Ep. 42: America the Polarized: How Personalities and Primaries Have Shaped U.S. Politics

Ep. 42: America the Polarized: How Personalities and Primaries Have Shaped U.S. Politics

Author: Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller January 15, 2025 Duration: 1:11:02

David French is a dissenter. The attorney turned conservative political commentator abandoned the Republican party in 2016. His reason? Donald Trump.

The evangelical Christian was disgusted by the controversial candidate, his lack of character and authoritarian beliefs. Since then, his critiques of the MAGA movement have only grown — so too has his voice. 

In 2019, French became the Senior Editor of the Dispatch, an online conservative news outlet. Four years later, he left. In 2023, French joined the New York Times as an op-ed columnist. Last August, he penned one of his most read works, "To Save Conservatism from Itself, I am Voting for Harris" for the outlet.

In this episode of Climbing the Charts, Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with self-proclaimed "independent conservative" to understand how personality politics, primaries and activists have landed American politics in extremism.


Climbing the Charts with Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller is a conversation about the forces that shape our daily lives, from local policy to global scientific discovery. Angie and Brandon aren't just observers; they're active participants who believe understanding these complex systems is the first step toward genuine involvement. This podcast digs into the news and social currents that might feel abstract, making them tangible and relevant to your own neighborhood. You'll hear discussions that connect political decisions with their real-world impact, explore how scientific advancements alter our social fabric, and question what it means to build a meaningful community in a fragmented world. Each episode is an invitation to look closer and think deeper, offering perspectives that help you navigate the information landscape with more clarity and purpose. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis that refuses to separate science from politics, or social trends from personal responsibility, all with the aim of fostering a more informed and connected citizenry. Find Climbing the Charts wherever you listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

Climbing the Charts with Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller
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