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. 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.   📣 Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help grow this thoughtful community. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch full conversations and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Intro, Substack shoutout, and meeting David A. Graham [00:02] Early influences: NPR, Gulf War, and the writing bug [00:05] Becoming a journalist — college newsroom days at Duke [00:07] Learning by doing (and some good editors) [00:09] AI, writing, and the ethics of journalistic tools [00:13] Who were Karen Blumenthal and John F. Burness? [00:14] Project 2025 and what it means for executive power [00:18] Who are Paul Dans and Russell Vought — and why they matter [00:24] Is this constitutional? Checks, balances, and the Founders’ intent [00:27] Future scenarios: Trump, DOJ, FBI, and election chaos [00:30] Local election workers: the unsung heroes of democracy [00:34] Competitive authoritarianism: what it is and where we are [00:39] Talking faith, politics — and jazz! 🎷 [00:43] From Coltrane to Dylan to pedal steel guitar [00:46] The TP&R Question: Can we still talk across differences? [00:50] What David is reading, writing, and reflecting on now   🧠 Key Takeaways Project 2025 isn’t just policy — it’s about reshaping how power works. Competitive authoritarianism is creeping into American life — but it's not too late. Localism may be our best antidote to national polarization. Great journalism starts with great questions (and good editors). The antidote to disinformation? Better, more human conversations.   💬 Notable Quotes “Do you want one person—who might not even be in your party—to have this much power?”  “I’m fundamentally an institutionalist. Stability, history, and norms matter.” “The opposite of authoritarianism isn’t just elections — it’s fairness, accountability, and a level playing field.” “We have to update our idea of what authoritarianism looks like. It’s not always tanks in the street.”   🔗 Connect on Social Media David A. Graham — @dgraham.bsky.social 📚 The Atlantic Daily Newsletter — Subscribe Here Corey is @coreysnathan on... Substack Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook TikTok 🎙️ Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com The Village Square: villagesquare.us And we are proud to be members of The Democracy Group: democracygroup.org Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