? CHIP IN TO OUR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ARationalFear? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST: http://www.arationalfear.com/Recorded at our homes over Zoom — pumped through the RØDECaster™ Pro — into your ears.(former deputy National Security Advisor to Obama, Pod Save The World) shares with Lewis and I his thoughts on around the world, how populations can the, and a great anecdote about how when seeking global consensus onBen Rhodes COVID19’s threat to democracystill protest during lockdown, climate crisisObama became frustrated with Tony Abbott Foreign policy politics can seem tricky to navigate and easy to dismiss as too hard, but Ben frames everything around a set of core values that brings clarity to foreign policy decisions.We’re lucky to have him thinking about the world — and we’re thrilled have him on A Rational Fear.THANKS TO:The Obama Foundation, Jacob Round and Ben Rhodes.00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Start Interview02:50 - Disinfectant 03:50 - Emergency powers eroding democracy around the world05:20 - How are people still managing to protest in HK?06:50 - Who does crisis better liberal democracies or authoritarian regimes?11:30 - Oversight to powers15:25 - Trump's reaction to the corona crisis26:30 - Hope for the USA31:00 - Distracted from the Climate Crisis33:45 - Obama's thoughts on Tony Abbott37:45 - Joining Cameo like Sean Spicer & Scaramucci40:13 - CreditsTRANSCRIPT BELOW BY A.I.Dan Ilic 0:31All right, a very special irrational fear event with Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security adviser to the Obama administration and co host of crooked media's pod save the world. Ben, thank you so much for joining us on A Rational Fear.Ben Rhodes 2:15Good to be here, Dan. What I'd rather beDan Ilic 2:18other than talking to people all around the world from podcast den, I assume you have a podcast den.Ben Rhodes 2:25I do. I'm I have to build like a pillow fort. to tape. I'm actually doing a different podcast now too. That requires better audio. They tell me so I've just surround myself with pillows and comforters but I'm not doing that for you, dad. I'm sorry.Dan Ilic 2:42That's okay. You know, I'd rather see your face.Ben Rhodes 2:45Yeah.Dan Ilic 2:47Ben, I know you're writing a book on authoritarianism right now. So kind of while the whole world is in enforced lockdown. I thought there's never been a better time to talk about the power and erosion of democratic norms. Lots of fun.Ben Rhodes 3:01Yeah, it's a great topic.Dan Ilic 3:03Now in this chat, I think we've covered quite a bit of territory in the half an hour we've got with you the risk that COVID-19 poses to democracy around the world how people in robust liberal democracies can not only protect their institutions, but also support those around the world who live under more authoritarian regimes, and how the USA can overcome its federal leadership vacuum. So these are big, big topics, big topics, you know, you're you're gonna big brain and that's why that's why you're here. That's why you do what you do.Ben Rhodes 3:30I'll try, I'll see. We'll see what your listeners think. Now, theDan Ilic 3:35first question is when it comes to choosing a disinfectant to inject. What do you prefer, bleach or dental?Ben Rhodes 3:44Well, you know, the United States has tried for a very long time to best we can set a good example for the rest of the world and, and now I think we, you know, tried a new territory with this innovative treatment of inhaling deadly disinfectants. You know, I'm a Lysol wipes person myself. wipes are harder because you have to choose. But a less face to say for all your listeners don't take this as seriously as some of Donald Trump's followers tonight,Dan Ilic 4:13you're trying to believe what you're trying to say is you're being sarcastic.Ben Rhodes 4:16Yes, exactly, exactly. As he now tells us he was.Dan Ilic 4:22Well, you know, we've seen countries around the world like Poland and Hungary effectively kind of dismantle democratic processes under the