Podcast
The Lincoln Project
Hosted by The Lincoln Project · EN
The creators of the most watched and talked-about ad content in the political/cultural sphere, THE LINCOLN PROJECT, and co-founder/host Rick Wilson, have a reputation for saying the things others are afraid to say.
Headed up by LP's notorious creative team, THE LINCOLN PROJECT podcast features a range of special guests, from leading political minds to the hottest pop-culture icons. Broadening the subject matter beyond politics and making the conversation more relatable to everyone, The Lincoln Project podcast’s mission is to reignite the political flame in every American and break down the biggest topics of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
79episodes
Episodes
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The Ass-Kissing Olympics Are Underway
Today00:32:35Tap to summarizeThe 2026 midterms are already coming into focus, and Republicans should be nervous. This week, Rick Wilson looks at what California and Iowa are telling us about November: voters care about the economy, affordability, and real-life issues—not the culture-war nonsense that dominates cable news. If Democrats can stay focused and resist the urge to wander off-message, they have a genuine opportunity to reshape the political map. Meanwhile, the MAGA movement is entering its succession-war phase. Trump's elevation of Bill Pulte is a flashing warning sign that the loyalist bench is running thin, while JD Vance and Marco Rubio battle to become heir to the MAGA throne. What follows when an authoritarian movement runs out of talent? Infighting, chaos, and a race to see who can flatter Dear Leader the hardest. The 2028 campaign has already begun—and the clown car is leaking oil.•••••Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.
Transcribe →MAGA Exit Interview: Former Troll Speaks Out
3d ago00:40:05Tap to summarizeRich Logis once defended Trump. Now he's helping people leave MAGA behind. On this episode of The Lincoln Project Podcast, Rick Wilson sits down with the founder of Leaving MAGA to discuss the growing number of former Trump supporters who have simply had enough. From the Epstein scandal to the fallout from Trump's tariffs and the chaos surrounding Iran, the excuses are getting harder to make and the consequences are getting harder to ignore. Rich explains what finally broke the spell for him, why more Republicans are questioning Trump than ever before, and whether we're witnessing the beginning of a real MAGA crackup. When reality starts showing up with receipts, even the most loyal believers have to make a choice.•••••You can find Rich Logis on X @PerfectOurUnion, and Leaving MAGA on X @LeavingMAGA, on X. Go to https://LeavingMAGA.org for more information about the Leaving MAGA movement. Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.#Trump #MAGA #LeavingMAGA #RichLogis #RickWilson #LincolnProject #DonaldTrump #Epstein #Tariffs #Iran #Politics #PoliticalPodcast #Republicans #TrumpVoters #Election2026 #NeverTrump #PoliticalNews #CurrentEvents #Democracy #Podcast
Transcribe →Weekend at Donnie’s: Trump Is Dying Politically, Economically, and…Literally
1w ago00:21:42Tap to summarizeTrump wanted a golden age. Instead, he delivered a golden vanity project. This week’s Elephant in the Room is the accelerating collapse of the Trump presidency—politically, economically, and culturally. As Americans grapple with a struggling economy, rising corruption, and growing incompetence at the highest levels of government, Trump seems more focused on building monuments to himself, expanding his ballroom, and feeding his endless need for attention than solving the problems facing the country. Meanwhile, his much-hyped foreign policy swagger has run headfirst into reality, exposing weakness on the world stage and leaving allies and adversaries alike questioning America’s leadership. Rick breaks down how Trump’s obsession with self-glorification, personal enrichment, and grievance politics is colliding with voter fatigue, economic anxiety, and a growing sense that the emperor isn’t just naked—he’s out of ideas. The cracks are widening, the excuses are running thin, and more Americans are asking a simple question: is this all there is?•••••Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.
