The Hartmann Report

PLEASE NOTE: ---------------------This edition was meant to be published Monday, 6th of May, but was published later in the week by mistake ------------------ Thom probes the evidence that Trump is already trying to start a war to insure his re-election. ------ Remember how GW Bush's team talked us into attacking Iraq, even though Iraq had no WMD's, and nothing to do with 9-11? Now, as Trump sends a Navy battlegroup to the area, and given the recent ultimatum against Iran, what is this all leading to? ------ Trump is normalizing 'the Imperial Presidency' - what are the dangers of the growing American authoritarianism in our government? ------ Thom debunks the Biden 'put em back in chains' myth- just one part of the ever-growing body of right-wing mythmaking- how can we fight it? ------ John Bolton just might get his dream of war with Iran. ------ Tom Perez- chairman of the DNC- talks strategy for countering Bill Barr's lies and other aspects of Trump's authoritarian power grab. ------ Bob Ney- Iran expert and speaker of Farsi- reviews war-monger John Bolton's past actions- including that time he threatened to kill somebody's children if they didn't help start the Iraq war. What is Bolton saying now that the media is ignoring? What is the intention of the chickenhawk ultimatum our government has just threatened Iran with?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom considers that Mitch McConnell is saying the Russia investigation is over as Michael Cohen is incarcerated alone while Individual One remains in the white House. What are Trump and Bill Barr hiding in the redactions of the Mueller Report? -- - Can a conventional Democrat beat Donald Trump's populism or do we need a populist democrat? Listeners phone in. --- Thom reads from the Mueller Report page 9 --- - CA Congressman Ro Khanna gives insights on Barr's obstruction and answers listener questions ranging from Trump's offenses to global climate crisis. --- - Talk Media News correspondent Luke Vargas reports on another Saudi murder threat and melting ice in the Arctic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bernie Sanders on Barr, obstruction and Medicare for All. --- Thom reads Mueller Report page 7. --- Dr. Richard Wolff on the failed Fed candidates and Modern Monetary Theory. --- Richard Painter on need to start Impeachment hearings. --- Talk Media News correspondent Luke Vargas cautions rising military musings against Venezuela.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Investigative reporter Greg Palast reveals the mass media misrepresentation in Venezuela as the anti-government forces are dwarfed by supporters of Maduro despite hardships of the US embargo. --- Thom gives a sobering update of civilian causalities in Afghanistan. --- Congressman Mark Pocan takes listener calls from topics ranging from voting machines to the Loch Ness Monster. --- Thom reads from page five of the Mueller Report. --- Talk Media News with Ellen Rattner on AG Bill Barr, The Muslim Brotherhood, and Julian Assange.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom follows the Senate Judiciary Hearing and counts Bill Barr's obstruction total so far. Questions from Sen. Amy Klobuchar. -- Thom reads from page four of the Mueller Report on Russian Social Media. -- ICE hires private surveillance to monitor activists. Why? This is how terrible things begin in authoritarian regimes. -- Listeners call-in with question on the Pelosi Trump Infrastructure Deal and more. -- Luke Vargas of Talk Media News on Venezuela. -- More of the Barr testimony with questions from Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Patrick Leahy and listener calls. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The far right are utilizing the internet to start a digital civil war. Peter Daou lets us know how we can confront the right wing menace, brought on by Donald Trump. Can progressives stop the far right cyber warfare before they achieve their goal of erasing liberal America? ---- Thom reads from the executive summary of the Mueller Report, on the Russian social media campaign to influence the 2016 election. ---- Thom continues the discussion on countering the right-wing propaganda system, from Democratic messaging, to the attempted Willie Hortonization of Bernie's democratic socialism --- Thom reads from 'Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right.' --- Bob Ney of Talk Media News on stories including the internal battle between La Pierre and Ollie North inside the NRA. ---- Teachers don't make enough money, especially for the huge role they play. And the reason for this low pay is shocking. Lily Eskelsen Garcia joins the Thom Hartmann program to discuss how the average teacher salary is partly the result of economic discrimination against women. ---- Thom continues the discussion. Will the day we inaugurate our next president be almost a holiday?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Could Trump's sanctions against Iran spread to a regional or even a worldwide conflict? Dr. Trita Parasi talks to Thom Hartmann to discuss the dangerous actions between John Bolton, Donald Trump, and Iran. Could Trump's actions against Iran lead us into World War III? ------- Thom's callers from Festus, Missouri and Aurora, Illinois have theories on how Trump imagines he might benefit from war with Iran. ------- Has the Fed ever been politicized the way Trump is proposing?- what would be the result of that? Richard Wolff answers our questions about Donald Trump's attack on the Fed and what it means for our country and economy. ------- Thom reads from 'How Wealth Rules the World: Saving our Communities and Freedoms from the Dictatorship of Property.' ------- A fascinating mix of topics - from the science of gut bacteria to why Republicans indirectly support state-sponsored abortion in Israel, to vote by mail, to losing friends to the Fox News cult. ------- Thom reads from the introduction to the partly redacted Mueller Investigation report. ------- Steve in Florida wonders if Trump's pressure on the Fed might benefit himself financially on his massive real estate mortgages by keeping interest rates low.