CounterPunch Radio

This time Eric welcomes back to the show Dave Zirin to discuss his latest book “The Kaepernick Effect” which explores how Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel sparked a movement for social justice and became a universal symbol of resistance and rebellion against white supremacy and injustice. Eric and Dave also discuss several sports issues, including the future of baseball in an age of extreme inequality and profit-driven baseball executives who care little for the game. Don’t miss this great conversation with the one and only Dave Zirin on CounterPunch Radio. The post Dave Zirin appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

Marxist economist and author Michael Roberts returns to CounterPunch to discuss the state of US imperialism following the end of the Afghanistan War and how it relates to the profitability of capital in the 21st Century. He also explains the capitalist nonsense called the Austrian School of Economics, and provides his predictions for the global economy in the coming decade. The post Michael Roberts appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

Environmental and climate journalist Robert Hunziker joins CounterPunch+ and CounterPunch Radio to discuss his latest writing about the climate apocalypse unfolding around us. Eric and Robert discuss the Arctic emergency, methane nightmares, the toxic planet, the anthropogenic rocketship, the death of our coral reefs and wetlands, and so much more. Don’t worry, there’s a little inspiration at the end! The post Robert Hunziker appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

On the latest CounterPunch Radio: Film critic and host of the Filmsuck podcast, Eileen Jones, stops by to chat with Eric about American movies, the birth and death of indie cinema, why so many movies are so bad these days, and, of course, her Top 5 films all leftists must see. The post Eileen Jones appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch regular Paul Street to discuss Bidenism, Trumpism, and other contagious diseases. Paul doesn’t hide his contempt for all the right people, so listen today and subscribe to CounterPunch+ where you can read all of Paul’s writings. The post Paul Street appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

Scott Parkin, a climate organizer and Counterpuncher, joins Eric to discuss climate activism and the indigenous-led resistance movement against pipelines in North America. The post Scott Parkin appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

On this special episode of CounterPunch Radio, Eric pays tribute to former Senator Mike Gravel who passed away this week at the age of 91. The interview was recorded March 5, 2013 just hours after the news of the death of Hugo Chavez. Gravel was a man of principle who used his position in the US Senate to fight against the draft and the War in Vietnam, and who famously used used his filibuster to read the Pentagon Papers into the congressional record, thereby making the revelations about US crimes in Vietnam US historical fact, rather than something consigned to history books. Mike was an anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist though he never used those terms. He cared deeply about ordinary working class folks, and he believed it was his duty to help regular people understand that democracy is the goal rather than something already existing. Rest in peace Mike. We will continue the fight. The post Mike Gravel (RIP) appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

In this emergency podcast, Eric welcomes back author, journalist, and CounterPunch contributor Ramzy Baroud to discuss the latest Israeli aggression against the Palestinians, the political and social significance of the Palestinian uprising and solidarity movements around the world, and the global significance of what’s happened. Ramzy details Israeli ethnic cleansing, the genocidal agenda, and the importance of Palesitnian agency in their struggle for liberation. Don’t miss this important discussion on CounterPunch Radio. The post Ramzy Baroud appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes antiwar activist and founder of peace organization Code Pink, Medea Benjamin, to discuss Biden and the state of US imperialism today. The conversation explores everything from Biden’s role in reestablishing stability for the Empire to the ways in which the US war machine continues its crimes all over the world. Eric and Medea discuss the situation in Yemen, the Biden Administration’s posture towards Iran, the shifting narrative on Palestine, drones as weapons of mass destruction, and so much more. Don’t miss this great chat with one of America’s leading antiwar voices on CounterPunch Radio! The post Medea Benjamin appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show veteran journalist and CounterPunch contributor Dave Lindorff, who is also the author of the groundbreaking book “Killing Time: An Investigation into the Death Row Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal” (2002). Eric and Dave discuss the political and cultural significance of Mumia and his case, as well as the circumstances regarding his case and the misconduct by the Philadelphia establishment. They also touch on everything from Mumia’s relation to Black Lives Matter and contemporary social movements to the importance of political prisoners in the US as leaders. The conversation also explores Biden and the continuity of US imperialism, China as a manufactured enemy, and the inability of the Left to understand China. Don’t miss this week’s episode! The post Dave Lindorff appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric chats with Ross Benes about his new book “Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold.” The conversation explores the rightward trajectory of Nebraska’s politics over the last few decades and the reasons behind it. Ross gives his insights into the mentality, values, and prejudices of the communities in which he grew up with an eye toward understanding how and why they think the way they do. Abortion politics, race and immigration, right wing media and disinformation, and other cheerful subjects are all explored in this conversation about the people of “America’s Heartland.” The post Josh Fox appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric chats with Ross Benes about his new book “Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold.” The conversation explores the rightward trajectory of Nebraska’s politics over the last few decades and the reasons behind it. Ross gives his insights into the mentality, values, and prejudices of the communities in which he grew up with an eye toward understanding how and why they think the way they do. Abortion politics, race and immigration, right wing media and disinformation, and other cheerful subjects are all explored in this conversation about the people of “America’s Heartland.” The post Ross Benes appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes David Roth, co-founder and co-owner of Defector, a new sports, politics, and culture media project and co-op, to the podcast to talk baseball, politics, and assorted silliness on the eve of Opening Day 2021. Eric and David discuss why we love baseball despite everything that is utterly repulsive about it, the state of labor relations in baseball and the slashing of the minor leagues, baseball as a reactionary white man sport, the infestation of the game by McKinsey and the management consulting class, and lots of other fun topics. Also, they briefly remember a guy or two, talk 2021 NY Mets, and make definitely not slanderous statements about MLB managers. Listen to this week’s CounterPunch Radio…even if you hate baseball! The post Ruth Hopkins appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes David Roth, co-founder and co-owner of Defector, a new sports, politics, and culture media project and co-op, to the podcast to talk baseball, politics, and assorted silliness on the eve of Opening Day 2021. Eric and David discuss why we love baseball despite everything that is utterly repulsive about it, the state of labor relations in baseball and the slashing of the minor leagues, baseball as a reactionary white man sport, the infestation of the game by McKinsey and the management consulting class, and lots of other fun topics. Also, they briefly remember a guy or two, talk 2021 NY Mets, and make definitely not slanderous statements about MLB managers. Listen to this week’s CounterPunch Radio…even if you hate baseball! The post David Roth appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes journalist Camila Escalante to the show for an in-depth analysis of the recent election in Ecuador, what it means for the Left, and the latest in Bolivia. The conversation breaks down each of the main candidates in the first round, the allegations of fraud, the role of the indigenous movements and party, the conflicts on the Left, and more. Camila also provides an update on the situation in Bolivia and introduces the audience to the new news service of which she’s a founder. Lots of information to keep you informed on this latest CounterPunch Radio. The post Camila Escalante appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Yassamine Mather to discuss the latest with