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9 May 2026

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Mar 3, 2013 — Robert Farley & Nate Jones
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Foreign Entanglements

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob talks to Nate about his efforts to pressure US intelligence agencies to release classified documents. They consider the impact of Wikileaks. Nate offers some horror stories about FOIA requests, and also describes his research on Able Archer, the 1983 incident that nearly triggered a nuclear war. They discuss the new show The Americans, which both Rob and Nate prefer to Homeland. Rob and Nate then discuss Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, the two “national security” entrants in this year’s Academy Awards, and reflect on the difficulties of getting historical films right. Finally, a brief conversation about Seth MacFarlane‘s turn as Oscar host.

Mar 2, 2013 — Tamar Szabo Gendler & Mahzarin Banaji
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The Mind Report
Mar 1, 2013 — Sarah Posner & Debra Haffner
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The Posner Show
On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Debra about the legacy of former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, who died this week. Koop was an ardent foe of abortion, but Debra recounts his adherence to science, not ideology, in concluding there was no medical evidence that abortion harms women. Has today’s anti-abortion movement differed from Koop by not separating moral beliefs from medical facts? On the AIDS crisis, Debra credits Koop with “changing the dialogue”, and promoting AIDS education in schools, in the 1980s. Has school-based sex education become passé? Plus: Debra and Koop on the set of the Golden Girls.
Feb 28, 2013 — Bill Scher & Matt K. Lewis
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The DMZ
On The DMZ: Can Republicans beat Obama on the sequester? Or has the president broken their will? What will it take for conservatism to make a comeback? Were Republicans smart to put so much effort into the failed attempt to block Chuck Hagel’s nomination? Plus: CPAC and the conservative movement’s identity crisis.
Feb 27, 2013 — Alyssa Rosenberg & Emily Nussbaum
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Critic Proof
On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Emily compare two TV shows about Washington, House of Cards and Scandal. They explain how they came around to Scandal. They discuss the show’s sex scenes and handling of race, which seem edgy by network television standards, and ponder whether it will go off the rails. Turning to House of Cards, Alyssa explains why she’s been underwhelmed by the much-hyped Netflix drama. Does either show capture DC journalism accurately? And why is it so hard to write a compelling show about politics? (Spoilers throughout.)
Feb 27, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Harold Pollack
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The Glenn Show
On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Harold discuss crime in Chicago. Harold explains why more guns means more dead bodies, and why he can feel some sympathy for George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin’s killer. They discuss the difficulty of seeing people—young black men, in particular—as individuals. Are “family values” at least part of the answer to inner-city crime? Glenn and Harold deliver a harsh critique of Kevin Williamson’s recent National Review essay on Chicago. Finally, can literature help bridge cultural divides in America?
Feb 26, 2013 — Harry Siegel & Allison Yarrow
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Feb 25, 2013 — Conor Friedersdorf & Mark Oppenheimer
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Friedersdorf
On Friedersdorf, Mark and Conor kick things off by discussing the Pope’s resignation and how American Catholics are processing it. Can the Church change the internal culture that enabled the sex abuse cover-up? They next explore this question: Is it possible to be an NFL star and a good Christian? And is the idea that sports build character just a myth? Mark explains why he wants to develop the habit of occasionally smoking pot. And Conor argues that in the war on terror, Americans ought to show more courage.
Feb 25, 2013 — Sarah Posner & Paul Raushenbush
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The Posner Show
On The Posner Show, Sarah talks to Paul about Tim Tebow’s cancellation of his appearance at First Baptist Church in Dallas. They discuss the controversial statements the church’s pastor, Robert Jeffress, has made about Mormons, Catholics, Jews, and gays. Did Tebow disagree with the statements, or did he just want to protect his image? Paul is happy that evangelicals are less inclined to wage culture wars, but Sarah worries about hateful thoughts left unvoiced. Plus: Paul and Sarah make predictions on how long it will take for conservative Christians to accept gay marriage.
Feb 23, 2013 — Laurie Santos & Jesse Bering
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The Mind Report

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