CROSSOVER EPISODE! In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political and theological controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post endorsing ideas from pastor Doug Wilson, a leader in the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches. The trio unpack the historical and ideological roots of Wilson’s views on Christian nationalism, household voting, and the role of women in leadership and public life—views that include the repeal of the 19th Amendment and opposition to same-sex marriage. Along the way, they explore the tension between personal religious convictions and the exercise of political power in a pluralistic democracy, compare contemporary rhetoric with historical suffrage and prohibition-era debates, and add some lighthearted moments, including a “Patriarchy Then or Patriarchy Now?” game show. The conversation blends sharp political analysis, historical context, and wry humor while raising deeper questions about truth, authority, and the future of American public life.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey leads this episode of American Angst 101 with a sweeping exploration of how the United States’ founding-era vision of a liberal federal government—meaning one grounded in Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, consent of the governed, and limited purposes for government—continues to shape modern politics. Bailey explains that, unlike the states of the era, which often enforced religious and moral norms, the federal Constitution was deliberately secular, avoiding endorsement of a religion or aristocracy and focusing on protecting rights and promoting shared interests. He traces the nation’s evolution from this mixed system toward a more pluralistic society, highlighting how the Democratic Party’s liberal roots emphasize personal autonomy yet leave it ill-equipped to address Americans’ desire for shared cultural values. Along the way, Bailey contrasts this with conservative visions of moral cohesion, examines MAGA-era counter-revolutionary impulses, and questions whether Democrats can effectively defend pluralism without a stronger cultural framework. Host Dale McConkey keeps the conversation lively with humor, pop culture detours, and a lighthearted celebrity Democrat game show.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this follow-up to the previous conversation on MAGA critiques of the Democratic Party, Political Scientist Michael Bailey dives into the final three charges: (1) being elitist cultural snobs, (2) soft on crime, and (3) favoring open borders. Bailey examines how charges of cultural condescension, fueled by moments like Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, have long hampered Democrats’ ability to connect with rural, working-class, and religious Americans. He warns that dismissive rhetoric erodes trust in expertise and institutions, feeding anti-establishment populism. On crime, Bailey notes that U.S. incarceration rates remain among the world’s highest, crime has generally declined since the 1990s, and Democrats should claim public safety as a core civil rights issue—balancing effective policing with constitutional protections. Finally, on immigration, Bailey untangles decades of shifting migration patterns, showing how real policy challenges have collided with false narratives. He argues Democrats must defend humane treatment of migrants while acknowledging border security as an essential element of sovereignty. Throughout, Bailey urges the party to pair principle with pragmatism, confront perceptions head-on, and communicate in ways that earn broad buy-in.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.