We're thrilled to welcome David Hogg to the podcast. Hogg is a co-founder of March For Our Lives and his PAC, Leaders We Deserve. He shares about how the tragedy in Parkland, FL launched him into the political fray.
Hogg notoriously served as a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee for a brief time. He tells us about some of the inner workings of the DNC and then what happened when shit hit the fan. He argues that too many long-serving Democrats in Congress are "asleep at the wheel" and believes that backing younger primary challengers is the solution.
We also lay out what kind of messaging Democrats need to focus on to win back young voters and improve their brand. Donald Trump and the Republicans are wildly unpopular, but the Democrats are often even less popular. The answer? Be the party who fights for affordable healthcare and lowering everyday costs.
LEARN more about David's Political Action Committee: https://leaderswedeserve.com/
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48:46
Norm Ornstein on Another Chaotic Week in DC
Chaos has ensued across the federal government as we face another shutdown. We're joined by political scientist, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, and friend of the show, Norm Ornstein, to make sense of it all.
What is this shutdown all about? Healthcare. With Republicans in charge of the House, the Senate, the Presidency, AND the Supreme Court, can they dodge the blame? Meanwhile, Trump and OMB Director (and Project 2025 author) Russell Vought will use this moment to further gut the federal government. What kind of long term damage could this cause?
Also this week, Trump proposed a deal to end the war in Gaza. Norm walks us through the terms and what comes next. Could peace be on the horizon?
Plus, Norm breaks down the bizarre address from Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth to the top military generals. This entire stunt cost millions of dollars, but did it accomplish anything?
Listen to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970
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50:51
Dr. Tom Frieden and Brandy Zadrozny on RFK Jr. and the CDC
Trump picked RFK Jr. to take over the Department of Health and Human Services, and chaos has ensued. So far, RFK Jr. is ignoring the advice of experts and bringing along his cronies to push vaccine skepticism. It could have a devastating impact on the health of Americans for years to come.
We're joined by Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, who currently heads global health organization Resolve to Save Lives, and MSNBC senior enterprise reporter Brandy Zadrozny, who has covered RFK Jr. for over a decade. Together we discuss the dangers that RFK Jr. poses to Americans’ health and how the “MAHA” movement is NOT making America healthy again.
We also talk through Trump and RFK Jr.’s latest announcement declaring Tylenol a contributing factor in the rise of autism, despite numerous studies saying otherwise.
READ Dr. Frieden's new book, “The Formula for Better Health”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/798043/the-formula-for-better-health-by-tom-frieden-md-mph/
READ Brandy Zadrozny’s work for MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/author/brandy-zadrozny-ncpn858391
For information on our newest sponsor, Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/franken
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45:55
BBC's The Global Story
Hear a teaser for The Global Story, the daily BBC news podcast that covers the intersection where the world and America meet.
Find The Global Story on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
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6:16
Randi Weingarten on Defending Our Public Education
We are joined by Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, to discuss her new book, “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy.” In the book, Weingarten details how there has been a systematic demonization of teachers and public education in America. She argues that one of the pillars of public education is critical thinking, which prevents fascism from flourishing in society - so fascists (and wannabe fascists) hate it.
We explore a variety of topics facing schoolchildren and their parents today, including charter schools, artificial intelligence, phones in schools, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ students.
We also discuss Trump’s proposed elimination of the Department of Education, attacks on teachers unions, and how we may have kept the schools closed for too long during Covid-19.
READ Randi's new book: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers
A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.
New Zealand