UnPresidented: Creating change that empowers the Resistance

Ukraine, and the midterms Mar 10, 2022

Today's pod is about Ukraine, of course, and Cliff weighs in about the upcoming midterm elections.

The latest on Ukraine Mar 07, 2022

Our take on the latest Ukraine news.

War in Ukraine Feb 22, 2022

Today's show is about Ukraine, and Russia, whether we think war is inevitable, whether and what Putin really wants, including the risks to NATO.

Accounting firm to Trump, "You're fired!" Feb 15, 2022

Donald Trump's accounting firm fired him as a client, we talk about the ramifications for Trump. Then we delve into the latest right-wing lie about Hillary Clinton (they really can't get over her). And finally we talk about the latest regarding the Canadian truck protest. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

MotherTrucker Feb 11, 2022

On today's show, more about that Canadian trucker protest, and how it's about to come to the US. And we talk about the news that Trump was flushing White House documents down his toilet, and the larger issue of Trump's total disrespect for national security. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

Trucker Carlson Feb 09, 2022

On today's show, we discuss Tucker Carlson's nudge-nudge-wink-wink call for American truckers (and far-right activists) to shut down the American economy in order to protest any attempt to rein in the Covid virus. We also talk about Jimmy Carter saying Trump didn't win the 2016 election, the Supreme Court's gerrymandering decision, and the latest example of GOP Covid disinformation (and what lessons it can teach us). As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

Joe Rogan apologizes, then does it again Feb 02, 2022

In today's show, we dig into Susan Collins', and the Republicans' overall, disappointment with Joe Biden for daring to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. You see, he's apparently dividing the country by not being racist. We also get into Trump's confession, the ongoing Joe Rogan Covid disinformation saga, and Michigan Republicans' call to literal arms for the next election. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

Buh bye, Bongino Jan 30, 2022

In today's show, Cliff and I talk about Dan Bongino getting permanently banned from Twitter (sorry, not sorry), GOP Sen. Chuck "I fought in the Civil War" Grassley agreeing that the insurrectionists are "political prisoners," Meghan McCain being a moron, and BMW and other brands continuing to buy ads on Tucker Carlson's anti-semitic, homophobic, and Covid-denying show on Fox News. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

Joe Biden's "stupid SOB" Jan 26, 2022

How did a 22-year-veteran feel the day he watched our Capitol attacked by Republicans, and their attempted cover-ups since then? Fred Wellman of the Beer Hall Project joins us to talk Fox News' “stupid son of a bitch,” Putin’s useful idiots, Dem messaging, Ukraine/Russia and more. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

Joe Biden's big press conference Jan 20, 2022

In today's show, Cliff and I spend most of the time talking about Biden's mostly-successful press conference last night (there was a Russia flub, but otherwise he did quite well). As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

How to get a free Covid rapid test online Jan 18, 2022

In today's show, we do talk a lot about Covid -- lots of updates of people behaving badly -- and we tell you how to get the free US government rapid tests, that are already online! We also talk about Melania selling her White House clothes, Dan Crenshaw being a moron, and Ginnie Thomas being the same. As always, if you'd like to hear us ad-free, and support our work, please considering becoming a subscriber to our Patreon page, thanks.

A confederacy of mouses Jan 14, 2022

On today's show, Cliff and I talk about Glenn Beck's Covid diagnosis, Tulsi Gabbard acting like a Republican again, Mitch McConnell having the vapors because Joe Biden showed some backbone, Dick Durbin knee-capping Biden, and the RNC pulling out of future presidential debates. Of course, we recorded hours before the breaking news about the Oath Keepers. We'll hit that one next time. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks.

Fauci destroys Rand Paul Jan 11, 2022

We start today's show with some excellent audio of Dr. Fauci destroying GOP Sen. Rand Paul this morning during a Senate hearing. Then we get into a larger discussion with our friend Tom Watson, who has started a new PAC -- No Surrender NY -- to take on the GOP members of Congress from New York who supported overturning the election. We also discuss a GOP state rep. who thinks that Nazism should be taught "impartially." And then when we have a laugh about a lead Covid-denialists who think the cure to Covid is drinking your own urine (spoiler alert: it's not). To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks.

Biden blasts Trump on Insurrection Anniversary Jan 07, 2022

President Biden made Donald Trump the centerpiece of his speech to the nation on the anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection, making clear that Trump was responsible for the violent attempt to overthrow our government, and also that Biden was rededicating his presidency, at least in part, towards defending American democracy and the threat it faces from Trump and the Republican party that is in his thrall. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks.

Milquetoast Garland and the one-year anniversary of the Insurrection Jan 05, 2022

This week is the one-year anniversary of the January 6 Insurrection, when Trump supporters tried to violently overthrow our government. As Attorney General Merrick Garland prepares to speak this afternoon about lord knows what -- we aren't terribly hopeful -- Cliff and I discuss why Garland and the Dept of Justice appear to have totally dropped the ball on investigating the actual coup itself, and the people who planned it, executed it, aided and abetted it. In other words, the leaders, not just the worker bees. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a Republican pandemic now Dec 31, 2021

On today's show, we discuss the latest weirdness from Republicans, in which Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, led by Jim Jordan, are telling people that the Covid booster doesn't even work. The GOP is actively trying to kill its own base. Cliff has a theory why. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Madison Cawthorn's bizarre story of how he met his wife Dec 28, 2021

On today's show, we start with a discussion of GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn's bizarre origin story of how he met his wife, who he's now divorcing after only eight months. It involves a Russian casino that may not have existed. The story is just beyond strange. And then we get into a chat about the latest on Covid denialism from the GOP, and why Democrats continue to be so bad at messaging. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a Christmas miracle! Trump becomes Covid vaccine's biggest booster. Dec 24, 2021

In today's show, we discuss the rather odd turn of events by which Donald Trump is now the Covid vaccine's biggest booster, much to the chagrin of several of his top supporters. And we have a quick chat about Joe Manchin, flip-flopping again, and Steven Miller's shopping woes. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manchin kills Build Back Better Dec 20, 2021

On today's show, we actually discuss a number of topics, but focus primarily on Joe Manchin killing Biden's signature legislation, the Build Back Better bill. Now, it's possible that parts of the proposal can be saved, but that all depends on whether Manchin's goal is anything other than burning the entire house down. That's our big topic today. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Don Jr. & Fox hosts begged Trump to call off Insurrection Dec 14, 2021

In today's show, we talk about the blockbuster new text messages that the January 6th Insurrection commission got a hold of, showing Don Jr., and Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade and Sean Hannity begging Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to get Trump to call off the Insurrection. We discuss why those tweets matter. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Devin Nunes and Mark Meadows are so pwned by Donald Trump Dec 08, 2021

On today's show, we spend a lot of time on two topics. First, GOP Congressman Devin Nunes quitting Congress in a matter of weeks, in order to become the CEO of Trump's new social media company. Cliff and I are skeptical as to why Nunes is doing this. Then we talk about former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows announcing that he'll no longer cooperate with the January 6th Commission. Having said that, the first 20 minutes of the show somehow became a long, but interesting, discussion about the origins of World War II. You know how we get. To hear our shows ad-free, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Trump try to give Biden Covid? Dec 06, 2021

In today's episode, we talk about the news that Trump appears to have known he might have Covid before he attended his first debate with Biden. We also get into some weird news about televangelist Joel Osteen, and why the new jobs numbers aren't as bad as some are saying. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fox News' latest lies about the Omicron variant Dec 01, 2021

On today's show, we talk about the Omicron Covid variant, and the latest GOP effort to get its base killed. This leads us into a much larger discussion about Democratic messaging surrounding Covid, the GOP's utter failure to address the pandemic, and how Democrats SHOULD be messaging, but aren't. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rittenhouse Verdict Nov 22, 2021

Today's show is about the Rittenhouse verdict, and the threat that gun-culture poses to our democracy. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Corruption in Politics, with author Brian Klaas Nov 18, 2021

Political scientist, and professor at University College London, Brian Klaas, talks to us about his new book, "Corruptible" -- a look at what causes human beings, from political leaders to your local condo board -- to be corrupt, and how do we create new systems in which such corruption no longer thrives. A good deal of our discussion focuses on the American experience, and what we can do to avoid a further spiral into increasingly more corrupt, and extremely, government in Washington. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GOP Rep. Gosar "jokingly" calls for Biden/AOC to be assassinated Nov 09, 2021

In today's show, we discuss the outrageous behavior of GOP Rep. Paul Gosar, and whether the Republican party, and Twitter, ever plan to hold him responsible for his actions. And then we get into a larger discussion of the disappointment that is Merrick Garland, and the joy that is the passage of the Infrastructure Bill. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Dems lost this past Tuesday Nov 04, 2021

In today's show, Cliff and I are joined by Chicago Tribune humor columnist Rex Huppke, to discuss what happened in Tuesday's elections in Virginia and New Jersey, why Democrats did so badly, and what can be done to fix it. You might not be surprised to hear that both Cliff and I think the Democrats, yet again, failed at messaging. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The all-important Virginia election Nov 02, 2021

Today's show is about tonight's pivotal Virginia governor's election, and why it matters -- and the ongoing mess over the Infrastructure bill(s), and why Democrats are messaging so poorly on it (the media isn't helping). This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Polarization: Can America survive Trumpism? Interview with Georgetown Prof. Thomas Zimmer Oct 29, 2021

Georgetown Professor Thomas Zimmer joins us to talk about polarization and extremism, and what insights American and world history provide as to whether (and how) the US can survive Trumpism and its anti-democratic impulses. Thomas is great, this is a really interesting interview, IMHO. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Losing our democracy while nobody is watching Oct 27, 2021

Former Ohio Democratic party chair David Pepper joins us to talk about his new book, "Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call from Behind the Lines," about how Republicans are stealing our democracy at the state level while nobody is watching. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colin Powell's mixed legacy Oct 18, 2021

Today's show is all about Colin Powell's death from complications associated with Covid, and his mixed legacy as an African-American trailblazer, who was the first Black US Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and National Security Adviser, who also had a few blots on his record, including his support for banning gays from the military (Powell successfully sabotaged President Clinton's effort to repeal the gay ban), and his now-infamous speech to the United Nations justifying the second Iraq War by claiming that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, when he did not. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Which Covid booster is best? Oct 17, 2021

In today's show, we talk about the all-important upcoming election for Virginia's governor, the latest on Covid boosters, and why President Biden isn't the reason that we're having such supply chain problems in the economy (the UK is having the same issue). This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hillary Clinton was right! Oct 13, 2021

In today's show, we talk about Hillary Clinton's latest warnings about losing our democracy, and more Covid nonsense. Don't let the short description fool you, we went on for 90 minutes! This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mobsters, Moscow & Mark (Zuckerberg): American democracy in danger, with guest Lincoln's Bible Oct 06, 2021

Lincoln's Bible (aka LB), host of the podcast "The World Beneath," joins us to talk about how Facebook can take the most trivial information you give them, and use it to introduce you to conspiracies and worse; how Russia is the first modern mob state; and how more Americans—and specifically, Republicans—are compromised than you think. It was a fascinating, and somewhat scary, discussion. Cliff and I close the show with a chat about the breaking news that AT&T helped inspire, and is the major funder of, far-right pro-Trump propaganda network, One American News (OAN). This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disillusioned Trump Voters Oct 04, 2021

Producer and author Melissa Jo Peltier joins us to talk about her new movie, "The Game is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories." This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Gathering Storm of the 2024 Election Sep 29, 2021

Concern grows about Trump and the Republicans preparing to steal the 2024 election. Other topics include: the Infrastructure latest, General Milley, the American Dental Association being evil to seniors, and heat waves. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump loses Arizona, again! Sep 26, 2021

In today's show we discuss Trump losing the Arizona recount, booster, Michael Flynn's latest conspiracy, whether 88 y.o. members of Congress should really be running for re-election, and the latest on the Infrastructure bill. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Trump unplugged Sep 22, 2021

Donald Trump's niece, Mary, returns to talk about her new book, "The Reckoning: our nation’s trauma and finding a way to heal." Among the topics Mary discusses with us: Don Jr's intelligence; Ivanka ego; her recent slapdown of Meghan McCain; why Dems should be more outspoken about gun control, voting rights, and abortion; expanding the Supreme Court; standing up to Joe Manchin, and the relative lack of Democratic messaging and backbone. It was a fun chat, as always, with Mary -- she's a very interesting and fun person. You can listen to the audio version of the interview here, or watch the Zoom video version here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Sep 17, 2021

Today's show is an interview with Dixon Osburn, an old friend and colleague who was one of the key players in the repeal of the US military's ban on gay service members, the infamous "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Dixon has a new book out about the history of DADT, "Mission Possible: The Story of Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Dixon and I talk about the history of the gay ban, going back to the early 1900s, the adoption and implementation of DADT under President Clinton, and its ultimate repeal under President Obama. And finally, we close with a discussion of lessons learned that other movements can take away from the successful fight to repeal the gay ban. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Danger of Chinese dominance of 5G Sep 15, 2021

On today's show, our guest is longtime telecom executive Jonathan Pelson, talking to us about his new book, "Wireless Wars: China's dangerous domination of 5G, and how we're fighting back." Pelson talks to us about Chinese dominance of 5G wireless technology, and why it poses a threat to America and the world. Pelson also gives us a really interesting primer on what 5G is, and why it's so much better than 4G. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a free excerpt here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Covid Filibuster Sep 10, 2021

On today's show, we discuss President Biden's sweeping new Covid vaccine mandate, and how a minority of Americans hold, in essence, a filibuster over the head of the majority on health care policy, like so much else. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dangerous Times Sep 08, 2021

