The two Americas in sharp contrast

The setting was symbolic, the stakes were high, and the president minced no words. Joe Biden used a primetime address to rebuke Donald Trump and Republican extremism. In a speech outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall – considered the birthplace of America – Biden warned that MAGA forces could crush democracy. The man who started his presidency preaching unity and refusing to use his predecessor’s name has made a choice to confront what he sees happening in the Republican Party. Meanwhile in an interview, former President Trump suggested he might pardon some Capitol insurrectionists. It made for a split screen laying bare the two Americas and the two vastly different choices facing the country months before the midterms. Political commentator S.E. Cupp joins the show to discuss.

Also on today's show: author Josh Mitchell; musicians Nick Sanborn & Amelia Meath of the indie pop duo Sylvan Esso. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices