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Jan 22, 2013 — Sarah Posner & Katha Pollitt

The Posner Show

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Katha on the fortieth anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Is the term “pro-choice” passé—and if so, what should supporters of abortion rights use in its stead? Does it help to talk about abortion being complicated? A majority of Americans support upholding Roe v. Wade, but has anti-abortion activism at the state level effectively banned abortion in much of the country? Plus: Why Katha is happy that Todd Akin spoke from the heart about “legitimate rape.”

Jan 21, 2013 — Robert Wright & James Pinkerton

Nonzero (The Wright Show)

Jan 20, 2013 — Robert Wright & Demba Boundy

Worldwise

Jan 18, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Steven Teles

The Glenn Show

On The Glenn Show, Glenn talks to Steve about his recent research on American politics. Steve explains how political parties change positions, looking specifically at conservatives’ embrace of prison reform. Is Republican leadership the only way prison reform will actually happen? Glenn and Steve debate the (de)merits of moral argument on behalf of less punitive prison policy. They next dicsuss what Steve calls “kludgeocracy“—the increasing complexity of social policies in the US, citing the Affordable Care Act as a prime example. Steve explains his concerns about the inefficiency and non-transparency of federal-state collaborations on education and Medicaid. They conclude with some reflections on Django Unchained.

Jan 17, 2013 — Sarah Posner & David Gushee

The Posner Show

On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with Christian ethicist David Gushee about the Louie Giglio inauguration controversy. Giglio’s primary issue has been activism against human trafficking, which David calls “the ultimate consensus issue.” But the religious right’s litmus test for evangelicals forces them to choose between inclusion in their evangelical community and speaking their mind. Sarah and David discuss why the right’s persecution narratives are toxic, and David describes how conservative evangelicals have been “dethroned from cultural hegemony.” Should we even be having a public prayer at the inauguration? Will the Giglio incident make it harder for Democrats to reach out to white evangelicals? Plus: David’s challenge to his fellow evangelicals.

Jan 16, 2013 — Bill Scher & Matt K. Lewis

The DMZ

On The DMZ, Bill makes the case that banning assault weapons isn’t the best way to stop gun violence. Matt approves of expanded background checks. But is it even possible to pass any kind of gun control bill through Congress? Matt looks at mental health and America’s culture of violence—and argues that we should be shaming Quentin Tarantino.

Jan 15, 2013 — Alyssa Rosenberg & Asawin Suebsaeng

Critic Proof

On Critic Proof, Alyssa and Swin start off with the new TV season: Alyssa explains why she’s fascinated by The Americans, starring Keri Russell as a KGB spy, and why Ray Donovan isn’t actually about what Showtime wants you to think it’s about. Swin makes the case against 1600 Penn. Is there a backlash brewing against graphic on-screen violence? Turning to the Oscar race, Swin thinks Killer Joe was woefully overlooked, and they debate the controversy over the depiction of torture in Zero Dark Thirty. Laying Best Picture odds, Swin explains why he hated Lincoln. They close with predictions for the acting categories.

Jan 15, 2013 — Robert Farley & Justin Logan

Foreign Entanglements

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Justin discuss Justin’s article on the US pivot to East Asia. What is the foundational American interest in the Pacific Rim? Rob asks whether Justin is selling international institutions short. Can China make the international system work in its interest? What are the implications of retrenchment for defense spending? Finally, Rob and Justin discuss the importance of navies to the global balance of power.

Jan 14, 2013 — John Horgan & George Johnson