The Hartmann Report

Trump's impetuous killing of a senior Iranian administration official led to a military crisis that apparently led to an airliner with hundreds of people aboard being shot out of the sky 10 miles from Tehran. It’s increasingly looking like the Ukrainian International Airlines jet that went down within hours of the Iranian missile strike after taking off from Tehran was shot down by a missile itself. So, who shot down the jet? And why does the Trump Administration refuse to discuss it?Rep. Mark Pocan calls in an update from the Congress debating an update to the War Powers Act and other news.For the Book Club Thom reads a portion from "Last Boat Out of Shanghai" by Helen Zia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The entire crisis in the Middle East that seems to be resolving itself right now started when Donald Trump ordered the assassination of the number three official in the Iranian government. He has no legal authority to do that, under the Constitution and under US law, unless he can prove that he did so to stop a far more destructive and imminent attack against Americans or American interests.Declassify the Intelligence Now!Is John Bolton's sudden interest in agreeing to testify motivated by his upcoming book deal? With all the media attention on Trump's debacle in Iran, is the catastrophic loss of habitat and animal life in the Australian fires being overlooked? For the Book Club, Thom reads selections from "Monarchy of Fear" by Martha Nussbaum and "Revolutionary Love" by Michael Lerner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom says we must get the message out right now- before any attacks happen- that this is all on Donald Trump, this is not on us. Trump is deliberately picking this fight as a useful crisis to cover up his crimes and grab totalitarian power, as many have done before him- most recently Victor Orban of Hungary. We must speak out now, we must act now, because as soon as Iran retaliates militarily Trump will begin to beat the drums of war.Major Danny Sjursen on Trump’s Illegal, Impeachable Act of War.Are Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo cheering Trump on because they are millenialist Christians hoping war with Iran would be the end times and Jesus would come back? Will Trump find the same courage that Jimmy Carter had to choose peace, even if it means he might lose the election?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump risks World War III, will the media defend the fig leaf of excuses offered by the likes of Mike Pence, who once helped sell our disastrous invasion of Iraq- and now can't keep the facts straight? Why did we kill a man who defended the US embassy from ISIS, and who was just instrumental in destroying the rebel Islamic state?.. and was Soleimani assassinated on his way to peace talks with Saudi Arabia? Were activists in Iran, who have taken over a thousand casualties fighting for democracy there, about to change the government?- Now Trump's action has powerfully strengthened the hardliners there, and made a hero of a hated figure. We hear from Iranians living in America to get their perspective.And what about the news Trump is trying to hide?- leaked unredacted emails proving Barr and others were shaking down Ukraine, proof Trump got 2 billion dollar loans from Putin before he became president, and evidence Trump's crime family has been playing the stock market based on knowing what Trump is about to do... is that why somebody bought up Lockheed stock bigtime the day before the assassination?.. Is this the ultimate media distraction?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Television host Chuck Todd of Meet the Press admitted that he has now, finally, after all these years, realized that Republicans come on his show and others specifically to tell lies and spread disinformation. How can you trust TV news and chat today?For the book club, Thom reads from "Truth in Our Times: Inside the Fight for Press Freedom in the Age of Alternative Facts" by David E. McCraw.Congressman Mark Pocan answers listener questions from around the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Economist Richard Wolff joins Thom with a look at the propping up of the American economy on the brink of a war Donald Trump has deliberately cultivated.As thousands of troops are deployed to the Persian Gulf, are we watching another Archduke Ferdinand situation unfolding? Thom thinks we are heading towards a bi-polar world, with Iran, Russian, and China on one side, and America, Saudi Arabia, and Israel on the other, as well as possibly Europe. How could this relate to the Fed propping up the economy and the long withheld consequences of bailing out the world economy is 2008? Even though the constitution says that only Congress may declare war, will Trump use these crises to become something like a king?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All bets are off. The thin veneer of civilization is coming unraveled. How long will it be before Iran retaliates?-, and after that will there be any possibility for anyone to point out the truth that Trump has deliberately created this conflict? Does the evidence of his billion-dollar loan to the Russians coming out this week have anything to do with it? Or further proof of his shakedown of the Ukraine? Or evidence of massive stock market bets tied to Trump, where his friends make bank by knowing what announcements Trump is about to make?Who are our real allies, and who will act to stop this from becoming World War III? How did Dick Cheney's illegal war and occupation of the nation of Iraq lead to this? Thom speaks with Jamal Abdi, policy director of the National Iranian American Council, as well as with House Progressive leader Mark Pocan on this developing crisis that Trump has created by assassinating a government official of another country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Swanson, author of 'War is a Lie' is working to build support for gun laws- what can you do to help?... And as tension simmers abroad, will Trump's need for negative attention get us into a war?.. How many Americans know that Iran made a deal with Reagan to hold the 1979 embassy hostages until Reagan was sworn in?.. For that matter, how many Americans really can see that Trump is a relentless liar and his business is really primarily money laundering?.. Meanwhile, is Trump courting the bottom tiers of the police and military for their support in case he needs to call on their muscle someday?..   