Matt Parks And David Corbin

Shows

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today "The Compleat Political Thinker": Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic, part 4We continue our series on the book Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo M. Codevilla by discussing chapter 4: “The Compleat Political Thinker” by Steve Heyward. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We celebrate reaching our 100th episode after 5 ½ years. Review: “Angelo Codevilla’s America: A Possession for All Time” (3:54) - We review the lessons of the third chapter of Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic. “The Compleat Polit...

2025-11-1539 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo M. Codevilla, part 3We continue our series on the book Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo M. Codevilla by discussing chapter 3: “Angelo Codevilla’s America: A Possession for All Time” by David Corbin. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss Dave’s family’s recent trip to Mexico and the benefits of exposing kids to foreign cultures. Review: “Angelo Codevilla, the Anti-Millenarian” (3:58) - We review the lessons of the second chapter...

2025-11-0155 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo M. Codevilla, part 2We continue our series on the book Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo M. Codevilla by discussing chapter 2: “Angelo Codevilla, The Anti-Millenarian” by Robert Reilly. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss Patriots' recent success and trying to wait as long as possible to turn on the heat. Review: “The Man Who Kept the CIA Up at Night” (3:04) - We review the lessons of the first chapter...

2025-10-1847 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo Codevilla, part 1We begin a series on the book Fighting Enemies Foreign and Domestic: The Legacy of Angelo Codevilla by discussing the opening chapter “The Man Who Kept the CIA Up at Night” by J. Michael Waller. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the memorial service for Dave’s father-in-law and the Boston-New York wild card series. “The Man Who Kept the CIA Up at Night” (3:46) - We discuss Dr. Codevilla’s...

2025-10-0447 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 7: Restoring Our RepublicWe conclude our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the state of our republic in the shadow of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and his connections with the Tea Party and MAGA movements. The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Tea Party and MAGA movements (5:12) - We discuss the...

2025-09-2048 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 6: PrudenceWe continue our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the principle of prudence and its application to contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss big news for the Corbin family and our expanded social media presence. The Fifth Principle: Prudence (3:23) - We discuss the role of prudence in statesmanship, contrasting the prudent statesman with grandstanders and conceders. Link...

2025-08-3045 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 5: LawfulnessWe continue our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the principle of lawfulness and its application to contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss Dave’s trip to New England and the approach of another school year. The Fifth Principle: Lawfulness (3:07) - We discuss the importance of the rule of law as well as the limits of the pre...

2025-08-1657 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 4: JusticeWe continue our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the principle of justice and its application to contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss Dave’s upcoming trip to New England and the heat wave hitting New Jersey. The Fourth Principle: Justice (4:25) - We discuss the founders’ understanding of justice and contrast that with the factious behavior that is s...

2025-08-0255 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 3: HonorWe continue our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the principle of honor and its application to contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss our summer vacations and the Red Sox’s great run of win heading into the All-Star break.. The Third Principle: Honor (4:12) - We discuss the difference between a statesman on the one hand, and thr...

2025-07-1943 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 2: ResponsibilityWe continue our series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by discussing the principle of moral responsibility and its application to contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss plans for the 4th of July and some very American ways to honor the country. The Second Principle: Responsibility (3:05) - We discuss what it meant for the founders and what it means for u...

2025-07-0541 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Keeping Our Republic, part 1: EqualityWe begin a new series based on our 2010 book, Keeping Our Republic: Principles for a Political Reformation, by reviewing the first principle discussed, equality. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the arrival of summer in Colorado and New Jersey. Introducing Keeping Our Republic (2:17) - We discuss the vision behind Keeping Our Republic and our plan to revisit its arguments 15 years later. Link: Charles C. W. Cooke on Norma...

2025-06-2151 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today BoBos and WoBels: President Trump’s First 100 Days, part 5We review the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term and talk about the origins and trajectory of the Trump coalition. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss Dave’s recent visit to Green Bay for the NFL draft. President Trump’s First 100 Days (2:27) - We respond to President Trump’s speech marking the end of the first 100 days of his presidency. Link: Transcript of President Trump’s speech.

2025-05-0353 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Tariffs and American Prosperity: President Trump’s First 100 Days, part 4We discuss the case for and against President Trump’s tariffs in the broader context of American economic and moral prosperity. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about spring skiing and avoiding mishap on the slopes Tariffs in Context (2:28) - We discuss the historical and philosophical context of President Trump’s tariff with help from Alexander Hamilton’s “Report on Manufactures” and Plator’s Republic. Links: Hamilton, “Report on Manufact...

2025-04-1246 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The End of (the Department of) Education: President Trump's First 100 Days, part 3We continue our discussion of the first 100 days of President Trump’s second administration by focusing on his plans for the Department of Education and a program for education reform. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss the arrival of March weather and March Madness. Ending the Department of Education? (2:03) - We discuss President Trump’s plans to close the Department of Education along with the current staffing and spen...

2025-03-2242 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today BullDOGEing the Federal Government? President Trump’s First Hundred Days, part 2We continue our examination of the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration by discussing the constitutional and political questions around DOGE. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss what we did last week in light of Elon Musk’s email to federal employees asking them the same and the overall question of government accountability. Links: Donald Trump statement; Federal Debt. DOGE (4:28) - We discuss the constitutional objections that h...

