America's Democrats: Recent Episodes

21st Century Democrats

21st Century Democrats is proud to bring you AmericasDemocrats.org, the weekly netcast for stand-up Democrats that explores progressive perspectives on public policy, economic debates, foreign affairs and national politics. With regular contributors who include Texan populist Jim Hightower and provocative media commentator Bill Press, AmericasDemocrats.org seeks to become a salon of the nation’s most prominent Democrats. We're all about giving progressive Democrats tools you need to fight back against the Tea Party Republicans. So progressives, populists, liberals, Democrats and independents, sit back and listen -- then stand up and fight!

Confronting the threat of right-wing extremism.

Alexandra Minna Stern on the changing face of America’s far right. Michael Koncewicz on why Trump’s impeachment was a different kind of challenge for Republicans than Nixon’s. Plus Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone tells Bill Press why He is speaking out against political violence and those who foment it.

Alexandra Minna Stern Alexandra Minna Stern’s research takes her deep into the dark matter of America’s far right. She says it’s a movement in transition, and an ever growing threat to our democracy.

Michael Koncewicz Michael Koncewicz’s most recent book on Republicans who defied Richard Nixon carries new relevance to the present day with Trump’s impeachment. Koncewicz says what makes today different is a greater fear among Republicans that challenging this President will be at their political expense.

Jim Hightower How Money is Suffocating American Democracy

America exists today as a bizarre anomaly – we profess to be an electoral democracy, yet we are ruled by a governmental plutocracy.

One especially gross example of this incongruity is the overwhelming power of big money over the people’s will. By a wide margin, Americans of all political stripes want to ban the distorting force of huge, electoral campaign donations by favor-seeking corporations and ultra-rich elites.

Bill Press One Cop's Battle for America's Soul with Michael Fanone.

Before January 6th 2021, Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone was a self-described redneck who had voted for Donald Trump. On January 6th, he was dragged down the Capitol steps, beaten with a Blue Lives Matter flag, tased and tear-gassed. Rioters had threatened to shoot him, but he pleaded for his life telling them he had children. That day changed his life forever. Now retired from the DC Police, , Fanone has written Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul with John Shiffman. He is also speaking out against political violence and those who foment it.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The origins and legacy of the New Deal

Terry Golway tells us how the Irish political machine known as Tammany Hall became the forerunner of the New Deal. Historian Harvey Kaye reminds us of FDR’s Four Freedoms speech and the legacy that remains unfulfilled.

Terry Golway Tammany Hall no longer exists, but when it did, the New York political machine created a social safety net at the neighborhood level long before government programs came along. Author Terry Golway thinks we still need strong political organizations like that.

Harvey Kaye New Deal historian Harvey Kaye says President Reagan turned FDR upside down and inside out and progressives have to reclaim his legacy.

Jim Hightower Shhh, The Governor Is Listening

Although we haven’t even gotten through this year’s midterm congressional elections, it’s still not too early to start examining some of the characters who hope you’ll make them president in 2024.

I know, you don’t want to… but we must. That’s because corporate elites have already chosen their favorites, and they intend to use massive sums of money, lies, more money, PR slickum, and even more money to slide their toady into the Oval Office.

Bill Press The Big Truth vs. The Big Lie with Major Garrett

The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of “The Big Lie,”is the new book by Major Garret, chief Washington correspondent for CBS News. His co-author is David Becker, the Executive Director and Founder of the nonpartisan, non-profit Center for Election Innovation & Research, working with election officials of both parties, all around the country, to ensure accessible, secure elections for all eligible voters.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Former Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich on his battle to save the city’s public electric utility. Julie Kohn on lessons learned from the Texas power grid failure.

Dennis Kucinich In his new memoir, Dennis Kucinich writes about how he took on powerful interests to save a public utility. That happened over forty years ago, but the story still carries critical relevance today.

Julie Kohn After a historic winter storm left millions of Texans in the dark and without heat, energy experts are looking for ways to stop it from happening again. Julie Kohn says that means rethinking the state’s isolation from the nation’s power grid.

Jim Hightower Beware: The GOP Has Chosen to Embrace The Crazy

Perhaps you remember Sen. Barry Goldwater, the GOP’s fringy, far-right-wing 1964 presidential nominee who famously said, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.” Today, however, the core of the Republicans Party has gone so far beyond the fringe that they would boo Goldwater’s right-wingism as insufficiently rabid. Instead, their new rallying cry is: “Nuttiness in the defense of extremism is no vice.”

The GOP’s mainline officialdom now proclaim themselves The Party of Extremism.

Bill Press "Confidence Man" by Trump Biographer Maggie Haberman

Confidence Man. The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America by the foremost interpreter of Donald Trump, the New York Times' Maggie Haberman. Haberman, a Pulitzer Prize winner, takes a different approach to the “Trump Book.” She goes all the way back to his days in New York to understand the man who became president. Who, she says, is not much different than the man who raged through New York in the ‘70’s, ‘80’s and ‘90’s. If you want to understand Donald Trump, you have to understand Donald Trump in that uniquely New York milieu.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Can unions save democracy?

Author and organizer Jane McAlevey on her new book, A Collective Bargain: Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy. Plus, the millionaires who want to pay more taxes, not less.

Jane McAlevey Pt. 1 At a time when workers are under attack at historic levels, strikes are making a comeback. In that, Jane McAlevey sees an opportunity to reset power and politics in America, and clear a path to progressive change.

Jane McAlevey Pt. 2 Jane McAlevey about her powerful new book, A Collective Bargain: Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy. She makes the case that unions are central to challenging the corporate class and restoring democracy in America. But what about the millions of workers who don’t have a union? For Jane McAlevey, that translates into even more opportunities to build the power of organized labor.

Jim Hightower My Newspaper Died

My newspaper died.

Well, technically it still appears, but it has no life, no news, and barely a pulse. It’s a mere semblance of a real paper, one of the hundreds of local journalism zombies staggering along in cities and towns that had long relied on them. Each one has a bare number of subscribers keeping it going, mostly longtime readers like me clinging to a memory of what used to be and a flickering hope that, surely, the thing won’t get worse. Then it does.

Bill Press "A Presidency Totally Out of Control."

Peter Baker, The New York Times Chief White House Correspondent and Susan Glasser, a Staff Writer for The New Yorker have created a masterpiece of journalism in their new book, The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021. It paints a presidency that was totally out of control, far worse than any we've ever experienced.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The complicated relationship between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and LBJ

Two historians of the civil rights movement assess the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Julian Zelizer Julian Zelizer is a Princeton scholar of Lyndon Johnson as well as the civil rights movement. He says civil rights activism is no longer as organized or coherent as it was when it sought, and won, passage of the Voting Rights Act.

David Chappell Historian David Chappell explains the post-Martin Luther King Jr. trajectory of the civil rights movement, which he says may have been only a historical artifact with King as the central figure.

Jim Hightower The Inflation Blame Game

Today, CEOs of big corporations are playing the tricky “Inflation Blame Game!” Publicly, they moan that the pandemic is slamming their poor corporations with factory shutdowns, supply chain delays, wage hikes, and other increased costs. But wait – inside their board rooms, executives are high-fiving each other and pocketing bonuses. What’s going on?

The trick is that these giants are in non-competitive markets operating as monopolies, so they can set prices, mug you and me, and scamper away with record profits.

Bill Press "A Presidency Totally Out of Control."

Peter Baker, The New York Times Chief White House Correspondent and Susan Glasser, a Staff Writer for The New Yorker have created a masterpiece of journalism in their new book, The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021. It paints a presidency that was totally out of control, far worse than any we've ever experienced.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

How Democrats forgot about state politics

Professor Theda Skocpol explains how the Democrats ceded control of state government to Republicans.

Theda Skocpol Government professor Theda Skocpol says Democrats think the presidency is the biggest political prize and, unfortunately, ignore politics at the state level.

Jim Hightower The Virginia Model

Last year’s gubernatorial race in Virginia was narrowly won by Republican Glenn Youngkin. An elite Wall Street multimillionaire, he was going to lose – until he discovered a right-wing racist bugaboo called Critical Race Theory. Glenn suddenly turned into an anti-CRT attack dog, fomenting parental fear and promising to sweep all teaching of the theory out of Virginia classrooms.

But, golly, CRT was not actually taught in any of the state’s public schools.

Bill Press The GOP's Long-time Descent into Crazy.

It did not start with Donald Trump. In Mother Jones’ Washington Bureau Chief David Corn's new book, he details the long history of Republican Party condoning and encouraging crazy conspiracies to gain and hold on to power. It’s called American Psychosis, a Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The powerful influence of Lady Bird Johnson.

Julia Sweig on her book Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight. Her political acumen was key in guiding the Johnson administration through the turbulent times after John F Kennedy’s assasination.

Julia Sweig In her biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Julia Sweig reveals the unappreciated impact of a remarkable first lady during a historic turning point in American politics.

Jim Hightower ASSORTED NUTS

Let me say one word to you: Nuts. Now, let me say one name to you: Ted Cruz.

They’ve become synonymous, with the Texas lawmaker perennially topping national lists of goofy, right-wing political goobers. Only, Ted can’t rightly be called a lawmaker, for he’s not a serious participant in that process, instead devoting his senatorship to political stunts and picking silly PR fights with a growing list of enemies.

Bill Press `The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama."

How did Barack Obama and Joe Biden meet? What did they think of each other? Was there really a bromance? And how did these two very different men form a very successful partnership for eight years in the White House. What did Barack Obama think of Biden’s chances in 2020? What is their relationship today? All those questions and more are answered in the new book, "The Long Alliance. The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama" by New York Magazine National Correspondent Gabriel Debenedetti.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The powerful influence of Lady Bird Johnson.

Julia Sweig on her book Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight. Her political acumen was key in guiding the Johnson administration through the turbulent times after John F Kennedy’s assasination.

Julia Sweig In her biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Julia Sweig reveals the unappreciated impact of a remarkable first lady during a historic turning point in American politics.

Jim Hightower ASSORTED NUTS

Let me say one word to you: Nuts. Now, let me say one name to you: Ted Cruz.

They’ve become synonymous, with the Texas lawmaker perennially topping national lists of goofy, right-wing political goobers. Only, Ted can’t rightly be called a lawmaker, for he’s not a serious participant in that process, instead devoting his senatorship to political stunts and picking silly PR fights with a growing list of enemies.

Bill Press `The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama."

How did Barack Obama and Joe Biden meet? What did they think of each other? Was there really a bromance? And how did these two very different men form a very successful partnership for eight years in the White House. What did Barack Obama think of Biden’s chances in 2020? What is their relationship today? All those questions and more are answered in the new book, "The Long Alliance. The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama" by New York Magazine National Correspondent Gabriel Debenedetti.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Tankersley on the untold story of America’s middle class and why it matters now.

Jim Tankersley Jim Tankersley’s newest book reveals the crucial role women and minorities played in building the post-war middle class. He says it’s an untold story that offers an essential roadmap to reviving the Golden Era of America’s middle class by making it possible again for all workers to reach their full potential.

Jim Hightower Welcome To Our Future of “Digital Productivity Monitoring”

For generations, workers have been punished by corporate bosses for watching the clock. But now, the corporate clock is watching workers!

Called “digital productivity monitoring,” this surveillance is done by an integrated computer system including a real-time clock, camera, keyboard tracker, and algorithms to provide a second-by-second record of what each employee is doing.

Bill Press Midterms: Red Wave or Blue Save?

Two months to the midterms. Bill talks to Steven Shepard, the Senior campaigns and elections editor and chief polling analyst for Politico. The often predicted Red Wave for the GOP has disappeared. But has this made a Blue Save possible?

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Tankersley on the untold story of America’s middle class and why it matters now.

Jim Tankersley Jim Tankersley’s newest book reveals the crucial role women and minorities played in building the post-war middle class. He says it’s an untold story that offers an essential roadmap to reviving the Golden Era of America’s middle class by making it possible again for all workers to reach their full potential.

Jim Hightower Welcome To Our Future of “Digital Productivity Monitoring”

For generations, workers have been punished by corporate bosses for watching the clock. But now, the corporate clock is watching workers!

Called “digital productivity monitoring,” this surveillance is done by an integrated computer system including a real-time clock, camera, keyboard tracker, and algorithms to provide a second-by-second record of what each employee is doing.

Bill Press Midterms: Red Wave or Blue Save?

Two months to the midterms. Bill talks to Steven Shepard, the Senior campaigns and elections editor and chief polling analyst for Politico. The often predicted Red Wave for the GOP has disappeared. But has this made a Blue Save possible?

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Keeping up the fight against voter suppression.

Jorge Vasquez, Jr. on why he will continue to fight against voter suppression.

Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. is a long-time advocate for voting rights. He says that even with record turnout in the November election, there is still a long way to go before voter suppression is a thing of the past.

Jim Hightower The Embarrassment of Modern Corporate Managers

What makes a newspaper great? Many say it’s having street-savvy reporters and editors with the integrity to shine the light of investigative journalism on the power structure’s abuses.

But, no, says Fred Ryan, top executive of the Washington Post – the secret is attendance.

Bill Press Laboratories of Autocracy

We say it all the time. Down ballot races are very important. Lauren Baer is someone doing something about it. She is the Managing Partner at Arena, an organization convening training and supporting the next generation of candidates and campaign staff. With an emphasis on diversifying young people going into Democratic politics. But she is no newcomer to policy and politics. She spent six years in the State Department working for Hillary Clinton and John Kerry and Samantha power at the United Nations. She ran for Congress in Florida in a Purple to Red district and got more votes than any Democrat ever had.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Keeping up the fight against voter suppression.

Jorge Vasquez, Jr. on why he will continue to fight against voter suppression.

Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. is a long-time advocate for voting rights. He says that even with record turnout in the November election, there is still a long way to go before voter suppression is a thing of the past.

Jim Hightower The Embarrassment of Modern Corporate Managers

What makes a newspaper great? Many say it’s having street-savvy reporters and editors with the integrity to shine the light of investigative journalism on the power structure’s abuses.

But, no, says Fred Ryan, top executive of the Washington Post – the secret is attendance.

Bill Press Laboratories of Autocracy

We say it all the time. Down ballot races are very important. Lauren Baer is someone doing something about it. She is the Managing Partner at Arena, an organization convening training and supporting the next generation of candidates and campaign staff. With an emphasis on diversifying young people going into Democratic politics. But she is no newcomer to policy and politics. She spent six years in the State Department working for Hillary Clinton and John Kerry and Samantha power at the United Nations. She ran for Congress in Florida in a Purple to Red district and got more votes than any Democrat ever had.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Professor Gordon Lafer says issues like the minimum wage, a living wage and paid sick days are winning issues politically and progressive candidates should call out big business – and win. Service Employees International Union leader David Rolf takes us through the increasingly successful fight for a 15-dollar an hour minimum wage.

Gordon Lafer As we commemorate another Labor Day, professor Gordon Lafer reminds us that unions gave us the minimum wage, the 8-hour day, and child labor laws – all of which were opposed by the Chamber of Commerce, which continues to oppose what most working Americans demand.

David Rolf The “Fight for 15,” organized labor’s move to raise the minimum wage, is having success, state by state, reports Service Employees union leader David Rolf.

Jim Hightower Clueless CEOs Confused By Workers Quitting

For more than a year, America’s corporate chieftains have been moaning about “The Great Resignation” – the recent phenomena of workers just up and quitting their jobs. And now comes “Quiet Quitting,” workers who don’t leave their jobs, but only do what they were hired to do, quietly rejecting the endless extra (unpaid) tasks and weekend assignments that bosses try to pile on. What’s at work in the heads of all these workers?

Bill Press Rep. Jackie Speier is Retiring, But She Leaves a Legacy for Women

Congresswoman Jackie Speier represents California's 14th congressional district just south of San Francisco. Jackie has been a strong leader on the important issue of sexual assault in the military. She's been relentless going after the Generals in the Pentagon pressuring them to take cases of sexual assault out of the military chain of command. Where they were too often just swept under the rug. Rep. Speier is retiring this year and reflects on the current fragile state of American Democracy.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Professor Gordon Lafer says issues like the minimum wage, a living wage and paid sick days are winning issues politically and progressive candidates should call out big business – and win. Service Employees International Union leader David Rolf takes us through the increasingly successful fight for a 15-dollar an hour minimum wage.

Gordon Lafer As we commemorate another Labor Day, professor Gordon Lafer reminds us that unions gave us the minimum wage, the 8-hour day, and child labor laws – all of which were opposed by the Chamber of Commerce, which continues to oppose what most working Americans demand.

David Rolf The “Fight for 15,” organized labor’s move to raise the minimum wage, is having success, state by state, reports Service Employees union leader David Rolf.

Jim Hightower Clueless CEOs Confused By Workers Quitting

For more than a year, America’s corporate chieftains have been moaning about “The Great Resignation” – the recent phenomena of workers just up and quitting their jobs. And now comes “Quiet Quitting,” workers who don’t leave their jobs, but only do what they were hired to do, quietly rejecting the endless extra (unpaid) tasks and weekend assignments that bosses try to pile on. What’s at work in the heads of all these workers?

Bill Press Rep. Jackie Speier is Retiring, But She Leaves a Legacy for Women

Congresswoman Jackie Speier represents California's 14th congressional district just south of San Francisco. Jackie has been a strong leader on the important issue of sexual assault in the military. She's been relentless going after the Generals in the Pentagon pressuring them to take cases of sexual assault out of the military chain of command. Where they were too often just swept under the rug. Rep. Speier is retiring this year and reflects on the current fragile state of American Democracy.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Sam Berger of the Center for American Progress draws the parallels between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump, and asks us to take a lesson from how the nation recovered from Watergate. Karen Hobert Flynn, the President of Common Cause, explains why a national popular vote is a better way to pick the next president.

Sam Berger In the wake of Watergate, a wave of reforms were ushered in to repair a dysfunctional government and regain the public’s trust in its leaders. Sam Berger is a policy analyst who says that moment in history has much to offer in the modern day.

Karen Hobert Flynn Karen Hobert Flynn leads one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to strengthening democracy. That’s why she says it’s time for the nation to change the way we elect our President.

Jim Hightower Where’s the “Dignity of Work” When Work Kills Workers?

Corporate acolytes and right-wing moralists constantly preach to laboring stiffs about the uplifting dignity of work.

Of course, that’s “dignity” as defined and controlled by corporate elites, not by workers, and the reward for it frequently includes on-the-job injuries… and death. Not that CEOs and well-heeled investors intend to sicken, maim, and kill thousands of laborers every year – but they certainly do put them in positions that assure such unhappy results.

Bill Press WH Documents: How it’s Supposed to Work.

With all the talk over the last two weeks about the documents in the basement of Mar-a-Lago, Bill decided to talk to a man who oversaw presidential documents in the Obama White House. Greg Craig was Obama's White House Counsel. He knows the rules and he saw them followed completely. It's a tale of two presidencies. And it's not a pretty picture. For the country, or Donald Trump.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The destructive influence of “dark money” in campaign finance.

The truth on how American elections are bought and sold. Plus, Fred Wertheimer and the movement to restore ethics and integrity to government.

Kimberly Reed Kimberly Reed’s film, “Dark Money”, is a powerful expose of the influence of anonymous donors in political campaigns. She says growing up in Montana gave her a front-row seat to the corrupting influence of money in politics and the perfect setting to tell that story.

Fred Wertheimer Fred Wertheimer has played a key role in every major campaign finance reform and ethics battle in Congress since the post-Watergate reforms in the 1970s. He continues that career as President of Democracy 21, where he calls on Congress to restore integrity to governing.

Jim Hightower A Tear-Jerker About the Housing Saga of Some Rich Jerks

The “old homeplace” is a classic theme of Americana, expressed in everything from Norman Rockwell paintings to Woody Guthrie’s powerful folk lament, “I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore.”

But for a heart-rending, modern-day version of the emotional pull of home, you can’t beat the poignant wail of a new song entitled: “The Low-down Down-home Atherton Rich Man Blues.” Warning: You might need a box of tissues to get through this sad saga.

Bill Press The 25 Year Crack-up of the GOP

The Destructionists: The Twenty-Five Year Crack-Up of the Republican Party is the new book by Washington Post Opinion Columnist, Dana Milbank. In this interview with Bill, he takes us from Newt Gingrich in 1990’s all the way to the GOP response to the Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant. And now we have one party that is not committed to our democracy.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

It’s a new day in the climate battle that can only be fought by believing we can still make a difference.

Michael Mann Climate scientist Michael Mann has achieved fame for his work in proving climate change is happening. He says that even as we move past climate denialism, the battle over how to take action against global warming is as urgent as ever.

Dan Glickman There’s a growing acknowledgment that even as agriculture feels some of the worst impacts of climate change, it also contributes to the crisis. Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman says farmers can be part of the solution and public policy can help them do that.

Jim Hightower Good News: Small Groups Can Defeat Corporate Giants

From corporate polluters to political bosses, power elites try to create a myth of inevitability, trying to make workaday people feel helpless, too small to change the injustices of the system. Don’t bother is their message.

But the feisty residents of Boxtown, Tennessee, definitely did bother when they learned that a couple of profiteering fossil fuel giants were targeting them.

Bill Press The Danger of "Christian Nationalism."

The First Amendment of the Constitution is pretty clear: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

But the GOP and MAGA World are increasingly promoting something called “Christian Nationalism.” What is it? Is it dangerous? Bill talked to his old friend the Reverend Barry Lynn who has spent his entire life fighting to keep the wall up between Church and State as well as many progressive causes. For 25 years he was Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

It’s a new day in the climate battle that can only be fought by believing we can still make a difference.

Michael Mann Climate scientist Michael Mann has achieved fame for his work in proving climate change is happening. He says that even as we move past climate denialism, the battle over how to take action against global warming is as urgent as ever.

Dan Glickman There’s a growing acknowledgment that even as agriculture feels some of the worst impacts of climate change, it also contributes to the crisis. Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman says farmers can be part of the solution and public policy can help them do that.

Jim Hightower Good News: Small Groups Can Defeat Corporate Giants

From corporate polluters to political bosses, power elites try to create a myth of inevitability, trying to make workaday people feel helpless, too small to change the injustices of the system. Don’t bother is their message.

But the feisty residents of Boxtown, Tennessee, definitely did bother when they learned that a couple of profiteering fossil fuel giants were targeting them.

Bill Press The Danger of "Christian Nationalism."

The First Amendment of the Constitution is pretty clear: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

But the GOP and MAGA World are increasingly promoting something called “Christian Nationalism.” What is it? Is it dangerous? Bill talked to his old friend the Reverend Barry Lynn who has spent his entire life fighting to keep the wall up between Church and State as well as many progressive causes. For 25 years he was Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Lessons we learned from the Kennedys, and what they can teach us about today’s political climate.

Richard Kahlenberg Robert Kennedy ran an economically populist campaign that reached across America’s deep racial divide. Richard Kahlenberg says his legacy matters now more than ever.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend In one of our first interviews recorded for this show, we interviewed Kathleen Kennedy Townsend about an article she wrote for the Washington Post about how her uncle, John F Kennedy, reconciled his public service and his Catholic faith without compromising either. Jim Hightower Should Making a Living Mean Selling Your Life?

“Work your fingers to the bone – whadda ya get? Boney Fingers.”

This 1960s song mocking the vaunted virtue of working hard is being sung today with new meaning by all kinds of employees – from factory workers to teachers… and even a few upper-floor executives.

Bill Press "Rage" Against the "Pro-life" Machine

When Bill talked to Jacqueline Ayers, the Senior Vice president at Planned Parenthood for Policy, Campaigns and Advocacy, the word “rage” came up six times. Rage against this latest Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe V Wade. Rage against the state legislatures and governors who are instituting draconian abortion bans. Rage against the burdens put on health care providers who have to consult with lawyers, or look over their shoulder at prosecutors, when trying merely to save a woman's life.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The past, present and future of progressives in the Senate. Senator Sherrod Brown on his book Desk 88: Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America.

Sherrod Brown Senator Sherrod Brown’s most recent book offers a timely history of 20th-century American progressivism. Along the way he makes a compelling case to believe in the future of the Progressive idea in American politics.

Todd Gitlin Columbia University professor Todd Gitlin, a long-time chronicler of progressive politics, urges the left to nail down a simple program that appeals to the general public.

Jim Hightower A Rube Goldberg Inflationary Spiral

Last July, several GOP senators combined their 5-watt intellects to charge that inflation was rising because of the “insane tax and spending spree of President Biden and the Democrats.”

Never mind that the “insane” spending is for such sensible, productive, and enormously popular national needs as childcare and jobless benefits, Mitch McConnell’s rabidly partisan flock saw the chance to politicize the public’s legitimate worries about rising prices.

Bill Press The Darker Side of Right-wing Media

As Bill used to say on his radio show, you don't need to watch Fox News or listen to Rush Limbaugh, because Media Matters for America was doing it for you. They're still doing it and they've added other right-wing outlets like One America News Network or OAN. In today's podcast, Media Matters writer Bobby Lewis takes us down the dark rabbit hole that is OAN. It's not only dark, it's dangerous.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Raise the minimum wage.

Revisiting some of the conversations we have had about raising the minimum wage.

David Cooper Progressive Democrats have made raising the minimum wage a priority for the new administration. And for a good reason. David Cooper says a $15 minimum wage would lift pay for tens of millions of workers and help reverse decades of growing pay inequality.

Janelle Jones Economic analyst Janelle Jones says a higher minimum wage is a crucial tool in bridging our nation’s widening income inequality gap And in the face of federal inaction, cities and states are setting up to the plate.

Jim Hightower Whip Inflation Now!

Republican politicos are all over Joe Biden for failing to stop inflation. Perhaps you wonder, though, what these squawkers would do if they were in charge?

No need to wonder – just look back to 1974, when Americans were being pummeled by price spikes that topped 12%, nearly double what we’re enduring today. But by Gollies, President Gerald Ford and his Republican contingent in Congress met the challenge head-on with a new magical program of economic uplift they called WIN – Whip Inflation Now!

Bill Press Trump's Washington and The Price Of Submission

Mark Leibovich is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller This Town. His new book, Thank You for Your Servitude, DONALD TRUMP'S WASHINGTON AND THE PRICE OF SUBMISSION is the eyewitness account of how the GOP collaborated with Donald Trump to transform Washington’s “swamp” into a gold-plated hot tub—and a onetime party of rugged individualists into a sycophantic personality cult. A long time New York Times writer, he is now at the Atlantic, in part, he says, because he can use profanity there.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Raise the minimum wage.

Revisiting some of the conversations we have had about raising the minimum wage.

David Cooper Progressive Democrats have made raising the minimum wage a priority for the new administration. And for a good reason. David Cooper says a $15 minimum wage would lift pay for tens of millions of workers and help reverse decades of growing pay inequality.

Janelle Jones Economic analyst Janelle Jones says a higher minimum wage is a crucial tool in bridging our nation’s widening income inequality gap And in the face of federal inaction, cities and states are setting up to the plate.

Jim Hightower Whip Inflation Now!

Republican politicos are all over Joe Biden for failing to stop inflation. Perhaps you wonder, though, what these squawkers would do if they were in charge?

No need to wonder – just look back to 1974, when Americans were being pummeled by price spikes that topped 12%, nearly double what we’re enduring today. But by Gollies, President Gerald Ford and his Republican contingent in Congress met the challenge head-on with a new magical program of economic uplift they called WIN – Whip Inflation Now!

Bill Press Trump's Washington and The Price Of Submission

Mark Leibovich is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller This Town. His new book, Thank You for Your Servitude, DONALD TRUMP'S WASHINGTON AND THE PRICE OF SUBMISSION is the eyewitness account of how the GOP collaborated with Donald Trump to transform Washington’s “swamp” into a gold-plated hot tub—and a onetime party of rugged individualists into a sycophantic personality cult. A long time New York Times writer, he is now at the Atlantic, in part, he says, because he can use profanity there.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The religious right’s rise to political power

We take a look back at how the religious right and the white nationalist movement took over the Republican party.

Katherine Stewart Katherine Stewart’s explores the rise of the religious right in America and its vast reach into American politics. She warns that the end result is fundamentally anti-democratic, and it is dangerously anti-science.

Damon Berry Religion professor Damon Berry says real Christians want nothing to do with the white nationalist movement, which he says is growing.

Jim Hightower The Sunshine State’s Dark Bully

How about Ron DeSantis? The Florida governor is the new darling of the right-wing media, funders, and other establishment powers who’re pushing him to be your next president.

“Ron DeSantis is the new Republican Party,” gushed one arch-conservative media maven. That’s odd, since what characterizes Ron’s tenure (and is causing a collective swoon for him within the rightist hierarchy) is his Big Government authoritarianism.

Bill Press Pope Pius XII and WW II-The Secret, Sordid History

The Pope at War: The Secret History of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler is a new explosive and controversial book by Pulitzer-Prize-winning author David Kertzer, a Professor of Social Science at Brown University. The book tells the story of Pope Pius XII and his actions during World War II, including how he responded to the Holocaust. Spoiler alert: He did not cover himself in glory.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The one thing Trump manufactured successfully… “Former Republicans”

Revisiting our interview with Author Rick WIlson on his book “Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever.”

Rick Wilson The presidency of Donald Trump has brought discord to a party known for its political discipline as critics within the GOP take aim at a President they feel is destroying their party. Among them is Rick Wilson. Never one to mince words, his book is a scathing critique of Donald Trump.

Jim Hightower Beware: The GOP Has Chosen to Embrace The Crazy

Perhaps you remember Sen. Barry Goldwater, the GOP’s fringy, far-right-wing 1964 presidential nominee who famously said, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.” Today, however, the core of the Republicans Party has gone so far beyond the fringe that they would boo Goldwater’s right-wingism as insufficiently rabid. Instead, their new rallying cry is: “Nuttiness in the defense of extremism is no vice.”

Bill Press SCOTUS: "Outrageous. Aggressive."

Bill and his guest Elizabeth Wydra runs down the major and disastrous decisions from this Supreme Court. Wydra is the Constitutional Accountability Center’s President. From 2008-2016, she served as its Chief Counsel. Throughout her tenure she has filed more than 200 briefs on behalf of the Constitutional Accountability Center and clients, which include preeminent constitutional scholars and historians, state and local government organizations, groups such as the League of Women Voters and the AARP, and members of Congress.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The legacy of Woody Guthrie

Ten years later, we revisit a show celebrating the Centennial of the birth of Woody Guthrie with interviews from Pete Seeger and former Senator Fred Harris.

Pete Seeger Our first guest today was a truly great American, perhaps the leading progressive icon of our times. In honor of the centennial of the birth of Woody Guthrie, Pete had some fun telling stories on Woody, and revealing the history of the anthem “This Land is Your Land.”

http://www.peteseegermusic.com/

http://www.woodyguthrie.org/

Fred Harris Fred Harris was a populist when he was the U.S. senator from Oklahoma. He talked with us about the legacy of Woody Guthrie and the lessons we learned from the Dust Bowl Era of American history.

Jim Hightower An Angry Public Will Overcome Arrogant Officials

Donald Trump’s criminal attempt to steal the 2020 election failed, but it’s not the only recent coup attack on our democracy. In the last few years, a cabal of right-wing zealots have plotted to seize control of the US Supreme Court. By hook and crook, they’ve installed a six-judge majority, and now they’re using them as a political cudgel to try stealing not just a constitutional right, but an inherent human right from American women – the right to make their own reproductive decisions. By judicial fiat, the right-wing judges have decreed that the state will make birth decisions, regardless of what mothers want. This is the Republican Party’s current concept of “small government.”

Bill Press The Man Who Could Primary Sen. Sinema

Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona. This is his fourth term in Congress where he focuses on national security issues and the health and welfare of veterans. He's a veteran himself having served in Iraq as an infantryman in the Marines. He is the son of Hispanic immigrants and the first in his family to attend college, in this case Harvard University.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Environmental initiatives are often smeared as being anti-labor, while unions are often painted as anti-clean energy. Neither is necessarily true—in fact, the fights for climate and economic justice are deeply intertwined.

Wallace Mazon Activist Wallace Mazon says the fight for good jobs has to go hand in hand with the fight against climate change.

Joseph B. Uehlein Joseph B. Uehlein works at the forefront of building union support for the effort to confront climate change. He says the Green New Deal has the potential to rebuild the labor movement and unite the working class.

Jim Hightower The Curse of Medical Debt

What’s the most damning thing about America’s healthcare system? The system.

While our doctors, nurses, and technicians are among the best in the world, the system itself is not even designed for care, but for the constant expansion of profits for insurance giants, drugmakers, hospital chains, system managers, financiers, and other voracious components of the medical industry. For starters, ponder that term, “medical industry.”

Bill Press The Still Dangerous Case of Donald Trump

During the hearings of the January 6th Select Committee, one question keeps coming up, “Did Donald Trump believe he had actually won the election?” “How could it be, that after being told repeatedly that no substantial fraud had occurred, he still maintained he won?”

“Is the man crazy?”

It just so happens that we looked into this very question on the Bill Press Pod back in the summer of 2020 with our series, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Protecting America’s Future.

Children are not allowed to vote, but they have the most vested interest in America’s future. Today we hear from experts about how the way complex political fights affect minors and what can be done about them.

Simon Workman Simon Workman works on policy solutions that will improve the lives of children. It’s an issue, he says, that affects all Americans and tells us how voters can make politicians accountable.

Danielle Allen Danielle Allen tells the story of her cousin, a young man who was tried as an adult at age 15 for attempted carjacking. After 13 years in prison, he was released and died violently at the age of 29. It is a story she says, about the deep and destructive “war on drugs” that has corrupted a criminal justice system that has abandoned our nation’s youth.

Jim Hightower Kartoonus Americanus Is Going Extinct!

Right before our eyes, an invaluable American species is fast disappearing from view. Kar-toon-us A-mer-i-kan-as.

These are the newspaper cartoonists who’ve long delighted readers and infuriated power elites. And there’s nothing natural about their sudden decline – it’s not the result of a declining talent pool, and certainly not due to a lack of political targets. Rather, what’s happening is that their media habitat is being intentionally destroyed.

Bill Press The J6 Committee Makes its Case.

The January 6th Select Committee hearings. We'll hear from California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who led the questioning in Monday's hearing.

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The trap of poverty wages.

According to researchers, the number of Americans living at or near the poverty line has risen sharply since the beginning of the pandemic. This week, we hear from experts about the plight of poverty-wage workers around the world and the best strategies for combatting those conditions at home.

Annelise Orleck Historian Annelise Orleck traveled the world to write a book about workers who live on poverty wages. What she found gave her a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

Elizabeth Lower-Basch Elizabeth Lower-Basch has a long history inside and outside of government figuring out the best ways to assist struggling families. She says that “work requirements” for people on public assistance is exactly not the way to help.

Jim Hightower How Can Democrats Save the Party… From Their Own Leaders?

“It’s over.” “Biden’s numbers are in the ditch.” “Democrats are doomed.” “Call the priest.”

These are Democrats talking! Even before November’s congressional elections are run, many conventional-thinking Democratic operatives are surrendering to a presumed Republican sweep. You don’t need a political science degree to know that if you start out announcing that you’ll lose, chances are you will.

Bill Press "We're in a Bad Place Right Now." With Norm Ornstein

Norman Ornstein is one of the leading experts on the Congress and an Emeritus Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author, with Thomas E. Mann of the 2012 book, It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism and with Thomas E. Mann and E.J. Dione, the author of the 2017 book, One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate, and the Not-Yet Deported.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Rebuilding our nation’s manufacturing muscle.

The supply chain is in the news lately, with most stories about it focusing on the end results for consumers. But how can government look out for the interests of American manufacturing workers in a way that protects their rights while strengthening domestic manufacturing? This week, we talk to two experts about how to achieve those goals.

John Pouland John Pouland explains a study that details how the conventional political wisdom has completely missed the biggest electoral earthquake of the last decade, specifically highlighting how both Democratic and Republican parties have discounted and misjudged their appeals to voters in manufacturing-heavy working-class towns.

Tom Conway As head of North America’s largest industrial union, Tom Conway speaks for over 800,000 workers. He says now more than ever, we need to protect working people and fight to rebuild our nation’s manufacturing muscle.

Jim Hightower Enthroning Corporate Power Over America

“Equal Justice Under Law.” That’s the noble principle carved into the marble façade of the temple-like Supreme Court building.

Today, though, six right-wing, corporate-dominated activist judges control the present Court, and they’re implementing an elitist creed mocking that ideal. By putting the interests and power of the wealthy over the rest of us.

Bill Press The Second Amendment is About Slavery

Elie Mystal returns to the Bill Press Pod with a withering takedown of the Second Amendment, Justice Alito and Supreme Court Ethics. He is The Nation Magazine’s Justice Correspondent. He's a frequent guest on MSNBC commenting on the intersection between the legal and the political. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he gave up Big Law to fight for justice.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A minimum and maximum wage.

The minimum wage often stands in for a variety of different workers-rights issues in political debates. This week we dig into how minimum wage laws can function as part of a broader social agenda—and study their direct, and incredibly intriguing opposite.

Janelle Jones Economic analyst Janelle Jones says a higher minimum wage is a crucial tool in bridging our nation’s widening income inequality gap And in the face of federal inaction, cities and states are setting up to the plate.

Sam Pizzigati Income inequality in America is now at a rate we haven’t seen in close to 100 years. In a new book, author Sam Pizzigati says it’s time to resurrect an idea once endorsed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt … a maximum wage for our nation’s highest earners.

Jim Hightower A Rube Goldberg Inflationary Spiral

Last July, several GOP senators combined their 5-watt intellects to charge that inflation was rising because of the “insane tax and spending spree of President Biden and the Democrats.”

Never mind that the “insane” spending is for such sensible, productive, and enormously popular national needs as childcare and jobless benefits, Mitch McConnell’s rabidly partisan flock saw the chance to politicize the public’s legitimate worries about rising prices.

Bill Press To Stop Gun Violence, Elect Democrats.

With the tragic massacre of children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas dominating the news, we talked to Igor Volsky of Guns Down America about what can be done, if anything, to combat gun violence and the politicians who support it. But our gun laws cannot change unless our politicians do, so Bill also talked to two sharp political reporters about the 2022 primaries: Niall Stanage, White House Columnist for The Hill and Political Analyst at News Nation AM and Maya King, Politics Reporter for the New York Times covering the South based in Georgia.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Teachers at the front line of progressive politics.

How a wave of teachers strikes in red state America is changing the political landscape. Education advocate Jeff Bryant tells us why a record number of educators are running for office, and what they want.

Eric Blanc In 2018, in some of the reddest states in our nation, teachers led a series of walkouts demanding not only better pay for themselves, but better schools for the children they teach. Writer Eric Blanc embedded himself in this unlikely and powerful rebellion for an inside view of a movement that has the potential to rebuild working class politics in America.

Jeff Bryant Jeff Bryant has written extensively about the intersection of education and politics. He says that a movement that began with teachers’ walkouts has turned into an a record number of educators running for office and fighting for the future of public schools.

Jim Hightower Save the Whales! Save Polar Bears! Save Political Cartoonists!

I never dreamed of growing up to be a political activist/ commentator, but here I am, and it’s worked out pretty well for me. I’ve been lucky enough to have a voice in public matters and eke out a modest living running my mouth as an independent populist agitator. Still, I have to confess to the sin of Job Envy. Not in the sense of being resentful, but regretful about my own inability to lift the trade of journalistic commentary to the heights attained by a small, feisty collection of unique public opinionators: Political cartoonists.

Bill Press “News for People Who Give a Damn.”

Journalist Judd Legum was a regular on the Bill Press Show for years. Today, he makes his debut on the Bill Press Pod. Legum writes a four-times per week newsletter, Popular Information, that practices Independent Accountability Journalism. He compares what people and institutions SAY to what these same people and institutions actually DO. Today we talked about the Great Replacement Theory behind the Buffalo shooting, that has been mainstreamed by Right Wing media and politicians; which corporations are contributing to Right Wing politicians while espousing Human Rights; Ron DeSantis and book banning in Florida and what the heck is going on with Elon Musk.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Homegrown extremism in America.

This week marks the ten-year anniversary of the Facebook corporation going public on Wall Street. We examine that story from two different angles: The growing income inequality in America, which has often been fueled by Silicon Valley bubbles and the financialization of our economy, and the way Big Tech has helped stoke right-wing rhetoric—and even violence.

Ron Formisano Distinguished historian Ron Formisano has written a book about plutocracy and says we are in a new “gilded age” when the state and federal governments are up for sale.

Brian Levin Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino, is one of the most trusted voices on hate and extremism in America. We discuss how the landscape of political violence has changed under the Trump administration.

Jim Hightower Why Should We the People Respect a Court That Disrespects the People?

Mitch McConnell, the perpetually sour old goose who heads the Senate Republican Caucus, had a hissy fit when the news leaked out that American women are about to have their most fundamental constitutional right taken from them by a cabal of Supreme Court judges.

What made Mitch twitch, of course, was not the bad news for women… but the leak.

Bill Press Midterm Ground Zero.

Former Progressive Caucus Co-chair Mark Pocan and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin are at the center of the 2022 midterms. Ron Johnson is up for reelection and control of the Senate may hinge on that race. There are competitive House seats that may determine control in that chamber. In Wisconsin the legislature is so gerrymandered, it is almost impossible for the Democrats to gain control. So having a Democratic governor is the one check on the extremist Wisconsin Republican Party.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

From rideshare apps to food-delivery services—to ballot measures like California’s proposition 22, which allows companies to treat their employees interchangeable and dispensable—the new economy of the gig and temporary work is proving to be a disaster for workers' rights and long-term stability. This week we talk to two experts about just what is being lost in this transformation.

David Rolf Union leader David Rolf says even Republicans can be persuaded that America will be better off with a strong middle class. But it’s the plutocrats and their hired guns standing in the way.

Louis Hyman In his book, labor historian Louis Hyman tells the story of America’s transformation to a temp economy and why he calls it the moral crisis of work in the 21st century.

Jim Hightower America needs a quality childcare system

Nearly every nation with an advanced economy (and some not so advanced) treats child care as a fundamental public good essential to nurturing children, families, and the whole society. But not our US of A.

Indeed, our so-called leaders relegate millions of working parents and 21 million kids under 5 to the tender mercies of a for-profit market, with child care facilities ranging from impossibly expensive to helter-skelter, unlicensed Kiddie Korrals.

Bill Press Midterm Madness Begins

With the midterms just seven months away, Bill talks to Kyle Kondik, Managing Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics’ nonpartisan newsletter on American campaigns and elections. They focus on the primaries coming up in the month of May in the GOP where Trump has endorsed candidates. How these primaries turn out may determine who controls the Senate in 2023. They also discuss the likelihood of the Republicans taking over the House of Representatives. And a little conversation about Biden and Trump in 2024.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

We must go further with voting rights.

With primary races soon to be in full swing, we take a closer look at some of the structural hurdles Americans face at the polls—and at just how narrowly President Biden was elected two Novembers ago.

Phil Keisling Phil Keisling used to be the secretary of state for Oregon, one of three states that allow people to vote by mail. He said the practice increases turnout, especially among younger and more diverse voters.

Amel Ahmed The passage of H.R.1 would mark a necessary advance in defense of the right to vote. But does that go far enough? Amel Ahmed says more can be done to go on the offense in the struggle over voting rights.

Jim Hightower We’re Stuck on a Monopoly Merry-Go-Round

The problem with our so-called “free market” is that it’s not free for you and me. It’s largely controlled by monopolies, which are free to inflate prices just because they can, letting gougers gleefully extract unwarranted monopoly profits from us.

This milking of consumers by tightly consolidated industries is propelling today’s surging price hikes.

Bill Press Ukraine: "A Grinding Slog."

Today's guest is Joe Cirincione, here for a monthly update on Putin's war in Ukraine. Cirincione is a Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He previously served for over 12 years as the President of the Ploughshares Fund, a foundation focused on nuclear nonproliferation and conflict resolution. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

There are two tax systems, one for the rich, and one for the rest of us.

Donald Trump is certainly a figure of unique notoriety, but his manipulation of tax law is simply one window into the way the wealthy avoid paying their fair share. This week, we look at what his case can teach us about the 1 percent more broadly—and at one solution that might make American taxation more equitable.

David Cay Johnston David Cay Johnston has spent years reporting on Donald Trump’s business practices, and on the inequities of the U.S. tax code. He says reporting from the New York Times on Trump’s taxes offers greater proof of two tax systems, separate and unequal.

Emmanuel Saez Economist Emmanuel Saez studies wealth and income inequality around the world. His book argues that the American economy isn’t working for half of the nation and makes the case for a tax system that is truly progressive.

Jim Hightower The Corporatization of Pet Care: Animal Cruelty?

For many people, the animals they adopt and love become more like family members than pets. We have deep relationships, with cats, dogs, parrots, goats, horses, and other fellow critters – who at least pretend to love us back, providing comfort and joy all around.

Sadly though, life for all of us animals is a spin around the wheel of fortune, so illness and injuries happen. That’s why one of the most valued members of every community are the staffers in our local veterinarian's office.

Bill Press "A Catastrophic Event in Food." With Amb. Cindy McCain

Cindy McCain is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture which leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. She is the widow of former Arizona senator and 2008 Republican nominee for President, John McCain. In 2020 she endorsed Joe Biden for president. She has a long history with helping people in need. From 1988 to 1995, she founded and operated a nonprofit organization, the American Voluntary Medical Team, which organized trips by medical personnel to disaster-stricken or war-torn third-world areas.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Fighting right-wing smears of progressive healthcare proposals. Republicans have been so effective at smearing so-called “government-run” healthcare as expensive and wasteful that they have obscured just how much the current, private healthcare industry gouges Americans on everything from pharmaceutical drugs to routine care. This week, we’re re-airing two interviews with experts who say healthcare can be safer and more affordable if corporations got out of our collective pockets.

Dan Zuberi If hospitals would spend a little more money paying their own employees, instead of outsourcing for the cheapest support workers, they would save money by cutting down on costly hospital infections. That’s the analysis from health professor Dan Zuberi.

Steve Knievel Steve Knievel is an advocate for Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines program, focusing on expanding affordable access to medicines. They say that to help stop Big Pharma’s price gouging in the U.S., Congress must listen to the American public, ignore the pharmaceutical industry’s high-paid lobbyists and finally pass legislation granting Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices.

Jim Hightower The Sad Whine of Supreme Court Right

Ralph Waldo Emerson told about a guest who came to dinner and spent the entire evening prattling about his own integrity: “The louder he talked of his honor,” Emerson wrote: “the faster we counted our spoons.”

Today, America has not one, but six guests in our national home babbling about their integrity. They are the six extremist Republican judges who now control our Supreme Court, and it’s a bit unsettling to hear them go on and on, almost frantically pleading with us to believe in their judicial impartiality.

Bill Press The View From Europe with NPR's Sylvia Poggioli

Sylvia Poggioli is senior European correspondent for NPR's International Desk. She covers Italy, the Vatican, Western Europe, and the Balkans. Poggioli has reported on the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, and how immigration has transformed European societies.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Cultivating the next Labor movement. Many of the policy decisions that affect workers’ lives seem arcane and abstract, and are not the hot-button news items that other issues inevitably become. Today we look at two different spheres of policy that have serious, immediate effects on the lives of American workers.

Nelson Lichtenstein Labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein explains how the current antitrust revival has the potential to prevent similar failures and advance unionization at Amazon and other giant corporations.

Dan Mauer Communications Workers of America’s Dan Mauer says trade policy under NAFTA benefits multinational corporations at the expense of American workers and calls for a new framework that puts workers’ rights first.

Jim Hightower Democrats, please Be Democrats!

I think we can now say the obvious: The Republican Party has gone bull goose bonkers. Its leaders have turned the once-proud GOP brand into an unprincipled gaggle of corporate profiteers, hatemongers, and screwball conspiracy theorists. They’re so far out that the Hubble Telescope can’t find them!

But where is my Democratic Party? Here’s a transformative opportunity to forge a solid political coalition – a multi-racial, urban-rural, farm-labor alliance based on fundamental principles and programs of fairness and opportunity for all.

Bill Press Rolling Back Rights. With CNN's Ron Brownstein

Ron Brownstein is one of the sharpest analysts of American politics. He is a Senior CNN Political Analyst and a Senior Editor for The Atlantic. He's been reporting and writing about the radical rollback of rights in Red states.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The rich have organized themselves into a powerful lobby.

The wealthiest Americans like to imagine the current economic system as a meritocracy, where their status is the inevitable result of hard work and virtue. This week, we talk to two experts about how, in fact, the rich have rigged the tax code and economic policy to secure the economic order and prevent it from ever changing.

Isaac Martin Professor Isaac Martin has studied one particular economic trend in American history and tells us about that, and the topic of his book “The Rich People’s Movements.”

Erica Payne In 2010, Erica Payne organized some of the richest Americans to demand higher taxes on millionaires like themselves. Her recent book offers an insider’s view of how the wealthy have rigged the tax code in their favor and offers a blueprint to unrig it.

Jim Hightower Supreme Thieves in Robes of “Justice”

As we know, “government ethics” can be a very slippery concept.

That’s why We The People have insisted that every public official – from congress critters to dog catchers – swear to abide by some minimum standard of proper behavior. Not that all will honor it, but a code of ethics provides a measure of legal action against those who are grabbers and grifters.

Bill Press "The Constitution is Trash." with Elie Mystal

Elie Mystal is The Nation Magazine’s Justice Correspondent. He's a frequent guest on MSNBC commenting on the intersection between the legal and the political. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he gave up Big Law to fight for justice.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The myths—and dangers—of austerity politics Republicans often tout simple spending cuts as markers of economic responsibility. But that sort of superficial belt-tightening often proves to be far more reckless in the long run. This week, we revisit interviews with two economists about the myths—and dangers—of austerity politics.

Mark Blyth Mark Blyth is a professor of international economy at Brown University, and he succinctly explains what’s wrong with austerity as a cure for an ailing economy: “Tighter belts,” he says, “only work if we all wear the same pants.”

Simon Johnson Economist Simon Johnson warns that irresponsible austerity methods proposed by Republicans could throw the world into a financial catastrophe. And, he says, it would be the private sector that really suffers.

Jim Hightower What’s Up with This Crazy Trucker Protest?

The recent traffic-clogging protests by truck drivers in the US and Canada are about drivers being angry over COVID-19 vaccine mandates – right?

Uh… no. That’s the line being put out by right-wing extremists trying to use the legitimate gripes of truckers for their own political gain. The extremists are nuts… not the truckers.

Bill Press What's Next for Putin's War

Twenty-six days into Putin's War in Ukraine, can anything be done to stop the carnage and stop Putin? What are the likely next steps, diplomatically and militarily? What are the risks of a wider war, of a nuclear war? To provide some context, Bill has arranged to talk again with the two experts on foreign affairs who gave us their first assessment of the situation in Ukraine three weeks ago. A lot has changed. . Steven Pifer was our Ambassador to Ukraine in the last two years of the Clinton Administration and was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State with responsibilities for Russia and Ukraine in the first four years of the George W. Bush Administration. He is currently a Fellow at Stanford University and the Brookings Institution. Joining him is Joe Cirincione, a Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He previously served for over 12 years as the President of the Ploughshares Fund, a foundation focused on nuclear nonproliferation and conflict resolution. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Building state-level progressivism.

In continuing our effort to examine power at the state and local level, we look at two case studies: The state senates in Colorado and Kansas, and how progressive agendas were devised and executed in each.

Jessie Ulibarri Former Colorado state senator Jessie Ulibarri talks about building progressive power in statehouses.

Anthony Hensley Then-Kansas state senate minority leader Anthony Hensley tells us about a bipartisan effort to roll back a statewide tax cut from five years prior.

Jim Hightower Now, Robots are Coming for White-Collar Jobs

In CorporateSpeak, there are no “job cuts.” Instead, firings are blandly referred to as “employment adjustments.”

Now, though, corporate wordsmiths will need a whole new thesaurus of euphemisms, for masses of job cuts are coming for employees in the higher echelons of the corporate structure. Don’t look now, but an unanticipated result of the ongoing pandemic is that it has given cover for CEOs to speed up the adoption of highly-advanced RPAs (Robotic Process Automation) to replace employees once assumed to be immune from displacement.

John Bolton Why Did Putin Wait?

John Bolton had unimpeachable Republican and Conservative credentials. Until he went to work for Donald Trump as his National Security Advisor. It did not go well as he detailed in his book, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir. Bolton and Bill discuss the current situation in Ukraine and Trump's attitudes toward Russia, Ukraine and Vladimir Putin.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Fighting back against the Plutocrats.

With Russia in the news lately, a lot has been said about the power wielded by that country’s plutocrats. This week, we look back at the overwhelming influence a few wealthy billionaires have over the American government—and at the ways Americans are ready to fight back.

Sheila Simon Former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Sheila Simon explains how her state was taken over by a Republican governor operating not on ideology but on helping his business buddies make more money.

Stanley Greenberg Progressive Democrats are not only fighting to get Donald Trump out of the White House, but for a new alignment of politics in America that will realize a progressive agenda on everything from jobs and immigration to health care and the climate.

Jim Hightower Is Your Job in the Robot Kill Path?

Hunters have come up with euphemisms to make what they do sound… well, less unpleasant. For example, animals aren’t killed, they’re “harvested.”

Corporate America is now adopting this verbal ploy, for CEOs urgently need to soften the image of their constant hunt for ways to kill jobs. Their urgency is that they’re now pushing a huge new surge in cuts – this time targeting college-educated, white-collar professionals.

Barbara McQuade The Case Against Trump. with fmr US Attorney Barbara McQuade

Can Congress file charges against Trump? Will the Justice Department file charges against Trump? Can a former president even be charged with a crime or even if true, can Trump still just get away with it? To get the answers, Bill talks to Barbara McQuade, an NBC News and MSNBC legal analyst. She is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School and a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A look back at Republican tactics.

While Donald Trump dominated the news for much of the last half-decade, Republicans have been tinkering with messaging that obscures just how hostile they are to most Americans’ wants and needs. Today we look back at two instances of this: their attempts to cast theirs as the party of economic equality, and their willingness to use racial and cultural wars and wedge issues to divide the working class.

Tom Geoghegan Labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan thinks Republican “faux populism” is a good sign for Democrats … because we own the issue.

Daniel McGraw Donald Trump’s anti-Hispanic rhetoric may make no difference. Why? Because the Latino vote is mostly set in states other than Florida and possibly Colorado, says voting analyst Daniel McGraw.

Jim Hightower A Rube Goldberg Inflationary Spiral

Last July, several GOP senators combined their 5-watt intellects to charge that inflation was rising because of the “insane tax and spending spree of President Biden and the Democrats.”

Never mind that the “insane” spending is for such sensible, productive, and enormously popular national needs as childcare and jobless benefits, Mitch McConnell’s rabidly partisan flock saw the chance to politicize the public’s legitimate worries about rising prices.

Jamie Raskin Bill's Take on Biden's State of the Union

Although Biden is not known as a great orator, he gave a great speech Tuesday night.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The threat of Republican gerrymandering on the 2022 Midterms.

David Daley With Texas starting their vote process for the 2022 Midterms this week, with one of the most devastatingly gerrymandered maps in the country, we take a look back to how we got here. David Daley is one of the nation's leading authorities on partisan gerrymandering. And he says if Democrats don’t do more to stop it, Republicans will have the power to shape elections for years to come.

Jim Hightower A Phoenix is Rising

Our local newspapers are being merged, purged, shrunk, shut down, and looted by Wall Street profiteers – yet there’s good news. In the towns those media vultures are torching, a phoenix is rising!

Hundreds of determined locals, often led by people of color, are finding new ways to pay for and revive top-quality, local journalism. For example, the Ferndale (CA) Enterprise moved to an old Victorian home, renting upstairs rooms to vacationers to subsidize the paper.

Jamie Raskin "This Was a Coup."

Congressman Jamie Raskin was inside the Capitol, with family, on January 6th. On January 5th he had buried his 25-year-old beloved son who had killed himself to escape a crippling depression. On January 12th, Raskin was named Lead Impeachment Manager for the second Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump. That eventful January is the subject of his New York Times Bestseller, Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy. In his interview with Bill, he shares his thoughts and emotions about the death of his son, the coup and the inside story of the Impeachment Trial. Plus he hints at just what the January 6th Committee knows about the Trump-organized coup attempt.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The legacy of Jimmy Carter

James Fallows Jimmy Carter was an “outsider” who won the Democratic presidential nomination 40 years ago. His former speechwriter, James Fallows, says that an outsider can win the White House if the public feels there is a crisis – but then it becomes very hard to actually govern. He also says that he should be remembered for many things, not the least of which is deregulation, which paved the way for, among other things, microbreweries!

Jim Hightower Who was Smedley Darlington Butler, and why is he important?

Many Americans can’t believe that political coups are part of our country’s history – but consider the Wall Street Putsch of 1933.

Ever heard of it? It was a corporate conspiracy to oust Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had just been elected president. With the Great Depression raging and millions of families financially devastated, FDR had launched several economic recovery programs to help people get back on their feet.

Jack Jenkins Christian Nationalism Linked to The Insurrection.

According to a new and comprehensive investigation, Christian Nationalism was used to "bolster, justify and intensify the January 6 attack on the Capitol." Bill talks to Jack Jenkins, one of the top reporters covering the religion and politics beat. They explain just what Christian Nationalism is, how it was an integral part of the January 6th events and how it is driving GOP politicians.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A powerful history of workers’ strikes in America. How unions will shape the future of democracy. Eric Loomis Historian Eric Loomis says if we truly want to understand the history of labor movements in the United States, look to the moments when workers went on strike. Loomis reminds us of the powerful change that can happen when workers are willing to fight.

Jim Hightower Corporate Sponsors Win Olympic Gold in “Downhill Ethical Backflip”

In this year’s Beijing Olympics, the top team performance has been Corporate America’s breathtaking “Double-twist Ethical Backflip.”

This group of corporate giants loudly tout their code of ethics, pledging to stand against repressive regimes that abuse human rights. But here came the Olympics, posing a direct test… and they flopped!

Sarah Longwell Defending Democracy with Republican Sarah Longwell

Sarah Longwell is a veteran Republican Political Strategist who is at the center of key never-Trump organizations. She heads Defending Democracy Together, The Republican Accountability Project, and is Publisher of The Bulwark. And is very outspoken about the GOP today.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Congress took a step forward on healthcare costs, but there is much more left to do. Steve Knievel on his 3 pillars to improve our healthcare system.

Steve Knievel Steve Knievel is an advocate for Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines program, focusing on expanding affordable access to medicines. They say that to help stop Big Pharma’s price gouging in the U.S., Congress must listen to the American public, ignore the pharmaceutical industry’s high-paid lobbyists and finally pass legislation granting Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices.

Jim Hightower How to get Congress to reform our broken healthcare system

For $3.5 Trillion a year, shouldn’t we Americans have a world-class healthcare system? Yet, while we spend the most of any advanced nation in the world to get care (more than $10,000 a year per person), we get the worst results.

No surprise then, that the “Medicare-for-All” idea is now backed by 85 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of Independents, and (get this) 52 percent of Republicans! So… why isn’t Congress responding to this overwhelming public demand for universal coverage?

Elizabeth Wydra The Dangerous Supreme Court

Lot's of well-deserved focus on Justice Breyer's retirement and the certainty of a Black female nominee from Biden. But it will not change the hard-right Court. The upcoming decisions on Roe v Wade, Affirmative Action, and the power of the Federal Government to regulate health and safety are all under attack and likely to change America for the worse.

Elizabeth Wydra is the President of the Constitutional Accountability Center, a non-partisan progressive organization. It seeks to get the public and judges to understand the Constitution, in its most vital respects, is a progressive document.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Congress must fix or nix the filibuster.

Charly Carter takes us through the racist origins of the filibuster, and how we must deal with it going forward.

Charly Carter Charly Carter is Executive Director of The Democracy Initiative. She tells us how the Republicans have used it as a tool for preventing progress on important issues like voting rights and caused gridlock that put our nation’s credit rating in peril. She gives common-sense solutions for how the filibuster can be changed.

Jim Hightower Should Democrats be the party of small change?

We might expect that corporate billionaires and Koch-funded Republican right-wingers would be howl-at-the-moon opponents of a wealth tax, Medicare-for-All, and other big, progressive ideas to help improve the circumstances of America’s workaday majority. But… Democrats?

Unfortunately, yes. Not grassroots Dems, but a gaggle of don’t-rock-the-corporate-boat, Fraidy-cat Democrats. These naysayers are the Party’s old-line pols, lobbyists, and other insider elites who’re now screeching that Democratic candidates must back off those big proposals.

Jonathan Alter "I'm Scared. I'm Scared."

Jonathan Alter is an MSNBC Political Analyst, journalist and Presidential Historian. He's written books about FDR, Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. He is very worried about the future of American Democracy. He writes on Substack at OldGoats.substack.com.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

How labor and climate activism must work together. Joe Uehlein is the Founding President of the Labor Network for Sustainability. He tells us about why we need a “Just Transition” for labor and the climate crisis.

Joe Uehlein The Labor Network for Sustainability is fighting for a sustainable future for the earth and its people. Joe Uehlein tells us why Democrats must “Go Big, Go Wide, and Go Far” for labor to adapt to the changing economy that climate change is creating.

Jim Hightower What’s the charitable thing to do about inequality?

Our society has coined expressions like “philanthropist” to encourage and hail people’s charitable spirit.

Look on the flip side of that shiny coin of generosity, however, and you’ll find that its base substance is societal selfishness. After all, the need for charity only exists because we’re tolerating intentional injustices and widespread inequality created by power elites.

Ben Wikler On The Ground in the Fight for Democracy

Control of the Senate in 2022 and the White House in 2024 goes through Wisconsin. Very MAGA Senator Ron Johnson is, by most polling, the most vulnerable incumbent Senator in either party. The Democratic Governor Tony Evers is the firewall against the GOP-controlled state Legislature and is up for re-election in 2022. If he loses, the firewall burns down and voter suppression and election subversion will come to this battleground state that Biden won by only 20,600 votes. Ben Wikler is Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and he tells Bill what it's like on the ground in the fight to preserve democracy.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Why do we need a billionaire’s tax?

Frank Clemente is Executive Director at Americans For Tax Fairness.

Frank Clemente A Billionaire’s Tax could fund many policy objectives, including universal preschool, paid family leave, expanded Medicare services, making increased child tax credits permanent, and new policies to address climate change.

Jim Hightower Alert: Kartoonus Americanus Is Going Extinct!

Right before our eyes, an invaluable American species is fast disappearing from view. Kar-toon-us A-mer-i-kan-as.

These are the newspaper cartoonists who’ve long delighted readers and infuriated power elites. And there’s nothing natural about their sudden decline – it’s not the result of a declining talent pool, and certainly not due to a lack of political targets. Rather, what’s happening is that their media habitat is being intentionally destroyed.

Michael Steele A Deep Rot Inside the GOP Leadership.

Michael Steele was the Republican Lt. Governor of Maryland and the Chairman of The Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011. He is an MSNBC commentator and an advisor to the never-Trump Lincoln Project. He's not even sure "saving" the Republican Party is a good idea.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A nation in a deep economic and moral crisis.

Celine-Marie Pascale is a professor of sociology at American University in Washington, D.C., and author of Living on the Edge: When Hard Times Become a Way of Life.

Celine-Marie Pascale Celine-Marie Pascale traveled the country to talk with people who are experiencing economic hardship. Her book Living on the Edge is about more than individual experiences. It’s about a nation in a deep economic and moral crisis.

Jim Hightower How Corporate Greed is Causing Tornado Deaths

Corporate America has proudly elevated good moral values to a special place. That place is the trash can.

Indeed, free market gurus assert that the only ethical obligation a corporation has to society is to deliver as much profit as possible to its big investors – everybody else be damned.

Robert Costa A Nation in "Peril."

The transition from Trump to Biden was one of the most dangerous periods in American history. "Peril" tells that story. The book's co-author (with Bob Woodward) is Robert Costa, a national political reporter at The Washington Post, where he has worked since 2014. He previously served as moderator and managing editor of Washington Week on PBS and as a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A historic fight against privatized public services. Moving toward a racial justice agenda. How the rich rig the tax code and the millionaires who want it to stop.

Dennis Kucinich In his new memoir, Dennis Kucinich writes about how he took on powerful interests to save a public utility. That happened over forty years ago, but the story still carries critical relevance today.

Ben Jealous Ben Jealous welcomes efforts at the federal level to rein in abusive policing but says they won't go far enough unless they are matched by transformative reform at the local level.

Erica Payne In 2010, Erica Payne organized some of the richest Americans to demand higher taxes on millionaires like themselves. Her new book offers an insider’s view of how the wealthy have rigged the tax code in their favor and offers a blueprint to unrig it.

The best interviews of 2021 - Part 1

This week we discuss Voting rights with Amel Ahmed and David Daley. And Greg Sargent discusses how President Biden is reaching out to rural America with his policy agenda.

Amel Ahmed The passage of H.R.1 would mark a necessary advance in defense of the right to vote. But does that go far enough? Amel Ahmed says more can be done to go on the offense in the struggle over voting rights.

David Daley In his newest book, David Daley tells important stories about activists who are winning crucial battles for voting rights. And as they do, Daley says Republicans continue to rig the rules in their favor and put democracy at risk.

Greg Sargent President Biden’s Covid policy includes a significant focus on rural America. Greg Sargent says it’s an excellent example of how Biden’s policy agenda can unify a divided America.

Rethinking the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market.

Why the old narratives about immigration need to be changed.

Ruth Milkman Ruth Milkman is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the CUNY Graduate Center and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. She is the co-editor, with Deepak Bhargava and Penny Lewis, of Immigration Matters: Movements, Visions, and Strategies for a Progressive Future.

Jim Hightower Special gifts for special people

Ho-Ho-Ho, wait till you hear about the gifts I gave to some of America’s power elites for Christmas.

To each of our Congress critters, I sent my fondest wish that from now on they receive the exact same income, health care, and pensions that we average citizens get.

Jonathan Karl Trump's "Betrayal" of America

Bill Press says Jonathan Karl’s new book Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, is the best book on the final year of the Trump Presidency. Karl was the Chief White House correspondent for ABC News through the end of the Trump administration. He is now the ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

A call to rebuild union power.

Hamilton Nolan on why the recent strive wave demands stronger unions.

Hamilton Nolan Labor reporter Hamilton Nolan says the recent wave of workers on strike is politically inspiring. But if it is to turn into real change, we must rediscover the power of unions.

Jim Hightower The Plasticization of Planet Earth

What do your toothbrush and your running shoes have in common?

Plastic. We now live on Planet Plastic, billions of tons of waste from everyday products made of these chemical contaminants are strewn literally everywhere – on the highest mountaintops, into the deepest seabeds, in dense tropical jungles, and all across barren deserts.

Brian Beutler America Under Attack. From Inside.

This latest attack on America is a nonviolent coup. It's taking place across the country. It's led by Donald Trump himself. It's being carried out by his loyal followers. How can Democrats fight back? A discussion with Brian Beutler, Editor-in-chief of Crooked Media, a company formed by Obama alumni and home of the great podcast, Pod Save America.

If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Why now is the time to expand the Supreme Court. And Bill Press with a report card on the nation’s economy.

Sarah Lipton-Lubet on how to break the conservative stranglehold on the Supreme Court. Plus Bill Press with former Amalgamated Bank CEO Keith Mestrich on the direction of our economic recovery.

Sarah Lipton Lubet With a conservative 6-to-3 majority, the Supreme Court in its current composition has already shown what they are willing to sacrifice to a political agenda. Sarah Lipton Lubet advocates for restoring balance and integrity to the Court, and she says expanding the court is the way to do that.

Jim Hightower “Team Greed” plays big-time sports!

‘Tis the season, right? Traditionally, this time of year celebrates spirituality and festivities – including Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

In modern-day America, however, the Winter Solstice signals the faithful to gather from afar in monumental temples to worship our nation’s supreme secular deity: Big Time Sports!

Keith Mestrich Bill Press talks with former Amalgamated Bank CEO Keith Mestrich on why he still believes the economy in on track to a full recovery. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

The private takeover of public resources, and how to fight back. Plus Bill Press on the censuring of Paul Gosar.

Donald Cohen on his new book The Privatization of Everything. Plus Bill Press with highlights of the House floor debate over the censuring of Paul Gosar after he posted an animated video depicting him killing fellow lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Donald Cohen In his newest book, co-author Donald Cohen explores what happens when necessary public services are privatized. He makes a powerful case for returning public goods to public control rather than allowing them to enrich the few.

Bill Press Bill Press with highlights of the floor debate leading up to the vote to censure Representative Paul Gosar and remove him from his committee assignments. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What’s the “Quits Rate?” And Why Is It Skyrocketing?

Corporate bosses across America have been sputtering in outrage at you working stiffs this summer, spewing expletives about the fact that while the US economy has been coming back… you haven’t!

“Labor shortage,” they squeal, lazily accusing the workforce of mass laziness. They charge insultingly that millions of workers got used to laying around during the pandemic.

Building infrastructure that is just and sustainable. Bill Press on flight attendants facing airline violence.

Kevin DeGood on the impact infrastructure projects can have on the goals of opportunity, equity, and sustainability. Plus Bill Press with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants.

Kevin DeGood Kevin DeGood says the recently passed infrastructure bill is a powerful investment in jobs for American workers. But the work is not over. It’s now up to us to make sure those investments advance inclusive economic growth and national climate goals.

Sara Nelson Bill Press talks with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Making Work Work for Workers

As a writer, I get stuck every so often straining for the right words to tell my story. Over the years, though, I’ve learned when to quit tying myself into mental knots over sentence construction, instead of stepping back and rethinking where my story is going.

This process is essentially what millions of American working families are going through this year as record numbers of them are shocking bosses, politicians, and economists by stepping back and declaring: “We quit!”

Why workers rights’ is an issue for all of us. And Bill Press on what it took to finally pass an infrastructure bill

Terri Gerstein on how better conditions for workers can make life better for all of us. Plus Bill Press with Representative Don Beyer (D VA) on what’s actually in the recently passed infrastructure bill.

Terri Gerstein The pandemic is advancing our understanding that when workers are subjected to poor working conditions, we are all less safe.

Terri Gerstein says a broad based investment in workers’ rights is an investment in our collective well being and security.

Don Beyer Bill Press talks with Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) about the recently passed infrastructure bill. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why Did the Democrat Lose Virginia’s Gubernatorial Race?

Here they come again – That gaggle of Washington politicos and pundits who keep assailing Joe Biden’s package of FDRish proposals that, at long last, would begin lifting up America’s infrastructure and working class.

“Too big,” screech these small thinkers and servants of the plutocratic order, “too costly, and … well, too democratic.” You would expect such adamant minginess from anti-everything Republicans – but these are Democrats!

Protecting Remote Workers. Rethinking the Alamo. And Bill Press on the crisis at the NRA.

Stephen Hill on labor standards in the remote working world. Jason Stanford on the myths and realities of the Texas origin story. Plus Bill Press with Tim Mak on his new book Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA

Stephen Hill The pandemic is transforming the way we work. Stephen Hill says the shift to remote work can come at a cost to workers unless new protections are put in place.

Jason Stanford Almost 200 years after the battle of the Alamo, a new book aims to correct the historical record. Co-author Jason Stanford explains how the myth of the Alamo continues to be used to advance political agendas and encourage racism.

Tim Mak Bill Press talks Tim Mak, Washington investigative correspondent for NPR and author of Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Repair Your Own Products? Corporations Say No!

America’s economic and political inequality has led workaday Americans to exclaim: “The system is broken. Let’s fix it!”

But there’s another version of this protest that I’m hearing more frequently these days: “The system is fixed. Let’s break it!”

How Republicans undermine government to help themselves. Fighting for progressive power at the state level. And Bill Press with California Congressman Adam Schiff on why no one should be above the law when it comes to January 6.

Amy Fried, author of At War With Government: How Conservatives Weaponized Distrust from Goldwater to Trump. Gaby Goldstein on why building a progressive future begins with state legislatures. Bill Press with Adam Schiff on his new book "Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could."

Amy Fried Polling shows that Americans’ trust in government sits near a historic low. In her newest book, Amy Fried reveals that this is no accident, but rather a conservative political strategy that

goes back decades.

Gaby Goldstein Republicans have made the control of state legislatures a priority, and it’s working. Gaby Goldstein says it’s time for Democrats to catch up, and that’s why she co-founded a project to help them do just that.

Adam Schiff Bill Press talks with Congressman Adam Schiff on why we can’t ignore the crimes that happened on January 6. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The Republican Supremes Are Defrocking Themselves

What is so supreme about the Supreme Court?

I mean besides being housed in an imposing marble building, being the final stop on America’s judicial train, and having its nine members look photogenically authoritarian in those full-body black robes. And, yes, its existence is written into the Constitution – but so is Congress, and no one thinks of it as anything supreme.

How redistricting reform is being co-opted. Why Democrats need to rethink their campaign ground game. And Bill Press on Republican support for Democratic candidates.

David Daley on how independent redistricting commissions are being undermined by partisan pressures. Peter Fenn on why Democratic campaigning needs to move out of the past. Plus Bill Press with former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman on when it makes sense for Republican voters to back Democrats.

David Daley Discussions on gerrymandering often call for the creation of independent redistricting commissions to draw electoral maps and keep partisan politics out of the process. But as national gerrymandering expert David Daley explains, true independence is proving harder to achieve than expected.

Peter Fenn Peter Fenn has been helping Democrats win elections for decades. In a recent oped, he makes the case that changes in the media landscape demand a shift in focus from paid advertising to hardcore political organizing.

Christine Todd Whitman Bill Press talks with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman about why she believes electing moderate Democrats could be critical to saving the Republican Party, and democracy itself. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Working From Home – While Your Boss Watches You on Video

If you’re a corporate employee, you know that something unpleasant is afoot when top executives are suddenly issuing statements about how committed they are to their employees, making sure that all of them are treated with dignity and respect.

Why we should rethink voting rights. An alternative history of the Constitution. Plus Bill Press on what’s in store in the newest Supreme Court term.

Elections expert Amel Ahmed makes the case for voting as a positive right. Author John F. Kowal on how people have made our Constitution more democratic. Plus Bill Press with NBC News Justice Correspondent Pete Williams.

Amel Ahmed The passage of H.R.1 would mark a necessary advance in defense of the right to vote. But does that go far enough? Amel Ahmed says more can be done to go on the offense in the struggle over voting rights.

John F. Kowal In his new book, co-author John F. Kowal tells the story of how 200 years of constitutional amendments have made our founding document more inclusive and more democratic. It’s a history, he says, with great relevance for today.

Pete Williams Bill Press talks with Pete Williams of NBC News on what to expect as the Supreme Court opens its momentous new term. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why Would We Let Wall Street “Care For” Our Pets?

Question: What does a packet of M&M’s and your local veterinarian have in common? Answer: Both are owned by Mars Inc., the global candy monopolist.

Since the 1980s, we’ve seen massive consolidations in industry after industry – from airlines to newspapers, the internet to candy. These monopolists run roughshod over consumers, workers, communities, suppliers, and our nation’s commitment to the Common Good.

Factory towns as political battlegrounds. Growing Black women’s political power. Plus Bill Press on the meaning of “patriotic philanthropy”.

John Pouland on a new report showing big losses for Democrats in factory towns, and why that matters. Glynda Carr on how to get more Black women elected to office. Plus Bill Press with billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein on what it means to give back to our nation.

John Pouland John Pouland explains a study that details how the conventional political wisdom has completely missed the biggest electoral earthquake of the last decade, specifically highlighting how both Democratic and Republican parties have discounted and misjudged their appeals to voters in manufacturing-heavy working-class towns.

Glynda Carr A record number of Black women ran for Congress in 2020. Political strategist Glynda Carr says that record could be broken again in 2022. And if Black women win, she says we all stand to gain.

David Rubenstein Bill Press talks with billionaire David Rubenstein on the limits and possibilities of philanthropy. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower America needs a quality child care system

Nearly every nation with an advanced economy (and some not so advanced) treats child care as a fundamental public good essential to nurturing children, families, and the whole society. But not our US of A.

Indeed, our so-called leaders relegate millions of working parents and 21 million kids under 5 to the tender mercies of a for-profit market, with child care facilities ranging from impossibly expensive to helter-skelter, unlicensed Kiddie Korrals.

Farmers on the front lines of climate change. A Wyoming view on 2022. Plus, Bill Press on the very real threat of election subversion.

Former secretary of agriculture Dan Glickman makes an urgent call for climate smart agriculture. Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Joe Barbuto lays out a plan to prevail in the midterms. And election law expert Rick Hasan tells Bill Press why “election subversion" is the greater threat to American Democracy than voter suppression.

Dan Glickman There’s a growing acknowledgment that even as agriculture feels some of the worst impacts of climate change, it also contributes to the crisis. Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman says farmers can be part of the solution and public policy can help them do that.

Joe Barbuto Democrats face daunting odds in Wyoming. But, with a midterm election on the horizon, Joe Barbuto says Democrats can beat those odds… with the right strategy.

Rick Hasan Coming up, Bill Press talks with national election law expert Rick Hasan on the mounting threat Republicans pose to election integrity. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why Corporations Pay Millions for Executive Mediocrity

Most people believe the American economy is being rigged by and for bankers, CEOs, and other superrich elites, because… well, because it is!

With their hired armies of lawmakers, lobbyists, lawyers, and the like, they fix the economic rules so even-more of society’s money and power flows uphill to them. Take corporate CEOs. While 2020 was somewhere between a downer and devastating for most people, the CEO class made out like bandits, with each of the three top-paid corporate honchos pocketing as much as a billion dollars in personal pay!

Budget reconciliation and the future of health care. The Black women who fought to vote. Plus, Bill Press on why the Justice Department should begin a criminal investigation of Donald Trump.

Frederick Isasi of Families USA on why now is the time for Congress to take a stand on lowering health care costs. Historian Martha S. Jones on her new book Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All. Plus Bill Press with legal analyst Barbara McQuade on holding Donald Trump responsible for his actions leading up to January 6.

Frederick Isasi As Democrats' reconciliation bill makes its way through Congress, health advocates will be closely watching. Frederick Isasi says this is an opportunity to make a critical and necessary investment in the health of every American.

Martha S. Jones In her newest book, acclaimed historian Martha S. Jones writes about the Black women who fought for the vote, even after the 19th Amendment was passed. It’s a little-known history but one that is essential to understanding the evolution of democracy in America.

Barbara McQuade Coming up, Bill Press talks with former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade on why a failure to open a criminal investigation into Trump’s role in the January insurrection would undermine democracy. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com

Jim Hightower Let’s Create a Bank System That Serves People, Instead of Bankers

Corporate ideologues never cease blathering that government programs should be run like a business.

Really – what businesses would they choose? Pharmaceutical profiteers? Big Oil? Wall Street money manipulators? High tech billionaires? Airline price gougers?

The populist message progressive voters need to hear. And Bill Press on holding Donald Trump accountable for his role in the January 6 insurrection.

This week, pollster Vic Fingerhut on how progressive populism can win elections. Plus, Bill Press with a timeline of events leading up to January 6, and how they implicate Trump in the effort to overturn an election.

Vic Fingerhut Vic Fingerhut has established an unmatched record of moving millions of votes to the progressive side of the political spectrum. Recently he lent his expertise to Canada’s New Democratic Party as they face a pivotal election.

Ryan Goodman Bill Press with the first of his three-part series, “Our Democracy in Peril”, with Ryan Goodman, founding co-editor-in-chief of Just Security. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How About an Award for Sleaziest Corporate Profiteering?

We’ve got the Academy Awards, the Emmy’s, and GRAMMYs… but what should we call the award for the most extraordinary performance by a corporate profiteer? How about the “Sleazy,” with winners getting a solid gold sculpture of a middle finger? There were so many worthy contenders, but one corporation exhibited uncommon callousness, so the 2021 Sleazy goes to … Tyson Foods!

The meatpacking giant has regularly run roughshod over workers, farmers, communities, and the environment – not to mention the millions of animals it fattens and slaughters. But the coronavirus pulled out the worst in Tyson’s corporate ethic.

Who does our essential ‘dirty work’, and at what price? Why prison gerrymandering has to end. Plus, Bill Press on why California Governor Gavin Newsom is likely to survive the effort to recall him.

Eyal Press, author of Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America. Alec Kajstura on how the prison system distorts legislative redistricting. Plus, Bill Press looks ahead to California’s recall election with Carla Marinucci, Senior Writer for POLITICO’s California Playbook.

Eyal Press In his new book, Eyal Press talks about the overlooked jobs that are dangerous or morally compromising, but essential to our lives. He says it’s time to come to terms with the consequences of this work

we pay other people to do.

Alecs Kajstura As states begin the process of redistricting, our attention is drawn to the debate over where prisoners are counted as residents. Alecs Kajstura explains how making the wrong decision can undermine democracy for all of us.

Carla Marinucci Bill Press talks with Carla Marinucci, Senior Writer for POLITICO’s California Playbook about California’s gubernatorial recall election and the issue that will decide its outcome. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Hey Washington: Follow The People

“Those in the know,” say that We the People should forget any progressive fantasy that – at long last – Washington might finally produce the kind of bold FDR-style agenda that America needs. They smugly lecture us that recalcitrant Republicans in Congress, not to mention a swarm of corporate lobbyists, are opposed to progressive change, so who could get it passed?

Here’s an idea: Try the people themselves. Those in the know don’t seem to know it (or don’t want us to know it), but big majorities across grassroots America are strongly in favor of the fundamental changes that Washington elites are rejecting.

How Biden’s plan for economic recovery could lead to more affordable health care for all Americans. Why humor matters in politics. Plus, Bill Press on what happens when science mixes with politics.

Health care advocate Laura Packard on why it's time to build American health care back better. Former secretary of agriculture Dan Glickman on his new book Laughing at Myself. Plus, Bill Press with Philip Bump, National Correspondent for the Washington Post, on pandemic politics.

Laura Packard President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda includes critical provisions that would expand and improve health care. If the bill passes, health care activist Laura Packard says it will be a game-changer.

Dan Glickman In his new autobiography, Dan Glickman describes a long and successful career in public service that took him from the heartland of America to the halls of power in Washington, DC. He says that critical to his success has been a willingness to laugh at himself, work across the aisle, and compromise.

Philip Bump Bill Press talks with Philip Bump, on how Donald Trump stoked the pandemic response into a Republican partisan issue. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Where’s the “Dignity of Work” When Work Kills Workers?

Corporate acolytes and right-wing moralists constantly preach to laboring stiffs about the uplifting dignity of work.

Of course, that’s “dignity” as defined and controlled by corporate elites, not by workers, and the reward for it frequently includes on-the-job injuries… and death. Not that CEOs and well-heeled investors intend to sicken, maim, and kill thousands of laborers every year – but they certainly do put them in positions that assure such unhappy results.

A powerful history of workers’ strikes in America. How unions will shape the future of democracy. Plus Bill Press on the staying power of Trump with the GOP.

Historian Erik Loomis on his book A History of America in Ten Strikes. Author and organizer Jane McAlevey on her book, A Collective Bargain:Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy. Plus, Bill Press with never Trump conservative Bill Kristol.

Eric Loomis Historian Eric Loomis says if we truly want to understand the history of labor movements in the United States, look to the moments when workers went on strike. In this encore interview from 2018, Loomis reminds us of the powerful change that can happen when workers are willing to fight.

Jane McAlevey In her most recent book, Jane McAlevey makes the case that unions are a key institution capable of taking effective action to reset power and politics in America, and clear a path to progressive change.

Bill Kristol Bill Press with journalist and author Bill Kristol on what it will take for Republicans to break free from Donald Trump. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Making Work Work for Workers

As a writer, I get stuck every so often straining for the right words to tell my story. Over the years, though, I’ve learned when to quit tying myself into mental knots over sentence construction, instead stepping back and rethinking where my story is going.

This process is essentially what millions of American working families are going through this year as record numbers of them are shocking bosses, politicians, and economists by stepping back and declaring: “We quit!”

How the rich rig the tax code and the millionaires who want it to stop. How the battle for marriage equality was won. Plus Bill Press on how to confront a "code red" for our planet.

Erica Payne on her new book Tax the Rich!: How Lies, Loopholes, and Lobbyists Make the Rich Even Richer. Sasha Issenberg on his new book The Engagement: America's Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage. Plus Bill Press with Jaime Williams, President of the Wilderness Society on what has to happen to avert climate catastrophe.

Erica Payne In 2010, Erica Payne organized some of the richest Americans to demand higher taxes on millionaires like themselves. Her new book offers an insider’s view of how the wealthy have rigged the tax code in their favor and offers a blueprint to unrig it.

Sasha Issenberg In his newest book, Sasha Issenberg chronicles the 25 years that led up to marriage equality. It tells the story of how same-sex marriage went from fringe to mainstream and explores what can be learned for ongoing civil rights movements.

Jaime Williams Bill Press with Jaime Williams, President of the Wilderness Society on key takeaways from the latest UN Report on climate change and why it is an urgent call to action. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Working From Home – While Your Boss Watches You on Video

If you’re a corporate employee, you know that something unpleasant is afoot when top executives are suddenly issuing statements about how committed they are to their employees, making sure that all of them are treated with dignity and respect.

For example, the PR chief of a global outfit named Teleperformance, one of the world’s largest call centers, was recently going on and on about how “We value our people and their well-being, safety, and happiness.” Why did the corporation feel such a desperate need to proclaim its virtue?

The looming threat of Republican gerrymandering. Why America needs a Tech New Deal. Plus Bill Press with a harrowing look at Trump's final year.

David Daley on why time is running out to stop Republican gerrymandering. Nicol Turner Lee on what it will take to deliver digital equity in a post-pandemic world. Plus Bill Press with Carol Leonnig and Phil Rucker on their new book I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year.

David Daley The once-a-decade process of redistricting has begun, and the stakes could hardly be higher. David Daley is one of the nation's leading authorities on partisan gerrymandering. And he says if Democrats don’t do more to stop it, Republicans will have the power to shape elections for years to come.

Nicol Turner Lee The pandemic didn’t create the digital divide, but it certainly has revealed the depth and severity of its impact. Nicol Turner Lee has studied the digital divide for more than two decades. She says any plan to “build back better” must ensure digital equity for all.

Carol Leonnig and Phil Rucker And now, Bill Press with Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Phil Rucker on their behind-the-scenes story of former president Trump’s last year in office. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Working From Home – While Your Boss Watches You on Video

If you’re a corporate employee, you know that something unpleasant is afoot when top executives are suddenly issuing statements about how committed they are to their employees, making sure that all of them are treated with dignity and respect.

For example, the PR chief of a global outfit named Teleperformance, one of the world’s largest call centers, was recently going on and on about how “We value our people and their well-being, safety, and happiness.” Why did the corporation feel such a desperate need to proclaim its virtue?

The state of Black America in 2021. A new chapter in progressive politics and how we got here. Plus Bill Press with Dana Milbank, op-ed columnist for The Washington Post.

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League with a call to action to create a more equitable and inclusive nation. Mark Schmitt on the rebuilding of the left in American politics. Plus Bill Press with Dana Milbank on the GOP attempt to rewrite the history of January 6.

Marc Morial

An annual report released by the National Urban League concludes that we are living in a historic moment that demands that historic injustices are recognized and repaired. For National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, that means that as America seeks to move beyond COVID 19, it cannot return to what passed for normal before the pandemic struck.

Mark Schmitt

Mark Schmitt is an expert on progressive political reform. In this moment of new possibility, he calls on progressive democrats to recognize the years of successful organizing that got us here.

Dana MilbankBill Press with Dana Milbank on what should come next for the

Capitol Hill insurrectionists and the January 6 select committee. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower

Shortage, Start With the Wage Shortage

At a recent congressional hearing on America’s so-called “labor shortage,” megabanker Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, offered this insight: “People actually have a lot of money, and they don’t particularly feel like going back to work.”

Uh… Jamie… most people are living paycheck to paycheck, and since COVID-19 hit, millions have lost their jobs, savings, and even homes. So, they’re not exactly lollygagging around the house, counting their cash.

A democracy test in Texas and the future of voting rights in America. Why it’s time for government to “go big” again. Plus Bill Press with Joe Trippi on what it will take to defeat Trumpism.

Texas State Representative Richard Peña Raymond on why he had to leave the state to protect democracy. An extended conversation with Jim Hightower on protecting the vote, building a wall, going big on infrastructure, and the folly of rich people taking joy rides into space. Plus Bill Press with Democratic strategist Joe Trippi on why he is teaming up with Republicans to stop an authoritarian movement fueled by Donald Trump.

Richard Peña Raymond The dramatic exodus of Democratic Texas lawmakers to Washington this month denies Texas Republicans the two-thirds quorum they need to pass new voting restrictions. Among the lawmakers who left is State Representative Richard Peña Raymond. He says this battle to protect democracy is much bigger than Texas.

Jim Hightower Jim Hightower's website states that he “has spent four decades battling the Powers That Be on behalf of the Powers That Ought To Be”. In this extended conversation, he explains why the battle over the future of Texas is about more than stopping Republicans from suppressing voters. It’s about reaching out to all Texans with a progressive populist message.

Joe Trippi Bill Press with Democratic strategist Joe Trippi on how close we are to losing our democracy and why he is working across party lines to save it. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPresPods.com.

Jim Hightower There’s Rich, Ugly Rich, and Jeff Bezos

I cheered recently when the richest man on Earth had himself rocketed into space. But then he came back down.

There’s nothing irredeemably wrong about being rich – indeed, one good role model for handling wealth, rather than letting it handle you, is music superstar Dolly Parton. She donated a cool million bucks to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 to help finance its development of the “Moderna” vaccine that’s now preventing millions of people from dying with COVID-19.

What’s next for Amazon workers? What we can learn from a century of U.S. public health emergencies? Plus Bill Press looks ahead to 2022 with Larry Sabato, the founder of Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Nelson Lichtenstein on the link between antitrust advocacy and the movement to unionize workers. Martin Halliwell on how America responds to health crises and what needs to change. Plus Bill Press with Larry Sabato on how Republicans are positioned for success in 2022, and what Democrats can do about it.

Nelson Lichtenstein In the wake of the recent failure to unionize workers at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein explains how the current antitrust revival has the potential to prevent similar failures and advance unionization at Amazon and other giant corporations.

Martin Halliwell Martin Halliwell’s most recent book covers a century of public health governance and where it has fallen short reacting to crises such as COVID 19. He calls for a new kind of public health culture that can be more resilient in the face of future crises.

Larry Sabato Bill Press with Larry Sabato on the enduring hold of Donald Trump over today’s GOP, and the party’s plan to retake the House in 2022. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower A Phoenix is Rising

Our local newspapers are being merged, purged, shrunk, shut down, and looted by Wall Street profiteers – yet there’s good news. In the towns those media vultures are torching, a phoenix is rising!

Hundreds of determined locals, often led by people of color, are finding new ways to pay for and revive top-quality, local journalism.

Can America be united again? Making the case for Medicaid expansion. Plus Bill Press on Biden’s most difficult foreign policy challenges.

George Packer on his new book Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal. Eliot Fishman on how Medicaid expansion has made a difference during the pandemic. Plus Bill Press with Joe Cirincione on restoring American leadership in the world.

George Packer George Packer’s newest book describes America as a nation dangerously fractured into four warring tribes. He argues that central to any reconciliation is a recommitment to equality.

Eliot Fishman The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the need for universal access to affordable healthcare. Eliot Fishman says that is why now is the time for every state to adopt Medicaid expansion.

Joe Cirincione Bill Press with Joe Cirincione on reimaging national security after four years of a Trump presidency. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Is America big enough to Go Big again?

It’s time for America to go back to the future – a future of true greatness created by a people united to build a strong nation for the Common Good.

From the start of our United States, Americans have backed leaders who dared to do big public projects – Jefferson, Lincoln, TR, FDR, Truman, Ike, JFK, and LBJ all dared to achieve bold goals.

The price we pay if we don’t trust elections. Why we all should care about health disparities. Plus Bill Press on the defining theme of the Trump era.

David Becker on the myth of voter fraud and its damage to democracy. Dr. Lisa Cooper on why health disparities are everyone's problem. Plus Bill Press with Adam Serwer, author of the new book, The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America.

David Becker David Becker works to build voter trust and participation. As baseless claims of voter fraud persist, he warns that we could become unable to govern ourselves in between elections.

Lisa Cooper Dr. Lisa Cooper has dedicated her career to eliminating disparities in healthcare. In her newest book she makes the compelling argument that these inequities are harming all of us.

Adam Serwer Bill Press with journalist and author Adam Serwer on the ideological history that gave rise to Trump. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why Corporations Pay Millions for Executive Mediocrity

Most people believe the American economy is being rigged by and for bankers, CEOs, and other superrich elites, because… well, because it is!

With their hired armies of lawmakers, lobbyists, lawyers, and the like, they fix the economic rules so even more of society’s money and power flows uphill to them.

What the data says about how Democrats can win in 2022. The progressive case for canceling student debt. Plus Bill Press on why one journalist chose to walk from DC to New York City.

Data scientist David Shor and on why Democrats need to connect with a changing electorate. Researcher Charlie Eaton on why student loan forgiveness would benefit those with the least wealth. Plus Bill Press with journalist Neil King on his nearly 300 mile walk through American history.

David Shor David Shor is a political data scientist and Democratic strategist. Looking ahead to 2022, he says shifts in the traditional Democratic electorate will require progressives to find the messaging that can reach across ideological divides.

Charlie Eaton A college degree has long held the promise of being the great equalizer. But student debt is only serving to widen inequality. That’s why researcher Charlie Eaton says ending student debt is a powerful and progressive way to advance economic equity.

Neil King Bill Press with journalist Neil King on what you can learn by walking through America. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Is Your Governor Part Of The GOP’s Border Stunt?

Herd immunity is important in stopping deadly viruses, but in politics, the herd instinct can send a whole species over a cliff.

Witness the frenzied herd of Republican governors now stampeding behind the scaremongering scheme of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to use the personal suffering of Latin-American migrants and asylum seekers as political pawns. Rather than helping find a humane solution to the very real plight of these desperate Latin people, various governors are following Abbott in confronting the migrating families with “Keep-Out” military-style force.

The Pentagon Papers at 50. The people who profit off of racism. Plus Bill Press with CNN’s Don Lemon.

Author Geoffrey Stone on his new book National Security, Leaks and Freedom of the Press: The Pentagon Papers Fifty Years On. Author Jim Freemen on his new book, Rich Thanks to Racism. And Bill Press with Don Lemon, author of This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism.

Geoffrey Stone The Pentagon Papers revealed decades of lies by the U.S. government about the Vietnam War, and confronted the nation on the dangers of putting government secrecy over the public’s right to know. Author Geoffrey Stone says it’s an issue still unresolved today.

Jim Freeman Coming to terms with racial inequality in America means coming to terms with why it persists. Author Jim Freeman says that has to include understanding who stands to benefit the most from racism.

Don Lemon Bill Press with CNN’s Don Lemon on the need to fight complacency in the fight for a more equal nation. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Can GOP Autocracy Outlaw American Democracy?

Ralph Waldo Emerson told of a dinner guest who went on and on about the virtue of honesty, offering his own life as a model of perfect rectitude. “The louder he talked of his honor,” said Emerson, “the faster we counted our spoons.”

That’s my reaction to the cacophony of phony piety arising from Republican governors and legislators who are trying to enact more than 250 new state laws to stop Black, Latino, Asian-American, Indigenous, and other non-Caucasian voters from casting ballots.

Race and the history of gun rights in America. Why it’s time to expand Social Security. Plus Bill Press on the continuing threat of right-wing media.

Historian Carol Anderson on her new book The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America. Nancy Altman on her new book Social Security Works For Everyone!: Protecting and Expanding America’s Most Popular Social Program.Plus Bill Press with CNN’s Brian Stelter on Fox News and its relentless grip on the Republican party.

Carol Anderson In her latest book, Carol Anderson offers a critical new look at the evolution of the right to bear arms in American History. It’s a story that begins with the nation’s founding and the desire to put down slave revolts.

Nancy Altman Across the ideological divide, poll after poll shows Americans are united against any cuts to Social Security. Nancy Altman says it’s time to listen to the will of the people and go a step further by expanding the nation’s most popular social program.

Brian Stelter Bill Press with CNN’s Brian Stelter on the influence of Fox in a post-Trump era. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Hey Washington: Follow The People

“Those in the know” say that We the People should forget any progressive fantasy that – at long last – Washington might finally produce the kind of bold FDR-style agenda that America needs. They smugly lecture us that recalcitrant Republicans in Congress, not to mention a swarm of corporate lobbyists, are opposed to progressive change, so who could get it passed?

Here’s an idea: Try the people themselves.

A historic fight against privatized public services. The battle over how to talk about race in schools. Plus Bill Press on Donald Trump’s dangerous hold within the GOP.

Former Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich on his battle to save the city’s public electric utility. Scholar Christopher Lehman on the conservative backlash against critical race theory. And Bill Press with conservative commentator Charlie Sykes on why it’s time to dump Trump.

Dennis Kucinich In his new memoir, Dennis Kucinich writes about how he took on powerful interests to save a public utility. That happened over forty years ago, but the story still carries critical relevance today.

Christopher Lehman Republican-controlled legislatures across the country are advancing legislation to ban the teaching of critical race theory in schools. Christopher Lehman says what will be lost is the full story of American history and what we can learn from it.

Charlie Sykes Bill Press with Charlie Sykes on Donald Trump’s big lie and what he calls the “doom loop of crazy.” If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and You. Which One Pays Taxes?

Here’s a thought-provoking bumper sticker: “The system is fixed. We must break it.”

This thought came into vivid focus recently when a news report by ProPublica revealed that a nest of preening multibillionaires – led by the likes of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Michael Bloomberg – have been playing America’s rigged tax system to dodge paying their share of upkeep for the society that so-lavishly enriches them.

A plan to cut child poverty in half. Artificial intelligence and the future of work. Plus Bill Press with an insider account of why Joe Biden won, and Hillary Clinton didn’t.

Anti-poverty advocate Arohi Pathak on why a stimulus measure to cut child poverty should be made permanent. Economist Daron Acemoglu on redesigning artificial intelligence in the interest of workers. And Bill Press with Edward-Isaac Dovere, author of Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats' Campaigns to Defeat Trump.

Arohi Pathak An expanded child tax credit signed into law in March is set to expire at the end of the year. Arohi Pathak explains why making it permanent can lead to a transformational change in how our nation confronts child poverty.

Daron Acemoglu Artificial Intelligence is already making a profound impact on the lives of American workers. Daron Acemoglu says the choices we make now will determine whether AI deepens inequality or leads to shared prosperity

Edward-Isaac Dovere Bill Press with journalist and author Edward-Isaac Dovere on his new book, Battle for the Soul Inside-The Democrats' Campaigns To Defeat Trump. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Your Dog Knows Better Than To Let The GOP “Fix” Our Postal System

When Donald Trump declared he would fix the US Postal Service, he was using the word “fix” the same way veterinarians do when you bring in your dog.

Trump wasted an inordinate amount of his presidential power and prestige in a failed attempt to neuter an agency that literally delivers for the people.

The limits of bipartisanship in today’s politics, and an opening for moral leadership. Plus Bill Press on Donald Trump’s mounting legal problems.

Veteran political insider John Lawrence on how reaching across the aisle can come at a cost for the Biden agenda. Historian Daniel Rodgers on why presidential moral leadership is more imperative than ever. And Bill Press with Washington Post reporter David Farenthold on what to read into investigations of Donald Trump and his businesses.

John Lawrence After GOP senators blocked the creation of a January 6 Commission, some Democrats are questioning the value of a bipartisan strategy to advance Biden’s legislative agenda. John Lawrence has written extensively about Congress and American politics. He says that the political climate needed to make bipartisanship work is evaporating.

Daniel Rodgers Times of profound crises call for presidents to step in with a moral vision that can inspire the nation. Historian Daniel T. Rodgers calls on President Biden to seize this moment of crisis and assert a vision that goes far beyond it.

David Fahrenthold Bill Press with Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold on the state of play with Donald Trump’s growing legal jeopardy. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Let’s Create a Bank System That Serves People, Instead of Bankers

Corporate ideologues never cease blathering that government programs should be run like a business.

Really – what businesses would they choose? Pharmaceutical profiteers? Big Oil? Wall Street money manipulators? High tech billionaires? Airline price gougers?

Millennial politics comes into its own. The untold history of citizenship stripping in America. Plus Bill Press on where the Republican Party goes from here.

Author David Freedlander on the AOC generation and its political evolution. Author Amanda Frost on citizen stripping from Dred Scott to the dreamers. Plus Bill Press with former Northern Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock on why the GOP needs to distance itself from Trump.

David Freedlander The Trump presidency continues to reshape the political landscape, and that includes a resurgent young left. That’s the subject of a new book from David Freedlander, and at its center is the rise of Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

Amanda Frost In her newest book, author Amanda Frost takes us into the little-known story of when and why our government has made the choice to revoke citizenship. It’s a practice that expresses the history of racism and xenophobia in America and remains all too present today.

Barbara Comstock And now, Bill Press with former Northern Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock on why the GOP is better off without Trump. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Banker Greed That Would Even Shock Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie had a lot to say about the greed of bankers who made crop loans at usurious interest rates to hardscrabble farmers, then foreclosed on them when they couldn’t pay off the loans, leaving thousands of farm families homeless. Woody mocked them with a sarcastic anthem, singing “I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.” He also penned a stinging verse about their thievery: “Some’ll rob with a six gun/ some with a fountain pen.”

But even this populist poet of the people would be astonished by the shameless grabbiness of today’s farm lenders.

Moving toward a racial justice agenda. Transforming policing from the ground up. Why history matters. Plus Bill Press with journalist Ron Brownstein.

Civil rights leader Ben Jealous on why cities and states have to take the lead in reimagining public safety. Scholar Sheryll Cashin on why it's critical to confront government’s role in creating racial inequity if we want to undo it. Plus Bill Press with journalist Ron Brownstein on the year a cultural shift in LA turned into a sea change for politics across the nation.

Ben Jealous Ben Jealous welcomes efforts at the federal level to rein in abusive policing, but says they won't go far enough unless they are matched by transformative reform at the local level.

Sheryll Cashin Scholar Sheryll Cashin’s latest book explores the history of government’s role in expanding segregation in housing. She says that a shared understanding of this racist past is key to uniting the nation on a racial justice agenda going forward.

Ron Brownstein Bill Press with journalist and author Ron Brownstein on the long reach of 1970s pop culture on the politics of today. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What Floats Jeff Bezos Boat?

Not only are the rich different from you and me – they’re getting more different than ever.

I’m not referring to mere millionaires, but to the billionaire bunch. In the past year, while ordinary Americans have lost jobs, businesses, and homes due to the pandemic economic crash, America’s 664 billionaires have found themselves nearly 40 percent richer than before COVID!

What we get wrong about saving the planet. Why the Green New Deal needs to be a jobs program. Plus Bill Press on what drives Nancy Pelosi.

Author Jenny Price on getting environmentalism right before it’s too late. Activist Wallace Mazon on why the Sunrise Movement is fighting for good jobs. Plus Bill Press with journalist Susan Page on her new book, Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and The Lessons of Power.

Jenny Price In her new book, author Jenny Price writes about how environmentalists view and talk about their movement. And all too often she writes, they become part of the problem.

Wallace Mazon With the nation facing an economic crisis and a climate crisis at the same time, the Sunrise Movement has launched a new campaign to tackle both. Activist Wallace Mazon says the fight for good jobs has to go hand in hand with the fight against climate change.

Susan Page Bill Press with journalist and author Susan Page on her new political biography about our nation’s first female Speaker of the House. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Can Corporate Profit and Morality Be Compatible?

Is “corporate ethics” an oxymoron? Do you have to be a jerk to be a successful CEO? Is exploitation the only path to profit?

The good news is that many companies, big and small, in the food economy are blazing a different path through Wall Street’s jungle of greed, demonstrating that money and morality can be compatible.

The fascism Trump left behind. Avoiding the next power grid disaster. Plus Bill Press on redefining infrastructure in the American Jobs Plan.

Jason Stanley on his latest book How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Julie Kohn on lessons learned from the Texas power grid failure. Plus Bill Press with White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein.

Jason Stanley In his newest book, Jason Stanley makes the case that nations don’t have to be fascist to suffer from fascist politics. He says that even with Trump gone, his authoritarian attack on democracy is still being embraced by Republicans.

Julie Kohn After a historic winter storm left millions of Texans in the dark and without heat, energy experts are looking for ways to stop it from happening again. Julie Kohn says that means rethinking the state's isolation from the nation's power grid.

Jared Berstein Bill Press with White House economic adviser Jared Berstein on the limits of trickle down economics and why Biden’s big infrastructure plan is the right response. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Are CEOs Really “Worth” Millions of Dollars?

These days, the haughty rich in our country have developed such an arrogant sense of self-entitlement that they’ve gone from being merely irritating to infuriating.

Unsurprisingly, their plutocratic greed and rigging of the system has generated a political backlash, including a widely-popular push to tax the massive stashes of wealth the upper-upper class has amassed by stiffing the middle class and poor. Alarmed by this uprising, the rich have launched a major effort to defuse public anger – not by altering their own behavior, but by a semantical twist.

The price we pay for corporate consolidation. How the rich hide their wealth. Plus Bill Press with a view from Congress of the chances of passing the American Jobs Act.

Pat Garofalo on an antitrust agenda for working people. Chuck Collins on his newest book The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Spend Millions to Hide Trillions. Plus Bill Press with Congressman John Yarmuth, chair of the House Budget Committee on what it will take to pass Biden’s infrastructure plan.

Pat Garofalo In a recent report, the Economic Liberties Project offers a roadmap to how the Biden Administration can reverse a corporate concentration crisis. Pat Garafola says there is a growing sense across the political divide that this is an issue lawmakers need to confront.

Chuck Collins In his newest book, Chuck Collins explores how the richest Americans are able to hide their wealth and pay next to no taxes, and how this is deepening our nation’s economic divide.

John Yarmuth Bill Press with Representative John Yarmuth, head of the House Budget Committee, on the necessity of passing Biden’s infrastructure plan. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Should Water Be A Wet Dream for Wall Street Speculators

Oh great – here comes a new stealth attack on the fragile, life-sustaining natural resources of Planet Earth. This assault is by Wall Street alchemists who’re out to redefine one of our most basic resources: Water.

Everyone knows that water is “invaluable” – it’s literally life, requiring a constant intake by each of us… or we quickly die. But the Wizards of Wall Street want to reduce potable H2O from its environmental, humanitarian, and spiritual essence to just another perishable economic good that they can market-price and sell to the highest bidder.

The powerful influence of Lady Bird Johnson. Confronting the myths about poverty in America. Plus, Bill Press with a behind the scenes account of Joe Biden’s election campaign.

Julia Sweig on her newest book Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight. Mark Rank on his newest book Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty. Plus Bill Press with journalists Johnthan Allen and Amie Parnes on how Joe Biden barely won the presidency.

Julia Sweig In her new biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Julia Sweig reveals the unappreciated impact of a remarkable first lady during a historic turning point in American politics.

Mark Rank In his newest book, Mark Rank explores what we don’t understand about who gets poor and why, and how long-standing myths have damaged our ability to respond to the deepening crisis of inequality in America

Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes And now, Bill Press with journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes on Joe Biden’s nail-biting campaign to take the White House, and how luck won out in the end. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Monopoly Is What’s For Dinner

No longer just a parlor game, monopoly is what’s for dinner. Practically every commodity and every step in producing our families’ most essential consumer purchase is in the tight grip of four or fewer global conglomerates:

Four chemical giants control more than two-thirds of the world market for commercial

Standing up in Congress for working people. Standing up in court to fight voter suppression. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Julian Castro

Representative Tom Suozzi on the newly formed Labor Caucus and its promise to prioritize working families and unions. Caleb Jackson on the legal case against voter suppression. Plus Bill Press with Julian Castro on what’s really going on at the border.

Tom Suozzi Congressman Tom Suozzi says the idea of getting behind working people should be something that unites every Democrat, and now is the time to get past our differences to do that.

Caleb Jackson The battle to protect voting rights is playing out in courtrooms and legislative halls across the country right now. Attorney Caleb Jackson says that even when the courts don’t side with voters, the fight is far from over.

Julian Castro Bill Press with Julian Castro on our nation’s border crisis, what should be done now, and what should be done in the future. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Is America big enough to Go Big again?

It’s time for America to go back to the future – a future of true greatness created by a people united to build a strong nation for the Common Good.

From the start of our United States, Americans have backed leaders who dared to do big public projects – Jefferson, Lincoln, TR, FDR, Truman, Ike, JFK, and LBJ all dared to achieve bold goals.

How Joe Biden barely won the Presidency. The battle on Capitol Hill to win back our democracy. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Jamie Raskin.

Jonathan Allen with a behind-the-scenes look at Joe Biden's 2020 campaign. Fred Wertheimer on why now is the time for a historic overhaul of how we do elections. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Jaime Raskin on the state of play in Congress and why it’s time to get rid of the filibuster

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen’s newest book, co-authored with Amy Parnes, takes a deep dive into Joe Biden’s narrow victory that put him in the White House. It’s a story in part about how progressives Democrats, faced with the possibility of another four years of Trump, were able to coalesce behind a centrist candidate.

Fred Wertheimer As Congress prepares for a showdown over a massive voting rights bill, democracy advocate Fred Wertheimer says passing the For the People Act is essential to make sure America does not return to the days of Jim Crow politics.

Jamie Raskin Bill Press with Congressman Jamie Raskin on the fight to enact progressive reforms in Congress, and why he supports a full abolition of the filibuster. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Hey Washington: Follow The People

“Those in the know” say that We the People should forget any progressive fantasy that – at long last – Washington might finally produce the kind of bold FDR-style agenda that America needs. They smugly lecture us that recalcitrant Republicans in Congress, not to mention a swarm of corporate lobbyists, are opposed to progressive change, so who could get it passed?

Here’s an idea: Try the people themselves.

The way we work isn’t working. How employers exploit our good will and how to fight back. Division and gridlock in American politics and how to fix it. Plus, Bill Press with John Yang on stopping anti Asian American hate.

Sarah Jaffe on how devotion to our jobs keeps us exploited, exhausted, and alone. Katherine Gehl on America’s broken political system and why ranked choice voting is an answer. Plus Bill Press with John Yang on discrimination against Asian Americans and what can be done about it

Sarah Jaffe Sarah Jaffe’s newest book explores how "doing what you love" has become a recipe for exploitation. She says the time has come for an expanded labor movement that embraces all workers.

Katherine Gehl Katherine Gehl is a businesswoman, author and political innovation activist. She says gridlock and partisan dysfunction is built into American politics, and that’s why ranked choice voting is a necessary reform.

John Yang Bill Press with John Yang on the current climate of hate against Asian Americans and why it is too often invisible. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Can GOP Autocracy Outlaw American Democracy?

Ralph Waldo Emerson told of a dinner guest who went on and on about the virtue of honesty, offering his own life as a model of perfect rectitude. “The louder he talked of his honor,” said Emerson, “the faster we counted our spoons.”

That’s my reaction to the cacophony of phony piety arising from Republican governors and legislators who are trying to enact more than 250 new state laws to stop Black, Latino, Asian-American, Indigenous, and other non-Caucasian voters from casting ballots.

Joe Biden as a Catholic president and what that means for a divided nation. How democratic renewal at home can redefine America’s role in the world. Plus, Bill Press with Norm Ornstein on fixing the filibuster.

Massimo Faggioli on the intersection of faith and politics for America’s second Catholic President. James Traub on how restoring democratic principles in domestic policy can restore America’s legitimacy as a world leader. Plus Bill Press with Norm Ornstein how to break through GOP obstructionism and advance on Biden’s agenda.

Massimo Faggioli In his recent and timely book, historian and theologian Massimo Faggioli provides an insightful overview of Catholicism in US politics, and its place in the career of President Biden. He says Biden’s public embrace of his faith offers a much needed opening to heal the division of the last four years.

James Traub As President Biden shapes his foreign policy, journalist James Traub says

the threats to American democracy today come more from within than outside the nation, and that restoring democracy at home will go a long way to rebuild trust in American democracy abroad.

Norm Ornstein Bill Press with Norm Ornstein, a long-time observer and scholar of Congress and politics, on why Biden’s agenda is in peril and why reforming the filibuster is a necessary fix. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Now, Robots are Coming for White-Collar Jobs

In CorporateSpeak, there are no “job cuts.” Instead, firings are blandly referred to as “employment adjustments.”

Now, though, corporate wordsmiths will need a whole new thesaurus of euphemisms, for masses of job cuts are coming for employees in the higher echelons of the corporate structure. Don’t look now, but an unanticipated result of the ongoing pandemic is that it has given cover for CEOs to speed up the adoption of highly advanced RPAs (Robotic Process Automation) to replace employees once assumed to be immune from displacement.

Inside the NAACP lawsuit against Trump for inciting the Capitol riot. How government segregated America and at what cost to Black Americans. Plus, Bill Press with Ari Berman on why voting rights are under attack.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson on why the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 is being used today in a lawsuit against Trump. Richard Rothstein of the Economic Policy Institute on the endurance of housing segregation in America and the disastrous consequences. Plus Bill Press with Mother Jones Senior Reporter Ari Berman on a new wave of voter suppression across the country driven by the GOP

Derrick Johnson The fight to hold Donald Trump liable for his role in January 6 insurrection is far from over. Derrick Johnson explains why a law enacted in 1871 to counter white supremacists is central to that effort.

Richard Rothstein Racial segregation in housing in Ameica underlies many of our most serious social problems. In turning that around, Richard Rothstein says we have to acknowledge the role of government in making it happen.

Ari Berman Bill Press with reporter Ari Berman on why the GOP is working so hard to restrict the right to vote and why democracy is in danger. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower A Question of Nature

When corporate executives are absurdly hypocritical, yet so obtuse that they don’t even realize it, is it still hypocrisy… or are they just dimwitted?

Consider the histrionics emanating from corporate bunkers over rising public approval for the idea that nature be given legal rights that are enforceable in courts. The Rights of Nature movement argues that if, say, a mining conglomerate decapitates a mountain, that injured citizen of our natural world ought to have its day in court.

A new era. Overcoming political division during the pandemic. Bringing back government ethics and integrity after Trump. Plus, Bill Press with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the new normal after the pandemic.

Greg Sargent on how Biden’s COVID policy can restore a sense of national purpose. Daniel Farber on how President Biden can make government accountable again. Plus a pandemic update and look ahead with Bill Press and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Greg Sargent President Biden’s Covid policy includes a significant focus on rural America. Greg Sargent says it’s an excellent example of how Biden’s policy agenda can unify a divided America.

Daniel Farber Donald Trump was nothing less than a disaster for ethics and integrity in government. Daniel Farber says President Biden now faces an enormous challenge to undo the damage.

Sanjay Gupta Bill Press with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on how the pandemic is slowing down, and how it has changed life as we know it. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What Makes Ted Cruz So Despicable?

In February, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ran off to a luxury resort in sunny Cancún, Mexico, during the deep freeze that devastated millions of his constituents. But I wasn’t mad that Ted fled; what upset me was that the government let him back into our country.

Cruz is, after all, the two-legged, self-aggrandizing ego that arrogantly and illegally tried to cancel the ballots of millions of voters in last year’s presidential election.

A progressive response to the COVID crisis. A labor movement game plan for the Biden administration. Plus, Bill Press on the GOP’s bleak future as the party of Trump.

Richard Eskow on what he sees missing in the progressive response to the coronavirus pandemic and how to change that. Jeff Schuhrke on what the Biden administration needs to do to deliver for the working class. Plus Bill Press with Charlie Sykes on Donald Trump’s grip on the GOP.

Richard Eskow The coronavirus pandemic is revealing long-term systemic failures in American politics and culture. Richard Eskow calls on progressives to recognize the enormity of the challenge and respond with uncompromising vision.

Jeff Schuhrke On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised to be the “best friend labor has ever had in the White House.” Now that he’s there, Jeff Schuhrke says labor leaders aren’t taking anything for granted in their fight to hold the new administration accountable to the needs of working Americans

Charlie Sykes Bill Press with Charlie Sykes, one of the original “Never Trumpers,” on the GOP’s continued and dangerous embrace of Donald Trump. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What the Texas Deep Freeze Revealed

The new climate war and how to fight it. What we are learning about race, gender, and political representation. Plus, Bill Press with the latest on the GOP plan to thwart democracy.

Michael Mann says it’s a new day in the climate battle that can only be fought by believing we can still make a difference. Kerry L. Haynie on the record number of women of color in elected office and why it matters. Plus Bill Press with the Brennan Center’s Eliza Sweren-Becker, on the surge in GOP-led efforts to suppress voting.

Michael Mann Climate scientist Michael Mann has achieved fame for his work in proving climate change is happening. He says that even as we move past climate denialism, the battle over how to take action against global warming is as urgent as ever.

Kerry L. Haynie In his newest book, political scientist Kerry L. Haynie, along with his co-authors, explores the intersection of race and gender in today’s political arena. He says with more women of color in Congress than ever before, expect them to make a difference in important ways.

Eliza Sweren-Becker And now, Bill Press with Eliza Sweren-Becker, counsel for the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice on what’s next in the GOP’s unprecedented campaign to restrict voting rights. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower A wealth of riches, a poverty of morals.

Progressive priorities for the Biden administration. Making the case for immigration reform and raising the minimum wage. Plus Bill Press with Representative Tim Ryan.

David Cooper on what a $15 minimum wage would really mean for America’s workers. Philip E. Wolgin on building an immigration system that lives up to American values. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Tim Ryan on why Biden needs to go big with a stimulus relief package.

David Cooper Progressive Democrats have made raising the minimum wage a priority for the new administration. And for good reason. David Cooper says a $15 minimum wage would lift pay for tens of millions of workers and help reverse decades of growing pay inequality.

Philip E. Wolgin One of the first actions of the Biden administration was to put a pause on deportation for some undocumented immigrants. Philip E. Wolgin says it’s only the first step toward a fair, humane, and workable immigration policy that must move forward.

Tim Ryan Bill Press with Representative Tim Ryan on why President Biden needs to hold the line on his $1.9 trillion Covid relief package, and what needs to happen after that. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The People’s Department.

What’s next in the battle for free and fair elections? What will it take to achieve equity in education? Plus Bill Press on the year in hate.

David Daley on how Republicans are trying to tighten their grip on minority rule, and who is fighting back. Kimberly Jenkins Robinson on why it’s time to guarantee a federal right to education. Plus Bill Press on a new report about the new landscape of hate in America.

David Daley In his newest book, David Daley tells important stories about activists who are winning crucial battles for voting rights. And as they do, Daley says Republicans continue to rig the rules in their favor and put democracy at risk.

Kimberly Jenkins Robinson Racial and economic disparities in educational opportunity are deep and persistent in the United States. Legal Scholar Kimberly Jenkins Robinson says the time is long past due to guarantee a federal right to education for all children.

Michael Edison Hayden Bill Press with Michael Edison Hayden of the Southern Poverty Law Center on their new report on Hate in America 2020. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why Billionaires Are Detested

The politics of geography. Where Trump lost voters and why.

How Nebraska became a Republican stronghold. Plus Bill Press with former Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez.

Ross Benes In his newest book, author Ross Benes explores Nebraska’s political shift to the right. He says that if Democrats want to turn that around, they need to better understand the legitimate pain being felt in rural America today.

Dante Chinni Recent analysis of the 2020 election from the America’s Communities Project reveals how Trump lost ground in places long considered key GOP strongholds. Dante Chinni says Trump’s failure to perform better in the middle suburbs was key to his defeat.

Tom Perez Bill Press with former DNC chair Tom Perez on a new era in American politics and the path to 2022 for Democrats. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Hey Democrats – be democrats!

Why it matters to have a Native American cabinet secretary. The recurring crises of American democracy and why this time it’s different. Plus, Bill Press on what President Biden can actually do in his first 100 days.

Julian Brave NoiseCat on the significance of Representative Deb Haaland's nomination as Secretary of the Interior. Suzanne Mettler on the unprecedented danger threatening our democracy. Plus, Bill Press talks with two Politico Reporters who have been covering the Biden transition.

Julian Brave NoiseCat President Biden has nominated Congresswoman Deb Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, she will become the first Native American cabinet secretary. Julian Brave NoiseCat says it’s a rare opportunity for the Biden Administration to restore trust with Native people and prioritize their concerns.

Suzanne Mettler In her newest book, co written with Robert C. Lieberman, Suzanne Mettler explores four threats that weaken democracy. And what is alarming about this American moment is that never before have they come together at the same time.

Bill Press Bill Press with two Politico reporters who have been covering the Biden transition. What should we expect from the President’s first 100 days? If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The Plasticization of Planet Earth

Political Reckonings. Confronting the threat of right wing extremism. Plus. GOP loyalty put to the test. And Bill Press with Congressman David Cicilline, co-author of the article of impeachment against Trump.

Alexandra Minna Stern on the changing face of America’s far right. Michael Koncewicz on why Trump’s impeachment is a different kind of challenge for Republicans than Nixon’s. Plus Congressman David Cicilline tells Bill Press why he made the decision to file an article of impeachment against Trump.

Alexandra Minna Stern Alexandra Minna Stern’s research takes her deep into the dark matter of America’s far right. She says it’s a movement in transition, and an ever growing threat to our democracy.

Michael Koncewicz Michael Koncewicz’s most recent book on Republicans who defied Richard Nixon carries new relevance to the present day with Trump’s impeachment. Koncewicz (KON seh witzs) says what makes today different is a greater fear among Republicans that challenging this President will be at their political expense.

David Cicilline Bill Press with Congressman David Cicilline on why it is necessary to impeach Trump, even after he leaves office. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Who’s really behind the desecration of our Capitol?

The Democrats' working class problem. Plus, How corporate monopolies have changed our lives. And Bill Press on the right wing media Trump is watching now.

Joan Williams says Democrats still have to figure out how to connect with the working class. David Dayen says it's time for a grassroots movement to challenge monopolies. Plus Bill Press speaks with Matt Gertz about the shifting landscape of right wing media.

Joan C. Williams Joan C. Williams has written extensively about America’s working class. And she says it’s a world that Democrats still have to understand.

David Dayen David Dayen’s most recent book explores the power of concentrated economic power on daily life. He says monopolies pervade almost every aspect of our lives, often when we don’t even know it.

Matt Gertz The right wing media networks that are worse than Fox, and why Trump is a fan. Bill Press with Matt Gertz, Senior Fellow at Media Matters for America. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What America can learn from the Animal kingdom.

Progressive politics at a turning point. Trump’s weaponization of the national security state. Plus Bill with Madeleine Albright.

Theda Skocpol on the right wing coalition that brought us Donald Trump, and what progressives should do now. Melvin Goodman on how Trump politicized the government to advance his personal agenda, and how to undo it. Plus, Madeleine Albright tells Bill Press about how to repair the damage done from Trump’s foreign policy.

Theda Skocpol Theda Skocpol’s most recent book explores citizen activism in the US from the Tea Party to the anti-Trump resistance and how they are transforming American politics. It documents the elite and grassroots interests that are pushing the GOP to the right, and what progressives can learn to advance their agenda in a Biden administration.

Melvin Goodman Melvin Goodman’s 42-year government career includes service at the CIA, Department of State, Department of Defense, and the US Army. He says Trump has weaponized the national security state in unprecedented ways.

Madeleine Albright Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the state of U.S. foreign policy after four years of Trump, and what Biden can do to restore America’s role in the world. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The People’s Department

What we need to know about the threat of far right extremist violence. Plus Bill Press with Susan Rice, incoming Direction of the Domestic Policy Council

An extended conversation with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate. Plus, Bill Press with an archive interview from 2019 with Susan Rice on the publication of her memoir.

Brian Levin - Pt. 1 In the lead up to the November election, there was significant concern about right wing inspired political violence, encouraged by Trump's incendiary rhetoric. As we approach the inauguration, those concerns remain as Trump continues to make unprecedented attacks on the electoral process. Just before the election, we spoke with one of the most trusted voices on hate and extremism in America about how the landscape of political violence has changed under the Trump administration, and why a major election creates a moment of even greater risk.

Brian Levin - Pt. 2 We’re speaking with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino.

Susan Rice Bill Press with Susan Rice, President elect Biden’s choice to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, and author of Tough Love: My Story of Things Worth Fighting For. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPresspods.com.

Jim Hightower Is more technology the answer to too much technology?

The change we have to have. How to make America work again for all Americans. Plus, Don Fowler, in his own words.

Jim Hightower and Senator Sherrod Brown on why this is a pivotal moment for progressive politics in America. Plus, we remember a progressive hero, Don Fowler.

Jim Hightower and Sherrod Brown - Pt. 1 Every other Tuesday, A 21st Century Democrats co founder Jim Hightower sits down with a new quest for his own podcast titled Hightower Chat n Chew. His most recent guest was Senator Sherrod Brown. And together they took on how progressives can get the most from a Biden administration.

Jim Hightower and Sherrod Brown - Pt. 2 We continue with a conversation with Jim Hightower and Senator Sherrod Brown originally posted to the podcast Hightower Chat n Chew. We pick up on a discussion about how progressive democrats can connect with voters in fly over country.

Don Fowler In his memory, our conversation with Don Fowler, in the aftermath of the 2010 election.

Last week, we lost a dear friend of 21st Century Democrats — and of progressive populist Democrats everywhere, but particularly in the South. Don Fowler, who served on our Advisory Board, passed away at the age of 85. As Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and then as Democratic National Committee, he worked relentlessly to bring African Americans and whites together in the party to improve the lives of working people. Not surprisingly, he’s also the person who first introduced President-elect Biden and South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn to each other.

Back in 2010, Don Fowler was one of the very first guests on this podcast. And during that interview, he offered an analysis of Democratic messaging that is as insightful now as it was then.

Jim Hightower Where is AI driving us?

Moving ahead on a racial justice agenda in a Biden administration. Plus Bill Press on America’s deepening political divide and the future of Trumpism.

An extended conversation with political economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux on the hard work ahead for Democrats to confront racial inequality. And Bill Press with political journalist Ron Brownstein on the future of both parties as the Red-Blue divide gets deeper.

Julianne Malveaux - Part 1 Following his apparent victory in the November election, Joe Biden was quick to acknowledge the groundswell of support he received from Black voters. Dr. Julianne Malveaux says now is the time to make good on the support by taking on the hard lift of closing the racial wealth gap.

Julianne Malveaux - Part 2 We continue our conversation with Dr. Julianne Malveaux, and talk about why she says Joe Biden needs a new cabinet level position focused on racial equity.

Ron Brownstein The lasting appeal of Trumpism in American politics, and what Democrats can do about it. Bill Press talks with Ron Brownstein, senior editor at The Atlantic. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Corporations are playing with our food – and our heads

Tracking corporate ties in the Biden administration. Keeping up the fight against voter suppression. Plus, the case for prosecuting Trump after he leaves office.

Jeff Hauser of the Revolving Door Project on why he’s concerned about corporate influence in the Biden Administration. Jorge Vasquez, Jr. on why he will continue to fight against voter suppression. And Congressman Bill Pascrell tells Bill Press why he wants to see Trump investigated and Rudy Giuliani disbarred.

Jeff Hauser Jeff Hauser is a leader in the fight against corporate power in politics. He says that even as we come to the end of the most corrupt presidency in history, there are already concerns about corporate ties in the Biden Administration.

Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. Jorge L. Vasquez, Jr. is a long time advocate for voting rights. He says that even with record turn out in the November election, there is still a long way to go before voter suppression is a thing of the past.

Bill Pascrell Can Trump be held responsible for crimes committed as President, after he leaves office, and should he be? Bill Press with Congressman Bill Pascrell. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Who cares who the Secretary of Agriculture is?

The evolving peril of Democratic centrism. Plus, where voters said yes to progressive ballot measures. And Bill Press with Biden economic transition adviser Jared Bernstein.

Author and journalist Thomas Frank on centrist Democrats and the rise of Trumpism. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, on why progressive ballot measures win. And Bill Press with Jared Bernstein on what it will take to tackle income inequality.

Thomas Frank Progressive historian Thomas Frank says a shift to Democratic centrism paved the way for Trump’s presidency. And to defeat Trumpism now, Democrats need to get back to being a party that takes a stand for working people.

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo Across the country, in red states and blue, voters gave their support to progressive ballot measures. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, says ballot measures speak powerfully to what matters to voters, and are often the unsung heroes of the progressive movement.

Jared Bernstein Bill Press with Jared Bernstein who served as Biden’s chief economist and economic adviser under the Obama administration. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Which food future will you choose?

What we are learning about how Biden won, and why Trump’s loss wasn’t worse. Plus, the central role of education in the American experiment. And Bill Press looks ahead to Georgia's upcoming Senate run-off elections.

Leading Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg reads the exit polls for what they tell us about both parties moving forward. Author Derek Black on why an assault on public education is an assault on democracy itself. And Bill Press with Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson on the battle for control of the Senate.

Stanley Greenberg Pollster Stanley Greenberg has just begun to dig into the numbers on Election 2020 and what they tell us about a changing American electorate. Even with Biden’s win, Greenberg sees an unfinished battle over politics and the issue of race in America.

Derek W. Black Derek W. Black is a legal scholar and outspoken advocate of the importance of public education. His newest book explores how a constitutional right to education forever changed the trajectory of our democracy, and what it means when it comes under attack.

Hank Johnson Why one Georgia Congressman believes Democrats can turn the Senate to their advantage in Georgia’s upcoming runoffs. Bill Press with Congressman Hank Johnson who represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower When and where was the first Thanksgiving Feast?

Republicans tighten their control of redistricting and what that could mean in 2022. The economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic on people of color. Plus what to expect from Trump’s election lawsuits.

David Daley on the Republican’s growing advantage in redrawing the political map. Janelle Jones on how the coronavirus pandemic is deepening America's racial wealth gap and how to turn that around. And Bill Press with Lanny Davis on Trump’s losing strategy to deny electoral defeat.

David Daly GOP wins in state legislatures means they will control a majority of redistricting efforts across the country. Journalist and voting rights advocate David Daley says that without significant reforms, Republicans will continue to rig the system to their advantage.

Janelle Jones As an economist, Janelle Jones has focused her work on labor markets and racial inequalities. She says that systemic racism going into the pandemic is making America’s racial economic divide even worse, and only decisive policy action will reverse that.

Lanny Davis Why Trump’s claims of voter fraud will fail to keep him in the White House. Bill Press interviews Lanny Davis, a former White House Special Counsel in the Clinton Administration. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPresspods.com.

Jim Hightower The amazing fall of Donald Trump’s wall

Election 2020 and the future of Democratic party politics. A post-vote deep dive with pollster Vic Fingerhut.

Veteran progressive pollster Vic Fingerhut says if there’s one thing to take away from this election, it’s that Democrats have to change course and take a stronger stand for the working class.

Vic Fingerhut Vic Fingerhut is a pioneer among Democratic polling and media consultants who has consistently argued for a progressive populist message. He says that if Democrats want to move past its narrow victories in 2020, they have to re-establish themselves as the party for working class Americans.

Jim Hightower What progressives won this year

A progressive Congressman’s plan to govern from the inside. Which party is better for the economy? And Bill Press with the backstory on Trump’s dangerous mental state.

Congressman Raul Grijalva outlines a plan to carry through a progressive agenda in a Biden presidency. Small business expert Jere Glover proves that Democrats are better for the economy. And Bill Press with Dr. Mary Trump on why she calls her uncle the world’s most dangerous man.

Raul Grijalva Looking ahead to Democratic wins up and down the ballot, Congressman Raul Grijalva looks forward to a powerful opening for progressives to advocate their agenda from the inside, and not just rally on the outside.

Jere Glover Jere Glover has been collecting data for decades comparing national economic performance under Democratic and Republican administrations. He says that unlike our current president, the numbers do not lie. Democrats run the economy better.

Mary Trump Why the man called the most powerful person in the free world is also one of our greatest threats. Bill Press interviews Dr. Mary Trump, author of Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower To find some gems to vote for, go down-ballot

The progressive potential of a Biden presidency. A solidarity agenda for a more just America. And Bill Press on the home stretch to November 3.

D.D. Guttenplan on how a Biden presidency can be pressured into a more progressive agenda than his campaign platform. Eddie Glaude on what it will take to finally realize a multiracial democracy. And Bill Press with Dan Balz, chief correspondent at The Washington Post, on where things stand in campaign 2020.

D.D. Guttenplan In his newest book, D.D. Guttenplan explores the potential for a progressive resurgence in American politics. He says America is “on the move” but has not yet coalesced into a movement. And that’s what it will take to push the nation in the direction it needs to go.

Eddie Glaude Eddie Glaude is a long time scholar of the black experience in America. In his most recent book, he turns to the words of James Baldwin to better understand this moment of racial reckoning and begin again to write a new American story.

Dan Balz Dan Balz, chief correspondent at The Washington Post, tells Bill Press why he can’t write off a Trump victory on November 3. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower A wealth of riches, a poverty of morals.

Why we know he has to go. What Trump’s taxes say about his presidency. Plus, how Trump has taken lying to a dangerous new level. And Bill Press on Trump vs. Biden and the political state of play.

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston on what we learn from knowing more about Trump’s taxes. Author Eric Alterman on why presidents lie, and why Trump is worse. And Bill Press with Jonathan Martin, National Political Correspondent for The New York Times.

David Cay Johnston David Cay Johnston has spent years reporting on Donald Trump’s business practices, and on the inequities of the U.S. tax code. He says recent reporting from the New York Times on Trump’s taxes offers greater proof of two tax systems, separate and unequal.

Eric Alterman In his newest book, journalist and author Eric Alterman explores the long trajectory of presidential lying. And while most Presidents have lied, he says, in the case of Trump there’s no comparison.

Jonathan Martin Bill Press with Jonathan Martin, National Political Correspondent for The New York Times, on the latest election polls and why 2020 is not 2016 If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The virus that’s killing America

A perfect storm. What we need to know about the threat of far right extremist violence as election day draws near. Plus Bill Press on the latest presidential polls, the state of the race, and what’s still at play.

An extended conversation with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino. And Bill Press with Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Brian Levin - Pt 1 In the wake of the reported plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, attention has turned to what we know about the threat of violent extremism in our current political climate. Before that news broke, we spoke with one of the most trusted voices on hate and extremism in America about the nature of that threat, the role of white supremacy, and why a major election creates a moment of even greater risk.

Brian Levin - Pt 2 We’re speaking with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino.

And we turn the conversation to how to confront hate and extremism.

Larry Sabato Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, tells Bill Press what he expects out of this unprecedented campaign season. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill Presspods.com.

Jim Hightower Meet a race-baiting ventriloquist

The true meaning of populism in America’s history. A solidarity agenda for America’s future. Plus Bill Press on how Trump turned the presidency into a business.

Thomas Frank on why populism is the most important, and misunderstood, movement of our time. Roger Hickey on what solidarity means in this moment of crisis. And Bill Press digs into Trump’s taxes with Forbes Senior Editor Dan Alexander.

Thomas Frank Thomas Frank’s newest book reminds us that the true history of populism in America is one of an ever-widening promise of a decent life for all. He says reclaiming that history is essential for a more just and equitable future.

Roger Hickey Solidarity is a powerful idea that calls on us to act in the common good over individual concerns. Roger Hickey outlines what that means as America envisions a post COVID future.

Dan Alexander What Trump’s taxes tell us about Trump the businessman. Bill Press talks with Dan Alexander, author of “ White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency.” If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Trump’s Rule of Lies

No Turning Back. Racial and economic justice for the coronavirus crisis and beyond. Plus Bill Press on saving the Supreme Court from another Trump appointment.

Gene Sperling on the economic dignity that all workers deserve. Manuel Pastor on why we need a solidarity economy now more than ever. And Bill Press with former Senator Byron Dorgan on why Democrats need to play hardball on Justice Ginsburg’s replacement.

Gene Sperling Gene Sperling’s newest book offers a powerful vision of America's economic future. He says we must not lose sight of what economic policy is all about, which is allowing people to lead dignified lives.

Manuel Pastor The disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color has been deep and devastating. That’s why Manuel Pastor calls for an economy focused on solidarity to recover from the pandemic and build a more just and sustainable economic future.

Byron Dorgan Bill Press with former Senator Byron Dorgan on how to stop the GOP from stealing another Supreme Court judgeship. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What does “Small Government” buy us?

Better for All. Rebuilding the middle class with shared prosperity. Bringing racial and economic justice into the climate movement. Plus Bill Press breaks down a shocking Trump exposé.

Jim Tankersley on the untold story of America’s middle class and why it matters now. Dr. Cecilia Martinez on the Equitable & Just National Climate Platform. And Bill Press with his take on Bob Woodward's latest book Rage.

Jim Tankersley Jim Tankersley’s newest book reveals the crucial role women and minorities played in building the post-war middle class. He says it’s an untold story that offers an essential roadmap to reviving the Golden Era of America’s middle class by making it possible again for all workers to reach their full potential.

Cecilia Martinez The disastrous impact of climate change has long been defined by class and race. Dr. Cecilia Martinez lays out a necessary vision for a climate agenda that includes racial and economic justice as core goals.

Bill Press Bill Press on the most explosive takeaways from Bob Woodward’s latest book, Rage, on the Trump presidency. If you'd like to hear the entire reaction, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower When the world’s on fire, what should we do?

Reclaiming populism and rebuilding civic power in an era of crisis. Plus, Bill Press on the casualty of truth in the era of Trump.

Rogers M. Smith on returning populism to its progressive roots. K. Sabeel Rahman on realizing an inclusive and responsive democracy for the future. Plus Bill Press with Brian Stelter on the toxic political mix of Donald Trump and Fox News.

K. Sabeel Rahman 1. Sabeel Rahman is a leading scholar of democracy, law, and inequality.

In his newest book, co-authored with Hollie Russon Gilman, he calls for a transformative model for democracy reform that fundamentally redistributes power to citizens. And it couldn't come at a more critical time.

Rogers M. Smith Rogers M. Smith’s newest book is a deep dive into what populism could and should mean in the future of American politics. It offers a road map to how progressives can build a populist movement that better reflects its inclusive values.

Brian Stelter Why Trump’s unprecedented relationship with Fox New is a threat to democracy. Bill Press talks with Brian Stelter, author of Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower CEO tricksters cut their pay without bleeding.

The past, present and future of progressives in the Senate. A leading political forecaster on who will win in November. Plus, Bill Press with a progressive’s take on electing a moderate to the White House.

Senator Sherrod Brown on his latest book Desk 88: Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America. Professor Allan Lichtman on why he’s calling 2020 for Biden. Plus, Bill Press with Representative Mark Pocan on promoting progressive values in a potential Biden Whitehouse.

Sherrod Brown Senator Sherrod Brown’s most recent book offers a timely history of 20th-century American progressivism. Along the way he makes a compelling case to believe in the future of the Progressive idea in American politics.

Allan Lichtman Allan Lichtman is a political historian renowned for predicting the outcome of presidential elections. The secret he says is to keep your eye on the big picture of the strength of the incumbent president’s party.

Mark Pocan Bill Press with Representative Mark Pocan on why he believes progressives will support a Biden-Harris ticket. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower The Dow Jones v. The Doug Jones

White rage and the political forces that drive it and benefit from it. Plus, Bill Press continues his series on the growing threat of Donald Trump’s mental state.

An extended conversation with scholar and author Carol Anderson on the history of White rage against Black advancement and it’s continuation in Trump’s modern day politics of grievance. Plus, Bill Press on the impact of Donald Trump’s mental imbalance on the mental health of our nation.

Carol Anderson - Part 1 Carol Anderson’s 2016 book on White rage remains a classic text in our national conversation about race. In a broad sweep of history, she demonstrates how any significant advance toward racial justice in US history has been met with powerful political backlash.

Carol Anderson - Part 2 We continue our conversation with Carol Anderson, author of One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy and White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide.

Bill Press Bill Presscontinues his series on Donald Trump’s mental health and what that has to do with the mental health of millions of Americans. If you'd like to hear the entire series, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Where did the Republican Party go?

Economic Justice and the forgotten history of the March on Washington. The origins of right wing populism and the future of the GOP. Plus, Bill Press continues his series on the growing threat of Donald Trump’s mental state.

How Black unionists organized the 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom. How Republicans used organized money and organized outrage to become the party of plutocrats. Plus, Bill Press on why psychiatrists are saying Trump is unfit to hold office and cannot change.

William P. Jones William P. Jones has written extensively on the history of labor unions and race. In his highly acclaimed book on the 1963 March on Washington, he reminds us of the critical role of Black trade unionists in making that historic event happen.

Jacob Hacker In his newest book, Jacob Hacker, and his co-author Paul Pierson, offer a groundbreaking account of the dangerous marriage of plutocratic economic priorities and right-wing populism, and how it threatens American democracy.

Bill Press Bill Press with contributors to the New York Times bestseller The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump discuss the pathologies that control Donald Trump and put American democracy at risk. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Trump’s bassackwards government

At the crossroads of history. The political state of play and what Democrats have to do to turn an advantage into victory. Plus, Bill Press continues his series on the growing threat of Donald Trump’s mental state.

Stanley Greenberg on the failing vision of the GOP. Ruy Teixeira on why Democrats need to build an even bigger tent. Plus, Bill Press on why psychiatrists are speaking out to say Trump is unfit to hold office.

Stanley B. Greenberg Stanley B. Greenberg is a pollster who has worked for Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Tony Blair, and Nelson Mandela. He says that even as polls failed to predict Trump’s victory in 2016, believe them now when they predict his defeat.

Ruy Teixeira Ruy Teixeira specializes in the study of demographic change and its impact on elections. He says that even with demography on their side, Democrats still need to reach out beyond the ranks of its most supportive groups.

Bill Press Bill Press talks with leading psychiatrists about why they are putting their careers on the line to warn us about Trump’s mental state. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill Press pods dot com.

Jim Hightower Save our Post Office… and our right to vote

A defining moment for progressive politics in America. Plus, another attempt to sabotage the census. And Bill Press on why Trump is more dangerous now than ever before.

The enduring legacy of Henry Wallace's anti-fascist, anti-racist politics. Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to erase undocumented immigrants. Plus, Bill Press talks with leading psychiatrists about the growing threat of Donald Trump’s mental state.

John Nichols Seventy five years ago, Vice President Henry Wallace was one of the most progressive Democrats of his time. In his newest book, journalist John Nichols follows the rise and fall of Wallace in Democratic Party politics and says it’s a story we cannot afford to forget.

Dale Ho Donald Trump is not giving up in his fight to exclude noncitizens from the census. And Dale Ho is not giving up in his fight to stop Trump, and to ensure all communities are treated with dignity and respect.

Bill Press Why leading psychiatrists are warning us about Trump’s mental state and why we need to reclaim reality. Bill Press with contributors to the New York Times bestseller The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How intractable is CEO greed?

Words Matter. President Donald Trump’s increasingly dangerous rhetoric. Plus, trade wars as class wars. A new way of thinking about the global economy. And a seasoned political strategist offers a roadmap for Democratic victory in November.

The dangerous effect of Trump’s toxic language and how to fight back. Why trade wars are a threat to the global economy and international peace, and what we can do about it. Plus, Bill Press talks with Paul Begala on his new book You're Fired: The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump.

Helio Fred Garcia Author Helio Fred Garcia’s newest book focuses on the language President Trump uses that conditions his audience to accept, condone, and even commit violence. He says it’s up to all of us to name it for what it is, and hold him accountable for the consequences.

Matthew Klein Matthew Klein’s newest book offers a provocative look at how today’s trade conflicts are caused by governments promoting the interests of elites at the expense of workers. He says it’s up to the United States to fix a broken trade system.

Paul Begala Paul Begala, author of You're Fired: The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump, tells Bill Press what Democrats need to do to win the most important election he has seen in his lifetime.

Jim Hightower Trump’s one-word re-election campaign

A racial reckoning for America. Will it be different this time? Plus, a new era of toxic politics and how it started.

An extended conversation with Peniel E. Joseph on the still unfinished journey toward racial equality and true democracy in America. Plus, Bill Press with Julian Zelizer on how Newt Gingrich broke politics.

Peniel E. Joseph - Pt. 1 Peniel E. Joseph is an American scholar, teacher, and leading public voice on race, democracy and civil rights. He says within this moment of national crisis is a generational opportunity to transform American democracy to one that is free of racial injustice.

Peniel E. Joseph - Pt. 2 We’re speaking with Peniel E. Joseph, founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy and author most recently of

The Sword and The Shield:The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Julian Zelizer The roots of today's partisan warfare. Bill Press talks with Julian Zelizer, author of Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party.

Jim Hightower The virus that’s killing America

The political power of Black women. The deepening crisis of America’s middle class. And, a recap of the latest Supreme Court term.

Black women and their political pursuit for justice, fairness, and equity. Plus, with inequality soaring, America’s middle class is in retreat. How to turn it around. And a surprising term for the Supreme Court. Bill Press with Adam Liptak, Supreme Court Correspondent for The New York Times.

Melanie Campbell Melanie Campbell is known for her powerful ability to build diverse coalitions for the common good, and for advancing the political power of Black women. She says Black women are taking their political leadership to new levels that will be felt far beyond the ballot box.

James Steele In 1992, James Steele and Donald Barlett wrote their groundbreaking book on the economic decline of the working middle class in America. Nearly thirty years later, James Steele says new policies are launching a fresh assault on the middle class.

Adam Liptak New York Times correspondent Adam Liptak talks with Bill Press about the Supreme Court’s latest term and its tack to the center. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Sneaking public dollars into private schools

A new social contract for the 21st century. Plus, how Trump could use political chaos to upset the election. And, what “reopen safely” really means for our nation’s schools.

Neera Tanden on why now is the time to reimagine a social contract that not only leads us into recovery, but paves the way for a new future. Plus, former U.S. Senator Tim Wirth on how Trump could stay in the White House no matter what the voters say. And Bill Press with Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

Neera Tanden As president of the Center for American Progress, and throughout her career, Neera Tanden has focused on expanding opportunity for all Americans. As we face the crisis brought on by the pandemic, she says we have an opportunity today to build on the New Deal with a new social contract that presents a more fair and just way forward.

Tim Wirth Former U.S. Senator Tim Wirth says there’s little Trump hates more than losing, and Americans cannot afford to ignore how far he will go to avoid it.

Randi Weingarten Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers tells Bill Press what it will take to keep students and teachers safe this Fall. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill PressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Cashing in on the COVID crisis

Why “Made in America” matters for our nation's future. Why hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients are still waiting to become citizens. Plus, why the world cannot survive another four years of Donald Trump.

How we can create and keep manufacturing jobs in America. Plus, a legal and political history of the DREAM Act and DACA. And Bill Press with David Frum, author of Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy.

Tom Conway As head of North America’s largest industrial union, Tom Conway speaks for over 800,000 workers. He says now more than ever, we need to protect working people and fight to rebuild our nation’s manufacturing muscle.

Michael Olivas Michael Olivas has written the first comprehensive history of the DREAM Act, and DACA. It is an exhaustive examination of how politicians have gone wrong serving young undocumented immigrants, and how they could still go right.

David Frum From the frontline of the Republican resistance to Trump, David Frum joins Bill Press to talk about his new book Trumpocalypse. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Sacrificing people to corporate profit

A Democratic playbook for 2020, and the fight to win over traditional working class voters. Plus, the failures of Donald Trump’s foreign policy.

Veteran pollster Vic Fingerhut on why Democrats need to stand up for the core issues that have defined them for decades if they want to win in 2020. Plus, Bill Press with Washington Post columnist David Ignatius.

Vic Fingerhut Pt. 1 Vic Fingerhut is a pioneer among Democratic polling and media consultants who has consistently argued for a progressive populist message. In this extended interview, he says that in 2020, nothing could be more important than for Democrats to regain their ground with traditional working class voters.

Vic Fingerhut Pt. 2 Democratic pollster Vic Fingergut discusses the path to victory for Democrats in 2020.

David Igantius What Donald Trump is trying to accomplish in the world, and why it’s not working. Bill Press talks with award winning Washington Post columnist David Iganatius.

Jim Hightower The meek reality behind Trump’s pose as a Bull Moose Populist.

The post pandemic agenda. What will it take to save public schools? Why universal broadband access matters. Plus, putting a permanent end to police brutality against Black Americans.

How to rescue our schools from financial collapse. How to bridge the digital divide for all Americans. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman James Clyburn.

Jeff Bryant The Coronavirus pandemic is turning into a financial crisis for our nation’s schools. Jeff Bryant explains what it will take to save public education from a looming catastrophe

Michael Copps During this pandemic, the internet is a lifeline. That’s why former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps says the time is now to guarantee broadband access for all Americans.

James Clyburn Will this time be different? Bill Press talks with Congressman James Clyburn about the fight to end systemic racism in America. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Who was Smedley Darlington Butler, and why is he important?

Making politics matter. Taking action for racial justice at the ballot box. Fighting back against voter suppression. Plus, why one conservative thinker wants to stop Donald Trump from leading for another four years.

How politicians can make a difference in the fight against systemic racism. Plus, what Wisconsin can teach us about how to vote during a pandemic. And Bill Press with neoconservative political commentator Bill Kristol.

Ada Briceño Ada Briceño believes in an all-encompassing fight against police brutality and systemic racism that goes beyond protest. That’s why she calls on all of us to vote for politicians who will take a stand in the fight for racial justice and make real change.

Ben Wikler Ben Wikler says voter suppression is a core strategy in the Republican strategy to reelect Donald Trump, and they are willing to put lives on the line. That’s why he’s leading a fight for universal mail-in voting in Wisconsin.

Bill Kristol Neoconservative political commentator Bill Kristol talks with Bill Press about why Trump is incapable of being the leader the nation needs. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Unmasking America’s mask profiteers

An economic recovery that works for all. Why racial equity matters. How billionaires are getting richer in the middle of a pandemic. Plus, George Floyd’s death and the reckoning of America.

The economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic for people of color. Plus, how tax breaks for the rich are standing in the way of a fair recovery. And Bill Press with CNN’s Bakari Sellers, author of My Vanishing Country.

Danyelle Solomon The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on every community across the United States, but nowhere more than in communities of color. That’s why Danyelle Solomon is calling for a recovery that will reduce the racial wealth gap rather than increase it.

Frank Clemente Within the most recent coronavirus stimulus package is a tax cut that is making the rich richer at the expense of everyone else. Frank Clemente says it’s time to put an end to this millionaire’s give away.

Bakari Sellers What justice means in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Bill Press with CNN commentator and author of My Vanishing Country, Bakari Sellers. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Beware of a Trump Coup!

Making real change. The dangers of politics as a spectator sport. The political potential of nonviolent activism. Plus Bill Press on the political rise of Nancy Pelosi.

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How to move beyond political hobbyism and make real change. Plus, what is nonviolent resistance and why does it work? And Bill Press with journalist Molly Ball on her new biography of Nancy Pelosi.

Eitan Hersh Author Eitan Hersh says millions of Americans see politics as a form of self-expression rather than as a mechanism for change. In his new book, he explains why this is bad for democracy and shows us a way toward more effective political participation.

Todd Hasak-Lowy In his new book for young readers, Todd Hasak-Lowy tells the stories of powerful leaders who used nonviolent resistance to bring lasting change. He says what they understood about politics and power is a necessary lesson for today’s world.

Molly Ball How Nancy Pelosi became the most powerful Democrat in the country. Bill Press with author Molly Ball. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What does “Small Government” buy us?

COVID 19 and the billionaire bonanza. An unauthorized history of the NRA. Plus Bill Press on what Obamagate is really about.

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How pandemic profiteers are deepening America’s wealth gap. Plus, the unauthorized history of the NRA. And Bill Press talks with David Corn, Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones.

Chuck Collins Chuck Collins is a long time advocate for greater economic equality in America. He says billionaires are only getting richer during the pandemic, and if we don’t act now, inequality will only get worse.

Frank Smyth Journalist Frank Smyth has been writing about the NRA for over 20 years. He’s brought that work together now in a new book that offers a definitive account of America’s most powerful, secretive, and controversial nonprofit, and how far it has strayed from its origins.

David Corn From birtherism to Obamagate. Bill Press talks with David Corn, Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones about Trump’s phony narratives and the politics behind them. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What’s the charitable thing to do about inequality?

A better and bolder pandemic relief plan. Is it time to abolish the electoral college? Plus Bill Press on the rise of democratic women in politics.

Progressives call on politicians for a relief package that meets the needs of all Americans. Plus, how the electoral college is bad for democracy and why it needs to end. And Bill Press talks with Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY's List.

Emma Einhorn The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare our nation’s devastating disparities in health and wealth. Activist Emma Einhorn says the next relief package has to put people first and commit to an America that works for all.

Jesse Wegman Twice in two decades, the electoral college has chosen a president who lost the popular vote. Journalist Jesse Wegman says it doesn’t have to be that way, and the time is now to finally make every citizen's vote matter.

Stephanie Schriock Bill Press talks with Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY's List about why it is so important to have women in public office. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What’s the Weirdest Species of All?

Pandemic politics. The state of play in Wisconsin. What Americans think about the rush to reopen. Plus Bill Press on the conservative crisis agenda.

What pollsters are learning about American concerns over COVID 19, and why politicians should listen. Why Wisconsin republicans pushed to have an election in the middle of a pandemic. Plus Bill Press talks with Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio about what we need to do now to protect the nation’s working class.

John Anzalone John Anzalone has been measuring the nation’s political pulse for decades. He says, during this pandemic, many politicians are out of step with what Americans really want.

Ruth Conniff The pandemic is changing the political landscape in Wisconsin, and few know that better than long time political journalist Ruth Conniff. She says Republicans are willing to sacrifice public health in the interest of holding on to power. But it may not work.

Tim Ryan Bill Press talks with Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan about crisis politics and what’s at stake for workers. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What’s the difference between corporate CEO’s and pigs?

On the front lines for Medicare for All. Nurses take a stand for all Americans to have access to healthcare. The labor campaign for health care justice. Plus, are we ready to reopen? Bill Press on where we stand now in the coronavirus pandemic.

Why nurses are fighting for single payer health care, and why the American labor movement is mobilizing with them. Plus Bill Press talks with Politico healthcare reporter Adam Cancryn about what it will take to end the pandemic crisis and what stands in the way.

Malinda Markowitz Whether it’s at the bedside or in the offices of our elected officials, nurses are fighting for our lives. And now, in the middle of a pandemic, they are risking their own lives to do so. In this encore interview, Malinda Markowitz explains why Medicare for All is such a personal issue for nurses and why they are campaigning to insure all Americans.

Mike Dudzic The coronavirus pandemic means millions of Americans are losing their jobs and their health insurance. The Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Health Care believes that health care is a fundamental human right. In this encore interview, National Coordinator Mark Dudzic says it’s up to unions to take the lead and fix our broken health care system.

Adam Cancryn The right and wrong way to reopen the nation. Bill Press talks with Politico healthcare reporter Adam Cancryn. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What’s the gimmick in Trump’s plan to “rescue” the public Postal Service?

Democracy fights back. The movement to restore voting rights and make elections fair and free. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Eric Swalwell on what it will really take to reopen America.

David Daley on his new book Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy. Plus Bill Press talks with California Representative Eric Swalwell about what Congress needs to do next to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

David Daley Pt. 1 Journalist David Daley’s 2016 bestselling book Ratf**Ked opened the nation’s eyes to the vast reach of GOP gerrymandering and the GOP plan to lock in control of American politics Now he’s opening our eyes again, this time to the story of how Americans are fighting back.

David Daley Pt. 2 And now Part Two of our conversation with David Daley about his new book Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy. Dave, there’s a chapter in the book titled The Defeat of the Voter Fraud Myth, and a central character is Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap who served on President Trump’s voter fraud commission. Remind us what that commission was supposed to accomplish.

Eric Swalwell With a President who makes every crisis worse, Bill Press talks Congressman Eric Swalwell about what Congress has to do to help the nation recover from the coronavirus pandemic. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How intractable is CEO greed?

Power Shifts. The dangerous rise of religious nationalism. What the future holds for America’s labor unions. Plus, Bill Press gets a behind the scenes view of the White House briefing room.

An investigation of the religious right's rise to political power. A history of the rise and fall of organized labor in America and what that means for its future. Plus Bill Press with ABC’s chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl on his new book Front Row at the Trump Show.

Katherine Stewart Katherine Stewart’s newest book explores the rise of the religious right in America and its vast reach into American politics. She warns that the end result is fundamentally anti-democratic. And at such a critical point in time, it is dangerously anti-science.

Steven Greenhouse Steven Greenhouse is one of our nation’s most respected labor journalists.

His newest book spans a century of America’s labor movement to understand its decline and what workers are doing today to reclaim their power.

Jonathan Karl Covering Trump during a pandemic. Bill Press with ABC’s chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl on his new book Front Row at the Trump Show.

Jim Hightower Don’t shut the post office, expand their services.

Coronavirus and the crisis of poverty. How to put people over profits. Plus, Bill Press on what we owe our front line workers in the midst of a pandemic.

Building a moral response to COVID-19. An extended conversation with Reverend Liz Theoharis, Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Plus Bill Press talks with Marc Perrone, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers.

Liz Theoharis - Pt. 1 It's been two years since Reverend William Barber and Reverend Liz Theoharis started a modern day Poor People’s Campaign to confront the ongoing crisis of poverty in America. In the midst of a devastating pandemic, that work is even more critical . Reverend Theoharis says if we don’t do more now to help poor people, the entire nation is at greater risk.

Liz Theoharis - Pt. 2 And now Part Two of our conversation with Reverend Liz Theoharis, Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Marc Perrone Millions of workers are putting themselves at risk to make sure we have food and supplies through this pandemic. Are we doing enough to protect them?

Bill Press talks with Marc Perrone, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers

Jim Hightower Wimpy leaders ignore strong people.

Making history with the women of the 116th Congress. Celebrating the history of Earth Day … online. Plus, how to cover a President who won’t tell the truth. Bill Press talks with Soledad O'Brien.

A behind-the-scenes look at the women reshaping Congress. The 50th anniversary of Earth Day in the midst of a pandemic. Plus Bill Press on how the media should cover Trump during a public health crisis.

Jennifer Steinhauer Jennifer Steinhauer’s newest book takes a deep dive into the 116th congress through the lens of the record-setting number of women newly elected to office. She says the diversity they bring goes far beyond gender.

Kathleen Rogers Fifty years ago, twenty million Americans turned out for the very first Earth Day.

Because of the pandemic, that anniversary will be celebrated online. Kathleen Rogers is leading the campaign, and she says the message of Earth Day is essential now more than ever.

Soledad O'Brien Should networks stop airing Trump's coronavirus briefings? Bill Press talks with veteran journalist Soledad O'Brien. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Can the Easter Bunny save us?

How conservatives hijacked democracy, and how progressives can win it back. Plus, Trump in a showdown with science. Bill Press with Axios reporter Jonathan Swan.

Caroline Fredrickson on her book The Democracy Fix: How to Win the Fight for Fair Rules, Fair Courts and Fair Elections.

Caroline Frederickson - Pt 1 Despite representing a minority of the American public, conservatives are in power across the country. In her book The Democracy Fix, author Caroline Frederickson tells us how it happened and how to turn it around.

Caroline Frederickson - Pt 2 Part Two of our conversation with Caroline Fredrickson about her book “The Democracy Fix: How to Win the Fight for Fair Rules, Fair Courts and Fair Elections”. The book suggests that progressives can learn from the conservative playbook. But can progressives do that and not sacrifice democratic values along the way?

Jonathan Swan Trump vs Reality. Bill Press talks with Axios reporter Jonathan Swan. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What should happen to “Pandemic Profiteers”?

Protecting our vote. The battle against gerrymandering. Standing up for the voting rights of young people. Plus, how not to manage a crisis. Bill Press with Politico reporter Dan Diamond.

Making the case for fair maps and fair elections. Fighting back against the effort to suppress young voters. Plus, an in-depth conversation about Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dan Vicuna Through his work at Common Cause, Dan Vicuna is at the forefront of the fight against partisan gerrymandering and unfair redistricting. And as the 2020 Census moves ahead, that fight is more important now than ever.

Benjamin Barber Voter Suppression has a long history in the American south. Writer Benjamin Barber says that for young voters in the South today, that history lives on.

Dan Diamond Deny and delay. Assessing Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Bill Press talks with Politico reporter Dan Diamond. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How social distancing can bring us together.

Building the Progressive Movement. Filling the slate with working class candidates. A grassroots strategy for democratic victories. Plus Bill Press with a leading national pollster on crisis politics and what American voters want now.

Randy “Ironstache” Bryce on why we need more working people in Congress. Tori Taylor on the Swing Left campaign to restore democracy up and down the ballot. Plus Bill Press with pollster Peter Hart on what Americans want in the midst of a crisis.

Randy Bryce Former iron worker and congressional candidate Randy Bryce is on a mission - to recruit and support working-class congressional candidates. He says working people bring a powerful and much needed voice to politics.

Tori Taylor Flipping the Senate, the White House and key state legislatures by empowering volunteers everywhere to win critical elections. That’s the goal of Swing Left. Chief Political Officer Tori Taylor describes their innovative strategy to mobilize a movement for maximum impact.

Peter Hart A national mood of fear and uncertainty and what that means for politics. Bill Press talks with Democratic pollster Peter Hart. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Pessimism is the stealth enemy of progressivism

The Power to Protect. Fighting back against consumer fraud. Standing up to end child poverty. Plus Bill Press on the costs of playing politics with a public health crisis.

Richard Cordray, former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, talks about his new book Watchdog: How Protecting Consumers Can Save Our Families, Our Economy, and Our Democracy. Jeff Madrick, author of Invisible Americans:The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty, on what government gets wrong about child poverty and how to get it right. Plus, Bill Press talks with Dana Milbank about what the White House should be doing about the coronavirus outbreak.

Richard Cordray Throughout his career, Richard Cordray has been at the forefront in the fight to protect consumers against fraud and abuse. His new book tells a compelling story about how government can play a powerful role in that fight.

Jeff Madrick In his new book, author and veteran journalist Jeff Madrick sheds a necessary light on the unseen reality and irreparable damage of child poverty in America. He says it’s an issue too few Ameicans understand or even acknowledge.

Dana Milbank What happens when a President is ill-prepared to lead through a crisis that can have deadly consequences? Bill Press talks with Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank.. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What happened to Trump’s peace deal?

Doctors take a stand for single payer health care. How Donald Trump is unmaking the presidency. Plus Bill Press on the state of America’s labor movement.

Why doctors are leading a movement to cover medical care for all Americans.Donald Trump’s lasting impact on the highest office in the land. Plus Bill Press talks with Stephen Greenhouse, author of Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor.

Susan Rogers As a physician, Dr. Susan Rogers knows well the daily failures of a profit driven health care system and the inequities it creates. That’s why she says only a single payer system can provide the kind of health care all Americans deserve.

Benjamin Wittes A new book from Benjamin Wittes and co-author Susan Hennessey offers a piercing analysis of Donald Trump’s presidency and a compelling argument that he is transforming the nature of the office. Wittes says that as Trump continues to put his personal interest ahead of the public good, the future of democratic governance is at risk.

Steven Greenhouse Are unions making a comeback? Bill Press talks about the past, present, and future of American labor with Steven Greenhouse, author of Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Will Democrats Be Democrats, or Fraidy Cats?

Why labor should support a Green New Deal. Inside the GOP plan to rig elections. Plus Bill Press with the authors of A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America.

Labor organizer Joseph B. Uehlein makes the case for protecting workers in the green new deal. Filmmaker Mac Heller exposes the Republican strategy to suppress the vote and win elections. Plus Bill Press talks with the authors of A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America.

Joseph B. Uehlein Joseph B. Uehlein works at the forefront of building union support for the effort to confront climate change. He says the Green New Deal has the potential to rebuild the labor movement and unite the working class.

Mac Heller Filmmaker Mac Heller’s latest documentary takes a deep dive in the carefully crafted campaign being used by Republicans to suppress voting. It’s a compelling story of democracy at peril and what we can do about it.

Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker Bill Press talking with Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, authors of A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill PressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How wasteful is the Pentagon?

How the Democratic Party can, and should, engage rural America. Why it’s time to abolish the electoral college. Plus Bill Press with GOP insider Rick Wilson on how to prevent President Trump from being re-elected.

Jane Kleeb on the importance of rural voters to progressive politics. Reed Hundt on why the nation is ready for a national popular vote. Plus a GOP campaign consultant tells Bill Press how Democrats can, and should, beat Donald Trump.

Jane Kleeb One of the lessons from the 2016 election was that Democrats have a problem with rural voters. A new book by Jane Kleeb offers a convincing strategy on how progressive Democrats can connect to the issues rural voters care about and win their support in November.

Reed Hundt There’s a growing movement to elect the president by a national popular vote.

Former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt says it’s the only way to restore faith in American democracy.

Rick Wilson Back Announce: Bill Press talking with Rick Wilson, author of Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump--and Democrats from Themselves. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Health care for people… or for corporate profits?

Black Voters Matter. Building the power of black communities at the ballot box. Plus Bill Press with Tom Daschle looking back and looking ahead.

Cliff Albright of the Black Voters Matter Fund on the political power of black communities to determine their own destiny. Plus Bill Press with former Democratic minority leader Tom Daschle on a divided Congress and a divided nation.

Cliff Albright - Pt. 1 The ethos of the Black Voters Matter Fund is that effective voting is a powerful tool for change and self determination. Co-Founder Cliff Albright says that when that message is delivered in the right way, black voters are ready to hear it.

Cliff Albright - Pt. 2 Cliff Albright, cofounder of Black Voters Matter Fund, which builds community and organizational capacity related to Black voting power. One of their core beliefs is about the importance of working with existing community based organizations. For Cliff Albright, it allows them to build power from what already exists.

Tom Daschle Bill Press talks with former Democratic minority leader, Tom Daschle about impeachment, the politics of justice, and the future of the Trump presidency.

Jim Hightower Should Democrats be the party of small change?

Building progressive power at the state level. Cutting through the fog of centrist corporate speak. Plus Bill Press on President Trump’s impeachment trial.

How one organization is powering progressive change at the state level. A guide to what centrists politicians say and what they really mean. Plus Bill Press with Eleanor Clift on the impeachment trial and what it reveals about the Senate GOP.

Jessie Ulibarri Jessie Ulibarri has dedicated his career to building progressive power at the state level. As a former state senator, he knows how challenging that can be, and what it will take for state lawmakers to build a broader progressive movement.

Richard RJ. Eskow Richard RJ. Eskow pays close attention to the words politicians use, and the true intent behind them. He says centrist politicians, by design, use language that is often misleading and demands greater precision.

Eleanor Clift Bill Press talks with veteran journalist Eleanor Clift about President Trump’s impeachment trial and what it means for the future of politics. Eleanor Clift is one of Washington’s best known reporters, authors and commentators. She is a former White House correspondent and now a columnist for The Daily Beast. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Sonny and Donnie: Down on the farm

Can unions save democracy? And will millionaires help?

Author and organizer Jane McAlevey on her new book, A Collective Bargain:Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy. Plus, the millionaires who want to pay more taxes, not less. Bill Press talks with Erica Payne, Executive Director of Patriotic Millionaires.

Jane McAlevey Pt. 1 At a time when workers are under attack at historic levels, strikes are making a comeback. In that, Jane McAlevey sees an opportunity to reset power and politics in America, and clear a path to progressive change.

Jane McAlevey Pt. 2 Jane McAlevey about her powerful new book, A Collective Bargain:Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy. She makes the case that unions are central to challenging the corporate class and restoring democracy in America. But what about the millions of workers who don’t have a union? For Jane McAlevey, that translates into even more opportunity to build the power of organized labor.

Erica Payne The millionaires who are fighting for a living wage for all working citizens, and a fair tax system. Bill Press talks with Erica Payne, Executive Director of Patriotic Millionaires. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Who’ll care for “the other” migrants?

Getting it right in 2020. Making black communities powerful in politics. Turning out progressive voters one conversation at a time. Plus Bill Press talks with former UN Ambassador Susan Rice.

Alicia Garza on what motivates black voters and why politicians should care. Alex Morgan on upping the progresive ground game in 2020. Plus Bill Press on Donald Trump’s perilous foreign policy with former UN Ambassador Susan Rice.

Alicia Garza Alicia Garza reminds us that black voters are central to changing the direction of the nation, and that politicians who take black voters for granted do so at their own peril.

Alex Morgan Alex Morgan says that in 2016, Democrats forgot the basics of winning campaigns — face-to-face conversations with voters. That’s why he’s leading a massive effort to turn that around.

Susan Rice Bill Press talks former UN Ambassador Susan Rice about Donald Trump’s disdain for diplomacy and why she supports a War Powers Resolution to curb more military actions against Iran. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill PressPods.com.

Jim Hightower What car do billionaires ride in?

Donald Trump’s campaign to shred environmental protections. A grassroots campaign to build the electoral power of Democrats. Plus Bill Press on the biggest foreign policy crisis yet in the Trump Administration.

Dan Farber on what’s next in Donald Trump’s war on regulations and who will pay the price. Rita Bosworth on the Sister District Project and its plan to flip states from red to blue. Plus Bill Press talks with nuclear arms expert Joe Cirincione about Iran and the path to war.

Dan Farber Dan Farber works at the intersection of constitutional law and the environment. He says Donald Trump’s war on regulation sidelines science in the interest of industry profit, and if he has another four years, it will only get worse.

Rita Bosworth The path to power runs through the states. That’s why Rita Bosworth started the Sister District Project, an organization dedicated to turning states from red to blue. She says it's crucial to invest in state legislative races in order to reverse the course of the country.

Joe Cirincione Is Donald Trump leading us into a war with Iran? Bill Press talks with Joe Cirincione, one of the leading nuclear policy experts in the country. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower How do the rich become über-rich?

Listening to working class voters at the ballot box, and fighting for their future in the workplace. Plus, Bill Press on the Supreme Court’s swing to the right.

What will it take to bring unions back and help workers stand up for their rights? Plus, what working class voters want and what that means for 2020. And Bill Press talks with Ruth Marcus about her book, Supreme Ambition: Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover.

Shaun Richman After decades of corporate union-busting, author Shaun Richman says never have so many workers needed so much support. His new book offers an action plan to bring the power of unions back to workplaces across America.

Matt Morrison Matt Morrison has worked on over 500 political campaigns. He now focuses on voter turnout for candidates who support a fair economy for working-class Americans. He says progressive Democrats can win over working class voters if they are willing to show up and listen.

Ruth Marcus The inside story of Brett Kavanaugh’s ascent to the Supreme Court. Bill Press talks with Ruth Marcus, author of Supreme Ambition: Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Is Healthcare more important than healthcare profits?

Our favorite interviews from 2019. Fighting for the rights of felons to vote. Why walls don’t work. Plus, why 2020 won’t be won by centrists

The racist roots of denying felons the right to vote. Everything Donald Trump gets wrong about walls. Plus Robert Reich on the choice that has to be made between oligarchy and an America that works for everyone.

Tierra Bradford The history of denying felons the right to vote is rooted in the history of African American voter suppression. And while restoring that right is gaining traction in the 2020 campaign, Tierra Bradford says many Democratic hopefuls still don’t get the point.

Adam Smith President Trump often sites The Great Wall of China as evidence that a wall will solve our immigration problems. Adam Smith says it’s a claim that history simply cannot support.

Robert Reich Robert Reich is one of our nation’s leading economists. He says the widening gap between the wealthy and everyone else is the defining issue of our time. And that’s why Democrats have to choose a side.

Jim Hightower The other Mexican migration

Framing the Debate for America’s Future. Building the case for a wealth tax. Why Democrats need to talk about race and class. Plus, Bill Press with Tom Friedman on saving American democracy.

Economist Emmanuael Saez on how America’s tax system is pushing us deeper into inequality. Ian Haney Lopez on why the fight for racial justice will win elections. Plus Tom Friedman tells Bill Press why Trump must be impeached.

Emmanuel Saez Economist Emmanuel Saez studies wealth and income inequality around the world. His newest book argues that the American economy isn’t working for half of the nation and makes the case for a tax system that is truly progressive.

Ian Haney Lopez In his newest book, critical race theorist Ian Haney Lopez offers a roadmap to progressive political victory. To get there, he argues we need to reframe the way we think about race and class.

Tom Friedman Bill Press talks to New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winning author Tom Friedman on why he believes Donald Trump must be impeached if America’s democracy is to remain intact. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPresspods.com.

Jim Hightower America’s healthcare border raiders.

The past and future of race and democracy in America. How Reconstruction remade the Constitution. The centrality of racial justice in progressive politics today. Plus, Bill Press takes stock of the Justice Department under Bill Barr.

Historian Eric Foner on the ongoing battle over who is considered equal under the law. Peniel Joseph on why the strength of the Democratic Party lies in its diversity. Plus, Bill Press talks about justice in the Trump Administration with Ed Chung, Vice President for Criminal Justice Reform at The Center for American Progress

Eric Foner Eric Foner is one of this country's most prominent historians. His newest book tells how the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments altered the course of history and changed what it means to be an American.

Peniel Joseph Peniel Joseph is a leading public scholar on race and democracy in America. Looking ahead to 2020, he says Democrats are ready for a more progressive Party, but can only win if that includes a commitment to black voters and their interests.

Ed Chung Bill Press talks to Ed Chung, Vice President for Criminal Justice Reform at The Center for American Progress. He follows the Barr Justice Department and says loyalty to Trump is replacing the “rule of law”.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit Bill PressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Can “powerless nobodies” fight the corporate powers?

Democracy Fights Back. From outrage to activism, and why it’s not too late to take a stand for the America we want. Plus, Bill Press with Pulitzer prize winning author David Mariniss.

Two authors take us inside the modern day movement for democracy in America and find hope. Plus, author David Maraniss joins Bill Press to talk about his own family’s history with the Red Scare.

Adam Eichen In his newest book co-authored with Frances Moore Lappe, organizer and scholar Adam Eichen goes to the roots of the anti-democracy movement in America and answers the question, What do we do now?

Dana R. Fisher Dana R. Fisher is one of the leading scholars of protest movements. Her newest book tells the story of how a grassroots movement has grown into a full-fledged resistance in the era of Donald Trump.

David Maraniss Bill Press interviews celebrated author David Maraniss whose newest book tells the story of his father who was targeted as a communist at the height of McCarthyism. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Should Democrats be the party of small change?

Losing ground to corporate America. Expanding the space for reporting on poverty. Plus Bill Press gives a failing grade to Republicans defending Donald Trump.

Thomas Philippon on his new book The Great Reversal: How America Gave Up on Free Markets. Alissa Quart introduces us to the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. Plus Bill Press explains why the Republican defense of Donald Trump is collapsing.

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Thomas Philippon In his newest book, economist Thomas Philippon takes aim at the growing concentration of corporate power in America. He says American markets, once a model for the world, are giving up on healthy competition, and average Americans are paying the price.

Alissa Quart The Economic Hardship Reporting Project aims to change the national conversation around poverty and economic hardship. Executive Director Alissa Quart explains how the project amplifies the voices of people experiencing economic hardship themselves.

Bill Press Bill Press reviews the Republican defense of Donald Trump during the impeachment hearings and says it’s failed on every point.

Jim Hightower How Trump’s poverty subsidy enriches the rich

Workers are taking a stand. Are Democrats ready to listen? Plus Bill Press interviews Norman Ornstein.

Sarah Jaffe on the return of the strike. Mark Dann asks if working class voters can trust the Democrats. Plus Bill Press with Norman Ornstein on paralysis in Washington and why Republicans are the problem.

Sarah Jaffe Workers at GM recently ended the longest auto workers strike in 50 years. Sarah Jaffee says the action signals a revival of picket line politics with a message that is bigger than any one union.

Marc Dann Democrats have a working class problem, but they still have a chance to fix it. Marc Dann says that has to begin with admitting the betrayals brought on by the last two Democratic administrations.

Norman Ornstein Norman Ornstein tells Bill Press how the GOP became a cult.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPresspods.com.

Jim Hightower How Trump’s poverty subsidy enriches the rich.

A More Equal Union. The political crisis of extreme inequality. How the electoral college undermines democracy. Plus Jerry Brown and Pete Buttigieg together on the Bill Press pod.

Adam Eichen on the fight to end winner take all elections. Ganesh Sitaraman on reviving the reforms of the progressive era. Plus Bill Press with Jerry Brown and Pete Buttigieg on why US foreign policy needs a major fix.

Adam Eichen Adam Eichen is an author and activist focused on highlighting the emerging Democracy Movement in the United States. He says that the path to citizen equality demands fundamental reforms to the way we vote.

Ganesh Sitaraman Legal scholar Ganesh Sitaraman writes about the core connection between democracy and economic equality. He says that as concentrated wealth and power distort our democracy, it’s time to recall the progressives who fought back over a hundred years ago.

Pete Buttigieg The role of America in the world today with presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and former California governor Jerry Brown

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.

Jim Hightower Why would we trust plutocrats to save us from plutocracy

Democracy’s next test. Why 2020 won’t be won by centrists. How foreign meddling undermines American voters. Plus, an election preview with former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Robert Reich on the choice that has to be made between oligarchy and an America that works for everyone. Fred Wertheimer on the fight that has to be fought against foreign interference in American democracy.

Plus, Bill Press looks ahead to 2020 with former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Robert Reich Robert Reich is one of our nation’s leading economists. He says the widening gap between the wealthy and everyone else is the defining issue of our time. And that’s why Democrats have to choose a side.

Fred Wertheimer Fred Wertheimer has spent more than four decades working on democracy and governance, and is a national leader and spokesman on money and ethics in politics. He says foreign meddling in American politics has been a threat since the founding, and we now have a way to prevent it.

Terry McAuliffe Bill Press talks with former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPod.com.

Jim Hightower How to know when the economy is really doing well

Economic Red Flags. America’s middle class on the decline. The unsustainability of economic inequality. Plus, impeachment advice from a veteran of the Clinton war room.

Why America’s middle class is barely getting by. Why the fight against climate change also has to be a fight against inequality. Plus Bill Press interviews Lanny Davis, former special counsel to President Bill Clinton.

Alissa Quart For her most recent book, Author Alissa Quart tracked the daily life of America’s middle class. What she found were people too often living paycheck to paycheck and struggling just to get by.

James K Galbraith James K Galbraith is one of the world’s leading economists. He says rising inequality in the world today is fundamentally unsustainable and at odds with what needs to be done to confront the realities of climate change.

Lanny Davis Bill Press talks impeachment with the man who ran Bill Clinton's impeachment war room.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPod.com.

Jim Hightower How Repugnant is Big Oil?

Dangers to Democracy. The changing politics of presidential power. The evolution of white nationalism. Plus, Bill Press takes a deep dive into the politics of pot.

A book about the time the GOP stood up to Nixon and what it says about Republicans today. Plus, how the Alt-Right is warping the American imagination. And Bill Press interviews Justin Strekal (STRAY kel), political director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana .

Michael Koncewicz Historian and author Michael Koncewicz tells a fascinating history of the Watergate era and reveals how Republican leaders today have little in common with those who resisted Richard Nixon.

Alexandra Minna Stern For her new book, historian Alexandra Minna Stern delves into the changing landscape of white nationalism to offer an invaluable guide to a new breed of racism that threatens the most fundamental ideals of American democracy.

Justin Strekal Bill Press talking with Justin Strekal, political director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana

on the rise of legalized marijuana, who is buying in, and who is pushing back.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressShow.com.

Jim Hightower Where can Trump find a Good Farm Policy?

Talk Radio’s America. How an industry took over a political party that took over the White House. Plus, Donald Trump’s dangerous war on LBGTQ Americans.

How the rise of conservative talk radio gave us a Republican Party incapable of governing and paved the way for Donald Trump. Plus Bill Press talks with Alphonso David, President of the Human Rights Campaign, about the LGBTQ community’s fight for survival under the Trump Administration.

Brian Rosenwald Pt. 1 Brian Rosenwald is a scholar who works at the intersection of media and politics. His newest book tells the story of how conservative talk radio evolved to turn the political world upside down.

Brian Rosenwald Pt. 2 Part two of our conversation with Brian Rosenwald, author of Talk Radio’s America: How an Industry Took Over a Political Party, on why conservative talk radio embraced Donald Trump.

Alphonso David Donald Trump’s attack on the LGBTQ community. Bill Press talks with Alphonso David, President of the Human Rights Campaign

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressshow.com.

Jim Hightower A wealth tax for American Progress

Fighting for the working class. A strategy to rebuild the power of labor unions. Why Democrats need to take a stand for blue collar voters in 2020. Plus, the political ambitions of Michael Pence.

Why the time has come for sectoral bargaining. Bill Press on how Democrats can win back working class voters. And a conversation with Tom LoBianco on his new biography of Vice President Mike Pence.

Bill Press One of the most pivotal issues for Democrats heading into 2020 is how to win back working class voters. For Bill Press, there’s a clear path that begins with economic justice and refuses to accept making a choice between race and class.

David Madland Against the backdrop of declining membership, a different way of organizing workers is gaining support. Sectoral bargaining not only has the potential to rebuild union membership. David Madland says it can lead to better working conditions for all workers and reduce economic inequality.

Tom LoBianco Why Donald Trump and Michael Pence are joined at the hip. Bill Press talks with Tom LoBianco, author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House, his new biography of the enigmatic Vice President.

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressshow.com.

Jim Hightower The Gloppy mess of merger mania.

The path to progressive change. The transformative potential of intersectional politics. Why progressives must fight for the states. Plus Bill Press on the politics of impeachment.

Why Democrats need to talk about race and class. Plus, how the path to progressive renewal runs through the states. And Bill Press catches up on the impeachment inquiry with Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.

Sherry Lee Linkon Too often, the challenge for Democrats in this political moment is framed as one that pits voters of color against the white working-class. Sherry Lee Linkon argues for an intersectional politics that embraces the complexity of American voters and transcends the singular categories of race and class.

Meaghan Winter In her new book, journalist Meaghan Winter writes that Democrats have largely ceded control of state governments to the GOP, allowing them to rig our political system and undermine democracy itself. She says that winning state and local races is crucial now more than ever to repair the damage.

Larry Sabato Tracking the impeachment inquiry with one of the nation's most respected political analysts. Bill Press talks with Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics

If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressShow.com

Jim Hightower Kroger: Don’t Lose Local News

The erosion of democracy under Donald Trump, and how to reclaim America with a progressive populist agenda. Plus Bill Press on the Trump kleptocracy.

An extended conversation with Robert Kutner about his new book “The Stakes: 2020 and the Survival of American Democracy”. And Bill Press talks with David Fahrenthold of The Washington Post about President Trump's history of profiting off his presidency.

Robert Kuttner Pt. 1 In his latest book, Robert Kuttner makes the case that Donald Trump has brought American democracy perilously close to the brink, and that it will only get worse if he wins a second term. He argues for a revival of New Deal-era populism to bring us back from the edge and begin to repair the damage.

Robert Kuttner Pt. 2 We continue our conversation with Robert Kuttner, author of “The Stakes: 2020 and the Survival of American Democracy” about Democrats pursuit of an all-out progressive economic agenda.

David Farenthold What we need to know about Trump's money. Bill Press talks with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Farenthold of The Washington Post.

Jim Hightower Who’s behind the increasing suppression of your right to protest?

Wake Up Calls. How right wing policies are killing the voters who support them. Plus, the truth about the Koch Brothers and their powerful reach. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Mark Pocan.

“Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland.” Plus, “Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America”. And Bill Press talks Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Co- Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Johnathan Metzl Why are so many working-class white Americans willing to support policies that are making them sick and may even lead to their death? That’s the question that led Johnathan Metzl to spend six years talking to Trump supporters. And what he found out tells an alarming story about the politics of race and its impact on public health.

Christopher Leonard The phrase “Koch brothers” has become synonymous with the outsized influence of wealth and conservative ideology on American politics. And for good reason. In his newest book, journalist Christopher Leonard tells the story of how the Koch brothers amassed their vast wealth and explores their enormous clout.

Mark Pocan The progresive agenda on health care, climate change, trade and 2020. Bill Press talks with Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Co- Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Jim Hightower To make democracy work, we have to work it.

The Future of Politics. Republicans in a battle with a new America, and what that means for progressive Democrats. Plus, is President Trump fit to serve? Bill Press takes it on.

An extended conversation with Stanley Greenberg on his new book RIP GOP: How the New America Is Dooming the Republicans. Plus, Bill Press talks with mental health experts about why they fear the President is a danger to the nation.

Stanley Greenberg Progressive democrats are not only fighting to get Donald Trump out of the White House, but for a new alignment of politics in America that will realize a progressive agenda on everything from jobs and immigration to health care and the climate. Pollster and author Stanley Greenberg says the nation is ready to respond, and Republicans are set up for a shattering defeat.

Jerrold Post and Bandy Lee Bill Press on Donald Trump’s state of mind and why mental health experts are taking an unusual public stand to warn the public.

Jim Hightower Look who’s joining the struggle against corporate plutocracy

Reframing white identity. Reforming elections. Plus Bill Press on the politics of how we talk about Israel.

Richard D. Kahlenberg on the limits of white identity politics. Joshua A. Douglas on the growing movement for voting rights reform. Plus Bill Press with a progressive perspective on US-Israeli relations.

Richard Kahlenberg Richard Kahlenberg is a scholar who has written extensively on the interplay of race and class in education. He has been called “the intellectual father of the economic integration movement” in schooling. In a recent book review, he takes on the issue of “white identity”, its influence on American politics, and the need for a national identity and politics that bridge racial divides.

Joshua A. Douglas Amid dire news about our broken electoral system and efforts to suppress American voters, a new book from Joshua A. Douglas offers an optimistic view drawn from the stories of people across the nation fighting for free and fair elections.

Bill Press Bill Press on why criticism of Israel is not anti-semitism, and voting for Democrats is not disloyal.

Jim Hightower How to arm nature against corporate profiteers.

Taking a stand for workers. How workers around the world are fighting for a living wage. The labor campaign for health care justice. Plus Bill Press with former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

Author Annelise Orleck takes us inside the global uprising against poverty wages. The grassroots labor movement for Medicare-for-All. Plus, Bill Press with former Trump aide turned critic Anthony Scaramucci.

Annelise Orleck Annelise Orleck is a longtime historian of labor movements. In this encore interview, she talks about her newest book and tracking the growing fight across the globe for workers rights and a living wage.

Mark Dudzic The Labor Campaign for Single Payer Health Care believes that health care is a fundamental human right for everyone. In this encore interview, Mark Dudzic says it’s up to unions to take the lead and fix our broken health care system.

Anthony Scaramucci Bill Press asks former Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci about why he is fighting to make sure the President doesn’t win a second term.

Jim Hightower Should our natural resources have legal rights?

The populism we need now. Revisiting the fight against gerrymandering . Plus Bill Press on Donald Trump’s broken vision of immigration.

David Daley on how to restore fairness and democracy to elections. John Judis and a progressive vision of populism and nationalism. Plus Bill Press on how to solve America’s immigration crisis.

David Daley The Supreme Court’s decision on partisan gerrymandering dealt a huge blow to the future of democratc elections in America. David Daley is one of the nation's leading experts on partisan gerrymandering. He says it’s not too late to fight back.

John Judis Across the globe, nationalism and populism are being co-opted by the right, and democracy is paying the price. Veteren journalist John Judis says it doesn’t have to be that way. He says the left needs to embrace both ideas for the promise they hold for a progressive and inclusive politics.

Tom Jawetz Bill Press gets to the truth about immigration with Tom Jawetz, Vice President for Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress

Jim Hightower Trump puts opponent of public lands in charge of public lands.

Standing up for Truth. The evolution of Trump’s attack on the press. A new commitment to covering climate change. Plus calling out the GOP effort to sabotage health care.

Donald Trump’s assault on truth and how we repair the damage. Why journalists are signing up to give the climate story the coverage it demands. Plus Bill Press on what’s at stake if the Affordable Care Act is struck down.

Kyle Pope Kyle Pope says the science is clear, but too often journalists are not. For too long, the U.S. media have downplayed and distorted the climate change story, with devastating consequences. That’s why he has co-founded a new initiative involving over 60 news organizations to get the story right.

Brian Ott Well before his inauguration, Donald Trump launched a virile assault on the press and the very notion of truth itself. Since then, the attacks have only escalated. Brian Ott is a communications scholar who examines the intersection of rhetoric, media and democratic discourse. He says the President has spearheaded a credibility crisis, and it relies on all of us to repair the damage.

Brad Woodhouse Donald Trump’s effort to destroy American health care and what it will take to save the Affordable Care Act. Bill Press talks with Brad Woodhouse, president of Protect Our Care.

Jim Hightower Government for the rich, the poor be damned.

The Politics of Race: Past and Present, plus a defining moment in the history of AIDS in the United States

The GOP’s Southern Strategy from Richard Nixon to Donald Trump.

Plus former Virginia governor Terry McAulife on the growing threat of white nationalism in America today. And Bill Press on the story behind the first ever AIDS ward in the United States.

Terry McAuliffe Terry McAulife served as the 72nd Governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018. He was chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, was co-chair of President Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign and chair of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. It was during his recent term as Governor that the infamous Unite the Right Rally took place in Charlottesville and led to the deaths of three people. Dozens more were injured. In his new book Beyond Charlottesville: Taking a Stand Against White Nationalism, the former governor offers a behind the scenes account of that day, and his thoughts on what the nation should still be learning.

Angie Maxwell The Southern Strategy is often understood as a fixed point in American political history when Richard Nixon and the GOP used racism to build a base among white voters in the South. A new book is changing that perspective and deepens our understanding of how the Southern Strategy transformed American politics, and how its impact persists even today,

Cliff Morrison The transformation of how doctors treated AIDS patients. From fear and ignorance to compassion and dignity. Bill Press talks with Cliff Morrison about the new documentary 5B.

Jim Hightower Will Democrats be Democrats, or fraidy cats?

Building a Movement for Deep Change. Confronting the power of concentrated wealth. Overcoming the new Jim Crow. Plus, how to defeat the NRA.

The entrenchment of American wealth and political power. A faithful movement to end mass incarceration. Plus Bill Press with Igor Volsky founder and the Director of Guns Down America.

Paul Starr In a new book, Paul Starr argues that much of our politics today is a struggle over the historic entrenchment of great wealth through political power. And if Donald Trump gets re-elected, this entrenchment will only deepen.

Billy Honor With nearly 2.3 million prisoners behind bars, the United States is the incarceration capital of the world. Our next guest is part of a new interfaith movement that is calling for an end to what they describe as a moral injustice and one of the dominant expressions of systemic racism in our country today.

Igor Volsky Can America end its love affair with guns? There’s more progress than you may think. Bill Press talks with Igor Volsky author of Guns Down: How to Defeat the NRA and Build a Safer Future with Fewer Guns

Jim Hightower What is the “AI agenda,” who’s pushing it, and why?

Delivering on the promise of economic security. Why social security works, and NAFTA 2.0 doesn’t. Plus Bill Press with DNC Chair Tom Perez on why the party of Lincoln is dead.

Why social security isn’t going broke and how expanding it will help all of us. Who wins and who loses under Trump’s renegotiated NAFTA. Plus, DNC Chair Tom Perez tells Bill Press how history will judge Donald Trump and the Republicans who support him.

Arthur Stamoulis President Trump’s hoping to fast track his renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement with a promise that he has the best plan for American workers. Arthur Stamoulis says the plan falls far short of that promise, and a lot more work is needed for a NAFTA replacement to benefit working people and the planet.

Nancy Altman On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act. It remains one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Few can speak better to that than Nancy Altman. Countering the many myths used to discredit Social Security, she says it’s time to fight to increase, not cut, the program.

Tom Perez Bill Press talks with DNC Chair Tom Perez about why he says Donald Trump is the most dangerous President in history.

Jim Hightower How ridiculous is Trump’s border stand?

Give voters a bigger voice. Building the movement for automatic voter registration. Making the case for ranked choice voting. Plus Bill Press with ex Fox news reporter Carl Cameron.

How a new organization is taking on the fight for election integrity. Ranked Choice voting in Maine explained. Plus, why one Fox news reporter left the network and what he’s doing now.

Sean McAlwee Sean McAlwee has spent half a decade bringing cutting edge data analysis to progressive advocacy. His work has been cited by politicians at the national, state and local level. And now, he’s part of a new coalition to secure American elections without every infringing on an eligible voter’s right to vote.

Kyle Bailey Maine has been at the forefront of the movement to implement ranked choice voting. And Kyle Bailey has been a leader in that movement. He says it’s a way to make democracy work better for all of us.

Carl Cameron Bill Press talks with journalist Carl Cameron about life after Fox News and why he launched a new progressive website called Front Page Live.

Jim Hightower What kind of country punishes Good Samaritans?

Sounding the alarm. Military spending nears historic highs, and climate change as a public health emergency.

This week, why 74 medical and health groups are calling climate change the “greatest public health challenge of the 21st century.” How cutting the Pentagon budget will make the country stronger. And Bill Press goes deep on religious freedom with Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Lindsay Koshgarian President Trump and the Republican led Senate is pushing a bill that would increase military spending to over 750 billion dollars. Lindsay Koshgarian says the Pentagon’s budget is already near an historic high, and cutting it down is the best path to real American security

Barbara Gottlieb Dozens of the United States’ most prominent health organizations have come together to sound the alarm over climate change as one of the greatest threats to public health our nation has ever faced. Barbara Gottlieb says the time is running out to take action.

Rachel Laser Bill Press talks with Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State about white evangelical support for Donald Trump and why Democrats need to talk more about religion.

Jim Hightower America’s healthcare border raiders.

Building an economy that works for everyone, and how to pay for it. Plus, the decline of diplomacy under Donald Trump.

A moral budget to end poverty in America. The massive failure of the GOP tax plan. And a conversation with Wendy Sherman, lead negotiator on the Iran nuclear deal.

Shailly Gupta Barnes In June, the Poor People’s Campaign, along with the Institute for Policy Studies released a “Moral Budget” to end poverty in America. Shailly Gupta Barnes is one of its authors and she says it’s a necessary response to the needs of all Americans.

Frank Clemente President Trump’s tax cut plan is proving to be a huge give away for corporations and the wealthy. Frank Clemente offers a progressive plan for tax reform that can bring fairness to the American economy.

Wendy Sherman Bill Press talks with Ambassador Wendy Sherman on the possibility of war with Iran and the narrowing space for diplomacy under Donald Trump.

Jim Hightower How to get Congress to reform our broken healthcare system.

America on Edge. The growing threat of an unnecessary war. Plus, undermining democracy tweet by tweet. And Bill Press’ take on the Democrats’ debate.

A failing foreign policy and the path to military confrontation. Plus, the President on Twitter and the damage it does. And a Bill Press review of the second night of the Democratic debates.

Joseph Ciricione Joseph Ciricione is nuclear expert and a respected voice on American foreign policy. He says a President inept at foreign policy and a national security team focused on domination could lead to disaster

Brian Ott Brian Ott is a communications scholar whose most recent book is a deep dive into Donald Trump’s tweets. He says what the President says on twitter and the way he does it is an assault on democracy and decency.

Bill Press A Bill Press review of the second night of the Democratic debates.

Jim Hightower Why a 70% tax rate on the super rich would be good for America

Expanding the reach of progressive populism. How Democrats can win again in small towns and rural communities with a populist message. Reclaiming democratic populism as the American project. Plus, new answers to the deepening crisis of economic inequality in America.

The progressive populist issues that resonate with rural voters. The potential of populism to rebuild democracy. And Bill Press takes a deep dive into income inequality with Jared Bernstein, Senior Fellow with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Matt Hildreth Matt Hildreth is an organizer working in small town and rural America. He says it’s time for progressive Democrats to reshape their message to rural Americans with a populist agenda, and begin by letting go of stereotypes.

Harry C. Boyte Harry C. Boyte is an activist and scholar who focuses on the power of citizen engagement to connect to the common good. He says that democratic populism has the potential to reignite civic agency in America with a history that includes his own work with Martin Luther King Junior.

Jared Bernstein Bill Press talks with economist Jared Bernstein of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities about the nation’s growing wealth gap and how progressive democrats should respond. If you want to hear more of this interview, visit the Bill Press podcast at billpressshow.com

Jim Hightower The unnatural disasters pushing farmers off the land

The front lines battles over America’s future. The right wing’s online assault on American values. The conservative takeover of state politics. And the Republican attack on the right to vote.

A deep dive into digital warfare and the threat to American democracy. Plus how conservative donors, activists, and businesses are reshaping politics at the state level. And Bill Press talks with the head of The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law about how to fight back against voter suppression.

Peter Daou Peter Daou is a veteran blogger, digital strategist and political operative. His new book takes us inside the online world of right wing extremism. He argues it’s a battle for the soul of America and all of us need to engage.

Alexander Hertel-Fernandez Author and scholar Alexander Hertell Fernandez says that progressive democrats need to rethink their fight to gain and keep control in state politics. His new book examines how conservative donors, activists, and businesses are using their power to transform state policy and politics – and how progressives can fight back.

Kristen Clarke Bill Press talks with civil rights advocate Kristen Clarke about how to protect the most fundamental tool of American democracy - the right to vote. To hear more of this interview, visit http://billpressshow.com/.

Jim Hightower Trump to working class: Adios Chumps

People Powering Change. Teachers at the front line of progressive politics. Mothers leading the fight against gun violence. Plus Bill Press with Representative Jamie Raskin.

Mothers take on the gun lobby. Plus, how a wave of teachers strikes in red state America is changing the political landscape. And on his new podcast, Bill Press talks impeachment with Representative Jamie Raskin .

Shannon Watts In the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook, Shannon Watts started a movement. Built on the fundamentals of grassroots organizing and the unstoppable power of mothers, “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” now has 6 million supporters nationwide, with chapters in all 50 states. In a new book, she tells the story of its success.

Eric Blanc In 2018, in some of the reddest states in our nation, teachers led a series of walkouts demanding not only better pay for themselves, but better schools for the children they teach. Writer Eric Blanc embedded himself in this unlikely and powerful rebellion for an inside view of a movement that has the potential to rebuild working class politics in America.

Jamie Raskin Bill Press launches a new podcast with Congressman Jamie Raskin as his first guest. To hear more of this interview, visit http://billpressshow.com/.

Jim Hightower Did you get an $800,000 pay raise last year?

Looking ahead to 2020. Winning over the white working class. What will it take? Plus, making the case for a national popular vote. And, Bill Press with an early look at the upcoming Democratic primary debate.

What progressive Democrats need to do now to regain the white working class vote. Plus, inside the movement for a national popular vote and the difference it could make. And Bill Press talks The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino on what to expect at the first Democratic primary debate.

Justin Guest Justin Guest has written extensively about our nation’s white working class voters. In this encore interview, he says that Democrats still have a long way to go, to regain the ground they’ve lost to Donald Trump.

Karen Hobert Flynn As it stands now, the 2018 midterms popular vote went overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats in the House with a margin not seen since 1974. And once again, that did not necessarily translate into electoral wins. In an encore interview, our next guest says it’s time to value all votes equally … and why a national popular vote for President is the way to do it.

Laura Gambino The Guardian’s Laura Gambino joins Bill Press for a democratic primary debate preview.

Jim Hightower Should our natural resources have legal rights?

Rediscovering the Declaration of Independence. Turning the corner on the death penalty. Plus Bill Press with Mark Pocan, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Democracy theorist Danielle Allen on why a call to equality is at the core of the American idea and its founding document. Author and attorney Bill Blum on the significance of California’s moratorium on the death penalty. And Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan tells Bill Press why he is calling for an impeachment inquiry

Danielle Allen As the nation celebrates Memorial Day, Princeton Professor Danielle Allen examines the power of words in the Declaration of Independence to bring us liberty AND equality.

Bill Blum Back in March, California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on death penalties in that state. Bill Blum is an award-winning writer and legal journalist, and at one time was one of California's best-known death-penalty litigators. He says Governor Newsom’s decision could have tremendous national impact.

Mark Pocan Coming up, Representative Mark Pocan joins Bill Press to talk about the fall out from “Infrastructure Week”in Washington, and the road to impeachment.

Jim Hightower How ridiculous is Trump’s border stand?

The Bigger Story. Moving past stereotypes of Appalachia. Correcting the history of FDR’s New Deal. And Rep. Al Green joins Bill Press for a rundown of the Presidents impeachable offences.

What Hillbilly Elegy got wrong about Appalachia. Plus, the myths and realities about the New Deal, and its lessons for the Green New Deal. And Congressman Al Green joins Bill Press to talk about his call for Donald Trump’s impeachment.

Louis Hyman The conservative story about the New Deal is that it was tax-and-spend liberalism at its worst. Louis Hyman reminds us that isn’t how it worked and the real story has valuable lessons for the Green New Deal.

Anthony Harkins The book Hillbilly Elegy became a literary phenomenon that many relied on to understand the white working class voters who helped elect Donald Trump. Anthony Harkins says Hillbilly Elegy reinforces simplistic stereotypes that can be used for political gain, and his newest book is a powerful response.

Al Green Representative Al Green tells Bill Press about why he believes there is a moral imperative to impeach Donald Trump.

Jim Hightower Where’s the beef in Trump’s new trade deal?

Standing for all Americans. Challenging the citizenship question and fighting for the rights of felons to vote. And the Bill Press Show gets an update on the effort to arm teachers in Florida..

How a question about citizenship on the census is a war on immigrants. Plus, the racist roots of denying felons the right to vote. And the Bill Press show on the latest efforts in Florida to allow teachers to carry guns in the classroom.

Bill Blum The Supreme Court's decision on the census could alter the American political landscape. And while immigrants are the target, Bill Blum says it’s a decision that will affect every American.

Tierra Bradford The history of denying felons the right to vote is rooted in the history of African American voter suppression. And while restoring that right is gaining traction in the 2020 campaign, Tierra Bradford says many Democratic hopefuls still don’t get the point.

Addy Baird Addy Baird joins the Bill Press show to talk about teachers with guns in the classroom, and why that’s a dangerous idea.

Jim Hightower What’s the cost of high living?

The Future of Voting. Breaking the grip of partisan gerrymandering. Expanding the power of youth. And Bill Press on “The Democracy Fix” The unprecedented precision of modern day gerrymandering and how activists are fighting back. The argument for lowering the voting age to 16. Plus, Bill Press with Caroline Fredrickson on her new book The Democracy Fix: How to Win the Fight for Fair Rules, Fair Courts and Fair Elections.

Dan Vicuna The fight to end gerrymandering is a fight for fair elections that represent the will of the people. Common Cause is at the forefront of the fight with a case in the Supreme Court that Dan Vicuna says could end partisan gerrymandering nationwide.

Mike Males From climate change to guns to racial inequality, young people are fighting for their future. Mike Males says lowering the voting age will bring essential new voices to public life.

Caroline Fredrickson Bill Press talks with Caroline Fredrickson on her new book The Democracy Fix: How to Win the Fight for Fair Rules, Fair Courts and Fair Elections

Jim Hightower Big Mac’s new Big Data “innovation”

Democracy in crisis and how to repair the damage. Plus, making the case for an impeachment investigation. And Bill Press on America’s best and worst presidents.

Why over 100 organizations have signed on to a Declaration for Democracy. Plus, a political historian on Donald Trump’s chances in 2020 and why an impeachment investigation is still a good idea. And Bill Press with Brian Lamb on ranking the nation’s chief executive.

Lisa Gilbert Our nation’s democracy is in crisis, and Lisa Gilbert says it’s time for an “arms race for reform” to save it. That’s why her organization and over one hundred others have signed onto a declaration to restore democratic values to American politics and government.

Allan Lichtman Political historian Allan Lichtman’s system has successfully predicted the outcome of every presidential election from 1984 to 2016. And while it’s too early to predict 2020, he can say don’t rule anyone out, including President Trump.

Brian Lamb Bill Press with C-Span’s Brian Lamb on his newest book “The Presidents: Noted Historians Rank America's Best--and Worst--Chief Executives”.

Jim Hightower Dow Jones Average, why not the Doug Jones Average?

State of Resistance. The transformation of California and a roadmap for America’s Future. Plus Bill Press And Bill Press with a Mueller Report redaction reaction.

The rise, fall and resurgence of progressive movements in California, and the lessons for our entire nation. And Bill Press with the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino covering the Mueller investigation and the ever growing field of Democratic Presidential candidates.

Manuel Pastor Pt. 1 Decades ago, California experienced the political and social shifts that now grip the nation. In his newest book, sociologist Manuel Pastor tells the story of how California fought back, and offers a compelling and hopeful vision for a necessary political renewal that meets the needs of a more diverse America.

Manuel Pastor Pt. 2 We’re talking with Manuel Pastor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California and author of “State of Resistance: What California’s Dizzying Descent and Remarkable Resurgence Mean for America’s Future.”

Lauren Gambino Bill Press with the Guardian’s Lauren Gambino on an upcoming Biden announcement how it will change the 2020 race.

Jim Hightower Tax day: A thrill… or a chill?

Building the progressive vision. Stopping the war on immigrants. Demanding the right to vote. Plus Bill Press on how to defeat the NRA.

Laying out a positive, progressive vision on immigration policy. Plus, the long history of voter suppression in America and how to fight back. And Bill Press talks with author Igor Volsky about building a future with fewer guns.

Tom Jawetz As President Trump continues his attack on immigrants and American values, the role of Democrats in Congress couldn’t be more important. With a deep history in immigration law and policy, Tom Jawetz outlines the priorities for an immigration system that truly lives up to our nation’s ideals and actually works.

Allan Lichtman Allan Lichtman has spent four decades fighting for the right to vote. His latest book is a sweeping history of voter suppression in America that begins with the founding of our nation.

Igor Volsky Bill Press with author Igor Volsky on his radical argument for the gun control movement our country desperately needs.

Jim Hightower Where is AI driving us?

Rethinking Capitalism. The limits of greed. How the American dream became temporary. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Ruben Gallego.

A history of the gig economy and the rise and fall of secure work. Plus, why America needs a new social contract between business and society. And Bill Press talks border politics with Congressman Ruben Gallego.

Louis Hyman In his newest book, labor historian Louis Hyman the tells the story of America’s transformation to a temp economy and why he calls it the moral crisis of work in the 21st century.

Steven Pearlstein At a time when American capitalism leaves more and more people behind, many question if it is worth saving. Steven Pearlstein is one of our nation’s leading economists. In his newest book, he argues for return to the core value of shared prosperity if capitalism is to sustain over the long term.

Ruben Gallego Bill Press with AZ Congressman Ruben Gallego on the absurdity of President Trump’s wall and his “national emergency” at the border.

Jim Hightower Who are the serial killers of America’s newspapers?

Nurses take a stand for Medicare for All. Plus, the return of socialist fear- mongering. And Bill Press gets a report card on the media’s coverage of the Mueller investigation.

Why the nation's largest union of registered nurses is fighting for single payer health care. Plus, why conservatives are so quick to cry socialism.

And Bill Press on journalism and the Mueller investigation. No apologies needed.

Malinda Markowitz Nurses are on the front line of medical care in our nation. And from that position, they see the failure of a system that leaves millions uninsured. Malinda Markowitz explains why Medicare for All is such a personal issue for nurses and why they are campaigning to insure all Americans.

Chuck Collins Chuck Collins is a leading voice on inequality in America. He says that years of a right wing drift in American politics means that even the most popular strategies for leveling the playing field get labeled socialist today, and democracy is paying the price.

Parker Molloy Bill Press with Parker Molloy of Media Matters for America on the right wing call for media apologies in the wake of the Mueller report.

Jim Hightower Who says Trump is not a moral leader?

Standing up for jobs and democracy. Preventing another Lordstown shutdown, and paving the way for a national popular vote. Plus Bill Press on rigging the system in higher education.

How smart policy could have saved the Lordstown plant in Ohio. Plus what it would take to end the electoral college. And Bill Press on how to pay for college if you don’t have a really wealthy parent.

Michael Shields When GM closed its plant in Lordstown Plant in Ohio, 1400 workers lost their jobs. Michael Shields say public policy is part of why that happened, and that better policy is needed to protect workers.

John Koza John Koza was so convinced a national popular vote was the best way to elect a president in the United States, he can up with a plan to make it happen. It’s called the National Popular Vote legislation. Now he’s convinced that enough states will adopt the legislation to make it happen.

Colleen Campbell Bill Press with Colleen Campbell, Director of Postsecondary Education at the Center for American Progress on the costly state of higher education.

Jim Hightower How much does Donald Trump love farmers?

A new playing field. Fighting the good fight for health care justice. Closing the gap in company pay. Plus Bill Press on “Billionaire Boondoggle”.

The grassroots labor movement for Medicare-for-All. Plus, is it time to talk about a maximum wage? And Bill Press on the power of the billionaire class.

Mike Dudzic The Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Health Care believes that health care is a fundamental human right. National Coordinator Mark Dudzic says it’s up to unions to take the lead and fix our broken health care system.

Larry Hanley By the most recent estimate, the average CEO in the United States earns an average of 271 times that of a typical worker. Our next guest says it’s time to change that with an idea that is rooted in American history.

Pat Garafalo Living in the billionaire age. Bill Press talks with Pat Garafalo on his new book “Billionaire Boondoggle” .

Jim Hightower Corporations are playing with our food – and our heads

Revitalizing the American Dream. From America’s classrooms to the global economy. Plus Bill Press with Representative Dan Kildee ( D-MI).

How teachers are seizing the reins for accountability in the charter school movement. How economic populists are reclaiming a progressive space in the global economy. Plus, challenging presidential authority and restoring integrity to American government. Bill Press talks with Representative Dan Kildee.

Jeff Bryant When thousands of teachers went on strike in Los Angeles, it signaled a wave. Journalist Jeff Bryant says there is a growing movement of public school teachers confronting a privatized charter school industry that operates at the expense of public schools.

Robert Kuttner Against the backdrop of right wing nationalism and Wall Street globalism, leading social critic and author Robert Kuttner speaks to the good news. He says a new brand politics is gaining ground with the progressive promise of economic populism.

Dan Kildee Bill Press talks with Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan about why we need H.R.1, the effort to see Trump’s taxes, and why Republicans should not be lecturing Democrats about hate.

Jim Hightower Trump’s one-word re-election campaign

Defending Democracy in 2020. The fight against disinformation in elections, and restoring a commitment to global human rights.

What Democrats need to do to protect our elections from disinformation, bots and hacking. And what every presidential candidate should do to protect human rights. Plus, Bill Press on President Trump’s chaotic foreign policy.

Simon Rosenberg Trolls, bots and deep fakes are dangerous realities in our current political landscape that poison our discourse and weaken our democracy. Simon Rosenberg has spent years understanding and fighting these threats, and he says the power is in our hands to stop them.

Aryeh Neier Aryeh Neier is a leading figure in the modern day human rights movement. He says that the United States has an essential role to play on the global stage, and it’s time to renew our commitment.

Nahaal Toosi Bill Press talks with Politico Foreign Affairs correspondent Nahaal Toosi about Donald Trump’s dysfunctional foreign policy and how it all got started.

Jim Hightower 2018 elections are over, so it's time to focus on 2020. Wrong

Rural America Fights Back. Striking for the future of public education, and challenging the power of Big Ag. Plus, Bill Press with Sabina Singh, Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee on a historic field of candidates.

This week, how rural teachers are driving a movement for change. How progressive Democrats can win the rural vote by taking on the grip of corporate money. Plus, Bill Press talks with Sabina Singh, Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee...

Erin McHenry Sorber Erin McHenry Sorber studies the roots and the impact of teachers’ strikes. As teachers across the country are fighting the underfunding of public education, she says the impact in rural America couldn’t be more critical.

Claire Kelloway Claire Kelloway has a deep history in writing about food, power and politics. She says agricultural monopolies are driving farmers out of business, and the ball is in the Democrat’s court to respond.

Sabina Singh Coming up, Bill Press talks with Sabina Singh, Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee about how to hold a debate for 16 candidates.

Jim Hightower Just say no to the corporate bribe racket

Walls Don’t Work. Social Security Does. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Earl Blumenauer.

Everything Donald Trump gets wrong about the Great Wall of China, plus everything Progressive Democrats get right about Social Security expansion. And Bill Press talks with Representative Earl Blumenauer about why he refused to show up for the State of the Union.

Adam Smith President Trump often sites The Great Wall of China as evidence that a wall will solve our immigration problems. Our first guest says it’s a claim that history cannot support.

Eric Kingson Progressive Democrats in Congress are lining up to back the first big expansion to Social Security since the 1970s. Our next guest says it’s a fight that couldn’t come at a better time.

Earl Blumenauer Bill Press talks with Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer about the State of the Union address we should have heard.

Jim Hightower What’s behind this photo of corporate groundbreaking?

Holding Power Accountable. Restoring the right to vote and curbing corporate greed. Plus Bill Press on the 2020 contenders to retake the White House.

How New York made voting rights history, plus the movement to give workers a say in how how their companies are run. And Bill Press talks with national politics reporter Hanna Trudo on the democrats lining up for 2020 and why Howard Schultz is making everyone so mad.

Julie Kerr The state of New York is moving on a series of bills that will fundamentally change the way New York residents vote. Julie Kerr is an activist fighting for voting reform, and she says the latest victory was decades in the making.

Glenn Daigon What would happen if employees had a direct say and democratic say in how their companies are run? Reporter Glenn Daigon says it’s idea that is gaining support.

Hanna Trudo Bill Press talks with Hanna Trudo, National Politics Reporter at the National Journal

Jim Hightower What’s the cost of high living?

This week, nine years into Citizens United, how to turn it around. Plus, an update on the campaign to protect the census from a citizenship question. And the Bill Press Show with a reality check on border security and why walls don’t work.

Joe Ready We start this week’s show with an anniversary. Nine years ago, the Supreme Court made its decision on Citizens United. Joe Ready leads a campaign to overturn the decision and put an end to what he calls the “big money arms race.”

Dale Ho The President remains intent on adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. The ACLU sued the administration to stop this plan. Our next guest explains why his organization made that move and how his organization will continue to fight back.

Molly O’Toole Bill Press talks with Molly O’Toole of the Los Angeles Times for an update on the so called “crisis on the border.”

Jim Hightower The wall we need to build

The final hours of Martin Luther King Junior. The progressive promise of a People’s Budget. Plus a compelling call for Medicare for all.

An author explores the final hours of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what more we can do to fulfill his vision. Plus, a “people’s budget” for economic justice. And the Bill Press Show on how to guarantee healthcare for all Americans.

Christopher Cook Every year, the Congressional Progressive Caucus puts forth “the People’s Budget.” It’s a roadmap to meeting the economic needs of all Americans. Our next guest explains why they do it and what’s in it.

Joseph Rosenbloom This week, Americans once again join together in the annual commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1968, King arrived in Memphis Tennessee hoping to galvanize a movement for economic equality. One journalist took on the task by writing a vivid account of his final hours. In this encore interview, author Joseph Rosenbloom takes us along on his journey.

Rebecca Vallas Bill Press talks to Rebecca Vallas, Vice President of the Poverty to Prosperity Program at American Progress.

Jim Hightower The reality behind Trump's pose as a Bull Moose Populist.

What to fight for and what to fight against. The Green New Deal, a new NAFTA deal, plus Bill Press with Jim Yarmuth on the politics of the government shutdown and what it will take to stop it.

Why progressive democrats must fight for a better NAFTA deal. Why labor unions should fight for the Green New Deal. Plus, Bill Press on the wall, the shutdown, medicare for all, and more with Representative Jim Yarmuth.

Lori Wallach Sometime later this year NAFTA 2.0, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is expected to go into effect. Is it better than the old NAFTA? Lori Wallach is a 25-year veteran of congressional trade battles starting with the 1990s fight over NAFTA. She says the new deal has a long way to go to repair the damage of the first.

Jeremy Brecher Our next guest works at the intersection between labor and social movements. He says that what Roosevelt’s New Deal did for working Americans can happen again with the Green New Deal.

John Yarmuth Coming up, Bill Press talks with Representative John Yarmuth about the political showdown over the wall and why he’s proud to get an F from the NRA.

Jim Hightower Where is AI driving us?

The science of electoral reform and what it matters for democracy and environmental justice. Plus Bill Press on who can beat Donald Trump in 2020.

What science has to teach us about fair elections and expanded voting rights. Plus what Democrats will do differently this time in the 2020 race for President.

Michael Latner - Pt. 1 Our guest this week looks at democracy as an engineering problem and says that the“science of elections” is an essential tool in making it work.

Michael Latner - Pt. 2 Still with us is Michael Latner of the Union of Concerned Scientists where he is the first scientist to receive an electoral system science fellowship under their Kendall Science Fellow program.

Xochitl Hinojosa Bill Press talks with Xochitl Hinojosa , Communications Director at the Democratic National Committee about their strategy to win back the White House.

Jim Hightower Should you have to pay to protest?

New Year. New Ideas. New America. Economic populism, a progressive foreign policy and the shape of America’s future. Plus what’s next for affordable health care?

The midterm mandate on economic populism, why we need a progressive mandate on foreign policy, and after a judge rules ACA unconstitutional, what’s next?

Adam Green Adam Green is an advocate for progressive change at the local, state and national levels. He says if there is one lesson to learn from the midterms .. it’s that economic populism is the new mainstream.

Eric Lutz The President's Foreign Policy agenda is increasingly reckless with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle clearly unnerved. Our next guest says the time is long overdue for progressives to step up.

Alice Ollstein Coming up, Bill Press talks with Politico’s Health Care Reporter Alice Ollstein about the Affordable Health Care Act after the latest judicial ruling and the political agenda behind it.

Jim Hightower Our “War” President

Looking back to move forward. The deep history of the radical right and its influence today. Plus, the lessons learned from impeachments past. And Bill Press talks California Congressman Raul Ruiz for a report back from the border.

Historian and author Nancy MacLean talks about one of the most notable books of the year … “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America. Plus Constitutional Scholar Alan Hirsch on his newest book “Impeaching the President: Past, Present and Future”. And Bill Press talks California Congressman Raul Ruiz on his visit to the border to investigate the death of Jakelin Caal Macquin

Nancy MacLean When historian Nancy MacLean released her most recent book in 2017, she described a long term and effective movement to undermine democracy in America, inspired by radical free-market advocates, and funded by the Koch brothers. She says that despite it’s chilling tale, reaction to the book as well as the midterm elections have only reinforced her faith that the desire to fight for democracy is steadfast.

Alan Hirsch WIth all the talk of impeachment swirling around Donald Trump, our next guest wants us to remember it’s hardly the first time. By looking at impeachment stories from the past, he hopes we are better prepared to take the wisest course in the future.

Raul Ruiz Bill Press talks with California Congressman Raul Ruiz for a report on the health conditions facing migrants detained at the border, the future of the President’s wall and the future of affordable health care.

Jim Hightower DADDY'S PHILOSOPHY

Don’t forget the grassroots. The activists behind the blue wave. The connection between drivers licenses and economic justice. Plus Bill Press talks with US Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

We remember two Latino activists and the progressive legacy that lives on. Plus … why the Southern Poverty Law Center is filing a lawsuit over drivers’ licenses. And Bill Press talks California Congresswoman Jackie Speier about her new book “Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage and Fighting Back.

Gustavo Arrelano Latino Voters showed up for the midterm elections, nearly doubling their turnout over 2014. … and there were many victories to bear witness to the rise in Latino political power. But as one writer wants us to remember, it’s power that comes from the immense dedication of activists who have been working for decades to get us here. Two of them passed away recently and our first guest helps us remember them.

Samuel Brooke The Southern Poverty Law Center is challenging Alabama’s practice of suspending drivers’ licenses of individuals who fail to pay traffic tickets, arguing it violates the Fourteenth Amendment by “punishing persons simply because they are poor.” Our next guest explains the connection.

Jackie Speier Coming up, Bill Press talks with California Congresswoman Jackie Speier who explains why she still believes that politics is the noblest profession.

Jim Hightower A bawdy house of bad right-wing ideas

Reversing the damage of the Trump Administration. How to right the wrongs of Jeff Sessions’ drug policy. How the midterms delivered a call to action on climate change. Plus, is it time to kill the lame duck?

Marijuana legalization as a gateway to social justice. Plus, the policies that can confront climate change and the politicians who will fight for them. And Bill Press talks about election fraud and GOP power grabs with ThinkProgress reporter Addy Baird.

Jessica Ennisz The President continues to attack the Paris Climate Agreement and deny the threat of global warming. Our first guest says new leadership in the house and in state legislatures offers hope for change.

Michael Collins Pro-marijuana candidates won big in the midterm elections. Our next guest says they open the window to replace the war on drugs with drug policies that express the ideals of racial and social justice

Addy Baird Bill Press talks with Addy Baird of ThinkProgress about election fraud in North Carolina, voter suppression in Georgia, and the faulty logic of lame duck power grabs.

Jim Hightower Trumps Post Office.

Getting it right this time. Putting an end to unfair Medicaid work requirements. Fixing a corrupt campaign finance system. Plus, Bill Press on what it will take to confront climate change.

Why the Southern Poverty Law Center is suing the Trump Administration. Plus, Fred Wertheimer and the movement to restore ethics and integrity to government. And Bill Press with Amy Harder of Axios.

Samuel Brooke The President continues to pursue his policy to attach work requirements to medicaid benefits. Our first guest says it’s a policy that has a devastating impact on people’s lives which why his organization is suing the Trump administration to stop it.

Fred Wertheimer President Fred Wertheimer has played a key role in every major campaign finance reform and ethics battle in Congress since the post-Watergate reforms in the 1970s. He continues that career now as President of Democracy 21, where he calls on a new Congress to restore integrity to governing.

Amy Harder Coming up, Bill Press talks Amy Harder of Axios on why the failure to confront climate change will cost far more than it’s worth.

Jim Hightower Who are the serial killers of America’s newspapers?

Looking ahead to 2020. Winning over the white working class. What will it take? Plus, making the case for a national popular vote. And, Bill Press with a an early look at the candidates who could take on Trump.

What progressive Democrats need to do now to regain the white working class vote. Plus, inside the movement for a national popular vote and the difference it could make. And Bill Press talks about what the midterms tell us about who could run and win in the next race for President.

Justin Guest Justin Guest has written extensively about our nation’s white working class voters. He says that Democrats still have a long way to go to to regain the ground they’ve lost to Donald Trump.

Karen Hobert Flynn As it stands now, the 2018 midterms popular vote went overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats in the House with a margin not seen since 1974. And once again, that did not necessarily translate into electoral wins. In an encore interview, our next guest says it’s time to value all votes equally … and why a national popular vote for President is the way to do it.

Hanna Trudo Bill Press talks with Hanna Trudo, national politics reporter at National Journal about who may appear on the 2020 ballot for President.

Jim Hightower Avoid Amazon's "Cyber Monday," and buy local

How a new Congress can change the agenda on immigration. And Bill Press with Congressman Dan Kildee (MI) on the Democratic majority in the House and what to do with it.

How voters used ballot measures to mandate an agenda for progressive change. And what Democrats need to do to end the policy of fear on immigration. Plus, Bill Press talks with Representative Dan Kildee (MI-05) on what the Democratic Party should stand for now.

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo Across the country, voters used ballot initiatives in the midterm elections to take democracy into their own hands. Our first guest says it is a story about progressive change that still needs to be told.

Justin Gest The rhetoric of fear over immigration dominated the midterm elections. Our next guest says Democrats now have an opportunity to turn that around.

Dan Kildee Bill Press talks with Representative Dan Kildee (MI-05) on what’s next for progressive democrats on Capitol Hill.

Jim Hightower Avoid Amazon's "Cyber Monday," and buy local

Election Results. The President under the microscope. A still divided Congress … and a labor wave.

With the midterms behind us, will the President finally be held accountable for his actions? And as over 800 union members get elected to office… what do they want? Plus, Bill Press on the historic wins for women.

David Corn The midterm election was widely seen as a referendum on President Trump. Journalist David Corn says that if nothing else, this election makes is possible for Congress to do what it is supposed to do … hold the Executive Branch in check.

Chris Garlock A record number of labor-endorsed union members claimed victory in the midterms. Union organizer Chris Garlock tells us how they did it and what it may mean.

Bob Bland Bob Bland, founder of The Women’s March joins Bill Press to talk about the women who will change the way our nation is governed.

Jim Hightower Putting traumatized immigrant children out of sight.

The movement for economic justice in America, and the fight for everyone to have a say.

This week, “good news” from the frontlines in the battle for voting rights. Plus … an agenda for change. Why progressive Democrats will not settle for just “stopping Trump.” And what women running for office are doing to be part of that change.

Miles Rapoport Miles Rapoport has spent his career fighting for American democracy

He says that as we face one of the most concentrated efforts in recent history to limit the right to vote … activists are fighting back and making a difference.

Roger Hickey Roger Hickey is a veteran activist for economic justice.

In this encore interview, he says that people are energized by a new vision of America’s future, and progressive Democrats are ready to make it happen.

A’shanti Gholar Coming up, A’shanti Gholar takes Bill Press through the new landscape of women in public office.

Jim Hightower Beware of the Real Gremlins This Season

Voting for our Future. Why climate change demands political change. plus how an education wave is fueling support for a blue wave. And Marc Morial of the National Urban League joins the Bill Press Show to talk about voter suppression what it will take to make sure every citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

This week, science advocate Carolyn Weinberg charts a path to avoid climate catastrophe .. and it begins with a vote. Education advocate Jeff Bryant tells us why a record number of educators are running for office, and what they want. Plus … what will it take to shut down voter suppression? Marc Morial joins the Bill Press show.

Caroline Weinberg Caroline Weinberg is community organizer, educator, writer, and advocate for the future of our planet. She says that a new report on climate change makes an unequivocal demand. We need every elected official to commit to action, and it’s up to every voter to make sure they do.

Jeff Bryant Jeff Bryant has written extensively about the intersection of education and politics. He says that a movement that began with teachers’ walkouts has turned into an a record number of educators running for office and fighting for the future of public schools.

Marc Morial Coming up, Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League talks with guest host Sabrina Siddiqui at the Bill Press show about the impact of voter suppression and the fight to stop it.

Jim Hightower A bawdy house of bad right-wing ideas

Money and Politics Gone Wrong. Pulling back the curtain on the president’s tax fraud, and the destructive influence of “dark money” in campaign finance. Plus … why the GOP is to blame for a soaring deficit.

Investigative journalist David Cay Johnston gives us his read of the New York Times report on the Trump’s family taxes. And filmmaker Kimberly Reed documents the truth on how American elections are bought and sold. Plus ...what will Republicans do about a ballooning budget deficit? Matt Fuller of the Huffington Post joins Bill Press.

David Cay Johnston Earlier this month, the New York Times published a bombshell investigation into Donald Trump’s finances and the many tax schemes he used to enhance his wealth. David Cay Johnston has been reporting on Donald Trump since the 1990s and has done exceptional reporting on the President’s taxes himself … including a release of Trump’s 2005 tax return. He says the New York Times has created a roadmap on how to investigate the President … if the Democrats win the House in November.

Kimberly Reed Kimberly Reed’s newest film, “Dark Money”, is a powerful expose of the influence of anonymous donors in political campaigns. She says growing up in Montana gave her a front row seat to the corrupting influence of money in politics and the perfect setting to tell that story.

Matt Fuller Matt Fuller of the Huffington Post tells Bill Press why Paul Ryan is defending deficit spending.

Jim Hightower Front porch politics

One Party .. two futures? Between centralism and progressive populism, this election season lays bare a faultline in Democratic Party politics. Which path is more likely to win in November and reclaim our nation’s future? Plus … what to make of the Kanye West at the White House.

The Third Way’s Jim Kessler argues for a broad path to victory that includes mainstream centrism. Roger Hickey of the Campaign for America’s Future on the grassroots movement for a progressive agenda that is reviving democratic politics. Plus Brittany Shepherd joins the Bill Press show to decode the meeting between Kanye West and Donald Trump.

Jim Kessler Third Way is a national think tank that advocates center-left ideas and politics. Co-founder Jim Kessler, says that centrist success in the primaries is one of the underreported stories this election season.

Roger Hickey The Campaign for America’s Future calls itself the strategy center for the progressive movement. Co-founder Roger Hickey says that people all over the country are energized by new ideas that call for economic and social justice.

Brittany Shepherd Brittany Shepherd of the Washingtonian joins Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press show to explain why Donald Trump has a soft spot for Kanye West and what it’s like to be one of the few African American reporters in the Washington Press Corp.

Jim Hightower VOTE! (Unless you can’t)

Julie Koehler examines the political realignment of white women voters. Erik Loomis walks us through critical moments in our nation’s labor history and the strikes that defined them. And Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball gives us his latest political forecast.

Julie Kohler Julie Kohler is a writer and social commentator who has been closely following the role of white women in electoral politics. She says that despite the fact that white women voters have leaned Republican for several decades, now is the time that may change.

Eric Loomis Historian Eric Loomis has an assignment for us. If we truly want to understand the history of labor movements in the United States, look to the moments when workers went on strike. It’s a reminder he says that small groups of people can create radical change.

Kyle Kondik as we move into the final four weeks before the mid term elections, Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball tells Bill Press why he thinks Democrats still have a chance to turn the House, but don’t count on the Senate

Jim Hightower Why are Republicans quiet about their economic accomplishment

Our Watergate moment, and how we can survive it. Plus, inside the movement to elect the president by a national popular vote. And Bill Press on why organized labor matters now more than ever.

Sam Berger of the Center for American Progress draws the parallels between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump, and asks us to take a lesson from how the nation recovered from Watergate. Karen Hobert Flynn, the President of Common Cause, explains why a national popular vote is a better way to pick the next president. And Bill Press talks with Iron Workers general president Eric Dean.

Sam Berger In the wake of Watergate, a wave of reforms were ushered in to repair a dysfunctional government and regain the public’s trust in its leaders. Sam Berger is a policy analyst who says that moment in history has much to offer in the modern day.

Karen Hobert Flynn Karen Hobert Flynn leads one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to strengthening democracy. That’s why she says it’s time for the nation to change the way we elect our President.

Eric Dean Bill Press talks with Eric Dean, president of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers

Jim Hightower How to make Labor Day matter again

A life-long Republican offers a ruthless takedown of President Trump. Our interview with GOP strategist Rick Wilson. Plus, Bill Press talks with NBC Political Reporter Alex Seitz-Wald about Andrew Gillum’s surprise win in Florida.

Author Rick WIlson on his new book “Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever.” Plus, Bill Press with NBC’s Alex Seitz-Wald on what’s next in Florida’s race for governor.

Rick Wilson - Part 1 The presidency of Donald Trump has brought discord to a party known for its political discipline as critics within the GOP take aim at a President they feel is destroying their party. Among them is Rick Wilson. Never one to mince words, his new book is a scathing critique of Donald Trump.

Rick Wilson - Part 2 Still with us is Rick Wilson, author of “Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever.”

Alex Seitz-Wald Bill Press talks with NBC Political Reporter Alex Seitz-Wald about Andrew Gillum’s upset victory in Florida and other primary news.

Jim Hightower Celebrating Labor Day

The Fall of Wisconsin: How a once progressive state became a conservative stronghold, and what it means for progressive politics today. Plus, Evan McMorris-Santoro, filling in for Bill Press, talks with Vox reporter Dara Lind about the future of Jeff Session and Donald Trump.

Dark money, gerrymandering and the failure of centrism in the Midwest. Author Dan Kaufman on his book “The Fall of Wisconsin: The Conservative Conquest of a Progressive Bastion and the Future of American Politics.” Plus, The Bill Press Show on what could be in store for Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Dan Kaufman Part 1 In 2016, Donald Trump became the first Republican nominee to carry the state since 1984. How did that happen? Dan Kaufman is a native of Wisconsin and has covered its politics for years. In his recent book, he follows Wisconsin’s political journey from blue to red. It’s a story that goes back to the mid 1800s.

Dan Kaufman Part 2 Still with us is Dan Kaufman, author of “The Fall of Wisconsin: The Conservative Conquest of a Progressive Bastion and the Future of American Politics.”

Dara Lind Evan McMorris-Santoro, filling in for Bill Press, talks with Vox reporter Dara Lind about the shifting political fortunes of Jeff Sessions.

Jim Hightower Exposing our “populist” president as a naked plutocrat.

Building a progressive populist movement and what that means for rural and small town America. Plus, Bill Press digs into last week’s primary races with Adam Wollner from McClatchy News.

Activist Adam Kruggel of People’s Action on building a powerful and progressive populist movement and why his organization is turning to rural and small town American to get it done. Plus Bill Press talks with McClatchy’s Adam Wollner on “making history” and biggest takeaways from the latest primary races.

Adam Kruggel Part 1 Adam Kruggel is dedicated to power for marginalized communities. He says that this a critical moment to build a kind of populism movement that is multiracial, race conscious and boldly progressive.

Adam Kruggel Part 2 Still with us is Adam Kruggel, Director of Strategic Initiative at People’s Action.

The organization recently issued a report titled “The Promise of a Progressive Populist Movement.” The report is a result of of thousands of interviews with people in rural and small town America.

Adam Wollner Coming up, Bill Press talks McClatchy’s Adam Wollner about last week’s primary races, the historic firsts, and why the odds are getting better for Democrats to take back the House.

Jim Hightower How bad public policy happens

The promise of The American Dream for everyone. The inclusive populism of Robert Kennedy, and what leaders are doing today to make a better life possible for all.

This week, Scholar Richard Kahlenberg on what progressive democrats can learn from Robert Kennedy about economic populism and race. Author Ben Hecht on what’s actually working to close America’s racial equity divide. Plus, Bill Press talks insider trading and politicians caught on tape with political reporter Mat Laslo

Richard Kahlenberg Fifty years ago, Robert Kennedy ran an economically populist campaign that reached across America’s deep racial divide. Richard Kahlenberg says his legacy matters now more than ever.

Ben Hecht Ben Hecht has spent decades exploring strategies to combat racial disparities in wealth and income. His new book offers a blueprint on how to do just that.

Matt Laso Insider trading. Nunes caught on tape. Omarosa’s new book. Coming up, Bill Press talks with reporter Matt Laso.

Jim Hightower America's War

Bringing truth back to politics. What the news media gets wrong about the labor movement. What politicians get wrong about science.

Author Christopher Martin truth squads corporate media on unions. Caroline Weinberg of ”March for Science” says a vote for science is a vote for the common good. Plus, Bill Press talks with Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee.

Caroline Weinberg The role of science in public policy has taken a back seat at best in the Trump Administration. Caroline Weinberg says science is vital to a working democracy and it’s time that voters take a stand

Christopher Martin Christopher Martin has spent countless hours absorbing how journalists cover labor unions. He says that by appealing to consumers over citizens, American media is missing the true story about the working class.

Kelly Dietrich How can we empower more democrats to step up and win elections? Bill Press talks with Kelly Dietrich of the National Democratic Training Committee.

Jim Hightower Trump serves the people – rich ones, that is

The war on poverty is far from over. So what should we do now? The fallacy of “work requirements” for the poor. The possibility of a maximum wage for the rich. Plus Bill Press talks with Ben Wikler, Washington Director of MoveOn.Org.

Elizabeth Lower-Basch of the Center for Law and Social Policy explains why work requirements don’t work for people receiving federal assistance. Author Sam “Pizzigati makes a case for a maximum wage. Plus, Bill Press talks with Ben Wikler of MoveOn.Org about the grassroots movement to elect progressive democrats.

Elizabeth Lower-Basch Despite a recent decision in Kentucky to block work requirements for Medicaid patients, the Trump Administration remains intent in pursuing the policy. Elizabeth Lower-Basch has a long history inside and outside of government figuring out the best ways to assist struggling families. In this encore interview, she says that “work requirements” for people on public assistance is exactly not the way to help.

Sam Pizzigati Income inequality in America is now at a rate we haven’t seen in close to 100 years. In a new book, author Sam Pizzigati says it’s time to resurrect an idea once endorsed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt ... a maximum wage for our nation’s highest earners.

Ben Wikler Bill Press talks with Ben Wikler on MoveOn.Org on why progressive ideas are winning elections.

Jim Hightower Shame of Climate Change Deniers

The Supreme Court is challenging our democracy, and why we need to fight back. How a recent decision undermines the right to vote. Plus, the potential impact of a Brett Kavanaugh confirmation. And, Bill Press with Dan Kildee on the President’s performance in Helsinki and what he wants his Republican counterparts to do about it.

Anisha Singh of the Center for American Progress reviews the disturbing record of Donald Trump’s newest Supreme Court nominee. The Nation’s John Nichols explains the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on voter purging. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Dan Kildee on his reaction to President Trump’s press conference with Vladimir Putin.

Anisha Singh Anisha Singh works to engage young activists and leaders in the political process. She says Brett Kavanaugh is an alarming choice for the Supreme Court who could have an impact on their lives for decades to come.

John Nichols A recent Supreme Court decision gives a green light to the practice of voter purging. Journalist John Nichols says it’s another blow to free and fair elections, and one that voters can resist.

Dan Kildee Bill Press talks with Congressman Dan Kildee. In the wake of Helsinki, he says it’s time for the Republicans to step up.

Jim Hightower Koch industries doesn't just lobby government

Taking a stand for workers rights. How workers around the world are fighting for a living wage. Can America’s workers find justice under a renegotiated NAFTA? Plus, Bill Press on what Scott Pruitt left behind.

This week, author Annelise Orleck takes us inside the global uprising against poverty wages. Dan Mauer of the Communications Workers of America outlines a progressive agenda for renegotiating NAFTA. Plus, Bill Press with Rebecca Leber of Mother Jones on the legacy of Scott Pruitt.

Annelise Orleck Annelise Orleck is a longtime historian of labor movements. Her newest book tracks the growing fight across the globe for workers rights and a living wage.

Dan Mauer A new president in Mexico brings fresh uncertainty to the future of NAFTA. In an encore interview, Communications Workers of America’s Dan Mauer says trade policy under NAFTA benefits multinational corporations at the expense of American workers and calls for a new framework that puts workers’ rights first.

Rebecca Leber Bill Press talks with Rebecca Leber of Mother Jones about the EPA, post Scott Pruitt … and why we should expect more of the same.

Jim Hightower Babies On Trial

A Nation More Divided. How policing and prison is dividing cities. How the GOP tax plan is widening the gap between rich and poor. Plus, how Democrats can unite around a message of progressive change.

Author Dan Cooper on the devastating impact of a criminal justice system that targets poor neighborhoods. Leo Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers International Union on the stock buyback bonanza fueled by the GOP tax plan. Plus, Bill Press with Mike Lux, author of “How to Democrat in the Age of Trump.”

Dan Cooper Dan Cooper is a scholar and activist who fights for more equitable cities. He says policies designed to keep our cities safe are only deepening the cycle of violence and poverty.

Leo Gerard Leo Gerard is President of North America’s largest industrial union. He says the plan to cut American’s taxes has been a windfall for corporate executives at the expense of American workers.

Mike Lux Bill Press talks with Mike Lux, author of “How to Democrat in the Age of Trump.”

Jim Hightower The New York Times strikes out

Returning to our American roots. The egalitarian call of the Declaration of Independence. The American vision defined by immigrants. Plus, after a bruising week of politics, what Progressive Democrats need to do now.

Donald Kerwin of the Center for Migration Studies on what America stands to gain by keeping the door open to refugees. Democracy theorist Danielle Allen on why equality is at the core of the American idea. Plus, Peter Ogburn sitting in for Bill Press, talks with Kaili Joy Gray of Shareblue Media on the week’s good news and bad news in politics, and why giving up is not an option.

Donald Kerwin Donald Kerwin is a national authority on immigration who says

America and the world only stands to lose when refugees are turned away.

Danielle Allen Danielle Allen is one of our nation’s leading democracy theorists.

In an interview from our archives, she speaks to the lesson we still need to learn from the Declaration of Independence … that equality is the essential partner of liberty.

Kaili Joy Gray Peter Ogburn sitting in for Bill Press, talks with Kaili Joy Gray of Shareblue Media.

Jim Hightower Why is Trump waging war on the poor?

Economic Populism … from ideas to action. How states are fighting for economic justice. How ballot measures affect everything progressives fight for. Plus Bill Press on how unions are fighting for workers rights on the global stage.

Author Christopher Witko on his new book about how states are taking the lead against economic inequality. Advocate Kellie Dupree on how voters are making a powerful impact with ballot measures. And Bill Press talks with Steve Cotton of the International Transport Workers Federation on the global impact of labor unions.

Christopher Witko Christopher Witko is a scholar who studies the politics and policies of job creation and economic fairness. He says states have picked up the fight where the federal government has failed.

Kellie Dupree Kellie Dupree has made a career advocating for progressive change. Now, she is helping citizens use the power of ballot measures to fight for social justice.

Steve Cotton Bill Press talks with Steve Cotton, General Secretary of the Transport Workers Federation.

Jim Hightower The Koch Coup.

Rights Matter. A Supreme Court decision strikes a blow to workers rights. Plus, how denying the right to vote to felons strikes a blow to democracy. And Bill Press talks with Sam Baker from Axios about the GOP’s latest move on Affordable Healthcare and the threat to protections on pre-existing conditions.

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Labor law scholar Alexander Colvin explains why a recent decision on arbitration will have far ranging impact for workers’ rights. Nicole Porter of the Sentencing Project tells us why at least 6 million Americans are denied the right to vote. And Bill Press talks with Sam Baker about what’s coming up next at the Supreme Court and another setback for Affordable Healthcare.

Alexander Colvin Alexander Colvin is one of the nation’s foremost experts on workplace arbitration. He says that the recent Supreme Court decision to deny the right for employees to engage in class action lawsuits is “backlash on steroids” to the movement for workers rights.

Nicole Porter Nicole Porter is an advocate for eliminating racial disparities in the criminal justice system. She says the practice of denying felons the right to vote has deep historical roots designed to limit the vote to wealthy and white elites.

Sam Baker Bill Press talks with Sam Baker of Axios on the latest battle over affordable healthcare that could jeopardize legal protections on pre-existing medical conditions.

Jim Hightower Could you live on “Psychic Income?”

Fighting for economic justice, from the bottom up and the top down. A new report on the massive pay gap between CEOs and the average worker. Plus reviving Martin Luther King’s poverty campaign fifty years later. And Bill Press talks with Stu Eizenstat for a definitive history of the Carter Administration.

This week, Brandon Rees of the AFL CIO reports that executive earnings are now 61 times that of the average employee, and we all pay. Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis reports from the frontlines of a new movement to fight poverty and redefine our moral agenda. And Bill Press talks with author Stu Eizenstat about his new book “President Carter: The White House Years”.

Brandon Rees Brandon Rees tracks executive pay for the AFL CIO and says the gap between CEO and worker pay is growing at unprecedented levels and driving inequality in America.

Liz Theoharis Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis has spent decades fighting poverty. In a new movement inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she says poor people are rising up and demanding justice.

Stu Eizenstat Bill Press talks with author Stu Eizenstat for a first hand history of the Carter Administration and why he calls him the most accomplished one-term president ever.

Jim Hightower How bad public policy happens

Why early childhood is a progressive economic issue and how voters can make an impact. Plus, a life in politics fighting for progressive ideals. And Bill Press talks with Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball about presidential pardons, the latest news at the ballot box and a look ahead to mid-term elections.

This week, early childhood advocate Simon Workman explains about why progressive democrats should pay more attention to early childhood. Veteran politician Joseph Tydings talks about his new book “My Life in Progressive Politics: Against the Grain.” And Bill Press gets a “political reading” from Kyle Kondik, Managing Director of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

Simon Workman Simon Workman works on policy solutions that will improve the lives of children. It’s an issue, he says, that affects all Americans and tells us how voters can make politicians accountable.

Joseph Tydings Joseph Tydings spent his entire life in politics fighting corruption and promoting progressive ideals. It’s a career that began over fifty years ago when he took a bold stand against segregation.

Kyle Kondik Bill Press talks with Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball on the state of play in electoral politics

Jim Hightower How low can the barons of high finance go?

The inseparable tie between identity politics and economic justice. The troubling tie between charter schools and segregation. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).

Author Raynard Sanders explains how charter schools are bringing back racial segregation. Political scientist Eric Schickler calls on progressive democrats to embrace racial justice. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Earl Blumenauer about his battle to legalize marijuana. (D-OR).

Raynard Sanders Scholar and author Raynard Sanders has committed his career to equity in education. In a new book, he explains how that vision is being set back and why charter schools are to blame.

Eric Schickler Eric Schickler is a political scientist who writes about party politics. He says that racial justice energized the democratic party in the past and can do so again today.

Earl Blumenauer Bill Press talks with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) on his prediction that marijuana will become legal in the United States .

Jim Hightower Doctor Trump Prescribes a Sugar-Coated Nothing Pill

Progressive change is not a spectator sport. How teachers are leading the way for a comeback of organized labor. Plus, the art of powerful citizenship. And Bill Press talks with Jeff Weaver about his new book “How Bernie Won: Inside the revolution That’s Taking Back our Country”.

This week, Scholar Pedro Noguera explains why teachers strikes matter to our democracy. Author Eric Liu calls on all of us to find our power to fight for change. And Bill Press talks with Bernie Sanders former campaign manager about his new book, “How Bernie Won.”

Pedro Noguera Urban sociologist Pedro Noguera writes about the intersection of education and social justice. He says the wave of teachers strikes across the country are galvanizing the movement for workers’ rights and setting the stage for a more equitable democracy.

Eric Liu Eric Liu has spent a career practicing and teaching civic power. In his latest book, he explains how each of us can take action to make lasting change.

Jeff Weaver Bill Press talks with author Jeff Weaver on the lasting impact of Bernie Sanders and why the revolution has only just begun.

Jim Hightower Koch industries is becoming the government

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What doesn’t work about work requirements for public assistance. What does work about teachers unions. Plus, Bill Press talks with former Ohio State Senator Capri Cafaro for primaries update.

Author William Ayers debunks the myth that teachers unions are bad for public education. Elizabeth Lower-Basch of the Center on Law and Social Policy explains what’s wrong with Donald Trump’s approach to welfare reform. And Bill Press talks with Democratic strategist and former Ohio State Senator Capri Cafaro

Elizabeth Lower-Basch Elizabeth Lower-Basch has a long history inside and outside of government figuring out the best ways to help struggling families. She says that new “work requirements” for people on public assistance is exactly not the way to do that.

William Ayers William Ayers is one of America’s leading voices on the role of education in building democracy. In his newest book, he argues that “activist teachers” have a vital part to play in that vision.

Capri Cafaro Bill Press talks with democratic strategist Capri Cafaro for the takeaways from the Ohio primary elections.

Jim Hightower Why is Trump waging war on the poor?

Donald Trump is making millions as President, and Americans are footing the bill. Plus a report card on Jeff Sessions first year as Attorney General. And Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show talks with Alayna Treene of Axios on Marco Rubio’s confession that the GOP tax cuts are failing the American worker.

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Public Citizen’s Alan Zibel reports on how Donald Trump has gotten rich being President. Elliot Mincberg of People for the American Way gives a failing grade to Jeff Sessions. Plus Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show talks with Axios Reporter Alayna Treene about Marco Rubio’s latest attack on Republican tax cuts.

Alan Zibel Alan Zibel tracks all the ongoing and emerging conflicts of interests involving the Trump Administration and how they are having an impact on the American people. He says the amount of taxpayer dollars the President is spending on his own businesses is already at unprecedented heights.

Elliot Mincberg Elliot Mincberg has been researching the American justice system for over three decades. He says that in his first year as Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has put the fundamental rights that system is supposed to protect at risk.

Alayna Treene Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show talks with Alayna Treene of Axios about what Marco Rubio is saying about GOP tax cuts that benefit corporations at the expense of American workers.

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Jim Hightower Are job incentive programs good for communities?

The Power of Resistance. How movements for social and economic justice are flourishing, even under Donald Trump.

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This week, Historian and civil rights activist Mary Frances Berry on her new book, History Teaches Us to Resist, which details the history and role of progressive movements in America. Plus Bill Press talks with Adam Kruggel of People’s Action and Kischa Peña with Down Home North Carolina about the bold agenda progressive democrats need to win in rural America.

Mary Frances Berry - Part 1 Mary Frances Berry wasn't planning to write another book. But after the election of Donald Trump, the historian, activist and former chair of the US Commission on Civil Rights knew that she had something important to say about what progressive movements could accomplish even in such challenging times

Mary Frances Berry - Part 2 And now part two of our conversation with Mary Frances Berry, author of “History Teaches us to Resist” and why she believes it’s important to remember one woman’s fight against sexual assault over 70 years ago.o.

Adam Kruggel Bill Press talks with Adam Kruggel of “People’s Action” and Kischa Peña with Down Home North Carolina.

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Jim Hightower Dow Jones Average vs Doug Jones Average?

Author Annelise Orleck on how poverty wages have sparked a worldwide labor movement. Historian John Russo on the populist economic agenda that Democrats need to win back the working class. Plus Bill Press talks with Joe Cirincione about what Donald Trump might accomplish in sitting down with North Korea’s Kim Jung Un.

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Annelise Orleck Historian Annelise Orleck traveled the world to write a book about workers who live on poverty wages. What she found gave her a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

John Russo John Russo has spent decades writing about America’s working class. And if Democrats want their vote he says … nothing short of a bold economic and populist agenda will do.

Joe Cirincione Bill Press talks with Joe Cirincione, President of the Ploughshares Fund on what to expect from a summit with the United States and why Donald Trump might actually succeed.

Jim Hightower The Koch Coup

Donald Trump’s War on Drugs. How to make a bad idea even worse. And Bill Press on a life in the crosshairs of American politics.

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This week, drug policy analyst Sanho Tree on why death penalties for dealers will be a colossal failure and why progressive democrats need to care about the opioid epidemic. Plus from seminary student to progressive activist and talk show host … Bill Press on his new memoir.

Sanho Tree America’s War on Drugs is almost fifty years old. Drug policy analyst Sanho Tree says it’s been fifty years of failure that Donald Trump is only making worse.

Bill Press A conversation with Bill Press on his life, and the making of one of America’s leading voices for progressive politics.

Jim Hightower Fly Away

This week, author Amy Siskind on the profound political upheaval under Donald Trump. Robert Borosage on the profound response only progressive democrats can offer. And Bill Press talks with Travis Waldron of the Huffington Post about teachers’ strikes around the country.

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Amy Siskind Democracy erodes when we don’t pay attention. That’s the concern of activist and author Amy Siskind, and why she is on a mission to document the signs of democratic decline under Donald Trump … week by week.

Robert Borosage In the wake of Connor Lamb’s victory in Pennsylvania, progressive activist Robert Borosage says that the signs are clear. Americans are ready for change and progressive democrats have the solution.

Travis Waldron Bill Press talks with Travis Waldron of the Huffington Post about the new found political force … of teachers.

Jim Hightower How low can the barons of high finance go?

Separate and Still Unequal. Fifty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., what more can we learn from his final hours and what more can we do to fulfill his vision?

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This week, America looks inward to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Martin Luther King’s death. Journalist Joseph Rosenbloom tells the story of King’s last hours as he faced a crossroads in his vision for nonviolence and economic justice. Former Senator Fred Harris asks why so little has changed since that day. And Bill Press talks with Atima Omara about what she is doing to recruit progressive candidates of color.

Joseph Rosenbloom Fifty year ago, Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in Memphis Tennessee hoping to galvanize a movement for economic equality. There is still much to learn about his vision for our nation. One journalist took on that task by writing a detailed account of his final hours and came to a fuller appreciation of what was lost.

Fred Harris The civil unrest that broke out after Martin Luther King’s assassination laid bare the deep pain of racial injustice in America. Senator Fred Harris witnessed those events and helped write a report that warned Americans of two societies, one black, one white -- separate and unequal.

Atima Omara Bill Press talks with Atima Omara, founder of the Omara Strategy Group about what’s driving more people of color, LGBTQ Americans and women to run for office.

Jim Hightower Exposing our “populist” president as a naked plutocrat

Why history matters. A more honest telling over the right to bear arms in American History. A more powerful understanding of the civil rights movement. And Bill Press talks with candidate Michael Eggman, a progressive democrat hoping to flip California’s 10th District.

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Law professor Adam Winkler on how even the founding fathers believed in gun control. Political Scientist Jeanne Theoharis on how the history of the civil rights movement has been sanitized and why. And Bill Press talks Candidate Michael Eggman from California’s 10th district.

Adam Winkler Adam Winkler has written extensively on the history of gun control and the mythology that has come to dominate our current debate. He says that laws to enhance gun safety are as old as the founding of our country.

Jeanne Theoharis Jeanne Theoharis has written an alternative history on the civil rights movement and says that the accepted history about the movement diminishes its scope and its legacy for us today.

Michael Eggman Bill Press talks with Michael Eggman, Democratic Candidate for California’s 10 on his plans to flip the district

Jim Hightower Could you live on "Psychic Income?"

More than 70 progressive leaders sign a pledge to work for jobs, prosperity and justice. It’s an 11 point plan. We’ll hear what’s in it. And Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press show talks with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

&

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Roger Hickey of the Campaign for America’s Future says resistance is not enough. Progressive Democrats need to offer real solutions. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about Congress's inaction on guns.

Roger Hickey Pt 1 Roger Hickey is a veteran activist for economic justice. He says it’s not enough to be against Donald Trump’s agenda. Progressive democrats need to know what they stand for, and he has a plan to do that.

Roger Hickey Pt 2 And now, part two of our conversation with Roger Hickey, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Campaign for America’s Future. We’re talking about

the eleven point economic plan called Pledge to Fight for America’s Future.

You can check it out at CampaignforAmericasFuture.org. You can even read along with us as we have this discussion.

Pramila Jayapal Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

Jim Hightower Forget shaming this do-nothing Congress. Stop paying them!

Labor Advocate Celine McNicholas explains how an upcoming decision from the Supreme Court could undermine the power of public unions. Dan Mauer of the Communications Workers of America outlines how trade deals can create jobs and protect workers rights. And Bill Press interviews democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko for the latest on the midterms and how much the Mueller investigation will impact them.

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Celine McNicholas Celine McNicholas is an expert on labor law and an advocate for workers rights. She explains how a recent case heard before the Supreme Court could weaken American unions.

Dan Mauer The latest round of talks over the North American Free Trade Agreement took place under the shadow of President Trump’s tariffs and how they will impact the negotiations. But Dan Mauer says the more important conversation about NAFTA is how it can put workers first.

Adam Parkhomenko Bill Press talks with democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko.

Jim Hightower Hard times (still) in the fields

The disruptive power of social protest. And Bill Press talks with Carolyn Fiddler about the political power of democrats in 2018.

Author and Harvard political scientist Danielle Allen tells a tragic story of how the “war on drugs” has abandoned the people it’s supposed to protect. Kenneth Andrews of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill answers this question about social protest in the era of Trump. Can it lead to long term change? And Bill Press interviews Carolyn Fiddler of Daily Kos about all the wins that Democrats are racking up around the country.

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Danielle Allen Danielle Allen is the director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University. She was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2001.

In her most recent book, “Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A.,” she tells the story of her cousin, a young man who was tried as an adult at age 15 for attempted carjacking. After 13 years in prison, he was released and died violently at the age of 29. It is a story she says, about the deep and destructive “war on drugs” that has corrupted a criminal justice system that has abandoned our nation’s youth.

Kenneth Andrews Half a million protesters are expected to show up in Washington, DC later this month. Even more will join them in sister marches across the country. Led by students from Parkland, Florida, their goal is to change the nation’s gun laws. Protest historian Kenneth Andrews says it takes more than hitting the streets to create long term change.

Carolyn Fiddler Bill Press talks “Blue Wave” with Carolyn Fiddler of Daily Kos.

Jim Hightower Why not the Doug Jones Average.

How progressive millenials are changing the game at the ballot box. And Bill Press talks with Adam Smith of Every Voice about getting big money out of politics.

This week, Miles Rapoport of the Kennedy School at Harvard on what we learned from the President’s ill fated voter integrity commission. Author and organizer Amanda Litman on recruiting progressive millenials to run or office. And Bill Press interviews Adam Smith of Every Voice on how everyday people can have a bigger voice in politics.

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Miles Rapoport Last year, Donald Trump established the Bipartisan Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with a mandate to uncover widespread voter fraud. Less than half a year later, it was dissolved leaving behind not a shred of evidence to support the President’s bogus claims. Miles Rapoport has spent his career strengthening democracy and says the commission was a failure from the start.

Amanda Littman Across the country, a record number of millenials are signing up to run for local office in the 2018 midterm elections. And for those with a progressive agenda, Amanda Littman is there to help.

Adam Smith Bill Press talks money and politics with Adam Smith of Every Voice.

Jim Hightower What will the Trump mob kill next?

This week, Samuel Abrams of the National Center of Privatization in Education on why “public” matters when it comes to public education. And, on the day after tragedy in Florida, Bill Press interviews Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky on how he earned an “F” from the NRA.

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Samuel Abrams Pt. 1 Samuel Abrams of the National Center of Privatization in Education on why “public” matters when it comes to public education. And, on the day after tragedy in Florida, Bill Press interviews Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky on how he earned an “F” from the NRA.

Samuel Abrams Pt. 2 Part Two of our conversation with Samuel Abrams about for profit schooling and how public and privatized schools could both do a better job.

John Yarmuth Bill Press talks with Congressman John Yarmuth about the school shooting in Florida and why he’s not afraid to stand up to the NRA.

Jim Hightower Back to the tomato future

This week, Nan Aron of the Alliance for Justice on how Donald Trump is reshaping the US Court system. Miles Rapoport of the Kennedy School at Harvard on turning the tide on political gerrymandering. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Ted Lieu of California on why he didn’t applaud everything the President said during the State of the Union, and why that makes him a patriot.

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Nan Aron In his first year of office, Donald Trump made almost 70 judicial nominations. Nan Aron, a leading opponent of conservative judicial nominees, says the President is putting politics ahead of the integrity of the courts.

Miles Rapoport Across the country, citizens and legislators are taking a stand against unfair redistricting maps, and Miles Rapoport says the outlook is bright.

Ted Lieu Bill Press talks with California Congressman Ted Lieu.

Jim Hightower Why the American majority despises Trump’s Washington

Truth and Promises. Can Donald Trump really take credit for lowering black unemployment? Will his infrastructure plan really be a boost for American workers? And Bill Press talks with Kyle Kondik about his roadmap for Democrats to retake Congress in the midterm elections.

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This week, Janelle Jones of the Economic Policy Institute on black unemployment and the truth behind the numbers. Kevin DeGood of the Center for American Progress fact checks Donald Trump’s promise to repair America’s infrastructure. And Bill Press interviews Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball on the “path for Democrats” in 2018.

Janelle Jones In his State of the Union address, President Trump bragged about, and took credit for a drop in black unemployment. Economist Janelle Jones says that number alone says very little about what needs to be done to achieve equity for African Americans in the workplace.

Kevin DeGood From the early days of his campaign, President Trump said he would repair the nation’s infrastructure and make it “second to none.” From what he’s heard so far, infrastructure analyst Kevin DeGood says that plan will fall far short of it’s promise.

Kyle Kondik Bill Press talks with Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball.

Jim Hightower Trump serves the people – rich ones, that is

Across the country, minimum wage is going up. But is that enough? More and more journalists take on the challenge of covering Donald Trump. But does more mean better? And Bill Press talks with Esther Lee of ThinkProgress about DACA and her own experience as a Dreamer.

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This week, Janelle Jones of the Economic Policy Institute on how progressive democrats are winning on the minimum wage. Author David Cay Johnston on what’s not getting covered in the way journalists cover Donald Trump. And Bill Press interviews ThinkProgress reporter Esther Lee for an update on Donald Trump’s immigration policy and the lives left in limbo waiting for a resolution on DACA.

Janelle Jones Economic analyst Janelle Jones says a higher minimum wage is a crucial tool in bridging our nation’s widening income inequality gap And in the face of federal inaction, cities and states are setting up to the plate.

David Cay Johnston David Cay Johnston is an award winning journalist who says that a vibrant press is needed now more than ever, but journalists who focus on Russian conspiracies and Donald Trump’s tweets are missing the point.

Esther Lee Bill Press talks with ThinkProgress reporter Esther Lee.

Jim Hightower Are you ready for corporate America's robot economy?

This week, Matt Rozsa on why Democrats should take a stand on legalizing marijuana. Author David Cay Johnston on why a year of President Trump is worse than we think. And Bill Press interviews Democratic Strategist Karen Finney on grassroots activists, women candidates and the possibility of a mid term blue wave.

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Matthew Rozsa Jeff Sessions’ plan for a federal crackdown on states that legalize marijuana may be seen as an unwelcome escalation in the war on drugs. Journalist Matthew Rozsa sees something else … a moment of opportunity for Democrats

David Cay Johnston David Cay Johnston is an award winning journalist who once revealed President Trumps “true net worth.” Now, he’s revealing the President’s true impact on American lives.

Karen Finney Bill Press talks with Democratic Strategist and former Clinton campaign spokeswoman Karen Finney about how progressive Democrats can turn grassroots energy into electoral victory.

Jim Hightower Are job incentive programs good for communities?

This week, Donald Kerwin of the Center for Migration Studies on why everyone loses as Donald Trump pulls the plug on Temporary Protected Status. Author and poverty researcher Kathryn Edin on what poor people lose when politicians do welfare reform. And Bill Press interviews Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan .

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Donald Kerwin Donald Trump’s recent despicable and racist comments about immigrants came as a response to an effort to maintain TPS … Temporary Protected Status. Donald Kerwin is a national authority on immigration who says the end of TPS will only lead to suffering for our most vulnerable immigrants who are hard working, legal and playing an important role in our nation’s economy.

Kathryn Edin Scholar and author Kathryn Edin documents the lives of people who live on almost no cash income and says much of what we think we know about those lives is wrong.

Dan Kildee Bill Press talks with Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan.

Jim Hightower What's killing America's middle class?

This week, Georgetown law professor Peter Edelman explains how the justice system punishes the poor and rewards the rich. Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps says pending media mergers will give big business even more influence on what we see and hear.

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Peter Edelman Just before the end of the year, Attorney General Jeff sessions revoked an Obama-era administration guideline that advised local courts against imposing excessive fines and fees on poor people. The issue attracted wide attention after an investigation into the practice in Ferguson, MIssouri raised concerns of a “modern day debtors’ prison.” It also attracted the attention of Georgetown University law professor Peter Edelman who wrote a book about the issue titled, “Not a Crime to be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America”.

Michael J. Copps Michael J. Copps was an FCC commissioner from 2001 to 2011 and currently heads the Media and Democracy Reform Initiative at Common Cause.

Jim Hightower How America's middle class rose… and fell.

Law professor James Forman Jr. puts truth to the lie that African Americans don’t care about crime. Author Tim Snyder says Trump’s America is not a tyranny …. yet. But could we slip into one? And our remembrance of Fred Rotondaro.

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James Forman Jr. James Forman Jr. is a law professor at Yale, a former public defender, and the author of Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America. Last July, he spoke with us about how America’s aggressive “war on crime” drew support from many African American leaders …. with devastating consequences.

Timothy Snyder Yale historian Timothy Snyder has spent decades studying the rise of fascism and authoritarianism in Europe, and is the author of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the 20th Century, In an interview last July, he called on us to learn from that horrific past if we want to avoid repeating it.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro passed away in June at the age of 78. Born into a coal mining family in Pennsylvania, Fred’s path led him to a PhD in American Studies from NYU and a career in journalism, teaching, anti-poverty work and civil rights advocacy. Following his retirement, he was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. Fred was a fierce opponent of programs and policies that promoted economic inequality, and we are grateful to have had him as a regular commentator on this podcast. This is Fred Rotondaro …. in a final interview with us last April about what he really thought about President Trump.

Jim Hightower Hard times (still) in the fields.

What would it actually take to reverse inequality in our nation? Why young progressive democrats should run for office to make a real difference. Plus, the real truth about the GOP tax plan.

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This week, Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies tells us that real change is possible to reverse inequality in America. Amanda Littman tells young progressives, if they want to make a meaningful change…. Run for Office. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio.

Chuck Collins The Institute for Policy Studies’ Chuck Collins says that inequality in America is hardly inevitable, but knowing where it comes from is key to change.

Amanda Litman Political organizer and author Amanda Litman turned anger into positive change when she started a new organization called “Run for Something” in the wake of Donald Trump’s election.

Tim Ryan Bill Press interviews Congressman Tim Ryan about the real impact of the GOP tax plan, and what Progressive Democrats need to do now.

Jim Hightower DADDY'S PHILOSOPHY

"Progressives turning the Tide" How voters in Maine turned a corner or Medicaid. How legislators in Kansas turned around a bad tax cut bill. And how democrats in Alabama turned red ... into blue.

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This week, heathcare organizer Jennie Pirkl on how Maine became the first state to expand Medicaid by a ballot initiative Tuesday, Nov. 7. . Kansas State Senator Anthony Hensley on how legislators in his state confronted a bad tax cut bill and …. ended it. And Bill Press with Jess O'Connell, CEO of the Democratic National Committee, on the role of women in electing Doug Jones in Alabama and the DNC strategy to keep winning elections in the era of Donald Trump

Jennie Pirkl Last November, voters in Maine went to the polls and overwhemingly voted YES to a ballot measure to expand Medicaid, allowing many more low income residents to receive health insurance. That makes Maine the first in the nation to use a citizen’s initiative to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. It took an enormous on-the-ground campaign and Jennie Pirkl was in the middle of it. She is a Healthcare Organizer with Maine People’s Alliance and served as the Campaign Manager for Mainers for Healthcare

Anthony Hensley In 2012, Kansas Republican Governor Sam Brownback enacted a massive tax cut plan with a promise that supply side economics. Five years later, faced with an exploding deficit, Democrat AND Republican legislators in Kansas voted to roll back the tax cuts. The “ experiment” was a failure … and now, it’s a cautionary tale for the rest of the nation. As Senate Minority Leader in Kansas, Democrat Anthony Hensley was pivotal in the roll back success.

Jess O’Connell Bill Press talks with Jess O’Connell, CEO of the Democratic National Committee

Jim Hightower Back to the tomato future

This week, former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps on how losing net neutrality will be a loss for democracy. Nan Aron, founder and President of the Alliance for Justice on what she calls the “Corporate Court” under Chief Justice John Roberts. And Bill Press with Ben & Jerry’s Ben Cohen on who will benefit the most from the GOP tax plan.

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Michael J. Copps Michael J. Copps served as an FCC commissioner from 2001 to 2011 where he was a tireless advocate for the “public interest” in our nation’s media … and for fighting to stem the tide of excessive consolidation in the telecommunications industries. He continues that work as head of the Media and Democracy Reform Initiative at Common Cause where he has been sounding the alarm about a pending FCC decision that could be the end of “net neutrality”.

Nan Aron Nan Aron is the founder and President of the Alliance for Justice. She is a leading progressive voice on matters related to our nation’s judiciary.

Ben Cohen Bill Press talks with Ben & Jerry’s Ben Cohen about the GOP tax plan and what it means for Americans across the income spectrum, plus the launch of a new “Poor People’s Campaign”.

Jim Hightower The virtues of the egalitarian internet

This week, Georgetown law professor Peter Edelman on his new book about the criminalization of poverty in America. Author and Harvard political scientist Danielle Allen tells a tragic story of how the “war on drugs” is failing our nation’s young people. And Bill Press interviews journalist Emma Roller about a radical idea to reform America’s prisons.

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Peter Edelman Peter Edelman is a law professor at Georgetown University Law Center. He served as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration. In 1996 he resigned because he opposed a welfare reform bill signed by President Clinton. His latest book is “Not a Crime to be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America”.

Danielle Allen Danielle Allen is the director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University. She was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2001.

In her most recent book, “Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A.,” she tells the story of her cousin, a young man who was tried as an adult at age 15 for attempted carjacking. After 13 years in prison, he was released and died violently at the age of 29. It is a story she says, about a failed “war on drugs” that has given up on our nation’s youth.

Emma Roller Bill Press interviews journalist about Emma Roller about the “prison abolition movement” that seeks a more humane response to incarceration.

Jim Hightower Donald Trump's strange bromance with Rodrigo Duterte

This week, Dan Mauer of the Communications Workers of America outlines a progressive agenda for renegotiating NAFTA. Kenneth Andrews of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the disruptive power of protest in the era of Donald Trump And Bill Press interviews Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee on what he calls the Republicans “terrible tax bill.”

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Dan Mauer Communications Workers of America’s Dan Mauer says trade policy under NAFTA benefits multinational corporations at the expense of American workers and calls for a new framework that puts workers’ rights first.

Kenneth Andrews Protest historian Kenneth Andrews says it takes enormous work to turn “movement power” into “political power” and that progressive organizers could learn something from the Tea Party.

Dan Kildee Bill Press interviews Congressman Dan Kildee about the Republican tax bill and trading out America’s social contract for the corporate bottom line.

Jim Hightower Avoid Amazon's "Cyber Monday," and buy local

This week we have two Democrats, one a centrist, one more progressive, on the lessons of the smashing victory in the Virginia gubernatorial race. Jim Kessler of Third Way says Democrats found a candidate who fit his state, not some litmus test. Steve Phillips of Democracy in Color says winner Ralph Northam got no more white working class voters than did Hillary Clinton and that the winning difference was black turnout. And Bill Press interviews Vermont Congressman Peter Welch on what the Republicans are up to on taxes.

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Jim Kessler Political think tank executive Jim Kessler says Democrats need to tread a broader path and that Virginia was an example of finding candidates who fit their state, rather than an ideology.

Steve Phillips Progressive activist Steve Phillips says with just a little more spending on voter turnout, especially among African Americans, Democrats have a chance to take back the Senate by winning states like Texas, Nevada, and Arizona.

Peter Welch Bill Press interviews Congressman Peter Welch about the looming fight over tax cuts for the rich.

Jim Hightower Why would you let Jeff Bezos inside your home?

A year ago, the progressive world was turned upside down. Today we hear from two critics about why Democrats never saw it coming. Professor Mark Lilla says liberals need to take a “big humility pill.” Longtime progressive editor Charlie Peters, in an encore presentation, says Democrats don’t have to change positions – they have to explain them better to blue-collar America. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about the Republicans new tax plan.

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Mark Lilla Professor and essayist Mark Lilla says that when the economy is doing well, class politics doesn’t work, and neither does identity politics.

Charlie Peters Charlie Peters, founder of the influential Washington Monthly, blames progressives for not understanding the views of “the other side.” An encore presentation from earlier this year.

Pramila Jayapal Coming up, Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington State about tax cuts for the rich.

Jim Hightower Why would you let Jeff Bezos inside your home?

Journalist and civil liberties watchdog Emily Bazelon says Trump’s war against the press is designed to undermine America’s faith in independent media. As I.R.A’s may come under attack in a new Republican tax bill, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend advocates for a pension system that will replace the retirement accounts and get seniors better returns on their investments. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia.

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Emily Bazelon Journalist Emily Bazelon talks with us about various aspects of free speech and the Trump administration.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Instead of relying on IRA’s, which can fluctuate with the market, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is looking at a system under which a nationwide pool of savings could reap much greater rewards than current Wall Street investments yield. An encore presentation from one year ago, and still relevant.

Don Beyer Coming up, Bill Press Virginia Congressman Don Beyer.

Jim Hightower Trump's War

Long-time CIA watcher John Prados answers the question of why so much information is classified, when everyone knows it already. Richard Clarke was the Bush administration official who foresaw 9-11 but was not heeded. We have an encore presentation about his new book about the Cassandra Syndrome. And Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund, talks with Bill Press about Trump’s potential to start new wars.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

John Prados Intelligence watcher John Prados says the CIA is in danger of failing the country unless it becomes accountable for its product.

Richard Clarke 9-11 was just one instance of leaders ignoring solid evidence of impending disaster. Richard Clarke, who foresaw the tragedy, joins us in an encore segment to talk about this “Cassandra Syndrome.”

Joe Cirincione Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund on Trump’s foreign policy.

Jim Hightower Does Trump even know where Niger is?

Columbia University Professor Mark Lilla has opened a wound among Democrats, arguing that the party must stop emphasizing identity politics. Religion professor Damon Berry delves into the origin of the white nationalist movement. And Congressman Ro Khanna tells Bill Press that Senator Dianne Feinstein needs a primary challenge.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Mark Lilla Political scientist Mark Lilla urges Democrats to stop obsessing over Donald Trump and start working to change local and state governments, where most of the issues are decided.

Damon Berry Religion professor Damon Berry says real Christians want nothing to do with the white nationalist movement, which he says is growing.

Ro Khanna Bill Press interviews California Congressman Ro Khanna, who says some Democrat should challenge Senator Dianne Feinstein in a primary.

Jim Hightower Are you ready for corporate America's robot economy?

The Supreme Court takes up the outrageous gerrymandering of the Wisconsin legislature. Professor Emily Bazelon explains the issue for us. Political strategist Jim Zogby says Democrats must recapture the votes of the age-old coalition that used to vote for them. And Jason Dick of Roll Call discusses the prospects for gun safety legislation.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Emily Bazelon Legal analyst Emily Bazelon says Republican gerrymandering is so bad it would require a Democratic voting margin of 7 percent nationwide to break even in House races.

Jim Zogby Nuts and bolts organizing is the key for progressives to turn the country around, says campaign operative Jim Zogby.

Jason Dick Bill Press interviews Roll Call’s Jason Dick about the Las Vegas shootings.

Jim Hightower When will Wall Street quit being stupid?

How are the nation’s intelligence professionals going to react to Trump’s condemnation of them? CIA expert John Prados says the agency is headed for trouble. Seattle has raised the minimum wage to 15 dollars an hour, and labor economist Sylvia Allegretto says it is working. And Salon editor David Daley discusses gerrymandering with Bill Press.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

John Prados National security author John Prados says the CIA is discrediting itself by failing to be accountable for its actions.

Sylvia Allegretto Sylvia Allegretto, a labor economist, studied the effect of raising the minimum wage in Seattle and says it is working there, without causing job losses.

David Daley Bill Press interviews David Daley of Salon.

Jim Hightower Should churches become Unholy Temples of Dark Money?

Journalism professor Brooke Kroeger reveals the role of prominent men in New York society who helped women get the vote almost a century ago. Law professor Geoffrey Stone has written a history of “Sex and the Constitution,” showing how abortion, obscenity, and contraception were no big deal before the evangelical movement of the 1800s. And Stephanie Schriock of Emily’s List talks with Bill Press about the surge in women running for office.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Brooke Kroeger Brooke Kroeger, a journalist and author, has written an interesting account of how prominent men worked a century ago to get passage of the women’s suffrage amendment.

Geoffrey Stone It’s getting harder and harder to be a good Christian, says law professor Geoffrey Stone, author of a book about sex and the Constitution. He reveals that the state with the most internet porn is … Utah!

Stephanie Schriock Bill Press interviews Stephanie Schriock of Emily’s List.

Jim Hightower

GOP playing political games with people's health

Religion Professor Damon Berry examines the history of white nationalism and its relationship to Christianity. Author Richard Rothstein has written a highly acclaimed book on the history of housing segregation in America, and he talks with us about how it resulted from government policy. And California Congressman Ted Lieu talks with Bill Press about DACA and other issues facing Congress this fall.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Damon Berry Religion professor Damon Berry says mainstream Christians and the alt-right want nothing to do with each other. “Love Thy Neighbor” doesn’t quite compute with white supremacists.

Richard Rothstein Richard Rothstein has written a powerful new book, “The Color of Law,” about how deliberate policies of local, state, and federal governments conspired to maintain racial discrimination in housing.

Ted Lieu Bill Press interviews progressive California Congressman Ted Lieu.

Jim Hightower Forget shaming this do-nothing Congress. Stop paying them!

As the nation reflected on 9-11, Jim Zogby says the right wing, aided by the media, unjustly stigmatized fellow Arab Americans. Political scientist Nathan Kalmoe says engaging in partisanship is easier for most Americans than thinking about issues. And editor Bob Cusack of The Hill newspaper talks with Bill Press about Hillary Clinton’s potentially divisive new book.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Jim Zogby Anti-Arab-and-Muslim discrimination was fanned by the right wing after 9-11 and aided by the mainstream media, says Jim Zogby. As a result, the views of these groups are now determined by which party you belong to.

Nathan Kalmoe Surprising findings by political scientist Nathan Kalmoe – only 20 percent of Americans are engaged enough in politics to identify as either liberal or conservative.

Bob Cusack Bill Press and editor Bob Cusack are concerned that Hillary’s new book will divide Democrats again.

Jim Hightower Where can Congress find the money for Hurricane Harvey?

The state of Missouri recently took away the pay of workers in St. Louis who had been getting a higher minimum wage. Labor economist Sylvia Allegretto says that in Seattle, the higher minimum wage has worked well, without throwing people out of work. Political expert Dante Chinni says maybe it takes a general to keep Trump in line, and predicts it will take a whole lot before he is removed from office. And John Nichols, of The Nation, talks with Bill Press about his new book, “Trumpocalypse.”

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Sylvia Allegretto Republicans again are not letting facts get in the way of good policy. In Missouri, the state government cut the wages people of St. Louis were making, but labor economist Sylvia Allegretto makes the strong case why a 15-dollar-an-hour wage makes sense.

Dante Chinni State politics expert Dante Chinni predicts that the Electoral College will remain in place until someone wins the popular vote by so much that denying the winner the White House will lead to changing the Constitution. Three million votes isn’t enough, he says. It needs to be five or six million.

John Nichols Author John Nichols talks about his new book “Trumpocalypse” with Bill Press.

Jim Hightower Amazon buys out Whole Foods: What's it to us?

The Constitution doesn’t say anything about sex – though the Declaration of Independence promoted the pursuit of happiness – but for the past hundred years or so, courts have been in our bedrooms. Law Professor Geoffrey Stone has the low-down. One hundred years after women won the right to vote, professor Brooke Kroeger reveals the role that men – or “suffragents” – played in the movement. And commentator Alexi McCammond of Axios talks with Peter Ogburn on the Bill Press Show about the friction between Trump and Congress.

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Geoffrey Stone For most of history, society had no problem with contraception, abortion, or obscenity … until state legislatures and courts became obsessed with sex. Professor Geoffrey Stone says it was because of the evangelical movement.

Brooke Kroeger One hundred years ago… it was the pillars of New York society – men of industry, law, and letters – who marched for and helped win women’s right to vote. Professor Brooke Kroeger tells the story of the “suffragents.”

Alexi McCammond Guest host Peter Ogburn interviews commentator Alexi McCammond on the Bill Press Show.

Jim Hightower Trump versus the wisdom of Robert E. Lee

The legacy of racism in America is our subject this week. Author Sheryll Cashin tells the story of the Supreme Court’s “Loving v. Virginia” case and how it was the first legal mention of “white supremacy.” Richard Rothstein reveals that segregated housing is not an accident but a deliberate policy of local, state and federal governments. And the Democratic National Committee’s Jess O’Connell talks with Bill Press about the party’s new “rise and organize” program.

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Sheryll Cashin Law professor and civil rights author Sheryll Cashin talks about the Supreme Court case – Loving v. Virginia -- that first enunciated the existence of “white supremacy.”

Richard Rothstein There is no major American city that is not racially segregated in housing says author Richard Rothstein. And it isn’t coincidence. State, local, and federal agencies made it that way on purpose.

Jess O’Connell Bill Press interviews Jess O’Connell, head of the DNC’s new “rise and organize” campaign.

Jim Hightower Who's left for Trump to tweet-bomb?

Political science professor Nathan Kalmoe reveals that people vote based not on policy questions but on party, as if supporting their favorite sports team. Law professor James Forman Junior talks about the crisis in the criminal justice system and how every element of law enforcement passes the buck. And political author Jon Allen talks with Bill Press about Trump and North Korea..

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Nathan Kalmoe Professor Nathan Kalmoe explains what we think we already knew – people nowadays vote based on party identification and group identity rather than on what they believe.

James Forman Junior There are plenty of villains in a system in which 7 million people are under criminal justice supervision, but law professor James Forman Junior says they aren’t just Nixon, Reagan, and Sessions, but all of us.

Jon Allen Bill Press interviews Jon Allen, author of “Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Doomed Campaign.”

Jim Hightower Who'll help America's hard-hit gold miners?

National security expert Richard Clarke explains why experts are so frequently ignored by policy makers on life-and-death issues. Political blogger Dante Chinni, who studies political division in red and blue America, says Trump voters are NOT getting the short end of the economic stick, but it’s shorter than it used to be. And the mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, talks with Bill Press about community policing and health care.

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Richard Clarke Richard Clarke, an intelligence and defense expert in several administrations, says the biggest threat to national security is global warming.

Dante Chinni What kind of presidential candidate should the Democrats nominate in 2020? Political analyst Dante Chinni says someone who is experienced, level-headed, and not a bore.

Greg Fischer Bill Press interviews Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Jim Hightower When will Wall Street quit being stupid?

Professor Joan Williams explains the political chasm in America is about class. Author and journalist T.R. Reid has studied the history of tax reform, and every 32 years it happens. So get ready for tax reform in 2018. And Rhode Island Congressman Dave Cicilline and Bill Press talk about the Democratic Party’s “Better Deal.”

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Joan Williams Professor Joan Williams says the political chasm is all about class and that the white working class doesn’t want empathy, it wants respect and a modest standard of living.

T.R. Reid Every 32 years, Congress overhauls the tax system. Author T.R. Reid says the cycle pops up again next year, and it is going to happen because no one, absolutely no one, likes the current system.

Dave Cicilline Bill Press interviews Rhode Island Congressman Dave Cicilline about the Democrats’ Better Deal.

Jim Hightower Should churches become Unholy Temples of Dark Money?

Historian Tim Snyder says Trump is an aspiring tyrant. Sherryl Cashin, a constitutional lawyer and author on legal matters, reflects on 50 years of legalized racial intermarriage. And Bill Press interviews Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

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Tim Snyder Tim Snyder is a historian of tyranny, and he warns it is on our doorstep and offers advice on how to fight it.

Sheryll Cashin Fifty years after the landmark Supreme Court ruling, Loving v. Virginia, author Sheryll Cashin notes that one out of five couples in the United States today is interracial.

Rosa DeLauro Bill Press interviews Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

Jim Hightower Why did Trump back off from his Mexican border tax?

National security expert Richard Clarke says Trump has no interest in any investigation into Russia. Professor Ron Formisano says America has moved from a plutocracy to a kleptocracy. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Dan Kildee about the Trump collusions.

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Richard Clarke Richard Clarke saw 9/11 coming, and now he says Trump seems to want Russia to keep interfering in other countries’ elections.

Ron Formisano Historian Ron Formisano says Trump has eliminated the middleman in the long history of political corruption and appointed officials who are themselves the thieves.

Dan Kildee Bill Press interviews Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee about just how serious the Trump collusion with Russia really is.

Jim Hightower What are the Koch Boys up to?

Law Professor James Forman Jr says it is important to remember that almost all criminal justice decisions are made at the local level – often by African American officials. CBS legal correspondent Jeff Pegues runs down the recent history of black versus blue relations in urban America. And voting rights lawyer Ezra Rosenberg tells Bill Press about the fallacious attempt by a Trump commission to prove voter fraud.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

James Forman Jr Yale law professor and former public defender James Forman Jr notes that to get elected, African American local officials often are tougher than anyone else on criminal justice issues.

Jeff Pegues Stop-and-frisk procedures are responsible for driving a wedge between local communities and the police, says CBS legal correspondent Jeff Pegues.

Ezra Rosenberg Bill Press interviews civil rights lawyer Ezra Rosenberg about the fallacy of Trump trying to prove voting irregularities.

Jim Hightower Should lousy, low-wage "jobs" count as jobs?

Tax reform is next on Mitch McConnell’s to-do list, and author T.R. Reid says Congress has an opportunity to make April 15 just another sunny spring day. Journalist David Callahan is an expert on the world of philanthropy, and he says charitable giving will never replace government support for worthy causes. And, filling in for Bill Press, Peter Ogburn and Jonathan Levy interview Matt Fuller on Trumpcare.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

T. R. Reid Tax reform has happened every 32 years, and author T. R. Reid tells us it is time again and how the system could be made a lot fairer. And he exposes another Trump lie, noting that America is one of the most UNDER-taxed industrial nations.

David Callahan Philanthropy expert David Callahan has studied why rich people give money, and, basically, they want to change public policy in education, health care, and criminal justice.

Matt Fuller Peter Ogburn and Jonathan Levy interview Matt Fuller on the Bill Press Show about Trumpcare.

Jim Hightower Why can't our economy promote equality and shared prosperity?

Emily’s List is dedicated to electing women to public office, and communications director Vanessa Cardenas says the last election galvanized a wave of women wanting to run. Pollster John Anzalone predicts that Democrats can win back those voters who went for Obama in 2012 and Trump in 2016. And Bill Press talks with Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Vanessa Cardenas Vanessa Cardenas of Emily’s List tells us how the group plans to train more women to run for office and gives us a peek at up-and-coming female politicians in the states.

John Anzalone Democratic pollster John Anzalone explains how the Clinton campaign over-relied on data and how the Democrats can reclaim those who voted for Obama AND Trump.

John Yarmuth Bill Press interviews Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky

Jim Hightower Would even the craziest world leader behave like Trump?

Yale historian Tim Snyder has a new book about tyranny, and unsurprisingly it is a best-seller. Feminist legal authority Joan Williams says the class and cultural warfare could get even uglier when Trump fails to deliver jobs to the white working class. Bill Press interviews Graham Vyse of the New Republic about the Virginia gubernatorial primaries.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Tim Snyder Historian Tim Snyder has a new book about tyranny, and he warns that an authoritarian regime cannot succeed unless the public consents, and it is all too easy for that to happen.

Joan Williams Donald Trump understood what the white working class wanted but he can’t give it to them, says Berkeley professor Joan Williams. And when they realize it, things could get even uglier than they are now.

Graham Vyse Bill Press interviews Graham Vyse of the New Republic about the Virginia gubernatorial primaries.

Jim Hightower Time for Democratic Party leaders to get going – or go

With former FBI director Jim Comey in the news, we have two interviews touching on his work. Best-selling author Jonathan Allen tells why Hillary Clinton lost the election, with the FBI investigation of her emails a large part of it. CBS justice correspondent Jeff Pegues reveals Comey’s involvement in talking to law enforcement about minority discontent with policing practices. And Bill Press interviews Politico’s Cory Bennett about Russian hacking of both America and the Middle East country of Qatar.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen is co-author of a best-seller about what went wrong with Hillary Clinton’s campaign. He says, bluntly, “You have to know why you are the right person to be president of the United States.”

Jeff Pegues CBS correspondent Jeff Pegues has written a book about “Black and Blue,” the divide between police and communities of color. He reveals that former FBI Director Jim Comey played a big role in trying to bridge that gap.

Cory Bennett Bill Press interviews Politico’s Cory Bennett about Russian computer hacking around the world.

Jim Hightower General Trump's Twitter bombs

Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci offers a plan for a secure retirement for all Americans and explains why raising the retirement age robs seniors of well-deserved benefits. Increasing the turnout is a huge concern for Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling says voting by mail is the answer. And Bill Press interviews the Sierra Club’s John Coequyt on how Trump, unlike Bogie and Bergman, will never have Paris.

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Teresa Ghilarducci Teresa Ghilarducci, a prominent labor economist, says the private retirement system is broken and works for only a few very rich people. She has a plan to fix it.

Phil Keisling If everyone was allowed to vote by mail, as in Oregon, weather would not be a factor in turnout, fraud would be even less likely than it is now, and more people would be casting ballots. Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling argues for abandoning polling places.

John Coequyt Bill Press interviews John Coequyt of the Sierra Club about Trumps abandoning of the Paris climate change agreement.,

Jim Hightower Who is Mick Mulvaney… and why is he so awful?

Emily’s List is canvassing the country encouraging and training women to run for office. Communications Director Vanessa Cardenas tells us how. Labor leader David Rolf describes the Trump administration and Congress as working on a “Death Star level of anti-union legislation.” And Bill Press interviews Texas Congressman Al Green, who is calling for Trump’s impeachment.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Vanessa Cardenas Vanessa Cardenas of Emily’s List says more and more women are saying they want to run for office, and her organization is training them how.

David Rolf The Trump administration is the worst in history, says union leader David Rolf, and Democrats need to come up with an economic plan to win back blue-collar voters.

Al Green Bill Press interviews Texas Congressman Al Green, who has called for Trump’s impeachment.

Jim Hightower Who's drafting Trump's "New NAFTA" deal – and who's not?

The rebirth of the Democratic Party depends on getting better candidates, says pollster John Anzalone. Harvard Professor Theda Skocpol says it depends on enthusiasm at the grassroots and turnout at election time. And Bill Press interviews Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who many see as a future party leader.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

John Anzalone John Anzalone is a public opinion expert and adviser to many Democratic campaigns. He says that in order to regroup, the party needs to look to the South and West. And get better candidates!

Theda Skocpol Money doesn’t matter that much, and neither does unified opposition to Trump, says political scientist Theda Skocpol. What does matter is finding good candidates, organizing the grassroots, and, of course, voting.

Cheri Bustos Bill Press interviews Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos about the rapidly unfolding developments in Washington.

Jim Hightower Who'll help America's hard-hit gold miners?

Hillary Clinton’s e-mail server remains at the center of the FBI mess, and best-selling campaign biographer Jonathan Allen says her decision to use it was the black cloud that hung over her campaign. Charlie Peters, the legendary founder and editor of the progressive Washington Monthly, reflects that Donald Trump was elected because Baby Boomers owned stock and became prosperous. And Bill Press interviews former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about the need for a massive infrastructure program.

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Are you tired of Tea Party Republicans and Rush Limbaugh dominating the airwaves? Do you want the facts you won't get on Fox -- or even on CNN? Then stay tuned.

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen is co-author of a hot new book that autopsies the Hillary Clinton campaign, and he believes it was her e-mail server that was the black cloud that hung over the campaign.

Charlie Peters Magazine editor and essayist Charlie Peters, who grew up during the New Deal, says bluntly that erudite progressives are getting “clocked” by the simplicity of the other side.

Ray LaHood Bill Press interviews former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about the need for a gasoline tax and a massive infrastructure program.

Jim Hightower Koch brothers are out to conquer the countryside.

Hillary Clinton has come out of her post-election shell as just an individual member of “the Resistance.” And feminist law professor Deborah Rhode describes what the last election means for women candidates, while journalism professor Susie Linfield believes Clinton voters need to start showing humility and go beyond vilifying Trump supporters. And Bill Press interviews Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline about his “Equality Act.”

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Deborah Rhode Deborah Rhode is a law professor at Stanford and author of a new book, “Women and Leadership,” and she says putting women in power is not the same as empowering women.

Susie Linfield New York University professor Susie Linfield says coastal progressives need to figure out what’s happening in the rest of the country instead of vilifying Trump supporters as buffoons.

David Cicilline Bill Press interviews Congressman David Cicilline about his proposed “Equality Act.”

Jim Hightower How is Trump Like Humpty-Dumpty?

Centrist leader Jim Kessler says the rank and file have disappeared in both political parties. Philanthropy expert David Callahan explains who the new philanthropists are and why they give money. And Bill Press interviews Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer on anti-Trump actions.

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Jim Kessler Jim Kessler is vice president for policy of the Third Way, a centrist think tank, and he notes that Democrats have lost power because their base lives in very few enclaves, and rarely in rural areas.

David Callahan Author David Callahan says progressive groups are leading the fight against money in politics but are ignoring the role of money in philanthropy, partly because they’re on the dole themselves.

Earl Blumenauer Bill Press interviews Congressman Earl Blumenauer on a 25th Amendment solution to Donald Trump.

Jim Hightower Real news, fake news… and BS news

Globalist Edward Goldberg warns that an America First agenda increases the chances of war because of economic disruption. Professor Todd Gitlin says progressives have a problem – they are afraid of power! And Bill Press interviews political analyst Steve Phillips.

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Eddie Goldberg Professor Eddie Goldberg warns that Trump’s America First agenda represents a 19th Century view of the world, which is really the same as Putin’s.

Todd Gitlin Todd Gitlin, who chronicled the 1960s, says Trump is so vile that opposition will hold together for a while, but that progressives better stop being afraid of gaining and holding power.

Steve Phillips Bill Press interviews Steve Phillips on Democratic electoral prospects.

Jim Hightower Wall Street Plowboys.

David Rolf, who led the fight for a 15-dollar-an-hour minimum wage, says traditional unions are dead, and workers have to invent the next labor movement. Pulitzer Prize winning author Matthew Desmond alerts us to the fact that without stable housing, the entire economy is at risk. And Bill Press interviews Devrone Michael of the progressive Working Families Party.

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David Rolf David Rolf of the Service Employees International Union says the traditional labor union is dead and workers have to invent the next labor movement.

Matthew Desmond When his startling expose of the housing crisis hit the bookshelves, we had the author, Matthew Desmond as a guest. He is now the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for that exposé, and we are proud to offer an encore interview.

Devrone Michael Bill Press interviews Devrone Michael of the progressive Working Families Party.

Jim Hightower Why is George Orwell’s “1984” a bestseller again?

Charlie Peters remembers the New Deal. Things have gone off the rails since then, but he remains optimistic. Why? “We have no choice,” he says. Fred Rotondaro says he is NOT optimistic, but thinks Trump will be impeached. And Bill Press talks free college with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

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Charlie Peters Charlie Peters, an influential voice for the working class AND for progressives, says he is optimistic about the American story and that Trump is one of the great wake-up calls in history for Democrats.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro says Donald Trump is the most anti-American president we’ve ever had – a selfish farce who plays coal miners, and others, for dummies.

Pramila Jauyapal Bill Press interviews Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jauyapal

Jim Hightower The sad saga of John Stumpf

The war of lies from the White House and the Kremlin, and the outbreak of fake news everywhere, makes one wonder why people just can’t handle the truth. Professor Arthur Lupia has written extensively about public ignorance and shares his thoughts with us. Trump’s health and environmental policies are certain to hurt the very people who elected him. But essayist Vinnie Rotondaro says their physical and psychological pain was why they voted for Trump.

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Arthur Lupia University of Michigan professor Arthur Lupia studies the role of ignorance in politics. But he says Democrats are to blame for making issues too complicated for voters.

Vinnie Rotondaro Vinnie Rotondaro explains why so many people voted for Trump. It wasn’t ideology, he says, but physical an psychological pain from circumstances of their life.

John Yarmuth Bill Press interviews Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth.

Jim Hightower Why is Trump hostile to actual facts?

Political moderate Jim Kessler, who has worked for prominent Democrats, says the party went wrong when it assumed it could win by relying only on minorities, Millennials, and single women. Harvard Professor Theda Skocpol says much the same thing and advises Democrats to adopt a “big-tent” approach to building Electoral College-proof majorities. And Bill Press interviews Elizabeth Wydra, head of the Constitutional Accountability Center.

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Jim Kessler Jim Kessler, the policy director for the centrist “Third Way,” says 70 percent of the so-called “rising American electorate” is not liberal – they are moderate, and the Democrats need to appeal to the two-thirds of Americans who are not doing well.

Theda Skocpol Professor Theda Skocpol warns that Democrats cannot stop the Republicans from radically changing America unless they can start winning elections. She has some ideas on how.

Elizabeth Wydra Bill Press interviews Elizabeth Wydra of the Constitutional Accountability Center on the nomination of Neil Gorsuch.

Jim Hightower Why should we subsidize higher pay for insurance CEOs?

Melvin Goodman spent 42 years in the U.S. intelligence community and says there is no doubt about Russian interference in the election. David Cay Johnston just got hold of two pages of Trump’s taxes, but in a special encore presentation of his appearance here last fall, he reviews 30 years of the president’s fishy finances. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Don Beyer about the congressional agenda and Virginia politics.

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Melvin Goodman Former intelligence analyst and Russia expert Melvin Goodman says Trump eventually will have to realize that Vladimir Putin is no friend of the United States.

David Cay Johnston The journalist who got two pages of Trump’s 2005 tax return, David Cay Johnston, says the president is likely not only a tax cheat but a long-time friend of the mob. This is a reprise of an interview we did during the last campaign.

Don Beyer Bill Press interviews Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia.

Jim Hightower Are the rich different from you and me? Ask Cadillac!

Everyone says Democrats need to build from the ground up. And that, says feminist professor Deborah Rhode, means women running for office. But professor Shauna Shames has a study showing the best and the brightest want to be active in any possible way EXCEPT running for office. Both say nobody wants to run, partly because of the nastiness of modern campaigns. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Ruben Gallego about Congress, Trump, and immigration policy.

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Deborah Rhode Professor Deborah Rhode, author of a book called “Women and Leadership,” says when women run for office, they can win. But the problem is – they don’t run! She answers why.

Shauna Shames Professor Shauna Shames has a remarkable new study of the most elite public policy students from Boston. She says “the ruling class doesn’t want to rule!” At least not by holding political office.

Ruben Gallego Bill Press interviews Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

Jim Hightower What should we do about a mentally ill president?

With Russia this, and Russia that, Republican former Ambassador Mike Ussery says Europe should be getting more attention from foreign policy planners. Labor economist Theresa Ghilarducci says Social Security isn’t in bad shape, but she has a plan for retirement insurance for everyone. And Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione about … what else? Russia!

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Mike Ussery Mike Ussery, a Republican foreign policy expert, believes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson can separate himself from his oil industry background and deal squarely with Russia.

Theresa Ghilarducci Theresa Ghilarducci, an expert in the economics of retirement, has an idea for establishing pensions for everyone. In the meantime, she is telling people to delay taking Social Security benefits until age 70.

Joe Cirincione Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund.

Jim Hightower Trump's hokey "mandate"

With the big to-do over choosing a new Democratic National Committee chair, former DNC head and Senator Fred Harris, says the message has to be “we care about you, too.” Author Vinnie Rotondaro examines how Trump preyed upon the physical pain of many voters. And Bill Press interviews Ben Wikler, the Washington Director of Move-on.org

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Fred Harris Fred Harris, sometimes called the godfather of populism, says progressives need to build a farm team now that we’ve lost a whole generation of younger people who should have been in Congress by now.

Vinnie Rotondaro Donald Trump preyed on people’s physical, as well as economic pain, to get elected, but Vinnie Rotondaro says the president won’t take away their distress. “He’s just another pill – a temporary high.”

Ben Wikler Bill Press interviews Ben Wikler, the Washington director of Move-on.org

Jim Hightower Wall Street Plowboys.

Todd Gitlin, a chronicler of the New Left and the progressive movement, says anti-Trump forces must keep up every day resistance and widen the circle of people who are committed to fighting. Author Gene Stone says progressives need to pick and choose issues and fight only winnable battles. And Bill Press interviews Senator Amy Klobuchar about the Trump Administration’s nefarious ties with Russia.

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Todd Gitlin Columbia University professor Todd Gitlin, a long-time chronicler of progressive politics, urges the left to nail down a simple program that appeals to the general public.

Gene Stone Gene Stone’s new book, “The Trump Survival Guide, has a checklist for progressives to translate despair into activism. He advises, choose winnable battles.

Amy Klobuchar Bill Press interviews Senator Amy Klobuchar about what’s going on between the Trump Administration and Russia.

Jim Hightower What's 2017's biggest banking fraud?

Eminent historian Dan Rodgers says it’s the job of Democrats to obstruct most of the Trump agenda and create a new coalition. Political science professor Allan Lichtman, who predicted the election outcome, warns that Trump is sounding alarms about the advent of fascism. And Bill Press reviews Obama’s legacy within the Democratic Party with Politico’s Gabriel Debenedetti.

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Dan Rodgers Princeton history professor emeritus Dan Rodgers says the Republican political agenda is a simple-minded fairy tale and that it is the job of Democrats to obstruct their agenda.

Allan Lichtman Political scientist Allan Lichtman says he won’t call it “fascism,” but early signs from Trump are sounding alarms as to what to expect.

Gabriel Debenedetti Bill Press interviews Politico’s Gabriel Debenedetti about the future of the Democratic Party.

Jim Hightower There's a word for Trump's latest flimflamming of workers

Political scientist Arthur Lupia explains why most people are ignorant about political issues and why Democrats fail to provide quick and easy answers. Ethics advocate Jeff Hauser runs down the astounding number of Trump’s conflicts of interest. And Tom Perez, candidate for chair of the DNC, tells Bill Press the party needs to knock on doors at the state and local level.

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Arthur Lupia Political scientist Arthur Lupia, an expert on voter ignorance, says most people want quick and easy answers to their problems.

Jeff Hauser Jeff Hauser is executive director of the Revolving Door Project and he says what we don’t know about Trump’s massive conflicts of interest is more important than what we do know.

Tom Perez Bill Press interviews Tom Perez, who is running to become chair of the DNC.

Jim Hightower Why is George Orwell’s “1984” a bestseller again?

Melvin Goodman spent 42 years in government service as an intelligence analyst. He says Trump’s disparagement of the CIA is incredibly dangerous. Susie Linfield, a journalism professor at NYU, says progressives have to learn to fight Trump without demonizing his supporters. And Democratic strategist Brad Woodhouse tells Bill Press that the centers of Trump opposition will be the Senate, Democratic attorneys general, and the courts.

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Melvin Goodman Veteran intelligence officer Melvin Goodman says Trump’s belittling of the CIA and other agencies is “incredibly dangerous” for national security as are his top appointees.

Susie Linfield Professor Susie Linfield says progressives must learn from the Civil Rights Movement how to oppose Trump without hating his supporters.

Brad Woodhouse Bill Press interviews Democratic strategist Brad Woodhouse about where the party can best muster opposition to Trump.

Jim Hightower Why so many people loath Congress.

Fred Harris, once the chair of the Democratic National Committee and the leading populist in America, says the party must rebuild from the ground up. Republican ex-diplomat Mike Ussery says Vladimir Putin is playing a weak hand very strongly. And Bill Press interviews Pete Buttigieg, a darkhorse candidate for chair of the Democratic National Committee.

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Fred Harris Fred Harris, once called the godfather of populism and a former chair of the DNC, urges the party to rebuild from the bottom up with all its interest groups pulling together.

Mike Ussery Mainstream Republican foreign policy expert Mike Ussery wonders whether the system will modify Trump’s style or whether the president will be a wrecking ball taking destruction to the outer limits.

Pete Buttigieg Coming up, Bill Press talks DNC politics with Pete Buttigieg, who is running to become party chair.

Jim Hightower What's being taught at Koch Kollege?

The book on Donald Trump is already out. Author Gene Stone has written “The Trump Survival Guide,” advice for living through what we never thought would happen. Anti-Trump activist Jeff Hauser says Jefferson Beauregard Sessions the Third is the most appalling Cabinet selection in history. And Bill Press talks about Trump’s policy toward Israel with Michael Wilner of the Jerusalem Post.

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Gene Stone “Everybody has to do something,” says author Gene Stone, who has written “The Trump Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Living Through What You Hoped Would Never Happen.”

Jeff Hauser Jeff Hauser, a leader in the opposition to Trump’s Cabinet appointees, says the new president thinks his Electoral College victory gives him a mandate for hiring the most unqualified people to run the government.

Michael Wilner Bill Press talks foreign policy with Michael Wilner of the Jerusalem Post.

Jim Hightower The new founder.

Professor Richard Conley, an expert on congressional and presidential relations, says Trump could be in for a rough honeymoon with Congress if he keeps villainizing people. The boss, Bruce Springsteen, tells podcaster Marc Maron that it is the people he writes about who are going to be the most negatively affected by a Trump presidency. And Bill Press talks with California Congressman Raul Ruiz about Obamacare and other topics.

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Richard Conley Professor Richard Conley has a new book about presidential relations with Congress. This time, he says, they may not work out too well. And, he says, presidents who lose the popular vote aren’t usually successful.

Bruce Springsteen We don’t usually have entertainers on the program, but we have a special guest this week, courtesy of the podcast “WTF with Marc Maron.” Bruce Springsteen talks with Marc about the irony of the very people the Boss writes about in his songs being hoodwinked by Trump.

Raul Ruiz Bill Press talks with California Democrat Raul Ruiz about prospects for the 115th Congress.

Jim Hightower Searching for integrity in Trumplandia

Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says Americans were feeling neglected for 30 to 40 years and that’s why we have Trump. Professor Peter Marcuse lets us in on a much overlooked problem – what he calls “housing for profit gone mad.” And Bill Press talks with the Huffington Post’s Ryan Reilly about the scandal of America’s local jailhouses.

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Fred Rotondaro Commentator Fred Rotondaro says the FBI’s interference in the election is tragic and needs to be investigated. In the meantime, the only hope for Trump might be that it could turn into a “Nixon goes to China” moment.

Peter Marcuse Urban planning professor Peter Marcuse says housing is a primary responsibility of government and should be about a place to live, not about real estate speculation.

Ryan Reilly Bill Press talks with the Huffington Post’s Ryan Reilly about the scandal that is America’s penal system.

Jim Hightower Koch brothers are out to conquer the countryside.

Pulitzer Prize winning author Steven Coll, now the editor of the Columbia Journalism Review, delves into how the company run by Trump’s Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson has for decades tried to run the world. The company, of course, is Exxon Mobil. Political scientist Alan Abramowitz says Donald Trump is the least popular president ever elected. And Bill Press talks with commentator Dante Chinni about the Democratic Party’s failure to win what should have been an easy presidential race.

Steve Coll Several years ago, we interviewed author Steve Coll about a book he wrote exposing the government-unto-itself known as ExxonMobil. Now, with its CEO and chief political strategist, Rex Tillerson, nominated for Secretary of State, we thought a reminder of what we learned then remains in order.

Alan Abramowitz Political scientist Alan Abramowitz, who correctly predicted the election result, says Trump may not have much of a honeymoon, given that his unfavorable ratings are higher than any previous person to win the White House.

Dante Chinni Another political scientist, Dante Chinni, talks with Bill Press about how Trump got out every one of his voters in a rapidly decreasing demographic base and how Clinton left enough voters at home to swing the election.

Jim Hightower Why in the world would Trump tap Perry to be Energy Secretary.

Prominent historian Dan Rodgers has some good news among the election wreckage – the Republican Party is a fragile alliance and Democrats can exploit it. With a Cabinet of the stupendously rich, Patriotic Millionaire Chuck Collins argues that income inequality is bad for everyone – them, too! And Bernie Sanders supporter Larry Cohen tells Bill Press about the future of a new PAC called “Our Revolution.”

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Dan Rodgers Prominent historian Dan Rodgers has written a provocative essay called “What Next for Liberalism?” The answer, he says, is infiltrating state and local government to undo the gerrymandering and everything else Republicans have accomplished state-by-state.

Chuck Collins Chuck Collins is a millionaire, an heir to the Oscar Meyer fortune. He has been working most of his life on progressive policy change and reducing income inequality. He says an unstable economy hurts the rich as well as the poor.

Larry Cohen Larry Cohen, the head of the political action committee “Our Revolution,” talks with Bill Press about what the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic Party is planning.

Jim Hightower Guess who's joined Trump's "Barking carnival act?"

More election post-mortems: Professor Allan Lichtman explains how he predicted the Trump victory. Democratic strategist Celinda Lake says the party needs younger leadership and better voter turnout. And Congressman Dan Kildee tells Bill Press how the Democrats managed to lose their base in his state of Michigan.

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Allan Lichtman Professor Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted every presidential election since he started doing so in 1984. Now he gives reasons why Trump might be impeached – his lifelong illegal actions, his authoritarianism and the Republican Party’s love for predictability.

Celinda Lake Democratic strategist Celinda Lake says presidential campaign polling relied on faulty predictions of turnout. Plus, she says, there was a “secret” Trump vote.

Dan Kildee Coming up, Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee explains to Bill Press how the party lost his home state of Michigan.

Jim Hightower How is "Trump's Washington" like a Jacuzzi?

Harvard Law Professor Joseph William Singer says that without government regulation, there really is no freedom. Climate change expert Cathleen Kelly says unrestrained global warming will become a threat to national security. And Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth tells Bill Press what the re-election of Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader means.

Joseph Singer With the appointment of a Treasury Secretary who was heavily involved in the housing bubble disaster, we will hear from Harvard Professor Joseph Singer, whose new book says it all – “No Freedom Without Regulation: The Hidden Lesson of the Subprime Crisis.”

Cathleen Kelly Cathleen Kelly of the Center for American Progress says global warming is going to lead to global poverty, conflict, instability and terrorism.

John Yarmuth Coming up, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth tells Bill Press what the election of Nancy Pelosi to another term as House Democratic leader means for the party.

Jim Hightower How the conquering Trump makes fakery real

Political scientist Alan Abramowitz predicted the Trump victory and says it happened because Republicans did better than expected in places that were not very diverse. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend says retirement security is the biggest worry for most Americans. And the Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold, on the Bill Press Show, examines funny business in the Trump Foundation.

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Alan Abramowitz Political scientist Alan Abramowitz, one of the few who predicted the Trump victory, says it happened because he increased the Republican vote in areas of the country that are the least diverse.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Retirement security is an issue frightening most Americans, only 50 percent of whom have a retirement plan. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend proposes that employers get together and create a Wall-Street-proof pension system.

David Fahrenthold Coming up, Washington Post investigative reporter David Fahrenthold tells Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show about financial shenanigans in the Trump Foundation.

Jim Hightower The new founder.

Professor Eddie Goldberg, an expert on globalism, says Trump will continue blowing smoke about China but nothing will happen because the two country’s economies are too closely linked. Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling says the greatest tool of vote suppression today is the polling place. He wants everyone to vote at home. And Senator Jeff Merkley tells Bill Press that his Democratic colleagues will do everything they can to block the Far Right.

Eddie Goldberg New York University Professor Eddie Goldberg has written a book called “The Joint Ventured Nation,” which he says is the “anti-Donald-Trump foreign policy manifesto. He says the anti-China rhetoric will continue but nothing will happen.

Phil Keisling Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling says people should vote from home -- and the chance of fraud would be less than that of an appearance by Sasquatch.

Jeff Merkley Jeff Merkley tells Bill Press he and fellow Senate Democrats will do all they can to block the Far Right, even knowing they can be run over.

Jim Hightower The Koch Connection.

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The demographics were all on Hillary Clinton’s side … but the polls missed how many Democrats would stay home. An election analysis from pollster Celinda Lake. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the election told Democrats that people don’t want incrementalism. They want a sledgehammer. And Congressman Steve Israel tells Bill Press that the vaunted Democratic “ground game” wasn’t as good as the Republicans’.

Celinda Lake Democratic pollster and strategist Celinda Lake says demography may be destiny, but not if people don’t show up to vote.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro, a regular commentator on this program, says Democrats have to stop trying to be Republicans Lite. The people, he says, don’t want incrementalism. They want a sledgehammer.

Steve Israel Coming up, Democratic Congressman Steve Israel of New York tells Bill Press the Clinton campaign was lulled into believing it had a superior “ground game.”

Jim Hightower Has America turned right-wing? Or nuts?

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What foreign policy issues will the next president face? Harvard Professor Joseph Nye says it could be danger from Russia, because the Putin regime is actually so weak, and therefore dangerous. Rutgers professor Shauna Shames has studied the elite graduate schools in Boston that historically provide the nation’s political leadership and she finds that the ruling class no longer wants to rule! And Bill Press interviews the New Republic’s Graham Vyse about how Bernie Sanders would deal with a President Hillary Clinton.

Joseph Nye Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye takes a look at the foreign policy issues facing the next president and says Russia could be dangerous because it is so weak and that ISIS is defeated but won’t disappear immediately.

Shauna Shames She calls it a disaster for democracy, and what Rutgers political scientist Shauna Shames is talking about is the fact that the nation’s most elite Millennials have no interest in running for office.

Out of the Running: Why Millennials Reject Political Careers and Why It Matters

Graham Vyse Coming up, the New Republic’s Graham Vyse speculates with Bill Press about how Bernie Sanders will, or won’t, work with a President Hillary Clinton

Jim Hightower Why Big Money is winning the national election. Again.

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Out of the Running: Why Millennials Reject Political Careers and Why It Matters

Think the election is rigged? Author David Daley says elections have always been rigged – by Republicans. Professor Peter Marcuse calls our attention to the housing crisis – signified by increasing numbers of renters and decreasing numbers of single family homes. And Bill Press interviews the Boston Globe’s Annie Linskey, about what the progressive wing of the party will demand of a President Hillary Clinton.

David Daley David Daley has written a book about years of Republican dirty tricks. But he also blames Democrats for ignoring the takeover of state legislatures with tactics that were right in front of them.

Peter Marcuse Professor Peter Marcuse says we are in a permanent crisis in housing in the country, and he blames an economic system that makes a place to live less of a roof over your head and more of a real estate deal.

Annie Linskey Coming up, the Boston Globe’s Annie Linskey tells Bill Press what to look for from the Elizabeth Warren wing of the party if Hillary Clinton becomes president.

Jim Hightower Walling them out, or walling us in?

Journalist and author John Judis says populism, from left or right, can demonstrate something is wrong with the body politic, but it rarely succeeds in governing. Professor Rick Hasen argues that money doesn’t buy election outcomes but does increase your chances. And Bill Press interviews former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who says Donald Trump is a “Russian dupe” and a “jackass.”

John Judis Author John Judis has written a book on the history of populism. On the left, he says, populism is the people against the elite. On the right, it is attacking the elite for coddling outsiders.

Rick Hasen Law professor Rick Hasen says money may not WIN you the election but it sure gives you a better chance, and he is critical of Democrats as well as Republicans for maintaining the current system of campaign financing.

Martin O’Malley Coming up, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley analyzes the election on the Bill Press Show.

Jim Hightower The Wells Fargo Gang – rogue bank robs customers

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Chuck Collins was born into the Oscar Mayer fortune, gave away his money, and tells us why the head of Wells Fargo belongs not just without a job but in jail. Journalist and author Larry Tye wrote a biography of Robert F. Kennedy and notes that the future liberal icon was once a foreign policy hawk whose actions led to the Cuba Missile Crisis. And former Republican Congressman Chris Shays tells Bill Press why he is supporting Hillary Clinton.

Chuck Collins Chuck Collins, who was “born on third base,” tells us why he gave his trust fund away and is working for economic justice.

Larry Tye Some liberals never forgave Robert Kennedy for his early association with Joe McCarthy, or his hawkish foreign policy instincts. But in a new book, author Larry Tye explains RFK’s political journey to the left.

Chris Shays Former Republican Congressman Chris Shays tells Bill Press why he is supporting Hillary Clinton.

Jim Hightower Fed up with Wall Street? Do something about it!

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Kathleen Kennedy Townsend offers reflections about her father, Robert F. Kennedy, and why the senior George Bush is against Trump. Democratic analyst Vic Fingerhut wants the Clinton campaign not to dismiss independents. And Electoral College analyst Kyle Kondik explains on the Bill Press Show why Ohio picks the president.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Kathleen Kennedy Townsend says George H.W. Bush told her he doesn’t think Donald Trump has the capacity to be president and wanted to get the message out.

Vic Fingerhut Democrats should run as Democrats on traditional issues, says political guru Vic Fingerhut, and that way they might make inroads among independents.

Kyle Kondik Electoral College expert Kyle Kondik predicts a Clinton victory, but it all may depend on Ohio.

Jim Hightower It's "Our Revolution," and it's on the move!

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Two Democratic campaign pro’s handicap the presidential and congressional campaign. Pollster Celinda Lake says it’s a tight race that will depend on how independents and low-information voters act. House campaign expert Mark Gersh says the House is ripe for a switch, but realistically Democrats should gain 10 to 15 seats, more if there’s a Hillary landslide. And Republican former Treasurer of the United States, Rosario Marin, tells Bill Press why she is supporting Hillary Clinton for president.

Celinda Lake Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says Democrats need to be worried about those voters who identify themselves as independents.

Mark Gersh Democratic political strategist Mark Gersh says Bernie Sanders will play a big role in persuading young voters to support Hillary Clinton.

Rosaria Marin Former Treasurer of the United States, Rosaria Marin, a Republican, tells Bill Press why she is supporting

Jim Hightower Why not revolt?

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Something a little different this week – two Republicans weigh in on Trump’s foreign policy and the global issues facing whoever is elected president.

Former ambassador Mike Ussery says Trump’s outrageous statements are causing foreign policy problems he may not intend to. Trade expert Clyde Prestowitz served in both the Reagan and first Clinton administrations. He says whoever is elected has to make globalization as important an issue as national security. And Congresswoman Joyce Beatty tells Bill Press about the presidential campaigns in her swing state of Ohio.

Mike Ussery Republican former ambassador Mike Ussery says Russia is playing diplomatic games with a weak hand but that Trump’s cozying up to Putin creates problems he doesn’t intend.

Clyde Prestowitz Economist Clyde Prestowitz served in foreign policy positions in both the Reagan and first Clinton administrations and warns that the next president must make globalization issues every bit as important as national security ones.

Joyce Beatty Congresswoman Joyce Beatty surveys the presidential race in Ohio for Bill Press.

Jim Hightower Donnie's no populist, he's a Trumpist!

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David Cay Johnston, a financial journalist, has covered Donald Trump for almost 30 years. He shares his shocking revelations with us. Journalist Larry Tye has written a biography of Robert F. Kennedy and he says this incredibly complex man probably would have become president. And Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth tells Bill Press about his state’s crazy governor.

David Cay Johnston David Cay Johnston, a most unauthorized biographer of Donald Trump, says the Republican presidential nominee has been in the embrace of mobsters, con artists, swindlers and cocaine traffickers from the start of his career.

Larry Tye What distinguished Robert F. Kennedy from the kind of presidential candidates we have today? RFK biographer Larry Tye says he got through to audiences by telling them things they did NOT want to hear.

John Yarmuth Coming up, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth tells Bill Press about the antics of his state’s crazy governor.

Jim Hightower What can you possibly buy for 47-cents these days?

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Vic Fingerhut is a Democratic strategist who is concerned that the Clinton campaign is not doing all it can to win a critical voting group. Author John Judis explores the populist explosion in American politics and around the world. And political scientist Dante Chinni tells Bill Press what the latest polls mean.

Vic Fingerhut Progressive political strategist Vic Fingerhut is warning the Clinton campaign not to ignore the key swing group in the election – self-identified independents.

John Judis Editor-at-large John Judis of Talking Points Memo has written a book about the rebirth of populism in America. Are Democrats on the wrong side of it?

Dante Chinni Political scientist Dante Chinni tells Bill Press how we ought to look at political polling.

Jim Hightower Why is delivering “Mail by the Pail” important?

As we celebrate Labor Day, Service Employees International Union leader David Rolf takes us through the increasingly successful fight for a 15-dollar an hour minimum wage. With the campaign now in high gear, former Republican Senator Larry Pressler tells us why he supports Hillary Clinton. And the Washington Post’s Marc Fisher talks with Bill Press about the newspaper’s book, “Trump Revealed.”

David Rolf The “Fight for 15,” organized labor’s move to raise the minimum wage, is having success, state by state, reports Service Employees union leader David Rolf.

Larry Pressler Larry Pressler used to be a Republican senator. Now he is an independent and thinks more people should be elected under that banner. In the meantime, he is actively supporting Hillary Clinton for president.

Marc Fisher Washington Post reporter Marc Fisher shares with Bill Press some of the highlights of his book, “Trump Revealed.” All the back-cover blurbs, positive and negative, are from the Donald himself.

Jim Hightower How can a CEO feel good about being vile?

Congressional elections expert Mark Gersh predicts Democrats could win the Senate and should pick up double-digit gains in the House. Political analyst Kyle Kondik predicts a large Hillary Clinton Electoral College win but says Democrats have forfeited the House until after 2020. And the National Journal’s Adam Wollner, interviewed by Bill Press, also takes a deep dive into the down-ballot races.

Mark Gersh Mark Gersh is an expert on congressional politics, and he says Democrats have a decent chance to win back the Senate but can make only small double-digit gains in House races, not enough for a majority.

Kyle Kondik Hillary Clinton will win the electoral vote by a large margin, says University of Virginia political analyst Kyle Kondik but don’t count on Democrats flipping the House.

Adam Wollner Coming up, the National Journal’s Adam Wollner takes us on a tour of the down-ballot races across the country, in an interview with Bill Press.

Jim Hightower Fed up with Wall Street? Do something about it!

Professor Jennifer Lawless says Hillary Clinton’s status as a woman won’t make any difference in whether people vote for or against her. Climate change expert Cathleen Kelly says global warming is a big foreign policy and national security issue. And Politico’s Hadas Gold analyzes the Trump campaign’s personnel moves in an interview with Igor Volsky on the Bill Press Show.

Jennifer Lawless Professor Jennifer Lawless, an expert on politics and gender, says it is the party and the candidate, not gender, that makes a difference in elections.

Cathleen Kelly Global warming isn’t just a scientific issue, but it’s also a foreign policy and national security crisis, says climate change expert Cathleen Kelly.

Hadas Gold Politico’s Hadas Gold comments on the Trump campaign’s latest shakeup, in an interview with Igor Volsky on the Bill Press Show.

Jim Hightower The militarization of "Officer Friendly".

Democratic polling expert Celinda Lake breaks down the demographics of the presidential campaign. The Washington Post just printed an exposé about how landlords are evicting poor people over just a few dollars. An expert on this national trend, Harvard Professor Matthew Desmond, joins us to talk about housing and poverty. And Dr. Anand Parekh talks about the Zika crisis with guest host Jonathan Allen on the Bill Press Show.

Celinda Lake Prominent pollster Celinda Lake says Donald Trump’s strength is with white, blue-collar, men who live near minority neighborhoods and mobile homes. Hillary Clinton, however, still has to consolidate millennials.

Matthew Desmond Harvard Professor Matthew Desmond says the crux of poverty nationwide is flat incomes, rising housing prices, and widespread evictions by unscrupulous landlords.

Anand Parekh Coming up, former HHS official Dr. Anand Parekh talks with Jonathan Allen on the Bill Press Show about congressional inaction on the Zika crisis.

Jim Hightower When is daylight robbery not a crime?

With Donald Trump dominating the news, we have two experts who try to explain him. Tax expert and journalist David Cay Johnston says Trump is a tax cheat who has associated with the mob most of his career. And Republican former diplomat Mike Ussery is no Hillary Clinton fan but says Trump’s foreign policy views are incoherent and flabbergasting. And Bill Press talks with Phoenix Congressman Ruben Gallego about the possibility of turning Arizona from red to blue.

David Cay Johnston Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Cay Johnston reveals that Donald Trump is probably a tax cheat, a friend of the mob … and COULD win the election.

Mike Ussery Mike Ussery is no fan of Hillary Clinton, but this former diplomat, a staunch Republican, is befuddled by Donald Trump’s grasp of foreign policy and says the candidate’s friends should take his Twitter account away.

Ruben Gallego Bill Press interviews Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona about turning his state from red to blue.

Jim Hightower Look who the Donald is bringing in from the cold

A special netcast today, following the Democratic National Convention. Former Maryland Governor and presidential contender Martin O’Malley and former DNC chair and Senator Fred Harris appeared at a gathering of 21st Century Democrats held during Convention Week in Philadelphia. And Bill Press talks with Terry O’Neill of the National Organization for Women.

Martin O’Malley From the 21st Century Democrats gathering in Philadelphia, Martin O’Malley addresses the group and then sits down to praise the Sanders movement for making the party’s platform the most progressive in history and how to fight the “fascist, racist, bigoted” Donald Trump.

Fred Harris Fred Harris has been a leading figure in progressive e politics since the 1960s. He sat down with us in Philadelphia for some reflections on the past … and the future.

Terry O’Neill Bill Press interviews Terry O’Neill of the National Organization for Women.

Jim Hightower Allowing profiteering predators to roam our public parks.

Princeton historian Sean Wilentz makes the case FOR partisanship in politics as a way to create effective change. Journalist James Fallows reflects on the legacy of Jimmy Carter 40 years after he became the Democratic presidential nominee. And Bill Press talks with Democratic strategist Karen Finney

Sean Wilentz Everyone seems to think partisanship is a bad idea, but historian Sean Wilentz documents how, when used effectively, it can lead to great social change.

James Fallows Jimmy Carter was an “outsider” who won the Democratic presidential nomination 40 years ago. His former speechwriter, James Fallows, says that an outsider can win the White House if the public feels there is a crisis – but then it becomes very hard to actually govern.

Website: http://www.theatlantic.com/author/james-fallows/

Karen Finny Bill Press interviews Democratic strategist Karen Finny, about the party conventions.

Jim Hightower Winning even when losing.

Former Senator Larry Pressler was a Republican, now an independent, and he heartily supports Hillary Clinton for president. Kyle Kondik forecasts elections. He has Hillary Clinton with a solid electoral majority. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas.

Larry Pressler Larry Pressler is a hunter and a combat veteran. He served three terms as a Republican senator from South Dakota. Now he supports Hillary Clinton, partly for her views on gun safety.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Senator-Pressler-Independent-Mission-Democracy/dp/1937592588?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

Kyle Kondick University of Virginia political analyst Kyle Kondick says everything now points to a big win for Hillary Clinton. And, he says, pay attention to Arizona and Georgia.

Website: http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/the-electoral-college-map-no-2/

Eddie Bernice Johnson Bill Press interviews Dallas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson about relations between police forces and the community.

Jim Hightower Winning even when losing.

Senator Pressler: An Independent Mission to Save Our Democracy

Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says Hillary’s campaign is hampered by Bill’s and her tendency to say dumb things but Donald Trump’s campaign is a threat to democracy. Yale Professor Jacob Hacker makes the case for strong government to make markets work and ensure prosperity. And Bill Press talks with Joseph Zogby, a Sanders member of the Democratic platform committee.

Fred Rotondaro Progressive commentator Fred Rotondaro says despite Hillary Clinton’s recent problems, she will have the campaign organization and the entire Democratic Party behind her to launch her into the White House.

Website: http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/

Jacob Hacker The fact that so many people are hostile to government is a reminder of what Yale Professor Jacob Hacker calls “American Amnesia” about how regulation brought scientific advances and ensured prosperity.

Website: http://isps.yale.edu/news/blog/2016/03/jacob-hackers-new-book-american-amnesia-just-released#.Vv8sV4-cGM8

Joseph Zogby Bill Press interviews Joseph Zogby, a Sanders representative to the Democratic platform committee.

Jim Hightower What does it mean to "gig" American workers?

Republican trade expert Clyde Prestowitz says the winners in free trade are the 1 per cent and the losers are everyone else. Progressive author Thomas Frank asks “What the hell happened to Barack Obama?” The question is part of his belief that too many Harvard grads are making a mess of things. And Bill Press talks with Politico’s Elena Schneider about Senate elections.

Clyde Prestowitz Clyde Prestowitz is a labor economist who served in the Reagan and Clinton Administrations. He gives us a pretty good explanation of what free trade is all about. Hint: It isn’t about trade, it’s about investment.

Website: www.econstrat.org

Thomas Frank What’s gone wrong with the Democratic Party of the New Deal? Author Thomas Frank says the party has become identified with the affluent professional class, not the middle class.

Website: http://www.tcfrank.com/

Elena Schneider Bill Press interviews political reporter Elena Schneider of Politico.

Jim Hightower Why was the “Brexit” vote so shocking to global elites?

Salon editor David Daley has written a new book provocatively titled “Rat-Effed,” about how Republicans openly manipulated the political process to take control of Congress. Journalist Andrew Gumbel is an expert on dirty elections. He says the Democrats have many problems, including choosing to live too close to other Democrats. And Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show interviews reporter David Fahrenthold about Donald Trump’s phony charities.

David Daley David Daley, the author of an acclaimed new book called “Rat-Effed,” accuses the Republicans of a conspiracy to take over the government – except they did it openly right under the noses of the Democrats.

Website: http://www.amazon.com/Ratf-ked-Behind-Americas-Democracy/dp/1631491628/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465244619&sr=8-1&keywords=ratfcked

Andrew Gumbel The Democrats routinely get more votes across the country in elections for Congress. But Republicans are in charge. Journalist Andrew Gumbel says it’s due to gerrymandering and suppressing Democratic votes.

Website: www.andrewgumbel.com

David Fahrenthold The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold, on the Bill Press Show, exposes Donald Trump’s phony charitable donations.

Jim Hightower Paul Ryan has some snake oil for you.

Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy

Todd Gitlin, a historian of the Sixties, compares Donald Trump to George Wallace, but this time the racism won’t help the Republicans win the White House as it did in 1968. In light of the Orlando massacre, we reprise an interview with Dr. Nina Agrawal of Doctors for America. And Bill Press interviews Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin.

Todd Gitlin Todd Gitlin was an activist in the 1960s and a historian of that turbulent political era. He compares Donald Trump to George Wallace … and says the Republicans have become “the party of frustrated male pride.”

Website: http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/profile/38-todd-gitlin/10

Nina Agrawal In light of the massacre in Orlando, we are pleased to re-play an interview with Dr. Nina Agrawal of Doctors for America. She explains how Republicans have barred federal research on gun violence – which she calls “a public health epidemic.”

Website: http://www.drsforamerica.org/issues/gun-violence-research-ban

Mark Pocan Bill Press interviews Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan.

Jim Hightower How job cuts miraculously turn into job “creation”

As Hillary Clinton homes in on the Democratic presidential nomination, political science professor Jennifer Lawless says that voting for women is no longer a novelty for most people. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says Bernie Sanders is not going to allow Donald Trump to win the White House, but Hillary still has to reassure his supporters. And Bill Press interviews Representative Sandy Levin of Michigan on the GOP anti-poverty plan.

Jennifer Lawless Political scientist and feminist Jennifer Lawless says the polarization of politics has helped women candidates because voters now look at party affiliation and not gender.

Website: www.american.edu/wpi

Fred Rotondaro Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says Hillary Clinton has plenty of work to do to bring Bernie Sanders supporters into her camp and Sander will not do anything to allow Trump to win the White House.

Website: http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/

Sandy Levin Bill Press interviews Michigan Congressman Sandy Levin on Paul Ryan’s latest anti-poverty scheme.

Jim Hightower Donald Drumpf is Deranged.

Harvard’s top foreign policy expert, Joseph Nye, looks at the global challenges facing the next president. Hillary Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen says her experience may be a vulnerability, but also means she has an understanding of how to achieve consensus and make government work. And Bill Press interviews the Atlantic’s Vann Newkirk The Second about Obamacare and voting rights for ex-felons.

Joseph Nye Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor and one of the country’s most prominent foreign policy analysts, says the Middle East and China are the biggest issues facing the next president.

Website: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/about/faculty-staff-directory/joseph-nye

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen, who is working on a second book about Hillary Clinton, says she might be seen in the presidential campaign as the hawk and Donald Trump as the dove. Her strength, though, may be simply that she knows how to work the levers of power at home and abroad.

Website: www.sidewire.com

Vann Newkirk Bill Press interview the Atlantic Magazine’s Vann Newkirk The Second about Obamacare and voting rights for ex-felons.

Jim Hightower How Hillary has sent chills down my spine.

Political scientist Jacob Hacker says Americans are amnesiacs. Many have forgotten what already made it great. The answer, he says, is government. Harvard scholar Alexander Hertel-Fernandez examines how and why Democrats have been throttled in state and local politics. And Bill Press interviews New York Congressman Sean Maloney about the House actually standing up for LGBT rights.

Jacob Hacker Yale political scientist Jacob Hacker has written a book called “American Amnesia.” What have we forgotten? He documents that life is better – and America remains great – due to actions of government.

Website: http://isps.yale.edu/news/blog/2016/03/jacob-hackers-new-book-american-amnesia-just-released#.Vv8sV4-cGM8

Alex Hertel-Fernandez If you want to get progressive values enacted across the country, Harvard scholar Alex Hertel-Fernandez says work at the state and local level – just the way conservatives have trounced liberals in the past.

Website: http://www.hertelfernandez.com/

Sean Maloney New York Congressman Sean Maloney tells Bill Press about how Republicans were shamed into supporting LGBT rights on the House floor.

Jim Hightower How a foreign Beer pulled a coup on "America"

This week we hear from a couple of prominent professors who have the guts to say what few people want to admit. Princeton historian Sean Wilentz says partisanship is actually good for democracy, and Harvard law professor Joseph William Singer speaks up in defense of government regulation, AND how conservatives benefit from it. And Congresswoman Nita Lowey of New York tells Bill Press about efforts to fight the Zika virus, despite Republican penny-pinching.

Sean Wilentz A lot of political observers are decrying all the partisanship in Washington. But historian Sean Wilentz reminds us that it is political parties that historically have BEEN the force that has done the MOST to convert public anger into new laws and institutions.

William Joseph Singer Harvard professor William Joseph Singer explains just how important government regulation is to the free market system. And he says progressives are all in favor of private property – “we just want people to have some.”

Website: http://www.amazon.com/No-Freedom-without-Regulation-Subprime/dp/0300211678

Nita Lowey New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey tells Bill Press about the congressional effort to fight the Zika virus.

Jim Hightower Who says crime doesn't pay?

No Freedom without Regulation: The Hidden Lesson of the Subprime Crisis

Prominent author Thomas Frank, who wrote, “What’s the Matter With Kansas,” turns his fire on class-conscious Democrats – the upper class. D.C. journalist Chuck McCutcheon has co-authored a dictionary of political doubletalk. Or, as he puts it, everything is “just all politics.” Wall Street investor Morris Pearl argues against the interest of his former colleagues in calling for repeal of the “carried interest” deduction.

Thomas Frank Thomas Frank, who a lot of people listen to, has a new book called “Listen, LIBERAL,” and he is not kind about the affluent Democrats who look down upon the party’s working class roots.

Website: http://www.tcfrank.com/

Chuck McCutcheon What does it mean when a candidate says, “let’s put politics aside?” Journalist and author Chuck McCutcheon explains it means, “shut up and do what I want.”

Website: www.dogwhistlebook.com

Morris Pearl Next, former Wall Street investor Morris Pearl speaks up on behalf of taxing the rich, like himself, and doing away with the tax break for hedge fund managers.

Jim Hightower How Uber goobered and Lyft slipped down.

Now that it looks like a Clinton-Trump presidential campaign, journalist Jonathan Allen, who wrote a book about Hillary, says the contest could be about who is more unlikeable. Political prognosticator Alan Abramowitz says an election without an incumbent is hard to predict but he thinks a Clinton victory is the more likely. And Bill Press interviews Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Sadie Weiner.

Jonathan Allen

Jonathan Allen wrote a book about Hillary Clinton’s tenure at the State Department, and although her service may be a big campaign issue, he says the real contest will be about which candidate can paint the other one as more unlikeable.

Website: www.sidewire.com

Alan Abramowitz

Professor Alan Abramowitz has a good record of predicting presidential elections, and he says Hillary Clinton is the most likely winner, but he also says don’t expect a landslide.

Website: http://news.emory.edu/tags/expert/alan_abramowitz/

Sadie Weiner

Bill Press interviews Sadie Weiner of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Jim Hightower

How Donnie Trump saved America.

On May Day, union lawyer Tom Geoghegan says strengthening the labor movement is the key to rebuilding the middle class. Donald Trump boasts that he will defeat the Islamic State, but Middle East expert and former Ambassador Peter Galbraith says it would take 100,000 U.S. troops and billions of dollars to destroy a movement that will die on its own. And Bill Press talks with USA Today’s Susan Page about the Ted Cruz-Carly Fiorina ticket.

Tom Geoghegan Labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan says the outlook for labor is terrible as long as Republicans control Congress, and that the way to end that control is to end gerrymandering.

Website: http://dsgchicago.com/attorneys/attorney-thomas-geoghegan/books/Primary Phone:

Peter Galbraith Middle East expert and former Ambassador Peter Galbraith says it would take 100,000 U.S. troops to destroy the Islamic State, which he thinks is doomed in the long run because it is surrounded by enemies.

Susan Page Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page.

Jim Hightower Guess who is the biggest player in offshore bank scams.

Union executive David Rolf celebrates “The Fight for Fifteen” … law professor Nancy Maveety talks about partisanship in the history of Supreme Court nominations. And Bill Press interviews Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

Hillary Clinton has come out for a fifteen-dollar minimum wage, and the story behind the “Fight For Fifteen” is told by West Coast union executive David Rolf. President Obama continues to stand firm on his Supreme Court nominee, and professor Nancy Maveety, an expert on the process, says partisanship SHOULD be taken into account up to a point. And Bill Press talks with Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

David Rolf A prominent union leader, David Rolf, has written a book on the history of “The Fight For Fifteen” – raising the minimum wage to at least that level. He says there is little hope that Congress will do it, but that states and localities are acting.

Website: http://seiu775.org/leadership/david-rolf/

Nancy Maveety Nancy Maveety, a law professor at Tulane, says, historically, the Supreme Court has not always been pro-business and reminds us that Citizens United was, in fact, only a 5-4 decision.

Website: http://www.transactionpub.com/title/Picking-Judges-978-1-4128-6330-8.html

Jeff Merkley Bill Press interviews Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

Jim Hightower Who says crime doesn't pay?

This week, we talk about elections – turnout, dirty tricks, and voting from home. Journalist Andrew Gumbel, of The Guardian, says there is a solemnity in going to your local polling place, but former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling says having to do so is the biggest form of voter suppression. And Bill Press talks with Oregon Congressman Earl Bluemenauer on a wide range of issues, from pot legalization to raising the gasoline tax.

Andrew Gumbel Journalist Andrew Gumbel has written a book about the history of dirty elections in America. He says low turnout is caused by the two-party system, but he is skeptical of proposals to let people vote from home.

Website: www.andrewgumbel.com

Phil Keisling Phil Keisling is one of the leading advocates for voting from home, and he says the requirement to show up at an individual polling place is the single most effective voter suppression device.

Website: https://www.pdx.edu/cps/phil-keisling

Earl Blumenauer Bill Press covers a wide range of topics – from pot to gas taxes -- with Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer

Jim Hightower Guess where the King of Coal is headed?

Professor Alan Abramowitz predicts the presidential election … Todd Gitlin compares Donald Trump to George Wallace … and Bill Press interviews Amanda Terkel about DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Political scientist Alan Abramowitz, who has developed a model that has successfully predicted past presidential elections, says the numbers look good for the Democrats. Social and political historian Todd Gitlin compares the Trump campaign to the George Wallace campaigns of the 1960s. And Bill Press talks with the Huffington Post’s Amanda Terkel about the job Debbie Wasserman Schultz is doing as chair of the DNC.

Alan Abramowitz Political science professor Alan Abramowitz says President Obama’s legacy is at stake in this election, but he does have a statistical model showing that, as of now, Hillary Clinton is the most likely to become the 45th president.

http://news.emory.edu/tags/expert/alan_abramowitz/

Todd Gitlin Professor Todd Gitlin was an activist in the 1960s, and he sees parallels between George Wallace and Donald Trump, whom he characterizes as “a demagogue in search of a story.”

http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/profile/38-todd-gitlin/10

Amanda Terkel Is Debbie Wasserman Schultz in trouble at the DNC? Journalist Amanda Terkel answers that question in an interview with Bill Press.

Jim Hightower What happened to America's train system?

Author Steven Hill explains how the new economy is reshaping what we think of as work. Former ambassador AND Republican Mike Ussery has some thoughts about Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and foreign policy. And Bill Press talks with University of Virginia political expert Kyle Kondik, who says the electoral vote map is, as of now, a lock for the Democrats

Steven Hill Economic analyst Steven Hill documents how the growing economy is putting more money in fewer pockets and how workers are having a difficult time. He has some suggestions for a safety net for everyone.

http://www.americanacademy.de/home/person/steven-hill

Mike Ussery Republican foreign policy expert Mike Ussery sees his party possibly splitting up after the election, and he says it maybe both necessary AND refreshing.

Kyle Kondik Coming up, electoral college expert Kyle Kondik tells Bill Press that recent events have made the presidential contest, at this moment at least, noncompetitive.

Jim Hightower What is fueling "Hurricane Donnie" Trump

The head of the Latino Victory Fund says the road to the White House will go through the Latino community. Pediatrician Nina Agrawal exposes the Republican Congress’s refusal to fund research on one major epidemic affecting children – gun violence. And Bill Press talks with New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries about the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

Cristóbal Alex Cristóbal Alex is the President of the Latino Victory Project and the Latino Victory Foundation, an effort to build Latino political power. He says the Hispanic presidential candidates, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, threw their people under the bus.

http://latinovictory.us/

Nina Agrawal Pediatrician Dr. Nina Agrawal says public health research focused on gun violence could save lives – especially children’s lives – but Congress won’t allow it.

http://www.drsforamerica.org/

Hakeem Jeffries Congressman Hakeem Jeffries talks with Bill Press about the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

Jim Hightower Who should pay Mitch McConnell's salary?

Jere Glover has been studying national economic data for years, and, once again, the latest figures show that the economy thrives under Democrats and flops under Republicans. Robert Paarlberg is an expert on food, and he has some ideas about how to combat obesity by improving public policy. Progressive author Thomas Frank talks with Bill Press about his new book on liberal setbacks under President Obama.

Jere Glover If you only listened to Republicans, you would have no idea that for the last 60 years or so, almost every measure of the economy does much better when a Democrat is president. Jere Glover runs down the evidence for us.

Robert Paarlberg How do we get a handle on obesity … and poverty? Harvard professor Robert Paarlberg says sound public policy can help … including exempting sugary products from food stamp eligibility.

Thomas Frank Thomas Frank talks with Bill Press. They both have books out about disappointments for progressives under a Democratic president.

Jim Hightower Will GOP lawmakers say "yes" to any Obama proposal?

Former ambassador Peter Galbraith talks about Syria and how both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders measure up on foreign policy issues. Wendell Potter used to be an insurance industry executive. Now he has written a book about how big money has corrupted Washington policy making. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky talks with Bill Press about the upcoming congressional fights over Planned Parenthood.

Peter Galbraith Former ambassador Peter Galbraith says when it comes to foreign policy, Hillary Clinton will have a steady hand and Bernie Sanders has shown good judgment. The Republicans? No comparison!

Wendell Potter Money will always be a feature of American political campaigns, says former lobbyist Wendell Potter. But legislation is needed to limit the influence of the rich and powerful.

Jan Schakowsky Bill Press talks with Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky about the upcoming congressional fights over Planned Parenthood.

Jim Hightower Bernie battles Clinton… and the corporate media.

Political Science Professor Nancy Maveety is an expert on how presidents pick judicial nominees. Things are different this time around, she says, because Senate Republicans have gone beyond the extreme. Sheila Simon used to be lieutenant governor of Illinois, and she warns the rest of the country about what happens when people elect a super-rich guy with no political experience. That’s what happened in her state – big businessmen from out of state buying the governorship. And Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, in an interview on the Bill Press Show, tells the devastating story of the water poisoning in Flint, Michigan.

Nancy Maveety Nancy Maveety is an expert on the history of federal court nominations. While there is always a partisan element in the process of the Senate advising and consenting, she says this time Mitch McConnell has escalated the rhetoric and gone beyond all previous examples of extremism.

http://www.transactionpub.com/title/Picking-Judges-978-1-4128-6330-8.html

Sheila Simon In 2015, a rich businessman, elected with money from his out-of-state cronies, took over the governorship of Illinois. The results have been a disaster, reports Sheila Simon, who HAD been lieutenant governor.

http://sheilasimon.org/

Brenda Lawrence Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, interviewed on the Bill Press Show, describes the disaster in Flint, Michigan.

Jim Hightower Going down the Republican rabbit hole.

What if you could vote by mail instead of trekking down to the your precinct’s polling place. Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling says it would dramatically increase turnout, especially among progressives. Professor Theda Skocpol explains how the Democrats ceded control of state government to Republicans. And Bill Press interviews Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline about the Supreme Court vacancy and about guns.

Phil Keisling Phil Keisling used to be the secretary of state for Oregon, one of three states that allows people to vote by mail. He said the practice increases turnout, especially among younger and more diverse voters.

Theda Skocpol Government professor Theda Skocpol says Democrats think the presidency is the biggest political prize and, unfortunately, ignore politics at the state level.

David Cicilline Bill Press interviews Congressman David Cicilline about the Supreme Court vacancy.

Jim Hightower Who should pay Mitch McConnell's salary?

Progressive author Steven Hill of the New America Foundation says the old New Deal economy and its safety net guarantees is crumbling for millions of U.S. workers. Government professor Danielle Allen says Marco Rubio is the most thoughtful of the GOP candidates and warns that Democrats cannot always take their current popularity among minorities and the young for granted. And Bill Press interviews Patrick Turner, a privacy expert with the publication “Defense One” about the battle between the FBI and Apple.

Steven Hill Steven Hill advocates for rights of all the millions of part-time workers in this “gig economy” but says Donald Trump is an economic populist who is articulate in his understanding of the undeserving rich.

Danielle Allen Government professor Danielle Allen believes that fixing criminal violence and bad policing starts with ending the drug war.

Patrick Tucker Coming up, Bill Press interviews the Patrick Tucker about the battle between Apple and the FBI.

Richard Hasen on plutocrats in politics … Chuck McCutcheon on what the politicians really mean … and Bill Press interviews Charles Lechner, of “People For Bernie.”

Law professor Richard Hasen is an expert on campaign finance law. He says the problem isn’t money in politics. The problem is BIG money in politics. Journalist Chuck McCutcheon has written a book essential to understanding the 2016 campaign: a dictionary of euphemisms politicians use to hide what they really mean. And Bill Press interviews Charles Lechner, an ex-Occupy Wall Streeter who now heads “People for Bernie.”

Richard Hasen As Bernie Sanders denounces the effect of money in politics, campaign finance expert Richard Hasen says money doesn’t corrupt an office-seeker, but it does make a candidate viable.

http://electionlawblog.org

Chuck McCutcheon What does it mean when a politician says an idea is “counterproductive?” Journalist Chuck McCutcheon decodes this and all the other doubletalk of a political campaign,

www.dogwhistlebook.com

Charles Lechner Bill Press interviews the head of “People for Bernie,” Charles Lechner.

Jim Hightower Where inequality comes from.

Sheila Simon on the corporate takeover of the Illinois governor’s mansion … former ambassador Michael Ussery on Republicans and foreign policy … and a Bill Press Show interview with conservative commentator Michael Graham.

The Republican governor of Illinois is working for billionaire businessmen trying to break unions and the middle class. Former Democratic lieutenant governor, Sheila Simon, explains how that happened. President Obama visited a mosque, and former Ambassador Michael Ussery says anti-Muslim rhetoric by some of his fellow Republicans makes things harder for American diplomacy. And conservative radio host Michael Graham talks politics with Peter Ogburn on the Bill Press Show.

Sheila Simon Former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Sheila Simon explains how her state has been taken over by a Republican governor operating not on ideology but on helping his business buddies make more money.

http://sheilasimon.org/

Michael Ussery Michael Ussery is a Republican and a former political operative. He says the establishment, in both parties, has to go away.

Michael Graham Coming up, Peter Ogburn of the Bill Press Show interviews conservative radio host Michael Graham about the GOP candidates.

Jim Hightower Executive excess getting excessive

Former Carter aide Richard Moe on the former president’s legacy, political scholar Elaine Kamarck on the changing news media, and Bill Press interviews Bush-bashing ex-Republican Roger Stone.

It was Jimmy Carter who made the Iowa caucuses important, and now, 40 years later, one of his aides, Richard Moe, reflects on Carter’s legacy. Scholar Elaine Kamarck reflects on how people are now getting their political news. And, a new book by an ex-Republican hatchet man says the Bush family is a criminal enterprise. Bill Press interviews the author, Roger Stone.

Richard Moe The Iowa primary is now all-important in presidential politics, and Jimmy Carter made it that way. Former aide Richard Moe says the 39th president is finally getting the praise he deserves.

Elaine Kamarck Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution says the problem with getting your news from social media is that you simply choose what you want to see, not necessarily what you need to see.

http://www.brookings.edu/about/centers/effective-public-management

Roger Stone Bill Press interviews author Roger Stone, who makes provocative charges about the Bush family.

Jim Hightower Something is happening.

Jere Glover proves that Democrats are better for the economy … immigration expert Maria Cristina Garcia says Americans have always been wary about admitting refugees … and Bill Press interviews Elise Foley of Huffington Post.

Business expert Jere Glover has the numbers to prove that Democrats are better at running the economy than Republicans. Americans have always been ambivalent about admitting refugees, explains professor Maria Cristina Garcia. And, with the Supreme Court about to take up the president’s immigration powers, Bill Press interviews Huffington Post’s Elise Foley.

Jere Glover Jere Glover has been collecting data for decades and has the numbers to prove that under Democratic presidents, the economy does much better than under Republicans.

Maria Cristina Garcia Historian Maria Cristina Garcia says Americans have always been ambivalent about refugees – sympathetic but not necessarily accepting

http://history.arts.cornell.edu/faculty-department-garcia.php

Elise Foley Bill Press interviews Elise Foley about the Supreme Court taking up President Obama’s immigration actions.

Jim Hightower The real story of Ted Cruz's "heroic" daddy.

Cristobal Alex says Hillary Clinton pretty much has the Latino vote locked up … Why are so many poor people obese? Robert Paarlberg explains.… and Bill Press interviews Ben Wikler of Move-On.

Hispanic leader Cristobal Alex says the road to the White House will go through the Latino community, and right now Hillary Clinton is far ahead. Food expert Robert Paarlberg says the poor do have access to grocery stores, but they don’t have the time to fix meals. And Bill Press interviews Move-On leader Ben Wikler about the group’s endorsement of Bernie Sanders.

Cristobal Alex Cristobal Alex heads a new Latino political group and he says his community will determine who the next president is.

Robert Paarlberg Contrary to common belief, poor people in urban areas do have access to healthy food but they don’t have the time to prepare it, says professor Robert Paarlberg.

Ben Wikler Bill Press interviews Ben Wikler of Move-On about the group’s endorsement of Bernie Sanders.

Jim Hightower Why has nefarious corporate behavior become so commonplace?

Gun safety is at the top of the national agenda, and ours, too. Pediatrician Nina Agrawals says cars are regulated but no one wants to take your car away. Women’s advocate Melanie Verveer says investing in women improves the economy. And Bill Press interviews gun safety advocate Congressman David Cicilline.

