1552 - Masha Gessen: Fighting Authoritarianism & Resisting Russia Conspiracy Theories

FBI Director James Comey confirms that Russia's role in the election is being investigated. The hearings for Neil Gorsuch begin.

Sam interviews journalist Masha Gessen, who explains that Trump is attempting to create an autocracy. Trump's attacks on government and the media. The rules for fighting autocracy. How Trump is degrading public norms on corruption. Searching for signs normalcy. Trump's constant lies and how exhausting it is. Russia and the urge toward conspiracy theories. The importance of maintaining open debate. Is our system capable of resisting. Why the Russia story is a trap. Why we are frantically searching for a conspiracy when we need to protect our political space. Dealing with the reality of Americans supporting Trump and how to balance fighting autocracy and more traditional political battles.

On The Fun Half: Richard Spencer says Egyptians were made by white people. Angela Merkel and Donald Trump have a very awkward meeting. Trump does not regret tweeting conspiracy theories. The Republican horror show. Paul Ryan brags about supporting Donald Trump because of all of the awful things he is now able to do. Trump reaches a new low in popularity. The Clinton campaigns failures. Why Russia won't be a silver bullet and your calls and IMs.

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