2025-03-0139 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today An Energetic Executive or an Imperial Presidency? President Trump's First 100 Days, part 1We begin our examination of the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration by discussing his use of executive power. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We catch up after a mid-winter break from the show. The Constitutional Executive (1:12) - We discuss the difference between a constitutional “energetic” executive and an imperial president. Links: Yuval Levin on executive power; Federalist 70; Mike Johnson on executive power. An Energetic Executive o...

2025-02-0843 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Intelligent Statecraft and the Failure of the ElitesWe discuss Americans’ suspicion of experts, its connection to elite institutions, and its application to creating a sensible intelligence-gathering regime, guided by the writings of the late Dr. Angelo Codevilla. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss plans for Thanksgiving. The Failure of the Elites (1:58) - We discuss the sources of American discontent with the nation’s experts and elite institutions. Links: CBS Presidential Transition Poll David Brooks; Rush Limb...

2024-12-0443 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today 2024 Election ReviewThe people have spoken…and we’re back for a post-election recap. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We revisit our election predictions and discuss our evenings watching the returns come in. 2016 v. 2024 (4:13) - We discuss the significance of President Trump’s victory in the context of 200 years of Democratic Party focus on the popular vote, Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” thesis, and the end (?) of the Clinton/Obama era of Dem...

2024-11-1636 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today DIA-Today Reunion: 2024 Election PreviewAfter 2 ½ years away, we come back for a special election preview episode. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about our new jobs and new homes in new states and speculate about the popular demand for more DIA-Today. A New Consensus? (6:36) - We discuss the broader context of another very close presidential election and what it would take to break that pattern in 2028. The Trajectory of the El...

2024-11-0237 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Season Finale: Education and the Best Regime, part 2We conclude season three by reflecting on the influence of music in shaping the soul and the city from the very end of Aristotle’s Politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the challenges of finding peace in a fallen world in light of the school shooting in southwest Texas and the conclusion of the school year. Required Reading (3:50) - We reflect on the f...

2022-05-2831 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Education and the Best Regime, part 1We discuss Aristotle’s account of the relationship between education and the regime and the state of public and private education today. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss end-of-the-year traditions at Geneva and Matt’s old school in New Hampshire. Required Reading (4:30) - We consider the opening chapters of Book VIII of Aristotle’s Politics and the way that education influences the character o...

2022-05-2130 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Family and the Best RegimeWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime, reflecting on his account of the public consequences of family life. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the graduation ceremony at King’s, the arrival of spring in New York, and Geneva senior theses. Required Reading (3:59) - We reflect on chapters 16 and 17 of Book VII of Aristotle’s Politics, where Aris...

2022-05-1432 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Best Regime: Virtue, Means, and EndsWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime, reflecting on the inculcation of virtue and the means and ends of the American regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss graduation week at King’s and the possibility of Roe v. Wade finally being overturned by the Supreme Court. Required Reading (5:28) - We reflect on chapters 13-15 of Book VII...

2022-05-0732 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Public Life in the Best RegimeWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime with special focus on a robust public life. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the virtues of Administrative Assistants on their Hallmark Holiday. Required Reading (1:43) - We reflect on chapters 8-12 of Book VII of Aristotle’s Politics, where Aristotle discusses the key elements of the happy city. Links: Aristotl...

2022-04-3034 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The United States and the Conditions for the Best RegimeWe discuss the population and geographic circumstances that lead to the best regime and the remarkable blessings enjoyed by the United States. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss our Easter weekends, the last weeks of the school year, and the end of the public transportation mask mandate. Required Reading (3:18) - We reflect on chapters 5-7 of Book VII of Aristotle’s Politics, where A...

2022-04-2331 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Happiness and the Best LifeWe discuss Aristotle’s account of happiness for the individual and the nation and the fundamental debate over the nature of the best life in the light of Christ’s death and resurrection. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the Easter season and the first week of the baseball season. Required Reading (3:16) - We reflect on the open chapters of Book VII of Aristotle’s...

2022-04-1640 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Best and Worst OligarchiesWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the best and worst oligarchies and the progressive development of the American national government. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss the start of the baseball season and another round of terrible NCAA tournament picks. Required Reading (4:15) - We reflect on Book VI, chapter 6-8 of The Politics, where Aristotle discusses the best and worst forms of oligarchy an...

2022-04-0930 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Why Study Aristotle?We discuss the four kinds of democracy and the importance of understanding the nature of one’s own regime to be an excellent citizen or statesman. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the coming of April and our disastrous NCAA tournament picks. Required Reading (2:45) - We reflect on the four types of democracy Aristotle describes in chapter 4 of Book VI of The Politics and...

2022-04-0230 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Institutions, Laws, and People of a RepublicWe reflect on how different institutional structures, laws, and economic ways of life affect the character of a regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss Dave’s family vacation in Florida among the college student Spring Breakers. Required Reading (2:36) - We discuss the first three chapters of Book VI of Aristotle’s Politics, where Aristotle writes about how the shape of the laws affects the c...

2022-03-1931 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Hope of Political ReformWe reflect on Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s account of regime change and the possibility of political reform in a fallen world. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss the successes of Geneva’s girls winter sports teams, Matt’s modest Spring Break plans, and the renewed hope for a full baseball season. Required Reading (3:50) - We discuss the end of Book V of Aristotle’s Politi...

2022-03-1233 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Ukraine, Russia, Kings, and TyrantsWe apply Aristotle’s discussion of kings and tyrants to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the leaders of the two sides. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about the cancellation of the first week of baseball season and Matt’s decision criteria for choosing a good graduate school. Required Reading (4:07) - We discuss the means of preserving monarchies and tyrannies outlined by Aristotle in Boo...

