Why We Changed Our Minds About Politics

Why We Changed Our Minds About Politics

From The David Frum Show by The Atlantic

February 18, 2026 · 56 min · Episode 47

About this episode

David Frum discusses the erosion of American democracy and reflects on political evolution with guest Mona Charen.

On this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” David opens with a warning about President Trump’s escalating efforts to bend American institutions to his will. David explains how episodes including the Justice Department’s attempted prosecution of members of Congress, the political pressure on the Federal Reserve, and the campaign-style appeals delivered at Fort Bragg represent a systematic attempt to erode the guardrails of American democracy. Then, David is joined by Mona Charen, a contributor at “The Bulwark” and longtime conservative commentator. Together, they reflect on their shared political evolution—from their early days as Reagan-era conservatives to their break with today’s Republican Party. They discuss what they believe they got right and what they got wrong, how Trump transformed the conservative movement, and why the version of conservatism they once believed in may be gone. Finally, David discusses “My Early Beliefs,” the 1938 essay by John Maynard Keynes, and explores what Keynes’s reflections on changing one’s mind can teach us about political growth. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to…

People in this episode

Host: David Frum

Guest: Mona Charen

Topics covered

  • political evolution
  • conservatism
  • Trump's impact
  • American democracy
  • Keynesian reflections

Keywords

  • politics
  • conservatism
  • Trump
  • democracy
  • Keynes
  • Republican Party
  • political growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Bulwark, The Atlantic, Federal Reserve

Places: Fort Bragg

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