Democracy Nerd: Recent Episodes
Democracy Nerd
"Democracy Nerd" is a podcast that asks the question "How do we ensure a more perfect union?" This podcast shines a light on hidden and overt threats facing American democracy. Policy proposals and people-powered movements that help ensure a healthy democracy will be celebrated.
Billionaires increasingly control online shopping, access to news, and even "the world's town square" with Elon Musk's recent purchase of Twitter. Is there any other way to push back against this amassed capital--and its influence on our daily lives--then with a countervailing pushback from other capital? Morris Pearl is the chair of Patriotic Millionaires, formed in 2010 to roll back George W. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. Morris joins the podcast to discuss Patriotic Millionaires' continued effort to promote economic fairness, underlying their message that increasing taxes on the wealthy would both help fund society and reduce economic inequality.
Episode 54 - Justin Kempf, host of the "Democracy Paradox" podcast joins Democracy Nerd to discuss various theories about democracy, how to make democracy more engaging, and practical efforts to prevent the backsliding of global democracy.
At a time when global democracy is backsliding into authoritarianism, Chile is currently engaged in the process to draft a new constitution, one that is more representative of indigenous people and other marginalized communities. Very rarely do we get to see "democracy operate in real time." Returning to the podcast to provide an update on the drafting of Chile's new Constitution are noted Latin American experts Jennifer Piscopo, Professor at Occidental College, and Peter Siavelis, Professor at Wake Forest University, who provide first-hand insights of the process to draft Chile's constitution.
At a time when global democracy is backsliding into authoritarianism, Chile is currently engaged in the process to draft a new constitution, one that is more representative of indigenous people and other marginalized communities. Very rarely do we get to see "democracy operate in real time." Returning to the podcast to provide an update on the drafting of Chile's new Constitution are noted Latin American experts Jennifer Piscopo, Professor at Occidental College, and Peter Siavelis, Professor at Wake Forest University, who provide first-hand insights of the process to draft Chile's constitution.
Democracy Book Club! Thomas Maine, Professor of Politics at Baruch College, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss his new book "The Rise of Illiberalism." Professor Maine describes the defining characteristics of various illiberal movements, explains how illiberal ideology drives mainstream politics, and shows how when the mask of illiberalism is revealed, actions such as the January 6th insurrection and Putin's invasion of Ukraine occur as a result.
100 years ago, the United States was reeling from the Spanish Flu and World War I. Similar circumstances fact the country today. How did American Presidents respond to the adversity they face? Which Presidents did the most to expand democracy, both home and abroad? Ronald Gruner, author of "We the Presidents: How American Presidents Shaped the Last Century" joins the podcast to discuss the last 100 years of American presidencies, including which recent presidencies could be used as examples to help Joe Biden respond to present-day problems.
Heading into the second decade of wide-spread use of social media, and its impact on democracy is less than ideal. Originally applauded as a way around legacy media "gate keepers" but instead acts as an amplifier of extremist voices. Jonathan Nagler, co-director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics joins the podcast to discuss social media's impact on democracy, the fallout of the Facebook Papers, and explains why Americans are just so awful at identifying fake news.
Heading into the second decade of wide-spread use of social media, and its impact on democracy is less than ideal. Originally applauded as a way around legacy media "gate keepers" but instead acts as an amplifier of extremist voices. Jonathan Nagler, co-director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics joins the podcast to discuss social media's impact on democracy, the fallout of the Facebook Papers, and explains why Americans are just so awful at identifying fake news.
Impacted by a number of crises--ranging from 9/11 to the Great Recession to the COVID outbreak--Generation Z has been impacted like no other previous generation. According to John Della Volpe--Director of Polling at Harvard's Institute of Politics and author of "Fight: How Gen-Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America"--this makes Gen-Z voters more like "hardened diamonds" and shouldn't be dismissed as "snowflakes." John joins the podcast to discuss his new book and explain how Generation Z voters may be crucial to protecting democracy in the 2022 midterm elections.
Impacted by a number of crises--ranging from 9/11 to the Great Recession to the COVID outbreak--Generation Z has been impacted like no other previous generation. According to John Della Volpe--Director of Polling at Harvard's Institute of Politics and author of "Fight: How Gen-Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America"--this makes Gen-Z voters more like "hardened diamonds" and shouldn't be dismissed as "snowflakes." John joins the podcast to discuss his new book and explain how Generation Z voters may be crucial to protecting democracy in the 2022 midterm elections.
To honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a re-airing of a November interview with Reginal C. Oh, professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, who explains how MLK was one of the first practitioners of critical race theory.
To honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a re-airing of a November interview with Reginal C. Oh, professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, who explains how MLK was one of the first practitioners of critical race theory.
To honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a re-airing of November's interview with Reginald C. Oh, Professor of Law at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, who explains how Dr. King was one of the earliest practitioners of what is now considered "Critical Race Theory."
To honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here is a re-airing of November's interview with Reginald C. Oh, Professor of Law at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, who explains how Dr. King was one of the earliest practitioners of what is now considered "Critical Race Theory."
Amanda Marcotte, senior politics writer at Salon, joins the podcast to offer her take on 2021's top political stories--and gives a peek ahead at what's in store for 2022.
Amanda Marcotte, senior politics writer at Salon, joins the podcast to offer her take on 2021's top political stories--and gives a peek ahead at what's in store for 2022.
How are winning coalitions formed in democracies? Do the same variables apply, or does each democracy have its own unique circumstances that form along political cleavages to create a winning majority? How do these political cleavages worsen or mitigate social inequality? Amory Gethin, manager of the World Political Cleavages and Social Inequality Database and co-author of the exhaustive new volume "Political Cleavages and Social Inequalities: A Study of 50 Democracies, 1948-2020" joins Democracy Nerd to discuss these issues.