Iran, US policy towards Tehran, COVID and more. Eric and Yassmine explore the Biden Administration’s effect on US-Iran relations in the wake of Trump, the state of Iranian politics ahead of June presidential elections, and the impact of Trump on the Iranian diaspora. The conversation touches on everything from Iranian military cooperation with Russia and China to the ongoing situation of COVID in the country. So many topics critical to understanding Iran are discussed in this latest CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it! The post Yassamine Mather appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes activist, journalist, and filmmaker Abby Martin to the show to discuss Biden, US foreign policy, and the evolving nature of US imperialism. Eric and Abby explore what the transition from Trump to Biden means for the Empire and how US policy is likely to reflect that. The conversation explores the ongoing US war crimes in Yemen, the impact of Saudi Arabia and Iran in shaping the US agenda, and the 20+ year war in Afghanistan and the geopolitical and strategic motivations for US actions. Abby also tells of her experiences in Palestine, her documentary about Gaza, and her political repression at the hands of Israel and US lawmakers. Don’t miss this great conversation on this week’s CounterPunch Radio! The post Abby Martin appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and professor Emil Draitser to discuss his brand new book “In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir” and his experiences as a Jewish writer and satirist in the Soviet Union. The conversation touches on everything from a historical and material analysis of Odessa, the center of Jewish culture in the Soviet Union, to the political life of dissidents in Odessa and beyond. This wide-ranging conversation provides insights on the reality of daily life, the nature of cultural production, the role of humor in Soviet Jewish life, and so much more. The conversation also explores the acceptance of right wing political ideology by Jewish emigres from the Soviet Union, the shameful embrace of Trumpism by that community, and the generational divides that exist. <a href=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-in-the-jaws-of-the-crocodile-by-emil-draitser-tickets-134034289167?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR0NLc7TNM6D585HpoY81u5yhYlllLjTm-RU1wbsM3_AdObZdAKxvG-d67s”>Click to register for Emil Draitser’s book launch on February 3, 2021</a> <a href=”https://jordanrussiacenter.org/news/excerpt-from-emil-draitsers-in-the-jaws-of-the-crocodile-a-soviet-memoir-part-i/?fbclid=IwAR2gQS-5EVAVYzcFXIpewcHxIdfXgh_crZUqG7Y3G3VYy3ZerZPXGPr1Md0#.YBLNyOhKjct”>Read an excerpt from Emil Draitser’s “In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir”</a> The post Emil Draitser appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch columnist Laura Carlsen to discuss all things Mexico. The conversation explores the political dynamics at play in Mexico and how Mexican President Obrador (AMLO) relates to incoming President-Elect Joe Biden and his administration. Eric and Laura discuss the impacts of COVID in Mexico, the Mexican far right, the failed drug war and US imperialism, the state of Mexico’s social movements, and so much more. Don’t miss this week’s episode! The post Laura Carlsen appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Brazil-based multimedia journalist Mike Fox to discuss all things Brazil. Mike provides his analysis of the Trump loss and what the period of transition to Biden means for Brazil. Eric and Mike discuss the results of the recent elections and what the results mean for President Bolsonaro and his political project, as well as the reality of COVID on the streets. Attacks on indigenous leaders, the latest on Lula and the Workers’ Party, the resurgent left in Latin America and so much more on this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it! The post Mike Fox appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show professor of political science and author Joe Lowndes to discuss this moment of transition in the US, the outlook for the left and right, and much more. Joe gives his analysis of the incoming Biden administration and the prospects for resuscitating the neoliberal consensus in the midst of the pandemic. The conversation also explores the city of Portland and the political context necessary for understanding how it became a flashpoint in the fight against fascism and Trump. Lots of ground covered in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. The post Joe Lowndes appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show US-Palestinian journalist and author Ramzy Baroud to discuss all things Palestine. Eric and Ramzy begin with a discussion of Israeli policy in the last days of Trump and what to expect from a Biden Administration in terms of Israel-Palestine policy. The conversation touches on everything from demographic imperatives for Israel to the logic behind evictions and demolitions to discoveries of gas in Palestinian territorial waters. So much ground covered with one of the great voices for justice and the Palestinian cause. Don’t miss it! The post Ramzy Baroud appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes Kali Akuno back to the show to discuss the bizarre political moment we’re living through and the historical context necessary to understand it. Eric and Kali explore everything from the end of Black Reconstruction and the economic underpinnings of the modern imperial state, to geopolitics and the nature of the ruling class conflicts shaping our world today. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio! The post Kali Akuno appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

