American Fever Dream

Latest Episodes:

Is Jill Biden Holding A Grudge? & What Is Populism? Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

This week Sami & V are talking about everything from that viral photo of Musk, Trump Jr., and RFK eating McDonald's on Trump's private plane to the lady drinking raw milk that's been sitting in her fridge for six weeks.

We also look back on the tension between Jill Biden and Kamala Harris over the years, including after a 2020 Democratic debate where Kamala pressed Biden on issues of race. Afterward, on a call with supporters, the now-first lady reportedly said, “With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he’s committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis? Go f*** yourself.”

Are there things you don’t know that you feel like you should? In this week’s first installment of “Dumb Questions,” V asks Sami to explain what populism is and how the idea has been corrupted over the years.

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From Gaetz to Rubio: The New Faces of Trump’s Cabinet Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

Looking at Trump's latest staff and cabinet picks, Matt Gaetz, Kristi Noem, and Marco Rubio are making headlines (again.) We’re breaking down what their roles could mean for Trump’s agenda and for the country, and we're asking the tough questions like -- Why pick these people? What message is he sending with each choice? And who is going to shake Pete Hegseth's hand now?

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Have questions, thoughts, or feelings around the 2024 election? Email us at americanfeverdream@betches.com

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The Pelosi Problem: The Democrats Need a Reboot Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

We thought we'd be ok this week... but we're not. Sami & V discuss what it means to rebuild the Democratic party from the bottom up, and why it's time for people like Nancy Pelosi (and Bernie Sanders) to step down.

V also fills us in on Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, and why this pick might actually be a good thing for his administration, as well as how Trump's deportation plans could affect restaurants and the food industry (and why nonprofits like the James Beard Foundation should be taking action).

Have questions, thoughts, or feelings around the 2024 election? Email us at americanfeverdream@betches.com

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Where The Democrats Went Wrong Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

It's been over 24 hours since the results of the election have been announced, and Sami & V are trying to digest it. Of course we're upset, but we're also mad (and feeling a little petty.) Join us today as we vent about the things we feel like the Democratic Party did wrong, the role of influencers (and celebrities) in the campaigns, and the impact of immigration issues on voter sentiment, particularly within the Latino community.

Where do we go from here? We're not quite sure yet. Next week we'll celebrate some of the wins from last Tuesday. But for now, maybe eat a donut.

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Kamala Might Win Iowa & How Our Ballots are Being Protected Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Happy Election Day! Whether you listen to this episode before you hit the polls, or at the end of the day, Sami & V are here to keep you informed, and calm. First Sami breaks down the latest from J Ann Selzer's Iowa polls, and talks about why the results on election night could be a huge (and unexpected) win for Harris.

Then we ask: Can Kamala pull an "Obama map" and win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, AND Florida?We end the episode by talking about the The Runbeck Election Services facility, which is set to print around 35 million ballots for eight states, and what they're doing to make sure these ballots stay safe and secure.

Don't forget to tune in to @underthedesknews on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube to watch the election night pizza party and celebrate democracy!

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There's No Crying in Politics Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

With less than 24 hours left before election day, emotions and anxiety are high, but former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reminds us it’s no time to cry. Instead, Sami, V, and Jen reflect on how people’s opinions and perspectives can evolve, as well as a generation that grew up knowing Donald Trump only as a presidential candidate. Jen also discusses how many of us have become addicted to the adrenaline Trump brings to the news cycle, and they debate whether we could ever return to "boring" news.

Follow MSNBC & Jen Psaki:

Instagram:

MSNBC: @MSNBC

Jen Psaki: @jenpsaki / @insidewithpsaki

TikTok:

MSNBC: @MSNBC

Jen Psaki: @jenpsaki

Twitter:

MSNBC: @MSNBC

Jen Psaki: @jrpsaki / @insidewithpsaki

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Get Off The Poll-er-coaster ft. Symone Sanders Townsend Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

If you're feeling anxious about the upcoming election, the best thing you can do is VOTE. That's the advice Symone Sanders Townsend gives V on this special pre-election episode. Just a few days before the 2024 election, V and Symone go over what we should expect this week -- from when they think the race will be called, to how to handle the various outcomes. We also take a look at what Kamala's first 100 days could look like.

Symone Sanders Townsend, Charles Coleman Jr., Trymaine Lee, and Melissa Murray will host the MSNBC special, “Black Voters: The Road to the 2024 Election,” Sunday at 4pm ET on MSNBC where they’ll speak with Black voters about the issues that are most important to them in the lead up to the election.

Follow MSNBC & Symone Sanders Townsend:

Instagram:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc

TikTok:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc

Twitter:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc

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Why the Election is a Marathon Not a Sprint ft. MSNBC's Katy Tur & Alex Wagner Nov 02, 2024

Show notes

In a special episode with MSNBC's Katy Tur and Alex Wagner, Sami and Katy talk about election day safety precautions, and why rally attendance does not always reflect voter enthusiasm.

Then, Alex Wagner shares her experience reporting on the ground, and why she expects the results of the 2024 election to be a "marathon not a sprint." Sami & Alex reflect on the psychological factors influencing voters, particularly the emotional resonance of Trumpism and the alienation felt by many Americans.

MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Alex Wagner and Stephanie Ruhle will be a part of MSNBC’s “Decision 2024” special programming on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024

Instagram:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katyturnbc
Alex Wagner: @itsalexwags / @wagnertonight

TikTok:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katy_tur
Alex Wagner: @wagnertonight

Twitter:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katyturnbc / @katyonmsnbc
Alex Wagner: @alexwagner / @wagnertonight

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The Real Reason Everything Is So Expensive ft. MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Sami dives into America's economy with Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC’s senior business analyst and host of The 11th Hour. Together, they unpack the many layers of the economy and the upcoming election, exploring everything from billionaire influence to the complex position Kamala Harris faces in explaining her economic stance.

MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Alex Wagner and Stephanie Ruhle will be a part of MSNBC’s “Decision 2024” special programming on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024

Follow MSNBC & Stephanie Ruhle:

Instagram:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @stephruhle

TikTok:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @stephruhletv / @11thhourmsnbc

Twitter:

MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @sruhle / @11thhour

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If You Shut Up, People Will Talk ft. Bob Woodward Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Legendary journalist Bob Woodward dives into his latest book War, which pulls back the curtain on U.S. foreign policy and reveals what’s really going on behind the scenes. The book also gives us a closer look at President Biden's leadership and the relationship between VP Harris and the president. Woodward shares his thoughts on the state of journalism today, why context matters in reporting, how Biden’s foreign policy stacks up against past presidents, and who falls short. He also talks about Biden’s complex relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the role of Kamala Harris in shaping U.S. foreign policy, and the lasting impact of Trump’s ties with Putin.

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