1583 - Daniel Ziblatt: Conservative Parties and the Birth of Democracy

Daniel Ziblatt, a Professor of government at Harvard University and author of Conservative Parties and the Birth of Democracy, explains what classes need to give up power in order for democracy to flourish. How did classical conservatives come to accept democracy? The invention of the conservative political party. Conceding democracy but not conceding power. Why stable center-right parties might be essential for democracy. Lessons from Egypt on preserving democracy. How to deal with old regimes in transitions to democracy. Trump and Republican commitment to democracy. What conservatives in the 19th century in Germany and Britain discovered about appealing to voters on non economic grounds. Is spin good for democracy? And the institutions that are needed to maintain democracy.

On The Fun Half: Satirizing Obama and satirizing Trump. Trump and the danger of war. No Donald Trump's crazy view of the civil war is not unique to him. Democrats win the the budget? Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks blames people with pre-existing conditions. Jimmy Kimmel issues a moving call for universal healthcare and what he misses. Alex Jones loses custody and your calls and IMs.

Cast: Sam Seder @samseder, Michael Brooks @_michaelbrooks, Matt Lech, @mattlech and Kelly Carey, @kellycarey.

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