On today's show, Cliff and I talk about the rumor that Trump may run again, and more generally, the danger of the increased radicalism of the GOP; the latest on Covid; and a bit on the California recall election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another great Psaki bomb Sep 03, 2021

In today's show, we talk about gunmaker Remington's obscene legal strategy, another great Psaki bomb, that new abortion law in Texas, and Madison Cawthorn's threat of violence. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin McCarthy, Cherokee Sep 02, 2021

In today's show, we talk about Kevin McCarthy's brother getting $7 million in no-bid government contracts because he says they're part Cherokee, the latest on the January 6th Commission, the end of the Afghan withdrawal, a rather racist controversy, Richard Marx vs. Chacci, and Afghanistan's last Jew. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Covid, Obamacare & Biden, with health care activist Laura Packard Aug 28, 2021

Health care advocate and activist Laura Packard, a stage 4 cancer survivor, and award-winning progressive digital/new media and communications strategist, joins us to talk about everything health care, from Obamacare to Covid to Biden's new proposals. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Afghanistan, the evacuation actually went quite well Aug 26, 2021

An in-depth look at how, in spite of today's terror attack, the Afghan evacuation ended up being quite a successful effort. Then we cover the latest on Covid, including Pfizer finally being approved. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gun violence, what can be done -- with our guest Dr. Chethen Sathya Aug 22, 2021

Today's guest is Dr. Chethen Sathya, a pediatric trauma surgeon who is the Director of the Gun Violence Prevention Center at Northwell Health, the largest system of hospitals and outpatient clinics in New York. Northwell is doing a big push on gun violence prevention, highlighted by fighting for funds in the infrastructure bill that go to gun violence prevention programs like the one at Northwell. As we're not seeing a spike in crime so much as a spike in gun crime right now, Dr. Sathya is a perfect guest to discuss what Northwell's doing, what we all should be doing, why the US is unique among high income countries, and the financial, personal and emotional cost of this scourge. And afterwards, we talk about the latest on Afghanistan and Covid. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Afghanistan Aug 18, 2021

Oy. Is Biden to blame? Is Trump to blame? What happens to the interpreters? Wasn't this all inevitable anyway? And will the American people even care? All that and more in our special Afghan episode. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rand Paul's wife secretly bought pharma stocks at the beginning of the pandemic Aug 12, 2021

On today's show, Cliff and I delve into the news that Rand Paul's wife secretly bought stocks in a drug company way back in February of 2020, and Paul failed to report it for 16 months. And it just so happens that the pharmaceutical company, Gilead, makes the Covid treatment drug Remdesivir. At the time his wife bought the drug, Rand Paul, as a member of Congress, was receiving secret Covid briefings that the rest of us weren't privy to. He knew what was coming, we didn't. And his wife invested in the drug that would be needed to help fight the pandemic. All just a big coincidence, right Rand? This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 15 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twitter suspends MTG, why isn't Trump indicted, and Dominion's new lawsuits Aug 10, 2021

Today's episode starts with a discussion about Marjorie Taylor Greene getting kicked off Twitter for a week for spouting anti-vaccine nonsense. Then we talk about why Donald Trump hasn't been indicted yet, and what it means for our democracy moving forward. We then get into the new huge Dominion lawsuits against OAN and Newsmax. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ohio special election, Fox News embraces Hungary, and Covid Aug 05, 2021

In today's show, we delve into what meaning there is, if any, from Shontel Brown beating Nina Turner in the Ohio special election for the Democratic primary. We then have a long talk about Fox News, and Tucker Carlson spending the week in Hungary trying to sell Americans on the notion that so long as the trains run on time, dictatorship is swell. And we wrap up with another Covid update, focusing in particular on the growing disaster in Ron DeSantis' Florida. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Damon, Gov. Cuomo, and Covid Aug 04, 2021

In today's show, we chat about the latest homophobia controversy engulfing Matt Damon, about the sexual harassment findings about Gov. Cuomo, about that special congressional election in Ohio, and Covid! This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Infrastructure and Covid Aug 01, 2021

Today's show is all about the Infrastructure bill and the latest on the burgeoning threat from the Delta variant. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Highlights from today's Insurrection hearing Jul 27, 2021

Today's show is all about the blockbuster hearing in Congress today about the January 6th Insurrection. Cliff and I have several clips of the most important and poignant moments, from the police officers who testified and members of Congress, and as always, we offer our analysis. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FBI lied about vetting Kavanaugh Jul 23, 2021

On today's show, we start with the new revelations that the FBI lied about vetting now- Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Then we talk about the indictment and arrest of Trump ally, and campaign adviser, Tom Barrack. Next up, Covid, Delta, the NFL, the Olympics and more Coronavirus-related news. And finally, we dig deeper into the latest on the Insurrection Committee. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Space Launch, and Covid Covid Covid Jul 20, 2021

Today's discussion starts with the space launch(es) of late, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and why both of us hope that Biden can use science to reunite the nation and also, slyly, re-educate Republicans about the important of science and facts to our daily lives. Next topic is Covid. It always is :) The Delta Variant has how become 83% of the cases in the US, and Olympians are coming down sick, France is requiring vaccine passports, and St. Jude's is firing staff who don't get vaccinated. We discuss all of this. Then we have a little chat about Jim Jordan going on the Insurrection Committee. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump was planning a coup, top military leader feared Jul 15, 2021

Today's big story is that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley -- America's top career military official -- so feared that Donald Trump was preparing a military coup that he reached out to other military leaders in an effort to thwart it. A just unbelievable, yet all too believable, story from a new book by two senior Washington Post reporters. Cliff and I talk today about why this story matters, why it's not just a case of "we already knew that," and what this means going forward for those of us who care about this country and the survival of our democracy. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Biden being too bipartisan? Jul 14, 2021

In today's episode, the big issue is whether President Biden is being too bipartisan by asking former conservative Republican anti-Trump Senator Jeff Flake to be his ambassador to Turkey. Cliff and I think there's both a philosophical and Machiavellian reason for Biden to choose Flake, so we're on board. We also talk about everyone's favorite Supreme Court jester Brett Kavanaugh, and Trump's recent comments blasting him. Then on to Texas, where Democrats continue to thwart a GOP effort to pass new Jim Crow laws in that state. Next up, Dan Crenshaw has suddenly discovered that the Civil War was bad. And finally, Republican activists -- and Greenwald, of course -- are freaking out that a racist, white supremacist Holocaust-denier was kicked off Twitter. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tucker Carlson is lying again Jul 09, 2021

On today's episode, we delve into Tucker Carlson's latest lie about the NSA allegedly spying on him (never happened), about the growing Covid outbreak in Missouri (and other Covid news), about Trump's bogus social media lawsuit, and some hilarity form two new books about Trump that both make him look like a fool. (Trump thought the Democrats were going to dump Biden and Put Andrew Cuomo and Michelle Obama on the ticket! And then he went around telling people about it!) This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Delta Variant & Pfizer Jul 06, 2021

