Is Democracy Backsliding? David A. Graham on Power, Press, and What Comes Next

From Project 2025 to creeping authoritarianism, Atlantic journalist David A. Graham lays out the threats to democracy — and why he still believes it's worth defending.

(This is early access for subscribers to our next episode of “Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other with special guest, David A. Graham of THE ATLANTIC.)

Glad to have this timely conversation with David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, and the mind behind two major works: THE PROJECT: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America and his latest featured story in THE ATLANTIC, Donald Trump’s Plan to Subvert the Midterms Is Already Underway.

In this jam-packed discussion, David breaks down the real-world impact of Project 2025, why competitive authoritarianism isn’t just for foreign regimes anymore, and what history can teach us about the fragility—and resilience—of American democracy.

We also explore David’s deep love for jazz and Americana music, his reflections on faith and public discourse, and how local connections might be the key to healing national divides.

This is not a story about doom. It’s about awareness, preparedness, and the people working behind the scenes to protect democracy.