The Hartmann Report

A few notes from the inside track on Trump's RICO operation to force the Ukraine to smear his political opponent, as the impeachment hearings continue with Ambassador Sondland's damning testimony. Thom theorizes that Sondland may have figured out Trump and Giulianni decided to make Sondland the fall guy, a move that may have inspired Sondland to become yet another of Trump's fixers to open up and give us another good look at the ugliness of Trump's mob-like tendencies. 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 hearings with comments and callers.Colonel Vindman‘s testimony pretty much proves that Trump was trying to shake down Ukraine for information on Biden, and that the Republicans are doing everything they can to cover up this extortion attempt. The only question now is how far the Republicans are willing to go in supporting Trump’s effort to damage Ukraine and extort them to create false information about Joe Biden.We Know How Far Trump Will Go - How Far Will Republicans Go?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we hear from co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus Primila Jayapal on the challenges facing Progressive Democrats, from impeachment to bringing health care to all. And then, Thom us joined by proud feminist Pat Mitchell. Author of 'Becoming a Dangerous Woman', Pat talks about the need to be safe in our workplaces, homes and communities. She says gaining equality in even its basic forms needs to be talked about, especially in politics. Plus - Thom wonders if Trump might be thinking about getting a doctor's note to escape impeachment. What would happen?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 speaks with Switchboard Inc's Mara Zepeda, who found that companies that were for-profit and enabled social good, face systemic challenges so we wrote the Zebra Manifesto which gave birth to the Zebras Unite movement!Drew Penrose from Fair Vote joins the program to explain how rank choice voting works. Jefferson concludes with a discussion of just what is a moderate anyway? Callers respond.Book Club reading from "Stop Being Reasonable: How We Really Change Our Minds" by Eleanor Gordon-Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom Hartmann reviews and analyses the testimony of the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, at the recent Congressional impeachment hearings with commentary and insights on the Republican strategies to try to defend a corrupt president. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom airs and discusses The Trump Impeachment Hearings Day 2 - Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who was ousted from her position, in a public hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom usefully lays out the story that has emerged as to how Trump worked with a Russia-friendly Ukrainian president on a plan to smear Joe Biden, until that president lost his job, forcing Trump to scramble to force the new, much less corrupt president to still carry out the plan. What could go wrong?And, a debate with conservative Fox News commentator, Gianno Caldwell about his new book, "Taken for Granted: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed" and 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.

Thom airs the first day of Trump's impeachment hearing and gives commentary as Ambassador William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, and George P. Kent, a senior State Department official in charge of Ukraine policy, testify before the 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.

Is Bolivia's recent coup another example of right wing billionaires supporting right wing populists to the exclusion of popular leaders closer to the people like Evo Morales? Policy analyst Guillaume Long checks in with Thom on the details- what is really going on in Bolivia?It's obvious that Trump is using the fear of the other, especially of Latin American immigrants to scare people into imagining they need his fatherly protection. So how can we assure those being manipulated by the right wingers that we'll all be safer if we look after each other?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Juli Briskman made headlines when she gave the finger to Trump as she cycled alongside the presidents motorcade in Virginia. After losing her job when the image became famous, Juli won a local election and started a new phase of her life.Plus, guest host Jefferson Smith speaks with Sanjeev K. Sriram, who has crunched the numbers and discovered the Medicaid has saved at least 19,000 lives.And, Thom reads from his book 'ADD Success Stories', as well as Stacey Abram's tome 'Minority Leader: How to Lead from the Outside and Make Real Change'See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The rest of the world has resolved the provision of healthcare and wealth taxes, but not in the US.Health in the whole of Europe is provided by the state, yet the US seems incapable (or unwilling?) to respond to the demands of the population for quality a free health service.And how many people are employed to prevent your payments being made and others who argue with them. Imagine the savings if those people were not needed?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, a long talk with investigative reporter Judd Legum- who publishes the political newsletter Popular.INFO- on a donation scam he's been researching where Trump donors are promised a chance to have breakfast with the president- but nobody ever really does.And- how did the American media this week miss Trump getting busted in federal court for running a tax fraud charity- does it just disappear into the ocean of Trump's already blatant corruption in favor of himself? And in contrast, how did JFK and FDR embody a Democratic party that people could truly believe in? Today the conservative right is pushing a hateful, angry kind of ugliness- can Progressives possibly return us to a world in which we are all in this together?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can Trump keep goosing the economy until he gets re-elected? Thom considers the dilemmas of our current economic moment in the context of the larger history of government economic policies. Can we escape the influence of Big Money and instead operate our government in the interests of the common person? Morris Perl, one of the leaders of the Patriotic Millionaires joins Thom on why he's asking for his taxes to be raised.And Professor Richard Wolff explains what needs to be done to resolve wealth taxes in the United States. Health in the whole of Europe is provided by the state, yet the US seems incapable (or unwilling?) to respond to the demands of the population for quality a free health service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amee Vanderpool exposes the real story behind Trump's high-pressure firing of American ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch. Who was threatening her, and why? And as the impeachment hearings roll on, what are we learning about Trump's crimes- or attempted crimes?And a consideration of Erdogan and Putin's hardball machinations. What game are all of these autocrats playing? What has Erdogan got on Trump or his children that makes our president jump?And how can Democrats communicate better? Thom suggests 'bribery and extortion' instead of 'quid pro quo'. And a caller suggests adding 'unpatriotic' as well. Will the media ever give Democrats a fair shake?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of the off-year voting day we just had, a wide consideration on the state of the American democratic experiment, with callers from across the country. How are Republicans working to fix the elections, and what can we do about it? Book Club reading from The Embattled Vote in America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom conducts a brief straw poll on Democratic candidates while reflecting on the history of Guy Fawkes Day. - The reasons we should kill Daylight Savings Time before it kills us. - Book Club reading from "The Case For Impeaching Trump" by Elizabeth Holtzman. - Kymone Freeman, Co-Founder and host of We Act Radio shares a public thank you to Sean Doolittle for his rebuff of Trump's hypocritical gesture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Ro Khanna, a leader of the Progressive Caucus in the House of Representatives, takes listener calls, including challenging questions on what Progressives are really doing to overcome Republican moves to cheat Americans out of their votes. And what can we all be doing about it? And meanwhile, what other scams and hustles are Republicans running in the shade of their propaganda? For the Book Club, Thom reads from "Take Hold of Our History: Make America Radical Again" 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.

Donald Trump moving to Florida is just one more rich man's scam. Why do Republicans oppose Elizabeth Warren's health care plan to tax- and especially to audit- the very rich? The same very rich who hugely benefited from Trump's trillion dollar tax cut own the Republican legislators who make sure the interests of the wealthy are always at the forefront. If Trump is re-elected, and we never get out Democracy back, what then? And what are Progressive Democrats doing to fight back?Jeff Cohen's new movie 'The Corporate Coup D'Etat' lays it all out, as the founder of groups including FAIR- 'Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting' joins Thom live to talk about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Open enrollment for Medicare and Obamacare plans started November 1st. In this program Thom and Medicare expert Alex Lawson take us through the history, politics, and practicality of the system that both Republicans who are quietly trying to undermine Medicare... and insurance companies looking to make a buck don't want you to know. To this we add the wisdom, experience, and opinions of Thom's listeners across the nation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What will happen if the economy crashes? Dr. Richard Wolff asks whether the credit rating agencies should have lowered the credit ratings of corporations due to their level of debt.Judd Wanniski's Two Santa Clause Theory has been a Republican tactic since the 1980s and it looks like they are up to their old tricks again. Ronald Reagan lit a match of deregulation and privatization that set our democracy on fire! Thom reveals the truth through all the smoke. Are We Turning Into a Police State? Donald Trump tells police they'll receive military grade weapons under his second term, meanwhile governors are tracking their citizens movements? Are we turning into a police state? Thom reads from his book "Threshold: The Progressive Plan to Pull America Back from the Brink"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of the House vote, impeachment in the House moves forward. But what power does Congress really have to enforce their subpoenas now that Trump is telling federal employees to ignore them?In the Senate, is Trump putting his thumb on the scale of justice by raising money for the potential jurors in his impeachment trial? And did Senate Republicans just vote to end health insurance protection for pre-existing conditions?Despite Trump's impeachment proceedings, will Republicans win anyway by continuing to run a base campaign?PLUS A HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - Thom interviews a proud modern-day witch on the feminist history of HalloweenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the real cause of the wildfires, the truth about the killing of Baghdadi, a witness to Trump's Ukraine call who says the released notes cut out part of the conversation, and the endless Republican campaign to starve Social Security, Thom surveys the news of the day and what it means for the common person. First Thom is joined by Wisconsin Congressman and co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, Mark Pocan, and then with fellow Progressive Congressional leader, Ro Khanna, both insiders on the ever-evolving political games.