data. Provocative conversations with sources and colleagues interest Rubin most. She invites an insightful guest to a compelling discussion each week.

Some guests on the podcast are prominent people listeners may recognize. Others are people she wants her audience to meet. The podcast addresses complex questions. How does one explain white privilege to people who think they're self-made? Why do some Christians support violent insurrectionists?

Rubin also promises fun podcast topics, including dog stories. Those who follow her might be curious about her evolving politics. Rubin was a conservative commentator until Donald Trump changed her mind. She describes that process.

In the first podcast episode, she talks to attorney and activist George Conway. Trump considered hiring him as assistant attorney general in the Civil Division. Conway explains why he withdrew his name. He later introduced E. Jean Carroll to attorney Roberta Kaplan to sue Trump. Conway offers a diagnosis for Trump. He studied a DSM-5 manual and conducted research before his conclusion. Rubin says people must be egotists to run for president. Conway explains why Trump isn't only egotistical.

Rubin also interviews Matthew Dowd on the podcast. The author and political pundit describes how the GOP has changed. Dowd reveals which politicians haven't realized it. Rubin and Dowd assess problems within news organizations that threaten democracy. He says CNN must decide whether they're a news or entertainment organization. Dowd and Rubin analyze interview techniques. They explain what dead time" reveals. Dowd asserts that American journalists can learn from European reporters. They might ask the same question seven times. He explains why that works.

Rubin's insightful friends prove why she wanted a podcast to talk to them. Jen Rubin's Green Room shows listeners how thought leaders think. New episodes premiere Wednesdays.

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50: The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy with John Dean

50: The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy with John Dean

John Dean discusses his study of authoritarian personalities and the lessons learned from Watergate. He explains that there are two approaches to understanding authoritarianism: studying the way authoritarian governments operate and studying the personality traits of those attracted to authoritarian leaders. Dean describes the traits of social dominators and right-wing authoritarian followers, as well as the enablers who support them. He emphasizes the importance of voting them out of power and the need for collaboration between the study of authoritarian governments and authoritarian personalities. Dean also discusses the challenges of changing the beliefs of authoritarian followers and the threat they pose to democracy.

Episodes

50: The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy with John Dean

50: The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy with John Dean

John Dean discusses his study of authoritarian personalities and the lessons learned from Watergate. He explains that there are two approaches to understanding authoritarianism: studying the way authoritarian governments operate and studying the personality traits of those attracted to authoritarian leaders. Dean describes the traits of social dominators and right-wing authoritarian followers, as well as the enablers who support them. He emphasizes the importance of voting them out of power and the need for collaboration between the study of authoritarian governments and authoritarian personalities. Dean also discusses the challenges of changing the beliefs of authoritarian followers and the threat they pose to democracy.

49: Fluke with Brian Klass

49: Fluke with Brian Klass

Jen Rubin chats with author Brian Klass about his new book, "Fluke," diving into the role of randomness in shaping events and the need to embrace uncertainty. They discuss how seemingly minor events can have major impacts and caution against overconfidence in predictions, advocating for policy experimentation and emphasizes individual responsibility in shaping the future. They also explore the challenges of social science research, urging for a nuanced perspective and action over mere worry. Takeaways: The world is far more random, complex, and unpredictable than we often imagine. Small, seemingly insignificant events can have significant consequences and shape the course of history. Social science often oversimplifies the complexity of the world, leading to misleading predictions and models. Policy experimentation and the use of randomness can lead to more effective solutions to social problems. Individual actions and decisions, no matter how small, can have far-reaching effects and should be recognized as important. Individuals have a significant impact on shaping the future through their personal actions and involvement in social and political activities. Taking action is more important than just worrying about the state of the world. Social science research is subject to biases and uncertainties, and findings can vary depending on methodologies and interpretations. A more nuanced understanding of the world and the recognition of individual power can lead to positive change.

48: Breaking The Frame with Billy Ray

48: Breaking The Frame with Billy Ray

Billy Ray discusses various movies he has worked on, including 'Breach' and 'Shattered Glass,' and delves into the complexities of understanding characters like Robert Hansen. He explores the themes of deception, confirmation bias, and the power of storytelling in politics. Billy emphasizes the importance of understanding conservative voters' fear of chaos and the need for Democrats to rebrand themselves as agents of stability and freedom. He also discusses the abortion issue and suggests effective messaging strategies for Democrats. Billy and Jen discuss the importance of Democrats appealing to the middle ground and avoiding extreme positions. They highlight the need for Democrats to call out the left and distance themselves from radical ideas that alienate voters. They also emphasize the power of framing the election as a choice between an American and an extremist, rather than a Democrat and a Republican. The conversation touches on topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, cult mentality, breaking the frame in political discussions, and the importance of addressing local issues. Overall, the conversation provides insights into effective messaging and strategy for Democrats. Billy Ray is an American screenwriter and film director. He has written numerous films including Captain Phillips, Richard Jewell, Breach, The Comey Rule and The Hunger Games. Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

