The Hartmann Report

Once more into the breach with guest host Jefferson Smith! With redistricting, and therefore seats in Congress on the line in 2020, how crucial will the national contest be between Trump's Republican party and the Democrats? Which are the battleground districts to watch, or even support?And diverse topics of discussion include- Is Donald Trump on drugs?.. How many wild animals are left out there?.. Was the Iowa count rigged?.. Can Medicare for All work?.. And Kino still had hope for the Republicans...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 recaps the sobering recent events in Washington and beyond, encouraging listeners to call in with their own stories of hope and participation. Jeff recalls his own organizing of the Oregon Bus Project which later evolved into the Next Up action fund for mobilizing change. Lee Fang of the Intercept joins Jefferson Smith to discuss the delayed vote results in Iowa, Bernie Sanders' near tie with Pete Buttigieg and the implications this brings up. Book Club readings from "Walking Your Blues Away" by Thom Hartmann, "It Came from Something Awful" by Dale Beran, "Mindf*ck" by Christopher Wylie. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith digests the weeks historic news with insightful callers. Huffington Post reporter Paul Blumenthal joins Jefferson Smith to discuss how a radical new theory, that no president can be removed for abuse of power, has broken our checks and balances and let Donald Trump off. Reading from "The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America" by Thom Hartmann.Jeff goes into s deep discussion on voter manipulation with Karen Kornbluh, Senior Fellow and Director of the Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a think tank dedicated to promoting transatlantic cooperation.For the Book Club Thom reads from "In Putin's Footsteps: Searching for the Soul of an Empire Across Russia's Eleven Time Zones" 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.

Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, Jefferson Smith speaks about the healing power of being thankful and the courage of Mitt Romney and especially Doug Jones.Plus - we meet Jefferson's dog, and consider how the response to Trump's absurd State of the Union could have been more effective.Emily Cherniak of NEW POLITICS explains why we focus too heavily on the presidential race when boosting candidates for other races produces many rewards.Jeff explains the 'sausage making' behind whipping the votes of congress.Calls come in on veganism and animal rescue to emphasis what to be thankful for.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What sort of man is Rush Limbaugh that he deserved a Medal of Freedom? What has been the real long game of the billionaire propaganda network over the last 50 years? Guest host Jefferson Smith says he will not dance on Limbaugh's grave, but he does mourn the way that he has lived his life.Author John Nichols of the Nation magazine reports in- what did we learn from the caucuses?- and what would we lose if we stop having them? Maybe it's good to have to look each other in the eye and build community by learning how we need to treat each other? And why can't voting be a national holiday so everyone can be off work to participate?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, esteemed guest host Jefferson Smith confronts a big news week- we've got the Iowa Caucus, the state of the Union speech, and closing arguments in the Senate for removing or keeping Donald Trump in the White House. How should Progressives respond to the case Lamar Alexander and others are making for keeping Trump in office? On the Democratic side, is it enough to mock Trump and call him stupid without making a moral argument?And Progressive congressional leader Mark Pocan joins Jeff to deepen to conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressive gubernatorial candidate Stephen Smith is taking on a billionaire standing for election as governor in West Virginia. He joins Thom to discuss his platform of 32 different policies. Listeners call-in with ideas about the Democratic Presidential candidate. For the Book Club Thom reads from "Repeal the Second Amendment: The Case for a Safer America" by Allan Lichtman.Author Allan Lichtman joins Thom to explain why it is time to change the Constitution and save us from gun violence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom Hartmann examines the economic impact that may occur from ongoing coronavirus outbreak. A recent study finds that Americans are at the peak of feeling that our democracy has failed us. Will a progressive president be able to turn things around and give people hope again?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, veteran radio host Shawn Taylor fills in for Thom, leading a thoughtful town hall with callers on a variety of questions-- Could 'We The People' sue Congress for not doing their job?.. Is Putin ultimately pulling the strings of all the oligarchs?.. Why don't the Democrats filibuster the impeachment over calling witnesses?.. And what kind of public official asks for foreign governments to help get them re-elected?.. What can we be doing to make Trump's re-election less likely?.. If FDR and Lincoln didn't cancel the elections why should Trump?.. And how much would you give up to stand against an oppressive regime?..Plus, Thom reads from "Unmaking the Presidency: Donald Trump's War on the World's Most Powerful Office" by Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittes, and "Under the Influence: Putting Peer Pressure to Work" by Robert H. Frank.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump just told a rally in Iowa that Democrats want to kill them and wipe Iowa off the map. Woah!- How dangerous is this kind of talk? Is it possible Trump will move from being acquitted in the Senate by cowed Republicans to postponing the election like so many strongmen before him? Are Republican Senators who believe Trump is guilty actually afraid of armed Trump supporters threatening to kill them and their family?Thom is joined by Krystal Ball, host of 'The Rising' on Hill TV, and coauthor of "The Populist's Guide to 2020: A New Right and New Left are Rising"- along with her cohost and right-wing populist Saagar Enjeti. Why is populist anger rising here in America and around the world and why is this invisible to the political pundits? Thom reads from N.B. Turner's book 'Is China an Imperialist Country?'And as the new corona virus caught from a slaughtered wild animal continues to spread, in addition to the human cost, could we be looking at a major economic impact?