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever since 1980 our government has stopped reflecting the will of the people. And yet at every level the Republicans continue to push their neo-conservative agenda that in reality serves to bring ever greater wealth to the already wealthy. Bottom line: will we lose our democracy, or is there a chance Progressive Democrats could take back our government for the people in 2020?Thom checks in with investigative reporter Greg Palast on the private electricity companies that 'have us by the bulbs'. Before he was a reporter, Greg actually helped the State of New York buy the power company in Long Island. And we follow that with a fiery debate between Thom and right-winger Julio Rivera of Reactionary Times on the experiment of privatizing our public schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom reflects on the passing of retired U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr., Donald Trump getting Boos and “Lock Him Up” chants at World Series Game 5, and studies the many reported deaths of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before last weekend's announcement. Judd Legum at Popular Information speaks with Thom about new news about facebook. Book Club reading, "Mindf*ck: Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America" by Christopher Wylie. Pam Vogel from Media Matters joins Thom to talk about the fairness doctrine and what Sinclair Broadcasting is doing. Sinclair Broadcasting had only one commentator, Boris Epstheyn who used to work for the Trump campaign and was briefly in the administration. He is now their chief political commentator. This gave just one editorial voice, and this gave no editorial balance. Thom reads from "Truth in Our Times: Inside the Fight for Press Freedom in the Age of Alternative Facts" by David E. McCraw. Pacifica Radio Board Vice Chair Sabrina Jacobs brings an update on the pause of New York's WBAI station.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ernst & Young corporate called out for requiring women to dress to not overstimulate men and behave deferentially to the male sex. ~ Planned Parenthood loses federal funding after Trump administration's abortion rule. Rural women most impacted. ~ Book Club reading from "No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us" by Rachel Louise Snyder. ~ Women callers share with Thom their experiences of sexual discrimination. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today - the chaos Republicans are creating to hide Trump's crimes and his impeachment. Does Bill Barr really believe the Democrats hacked their own servers on the orders of Obama, or is this an example of 'the noble lie' that Barr- a Roman Catholic activist- has stated he believes in.Can the disinformation campaign distract enough people from the damage Trump is doing to America to get him re-elected in 2020? How might this play out if it comes to a constitutional crisis, and what might John Roberts do?How is the military reacting to his betrayal of our brothers-in-arms the Kurds? Why are the Republicans so in on abandoning our bases to the Russians? And, Thom reads from 'Shatter the Nations'- a new book about the war on ISIS.Plus- Victoria Jones on Brexit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom faces off with conservative group Job Creator Network's Dr. Scott Barbour on whether Medicare for All, or for-profit health care is most likely to bring Americans the medical care they need to live long, healthy lives.And then, Progressive congressman Mark Pocan updates us on the current status of legislation that could affect the who gets- and doesn't get- care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom considers theories on how Trump might handle impeachment, and where the battle lines are being drawn. Can our democracy survive this level of corruption and denial of reality?Is Trump throwing caution to the wind, committing crimes including treason to get re-elected in 2020? Is it because he fears what will happen to his crime family if he does not?Is Pelosi delaying impeachment until after any crossover Senate Republicans would be safe from being challenged during the next primary by their own party?Will Trump succeed at making the president into something more like a king, and less like someone who has taken a sacred oath to enforce the laws passed by the legislature?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Do The Wealthy Want to Throw Children Off Food Stamps & Medicaid? ~ Seattle Council member Kshama Sawant is angered by Amazon trying to buy the election on Seattle City Council with $1.45m spent to swing the election. She claims that Amazon and Jeff Bezos are using Seattle as a test-bed to see how they can influence moving politics to the right. Big corporations vs socialism are becoming a real issue. Corporate activity in elections is rife, despite there having been laws to try and prevent it over the years. ~ Book Club reading "Building New American Economy: Smart, Fair, and Sustainable" by Jeffrey D. Sachs, Foreword by Bernie Sanders. ~ Thom considers with callers the GOP storming of the closed door hearings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom delves deep into the implications of 'Democratic Peace