For the Book Club, Thom reads from "October Surprise" by Barbara Honegger.Also, Evan Greer of 'Fight for the Future' joins Thom to discuss ways we must fight to preserve our privacy as facial recognition systems are deployed across the country by law enforcement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should we get rid of drug patents since the government does most of the drug research anyway?.. Why do we have NASA to thank for LASIC eye surgery?.. Jimmy Carter v. Reagan on Medicare For All... If everybody got healthcare, wouldn't that benefit employers and employees both?.. How Republican policies have led to disposable employees... Do we have a health care system, or a health insurance industry?- and does that mean we have nutty priorities that lead to very high levels of serious, but preventable illnesses among Americans like diabetes? And how are people across our country coping with the holes in medical care?Plus Thom reads from 'Drugs, Money, and Secret Handshakes' by Robin Feldman, and his own book 'Walking Your Blues Away'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What we could gain from socializing healthcare and improving education-- and why Republicans spread fear of Socialism and encourage Americans to vote against their own best interests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How deep does Trump's racism go, and will it ultimately win him the next election?.. How does Fox News play up the fears of white people at becoming a minority?.. Are racists opposed to Medicare for All because they don't want people of color to benefit?.. How can we unlearn racism?..  Should we all get our DNA tested or are we all just humans here?.. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest-host Jefferson Smith considers the consequences of Alabama's legislative abortion ban and callers share concerns of abortion becoming illegal once again. For the Book Club, Thom reads from "Handbook for a Post-Roe America" by Robin Marty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bolivia's democratically elected government has been taken over by oligarchs, police forces are bribed and the media is suppressed. Code Pink's Medea Benjamin joins Thom to discuss the recent coup.When people forget history, it repeats itself and the Trump administration could be the result of forgetting what fascism really is! For the book club, Thom reads from "Paul Revere & The World He Lived In" by Esther Forbes and "The Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great" by Harvey J. Kaye. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What could we afford for the common person if we weren't subsidizing billionaires' extreme wealth in this country? And for that matter, can we afford the real cost to society that 'conservatism' (really oligarchy and corporatism) is bringing us? Thom plays recordings of Ronald Reagan opposing Medicare in the 1960s, and in contrast, the words of Harry Truman and LBJ- and the warning of Eisenhower. Is democratic socialism really as American as FDA-ingredients-listed, USDA-graded, farm-bill supported apple pie? What must Progressives do to save democracy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nasreen Sheikh tells her story, and how her group- 'The Empowerment Collective' is saving young women in Nepal from poverty and cruelty by providing a fair price for women's handicrafts, available through their website at LocalWomensHandicrafts.com.Plus Andrew Behar, CEO of 'As You Sow', joins Thom to discuss share-holder activism and the dark side of Facebook. Thom reads from 'The Entrepreneurial State' by Mariana Mazzucato- she argues that 'more state, not less' has always been the key to economic development in the United States historically, and today in the developing world.And Thom also reads from 'Measuring What Counts: A New Dashboard for Well-Being' by Jean-Paul Fitoussi, Joseph Stiglitz, and Martine Durand.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just in time for Xmas- the true origin of Santa Claus! And, have you lost a loved one to the war on Christmas?? Thom asks whether James Madison's nightmare coming true?- the fusion of church and state... What did the founders believe in and how did they come to a compromise in the founding documents of our nation? Will the rise of the 'spirtual, not religious' and those who identify with paganism shift Christianity away from Republicanism? And was Jesus' message always in line with paganism anyway?- that we are all connected, all rising and falling together in this world...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom chats with other progressives while visiting New York, John Fugelsang, Michelangelo Signorile, Philip Proctor, Sam Joseph and Jonathan Alter.Michelangelo Signorile, Editor-at-large of Huffington Post Gay Voices, joins Thom to analyze the recent debates and the threat of Trump. Authors Samuel Joseph, and Firesign Theater's Phil Proctor, join Thom to chat about their new book "What to Say to Your Crazy Right-Wing Uncle: Talking Points for Liberals" and how to handle holiday family gatherings. Book Club reading from "United States of Distraction: Media Manipulation in Post-Truth America (And What We Can Do About It)" by Mickey Huff and Nolan Higdon.Thom is joined by journalist Jonathan Alter speaking about his new show Alter Family Politics, and a serious warning for Progressives to band together behind the Democratic nominee for the 2020 election.Book Club reading from "State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind" by Bryant Welch.Comedian John Fugelsang shares the insights of political humor and lessons we can learn from religiously motivated shame.