Podcast
The DMZ
Hosted by Matt Lewis & Bill Scher · EN
Conservative Matt Lewis and liberal Bill Scher talk politics and stay friends.
4episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
March 13, 2026
Mar 1300:55:19Tap to summarizeOn this week's DMZ, Bill Scher and Matt dive into the chaotic mess that is Donald Trump’s second term. We discuss the following:— Trump’s Iran War Escalation & Quagmire Risks — The U.S. military campaign has deepened into potential endless conflict, fears of Iran mining the Strait of Hormuz, spiking oil prices to extreme levels, asymmetric retaliation, and no clear exit strategy despite Trump’s boasts of quick victory.— SAVE Act Push & Voter Restrictions — Trump fixates on passing the SAVE America Act (requiring strict ID like passports or birth certificates for voting, bundled with unrelated trans issues and other GOP priorities) despite slim chances in the Senate. We talk about how it could suppress turnout (ironically hurting low-propensity Republican voters more), and Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s resistance to nuking the filibuster.— Signs of GOP Base Unrest & Policy Shifts — The Trump administration is backpedaling on aggressive “mass deportation” rhetoric (White House aides urging focus on “violent criminals”), coupled with the alienation of non-interventionist voices (Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, et al.) over Iran.— Midterm Outlook & Blue Wave Potential — With growing Democratic momentum, coupled with Trump’s chaotic presidency, Matt is predicting a Senate flip for Dems.— The 2028 Succession Battle: J.D. Vance vs. Marco Rubio — There are emerging 2028 GOP primary tensions, with Vance (non-interventionist leanings, low-profile amid Iran) vs. Rubio (more prominent on foreign policy, aligned with strikes) leading the speculation. — And MUCH more!
Transcribe →March 6, 2026
Mar 701:08:11Tap to summarizeOn this week's episode of The DMZ, The Washington Monthly's Bill Scher and Matt discuss:— Kristi Noem’s dramatic ouster as DHS Secretary: chaotic mass deportations, deadly ICE mistakes, lavish taxpayer-funded ad campaign, disastrous House Judiciary hearing, and personal scandals — including the Corey Lewandowski rumors— Noem’s replacement by Sen. Markwayne Mullin — and what it means for the deportation push— Escalating U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran: military execution vs. long-term risks, assassination of regime leaders, Trump’s demands for unconditional surrender and picking Iran’s next ruler, and parallels to past Middle East quagmires— Texas Senate race heating up: Will Donald Trump endorse incumbent Sen. John Cornyn over Ken Paxton? And could James Talarico beat Cornyn?— Trump coalition fractures: buyer’s remorse among young voters, Hispanic swing back toward Democrats, and how Iran policy + deportation chaos could hurt Republicans heading into the midterms— And MUCH more
Transcribe →January 21, 2026
Jan 2100:40:33Tap to summarizeTrump marks one year back in power with Davos threats on Greenland, erratic tariffs, and a "might makes right" worldview. Bill Scher breaks down why much of it won't last — and what it means for America's global role. Trump just told Davos he "won't use force" to take Greenland — but insists the US must own it for security. On the one-year anniversary of his second term, Matt Lewis and Bill dissect Trump's power games: erratic threats, unilateral tariffs that could vanish overnight, the fading US-led world order, Starship Troopers-level "might makes right" vibes, and why his legacy might be more ephemeral than it seems.In this DMZ episode:-- Greenland obsession: Psychological win or strategic folly?-- Tariffs as childish leverage vs. real legislation-- Venezuela ops & domestic overreach-- Has Trump permanently broken alliances? Or is recalibration inevitable?-- Democrats' path forward amid Electoral College shifts-- And MUCH more!
Transcribe →January 7, 2026
Jan 900:50:04Tap to summarizeDive into the latest episode of The DMZ with Matt Lewis and Bill Scher, breaking down Donald Trump's bold foreign policy moves in 2026. From the dramatic arrest of Maduro in Venezuela and claims of U.S. oil interests, to Trump's persistent Greenland ambitions and comparisons to Teddy Roosevelt's imperialism – is this a coherent "Donroe Doctrine" or ego-driven adventurism?We explore the through lines: spheres of influence, interventionism beyond the Western Hemisphere (like bombing Iran), and the risks of resurrecting great-power conflicts. Plus, insider analysis on Marco Rubio's rising influence as Secretary of State, his potential motivations tied to Cuba, and how Venezuela is shaking up the 2028 GOP race against JD Vance.Bill draws historical parallels to Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and the post-WWII order, warning of long-term instability. Could Trump's "points on the board" make him historically great – or lead to disaster?
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