Transcribe →Tejano, Talarico & The Democratic Resurrection in Texas
1w ago01:00:53Tap to summarizeWhile Washington melts down in a fog of billionaire grifters, culture-war addicts, and broken-brain politics, the real fight for America is happening at backyard parties, dance halls, and quinceañeras across South Texas. In this episode, Rick sits down with legendary Tejano musician and Texas congressional candidate Bobby Pulido to talk about the Rio Grande Valley, working-class families, quinceañera campaign stops, and why authenticity still matters in politics. Then we revisit Rick’s conversation with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, whose ability to connect with voters feels almost extinct in modern American politics. From economic anxiety and cultural identity to the chaos consuming the country, this episode is about the people still fighting to meet voters where they actually live — not where consultants think they live. Texas politics, Latino voters, Tejano culture, the Rio Grande Valley, working-class America, and the battle for the future of the country — all in one explosive conversation.•••••Support Bobby Pulido’s campaign for Congress at https://bobbypulidofortexas.com, and keep up with his campaign on socials @PulidoForTexas.You can find information about James Talarico’s campaign for Senate at https://jamestalarico.com, and follow him on social media @jamestalarico. Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.
Transcribe →The DNC Autopsy: Sit Down, STFU, and Listen to Rick Wilson
2w ago00:29:42Tap to summarizeThe DNC autopsy is finally here—and it’s a brutal admission that Democrats spent 2024 fighting online culture wars while voters were worried about inflation, paychecks, rent, and the future of the country. Rick Wilson breaks down the Democrats’ redacted internal report, the consultant class cashing $40K checks to lose elections, the identity politics obsession that alienated working-class voters, and why normal Americans tuned out the party’s messaging. This is the Democratic Party’s postmortem on how they lost the economy argument, lost swing voters, and lost touch with reality.•••••Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.Go to https://bollandbranch.com/lincoln, and use the code ‘LINCOLN,’ for 20% off + free shipping. #adGo to https://ethos.com/lincolnproject to get your free quote. #ad
Transcribe →Celeb Brainworms For Trump: Margaret Cho on Hollywood’s MAGA Meltdown
2w ago00:42:01Tap to summarizeTrump spent years chasing the approval of America’s richest weirdos, fame-hungry celebs, and billionaire clout goblins — and now the whole MAGA celebrity ecosystem is melting down in public. Rick Wilson is joined by legendary comedian Margaret Cho to break down her Choligarchy tour, Hollywood’s transformation into a Trump validation machine, the rise of MAGA influencers and celebrity brain rot, and why so many famous people traded integrity for attention. From celebrity culture and authoritarian politics to Trump’s obsession with elite approval, Rick and Margaret unpack how comedy helped create this broken media circus — and why comedy may be the only thing sharp enough left to fight it. Celebrity meltdowns, billionaire cringe, political chaos, dark humor, Trump, MAGA, Hollywood hypocrisy, fascism, influencers, cancel culture, propaganda, and the collapse of American fame culture — it’s all here.•••••Margaret Cho’s “Choligarchy” tour is happening now! Find a show near you at https://margaretcho.com/. Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.Head to Superpower.com and use code LINCOLN at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod #ad Go to ClaimMyGoldGuide.com/LINCOLN to claim your FREE 2026 Gold Guide that shows you exactly how to move part of your IRA or 401(k) into physical gold without triggering taxes or penalties—plus up to $10,000 in free silver for qualified purchases. #adGo to Leesa.com for the Memorial Day Sale PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code LINCOLNPROJECT, exclusive for our listeners. #ad
Transcribe →The Art of the Kneel: Trump Bends Knee to China, Bigly
3w ago00:36:31Tap to summarizeDonald Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Xi Jinping was supposed to project strength. Instead, it exposed exactly how weak, desperate, and dangerously unprepared he is for a real geopolitical showdown with China. This week, Rick's ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM breaks down Trump’s humiliating “Chyna” summit, his obsession with personal grift over American power, and why even before the cognitive decline, Trump never had the foreign policy discipline, strategy, or attention span to negotiate with Beijing. From trade wars and tariffs to global instability, Xi Jinping saw exactly what America’s allies and enemies now see: a fragile ego wrapped in chaos. Rick Wilson tears into Trump’s surrender politics, dictator worship, economic self-sabotage, and the terrifying reality that America’s global influence is shrinking while Trump keeps bowing for applause, leverage, and money. This is the collapse of American credibility in real time — and Beijing knows it.•••••Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.Go to https://drinkagi.com/lincolnproject for a free AG1 Flavor Sampler & a bottle of vitamin D3+K2. #ad The Freedom From Religion Foundation is fighting to protect the First Amendment, because it protects you. Visit www.ffrf.us/lincoln, or text "LINCOLN" to 511-511, to learn more, or join, today. #ad
