The Fight for Truth

The David Frum Show vor 1 Jahr

Jonathan Rauch on the “constitution of knowledge,” disinformation’s dangers, and why reality always wins. Plus: What a J. D. Vance presidency would look like.

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On this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum
discusses recent questions about President Donald Trump’s health
and explores what a potential J. D. Vance presidency might mean for
the country. He contrasts Trump’s impulsive, ego-driven style with
Vance’s methodical, ideologically driven approach, examining how
each wields power, pursues personal and political goals, and shapes
domestic and foreign policy. Frum explains why understanding these
differences is crucial for anticipating the challenges ahead. Then
Frum is joined by Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings
Institution and the author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A
Defense of Truth. They discuss how societies decide what’s real,
why disinformation has become a central political strategy, and
living in a “reality-based community.” Rauch explains the dangers
of the “fire hose of falsehood,” why authoritarian regimes
weaponize confusion, and why, even amid today’s “machinery of
lies,” reality still has the final word. Get more from your
favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited
access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and
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