The Bill Press Pod

Latest Episodes:

Trump: Destroyer of Earth. With leading climate reporter, Elizabeth Kolbert Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Bill talks with Elizabeth Kolbert, a leading environmental journalist from The New Yorker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, about the significant rollbacks in environmental regulations under Donald Trump's administration. They discuss how Trump's policies have reversed progress made in combating climate change and hindered the growth of green energy projects like offshore wind, leading to job losses and environmental degradation. Kolbert elaborates on the global and long-term impacts of such policies and the urgency of addressing climate change. The conversation also touches on international perspectives and America's credibility on the world stage in combatting climate change.

Today Bill highlights the work of The League of Conservation Voters. More at information at LCV.org

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"Who's going to stop me." The Reporters' Roundtable. August 29, 2025 Aug 29, 2025

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Swift-Kelce Engaged. Federal Reserve Firing. CDC Firing. CDC Resignations. Trump’s Claim to Absolute Power. Weaponization of the DOJ. 3+ Hour Cabinet Meeting. Nobel Peace Prize. Troops to Chicago? Gov. Pritzker Fires Back. With Sarah Wire, Senior National Political Correspondent for USA TODAY, John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ-Roll Call and former Washington Post Columnist, Philip Bump.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.

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The "In-Justice" Department. With Law Professor and Legal Analyst, David Cole. Aug 26, 2025

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In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill speaks with David Cole, the George Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University and Legal Affairs Correspondent for The Nation Magazine. They discuss the weaponization of the Justice Department under Donald Trump's administration, highlighting recent actions taken against Trump's critics like John Bolton. Cole elaborates on how these actions represent a misuse of power and undermine the rule of law. Cole also talks about the broader implications for civil society, mentioning how Trump has leveraged federal funding to coerce universities, law firms, and media organizations into compliance. They explore the lack of checks and balances from both Congress and the Supreme Court, and Cole provides insight into how civil society and legal organizations can push back against these abuses of power.

Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Where our guest used to be the Legal Director for many years. More information at ACLU.org.

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"So Nakedly Political." The Reporters' Roundtable. August 22, 2025. Aug 22, 2025

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FBI Raids John Bolton. Ukraine Summit. But No Ukraine Progress. Troops in DC. Gerrymander Fight. Epstein Not Going Away. Smithsonian/Slavery. With Katherine Doyle, White House Reporter for NBC News, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and Kirk Bado, Editor, The National Journal Hotline.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org.

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A Tale of Two Summits. With National Security Analyst Joe Cirincione Aug 19, 2025

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In this episode, Bill and National Security Analyst Joe Cirincione discuss a historic meeting at the White House with multiple world leaders uninvitedly uniting to support Ukrainian President Zelensky and sway President Trump to maintain the alliance commitments to Ukraine. The episode delves into the strategic maneuvering used by European leaders to manipulate Trump through flattery and offers, highlighting how these tactics have momentarily shored up Western support for Ukraine. The discussion extends to the implications of potential US troop involvement, and the complexities surrounding the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. Plus a brutal assessment of the Putin's Alaska Summit with Trump. Additionally, the episode touches on other geopolitical hot spots, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the potential shift in public and political sentiment against Netanyahu's aggressive Gaza strategy. Finally, the conversation veers into the enduring threat of nuclear weapons, recommending Annie Jacobson's book 'Nuclear War: A Scenario' as a gripping read on the subject.

Today Bill highlights the work of The Ploughshares, an organization committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons. More information at Ploughshares.org

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"Nationwide State by State War." The Reporters' Roundtable. August 15, 2025 Aug 15, 2025

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Putin’s Trump Summit. Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Obsession. Redistricting Battle. Can Newsom Win? ICE Shows Up at Newsom Event. Newsom Trolls Trump. CA Governor’s Race. What’s Next for Kamala Harris? With Joe Garofoli, Senior Political Writer at The San Francisco Chronicle, Laura Nelson, Staff Writer at The Los Angeles Times and Melanie Mason, Senior Political Reporter at Politico.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.

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Authoritarianism Is Here. With Mother Jones' David Corn. Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill talks with David Corn, the Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones and author of the 'Our Land' newsletter. They discuss a variety of topics, starting with the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing and the lessons learned from it. David shares his recent visit to Hiroshima and the city's dedication to peace. The conversation shifts to current nuclear threats and the unsettling complacency around them. David compares this to climate change, highlighting people's reluctance to engage with frightening issues. They also delve into the rise of authoritarianism in the US, particularly under Donald Trump's administration, citing examples like ICE raids, control of government information, and the erosion of democratic norms. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential for Democrats to regain political power. You can subscribe to David's excellent newsletter, Our Land, at DavidCorn.com.

Today highlights the work The Amica Center, an organization dedicated to providing aid to people illegally targeted by ICE. More information at AmicaCenter.org.

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"In normal times..." The Reporters' Roundtable. August 8, 2025. Aug 08, 2025

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TX Dems Stand-up. CA-NY-IL Dems Fight Back. Epstein Still. Selling the BBB. GOP Town Hall Problems. Trump: Obama Committed Treason. Treason Claims=Epstein Distraction. Tariff Price Hikes are Here. With Allan Smith, Political Reporter for NBC News, Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News and Cameron Joseph, Senior Washington Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.

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What the Democrats need to do to win, With Virginia Congressman Don Beyer. Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) discusses the severe impact of Donald Trump’s policies on the federal workforce, particularly in Northern Virginia, and the troubling economic data under Trump's administration. Beyer expresses concerns over the multiple effects of Trump's actions, such as layoffs and tariffs, on both global trade and local economies. They also touch on the partisan handling of budgets and the repercussions of Medicaid cuts. The conversation extends to recent electoral dynamics, highlighting the Virginia Governor's race and the broader need for Democrats to refocus their messaging. Beyer shares his thoughts on potential 2028 presidential candidates, expressing a preference for Pete Buttigieg while discussing the challenges Kamala Harris faced. Lastly, the discussion anticipates a forthcoming vote on the release of Epstein files, reflecting bipartisan support.

Today Bill highlights the work of ActBlue. The organization that raises hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. To support any candidate in any race, go to ActBlue.com and provide what you can.

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"Going to absurd lengths. The Reporters' Roundtable. August 1, 2025 Aug 01, 2025

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Trump Fuels Epstein Scandal. Yes Tariffs-No Tariffs. Higher Prices are Here. Trump Attacks 2 GOP Senators. Grassley “Offended.” Texas Gerrymander. Dem States Fight Back. Kamala 2028? $200 Million WH Ball Room. With Arthur Delaney, Senior Political Reporter at HuffPost, Maria Recio, Washington Correspondent for Austin American Statesman and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter for NOTUS.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org

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