Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin reflects on the dangerous instability of an “insurrectionist presidency” — and the fear spirals now dominating public life after the Venezuela invasion and a wave of new threats against multiple countries. This episode separates propaganda from logistical reality, breaks down the shaky legal footing of the Maduro prosecution, and lays out what listeners can control right now: civic pressure, local organizing, and protecting mental health from the nonstop panic machine. A major focus is on resisting the psychological warfare of doom-scrolling and staying effective for the fights ahead in 2026.
Key Takeaways
• The admin’s “law enforcement action” framing is rejected — Venezuela is treated as an illegal invasion
• Threats to expand conflict are framed as trial balloons; capacity limits make many threats unlikely
• Maduro charges are described as weak and jurisdictionally vulnerable
• Push for pressure tactics: calls to Congress, impeachment pressure, and anti-war mobilization
• Big takeaway: limit social media doom-scrolling to protect mental health and stay effective in 2026