Pediatrician Nina Agrawal explains her fight to get Congress to start funding research on gun safety. Former ambassador for global women’s issues Melanie Verveer describes them as the same as issues important to all human beings. And Bill Press interviews Congressman David Cicilline about gun safety legislation.

Nina Agrawal Nina Agrawal is a pediatrician who advocates a resumption of federal funding for research on preventing gun violence. She says it worked for car safety, fire safety and bicycle safety.

www.drsforamerica.org/

Melanie Verveer Women’s issues are the same issues that all human beings want to see happen in their lives, says former ambassador Melanie Verveer.

https://giwps.georgetown.edu/

David Cicilline Bill Press interviews Congressman David Cicilline about gun safety legislation.

Jim Hightower The wall of campaign dishonesty.

Labor expert Tom Geoghegan calls GOP interest in working people “baloney.” Progressive political analyst Ed Kilgore assesses Hillary Clinton’s prospects. And, sitting in for Bill Press, Peter Ogburn and Meredith Shiner review the year in politics.

Inequality is now on the agenda for the Republican Party, too, but labor lawyer and activist Tom Geoghegan says it is “baloney.” Political analyst Ed Kilgore says the fact that Marco Rubio is considered a moderate is about all anyone needs to know about the Republican party. And Bill Press guest hosts Peter Ogburn and Meredith Shiner discuss presidential politics.

Tom Geoghegan Labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan thinks the Republicans “faux populism” is a good sign for Democrats … because we own the issue.

http://dsgchicago.com/attorneys/attorney-thomas-geoghegan/books/

Ed Kilgore Political analyst Ed Kilgore says despite some progressives’ disdain for Hillary Clinton, she on course for the Democratic nomination, and the White House.

http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org

Meredith Shiner Bill Press guest hosts Peter Ogburn and Meredith Shiner chat about the year in politics.

Jim Hightower Hello Congress: Meet your poverty-wage food servers.

Fred Rotondaro assesses Pope Francis and Paul Ryan … Lee Drutman answers the question of what kind of person runs for president … and Bill Press talks with Paul Brandus of West Wing Reports.

One of the past year’s biggest religious stories was the visit of Pope Francis to the United States, and lay Catholic commentator Fred Rotondaro assesses his message. Political analyst Lee Drutman tells us what’s wrong with our political system … partly the quality of the candidates. And Bill Press interviews West Wing Reports editor Paul Brandus about President Obama’s year.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro, a regular commentator here, and chair of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, says Pope Francis is setting a standard that Catholic progressives, and the Church hierarchy, have to follow up on.

http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/

Lee Drutman Political scientist Lee Drutman analyzes what’s wrong with our political system and asks the question: “Who wants to run for president?” The answer? “Only crazy people.”

http://www.newamerica.org/

Paul Brandus Bill Press interviews West Wing Reports editor Paul Brandus.

Jim Hightower Turning human misery into corporate profits.

Elaine Kamarck on those wacky Republicans … Richard Moe on refugees … and Bill Press with Morris Pearl, a patriotic millionaire.

Republican debate craziness should help the Democrats, says Brookings scholar Elaine Kamarck. FDR scholar Richard Moe compares the plight of Syrian refugees with that of Jews denied entry into the United States in the 1930s. And Bill Press interviews Morris Pearl, a businessman who wants the rich to pay more in taxes.

Elaine Kamarck Public affairs scholar Elaine Kamarck thinks the wackiness of the entire Republican presidential field can only help the Democratic nominee.

http://www.brookings.edu/about/centers/effective-public-management

Richard Moe A scholar who has studied Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration says FDR could have done more to save European Jews and that America should now take in Syrian refugees.

Morris Pearl Bill Press interviews Morris Pearl, the head of Patriotic Millionaires

Jim Hightower Merry Christmas, right-wingers, The Red Pope, and Jesus.

Immigration historian Maria Cristina Garcia says the current uproar over refugees is not new … Harvard Professor Danielle Allen reflects on the fragmentation of American politics … and Bill Press interviews Congressman Ruben Gallegos.

Immigration … refugees … religious tests. Cornell Professor Maria Cristina Garcia examines the history of an America that has not always been a welcoming place for those seeking freedom. Harvard Professor Danielle Allen sees a future of fragmented presidential politics based on smaller constituencies whipped up by outsiders with limited appeal. Is the answer multiple parties? And Bill Press interviews freshman Democratic Congressman Ruben Gallego.

Maria Cristina Garcia Immigration expert Maria Cristina Garcia says that for anyone trying to enter the country to engage in terrorism, the refugee program is the hardest way.

http://history.arts.cornell.edu/faculty-department-garcia.php

Danielle Allen Danielle Allen, a government professor and MacArthur “genius,” thinks we should be moving in the direction of multiple political parties.

http://ethics.harvard.edu/pages/about

Ruben Gallego Coming up, Bill Press interviews Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego.

Jim Hightower The sleaze, guilt, and punishment of Don Blankenship.

Baltimore law professor Michael Higginbotham and political columnist Ed Kilgore analyze the Black Lives Matter movement … and Bill Press interviews Joe Romm about global warming.

A trial in Baltimore, a political crisis in Chicago, and a nation focused on police and community relations. Law professor and civil rights historian Michael Higginbotham says just because police have a difficult job to do doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held accountable when things go wrong. Political analyst Ed Kilgore says the Black Lives Matter movement will help solidify minority voters and their allegiance to the Democratic Party. And Bill Press interviews climate change expert Joe Romm.

Michael Higginbotham Law professor and civil rights historian Michael Higginbotham says he is hopeful about progress in police and community relations but that cops should not get a pass just because they have such a difficult job.

http://www.fmichaelhigginbotham.org/

Ed Kilgore Columnist Ed Kilgore says the Black Lives Matter movement eventually will help solidify the relationship between minority voters and the Democratic Party.

www.thedemocraticstrategist.org

Joe Romm Bill Press interviews climate change expert Joe Romm about the recent international conference in Paris.

Jim Hightower Rafael and Ted Cruz: Like father, like son.

Melanne Verveer on women’s economic power. Fred Harris tells the truth about immigration. and, on the Bill Press Show, Jimmy Williams interviews Jackie Kucinich.

Melanne Verveer was the first U.S. ambassador for women’s issues, and she has some thoughts about the economic power that women have, both locally and globally. Fred Harris was a United States Senator, chair of the Democratic party and a member of the Kerner Commission on racial violence. He has some strong views about the issues of race and immigration that are still dividing the nation. And Jimmy Williams, sitting in for Bill Press, interviews reporter Jackie Kucinich about Hillary Clinton.

Melanne Verveer The country’s first ambassador at large for global women’s issues, Melanne Verveer, explains how women’s economic power goes beyond just consumer spending.

https://giwps.georgetown.edu/

Fred Harris Former Senator Fred Harris says Donald Trump is acting against the interests of the United States by opposing immigration, and sets the record straight about who the so-called illegal immigrants really are..

Jackie Kucinich Coming up, reporter Jackie Kucinich with the latest on Hillary Clinton – in an interview with Jimmy Williams on the Bill Press Show.

Jim Hightower Avoid Amazon's "Cyber Monday," and buy local.

Thanksgiving reflection – America’s income inequality is worse than Pakistan’s says Ron Formisano. Voters often don’t bother to consider reality, says Arthur Lupia. And Bill Press interviews Cameron Joseph about the NRA and terrorism.

This Thanksgiving and campaign season, historian Ron Formisano talks about how income inequality hampers economic growth for all; political scientist Arthur Lupia explains why otherwise intelligent people can be so ignorant on political issues. And Bill Press interviews New York Daily News reporter Cameron Joseph, about the NRA support of terrorism.’

Ron Formisano Noted historian Ron Formisano compares income distribution and inequality in America to Pakistan, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guyana and Venezuela – and the comparison is not good.

https://history.as.uky.edu/users/rform2

Arthur Lupia Professor Arthur Lupia examines the behavior of American voters, who are often ignorant about the issues facing them. He says when we have simple choices, you don’t HAVE to know anything.

http://www.arthurlupia.com

Cameron Joseph Bill Press interviews Cameron Joseph of the New York Daily News.

Jim hightower What honeybees, humans, and art have in common.

Civil rights historian Michael Higginbotham says black lives have always mattered. Housing expert Andre Shashaty says minorities are now afflicted by “zombie foreclosures.” And Bill Press interviews CNN’s Tom LoBianco on the GOP race.

Law professor and civil rights historian Michael Higginbotham reflects on racial turmoil in America. Housing expert Andre Shashaty says that in half a century, conditions have not improved very much in terms of affordable housing for minorities. And Bill Press interviews Tom LoBianco of CNN’s Digital Politics about the debating Republicans.

Michael Higginbotham Baltimore law professor Michael Higginbotham reflects on the racial turmoil breaking out again in America, and says black lives have always mattered … except to the Supreme Court.

http://www.fmichaelhigginbotham.org/

Andre Shashaty Andre Shashaty has been working in the housing field for half a century, and says things are not looking up. And he explains the new phenomenon of “zombie foreclosures.”

http://360investmentadvice.com/about/who-we-are/extended-biography-andre-shashaty/

Tom LoBianco Bill Press interviews CNN’s Tom LoBianco about the Republican presidential candidates.

Jim Hightower Obama says "We are writing the rules." Who's "we"?

Lee Drutman says Paul Ryan may be in for a surprise … Fred Rotondaro says the Republican presidential candidates are looking for answers too simplistic … and Bill Press interviews Susan Page about the new book on the Bushes.

Political scientist and Congress-watcher Lee Drutman assesses the House Republicans under new Speaker Paul Ryan. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the Republicans biggest problem is they are looking for brutally simplistic answers to complicated issues. And Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page on a new book about George H.W. Bush … and his son.

Lee Drutman Political scientist Lee Drutman wonders how long it will take for Paul Ryan to come to the same conclusion as John Boehner – that the Freedom Caucus is made up of “crazy people” who he will not listen to.

www.newamerica.org/

Fred Rotondaro Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro surveys the presidential field and says Bernie Sanders doesn’t have a great shot and that Trump and Carson are taking advantage of their party’s need for honesty.

http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/

Susan Page Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page about the Presidents Bush.

Jim Hightower Warning: Pink ribbons don’t cure breast cancer

Fred Harris on the fruits of the Kerner Commission … Ari Berman on Republican attempts to keep Democrats from voting … and a Bill Press Show interview with about Bernie Sanders and pot.

Fred Harris is the last surviving member of the 1968 Kerner Commission on urban disorders. He says race relations and poverty have regressed since the Reagan Administration. Journalist Ari Berman has a new book about how Republicans are imposing voting restrictions, and he tells us how Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz kept blacks from voting in the tainted 2000 presidential election. And the Bill Press show features an interview by Igor Volsky of journalist Amanda Terkel about Bernie Sanders and pot.

Fred Harris Former Senator Fred Harris served on the Kerner Commission on Civil Disorders almost half a century ago. Now, he says the progress that was made in race relations and fighting poverty stopped in the Reagan Administration.

Ari Berman Journalist Ari Berman has written a book called “Give Us the Ballot.” He details for us the long, sordid record of Republicans – including Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz and John Roberts – in preventing minorities from voting.

http://ari-berman.com

Amanda Terkel Igor Volsky interviews journalist Amanda Terkel on the Bill Press Show about Bernie Sanders and his position on marijuana.

Jim Hightower What's the price on Jeb Bush's "integrity"?

David Grusky tells how inequality is passed down from generation to generation … Aaron Schutz talks about the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky … and Bill Press interviews Congressman Chris van Hollen.

Sociology professor David Grusky says the growing income inequality is bad for the economy – no matter how much they make. Professor Aaron Schutz tells us about the history of community organizing, how complaining about lack of cable TV can lead to action against rat-infested apartments. And Bill Press talks with Maryland Congressman Chris van Hollen.

David Grusky The waste of talent due to income inequality in America harms the overall economy, says professor David Grusky.

www.grusky.org

Aaron Schutz Community organizing is a little known part of the democratic process, and professor Aaron Schutz says it is an activity aimed at reform, not revolution.

https://uwm.edu/education/people/schutz-aaron/

Chris van Hollen Bill Press and his guest, Maryland Congressman Chris van Hollen

Jim Hightower How much "free speech" can you buy?

Historian Ron Formisano describes plutocracy … legal expert Garrett Epps explains the loss of voting rights … and Bill Press interviews Senator Sherrod Brown on the T-P-P.

Historian Ronald Formisano explains what plutocracy is and how we are currently governed by it. Constitutional expert Garrett Epps reviews voting rights and the missing voice of Congress in foreign policy. And Bill Press talks with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown about the Trans Pacific Partnership.

Ron Formisano Distinguished historian Ron Formisano has written a book about plutocracy and says we are in a new “gilded age” when the state and federal governments are up for sale.

https://history.as.uky.edu/users/rform2

Garrett Epps Garrett Epps teaches law, and he says Republicans are now committed to suppressing the vote and ignoring the congressional role in national security.

http://law.ubalt.edu/faculty/profiles/epps.cfm

Sherrod Brown Bill Press and his guest, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown.

Jim Hightower Ryan bitten on the butt by his own mad dogs.

Historian David Kennedy on military-civilian relations … professor Jennifer Lawless on why young people hate politics … and Bill Press interviews progressive banker Keith Mestrich.

Pulitzer Prize winning military historian David Kennedy talks about the politics of war and relations between the military and their civilian bosses. Bernie Sanders may be attracting a lot of young people, but government professor Jennifer Lawless says they generally show no interest in running for office themselves ... EVER! And Bill Press interviews Keith Mestrich -- a progressive, that’s right, a progressive banker!

David Kennedy Military historian David Kennedy says the military industrial complex isn’t what it used to be. And he advocates attaching a specific appropriation to any congressional authorization for the use of force.

http://west.stanford.edu/people/kennedy

Jennifer Lawless How do we get high school and college students to harness their do-gooder spirit into elective politics? Professor Jennifer Lawless suggests – video games!

http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/lawless.cfm

Keith Mestrich Bill Press and his guest, progressive banker Keith Mestrich.

Jim Hightower "We are writing the rules." Who's "we"?

Historian Julian Zelizar on the legacy of Jimmy Carter … energy expert Michael Levi on the Keystone pipeline and fracking … and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

Prominent presidential historian Julian Zelizer reflects on Jimmy Carter’s legacy, as the former president turns 91 years old. As President Obama imposes new anti-smog rules, Hillary Clinton comes out against the Keystone pipeline, and Shell Oil departs the Arctic Circle, energy expert Michael Levi explains the economics of energy production. And Congresswoman Jackie Speier tells Bill Press she expects a government shutdown just before Christmas.

Julian Zelizer Historian Julian Zelizer says Jimmy Carter cares deeply about policy … and there was no way he was going to sit quietly during his post-presidency.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349

Michael Levi Michael Levi, a senior fellow at the Council for Foreign Relations, says we focus too much attention on the telegenic, rather than the important, environmental aspects of energy production.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349

Bill Press Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California.

Jim Hightower Who will oversee Volkswagen's overseers?

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress, and the Battle for the Great Society

Arthur Lupia on the pull of political ignorance … David Rolf on workers’ rights in the new economy … and Bill Press interviews journalist Alex Seitz-Wald.

Why is it that our opponents so steadfastly ignore the truth? Political scientist Arthur Lupia is an expert on ignorance, and he says it’s because people care more about values than about facts. With Scott Walker out of the presidential race and polls showing stronger support for unions, labor leader David Rolf is optimistic about a number of trends, including raising the minimum wage. And journalist Alex Seitz-Wald talks with Bill Press about U.S.-Chinese relations.

Arthur Lupia Professor Arthur Lupia explains why facts don’t matter in political discussions. He says if progressives don’t speak to voters about values, it is unlikely they will listen.

http://www.arthurlupia.com

David Rolf West Coast union leader David Rolf is optimistic that Congress will eventually follow all the states that are tired of waiting and are raising the minimum wage on their own.

http://seiu775.org/leadership/david-rolf/

Alex Seitz-Wald Bill Press and his guest, journalist Alex Seitz-Wald.

Jim Hightower A flagrant liar for president?

Historian Michael Genovese bemoans the lack of strong leaders … sociologist David Grusky says America is not as upwardly mobile as we think … and Bill Press interviews Steny Hoyer, the assistant Democratic leader in the House.

Following the Republican debates, we hear from a prominent presidential historian who says we are in an era of leadership by intellectual and moral dwarfs. A Stanford sociologist reveals that half of a child’s future economic success depends on where the stork drops her. And House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer tells Bill Press about the outlook for another government shutdown.

Michael Genovese Professor Michael Genovese is a prominent presidential scholar, and he says President Obama’s recent use of executive power is a result, in part, of a weak Congress better suited to the 18th Century than to the 21st.

http://bellarmine.lmu.edu/ils/about/

David Grusky America has always prided itself on social mobility, but a new book by sociologist David Grusky says we are less upwardly mobile than most other well-off countries, and he says it is because some children might have chosen the wrong parents!

www.grusky.org

Steny Hoyer Bill Press and his guest, House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer.

Jim Hightower "Non-candidate" campaigns dominate 2016 presidential race

Garrett Epps on Republican attempts to repeal the 14th Amendment; Andre Shashaty reflects on the 50 years since the Watts riot. And Bill Press interviews disarmament expert Joe Cirincione.

A Constitution Week interview with University of Baltimore professor Garrett Epps, who talks about “anchor babies,” “originalism” and the legacy of civil rights pioneer Julian Bond. Fifty years after the first of the urban riots, expert Andre Shashaty explains the link between government policy and discrimination in housing. And nuclear weapons expert Joe Cirincione, in an interview with Bill Press, updates us on the Iran deal.

Garrett Epps Law professor Garrett Epps tells Republicans who are concerned about “anchor babies” to get on with their lives because the Constitution guarantees citizenship to people born in the United States.

http://law.ubalt.edu/faculty/profiles/epps.cfm

Andre Shashaty In the 50 years since the Watts riot, there was only a brief period of time when government actually tried to end housing discrimination. And one of those who tried to help was named Romney. Hear the story from housing expert Andre Shashaty.

http://360investmentadvice.com/about/who-we-are/extended-biography-andre-shashaty/

Joe Cirincione Bill Press and his guest, nuclear arms expert Joe Cirincione.

Jim Hightower Battling the forces of inequality in Grand Rapids

A former aide, James Fallows, reminisces about Jimmy Carter … Professor Jennifer Lawless examines why young people turn away from politics … and Bill Press talks politics with Emma Roller.

James Fallows was a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter. He reflects on the achievements of the 39th president. Political scientist Jennifer Lawless has surveyed 4,000 high school and college students and found that 9 out of 10 have no interest in ever running for office. She explains why. And Emma Roller of the National Journal talks presidential politics with Bill Press.

James Fallows President Jimmy Carter should be remembered for many things, says his speechwriter James Fallows, not the least of which is deregulation, which paved the way for, among other things, microbreweries!

http://www.theatlantic.com/author/james-fallows/

Jennifer Lawless Young people have no interest in running office – ever. Political scientist Jennifer Lawless says it’s because they find politics dysfunctional and a waste of time.

http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/lawless.cfm

Emma Roller Bill Press and his guest, Emma Roller of the National Journal.

Jim Hightower WHO SAYS AMERICA DOESN'T NEED UNIONS?

With Labor Day coming up, union president David Rolf and economic analyst David Madland explain how a strong economy relies on the middle class. And Bill Press interviews Senator Amy Klobuchar.

New numbers show a strengthening economy, but why does it skip so many American workers? We talk today with TWO experts about middle-class values and the value of the middle class. Union president David Rolf notes the irony that this is one of the best times to be a consumer and the worst time to be an employee. Economic analyst David Madland shows that trickle-down economics has failed and that ultimately facts will trump special interests and ideology. And Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar talks with Bill Press about her new book.

David Rolf Union leader David Rolf says even Republicans can be persuaded that America will be better off with a strong middle class. But it’s the plutocrats and their hired guns standing in the way.

http://seiu775.org/leadership/david-rolf/

David Madland Economic expert and author David Madland says it’s a strong middle class that makes democracy work and even Republicans can be persuaded of that.

davidmadland.com

Amy Klobuchar Bill Press and his guest, Senator Amy Klobuchar

Jim Hightower Thank you, taxpayers, for financing a monument to greed.

Prominent historian Michael Genovese on why Trump would be a terrible president … voting expert Daniel McGraw says Republican voters are dying faster than Democrats … and sociologist Andrew Cherlin links marriage to income.

Distinguished presidential historian Michael Genovese explains the what it takes to be a good president, and he says Donald Trump would not be an effective one. Voting analyst Daniel McGraw says there is a death gap between the two parties, with many more Republican voters checking out than Democrats. And sociologist Andrew Cherlin says only people with decent combined incomes are getting married these days.

Michael Genovese One of America’s most distinguished historians, Michael Genovese, describes the powers and limitations of the presidency … and says Donald Trump would find that barking orders is not going to work.

Daniel McGraw Journalist and voting expert Daniel McGraw says Republicans have an actuarial problem because so many of their voters are older than Democrats. But, he warns, if the Republicans concentrate on economic issues, they may get younger voters to listen to them.

Andrew Cherlin Sociologist Andrew Cherlin says there is a marriage gap, with only those couples with the prospect of decent incomes actually legalizing their union.

Jim Hightower Government of, by, and for Big Money.

Fifty years after the Watts riot, we talk about race and power, with anthropologist Richard Perry and community organizing expert Aaron Schutz. In addition, Bill Press interview Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

Fifty years after the Watts riots, we talk today about race as a cultural, not a genetic, artifact and about the history of community organizing to achieve power. Anthropologist Richard Perry tells us there is an upsurge in discredited theories that genes determine how we act. And professor Aaron Schutz reminds us how both President Obama and Hillary Clinton were disciples of the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky. And Bill Press interviews Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz about the Iran nuclear deal.

Richard Perry Anthropologist Richard Perry won’t even use the word “race” without quotation marks because it is not a biologically valid category. We are who we are, he says, because of what we have learned.

https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/content/killer-apes-naked-apes-and-just-plain-nasty-people

Aaron Schutz Professor Aaron Schutz explains the history of community organizing, from its founding father Saul Alinsky through Barack Obama, whom he suggests wanted people to be engaged but then got annoyed when they did.

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/university-press/book/9780826520425

Ernest Moniz Bill Press and his guest, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

Jim Hightower You, too, can be part of Scott Walker's inner circle

Climate change -- historian David Kennedy says it is is the biggest national security threat, and energy guru Michael Levi says it could be eased by judicious use of fracking.

Seventy years after the first and only military use of atomic bombs, historian David Kennedy says they proved not to be a useful weapon. And, he says, today’s biggest threat is not nuclear war but climate change! Climate change is on the mind of energy expert Michael Levi, who says that the benefits of President Obama’s new plan to restrict carbon emissions will exceed the costs. And Bill Press interviews North Carolina Congressman David Price on the Iran nuclear agreement.

David Kennedy Historian David Kennedy says the biggest threat to national security is not terrorism, cyberwarfare or nuclear weapons … but climate change.

http://west.stanford.edu/people/kennedy

Michael Levi Michael Levi, an expert on the effects of carbon emissions on climate change, says he doesn’t think the use of renewable energy will solve the whole problem.

http://www.cfr.org/experts/energy-geoeconomics/michael-a-levi/b11890

David Price Bill Press and his guest, North Carolina Congressman David Price.

Jim Hightower "Non-candidate" campaigns dominate 2016 presidential race.

Isaac Martin on rich peoples’ movements, Caroline Lee on “do-it-yourself democracy” and Bill Press with Congressman Jim Clyburn.

With Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders railing against privilege in America, sociologist Isaac Martin reviews how the rich have organized themselves into a powerful lobby. Another sociologist, Caroline Lee, explains the concept of “do-it-yourself democracy” and how it might help with relations between police and civilians. And Bill Press interviews Assistant House Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn.

Isaac Martin Professor Isaac Martin has studied one particular economic trend in American history and tells us about that, and the topic of his book “The Rich People’s Movements.”

http://anthroweb.ucsd.edu/~iwmartin/

Caroline Lee Sociologist Caroline Lee thinks that the idea of public engagement, or do-it-yourself democracy, can bring people together to transform basic relationships, such as between police and the community.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199987269.do

Jim Clyburn Coming up … Bill Press and his guest, Assistant House Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn.

Jim Hightower Don't TPP on me.

Fred Rotondaro talks about urban policing … author Richard Heinberg says fracking may be doomed by economics alone. And Bill Press chats with Peter Kornbluh of “The Nation.”

Another police encounter with an African-American results in death, and regular commentator Fred Rotondaro examines “the nothingness” that leads to somebody dying. Author Richard Heinberg says fracking may become less of an issue because its cost to energy companies is more than the return. And Bill Press interviews Peter Kornbluh about relations with Cuba.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro looks at the outbreak of police-citizen violence and suggests that it is more about class than race.

http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/

Richard Heinberg Author Richard Heinberg says public acceptance of the global warming crisis is growing and that we are running out of time before an economic and ecological disaster.

www.postcarbon.org

Peter Kornbluh Coming up … Bill Press and his guest, Peter Kornbluh of “The Nation”

Jim Hightower Democratic senators say “Nuts to you.”

Stephen Miles says Republicans want war with Iran … voting analyst Daniel McGraw says Republicans are dying off faster than they are being replaced … and Bill Press talks with Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan.

Defense policy expert Stephen Miles says that if the Iran nuclear deal is blocked by Congress, it will lead to war – and many Republicans want that to happen. Maybe Donald Trump’s anti-Hispanic rhetoric will make no difference, because voting analyst Daniel McGraw says the Latino vote won’t make a difference in any states other than Florida and possibly Colorado. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Dan Kildee, about Iran, Hillary Clinton and the TPP.

Stephen Miles Stephen Miles, an anti-war advocate and defense policy expert, says if Congress kills the Iran nuclear deal, it will lead to war, and that’s what many Republicans want.

http://winwithoutwar.org/

Daniel McGraw Despite the nasty rhetoric from Donald Trump, the Hispanic vote won’t make much of a difference in 2016, says voter analyst Daniel McGraw. Why? Because the Hispanic vote simply is already a lock for Democrats in all but possibly Florida and Colorado.

Dan Kildee Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan.

Jim Hightower You, too, can be part of Scott Walker's inner circle.

Ira Shapiro in favor of the Trans-Pacific Partnership … Richard Perry on racism as a social disease … and Bill Press with humorist Stephanie Miller.

With President Obama’s Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement still showing signs of life in Congress, a former Clinton Administration trade official says an agreement will let the United States, not China, set labor and environmental regulations. Anthropologist Richard Perry denounces the pseudo-science of biological determinism – the idea that genes determine the outcomes of your life. And Bill Press interviews fellow radio host, and humorist, Stephanie Miller.

Ira Shapiro Ira Shapiro was a trade official in the Clinton Administration, and he says the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a good deal for America and that failure would be great for China.

www.shapiroglobal.com

Richard Perry Anthropologist Richard Perry looks at the political motives of those who think that genes, and race, determine how humans behave. If you think people can’t change, he says, it’s a good argument for opposing change.

https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/content/killer-apes-naked-apes-and-just-plain-nasty-people

Stephanie Miller Bill Press and his guest, progressive radio host Stephanie Miller.

Jim Hightower Chris Christie: A constantly-lying "truth teller".

David Madland says America was founded as a middle-class country. John Halpin says Hillary looks pretty solid … and Bill Press celebrates 10 years on the air with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

America celebrated its 239th birthday, and David Madland of the Center for American Progress reminds us that the United States was founded as a middle-class country. Bernie Sanders is pulling big crowds and wowing progressives, but political scientist John Halpin says that while progressivism IS the defining element of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton still looks pretty solid. And Bill Press celebrates the 10th anniversary of his radio and TV show by interviewing Senator Amy Klobuchar.

David Madland Author David Madland has just written a book about “the hollowing out of the middle class.” Yet he reminds us that America was founded 239 years ago AS a middle-class country.

davidmadland.com

John Halpin Political scientist John Halpin says that while Bernie Sanders is wowing the masses, and that while progressivism IS the defining element of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton remains a pretty solid favorite to win the presidential nomination.

americanprogress.org

Amy Klobuchar Bill Press and his 10th anniversary program guest Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Jim Hightower What moved marriage equality from taboo to justice?

David Shipler on the state of the First Amendment, Lee Drutman on corporate influence peddling, and Bill Press interviews New York Congressman Paul Tonko on TPP.

On the anniversary of American independence, journalist and First Amendment expert David Shipler says there is a mixed picture of free speech. Legally, you can say anything you want, but there are sometimes invisible cultural limits. Political reform advocate Lee Drutman says the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision is not helping corporations run Congress as much as old-fashioned lobbying is. And Bill Press interviews New York Congressman Paul Tonko, an opponent of TPP.

David Shipler Free speech expert David Shipler gives us an Independence Day review of free speech, a free press in the Internet era, and the merits of whistle-blowing by Edward Snowden.

http://www.randomhouse.com/book/215359/freedom-of-speech-by-david-k-shipler

Lee Drutman Lee Drutman studies the role of influence-peddling in government and says that corporations spend 34 times as much as issue advocacy groups. And that, he concludes, is just not a fair fight.

www.newamerica.org/

Paul Tonko Bill Press and his guest. TPP opponent Congressman Paul Tonko.

Jim Hightower "The Donald Show"

Maryland attorney general Frosh on fracking … peace advocate Stephen Miles on U.S. policy toward Iran … and Bill Press interviews Congressman John Yarmuth.

Maryland’s new attorney general, Brian Frosh, talks about fracking, offshore drilling and gun control. Peace advocate Stephen Miles says if Republicans scuttle an agreement, the U.S. and Iran will be on a collision course to war. And Bill Press interviews Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth

Brian Frosh Maryland’s new Democratic attorney general, Brian Frosh, says he plans to be active on issues facing his and many states – fighting fracking, offshore drilling and guns.

http://www.oag.state.md.us/

Stephen Miles Peace advocate and arms expert Stephen Miles says an agreement between the U.S. and Iran is the greatest opportunity to solve one of America’s biggest national security threats.

http://winwithoutwar.org/

John Yarmuth Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Yarmuth.

Jim Hightower Jeb launches "Pickett's Charge" campaign

Barney Frank with a message for progressives … Fred Rotondaro on TPP and the 2016 campaign … and Bill Press with Sister Simone Campbell, of Nuns on the Bus.

Some tough words for progressives from former Congressman Barney Frank – don’t just march -- start doing the dirty work of getting Democrats elected. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement is doomed. And Bill Press interviews Sister Simone Campbell about the Pope’s upcoming encyclical on climate change

Barney Frank Barney Frank says progressives have to do more dirty work, and less shouting, to get people voting, and voting Democratic.

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro take a dim view of the Trans Pacific Partnership and has some predictions about the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.

Simone Campbell Bill Press and his guest, Sister Simone Campbell.

Jim Hightower Stop Postal executives from destroying our Postal Service.

Former trade negotiator Ira Shapiro says fears about the TPP are exaggerated … Judicial analyst Ian Millhiser indicts the Supreme Court. And Bill Press interviews TPP opponent Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

A former NAFTA negotiator weighs in on the Trans Pacific Partnership, and Ira Shapiro argues it will benefit the American economy and put us in a better position in the competition with China. With the Supreme Court ready to end its terms with a flurry of important decisions, legal expert Ian Millhiser concludes that historically the court has sided against the bad guys. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Jackie Speier, an opponent of TPP.

Ira Shapiro Ira Shapiro negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement. He tells us why he thinks the very controversial Trans Pacific Partnership is necessary, and that it is not as bad as progressives have made it out to be.

www.shapiroglobal.com

Ian Millhiser Ian Millhiser has written extensively about the Supreme Court, and as the nine justices finish this term with important rulings, he says that time and time again the good guys lose in the highest court in the land..

http://thinkprogress.org/author/ian-m/

Jackie Speier Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

Jim Hightower Feingold to Snowden to Paul: Curtailing the Patriot Act.

Author Robert Putnam on the rich world and the poor world … Latina activist Eileen Truax on immigration … and Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page

“Bowling Alone” author Robert Putnam has a new book out in which he talks about two very separate American worlds – the rich world and the poor world. With the President’s immigration program held up in the courts, Latina activist Eileen Truax tells us who the Dreamers are and why they are so important. And Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page.

Robert Putnam Harvard professor and bestselling author Robert Putnam says Democrats dropped the ball a long time ago by refusing to recognize that family structure and class – not race – was the main determinant of poverty.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Our-Kids/Robert-D-Putnam/9781476769899

Eileen Truax Eileen Truax is a Latina journalist and activist who has written about the Dreamers. With President Obama’s immigration policy under attack in the courts, she says many immigrants come to America not just for economic reasons but to escape violence in their home countries.

www.dreamersthebook.com

Susan Page Bill Press and his guest, Susan Page of USA Today.

Jim Hightower Far from "liberalizing" global policies, TPP is corporatizing.

First amendment expert David Shipler says covering Washington is like covering Cold War Russia … sociology professor Andrew Cherlin ties a drop in college graduation and marriage to the growing income gap … and Congressman Dan Kildee assails the president on trade in a Bill Press Show interview.

At this patriotic time of year, celebrating Memorial Day, journalist David Shipler says President Obama’s campaign against whistleblowing reminds him of covering Cold War Russia. Sociology professor Andrew Cherlin, at this time of graduations and weddings, notes that the growing economic disparity is having a negative effect on higher education and marriage rates. And Congressman Dan Kildee takes on the president over trade in an interview on the Bill Press show.

David Shipler Barack Obama promised to be the most transparent president, but journalist David Shipler writes that this liberal constitutional lawyer has made covering national security like trying to cover Moscow during the Cold War.

Andrew Cherlin Sociology professor Andrew Cherlin says that family life is shrinking along with the middle class because young people can’t afford to get married and devote time to children.

http://soc.jhu.edu/directory/andrew-j-cherlin/

Dan Kildee Congressman Dan Kildee assails the president on trade in a Bill Press Show interview.

Jim Hightower Big Food trying a big hoax.

Barney Frank says his Wall Street reforms are working … Lee Drutman says Congress is a farm league for K Street. And Bill Press gets Congressman Xavier Becerra to consider a Senate run.

Barney Frank says that a repeal of the Wall Street reform act that bears his name will never happen as long as a Democrat is president. Professor Lee Drutman has written a book about the power of lobbyists, and he says Congress is merely a farm league for K Street. And Bill Press interviews 4th-ranking House Democrat Xavier Becerra about the Trans Pacific Partnership … and his own Senate aspirations.

Barney Frank How has the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform act worked out? Very well, says co-author Barney Frank, who also has some thoughts about the situation in Baltimore, the lack of affordable housing … and police unions.

http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Politics-Society-Same-Sex-Marriage/dp/0374280304

Lee Drutman Corporate lobbyists spend 34 times as much money trying to influence Congress as does the combination of organized labor and public interest groups. And professor Lee Drutman says that means corporations have every seat at every table.

www.newamerica.org/

Xavier Becerra And now Bill Press and his guest, California congressman Xavier Becerra.

Jim Hightower The secret coalition pushing the secretive TPP scam.

Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh on the troubles in Baltimore … former Ambassador Peter Galbraith on trusting Iran – or not … and Bill Press interviews political commentator Jonathan Allen.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh says the Baltimore riots highlight the need for improving police procedures and systemic conditions of poor health, bad education and hopelessness. Former ambassador Peter Galbraith reveals that President George W. Bush squandered the possibility for a good agreement to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. And Bill Press interviews journalist Jonathan Allen about the Republican presidential field … and Hillary Clinton.

Brian Frosh Most police officers in Baltimore, and elsewhere, are fine public servants, but Maryland attorney general Brian Frosh says the troubles in that city point out the need to improve police procedures.

http://www.oag.state.md.us/

Peter Galbraith The U.S. could have had a good nuclear deal with Iran back in 2003, says former diplomat Peter Galbraith, but the George W. Bush administration squandered the opportunity.

Jonathan Allen Bill Press and his guest, journalist Jonathan Allen.

Jim Hightower Stop postal execs from destroying our Postal Service.

Ian Millhiser explains what’s wrong – or far right – with the Supreme Court. Jared Bernstein says politics got in the way of a fuller economic recover. And Bill Press interviews Bernie Sanders.

Constitutional law expert Ian Millhiser takes the Supreme Court apart, and in light of the arguments on same-sex marriage, says no one wants a world where business can discriminate because you’re gay. With the latest numbers showing the economy flattening out, former Obama adviser Jared Bernstein says this was not a tremendous recovery, because politics got in the way. And Bill Press interviews Independent Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

Ian Millhiser For most of its history, the Supreme Court has sided with America’s aristocracy, and constitutional law expert Ian Millhiser says that’s because justices have no connection with the common people.

http://thinkprogress.org/author/ian-m/

Jared Bernstein Former Obama economist Jared Bernstein says we know how to fix the economy – the Fed should show patience with interest rates and Congress must stop doing fiscal harm.

Bernie Sanders And now Bill Press and his guest Independent Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

Jim Hightower An epidemic of CNE syndrome strikes Wisconsin

John Halpin on Hillary Clinton and income inequality … Thomas Geoghegan on the Democratic Party’s need to revive organized labor … and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Democratic analyst John Halpin says Hillary Clinton will not campaign as a raging populist but also is not going to propose rolling back Dodd-Frank. Union lawyer and activist Thomas Geoghegan says the Democratic Party is living in a fantasy world if it doesn’t recognize that its future depends on reviving the labor movement. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Barbara Lee on drone attacks.

John Halpin The big issue of income inequality does not interest most Americans, says public opinion expert John Halpin. But Democrats can cash in on the issue if they talk about the specific components of inequality – such as wages, education, and taxes.

www.americanprogress.org

Thomas Geoghegan Longtime union lawyer and activist Thomas Geoghegan says labor will not come back as a political force without militancy, disruption and educating the Democratic Party elite that its future depends on unions.

http://dsgchicago.com/attorneys/attorney-thomas-geoghegan/books/

Barbara Lee Bill Press and his guest California Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Jim Hightower A cluster bomb to obliterate our sovereignty.

Robert Putnam on the growing opportunity gap, Barry Eichengreen on watching out for the banking industry … and Bill Press with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

Harvard professor Robert Putnam, of “Bowling Alone” fame, talks with us about his new book about saving our children from the effects of a growing opportunity gap. Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen explains how the power of money in shaping public policy has put the American economic system at risk. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.about equal pay for women.

Robert Putnam Harvard Professor Robert Putnam says it isn’t income inequality so much that we should be worried about but “opportunity inequality” – the economic and cultural class segregation that violates the core of America’s identity.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Our-Kids/Robert-D-Putnam/9781476769899

Barry Eichengreen Some fairly weak new regulations on the banking industry after the Great Recession might limit future booms and busts, but Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen says achieving financial stability is still a long way off.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199392001.do

Cheri Bustos And now Bill Press and his guest Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

Jim Hightower Message to TPP elites: Secret government is Un-American.

Former diplomat Peter Galbraith asks what’s the alternative to a deal with Iran. Environmental author Richard Heinberg says we may be facing the end of civilization. And Bill Press interviews church & state expert Barry Lynn.

Peter Galbraith is a former ambassador and expert on the Middle East. He answers questions about the value of the administration’s deal with Iran. Richard Heinberg is an environmental and energy expert. He warns we are on the brink of extinction as a civilization. And Bill Press interviews the Reverend Barry Lynn about recent assaults on civil liberties.

Peter Galbraith The recent agreement between the United States and Iran was a good one, says former diplomat Peter Galbraith because there is no better alternative.

Richard Heinberg Author Richard Heinberg says the fossil fuel industry is so powerful that it is writing America a prescription for environmental disaster.

www.postcarbon.org

Barry Lynn Bill Press and his guest the Reverend Barry Lynn.

Jim Hightower Oil refinery workers on strike over explosive issue.

Hillary Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen on her campaign prospects … professor Thomas Schaller on problems facing House Republicans … and Bill Press talks Chicago politics with Lynn Sweet.

It’s April already. Is this the month Hillary Clinton declares for president? Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen says after she announces, she will have to move to the left, but not too fast. Political scientist Thomas Schaller thinks the Republican party is going to be hurt by the loosening of campaign spending rules because it means outside forces will seize power from party leaders. And Bill Press interviews Chicago political reporter Lynn Sweet.

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen, now the chief political correspondent for vox-dot-com, has written extensively about Hillary Clinton. He says one problem facing her likely presidential run is the history of infighting among her staff.

www.hrcbook.com

Thomas Schaller Political scientist Thomas Schaller says the polarization in Congress is so great that all Republicans are farther to the right than any single Democrat. Another way of putting it is that the most conservative Democrat is still to the left of the most liberal Republican.

http://yalebooks.com/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300172034

Lynn Sweet Bill Press interviews Chicago political reporter Lynn Sweet.

Jim Hightower 2016 presidential candidates address inequality (sort of)

Historians Julian Zelizer and David Chappell reflect on the civil rights movement after Martin Luther King … and Latina activist Eileen Truax looks forward to immigration reform.

As we approach the anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, two historians of the civil rights movement assess his legacy. Professor Julian Zelizer reviews the complicated relationship between King and LBJ, and he also has some thoughts on current presidential politics as well. Historian David Chappell re-assesses the civil rights movement, noting that after King, there developed a false trajectory. And Latina activist Eileen Truax tells us about her book featuring young immigrant “Dreamers.”

Julian Zelizer Julian Zelizer is a Princeton scholar of Lyndon Johnson as well as the civil rights movement. He says civil rights activism is no longer as organized or coherent as it was when it sought, and won, passage of the Voting Rights Act.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

David Chappell Historian David Chappell explains the post-Martin Luther King trajectory of the civil rights movement, which he says may have been only a historical artifact with King as the central figure.

http://history.ou.edu/david-chappell

Eileen Truax Latina activist and author Eileen Truax says immigration reform should not be a political issue because it is really a human rights issue. She tells us about her new book about young immigrant Dreamers.

Jim Hightower Cruz is running for President of What?

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress, and the Battle for the Great Society

Lani Guinier on merit in college admissions, Caroline Lee on the public engagement industry, and Bill Press with Congressman John Larson on Social Security.

High school seniors are waiting to see what college they will get into, and Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier says true merit admissions should be based on how well a student will contribute to society. Sociologist Caroline Lee explains the movement toward “public engagement,” a form of activism that brings diverse stakeholders together. And Bill Press talks with union leader Congressman John Larson about the future of Social Security.

Lani Guinier Lani Guinier is a Harvard Law professor with some thoughts on how to introduce true merit into the college admissions process, which she says now privileges only the wealthy.

Caroline Lee Professor Caroline Lee tells us about the concept of “public engagement,” which tries to avoid professional activism in solving both corporate and community problems.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199987269.do

John Larson Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Larson.

Jim Hightower Obama resorts to government by sucker punch.

Joe Califano remembers the Great Society … sociologist Chad Broughton remembers NAFTA … and Bill Press interviews municipal employees’ union president Lee Saunders.

With Selma, Oklahoma and Ferguson in the news, former LBJ aide Joe Califano says that 50 years after the Voting Rights Act, the rollback of civil rights is an outrage. Labor sociologist Chad Broughton examines the tragedy of a major American manufacturer moving to Mexico and blames it on NAFTA. And Bill Press talks with union leader Lee Saunders about Governor Scott Walker’s assault on working people.

Joe Califano Joe Califano was Lyndon Johnson’s top domestic adviser. He talks with us today about the monumental legislative achievements of the Great Society -- and about the outrage of Republicans rolling back civil rights gains.

Chad Broughton Labor sociologist Chad Broughton has done a case study on how NAFTA helped shift bargaining power away from unions to corporations.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/boom-bust-exodus-9780199765614?cc=us⟨=en&

Lee Saunders Bill Press and his guest. Lee Saunders, president of the the American Federations of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Jim Hightower The isolated splendor of the superrich.

Jon Allen on Hillary Clinton’s blind spots … Jared Bernstein on economic recovery … and Bill Press with guest April Ryan on the Ferguson report.

Author Jonathan Allen says the Hillary Clinton organization has a number of “blind spots.” Is her use of private email for government business one of them? Former Obama economic adviser Jared Bernstein urges the Fed to be patient about raising interest rates. And Bill Press talks with journalist and author April Ryan about the Justice Department’s report on Ferguson, Missouri.

Jonathan Allen Hillary Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen says it remains to be seen how much the email controversy will haunt her, but it is an example of why it made sense for her to delay announcing for president.

http://www.hrcbook.com/

Jared Bernstein Why are Democrats and Wall Street so cozy? Economist Jared Bernstein says it’s because investors see politics as just another market to invest in.

www.jaredbernsteinblog.com

April Ryan Bill Press and his guest author April Ryan.

Jim Hightower The GOP gang of Supremes go after Obamacare.

Obama gets a B-plus on recovery efforts … the radical rich borrow tactics the radical poor … and Bill Press interviews House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer.

Economist Barry Eichengreen says Obama deserves a B-plus in his economic recovery course.Sociologist Isaac Martin outlines the history of a radical activist group. We call them “the rich.” And Bill Press talks with Democratic whip Steny Hoyer about the dysfunctional House of Representatives.

Barry Eichengreen Economist Barry Eichengreen analyzes the current fiscal crisis in Europe and says the Euro currency is like the Hotel California. You can never leave it.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199392001.do

Isaac Martin How did the rich get so many breaks from the government? Professor Isaac Martin explains that they used the tactics of social progressives and radicals to get their way.

http://anthroweb.ucsd.edu/~iwmartin/

Steny Hoyer Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Steny Hoyer, the assistant Democratic leader of the House of Representatives.

Jim Hightower The secret corporate congress inside the US Congress.

The buzz about the movie “Selma” from historian Julian Zelizer. Mike Barnes on Putin, the thug … and Bill Press interviews Elizabeth Warren backer Erica Sagrans.

Historian and LBJ expert Julian Zelizer says Hollywood missed an opportunity with the movie “Selma.” Former Congressman Mike Barnes calls Vladimir Putin “a KGB thug” but says he has lost his swagger. And Bill Press talks with Erica Sagrans, head of the group trying to draft Elizabeth Warren.

Julian Zelizer Princeton Professor Julian Zelizer is an expert on Lyndon Johnson and the civil rights movement. He is disappointed that “Selma,” which he thinks is a “phenomenal movie” but missed a chance to get history exactly right.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

Mike Barnes Former Congressman Mike Barnes takes a look at Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, and says President Obama has handled him brilliantly.

http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes

Erica Sagrans Bill Press and his guest, Erica Sagrans, who is trying to get Elizabeth Warren to run.

Jim Hightower Turning human misery into corporate profits.

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress, and the Battle for the Great Society

Califano on the movie “Selma,” author Darman on how LBJ and Reagan were alike, and Bill Press interviews Hillary biographer Jonathan Allen.

With the Oscars coming up, former Lyndon Johnson aide Joe Califano unloads on “Best Picture” nominee “Selma” for being “totally false.” Author Jonathan Darman has written a book comparing LBJ with Ronald Reagan, an odd couple who were the last two “outsized” presidents. And Bill Press talks with Jonathan Allen, co-author of a book about Hiliary Clinton.

Joe Califano Joe Califano was Lyndon Johnson’s top domestic adviser. Today he blasts the movie “Selma” for a totally false portrayal of his former boss.

Jonathan Darman What did Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan have in common? Author Jonathan Darman says they were the last consequential presidents because they had a vision of real change.

http://www.jonathandarman.com/

Jonathan Allen Bill Press and his guest, Jonathan Allen, co-author of a book about Hillary Clinton.

Jim Hightower The KBParty of plutocratic rule.

Re-inventing the labor movement with Thomas Geoghan… moving toward third-world status with Thomas Schaller … and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Donna Edwards.

Thomas Geoghegan has written a book called “Only One Thing Can Save Us.” What is that one thing? Re-invent the labor movement. Political scientist Thomas Schaller explains why Republicans own Congress but Democrats own the White House. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Donna Edwards about the Obama legislative agenda.

Thomas Geoghegan Labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan says everyone in the Democratic Party has a stake in re-energizing the labor movement, and that unions need to refocus and re-invent themselves.

http://dsgchicago.com/attorneys/attorney-thomas-geoghegan/books/

Thomas Schaller Professor Thomas Schaller explains why Republicans dominate Congress but will have to fill an inside straight to win the White House.

http://yalebooks.com/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300172034

Donna Edwards Bill Press and his guest, Donna Edwards, Congresswoman from Maryland.

Jim Hightower Super Bowl enriches NFL, stiffs host city.

Lani Guinier on what’s wrong with the college “testocracy”. Chad Broughton on how NAFTA killed a major manufacturer. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Peter Welch.

With high school students mulling over which college to attend next fall, prominent legal scholar and educator Lani Guinier says the admissions testing system is all wrong. Progressives are up in arms about new trade agreements on the table. Labor sociologist Chad Broughton tells us what NAFTA did to a once-thriving Midwestern town. And Bill Press talks with Vermont Congressman Peter Welch about Cuba.

Lani Guinier Legal scholar Lani Guinier says the SAT and other college admissions tests are simply a proxy for wealth and that universities, thus, do not train people to contribute to society.

http://www.beacon.org/The-Tyranny-of-the-Meritocracy-P1042.aspx

Chad Broughton Labor sociologist Chad Broughton has done a case study on how NAFTA helped shift bargaining power away from unions to corporations.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/boom-bust-exodus-9780199765614?cc=us⟨=en&

Peter Welch Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont

Jim Hightower Shoveling America's wealth to the top.

Russia expert Mark Katz says Putin is in trouble. Professor Carey Nelson opposes boycotting Israeli universities. And Bill Press interviews Congressman John Sarbanes.

President Obama tweaked Russia in his State of the Union address, and Russian affairs expert Mark Katz confirms that Vladimir Putin is no longer riding high. A progressive leader in higher education denounces those who would academically boycott Israel. And Bill Press talks with Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes.

Mark Katz Russia expert Mark Katz tells us that President Obama’s sanctions against Russia are working

http://www.marknkatz.com/

Cary Nelson Professor Cary Nelson says the role of progressives in academia ought to be encouraging dialogue on international issues, not boycotting Israel.

http://wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/case-against-academic-boycotts-israel

John Sarbanes Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland.

Jim Hightower J.P. Morgan – the man and the bank.

Barnes says Obama’s moves will hasten democracy in Cuba … human rights expert Eric Posner names free speech as the number one right … and Bill Press talks with LBJ archivist Kent Germany.

With President Obama easing travel and other restrictions against Cuba, former Congressman Mike Barnes, an expert on Latin America, says his actions will speed the island’s move toward democracy. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, human rights expert Eric Posner explains the importance of freedom of expression. And Bill Press talks about LBJ and MLK with historian Kent Germany.

Mike Barnes Latin America expert Mike Barnes says the opening to Cuba will be on history’s list of President Obama’s Top 10 hits.

http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes

Eric Posner Much is being debated about freedom of expression. Human rights expert Eric Posner says it is the most important right because it underpins all other rights.

http://ericposner.com/

Kent Germany Bill Press and his guest, LBJ archivist Kent Germany.

Jim Hightower Inaugural galas for governors become influences-buying bazaars.

Fred Rotonadaro on the Cuomo legacy … historian David Chapell on the MLK-LBJ legacy … and Bill press interviews Poltico’s Burgess Everett on the new Congress.

Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says Mario Cuomo was a legend, and you might be surprised at who he thinks is a worthy successor to him as “a no apologies progressive.” With controversy bubbling about the portrayal of LBJ in the movie, “Selma,” civil rights historian David Chapell offers a nuanced view of both the president and Martin Luther King. And Bill Press talks 2016 politics with Burgess Everett of Politico.

Fred Rotondaro Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro memorialized Mario Cuomo, as a giant, a legend. And says the closest person we have to him … a no apologies progressive -- is Elizabeth Warren.

www.americanprogress.org

David Chappell What was the relationship between Lyndon Johnson and Martin Luther King? Historian David Chappell said there was friction, that both alienated a lot of people, but that they did work together to get the landmark Voting Rights Act passed.

http://history.ou.edu/david-chappell

Burgess Everett Bill Press and his guest, Politico’s Burgess Everett.

Jim Hightower A corporate power grab is underway, so where's the media?

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Democratic strategy … Gary Donaldson on LBJ and Ike … and Nancy Altman on the future of Social Security.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the secretary of the Democratic National Committee, says the party needs to talk to voters about issues they care about. Professor Gary Donaldson recalls an era when the two titans of their parties – Lyndon Johnson and President Eisenhower – worked together for the good of the country. And one of the country’s top experts on Social Security says the program can and should be expanded.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is the mayor of Baltimore and an up-and-coming force in the Democratic Party. She says the party’s dismal showing in 2014 resulted from not talking about issues Democrats are strong on.

http://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/

Gary Donaldson There was once a time when Republicans and Democrats could compromise and get legislation passed for the good of the country. Historian Gary Donaldson recalls how President Eisenhower and Senate Democratic Leader Lyndon Johnson needed each other to accomplish their partisan aims.

http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=60239101661790

Nancy Altman Nancy Altman, a leading expert on Social Security, says expanding benefits is affordable and is, ultimately, a political, not an economic, issue.

www.socialsecurityworks.org

Jim Hightower The corporate hustle of college bowl games.

Food exert Courtney Thomas on GMOs … academic freedom expert Cary Nelson on the BDS movement … and Bill Press with Politico’s Steven Shepard.

A food safety expert talks about peanut butter, GMOs and the connection between chocolate and genocide. A prominent professor denounces the movement to boycott, divest and sanction Israeli universities. And Bill Press talks 2016 politics with Steven Shepard of Politico.

Courtney Thomas Our food safety system is 100 years old and broken, says Professor Courtney Thomas. And, she says, it’s crazy because selling salmonella-infected peanut butter is not against the law.

http://www.courtneyipthomas.com/

Cary Nelson The move by certain academics to boycott Israeli universities is really about opposing Israel as a Jewish state, says prominent professor Cary Nelson.

http://wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/case-against-academic-boycotts-israel

Steven Shepard Bill Press and his guest, Politico’s Steven Shepard.

Jim Hightower Pity the poor stressed-out rich.

Posner on human rights … Lake on the midterm elections… and Bill Press with former Congressman Dennis Kucinich.

A human rights expert talks about torture. A political analyst says Republicans now have to show they can govern. And Bill Press talks with former Congressman Dennis Kucinich.

Eric Posner Professor Eric Posner has written a book basically saying that human rights interventions usually don’t work. And he explains when torture and other extreme measures work, and when they don’t.

http://ericposner.com/

Celinda Lake Political strategist Celinda Lake says 2014 was a wave election, and now it is the Republicans who have to prove they can govern.

www.lakeresearch.com

Dennis Kucinich Bill Press and his guest, former Congressman Dennis Kucinich.

Jim Hightower Wall Street And Congress perform legislative acrobatics.

Joel Kotkin on the issue of class in America … Chad Broughton on the loss of middle class jobs … and Bill Press with political strategist Brad Woodhouse.

What has happened to the middle class? Author Joel Kotkin says the issue of class itself eats at the fabric of America. Sociologist Chad Broughton offers a case study of how NAFTA helped destroy middle class jobs in manufacturing. And Bill Press talks with progressive strategist Brad Woodhouse about 2016.

Joel Kotkin Joel Kotkin is an internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends. He says the issue of class – and the widening income gap – is destroying the American economy.

http://www.joelkotkin.com/

Chad Broughton How did America lose one-third of its manufacturing jobs in just 10 years? Sociologist Chad Broughton uses the move of a huge Maytag plant to Mexico as an example of NAFTA helping to wreck the lower middle class.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/boom-bust-exodus-9780199765614?cc=us⟨=en&

Brad Woodhouse Bill Press and his guest, political strategist Brad Woodhouse.

Jim Hightower Why won't the CIA even say the word "torture"?

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on police-community relations… Fred Rotondaro on Democrats needing a new brand … and Bill Press with Congressman Charlie Rangel.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake talks about bridging the gap between police and minority communities. Commentator Fred Rotondaro says Democrats need to create a brand … one that contrasts with the Republicans. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Charlie Rangel and the Washington Post’s Clinton Yates about the Eric Garner case.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake With much of the country in an uproar over police brutality, Baltimore’s Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says law enforcement must be sensitive to the demographics of its community.

http://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro, one of our regular commentators, has some harsh words for Democrats who ran away from President Obama and says the party needs to establish a new brand.

http://www.americanprogress.org

Charlie Rangel Bill Press and his guest, veteran congressman and civil right advocate Charlie Rangel of New York.

Jim Hightower The Benghazi investigation – a zombie that won't die.

Altman says Social Security should be expanded, Skillen reflects on faith and politics, and Forbath talks about the liberal foundations of Constitutional originalism.

Social Security expert Nancy Altman argues that the program is not only solvent but ought to be expanded. In this holiday season, religious philosopher James Skillen reflects on the connection between faith and politics in America. And law professor William Forbath says the Constitution is not only a legal charter but a political AND economic document, as well.

Nancy Altman Nancy Altman is an expert on Social Security, and she argues in a new book that not only is the system solvent, it can and should be expanded.

www.socialsecurityworks.org

James Skillen Not many people these days have a high opinion of politics, but religious philosopher James Skillen says there is a strong link in American history between faith and the higher principles of governing.

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-good-of-politics/342640

William Forbath When we think of constitutional “originalism,” we tend to think of the Scalia wing of the Supreme Court. But law professor William Forbath tells us that the first originalists were liberals.

http://www.utexas.edu/law/faculty/wef58/

Jim Hightower Avoid Amazon's "Cyber Monday," and buy local.

Thanksgiving – a time for eating and drinking. But professor Courtney Thomas says our food is not safe enough and professor Karen Piper says we are facing a water shortage. And Bill Press interviews Senator Patrick Leahy.

‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry. But what is in our food? Who controls our water? This week, professor Courtney Thomas says our food safety system is woefully antiquated. Professor Karen Piper warns that the world is on the brink of water wars – and that can affect our food supply. And Bill Press talks with Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy about Republican obstruction on protecting Americans’ privacy.

Courtney Thomas As we sit down to holiday meals, professor Courtney Thomas tells us about the corporate power and governmental inefficiency that has rendered our food safety programs a century behind the times.

Website: http://www.courtneyipthomas.com/

Karen Piper Three quarters of the earth’s surface is water, but why are there shortages in the U.S. and around the world? Professor Karen Piper tells us – and describes looming water wars and “the price of thirst.”

Website: https://english.missouri.edu/graduate-and-doctoral-faculty/131-karen-piper.html

Patrick Leahy Bill Press and his guest, Senator Patrick Leahy on the Senate’s refusal to take up a bipartisan bill to protect against government snooping.

Jim Hightower Wall Street speculators are walling off young farmers

Kotkin on the liberal elites that run America but lose elections, Wedel on the unseen institutional elites that run America. And Bill Press talks with climate expert Joe Romm.

Who runs America? This week’s guests – author Joel Kotkin and Professor Janine Wedel -- say it is an elite that is sometimes progressive and sometimes corporate, but in either case unaccountable to the public. And Bill Press talks with Joe Romm, a climate expert about the U.S.-China agreement to cut carbon emissions.

Joel Kotkin Author Joel Kotkin describes the growing power of a Democratic Party elite composed of bureaucrats, professors and media whose ideology thrills people in Manhattan and Malibu but is out of touch with the rest of America.

http://www.joelkotkin.com/

Janine Wedel All those talking heads on TV? Who are they? Anthropologist Janine Wedel tells us. They are elitists in politics, the military, academia and nonprofits who have hidden agendas and are unaccountable to the public.

http://ineteconomics.org/people/janine-wedel

Joe Romm Bill Press and his guest, climate expert Joe Romm of the Center for American Progress.

Jim Hightower Wall Street sodbusters reap farm profits.

Celinda Lake on the Democrats’ drubbing, former diplomat Robert Hormats on bipartisanship in foreign policy, and Bill Press interviews Zeke Miller of Time Magazine.

What went so wrong in the midterm elections, and what can Democrats do about it? Party strategist Celinda Lake says get an economic message. As the nation celebrates Veterans Day, former ambassador and Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats says foreign policy has to be bipartisan. And Bill Press talks with Zeke Miller of Time Magazine.

Celinda Lake The midterm elections did not produce the outcomes progressives worked for, but Democratic strategist Celinda Lake has some thoughts on how the party can recover the next time around.

http://www.lakeresearch.com

Robert Hormats Foreign policy is too important to be caught up in partisan politics, says former Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats. He also has some thoughts about what went wrong in Iraq.

http://www.hormats.com

Zeke Miller Bill Press and his guest, Time Magazine’s Zeke Miller.

http://time.com/author/zeke-j-miller/

Jim Hightower Surrealistic rule in the Silicon Valley.

O’Connell on presidents and religion, Vaheesan on how corporations play monopoly with our money, and Bill Press interviews Congressman Keith Ellison.

What role does God play in elections? Political scientist David O’Connell has some surprising findings. Or maybe not so surprising. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan explains how our economic system has fallen into the hands of monopolists, and it isn’t only Republicans to blame. And Bill Press talks with Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison.

David O’Connell The voters speak every two years, and some politicians say God speaks on the same timetable – to them or to the public. Professor David O’Connell has evidence that when presidents, at least, invoke religion to change public opinion, the higher authority turns out to be the voters themselves.

http://www.dickinson.edu/site/custom_scripts/dc_faculty_profile_index.php?fac=oconneld

Sandeep Vaheesan The Reagan Administration left behind a pro-monopoly business environment, enforced by activist conservative judges, that is helping to widen income inequality today. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan says Democrats share the blame.’

http://www.antitrustinstitute.org/content/sandeep-vaheesan

Keith Ellison Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Keith Ellison.

Jim Hightower Arms peddlers discover your town… and tax dollars.

Darman on the similarities between LBJ and Reagan … Rhode on what women want … and Bill Press talks ebola with Congressman Peter Welch.

What did Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan have in common – besides their landslide victories? Author Jonathan Darman says they had the same political hero. With women potentially a decisive voting bloc in the midterm elections, law professor Deborah Rhode explains why a vast majority of Americans agree with feminist principles, but don’t identify as feminists. And Bill Press talks about ebola with Vermont Congressman Peter Welch.

Jonathan Darman Lyndon Johnson was as big-government Democrat as we have seen in our lifetime. Ronald Reagan ushered in the era of small government. But author Jonathan Darman talks with us about their similarities.

http://www.jonathandarman.com/

Deborah Rhode Stanford law professor Deborah Rhode says America ranks 78th in the world in the proportion of women in political leadership – and that’s behind Saudi Arabia. She has some ideas on how to change that.

https://www.law.stanford.edu/profile/deborah-l-rhode

Peter Welch Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont.

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Jim Hightower The corporate purchase of America's political discourse.

Thomas Frank reminds us what’s still the matter with Kansas. Professor William Forbath says the Constitution belongs to progressives. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Jan Schakowski about the response to ebola.

Ten years ago, Thomas Frank wrote the landmark book “What’s the Matter with Kansas. ” Today, he says the same thing is still wrong in the Sunflower State – Governor Sam Brownback – and he is ripe for defeat. Constitutional law professor William Forbath explains how the concept of “originalism” works for progressives, too. And Bill Press interviews Illinois Representative Jan Schakowski, about the congressional response to ebola.

Thomas Frank Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is ripe for defeat, says Thomas Frank, who predicts that in the long term, the Republican Party is doomed. The short-term presents some problems, however.

http://us.macmillan.com/pitythebillionaire/ThomasFrank

William Forbath Law professor William Forbath says our Constitution was written to oppose oligarchy, to guarantee economic equality and to promote progressive ideals.

http://www.utexas.edu/law/faculty/wef58/

Jan Schakowsky Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.

Jim Hightower The scariest thing about political fearmongers.

Hormats says ebola is a foreign policy challenge. Teixeira says 2016 looks good for Democrats, as do next month’s gubernatorial elections, says Danny Kanner.

Ebola fear is gripping the nation, and veteran diplomat Robert Hormats says the disease is just one of a number of new foreign policy challenges for the United States. Demographer and political analyst Ruy Teixeira says there’s a chance Democrats can retain the Senate, and that 2016 looks even better. And Bill Press interviews Danny Kanner of the the Democratic Governors Association about the election outlook in the statehouses.

Robert Hormats Longtime diplomat Robert Hormats assesses the foreign policy challenges facing America … and he says ebola is one of them.

http://www.hormats.com

Ruy Teixeira Political analyst Ruy Teixeira predicts Republicans will keep the House, the Democrats MIGHT retain the Senate but that 2016 looks good for the White House and Senate.

http://americanprogress.org/about/staff/teixeira-ruy/bio/

Danny Kanner Bill Press and his guest, Danny Kanner, spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association.

Jim Hightower Walmart scheme steals from taxpayer and its own workers.

Gary Donaldson on the LBJ alliance with Eisenhower. Karen Piper on how corporations control the world’s water. And Bill Press interviews Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings.

It’s been half a century since the Great Society, and historian Gary Donaldson takes a look at how Lyndon Johnson, working with President Eisenhower, accumulated the political clout to change America. Professor Karen Piper foresees a world that will be fighting wars about water, which, of course, is abundant – but severely maldistributed. And Bill Press interviews Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings about the Secret Service mess.

Gary Donaldson Fifty years after the high point of Lyndon Johnson’s power, historian Gary Donaldson talks about how he had previously reached an accommodation with President Eisenhower to keep the country on a middle road of prosperity.

http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=60239101661790

Karen Piper With the American Southwest facing water shortages, professor Karen Piper offers us a more global outlook on water distribution, which she says is largely a matter of corporate control.

https://english.missouri.edu/graduate-and-doctoral-faculty/131-karen-piper.html

Elijah Cummings Bill Press and his guest, Elijah Cummings, the Maryland Congressman and ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.

Jim Hightower GOP boo-boo reveals secret corporate donors.

Last term’s Supreme Court decisions on women’s rights should make Democrats happy this fall, says commentator Fred Rotondaro. Former ambassador Mike Ussery reviews U.S. diplomacy. And Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund

The Supreme Court is ready to start a new term, and commentator Fred Rotondaro reviews last year’s women’s rights decisions. Former Republican ambassador Mike Ussery reviews the world’s diplomatic and military flashpoints. And Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione, who recently had dinner with the leader of Iran.

Fred Rotondaro Remember the Hobby Lobby case the Supreme Court decided last spring? Commentator Fred Rotondaro says voters will remember, and the anti-woman agenda of the Roberts Court should be a huge help to Democrats this fall.

http://www.americanprogress.org

Mike Ussery Mike Ussery is an international businessman and a former ambassador in Republican administrations. He says that a century after World War I, it might be the Ukraine that becomes a world flashpoint.

Joe Cirinicione Bill Press and his guest, Joe Cirinicione, head of the Ploushares Fund.

http://www.ploughshares.org/

Jim Hightower Marriott's shameful hotel tipping scam.

Author Thomas Frank tells Democratic candidates what to run on … Feminist law professor Deborah Rhode tells us what women want. And Bill Press interviews California Congressman John Garamendi.

Essayist Thomas Frank has a three-point plan for Democrats to use in campaigns that he says will be massively popular. Stanford law professor Deborah Rhode has a new book out called “What Women Want.” And Bill Press interviews California Congressman John Garamendi, who voted against the President on authorizing U.S. involvement in Syria.

Thomas Frank Provocative essayist Thomas Frank says Democrats can win elections with a three-point platform that he says would be massively popular: 1) Enforce antitrust laws 2) hold Wall Street accountable and 3) do something about college tuition.

http://us.macmillan.com/pitythebillionaire/ThomasFrank

Deborah Rhode Stanford law professor Deborah Rhode says the feminist movement is in a bit of a valley and needs to do a better job of informing the electorate about the economic problems facing women.

https://www.law.stanford.edu/profile/deborah-l-rhode

John Garamendi Bill Press and his guest, California Congressman John Garamendi.

Jim Hightower Trying to pervert consumer protection.

Is Chief Justice John Roberts crazy? Why can’t we take corporations to court? The answers to these dilemmas come from constitutional scholar Jack Balkin and antitrust expert Lina Khan. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

As the nation marks Constitution Day this week, legal scholar Jack Balkin of Yale University says conservative judges keep making up things that aren’t IN the Constitution and imagine a country that never existed. Antitrust expert Lina Khan tells us how the courts have taken away Americans’ right to sue corporations. And Bill Press interviews anti-war Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Jack Balkin Law professor Jack Balkin, on the anniversary of the Constitution’s ratification, says the opinion of Supreme Court Justice John Roberts allowing unlimited political donations is “just crazy”

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/jbalkin/

Lina Khan Antitrust expert Lina Khan says the right to sue should be a fundamental conservative idea … but with help from Democrats, conservatives have virtually guaranteed that consumers can’t even go to court when corporations steamroll them.

http://newamerica.net/people/lina_khan

Barbara Lee Bill Press and his guest, California Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Jim Hightower What job creation numbers don’t tell us.

Journalist Chuck McCutcheon decodes Washington-speak … anthropologist Janine Wedel decodes the world of shadow lobbyists. And Bill Press interviews Christina Bellantoni, editor of Roll Call.

With Congress back in session and an election coming up, journalist Chuck McCutcheon is here to interpret political euphemisms, explaining why calling someone “my good friend” is usually a lie. The author of a new book about political accountability says the conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is an example of a new kind of corruption – violation of the public trust. And Bill Press interviews journalist Christina Bellantoni about Democratic prospects for retaining the Senate.

Chuck McCutcheon Political reporter Chuck McCutcheon has written a dictionary of Washington euphemisms … or dog whistles as he calls them … to help us understand the Kabuki theater of Congress and the election campaigns.

http://dogwhistlebook.com/

Janine Wedel Anthropologist Janine Wedel says the widespread loss of faith in institutions in America resembles Eastern Europe under late-stage communism.

http://ineteconomics.org/people/janine-wedel

Christina Bellantoni Bill Press and his guest, Christina Bellantoni, editor of Roll Call.

Jim Hightower "Tough Texas" wimps out in Pentagon giveaway.

Professor Gordon Lafer reviews the corporate war against labor. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan reveals a corporate conspiracy to repeal the laws against monopolies. And Bill Press interviews Democratic consultant Erikka Knuti.

