What Is Populism’s Place in American Conservatism?

This week, Eric, Dylan, and Emily parse former vice president Mike Pence’s speech in New Hampshire, which was aimed at drawing distinctions between his definition of conservatism and the populism of the New Right and Donald Trump. Does Pence’s definition of the two in opposition to each other make sense? Or has populism always existed in American conservatism and on the left? Next, the panel looks at the implications for the Church of Scientology of the conviction and sentencing of former THAT ’70s SHOW co-star Danny Masterson to 30 years to life for rape. There are many people who would like to see Scientology lose its tax-exempt status and other constitutional protections, but what concerns should we have about the implications of those kinds of calls for other religions? And finally, the group reflects on the 22nd anniversary of September 11 and the passing of Jimmy Buffett. Pence Calls Trump’s Populism a ‘Road to Ruin’ for the G.O.P. | New York Times Conservatism vs. Populism Speech | Mike Pence for President The Dream of Scalable Democracy | Dylan Pahman, Law & Liberty Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison in Rape Retrial | TMZ Leah Remini Rips “Criminal” Scientology in Aftermath of Danny Masterson Prison Sentencing | Deadline A New York firefighter tells his story of 9/11 | Acton Line Bombs, guns, and drones cannot win a spiritual war (UPDATED) | Dylan Pahman, Religion & Liberty Online Jimmy Buffett, Roguish Bard of Island Escapism, Is Dead at 76 | New York Times