47: A Mass Movement To Save Democracy with Michael Podhorzer

47: A Mass Movement To Save Democracy with Michael Podhorzer

Jen calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war and welcomes labor leader Michael Podhorzer. They discuss how the rural-cosmopolitan divide has framed our politics from the founding to the present day, the role white Christian nationalism has played in the rise of MAGA, the threat extremist groups pose to our freedoms, and how we can preserve our democracy. Their analysis lays out the importance of mass movements, the need to revitalize unions, and how to counter corporate media by informing the public about the dangers we face if we want our system to endure. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Michael Podhorzer: Twitter | AFL-CIO | Weekend Reading | CAP Mentioned On The Show: Tyranny of the Minority Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

46: Duty To Warn with John Gartner

46: Duty To Warn with John Gartner

Jen welcomes psychotherapist John Gartner to discuss the history of the psychiatric profession’s involvement in our elections and why the Goldwater Rule should not stand in the way of its duty to warn us about Trump’s decline into dementia. They lay out how he presents symptoms of cognitive issues in line with DSM criteria by analyzing his patterns of speech, the repeated confusion of dates and names, and his uncontrolled movements. As part of their analysis, they explain how the media has gaslit the country by normalizing his mental state while pathologizing Joe Biden’s age typical behavior. Will a massive public information campaign be enough to educate the country about the dangers Donald poses if he wins in 2024? Get More From This Week’s Guest: John Gartner: Duty2Warn Twitter | Change.org Petition | Bio | Author Mentioned On The Show: From The Baltimore Sun: John Gartner, Baltimore psychologist, takes his ‘duty to warn’ about Trump to film #Untruth Film Please Support Our Recent Sponsors With Deals In Their Episode Show Notes: Past Episode Show Notes Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

45: Bunkbeds In The Gulag with Max Boot

45: Bunkbeds In The Gulag with Max Boot

Jen welcomes author and military historian Max Boot for a deep dive into the Ukraine-Russia war and to contrast the modern Republican Party with the presidency of Ronald Reagan. They discuss the situation on the ground in Eastern Europe, what Ukraine is trying to preserve in light of Russia’s recent gains, the role of air power and ammunition production, and why support from the United States is essential as things become more desperate. They also break down how the Republican Party has moved away from confronting authoritarianism to condoning it, and why their isolationism is creating a historical inflection point. Do we have what it takes to support democracy at home and abroad? Get More From This Week’s Guest: Max Boot: Twitter | Threads | Website | WaPo | CFR | Author Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Factor: Get 50% off delicious ready to eat meals with code GREENROOM50 at factormeals.com/greenroom50 Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

44: Attack From Within with Barb McQuade

44: Attack From Within with Barb McQuade

Jen welcomes legal maven Barb Mcquade of #SistersInLaw to discuss how malicious actors are using technology to endanger our democracy by spreading disinformation. They analyze the ways that social media, algorithm manipulation, A.I., and other tools of mass communication can erode trust in our institutions, drive radicalization and partisanship, undermine elections, and even lead to violence. With our national security increasingly at risk, they lay out how media literacy, targeted regulation, civics education, and legal action can protect us and the country from disaster. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Barb McQuade: #SistersInLaw Podcast | Live Podcast Tour | Twitter | Threads | University of Michigan Law | Just Security | MSNBC | Author of “Attack From Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America” | Book Tour Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Babbel: Learn a new language with Babbel and get 55% off when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

43: Bringing The War Home with Professor Kathleen Belew

43: Bringing The War Home with Professor Kathleen Belew

Jen welcomes Professor Kathleen Belew to lay out the history of post-war white power movements in the United States leading up to MAGA, QANON conspiracy theories, and the 1/6 insurrection. They discuss how these groups recruit followers, their relationship to Trump, and the role of former military members, religion, and women in their organizations. More importantly, they explore the part that journalism, properly understood free speech, and the judicial system play in limiting their growth and ensuring that they never take control of our country. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Kathleen Belew: Twitter | Website | Northwestern University | PERIL | A Field Guide to White Supremacy | Author of “Bring The War Home” Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