In today's show, our big topic is the latest news about the Covid Delta variant and how well the Pfizer vaccine is working against it, why you shouldn't be panicked yet, but also why there is cause for concern even if you're vaccinated. We sift through the deets. Other topics include: The six-month anniversary of the Insurrection; Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's 75th wedding anniversary; Trump posing at Mar-a-Lago; and Fox News starting its own weather channel. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Organization Indicted! Jul 02, 2021

On today's show, we talk about the indictment of the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, and why the indictment ended up being a way bigger deal, and problem for Trump, than anyone expected. Not only were the charges much more than we thought -- 15 felony charges totalling a max of 105 years in prison -- but the indictment could mean that Trump's creditors all call in their loans en masse, leading the Trump Organization into bankruptcy. We also discuss Liz Cheney being appointed to the January 6th Insurrection Commission/Committee. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cong. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) on the Insurrection, being racially-profiled, and more. Jun 30, 2021

Cong. Torres is the first openly-gay candidate to be elected to legislative office in the Bronx, was the youngest member of the New York City council, is the first openly-gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress, and he and Mondaire Jones are the first openly-gay black men elected to Congress. Cong. Torres joins talks to us about the Insurrection, and what it was like being in the Capitol building that day. His story is rather scary, and shows just how literal preparation there was for such an emergency. We then get into the infrastructure bill, the filibuster (the Cong. has a few choice words for Joe Manchin), racial profiling (and his own personal experiences being profiled), police reform, and more. He's a fascinating and smart progressive, and has a bright future in the Democratic party. This is the audio version of the interview. You can find the Zoom video version here. And this is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

he Supreme Court saves the Affordable Care Act... for now. An interview with ACA expert Charles Gaba. Jun 17, 2021

In late-breaking news, the Supreme Court this morning threw out a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA, aka Obamacare) that many observers thought would lead to the the entire law being struck down as unconstitutional, costing 31 million Americans, myself included, their health insurance. Instead, the court threw out the lawsuit! We invited back ACA expert Charles Gaba to walk us through what happened, and what it means for the ACA going forward. The second half of the show we get into the other issues of the day. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Pakman on Biden, progressive politics, and his YouTube success Jun 16, 2021

David Pakman, the host of the YouTube/Twitch talk radio program "The David Pakman Show," joins the UnPresidented podcast's John Aravosis and Cliff Schecter to talk about how Joe Biden is doing as president, what Democrats/the Left should and can do about Joe Manchin obstructing our agenda, how David defines his own politics and why he was happy to support both Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, and a discussion at the end of the show about how David has managed to become such a great YouTube success. Overall, just a really fun and interesting conversation. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressive Evangelical pastor Doug Pagitt on how Dems woo religious voters Jun 10, 2021

Doug Pagitt is executive director of Vote Common Good, a non-profit that tries to invite religious voters to take an off ramp from the Republican party. In today's show, Doug talks to us about how his organization reaches Republican evangelicals, and why it even matters? We also get into a discussion on how religious voters can not only stand Donald Trump, but openly embrace him, and why progressives should welcome efforts to woo religious voters away from the GOP. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Hunger Games" screenwriter Billy Ray on how Democrats should message to win elections Jun 09, 2021

What is going on in Texas? Jun 03, 2021

Today's guest, Julie Oliver -- a two-time congressional candidate from Austin, Texas, and executive director of the non-profit Register to Vote -- joins us to talk about the latest Jim Crow legislation in Texas, voting rights overall, the filibuster, and the problem that is George P. Bush, the Trump-loving son of Jeb. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Flynn endorses a coup Jun 02, 2021

Today's big story is Trump's former National Security Adviser, and then felon, Michael Flynn attending a QAnon cult conference in Dallas, where he expressed support for a military coup in the US. Flynn, who is a convicted liar, later claimed that he did not support a coup, but video of the event suggests otherwise. We delve into all of that, and more. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Ted Cruz and Satan walk into a bar... May 31, 2021

On today's show, we discuss the Senate vote on the January 6th Sedition Commission (taped before the vote, but the analysis is the same), and what we think might be motivating Joe Manchin. We also talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz, about the maskholes, about our modest proposal to set up Satan statues across country to honor MTG and the Republicans (you have to hear it to get it), why Democrats can't unify their messaging, why Ted Cruz is the second-to-last member of Congress to be talking about pansies. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Marcotte on Republican efforts to steal the 2024 election & overturn Roe v. Wade May 25, 2021

Salon writer Amanda Marcotte is back to talk with us about her concerns surrounding the ongoing Republican effort to steal the 2022 and 2024 elections, and what's up with Roe v. Wade and the Supreme Court. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Famed Democratic strategist James Carville on how Democrats win in 2022 and beyond May 20, 2021

Longtime Democratic campaign expert James Carville, who was the lead strategist in charge of getting Bill Clinton elected president in 1992, joins us to talk about how Democrats should message in order to win now and in the future. Carville talks about why Democrats aren't as good as Republicans at messaging, how "woke" messaging is hurting us at the polls, why Democrats didn't do better in the 2020 congressional elections, whether we should give Joe Manchin a harder time for opposing the elimination of the filibuster, how Donald Trump managed to win, and whether we should even care about Trump voters as we look to the future. James is a fun, frank and fascinating guy to interview. I think you'll really enjoy this chat, and learn something too. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sedition Commission May 19, 2021

In today's show, Cliff and I talk about the battle over Congress establishing an independent commission to investigate the January 6th Insurrection -- or as Cliff and I call it, the Sedition Commission. From that, we move to the Arizona presidential election "recount," where even GOP officials have had enough of the Trumpers' games. We also get into how Trump and his minions, including that Women for Trump lady, have upped their rhetoric about the election having been stolen -- even for them, the new rhetoric is bad. And last, but not least, we start the show with a discussion about those God-awful cicadas. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republicans are planning another Insurrection May 14, 2021

Today, Cliff and I do a deep dive on the implications of the House GOP having removed Liz Cheney from leadership, and replaced her with nouveau Trump sycophant Elise Stefanik. This isn't just about the GOP being upset that Cheney was mean to Trump. When you look at this move, alongside the increased noise we're hearing from Republicans defending the Insurrection, the Jim Crow 2.0 laws that GOP is passing in the states, and the fact that Republicans are currently favored to win the House back in 2022, it's clear that Republicans are preparing to steal the 2022 congressional and 2024 presidential elections, and they won't be afraid to use violence if they have to. It ain't good news, but it's important that we be ready for what's coming. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Begala on how Dems win in 2022 and beyond May 10, 2021

