Sinking in the Swamp: How Trump’s Minions and Misfits Poisoned Washington Book Review

During any major election season, there will always be promises made that may or may not come to fruition once that person is sworn in.

During the 2016 Presidential election, a certain person claimed that he would “drain the swamp” once he took office. As we all know, the exact opposite happened. In their 2020 book, Sinking in the Swamp: How Trump’s Minions and Misfits Poisoned Washington, journalists Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsaeng (co-host of the Fever Dreams podcast) take figurative deep dive into the self-made muck and mess that existed while you know who was President. In the book, they reveal an unfortunately recognizable list of people who joined the administration for personal gain, to spread conspiracy theories, or other reasons that are far from altruistic.

What I found unnerving was that he who shall not be named allowed this to happen. Whether motivated by greed, not giving a shit, or easily taken in by a smooth talker, he opened the door to nearly destroying this country. For me. it is just another reminder of how close we can to losing our democracy.

My only complaint is that it is a little slow in the beginning. But when it starts to get good, that’s when I was hooked.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

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Four Political Podcasts You Should Be Listening To (If You Aren’t Already)

Politics podcasts are a dime a dozen these days. For one to stand out, there has to be something about it that keeps them coming back every week.

The New Abnormal: Hosted by Molly Jong-Fast (daughter of author Erica Jong) and Andy Levy, the light is held up to the darkness that is threatening our country. Told with humor, guts, and a few four-letter words thrown in along the way, I feel better knowing that I am not alone in my fears for the future.

New episodes air every Tuesday and Friday.

The Meidas Touch: Started during the pandemic by the three Meiselas brothers (Ben, Brent, and Jordan), their mission is clear: save our American democracy, get rid you know who, and force the Republicans to take responsibility for what they have done.

New episodes air every Tuesday and Friday.

The Mary Trump Show: Hosted by author Mary Trump (the niece of he who shall not be named), she is not afraid to speak the truth. Seeing the world as only she can, it’s a refreshing, no-bullshit take on what is happening around us.

New episodes air every Wednesday.

Fever Dreams: Hosted by journalists Asawin Suebsaeng and Will Sommer, the purpose of this podcast is to call out certain persons and political parties who are using our long-held beliefs and norms to fit their perspective.

New episodes air every Wednesday.

Podcast Reviews: People of the Pod and Fever Dreams

Though podcasts are a relatively new form of media, they have as much power and influence as their predecessors.

The new podcast from The Daily Beast is called Fever Dreams. Hosted by reporters Asawin Suebsaeng and Will Sommer, they delve into political right’s various plans to take over the government. Examining the different aspects within the movement, each episode talks about how each subgroup is using different methods to reshape the United States into their own image.

The People of the Pod is a podcast that made its debut in the summer of 2019. Created by the American Jewish Committee, hosts Seffi Kogen and Manya Brachear Pashman talk to different guests about what is going on in the world, how these events can be looked at via Jewish eyes, and the connection to American Jews, Jews across the world, and Israel.

I enjoy both podcasts. The perspective that each takes is an open, honest, and sometimes difficult approach to talking about what are essentially important subjects.

Do I recommend them both? Yes.