The Gist: Inside the Movement to Dismantle Democracy in God’s Name

Host: Mike Pesca
Guest: Katherine Stewart, Author of Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Produced by: Peach Fish Productions

1. Introduction to Contemporary Threats to Democracy

In this episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca delves into the alarming movement aimed at dismantling democracy under the guise of religious and ideological motives. Joining him is Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies and God, who provides an in-depth analysis of the forces undermining American democratic institutions.

2. The Palm Springs Bombing: A Symptom of Deeper Ideological Extremes

The episode opens with a chilling discussion about a recent bombing outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs—described by authorities as "probably the largest bombing scene in Southern California history." The perpetrator's motives reveal a disturbing ideology:

Katherine Stewart [02:23]: "He said, 'basically, I am anti-life. And IVF is like, kind of the epitome of pro-life ideology.' Some outlets describe this guy as anti pro-life... He just hates the living."

Stewart introduces the concept of "philism" (pronounced "elfism"), a fringe ideology characterized by profound hatred towards life and existence itself.

Katherine Stewart [02:30]: "Philism means anti-joy, anti-living, anti-the people who are living or could live or who have ever lived it. Just basically hating the world and everything in it and wanting to make it end."

This ideology, she explains, is accessible and proliferates through online platforms, influencing individuals like Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter.

3. The Rise of Philism and Its Impact

Mike Pesca critiques the proliferation of such destructive ideologies, emphasizing their roots in nihilism and the dangerous spiral they create.

Mike Pesca [02:43]: "Unfortunately, it is true... But they'll use this lie to ban medication that ends abortion, like morning after pills."

The discussion highlights how these extremist views are not only suicidal but also homicidal, posing a severe threat to societal stability.

4. Katherine Stewart’s Money, Lies and God: Unveiling Anti-Democratic Factions

Katherine Stewart elaborates on her book, which explores the international and domestic anti-democratic movements. She contrasts the strategies employed by these groups in the U.S. and Europe, noting the exportation of U.S.-based organizational tactics abroad.

Katherine Stewart [09:59]: "If we can do it [in the U.S.], you can do it. It wasn't a grassroots uprising in response to Roe versus Wade. It was very carefully plotted out and planted by right-wing activists..."

Stewart underscores the deliberate and strategic efforts to shift political landscapes, particularly within the Republican Party, to align with anti-abortion and conservative agendas.

5. The Intersection of Political Movements and Social Media Misinformation

The conversation shifts to the role of misinformation and propaganda in exacerbating political divides. Stewart criticizes both the far-right's use of distorted narratives and the unintended consequences of left-wing movements that inadvertently aid far-right agendas.

Katherine Stewart [21:20]: "But the fact is that their collective actions of these people who call themselves leftists redounds to the benefit of the far right."

She references the "horseshoe theory," suggesting that extreme ends of the political spectrum can inadvertently support each other through shared tactics of fear-mongering and misinformation.

6. The Far-Right’s Strategic Consolidation of Power

Stewart and Pesca examine how far-right groups consolidate power by aligning closely with religious and authoritarian figures, creating an environment that suppresses dissent and promotes a skewed version of nationalism.

Mike Pesca [28:05]: "They divide their people into the righteous and the damned... more aptly described as cronyistic kleptocracies with absolute suppression of free speech and political opposition."

This strategy mirrors authoritarian regimes globally, where leaders use religious sanctimony to legitimize their control and silence opposition.

7. The Role of Political Leaders in Fueling Extremism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on political figures like Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, who, despite credible accusations and ethical concerns, are hailed as heroes by their base. Stewart points out the dissonance between their actions and the principles they espouse.

Mike Pesca [25:17]: "Donald Trump himself, who's been credibly accused of sexual abuse by dozens of women, and yet he's being hailed as a hero by the Republican Party."

This adulation perpetuates a cycle of corruption and abuse of power, further destabilizing democratic institutions.

8. The Yale-to-Toronto Fascism Pipeline: A Critique

The episode also touches on a controversial movement of Yale professors relocating to Toronto, purportedly to escape growing fascist tendencies in the U.S. Stewart challenges this narrative, arguing that the real reasons are more personal than ideological.

Katherine Stewart [32:34]: "Timothy Snyder didn't move to Toronto because of fascism. He moved, he says, for family reasons."

She criticizes the New York Times for framing the professors' move as an ideological stance, suggesting it undermines their credibility and the seriousness of their academic work.

9. Combatting Misconceptions and Building Resilient Democracy

In the concluding segments, Stewart emphasizes the need for energetic and focused political engagement to counteract the spread of authoritarianism. She advocates for grassroots mobilization and authentic political dialogue as essential tools for preserving democratic values.

Katherine Stewart [35:43]: "If you're talking about energetic, focused, determined politics, not only do I think it'll work, I think it's the only way."

10. Final Thoughts: The Urgent Battle for Democracy

Mike Pesca and Katherine Stewart wrap up the episode by reiterating the critical need to recognize and confront the multifaceted threats to democracy. They call for heightened awareness, strategic political action, and the dismantling of extremist ideologies to safeguard the nation's democratic fabric.

Notable Quotes

• Katherine Stewart [02:30]: "Philism means anti-joy, anti-living, anti-the people who are living or could live or who have ever lived it. Just basically hating the world and everything in it and wanting to make it end."

• Mike Pesca [21:20]: "But the fact is that their collective actions of these people who call themselves leftists redounds to the benefit of the far right."

• Katherine Stewart [35:43]: "If you're talking about energetic, focused, determined politics, not only do I think it'll work, I think it's the only way."

Conclusion

This episode of The Gist offers a sobering exploration of the contemporary movements threatening American democracy. Through insightful discussion and incisive analysis, Mike Pesca and Katherine Stewart uncover the intricate web of ideology, misinformation, and political maneuvering that contribute to the erosion of democratic institutions. Listeners are left with a compelling call to action to engage actively and conscientiously in the preservation of democratic values.