The Warning with Steve Schmidt
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There is a very significant, “exhausted majority” of Americans looking to move past this rotten moment in American life. They have lost trust and faith in government, business, media and not-for-profit institutions at a moment of technological, cultural and economic upheaval. Fascism did not rise in the 1930s because it was strong, but rather, because democracy was weak. The cycle is repeating itself with a new extremism rising in 2020s America. On the podcast – consistent with the mission of The Warning newsletter offered on Substack and The Warning YouTube channel – I will be joined by interesting guests – some familiar, and some you may never have heard of – to discuss the political and cultural currents that are shaping our times, as well as the unseen forces driving politics that are rarely discussed on cable news. It's important for you to hear from a diverse range of voices – not just me – about the issues facing America today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 57min
Ground Troops Ahead: Weekend War Update with Ken Harbaugh & former Congressman Denver Riggleman
Denver Riggleman, former congressman and Air Force veteran, and Ken Harbaugh, ex-Navy pilot and filmmaker, debate the Iran war’s direction. They question leadership, unpack drone warfare and Ukraine’s influence, and warn about the risks of ground operations, Strait of Hormuz challenges, political drivers, and escalation dynamics. Tense, urgent, and focused on near-term military realities.
9 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 44min
Steve Schmidt & Harry Dunn: "Donald Trump Is Unhinged And Evil"
Harry Dunn, former U.S. Capitol Police officer and congressional candidate, recounts his service and fight for accountability. He discusses confronting MAGA colleagues, using lawful powers to demand answers, and plans to prioritize impeachment and oversight. They debate Trump’s rhetoric, risks of wider conflict, economic pressures, and restoring adult leadership in Washington.
9 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 38min
Spring in Arizona: baseball, sunshine & ICE detention centers
Adelita Grijalva, Arizona freshman representative focused on human rights, and Sara Jacobs, California representative advocating against family detention, join Maritsa Georgiou, on-site reporter covering proposed ICE facilities in Arizona. They discuss the Surprise and Marana sites, nationwide DHS facility purchases, restricted access to facilities, local clergy and activist responses, and infrastructure and legal challenges facing communities.
8 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 1h 2min
Steve Schmidt & Dean Blundell: The Stories That Aren't Being Reported
Dean Blundell, podcaster and commentator, brings opinionated reporting on political and cultural stories. They dig into the USS Gerald Ford’s sewage failures and mysterious laundry fire. They debate U.S. readiness for a Pacific war, cheap drone threats versus costly defenses, and the fallout of media consolidation after CBS News Radio’s shutdown.
5 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 8min
Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Make Everything Worse
A rapid-fire review of alarming statements about seizing Cuba and the implications of pushing for regime change. A close look at NATO and allied refusals to join a widening conflict. An update on the escalating war in Iran and attacks on energy infrastructure. A critique of political rhetoric that frames military action as protecting future generations.
12 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 46min
How to unite disaffected MAGA voters and the Democratic Party
David Pakman, independent media host and progressive political commentator, joins to tackle foreign policy and domestic strategy. They discuss the Iran conflict and its economic fallout. They explore how accountability and anti-corruption messaging might win disaffected MAGA voters. They debate potential Democratic leaders for 2028 and Kamala Harris's prospects.
6 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 41min
What Washington Isn’t Saying About War, Gas Prices, and Trump with Tara Palmeri
Steve Schmidt, veteran Republican strategist turned commentator, offers historical and strategic analysis. He discusses Trump’s broken promise on avoiding foreign wars and compares Iraq-era mistakes to today. He examines why air power alone cannot topple Iran, how Iran targets the global economy, and how rising gas prices could politically pressure Trump.
5 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 14min
Steve Schmidt: Their Idiocy Compounds Beyond Belief
A scorching rundown of a bungled cabinet pick and chaotic confirmation hearing clips. Sharp analysis of dangerous rhetoric about unlawful orders and political violence. A warning about how compounded incompetence across appointments threatens democratic institutions.
4 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 9min
Steve Schmidt: Trump's Presidency Will End as a Total Sham
A sharp look at unpredictable messaging around Iran and how flip-flopping on war and peace raises real risks. Analysis of shifting stances toward NATO and allied support. A warning about the dangers of an unstable commander-in-chief and how quick wars are easy to start but hard to end.
Mar 17, 2026 • 28min
Is There a Plan for Iran?
Seth Moulton, former Marine officer and current U.S. Representative running for Senate, discusses generational change in the Democratic Party and the need for clearer policy. He debates leadership turnover, accountability and ethics reform. He also weighs in on the rapidly escalating conflict with Iran and critiques current strategy and costs.