Theory' for our times. How do the thoughts of Kant, Paine, and Franklin shine light on our present political moment? For what reason did the framers give the power to declare war *exclusively* to the House of Representatives?And is the soul of religion entangled with the decline of democracy? What should our priorities be for restoring Democracy in the United States? Could 2020 be the turning point away from money-is-speech neoliberalism, or towards a system of warlike oligarchy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a 5-4 decision, conservatives on the Supreme Court have said gerrymandering in Michigan is A-OK! Is this a sign that our democracy is unraveling and becoming a corrupt insider's game? And speaking of corruption, someone appears to be making massive billion dollar bets on stock market moves that anticipate Donald Trump's major announcements. Economist Richard Wolff joins Thom to discuss what this might mean.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we hear from Progressives in the thick of it, with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Representative Ro Khanna, both leaders of the House Progressive Caucus, put on the spot by Thom's thoughtful callers on the issues of today, and what tomorrow's next thing may be.Congresswoman Jayapal gives her views- how do members of Congress plan to respond to a lawless president who is convicting himself right out in the open? What about the abandonment of the Kurds? What is the real cost if we don't pursue Medicare For All?Then, Ro Khanna weighs in on the power of the congress - the chances of pressing for contempt of congress for executive branch officials who disrespect hearings, the extent of congress's war powers and power of the purse... and the ability to enforce impeachment - are we in a constitutional crisis already? Should Democratic presidential nominees be taking large corporate donations? And what about the superdelagates?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom's recap on current topics. ~ Radio talk-show host and activist, Joe Madison of Urban View on Sirius, remembers his long-time friend recently passed Congressman Elijah Cummings.~ Book club reading from "The Monarchy of Fear: A Philosopher Looks at Our Political Crisis" by Martha Nussbaum. ~ Patty Lockard executive producer of Nurse Talk Radio explains why nurses are politically passionate about Medicare for All. ~ Thom reads from "In Putin's Footsteps" by Nina L. Khrushcheva.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Medicare- or should it be Medicaid?- For All gets debated, lives are at stake. In Arkansas, how did Republican lawmakers throw 18,000 very poor people off Medicaid there? And after this week's debate, how are the various Democratic candidates planning to fix- or not fix- our health care system?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sad news of the sudden death of the Honorable Elijah Cummings. Thom reflects on his astonishing legacy. Also, Democrats need to begin a serious conversation about how, if we take the Senate and the White House in 2020, can we reform the Supreme Court, as provided for in the Constitution? ~ Listeners call in with shrew strategies of how to diffuse the destructiveness of the High Court. ~ Thom reads from his book, "The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did Elizabeth Warren handle the one-sided debate questions from the wealthy, preening starlets of CNN? Are the debate moderators mostly just fight promoters? Who won the debate and which direction will America go? Brilliant opinions and thoughts from Thom, Jefferson Smith, Progressive Congressman Mark Pocan, and former Republican Congressman Bob Ney.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Barr is calling for America to become a theocracy... How did Trump become president and leader of this movement when he is so obviously unethical and unchristian? Is the new Koch brothers 'God and Country' AM radio network another step down this road? Cult expert and author Steven Hassan joins Thom to dissect Trump's strategy, and shares his strategy for getting people out of comforting but unhealthy cults like the one conservatives have cultivated for years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time for Congress to seriously debate what’s going on in the Middle East and explicitly authorize or de-authorize our participation in warfare in the region. ~ Book Club Reading: "Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution" by Helen Zia. ~ Thom salutes Native American Day and explains the gruesome history of why we no longer acknowledge Columbus Day. ~ Thom reads an excerpt on Native American understanding from his book "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: The Fate of the World and What We Can Do Before It's Too Late." ~ Economist Professor Richard Wolff joins the Thom Hartmann program to discuss how the Feds have attempted to manipulated the business cycle and how much longer can they get away with it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom explains the extraordinary powers we grant the Supreme Court and how we allow an unelected few to make decisions for everybody in our democracy. Congressman Mark Pocan joins Thom to answer astute and fiery listener questions. Reading from Devils Bargain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Defies Impeachment: Could It Be Worse Than Andrew Jackson.  President Andrew Jackson defied the Supreme Court and now Trump is defying Congress, the impeachment inquiry and the will of the American People. Could Trump live up to Andrew Jackson's legacy and be our next Lawless President? ~ Could Betsy DeVos Get Detention in a Federal Facility? Betsy DeVos has disobeyed a ruling from a judge and this could come with jail time. Do you think Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will enjoy her time in detention? ~ BuzzFlash's Mark Karlin cautions that Trump may not save presidential records as the law requires.