Transcribe →The Wolves of Fraud Street: Crypto’s Enron Era With Ben McKenzie
3w ago00:47:27Tap to summarizeActor-turned-crypto-whistleblower Ben McKenzie joins Rick Wilson for a brutal, no-bullshit takedown of the crypto industry just as Congress barrels toward two major crypto bills hitting the floor this week on Capitol Hill. From meme coins and “decentralized finance” scams to billion-dollar rugpulls, political bribery, and money laundering dressed up in Patagonia vests and TED Talk jargon, Rick and Ben break down how crypto became the preferred playground for grifters, oligarchs, libertarian weirdos, and every guy who says “bro” before pitching financial collapse. They unpack why Washington suddenly wants to legitimize the casino after years of fraud, who’s cashing in, and why the American taxpayer always seems to end up holding the empty bag while crypto bros flee to Dubai. It’s the great Ponzi scheme of our time — powered by hype, corruption, influencer cults, and vibes-based economics — and the wheels may finally be coming off in public.•••••Ben McKenzie is on X @@ben_mckenzie. His movie, ‘Everyone is Lying to You for Money,’ is playing now in select theaters. His best-selling book, ‘Easy Money,’ is out now, wherever fine books are sold. Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln.Visit www.quince.com/lincoln for free shipping + 365-day returns. #ad Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at getkikoff.com/lincolnproject today. Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us! #ad
Transcribe →Gerrymander Harder Daddy: Throw Pillow Democrats, Get Your Sh*t Together
4w ago00:34:21Tap to summarizeThe elephant in the room this week is bluffing — and Democrats still haven’t figured out Republicans only win when nobody punches back. While the GOP openly gerrymanders districts, manipulates election rules, floods the zone with outrage, and treats politics like a blood sport, Democrats keep showing up with 700-page climate white papers, polite speeches, and “norms.” Rick Wilson breaks down why 2026 should be the easiest midterm cycle in modern political history — if Democrats stop acting like this is a graduate seminar and start fighting like democracy is actually on the line. From blatant election tactics and MAGA power grabs to weak messaging, consultant brain rot, and the endless addiction to process over power, this episode is about one thing: stop bringing a throw pillow to a gun fight.•••••Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is fighting to protect the First Amendment, because it protects you. Visit www.ffrf.us/lincoln, or text "LINCOLN" to 511-511, to learn more, or join, today. #ad
Transcribe →Judges Gone Wild: The Robe Room Where It Happens
May 500:42:29Tap to summarizeThe Supreme Court was meant to be the last guardrail—the final check when everything else fails—but what happens when that guardrail starts to wobble? This week, Rick Wilson sits down with legal analyst and author Sarah Isgur to break down the modern Court from the inside out: the personalities driving decisions, the growing reliance on the shadow docket, and the myth of pure judicial objectivity. They unpack how power actually works behind the robes, why the justices’ individual worldviews matter more than ever, and how diversity of experience—not just race or gender—shapes the outcomes that ripple across the country. In a moment where Congress is gridlocked and the executive branch is aggressively asserting its power, the Court has become the ultimate referee in America’s biggest fights—but whether it’s equipped for that role, or cracking under the pressure, is the question hanging over everything.•••••Sarah Isgur is on X @whignewtons & on Instagram @sarahmisgur. Her new book ‘Last Branch Standing,’ is available now wherever fine books are sold. Rick Wilson is on X at @TheRickWilson, on Bluesky at @TheRickWilson.bsky.social, and you can check out Rick's Substack at therickwilson.substack.com. You can check out more of LP's work at www.lincolnproject.us and on X at @ProjectLincoln. Build credit fast and get your first month for just a dollar at getkikoff.com/lincolnproject today. Thanks to Kikoff for sponsoring us! #AD
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