How are winning coalitions formed in democracies? Do the same variables apply, or does each democracy have its own unique circumstances that form along political cleavages to create a winning majority? How do these political cleavages worsen or mitigate social inequality? Amory Gethin, manager of the World Political Cleavages and Social Inequality Database and co-author of the exhaustive new volume "Political Cleavages and Social Inequalities: A Study of 50 Democracies, 1948-2020" joins Democracy Nerd to discuss these issues.
What is Critical Race Theory? And why does Fox News hate it so much? Law professor Reginald C. Oh joins the podcast to explain how Critical Race Theory went from an obscure legal academic theory to the latest tactic exploited by the Republican Party for political gain.
What is Critical Race Theory? And why does Fox News hate it so much? Law professor Reginald C. Oh joins the podcast to explain how Critical Race Theory went from an obscure legal academic theory to the latest tactic exploited by the Republican Party for political gain.
Did you buy a cup of coffee this morning? Congratulations. You paid more than 55 corporations pay in taxes. And what are these corporations doing with these savings? Funding the campaigns of candidates who will continue to keep their status quo zero-tax burden. This is according to "The Price of Zero" report issued by consumer advocate organization Public Citizen. Susan Harley, Managing Director of Public Citizen's Congress Watch division, joins the podcast to discuss the report's findings, and explains how a low corporate tax burden results in increased taxes for everyone else.
Did you buy a cup of coffee this morning? Congratulations. You paid more than 55 corporations pay in taxes. And what are these corporations doing with these savings? Funding the campaigns of candidates who will continue to keep their status quo zero-tax burden. This is according to "The Price of Zero" report issued by consumer advocate organization Public Citizen. Susan Harley, Managing Director of Public Citizen's Congress Watch division, joins the podcast to discuss the report's findings, and explains how a low corporate tax burden results in increased taxes for everyone else.
Recorded the day after the 2021 elections, Amy Siskind, founder and author of The Weekly List, joins the podcast to offer her analysis and explains that Trumpism continues to pose a threat and vigilance is needed to protect democracy in the 2022 elections.
Recorded the day after the 2021 elections, Amy Siskind, founder and author of The Weekly List, joins the podcast to offer her analysis and explains that Trumpism continues to pose a threat and vigilance is needed to protect democracy in the 2022 elections.
1932 saw the election of President Franklin Roosevelt and the ushering in of the New Deal. Eric Rauchway, distinguished professor of history from UC Davis and author of "Why the New Deal Matters" joins the podcast to discuss how this combination of ideology and policies continues to impact American life 90 years later, with a reminder that good policy equals good politics.
1932 saw the election of President Franklin Roosevelt and the ushering in of the New Deal. Eric Rauchway, distinguished professor of history from UC Davis and author of "Why the New Deal Matters" joins the podcast to discuss how this combination of ideology and policies continues to impact American life 90 years later, with a reminder that good policy equals good politics.
Mike Rothschild, the author of "The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, a Cult, and Conspiracy of Everything," joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the core beliefs of QAnon, and what steps to take if a friends and loved ones fall down the QAnon rabbit hole.
Mike Rothschild, the author of "The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, a Cult, and Conspiracy of Everything," joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the core beliefs of QAnon, and what steps to take if a friends and loved ones fall down the QAnon rabbit hole.
Since 1983, the Forbes magazine list of the 50 wealthiest families in the United States have seen their wealth increase by an average of 1000% while the average American household has seen their wealth increase 93% during that same time. What do these wealthy families do with the wealth and power they've amassed during that time? Rig the rules for their own personal benefit. Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute of Policy Studies, returns to Democracy Nerd to discuss the new report "Silver Spoon Oligarchs: How America's 50 Largest Inherited-Wealth Dynasties Accelerate Inequality" and warns about acceding political power to Jeff Bezos' unborn grandchildren.
Since 1983, the Forbes magazine list of the 50 wealthiest families in the United States have seen their wealth increase by an average of 1000% while the average American household has seen their wealth increase 93% during that same time. What do these wealthy families do with the wealth and power they've amassed during that time? Rig the rules for their own personal benefit. Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute of Policy Studies, returns to Democracy Nerd to discuss the new report "Silver Spoon Oligarchs: How America's 50 Largest Inherited-Wealth Dynasties Accelerate Inequality" and warns about acceding political power to Jeff Bezos' unborn grandchildren.
Does America have "Greek-style democracy" all wrong? Would it be possible to have democracy without holding any elections? Joining the podcast to discuss the idea of sortition--or "democratic lotteries"--are Linn Davis from Healthy Democracy and Madeline McCarren from Democracy Without Elections to explain that not only is sortition is a thing, but it is all ready being used in America and around the world.
Does America have "Greek-style democracy" all wrong? Would it be possible to have democracy without holding any elections? Joining the podcast to discuss the idea of sortition--or "democratic lotteries"--are Linn Davis from Healthy Democracy and Madeline McCarren from Democracy Without Elections to explain that not only is sortition is a thing, but it is all ready being used in America and around the world.
Dr. Lawrence Rosenthal, Founder and Chair of UC Berkley's Center for Right Wing Studies, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the history of right-wing populism in American politics, the Jan. 6th domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his recent book "Empire of Resentment: Populism's Toxic Embrace of Nationalism."
Dr. Lawrence Rosenthal, Founder and Chair of UC Berkley's Center for Right Wing Studies, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the history of right-wing populism in American politics, the Jan. 6th domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his recent book "Empire of Resentment: Populism's Toxic Embrace of Nationalism."
Bucking the trend of other states passing restrictive and repressive voter suppression laws in response to Trump's Big Lie, the commonwealth of Virginia is bucking this trend by passing its Voting Rights Act, with the novel idea that all citizens have the right to vote. What led to the first Southern state--and the first state previously covered by "preclearance" in the 1965 Voting Rights Act--to pass a bill expanding voting rights? Virginia State Sen. Jennifer McClelland and State Del. Cia Price join Jefferson to discuss the passage of the Virginia Voting Rights Act.
Bucking the trend of other states passing restrictive and repressive voter suppression laws in response to Trump's Big Lie, the commonwealth of Virginia is bucking this trend by passing its Voting Rights Act, with the novel idea that all citizens have the right to vote. What led to the first Southern state--and the first state previously covered by "preclearance" in the 1965 Voting Rights Act--to pass a bill expanding voting rights? Virginia State Sen. Jennifer McClelland and State Del. Cia Price join Jefferson to discuss the passage of the Virginia Voting Rights Act.
Author-journalist David Daley joins the podcast to provide a mid-summer check-in, explaining how New York City's first use of ranked-choice resulted in the most diverse city council in the city's history, attempts to explain Sam Alito's reasoning that "some" disparity in the ability to cast votes n Arizona is okay, and also how--through the magic of gerrymandering--if voters vote the same way in 2022, the Republicans may win back the House despite getting 5 million fewer votes.
Author-journalist David Daley joins the podcast to provide a mid-summer check-in, explaining how New York City's first use of ranked-choice resulted in the most diverse city council in the city's history, attempts to explain Sam Alito's reasoning that "some" disparity in the ability to cast votes n Arizona is okay, and also how--through the magic of gerrymandering--if voters vote the same way in 2022, the Republicans may win back the House despite getting 5 million fewer votes.
Laura Edelson, Director of NYU's Cybersecurity for Democracy, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the organization's Ad Observer project to track and report online political advertising on Facebook & Twitter, research regarding the "platform effect" that helps the spread of false and misleading political ads, and the circumstances that led to Facebook sending a "cease and desist" letter.
Laura Edelson, Director of NYU's Cybersecurity for Democracy, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the organization's Ad Observer project to track and report online political advertising on Facebook & Twitter, research regarding the "platform effect" that helps the spread of false and misleading political ads, and the circumstances that led to Facebook sending a "cease and desist" letter.
The For the People Act offers to be the most consequential bill to expand voting rights protections and preserve American democracy in recent memory. With action on the bill in the Senate imminent, Democracy Nerd is joined by Maryland's Congressman John Sarbanes, one of the bill's co-authors, who explains the necessity for this bill to pass in this moment of time, his optimism that some form of voting rights protections will pass the Senate, and describes how Joe Manchin can cement his legacy as a voting rights hero.
The For the People Act offers to be the most consequential bill to expand voting rights protections and preserve American democracy in recent memory. With action on the bill in the Senate imminent, Democracy Nerd is joined by Maryland's Congressman John Sarbanes, one of the bill's co-authors, who explains the necessity for this bill to pass in this moment of time, his optimism that some form of voting rights protections will pass the Senate, and describes how Joe Manchin can cement his legacy as a voting rights hero.
Tierney Sneed, investigative reporter for Talking Points Memo and creator of The Franchise newsletter, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss recent news and updates regarding the state of democracy and voting rights in America, discussing the inclusion of so many "typos" in the voting suppression bill pushed by Texas Republicans, the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to use the Department of Justice's Civil Rights division, and the breaking news that Senator Joe Manchin actually supports some expansion of voter protections after all.
Tierney Sneed, investigative reporter for Talking Points Memo and creator of The Franchise newsletter, joins Democracy Nerd to discuss recent news and updates regarding the state of democracy and voting rights in America, discussing the inclusion of so many "typos" in the voting suppression bill pushed by Texas Republicans, the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to use the Department of Justice's Civil Rights division, and the breaking news that Senator Joe Manchin actually supports some expansion of voter protections after all.
Around the world, electoral autocracies are on the rise. On average, the global citizen enjoys a level of democracy not seen since 1990. These facts are from "Autocratization Turns Viral," the fifth annual report from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute from Sweden's University of Gothenburg. Sebastian Hellmeier and Jean Lachapelle, two of the report's authors, join the podcast to discuss the state of global democracy.
Around the world, electoral autocracies are on the rise. On average, the global citizen enjoys a level of democracy not seen since 1990. These facts are from "Autocratization Turns Viral," the fifth annual report from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute from Sweden's University of Gothenburg. Sebastian Hellmeier and Jean Lachapelle, two of the report's authors, join the podcast to discuss the state of global democracy.
How much money is "too much money?" At what point does amassed wealth no longer go towards buying things, but instead exerting power and shaping society? Just what the heck is a "precariat?" These questions are addressed by Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute of Policy Studies, who joins Democracy Nerd to discuss his new book "Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Spend Millions to Hide Trillions"
How much money is "too much money?" At what point does amassed wealth no longer go towards buying things, but instead exerting power and shaping society? Just what the heck is a "precariat?" These questions are addressed by Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute of Policy Studies, who joins Democracy Nerd to discuss his new book "Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Spend Millions to Hide Trillions"
David Dayen from the American Prospect joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the first 100 days of the Biden Administration, taking a look at the President's use of executive actions, where hope lies for any meaningful bipartisan legislation, and how it may take mobilization efforts to pass a pro-democracy agenda under President Joe Biden.
David Dayen from the American Prospect joins Democracy Nerd to discuss the first 100 days of the Biden Administration, taking a look at the President's use of executive actions, where hope lies for any meaningful bipartisan legislation, and how it may take mobilization efforts to pass a pro-democracy agenda under President Joe Biden.
