Bret Stephens and Frank Bruni debate the terrifying state of the world, citing bond market chaos, wars in Ukraine and Iran, and Russian threats to NATO members. Bruni argues removing President Donald Trump is a prerequisite for improvement, hoping for a massive midterm repudiation. Stephens counters that past midterm shifts in 2018, 2010, 2006, and 1994 changed little, asserting Trumpism is a global symptom of deeper illiberal populism.

He notes profligate spending in Europe, the collapse of free trade consensus, and the persistence of dictators like Vladimir Putin. Bruni concedes but insists American leadership still sets global cues; a post-Trump president would be less inept and corrupt. Stephens agrees the world improves without Trump but urges deeper reflection, citing novelist Richard North Patterson's book "Tripwires" and the abandonment of civics education as root causes.

Bruni, a member of the theatrical community, adds cultural context.