American Fever Dream

Latest Episodes:

#370 Are We There Yet? Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

As day three of Electionchella continues, Alise and Bryan are back to update us on all the latest news about a still-undecided election. They start with Georgia, Nevada and Arizona, three states that have everyone holding their breath. Plus, they talk about what’s taking Pennsylvania so long to count their votes (apparently it’s someone’s birthday and there’s a cake in the breakroom). Next, they discuss Trump’s many legal challenges (and errant Tweets), along with his supporters protesting to stop the vote, even though he would likely lose the election if that were to happen. Finally, they tell us about the last few Senate seats yet to be called, and explain why we could have two different runoffs in Georgia.

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#369 Where Does The Election Stand? (Post-Election Day Recap) Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Alise, Amanda, Kaitlin, and Bryan debrief on a rollercoaster election night and consider the state of the race as of midday Wednesday. They run through Joe Biden’s multiple paths to victory as key battleground states tally up Democratic-leaning mail-in votes and the race comes down to the states we always knew it would: Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. They consider why a much-promised “blue wave” failed to materialize in Texas or Florida and whether Democrats struggled with turnout or messaging. Finally, they share their advice for the rest of the day and reflect on what Biden’s showing tells us about Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.

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#368 It’s Election Day Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

Alise, Sami, and Amanda are back with a stacked election day episode. They discuss their election night plans and reflect on November 8, 2016. They run through the down-ballot races they’ll be watching tonight, including which Senate seats are most likely to flip and how state legislature results could change electoral politics for a decade. Finally, Amanda is joined by Biden deputy communications director Kate Berner, who shares the one thing we should all be doing today (other than voting) and what to expect from Joe Biden on election night.

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#367 What To Expect On Election Night Ft. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Amanda and Bryan are back just one day out from the election. They run through the candidates closing messages over the weekend as Obama flexed for Biden in Michigan and Trump endorsed his supporters blocking off highways and harassing Biden voters and staff. They also explain what to expect on election night and how to interpret early returns. Finally, Amanda is joined by Sen Kirsten Gillibrand who reflects on her college antics with Connie Britton and what she looks forward to most about ending the Trump administration.

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#366 We Got Mayor Pete! Ft. Pete Buttigieg Oct 30, 2020

Show notes

On today’s very special bonus episode, we sit down with Mayor Pete Buttigieg to discuss what every one of us can do in the next four days to leave it all on the floor before Nov. 3. He shares how he got to know Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during the primary and describes filling in for Mike Pence during Harris’s debate prep. He shares his election night plans -- both what he’ll be doing and what he’ll be drinking -- and guides us through how to promote calm during what could be an intense election week.

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#365 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 8: The Trumps & The Kushners Oct 30, 2020

Show notes

The Betches Sup presents the eighth and final installment of the limited series exposing the connections you never knew existed: Do You Know Who My Dad Is? explores dynastic nepotism and the effects it has on media, culture, and our current political system. Hosts Bryan Russell Smith and Alicia Angeles are talking all about the privilege that leads inexperienced and unaccomplished children of powerful people to get ahead.

This week, we’ve finally arrived at the crown jewel of American nepotism: the Trump family (and by extension the Kushners). First, Alicia tells us where Donald Trump’s son-in-law got his start (under his father’s watch), and covers the various scandals and convictions the Kushner family has under its belt. Next, Bryan tries to explain how Donald Trump’s father helped create one of the most inept (and destructive) presidents in history, and tells us how his children carry on the family tradition of raking in money and opportunity despite their lack of any discernible merit. Finally, they close the show with a game of “Daddy Sent Me” all about famous figures who benefited from being legacy admissions to a prestigious university.

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#364 Counting Votes? What A Concept! Ft. Pat Timmons-Goodson Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

Kaitlin and Amanda are back to run down all the critical election news just FIVE DAYS from election day. They start by reflecting on the four year anniversary of the Comey letter, then address Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler saying she’s “not familiar” with Trump’s Access Hollywood tapes. Then, they explain how another set of court decisions could impact election day and how results are determined, and reflect on the true origins of voter suppression: white supremacy. Finally, Amanda chats with Pat Timmons-Goodson, a candidate for North Carolina’s 8th congressional district, whose appointment to the federal bench was blocked by Mitch McConnell.

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#363 What Happens If Republicans Try To Steal The Election? Ft. Ben Sheehan Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

Sami and Amanda are back to recount how the Trump campaign narrowly avoided committing criminally negligent homicide (again) at a rally in Nebraska last night. They talk candidly about election night anxiety and what they’re doing to prepare as people and pundits. They run through what election night could look like and which swing states could break for Biden early to secure a victory on November 3rd. Then, they turn to Constitution expert Ben Sheehan to explain how the founders laid out a process for presidential elections, contested and otherwise. He explains what you should be watching closely in these final days to ensure your state legislature doesn’t try to steal the election. Casual.

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#362 Grin And Barrett Ft. Ilyse Hogue Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Alise and Amanda are back to get in their feelings about Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation before exploring what Democrats need to do next to restore legitimacy to two entire branches of government. NBD! They run through election-related cases making their way to a Barrett court both before and after Nov. 3, and how you should adjust your voting plan accordingly. Then Amanda is joined by Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. Hogue breaks down potential paths for reproductive rights in light of a Barrett confirmation, how a Biden-Harris administration could expand abortion access, and what makes her hopeful for the future.

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#361 Last Mitch Effort Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

On Today’s Sup, Sami and Bryan are back and start the show with a conversation about early voting. Sami tells us what it was like to vote early and finally get to fill in the oval that will get Trump out of office. They discuss today’s Senate confirmation vote on Amy Coney Barrett and react to Mitch McConnell basically admitting that the GOP is destined to lose big in this election. Next, they talk about yet another White House COVID outbreak as the US hit its highest seven-day case average since the pandemic began. Finally, they discuss the election with only eight days to go, including record turnout in early voting.

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