The DSR Network

A report on the U.S. striking 16 Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. A critique of the operation’s planning and risks to wider U.S. interests. Coverage of a Georgia special election and shifting voting trends. Alarming figures about deaths in immigration detention and concerns over transparency and oversight cuts.

Paul Waldman, political journalist and Substack writer, discusses why Trump’s claims about an Iranian school bombing and his public exchange admitting ignorance were so damaging. He highlights polling that shows the Iran war’s extreme unpopularity. Short, sharp takes on chaotic White House messaging, skeptical press coverage, and why Americans are not rallying behind the conflict.

Dr. Mattia Romani, economist researching AI for energy and climate, and Lord Nicholas Stern, renowned economist on climate and growth. They explore AI-driven decarbonization, AI use-cases for grids, storage and cities. They discuss AI as a design and discovery tool, modeling breakthroughs, and the economic case for green growth.

They unpack conflicting messages about whether the Iran war is winding down. Discussion of oil markets, Russia and a Putin call as energy prices shift. A high-stakes special election in Georgia and what it means for GOP influence. Democrats planning a Senate shutdown threat over Iran and internal Democratic leadership disputes. Legal clash over AI supply-chain rules also gets attention.

Norm Ornstein, veteran congressional scholar specializing in Congress and electoral rules. He breaks down the SAVE Act’s proof-of-citizenship and data-sharing rules. He explains how Trump’s threats are forcing Republicans into a strategic trap. He outlines filibuster math, risks to mail and military voting, and the political fallout for midterm messaging.

They unpack the surprise naming of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader and what it means for regional pressure dynamics. A major court ruling reversing VOA leadership changes is discussed. Tensions over U.S. legislation surface as a pledge to block bills until the SAVE America Act is resolved. Debate heats up over threats and strategy toward Cuba and broader Latin America.

Amanda Marcotte, journalist and Salon columnist who decodes MAGA politics. She unpacks Karoline Leavitt’s cultlike proclamations and what they signal about loyalty in the movement. They discuss collapsing poll support for the Iran war, falling approval on immigration and the economy. Conversation also touches on worries about Trump’s health and what power struggles could mean going forward.

They break down a high‑profile dismissal at the Department of Homeland Security tied to a $220M ad campaign and political fallout. They discuss allegations of misconduct and staffing choices reshaping DHS priorities. Newly released files and missing pages from a notorious investigation get attention. A probe points toward US responsibility for a deadly strike in Iran. A weak February jobs report and economic risks wrap up the conversation.

Mary Trump, clinical psychologist and author known for her books on the Trump family, joins the conversation. They examine leadership shifts like Noem’s removal and Mullin’s pick. They discuss declining cognition and public gaffes, harsh detention conditions, and the GOP’s growing cruelty. They close by arguing for renewed empathy and accountability in politics.

Tori Otten, deputy editor at The New Republic who covers Trump-era messaging, breaks down a bizarre White House press outburst and its roots. She discusses MAGA’s use of fantasy and gamified violence in messaging. The conversation also covers Republican anxiety over Iran, lawmakers avoiding the word war, and how this media strategy shapes political reality.