It's not hard to imagine that democracy in the United States could be improved. What would a better democracy look like? Would it include a parliamentary system--or a proportional representation system? Should universal automatic voter registration be considered? What role would sortition play? To answer these questions and discuss how America's system of government can be improved, Democracy Nerd is joined by Kristen Eberhard, author of "Building a Democracy: How We Can Fix the Electoral College, Gerrymandering, and Our Elections"
It's not hard to imagine that democracy in the United States could be improved. What would a better democracy look like? Would it include a parliamentary system--or a proportional representation system? Should universal automatic voter registration be considered? What role would sortition play? To answer these questions and discuss how America's system of government can be improved, Democracy Nerd is joined by Kristen Eberhard, author of "Building a Democracy: How We Can Fix the Electoral College, Gerrymandering, and Our Elections"
Joel Bakan, author / producer of "The Corporation," joins Democracy Nerd to discuss his follow-up "The New Corporation: How "Good" Corporations Are Bad For Democracy." Bakan explains how despite adopting efforts to portray themselves as good corporate citizens, corporations continue to operate from a single goal of maximizing shareholder profit. As a result, corporations portray themselves as the savior to fix society's problems, helping undermine global democracy. Can corporations be trusted to help fix the problems they helped create?
Joel Bakan, author / producer of "The Corporation," joins Democracy Nerd to discuss his follow-up "The New Corporation: How "Good" Corporations Are Bad For Democracy." Bakan explains how despite adopting efforts to portray themselves as good corporate citizens, corporations continue to operate from a single goal of maximizing shareholder profit. As a result, corporations portray themselves as the savior to fix society's problems, helping undermine global democracy. Can corporations be trusted to help fix the problems they helped create?
For this past year, a desire to "return to normal" has been shared by nearly all of us. But the COVID pandemic and Black Lived Matter protests revealed that a "return to normal" may not necessarily be the best option. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith speaks with Philip Clayton, president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization and co-editor of "The New Possible: Visions of a World Beyond Crisis," about the need to seize the current opportunity to build a better future instead of returning to an unsustainable "normal."
For this past year, a desire to "return to normal" has been shared by nearly all of us. But the COVID pandemic and Black Lived Matter protests revealed that a "return to normal" may not necessarily be the best option. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith speaks with Philip Clayton, president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization and co-editor of "The New Possible: Visions of a World Beyond Crisis," about the need to seize the current opportunity to build a better future instead of returning to an unsustainable "normal."
In 2021, Seattle will use its Clean Campaigns Act for the first time, which includes ban on political donations from foreign-owned corporations. To discuss how these reforms will impact local elections, Democracy Nerd is joined by Cindy Black from Fix Democracy First and Ron Fein from Free Speech For People.
In 2021, Seattle will use its Clean Campaigns Act for the first time, which includes ban on political donations from foreign-owned corporations. To discuss how these reforms will impact local elections, Democracy Nerd is joined by Cindy Black from Fix Democracy First and Ron Fein from Free Speech For People.
Victimhood is a powerful tool in modern politics. Even the perception of victimhood inspires supporters and helps justify attacking opponents. Joining Democracy Nerd to discuss the motivating tool of victimhood is Miles Armaly, Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Mississippi and co-author of a new study, "Why Me? The Role of Perceived Victimhood in American Politics"
Victimhood is a powerful tool in modern politics. Even the perception of victimhood inspires supporters and helps justify attacking opponents. Joining Democracy Nerd to discuss the motivating tool of victimhood is Miles Armaly, Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Mississippi and co-author of a new study, "Why Me? The Role of Perceived Victimhood in American Politics"
Victimhood is a powerful tool in modern politics. Even the perception of victimhood inspires supporters and helps justify attacking opponents. Joining Democracy Nerd to discuss the motivating tool of victimhood is Miles Armaly, Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Mississippi and co-author of a new study, "Why Me? The Role of Perceived Victimhood in American Politics"
The January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was a fascist attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election, using force to disenfranchise 81 million American voters and prevent a peaceful transition of power. The collected writings in The U.S. Anti-Fascism Reader couldn't be more timely. In this episode, host Jefferson Smith speaks to the co-editors of this volume, Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials, to discuss the rhetoric and actions taken by individuals and groups to fight the forces of fascism throughout American history.
The January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was a fascist attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election, using force to disenfranchise 81 million American voters and prevent a peaceful transition of power. The collected writings in The U.S. Anti-Fascism Reader couldn't be more timely. In this episode, host Jefferson Smith speaks to the co-editors of this volume, Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials, to discuss the rhetoric and actions taken by individuals and groups to fight the forces of fascism throughout American history.
The January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was a fascist attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election, using force to disenfranchise 81 million American voters and prevent a peaceful transition of power. The collected writings in The U.S. Anti-Fascism Reader couldn't be more timely. In this episode, host Jefferson Smith speaks to the co-editors of this volume, Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials, to discuss the rhetoric and actions taken by individuals and groups to fight the forces of fascism throughout American history.
In the late 20th century, various perceived threats to American's suburbs helped fuel the rise of right-wing media and the era's political conservative dominance. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Kyle Riismandel, author of "Neighborhood of Fear: The Suburban Crisis in American Culture, 1975-2001" about the political and social response to these threats--and how this response continues to have a political impact decades later.
In the late 20th century, various perceived threats to American's suburbs helped fuel the rise of right-wing media and the era's political conservative dominance. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Kyle Riismandel, author of "Neighborhood of Fear: The Suburban Crisis in American Culture, 1975-2001" about the political and social response to these threats--and how this response continues to have a political impact decades later.