Another Labor Day, but what’s to celebrate? Professor Gordon Lafer says issues like the minimum wage, a living wage and paid sick days are winning issues politically and progressive candidates should call out big business – and win. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan calls out what he says is a corporate conspiracy, aided and abetted by Democrats, to trash the nation’s anti-monopoly laws. And Bill Press interviews Democratic strategist Erikka Knuti.

Gordon Lafer As we commemorate another Labor Day, professor Gordon Lafer reminds us that unions gave us the minimum wage, the 8-hour day, and child labor laws – all of which were opposed by the Chamber of Commerce, which continues to oppose what most working Americans demand.

http://www.epi.org/people/gordon-lafer/

Sandheep Vaheesan Antitrust expert Sandheep Vaheesan reveals how a corporate conspiracy has turned consumers into opponents of government regulation and let monopolies run wild.

http://www.antitrustinstitute.org/content/sandeep-vaheesan

Erikka Knuti Bill Press and his guest, political analyst Erikka Knuti.

Jim Hightower Labor Day lesson: there's no such thing as a "consumer".

David Chappell reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King. David O’Connell has surprising conclusions about presidents and religion. And Bill Press interviews Jillien Meier about hunger in America.

Another anniversary of the March on Washington comes amidst a crisis in Ferguson, Missouri. Civil rights historian David Chappell reviews the legacy of the “I Have a Dream Speech.” Presidents always invoke God in their major speeches, but political scientist David O’Connell says it never really works in changing minds. And Bill Press interviews Jillien Meier about hunger in America.

David Chappell In this time of continued turmoil, civil rights historian David Chappell says that 41 years ago at the March on Wahsington, Martin Luther King was really not talking about hope but about sacrifice and struggle.

http://www.randomhouse.com/book/26218/waking-from-the-dream-by-david-l-chappell

David O’Connell When presidents invoke religion and God, it is usually to promote a controversial policy, or because they are in the middle of a scandal. And historian David O’Connell says it never works.

http://www.dickinson.edu/site/custom_scripts/dc_faculty_profile_index.php?fac=oconneld

Jillien Meier Bill Press and his guest, Jillien Meier, with shocking statistics on hunger in America.

Jim Hightower Texas Grand Jury Indicts a Ham Sandwich

Law professor Jack Balkin says we have to reclaim the Constitution, historian Harvey Kaye says we have to reclaim the Four Freedoms ,and Madison Paige explains “micropolitics.”

It’s been 80-some years, but the New Deal is still on our radar screens. Conservatives want to repeal it and progressives need to remind people about what FDR really wanted out of it. Law professor Jack Balkin explains how progressives can also use the Constitution’s original language to fight conservative attempts to roll back the New Deal. Historian Harvey Kaye reminds us of FDR’s Four Freedoms speech and the legacy that remains unfulfilled. And micropolitics activist Madison Paige focuses on the need for more people to run for office at the very local level.

Jack Balkin We all get a little exasperated when conservatives talk forever about the “original” meaning of the Constitution. But law professor Jack Balkin says progressives have just as much right to the original wording – for example, free speech, equal protection of the law and voting rights.

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/jbalkin/

Harvey Kaye New Deal historian Harvey Kaye says President Reagan turned FDR upside down and inside out and progressives have to reclaim his legacy.

http://www.uwgb.edu/history/faculty/kaye/

Madison Paige Did you know that half of all state legislature candidates have no opponent? Micropolitics activist Madison Paige does and she wants people to start challenging them.

www.boldbluemedia.com

Jim Hightower The lesson from Ferguson, Missouri.

Fred Rotondaro says the border crisis is a pro-life issue. Journalist Chuck McCutcheon decodes Beltway blather. And Bill Press interviews Ohio Congressional candidate Michael Wager.

Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the border crisis should be seen as a “pro-life” issue among Catholics, and others. Journalist Chuck McCutcheon explains the secret language spoken inside the Beltway. And Bill Press interviews Michael Wager, running for Congress in Northeast Ohio.

Fred Rotondaro With the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Jesuit Society pushing hard for a compassionate response to the influx of unaccompanied Central American children, commentator Fred Rotondaro says he would like to see Church leaders “turn the screws” on congressional Republicans.

http://www.americanprogress.org

Chuck McCutcheon What is the definition of “reasonable Republicans?” How about “adults in the room?” Sometimes they are one and the same, explains journalist Chuck McCutcheon, who has written a book about Washington jargon.

http://dogwhistlebook.com/

Michael Wager Bill Press and his guest, Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Michael Wager.

Jim Hightower The damning nuttiness of the GOP's "hell no" faction.

Ruy Teixeira on white working class voters … Mike Konczal on protecting the social safety net … and Bill Press interviews retiring Senator Tom Harkin, founder of 21st Century Democrats.

With just three months left before the midterm elections, the outlook for Democrats depends on how the white working class votes, says public opinion expert Ruy Teixeira. Economic analyst Mike Konczal says Democrats have to defend the social safety net because the evidence says voluntary help to the poor never works. And Bill Press interviews retiring Senator Tom Harkin, the founder of 21st Century Democrats.

Ruy Teixeira Noted Democratic political analyst Ruy Teixeira says Democrats have an uphill battle in the 2014 elections – and maybe in 2016 -- unless the white working class can be turned around.

http://americanprogress.org/about/staff/teixeira-ruy/bio/

Mike Konczal Whenever Republicans have tried to replace the social safety net with private support, it has failed. Economic analyst Mike Konczal offers a history of how Republicans want only the people they like to get government benefits.

http://rooseveltinstitute.org/people/fellows/mike-konczal

Tom Harkin Bill Press and his guest, retiring Senator Tom Harkin, the founder of 21st Century Democrats.

Jim Hightower Perry goes from callous to disgusting.

Mike Barnes on trouble in Ukraine … Tom Malleson on trouble in the economy and Bill Press with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro on trouble at the border.

Former Congressman and foreign policy expert Mike Barnes offers his thoughts on Ukraine, Western Europe and Florida politics. Economic researcher Tom Malleson makes the case for economic democracy in the workplace. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Rosa deLauro on the border crisis.

Mike Barnes Foreign policy expert and former Congressman Mike Barnes offers his assessment of Vladimir Putin and the struggle in Ukraine.

http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes

Tom Malleson The Occupy Wall Street movement failed because it didn’t spell out concrete alternatives to the current economy, says researcher Tom Malleson – who lays out his alternative – economic democracy in the workplace.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199330102.do

Rosa DeLauro Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut discuss the trouble on the border.

Jim Hightower What job creation numbers don’t tell us.

GOP sues Obama but can YOU sue anyone anymore? Lina Khan says no. Tech innovator Aneesh Chopra offers lessons on government data collection. And Bill Press interviews Washington, D.C.’s “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry

If you think John Boehner’s lawsuit against the president will be laughed out of court, wait till you find out that when YOU try to sue, it’s no laughing matter. President Obama’s first technology adviser has some advice on how partnerships between the feds and corporations can improve government services. Finally, Bill Press interviews D.C. “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry

Lina Khan When you sign up for cable, join a gym or buy a phone you have given up your right to sue. Policy analyst Lina Khan explains how the courts let us sign away our legal rights.

http://newamerica.net/people/lina_khan

Aneesh Chopra There’s a lot of negative talk about government efficiency, but President Obama’s first chief technology officer, Aneesh Chopra, says innovation can and will improve things.

http://www.innovativestate.com/

Marion Barry Bill Press and his guest, Washington, D.C.’s “Mayor for Life.”

Jim Hightower Warning: Boehner at work!

Religion is on the menu today with theologian James Skillen, activist nun Simone Campbell and a Bill Press interview with Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the Hobby Lobby case.

With all the furor over the Supreme Court’s injection of religion into public policy, we hear from theologian James Skillen about the true nature of this country’s spiritual foundation. And activist nun Simone Campbell reveals what she would ask Pope Francis, if she could. Finally, Bill Press interviews Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Hobby Lobby and impeachment.

James Skillen The Supreme Court’s exemption for Hobby Lobby from Obamacare and the justice’s incredible decision about contraception makes this is a good time to hear from an actual theologian – Professor James Skillen -- about the true role of faith in American politics.

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-good-of-politics/342640

Simone Campbell Activist nun Simone Campbell says the Catholic movement for economic justice is well within the teachings of the Church. And she reveals what she would ask Pope Francis.

http://www.amazon.com/Nun-Bus-Create-Change-Community/dp/006227354X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399053054&sr=8-1&keywords=a+nun+on+the+bus

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Bill Press interviews DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Hobby Lobby and impeachment.

Jim Hightower Lifting America up by raising the wage floor.

A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community

Economist Gordon Lafer on the GOP and the Supreme Court’s war on workers … author Harvey Kaye on the legacy of FDR’s “Four Freedoms” and Bill Press with steelworkers president Leo Gerard

The Supreme Court has just struck another blow against unions, and economist Gordon Lafer traces the Republican war on workers. Historian Harvey Kaye has written a book about FDR’s “Four Freedoms” and how they propelled us through the Depression and World War II. But he says Democrats have let them fall into disuse. And Bill Press talks with Steelworkers President Leo Gerard about the Supreme Court’s “baloney” decision encouraging workers to freeload off of unions.

Gordon Lafer Professor Gordon Lafer says the Republican war on workers is most intense in battleground states where the Koch Brothers are spending money and is targeting government employees, just like the Supreme Court just did.

http://www.epi.org/people/gordon-lafer/

Harvey Kaye Historian Harvey Kaye has written a book on the legacy of FDR’s “Four Freedoms” and says we need a march on Washington to demand their fulfillment.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Fight-for-the-Four-Freedoms/Harvey-J-Kaye/9781451691436

Leo Gerard Bill Press talks with Steelworkers President Leo Gerard about the Supreme Court’s “baloney” decision encouraging workers to freeload off of unions.

Jim Hightower Time for "We the People" to re-declare our independence.

Diplomat Peter Galbraith says Obama is on the right course in Iraq. Professor Danielle Allen explains the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. And Bill Press interviews author Jonathan Allen about Hillary Clinton’s wealth.

What went wrong in Iraq? Former diplomat Peter Galbraith says it was the Bush fantasy that we could establish a national army -- where there was no nation. What’s the meaning of the Declaration of Independence? Professor Danielle Allen explains it is the explicit link between liberty and equality. And Bill Press talks with Hillary Clinton expert Jonathan Allen.

Peter Galbraith Diplomat Peter Galbraith says there is nothing we can do to put Iraq back together again.

http://armscontrolcenter.org/about/staff/pgalbraith/

Danielle Allen Professor Danielle Allen has written a book about our most sacred political document, the Declaration of Independence, which intertwines both liberty AND equality.

https://www.ias.edu/people/faculty-and-emeriti/allen

Jonathan Allen Bill Press and his guest, Bloomberg News Washington Bureau Chief Jonathan Allen

https://twitter.com/jonallendc

Jim Hightower The deep goofiness of Speaker Boehner.

Sandra Hanson on the American Dream … Mike Konczal on the fallacy of voluntarism …and Bill Press with his guest, Congressman Mark Pocan.

How has the shrinking of the middle class changed the American Dream? Professor Sandra Hanson says the dream is now more spiritual than material. Economic analyst Mike Konczal points out that when conservatives say we should go back to before the New Deal when private sector charity took care of the poor … they are misinformed. It was never that way. And Bill Press talks about House Republicans and LGBT issues with Representative Mark Pocan.

Sandra Hanson Catholic University Professor Sandra Hanson has been looking into the American Dream, and as we approach the annual celebration of American independence, she says we need that dream even more when times are tough.

http://www.temple.edu/tempress/titles/2112_reg.html

Mike Konczal When Republicans talk about the good old days when voluntary organizations, like churches and charities, took care of the poor, they are fantasizing a society that never existed. Roosevelt Institute research fellow Mike Konczal explains the fallacy of voluntarism.

http://rooseveltinstitute.org/people/fellows/mike-konczal

Mark Pocan Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Mark Pocan discuss House Republicans and LGBT issues.

Jim Hightower The militarization of "Officer Friendly".

Cashin on replacing affirmative action … Hibbing on the genetic basis of politics … and Bill Press with his guest, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth.

A new college class has graduated, and succeeding ones may have a different racial composition. Law professor Sheryll Cashin says if affirmative action is out, then use a college applicant’s social status to determine admissions. If a conservative stopped listening to Fox News, would she change her views? No, says political scientist John Hibbing, who contends our politics are knitted into our DNA. And Bill Press talks with Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky.

Sheryll Cashin Sheryll Cashin is an African-American law professor at Georgetown University. She makes the case in a new book that it is “place, not race” that should be used in determining college admissions.

John Hibbing Professor John Hibbing has studied politics and people’s brains. He says people can sometimes change their views based on evidence, but mostly we voters are responding, in part, to genetics – how we are programmed to see the world.

http://polisci.unl.edu/dr-john-hibbing

John Yarmuth Bill Press and his guest, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth.

http://yarmuth.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The NRA ducks a shot of common sense.

Peter Galbraith on Obama’s foreign policy; Jan Leighley on why rich people vote. And Bill Press interviews Senator Bernie Sanders..

President Obama is back from Europe, and former ambassador James Galbraith says he has had a successful foreign policy. Political science professor Jan Leighly explains why the rich vote in greater numbers than the poor, and what they vote for. And Bill Press talks with Senator Bernie Sanders on his new veterans affairs legislation.

Peter Galbraith Diplomat Peter Galbraith says President Obama’s foreign policy has been successful … and that if Hillary Clinton becomes president, she will enter office with more foreign policy experience than anyone in American history.

Jan Leighley Voting expert Jan Leighley has a warning for Democrats – it isn’t the rhetoric that will matter in defeating Republicans – it is the organizational efforts and door-to-door campaigning.

http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/leighley.cfm

Bernie Sanders Bill Press and his guest, Senator Bernie Sanders, who has introduced legislation to reform the veterans affairs department.

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/

Jim Hightower A bold shift in America's minimum wage debate.

Economist James K. Galbraith talks about trade policy … researcher Tom Malleson talks about the remarkable new book by Thomas Piketty … and Harvard’s Theda Skocpol warns that the Tea Party is not dead.

Progressive economist James K. Galbraith offers his thoughts on the crisis in Ukraine and on how U.S. trade policy is a concession to corporate interests. Social scientist Tom Malleson talks about the groundbreaking work of Thomas Piketty and calls for economic democracy in the United States. And despite some recent primary setbacks by Tea Party candidates, Harvard professor Theda Skocpol says they aren’t dead yet!

James K. Galbraith Economist James K. Galbraith is optimistic that there will be no great effects on the world economy from the flare-up in Ukraine, and he has some strong thoughts about U.S. trade policy.

http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/

Tom Malleson Tom Malleson is a research fellow at York University in Canada and he says the growing income inequality documented by French economist Thomas Piketty could be eased by a strong dose of economic democracy.

http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199330102.do

Theda Skocpol Despite some setbacks for the Tea Party in recent Republican primaries, Harvard political scientist Theda Skocpol warns that the extremists will remain a huge influence on the GOP, and that, she says, is bad for America.

http://www.gov.harvard.edu/people/faculty/theda-skocpol

Jim Hightower Moral Monday on the move.

A holiday treatise on the Declaration of Independence by Princeton Professor Danielle Allen … regular commentator Fred Rotondaro’s assessment of Hillary Clinton’s prospects … and Bill Press talks with the Nation’s Zoe Carpenter.

As the nation celebrates Memorial Day, Princeton Professor Danielle Allen examines the power of words in the Declaration of Independence to bring us liberty AND equality. Hillary Clinton. Will she or won’t she? Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the Democratic nomination is NOT hers for the asking, but it would be a big surprise if she doesn’t get it. And Bill Press talks with the Nation’s Zoe Carpenter about immigration reform and Republican politics.

Danielle Allen Political science professor and MacArthur genius Danielle Allen has written a book about the Declaration of Independence, and she says its powerful words about liberty AND equality are an example of how we, as individuals, can use words to achieve our political ends.

https://www.ias.edu/people/faculty-and-emeriti/allen

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro of the Center for American Progress, assesses domestic politics, including Hillary Clinton’s chances of winning the Democratic presidential nomination.

http://www.americanprogress.org

Zoe Carpenter Bill Press talks with the Nation’s Zoe Carpenter about immigration reform and Republican politics.

http://www.thenation.com/authors/zoe-carpenter

Jim Hightower America's ongoing rebellion for fairness and justice

Sister Simone Campbell says GOP budget proposals fail the moral test, former Congressman Mike Barnes says Republicans would have us in a war every three weeks, and Senator Bob Casey tells how the Republicans are killing an energy bill.

A harsh critic of Republican budget-cutting, Sister Simone Campbell says the GOP spending proposals “fail the moral test.” Foreign policy scholar and former congressman Mike Barnes says if McCain had been elected president, “we’d be in a new war every three weeks.” And Bill Press interviews Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania about energy, the economy and politics.

Simone Campbell Sister Simone Campbell made a national splash a couple of years ago with her “nuns on the bus” campaign against Paul Ryan’s budget proposals. Today, the Republican proposals are even worse, she says, because “we are not taking care of the people Jesus cares about.”

http://www.amazon.com/Nun-Bus-Create-Change-Community/dp/006227354X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399053054&sr=8-1&keywords=a+nun+on+the+bus

Mike Barnes Former Congressman Mike Barnes, a foreign policy expert, says it is less important how the United States or China reacts to Russia’s aggression than how Europe reacts.

http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes

Bob Casey Bill Press and his guest, Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.

Jim Hightower In Oklahoma, "conservative" means serving corporate power.

A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community

College admissions should about place, not race, says professor Sheryll Cashin. Government must work with business to create innovative ways of delivering services, says technology expert Aneesh Chopra. And Bill Press interviews an innocent man who was on death row.

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, a perhaps surprising take on affirmative action from Georgetown law professor Sheryll Cashin. With the V.A. under attack by Republicans, the government’s first chief technology officer tells how the administration actually cleared up a backlog of claims and used information technologoy to empower veterans. And Bill Press interviews one-time death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth

Sheryll Cashin It’s 50 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 60 years after Brown v. Board of Education, and Georgetown Law professor Sheryll Cashin says it’s time to substitute the students’ place in society and not their race in college admissions

http://www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty/cashin-sheryll-d.cfm

Aneesh Chopra Innovator Aneesh Chopra, the government’s first chief technology officer, talks about how innovation can better deliver services to the public, and uses the V.A. as an example of how to do it.

http://www.innovativestate.com/

Kirk Bloodsworth Bill Press and his guest, Kirk Bloodsworth, the first death row inmate exonerated by DNA.

Jim Hightower The GOP's minimum wage nuttiness.

Privacy expert Peter Singer on Internet security, Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore on progressive values messaging, and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

Internet Explorer and AOL are the latest institutions hacked by computer villains. Privacy expert Peter Singer tells us how to protect ourselves. Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore advises progressives to talk less about programs and more about values. And Bill Press interviews Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

Peter Singer With Internet Explorer and AOL the latest victims of hacking, privacy expert Peter Singer reveals the biggest threat – our own ignorance.

http://www.cybersecuritybook.com/

Ed Kilgore Ed Kilgore is a Democratic strategist whose message is fairly straightforward: Talk less about government programs and more about values.

http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org

Gwen Moore Bill Press and his guests, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and the National Journal’s Matt Vasilagambros.

http://gwenmoore.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Some Congress critters deserve a permanent vacation.

Peter Galbraith speculates on Putin’s role on the world stage. Professor Sandra Hanson re-examines the American Dream. And Bill Press interviews Politico’s Manu Raju.

Former ambassador Peter Galbraith says Vladimir Putin wants to be player on the world stage? Will it be as a good guy or a bad guy? Professor Sandra Hanson suggests the American Dream may be changing – toward values rather than wealth. And Bill Press interviews Politico’s Manu Raju about Lindsey Graham’s resurgence.

Peter Galbraith Foreign policy expert Peter Galbraith says Vladimir Putin might be more cooperative if he wants to be a player in world affairs. He also says President Obama’s response to the Russians is sophisticated and nuanced.

http://armscontrolcenter.org/about/staff/pgalbraith/

Sandra Hanson The American Dream is not the same for all Americans, and Professor Sandra Hanson says it may be changing from one of “rags to riches” into one in which values are more important than achieving great wealth.

http://www.temple.edu/tempress/titles/2112_reg.html

Manu Raju Bill Press and his guest, Politico’s Manu Raju.

http://www.politico.com/reporters/ManuRaju.html

Jim Hightower Rick Perry's magic glasses.

Political scientist John Hibbing says political beliefs are part of our DNA from an evolutionary point of view. Professor Edward Caudill says a large portion of the American public doesn’t even believe in evolution. And Bill Press interviews Katie McGinty.

How important is our DNA in determining our politics? A lot, says professor John Hibbing. It even determines who we marry. Political scientist Edward Caudill notes the hypocrisy of American lawmakers who decry the country’s relatively low standing in science education but who pass laws requiring the teaching of evolution. And Bill Press interviews Katie McGinty.

John Hibbing Can conservatives moderate their views if only they had more correct information? Nope, says professor John Hibbing, who explains that our political opinions are largely a result of our DNA.

http://polisci.unl.edu/dr-john-hibbing

Edward Caudill If we are ever going to make headway against the belief in creationism, progressives are going to have to engage the public in serious science education, says professor Edward Caudill.

http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/53emm4mg9780252038013.html

Katie McGinty Bill Press and his guest Katie McGinty discuss her run for Governor of Pennsylvania.

http://www.katiemcginty.com/

Jim Hightower Spy agents turned into peeping Toms

Income inequality: It destabilizes the economy, says James K. Galbraith, and it affects election outcomes, says political scientist Jan Leighley. And Bill Press interviews South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn

It’s income tax time, and the inequality of income in America has never been a bigger issue. Economist James K. Galbraith says it is a sign of economic instability. Economic inequality also manifests itself at the ballot box, where the rich vote more than the poor -- and vote their self-interest, says political scientist Jan Leighley. And Bill Press interviews Rep. Jim Clyburn about the 50th anniv of the civil rights act of 1964

James K. Galbraith James K. Galbraith is one of America’s foremost progressive economists. He tells us that rising income inequality is a sign of the country’s overall economic instability.

http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/

Jan Leighley Political scientist Jan Leighley has studied the effect of income on voter turnout. And, not surprisingly, poor people are less likely to vote – partly because they don’t see any point to it, since the rich vote more frequently in their own economic interest than do the poor.

http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/leighley.cfm

Jim Clyburn Bill Press and his guest South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn.

http://clyburn.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Fast food chains stealing from low-wage workers

Activist Madison Paige says fighting big money in politics requires micropolitics. Former Ambassador Michael Ussery says things could get nasty in relations between the U.S. and Russia. And Bill Press talks with Bernie Sanders.

Now that the Supreme Court has opened the political money floodgates, progressive activist Madison Paige says we can fight it by organizing at the extremely local level. Things could get nasty between the United States and Russia, according to former Ambassador Michael Ussery. And Bill Press interviews Senator Bernie Sanders and Mark Pocan about the Supreme Court and unemployment insurance.

Madison Paige Madison Paige is an advocate of what she calls micropolitics – winning progressive battles at the state, local and neighborhood levels. And that, she says, may be how to fight big money.

http://boldbluemedia.com/

Michael Ussery Former Ambassador Michael Ussery says the United States has a strong interest in what happens in Russia and that relations could get nasty and dangerous.

http://www.mongoliafund.com/Who_We_Are.html

Bernie Sanders Bill Press and his guests, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Mark Pocan.

https://www.sanders.senate.gov/

Jim Hightower Freaky Stories from April Fool's Day.

Ed Kilgore on the Ryan budget … Phil Longman on the challenges facing Obamacare … and Stephen Griffin on the role of Congress in deciding when to go to war.

The Paul Ryan budget – the one that believes black men don’t have the culture to work – comes under attack from Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore. With Obamacare once again under fire at the Supreme Court and another sign-up deadline passing, health care analyst Phillip Longman talks about the policy challenges facing the Affordable Care Act. And law professor Stephen Griffin asks … and answers … how Congress can take a bigger role in decisions to go to war.

Ed Kilgore While Paul Ryan rants about lazy black men, Democratic analyst Ed Kilgore says the congressman’s budget is a no-compromise holding pattern meant to kill, not just slow down, social programs.

http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org

Phillip Longman Phillip Longman has studies the U.S. health care system and recommends it be treated as a “common carrier,” like a utility, in which prices are openly set for specific procedures.

http://newamerica.net

Stephen Griffin When Russia annexed Crimea, it once again raised questions about the role of Congress and the White House in establishing foreign and national defense policy. Law professor Stephen Griffin says Congress should centralize its own decision-making.

http://www.law.tulane.edu/tlsfaculty/profiles.aspx?id=422

Jim Hightower School lunches vs. fat cat dinners

Provocative ideas about the growing income gap from journalist David Cay Johnston and social justice activist, and former officeholder, Valerie Ervin. And the 2014 Senate election outlook from Jennifer Duffy.

The ever-provocative economics writer David Cay Johnston predicts riots and revolution if income inequality continues on its present course. Activist Valerie Ervin talks about her organization for working families and how building coalitions can actually move the needle toward more social justice. And Bill Press interviews political prognosticator Jennifer Duffy about the 2014 election outlook in the Senate, a “jump ball” situation.

David Cay Johnston Pulitzer Prize winning author David Cay Johnston says if the current income inequality trend continues we are going to see riots and revolutions. Trickle-down doesn’t work, he says. Instead, we have “Amazon up” economics.

http://www.davidcayjohnston.com/

Valerie Ervin The plight of minimum wage workers and the growing gap between rich and poor “is not the America we signed up for,” says former officeholder and now social activist Valerie Ervin.

www.workingfamilies.org

Jennifer Duffy Bill Press and his guest, Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report.

http://cookpolitical.com/

Jim Hightower The symbolism of one adjunct professor's death.

How would Hillary Clinton run the White House? Author Jonathan Allen says clues can be found in her Secretary of Stateship. Professor Dante Chinni says the political map can be defined by Starbucks and Whole Foods. And Bill Press interviews the ACLU’s Chris Anders

Jonathan Allen, co-author of a best-selling book about Hillary Clinton says there is no evidence she denied security protection in Benghazi. Political scientist Dante Chinni tells us where the new swing states are. They’re in the suburbs. And Bill Press interviews ACLU lawyer Chris Anders about the Senate battle with the CIA.

Jonathan Allen How did Hillary Clinton manage her tenure as Secretary of State? Jonathan Allen, a journalist and co-author of a best-selling book about her, says how she ran State could be a precursor as to how she might run a White House.

http://www.hrcbook.com

Dante Chinni Where is the political fault line in American politics today? Professor Dante Chinni pinpoints it at the place where suburbs meet the exurbs.

http://americancommunities.org

Chris Anders Bill Press interviews ACLU lawyer Chris Anders about the Senate battle with the CIA.

http://www.aclu.org

Jim Hightower The millionaires' Congress vs. the people

Terry Golway reconsiders Tammany Hall … Fred Rotondaro says Obama’s foreign policy is strong … and Bill Press interviews Congressman John Sarbanes.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and historian Terry Golway tells us how the Irish political machine known as Tammany Hall became the forerunner of the New Deal. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro compares President Obama to a couple of Republicans – Teddy Roosevelt and George H.W. Bush. And Bill Press interviews Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes about big money in Washington.

Terry Golway Tammany Hall no longer exists, but when it did, the New York political machine created a social safety net at the neighborhood level long before government programs came along. Author Terry Golway thinks we still need strong political organizations like that.

http://books.wwnorton.com/books/Machine-Made/

Fred Rotondaro Analyst Fred Rotondaro says Republicans blame President Obama for everything that goes wrong in the world, but his foreign policy is actually strong – speaking softly and carrying a big stick.

http://www.americanprogress.org

John Sarbanes Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland.

http://sarbanes.house.gov/‎

Jim Hightower California's Water Crisis is Becoming a Beer Crisis.

Professor Ed Caudill on creationism … professor Stephen Griffin on war powers … and Bill Press interviews Thomas Reese about Pope Francis.

The controversy over Arizona’s anti-gay legislation and an HBO documentary on Darwin has put religion right back into the political discussion. Professor Edward Caudill explains how only 60 percent of Americans believe in evolution – and more than half of Republicans don’t. With America on the verge of withdrawing from Afghanistan, Professor Stephen Griffin argues that the Constitution may not be adequate for keeping the country out of wars. And Bill Press interviews Father Thomas Reese of the National Catholic Reporter about the impact of Pope Francis.

Ed Caudill Journalism professor Ed Caudill says the media are promoting ignorance of science when they feel obliged to give the nonexistent “other side” of evolution.

http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/53emm4mg9780252038013.html

Stephen Griffin Is the Constitution adequate when it comes to deciding when the nation should go to war? Tulane law professor Stephen Griffin suggests it is not and that Congress ought to take back some power from the White House.

http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/53emm4mg9780252038013.html

Thomas Reese Bill Press and his guest, Vatican expert Father Thomas Reese.

http://ncronline.org/authors/thomas-reese

Jim Hightower Ted Nugent brings bigotry & misogyny to Texas governors race.

Internet expert Peter Singer talks about internet security – and cute cats. Poverty researcher Chris Wimer calls for a “trickle UP” economy. And Bill Press talks climate change with Zoe Carpenter of “The Nation”

Peter Singer is one of the country’s leading experts on the Internet and the riveting gripping issues of cybersecurity, cyberterrorism -- and cute cat videos. With the CBO weighing on both sides of the minimum wage debate, poverty expert Chris Wimer foresees a future of a “trickle UP” economy. And Bill Press interviews Zoe Carpenter, of “The Nation” on the subject of climate change.

Peter Singer The Internet is undergoing huge changes, says expert Peter Singer, and while President Obama was ELECTED by the Internet, he might go down in history as the president who LOST the Internet.

http://www.cybersecuritybook.com/

Chris Wimer Now that the CBO has weighed in on the minimum wage – providing ammunition for both progressives and conservatives – poverty research Chris Wimer calls for a balanced approach based on a “trickle up” economy.

http://cupop.columbia.edu/people/christopher-wimer

Zoe Carpenter Bill Press and his guest, “The Nation’s” Zoe Carpenter on climate change.

http://www.thenation.com/authors/zoe-carpenter

Jim Hightower Tom Perkins speaks. Again.

Jonathan Allen talks about his blockbuster book about Hillary Clinton … Professor Alan Abramowitz maintains that Tea Party influence may be waning … and Bill Press talks with The Nation’s George Zornick about Afghanistan.

Journalist and author Jonathan Allen talks about Hillary Clinton’s political “hit list” … and her tenure as Secretary of State. With extreme conservatives losing a key House vote on the debt ceiling, and Senator John Cornyn cruising to likely victory in the March 4 Texas primary … political science professor Alan Abramowitz says the Tea Party may be on the wane. And Bill Press interviews The Nation’s George Zornick about Afghanistan

Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen is an award-winning journalist and author of a new political biography of Hillary Clinton. He tells us about her tenure as secretary of state, about her political hit list, and what they mean for her likely presidential run.

http://www.hrcbook.com

Alan Abramowitz How much farther can the Tea Party go in dominating the GOP? Professor Alan Abramowitz thinks their influence is on the downswing, and maybe the recent House vote for a clean debt limit increase proves him right.

http://www.democracyjournal.org/31/republican-leaders-two-choices.php

George Zornick Bill Press and his guest, George Zornick of the Nation, on the continuing war in Afghanistan.

http://www.thenation.com/authors/george-zornick

Jim Hightower Sen. Pat Roberts puts on his crazy pants.

David Cay Johnston on corporate socialism, Professor Dan Zuberi on the shocking cost of outsourcing hospital support staff, and Bill press with liberal lion Congressman George Miller.

Journalist and commentator David Cay Johnston says it is the government that is largely responsible for the income inequality plaguing the economy. Health professor Dan Zuberi reveals the shocking cost in both money and lives caused by hospitals outsourcing their non-medical jobs. And Bill Press interviews retiring Congressman George Miller of California.

David Cay Johnston Award-winning journalist and author David Cay Johnston reveals how Republicans don’t support market capitalism but engage in corporate socialism instead by redistributing wealth from the many to the few.

http://www.davidcayjohnston.com/

Dan Zuberi If hospitals would spend a little more money paying their own employees, instead of outsourcing for the cheapest support workers, they would save money by cutting down on costly hospital infections. That’s the analysis from health professor Dan Zuberi.

http://www.amazon.com/Dan-Zuberi/e/B00E6OC5VI

George Miller Bill Press and his guest, George Miller, one of the most progressive Democrats in Congress.

http://georgemiller.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Rick Perry struts his stuff in Davos.

Political science week with Professor Dante Chinni explaining the new geographical divide in politics and Professor Jonathan Zimmerman arguing against term limits for presidents. And Bill Press talks with freshman Democratic congressman Steven Horsford.

The red-state, blue-state divide no longer exists, says political scientist Dante Chinni. But the great political divide is between suburbs and exurbs. Why should a president be allowed to serve only two terms? NYU Professor Jonathan Zimmerman doesn’t see why. He says the 22nd Amendment insults the American voter. And Bill Press interviews freshman Democratic Congressman Steven Horsford of Nevada about the State of the Union address.

Dante Chinni Red-state, blue state. Not a Dr. Seuss story, but a political narrative that Professor Dante Chinni says is out of date. The geographical difference between Democrats and Republicans lies not in the states but in the suburbs and exurbs – and Democrats are winning that battle right now.

http://dantechinni.com/

Jonathan Zimmerman Are American voters not smart enough to know whether their president should get elected again … and again? Professor Jonathan Zimmerman think they are smart enough and argues cogently against the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit on presidents.

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_bios/view/Jonathan_Zimmerman

Steven Horsford Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Steven Horsford.

http://horsford.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The mobsters of Wall Street

Ever hear of Tammany Hall? Author Terry Golway tells us it was one machine that worked. So was the Chicago machine, and former Democratic Senator Alan Dixon of Illinois tells us why. And Bill Press interviews former GOP Senator Larry Pressler.

There’s a lot of talk about the seamy side of politics in New Jersey, but author Terry Golway maintains that political machines used to do some good, at least in New York. Former Senator Alan Dixon looks back, also – at a career that began with the blessing of the Illinois Democratic machine. And Bill Press interviews Republican-turned-Independent Senate candidate Larry Pressler.

Terry Golway Once upon a time, a political machine in New York called Tammany Hall pretty much controlled the national Democratic Party. Though it was known for corruption, author Terry Golway insists that it worked for the little guy before there was a social safety net.

http://chpp.kean.edu/users/terry-golway

Alan Dixon Our next guest is former Illinois Senator Alan Dixon, a moderate Democrat who talks about a day when Republicans and Democrats in Congress could actually get things done.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Senator-Alan-Dixon-Memoir-The-Gentleman-from-Illinois/180738472064831

Larry Pressler Bill Press and his guest, former Republican Senator Larry Pressler.

http://www.senatorlarrypressler.com/

Jim Hightower Wall Street warns Democrats: Avoid Populism!

Health expert Phil Longman says while Obama wants to reduce health care costs, he is not cracking down on hospital monopolies. Tea Party expert Theda Skocpol (scotch-pole) says the GOP is riding the back of a tiger. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Keith Ellison.

How can conservatives and progressives come together to reduce health care costs? Author Phillip Longman says, simply, join forces to oppose the monopoly pricing power of hospitals. Harvard professor Theda Skocpol says mainstream Republicans are riding on the back of the Tea Party tiger, and they may soon regret it. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Keith Ellison, who says progressives should remain optimistic.

Phillip Longman No matter how well Obamacare may work, the administration is doing very little to enforce antitrust laws against hospitals, which drive up the price of medical care, says author and health analyst Phillip Longman.

http://newamerica.net/user/92

Theda Skocpol Theda Skocpol has studied the Tea Party’s death grip on the Republican Party, and the Harvard professor says it is a “pincers movement” applying pressure upward from the grass roots and downward from the big money interests.

http://www.gov.harvard.edu/people/faculty/theda-skocpol

Keith Ellison Bill Press and his guest, Congressman and Progressive Caucus chair Keith Ellison of Minnesota.

http://ellison.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The millionaires' Congress vs. the people.

Republicans say the war on poverty has been a failure. Are they right? We have an expert who says no. Did the Tea Party weaken itself with the budget shutdown? We have an expert who says, “maybe.” And Bill Press interviews Congressman Tim Ryan.

Republicans like Marco Rubio and Eric Cantor say the War on Poverty, now 50 years in the waging, has been an utter failure. But analyst Chris Wimer says statistics show that without government programs, many more Americans would be poor today. Congress is back in session and professor Alan Abramowitz says it’s unclear how much of a grip the Tea Party retains on Republican lawmakers. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Tim Ryan about the House agenda. Don’t expect much.

Christopher Wimer Fifty years ago, Lyndon Johnson announced the War on Poverty. Since then, the poverty rate has dropped from 26 percent to 16 percent. Social scientist Christopher Wimer says the evidence shows that the federal programs worked.

http://cupop.columbia.edu/people/christopher-wimer

Alan Abramowitz President Obama’s re-election drove the Tea Party crazy, says political science professor Alan Abramowitz. Now he says it is unclear with the Tea Party agitators in Congress will continue to drive the Republican leadership crazy.

http://www.democracyjournal.org/31/republican-leaders-two-choices.php

Tim Ryan Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio, Discuss the House agenda.

timryan.house.gov/‎

Jim Hightower Act 2 of the Ford & Radel Show.

Political analysis galore this first week of 2014. Authors Geoffrey Kabaservice and Erica Seifert pronounce the GOP in trouble, and commentator Fred Rotondaro predicts a rosy future for Democrats this year.

What would you call Republicans who are fiscally conservative, socially tolerant, pro-civil-rights and pragmatic problem-solvers? Political scientist Geoffrey Kabaservice calls them extinct. Public opinion expert Erica Seifert says it should be good news for Democrats that, in her words, “The Republic Party is not a rational party anymore.” And, regular commentator Fred Rotondaro looks ahead into 2014 and says Obamacare will eventually be a big plus for Democrats … and that Hillary Clinton will come under pressure from the left.

Geoffrey Kabaservice Professor Geoffrey Kabaservice is an expert on the once vibrant moderate sector of the Republican Party. It is now extinct, he says, and the radical right wing risks losing elections as the price of ideological purity.

http://global.oup.com/academic/product/rule-and-ruin-9780199975518;jsessionid=C06457AE919A9DBEED933E0CF59CAB31?cc=us⟨=en&

Erica Seifert Public opinion expert Erica Seifert says the takeover of the GOP by its Tea Party wing could be good news for Democrats because it shows the Republican Party is no longer rational.

http://www.democracycorps.com/Republican-Party-Project/inside-the-gop-report-on-focus-groups-with-evangelical-tea-party-and-moderate-republicans/

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro of the Center for American Progress and a regular contributor to this netcast predicts 2014 will be a good year for the Democrats, especially as people realize the benefits of Obamacare.

www.americanprogress.org

Jim Hightower Bastrop's new war toy

The NSA’s wide surveillance net is just part of America’s permanent state of war. The social safety net is being shredded by Republican cuts in food stamps. And medical safety is being compromised by hospitals outsourcing their labor force.

Legal historian Mary Dudziak says the NSA surveillance is but part of the larger story of an American permanently at war. The Republican effort to slice the food stamp program is the proverbial “canary in the coal” mine, says regular commentator Catherine Poe. And, Professor Dan Zuberi has studied the Canadian and U.S. hospital systems and says patients are at risk from the outsourcing of labor.

Mary Dudziak Historian Mary Dudziak asks the question of how we can “unbuild” the NSA surveillance apparatus. She also explains how waving the flag helps the American people ignore a very warlike foreign policy.

http://www.law.emory.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/mary-l-dudziak.html

Catherine Poe Regular commentator Catherine Poe is worried that the Republican assault on food stamps is just a canary in the coal mine warning about further social service cuts.

https://twitter.com/PoeCatpoe

Dan Zuberi Health analyst Dan Zuberi has studied labor practices in both Canadian and U.S. hospitals and has found that outsourcing many of the routine jobs can have fatal consequences for patients.

http://www.amazon.com/Dan-Zuberi/e/B00E6OC5VI

Jim Hightower A curse, a blessing, and a good food movement

Economist John Schmitt on the minimum wage … Professor Jonathan Zimmerman on the 22nd Amendment … and Politico’s Ginger Gibson on the budget deal.

With states and cities now debating raising the minimum wage, economist John Schmitt says the issue is more about inequality than about jobs. Professor Jonathan Zimmerman explains why he wants to repeal the 22nd Amendment and let presidents serve as many terms as the voters want them to. And Bill Press interviews Ginger Gibson, Politico’s budget expert.

John Schmitt All of a sudden, lawmakers in cities and states are talking about raising the minimum wage locally. Economist John Schmitt says it is a popular idea but won’t happen at the federal level as long as Republicans hold the House of Representatives.

http://www.cepr.net/

Jonathan Zimmerman Professor Jonathan Zimmerman says that the Constitution’s two-term limit weakens the presidency, weakens the voters and weakens democracy. He wants to repeal it.

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_bios/view/Jonathan_Zimmerman

Ginger Gibson Bill Press and his guest, Ginger Gibson, of Politico.

http://www.politico.com/reporters/GingerGibson.html

Jim Hightower Christmas: War!

Music historian Sheryl Kaskowitz on “God Bless America,” Fred Rotondaro on the corporate war on working people and Congressman Chris Van Hollen on the budget deal.

It’s a part of our shared culture, and author Sheryl Kaskowitz tells us how “God Bless America” became such a powerful symbol. Regular contributor Fred Rotondaro says we are at a tipping point in America’s understanding of the corporate war against working people. And Bill Press interviews Congressman Chris Van Hollen on the new budget deal.

Sheryl Kaskowitz Author Sheryl Kaskowitz takes a historical and cultural look at how “God Bless America” became popular and came to serve political purposes.

http://gba.sherylkaskowitz.com/

Fred Rotondaro Regular contributor Fred Rotondaro gives us the lowdown on the takeover of American politics by corporate interests and their war on both politics and morality.

http://americanprogress.org

Chris Van Hollen Bill Press and his guest, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen

http://vanhollen.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Wall Street regulator replaced by Wall Street conciliator.

Wasserman Schultz’s prescription for America, Feminist Marianne Schnall on chances for a female president, and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz talks about working together and dialing down the vitriol in Washington. Feminist Marianne Schnall discusses what it will take for the nation to elect a woman president. And Bill Press interviews the always provocative Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has written a book that could serve as a roadmap for Democratic priorities. She also says Obamacare is a cake on its way to being baked.

http://us.macmillan.com/forthenextgeneration/DebbieWassermanSchultz

Marianne Schnall Electing a female president would be a victory for all women and their daughters, says feminist author Marianne Schnall, who adds it will take the right candidate and one with a thick skin.

http://womanpresidentbook.com

Brian Schweitzer Bill Press and his guest, the always provocative and entertaining Brian Schweitzer, governor of Montana.

https://twitter.com/brianschweitzer

Jim Hightower Geithner's magical trip through the revolving door.

Politics this week -- former Senator Alan Dixon on Obamacare; Professor Fabio Rojas on Twitter as a predictor of elections; and education expert David Bergeron on the politics of student loans.

A former Democratic Senate leader says his party better start fixing Obamacare right away. An expert on social media says he can predict congressional elections by monitoring Twitter. And a higher-education policy maker has a series of student loan reforms in mind.

Alan Dixon Alan Dixon was a senator from Illinois for two terms and was chief deputy whip for the Democrats. Well known as a moderate, he has some harsh words for both parties and calls on congressional Democrats to fix Obamacare.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Senator-Alan-Dixon-Memoir-The-Gentleman-from-Illinois/180738472064831

Fabio Rojas Indiana University professor Fabio Rojas studies politics and social media. And he believes that Twitter activity can predict the outcome of close House elections

http://mypage.iu.edu/~frojas/index.html

David Bergeron Finally, higher education expert David Bergeron of the Center for American Progress has a plan to firm up the national student loan program. The first place to start is choosing where to go to college in the first place.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/bergeron-david/bio/

Jim Hightower Coke's Conspiracy against tap water

Thanksgiving reflections on America’s food supply and the theocracy that one author says governs the “land of our pilgrims’ pride.”

As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving, professor Robert Paarlberg summarizes the politics of food in a country where obesity may be more of a problem than hunger. This year, Thanksgiving coincides with Hanukkah -- and the role of God and religion in our civic life is the subject of a provocative interview with Sean Faircloth, a former legislator from Maine and an advocate of strict separation of church and state. And Bill Press interviews California Congressman Sam Farr.

Robert Paarlberg Robert Paarlberg is an expert on food. In addition to summarizing the science and politics of food production, he notes that the biggest health threat from American agriculture is not on the farm or in the labs of Monsanto but in our own kitchens.

http://robertpaarlberg.net

Sean Faircloth Church and state expert Sean Faircloth – he wants to separate them – reminds us on Thanksgiving that despite the prayers we might offer privately, the only reference to religion in the Constitution is its exclusion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIrK-Fv6M8

Sam Farr Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Sam Farr, who represents California’s Central Coast.

http://www.farr.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Billionaires reap a cornucopia of farm subsidy cash.

As a political animal, the Republican Party’s moderate wing is extinct. Interviews with political experts Geoffrey Kabaservice and Erica Seifert about the future of the GOP. And Bill Press interviews a leader of EMILY’s List.

Today we talk about a fascinating species of political animal – the Republican Party. Professor Geoffrey Kabaservice has written a history of the GOP since Eisenhower and says its moderate wing is pretty much extinct. Democratic political analyst Erica Seifert has conducted focus groups of Republicans and predicts that their takeover by extremists marginalizes the party’s national appeal. And Bill Press, along with Chris Moody of Yahoo News, interviews Jess McIntosh, communications director of EMILY’s List about Project Madam President.

Geoffrey Kabaservice Historian Geoffrey Kabaservice has studied Republican moderates of the past – and they include people named Cheney and Rumsfeld – and traces the party’s history to its present state. And, he says, the moderate wing of the Republican party is dead and gone.

http://global.oup.com/academic/product/rule-and-ruin-9780199975518;jsessionid=C06457AE919A9DBEED933E0CF59CAB31?cc=us⟨=en&

Erica Seifert After a series of focus groups, Erica Seifert finds that while the Tea Party and the evangelicals of the party are, indeed, extremists, they are not the Republican fringe. They are the majority of the party, and that bodes ill for the GOP’s future.

http://www.democracycorps.com/Republican-Party-Project/inside-the-gop-report-on-focus-groups-with-evangelical-tea-party-and-moderate-republicans/

Jess McIntosh Bill Press and his guest, Jess McIntosh, spokeswoman for EMILY’s List.

http://emilyslist.org/

Jim Hightower Big lies win pyrrhic GMO victory for Big Food

Democratic Party Chair on Obamacare and the Virginia election. A Veterans Week reflection on the state of warfare, and a peace activist says U.S. intelligence apparatus is out of control..

Democratic Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has a lot to say about Obamacare and the Tea Party’s extremism, and she advises members of both parties in Congress -- just try to be “normal human beings.” A Veterans Week reflection by law professor Mary Dudziak on how America has come to be in a permanent state of war. And Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund, about the NSA and, also, Syria.

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, chair of the Democratic Party and a congresswoman from Florida says if you don’t like the way your kitchen was remodeled, don’t burn down the house – take the counter out and re-do the cabinet knobs. Her point? The Affordable Care Act needs minor revisions, not arson.

http://us.macmillan.com/forthenextgeneration/DebbieWassermanSchultz

Mary Dudziak If you just look at all the campaign ribbons and medals handed out by the U.S. military, you can see that this nation has been in pretty much a permanent state of war for a long time. Author Mary Dudziak says Americans are not called upon for any real sacrifice to support wars, such as public engagement about foreign policy.

http://www.law.emory.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/mary-l-dudziak.html

Joe Cirincione Bill Press and his guest, Joe Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund.

http://www.ploughshares.org/

Jim Hightower Congress critters kiss Wall Street butt for cash

Is it time for a woman president? Feminist author Marianne Schnall thinks so. How permanent is the House GOP majority? Not very, says Democratic strategist Elaine Kamarck. And Ellie Smeal talks about women’s issues at the state level.

It is three years until the next presidential election, but not too early to start handicapping it. Could it be the year for a woman president? Author Marianne Schnall thinks so. Democratic analyst Elaine Kamarck has some advice for Republicans – start speaking to a majority of the American people! And Bill Press interviews Eleanor Smeal, president of the Fund for a Feminist Majority.

Marianne Schnall A feminist author, Marianne Schnall, interviewed hundreds of women to find out what obstacles stand in the way of a female becoming president. The answer? Nothing!

http://womanpresidentbook.com

Elaine Kamarck A year from the midterm congressional elections, Democratic analyst Elaine Kamarck notes that there is nothing permanent about a majority in the House in the face of large demographic trends.

http://www.democracyjournal.org/30/the-new-politics-of-evasion.php?page=all

Eleanor Smeal Bill Press and his guest, Eleanor Smeal president of the Fund for a Feminist Majority.

http://www.feminist.org

Jim Hightower

Cruzing the White House?

The rise of a theocratic America … the decline of the American economy … and a preview of the 2014 gubernatorial races.

Sean Faircloth is a former state legislator and now an advocate for separation of church and state. He says that the intrusion of religion into government can have deadly consequences. Economist George Tyler tells us what went wrong with the American economy. One short answer, he says, is “stock options.” And Bill Press interviews Danny Kanner of the Democratic Governors Association about how the Virginia race could be a bellwether for Democratic gains next year.

Sean Faircloth Washington, Adams and Jefferson could not be elected president today because they didn’t profess a belief in God, says secularist Sean Faircloth. And, says the former state legislator, religion intrusion into policy can cause the death of children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIrK-Fv6M8

George Tyler What caused the Great Recession? Former World Bank economist George Tyler has a few answers for us, but mainly he says it was the development of stock options for management – making the goal a spike in quarterly profits.

http://www.georgertyler.com/

Danny Kanner Bill Press and his guest, Danny Kanner of the Democratic Governors Association.

https://twitter.com/DannyKanner

Jim Hightower The Ignoble Prize For Agriculture.

Food expert Robert Paarlberg says the biggest danger from contaminated food comes from your own kitchen. Historian Richard Moe says Obama can take lessons from FDR. And Larry Sabato talks with Bill Press about the JFK legacy.

The role of government in regulating food safety came up recently when the FDA and Agriculture Department were shut down. But food expert Robert Paarlberg says the biggest health danger lies in your own kitchen. Historian Richard Moe tells us that FDR never wanted to run for a third term, until World War II made him. He also says Obama can take a lesson from FDR by using executive power when Congress won’t cooperate. And Bill Press talks about the legacy of JFK with political scientist Larry Sabato.

Robert Paarlberg Professor Robert Paarlberg is an expert on American agriculture and food production. He says there is no evidence of risk from genetically modified organisms, BUT what’s most likely to make you sick is how you prepare food in your own kitchen!

http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/experts/934/robert_paarlberg.html

Richard Moe Historian and author Richard Moe says FDR ran for a third term only because he couldn’t find another Democrat who would follow his policies and could win the election. He also says President Obama has something to learn from FDR’s second term blues.

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Moe/e/B001KIR590

Larry Sabato Bill Press and his guest, political scientist Larry Sabato about the legacy of JFK.

http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/

Jim Hightower Wall Street magicians make reform disappear.

Music historian Sheryl Kaskowitz explains why we are singing “God Bless America” so much. Economist James K. Galbraith assesses the country’s economic mess. Bill Press interviews Congressman Bruce Braley.

With the baseball playoffs in full swing, fans and viewers will hear “God Bless America” during every 7th inning stretch. A music scholar tells us how it has become such a powerful national song. With a new head of the Fed and the fear of national default in the air, progressive economist James K. Galbraith reviews the meaning of government shutdowns, budget sequesters and the debt ceiling. And Bill Press talks with Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley.

Sheryl Kaskowitz Everyone knows the song “God Bless America.” It will be sung during every post-season baseball game. But it has a powerful and controversial history and, says author Sheryl Kaskowitz, communal singing of it can have “a coercive element.”

http://gba.sherylkaskowitz.com/

James K. Galbraith Economist James K. Galbraith offers his view on the way out of America’s politically-driven economic mess, with an emphasis on the environment, infrastructure repair and an aging population.

http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/

Bruce Braley Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Bruce Braley of Iowa.

http://braley.house.gov/‎

Jim Hightower Monsanto buys a food prize.

Budget expert Michael Linden asks whether Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time? Analyst Elaine Kamarack on the Democrats lock on the electoral college. And Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa talks with Bill Press.

Michael Linden is managing director for economic policy at the Center for American Progress who argues that focusing on the deficit hurts economic growth. Centrist Democrat Elaine Kamarck applies old lessons from her party to the current Republican Party; namely, party unity gets in the way of figuring out the best policies for winning moderate voters. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii.

Michael Linden Progressive budget expert Michael Linden tells us something obvious – that Congress can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. He urges lawmakers to stop letting budget issues get in the way of programs that would help the economy.

http://www.americanprogress.org

Elaine Kamarck Centrist Democratic political analyst Elaine Kamarck says Democrats may have an electoral lock on the presidency, and she thanks a Republican -- former California Governor Pete Wilson -- for that.

http://www.democracyjournal.org/30/the-new-politics-of-evasion.php?page=all

Colleen Hanabusa Bill Press and his guest, Representative Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii.

http://hanabusa.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Getting ahead on the backs of others.

Public opinion analyst Erica Seifert proposes a new economic agenda for women, and author Eric Liu proposes building the economy from the middle class out. And some union history from Jim Hoffa.

Erica Seifert is a public opinion analyst who helped draws up a “women’s economic agenda” and it’s based primarily on economics. Progressive scholar and author Eric Liu wants to build the economy from the middle class out and explains how to do it. And Bill Press talks with Jim Hoffa, president of the Teamsters Union.

Erica Seifert Public opinion analyst Erica Seifert says the key political issues for women are pay, education and reproductive freedom. And those issues may pave the way for congressional gains next year – IF women turn out at the polls.

http://gqrr.com/articles/2013/07/24/the-women-s-economic-agenda/

Eric Liu Author Eric Liu says restoring the ideal of opportunity for all Americans can be accomplished by adopting “middle out economics.” The result would be more money in the hands of consumers to buy more products.

http://www.truepat.org

Jim Hoffa Bill Press and his guest, Teamsters Union president Jim Hoffa.

http://www.teamster.org/

Jim Hightower Ryan rants, and a new voice of morality responds.

Pollster Celinda Lake says Democrats need to be more aggressive in their messaging. Economist George Tyler says corporate greed crashed the American economy, and Congressman Steve Israel on House Republicans.

Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says the top issue on the political horizon isn’t the economy or education, but rather which crazy thing Republicans will do next.

Former World Bank executive and author George Tyler answers the question, “What Went Wrong” with the U.S. economy. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Steve Israel of New York.

Celinda Lake Pollster Celinda Lake thinks Democrats are too responsible and cooperative when it comes to talking policy. She says we need to concentrate more on messaging and fighting whatever crazy thing Republicans think of next.

http://www.lakeresearch.com

George Tyler The American economy has experienced considerable growth in the last 30 years. But virtually none of this growth has trickled down to the average American. Economist and author George Tyler explains why.

http://www.georgetyler.com

Steve Israel Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Steve Israel, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

http://israel.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Fracking adds an extra danger to flooding

Five years after Lehman Brothers, economist James Galbraith says the financial sector is dysfunctional. And a demographer says your zip code determines your health

Five years ago, the collapse of Lehman Brothers set off the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Economist James Galbraith analyzes what we have learned since then. At a time when the gap between rich and poor is at a 100-year high, demographer Phillip Longman finds a direct link between an American’s income and his or her health. And Bill Press talks with Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

James K. Galbraith University of Texas economist James K. Galbraith says that five years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the economy is starting to slowly come around.

http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/

Phillip Longman Health expert Phillip Longman has found that where you live – and how much you make – directly correlates to your health status.

http://newamerica.net

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Bill Press and his guest, Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Finding the money to fund higher education for all.

Chemical and biological weapons, along with cyberwarfare, are the new national security threats. Also, a new semester and still no help for students who are in debt.

An expert in national security defines the two biggest threats to America 12 years after 9/11, and a time when the NFL is limiting what you can bring into a stadium. The fall semester at colleges around the country has begun, and a former Education Department official has an idea on how to lessen the massive debt burden facing American students. And Bill Press talks with Representative Jim Moran about Syria, and why the Virginia Congressman doesn’t attend classified briefings.

Michael Greenberger Law professor and homeland security expert Michael Greenberger says the two greatest threats to national security 12 years after 9/11 are cyberwarfare and chemical weapons.

http://www.michaelgreenberger.com

David Bergeron David Bergeron was a top official in the Education Department. He has a plan for the government to make it a little easier for college graduates to pay off their debt.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/bergeron-david/bio/

Jim Moran Bill Press talks with Representative Jim Moran about Syria, and why the Virginia Congressman doesn’t attend classified briefings.

http://moran.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The real poop on the GOP's silly "Poopgate".

Reflections on the plight of organized labor, with union leader Paul Booth and economist John Schmitt on how to fight the Republican assault on working people.

Labor Day 2013 finds much of the nation finally focused on income disparities and the plight of minimum wage workers. Our guests today speak directly to those issues. Long-time union leader Paul Booth says the fight progressives must make is not only about good wages, but good wedges -- framing our concerns in terms of winning wedge issues. Economist John Schmitt takes us through the history of the minimum wage fight. And Bill Press talks with the University of Virginia’s Larry Sabato about that state’s race for governor.

Paul Booth Labor Day commemorates the contributions of America’s working men and women, and a leader of the government workers union, Paul Booth, says that just being right on issues isn’t enough – you have to use language to win the message war.

http://afscme.com

John Schmitt Economist John Schmitt explains how the productivity of American workers has gone up since World War II, and how steeply wages have fallen in comparison. He answers the question of where in the world the McDonald’s worker does better.

http://cepr.net

Larry Sabato Bill Press talks with the University of Virginia’s Larry Sabato about that state’s race for governor.

http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/

Jim Hightower Where Labor Day came from, and where it’s going.

Labor Day is approaching, and guests George Packer, Andrew Levison, and David Bonior analyze how things have gotten so tough for working men and women.

Labor Day is coming up, and this week we hear from three experts on the challenges facing working people in America.

Best-selling author George Packer talks with us about his book “The Unwinding,” and how since the Reagan Administration we have become “a society of winners and losers.”

And labor advocate and former House Democratic Whip David Bonior says this is the worst moment for organized labor in his lifetime.

George Packer George Packer is a staff writer for The New Yorker and has written a best-selling book about America’s “unwinding.” He says it was caused by what leaders and elites could get away with. It turns out to have been plenty, and now the American worker is in a race to the bottom.

http://media.us.macmillan.com/Catalogs/Current/FSG_Spring-2013_09_2012.pdf

Andrew Levison Where are Democrats going to get the votes to improve their standing in Congress next year? Analyst Andrew Levison argues that the party is doomed unless it can make electoral inroads among the white working class, which he says no longer feels part of the Democratic coalition.

http://www.thewhiteworkingclasstoday.com

David Bonior Finally, David Bonior join us. Mr. Bonior, of Michigan, was the longest serving Democratic whip in the House of Representatives and now heads an organization dedicated to advancing the goals of organized labor. Unfortunately, things are at a low point right now, he says.

http:// www.americanrightsatwork.org

Jim Hightower Police destroy "The Garden of Eden".

“The Ghosts of Jim Crow” still roam says black historian … Don’t like the president? A political scientist says we need two of them!

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, law professor F. Michael Higginbotham (pronounce the “th”), tells us about the subject of his new book, “The Ghosts of Jim Crow.”

DavId Orentlicher, lawyer, a doctor, a professor and a former state legislator, says the presidency is too powerful. Therefore, he argue, we need TWO presidents!

And Bill Press talks with the new president of Americans United for Change, Brad Woodhouse.

F. Michael Higginbotham As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, we hear from African American law professor F. Michael Higginbotham about “the ghosts of Jim Crow.” He says there has been much progress, and that the destiny of today’s black men and women will be determined by how hard they are willing to work.

http://www.fmichaelhigginbotham.org/

David Orentlicher How can we end the political polarization gripping Washington? Professor David Orentlicher says the Constitution is to blame and we need to have a co-presidency consisting of members of opposing parties. He says it would prevent bad decision-making, like Watergate and the invasion of Iraq.

http://nyupress.org/books/book-details.aspx?bookId=11453

Brad Woodhouse Bill Press and his guest, Brad Woodhouse, president of Americans United for Change.

http://www.americansunitedforchange.org/

Jim Hightower Corporate powers steamroll Florida voters.

One historian examines the political skills of Franklin D. Roosevelt … another tells us who the worst president in history was.

Today we go back into history to discuss with two presidential scholars perhaps the greatest president of all time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and some of the worst, or most forgotten, gentlemen to occupy the White House.

And Bill Press talks with Joe Cirincione, president of the ploughshares fund.

Ira Katznelson President Franklin D. Roosevelt had to make some unsavory political compromises to establish the New Deal. Historian Ira Katznelson tells us about that, and he calls for progressive to become more imaginative and galvanize a new New Deal.

http://polisci.columbia.edu/people/profile/92

Michael Gerhardt Americans may argue over who was the greatest U.S. president – Washington, Lincoln, FDR. But how little attention we pay to the least among them! Presidential historian Michael Gerhardt reviews for us the subject of his new book “The Forgotten Presidents.”

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/LawCourts/?view=usa&ci=9780199967797

Joe Cirincione Bill Press and his guest, Ploughshares Fund President Joe Cirincione.

http://www.ploughshares.org/

Jim Hightower Motorcycling an anti-woman agenda into law.

Hear the creators of two new progressive ideas -- Eric Liu on “middle-out” economics and Erica Seifert on a women’s economic agenda.

President Obama has renewed his campaign to fix the American economy by by strengthening the middle class. Today, we talk with author Eric Liu, who coined the phrase “middle-out” economics.

And Erica Seifert, a political analyst explains how a new “women’s economic agenda” can help Democrats regain the House, keep the Senate and retain the presidency in the years ahead.

And Bill Press talks with John Conyers, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee about the NSA.

Eric Liu Author Eric Liu coined the phrase “middle-out economics,” which President Obama has adopted. What does it mean? Simply that jobs are created not by business tycoons but by a middle class prosperous enough to demand more consumer goods.

http://www.truepat.org

Erica Seifert It isn’t just pay equity that’s important to women, says political analyst Erica Seifert. It’s their actual pay. She explains how a women’s economic agenda of higher pay, fairness to pregnant workers and child care are even more important than Medicare to the Democrats’ electoral base.

http://gqrr.com/articles/2013/07/24/the-women-s-economic-agenda/

John Conyers Bill Press talks with John Conyers, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee about the NSA.

http://conyers.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Message to Robert Rubin: Please go away.

Race and the economy. It’s the white working class Democrats need to win over, says one expert. Another says the economy is coming around, but slowly.

Two issues at the forefront of American political discussion this week – race and the economy.

Author Andrew Levison takes us on a tour of the white working class, and, with talk swirling about a replacement for Ben Bernanke, former Fed official Stephen Axilrod says the economy is inching forward.

And Bill Press talks with Melanie Sloan about the nation’s most ethically challenged governors. And guess which party they belong to?

Andrew Levison Progressive author Andrew Levison says that Democrats desperately need votes in 2014 from people who now vote Republican. Who are they? He says they are the white working class, and they are not as conservative as we may think.

http://thewhiteworkingclasstoday.com/

Stephen Axilrod Stephen Axilrod was a top official of the Federal Reserve Board for 30 years. He has written a book explaining how the Fed works, and he says, despite everything, it does work pretty well.

http://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-federal-reserve-9780199934485?cc=us⟨=en&tab=description

Melanie Sloan Bill Press talks with Melanie Sloan about the nation’s most ethically challenged governors. And guess which party they belong to?

http://www.citizensforethics.org/

Jim Hightower Cutting the poor while subsidizing millionaires.

When the dust settles in Syria, will the result be good for America? Will President Obama dare Republicans to vote down a jobs bill?

An expert on Russia and Syria says whether we know it or not, it might be best for the West, Israel and Russia if Bashar al-Assad remains in power.

Regular contributor Catherine Poe thinks that President Obama has gone off the rails and let the Republicans define who he is.

And Bill Press talks with political science professor Larry Sabato.

Mark Katz George Mason University Professor Mark Katz is an expert on Russian foreign policy, and on Syria, as well. He examines the geopolitics of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad, and has a surprising analysis.

http://www.marknkatz.com/

Catherine Poe Our regular contributor Catherine Poe thinks President Obama has gone off the rails, at least in terms of pursuing progressive policies. She says he has let the Republicans define him and that he needs to focus entirely on a comprehensive jobs program.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Larry Sabato Bill Press and his guest, University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato.

http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/

Jim Hightower Charles Koch's.. World of Hairdressernomics.

What’s wrong with our society? “Organized Money!” Geoge Packer explains the “Unwinding” of America. Pollster Celinda Lake tells what Democrats need to do.

Best-selling author George Packer explains how “organized money” is responsible for the “unwinding” of America.

Political strategist Celinda Lake warns that without Obama on the ticket, progressive voters will have to turn out at the polls next year in huge numbers to ensure that the Senate remains Democratic – and maybe take back the House, too.

And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Barbara Lee about the sequester

George Packer Author George Packer has a best-selling analysis of how America has become unwound as a result of what he calls “organized money” spent on behalf of corporations.

http://media.us.macmillan.com/Catalogs/Current/FSG_Spring-2013_09_2012.pdf

Celinda Lake Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says one of the problems the party faces is “we tell the truth” instead of constructing politically powerful message frames. She says the party needs to focus on education, jobs and Obamacare. And turn out in record numbers at the polls in 2014.

http://www.lakeresearch.com

Barbara Lee Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California.

http://lee.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The true path to American Exceptionalism

Surprising answers on who is really blocking entitlement reform … and on whether President Obama’s foreign policy is really different than that of his predecessors.

Our guest Michael Linden of the Center for American Progress maintains that it is conservatives, not liberals, who are blocking entitlement reform

And a conservative retired colonel criticizes President Obama’s foreign policy – for being too militaristic and for continuing America’s reliance on a national security state

And Bill Press talks about climate change and energy policy with the National Journal’s Coral Davenport.

Michael Linden Michael Linden directs the economic policy shop at the Center for American Progress and explains that sometimes deficits matter and sometimes they don’t. And right now they don’t.

www.americanprogress.org

Andrew Bacevich Andrew Bacevich was a lieutenant colonel in the Army and is now a military historian. He says President Obama is a product of the national security state’s mainstream because he believes that war is the preferred instrument of American statecraft.

http://www.bu.edu/news/faculty-experts/andrew-bacevich/

Coral Davenport Coming up … Bill Press and his guest, Coral Davenport of the National Journal.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/reporters/bio/18

Jim Hightower A "People's Filibuster" in Texas awakens a movement.

On America’s 237th birthday, what is the state of our freedoms? Two law professors reflect on the controversies over privacy rights and voting rights.

As we celebrate another year of Independence, Americans are asking what happened to the Fourth Amendment protections of privacy and the Fifteenth Amendment guarantee of voting rights.

Law Professor Michael Greenberger, a homeland security experts, explains what the leak of national security secrets may mean. Law Professor Michael Higginbotham reflects on changes in affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act.

And Bill Press interviews the acting secretary of labor, Seth Harris.

Michael Greenberger Law Professor Michael Greenberger is an expert on homeland security issues. And he warns that the National Security Agency’s sweep of phone numbers and emails is, indeed, “a serious Fourth Amendment question.”

http://www.michaelgreenberger.com

Michael Higginbotham Civil rights law expert Michael Higginbotham says it was a a “sad and tragic week” at the Supreme Court. He warns that educational opportunity for minorities will be limited, and tremendous discrimination at the ballot box is going to go unchecked.

http://www.fmichaelhigginbotham.org

Seth Harris Bill Press and his guest, Acting Secretary of Labor Seth Harris.

http://www.dol.gov

Jim Hightower Serve bankers or serve the poor? Congress reinterprets Jesus

The Fed is 100 years old. Does it still have a future? The Obama political coalition is going on six years old. Does it have a future?

This year is the 100th birthday of the Federal Reserve Board. What does it do? What has it done? Is it still necessary? Former Fed official Stephen Axilrod explains it all.

Any large political coalition is always going to be hard to hold together, and that presents problems for Democratic congressional and presidential candidates in 2014 and 2016. Harvard political scientist Ryan Enos explores potential backlash to the Obama electoral coalition.

And Bill Press interviews Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott about the perils of privacy invasion.

Stephen Axilrod Economist Stephen Axilrod is now an international monetary consultant, but before that he spent more than 30 years as a top official of the Federal Reserve Board. He says the Fed may have had some responsibility for the 2008 fiscal crisis … but also played a crucial role in preventing a full-scale meltdown.

http://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-federal-reserve-9780199934485?cc=us⟨=en&tab=description

Ryan Enos It’s going to be hard for the Obama electoral coalition to stay together in 2014 and 2016, says Harvard political scientist Ryan Enos. He has done studies on voting behavior of whites, blacks and Latinos in some of America’s biggest cities. And he says Democrats will have to figure out how to prevent cracks in the coalition.

http://www.gov.harvard.edu/people/ryan-d-enos

Bobby Scott Bill Press interviews Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott about the perils of privacy invasion.

http://www.bobbyscott.house.gov/

Jim Hightower A new home for poverty in America.

The perils of compromise, al a FDR … Chris Christie finds out that government works … Congressman outraged at NSA.

At a time when many progressives are quarreling with President Obama’s penchant for compromise, a historian reminds us that Franklin D. Roosevelt made unpleasant compromises to achieve larger goals of economic and political freedom.

Progressive commentator Catherine Poe comments on political characters, and says Michele Bachmann isn’t really gone.

And Bill Press interviews Congressman Keith Ellison about government snooping.

