Useful Idiots with Katie Halper and Aaron Maté

Thomas Frank rejoins the show to talk about the past, present, and future of the Democratic party.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Glenn Greenwald joins to discuss the election (taped on Thursday), leaving the Intercept, and more. Matt and Katie ponder the future of both parties after a tightly contested result.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Genre-bending singer, Tinashe, joins hosts Matt Taibbi and Katie Halper in a livestream event, sponsored by Yappa, to discuss the 2020 election and moreLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti from The Hill's 'Rising' rejoin the show ahead of the US election. Matt and Katie discuss Jared Kushner's viral clip on Fox. They also express concern on what the handling of the Hunter Biden story portends in media.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Katie and Matt analyze the Jeffrey Toobin story and come up with a few ways to pitch Biden to undecided voters. Pollster Ben Tulchin, who worked on Bernie Sanders' campaigns in 2016 and 2020, joins the show to break down the polls and what to look for on election night.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Hosts Matt Taibbi and Katie Halper go over Nancy Pelosi's strategy for passing a new stimulus bill, and review a contentious appearance of hers on Wolf Blitzer's CNN show. Poly-hyphenate Antonio García Martínez joins the show to discuss the recent report from the ICO in the U.K. that seemed to unravel the heated accusations against Cambridge Analytica from a few years back, and how much influence they may have had on the 2016 US presidential election.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Journalist David Sirota joins the show to talk Trump and Covid, Biden and the election, and how 80s pop culture relates to today.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Renowned actor Michael K. Williams joins the show to discuss his activism, the presidential debate, his acting process and more. Katie and Matt discuss a few moments from the debate and a frustrating Fox News story.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Yale professor of law and history, Samuel Moyn, joins the show to discuss the Supreme Court after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Matt and Katie discuss a dustup in Syria that hasn't gotten much media attention.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Glenn Greenwald returns to the show to discuss a few media moments he was involved in recently, one regarding the Intercept and Reality Winner, the other an appearance he made on Tucker Carlson's show on FOX. Katie and Matt dive into the viral clip of Joe Biden playing a clip of 'Despacito' at a recent Hispanic Heritage Month event.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Katie and Matt discuss the revelations from Bob Woodward's book regarding Trump, Juan Passarelli describes the extradition hearing against Julian AssangeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

California Congressional candidate Shahid Buttar, running to unseat Nancy Pelosi, shares his perspective on recent allegations of sexual and workplace misconduct. Matt and Katie break down the Massachusetts primary returns and Trump's Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Attorney, author and former New York gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout joins hosts Katie Halper and Matt Taibbi to talk about the role of monopolies in the American politics, economies, and tech. Matt and Katie break down the drama in the Ed Markey vs. Joe Kennedy III Massachusetts Senate race, and react to the first half of the Republican National Convention.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Former congresswoman Katie Hill joins hosts Katie Halper and Matt Taibbi to talk about her life after resigning last fall. Matt and Katie review the first two days of the DNC, and analyze what's going on with the USPS and its media coverage.Merch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Massachusetts congressional candidate Alex Morse joins the show to discuss his perspective on the misconduct allegations against him. Katie and Matt discuss Biden's selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Author Thomas Frank joins the show to discuss his latest book ‘The People, NO: A Brief History of Anti-Populism.’ Katie and Matt dissect Biden's most-stoned moment ever.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Leading biomedical researcher Dr. Robert Gallo shares his thoughts on the various theories for potential covid-19 vaccines. Matt and Katie caution against overconfidence by the left heading into the presidential election. Katie decries a 'Sharkaganda' story from AustraliaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Thomas Chatterton Williams talks cancel culture and his contribution to the Harper's Letter on Justice and Open Debate. Matt and Katie discuss the departure of Bari Weiss from the New York Times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Liz Franczak and Brace Belden, hosts of the podcast True Anon, discuss the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell and the wider Jeffrey Epstein story, Matt and Katie talk about reactions to the much-debated Harper's open letterLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Matt and Katie discuss Matt's review of "White Fragility," Professor Adolph Reed joins to discuss identity politicsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Omar Wasow, assistant professor of politics at Princeton, joins the show to discuss his paper on protest tactics and 'Agenda Seeding,' and the polarized reaction it's received. Matt and Katie analyze a scene from Delaware involving a manly encounter with a shark.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Dr. Cornel West joins the show (for the first time) for a wide-ranging conversation about his new podcast The Tightrope, what went wrong for Bernie’s campaign and why he had endorsed Sanders again in 2020, and the tactical efficacy of violent vs. nonviolent protesting.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Shahid Buttar returns to the show to talk about his campaign against Nancy Pelosi, police reform, civil liberties and more. Matt and Katie look at the significance of Kente cloth, and discuss the recent turmoil in major newsrooms around the countryMerch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Matt and Katie briefly discuss a few moments from the past week, including Trump's praise of 'dominating' the protests, then Historian Dr. Gerald Horne discusses the history of racism in the US and contextualizes current issues, followed by Marianne Williamson on intersectional issues and the 2020 electionLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Michael Moore joins the show to discuss the removal of Planet of the Humans from YouTube, and addresses criticism he and the film have receivedLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Ali Abunimah, co-founder of The Electronic Intifada, joins the show to discuss the problems with social media censorship. Katie and Matt discuss the horrific George Floyd story, and the similarities with Eric GarnerMerch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Jimmy Dore joins the show to deliver blistering remarks on Bernie Sanders, the CARES Act and More, Plus a Discussion of Dems and Civil Liberties.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Aaron Mate of the Grayzone and 'Pushback' joins the show to talk recent developments in #Russiagate, how it’s helping Trump, plus Matt and Katie continue to dive into the Stupid Bay of PigsMerch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Leading virologist Dr. Christian Bréchot discusses the origins of Covid-19, how the virology and wider scientific communities are working together for solutions, how a vaccine may get developed, and why he doesn’t expect one any time soon. Katie and Matt break down the botched coup in VenezuelaMerch Link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Rep. Rashida Tlaib on her initiatives during the pandemic, how she deals with Trump, and more. Matt and Katie discuss the future of internet censorship, and HIllary's conversation with BidenLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner discusses the future of progressive politics in America after Sanders suspended his campaign. Katie and Matt learn about Biden’s fig newton affinity, and discover some of the most creative DIY protective-wear that people have developed during the pandemic. Also, Taibbi's take on the real reason news networks have been airing Trump's Covid-19 press conferences in full. Hint: MoneyMerch link: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Katie and Matt break down Bernie's endorsement of Joe Biden and have a discussion on how Covid-19 is being covered. David Rees joins the show to talk about predicting election resultsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Matt Stoller joins the show to discuss the the Covid-19 bailout, Katie and Matt get the news of Bernie's campaign suspension in real-time, and discuss the backlash against Joe Rogan for his Trump vs. Biden quote.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Writer Johann Hari joins the show from London to discuss dealing with anxiety and depression during Covid-19. Matt breaks down a piece on the economic bailout**Merch Link**: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Acclaimed writer/director/producer Adam McKay joins the show to talk 'Coke vs. Pepsi' politics, making political movies, and more. Matt and Katie play a Trump vs. Biden quote game, field questions from fans, and Matt breaks down his recent piece about congressional insider tradingLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Special guest Noam Chomsky joins this under-quarantine episode to talk Democratic primary and media criticism. Katie and Matt break down a list of Biden's liesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Comedians James Adomian and Anthony Atamaniuk discuss playing Trump and Bernie, Matt and Katie break down the latest on the campaignLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

