WSJ Opinion: Free Expression

Unseating a sitting Democratic president, Rep. Dean Phillips discusses Biden's weaknesses, his lawsuit against the Democratic Party of Florida, misdeeds by Hunter Biden, the Iran deal and its impact on the conflict with Israel. They also talk about the culture of fear and silence in politics, foreign affairs including the war in Ukraine and support for Israel, and the importance of unity in facing challenges.

BlackRock's CEO discusses ESG and financial returns. George Magnus highlights challenges in China's economic model. The podcast explores US assistance to Ukraine and the challenge of China. The severity of criminal cases against Donald Trump is analyzed. Likelihood of legal cases being brought to trial before the election is discussed.

Off year elections in Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio went the Democratic Party's way this week but does that presage a second term for Joe Biden in 2024? On this episode of the Free Expression Podcast, political scientist Ruy Teixeira and co-author of a new book, "Where Have All the Democrats Gone?" tells Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker that the Democrats have lost touch with their core voters over economic and cultural issues, how some Democratic activists’ support for Palestinian terrorists underscores their extremism and how the party risks forfeiting the votes of many of its former supporters to the Republicans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikki Haley, potential main challenger to Trump, is gaining momentum in the race. Ron DeSantis is losing ground. Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict is critical to his reelection chances. A strong third-party candidate may emerge if it's Trump v. Biden.

Is Joe Biden prepared to back up his rhetorical support for Israel? On the latest episode of the Free Expression Podcast, Middle East scholar Reuel Marc Gerecht tells Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker why Israel's promise of the destruction of Hamas may not be possible without the reoccupation of Gaza, why the Biden Administration needs to to draw a red line on Iran's involvement in the conflict, how the escalation of attacks by Hezbollah is inevitable, and why a two-state solution was never viable, and seems even less so now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Free Expression Podcast, BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink tells Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker about why he thinks ESG investing has become so controversial but also misunderstood. He outlines his concerns about embedded inflation in the economy and how it will change investing and says he thinks cryptocurrency could represent a viable hedge against inflation and other risks. He expresses his concern about the state of free speech on university campuses and the wider decline in the quality of American public discourse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Israeli ambassador and Middle East historian Michael Oren discusses the Israeli military strategy and objectives in the war with Hamas. They explore the potential escalation and spread of the conflict, Iran's role, and the potential influence of a second term for Donald Trump. The chapter also covers the grim situation in Israel, including rocket launches and preparations for a ground incursion into Gaza, as well as domestic political pressure and shifting public opinion.

What led eight Republicans to vote against Kevin McCarthy and end his time as Speaker of the House? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker speaks with one of the eight, Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), about how this historic vote was months in the making. Good and Baker also discuss whether the upheaval was done in part with working with Democrats, the future of the continuing resolution in the House on spending, and some of the names being mentioned to be the next Speaker, including Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After another Trump-less presidential debate seemed to make few waves in the Republican primary race , what can we now expect from the contest? Is the field about to consolidate to just a handful of candidates vying to be the alternative to Trump?  How could the frontrunner be defeated? On this week's episode  of the Free Expression, conservative author and commentator Matthew Continetti talks with Gerry Baker about the state of the GOP, the future of conservatism and why he thinks the populist wing of the party is firmly in the ascendant for the foreseeable future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Scott entered the 2024 GOP presidential primary with a message of positivity that was in stark contrast to Donald Trump's dark critique of contemporary America. But is it a winning strategy? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, the South Carolina Senator tells Wall Street Journal editor Gerry Baker of his faith in the goodness of America, but also why he fears a government shutdown is imminent, why the patience of some Americans with the funding of Ukraine is running out, and why he advocates the adoption by states of a 15 week - or less - limit on abortion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices