The Hartmann Report

Increasingly Americans are being forced to choose sides: are we with democracy, or will we elect Trump and join Russia, China, and North Korea in making the world safe for dictators?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressive leader Mark Pocan just watched the G.O.P. have its craziest week yet- he joins Thom and his listeners to share front line observations. Plus - is it time to reinstate the draft? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The crazy train rolls on. Republicans in Iowa want to bring back "separate by equal" for trans people. But pay no attention as the billionaires buy up the country and maybe even our Supreme Court justices!.. How far will we wade into the collective insanity of Fox News fascism?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The two cases — Trump retaining classified documents and Biden retaining them — are utterly different....Plus the role Garland played. Repression of LGBTQ community intensifies.  Following Hitler's playbook MAGA authoritarians target transgender population.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The simple reality is that the future of American democracy is as much on the line in this case as it was in 1866: that was lost in yesterday’s arguments, but should have been central to them…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Prison President? How Donald Trump might serve from behind bars. Is it looking like the GOP is all about "Trump first, Putin second and America third"? Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Phil Ittner gives a grim report that Ukraine is running out of ammunition and losing respect and faith in America's promised support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Odds are, however, that this decision will be as political and corrupt as the 2000 Bush v Gore was. But I’m more than willing to be surprised.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At least one state is retiring medical debt, but meanwhile Nikki wants seniors to keep footing the bill for their medical expenses until they turn 70. And will Republicans and their billionaire donors finally succeed in making big money off Medicare? Alex Lawson joins Thom with details of the GOP's latest scheme.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You have to break government pretty badly before people are willing to trade in a normal democracy for a dictatorship, but it’s sure happened before...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Commonsense prevails - appeals court refuses Trump immunity. Plus, why America needs a Trump election subversion verdict quickly. Guest Interview: Journalist, Commentator and Radio Host, Michelangelo Signorile explains why the absurdity of the GOP's "civil war" talk is even more off the charts. Crazy Alert! Horrifying deepfake tricks employee into giving away $25 million - Get ready for the deepfake bosses and bankers!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Medicare Advantage is not Medicare: it’s private health insurance for seniors that’s largely paid for with our tax dollars. They make their money by routinely denying claims…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the Democrats learn to effectively counter Republican tactics? And- are the Europeans fighting for democracy in Ukraine getting an ugly education in American politics?Also, Thom reads from "Measuring What Counts: The Global Movement for Well-Being" by Joseph Stiglitz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that several of the Republican justices have been so heavily saturated with fat-cat money and thus regularly vote in favor of their morbidly rich “friends,” what do those rich dudes want?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden has an opening to put new people over the post office- he needs to get on it! Meanwhile, the right is melting down over Taylor Swift and her football star boyfriend supporting Biden. Where will this all take us come November?Plus - Thom reads from his recent book 'The Hidden History of American Oligarchy: Reclaiming Our Democracy from the Ruling Class"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Biden administration is finally recognizing the failure of Reaganism- is this why companies no longer bother to take care of their customers? Plus- Nikki Haley says Texas can secede if they want to. Say what?Also, Thom reads from "Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America" by Christopher Leonard, and from "Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment" by Robert Wright.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author and activist David Pepper joins Thom for a look at the Republican war on public schools. Will they succeed in subsidizing private educations for the better off?Plus - every attempt at libertarianism has been a failure. So why does the right keep pushing for it?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Madison wasn’t talking about an abstraction or some highfalutin concept. He was talking about how some rich people will inevitably try to seize political power to screw everybody else.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ukraine Update: Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Ukraine, Philip Ittner reports that Zelensky plans to oust Ukraine’s top general amid tension over new mobilization. Guest Interview: Heidi Siegmund Cuda, Author & Emmy-award winning investigative reporter on breaking the GOP death grip.  Also- it's a Celtic holiday - The pagan holiday of awakening...I'll explain. Also why do anti-abortion freaks want to freak-out first graders with graphic videos? Plus horrifying news: Son beheads dad - Is Donald Trump growing a Taliban movement in America?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not only has Section 230 turned the web into a stalking ground for sexual predators, it’s also given Putin cheap & easy access to Americans, an access he’s been using for years to tear us apart...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest Interview: Staff Writer for The Atlantic, Tim Alberta explains his new book - The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals In An Age of Extremism. Also does the resuscitated "trucker convoy" reveal a dying MAGA movement?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year’s election may be our last chance to push back against the oligarchy that the GOP has been constructing for the past forty-three years…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here are three key areas where Biden is fundamentally reshaping our economy to make it better for working people. A worker-centered trade and industrial policy, strong anti-monopoly enforcement, and moves to strengthen labor unions — are navigating towards a more equitable economy. It’s a sea change that’s long overdue. Guest Interview: Investigative Journalist David "Dave" Neiwert asks are the traditional Republicans just now figuring out the new far right overlords are too radical? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just turn everything over to the morbidly rich and let them and their companies run the entire country along the profit motive lines? What could possibly go wrong?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden has paused permitting for liquefied natural gas terminals to protect 'the public interest' from climate change. But will the corruption of big money keep us from really taking on the big challenges in front of us?Plus - Thom reads from 'On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal' by Naomi Klein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Reagan's Embrace of “Greed is Good” Brought Us Broken Airplane Doors & Being on Hold for Hours...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a long tradition of Republicans running for president committing treason, or at least criminal manipulation of international affairs, to advantage themselves & hurt Democratic presidents. Also can you build bridges to Trump cultists that may, over time and with work and love, help you pry them loose from the authoritarian leader or movement to which they’ve bonded?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom's callers get the story straight from top Progressives Mark Pocan and Ro KhannaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus gives frank answers to listener questions- from watching the civil war between the Republicans to ending the Senate filibuster... from supporting Israel to the Chevron doctrine- what is her prescription for what ails America?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A dystopian tale that conforms to Trump's many campaign promises...Plus guest interviews: Dean Obeidallah - Is Trump's mental decline a national security issue? Federal trial attorney Sabrina Haake explains why not to fall for trumped up charges against Fina Willis. Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Phil Ittner with Ukraine Update - The right wing takeover plot for the EU exposed. And developments in the E. Jean Carrol defamation case.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans seem intent on putting a self-declared dictator in the White House. Has the right forgotten what is meant by 'limited government'? From outlawing abortion to plans to attack the free press.. from establishing a state religion to dreaming of arresting and executing his domestic enemies- Trump wants to be the first King of the United States.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America fought back America’s oligarchs twice; will we succeed this third time with an actual oligarch (Trump) running for president as a neofascist populist?Plus - a Kentucky law makes it easier to shoot people camping on your property. What is this really about?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the bombs stop falling, will the west help Ukraine rebuild with green energy? And, what is stopping us from permanently banning Russian oil from world markets?Meanwhile, Republicans continue to block action on protecting us from micro plastics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will some Republicans succeed in using the Supreme Court to ban birth control as well as abortion? Also- Thom's thoughts on learning how to handle criticism and self doubt...And, a reading from "Trump You!- My Battle with Trump University" by Art Cohen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans and corporate Democrats are about to craft a plan to cut SS in a closed committee. Will they get it through Congress so the Wall Street billionaires can keep their taxes low? Alex Lawson of Social Security Works has the details.Also, Thom reads from "Big Dirty Money: The Shocking Injustice and Unseen Cost of White Collar Crime" by Jennifer Taub.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s gotten so absurd that a reporter spoke with a woman at a Trump rally sporting a crucifix & tee-shirt that said “Hang Joe Biden For Treason.” She essentially said Jesus would watch the execution. Also who profited from J-6? Guest Interview: Dan Friedman, Senior Reporter - DC Bureau, Mother Jones. Crazy Alert! Oklahoma GOP files a bill to ban the very very scary "furries" from schools. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court, it appears, is planning to gut most of America’s regulatory agencies in what could be the most consequential re-write of the protective “deep state” since the New Deal. Plus, are we on government shutdown watch again? Is the shutdown feeling like groundhog day? Phil Ittner - Ukraine Update. Crazy Alert! Did Carville just say this about Trump, "This man has the clap" and why? And what happens when the anti-abortion people take over?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the opposite of diversity, equity, and inclusion? Is the MAGA right is fighting for a return to 'whites only' spaces?Plus - Thom reads from "The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning & Black Study" by Fred Moten and Stefano Harney.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So, Donald Trump won Iowa. A crazed billionaire who wants to “suspend the constitution“ and claims the right to a murder his political enemies. It doesn’t have to be this way. Also the GOP immigration/border scam revealed. Is Greg Abbott's humanity nonexistent? From fantasizing about shooting people on the border to allowing children and their mom to drown. Wait a minute. Judge Eileen Cannon‘s husband works for a New York mob boss who is a Trump donor in front of Trump? Wisdom School Alert! Is sauna therapy built into our genes? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While your GOP friends are sitting in the dark complaining that they can’t follow Trump on his Nazi-infested social media site or recharge their phones, you can ride out the next storm in comfort!Also thoughts on Martin Luther King day. Trump's closing pitch to the Iowa caucus is that their vote can help him punish his enemies and also take America back to 1950.... Trickle down fascism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron DeSantis & Nikki Haley had a spitting match Wednesday night on CNN as they fight for, well, something. Vice president? Unlikely. Beating Trump? Probably not. Also saying ‘you’re homophobic’ could cost you $35,000 under sweeping Florida GOP bill. Is Trump planning on declaring war on Latin America, instead of putting in place a comprehensive immigration plan, if he becomes prez? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who are the Houthis and why should we care? The Iranian-backed rebel group has launched dozens of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea since the war between Israel and Hamas started. National Progressive Town Hall Meeting with Representative Ro Khanna. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump demands his election crime case be dropped -because - no one told hime overturning an election was a crime...seriously? Apparently Evangelicals don't mind that Trump was a regular at "pedo mansion" or flew on the "Lolita Express." What do Evangelicals stand for? Guest Interview: Heidi Siegmund Cuda, Author & Emmy-award winning investigative reporter. Also is America embracing mask wearing again?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Snowflaking of White Privilege. If America is ever to become a pluralistic, multiracial democratic republic we must come to terms with racism and white privilege. Phil Ittner - Ukraine Update - The high price of losing Ukraine. Millions more Americans are getting affordable healthcare because of President Biden - while red states say no to hungry children. A quick summary of the Hunter Biden hearings. The Engoron bomb threat is "a pattern you can't ignore." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America is suffering from an epidemic of political bullying, because fascism trickles down from fascist leadership. It’s what Trump’s cult members and his toady lawyers are dreaming of.Bomb scares, swatting incidents and death threats targeting public officials have risen in frequency in recent weeks. Is this the nation MAGA Republicans want?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans are pushing our country: no social safety net, corrupt regulatory and police agencies, politicians and legislation for sale, and absolute immunity for the morbidly rich. Guest Interview: Erin Reed, Independent LGBTQ+ journalist, mom and host of Erin In the Morning. How committed is the GOP in destroying the lives of Trans people? Plus Thom breaks down Trump's federal appeals court hearing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the New Rightwing Grift ``Pink Slime Journalism” Con the Average Joe? Into the void steps the pink slime journalism newspapers and websites, funded by multiple rightwing billionaires, peddling lies and hate to get rightwing Republicans elected to office… Trump's foreign cash scandal is YUGE. Breaking News - New evidence shows Trump ``directly orchestrated" fake elector plot. Plus Biden gave a hell of a speech.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A coalition in Congress wants great health care for every American- without an insurance company making money by denying coverage. Can the Medicare system be saved? Mark Pocan joins Thom to take listener questions.Plus - Thom reads from "Shutdown- How Covid Shook the World's Economy" by Adam Tooze.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will excluding pregnant women (but not their fetuses) from EMTALA be the proverbial straw that breaks the back of the 38-year-long GOP scam? Florida is set to follow Ohio and secure abortion rights - they qualify for this year's ballots. Plus- Hunter in a Farmer's World Alert!- Classroom strategies for dealing with ADHD.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Investigative Journalist, Author & Filmmaker Greg Palast explains why the court is allowing vigilantes to interfere in the next election. Plus, Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Ukraine, Phil Ittner reports on the impact of Russia's escalating air attacks. Is a fear of MAGA threatening to make the law "merely optional" while the corporate media is keeping the door wide open for Trump's fascist return?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The white Republican base has been so lied to and abused over the past forty or so years that they’ve become easy marks for the predators in both big business and the GOP… Crazy Alert! A new board game is out for fascists - "Storm the Capitol" Now we’re starting to go after the other insurrectionists. Also the GOP's nefarious plan to impeach Biden on Trump's behalf... This is so damn cynical.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.