2022-03-0535 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Education and Regime PreservationWe discuss Aristotle’s account of regime preservation, with a focus on education and the key qualities of statesmen. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We reflect on our Super Bowl picks and talk about Dave accidentally calling Matt from a Geneva girls basketball game. Required Reading (3:29) - We discuss the means of preserving regimes outlined by Aristotle in Book V, chapter 8 of The Politics and ap...

2022-02-2632 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Democratic, Oligarchic, and Aristocratic RevolutionsWe discuss Aristotle’s account of revolution in democracies, oligarchies, and aristocracies. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about the transition from football season to baseball season and Geneva’s upcoming Daddy-Daughter dance. Required Reading (3:20) - We begin with reflections on the role of the demagogue in revolutions and new opportunities for demagoguery in our day. We also discuss how revolutions arise in good government...

2022-02-1234 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Contempt of the Elite and the Road to RevolutionWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the causes of revolution and the contempt of contemporary elites for those they govern. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk cold and Covid in New York, Tom Brady’s retirement, and the NFL playoffs. Required Reading (5:00) - We look at Aristotle’s account of the origins of revolutions, particularly the contests among groups over equality and inequality and the...

2022-02-0535 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Reticent Revolutionaries and the 2024 ElectionWe discuss the introduction to Aristotle’s account of revolution in Book V of The Politics and consider its implications for the 2024 presidential race. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about the disappointing end to the Patriots’ and back-to-school at Geneva and King’s. Required Reading (3:37) - We consider the mistaken notions of justice found in democratic and oligarchy regimes and the ways that these have s...

2022-01-2234 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Responsibilities of Political OfficeWe reflect on President Biden’s voting rights speech and vaccine mandate in light Aristotle’s teaching on the functions of legislative, executive, and judicial offices. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about our Christmas breaks, Omicron, and Dave’s state-of-the-school address. Required Reading (5:18) - We conclude our discussion of Book IV of The Politics with Aristotle’s reflections on the legislative, executive, and judicia...

2022-01-1534 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Mixed Regime and Political ModerationWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the best regime for most places, a mixed regime balancing the excellencies of oligarchy and democracy. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We look forward to Christmas break and talk about the new Corbin dog, Tex, and his relations with Tenny, the original Corbin dog. Required Reading (4:15) - We discuss Aristotle’s account of aristocracy and polity in the second half o...

2021-12-1833 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Democratic Demagoguery and Closed OligarchiesWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on the best and worst sorts of democracy and oligarchy. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss the Patriots’ big Monday night win over the Bills, the prospects for a Patriots-Bucs Super Bowl, and conspiracy theories around Bill Belichick’s pregame Navy facemask. Required Reading (4:06) - We discuss Aristotle’s account of the different types of democracy and oligarchy in Book IV...

2021-12-1132 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Hyperpartisanship and the Christian CitizenWe discuss how hyperpartisanship threatens the stability of a republic and the temptation for Christians to emphasize political attachments over their commitment to Christ. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss our day-before-Thanksgiving challenges on the roads and at the dentist’s office. Required Reading (2:40) - We discuss the complexity of political analysis in a world of great economic and ideological variety and the danger o...

2021-12-0434 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Best Regime and the American FoundingWe discuss Aristotle’s four ways of thinking about the best regime and Harry Jaffa’s case for (the principles of) the American founding as the best practical regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss kid birthday celebrations, the New England Patriots’ recent success, and the Publius Posse’s big fantasy football win over the Canyon Lake Texans. Required Reading (4:24) - We discuss four ways...

2021-11-2035 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Regimes, part 4: The Rule of the One or the Rule of LawWe discuss the final chapters of book III of Aristotle’s Politics as he compares different forms of monarchy to the rule of law. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss the success of the University of Texas-San Antonio football team, the Braves’ World Series win, our big matchup this week in fantasy football, and the consequences of the recent election results; 2010 election results. Required R...

2021-11-1338 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Regimes, part 3: A Just Claim to RuleWe discuss Aristotle’s assessment of the role of the multitude in a well-ordered political community and the possibility of excellent leadership in a democratic society. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We respond to a listener’s complaint about our NBA picks and discuss the Braves’ game 1 victory in the World Series. Required Reading (3:19) - We reflect on different claims to rule, especially those of the...

2021-10-3035 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Regimes, part 2: The Rich and the PoorWe discuss the most common regimes historically, the rule of the rich (oligarchy) and the rule of the poor (democracy), and the ways that the American regime was designed to prevent conflict between the rich and the poor. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - Fall has arrived with a vengeance in New York while the Red Sox and Braves are looking a little more shaky in their que...

2021-10-2332 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Regimes, part 1: The One, The Few, and the ManyWe discuss Aristotle’s taxonomy of regimes and the way that the one, the few, and the many continue to compete for power in our day. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about Dave’s trip to watch the Patriots beat the Texans, the Red Sox’s continued playoff success, and a pleasant early fall in New York. Required Reading (3:28) - We discuss how Ari...

2021-10-1634 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Good Citizen and the Good ManWe discuss how citizenship is defined relative to a regime and the tension between being a good citizen and a good person, with applications from American history and contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about the Red Sox’s big victory over the Yankees in the American League Wild Card game, the (Yankees’) Curse of the Parks, Dave’s 50th birthday serenades from Geneva Sc...