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Trump looking for a war in the middle east to get himself re-elected? As Turkey slaughters the Kurds on its border after Trump's green light to do so, Trump has ordered more aircraft and soldiers into Saudi Arabia to prepare for a possible war with Iran. Is Trump distracting us from his multiple crimes and unconstitutional acts, like taking money from foreign powers and violating his federal lease on the Trump hotel in Washington? Author Lamar Waldron joins Thom for a close look back at the history of America and the Kurds- Trump is far from the first Republican president to betray our Kurdish allies.Plus - the emerging details on the bribes paid to Congressman One by Giuliani's Ukrainian friends who were arrested at Dulles airport.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When money rules, do principles go out the window? Are we becoming a sociopathic culture that in reality believes in nothing? If that's true, is it because we have a sociopath setting an example in the White House, or is he instead a symptom of the disease?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Turkish attack on the Kurds that Donald Trump greenlit is now underway. Who are the Kurds, and why did they give up 10 to 15 thousand of their fighters to contain ISIS? Are we betraying the only American-style democratic republic in the middle east? Doctor and author Edmund Ghareeb joins Thom with the latest.Plus- Thom reads from ''Proof of Conspiracy: How Trump's international collusion is threatening American Democracy'' by Seth Abramson.And while the world is distracted, Trump tries to privatize Medicare. We get the details from Social Security Works' Alex Lawson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did it happen that right-wing autocrats have taken over and putting back the progress of American democracy made since the New Deal? The level of corruption in this administration is stunning, as nearly half of surveyed Americans think it might be better to have essentially a king. ~ Are the principles of democracy this country was founded on being eroded right before our eyes? The director of the CIA has described Trump's administration as equivalent to a banana republic. Did Trump fire our ambassador to Ukraine as a part of a scam to get an American oligarch on the board of an oil and gas company there? ~ Are conservatives deliberately radicalizing our police forces to become the right wing's Gestapo? ~ Plus Thom reads from 'The Cult of Trump' by Steven Hassan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has Trump has betrayed our allies the Kurds, by pulling out American troops there and seemingly giving the dictator Erdogan a green light to invade? What will happen to the 90,000 hard-core ISIS fighters the Kurds are holding in detention camps there? Does the five million dollars per year Trump is earning from Trump Towers Istanbul have anything to do with it?Plus, What is at stake with the upcoming Supreme Court decision on civil rights? Alphonso David with the Human Rights Campaign has the details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Documentary filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer describes his new release "Where's My Roy Cohn?" The story of the notorious lawyer who coached demagogues from Joseph McCarthy to Donald J. Trump. Thom continues his live Labor event from Chicago with the local union leaders and questions from the attending audience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump is working as fast and as furiously as he can to destroy Medicare before it can become Medicare for All... Meanwhile, Thom and his callers look at Medigap plans, Medicare "Advantage"... what options are out there, and which are they not telling us about? How could some of these plans figure into a sneaky plan to crash real Medicare?.. and what is health care really like in Canada and England? Plus, Thom reads from the book 'Drugs, Money, and Secret Handshakes' by Robin Feldman, and from 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.

From a live studio audience in Chicago with union leaders Jim Allen and John Daniel plus personal injury lawyer and WCPT talent Louis Cairo, Thom leads a discussion on impeachment, Washington politics, and the implications for the American worker and the labor movement. Can Trump hold on to his base even when so many of his promises have turned out to be lies? What is the latest on impeachment, and where is it likely to go? What should be our role in a democracy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What did Pence think he was doing when he met with president of Ukraine in Poland last year? And what was left out of the notes Trump released from his extortion call? Thom's callers consider how we should react to all of this. Are we headed towards a constitutional crisis? Is Democracy itself at risk? And what should we make of the Biden-China connection and Trump's call for China to dig up dirt on his opponent?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did the Republicans make the mistake of hiring somebody to be their president who believes the lies they make up to manipulate the public?.. when they literally have nothing to sell the American people, because their real goal is to make the rich richer. And is the Hunter Biden story just another of their carefully repeated conspiracy theories?.. Meanwhile we update our congress-eye view with Progressive House leader Mark Pocan. And Thom goes through all the kinds of Congressional contempt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.