American Fever Dream

Latest Episodes:

Ask Us Anything! Aug 16, 2020

Show notes

The time has come, loyal listeners, for a Q&A episode. But first we need some Qs to A. What do you want to know about us? What have you always wanted to ask? Ever wondered how we got into politics? How do we feel about a certain issue? Our skincare routines and astrological charts? You can literally ask us anything (no promises we’ll answer, but we’ll definitely consider it). Feel free to address your question to one host in particular, or pose a question you’d like the group to discuss. Send your questions to amanda@betches.com or DM the Betches Sup on Instagram before Tuesday, August 18.

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#311 Is This The End Of Democracy, Or The Return of It? Ft. David Litt Aug 14, 2020

Show notes

Today Amanda talks to David Litt, a former speechwriter for President Obama and author of “Democracy In One Book Or Less.” Litt explains why, despite living in a democracy, the will of the people is so rarely implemented. He describes why understanding the rise of Mitch McConnell is key to understanding our democratic decay, and recounts visiting McConnell’s old frat house to look for answers. They discuss historical precedents for crying “voter fraud” and how throughout history, losing parties tend to eliminate voters instead of making themselves more electable. Finally, they deliberate whether we’re facing the end of democracy, or the return of it.

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#310 Keep Kam And Carry On Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

Sami and Amanda are back today to debrief on Joe Biden’s announcement of Kamala Harris as the Vice Presidential nominee. They break down some of the misogynistic and racist reactions to her selection and consider the line between admiration and sexism. They discuss what she adds to the race and how she can overcome challenges related to her prosecutorial record. Finally, they try to figure out why Congress is on vacation when millions of Americans face homelessness and unemployment.

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#309 I’m Not Throwing Away My (Vote) Ft. Ryan Vasquez Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

Bryan and Alise are joined by Ryan Vasquez, Broadway star of Hamilton fame and founder of Swing From Home, a platform connecting remote volunteers to smaller campaigns in need of volunteer support. They start by explaining what volunteers can do to help candidates during a pandemic, including how to donate your time using just your phone. Ryan explains the value of making a difference in super focused areas of the country. Next, they share an example from a contentious election in Virginia that highlights the razor thin margins that can decide an election. They also talk about the absurdity of Donald Trump running as a change candidate even though he’s the incumbent, and discuss how to ignite enthusiasm on the left. Finally, they close things out with some Hamilton talk, as Ryan tells us which role is the most fun to play, and which is hardest (and sweatiest) to pull off.

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#308 What Will Nov. 3 Be Like? Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

On today’s Sup podcast, Alise and Amanda anticipate November 3, 2020, and how we need to start re-imaging what election day will look like and share their plans to hold themselves accountable. They break down additional threats to the USPS and how throughout history, politicians have eliminated voters instead of bothering to appeal to them. Finally, they discuss violence in Chicago and why the pandemic is crucial context for unrest.

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#307 Bikers For COVID Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

Alise and Sami are back to break down the president’s weekend assembling large groups of people in a COVID haunted house, issuing meaningless executive actions, and insisting coronavirus will magically disappear. They discuss a motorcycle rally currently descending on South Dakota with 250,000 attendees as the country mourns 160,000 COVID deaths. Finally, run through what Trump’s executive orders over the weekend actually do, what they don’t, and whether Democrats are right to hold out on a bigger stimulus deal.

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#306 Veepstakes Has Gone Off The Rails Aug 07, 2020

Show notes

Sami and Amanda are back to recount all the useless things Trump did yesterday before jetting off to his golf club while tens of millions of Americans await economic relief amid a deadly epidemic he has failed to contain. Then they discuss Biden’s moving deadline on announcing a VP. It was fun at first, but does the protracted timeline pit women against each other and reduced their dynamic careers to pros and cons lists? They discuss why Benghazi will be a factor in Susan Rice’s consideration even though it shouldn’t, and how the press should stop treating the election as a beauty contest and focus more on Trump’s attempts to undermine it.

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#305 The NRA's No Good Very Bad Day Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

On today’s episode of the Sup podcast, Alise and Bryan cover breaking news of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ announcement that she will be filing a case against the NRA. They also cover how the Democratic and Republican Nominating Conventions will go down online and how Trump’s staff might all soon be finding themselves in violation of the Hatch Act. Next, they discuss Facebook finally (kind of) doing the right thing by removing Trump’s post with misinformation about kids not being able to get Coronavirus. Finally, they wrap up with some updates on the Trump campaign's vendetta against mail-in voting (except for in Florida).

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#304 America Is Facing Eviction Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

Kaitlin and Amanda are back to debrief on yet *another* huge night of primaries in the election season that never ends. They share details of the devastating explosion in Lebanon, which will exacerbate an existing economic and political crisis already worsened by the pandemic. Finally, they run through the federal assistance programs about to expire as eviction moratoriums expire around the country, threatening to throw millions out of their homes. They share resources and break down your rights if you’re facing eviction.

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#303 Trump's Graph(ic) Content Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

On today’s episode of the Sup podcast, Alise and Sami talk about how Jared Kushner’s secret plan for testing disappeared into thing air. Then, they discuss Trump’s interview with Axios which featured homemade graphs, some incorrect statements about how testing works Trump’s thoughts on John Lewis, and more well wishes Ghislaine Maxwell. Finally, they wrap up with some news about politically charged obituaries and tropical storm Isaias.

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