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julio Vs Thom - Do You Want to Live In A Country Where President Bernie Sanders Can Do Anything He Wants?With Mitch McConnell promoting Dershowitz’s idea that a president can commit any kind of crime he wants so long as it gets him reelected because he “believes his reelection is in the public interest,“ we are about to see our American democratic republic transformed into an oligarchic semi-dictatorship. This is exactly what the Founders warned us against, and may well be the death-knell of not only our democracy, but of democracy around the world.At the same time that more evidence emerges about Trump's heavy drug use the Republican defense in the House also becomes increasingly unhinged from reality. How can Republican Senators like Ted Cruz ask questions that are themselves outright lies about Hunter Biden while Trump's crime family makes billions from their grift flowing to them from Qatar and China- and probably many others?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why did a group of Democrats just put 700 thousand dollars worth of ads on in Iowa to attack Bernie Sanders? And how will internet ad buys targeting the 'persuadables' sway our upcoming election? Are we in a fundamentally different media universe now? Thom is joined by Ramesh Srinivasan- the author of "Beyond the Valley: How Innovators Around the World are Overcoming Inequality and Creating the Technologies of Tomorrow" to kick off a deep convo on the politics of media today. Plus Thom explains the mission statement of his radio show in a reading from his book "Rebooting the American Dream- 11 Ways to Rebuild Our Country".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the Senate trial grinds forward, Republican Senators scramble to explain why not to hear John Bolton's testimony. Progressive California Congressman Ro Khanna joins Thom to discuss and take listener questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will The GOP Hold to the Impeachment Coverup Just Like They Did with Justice Beer Bong? The revelations in John Bolton's book, reported in today's New York Times, bring to mind the previous scandal surrounding a White House cover-up. Thom analyses the new questions on the John Bolton book and also recent strategies for Progressives supporting Sanders or Warren.Economics Professor Richard Wolff joins the program with insights on Fed manipulation and the real story behind the jobs report. 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.

Today, Professor Cornell William Brooks begins an hour-long discussion of the living legacy of racial inequality in today's America. Could a commission to consider reparations and solutions to voter suppression create a chance for our country to come to grips with the truth of its past and present? Can we ever right the long term consequences of the wealth stolen from people of color both before and since the end of outright slavery?Plus Thom reads from "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As more of Trump's crimes are revealed and the chances for a successful impeachment wane, Thom engages callers to stay in the fight for democracy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom wonders whether having Hunter Biden testify before Congress might actually help a Democrat be elected to president- and could impeaching Trump also make a Republican win more likely in the form of President Pence? But will Trump's threat to have Republican Senators' heads "on a pike" keep the jury in line? Are some of Trump supporters finally starting to peal off as the corruption becomes more obvious? And is Trump already working closely with China's President Xi to manufacture new dirt on Biden to release just before the election? And we hear from Progressive Leader Mark Pocan for his views on the many questions facing Congress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the impeachment trial rolls on, Thom reveals the origins of the Wuhan Coronavirus and how animal cruelty so often leads to zoonotic diseases. Reading from "Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion" by Gene Stone and Ingrid Newkirk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom catches us up with the fun and the fury of the impeachment trial so far- as the Democrats catch the Republicans unprepared to answer to the truth of Trump's crimes. But will there be a fair trial with witnesses, or will Trump continue to 'have all the material' hidden away from the light of day? Thom adds his insight as we hear briefly from Adam Shiff's powerful indictment of Donald Trump's crimes. And, looking ahead, how can the Democratic party start to think about working productively together- do we need to be voting in the primaries for a hard-ass who will keep Congress in line so we can get work done for justice? Thom reads from "Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country" by E. J. Dionne Jr. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Donald Trump is on trial in the Senate impeachment hearings, many commentators are pointing out that the Senate is also at trial. Thom Hartmann reveals the Constitutional foundation and necessity for impeachment of a rogue executive. We listen to the erudite opening speech by Congressman Adam Schiff in the Senate impeachment trial which started today. Thom analyses a weakening in the Republican stronghold. 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 memories and sentiments on the lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Also radio talk-show host and activist Joe Madison shares his thoughts on the significance on the civil rights movement and personal sacrifice.For the Book Club, Thom reads from"Jailbreak Out of History: The Re-biography of Harriet Tubman" by Butch Lee, and "The Embattled Vote in America: From the Founding to the Present" by Allan Lichtman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does Trump "Tweet" When His Staff Says No?Lev Parnas tells the story of how Donald Trump fired ambassador Marie Yovanovitch at least “four or five times,“ and that they were afraid that he would “fire her with a tweet.“Congressman Ro Khanna addresses the impeachment trial with callers 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.