In the late 20th century, various perceived threats to American's suburbs helped fuel the rise of right-wing media and the era's political conservative dominance. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Kyle Riismandel, author of "Neighborhood of Fear: The Suburban Crisis in American Culture, 1975-2001" about the political and social response to these threats--and how this response continues to have a political impact decades later.
In 2020, voters in Alaska passed a ranked choice ballot measure by the slimmest of margins. Now, in upcoming state and federal elections, Alaskan voters can vote for all preferred candidates, instead of just one. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Alaskan attorney Scott Kendall, one of the initiative's primary authors, and Alaska State Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to discuss the various obstacles the ranked choice initiative needed to be overcome, and how the passing of this initative could impact the future expansion of democracy in Alaska.
In 2020, voters in Alaska passed a ranked choice ballot measure by the slimmest of margins. Now, in upcoming state and federal elections, Alaskan voters can vote for all preferred candidates, instead of just one. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Alaskan attorney Scott Kendall, one of the initiative's primary authors, and Alaska State Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to discuss the various obstacles the ranked choice initiative needed to be overcome, and how the passing of this initative could impact the future expansion of democracy in Alaska.
In 2020, voters in Alaska passed a ranked choice ballot measure by the slimmest of margins. Now, in upcoming state and federal elections, Alaskan voters can vote for all preferred candidates, instead of just one. On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Alaskan attorney Scott Kendall, one of the initiative's primary authors, and Alaska State Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to discuss the various obstacles the ranked choice initiative needed to be overcome, and how the passing of this initative could impact the future expansion of democracy in Alaska.
Recorded the day after the attempted violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Laura Williamson, Senior Policy Analyst from think Demos, joins Democracy nerd to discuss the previous day's events, the victories of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the run-off elections for Georgia's U.S. Senate seats, and the possibility to advance an agenda to help 'accelerate democracy' under the incoming Biden administration.
Recorded the day after the attempted violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Laura Williamson, Senior Policy Analyst from think Demos, joins Democracy nerd to discuss the previous day's events, the victories of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the run-off elections for Georgia's U.S. Senate seats, and the possibility to advance an agenda to help 'accelerate democracy' under the incoming Biden administration.
Recorded the day after the attempted violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Laura Williamson, Senior Policy Analyst from think Demos, joins Democracy nerd to discuss the previous day's events, the victories of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the run-off elections for Georgia's U.S. Senate seats, and the possibility to advance an agenda to help 'accelerate democracy' under the incoming Biden administration.
In this excerpt from XRAY-FM's morning show, Jefferson speaks with Karen Spencer, who uses her experience as a first-time political candidate to use game theory to help explain the obstacles facing first-time candidates, particularly women and candidates of color.
In this excerpt from XRAY-FM's morning show, Jefferson speaks with Karen Spencer, who uses her experience as a first-time political candidate to use game theory to help explain the obstacles facing first-time candidates, particularly women and candidates of color.
In this excerpt from XRAY-FM's morning show, Jefferson speaks with Karen Spencer, who uses her experience as a first-time political candidate to use game theory to help explain the obstacles facing first-time candidates, particularly women and candidates of color.
In 1980, after a military coup, Chile adopted a constitution that prioritized private property and right-wing capitalist ideology. Forty years later, Chile voters approved a measure to rewrite a new constitution to allow for a representative democracy and more equal society. "Democracy Nerd' is joined by Jennifer Piscopo from Occidental College and Peter Siavelis from Wake Forest University who help provide context in a rare occasion of a Western democracy rewriting its constitution.
In 1980, after a military coup, Chile adopted a constitution that prioritized private property and right-wing capitalist ideology. Forty years later, Chile voters approved a measure to rewrite a new constitution to allow for a representative democracy and more equal society. "Democracy Nerd' is joined by Jennifer Piscopo from Occidental College and Peter Siavelis from Wake Forest University who help provide context in a rare occasion of a Western democracy rewriting its constitution.
In 1980, after a military coup, Chile adopted a constitution that prioritized private property and right-wing capitalist ideology. Forty years later, Chile voters approved a measure to rewrite a new constitution to allow for a representative democracy and more equal society. "Democracy Nerd' is joined by Jennifer Piscopo from Occidental College and Peter Siavelis from Wake Forest University who help provide context in a rare occasion of a Western democracy rewriting its constitution.
Yochai Benlkler, the Berkman Professor of Entrepreneurial Legal Studies at Harvard Law School, joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss his research looking back on the 50-year strategy of relying on negative propaganda loops to increase outrage from supporters while also increasing voter suppression efforts in the face of changing demographics to win elections.
Yochai Benlkler, the Berkman Professor of Entrepreneurial Legal Studies at Harvard Law School, joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss his research looking back on the 50-year strategy of relying on negative propaganda loops to increase outrage from supporters while also increasing voter suppression efforts in the face of changing demographics to win elections.
Yochai Benlkler, the Berkman Professor of Entrepreneurial Legal Studies at Harvard Law School, joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss his research looking back on the 50-year strategy of relying on negative propaganda loops to increase outrage from supporters while also increasing voter suppression efforts in the face of changing demographics to win elections.
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution came out of the bloodiest and divisive periods in American history. Michael Bellesiles, author of "Inventing Equality: Reconstructing the Constitution in the Aftermath of the Civil War" joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss how the Reconstruction Amendments promised to expand democracy throughout the United States--and how they ultimately failed to deliver on this promise.
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution came out of the bloodiest and divisive periods in American history. Michael Bellesiles, author of "Inventing Equality: Reconstructing the Constitution in the Aftermath of the Civil War" joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss how the Reconstruction Amendments promised to expand democracy throughout the United States--and how they ultimately failed to deliver on this promise.
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution came out of the bloodiest and divisive periods in American history. Michael Bellesiles, author of "Inventing Equality: Reconstructing the Constitution in the Aftermath of the Civil War" joins 'Democracy Nerd' to discuss how the Reconstruction Amendments promised to expand democracy throughout the United States--and how they ultimately failed to deliver on this promise.
Matthew C. MacWilliams, author of "On Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History," joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Trump's brand of authoritarianism has "hollowed out" American democracy, and also provides examples of how defining characteristics of fascism have been present throughout U.S. history.
Matthew C. MacWilliams, author of "On Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History," joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Trump's brand of authoritarianism has "hollowed out" American democracy, and also provides examples of how defining characteristics of fascism have been present throughout U.S. history.
Matthew C. MacWilliams, author of "On Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History," joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Trump's brand of authoritarianism has "hollowed out" American democracy, and also provides examples of how defining characteristics of fascism have been present throughout U.S. history.
In this excerpt from XRAY in the Morning, Jefferson speaks with Majorie Connelly from the National Opinion Research Center about recent poll results showing nearly half of Americans believe democracy "isn't working."
In this excerpt from XRAY in the Morning, Jefferson speaks with Majorie Connelly from the National Opinion Research Center about recent poll results showing nearly half of Americans believe democracy "isn't working."
In this excerpt from XRAY in the Morning, Jefferson speaks with Majorie Connelly from the National Opinion Research Center about recent poll results showing nearly half of Americans believe democracy "isn't working."
Roman Krznaric, one of Britain's "top public philosophers," joins Democracy Nerd to explain the connections between chalk horses, cathedrals, long-term planning and healthy democracy. What would the world look like if our political decisions were made with future generations in mind?
Roman Krznaric, one of Britain's "top public philosophers," joins Democracy Nerd to explain the connections between chalk horses, cathedrals, long-term planning and healthy democracy. What would the world look like if our political decisions were made with future generations in mind?
Roman Krznaric, one of Britain's "top public philosophers," joins Democracy Nerd to explain the connections between chalk horses, cathedrals, long-term planning and healthy democracy. What would the world look like if our political decisions were made with future generations in mind?
Robert Lieberman, the co-author of "Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy" joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Dondald Trump is a "dangerous convergence" of the four threats that have faced democracy throughout U.S. history: polarization, xenophobia, income inequality, and executive power.
Robert Lieberman, the co-author of "Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy" joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Dondald Trump is a "dangerous convergence" of the four threats that have faced democracy throughout U.S. history: polarization, xenophobia, income inequality, and executive power.
Robert Lieberman, the co-author of "Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy" joins Democracy Nerd to explain how Dondald Trump is a "dangerous convergence" of the four threats that have faced democracy throughout U.S. history: polarization, xenophobia, income inequality, and executive power.
Jefferson is joined by political scientists Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson to discuss their new book "Let Them Eat Tweets: How the Right Rules In An Age of Extreme Inequality" and explore "the conservative dilemma" of securing the majority of votes to win elections despite supporting the interests of a wealthy minority.
Jefferson is joined by political scientists Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson to discuss their new book "Let Them Eat Tweets: How the Right Rules In An Age of Extreme Inequality" and explore "the conservative dilemma" of securing the majority of votes to win elections despite supporting the interests of a wealthy minority.
Jefferson is joined by political scientists Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson to discuss their new book "Let Them Eat Tweets: How the Right Rules In An Age of Extreme Inequality" and explore "the conservative dilemma" of securing the majority of votes to win elections despite supporting the interests of a wealthy minority.
On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Terryl Ross, founder of Mosaic Nation, to discuss the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George FLoyd's murder, police reform, and America's changing demographics.
On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Terryl Ross, founder of Mosaic Nation, to discuss the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George FLoyd's murder, police reform, and America's changing demographics.
On this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith is joined by Terryl Ross, founder of Mosaic Nation, to discuss the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George FLoyd's murder, police reform, and America's changing demographics.
In this episode, Jefferson speaks with Mike Konzcal, Director of Progressive Thought from the Roosevelt Institute who points out the threats of conservative economic policy to our democracy.
In this episode, Jefferson speaks with Mike Konzcal, Director of Progressive Thought from the Roosevelt Institute who points out the threats of conservative economic policy to our democracy.
In this episode, Jefferson speaks with Mike Konzcal, Director of Progressive Thought from the Roosevelt Institute who points out the threats of conservative economic policy to our democracy.
Although vote-by-mail may be the safest option to cast ballots during the COVID pandemic, some states will continue to see voters line up at the polls in November. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Barry Burden from the Elections Research Center about the reality of widespread use of vote-by-mail in this year's presidential election.
Although vote-by-mail may be the safest option to cast ballots during the COVID pandemic, some states will continue to see voters line up at the polls in November. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Barry Burden from the Elections Research Center about the reality of widespread use of vote-by-mail in this year's presidential election.
Although vote-by-mail may be the safest option to cast ballots during the COVID pandemic, some states will continue to see voters line up at the polls in November. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, Jefferson speaks with Barry Burden from the Elections Research Center about the reality of widespread use of vote-by-mail in this year's presidential election.
In response to Wisconsin's April 7th primary held during the middle of the COVID pandemic--overturning the postponement order by the state's Governor--host Jefferson Smith discusses partisan politics, gerrymandering, and the primary's surprising results with a panel that includes David Daley, author of "Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count," Ruth Greenwood from Campaign Legal Center, and Jay Heck from Wisconsin Common Cause.
In response to Wisconsin's April 7th primary held during the middle of the COVID pandemic--overturning the postponement order by the state's Governor--host Jefferson Smith discusses partisan politics, gerrymandering, and the primary's surprising results with a panel that includes David Daley, author of "Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count," Ruth Greenwood from Campaign Legal Center, and Jay Heck from Wisconsin Common Cause.