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listeners call in for a discussion on the continuing experience of and effects of white privilege while Thom considers the impacts of Trump's impeachment. Book Club reading "How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide" by Crystal Marie Fleming. Does Trump plan to detain Liberals as mentally ill? Caller Amelia from Seattle shares successful ways to diffuse racism in others. Thom reads from "Revolution of Values: Reclaiming Public Faith for the Common Good" by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. Caller Gregg in Kentucky thinks the nation may split into separate countries because of Trump's divisiveness. Caller Tim from New York debates Thom on the efforts of the Evangelical Christian Movement. From his book, "The Last Hours of Humanity: Warming the World to Extinction" Thom reads a selection. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor Cass Sunstein joins guest host Jefferson Smith to discuss the options available to the House on Donald Trump’s impeachment.Does Nancy Pelosi have the opportunity or right to delay the Trump impeachment papers and not pass them to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unless confirmation that he will respect the process? John Dean has said the papers to impeach could be held until after the 2020 election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jefferson Smith leads a collective meditation on what it means that Donald Trump has been impeached in the House of Representatives- what can happen next? Will Nancy be able to hold on to the articles since the Senate has said they will not have a fair trial? In a Senate trial, would any Republicans cross the line? What do their constituents really want?  And in a bigger frame, what do we need to do to make our democracy more of a democracy and not less of one?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom unwinds the latest Dem debate with fellow radio host Dean Obeidallah, 'The Dean of Radio on SXM Progress Radio, channel 127. Could the Progressive candidates win the presidency without taking big donor money?And Progressive House leader Mark Pocan drops by to answer the people on many questions- What to do about 'alternative facts'?.. Tax changes in the latest spending bill... Splitting up the two article of impeachment?.. 300+ bills ignored, who is really the 'do-nothing' party?.. Holding on to the charges until the Senate is impartial?.. How $900 bottles of wine taste in the heartland... The slush funds and powers controlled by Pelosi and McConnell... Is Trump about to throw people off Social Security Disability?.. and many other issues taken head-on.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listeners call in with insights on the meaning and impact of the historic impeachment of Donald Trump. For the Book Club Thom reads portions from "Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell Into Tyranny" by Edward Watts and "Treason & Betrayal: The Rise and Fall of Individual - 1" by Kenneth F. McCallion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the US House of Representatives debates and votes on the historic impeachment of Donald Trump, Thom listens to select portions of the Congressional hearings and gives commentary and reports astonishing new news, while callers for and against weigh in with their thoughts. For the Book Club, Thom reads portions from "The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control" by Steven Hassan and "Impeachment: A Citizen's Guide" by Cass Sunstein.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom speaks with Judd Legum at Popular Information on the Republican efforts to purge the vote and Mark Zuckerberg's efforts to allow political falsehoods on Facebook ads. Former Congressman Alan Grayson, author of 'HIGH CRIMES: The Impeachment of Donald Trump' joins the conversation to make sense of the proceedings in Congress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ARE TRUMP FOLLOWERS GOOD PEOPLE?Are Trump Republicans just misinformed, or do they have an authoritarian- or even a sadistic authoritarian streak? Or is fear clogging up their reasoning abilities? Is it even possible for us to reach each other anymore?Will the next step be the rise of more competent successors to Trump that use his playbook to strip out our democratic institutions? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do the polls show a declining support for impeaching Trump, or the opposite? What powers will Mitch McConnell have over the impeachment trial?.. Wait, no witnesses?.. What would Tim Russert say?.. Will the next Democratic president be hounded too?.. Can Trump win with the Big Lie strategy? Is Trump setting up Lebanon to be a flash point to start a war with Iran? Milk toast Democrats.. The brilliance of Nancy Pelosi.. The new NAFTA and $16/hour+ auto jobs.. Why Thom doesn't endorse primary candidates.. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today: Victoria Jones on what really happened in the UK vote this week that put Boris Johnson in control of parliament?... What's the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn's loss have to do with Bernie?... Will support for immigration sink the left here like it may have in the UK?... Do voters today not care about the truth in any case?... Facebook propaganda in the disinformation age, and solutions... Defending the Constitution versus paying the bills - Moving to Canada or staying right here?... Tips on talking to your Senators... The IRS whistleblowers intimidated by Republicans in Congress... Should Bernie and Liz form a superteam?... Democrats' unfocused messaging... Facing a jury of your (mob) peers -See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Was President Eisenhower's warning coming true as defense contractors lead us down the path to fascism? Are Americans ready to embrace socialism? Economics Professor Richard Wolff think so.For the book club, Thom reads selections from "Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence" by Kristen Ghodsee and also a fascinating reading from "The Age of Eisenhower" by William I. HitchcockSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As another day of impeachment in the house is broadcast, what do the American people think of congressional Republicans who knowingly lie, interrupt, tie things up with endless process objections, and especially love to shout down and interrupt women? Will the Democrats ever learn how to get past GOP BS and get their message heard? Will so-called Fox News viewers ever figure out they are being manipulated?Plus, Progressive congressman Mark Pocan joins Thom to answer challenging questions from Thom's listeners on all of these issues and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thom engages directly with Republicans' propagandistic attempts to defend Trump from his impeachment. First, a debate with libertarian Republican Julio Rivera, followed by a civil discussion with Republican insider and Kansas candidate Bryan Pruitt, both battles covering the territory of impeachment and the facts on the ground in the Ukraine. Then, as Thom engages with his callers- how can Progressives counter the welter of right-wing noise generated by the shills for the rich? And why can't Americans spot propaganda when they see it??See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE PAST AND PRECEDENTSThom puts the Articles of Impeachment announced by House leadership into both deep and immediate historical context. Then, Thom's brilliant callers take time to digest the implications of this whole situation. What kind of people can knowingly defend Trump's blatant crimes? What are the chances of a secret ballot in the Senate? Will any of the brats end up doing the right thing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the lying Republicans try to muddy the waters of the impeachment hearings with their relentless disinformation campaign, will the truth of what happened reach the American public? And as Trump is at least fulfilling his promise to be the only American president who made money while in office, with his kids, Bill Barr's kids, and Giuliani's kids all on the government payroll and working various hustles, are the Republicans calling the kettle black?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressive Congressman Ro Khanna answers listener phone questions on topics from impeachment to immigration. Thom reads selections for the Book Club.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom engages his callers on a wide range of topics, from impeachment strategy, to corrupt Republican Senators, to what led to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 76 years ago. For the Book Club Thom reads from "The Case for Impeaching Trump" by Elizabeth Holtzman and from his own work "ADD Success Stories."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor Richard Wolff posits that it is time to get rid of Capitalism rather than try to reform it. ~ For the Book Club, Thom reads from "Building the New American Economy: Smart, Fair, and Sustainable" by Jeffrey D. Sachs with Foreword by Bernie Sanders.A perfect storm of economic and world geopolitical indicators are coming together to put a potential disaster in our future. Do you think that these forces coming together will put us into world war or a second Great Depression?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Lewis, author of 'The Fifth Risk' joins Thom- What is up with Donald Trump's civil service? With political appointees with questionable experience at the helm of the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce, how are they taking care of business with so many mid-level positions simply left vacant? Why does Trump and the public at large have so little interest in understanding what our federal government does?Trump and his cronies continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the American people- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos (who is personally heavily invested in student debt) is trying to move student debt into a private corporate so any future president could never cancel it. What other hustles, crimes, and foolishness of this corrupt head of state are worthy of impeachment?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thom tackles the testimony and cuts through Republican lies, misdirection and bull with his sharp knife of truth. But are the Democrats making a mistake by not including Donald Trump's many other huge and blatant crimes in the impeachment process?