In this episode of The David Frum Show, David Frum discusses concerns about President Donald Trump’s health and speculates on the implications of a potential J. D. Vance presidency. He contrasts Trump’s impulsive style with Vance’s more methodical, ideology-driven approach, emphasizing how each leader wields power and shapes policy. Frum warns that understanding these differences is vital for anticipating future challenges.
Frum also speaks with Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about how societies define reality amidst rampant disinformation. They explore the dangers posed by misinformation and the erosion of a “reality-based community.” Rauch highlights the “fire hose of falsehood” technique used in disinformation campaigns, where overwhelming amounts of misleading information inhibit people’s ability to discern truth.
They discuss the principles of the Constitution of Knowledge, which promotes a framework for establishing facts and settling disagreements through structured dialogue rather than violence. Rauch addresses the importance of maintaining freedom of speech, a commitment to factual information, and diversity of viewpoints to bolster this system. However, he cautions against the rising threat of authoritarianism and advocates for the protection of these democratic norms.
Both Frum and Rauch express concern over the current political landscape, suggesting that the crisis of democracy extends beyond any individual leader. They assert that the challenges posed by disinformation require continuous effort to uphold truth and reality in society. The episode concludes with reflections on the resilience of democratic principles against systemic threats.