On today's show, we talk to c, who played a key role getting Bill Clinton elected president in 1992, and is now a Democratic strategist, author CNN contributor. Among our topics: Why Democrats didn't do better in the 2020 elections, both presidential and congressional? How Biden won the Democratic primary? Biden's great new polls, and whether they help Democrats in 2022. Hillary Clinton's "responsibility gene" and whether it handicaps Democrats. What role the Insurrection should play in our messaging? Is the GOP civil war a bigger threat to them or us? How do we stop Republicans from stealing the presidency in 2024? How do we deal with Joe Manchin? This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Walsh says it's too late to save the GOP May 06, 2021

In today's show, former conservative Republican congressman, and outspoken anti-Trumper, Joe Walsh joins us again to talk about Liz Cheney growing opposition to Trump, her oped in the Washington Post saying that the GOP is "at a turning point," and whether it's already too late for both Cheney and the Republican party. Joe thinks it IS too late for both Cheney and the party, and that a third party will be formed of centrists. But in the meantime, we'll have an increasingly neo-fascist Republican party to deal with, and they may just take back the House in 2022, and the White House in 2024. Joe also calls out the other 9 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump -- where they have been the last two weeks when Cheney needed their support? They've been silent. That's the heavy and heady stuff we discuss in today's episode. It was really interesting, hope you enjoy. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rex Huppke on the GOP yet again jumping the shark May 04, 2021

Chicago Tribune humor columnist Rex Huppke joins us to talk about the growing civil war in the Republican party between Trumpers and the few sane GOPers, like uber-conservative Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who don't believe in violent insurrection. We then segue into a discussion of the 2022 and 2024 elections: Whether Democrats may lose the House in 2022, and whether Trump will run again in 2024. And we end with a chat about good newspapers being taking over by venture capital firms that then destroy them. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic Messaging Matters Apr 29, 2021

Today's leitmotif is messaging. Staring with Biden quasi- State of the Union address last night before a joint session of Congress, and then leading to a long conversation about Democratic strategist James Carville's Vox interview about how Democrats are doing a lousy job messaging. Carville's interview is fantastic -- don't believe what you've heard about it. It is a master class on how Democrats should and shouldn't message -- from climate change to defining bad Republicans -- when trying to pass legislation and win elections. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lies, Lies, and more Republican Lies. Apr 27, 2021

On today's show, Cliff and I talk a lot about lies -- Republican lies, to be precise. How the GOP is lying about Biden, and how they're lying about Kamala. We also get into the topic of why so many people aren't getting their second Covid vaccine, and why we think their reason is pretty bogus. Oh yeah, we also talk about how the media is lying about Biden's approval rating, trying to make some really good numbers sound bad. That sounds like a short show, but it's actually a pretty long one. And fun, I think. Enjoy. That sounds like a short show, but it's actually a pretty long one. And fun, I think. Enjoy. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and then, if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and become a patron. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything you wanted to know about Obamacare Apr 22, 2021

On today's show we have Charles Gaba, the editor of ACASignups, one of the top Web sites out there for detailed data about the Affordable Care Act, aka ACA, aka Obamacare. Charles joins us in an almost two-hour episode to talks about: 1. What is Obamacare? Who does it benefit, and what are the details of what it does and what subsidies it provides? 2. The details of the upcoming Supreme Court decision that might strike down the ACA. What are the options for what the court might do, and how will each affect Obamacare's survival. AND, what can Congress do to fix it? 3. Next steps for health care reform in America, from Obamacare 2.0 (what Biden can do to expand Obamacare), to Medicare for All and improving Medicare's own coverage. This is an in-depth episode that ran long, but that's because the topic is so interesting, important and detailed. Let us know what you think. This is a free episode. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HuffPost DC bureau chief Amanda Terkel joins us to discuss covering Trump vs Biden Apr 20, 2021

In today's show, our old friend Amanda Terkel, the DC bureau chief of the Huffington Post -- and before that, longtime ThinkProgress guru -- joins us to talk about the issues of the day, and a smattering of journalistic ethics to boot. Cliff and I conclude with a longer-than-expected discussion of cryptocurrency investing, and the anti-vaxx movement. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here for free, and then head on over to Patreon and become a patron to hear the rest of the show, and support our work. Thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Food writer Jamie Schler talks food & politics Apr 16, 2021

In today's show, French-American cooking writer Jamie Schler joins us to talk baking and politics. We get into the whole Coronavirus situation in Europe, and how things got so out of control over there, and also delve in to the resurgence of far-right politics there and here at home. But a good portion of our show is in fact devoted to food! I admittedly had fun with this one. Hope you do too. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support independent journalism, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump's Insurrection Resurrection Apr 13, 2021

In today's show, we talk about the ongoing effort of the GOP to rewrite the history of the January 6h Insurrection, while rehabilitating Donald Trump and his role in the bloody coup attempt. We also start with a discussion of the breaking news about the potential troubles surrounding the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes of it here for free, then head on over to Patreon and becoming a patron for the price of a pricey cup of coffee, and listen to the rest of the show and support our work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Manchin wants us to let the Insurrectionists win. Apr 12, 2021

In our show we discuss conservative-Democratic Senator Joe Manchin's (D-WV) call for Democrats to pander to the Insurrectionists, the latest on Matt Gaetz's FBI investigation for child sex trafficking, and lots of other little topics, including a somewhat lengthy discussion about the merits of the TV show "The Americans." This is one of our free episodes. To listen to all our shows, and support our independent journalism & activism, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GOP Cancel Culture hypocrisy Apr 06, 2021

In today's show, Cliff and I talk about the Republicans whining about "cancel culture," because Major League Baseball just pulled from the All-Star game from Atlanta over the state's draconian new Jim Crow voter suppression laws, then we have a little update about Matt Gaetz's child sex trafficking investigation, and finally a rather lengthy Covid update. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to half an hour here for free. Then head on over to Patreon and become a patron to hear the rest, and support our important work. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PizzaGaetz Apr 02, 2021

The Matt Gaetz sex scandal just got a whole lot bigger. It's our big story for today. And boy, it's a doozie. We lay out the details, and discus why it matters. And we laugh, and laugh, and laugh. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forget the Vaccine Passport, let's have a Vaccine Bible Mar 31, 2021

Today's show is heavy on messaging. We start with a discussion of former top Trump Covid adviser Dr. Birx's claim that while the first 100,000 US Coronavirus deaths were unavoidable, the next 450,000 deaths were eminently avoidable. We get into the issue of why Democrats aren't embracing this talking point more, that Trump's own top adviser says the Republicans murdered 450,000 Americans last year. We then segue to a discussion of the merits of institution a "Vaccine Passport" for air travel and other public accommodations, and our proposal that we call it a Vaccine Bible instead, that'll get the far-right on board! That takes us into a look at the 2022 election, and how Democrats may fare in the US House. And finally, we dive deeper into the GOP attempt to bring back Jim Crow voter suppression laws. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here for free, then head over to Patreon and become a patron to listen to the rest of the show and support our work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia's horrific new voter suppression law Mar 28, 2021

In today's show, we talk a lot about Georgia's horrific new voter suppression law, Dominion suing Fox news, and Trump claiming the Insurrectionists loved the police, and we hugging and kissing them on January 6, when they were actually beating them up and murdering them. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsey Graham (R-Hot Mess) Mar 25, 2021

In today's show, Cliff and I talk about Lindsey Graham having the vapors of the new omnibus LGBT rights legislation in Congress, then we talk about guns, the filibuster, immigration, and some concerns we have about Biden's new tax bill -- it just might hit the middle class, including you and me -- and why we think that's a problem. This is one of our premium episodes. You can hear a half hour here for free, then become a patron over at Patreon to hear the rest of our show, and support independent media like us. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anti-Asian hate crimes, and the role of guns Mar 20, 2021

In today's show, the big topic is of course hate crimes, particularly anti-Asian bigotry on the rise over the past year, and of course, the horrible mass shooting in Atlanta. Cliff talks a bit about how tougher gun laws could have helped. We then talk about the technical definition of hate crimes, and why it matters to get the designation right, and about whether Asians and Latinos are getting enough attention. That leads us into a discussion about discussion, and how we need to have a bit freer speech on social media. And finally, we venture into a recollection of Cheech and Chong. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support independent media, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defending the stimulus, and defending voting rights Mar 12, 2021

On today's show, Cliff and I talk about: - My Covid vaccine, I got one! (But it was J&J, and I'm still unsure about it.) - Biden learning from the past, and understanding he needs to defend the Covid Stimulus bill. - And the GOP onslaught against voting rights in over 40 states. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes for free here, then to hear the rest of the show, and help support independent media, please become a patron over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liberal Super PAC MeidasTouch joins us to talk about liberal advocacy in the post-Trump era Mar 10, 2021

We had a great Zoom conversation today with two of the founders of liberal Super PAC MeidasTouch -- brothers Jordy and Brett Meiselas -- about what led them to form MeidasTouch, how liberal advocacy changes now that Trump is gone (but Trumpism isn't), what they're focusing on over the coming year, and just a really fun conversation about lots of things. We laughed a lot. These guys are great fun. I think you'll enjoy this. This is the audio version of the podcast. The Zoom video version can be found here. And to check out all of our podcasts, and support liberal media, consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you transplant a head do you transplant the soul? Mar 05, 2021

The viability of human head transplantation, and its impact on the soul, is seriously the topic of today's podcast interview with Dr. Brandy Schillace, an expert on death and dying, and the author of the new book, "MR. HUMBLE & DR. BUTCHER: The mesmerizing true story of a brilliant and eccentric surgeon and his quest to transplant the human soul." We delve into the topic of head transplantation, and it takes us into politics, ethics, morality, metaphysics, religion and more. It's a really interesting discussion. Hope you agree. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to turn America green, a chat with energy expert Daniel Dicker Mar 04, 2021

Self-professed "liberal" energy expert Daniel Dicker -- author of the book, "Turning Oil Green: A Market-Based Path to Renewables" -- joins us to talk about how to turn American energy green, and the obstacles (from right and left) to making that happen. Among our topics: using natural gas to transition away from oil, the environmental implications of both wind and electric cars, the imminent shortage of electric vehicle (EV) batteries that run on lithium and nickel, whether nuclear should be a component of the transition away from oil, and more. And Daniel even makes a few suggestions for those interested in investing in the energy sector. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and to hear the entire hour-and-8-minute episode, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daily Kos' Joan McCarter explains the Covid stimulus bill Feb 27, 2021

We are joined today by our longtime friend and colleague Joan McCarter (aka McJoan), senior political writer at Daily Kos, who will be talking to us at length about the Covid/Economic stimulus bill that just passed the House and now is heading to the US Senate. We'll also discuss the ongoing Postal Service debacle, and Senator Manchin's vendetta against Biden OMB nominee Neera Tanden. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please head over to Patreon and become a patron, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Boehlert on Limbaugh's death and media bias Feb 23, 2021

Media critic Eric Boehlert, founder and editor of PressRun.Media, joins us to talk about: Rush Limbaugh's death, and the fact that the man was truly a blight on our body politic; how the media is no longer covering the daily White House briefings now that a Democrat is back in the White House; and the Washington Post's recent admission that they should have called Trump a liar a long time ago. This is one of our premium episodes for Patreon subscribers, but you can listen to a half-hour clip below for free, and then if the spirit moves you, head on over to Patreon and subscribe to our show, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Cruz's excellent adventure Feb 19, 2021

In today's episode, we speak with Sarah Reese Jones, the editor-in-chief of PoliticusUSA, about: What does Ted Cruz’s behavior during the Texas power outage tell us about the republican party, who’s in it and what their philosophy is? What hope do we have that those who engaged in this January 6th sedition will be held accountable? What’s it like being a liberal in rural Pennsylvania? This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No, Democrats didn't cause Texas' power outage Feb 17, 2021

On today's show, we discuss the Republican effort to blame Democrats, and green energy generally, for Texas' massive power outage during a quite serious winter storm. Spoiler alert: The Republicans are lying. Then we discuss last Saturday's impeachment vote, and whether there's a silver lining to it all. This is a subscriber-only episode. You can listen to a 20-minute excerpt here, and if the spirit moves you, please become a patron over at Patreon to hear the rest of the show, our past episodes, and support our work. Thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cult 45: How Trump and the Republicans broke our country (and what we can do about it) Feb 12, 2021

In today's show, we discuss how Trump's anti-mask mania has helped create and spread new variants of the Coronavirus that might be harder for vaccines to quell, an conservative actor who was fired for putting some pretty out there stuff on social media, how Trump and the Republicans have broken our country (and what we can do about it), and the latest on impeachment. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our important work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Impeachment, again! Feb 10, 2021

In today's show, we discuss: - Trump's second impeachment trial; - The news that prosecutors in Georgia are investigating Trump's phone call with the state's secretary of state, during which Trump tried to convince the secretary to "find" him 11,000 votes; and - We conclude with a chat about "unity," and how the media is unfairly trying to hang that phrase around Joe Biden's neck. This is one of our premium shows for our subscribers. You can listen to a free half hour here, and to listen to the rest of our show, our previous shows, and most importantly, to support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marjorie Taylor Greene and the ongoing threat from Trumpism Feb 05, 2021

In today's show, we discuss yet another election defamation suit against Fox News and the Trumpers, the stimulus bill, and then devote most of our show to the aftermath of the House vote to strip Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee appointments. It's clear that the Republican party does not want to dissociate itself from far-right extremists, but the question is why? Are they still afraid of Trump, or worse, is the GOP now openly-embracing the kind of extremism that helped elect Trump in the first place? This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Russia helped incite the Jan. 6 Insurrection at the US Capitol Feb 03, 2021

Extremism expert Alan Silberberg joins us to talk about how extremists are using the Internet to foment trouble, and specifically how the Russians helped incite the insurrection at the US Capitol building on January 6. This is a free 30-minute excerpt of today's show. To hear the entire episode, and support our podcast, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who is Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Quckoo)? Jan 30, 2021

Today's show is about freshman Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose embrace of the QAnon conspiracy theory only begins to scratch the surface of her extremism. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our podcast, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Been a bad week already for MAGA Jan 26, 2021

In today's episode, we continue the "happy" theme with a discussion about the My Pillow guy getting kicked off Twitter, a lead Trump troll getting arrested, freshman Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert possibly breaking the law, Kellyanne Conway joining her, and Fox News getting even foxier. This is one of our subscriber-only episodes. You can listen to a 30-minute snippet here, and if you become a patron over at Patreon, you can hear the whole show and support our work, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden Jan 23, 2021

Today's episode is all about the inauguration of President Biden. It's a happy show, by popular demand :) This is one of our free episodes. To hear all of our shows, and support our podcast, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump is scarier than fascism, he’s an authoritarian Jan 18, 2021

Today's guest is Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert of fascism and authoritarian governments at New York University, and author of the book, "Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present." Ruth joins us for a fascinating discussion on how Donald Trump came to power, and how we rid of ourselves of Trumpism once and for all. She looks at the historical parallels to Trump and Trumpism, why so many Americans are willing to believe Trump's lies, and whether it's even possible to win back the hearts and minds of people who have basically joined a cult. (Ruth says it is, but it won't be easy.) She's a great interview, I'll think you'll enjoy this. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where does America go from here? Jan 14, 2021

It's 2021, the coup is over (for now), Trump has been impeached, Biden will be sworn in next Wednesday, so where does the country go from here? Will the coup embolden the far-right? How much "unity" does Joe Biden really want? Today's episode is all about the aftermath of the bloody coup attempt, and where we all go from here. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a 30-minute excerpt on this page, but to hear the entire 70-minute show, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming to terms with Donald Trump's Coup Jan 12, 2021

In today's show, the obvious topic is the ongoing fallout, and security concerns, following Donald Trump's attempted violent coup last Wednesday. We discuss the ongoing realization of just how bad it really was, the corporate backlash against Trump and his GOP collaborators, the refusal of the Pentagon to come to the aid of the Vice President and the entire Congress under siege, the options remaining to punish Trump (impeachment, 25th amendment), and whether Trump's collaborators like Hawley and Cruz will be held accountable. This is one of our free episodes. To hear our other shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insurrection Jan 07, 2021

Today's show is about Donald Trump's attempted coup and his supporters' violent takeover of the US Capitol building. We also talk about the now-forgotten Democratic victory in the Georgia special election. Among the topics: Should Trump now be removed; what the act of domestic terror and the Georgia victory means for Biden and his agenda; whither the filibuster; Sen. Manchin as the most powerful man in Congress; would any Republican Senators be willing to caucus with the Democrats to expand our majority; what to do with Hawley and Cruz, the ringleaders of the insurrection; and much more. This is a 30-minute excerpt of today's show. To hear the entire podcast, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's coup attempt just got a whole lot more dangerous Jan 04, 2021

Today's show is about Trump's ongoing coup attempt, and in particular, the revelation about Trump this weekend illegally attempting to coerce Georgia's Republican secretary of state to illegally change the election results. We segue from that concern, as if it weren't bad enough, to growing worry about just what Trump has in store for the US military over the final few weeks of his regime. It ain't a happy episode, folks, but it's important. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all of our shows, and support our work, please consider subscribing over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Mitch McConnell killed the $2,000 stimulus check Dec 31, 2020

Hey gang, in today's show, Cliff and I talk about Trump's latest election fraud nonsense, scheduled for January 6; Mitch McConnell's $2000 stimulus check poison pill; the pro-Trump GOP Congressman who just died from Covid; how Republican presidents always blow a hole in the deficit; and how Democrats need to better message their ideas. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to a half hour for free here, and then, if you'd like to hear the rest of the show, and support our work, consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cong.-elect Ritchie Torres (D-NY) on Trump, Biden and 2021 Dec 24, 2020

Rising Democratic star Congressman-elect Ritchie Torres (D-NY) joins us to talk about his recent election to Congress as the first African-American and Latino member of Congress to be openly-gay, his views on Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, the transition, the stimulus bill, and his legislative goals for 2021. He's such an impressive guy. You can watch a Zoom version of this interview, here. And this is one of our free podcasts. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Biden and the Democrats can, and must, improve their messaging Dec 17, 2020

On today's show, we talk to longtime friend Simon Rosenberg about the importance of Democratic messaging, and exactly how Democrats should go about improving their messaging as we enter the Biden years. Simon is the founder of New Democrat Network and the New Policy Institute, a liberal think tank and advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. He's worked for the DNC and DCCC, on the Dukakis and Clinton 92 presidential campaigns, and is a former producer for ABC News. This is one of our free episodes. To hear our other shows, and support our podcast, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest David Roberts on Trump's continuing election steal Dec 16, 2020

Writer David Roberts, author of the new newsletter Volts.wtf, joins us to talk about the latest ramifications of Trump's election steal. It was a fun conversation. This is one of our premium podcast episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here, and to hear the rest of the show, our past episodes, and more generally support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's ongoing effort to steal the election Dec 14, 2020

The latest on Trump's effort to steal the election, and what impact its having on our democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Scher on Biden's first year, Trump 2024, and the ongoing Election Steal Dec 09, 2020

In today's patron-only show, we invited Politico contributor, and new podcaster, Bill Scher back to talk about Biden's first year in the presidency, what it means for Republicans (and all of us) if Trump really decides to run again in 2024 (and announces it now), and the ongoing losing effort by Trump to steal the election. This is one of our premium subscriber-only episodes -- you can hear half an hour for free, then to hear the rest of the show, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trans 101, with transgender activist Dana Beyer Dec 03, 2020

My longtime friend and colleague, Dana Beyer, who is a trans woman, joins us to talk about all things transgender. Cliff and I approached this episode from the perspective that there are no dumb questions. Dana heartily agreed. So, hopefully, you'll learn something new about an issue that's increasingly in the news. We talk about the JK Rowling controversy, pronouns, the notion that some people are "non-binary," and the difficulty of even discussing trans issues without fearing you're using the wrong vocabulary or saying something offensive. It was a really long talk, but also really interesting. Dana is so knowledgeable and enjoyable. I hope you'll like this one. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our podcasts, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Malcolm Nance on the threats America faces in 2021 and beyond Dec 01, 2020

On today's UnPresidented Podcast, we talk with Malcolm Nance, former US intelligence officer, NYT best selling author, and MSNBC contributors. Malcolm's most recent book, "The Plot to Betray America" was just released in paperback. Malcolm talks to us about the threats facing America, at home and abroad, in 2021 and beyond. This is a 30-minute free excerpt of the podcast. To hear the entire show, and our back archives, AND support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Transition, what a show! Nov 27, 2020