Ira Katznelson Columbia University Professor Ira Katznelson has a new book out contending that Franklin D. Roosevelt compromised – collaborated if you will – with southern racists in Congress but he did so to help establish farther reaching economic and racial justice.

http://polisci.columbia.edu/people/profile/92

Catherine Poe Michele Bachmann? Chris Christie? Hillary Clinton? Our regular commentator Catherine Poe has some sharp insights into all of them.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Keith Ellison Bill Press and his guest, Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison.

http://ellison.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The biggest shock of NSA's secret domestic spying.

Bill de Blasio says it takes a progressive to run New York City. Professor Mark Katz looks to Russia to help stop the slaughter in Syria.

It’s time for a true progressive to run the nation’s largest city, and New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, endorsed by 21st Century Democrats, plans to be just the one to do it.

Foreign policy expert, Professor Mark Katz, says Russia can still play a key role in resolving the crisis in Syria

And Bill Press interviews Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth

Bill de Blasio Bill de Blasio is the elected Public Advocate of New York City, and he is running for Mayor. He says it’s time for more profoundly progressive policies in the Big Apple, and 21st Century Democrats agrees.

http://www.billdeblasio.com/

Mark Katz America’s hesitancy about taking action in Syria leaves plenty of room for the Russians to get involved. That’s the view of foreign policy professor Mark Katz, who says the best America might be able to do on its own is “contain” Syria.

http://www.marknkatz.com/

John Yarmuth Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky.

http://yarmuth.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Seeing things at the Jersey Shore.

Former diplomat warns against being over-reactive in Syria; nuclear expert says North Korea’s missiles don’t work. Nuns on the bus rolling again.

Foreign policy issues remain troubling this week. Former ambassador Mike Ussery, who served in Republican administrations, analyzes the U.S. options in Syria and the rest of the Arab world.

And anti-nuclear activist Joe Cirincione says don’t worry about North Korea – its missiles don’t even work.

And Bill Press interviews Sister Simone Campbell, the leader of Nuns on the Bus, who are mobilizing again – this time in support of immigration reform.

Mike Ussery Mike Ussery, a former ambassador, says drawing lines in the sand in Syria, or elsewhere, is effective only as part of a larger, overarching strategy.

Joe Cirinicione Joe Cirinicione is head of the Ploughshares Fund, an organization dedicated to ridding the world of nuclear weapons. He is optimistic in the long run, but in the short run he is disappointed in the President’s response to a possible threat from North Korea.

www.ploughshares.org

Simone Campbell Bill Press and his guest, Sister Simone Campbell, the leader of Nuns on the Bus.

http://www.networklobby.org/

Jim Hightower Political fronts posing as charities.

Military historian says salute troops by holding policymakers accountable. Economist says banks are not casinos. Hoyer says sequester is stupid.

As the nation observes Memorial Day, military historian Andrew Bacevich says those who make a public show of saluting the military would do better by demanding accountability from the country’s foreign policy makers.

Brown University economist Mark Blyth, a leading authority on the financial meltdown, reminds us that banks are supposed to manage risk, not manage casinos.

And Bill Press interviews House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer about the stupidity of the sequester.

Andrew Bacevich Andrew Bacevich is a conservative, a retired Army Colonel and a military historian. He says we could best honor our veterans on Memorial Day by holding civilian foreign-policy makers more accountable.

http://www.bu.edu/news/faculty-experts/andrew-bacevich/

Mark Blyth Professor Mark Blyth is a professor at Brown University and author of a book attacking economic austerity. He is not so sure that Dodd-Frank will help clean up Wall Street because it is a bill too big to read and because the banking industry is at work making the gun lobby look like amateurs.

http://www.watsoninstitute.org/contacts_detail.cfm?id=877

Steny Hoyer Bill Press and his guest, House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer, who says “Sequester starts with S, which stands for stupid.”

http://hoyer.house.gov/

Jim Hightower The High-Tech Sledgehammering of Our Middle-Class Future.

Adam Posen compares the economy to RG-3. Remember Millard Fillmore? Professor Michael Gerhardt does. Congresswoman Speier says get sex cases out of the military chain of command.

One of the world’s leading international economists destroys Republican claims that America’s debt will cause us to become like Greece or Italy or some other economic basket case. He says it’s like saying RG-III’s injured knee means he will wind up in a nursing home.

There’s no chance Barack Obama will be forgotten to history, but what factors do make a president forgettable? Government professor Michael Gerhardt gives us a rundown on the most forgotten of our chief executives.

And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Jackie Speier (Spear) about sexual abuses in the U.S. military.

Adam Posen Adam Posen is president of the world’s leading independent economic think tank, and he says Repuiblicans are “fundamentally crazy” when they predict that the national debt will send the United States the way of Greece. Such a comparison “is beyond apples and oranges,” and he explains why.

http://www.piie.com/

Michael Gerhardt While President Obama may be facing some issues he’d like to forget, there’s no chance he will be forgotten by history. Author Michael Gerhardt has studied and listed the most forgotten of American presidents … and explains how they got that way.

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/LawCourts/?view=usa&ci=9780199967797

Jackie Speier Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who demands that military rape cases be removed from the chain of command.

http://speier.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Cantor's con would steal workers' overtime pay.

Professor Ryan Enos says watch out for voter backlash … David Bonior bemoans lagging social justice … DeLauro on dinner with the president

Harvard Professor Ryan Enos has studied what happens when racial or ethnic groups live and work in close proximity. The results are not at always positive, and that’s a potential problem for maintaining the Obama voting coalition.

Former House Democratic whip David Bonior laments the decline of social justice and the ravaging of labor unions.

And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro about dinner with President Obama – jobs, immigration and gun safety.

Ryan Enos There is potential trouble for the Democratic coalition that re-elected President Obama, says Harvard professor Ryan Enos. He reports on evidence that as people from different races or ethnic groups get together, they don’t always stay together.

http://ryandenos.com/

David Bonior David Bonior was the longest serving elected party whip in the history of the House of Representatives. Now long retired, he has some suggestions on how to improve the place – including a change of heart on term limits.

http://www.americanrightsatwork.org

Rosa DeLauro Bill Press and his guest,

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who talks about a meeting between President Obama and House Democrats.

http://delauro.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Diverting shareholder funds into "dark money" politics.

Former ambassador Mike Ussery on the Boston bombing and Islam; Fred Rotondaro calls the NRA a paper tiger.

A former Republican ambassador warns that anti-Americanism and fundamentalism is growing in the Muslim world. He also says it is not certain that the Boston bombing will actually help our relations with Russia.

Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says despite legislative setbacks on gun safety legislation the NRA will be revealed as a paper tiger.

And Bill Press talks with Emily’s List communications director Jess McIntosh about the drive to elect a woman president.

Mike Ussery Mike Ussery was ambassador to Morocco in Republican administrations, and in the wake of the Boston bombing, he cautions about rising anti-Americanism in Muslim countries. And, he says things could go either way in dealing with Russia in the fight against terrorism.

Fred Rotondaro Fighting the NRA may take a long time, but the gun lobby is going to be revealed as a paper tiger, says regular commentator Fred Rotondaro.

http://americanprogress.org

Jess McIntosh Bill Press and his guest, Jess McIntosh of Emily’s List and the drive to elect a woman president.

http://emilyslist.org/

Jim Hightower The cold calculation of clothing corporations.

Former Fed executive Alan Blinder says watch out for attempts to gut Dodd-Frank … Union leader Paul Booth says progressives must pay attention to 2014. And Bill Press talks with assistant Senate majority leader Dick Durbin.

A leading economist says the Dodd-Frank bill is not enough reform, and the first order of business is to resist the forces trying to weaken regulation of Wall Street.

A labor leader says the 2014 mid-terms are going to be just as important to Democrats as the 2012 presidential election was.

And, Bill Press speaks with Dick Durbin, the assistant majority leader of the Senate.

Alan Blinder Dr. Alan Blinder is a former vice chairman of the Fed. He is warning that Wall Street reforms under the Dodd-Frank bill are not enough and that Democrats need to resist continuing attempts to let the big banks run wild again.

http://www.princeton.edu/~blinder/

Paul Booth In the continuing battle for human rights, the focus has shifted from the federal courts to state legislatures, and that is not necessarily a bad thing says labor leader Paul Booth

http://www.afscme.com

Dick Durbin Bill Press and his guest, Dick Durbin, the assistant majority leader of the Senate.

http://www.durbin.senate.gov

Jim Hightower George W's $250-million can of whitewash.

Economist Mark Blyth explains the economy in terms of men’s clothing. Journalist Michael Grunwald says the Keystone pipeline isn’t that bad. And “What’s the Matter with Kansas” author says “Kansas is still messed up.”

Economist Mark Blyth explains exactly why austerity is the worst medicine for the economy – tighter belts work only if we all wear the same pants.

Time magazine correspondent Michael Grunwald makes the case that the Keystone pipeline isn’t the worst thing that could happen to the environment.

And Thomas Frank, the author of “What’s the Matter of Kansas” says Kansas “is still messed up.” And he says Democrats don’t care enough about gun safety legislation.

Mark Blyth Mark Blyth is a professor of international economy at Brown University, and he succinctly explains what’s wrong with austerity as a cure for an ailing economy: “Tighter belts,” he says, “only work if we all wear the same pants.”

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Economics/Political/~~/dmlldz11c2EmY2k9OTc4MDE5OTgyODMwMg==

Michael Grunwald Time Magazine correspondent Michael Grunwald says the Keystone pipeline is not the worst thing that could happen to the environment, but that if President Obama approves it, he will deserve whatever blowback he gets from his green supporters.

www.michaelgrunwald.com/

Thomas Frank Thomas Frank says the NRA will always stop meaningful gun safety legislation because Democrats just don’t have their heart in the debate.

http://us.macmillan.com/pitythebillionaire/ThomasFrank

Jim Hightower Putting your neck on the line.

Don’t worry about Kim Jong Un, says nuke expert … Catholic theologian puts Boehner and Ryan on the spot about what pro-life really means. And Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on prospects for gun safety legislation.

An expert on nuclear weapons says don’t panic about North Korea. The threats of using missiles against the United States are just empty bluster.

A theologian calls out Catholic lawmakers by name to explain that putting reasonable restrictions on firearms is the pro-life position.

And Bill Press talks with Chicago Congresswoman Jan Schakowski, who predicts eventual passage of gun safety legislation.

Joe Cirincione Joe Cirincione is president of the Ploughshare Fund and an expert on nuclear nonproliferation. He says don’t worry about the empty bluster coming from North Korea. It’s missiles can’t hit anything. The only problem is the possibility of North Korea blundering into a conventional war.

http://www.ploughshares.org/who-we-are/staff/joseph-cirincione

Tobias Winright Professor Tobias Winright of St. Louis University says the Catholic Church’s consistent pro-life position should be extended to sensible gun control legislation, and he puts the Speaker of the House and a couple of Democratic senators on the spot.

https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/tobias-winright/

Jan Schakowsky Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who predicts eventual passage of gun safety legislation.

http://schakowsky.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Where's the cop on the Wall Street beat?

Rendering unto Caesar – conversations this week about income taxes and about the new Pope’s commitment to the poor.

With the deadline for filing your returns just days away, a historian of the income tax says you can’t talk about taxes these days without talking about class.

Our regular contributor and Catholic activist Fred Rotondaro talks about his expectations for Pope Francis.

And Bill Press talks with immigration advocate Angela Kelley about prospects for congressional action.

Molly Michelmore Professor Molly Michelmore has written about the history of the income tax, now 100 years old. Originally, it was very popular because it was seen as a way of sticking it to the robber barons. Now, she says, we still can’t talk about taxes without talking about class.

http://www.wlu.edu/x25015.xml?InsertFile=x24164

Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro, a regular contributor, is a progressive Catholic activist. He sees the election of Pope Francis as a move toward a new emphasis on the issues of inequality, poverty and the role of women in the Church.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/rotondaro-fred/bio/

Angela Kelley Bill Press and his guest, Angela Kelley of the Center for American Progress on prospects for immigration reform legislation.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/kelley-angela-maria/bio/

Jim Hightower The wisdom of the wealthy.

The flip side of technology – killing jobs and elevating Republicans. This week -- economist Simon Johnson and political scientist Ian Millhiser along with Congressman David Cicilline on the immoral Republican budget.

Economist Simon Johnson explains that economic inequality is due in large part to the information and technology revolutions that have redefined what a job is.

Political scientist Ian Millhiser tells us that technology is what has allowed the gerrymandering that is keeping Republicans more in control than the voters want.

And Bill Press talks with Congressman David Cicilline

Simon Johnson M-I-T economist Simon Johnson is an expert on international finance and the American economy as well. He says income inequality remains stubborn because of the technological revolution that has changed the nature of so many jobs.

http://baselinescenario.com/

Ian Millhiser We all know that the way congressional districts are drawn is unfair … but until courts strike down gerrymandering as unconstitutional, political scientist Ian Millhiser says it doesn’t make sense for Democrats to unilaterally disarm. The key, however, is winning back state legislatures, he says.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/millhiser-ian/bio/

David Cicilline Bill Press and his guest, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline, who says the House Republican budget is “immoral.”

http://cicilline.com/

Jim Hightower Wall Street Banksters now Too-Big-To-Jail.

This week is the best of Toms! Author Thomas Frank .. former Congressman Tom Perriello … and Senator Tom Harkin.

Progressive author Thomas Frank takes on the sacred cow of bipartisanship. He says that all bipartisanship means is that liberals win the culture wars and conservatives cut regulations and social services. He also takes on the mythology about Lincoln! Stay tuned.

Former Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia, however, is a big believer in compromise and believes things might be on the verge of getting a little better on Capitol Hill.

And Bill Press talks with Senator Tom Harkin about the minimum wage.

Thomas Frank Best-selling author and essayist Thomas Frank hates compromise! And he says President Obama’s biggest failures result from his loving it. The author of the highly acclaimed “What’s the Matter with Kansas” says bipartisanship is an empty shibboleth, and reminds us that winning the Civil War was anything but a compromise.

http://www.tcfrank.com/

Tom Perriello Tom Perriello served only one term in Congress, a progressive representing Charlottesville, Va., until the Tea Party wave defeated him. A believer in the idea of “conviction politics,” he says some members of Congress who came to Washington to destroy government may actually be ready to work with Democrats.

http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/perriello-tom/bio/

Tom Harkin Bill Press and his guest, Senator Tom Harkin, a tireless battler for working Americans, and especially minimum-wage workers.

http://www.harkin.senate.gov/

Jim Hightower GOP leaders try putting earrings on their hog.

**How should bankers responsible for the financial crisis be handled? A former Fed official says throw ‘em in jail! And … Marco Rubio … just a Romney with charisma.

A former vice chairman of the Fed says while Wall Street is looking a lot better, Main Street is just slogging along. And he says a number of bankers belong in jail!

The author of that Time Magazine cover story on Marco Rubio tells us the Florida senator is a strong contender for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination because he is “Romney with charisma.”

And Bill Press talks with two progressive members of the House – Keith Ellison and Peter Welch – about what the Paul Ryan budget would do unto others.**

Alan Blinder Dr. Alan Blinder was a member of Bill Clinton’s council of economic advisers, and later, vice chairman of the Fed. That makes him an expert on the financial crisis, and he has written a book that explains why it happened. He also tells us some unnamed bankers ought to be in jail!
http://www.princeton.edu/~blinder/

Michael Grunwald If you’re a Republican and think the party’s problem is that Mitt Romney was too rich and too white, but otherwise was right, then Marco Rubio is your guy. That’s the view of journalist Michael Grunwald of Time Magazine. If you ARE a Republican, by the way, welcome to the show!
http://www.michaelgrunwald.com/

Keith Ellison and Peter Welch Bill Press and his his guests, Democratic Congressmen Keith Ellison and Peter Welch, on the Republican budget silliness.
http://ellison.house.gov/
http://www.welch.house.gov/

Jim Hightower Standing up for a senator who took a stand.

**A Bank of England advisor sneers at economic austerity … and a historian invokes Donald Duck to explain how Americans got to love the income tax.

Is austerity the way to go to get us out of the fiscal crisis? One of the world’s leading economists says no, that austerity is a “lose-lose” proposition right now.

And with the deadline just one month away, a historian tells us that the income tax was an idea supported by the “little people” – and Donald Duck.

And Bill Press talks with a Catholic journalist, and priest, who says the odds are against an American being elected pope.**

Adam Posen Adam Posen is one of the world’s leading economists, and until recently the only American to serve on the British equivalent of the U.S. Federal Reserve bank. He tells us why austerity is not the answer to our fiscal woes and that deficit reduction should wait until economic times are better.
http://www.iie.com/staff/author_bio.cfm?author_id=9

Molly MIchelmore How did Irving Berlin and Donald Duck figure in the history of the income tax? Historian Molly MIchelmore explains that income taxes were once seen as good for farmers, working people and small businesses … but some Hollywood hoopla was needed to get people to support increased taxes to pay for World War 2.
http://www.wlu.edu/x25015.xml?InsertFile=x24164

Tom Reese Bill Press and his guest, Father Tom Reese on the chances of an American becoming pope.
http://votf.org/page/rev-thomas-j-reese-sj/6168

Jim Hightower The mythical "Dow" versus the real "Doug".

**Wisdom from congressional alumni on domestic and foreign policy … and a new senator urges common sense on sequestration.

Today, some straight talk from a couple of former Democratic Congressmen. Tom Allen, from Maine, argues that bad things happen when lawmakers ignore evidence.

Mike Barnes of Maryland, a foreign policy expert, says we need to rethink our policy toward Cuba, and the rest of Latin America.

And Bill Press talks with new Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.**

Tom Allen Tom Allen is a former Congressman from Maine who has written a book about why Congress is broken. Not surprisingly, he makes the argument that Republicans, and their disregard for evidence of what works, is to blame.
http://publishers.org/staff/2/

Mike Barnes How do you hasten the end of Cuba’s dictatorship? Former Congressman Mike Barnes, an expert on Latin America, says send cruise ships full of tourists, send business leaders. He argues that an influx of American dollars makes it less possible for a dictatorship to survive.
http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes

Tammy Baldwin Bill Press and his guest, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin the day before sequestration took effect.
http://www.tammybaldwin.com/splash/

Jim Hightower The new boom in mergers: A boom for whom?

**Will a 12 dollar an hour minimum wage work? Five dollar a gallon of gas certainly does NOT. Nor does Chinese computer theft of America’s secrets.

Economist James K. Galbraith talks about the “mania” on the right about cutting Social Security and Medicare, which he says will only further weaken the purchasing power of the elderly.
Gas prices are going through the roof … and Steven Coll, president of the New America Foundation, has written a book exposing how Exxon-Mobil determines both the price of gasoline AND U.S. foreign policy.
And Bill Press talks with an expert on the Chinese hacking of America.**

James K. Galbraith James K. Galbraith, a world famous economist, sheds some light for us about the effects of any cuts in Medicare or Social Security … and he makes the case for a minimum wage of TWELVE dollars an hour.
http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/directory/faculty/james-galbraith

Jim Hightower The GOP's disdain for low-wage workers.

Steven Coll Now, with gas prices on everyone’s mind, we’ll hear from Steven Coll, author of a book exposing how Exxon Mobil influences U.S. energy and foreign policy. He says that over the decades, the U.S. government has not achieved its energy objectives, but Exxon has.
http://www.amazon.com/Private-Empire-ExxonMobil-American-Power/dp/1594203350/ref=la_B001H6OLII_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361734296&sr=1-1

Dan McWhorter Bill Press and his guest, Dan McWhorter, a computer expert who reveals how China is stealing America’s intellectual property.
http://www.mandiant.com/

Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power

**Which House of Congress better represents the people? And how does winning an Oscar affect your health? Some surprising answers today.

Why is there so much dysfunction in Congress? Constitutional scholar Ian Millhiser says, simply, it is “deeply baked into the legislative system.”

Author and demographer Phillip Longman has some surprising data about how your job determines how long you live, and how winning an Oscar affects health in Hollywood.

And Bill Press talks with Brendon Ayanbadejo of the world champion Baltimore Ravens about safety on the gridiron … and gay rights.**

Ian Millhiser Constitutional law expert Ian Millhiser says the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court may not lead to more Republicans. But it will lead to worse Democrats! He also says the so-called “upper House,” the Senate, is actually more representative of the American people than the “people’s house.”
http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/millhiser-ian/bio/

Jim Hightower Do more than the minimum on minimum wage.

Phillip Longman Do race and class matter in health care? Absolutely, says demographer Phillip Longman. It is not only the level of socioeconomic status, it is the disparity between the races and income levels that kills people.
http://newamerica.net/user/92

Brendon Ayanbadejo Bill Press and his guest, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo.
https://twitter.com/brendon310

**Is 2016 Hillary’s “moment?” Will Republicans use the debt ceiling to inflict a catastrophe on the world economy? Who needs immigration reform the most?

She’s got money, organization, tenacity and discipline on her side. … And Bill Clinton. So what will Hillary Clinton do in 2016? Regular contributor and blogger Catherine Poe says, “This is her moment.”

M-I-T economist Simon Johnson tells us the economy is improving but “irresponsible austerity” will create a “catastrophe” here and around the world.

And Bill Press talks with Congressman Henry Cuellar, who says Democrats want immigration reform … but Republicans need it.**

Catherine Poe Hillary Clinton is no longer a political lightning rod, says regular commentator Catherine Poe. She is now a statesman, and now is her moment … to run for president.
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Simon Johnson Economist Simon Johnson warns that irresponsible austerity methods proposed by Republicans could throw the world into a financial catastrophe. And, he says, it would be the private sector that really suffers.
http://baselinescenario.com/

Henry Cuellar Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas, who says Democrats want immigration reform … but Republicans need it.
http://cuellar.house.gov/

**Movement on immigration reform. Why? Look at the election results!

Elections have consequences … and the proof is the sudden impetus for a bipartisan immigration bill. Just before a few Senate Republicans decided to join progressives in starting immigration reform, we spoke with Maria Teresa Kumar, head of the advocacy group Voto Latino.

And we continue our conversation with Erica Seifert (sigh-fert), the election analyst who has identified the new group of voters that she calls the “Rising American Electorate.”

And Bill Press talks with Tom Buffenbarger, head of the International Association of Machinists about threats to the labor movement.**

Maria Teresa-Kumar One argument that might help speed immigration reform along could be the economic aspect. Reform advocate Maria Teresa Kumar, the head of Voto Latino, says new Americans will contribute taxes and application fees to the economy.
http://votolatino.org/press/maria-teresa-kumar-voto-latino

Jim Hightower Good retail jobs would be good for America.

Erica Seifert Polling expert Erica Seifert has identified and named the Obama voting coalition. They constitute, in her words, the “Rising American Electorate.” She analyzes the 2012 election and points out that not only does gerrymandering raise questions about how Congress functions … so does our tendency to live where our political friends live.
http://gqrr.com/erica-seifert-phd/

Tom Buffenbarger Bill Press and his guest, machinists’ union president Tom Buffenbarger head of the International Association of Machinists discuss the threats to the labor movement.
http://www.goiam.org/index.php/news

**Optimism abounds … on the president’s toughness… on the American people’s commitment to progressive ideals… and on the Senate’s ability to get anything done.

Optimism abounds for a progressive agenda after President Obama’s second inaugural address.

Law professor Larry Gibson is a biographer of Thurgood Marshall and a Democratic campaign adviser in Maryland. He is optimistic that the president’s re-election signals a more progressive vision for the United States.

Our regular contributor, Fred Rotondaro of the Center for American Progress, says the president has learned he has to be tough as nails and will not have to compromise on hot-button Republican issues like the debt ceiling.

And Bill Press talks with former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, who is optimistic about the ability of the Senate to actually work.**

Larry Gibson Law professor Larry Gibson talks with us about his new biography of the young Thurgood Marshall, and also about his optimism about the country as a result of President Obama’s re-election.
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/faculty/profiles/faculty.html?facultynum=049

Jim Hightower Obama's Inaugural Address: Progressive and Presidential.

Fred Rotondaro In the glow of President Obama’s second inaugural address, regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the American public is behind him and the president has learned to be tough as nails. Fred also has a reminder for American Catholics about a recent message from the Pope.
http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/rotondaro-fred/bio/

Tom Daschle Bill Press and his guest, Tom Daschle, former majority leader, who talks about his optimism for the Senate despite little progress on ending filibusters.
http://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/daschle-tom/bio/

**Visitors from another planet inhabit Congress … and in the real world, a pressing issue for Congress is how to deal with visitors from other countries.

As President Obama begins his second term, he faces difficult challenges. Former Congressman Tom Allen says one of those challenges is dealing with a Congress whose members look at each other as visitors from another planet.

And Latina political analyst Maria Teresa Kumar says gains made in the 2012 elections can take effect only if minority voters and other Democrats show up at the polls in the 2014 midterm elections to retake the House of Representatives.

Bill Press speaks with Vincent DeMarco, who says the faith community can be a powerful force in getting more sensible gun laws.**

Tom Allen Tom Allen is a former Democratic congressman from Maine. He has just written a book about why Congress is so dysfunctional. He says the blame lies mostly with Republicans, whom he says must eventually become more pragmatic if they are to survive.
http://publishers.org/staff/2/

Jim Hightower Let a grunt run the Pentagon for a chance

Maria Teresa Kumar Latina political activist Maria Teresa Kumar reviews the 2012 election in terms of minority turnout and warns that Democrats have to gin up their vote in the 2014 midterm elections to win back the House of Representatives.
http://votolatino.org/press/maria-teresa-kumar-voto-latino

Vincent DeMarco Bill Press and his guest, Vincent DeMarco, says the faith community can be a powerful force in getting more sensible gun laws.
http://faithsagainstgunviolence.org/

**A good use for the 14th Amendment …and a terrible use for assault rifles.

Should President Obama change his mind and invoke the 14th Amendment to rid himself of troublesome debt ceiling opponents? Economist James Galbraith says he doesn’t have to “invoke” it – it is already part of the Constitution and ought to rule the day.

Former Congressman Mike Barnes, who also served as head of the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, says legislative restrictions on firearms will be difficult since one political party and one House of Congress are owned by the gun lobby.

Bill Press and his guest Politico’s Reid Epstein, who says the president is spoiling for a fight over Chuck Hagel.**

James Galbraith Why are we in the fiscal mess we’re in? Economist James Galbraith says it is because the dialogue has been “hijacked by a manic obsession over budget projections that are highly unreliable.” He says it is not up to President Obama to invoke the 14th Amendment to sidestep the forthcoming debt ceiling debate – the Constitution is already clear that the debt must, and will, be paid.

Jim Hightower Slippin' and slidin' on corporate cash

Mike Barnes Former Congressman Mike Barnes used to be president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. He was also once a Marine. And he says it is pure insanity that America allows the sale to nearly anybody of the rifle he was issued – a weapon designed to kill as many people as possible as fast as possible.

Reid Epstein Bill Press and his guest Politico’s Reid Epstein, who says the president is spoiling for a fight over Chuck Hagel.

**Did that really happen? Two authors provide historical secrets from the New Deal and from the Cold War.

American University Professor Peter Kuznick, who, in partnership with Oliver Stone, has produced a Showtime series on the “Untold History of the United States. He offers some historical insights that present a different view of Henry Wallace … and Joseph Stalin.

Another author, Sally Denton, has written a book about an establishment plot to oust Franklin D. Roosevelt, and she compares his opponents to those who smeared President Obama.

And Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California, who asks her Republican colleagues, “What are you here for?”**

Peter Kuznick **Peter Kuznick is a professor at American University. He has teamed up with controversial director Oliver Stone to produce a series for Showtime that offers an alternate history of the United States since World War II than the history books tell us. He has also written a book to go along with the series, and he says it is just another side to American history.

http://www.sho.com/sho/oliver-stones-untold-history-of-the-united-states/home**

Sally Denton **Horrendous economic conditions, broken capitalism, vicious lies aimed at the president. These circumstances that faced President Obama were also present following the election of FDR in 1932. Author Sally Denton examines the plot against Roosevelt and points out the similarity of the tactics used by the right-wing hate machine to those used against Obama.

http://www.sallydenton.com/**

Jackie Speier **And now Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California, who asks her Republican colleagues, “What are you here for?”

http://speier.house.gov/**

Jim Hightower Deep inside the "Taxpayer Relief Act"

**TEASE: Challenges in the second term … the early years of Thurgood Marshall … and the Republican states’ rights fetish.

Progressive icon Fred Harris talks about challenges facing the second Obama Administration, including barriers to organized labor … law professor Larry Gibson tells us about his new biography of a young Thurgood Marshall … and historian Steve Conn rips Republicans for hating government, except for when they need it.**

Fred Harris Fred Harris was a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and a candidate for president. Still active, Fred tells us what he sees as challenges for the second Obama Adminstration … labor rights, the minimum wage, civil rights and immigration reform
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_R._Harris

Larry Gibson Larry Gibson is a prominent attorney and law professor in Baltimore. He has a new book out called “Young Thurgood,” which delves into the early years of Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first African American Supreme Court justice.
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/faculty/profiles/faculty.html?facultynum=049

Steven Conn Steven Conn is a historian and author of a book examining the benefits of government. He talks with us today about the fetish Republicans have about “states rights” – the rallying cry for slavery, attacking reproductive freedom and suppressing voting rights. Professor Conn says Republicans are laissez-faire when it suits them but in favor of government help with they need it.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/members/memberview.cfm?memberid=11

**This Christmas week -- Prospects for meaningful gun control … and prospects for Middle East peace

The Newtown shootings have once again focused the nation on the easy availability of guns. Today we talk with Ben Palumbo, an old Washington hand who has worked with the Brady Campaign against gun violence, and he tells of a politician who stood up to the NRA and won – nearly 50 years ago!

We also talk with Middle East expert Professor Richard Bulliet about the prospects of stability in the region. He says you can’t go from dictatorship to democracy without instability.

And Bill Press speaks with Senator Tom Udall, who predicts the Senate will actually modify the filibuster rule.**

Ben Palumbo Longtime Washington political operative Ben Palumbo has worked for decades on gun control issues, including a stint on the board of the Brady Campaign. In an interview with us before the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, Palumbo said nothing will happen until politicians are ready to stand up to the National Rifle Association.

Richard Bulliet **Taking a look at the constant turmoil in the Middle East, Columbia University professor Richard Bulliet predicts it could take 10 years before there is a hope of stability in the region. The reason, he says, is you simply can’t go from dictatorship to democracy without a lot of instability. But, instability does not necessarily mean war.

http://www.columbia.edu/~rwb3/Bulliet/Richard_W._Bulliet.html**

Tom Udall **Bill Press and his guest, Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, with encouraging news about limiting Senate filibusters.

http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/**

**The Rising American Electorate comes through for Obama, but will they be there in two years? In four years?

The 2012 election is still being digested, and the aftertaste is good for progressives. The Obama campaign got its messaging right and its target voters right, but Democrats are going to have to work just as hard to keep this new coalition together for the 2014 midterm elections. And it’s clear that something is wrong with election procedures. We will hear from a polling analyst, and an elections expert.

And Bill Press interviews Michigan Congressman Sander Levin about his state government’s assault against working men and women.**

Erica Seifert Polling expert Erica Seifert deconstructs the 2012 election and concludes Obama’s victory was NOT inevitable. It was made possible by what she terms “the Rising American Electorate” – unmarried women, nonwhites and people under 30. But, she warns, the 2014 midterm elections are not a lock for Democrats if they don’t show up again.
http://gqrr.com/erica-seifert-phd/

Jim Hightower The Czardom of Michiganistan

David Becker December’s Electoral College meeting makes formal the people’s choice in what everyone agrees was a fair presidential election. But there are still massive inefficiencies in the registration and voting process. Expert David Becker says millions of people may be incorrectly registered – although it is a matter of antiquated rules, not fraud.
http://www.pewtrusts.org/

Sander Levin Bill Press interviews Michigan Congressman Sander Levin about his state government’s assault against working men and women.
http://levin.house.gov/

**A provocative take on untold stories of American history ,and provocative ideas from the GOP on immigration and from progressives on taxes and spending.

Did you know that Democratic “bosses” made FDR accept Harry Truman as vice president? Did you know that Truman was “very anti-Semitic and racist?” Did you know that Japan did not surrender primarily because of the atom bomb? These are parts of “The Untold History of the United States,” a book and Showtime series co authored by Oliver Stone and our guest today, Professor Peter Kuznick

Columnist Catherine Poe reviews the Republican version of the DREAM Act, and tells us – thankfully -- it has no chance of enactment.

And Bill Press interviews tax expert Michael Linden of the Center for American Progress about a solution to the budget and deficit problem.**

Peter Kuznick A new book and Showtime Television series presents an “Untold” story of American history, Co-author Peter Kuznick, tells us that Democratic party bosses, the British and the French hated FDR’s vice president Henry Wallace because he was anti-Wall Street and anti-fascist.The result, he says, was the atom bomb and the Cold War.

Jim Hightower Boehner's pitiful budget pitches

Catherine Poe Some Senate Republicans are offering an alternative to the Dream Act as a way of loosening immigration restrictions. Regular contributor and columnist Catherine Poe says it not only fails to lead to citizenship, it fails to have any chance of passage.

Michael Linden Bill Press interviews tax expert Michael Linden of the Center for American Progress about a solution to the budget and deficit problem.

**Domestic and foreign policy outlooks in the second term, and a backlash looms against the discredited ideology of Reaganism.

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle says no matter who is selected as secretary of state, he doesn’t expect any radical transformation of U.S. foreign policy.
Historian and author Michael Lind talks with us about different long-term waves in American history, where we are now and where we are going.
And Bill Press interviews Senator Chris Coons of Delaware about the so-called fiscal cliff … and why going over it might not be so bad.**

Tom Daschle We’re happy to have with us today Tom Daschle, long time leader of Democrats in the Senate, and an expert on health care and foreign policy. He says that in the president’s second term, a lot of hurdles face full implementation of Obamacare but that foreign policy is going to remain on an even keel, not matter who is named secretary of state.

Michael Lind Historian Michael Lind thinks the story of America is of long-term waves of technology and social upheaval. Where are we now? He says we are at the end of the Reagan era and there will be a backlash against its discredited policies in the near future.

Chris Coons Bill Press interviews Senator Chris Coons of Delaware about the so-called fiscal cliff … and why going over it might not be so bad.

Jim Hightower By axing parks, politicos are stealing the people

**The Middle East is in turmoil and the middle class is in danger. And in middle America, a visit to the Lincoln presidential library.

A Columbia University expert on the Middle East says if Romney had won the election, it would have meant “a green light for war on Iran. Now, he says, sanctions will have a chance to work.

Author and think tank scholar Phil Longman has an idea – give every American at birth a federal savings account that the parents and the child would contribute to for a lifetime.

And a special feature this week: With everyone talking about the Lincoln movie, Washington consultant and presidential historian Leon Billings reviews the best presidential libraries. And he recommends a stop in Springfield, Illinois.**

Richard Bulliet Richard Bulliet is a Columbia University professor and an expert on the Middle East. He says Obama’s re-election is promising in terms of containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as opposed to the “greenlight for war” that would have resulted from Romney winning the election.

Phil Longman Phil Longman is a progressive thinker, and he has a program he believes would preserve the middle class for generations – a lifetime savings account funded by the government to start and built by obligatory contributions from the holder’s salary.

Leon Billings Washington consultant Leon Billings recently took a vacation … touring presidential libraries and museums. He talks about his favorites, and finds that the Lincoln library is ideal for children, and Clinton’s the most educational.

**Will Obama become more progressive in a second term? Does the election strengthen his hand against Iran? Hint … our guests think so!

Fred Harris, who served in the Senate with the late George McGovern, has a surprising candidate to wear the mantle of McGovern progressivism in these times – Barack Obama. Mike Ussery, who was an ambassador in two Republican administrations, says the election gives President Obama a stronger hand against Iran. And Bill Press interviews Charlie Fink, whose group of patriotic millionaires favors higher taxes on the rich.**

Fred Harris Fred Harris, a former senator and chair of the DNC, says President Obama is a worthy successor to the late Senator George McGovern as an icon of the progressive movement. And, he says, the American electorate really does have a strong populist and progressive streak.

Mike Ussery One result of President Obama returning to office, says Republican foreign policy expert Mike Ussery, is that he has more room to move in dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Charlie Fink Bill Press and his guest, Charlie Fink, of Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength.

Jim Hightower A telling insight into Mitt's soul

**The word of the day? Demographics. Tom Daschle says they define the future of the Democratic Party, and elections expert John Halpin says they can beat Republican money any day. And Bill Press talks with re-elected Senator Ben Cardin about the congressional outlook for compromise.

After the shellacking administered to Republicans in the presidential and senatorial elections, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle reflects on what a second Obama administration might be like. John Halpin is an expert on elections and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. He says the election proved that Democratic voters can beat conservative money any time. And Bill Press interviews Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, who says HE is ready to compromise, if the Republicans are.**

Tom Daschle Tom Daschle was the Senate Democrat leader during the Clinton Administration and a key player in the development of health care reform. As a result of the president’s re-election, he says the Affordable Care Act, Dodd-Frank and Obama’s economic policy will stay in place.
www.dlapiper.com

Jim Hightower The biggest loser of 2012

John Halpin Electoral expect John Halpin of the Center for American Progress says the coalition of minorities, better-educated whites and working class Americans is real. And it’s a good sign, he says, that Democratic voters can beat conservative money – if they put their minds to it.
americanprogress.org

Bill Press Bill Press and his guest, newly re-elected Maryland Senator Cardin, on prospects for any sign of bipartisanship in Congress.

The Republican plot to destroy the Obama presidency four years ago and the Republican plot to keep Democrats from the polls this year. And how one immigrant family made it to the middle class.

Michael Grunwald Time Magazine’s top political reporter, Michael Grunwald says that with all the resistance President Obama has faced from Republicans plotting to destroy his presidency, the fact that he even had a shot at winning re-election suggests, in his words, “maybe he is not a political idiot after all.”
http://www.michaelgrunwald.com/

Jim Hightower The mad dogs of Citizens United

Fred Rotondaro President Obama’s stimulus program helped America recover from the near-Depression left him by President Bush ... and business taxes are now lower than under Ronald Reagan. Regular contributor Fred Rotondaro reminds us that Democratic programs are not about just giving people money – they are about strengthening the economy for everyone.
http://www.americanprogress.org/

Ben Jealous Bill Press and his guest, Ben Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP on how Republicans have switched from breaking the law to using the law to keep people from voting.
http://www.billpressshow.com/
http://www.naacp.org/

With the 2012 election looming, a couple of long-time political operatives assess the Democrats’ chances next week, and George Mitchell calls the Romney campaign’s Mideast statements “silly.” Ben Palumbo Longtime Washington political operative Ben Palumbo says the case for President Obama’s re-election is easy – in the face of Republican opposition he persevered in improving the lives of millions Americans – equal pay, student loans, saving the auto industry, reining in Wall Street, not to mention health care reform and ending the war in Iraq.

Jim Hightower Ryan & Romney's dream for America

George Bruno President Obama’s chances of winning the potentially critical four electoral votes from New Hampshire are pretty good, says former state party chairman George Bruno. The congressional races, he says, are competitive as well
http://www.usagroupinternational.com/aboutus.htm

George Mitchell Bill Press and his guest, former Senator and diplomat George Mitchell.
http://www.billpressshow.com/
http://www.dlapiper.com/george_mitchell/

Democrats run the economy better but Republicans are better at binding … and binders.

Jere Glover Did you know that nine out of the last 10 recessions began under Republican administrations? Did you know that the stock market does better under Democrats and Republicans? Some eye-opening historical economic data from small business expert Jere Glover makes it clear which party is better for America.
http://www.seidmanlaw.com/

Jim Hightower Romney's "Farmer"

Jonathan Haidt Ever since Newt Gingrich took over the House of Representatives almost 20 years ago, American politics as become “a knife fight,” says social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. He suggests one way for Congress to get along better would be for members to move their families to Washington, which would improve social relationships.
http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Haidt/e/B001H6GAXW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Brad Woodhouse Bill Press and guest Brad Woodhouse, the communications director of the DNC.
http://www.billpressshow.com/
http://www.dscc.org/

Steven Conn History professor Steven Conn’s new book,“To Promote the General Welfare, the Case for Big Government,” takes apart the myth of a free market. He points out that there has never been a truly free market in America because the private sector routinely relies on government –from building railroads to breaking strikes to banning women’s reproductive choices. Buy the book

Jennifer Burns Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan was an acolyte of the right wing philosopher Ayn Rand. Jennifer Burns is a professor at Stanford who is an expert on that philosophy, and she explains its hold on Ryan and other extreme conservatives. According to Dr. Burns, Ayn Rand is “a gateway drug to life on the Right.” http://www.jenniferburns.org/

Sherrod Brown Bill Press and guest Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown with a morning-after analysis of the vice presidential debate. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.brown.senate.gov/

To Promote the General Welfare: The Case for Big Government

Today’s topics are about different gospels – the good news about the Obama stimulus, the social gospel of progressive Catholics and the Republican gospel of “you’re on your own.”

Michael Grunwald Time Magazine’s senior national correspondent Michael Grunwald has written a book comparing the Obama Administration’s stimulus program to FDR’s New Deal. Why hasn’t the public understood how effective that stimulus was? Grunwald says it’s partly because of the news media, but also because of incredible Republican distortions of the record. http://www.michaelgrunwald.com/

Jim Hightower The GOP rejects, then embraces, and now is stuck with Todd Akin

Nicholas Cafardi An expert on Catholic law and the co-chair of Catholics for Obama says the president is more pro-life than Mitt Romney because abortions are more likely when aid is cut to poor women. http://commonwealmagazine.org/authors/nicholas-p-cafardi

Diana DeGette Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Diana DeGette on the day after the first presidential debate in her home state of Colorado. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://degette.house.gov/

What happened to the American Dream? Will a Republican White House blow up the entire trade relationship with China? And Romney pooh-poohs the polls.

Timothy Noah After examining economic statistics from the past 40 years, essayist Timothy Noah finds that the vaunted “American Dream” of upward mobility is a thing of the past. And he has a few bold ideas for getting the dream back. http://www.tnr.com/blogs/timothy-noah

Ira Shapiro International trade may not be the issue on which the presidential campaign turns, but it is a surrogate for the overall economy. Trade expert Ira Shapiro explains some of the issues … and wonders how a President Romney could face down China and not blow up the entire relationship. http://irashapiroauthor.com/

Ginger Gibson Bill Press interviews Politico’s Ginger Gibson, who has been covering Mitt Romney. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.politico.com/

Romney’s foreign policy blunders … Obama’s secret weapons … and who the 47 percent really are.

Peter Galbraith Former ambassador Peter Galbraith assesses Mitt Romney’s foreign policy expertise. The verdict? “Not ready for prime time” and “nostalgic for another century.” Ambassador Galbraith adds that Romney’s serial foreign policy gaffes calls his very competence into question. http://armscontrolcenter.org/about/staff/pgalbraith/

Jim Hightower "Millionaire Tax Dodgers"

Alan Abramowitz Emory University Professor Alan Abramowitz uses mathematical models to successfully predict presidential election outcomes. Today, he tells us that President Obama must get his supporters to register and to vote and hope the undecideds stay home. Oh, and since our conversation with Professor Abramowitz, he has made his prediction – a one-point-two percentage point victory for the President. http://polisci.emory.edu/home/people/abramowitz.html

Clarence Page Bill Press interviews Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Clarence Page about the 47 percent of us lazy moochers who populate Mitt Romney’s America. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/page/

Democrats run the economy better, Republicans run as Ayn (Ain) Rand, and a DNC spokesman says, “I’d rather be us than them.”

Jere Glover Jere Glover is a Washington attorney and a small business expert. He also has looked into official government statistics about the economy and, guess what … in Democratic administration, the economy and business investment are robust. Under Republicans, the economy and business investment go down. http://www.seidmanlaw.com/

Jennifer Burns Everyone is talking about the godmother of economic selfishness, author Ayn Rand, now that one of her disciples, Paul Ryan, could become vice president. Professor Jennifer Burns has written a Rand biography, “Goddess of the Market,” and says rather than a dream come true, the Romney-Ryan ticket would be Rand’s worst nightmare. http://www.jenniferburns.org/

Brad Woodhouse Bill Press interviews Brad Woodhouse, spokesman for the Democratic National Committee. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.democrats.org/

Winning the independents … stimulating the economy … and taking back the House.

Linda Killian There is some question as to whether there really are a lot of truly independent voters. Journalist and scholar Linda Killian, who has studied them in four key swing states, says they may constitute up to 25 percent of the electorate. She says they are socially moderate, fiscally conservative and leaning toward President Obama on national security issues. http://www.politico.com/arena/bio/linda_killian.html

Robert Shiller Robert Shiller is a professor of economics at Yale University says cutting taxes and cutting spending will devastate America and bring on another recession. He also says it is a mistake of the first order to compare a household budget with a national budget. It will only make things worse, he says. http://www.econ.yale.edu/~shiller/

Robby Mook Bill Press interviews Robby Mook, director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://dccc.org/

Vice presidential candidates – from the most honorable to the least. Plus, a Reagan-Bush economist says the rich should pay more taxes.

Mark Shriver Forty years ago, Sargent Shriver – a man for all seasons – was selected to run for vice president. Today, we talk with one of his sons, Mark, who has written a biography of the man he calls “a warrior for peace.” And he offers some poignant and funny stories. http://www.savethechildren.net/

Bruce Bartlett Now that Republicans have swallowed the Kool-Aid of low taxes as a cure for everything, we hear from an adviser to GOP leaders from Ron Paul to George Bush. Economist Bruce Bartlett explains the obvious – that if we don’t raise taxes on the wealthy, the rest of us have to pay more. http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/author/bruce-bartlett/

Nia Malika Henderson Bill Press interviews the Washington Post’s Nia Malika Henderson about Paul Ryan’s “blatant untruths.” http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/nia-malika-henderson/2011/03/04/ABbisxN_page.html

Democrats and religion … middle class and downward mobility … and Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, eldest daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, has written and advocated for progressive causes. Today, she talks with us about the role of religion in public policy, and reminds that progressives needs to reach out to people of faith. http://www.kathleenkennedytownsend.com/

Phillip Longman Author and demographer Phillip Longman says almost half of Baby Boomers do not have a retirement nest egg. He shares with us a series of provocative ideas about how to reverse the downward mobility of the middle class. http://www.newamerica.net/people/phillip_longman

Frank Rich Bill Press interviews columnist Frank Rich about the meaning of Paul Ryan’s selection as the Republican vice presidential candidate. Not a game changer, he says. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://nymag.com/frank-rich/

Ira Shapiro From the early 1960s through the 1970s, the United States Senate lived up to its historic grandeur, says former Senate staffer Ira Shapiro, the author of a new book called “The Last Great Senate.” What went wrong? Shapiro suggests it was the outside influences of right-wing ideology and big money that turned the world’s greatest deliberate body into a permanent election campaign. http://irashapiroauthor.com/

Ray Glendening A new internet site tries to match up ideological soul mates regardless of political party. The founder of this post-partisan exercise, Ray Glendening, explains how this new platform may bring about a broad and thoughtful conversation about the role of government. http://www.ruck.us/

Jennifer Duffy Bill Press interviews political analyst Jennifer Duffy, who says Democrats have an even shot at retaining control of the Senate. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://cookpolitical.com/

Ohio looks good for Obama, income looks bad under Republicans, the House GOP looks like “monstrous” cynics.

Eric Kearney Eric Kearney is the minority leader in Ohio’s state Senate, and he is very optimistic that once voters take a close look at his record and see the jobs start returning, they will again put Ohio in the Obama column this fall. http://www.erickearney.com/

Tim Noah Tim Noah is an essayist and author whose latest book examines the growing economic inequality in America over the past 33 years. He attributes it to the deregulation of Wall Street, the decline of the middle class, and, no surprise, Republican presidents. http://www.timothynoah.com/

Gerry Connolly Bill Press and Washington Post reporter Nia Malika Henderson talk with Gerry Connolly, a Democratic Congressman from Virginia, who describes how the House Republicans are “playing with the U.S. economy.” http://connolly.house.gov/

Tax deductions for Stand Your Ground laws. Tax credits for prancing horses. Romney praises national health system -- if its Israeli.

Bob Edgar Bob Edgar is a former congressman who knows how lobbying works. In fact, he heads the public interest lobby Common Cause. Mr. Edgar has filed a complaint with the IRS exposing the lobbying tactics of a right-wing group that funds its nefarious work with tax-deductible contributions – not the way lobbying is supposed to work. http://www.commoncause.org

Catherine Poe Mitt Romney just doesn’t relate to the average voter, and commentator Catherine Poe thinks she knows why. His money has sheltered him from the vicissitudes of life and made it seem normal to take a 77-thousand-dollar tax credit for a dressage horse. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Judd Legum Bill Press talks with Judd Legum about health care reform and Mitt Romney. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://thinkprogress.org/author/judd/

What role will Latinos play in 2012? Why can't we all get along? How did Senate Democrats put Republicans on the spot?

Raul Grijalva Congressman Raul Grijalva of Arizona says the upcoming election will critical in determining what this country will look like in the future. http://grijalva.house.gov/

Jonathan Haidt Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explains what liberals can teach conservatives and what conservatives can teach liberals. He says different notions of morality both bind us and blind us. http://people.virginia.edu/~jdh6n/

Dick Durbin Bill Press talks with Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin about the politics of taxes and sequestration. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://durbin.senate.gov/public/

The role of corporations is looming large in the presidential campaign. Today, we learn about the history of corporations from author and media theorist Douglas Rushkoff, who says since the Middle Ages, corporations have tried to prevent the rise of a middle class. A historian who writes about FDR links him to President Obama in terms of the paranoid hatred that both engendered among Republican extremists. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont and the National Journal’s Major Garrett about “sequestration” and the “fiscal cliff.”

Douglas Rushkoff Media theorist Douglas Rushkoff has written a book called, “Life, Incorporated.” In it he explains how corporations that arose in the Middle Ages have, through today, acted against the interests of the middle class. http://www.rushkoff.com/

Sally Denton Historian Sally Denton traces “the paranoid style” in American politics from FDR straight through to President Obama. While things were worse in the Thirties, she says, Obama was slow to recognize the depth of hatred emanating from his political opponents. http://www.sallydenton.com/

Peter Welch Bill Press talks with Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont and the National Journal’s Major Garrett about “sequestration” and the “fiscal cliff.” http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://welch.house.gov/

Who cares about swing voters? Why should taxes go up? Why did Barney Frank choose to get married now?

Alan Abramowitz Alan Abramowitz is a professor of political science at Emory University and well known for correctly predicting most of the presidential election outcomes. He has not yet made his 2012 prediction, but he does tell President Obama to forget the swing voters and concentrate instead on turning out his base. http://polisci.emory.edu/home/people/abramowitz.html

Simon Johnson Economist Simon Johnson explains the current fiscal crisis as one caused by Republican refusal to pay for Social Security and Medicare. If America doesn’t have a more informed debate, he says, the chances of a true fiscal disaster go up. His solution – re-elect President Obama AND resist extending the Bush tax cuts to everyone. http://baselinescenario.com/

Barney Frank Bill Press talks with retiring Congressman and newlywed Barney Frank on why he decided to marry his partner before leaving Congress, and on the nation’s fiscal crisis and congressional gridlock. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://frank.house.gov/

Pete Seeger Our first guest today is a truly great American, perhaps the leading progressive icon of our times. In honor of the centennial of the birth of Woody Guthrie, Pete has some fun telling stories on Woody, and revealing the history of the anthem “This Land is Your Land.” http://www.peteseegermusic.com/ http://www.woodyguthrie.org/

Fred Harris Fred Harris was a populist when he was the U.S. senator from Oklahoma. He still is, as a professor at the University of New Mexico. He talks with us about the legacy of Woody Guthrie and the lessons we have learned from the Dust Bowl Era of American history. http://www.ou.edu/special/albertctr/archives/harris.htm

Sister Simone Campbell Bill Press talks with the leader of the “Nuns on a Bus” movement of progressive Catholics who point out the immorality of the Republican’s proposed budget. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.networklobby.org/

Immigration ruling an opportunity for Democrats. Jeffersonians and Hamiltonians still arguing. And things are worse than they look.

Raul Grijalva Mitt Romney says Arizona’s discredited immigration restrictions was model legislation. But now that the Supreme Court thinks otherwise, what is Romney’s backup plan? Nothing, says Congressman Raul Grijalva. He says the Supreme Court decision gives Democrats an opportunity to force Republicans into truly bipartisan moves to reform federal immigration policy. http://grijalva.house.gov/

Michael Lind Historian Michael Lind goes back into American history and explains how Americans contradict themselves. The political fault line is not really liberal versus conservative but Jeffersonian versus Hamiltonian. He says Americans are Jeffersonian in belief but Hamiltonian in practice. http://newamerica.net/user/91

Norm Ornstein Bill Press talks with political scientist Norm Ornstein about the historic level of vitriol and lying – mostly by Republicans – that is now paralyzing national problem-solving. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.aei.org/scholar/norman-j-ornstein/

Making the world safe for Exxon, shining light on hidden government benefits, explaining the President's immigration policy shift, and Jim Hightower says it's time to focus on the "Doug Jones Average".

Steve Coll President George W. Bush threatened to designate an Indonesian group as terrorist unless it stopped attacking Exxon. Journalist Steve Coll paints an astonishing portrait of a corporation that tries to run not only the United States but the rest of the world. http://newamerica.net/

Suzanne Mettler Political scientist Suzanne Mettler asks what happens when government benefits are hidden from view? She answer that the rich benefit and the rest of us don’t. http://government.arts.cornell.edu/faculty/mettler/

Michele Waslin Bill Press talks with Michele Waslin of the Immigration Policy Center about President Obama’s action to defer action against young undocumented immigrants. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/

Why oil speculation raises the price of gasoline, why belt tightening is the wrong answer to the economy and what House Republicans are up to this week. Plus, Jim Hightower discusses diverting student aid money to big banks.

Michael Greenberger Former Wall Street regulator Michael Greenberger says gasoline could be two dollars and 50 cents a gallon … if it weren’t for outrageous and barely regulated casino gambling by oil speculators. http://www.michaelgreenberger.com/

Robert Shiller Robert Shiller is a Yale economics professor and New York Times columnist. He explains why Keynesian economics is still the prescription and why “belt tightening” is the exact opposite of what the nation needs. http://www.econ.yale.edu/~shiller/

Donna Edwards Bill Press talks with Maryland Congresswoman Donna Edwards about Wall Street, the economy and Republican attacks on Eric Holder. http://billpressshow.com/ http://donnaedwards.house.gov/

Mark Shriver Many Americans fondly remember the late R. Sargent Shriver, who founded the Peace Corps and accomplished so much else in improving the lot of people in this country and around the world. His son, Mark Shriver, writes in a new book for Fathers Day, about how faith and maintaining a balance in life are the important lessons his dad bequeathed.

http://www.savethechildren.org/

Jim Hightower America’s #1 populist gives us his Common Sense Commentary on the Wisconsin election results.

Linda Killian A journalist and senior scholar at the Wilson Center, has written a book about a powerful third force in American politics – the independent, or swing, voters. They may not make up their minds in the presidential race until it is almost over, but they will, she says, make all the difference.

http://www.lindajkillian.com/

Henry Cuellar Bill Press talks about immigration issues, the Latino vote and tax cuts with Congressman Henry Cuellar, a blue dog Democrat, from Texas.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://cuellar.house.gov/

Peter Barca A special replay of our post-election-day interview in Wisconsin with Democratic State Assembly leader Peter Barca. The news wasn’t all bad, he reports.

Peter Barca Wisconsin Representative Peter Barca of Kenosha is the Democratic Leader of the Wisconsin Assembly. Clearly a battleground state in November, Wisconsin just ended a tumultuous campaign seeking the recall of Republican Governor Scott Walker. Representative Barca talks with us about the results, and what it means for November.

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/contact/legislatorpages.aspx?house=assembly&district=64

Tamara Draut The quality of jobs for non-college graduates is as low as ever, but young people feel they must go to college just to stay even. Then they pile up debt for a diploma that guarantees them little in the search for that first job. Author Tamara Draut examines the economics of being a 20- or 30-something in 2012.

http://www.demos.org/tamara-draut

John Halpin John Halpin, a political analyst with the Center for American Progress reports that the 2012 presidential election will come down to 12 states or fewer and that President Obama can win the race, even if by only a narrow margin.

http://www.americanprogress.org/experts/HalpinJohn.html

John Nichols Bill Press talks Wisconsin recall election with John Nichols, a correspondent for “The Nation”and with the National Journal’s Major Garrett.

http://billpressshow.com/

http://www.thenation.com/authors/john-nichols

Eric Kearney Ohio State Senate Democratic Leader Eric Kearney talks about the importance of his state to President Obama in November and how Republicans are trying to suppress voting rights and women’s rights.

Website

Jennifer Mittelstadt Professor Jennifer Mittelstadt is writing a book about book on the relationship between the all-volunteer army, social welfare, and politics. She notes that the military has always been a social service agency and examines the role of medical, dental, educational and child care benefits in keeping the military services strong.

Website

Jeff Morley Bill Press interviews Jeff Morley of Salon.com, who has been looking into the possible use of drones to spy on Americans.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

Jeff Morley

Bruce Bartlett Bruce Bartlett was an early “supply-side” economist who worked for President Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. He explains for us why the tax cuts of George W. Bush have not worked and why we need more revenues now.

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/author/bruce-bartlett/

David Becker An expert on election reform tell us that there is no evidence of voter fraud, but that one out of eight voting records are inaccurate. The answer, says David Becker of the Pew Foundation, might be online registration.

http://www.pewtrusts.org/experts_profile.aspx?id=85899368166

John Sarbanes Bill Press chats with the Congressman John Sarbanes about how to clean up campaign financing and maybe amend the Constitution to overturn the Citizens United decision.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://sarbanes.house.gov/

Fred Rotondaro Vice President Joe Biden talks the language of a lot of Americans, and regular contributor Fred Rotondaro says President Obama would do well to make the vice president the point man for picking some fights with Republicans. http://www.americanprogress.org/

Michael Ussery It isn’t possible to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, says our Republican foreign policy expert Mike Ussery. But that still doesn’t make Russia our Number One enemy, he says.

Andrew Harmon Bill Press chats with the White House correspondent for the “Advocate” about the president standing up for gay marriage. http://www.billpressshow.com/ http://www.advocate.com/

Kasim Reed

Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta is passionate about the need for progressives to throw out their complacency about rights they have already won. Why? Because Republicans are successfully impeding voting rights and women’s rights. He calls their words and actions “insane.”

http://kasimreed.com/

Tamara Draut

Tamara Draut, an activist and author, links the soaring cost of college to the grim future for a generation of 20- and 30-somethings, who may become the first generation of Americans to do worse than their parents.

http://www.demos.org/tamara-draut

Adam Green

Bill Press chats with Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, who provides a rundown on the Massachusetts Senate race and five House races where progressives might replace Republican incumbents.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://boldprogressives.org/

Dean Lacy

How is it that the very states that keep voting for Republicans get the most money, per capita, in federal social programs that the voters say they despise? Dartmouth Professor Dean Lacy explains … and he has some thoughts about the history of third parties in presidential elections.

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~govt/faculty/lacy.html

Geoffrey Kabaservice

Author Geoffrey Kabaservice says moderates don’t spend their time watching cablet TV, and thus are more moderate in their views than the leaders of the Republican Parfty, and they do vote in November.

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/HistoryAmerican/Since1945/~~/dmlldz11c2EmY2k9OTc4MDE5OTc2ODQwMA==#

Brad Woodhouse

Bill Press chats with Brad Woodhouse of the Democratic National Committee, who says forget Mitt Romney’s flip-flops – let’s find out what he is actually proposing!

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://www.democrats.org/

Leon Billings

Leon Billings was Senator Ed Muskie’s administrative assistant and helped write the nation’s environmental laws. As America celebrates another Earth Day, we ask him if the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts are still effective?

http://www.greentechfoundation.org/Advisors_billings.htm

Catherine Poe

Regular contributor Catherine Poe says the Trayvon Martin case was a perfect storm of race, media and political paranoia.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Keith Ellison

Bill Press chats with Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus about a fair budget and the fight against restrictive voter I.D. legislation in the states.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://ellison.house.gov/

Douglas Amy

Douglas Amy is a professor at Mt. Holyoke College and an unabashed believer that “government is good.” As the IRS reviews America’s tax returns, Professor Amy explains just what we get for our taxes.

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/facultyprofiles/douglas_amy.html

Teresa Ghilarducci

Retirement expert Teresa Ghilarducci says the Federal Reserve policy of low interest rates is hurting fixed income pensions. Her solution is for the government to establish guaranteed annuities that the Fed’s employees get – for everyone.

http://teresaghilarducci.org/

Hilda Solis

Bill Press chats with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis about the recent jobs report and the difficulties women have in today’s labor market.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/hildasolisdol

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

Author and Democratic activist Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is concerned about the injection of religious belief into political campaigns. After Rick Santorum said her uncle John F. Kennedy’s call for separation of church and state made him want to throw up, she says Santorum was being childish and unworthy of a presidential candidate.

http://www.kathleenkennedytownsend.com/

Mike Ussery

One-time Republican campaign strategist Mike Ussery says Mitt Romney has a rough course toward winning the presidency, but if he can take Florida and Ohio, then the president is in trouble.

http://www.babcenter.org/ussery.htm

Richard Trumka

Bill Press chats with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on labor’s endorsement of President Obama, Republican attempts to suppress the vote and the need for bipartisan support for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://www.aflcio.org/

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank, who several years ago wrote the best-seller “What’s the Matter with Kansas,” turns his attention to Wall Street in a book called “Pity the Billionaire.” Frank says that the right-wing money machine succeeded in blaming progressives for the financial collapse caused by the billionaires, partly because the public didn’t really understand the crisis.

http://www.tcfrank.com/

Dean Lacy

Dartmouth Professor Dean Lacy says three-quarters of the public believe they pay more in taxes than they get back from the government. Which, of course, isn’t true. But what is true is there is a correlation between voting Republican andgetting more government assistance!

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~govt/faculty/lacy.html

Al Gore

Bill Press, joined by former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, for an interview with Al Gore who says the Republican field of presidential candidates is “embarrassing to the country.”

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://www.algore.com/

Teresa Ghilarducci

Teresa Ghilarducci is an expert on retirement security, and while Republicans continue their assault on Social Security, she has a new idea – let individuals get the same guaranteed-income retirement accounts that employees of the Federal Reserve have.

http://teresaghilarducci.org/

Catherine Poe

Columnist and regular contributor Catherine Poe makes the case for the Dream Act – to help children of undocumented workers who were born in the United States get a college education. She points out how Mitt Romney is way out of step with other Republicans and with his own church on this issue.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/staff/catherine-poe/

Charles Postel

And now, historian Charles Postel examines the “no-tax” pledge that Grover Norquist imposes on Republicans -- driving moderates out of the GOP, making the rich richer and the rest of us more miserable.

http://history.sfsu.edu/faculty/defaultfaculty.htm

James K. Galbraith

Regular commentator James K. Galbraith, author of a new book on inequality and economic instability, says it isn’t that we need new regulations on banks … the laws in place have plenty of teeth, if only someone would operate the jaw behind them.

Website

Geoffrey Kabaservice

Political scientist Geoffrey Kabaservice has written extensively about the disappearance of moderate Republicans and says it should be of concerns to both parties because governing comes from the middle.

Website

Katie Paris

An interview by Bill Press with Katie Paris of Media Matters on two big business issues – Rush Limbaugh’s advertisers and the whistleblower from Goldman Sachs.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://mediamatters.org/

Richard Bulliet

Columbia University Professor Richard Bulliet is an expert on Islam and Iran, and he says there is respect for American institutions among Muslims worldwide, even if there are differences in foreign policy.

Website

Catherine Poe

Catherine Poe is concerned about that doomsday clock that appears on the cover of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. It has been moved one second closer to midnight, due to fear of war in Iran, bleak prospects for nonproliferation, and continuing concern about the safety of nuclear power plants.

Website

Angelo Carusone

An interview by Bill Press with the man behind the movement to pressure Glenn Beck off of Fox, and who is now behind the “stoprush.org” Website.

Bill Press

http://stoprush.org/

Andrew Baumann

Andrew Baumann is a pollster with the firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and has studied the electorate carefully. He believes that while voters are with the Republicans on cutting spending and job creation, Democrats can win by crossing a threshold of credibility on spending with independent voters.

Website

Fred Rotondaro

A senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, says “American exceptionalism” is a lot more than what today’s Republican candidates say it is. And he gives credit to Richard Nixon for clean air and clean water laws, proving, as he says, “not all Republicans at all times have been lunatics.”

Website

Brian Schweitzer

An interview from the National Governors Association meeting February 27 with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer by Bill Press. Governor Schweitzer explains that 85 percent of what he and his colleagues do is “educate, medicate and incarcerate.”

Bill Press

Website

John Halpin

John Halpin of the Center for American Progress coauthored a study on how President Obama can put together enough electoral votes to win a second term. It won’t be easy, and victory will depend on turnout of the Democratic base.

Website

Mike Barnes

According to Mike Barnes, a former congressman and now a foreign policy analyst, President Obama’s foreign policy has made the United States much better regarded throughout the world. And, he says, Russia’s Vladimir Putin is nothing but a dictator.

Website

Leon Billings

An environmental expert, who says Barack Obama is “a light green president” – much better on the environment than his predecessor but still somewhat tepid on some issues.

Website

Charles Postel

Historian Charles Postel has studied the value and successes of various political pledges throughout history – against slavery, for prohibition and for woman’s suffrage – but he says the Republicans’ universal pledge to oppose any new tax is different because it is destructive … and forever.

Book

Fred Rotondaro

A senior fellow at the Center for American Progress says Mitt Romney’s claim that Democrats are envious of the rich is the “most extreme and stupid comment” he has ever made. In reality, he says, by attacking government so much, the rich actually get benefits from the government that keep them from having to compete fairly.

Center for American Progress

Cecilia Munoz

The director of the White House Domestic Policy Council says President Obama made some hard choices in his budget … a budget that asks all Americans to do their fair share.

Bill Press

The Populist Vision

Andrew Baumann

Andrew Baumann, a Democratic pollster, says more Democratic candidates are embracing the president’s new populism theme, but are not necessarily going to embrace him. He also says watch out for a flip in both houses of Congress … the House returning to Democrats and the Republicans taking the Senate.

Website

Richard Bulliet

Columbia University Professor Richard Bulliet says preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons is probably impossible until and unless testing begins. He also predits a negotiated withdrawal from Afghanistan, with the Taliban taking control.

http://www.columbia.edu/~rwb3/Bulliet/Richard_W._Bulliet.html

Steny Hoyer

An interview by Bill Press with Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, who points out that if the middle class does well, people at the top will do well, also.

Bill Press

http://hoyer.house.gov/

Maria Teresa Kumar

Voter ID laws, foreclosures in poorer neighborhoods and increasing immigration enforcement are among the factors that could make it hard for President Obama to match his electoral strength among Hispanics. But Maria Teresa Kumar, head of VotoLatino, says the Republicans don’t have it so easy, either.

http://votolatino.org/

Peter Galbraith

Former Ambassador Peter Galbraith says the Administration’s “reset” of relations with Russia has been successful because Moscow is now less hostile to the United States.

Website

Eleanor Smeal

An interview by Bill Press with Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, who calls family planning “a life and death issue” and criticizes the Susan G. Komen Foundation for politicizing women’s health. The interview was recorded before the Foundation apologized and changed its mind.

http://www.billpressshow.com/

http://feminist.org/

Ralph Becker

The mayor of Salt Lake City, deep in red-state Utah, is a Democrat. He has worked with the Mormon Church and state leaders to come up with a more humane immigration policy than neighboring Arizona. But the Justice Department is suing Utah, and Mayor Ralph Becker explains how things might ultimately work out.

Website

Peter Galbraith

Former Ambassador Peter Galbraith says it is hard to overstate how much the Bush administration destroyed America’s standing in the world, but he says its restoration is President Obama’s greatest foreign policy achievement.

Website

Tom Buffenbarger

An interview by Bill Press with Tom Buffenbarger, head of the Machinists Union, who denounces the Apple Corporation for relying on the business model of slavery.

The Bill Press Show

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Fred Harris Fred Harris is now a political science professor, but he was once a U.S. senator, chairman of the DNC and a candidate for president. He says the outcome of the open Senate race in his adopted state of New Mexico could depend on how President Obama does at the top of the ticket.

Wikipedia

Mike Barnes Former Congressman Mike Barnes, who spends the cold weather in Florida, says the likely Republican Senate candidate in the Sunshine State “is not the sharpest knife in the dishwasher.’

Center for International Policy

Steve Israel An interview by Bill Press with Representative Steve Israel, who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Congressman Israel reveals that current polling actually puts the Democrats ahead in the race for a majority in the House.

Bill Press

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Ralph Becker

Ralph Becker is Mayor of Salt Lake City, a Democratic island in a “red sea.” His advice to other Democrats? Develop our message on social justice and never stray from it.

Website

Dal LaMagna

Businessman Dal LaMagna says the company that made him rich was eventually sold for more than it would otherwise be worth because of the skill and loyalty of his employees. He says all corporations should be more socially responsible and rich guys like himself should be taxed on their income, not their capital gains.

Website

Twitter

Tom Perriello

An interview by Bill Press with Tom Perriello, former Congressman from Virginia, who says the President’s recent speech in Kansas is a message that can resonate with both independents and conservatives.

The Bill Press Show

Center for American Progress

Kirsten Downey

A one-time reporter who signed on to write the final chapter of a government report on the financial crisis says if it weren’t for Social Security, there would be as high an unemployment rate as during the Depression.

Kirstin Downey's Website

Her book on Amazon

David Sirota

David Sirota, a radio host, Democratic strategist and author, has written a book explaining how bad 1980s movies and TV shows like Rambo, Familiy Ties and the A-Team led to today’s culture of greed and militarism.

David's website

Follow David on Twitter and on Facebook!

Joe Cirincione

The President of the Ploughshares Fund, who warns that recent moves in the Persian Gulf by Iran could slide America into a conflict neither nation really wants.

The Bill Press Show

Ploughshares Fund

The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,