A horrific tragedy unfolded in Minnesota over the weekend. We welcomed a special guest to this week’s podcast episode, the former Minnesota State Senator and minority leader Melisa Lopez Franzen to add a layer of humanity. The victims were not just politicians, but human beings, and focusing on Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman as neighbors and friends is critical to lowering the temperature of the political rhetoric that is fueling polarization and extremism. Melisa shares stories, and sheds light on what it means to be a public servant. We also discuss the general threat environment, and how state legislators are assessing security and collaboration with the federal government. Carl and Luis also discuss the rapidly unfolding events in the conflict between Israel and Iran, and the mixed messages President Trump has sent so far. They go beyond the general reporting to assess how American credibility has been tarnished, with foreign policy and domestic political implications that heighten the stakes and elevate the uncertainty. The shifting domestic political environment was clearly on display in the New York Mayor’s race, so we break down the double standard on a huge misstep. Finally, we welcome our second special guest, classical violinist Charlie Siem, whose new album “Brahms and Enescu” will be released on August 15th via Harmonia Classics, and which includes some pieces that have never been previously recorded. Thank you for listening and subscribing to help us show that the center is vital!

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