Molly Worthen: "Charisma Is a Tool of the Weak"
Published: March 18, 2026
Duration: 41:43
Historian Molly Worthen discusses her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump — arguing that charisma isn't charm but a polarizing story that tells followers who the heroes are, who the villains are, and where they fit in. Also: Israel killed Ali Larijani, one of Iran's most powerful figures, and Western outlets responded by mourning a lost future negotiator.
Produced by Corey Wara
Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig
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