Conor is joined by Elizabeth, who argues that men should be welcomed into feminism. But would she extend her offer to James Poulos, author of the controversial and provocatively titled article “What Are Women For?” Conor poses the next question: Should contraception be free? He isn’t so sure. And Elizabeth isn’t sure she buys David Brooks’s argument that the American elite talks like sexual progressives but behaves like traditionalists. It’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week—so of what should we be aware? And that prompts Conor to ask, “Are foodies disordered eaters?” Plus: ex-DC residents on whether the culture of the city forces idealistic young people to sell out.

 

 

 

On The Posner Show, Sarah speaks with Sean Faircloth, author of the new book Attack of the Theocrats. They discuss why the separation of church and state makes Rick Santorum want to throw up, whether the Democrats are blowing it by saying the contraception “controversy” is about women’s health without addressing religious freedom head on, and how so many religious exemptions get written into laws. Plus: Should Mitt Romney be asked about his underwear?

Glenn is joined by Jodi Kantor, author of the hot new book The Obamas. Jodi reports on fault lines within the Obamas’ marriage and stresses the difficulty of moving from Chicago to the White House. She discusses the “angry black woman” controversy surrounding the book’s initial release, and Glenn sympathizes with Michelle Obama’s plight. Jodi and Glenn explore the unusual relationship the Obamas share with Valerie Jarrett. The conversation ends with a review of President Obama’s thin-skinned reaction to some unwelcome advice from Berkeley Law Dean Christopher Edley.

 

This week, Bob joins Matt to analyze Tuesday’s debate, and how it might affect the upcoming primaries. Matt says Santorum is a very bad politician, but what if he wins in Romney’s home state? Looking at Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, and Rand Paul, Bob and Matt evaluate prospective VP candidates. Bonus: Bob shares some dangerous multitasking tips for traveling journalists.

On Foreign Entanglements, Matt is joined by Helle to debate military action against Iran. Helle accuses Matt of attacking strawmen, while Matt argues that neocons have been hot for bombing Iran for a long time. They debate the tension between attacking Iran and supporting Iranian democracy, and whether hawks have a misplaced faith in the power of military solutions. Matt lays out his preferred policy: engagement, not appeasement.

On Pros and Conn, Dave talks about who lost the Arizona GOP debate, Rick Santorum’s big government social conservatism, the chances that a new candidate could enter the race, and why Paul Ryan might be able to pull it off. Plus: is Romney running out of rich donors?

Mark talks about his recent profile of Maggie Gallagher, a leading opponent of gay marriage. He and Conor agree that legal gay marriage is both inevitable and probably a good thing. They disagree about who truly speaks for Catholics. Conor calls for abandoning the norm that says “objective journalists” should hide their opinions, while Mark sees value in it. Is it always best to be charitable toward one’s ideological opponents? They conclude by debating whether homeschooling is bad for a liberal society.

On The Posner Show, Sarah asks political reporter Emily Belz: what was Darrell Issa thinking? While many political observers look at the GOP’s anti-contraception crusade as an electoral loser, Christian conservatives see their “religious liberty” framing as a long game, mapped out in the Manhattan Declaration, that will play out well beyond 2012. In the GOP primary, though, it seems to be helping Rick Santorum. Is his surge explained by evangelicals who buy Mike Huckabee’s “we are all Catholics now?”  Plus: what Santorum means when he talks about spiritual warfare.