Matt is joined by Atlantic staff writer Adam Serwer, author of the new book The Cruelty Is the Point. They discuss the racial politics of the Trump-era, how these tactics persist in the GOP today, and how the dynamics of the present moment have led us to relitigate Reconstruction-era problems that go against the fundamental understanding of American equity. They also have a few things to say in there about Die Hard and Indiana Jones. Resources: "The Cruelty Is the Point" by Adam Serwer (The Atlantic; Oct. 3, 2018) The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America by Adam Serwer (Penguin Random House, June 2021) "The Flight 93 Election" by Michael Anton (Claremont Review of Books; Sept. 5, 2016) "The Great Awokening" by Matthew Yglesias (Vox; Apr. 1, 2019) "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Atlantic; June 2014) Steadfast Democrats: How Social Forces Shape Black Political Behavior by Ismail K. White and Chryl N. Laird (Princeton' Oct. 2021) Schoolbook Nation: Conflicts over American History Textbooks from the Civil War to the Present by Joseph Moreau (U. Michigan; 2004) Guest: Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer), staff writer, The Atlantic; author, The Cruelty Is the Point Host: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Erikk Geannikis, Producer Ness Smith-Savedoff, Engineer As the Biden administration gears up, we'll help you understand this unprecedented burst of policymaking. Sign up for The Weeds newsletter each Friday: vox.com/weeds-newsletter. The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production. Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Follow Us: Vox.com Facebook group: The Weeds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices