Inside Sources
Inside Sources brings a one-of-a-kind insider perspective to Utah and national politics.
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Peter Wehner: Having Patriotic Love Through This Presidential Election
Love of country has long been a cornerstone of American identity, shaping personal narratives and national discourse across generations. Through times of triumph and turbulence, Americans have grappled with what it means to be patriotic while confronting their nation's complexities. During a volatile election cycle, that national admiration is called to question and Peter Wehner from The Atlantic invites each of us to find the balance between patriotic love and critical engagement with its challenges.
Theodoric Meyer: Political Debates are Facing Extinction
Political debates have helped build the American democratic discourse, offering voters direct insights into candidates' positions and personalities. Recent trends, however, suggest a significant shift in how campaigns view these traditional forums of public engagement. Theodoric Meyer from The Washington Post shares how the decline in debate participation across various levels of government has called to question the future of political discourse, changes in media consumption, and electoral dynamics.
Fiona Harrigan: Border Politics is Becoming Increasingly Toxic
The conversations around America’s border politics have changed dramatically in recent election cycles. While the nature of migration has fundamentally changed, the nation’s policy tools have remained frozen in time, not accommodating to today’s diverse mix of families and asylum seekers. This mismatch between modern challenges and outdated solutions have contributed to this cycle of crisis, where political rhetoric becomes more extreme while solutions are increasingly elusive. Fiona Harrigan from Reason weighs in on the complex relations in 21st century migration policies.
Jeff Greenfield: An October Surprise Could Still Be Ahead of Us
Conventional political wisdom suggests that election outcomes are determined by months of careful campaigning and evolving voter preferences. However, history tells another story. From the Iran hostage crisis of 1980 to James Comey's reopening of the Clinton email investigation in 2016, these "October surprises" have demonstrated that a single dramatic moment can overshadow months of meticulous preparation. Jeff Greenfield joins the show.
Kevin Corinth: Addressing Social Capital Poverty in America
Despite improvements in material living standards, the erosion of social connections, civic engagement, and community ties has led to a decline in overall social wellbeing. New research reveals a complex relationship between economic and social factors, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing societal challenges. As policymakers and communities grapple with these issues, Kevin Corinth from the American Enterprise Institute provides insight about the nuances of social poverty that become crucial for developing effective solutions that go beyond financial assistance.
Alexander Motyl: Russia's Current Strategy is Not Economically Sustainable
The economic sustainability of Putin's war in Ukraine is a critical factor in Russia's success. However, renowned economists have suggested that 2025 could mark the end of this devastating conflict due to Russia's dwindling economic resources. Alexander Moytl from Rutgers University-Newark digs into what the relationship is between economic power and military might, as well as the potential consequences for Putin's regime and Russia as a whole.
Nahal Toosi: West Bank in Palestine Caught in Increasing Violence by Israeli Settlers
The Biden administration's recent sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank mark a shift in U.S. policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While these measures aim to address the escalating violence in the area, they raise critical questions about the timing and effectiveness of such actions. As the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, threatening the viability of a two-state solution, Nahal Toosi from POLITICO shares what the broader implications of U.S. policy in the Middle East are and how it could impact the prospects for peace.
Ethan Baur: The Fall of the Berlin Wall and The Power of Language
The struggle for freedom and democracy has shaped the course of modern history, leaving indelible marks on both nations and individuals. Personal stories of courage and resilience in the face of oppression surrounding the Berlin Wall serve as powerful reminders of the human cost behind geopolitical events. Ethan Baur from Deseret News emphasizes how the enduring impact of pivotal moments and bold actions demonstrates the ongoing relevance of standing up for fundamental human rights and democratic values.
Jessica Grose: Presidential Candidates Need to Talk About the Education Crisis
The American education system is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, with the lingering effects of pandemic-era school closures exacerbating long-standing issues. Despite the gravity of the situation, presidential candidates have largely neglected to address K-12 education in their campaigns, leaving voters to wonder: what will it take to revitalize America's schools and secure a brighter future for the next generation? Jessica Grose from the New York Times joins the show to discuss the crisis.
Matthew Petti: America Becoming Caught in More Middle Eastern Wars
The United States' role in Middle Eastern affairs is undergoing a significant transformation, challenging long-held assumptions about regional dynamics. Recent events have seen a surprising reversal in America's traditional military relationships with key allies in the area. As tensions escalate, the U.S. finds itself increasingly drawn into direct involvement in regional conflicts, potentially altering the balance of power. Matthew Petti from Reason joins the show.
Steven Hayes: Forging a New Path for Modern Journalism
In an era of increasing polarization and sensationalism in the media, there remains a strong demand for thoughtful, fact-based journalism grounded in principled values. Despite skepticism about the viability of such an approach, some publications, like The Dispatch, have successfully built readerships by prioritizing intellectual honesty and in-depth analysis. As we reflect on the evolving media landscape, Steven Hayes from The Dispatch delves into how fact-based reporting can thrive in an age of outrage and what role it plays in shaping a more informed and engaged society.
Bob Schaffer: Challenges Facing Labor Unions in the Modern Era
From the docks of major ports to the furnaces of steel mills, unions like the International Longshoreman's Association and United Steelworkers find themselves at a crossroads. As they grapple with demands for higher wages and job security, these organizations simultaneously face the challenge of adapting to an increasingly technological world. Bob Schaffer helps answer how we can balance protecting labor workers and fostering economic growth in a global marketplace.
Seth Masket: Seeing the Political Realignment
The concept of realignment continues to captivate the political world. As the 2024 election approaches, unexpected endorsements and shifting voter demographics are sparking discussions about potential changes in party loyalties and issue priorities. While true realignments are rare in U.S. history, the subtle shifts occurring today may be laying the groundwork for more significant transformations in the future. Seth Masket from Vanderbilt University’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions joins the show.
Matt Lewis: Political Communication is Changing
The 2024 election is shaping up to be a turning point in political communication, as presidential candidates increasingly turn to influencers, podcasters, and alternative media platforms to reach voters. As candidates navigate this new terrain, they're making strategic choices that reveal both the opportunities and challenges of modern political campaigning. Matt Lewis joins the show to discuss what the future of political discourse is, media accountability, and creating an informed electorate in a fragmented media environment.
Tim Shriver and Natalie Gochnour: Measuring Dignity in Political Discourse