2021-10-0933 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today In Memory of Dr. Angelo M. CodevillaWe reflect on the life and writings of our great teacher, Dr. Angelo M. Codevilla, and his commitment to the restoration of active American citizenship. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We react to the death of Dr. Codevilla and discuss our special privilege of being his students. Required Reading (5:58) - We discuss citizenship as it is presented in the opening chapter of book 3 of Arist...

2021-09-2533 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Reform and RevolutionWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on how to improve a regime at the end of Book II of his Politics and apply them to conservative and progressive efforts to reform and revolutionize the American founders’ republic. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the start of the school year at Geneva and King’s, fall in New York, perpetual summer in Texas, and Matt’s big week 1 win o...

2021-09-1833 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Optics and EgalitarianismAristotle’s critiques of an ancient proposal to equalize property and a focus on political perception more than political reality leads us into a discussion of the sources of human division and the dangers of our optics-based politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss Dave’s first day as Head of School, the beginning of the King’s academic year, and our fantasy football draft. ...

2021-09-1132 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Public and the PrivateWe discuss the dangers of conceiving of the political community as a large family and holding property in common in light of Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Republic at the beginning of book 2 of his Politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss Dave choosing Alabama as his college football team, the virtues of Buc-ee’s convenience stores, and our quest for listeners in Wyoming and N...

2021-09-0434 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Politics and EconomicsWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on ensuring that the pursuit of wealth by individuals and communities is subordinated to the higher purpose of living well. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:55) - We discuss our week off from the podcast (sorry!) and Dave’s thoughts on preseason Patriots football. Required Reading (3:44) - We reflect on the second half of book 1 of Aristotle’s Politics, where Aristotle dis...

2021-08-2833 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Nature, Equality, and the Imago DeiWe discuss Aristotle’s account of slavery and how the opening chapters of Genesis uniquely provide a grounding for the principle of human equality. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss first-day-of-school traffic in Boerne, Texas, and the recent slide of the Boston Red Sox. Required Reading (4:19) - We discuss Aristotle’s writing on slavery in Book 1, chapters 4-7 of The Politics and how a Chr...

2021-08-1434 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Statesman's Interest and DutyWe discuss Aristotle’s fundamental distinction between good government and bad: whether political leaders seek their own interest or pursue the common good. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:55) - We talk about the upcoming start of the school year, our audience’s apparent desire for less content less often, and Matt’s dreams of calling Red Sox games on the radio. Required Reading (2:58) - We discuss...

2021-08-0734 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Pursuit of Happiness and JusticeMatt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We catch up after two months away from the podcast, discuss our plans for season 3, and introduce the new music for the show by listener Fred Lancia. Links: Fred Lancia, “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind). Required Reading (7:40) - We discuss the major themes of the first two chapters of Book 1 of Aristotle’s Politics and the ongoing relevance of Aristotle’s concerns f...

2021-07-3133 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Oligarchy in AmericaWe conclude season two discussing the rise of an oligarchic ruling class in the United States with Dr. Angelo Codevilla, our teacher at Boston University and widely-published scholar of political philosophy and international affairs. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:12) - We discuss the release of the new CDC guidelines for vaccinated people. Links: CDC chart; President Biden on Today; Runner Wear a Mask; Red Sox attendance; Major League attendance. Required Reading/Headlines (10:29) - We discuss the latest essay by Dr. Angelo Codevilla, “Ame...

2021-05-011h 07

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Character of Democratic DespotismWe discuss the character of democratic despotism as it is described by Alexis de Tocqueville and exhibited in America today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:13) - We discuss the conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Links: AP news story; CNN story on Maxine Waters remarks; Susan Crabtree at Real Clear Politics on policing reform efforts. Required Reading (6:52) - We conclude our study of Democracy in America as Professor Corbin leads us through the last three chapters in the work on the...

2021-04-2459 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Causes of Democratic DespotismWe reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic, centralized government and several manifestations of that tendency today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:55) - We discuss the pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. Links: CDC and FDA joint statement; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review; Deseret News on Utah and other states; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review, part 2. [45 seconds] Required Reading (10:18) - We reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic centralized government in light of Alexis d...

2021-04-1757 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Democratic FamilySummary: We discuss the influence of democracy on family life. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (00:57) - We look at the fallout of Major League Baseball’s decision to move this year’s All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver. Links: MLB decision; Stacy Abrams on Georgia boycotts; Democrats on MLB decision; President Biden on the Masters; David Harsanyi at National Review. Required Reading (05:00) - Prof. Corbin leads us through Tocqueville’s discussion of the democratic family in part 3 of volume 2 of Democracy in America and...

2021-04-1054 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Unmild American PoliticsWe discuss the decline in American church membership and President Biden’s attacks on the new Georgia voting law in light of Tocqueville’s reflections on American sentiments and mores in volume 2 of Democracy in America. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:05) - We discuss the results of the latest Gallup poll on church membership and its consequences. Links: Gallup Poll results; Kevin Williamson writing at National Review. Required Reading (10:36) - Professor Corbin leads us through the end of part 2 and the beginning of par...

2021-04-0356 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Liberty and EqualityWe discuss the relationship between liberty and equality and the role of the national government in encouraging or discouraging self-government. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:31) - We discuss President Biden’s first press conference. Links: press conference transcript; RealClearPolitics presidential approval average; Ipsos/Reuters presidential approval poll; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review on Biden and the filibuster. Required Reading (10:24) - Professor Corbin leads us through volume 2, part 2 of Democracy in America on the sentiments of the American people with a special...