42: The Fall of the Republic(ans) with Norm Ornstein

42: The Fall of the Republic(ans) with Norm Ornstein

Jen welcomes political scientist Norm Ornstein to explore the rise of radicalism in the Republican party and how to defeat it. They discuss how reasonable governance ended with the Gingrich Revolution, why this election must be about saving democracy, and what will happen to our freedoms, particularly for women and the LGBT community, if Trump wins again. Then they lay out the strategies that will stop him, covering the reform of the filibuster to limit the power of a radical minority, the rule of 3 that governs how a party changes course, and stopping a coup in a worst case scenario. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Norm Ornstein: Twitter | AEI | The Atlantic | The Definition of Insanity | Author Please Support Our Recent Sponsors In Our Past Episode Show Notes Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

41: Hush Money with Karen Friedman Agnifilo

41: Hush Money with Karen Friedman Agnifilo

Jen gives an update on the presidential primaries and frames the choice facing Nikki Haley, before welcoming NY prosecutor Karen Friedman Agnifilo. As Trump’s first criminal case moves to trial, they discuss why his hush money payments broke the law, the role of Michael Cohen, and the possibility of Trump racking up an additional perjury charge. They also cover the courtroom process, including jury selection, the demeanor of the judge, and Trump’s possible participation, explaining how our judicial system handles a former president becoming a defendant and weighing his chances of conviction. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Karen Friedman Agnifilo: Twitter | Legal AF Podcast | Prosecution.org | Agnifilo Law Group | CNN Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Factor: Get 50% off delicious ready to eat meals with code GREENROOM50 at factormeals.com/greenroom50 Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

40: Trump’s Trials with Dennis Aftergut

40: Trump’s Trials with Dennis Aftergut

Jen blasts Republicans for rejecting the Democrats’ border bill and welcomes legal expert Dennis Aftergut to break down the constitutional and legal means of stopping Trump. They explore the possible outcomes of Trump’s quest to uphold presidential immunity in the courts, whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment will keep him off any ballots, and if the SCOTUS is up to the challenges of the moment. After his attempts to seat fake electors and commit insurrection, are our safeguards strong enough to defend democracy against authoritarianism? Get More From This Week’s Guest: Dennis Aftergut: Twitter | The Bulwark | Lawyers Defending American Democracy | Slate | Salon | The Atlantic | Just Security Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Babbel: Learn a new language with Babbel and get 50% off on a one time payment for a lifetime subscription when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

39: Democracy VS Authoritarianism Around The World with Uriel Epshtein

39: Democracy VS Authoritarianism Around The World with Uriel Epshtein

Jen picks apart Trump’s claim to presidential immunity and welcomes Renew Democracy Initiative CEO Uriel Epshtein. They break down how authoritarian governments wield power, review the evidence that Trump has rejected liberal values, and explain why the US still holds a critical role as a standard bearer of democracy. They go on to look at the deterioration of democratic values around the world evidenced by the lackluster support in the West for Ukraine, and how to effectively support them against Russian aggression and strengthen our systems against the threats of tyrants. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Uriel Epshtein: Twitter | Renew Democracy Initiative | Peace & Dialogue Leadership Initiative Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

38: The Iranian Threat with Aaron David Miller

38: The Iranian Threat with Aaron David Miller

Jen explores Nikki Haley’s impact on Trump’s electoral prospects and the toxicity of the Republican Congress, before welcoming foreign policy maven Aaron David Miller. They discuss the recent history of US-Iranian relations, the danger Iran’s proxies pose to our forces, and review the most effective ways to protect our interests. Then, they break down the mechanics of Middle Eastern politics, and game out the next phase of the Israel-Hamas war. Their analysis covers getting back the hostages, Israel’s internal politics, how the conflict will be fought going forward, and what it will take to reach a lasting detente. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Aaron David Miller: Twitter | Carnegie Endowment For International Peace | Carnegie Connects Podcast | Author Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Magic Spoon: Save $5 off a delicious variety pack of protein filled Magic Spoon Cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/greenroom and use the promo code: GREENROOM Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

37: Securing Our Elections with Ben Ginsberg

37: Securing Our Elections with Ben Ginsberg

Jen analyzes the Republican primary and looks at how the budget battle ties into recent foreign policy developments, before welcoming legal expert Ben Ginsberg. They compare J6 to Bush vs. Gore, looking at how our politics have become more extreme and why equal protection under the law is relevant to our elections. Then, they weigh whether our elections are secure, discuss how vote by mail, voter ID, and an increased number of voting days can help restore faith in our system. From there, they look at the prospects for Trump’s quest to save himself with presidential immunity and examine the impact of the 14th Amendment challenges to his candidacy. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Ben Ginsberg: Twitter | Hoover Institute | Federalist Society | Election Official Legal Defense Network Please Support This Week’s Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code GREENROOM, go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Magic Spoon: Save $5 off a delicious variety pack of protein filled Magic Spoon Cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/greenroom and use the promo code: GREENROOM Babbel: Learn a new language with Babbel and get 55% off when you go to Babbel.com/greenroom Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

36: The Rise of Hate with Jonathan Greenblatt

36: The Rise of Hate with Jonathan Greenblatt

Jen dives into the Iowa caucus results driven by an unenthusiastic electorate dominated by Trump’s radical minority and welcomes ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. They analyze the explosion of anti-semitism after the 10/7 attack and what constitutes it, the rise of hate on college campuses, and the dangers posed by the social media algorithms driving popular opinion. Then, they emphasize the importance of informed DEI education backed by college leadership, the true meaning of free speech, and personally speaking out against hate in all its forms. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Jonathan Greenblatt: Twitter | Anti-Defamation League | Author of “It Can Happen Here” Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Magic Spoon: Save $5 off a delicious variety pack of protein filled Magic Spoon Cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/greenroom and use the promo code: GREENROOM Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

35: Upholding the Law with Michael Waldman

35: Upholding the Law with Michael Waldman

Jen contrasts the strong pro-democracy speeches of President Biden with Trump’s immunity claims, and welcomes the Brennan Center’s Michael Waldman. They lay out the scope of corruption delegitimizing the SCOTUS, and look at term limits, court expansion, an ethics code, and regular presidential appointments as possible remedies. Then, they discuss the progression of the DOJ’s prosecutions of Trump, with a focus on his attempt to claim presidential immunity, Colorado and Maine’s 14th Amendment based ballot removals, and whether J6 legally qualifies as an insurrection. Get More From This Week’s Guest: Michael Waldman: Twitter | Brennan Center | Author of “The Supermajority” & Other Books Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

34: Ask Jen Anything

34: Ask Jen Anything

In this special New Year’s episode, Jen discusses the recent victory for judicial independence in Israel and the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, before taking your questions covering everything from the personal to the political. Politically, she covers the impact of A.I., how we can reform the Supreme Court, the popularity of Senator Fetterman, how to persuade Trump’s voters, and her predictions for his cases. On the personal side, she shares the shows, books, and news that make up her media diet, when she first voted democratic, and her love of dogs, along with much more! Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

33: US-Israeli Relationship with Halie Soifer

33: US-Israeli Relationship with Halie Soifer

Jen breaks down the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas war and welcomes CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, Halie Soifer. They discuss what it means to be Jewish amid the explosion of anti-semitism in the United States, and examine the interplay between Jewish values and intersectionality. As part of their analysis, they weigh the strength of the pro-Israel response by President Biden and the Democrats, contrasting it with the attempts by Republicans to sow political division by conflating post-October 7th assistance with border policy. Send In Your Questions For Jen’s Upcoming AMA Episode: Threads: @JenRubin9 Get More From This Week’s Guest: Halie Soifer: Twitter | JewishDems.org | @USJewishDems Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump

32: States United with Joanna Lydgate

32: States United with Joanna Lydgate

Jen welcomes States United Democracy Center CEO Joanna Lydgate to sound the alarm over the war on democracy being waged by Trump and the election deniers he inspires. They discuss the dangers their rhetoric poses to election workers, their motives for undermining our voting systems, and why we need to take them at face value. Critically, they emphasize how protecting democracy should be the single issue we vote on in 2024 and lay out how we can counter the threats to it. To do so, they share how to persuade others by breaking them out of their information silos and the actions we can take individually to save our system. Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: HelloFresh: Enjoy a free breakfast item per box delivered right to your door for as long as you’re subscribed when you go to hellofresh.com/greenroomfree and use promo code: GREENROOMFREE Get More From This Week’s Guest: Joanna Lydgate Twitter | States United Democracy Center | Author Mentioned On The Show: Electiondeniers.org on the scope of election denial Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

31: The Hamas War on Women with Ruth Halperin-Kaddari

31: The Hamas War on Women with Ruth Halperin-Kaddari

Jen welcomes legal scholar Ruth Halperin-Kaddari to raise the alarm about the violence against women perpetrated by Hamas on 10/7. They discuss the scope of the crimes and fight back against the propaganda attempting to cover them up by laying out the evidence from video footage, first responder reports, and testimony from the hostages. Then, they share the importance of speaking out for Israel's women in the name of global womens’ rights, the need for action by the UN and International Criminal Court, and the legal strategies that can bring the perpetrators to justice. Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: HelloFresh: Enjoy a free breakfast item per box delivered right to your door for as long as you’re subscribed when you go to hellofresh.com/greenroomfree and use promo code: GREENROOMFREE Get More From This Week’s Guest: Ruth Halperin-Kaddari Bar Ilan University | Global Governance Forum | Rackman Center Mentioned On The Show: The Sunday Times on the violence against women perpetrated by Hamas The Times of Israel reporting on the Hamas attack Slate on why the world needs to show up for the women of Israel Get More From Jennifer Rubin: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”