*Disclaimer*: This episode was taped on Wednesday, March 4, before Elizabeth Warren suspended her campaignMatt and Katie discuss the results of Super Tuesday, say goodbye to Pete, Klobuchar, Bloomberg and Chris Matthews, and how Bernie needs to change his strategy.*Merch Link*: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Financial journalist Felix Salmon, of Axios, joins the show to discuss Trump's pardon of Michael Milken, Bloomberg's history on Wall Street, the 2020 election and more. Rolling Stone politics editor Patrick Reis guests for a segment on some recent Washington Post op-eds.*Merch Link*: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, co-hosts of the popular show Rising on the Hill, join the show to discuss themes from their book ‘The Populist’s Guide to 2020,’ democrats and republicans co-existing, Mike Bloomberg’s campaign and more.*Merch Link Here!*: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Representative Ro Khanna joins the show to talk about his work in on military spending, FOSTA-SESTA, Bernie's campaign. Matt and Katie dissect a Chris Matthews rant and moreLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Lee Fang, investigative journalist at The Intercept, joins the show from California to talk everything Iowa regarding apps and caucus reporting, the security of upcoming primaries in New Hampshire and beyond, and Mike Bloomberg's ambitions for running.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Actor, writer, and director Tim Robbins joins the show to discuss his play The New Colossus, balancing art and activism, and Bernie Sanders. Matt and Katie catch up on the coronavirus story and talk Iowa caucus.**We now have Useful Idiots merch! Feel more useful with our mugs, t-shirts, and totes: https://teespring.com/stores/useful-idiotsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Our friends at The Onion created a new podcast called 'The Topical', a satirical takedown of daily news shows. The show premieres January 29, anywhere you listen to podcastsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich talks foreshadowing the progressive shift in the Democratic party, governing, and handling repeated assassination attempts. Matt gives an update on Glenn GreenwaldLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Glenn Greenwald, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and co-founder of the Intercept, joins the show from Brazil to talk about Russiagate, Bolsonaro, and the 2020 election Matt and Katie discuss Sanders vs. Warren*.*This was taped before the Jan 15 Democratic debateLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner talks campaigning with Bernie, and getting her start in politics. Matt and Katie discuss Iran/Soleimani, and a strange Florida story involving turkey vultures.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Legendary songwriter Ani DiFranco discusses her Buffalo roots, new music projects, and lefty politics. Katie finally asks Matt about his professional basketball career in Mongolia.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Part two of the Useful Idiots conversation with Michael Moore on his childhood, Rumble, the environment and more. Matt discusses the Washington Post's Afghanistan Papers, and a bonus episode of the Most Stoned MomentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Moore joins the show. Matt discusses the Horowitz report, and Katie dives into debate biasLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/subscribe