3: The Journalist and the Firefighter: How Predicting January 6 Led a Top Reporter to Quit Journalism

The podcast explores the evolving role of journalism in a polarized society through the lens of Barton Gellman's decision to leave the field. Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, felt compelled to "step off the sidelines" and join the Brennan Center for Justice to actively defend democracy. His disillusionment stemmed from a personal experience where fact-based reporting failed to sway a January 6th protest attendee, leading him to question the impact of truth-based journalism. Gellman now focuses on running war games and simulations to prepare for potential authoritarian actions, particularly those Donald Trump might take if elected, a role he felt was incompatible with journalistic objectivity. The conversation questions whether journalism should expand its role to include advocacy and direct action.