In response to Wisconsin's April 7th primary held during the middle of the COVID pandemic--overturning the postponement order by the state's Governor--host Jefferson Smith discusses partisan politics, gerrymandering, and the primary's surprising results with a panel that includes David Daley, author of "Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count," Ruth Greenwood from Campaign Legal Center, and Jay Heck from Wisconsin Common Cause.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries responded in different ways. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith speaks with George Lakey, noted activist and author of "Viking Economics" regarding the response by Scandinavian countries to the pandemic and consider whether the United States is ready for a "Nordic model" of government.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries responded in different ways. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith speaks with George Lakey, noted activist and author of "Viking Economics" regarding the response by Scandinavian countries to the pandemic and consider whether the United States is ready for a "Nordic model" of government.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries responded in different ways. In this episode of Democracy Nerd, host Jefferson Smith speaks with George Lakey, noted activist and author of "Viking Economics" regarding the response by Scandinavian countries to the pandemic and consider whether the United States is ready for a "Nordic model" of government.
In response to the second consecutive Oregon legislative session interrupted by Sente Republican walkouts, Kristin Eberhard from Sightline Institute discusses her proposal to eliminate the state Senate, along with other ideas to save democracy in Oregon.
In response to the second consecutive Oregon legislative session interrupted by Sente Republican walkouts, Kristin Eberhard from Sightline Institute discusses her proposal to eliminate the state Senate, along with other ideas to save democracy in Oregon.
In response to the second consecutive Oregon legislative session interrupted by Sente Republican walkouts, Kristin Eberhard from Sightline Institute discusses her proposal to eliminate the state Senate, along with other ideas to save democracy in Oregon.
Progressive radio host Thom Hartmann—author of "Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human RIghts"—joins Democracy Nerd to discuss how corporations have claimed 'human rights' under the U.S. Constitution along with the political dangers posed by corporate personhood.
Progressive radio host Thom Hartmann—author of "Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human RIghts"—joins Democracy Nerd to discuss how corporations have claimed 'human rights' under the U.S. Constitution along with the political dangers posed by corporate personhood.
Progressive radio host Thom Hartmann—author of "Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human RIghts"—joins Democracy Nerd to discuss how corporations have claimed 'human rights' under the U.S. Constitution along with the political dangers posed by corporate personhood.
In this episode, Jefferson Smith talks with Linn Davis from Healthy Democracy. Linn oversees the Citizens Initiative Review, in which Oregon voters deliberate a ballot initiative and provide a statement for the voters' pamphlet. The use of citizens' juries to weigh in on public policy has been exported to other states and other countries, including Switzerland where Linn Davis visited in the Fall of 2019.
In this episode, Jefferson Smith talks with Linn Davis from Healthy Democracy. Linn oversees the Citizens Initiative Review, in which Oregon voters deliberate a ballot initiative and provide a statement for the voters' pamphlet. The use of citizens' juries to weigh in on public policy has been exported to other states and other countries, including Switzerland where Linn Davis visited in the Fall of 2019.
In this episode, Jefferson Smith talks with Linn Davis from Healthy Democracy. Linn oversees the Citizens Initiative Review, in which Oregon voters deliberate a ballot initiative and provide a statement for the voters' pamphlet. The use of citizens' juries to weigh in on public policy has been exported to other states and other countries, including Switzerland where Linn Davis visited in the Fall of 2019.
In a representative democracy, voters should be expected to choose their representatives. However, the practice of partisan gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters. The practice of gerrymandering determines whether district lines are drawn that either strengthen or dilute the voices of targeted voters. This episode of Democracy Nerd examines efforts to reform partisan gerrymandering. Guests include Katie Fahey, who helped lead a ballot initiative to ban partisan gerrymandering in the state of Michigan. We will also be speaking to Patrick Rodenbush about the National Democratic Redistricting Committee's efforts to pass fair maps in states with gerrymandered maps resulting in continued Republican control despite the actual vote outcome.
In a representative democracy, voters should be expected to choose their representatives. However, the practice of partisan gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters. The practice of gerrymandering determines whether district lines are drawn that either strengthen or dilute the voices of targeted voters. This episode of Democracy Nerd examines efforts to reform partisan gerrymandering. Guests include Katie Fahey, who helped lead a ballot initiative to ban partisan gerrymandering in the state of Michigan. We will also be speaking to Patrick Rodenbush about the National Democratic Redistricting Committee's efforts to pass fair maps in states with gerrymandered maps resulting in continued Republican control despite the actual vote outcome.
In a representative democracy, voters should be expected to choose their representatives. However, the practice of partisan gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters. The practice of gerrymandering determines whether district lines are drawn that either strengthen or dilute the voices of targeted voters. This episode of Democracy Nerd examines efforts to reform partisan gerrymandering. Guests include Katie Fahey, who helped lead a ballot initiative to ban partisan gerrymandering in the state of Michigan. We will also be speaking to Patrick Rodenbush about the National Democratic Redistricting Committee's efforts to pass fair maps in states with gerrymandered maps resulting in continued Republican control despite the actual vote outcome.
For many Americans, our electoral system can be described as "corrupt" and "undemocratic." How did the vision of a democratic republic as imagined by the Framers of the Constitution become "the best democracy money can by?" This episode of Democracy Nerd traces that evolution, looking at the past four decades of Supreme Court cases allowing unfettered "dark money" to influence national politics, the social and cultural impact of our current electoral system, and efforts currently undertaken by Congress to address the corrupting influence of money in politics. Guests include Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Norman Williams, Dean of the Center of Constitutional Government at Willamette University.
For many Americans, our electoral system can be described as "corrupt" and "undemocratic." How did the vision of a democratic republic as imagined by the Framers of the Constitution become "the best democracy money can by?" This episode of Democracy Nerd traces that evolution, looking at the past four decades of Supreme Court cases allowing unfettered "dark money" to influence national politics, the social and cultural impact of our current electoral system, and efforts currently undertaken by Congress to address the corrupting influence of money in politics. Guests include Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Norman Williams, Dean of the Center of Constitutional Government at Willamette University.
For many Americans, our electoral system can be described as "corrupt" and "undemocratic." How did the vision of a democratic republic as imagined by the Framers of the Constitution become "the best democracy money can by?" This episode of Democracy Nerd traces that evolution, looking at the past four decades of Supreme Court cases allowing unfettered "dark money" to influence national politics, the social and cultural impact of our current electoral system, and efforts currently undertaken by Congress to address the corrupting influence of money in politics. Guests include Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Norman Williams, Dean of the Center of Constitutional Government at Willamette University.
During the 2019 legislative session, Oregon lawmakers considered passing campaign finance reform that would place limits on campaign spending for state elections. With a Democratic super-majority, passing spending limits should be an easy task. However, past efforts to pass campaign finance reform were deemed a violation of the free speech clause in Oregon's state constitution. To pass campaign finance reform, Oregon lawmakers had to consider other options to bypass the free speech arguments that prevented past reform efforts. Campaign finance reform advocates wondered if there's even enough 'fire in the belly' to place meaningful spending limits on state elections. Similar problems are found in the state of New York, in which longtime calls by Democrats to extend New York City's system of publicly funded elections appear to run into a lack of political willpower despite a similar Democratic super-majority in the state legislature.Host Jefferson Smith speaks with elected officials and campaign finance reform advocates in both states, including Kate Titus from Common Cause Oregon, former Oregon Appellate Court Judge David Schuman, Oregon State Rep. Dan Rayfield, Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden, Patrick Starnes, Jason Kafoury, and Alex Carmada from Reinvent Albany.
Free speech is a treasure right in the United States. Political campaigns, however, are very expensive. Highest-funded candidates typically win on Election Day, America's political-funding systems benefits wealthy donors and corporations, while shutting out ordinary Americans. The Pacific Northwest has become an epicenter for campaign finance reform, with Seattle and Portland passing various measures to reduce the impact of money on local elections. Will these limits help even the playing field?Host Jefferson Smith speaks to key individuals that have helped pass finance reform in the two cities, including Dan Meek, Jason Kafoury, Kristin Eberhard, Liz Dupee, Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Juan Carlos, and Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran.
During the 2019 legislative session, Oregon lawmakers considered passing campaign finance reform that would place limits on campaign spending for state elections. With a Democratic super-majority, passing spending limits should be an easy task. However, past efforts to pass campaign finance reform were deemed a violation of the free speech clause in Oregon's state constitution. To pass campaign finance reform, Oregon lawmakers had to consider other options to bypass the free speech arguments that prevented past reform efforts. Campaign finance reform advocates wondered if there's even enough 'fire in the belly' to place meaningful spending limits on state elections. Similar problems are found in the state of New York, in which longtime calls by Democrats to extend New York City's system of publicly funded elections appear to run into a lack of political willpower despite a similar Democratic super-majority in the state legislature.Host Jefferson Smith speaks with elected officials and campaign finance reform advocates in both states, including Kate Titus from Common Cause Oregon, former Oregon Appellate Court Judge David Schuman, Oregon State Rep. Dan Rayfield, Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden, Patrick Starnes, Jason Kafoury, and Alex Carmada from Reinvent Albany.
During the 2019 legislative session, Oregon lawmakers considered passing campaign finance reform that would place limits on campaign spending for state elections. With a Democratic super-majority, passing spending limits should be an easy task. However, past efforts to pass campaign finance reform were deemed a violation of the free speech clause in Oregon's state constitution. To pass campaign finance reform, Oregon lawmakers had to consider other options to bypass the free speech arguments that prevented past reform efforts. Campaign finance reform advocates wondered if there's even enough 'fire in the belly' to place meaningful spending limits on state elections. Similar problems are found in the state of New York, in which longtime calls by Democrats to extend New York City's system of publicly funded elections appear to run into a lack of political willpower despite a similar Democratic super-majority in the state legislature.Host Jefferson Smith speaks with elected officials and campaign finance reform advocates in both states, including Kate Titus from Common Cause Oregon, former Oregon Appellate Court Judge David Schuman, Oregon State Rep. Dan Rayfield, Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden, Patrick Starnes, Jason Kafoury, and Alex Carmada from Reinvent Albany.
Free speech is a treasure right in the United States. Political campaigns, however, are very expensive. Highest-funded candidates typically win on Election Day, America's political-funding systems benefits wealthy donors and corporations, while shutting out ordinary Americans. The Pacific Northwest has become an epicenter for campaign finance reform, with Seattle and Portland passing various measures to reduce the impact of money on local elections. Will these limits help even the playing field?Host Jefferson Smith speaks to key individuals that have helped pass finance reform in the two cities, including Dan Meek, Jason Kafoury, Kristin Eberhard, Liz Dupee, Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Juan Carlos, and Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran.
Free speech is a treasure right in the United States. Political campaigns, however, are very expensive. Highest-funded candidates typically win on Election Day, America's political-funding systems benefits wealthy donors and corporations, while shutting out ordinary Americans. The Pacific Northwest has become an epicenter for campaign finance reform, with Seattle and Portland passing various measures to reduce the impact of money on local elections. Will these limits help even the playing field?Host Jefferson Smith speaks to key individuals that have helped pass finance reform in the two cities, including Dan Meek, Jason Kafoury, Kristin Eberhard, Liz Dupee, Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Juan Carlos, and Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran.