Podcast
America at a Crossroads
Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Community Advocates, Inc. · EN
America at a Crossroads is proud to present an esteemed roster of guests and moderators to discuss the state of American democracy and the very real challenges facing it today. Past guests and moderators have included Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Karen Bass, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, Congressman Adam Kinzinger, George F. Will, Patt Morrison, Warren Olney, Madeleine Brand, Bill Kristol, David Axelrod, James Carville, Jonathan Greenblatt, and many more.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ruth Ben-Ghiat with Patt Morrison: The Role of Fear in the Decline of Democracy: The Power, Politics and Impact of Fear as a Tool of Political Persuasion
1w ago00:57:21Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →
Juliette Kayyem with Warren Olney: Security in an Era of Domestic Instability
2w ago00:58:50Tap to summarizeFormer Homeland Security official and national security expert Juliette Kayyem joins veteran journalist Warren Olney for a timely conversation on security, democratic stability, and the growing challenges facing the United States.This episode of America at a Crossroads examines domestic instability, political violence, crisis response, and the future of public trust in democratic institutions. Drawing on decades of experience in homeland security, journalism, and public policy, Kayyem and Olney discuss what resilience looks like in an increasingly uncertain era.
Transcribe →
Tim Naftali with Madeline Brand: Can American Institutions Still Contain Political Extremism?
3w ago00:58:08Tap to summarizeThis week on America at a Crossroads, presidential historian Tim Naftali joins Madeleine Brand for a timely conversation on democratic resilience, political polarization, and the institutions shaping America’s future.Topics include:• Historical parallels to today’s political climate• The role of the presidency and democratic institutions• Extremism, accountability, and constitutional limits• Whether American democracy is built to withstand this momentRecorded live on May 6, 2026.#AmericaAtACrossroads #TimNaftali #MadeleineBrand #Democracy #AmericanPolitics #PoliticalExtremism #Constitution #USPolitics #PoliticalHistory #DemocraticInstitutions
Transcribe →
Elie Honig with Larry Mantle: Power, Precedent, and America’s Legal Future
Apr 3000:57:22Tap to summarizeIn this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig joins Larry Mantle (AirTalk, NPR) to break down the evolving legal landscape in the United States.With deep experience in federal and state prosecution, Honig examines how recent legal battles, shifting precedents, and questions of executive power are reshaping the rule of law—and what it means for the future of American democracy.The discussion explores key questions including:• How are legal norms and precedents changing in today’s environment?• What are the implications of expanding or challenged executive power?• How should the public interpret major legal developments and rulings?Offering clear, accessible analysis, Honig provides insight into the forces redefining the American legal system and the potential paths forward.SpeakersElie Honig – CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He prosecuted organized crime and public corruption cases and later served as Director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and Untouchable.Larry Mantle – Host of AirTalk on NPR-member station KPCC 89.3 FM. Mantle has led one of Southern California’s longest-running public affairs programs since 1985.Event DetailsAmerica at a CrossroadsApril 29, 2026Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice
Transcribe →Aaron David Miller with Patt Morrison: War Making and Peacemaking: The Future of the US-Israeli Relationship
Apr 2300:56:49Tap to summarizeAmerica is at a pivotal crossroads.Join us for a timely and urgent conversation on the state of democracy in the United States. As political divisions deepen and democratic norms face increasing strain, what signals should we be watching? Are we approaching a turning point—or moving further into instability?Aaron David Miller is an American Middle East analyst, author and negotiator, brings sharp analysis examining the future of US-Israeli relationship.He is joined by veteran journalist Patt Morrison who has a share of two Pulitzer Prizes as a longtime Los Angeles Times writer and columnist.
Transcribe →David Frum with Patt Morrison: Democracy Under Stress: Is the Tide Turning?
Apr 1600:57:55Tap to summarizeDemocracy Under Stress: Is the Tide Turning?Featuring David Frum in conversation with Warren OlneyAmerica is at a pivotal crossroads.Join us for a timely and urgent conversation on the state of democracy in the United States. As political divisions deepen and democratic norms face increasing strain, what signals should we be watching? Are we approaching a turning point—or moving further into instability?David Frum, senior editor at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, brings sharp analysis from his latest work examining the enduring appeal of Trumpism and its implications for the future of American democracy.He is joined by veteran journalist Warren Olney, former host of KCRW’s To the Point, for a probing discussion on political culture, media narratives, and the durability of democratic institutions.Topics include:• The persistence of anti-democratic movements• Cultural vs. policy-driven politics• Warning signs for democratic erosion• Whether the political tide may be shifting⸻📅 Recorded: April 15, 2026🎙 Part of the “America at a Crossroads” weekly forum
Transcribe →Dalia Dassa Kaye with Robin Wright: The High-Stakes of US Policy on Iran
Mar 2700:58:25Tap to summarizeIn this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, Middle East policy expert Dalia Dassa Kaye joins award-winning journalist Robin Wright to examine the critical decisions facing the United States in its approach to Iran.At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, this discussion explores the strategic, diplomatic, and security implications of U.S. policy in the region—and what is at stake for global stability.Drawing on deep expertise in foreign policy and decades of reporting, Kaye and Wright analyze the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Iran, regional power shifts, and the risks and opportunities shaping America’s next moves.The discussion explores key questions including:• What are the current risks and flashpoints in U.S.–Iran relations?• What policy options are available to the United States?• How do regional and global actors influence the path forward?This conversation provides a clear, informed perspective on one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges facing the United States today.SpeakersDalia Dassa Kaye – Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations and former Director of the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy. She is a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and Middle East affairs.Robin Wright – Award-winning journalist, author, and foreign affairs analyst specializing in the Middle East and global security. She has reported from more than 140 countries and has written for The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and NPR.
Transcribe →Jennifer Rubin with Patt Morrison: The Cost of Cowardice: Power, Accountability, and the Fight for American Democracy
Mar 1900:56:56Tap to summarizeIn this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, political commentator Jennifer Rubin joins journalist Patt Morrison to examine the state of American democracy and the responsibilities of leadership in a time of institutional strain.Rubin, co-founder of The Contrarian and former longtime columnist for The Washington Post, brings a sharp perspective on the rule of law, political accountability, and the consequences of silence and inaction in the face of democratic erosion.The discussion explores key questions including:• What does accountability look like in today’s political environment?• How have institutions responded to challenges to democratic norms?• What role do individuals—inside and outside government—play in defending democracy?Drawing on her work as a commentator and author, Rubin addresses the moral and political stakes facing the country and the choices that will shape its future.SpeakersJennifer Rubin – Political commentator and co-founder of The Contrarian. A former conservative and longtime Washington Post columnist, she is widely recognized for her analysis of democracy, the rule of law, and authoritarianism in American politics. She is the author of Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy from Donald Trump.Patt Morrison – Journalist, author, and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist and broadcaster. Morrison has received two Pulitzer Prizes and numerous Emmy and Golden Mike awards.Event DetailsAmerica at a CrossroadsMarch 18, 2026Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice
Transcribe →Leon Panetta with Larry Mantle: Power Without Order - America and the New Global Chaos
Mar 1200:59:15Tap to summarizeIn this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins Larry Mantle, host of NPR’s AirTalk, to examine the shifting global landscape and the challenges facing American leadership in an era of renewed power politics.Drawing on decades of experience in national security and government, Panetta discusses how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international relations—from Ukraine and China to Venezuela and Greenland—and what these developments mean for the future of U.S. foreign policy and global stability.The discussion explores key questions including:• How is the global balance of power changing?• What challenges does the United States face in responding to rising geopolitical tensions?• What lessons from past administrations can guide today’s foreign policy decisions?With insight from one of the nation’s most experienced national security leaders, this conversation provides perspective on the strategic realities shaping today’s international environment.
Transcribe →Ken Burns and Rick Atkinson with Patt Morrison: Revolutionary Crossroads: How America's Founding Era Illuminates Today's Struggles for America's Future
Mar 500:57:38Tap to summarizeIn this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Rick Atkinson join journalist Patt Morrison to examine how the American founding era continues to shape today’s political and cultural debates.Drawing on their extensive work exploring the Revolutionary period, Burns and Atkinson discuss the ideas, conflicts, and leadership that defined America’s birth—and how those same tensions echo in the nation’s present moment.The discussion explores questions including:• What lessons does the American Revolution offer for today’s challenges?• How did the founding generation navigate division and uncertainty?• What historical perspective can help illuminate the crossroads America faces today?Burns reflects on themes from his documentary The American Revolution, while Atkinson discusses insights from his bestselling Revolution Trilogy, including The Fate of the Day.SpeakersKen Burns – Documentary filmmaker known for landmark series including The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, The Vietnam War, and The American Revolution.Rick Atkinson – Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Long Gray Line, The British Are Coming, The Guns at Last Light, and The Fate of the Day.Patt Morrison – Journalist, author, and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist and broadcaster.Event DetailsAmerica at a CrossroadsMarch 4, 2026Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice
Transcribe →