2021-03-2758 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Place-Hunting, Pseudo-Wisdom, and American EducationWe discuss the corruption of elite American education by the pursuit of high status positions and the resulting subordination of that education to ideological fads and pseudo-wisdom. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:36) - We discuss the new CDC guidelines for social distancing in elementary schools. Links: National Review reports new guidelines; ABC News report; David Zweig at The Intelligencer; NYT report on AFT reaction. Required Reading (05:21) - Prof. Corbins leads us through chapters 7-10 of volume 2, part 1, of Democracy in America on key...

2021-03-201h 00

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Political Religion and Religious PoliticsWe discuss the religious character of our contemporary politics and the leading influences on the American democratic mind. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:27) - We discuss President Biden’s first primetime address. Links: Biden speech; Susan Crabtree at Real Clear Politics; New York Times fact check. Required Reading (10:28) - Professor Corbin leads us through the opening chapters of volume 2, part 1 of Democracy in America and a selection from Francis Bacon’s Aphorisms Concerning the Interpretation of Nature. Assigned for next week: Democracy in A...

2021-03-131h 01

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Union, Elections, and DemocracySummary: We discuss efforts to reform our elections and democracy in light of Tocqueville’s observations on the American Union at the end of volume 1 of Democracy in America. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:15) - We discuss the decision of Texas and Mississippi to lift their mask mandates and the reaction to it. Links: NBC News report on TX and MS; NBC News report on Biden reaction; CBS article on business response. Required Reading (5:29) - Prof. Corbin guides us through the final par...

2021-03-0656 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Equity and EqualityWe discuss the current debate about equity and equality in light of Alexis de Tocqueville’s reflections on the relationship among Native Americans, African Americans, and European Americans in 19th century American society. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:06) - We discuss the Equality Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives this week. Links: National Review report; National Review editorial. Required Reading (4:45) - Prof. Corbin leads us through the first half of the last chapter of volume 1 of Democracy in America on...

2021-02-2758 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Mores, Religion, and RepublicsWe reflect on the ways that circumstances, laws, and mores, especially religion, influence American democracy. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:59) - We discuss the death of Rush Limbaugh. Links: Fox News reporting the death of Rush Limbaugh; Andrew Klavan; Ben Domenech; Mark Steyn. Required Reading (7:10) - We reflect on the ways that circumstances, laws, and mores, especially religion, influence American democracy, based on chapters 8 and 9 of part 2 of volume 1 of Democracy in America and selections from Cicero’s Laws. Assignment for next week...

2021-02-2059 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Constitutional and Tyrannical DemocraciesWe discuss Alexis de Tocqueville’s account of the merit and demerits of democracy and consider how cancel culture emerges in a democratic society. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:58) - We discuss the state of former president Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. Link: Wall Street Journal impeachment trial coverage. Required Reading (07:02) - Professor Corbin leads us through part one of Alexis de Tocqueville’s case for and against democracy in volume 1, part 2, chapters 6-7 of Democracy in America and a discussion of the...

2021-02-131h 00

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Political Parties, the Media, and Majority RuleWe discuss the role of the political parties and the media in shaping the landscape of contemporary American democracy. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:24) - We discuss the Senate power-sharing agreement between Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell and the fate of the filibuster. Link: Politico on the power-sharing agreement. Required Reading (3:39) - Prof. Corbin leads us through the opening chapters of part 2 of volume 1 of Democracy in America and Plato’s reflections on the degeneration of democracy in The Republic, with a foc...

2021-02-0658 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Our Federal System and the National CharacterWe look at the strength of our federal system and national character in light of Tocqueville’s reflections on the US Constitution. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (01:26) - We discuss last week’s vote on Senator Rand Paul’s resolution to declare a post-presidency impeachment trial unconstitutional. Links: The Hill reporting on the Senate vote; National Review on the Senate vote; Senator Rubio. Required Reading (06:36) - Prof. Corbin leads us through a discussion of volume 1, part 1, chapters 6-8 of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democr...

2021-01-3058 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Sovereignty, Democracy, Civic Activity, and the InaugurationWe discuss President Biden’s Inaugural Address in light of the tradition of local American democracy described by Alexis de Tocqueville. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:56) - We discuss the seventeen executive actions taken by President Biden on his first day of office. Link: CNN story from Inauguration Day. Required Reading (5:28) - Prof. Corbin leads us through a discussion of chapters 3-5 in volume one of Tocqueville’s Democracy in America and the first book of Homer’s Iliad. Assigned for next week: t...

2021-01-2359 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Spirit of Religion and the Spirit of FreedomWe look at the opening chapters of Democracy in America and the state of the spirit of religion and the spirit in America today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (2:06) - We remark on the second impeachment of Donald Trump. Link: AP report on impeachment. Required Reading (6:07) - We discuss the Author’s Introduction to Democracy in America and the first two chapters of volume one of the work plus Genesis 1-3 and a selection from Hesiod’s Theogony. Links: Mansfield/Winthrop translation of De...

2021-01-1657 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Season 1 Recap/Season 2 PreviewWe take a look back at the first season of the show and preview our plans for season 2 beginning January 16. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (3:21): Season 1 Recap - We discuss our favorite topics, writers, gradebook topics, and picks from the first season of our show. Part 2 (16:59): Season 2 Preview - We discuss our plans to study the great works in the history of political philosophy beginning in January and connect them to the headlines of the day. First reading assignment: Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in A...

