Topic: Populist Movement

Robert Barnes argues that Trump's January 6th strategy serves a dual purpose: a legitimate attempt to prevail and a "backup plan" to identify political enemies within the GOP. By forcing a vote, Trump can determine which legislators are "loyalists" and use that information to fuel his populist movement and primary challenges in the 2022 midterms.

Comedian Beppe Grillo's rise in Italian politics is discussed as he campaigns on a platform of renegotiating Italy's national debt. The hosts predict that Grillo's populist movement may face severe opposition from the European establishment.