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom's enlightening explanation of the three powers Congress has to enforce a subpoena. But would William Barr cooperate? ----- A long interview with author and historian Alan Lichtman- author of 'The Case for Impeachment', as he joins to Thom to indeed make the case for why we should impeach the criminal in the White House. ----- Thom reads from 'The Case for Impeaching Trump' by Elizabeth Holtzman, one of the Congresspersons who voted to impeach Nixon in the 70s. ------ A deep dive on issues surrounding impeachment - can Trump take it to the Supreme Court, as he is saying he will? Nancy Pelosi's strategy - the legal precedent we set if we don't impeach Trump - Should we delay impeachment until past 2020? What if Trump loses the election and refuses to give up the office? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom reviews Biden's entry into the race for Democratic candidate- what are his policy ideas? Plus other news of the day, including a real-life crucifixion that the Saudis held over the weekend- was Jared Kushner involved? ----- Hours after entering the race Biden met with Comcast and BlueCross insurance executives. Thom's callers thoroughly consider the implications of Biden's candidacy. Who can realistically win? When will Democrats start taking names and kicking ass? ----- Progressive Congressman Mark Pocan joins Thom for listener questions. ----- Bob Ney, former Republican Congressman, joins in with today's headline- 'Run, Joe, run.'See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Supreme Court endorse wilbur Ross' plans to require census-takers to verify they are citizens? And can census information be used to prosecute immigration laws? Investigative reporter Greg Palast has the story. ------ Thom reads from 'The Embattled Vote in America- From the Founding to the Present' a book published in September 2018 by Allan Lichtman ------- Thom leads a fascinating discussion of where we stand in the early build-up to election 2020. ------- Talk Media News' Ellen Rattner is keeping a close eye on the news- from Trump's plan to resist Congressional subpoenas, through the Hispanic Democrats, Trump's crimes, and the origin of the latest measles outbreak.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom takes a look at the recent televised town halls of Democratic candidates- and considers their surprising statements. Who supports advancing toward an impeachment posture of our obstructionist head of state. And why is the media is not taking a more serious stance on Trump's disregard of Congressional subpoenas? ---------- Talk Media News' Luke Vargas just watched America water down a U.N. resolution against rape during times of war. And what is happening with the arrested reporters in Myanmar? -------- The latest developments in Trump's lackluster re-negotiation of NAFTA with the executive director of Public Citizen's 'Global Trade Watch', Laurie Wallach. ----------- Thom reads from the evocative new book 'Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the end of the American Century.' ----------- News from the ground on France's yellow vest movement from Parisian and Jacobin reporter Cole Stangler. ------------ Is Netflix related to the low birth rate? Trump's online ad spending targets old people. Also, details on Elizabeth Warren's student debt relief plan. ----------- Thom gets some thoughtful callers on the horn- What's up with that darn Mueller?- Trump's 'Promises Broken.' And how did the Democratic candidates do in CNN's town hall?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom confronts the extreme 'massive dislocation of our priorities' that Trump has brought us to- all the while committing numerous crimes. Adlai Stevenson and Hubert Humphrey compared.- Dr. Justin Frank, psychoanalyst and author, considers Trump's twisted psyche- how the kid who got sent to military school for playing with switchblades has become the dangerous leader he is today. - How can we cut through the media, and grab the people's attention so they can see beyond Trump and the right wing's propaganda? - Mike in California says we should start by impeaching the 'Cover-up General' A.G. Barr. - Thom reads from 'Treason and Betrayal- The Rise and Fall of Individual One.' - Thom further discusses the choice between censure, impeachment, or doing.... what? - Our man John Bolton is setting the stage for a possible war with Iran, says Farsi speaking expert on Iran and journalist Bob Ney of Talk Media News. - Callers share their views on impeachment or censure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Bob Barr didn't tell us about the Mueller Report..Mitch McConnell's Russian payoff...Trump's real crimes.. and Lindsay Graham's opinion on impeachment. ----------- Thom straightens out Craig in North Carolina's Republican talking points. And- the Mooseherder returns! . ----------- Congressman Mark Pocan answers the people's questions on the IRS, Trump, election strategy, and other important issues. . ----------- Luke Vargas has the news on the ongoing squabble with North Korea, and the environmental protests making news in London. . ----------- Thom dives deeper with his callers in the aftermath of the Mueller Report- and Thom's take on how impeaching Trump is different from impeaching Clinton.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom shows the Mueller report is not an exoneration, but a summary of indictment-ready criminal conspiracy that could not be completed because of the machinations of the Trump crime family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the Republican party doubles down on its hate strategy for 2020, House Representative Ilhan Omar- who happens to be a Muslim woman- has become their favorite target. Will the Republicans be able to distract American voters from his lies and crimes? --------- Thom reads from 'Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World.' --------- The ERA, Equal Rights Amendment, still needs to be ratified after laying dormant for nearly forty years and we are almost there. Winsome McIntosh joins the program to discuss why the Equal Rights Amendment needs to be ratified immediately and what the results of passing the Equal Rights Amendment will be. --------- Thom and his callers consider Trump's lies about his broken promises, Trump's promotion of hate to divide and conquer America. Will America wake up? --------- The original reason for the electoral college- should we repeal it? --------- A consideration of Bernie's brilliant performance on Fox News. --------- Trump picked up Bernie's population talking points, but has failed to deliver. And Thom's listeners consider Bernie's chances after he did so well in the Fox News town hall.