2020-12-1941 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Election Integrity EpilogueWe discuss the legal battles over the results of the presidential election and the lessons for election integrity from this campaign season. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (2:11): Headlines - We discuss the legal effort by the Trump campaign and others to challenge the results of the presidential election and the lessons for election integrity from this campaign season. Links: The Dispatch summary of election-related lawsuits; Andy McCarthy at National Review on the Texas lawsuit; Chip Roy on the Texas lawsuit; Andy McCarthy at National Review o...

2020-12-121h 05

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Free Exercise of ReligionWe discuss the history of religious freedom in light of the Supreme Court’s recent “free exercise” ruling in favor of NYC churches and synagogues. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:51): Headlines - We discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision setting aside Covid-related restrictions on attendance at religious assemblies in New York City in the broader context of the constitutional theory and practice of First Amendment protections of the “free exercise” of religion. Links: NYT report on Supreme Court “free exercise” decision; Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cu...

2020-12-0558 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Thanksgiving and GratitudeWe discuss the election endgame, good news on the Covid-19 vaccine front, and the virtue of gratitude. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (0:46): Headlines - We discuss the recently-announced Biden foreign policy team, the election lawsuits endgame, and the good news on the Covid-19 vaccine front. Links: Biden’s foreign policy team at The Hill; State-by-state election certification status at CNN; Dan McLaughlin at National Review; Covid vaccine news for Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford; Matthew Continetti at National Review. Part 2 (22:47): Required Reading - Professor Corb...

2020-11-2852 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Revival of Civic Life with guest professor Pete PetersonChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines with special guest Pete Peterson, dean of the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. We discuss how to revive our civic life in the face of challenges posed by a lack of viewpoint diversity in academia and the public square and our ongoing epidemic of loneliness. Part 1 (1:20): Introduction - Pete Peterson discusses his pathway to Pepperdine University and the world of public policy. Part 2 (9:43): Viewpoint Diversity and Civic Life - We discuss the challenges faced by conservative professors an...

2020-11-2145 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Republican CitizenshipWe talk about the ongoing debate over the results of the presidential election and the role of citizens in a republic. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:11): Headlines - We review Joe Biden’s victory speech, Donald Trump’s response, and the ongoing discussion of the integrity of the presidential election. Links: Joe Biden’s victory speech; Donald Trump statement on 11/7/20; Peter Alexander Tweet; Byron York’s summary of Trump statement to reporters; Leon Wolf at The Blaze; The Hill on Georgia hand recount; Paul Kengor at The Am...

2020-11-141h 00

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Election Review and ReactionWe talk about the results (so far) from the election and the way forward from here. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:08): Headlines - We talk about the election results, the performance of the pollsters, President Trump’s allegations of fraud, and the way forward from here. Links: Trump’s statement; results of state legislatures; exit poll summary; RCP list of polls; Federalist article on Quinnipiac; Quinnipiac University Poll website; Andy McCarthy at National Review. Part 2 (38:18): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns the chapter on conspira...

2020-11-071h 03

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Election Preview SpecialChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (0:47): Headlines - We talk about the state of the presidential race and the polling behind the most popular projections. Links: RCP betting odds; 538 projection; The Economist projection; 270toWin projection; Rich Lowry column at National Review on Trafalgar Group Polling;

2020-10-311h 07

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today None of the Above?Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (0:59): Headlines - We discuss the conservative case for and against voting for Donald Trump as featured in a National Review symposium and an essay by Pastor John Piper. Links: Andrew McCarthy for Donald Trump; Ramesh Ponnuru against Donald Trump; Charles C.W. Cooke: undecided; John Piper on character and policy; the Massachusetts Body of Liberties. Part 2 (31:10): Required Reading - We consider the character of Donald Trump in light of the ancient teaching of Xenophon on the tyrant’s search for pea...

2020-10-2458 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Donald Trump and republican GovernmentChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:41): Headlines - We discuss the case that’s been made for a Donald Trump presidency in light of republican principles. Links: list of newspapers endorsing Donald Trump; daily newspaper endorsements; Ouachita Citizen endorsement; Santa Barbara News-Press endorsement; John Fonte at The American Mind; Wilfred McClay’s Land of Hope. Part 2 (17:34): Required Reading - We apply foundational republican principles to the candidacy of Donald Trump, discuss the nature of justice with book 1 of Plato’s Republic, then focus on the role of the e...

2020-10-171h 02

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Joe Biden and republican GovernmentChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (2:25): Headlines - We discuss the case that’s been made for a Joe Biden presidency in light of republican principles. Links: New York Times endorsement of Joe Biden; George Will endorsing Biden, 2018 column against a Republican Congress, recent column on a Biden presidency. Part 2 (24:08): Required Reading - We examine foundational republican principles with the help of a number of Federalist essays, then focus on the role of the executive with historical examples from the Andrew Jackson and Harry Truman presidencies. Li...

2020-10-101h 04

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Why Can't We Get Along?Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:40): Headlines - We discuss the dangerous, deep divisions in American politics and the prospects for promoting civility in the public square. Links: Our essay at The Federalist; Politico on political violence; Colleen Sheehan at The American Mind; RealClearFoundation on civic knowledge; Gallup poll on single-party government; RealClearEducation college free speech rankings; RealClearEducation on campus free speech; University of Chicago Statement on Academic Freedom. Part 2 (24:02): Required Reading - We discuss the roots of our present division and the prospects for reducing it with...

2020-10-031h 02

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Supreme Court ShowdownChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:06): Headlines - We discuss the debate over whether and how Republicans should attempt to fill the Supreme Court opening created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Gisburg in light of the events of 2016 and the history of post-Roe v. Wade Supreme Court nominations. Links: History of Supreme Court nominations; Justice Ginsburg in the New York Times; Dan McLaughlin at National Review; AP on 2016 v. 2020 hypocrisy; President Trump’s position; Former Vice President Biden’s Constitution Center speech; Senator Joe Biden in 1992 on C...

2020-09-261h 08

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Presidential Battleground: The MidwestChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (2:01): Headlines - We take a close look at the presidential race in three Big 10-country battleground states: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Links: RealClearPolitics Battleground polls; RealClearPolitics Create-Your-Own-Map; 538 article on Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania in 2012; Pennsylvania in 2016; Bucks County, PA; Wisconsin in 2012; Wisconsin in 2016; Juneau County Star-Times; Minnesota in 2012; Minnesota in 2016; Dakota County, MN. Part 2 (27:45): Required Reading - We discuss Yuval Levin’s Constitution Day essay at National Review: “What is Our Constitution?” and challenge the audience to read one Federalist essay each day bet...

2020-09-191h 03

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Presidential Battleground: The Sunbelt StatesChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (2:06): Headlines - We take a close look at the presidential race in three sunbelt battleground states: Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. Links: RealClearPolitics Battleground polls; Politico backgrounder; 270towin election simulation; Politico on Florida; Politico on Arizona; 2016 presidential results in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona; 2016 Senate results in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona; Tillis video; McSally video. Part 2 (30:40): Required Reading - We suggest readings to prepare you for November 4, the day after the presidential election: Harry Jaffa’s 1990 essay, “The America Found...

2020-09-121h 05

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Democracy in America...TodayChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:01): Required Reading - We go straight to the required reading, discussing key passages from Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America and their intersection with contemporary political culture. Links: Mansfield & Winthrop’s Democracy in America; Liberty Fund’s Democracy in America. Part 2 (42:28): Open the Grade Book -We grade some popular ways to celebrate Labor Day, including a backyard barbecue, going to a ballgame, going to a movie, and writing class lectures. Links: Alissa Wilkinson’s review and explainer of Christopher Nolan’s...

2020-09-051h 02

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Republican Convention ReviewChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 0:55): Headlines - We review the major themes of the Republican National Convention, including the Republican response to the Democratic case against Donald Trump and for Joe Biden. Link: Don Lemon on CNN. Part 2 (33:45): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns a selection from Herbert Hoover’s 1922 book, American Individualism, Hoover’s 1941 speech, “The Fifth Freedom,” and Robert Penn Warren’s 1946 novel, All the King’s Men. Part 3 (54:36): Open the Grade Book -We wrap up our coverage of the Democratic a...

2020-08-291h 05

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Democrats in America TodayChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 3:52): Headlines - We do a night-by-night review of the Democratic National Convention, discussing its major speeches and overall themes. Part 2 (29:17): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns William James’s Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking, Herbert Croly’s The Promise of American Life, and the first chapter of Paul Johnson’s Modern Times. Link: Washington Examiner editorial on Joe Biden’s speech. Part 3 (52:23): Open the Grade Book - We grade three convention innovations on...

2020-08-221h 05

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Future of American ConservatismChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (1:17): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns two essays by Frank S. Meyer to understand the intellectual roots of modern conservatism and Meyer’s own contribution to that intellectual tradition, fusionism: “Western Civilization: The Problem of Freedom” (1968), published in In Defense of Freedom and Other Essays, and “Freedom, Tradition, and Conservatism,” chapter 1 of What is Conservatism? (1964). Part 2 (starts at 26:42): Headlines - Since the end of June, The American Conservative has been publishing a series of essays that, in the spirit of Meyer, ask...

2020-08-151h 00

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Preserving the Consent of the Governed: Election Integrity and LegitimacyChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 3:43): Headlines - Covid-19 has led many states to expand absentee or mail-in voting in advance of the general election this November. We talk about how to preserve the integrity of the election and assure its legitimacy in the midst of our ongoing health crisis. Links: National Review report on the Wisconsin primary; AP report on President Trump’s position; Adam Laxalt on the Nevada law at Real Clear Politics; Public Interest Legal Foundation on the Nevada June primary; Ari Fleischer on...

2020-08-0856 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Anarchy, Authority, and the Rule of LawChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 1:46): Headlines -President Trump deployed federal agents to protect the federal courthouse in Portland in early July. We discuss the charges of authoritarianism that have followed. Links: Bill Hutchinson for ABC News; Oregon Public Broadcasting report; Reuters reports on ‘Operation Diligent Valor’; Ryan Cooper at The Week; Zach Beauchamp at Vox. Part 2 (17:00): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns The Authoritarian Personality by Theodor Adorno et al., “What is Authoritarianism?” by Hannah Arendt, and “The Return of Political Phi...

2020-08-011h 06

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The Return of SportsChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 2:09): Headlines - Major League Baseball is back (!) with the NBA, NHL, and NFL starting soon. We discuss the big stories for each league. Part 2 (27:12): Required Reading - Professor Corbin recommends Michael Lombardi’s Gridiron Genius while Professor Parks talks about Ted Williams’s The Science of Hitting and Michael Lewis’s Moneyball. Part 3 (35:41): Open the Grade Book - We grade the biggest stories of the MLB and NFL offseason: Mookie Betts’s trade from t...

2020-07-2554 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Reopening Revisited: Going Back to School (?)Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 2:27): Headlines - We discuss the politics and the science surrounding the debate over reopening schools this fall. Links: Noah Rothman at Commentary; Fox News report on the demands of the LA Teacher’s Union; Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on CNN’s State of the Union; Florida’s Covid-19 data; Yahoo! News report on German school reopening study; Science reports on school reopenings worldwide. Part 2 (25:18): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns three classic texts, Plato’s Phaedrus, Thomas Hobbes’s...

2020-07-1857 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today President Trump, "Hamilton," and American PatriotismChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 3:20): Headlines - We discuss the reaction to President Trump’s July 3 address at Mt. Rushmore and the release of the film of Hamilton the same night. Links: President Trump’s speech; Zeeshan Aleem at Vox; Senator Duckworth; Charles C.W. Cooke at National Review; Roger Kimball at American Greatness; Ed Morales at CNN; Kyle Smith at National Review. Part 2 (21:23): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns two thoughtful pieces analyzing the character of President Trump and selections from three of Pluta...

2020-07-1154 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today The 4th of July and the American RepublicChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 1:08): Headlines - We discuss the recent efforts to remove, destroy, and deface monuments and memorials remembering key figures from American history. Links: Wilfred M. McClay at First Things; Rich Lowry at National Review; David Marcus at The Federalist. Part 2 (18:06): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns Fourth of July addresses from John Quincy Adams (July 4, 1821), Frederick Douglass (“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” on July 5, 1852), Abraham Lincoln (“Special Message to Congress” on July 4, 1861), Calvin Coolidge (July 5, 1926), and Ronal...

2020-07-0459 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Criminal justice reform, self-government, and the pursuit of justiceChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 2:00): Headlines - We take a look at the criminal justice system through the lens of the changes in the crime rate and incarceration rate over the last 55 years. Links: FBI crime data; Bureau of Justice Statistics on the prison population; President Johnson's 1965 message to Congress; report of President Johnson’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. Part 2 (27:05): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and a selection from Pierre Manent’s latest...

2020-06-2757 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today In Pursuit of Justice, part 2Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 3:26): Headlines - “Cancel culture” continues to encourage snap judgments about historical figures, individuals, and institutions. We discuss the firing of Emmanuel Cafferty and the effort to demonetize The Federalist. Links: National Review’s “Cancel Counter”; Emmanuel Cafferty: local NBC News article; radio interview; The Federalist: NBC News report; David Harsanyi responds. Part 2 (19:37): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns Abraham Lincoln’s February 22, 1861 speech at Independence Hall and Adam Garfinkle on “Deep Literacy” at National Affairs. Reflections on the role of persuasi...

2020-06-2049 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today "From Protest to Politics" - In Pursuit of Justice, part 1Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1 (starts at 1:22): Headlines - Activists issue calls to “defund the police” and national political leaders try to chart a more moderate course while the Minneapolis City Council pledges to “dismantle” its police force and Seattle now has CHAZ. Links: Black Lives Matter petition; Byron York in the Washington Examiner; Minneapolis City Council; USA Today on CHAZ; Shelby Steele; Biden and Sanders; Democrats and Republicans; Osita Nwanevu at The New Republic. Part 2 (19:15): Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns Thomas Jefferson’s “First Inaugur...

2020-06-1350 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Racism, Policing, and RevolutionChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1: Headlines - The killing of George Floyd has led to debates, protests, and violence centered on the problems of racism and police misconduct. Links: Rafael Mangual at City Journal; Seth W. Stoughton, Jeffrey J. Noble, and Geoffrey P. Alpert at The Atlantic; Andrew McCarthy at National Review; President Obama at Medium; Kellie Carter Jackson at The Atlantic; Yuval Levin at National Review. Part 2: Required Reading - Professor Corbin assigns Homer’s description of the shield of Achilles from the Iliad, th...

2020-06-0646 min

DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today Great Power Rivalries: US v. ChinaChristian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Part 1: Headlines - The presidential candidates accuse each other of being too soft on China while analysts suggest competing visions of US-China relations and the strategic challenge China poses to US interests. Links: Thomas Wright in The Atlantic: How Should Biden Handle China?; Rachel Esplin Odell and Stephen Wertheim in The New York Times: Opinion | Can the Democrats Avoid Trump’s China Trap?; Michael Rubin in The National Interest: China's Path To Self Destruction Starts in Hong Kong; David Goldman in The Claremont Rev...

2020-05-3049 min

REELTalk with Audrey Russo REELTalk: Bryan Duncan, Matt Barber, Profs David Corbin & Matt ParksJoining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - More troubling revelations about the DNC continue to come to light as hacked emails continue to be published online that show the Democratic Party was working with anti-religious freedom groups to get around religious liberty. Is this clearly a war on Christians? MATT BARBER, founder and editor-in chief of BarbWire.com and Associate Dean with Liberty University School of Law, will be here to talk about his new book, Hating Jesus: The American Left's War on Christianity. PLUS, The 2016 Political conventions have concluded…and now it comes down to the facts. Which party an...

2016-08-051h 57