On the latest podcast Eric does an Election 2020 wrap up with CounterPunch managing editor Joshua Frank. Eric and Joshua discuss how Trump’s loss will impact him and his movement, including the possibility that Trump will not relinquish power. From there the discussion explores parallels and differences between 2020 and 2008, including the economic and psychological impact. The second half of the conversation explores the future Biden Administration, what should be expected of the assorted ghouls in the running for top cabinet posts, how it might approach issues ranging from Palestine to white supremacist militias, and why a return to normalcy is a return to liberal imperialism. Another great chat with one of the hardest working guys in the left media. The post Joshua Frank appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

On this special Election 2020 episode, Eric sits down with CounterPunch regulars Anthony DiMaggio and Paul Street to discuss the latest as the US elects its next executioner and much of the country hopes and prays for the Orange Fascist’s exit from power. The conversation touches on everything from the lasting impacts of Trump’s tenure to the possibility of Trump attempting a “soft coup.” The guys discuss conspiracy theory, COVID’s impact on Trump’s chances, the likely pathetic reality of a Biden Administration, and so much more. This was a fun conversation even as the world seemingly burns. But hey, at least there will no be no more daily Trump overdose…but CounterPunch will still be here to mainline every morning. The post Anthony DiMaggio & Paul Street appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes to the show Bolivia-based researcher Thomas Becker to discuss the recent election which saw the Movement for Socialism (MAS) returned to power after the right wing coup which deposed Evo Morales in 2019. Thomas provides a summary of the events of the last year leading up to last week’s elections, including the racism, violence, and ethnic cleansing carried out by the right wing coup government. From there, Eric and Thomas discuss the election results, the role of indigenous social movements, the failures of the international left, and much more. This important conversation touches on all the critical issues you need to know to understand where Bolivia has been and where it’s going. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week! The post Thomas Becker – Episode 169 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss social media, conspiracy theory in America, and his latest book “Unequal America.” Eric and Anthony explore the role of social media in propagating conspiracy theories, fake news, and eroding social and cultural institutions. They discuss how fake news and conspiracism is nothing new in America while also exploring the nature of Americans’ economic consciousness and self-deception. This conversation goes in-depth on some of the key issues facing us today. Don’t miss it! The post Ian Scott Horst – Episode 168 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss social media, conspiracy theory in America, and his latest book “Unequal America.” Eric and Anthony explore the role of social media in propagating conspiracy theories, fake news, and eroding social and cultural institutions. They discuss how fake news and conspiracism is nothing new in America while also exploring the nature of Americans’ economic consciousness and self-deception. This conversation goes in-depth on some of the key issues facing us today. Don’t miss it! The post Anthony DiMaggio – Episode 167 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Paul Street, author of the brand new book “Hollow Resistance: Obama, Trump, and the Politics of Appeasement” published by CounterPunch. Eric and Paul discuss the various ways that Obama paved the way for Trump and the fact that Trump could not exist were it not for Obama. Eric and Paul explore Obama’s reactionary effect on liberals and Black voters, his electoral fetishism, his faux resistance to Trump, and much more. From the fascist backlash against him to his attacks on the Left, Eric and Paul dissect everything Obama…and it ain’t pretty. The post Paul Street – Episode 166 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric introduces listeners to CounterPunch+, the new subscriber section of CounterPunch, by discussing his exclusive article “The Plot Against Libya” which tells the story of Obama’s mostly forgotten war on Libya, one of the most brazenly criminal acts committed by a US president. Eric explains why it’s important to remember the truth of Libya now, nine years later. Eric also discusses other pieces currently featured on CP+. Don’t miss this week’s show and don’t forget to sign up for CounterPunch+! The post CounterPunch+ – Episode 165 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show essayist, editor, and host of the Working People podcast, Maximillian Alvarez, to discuss the state of the working class in the time of COVID. Eric and Maximillian discuss the contours of the class war, what the pandemic has revealed about the failures of neoliberalism and the true nature of American capitalism, and the action and inaction of organized labor against the backdrop of America’s social movements. Also, Eric and Maximillian ask (and try to answer) the question: What does it mean to be working class in 2020? The post Maximillian Alvarez – Episode 164 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show author and journalist Dave Zirin to discuss the strike wave in US professional sports and what it means for the future. Eric and Dave discuss the NBA being in the forefront of the issue, the significance of professional baseball getting involved, and the future of the NFL in this year of COVID and police brutality. The conversation touches on everything from the diametrically opposed roles of Kaepernick and Obama to the political and economic concerns at the heart of the issues. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week! The post Dave Zirin – Episode 163 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show California State Senate candidate Jackie Fielder to discuss her campaign, the issues facing San Franciscans, and the overlapping crises facing all workers in the US. Eric and Jackie discuss why she launched the campaign, and how her experiences as an indigenous woman, and especially as a water protector at Standing Rock, helped shape her politics and activism. From there, the conversation touches on labor issues, the housing apocalypse in California, the raging wildfires and pandemic and how they’re impacting workers, what “democratic socialism” really means, and so much more. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week! The post Jackie Fielder – Episode 162 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show journalist Doug Henwood to talk about the latest terrifying economic numbers, how COVID is changing the economic life of America’s working class, what we should expect in the near- and medium-term, and so much more. The second half of the show finds Doug and Eric discussing Trump’s attempts to undermine the election, what a constitutional crisis in the US would look like, and whether the US is a failed state. Also, the specter of fascism makes its usual appearance. Hot, spicy takes abound in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it! The post Doug Henwood – Episode 161 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to show journalists Alex Kotch and Walker Bragman to discuss the latest developments from Trumpistan, the state of left journalism, and their new media project OptOut. The conversation begins with discussion of Trump’s threat to cancel the election, his Portland goon squads, and the shadowy American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) getting in on the culture war. They talk class war, Trump’s real base, and the myopia of Americans. The second half of the chow is focused on left media, the importance of developing our own independent media ecosystem, and the new app OptOut. Lots of good stuff packed into this week’s CounterPunch Radio, don’t miss it! The post Alex Kotch & Walker Bragman: Episode 160 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show Laura Briggs, author of the new book “Taking Children: A History of American Terror.” Eric and Laura discuss Trump’s family separation policy and the long and shameful American tradition of breaking up families and stealing children. Briggs explains the economic and social function of such practices in context of slavery, dispossession of Native peoples, and US imperialism in Latin America. The conversation touches on many points including the bipartisan nature of such policies and ways we might begin to resist. The post Laura Briggs – Episode 159 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with commentator, journalist, and author, Grace Blakeley, to discuss her new book “Stolen: How to Save the World from Financialisation.” Eric and Grace explore the nature of the neoliberal period and what the process of financialization has done to the economic, political, and social life of the Global North. The conversation touches on everything from the nature of financialization as intertwined with imperialism to the role of electoral politics versus that of mass mobilization and street organizing. Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders make cameos, as do Lenin, Hilferding, and Schumpeter. Oh, and also climate breakdown. It’s socialism or barbarism, and the choice is ours. Don’t miss this wide-ranging chat on CounterPunch Radio! The post Grace Blakeley – Episode 158 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with journalist and author Lucy Schiller to discuss her recent investigation into the multi-billion dollar senior living industry in the COVID era, and the concept of loneliness in our world today. Music: Dean Wareham – “Wayfaring Stranger” The post Sumedha Pal – Episode 157 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with journalist and author Lucy Schiller to discuss her recent investigation into the multi-billion dollar senior living industry in the COVID era, and the concept of loneliness in our world today. Music: Dean Wareham – “Wayfaring Stranger” The post Lucy Schiller – Episode 156 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric chats with journalist, author, and chef Arun Gupta about his recent investigation into the COVID pandemic in rural agriculture and its impact on migrant workers. Eric and Arun also discuss the ongoing #BLM protests, real journalism and the danger of spreading unverified rumors in times of social struggle, and Arun’s new Instagram cooking series, “Apocalypse Chow” As always, Arun Gupta on CounterPunch Radio is a must-listen! Music: The Coup – Laugh/Love/F**ck The post Arun Gupta – Episode 155 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

As the US erupts in protest in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Eric chats with Kali Akuno, co-founder and co-director of Cooperation Jackson and organizer with People’s Strike. Kali gives his reactions to Trump’s quasi-martial law decree and some of the rhetoric he used in his disturbing “Law and Order” speech. Eric and Kali discuss the importance of Black and Brown youth leadership in this uprising, and how the level of political consciousness is much higher than previous uprisings. From there the conversation touches on everything from the formation of Trumpist brownshirts and how the Left must organize itself for defense to the understanding that Trump has brought the War on Terror home. Don’t miss the critical discussion on CounterPunch! Music: Durand Jones and the Indications – “Morning in America” The post Kali Akuno – Episode 154 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show professor of economics, radio host, and author Richard Wolff to discuss unemployment, systemic failures, and the future of capitalism in the Age of COVID. Eric and Richard discuss his recent piece “Mass Unemployment Is a Failure of Capitalism” and why unemployment, and all the hardships it causes, is a choice made by capitalists. From there they explore the 2000, 2008, and 2020 crashes as a feature, not a bug, capitalism, and why a redistribution of labor has led to a generation of precarious gig workers and debt-ridden college graduates with little hope of a financial future. And what should the government be doing? Listen to this week’s show to find out. The post Richard Wolff – Episode 153 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes progressive Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives from California’s 12th district, Shahid Buttar, who is challenging Nancy Pelosi in November’s general election. Eric and Shahid discuss his background and formative political experiences, his time in Washington and as an activist, and his reasons for running. From there, the conversation explores the Pelosi era in SF politics: gentrification, segregation, Pelosification. What are the power blocs in Bay Area politics? Which sectors of capital does Pelosi represent? How will his campaign overcome these institutional obstacles? The second half of the show assesses Bernie’s campaign, his impact on American political life, and the possibility (or impossibility) of taking over the Democratic Party. Finally, Eric and Shahid examine the critical question: what role is there for the Left in US politics? The post Shahid Buttar – Episode 152 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

