Donald Trump versus the Pope
Buckle up, folks! Today’s episode is a wild ride through the messiest, juiciest conversations about church, politics, and global trade, served with a side of satire and a sprinkle of smirk. Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to the Vatican Joe Donnelly dropping truth bombs about the Catholic Church’s dance with politics.
But there’s more! Washington Post financial journalist David J. Lynch hoins Heidi and Joel to help you navigate the murky waters of AI, tariffs, and global instability with razor-sharp wit. Lynch’s new book, The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong (And What Would Make It Right), addresses rise and fall of the greatest engine of prosperity the world has ever known.
Lynch explains why global trade prosperity is failing to benefit Americans and what we can do to change it.
In this episode:
- Joe Donnelly roasts the U.S. President for his AI Jesus and Pope-bashing antics
- The Catholic bishops’ role in American politics, and why their message hits a nerve
- How Trump’s AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus is sparking international outrage, and should make us all uncomfortable
- The domino effect of tariffs, trade wars, and the broken promises to rural America
- The strategic disaster of ignoring Congress in decisions about war, and why even Senate insiders are throwing in the towel
- Why globalized trade isn't a magic potion for economic prosperity
- The urgent need to rethink safety nets as AI and economic inequality threaten to wipe out the middle class
Resources & Links:
Connect with David J. Lynch:
And remember: When it comes to faith, trade, and technology—sometimes the truth is too bizarre for fiction. Thanks for tuning in to the Hot Dish: the political casserole your grandma would be proud of, served up with a side of sass.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).
- (00:00) - Joel and Heidi speak with Joe Donnelly about Trump versus the Pope
- (25:16) - Introduction to Globalization and Its Impact
- (28:14) - The Consequences of NAFTA and Trade Policies
- (30:55) - Political Ramifications of Globalization
- (34:00) - The Effects of Tariffs on American Workers
- (36:52) - Trust and Credibility in International Trade
- (39:58) - The Future of Globalization and AI
- (42:51) - Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Creators and Guests
Host
Heidi Heitkamp
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp served as the first female senator elected from North Dakota from 2013 – 2019. he is the founder and Chair of the One Country Project, an organization focused on addressing the needs and concerns of rural America. Heidi was recently named the Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, a university she has long been committed to and a place where she enjoys engaging with students over civic discussions while encouraging them to seek opportunities in public service to our country. Heidi also serves as a contributor to both CNBC and ABC News.
Host
Joel Heitkamp
He is an multi-award winning talk show host both regionally and nationally. Before radio, he served in the North Dakota Senate from 1995-2008.