Today - what is the real difference between Republicans and Democrats? What do they actually have a record of doing when they get power?- Who are the Republicans and the Democrats when it comes down to it?- and what are the current crop of candidates pledging to do? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today- who are modern 'conservatives' really?- Does the damning evidence that continues to emerge around the Ukraine scandal display out in the open the level of corruption that modern Republicans have been practicing for a while now?What does it mean when Rush Limbaugh talks about the vonservative movement?.. Does it really mean the rich should get what they want?.. Does it mean someone who dislikes Democrats?.. Is it really about concentrating power in the hands of the few?.. Is it about not having to pay taxes?.. Are right-wing voters tricked into voting against their own self interest?.. What was FDR's view?..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 to make the case that the strength of the economy is really a mirage since the underlying wages of most people are stagnant or falling, so why does the stock market appear to be doing so well? If we're in a good economy why is the Federal Reserve creating so much debt, and how dangerous will the next economic downturn be with so much money owed throughout the system?Other topics in the show- Will it take a billionaire to stop the billionaires?.. Why are minimum wages being increased in certain states and not others?.. Have Trump-supporting farmers figured out they've been conned?.. Was Adam Smith's theory of the 'invisible hand' misunderstood all along anyway?..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the articles of impeachment head to the Senate, news comes that the Senate Republicans will not allow reporters at the trial- is this just the start of tactics that will be used to protect Trump?.. Meanwhile, as fresh evidence emerges around Trump's shakedown of the Ukraine, which Trump-connected operatives appear to have been considering having an American ambassador killed by the mob?- what we know about this emerging story. And Congressman Mark Pocan joins Thom once again for a deep think on the news of the day- topics include... the last Democratic Presidential debate before the primaries begin- why is the corporate media trying to manufacture a fake split between Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders?.. Focusing on defeating Trump rather than each other... Can Congress file a censure resolution against Pompeo?.. Messaging around the tax cuts for the rich... and fighting the influence of the influential in Washington for the sake of the rest of us.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that Bernie and Elizabeth Warren are both starting to pull really well, the two of them combined well ahead of Joe Biden, the knives are coming out in the media.Thom revisits the tensions in Iran and Trump's screw-up. For the Book Club Thom reads portions from "Why You Should Be a Socialist" and "Guns For Hire: How The CIA & US Army Recruit Mercenaries For White Rhodesia."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom Hartmann is joined by Katrina Vanden Huevel discussing how Donald Trump is ratcheting up American imperialism during his presidency.For the Book Club, Thom reads from "In Putin's Footsteps" by Nina L. Khrushcheva and "The Age of Eisenhower" by William I. Hitchcock.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rep. Mark Pocan explains new efforts of Congress to limit and redefine war powers after Trump's strike against Soliemani. Listeners call in with concern after Trump's proactive escalation with Iran.  For the Book Club, Thom reads from "The Fifth Risk" by Michael Lewis and "The Embattled Vote in America" by Allan Lichtman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, an interview with author and former Congressman Alan Grayson starts out an hour-long think about impeachment. We must not forget the catalog of Trump's crimes- and why is Trump moving to hide how much his frequent golfing on his own courses costs the nation and profits himself? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Trump order the hit on Iran's general because both Pompeo and Republican Senators leaned on Trump to create a distraction from impeachment? And, Progressive House Rep Ro Khanna explains what's going on with the resolution on the President's war powers- and what might be the next steps towards putting Trump on trial in the Senate. Will Congress be able to keep Trump from taking us to war, much like it was Congress that finally ended the Vietnam war? Or will a cornered Trump find more insane ways to dominate the news cycle? Plus- Thom's take on Putin's level of control over Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.