While we’re all stuck at home, there’s a world of films waiting to be seen. This week, we discuss ten films that every lefty must watch. Joining Eric is CounterPunch’s resident film critic Louis Proyect, and PhD student and author Shalon van Tine. Films discussed include: Sansho the Bailiff (Mizoguchi, 1954) Strike (Eisenstein, 1925) Battleship Potemkin (Eisenstein, 1925) Salt of the Earth (Biberman, 1954) Crimson Gold (Panahi/Kiarostami, 2003) La Chinoise (Godard, 1967) Ceddo (Sembene, 1977) El Norte (Nava, 1983) Seventh Seal (Bergman, 1957) Sorry to Bother You (Riley, 2018) Music: The Kinks – Celluloid Heroes The post Louis Proyect & Shalon van Tine – Episode 151 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes to the show activist, unionist, and leading candidate for the Green Party nomination for President in 2020, Howie Hawkins. Eric and Howie discuss the importance of a left political alternative to the Democratic Party, and why arguments against it are disingenuous. Howie describes his background as a trade unionist, co-founder of the Green Party, and activist, and explains how that informs his politics today. Eric and Howie explore electoralism vs activism, the role of the Green Party with it shortcomings, and whether it can be a vehicle for the Left. Howie also provides some perspective on the Bernie Sanders campaign and explains why he wasn’t surprised to see Bernie do well in 2016. Finally, and most importantly, Howie answers the million dollar question: why bother with a third party in an undemocratic capitalist duopoly? Music: David Rovics – “Failed State” The post Howie Hawkins – Episode 150 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch contributor Paul Street to discuss capitalism and the pandemic, the Orange Antichrist, Bernie’s flame-out, and the shocking collapse of Truthdig. First, Eric and Paul go in depth on how the pandemic is a direct result of capitalist development and ecocide, and the fact that Trump’s base is only interested in white nationalism and authoritarianism. The second half of the show is a post-mortem of the Bernie Sanders campaign as Eric and Paul discuss what went wrong, and whether or not Bernie represents the final nail in the coffin of the “transforming the Democratic Party” mantra. Finally, Paul gives his inside perspective on what happened at Truthdig and why independent left media is so critical in these crazy times. Music: The Mekons – “Simone” The post Paul Street – Episode 149 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This time Eric welcomes back to the show Marxist economist and author Michael Roberts to discuss the prospects for the global economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric and Michael begin by discussing whether the virus was an exogenous calamity or merely the tipping point for much deeper structural problems with global production and profitability. From there, Michael explains why Keynesians are wrong in describing “demand crises” when really it’s supply crises that drive economic downturns, and why comparisons of 2020 and 1987 fall flat. The second half of the episode explores the role of oil price collapse and corporate debt in exacerbating the coming depression, and the material reality of life for workers under the dire economic conditions we now face. Lots of ground covered with one of the best economists working today. Don’t miss it! Music: Dean Wareham – Wayfaring Stranger The post Michael Roberts – Episode 148 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show activist and author Eric Blanc whose book Red State Revolt (Verso, 2019) documented the teachers strike wave across the country in 2018-2019. The conversation begins with a discussion of the nature of the strikes, the political context in which they happened, and the juxtaposition of labor activism in red versus blue states. From there, Eric explains how standardized testing, charter schools, and privatization broadly has decimated the teaching profession in recent decades, and how the recent labor uprising from teachers and education professionals is a backlash to those trends. The final part of the conversation focuses on the Bernie 2020 campaign, and the specifics of Bernie’s proposals on education and rolling back the Wall Street-financed privatization movement. Music: Max Romeo – “Socialism Is Love” The post Jason Stanley – Episode 147 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show activist and author Eric Blanc whose book Red State Revolt (Verso, 2019) documented the teachers strike wave across the country in 2018-2019. The conversation begins with a discussion of the nature of the strikes, the political context in which they happened, and the juxtaposition of labor activism in red versus blue states. From there, Eric explains how standardized testing, charter schools, and privatization broadly has decimated the teaching profession in recent decades, and how the recent labor uprising from teachers and education professionals is a backlash to those trends. The final part of the conversation focuses on the Bernie 2020 campaign, and the specifics of Bernie’s proposals on education and rolling back the Wall Street-financed privatization movement. Music: Max Romeo – “Socialism Is Love” The post Eric Blanc – Episode 146 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show Iraq war veteran, antiwar activist, and filmmaker Mike Prysner to help us understand what’s going on in the minds of soldiers with the US on the brink of another war. Mike tells us about his journey from enlisting to finding himself on the ground in Iraq to coming home and organizing against the war and US imperialism. Eric and Mike discuss the reasons young people join, the myth versus reality, and the coercive nature of military recruitment. Mike also reminds us the history of war resisting, from the Philippines to Vietnam, and the historical tradition from which he comes. As we careen over the cliff into another war, it’s all the more important to listen to voices like Mike Prysner. Don’t miss this conversation. Music: Minutemen – “The Big Stick” The post Scott Stedman & Val Broeksmit – Episode 145 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.