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The David Frum Show

The David Frum Show

The Atlantic 63 Episodes Aug 5, 2026

Each week, The David Frum Show digs deep into the big questions people have about our society, explains the progress Americans have made together, and reminds us that the American idea is worth defending. The podcast explores democracy, its origins, workings, and how to improve it.

Episodes

Was Herbert Hoover America’s Most Misunderstood President?
Was Herbert Hoover America’s Most Misunderstood President? Aug 5, 2026 3807 In this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to the Justice Department’s decision to drop its case against the Olympian David Hearn. He argues that the prosecution was baseless from the start and, using the classic “prisoner’s dilemma” thought experiment, explains why future administrations must hold abuses of power accountable if American democracy is
The Fight That Could Decide 2028
The Fight That Could Decide 2028 Jul 29, 2026 3588 In this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to President Trump’s latest round of tariffs and explains why he believes they are weakening America’s economy and its alliances. Then, David is joined by his Atlantic colleague Jonathan Chait for a wide-ranging discussion on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, whether presidents should be funny
Why Are Groceries So Expensive?
Why Are Groceries So Expensive? Jul 22, 2026 3125 On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts questioning whether the Trump administration has any plan at all to meet the challenge of debt and deficits.  Then, David is joined by Vincent Smith, director of agricultural policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute and professor emeritus of economics at Montana State University. Fru
Social Security Is Running Out of Time
Social Security Is Running Out of Time Jul 15, 2026 3295 On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to the recent ICE shooting in Maine. Then, David is joined by Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to discuss the future of Social Security, the mounting national debt, and the political dysfunction preventing Washington from confronting America’s fiscal chal
Is the Left Driving Women Away?
Is the Left Driving Women Away? Jul 8, 2026 3104 In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum discusses the recent allegations toward Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. David warns Democrats that if they don't exercise caution with candidate selection, they risk losing winnable races in the 2026 midterm elections. Then, David is joined by Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, to discuss the increasing
The American Experiment Is Worth Believing In
The American Experiment Is Worth Believing In Jul 1, 2026 3401 In this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum discusses the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. David discusses how he hopes Americans can find a future where we rediscover how much there is to be proud of in the American experience and offers a comparison to another turbulent time in American history: the Compromise of 1850. Then,
Did Trump Surrender to Iran?
Did Trump Surrender to Iran? Jun 24, 2026 3348 In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on why American progressives have seemingly abandoned the fight against climate change. He wonders if, after Trumpism is defeated, Americans can go back to solving issues that really matter.  Then, David is joined by his Atlantic colleague Vivian Salama to discuss the negotiations between Iran and the
Cuba Is Collapsing. Will Trump Invade?
Cuba Is Collapsing. Will Trump Invade? Jun 17, 2026 4080 In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on Trump’s new Iran deal and how it affects the future of the Republican Party and J. D. Vance’s presidential aspirations. David discusses the predicament that Vance finds himself in as the administration’s most vocal Iran War skeptic.  Then, David is joined by CNN’s Patrick Oppmann, who has been repo
Republicans vs. the Fourteenth Amendment
Republicans vs. the Fourteenth Amendment Jun 10, 2026 3636 In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on the Brexit vote, which was cast 10 years ago this month. David explains why Brexit has not only been a failure but has led to years of political instability in the U.K. in the decade following the British vote to leave the European Union. Then, David is joined by professor David W. Blight to discuss  th
How to Save the Supreme Court From Itself
How to Save the Supreme Court From Itself Jun 3, 2026 3135 In this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts on growing extremism in the Democratic Party. Frum compares this to the paranoia and conspiratorial thinking that cost the Republican Party dearly in the 2010s and cautions the Democrats against making the same mistakes. Then David is joined by Kate Shaw, a co-host of the “Strict Scrutiny” podcast and a prof
Has Trump Corrupted the Military?
Has Trump Corrupted the Military? May 27, 2026 3024 On this week’s episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his thoughts about the recently reported peace talks between the United States and Iran. David argues that these reported talks indicate the United States is losing the war in Iran, and that the loss highlights what has always been true: The presidency is too big a job for Donald Trump. Then David is joined by Rep
Trump’s Iran War: America's Loss Is China’s Win
Trump’s Iran War: America's Loss Is China’s Win May 20, 2026 3399 On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to President Trump’s shocking settlement with the IRS and his new $1.8 billion slush fund for victims of political “weaponization.” Then, David is joined by Phillips O’Brien, a military historian and a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, for a discussion about the fallou

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