To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes “What Did These People Think Would Happen?”
18 snips
Apr 21, 2026 
Tom Nichols, political scientist and Atlantic staff writer known for The Death of Expertise, joins to dissect anti‑vax trends, tragic measles outcomes, and why persuading communities matters. He also tackles U.S. strategy toward Iran, the Strait of Hormuz’s leverage, and how military strikes differ from strategic victory. Conversations include the political costs of aligning with Israel and the erosion of expertise in politics.
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Use Community Voices To Change Minds
- Appeal to peers within communities rather than elites to change anti-vax behavior.
- Nichols advises local parents who experienced measles must talk to neighbors and urge vaccination to reverse the tide.
Contempt Deepens Political Polarization
- Contempt in politics creates an immunity to persuasion and fuels polarization.
- Both guests note elites' disdain hardened voters' attachment to Trump and made dialogue harder to reopen.
I Told You So Feels Good But Doesn't Help
- Tom Nichols recounts being asked to write a follow-up book to scold those who denied earlier warnings.
- He cites Robert Conquest's idea of a sequel titled I Told You So as cathartic but unhelpful.