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom wonders if neoliberal Democrats may be blindsided because they have no idea their voters are about to dump them... Can Progressive democrats recapture the love that presidents like FDR, JFK, and LBJ inspired by making sure the American system really works for the common person?And the latest poll shows a dead heat between Biden, Buttigieg, Sanders, and Warren for the Democratic primary. Can we overcome a system that has been rigged ever since the Supreme Court betrayed us by legalizing bribery?Plus, Thom reads from a chapter from one of his books titled 'Reagan Kidnapped the Jetsons'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom debates Charles Sauer, libertarian economist & president of The Market Institute, on Kamala Harris' plan to regulate prescription drug prices, followed by a hearty discussion of health care policy in this country with Thom's callers.Plus, Thom reads from 'No Visible Bruises' by Rachel Louise Synder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Palast talks about support from Stacey Abrams and how to reverse 14 million voters from removal on the electoral roll in the past year. And you could be one of them. Ending voter suppression and preventing your name from being purged is really important as the 2020 election draws closer. Callers respond. Book Club : Minority Leader and Frederick Douglas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Pocan joins Thom for a fascinating town hall on what New Progressives in Congress are doing to push back against the billionaire-led takeover of our nation. Topics include - How many articles of impeachment? Why were the tactics of the Patriot Act activists poorly planned? What is the best strategy to influence your representatives? What's the real deal with Russia?Plus Thom reads from 'Revolutionary Love' by Ruth Marcus' book as well as 'Supreme Ambition: Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover'See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As of this year, new data shows that for the first time since World War II middle class Americans are no longer a majority. We are a majority-poor country now. Death rates for young working people have increased substantially- for the first time in the modern era- because of poverty in general and lack of access to health care in particular. Why is it so expensive for working people to merely live, and why is it so expensive to get ahead or pay for a college education? Where is all the money our work generates going to? How much money does the top 1% need to be happy? Have we reached 'Peak-Reagonomics'?- an era in which some combination of poverty, drug addiction, obesity, and despair haunt the lives of so many Americans? What can the Progressive agenda hope to do to make things better? Is there a chance this could all change with the 2020 election?- because people's lives are at stake.Plus Thom reads from Harvey JK's book 'Make America Radical Again'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump is following an old script, lie to the people to stay in power. How Far Will It Go? Callers respond.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom makes the case that American oligarchs already control much of the media, can legally bribe elected officials, and are taking control of the courts -- so will a police state marked by selective prosecution of political enemies be the next step down this road that many other societies have traveled before us?How is billionaire propaganda dividing us deeply as a nation? Is there an analogy to the first civil war, that was also created by the oligarchs of South? And if Fox News cult members are deeply brainwashed, are they even competent to be on juries?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we reclaim an independent press so we can actually learn what our candidates will do and our elected officials are doing? By only talking about horse-races and scandals, the press is letting the GOP get away with murder, while keeping people ignorant about Democratic Party solutions to our problems.David Brock from Media Matters for America joins Thom to discuss why our media is broken, and why Billionaire owned media is working as a propaganda arm of the oligarchs-- threatening our very democracy.Plus- given the recent protests and internal instability in Iran, has Trump's policy there brought us closer to a nightmare scenario, what guest Jamal Abdhi calls a 'combustible moment'?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today - Thom's tips on talking impeachment at Thanksgiving Dinner- the latest on the impeachment inquiry- and with Guiliani's buddy Lev in custody, will we get to hear what recordings he may have of Trump? And then we once again get the straight scoop from House Progressive Democrat Mark Pocan.Plus- Thom reads from Michael Lewis's fascinating new book 'The Fifth Risk'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom discusses the recent debate with callers and reviews some of the key testimony from the impeachment hearings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Progressive congressman Ro Khanna once again joins Thom, a fascinating discussion of the powers of Congress- are we building an Imperial Presidency based on the Republican-packed supreme court? Can pardons apply to impeachable crimes? Is the House oversight committee powerful enough to police federal government corruption?Will the Roger Stone conviction of election crimes unlock the part of the Mueller Report we still have not seen? What would it take for the Senate to hold a secret impeachment vote? Will we ever repeal the so-called 'Patriot Act'?Plus Thom reads from 'Why You Should Be a Socialist' by Nathan Robinson. And- Thom reprises his recent widely published article that charts how far down the road we are to an all-out oligarchy, and what to expect if we don't succeed in pushing back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On yet another anniversary of the JFK assassination, why has Trump -still- not followed the law Congress passed requiring the publication of all papers relating to the JFK assassination? Author-researcher Lamar Waldron joins Thom with evidence that ties JFK to Watergate to Donald Trump and Bill Barr- with stops along the way for Roger Stone and other career Washington shysters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom reviews the fifth Democratic debate and Netanyahu news plus caller questions before giving commentary on live congressional testimony. Fiona Hill, a former National Security Council official, and David Holmes, a diplomat in the U.S. embassy in Kiev, testify before the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.