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do conservatives 'feed the hungry', 'heal the sick', and 'welcome the stranger'?' - Victoria in L.A. says Europeans have twisted Christianity. - Thom says Trump Republicans have no ideas to run on- he's screwed middle class America on taxes, put kids in cages, and befriended dictators. How is this Christian? - The discussion of Christianity continues- Jesus stance on grifters and taxes. What is real freedom? How should Christians live? - Thom reads from his book 'What Would Jefferson Do?' - Sam in Georgia wants the left to reclaim Christianity, and Paul in Washington thoughtfully agrees. - Thom reads from 'Reconstructing the Gospel- Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion.' - Thom argues that America was not founded as a Christian nation.- Abhi in Wisconsin shares his thoughts on the shaky basis for authoritarian Christians.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has the Trump tax cut led corporations to raise wages and lower prices? The answer may not surprise you. And, Morris Pearl, leader of the group 'Patriotic Millionaires' and former managing director of Black Rock Inc shares his thoughts on true American patriotism. ----- Thom debates libertarian thinker Charles Sauer on the fairness or lack thereof of the current American tax system- and how is the economy affected? ----- Author, professor, and historian David W. Blight joins Thom to discuss American slavery, Frederick Douglass and the hope and discouragement of unfulfilled promises during Reconstruction. ----- Thom reads from 'Fredrick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom' by Morris Pearl. ----- Why is that mostly white areas are responsible for most of the pollution that causes ill-health and even death mainly in mostly non-white areas? And Jake in Las Vegas wonders if the 1790s founding fathers would have joined the 1860s confederacy. ----- Thom reads from 'Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion' by Jonathon Wilson Hartgrove See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are the men hiding Trump's tax returns from Congress violating federal law? How often was Trump Jr. in contact with Wikileaks- the facts come out. How will exposing Trump's finances demonstrate his corruption? - Thom reads from 'Kushner Inc: Green, Ambition, Corruption' by Vicki Ward - Jared Kushner's criminal history may now include treason. According to Huffington Post Editor-At-Large Vicky Ward the Trump adviser may have had a hand in blocking aid to United States allies all to get richer. Vicky Ward joins the Thom Hartmann program to give a deep dive on the crimes of Jared Kushner. - Patreon ask. - Has someone in your family been brainwashed by Fox News? Moving stories from Thom's thoughtful callers who have lost close one to the authoritarian cult and false anger of the right wing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The headlines: Bernie's plan to pay for Medicare for All. And, how should we take the news that Wikileak's Julian Assange was just arrested? - John in L.A. says Julian Assange is the Digital Martin Luther King. Thom has doubts. - Close Iran-watcher, expert, speaker of Farsi, and former Republican Congressman Bob Ney is concerned- as both countries have declared each other's military a terrorist organization, are we technically at war with Iran? - Thom reads from 'A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Woman who Helped Win WWII.' - Thom debates conservative thinker Julio Rivera on the evidence of corruption of the Trump crime family. - Dr. Richard Wolff dives deep on the inner workings of the capitalist economy. - Remains were just found of more Hobbit people in the Philippines. - Murdoch's New York Post seems to call for violence against an American Muslim Congresswoman. - An interview with Nandin Joshi of Public Citizen on their ongoing fight with Betsy DeVoss' sold-out Department of Education. - John in Florida weighs in on Julian Assange.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 and leader of non-profit 'Guns Down, America', Igor Volsky joins Thom for a fascinating discussion of gun laws, from the history of the NRA through to modern massacre survivors. --------------- Thom reads from 'Guns Down: How to Defeat the NRA and Build a Safer Future with Fewer Guns' by Igor Volsky. --------------- The discussion on gun control continues and deepens with the deepest of Thom's deep thinking callers. --------------- --------------- Omar in Virginia turns the conversation from gun laws to the conservative propaganda media that maintains an environment of mistrust, fear, and outrage to maintaining things the right-wing billionaires want.  --------------- Thom reads from 'State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind.' --------------- Who are the cable news pundits anyway? Is it possible to unbrainwash a Fox News cult follower? How does socialism in America grow the economy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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An interesting discussion with callers from all over the country of many different stripes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom's pick of Friday's interesting headlines, Progressive musical satirist Roy Zimmerman, foreign correspondent Luke Vargas take on New Zealand's soul-seeking regarding unrestricted social media, the heroes of America's 1918 invasion of Russia, Roger Thiel with a comic take on dieting, and Dr. Michael Mann on climate change as we pass carbon dioxide levels of 410 parts per million this week..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Mark Pocan answers listener's thoughts and concerns along with Thom. - Thom Hartmann Book Club reading from 'State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Business, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the States and the Nation.' - Mark Pocan considers co-ops and the fairness of all the ways that CEOs are paid. - Thom reads from 'American Cipher: Bowe Bergdahl and the U.S. Tragedy in Afghanistan' - Tom in California wants to know how Republicans are going to use the Mueller report against Democrats. - Thom's keeping a watch on the revolutionaries creating a oligarchic libertarian America. How are they getting away with this? Plus- the law and Trump's tax returns. - Patreon ask - Finally, more of the nitty gritty from close politics-watcher, 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.

As Trump tries to dupe American voters once again with his 'SECRET PLAN' on health care, Thom holds a deep and honest discussion with his listeners on what health care in America is really all about. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Massive nationwide protests are planned for Thursday over the refusal of Bill Barr to meet Congress' deadline to turn over the complete Mueller report. Thom asks one of the organizers, Zac Petkanas. You can join the many groups coming together in your area by visiting TrumpIsNotAboveTheLaw.org to find protests near you. - Thom reads from Ralph Nader's book 'Breaking Through Power- It's Easier Than You Think.' - The most insightful callers from the live episode give dimension to Thom's case that the Republicans and other elite-funded con-artists are working to ultimately make richer the already very rich at the expense of the rest of us, requiring us to find ways to fight for economic justice. - Thom reads the chapter 'Reagan Kidnapped the Jetsons' from his book 'The Crash of 2016.' - Canada has introduced a carbon tax, and hardly anyone in the United States has noticed- except for Luke Vargas, Chief Foreign Correspondent of Talk Media News. So what is up with Canada? - Richard in Michigan checks TrumpIsNotAboveTheLaw.org for a local protest, and Karen in Virginia asks Thom how Democrats can communicate their message so that they're heard. Send a messageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom is back with a special holiday announcement! And a rundown of the controversy around Joe Biden. Plus: Carol in Minnesota thinks Biden is a good guy. - Cecile Richards, a 'heroine of the resistance' and author of the new book 'Make Trouble: Stand Up, Speak Out, and Find the Courage to Lead'- we hear about her book, and also her take on Biden and the behavior of powerful men in our society. - Thom reads from 'Can We All Be Feminists?' a collection of essays. - Another dispatch from Progressive congressman Ro Khanna, including his views on Joe Biden. - Thom reads from 'Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism.' - Thom continues his time with Ro Khanna. - Thom hears from women callers from across the country with their diverse views on Joe Biden and powerful men in general.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

National nightmare over, really? Guest-host Jefferson Smith reviews the post Nixon era, rise of the organized Right, and inspires hope in the prospect of despair. - Professor Seth Cotlar sheds light on the history of the Conservative movement. - Ellen Brown of the Public Banking Institute, and prolific author, joins Jefferson Smith for a fascinating conversation about the positive possibilities. Would you move your money to a public bank if there was one close by? Callers respond. - Luke Vargas of Talk Media News is deeply worried about how independent media will be affected by the new European Union copyright law. - In closing, Jefferson gives a rousing summary of the self-serving manipulations of the corrupt flag-wrapped democracy-undermining conservative so-called movement, as he salutes the Progressives who are fighting them in small and large ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How is the media doing in covering Trump corruption? Is the conservative machine getting good at forcing Progressives to make the wrong moves? - Rick in Kentucky asks Jefferson to explain how Trump can have so much support given what a terrible person he has shown himself to be. And how can we work together to counter the conservative efforts to fix elections? - Thom Hartmann reads from 'State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind'. - An interesting interview with Thomas Wolf from the Brennan center on the state of play of the fight against Gerrymandering across the country, from Democratic Maryland to conservative. - What are the practical solution we can do for real democracy? Jeff kicks it back and forth with his callers on voter suppression, Supreme Court corruption, and the possibility of publicly funding elections. Plus- the Progressive Dr. Laura on putting together voting integrity groups. - Congressman Adam Schiff confronts critics calling for his resignation. - Talk Media News correspondent Bob Ney reports on Boeing airline changes and how the Trump Administration beginning process to remove mortgage guarantors from the government oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. - Listener Tom phones in from Portland with a fresh idea for expanding Medicare, that the baby-loving conservatives just can't say no to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jefferson Smith continues to guest host during Thom's break. Jeff reframes the picture of our collective disappointment after the Barr report and how to rechannel our feelings of anger and frustration into constructive action. - Alex Lawson of 'Social Security Works' asks are we about to lose our public healthcare as Trump seeks it outlawed? So much for Obama Care! RIP good sense. - For the Book Club, Thom Hartmann reads from "The Truth about Social Security: The Founders' Words Refute Revisionist History, Zombie Lies, and Common Misunderstandings" by Nancy J Altman. - Listeners call in with inspiring questions and comments including Jennifer who queries whether women should go on strike and refrain from childbirth until our demands are addressed. - Talk Media News update from Venezuela to Capitol Hill with Ellen Rattner. - Jefferson Smith posits that the election of Barack Obama was an inflection point and compares the historical relevance to the geographic and economic changes during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jefferson Smith fills in for Thom Hartmann and announces Walk and Chew Gum Day. He considers whether our attention should be on Trump's corruption or the issues that are impacting people's lives and bringing down systemic corruption. - The unpublished Robert Mueller Report could be hiding Trump campaign lies. Journalist Marcy Wheeler discusses the Paul Manafort offer of a pardon and what effect that has had on the Mueller probe. - Thom reads from "The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America" – by Greg Grandin - Jefferson Smith analyzes the media discussion of the Bill Barr letter and competing priorities. - Thom Hartmann Book Club "The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950s" by William Hitchcock - Jefferson Smith responds to callers questions on threats to end Obamacare, the need for Universal Healthcare and topics of the day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's host Jefferson Smith digests the Bill Barr spin burying the facts in the Mueller report. What did we really find out this weekend? ------------- Thom reads from 'Truth in Our Times' by New York Times lawyer David E. McCraw. ------------- Progressive Congressman from California's Silicon Valley, Ro Khanna, joins Jeff Smith to digest what crimes or bad behavior we are finding out Trump is guilty of. ------------- Jefferson gets further analysis from Bob Ney, former Republican congressman, and present-day reporter and author. Jefferson makes sense of the state of the Mueller report as he takes fascinating calls from Thom's brilliant listeners. ------------- Jefferson Smith closes out the program with a speed round of listeners, plus his deeply distilled final thoughts on the pickle we're all in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First - It looks like Thom may be right that the AG with the resume for covering up crimes, William Barr, might deep-six the Mueller report. What can be done? ----------- And then-investigative Journalist Vicky Ward exposes the corruption of America's self appointed prince and princess, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Could the famous couple be even more dangerous than Donald Trump? And how did Jared get Qatar to 'rent' his building in New York City for 99 years paid up front? Was it bribery? And finally, Thom leads a fascinating discussion as to whether we ought to be showing the horrific violence inflicted on shooting victims. Would this lead us to do something about rapid-fire weapons that can take out a cubic foot of flesh with every small-caliber bullet? The discussion then leads into a deep consideration of the nature of guns in American society- plus- a listener in New Zealand adds her thoughts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rumor has it that Joe Biden will announce a presidential run with Stacey Abrams as his VP. Will this set a precedent to introduce running mates from the start? Callers respond.- Medea Benjamin, the co-founder of Code Pink, activists and author, joins Thom Hartmann live from inside Venezuela's embassy, explaining why Code Pink and other activists mobilized to keep out far-right extremists backed by the self-proclaimed President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. The coup against Venezuela's democratically elected President, Nicolás Maduro, is facing its latest set back as Code Pink activists occupy the Venezuelan embassy to keep the illegitimate far-right government from entering the building. The latest attempt at this coup comes as crippling sanctions are starving the Venezuelan population of food. And even denying the people of Venezuela access to their own money and resources.  - Bob Ney on the president's latest directive requiring universities to allow conservatives on campus- plus- Jared Kushner's old buddy Netanyahu is coming to town! How will this change our foreign policy? - Paul in Woodenville Washington has some deep thoughts about the American happiness index. - Thom explains the news- the latest on Wisconsin's governor.. and are Boeing and Monsanto's profit more important than the health and welfare of the individual? Is this why we're falling down the list of the happiest countries? Plus - what's up with the bomb cyclone? And Nikki Haley's great wisdom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom debates Eric Canon, author of 'Switched On, The Heart and Mind of a Secret Agent' - Thom's diverse callers take on this episode's big question- will a wall on the southern United States border provide security for America?- are southern immigrants really a threat? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it time to expel Rep Steve King from Congress? After years of ignoring King's racist anomalies, has the representative's recent inflammatory meme gone too far? - The world stands in mourning after the tragedy in Christchurch New Zealand where a Trump supporter took the lives of 50 Muslim people during prayers. For perspective Thom speaks with Wajahat Ali, author of The Domestic Crusaders. - Thom's take on Rush Limbaugh's recent rant and callers respond. - Author of "From My Cold Dead Fingers: Why America Needs Guns" and Oath Keeper's Board of Directors, Sheriff Richard Mack surprises our audience by calling for peace. A position which seems out of step with previous statements. Now that this Oath Keeper has called for peace, will others join him? - Thom Hartmann Book Club reading - The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon - Talk Media News correspondent Luke Vargas gives an update on the uncertain path of Brexit and Mike Pompeo's religiously restrictive and secret press calls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the right winger's idea of freedom the freedom to be poor? ------ Social Security is under attack by Donald Trump and the Republicans, The same is happening to Medicare and Medicaid. Donald Trump promised not to cut social security during his campaign and much like everything else that comes out of the president's mouth, Donald Trump's promise to leave social security was a lie. RJ Eskow joins the Thom Hartmann Program to give us the details about what the Republicans are doing in an effort to cut social security and how progressive Democrats are fighting to reverse these trends and expand these much needed social programs. ------ Should we Criminalize Viagra & Vasectomies? Democratic Lawmakers in Georgia have put the added criminalization of both Viagra and vasectomies to a new Bill they are calling the Testicular Bill of Rights Designed in part to put men under the same strain women's reproductive health is under by efforts from conservative lawmakers across the nation that chip away at our abortion rights. Will giving men a taste of their own medicine makes them back off of the right to choose?  ------ Many progressives are wondering if the Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke shares the same core values that helped Democratic politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib win the House for the Democratic party. Is Beto Progressive? Will he support things like Medicare for all and what does his past say about what kind of presidential candidate he will make? Will the Democratic Primary be a proving ground for progressive values? Can Beto beat Donald Trump?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a Trump-referencing white supremacist in New Zealand becomes one more in a long line of murdering racists- and as Trump hints that he may not accept a lost election without calling in the thugs... is America tempting the chance of armed conflict?-How do empires end and what is the economics behind the fall of empires and what does this say about the future of America? Professor Richard Wolff reveals the unexpected truth about imperialism on the Thom Hartmann program! - Thom's callers try to come to terms with the violence and gun obsession that seems to surround many Trump supporters, and their constant talk of civil war. - Donald Trump's Border Wall is set to collide with Indigenous Resistance, as it would be built on top of Native American Sacred Sites. Will we see another Standing Rock as indigenous activists take on the Trump administration? Candice Bernd from Truthout joins the program to fill us in! - In the wake of the latest race murder, Kinyata in California lays out his thoughts on how deadly white supremacy really is.- How do the on-the-record crimes of Donald Trump and the Trump administration compare to America's greatest crooks and scandals, like Watergate and Nixon? According to the author of the new book "Moses v. Trump", David Dorsen, Trump's crimes are not simply more corruption, but are an existential threat to the United States.- Luke Vargas with Talk Media News has all the real-deal deets on Trump's dog and pony show, today featuring China!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author of a new book Darwin Devolves, Michael Behe joins Thom Hartmann to put creationism vs evolution to debate. Do you think Behe has a point or is there a missing link in his logic?  ------ Thom reads from his own book 'The Prophet's Way: A Guide to Living in the Now' ------ Howard in Indiana kicks off the discussion with a reminder that we all die. ------ Robert in Florida thinks we're all illegal aliens on this planet... because we don't fit in with nature. ------ Jenise in California thinks DNA came from space, and aliens are intervening in evolution.  ------ Trump is lying again- this time claiming the founder of Greenpeace says climate change is a scam- except the dude is really a lobbyist. ------ A reading from Juan Cole's recent book: Muhammed: A Prophet of Peace Amid the Clash of Empires.' ------ Mike in Washington says all religions were created to take away the real word of God. And Oliver thinks we should replace garbage collection with fusion reactors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom considers Nancy Pelosi's recent impeachment comments and the circumstances congressional Democrats find themselves in relative to Trump's criminal and unethical behavior. Blaine in California thinks Democrats should go for it or risk being complicit in letting Trump establish a new normal of unethical behavior. Thom agrees that Democrats don't do outrage well. Thom considers the facts of the Trump case, and whether it is more like the Clinton impeachment or like the Nixon case. Maryanne in Phoenix think Democrats should focus on passing legislation on consumer protection, the environment, and getting rid of dark money. Ray in Seattle agrees that if Trump isn't convicted, he will be emboldened. Cathy in Illinois has had a feeling we'll never get rid of Trump because he'll be prosecuted for treason and other crimes the moment he's no longer president. John in Minnesota thinks Democrats should let the courts take care of Trump to avoid alienating Trump believers.Dave in Washington wonders if the military has been preparing quietly for the possibility of Trump refusing to step down. Given that he's a malignant narcissist and sociopath, Thom wonders how Trump would respond to impeachment- and what would it take to flip enough Senate Republicans to convict? Billy in Texas tries to put down Thom- he thinks Trump isn't really using mob talk by calling his turned lawyer a 'rat'. Thom and his callers- including a woman with connection to the mob- prove Billy doesn't know what he's talking about. Dave in Hawaii thinks we need to take up arms in a 'physical revolution'. Thom says absolutely not. Patricia in Washington suggests bringing international charges in the Hague. Paul Manafort's judge is about to nail him to the wall in New York State. And Elena in Seattle thinks it is time to hold hearings because we've seen enough criminal Republican presidents getting away with it because Democrats wants to just move on. And Robin in Washington thinks impeachment goes nowhere and gets in front of very few people because the oligarch media won't report on the facts. Thom considers Nancy Pelosi's recent impeachment comments and the circumstances congressional Democrats find themselves in relative to Trump's criminal and unethical behavior.Blaine in California in thinks Democrats should go for it or risk being complicit in letting Trump establish a new normal of unethical behavior. Thom agrees that Democrats don't do outrage well. Thom considers the facts of the Trump case, and whether it is more like the Clinton impeachment of the Nixon case. Maryanne in Phoenix think Democrats should focus on legislation on consumer protection, the environment, and getting rid of dark money. Ray in Seattle agrees that if Trump isn't convicted, he will be emboldened. Cathy in Illinois has had a feeling we'll never get rid of Trump because he'll be prosecuted for treason and other crimes the moment he's no longer president. John in Minnesota thinks Democrats should let the courts take care of Trump to avoid alienating Trump believers. Dave in Washington wonders if the military has been preparing the chance of Trump refusing to step down.Given that he's a malignant narcissist and sociopath, Thom wonders how Trump would respond to impeachment- and what would it take to flip enough Senate Republicans to convict? Billy in Texas tries to put down Thom- he thinks Trump isn't really using mob talk by calling his turned lawyer a 'rat'. Thom and his callers- including a woman with connection to the mob- prove Billy doesn't know what he's talking about. Dave in Hawaii thinks we need to take up arms in a 'physical revolution'. Thom says absolutely not. Patricia in Washington suggests bringing international charges in the Hague.Paul Manafort's judge is about to nail him to the wall in New York State. And Elena in Seattle thinks it is time to hold hearings because we've seen enough criminal Republican presidents getting away with it because Democrats always seem to just want to just move on. And Robin in Washington thinks impeachment goes nowhere and gets in front of very few people because the oligarch media won't report on the facts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump has called his former attorney Michael Cohen a 'rat'- mob code for 'kill him'. What is the psychology of an ultra-entitle mobster like Trump who is comfortable living outside the rules and getting what he wants? Clinical psychologist Dr. Justin Frank once again puts Trump on the couch. ------- The Mueller Investigation is already out, thanks to The Intercept's Ryan Grim, who collected every released report from the Mueller Investigation into the Mueller Papers. According to Ryan Grim, The Mueller Papers represent the core of the investigation into the illegal activities of Donald Trump and the Trump administration, the collusion with Russia, and foreign oligarchs and much more. What will be revealed in the Mueller Papers? ------- Representative Ro Khanna takes the people's questions on the Progressive agenda on many issues, including automation- currently taxes favor employers who use machines where people once worked, could putting a tax on those machines be a way to fund social security and medicare in our increasing automated work place? Bill Gates thinks there should be an automation tax. Find out what Congressmember Ro Khanna and Thom Hartmann think about automated economy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's new anti-socialist rhetoric against the Dems has been recycled for years by the GOP and called out by FDR decades ago. Will red state voters who have the most to lose fall for it again?The Crisis in Venezuela continues as Guaido returns after an attempted coup against the Maduro government. Investigative Journalist Greg Palast joins Thom Hartmann to discuss just who is behind efforts to challenge Maduro Could it be in the interest of oil companies and the Koch Brothers to overthrow Maduro and install Guaido?A little ditty about Alexandria Ocazio CortezEconomic Crashes are part of the normal cycle of capitalism. Miraculously Japan and a few other countries have found a way to stop economic crashes using a very simple method. Redistribution of wealth. Thom Hartmann Asks Professor Richard Wolff if these methods can be applied to the United States or if the billionaire class will let us stop the crashes before it is too late?Dave in Texas and Donald in California have some bumper sticker ideas. And should Democrats appear on Faux News? And what is truly antisemitism? And Do you believe in climate chance?Marianne Williamson, renowned Author, Lecturer, and activist, is running for President! She argues that we need a far deeper response to our current problems for us to move forward. Discover how she is finding it so far and some of her campaign pointers.Talk Media News with Bob Ney: Insights behind the recent air disaster and Trump's ruinous economic plan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember when a Democratic congressman was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Judge T.S. Ellis for corruption, including cash stacked in his freezer? So why did the same judge give international criminal schemer millionaire Paul Manafort a slap on the wrist? The Republican Party is showing us who they are and what they are all about. ---------- The corruption in Saudi Arabia continues, including trapping an American woman in the country, unable to leave the country. ---------- The patriarchy crisis for young girls continues as Idaho Republicans block a bill that would have raised the legal age of consent to marry to sixteen. Why are Republicans so adamant about keeping the legal age to marry low? Could it have something to do with patriarchy? Thom Hartmann asks Democratic Rep. Melissa Wintrow, who is fighting for young girls in Idaho and around the world. ---------- Thom reads from 'Don't Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times' by Irshad Manji, and then Thom welcomes Irshad Manji herself, author of 'Don't Label Me' for a brilliant conversation. How should we and should we not talk about our differences with people who are not like us? How shall we live in such divided times?  ---------- Julie in Austin reminds Thom of the 'National Resources Management Act' that passed both houses of Congress last week. Mike in South Carolina (who is 80) and Thom both had grandfathers that called themselves socialists back before that was a dirty word. ---------- Luke Vargas with Talk Media news is again aghast at Trump's blunt and blind foreign policy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can't turn on a cable TV news channel these days without seeing some TV pundit or panelist saying that Democrats need to "move to the middle." What the heck do they mean? Do they mean that Democrats should say it's just fine that over 30 million Americans have no health care? Does "moving to the middle" mean that we love that the big banks make hundreds of billions in profits by ripping us off and putting our economy at risk? That fossil fuel and chemical industries should continue to poison us and our planet? That it's just fine if drug companies and for-profit colleges and Charter Schools keep ripping us off? That it's just fine that the American Dream is dead and there's no need to bring back unions and union jobs? What is "the center" beyond the status quo? Thom deepens this question of left-shaming in a fascinating discussion with conservative Bryan Pruitt. Then, listeners add to the pool of thought in their own ways. Thom reads from 'Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell into Tyranny.' Progressive activist Mark Pocan swings into action explaining the recent work of the House Progress Caucus to the people (that call in). Mark in San Diego asks why nobody ever tells Republicans 'to move to the center', or their candidates are too extreme.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom asks when we'll overcome the wholesale ownership of our politicians by the wealthy that block the policies that most Americans want.Thom interviews community activist Tish O'Dell with the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund in Toledo- they've successfully had a majority of voters in their city agree that Lake Erie has rights of nature that should be respected. (www.CELDF.org)Thom's callers engage in a fascinating discussion of the state of the environment in response to the protection of Lake Erie. Should the pharma and fossil fuel corporations causing deaths and then declaring bankruptcy to avoid being held accountable? Will solar power save the earth?Thom checks in with Talk Media News to find out what's going on in the world - Luke Vargas has been watching our evolving Trump foreign policy with India, Turkey, and China.A scam warning from Thom.. taxing the stock market.. and Thom holds court with his callers on how Progressives should respond to Republican shenanigans. And an Idaho bill ending child marriage before age 16 was voted down by Republicans in the state house.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Purdue Pharma is considering bankruptcy to escape suits over promoting drugs including Oxycontin. Today, Thom holds a fascinating debate with conservative author Julio Rivera- how far is a corporation responsible for its actions? Thom asks if there is a parallel between Purdue and the fossil fuel industry. ------ Thom further explores how deeply the corruption goes with Stephen A. Schiller, author of 'Big Pharma, Big Greed.' ------ Senator Jeff Merkley - Thom calls him a 'true Progressive hero'- joins Thom with a big announcement, and shares his deep concerns the migrants we're imprisoning on the border. ------ As research of the deadliest forms of the flu virus resume, Thom wants to know how our lack of a national health care system makes us all vulnerable to pandemic when millions of Americans simply don't have access to a doctor. ------ Thom continues to explore the consequences of the corruption of wealth in a fascinating debate with conservative Charles Sauer on student debt and the politics of providing a free public education to everyone. ------ And finally, Mike in Oregon thinks solar panels are great. And Earl in Michigan calls to say the Green New Deal is worth it, because 'there will be no economy on a dead planet.' Thom concludes eloquently.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom wonders what it will take for Republicans to wake up and admit that Trump is a criminal who is bad for America. ------- Thom asks when Democrats will stop listening to Republicans for policy advice, and argues that compromising with Republicans got Clinton and Obama virtually nothing. Callers add to his thoughts interestingly. ------- Thom asks what happens when gangsters run government? Thugocracy is the new model for nations. Trump's lawyer just warned congress that Trump would not leave peacefully if he lost in 2020, maybe even call out armed supporters to start a second US civil war. Thugs all over the world have been doing this for a long time, and now the President of the United States has spent 2 years praising strongmen like Bashir, Kim, Duterte, Putin, and Bolsinaro. Thom argues that of all the reasons to impeach this mob boss in the White House, this is the strongest. ------- Did Rep Matt Gaetz intimidate Michael Cohen during his testimony? Thom welcomes guest Dena Grayson, MD, PhD, physician, researcher, and politician who was seated behind Cohen during the hearing, a great seat to watch Gaetz' threatening body language during the proceedings. ------- And finally, callers try to answer Thom's question- will Republicans wake up to the criminality of Trump, and how should Democrats talk with or work with the minions of the monied conservative machine?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The weekly town hall with Congressman Mark Pocan goes into overdrive with a preponderance of wild news from the Cohen revelations, to the recent Vietnam summit, and a new hopefulness as the Democratic majority in Congress pursues investigations and promotes progressive legislation. - For the book club, Thom reads from "All the World's a Stage" by Dennis Weaver, recalling the actor's childhood escape from dust-bowl conditions during the Great Depression.- Continuation of Congressman Mark Pocan's national town hall. - Reality check on the recent summit in Vietnam. Thom gives historical context, and reads outraged statement from Otto Warmbier's family rebuking Trump for praise of dictator who murdered their son. - Talk Media News Luke Vargas gives theory of "mad man" negotiation being touted by right-wing radio as Trump's backfired ploy with Kim. Thom disputes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why are sheriffs in some counties in Washington State refusing to enforce the law? Shouldn't sworn sheriffs uphold the law, even if they don't agree with it? Washington State sheriffs are defying the law. Guest Sheriff Richard Mack also says that there should be guns in schools to protect students. He says that more weapons are best for our freedom. Do you agree with him? "Liberals hate liberty," he says. Richard Mack is the founder of The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. Thom debates him and callers share their opinions on these curious goings-on. Talk Media News - Bob Ney reports on the impact of the Michael Cohen testimony. Callers are alarmed at rumors of civil war if Trump is opposed and Thom explains possible motives behind extremist ideology seen in the Turner Diaries.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Cohen Congressional Testimony Thom gives his thoughts and has a conversation with listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.