For the first time in four years, we don't have anything that scary to report. In today's show, we talk about the Biden transition, Trump's insane legal team (but we mock them, so that's still fun), Social Security, and the wisdom of congressional (and judicial?) term limits. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's desperate attempt to remain in power Nov 20, 2020

On today's show, Cliff and I start with an interview with Pat Kreitlow, a former Wisconsin state senator, and now managing editor of UpNorthNews, about what how Trump is trying to steal the election in Wisconsin, where Biden won a clear victory by 20,000 votes. Later in the show we also talk about Fox News doing actual journalism, a few more GOP senators standing up to Trump's bogus election fraud claims, Trump's power during the lame duck, Rudy's crazy press conference yesterday, and more. This is one of our premium episodes for our Patreon patrons. You can listen to a 30-minute excerpt here, and to hear the entire hour 70-minute show, please consider subscribing over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2024, Graham's election fraud, prosecuting Trump & the danger of Fox News Nov 18, 2020

In today's show, we talk about Republicans worrying that Trump may run again in 2024, Lindsey Graham trying to steal the Senate runoff elections in Georgia, whether a Biden DOJ should prosecute Trump, and how Fox News et. al. will try to make Trump the new Reagan whose message doesn't fade for decades. And we also delve into Scott Atlas' latest inanities. (PS I was wrong about Grassley! It was Inhofe who pulled the "wanna shake hands?" prank.) This is one of our free episodes. To hear our past shows, and help support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The aftermath of Biden's victory, and Covid is back Nov 16, 2020

Just more election aftermath, and the growing concern over the resurgence of Covid. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest Mary Trump on Donald's downfall Nov 11, 2020

She's back! Mary Trump, Donald Trump's niece, joins us once again to help us get inside Trump's mind, post-election. We had a lot of fun with Mary, I think you'll enjoy. This is one of our free episodes. To listen to our old shows, and to help support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BIDEN WINS! Victory margin equivalent to JFK, Truman Nov 07, 2020

Finally. We recorded this show right after the networks declared Biden the winner. Our main topic is just how historic a victory this was for Biden/Harris -- it wasn't a small margin, and blows Trump's 2016 "win" out of the water. We also discuss the polls, and why many were so far off. And overall, it's just a really fun show! Yeah! This is one of our subscriber-only episodes, but you can listen to a 30-minute free excerpt here, and if the spirit moves you, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden has now won, but the danger isn't over Nov 06, 2020

In today's show, we walk you through where things stand with the election, and even with Biden pretty much having locked it down, what dangers remain between now and the inauguration. This is a free episode of our podcast. To hear our archive, and all our other shows, and to support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden is actually winning, here's why Nov 04, 2020

Put away the grape Kool-Aid, we think Joe Biden is winning. In today's UnPresidented Podcast, we tell you why. This is a premium episode for our Patreon subscribers -- you can sign up here -- but we provide a 30-minute excerpt for free on this page. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tomorrow is the election Nov 02, 2020

This is our last show before the election. We talk about the final presidential and congressional polls, and whether Trump might just try to steal this in spite of the polls (well, he'll try, but whether he'll succeed is the question). This is one of our free episodes. To hear all of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four days to the election: Are Democrats going to win? Oct 30, 2020

Four days to go to the election. Cliff and I give a more general overview of where the presidential and Senate races stand, we look at the latest voter suppression moves by the courts, and talk about how Covid might impact voter turnout. And then we close with a discussion of the news that Glenn Greenwald has quit the Intercept. This is one of our subscriber-only episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes here for free, then to hear the rest of our shows, our past episodes, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Six days to the election -- Democrats are still ahead Oct 28, 2020

Six days to go. Knock on wood, things are still looking good for Democrats. As always, Cliff and I walk you through the latest polls, and what they mean. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our past shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eight days to the American elections, here's what the latest polls show Oct 26, 2020

Cliff and I dissect the latest presidential and congressional polls to give you an in-depth state-by-state look at where the races stand. (Spoiler alert: So far, so good.) This is one of our subscriber-only episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes of it here for free, then if you become a patron over at Patreon, you can hear the rest of the show, all our previous shows, and slept well at night knowing you've supported progressive media. And who doesn't want that? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Final presidential debate recap - we watch so you don't have to Oct 23, 2020

The second and final presidential debate is now over. How did it go? Did Biden kick Trump's butt? Listen to our extended debate coverage, with clips, in today's episode. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our past shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest US election polls Oct 20, 2020

Today's show is nice detailed deep dive into the latest presidential and Senate polls -- where things stand exactly two weeks before the US election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Latino Vote, and the latest Election Polls Oct 17, 2020

We are joined today by Victoria Leandra, the managing editor of "The Americano: US Latino News By And For Latinos," to talk about the Latino vote this election. Afterwards, Cliff and I delve into the latest polls, in our continuing look at how the congressional and White House races are going (spoiler alert: So far so good!) This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, including the premium ones, and support our independent progressive journalism, please considering becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why the latest polls are good news for Joe Biden and congressional Democrats. Oct 13, 2020

The latest polls are GREAT for Joe Biden, and great for Democrats running for the US Senate and US House. In today's show, we of course talk about the Supreme Court, including the Amy Coney Barrett nomination and expanding the court, but a lot of our show is looking at the latest polls just out in the last day or two, and explaining why they're really good news for Democrats. This is a 30-minute excerpt of our show. To hear the entire 70-minute episode, all of our past episodes, and support our show, please become a patron over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deep dive into the latest election polls Oct 10, 2020

Today's show is election, election, election, with a bit of Coronavirus thrown in (but of course, we talk about how it affects the election!). We do a deep dive into the latest state and national polls, and more. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our archive, and help support independent journalism, please consider becoming a patreon over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Election & Covid, with radio's Matt McNeill Oct 06, 2020

Cliff and I are joined today by Matt McNeill, host of “The Matt McNeil Show” on AM 950 in Minnesota, to talk about Trump's Covid diagnosis and the election, with a particular look at the national and state level polls. This is one of our premium episodes, so you can listen to a half hour for free here, then if you'd like to hear the entire hour and 25 minute show, and support our work, please consider becoming a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump has Covid -- We discuss what this means with Coronavirus expert Craig Spencer MD Oct 02, 2020

In today's special episode, Cliff and I talk to NYC emergency room doc Craig Spencer MD about Donald Trump, Melania, favorite Trump aide Hope Hicks, and RNC chair Ronna Romney McDaniel all being diagnosed with Covid-19. Craig is the Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. He currently divides his time between providing clinical care in New York and working internationally in public health as a board member of Doctors Without Borders USA. Craig has dealt first-hand with the Coronavirus pandemic in NYC. He walks us through a timetable of when Trump might have been infected with the Coronavirus, when Trump was likely contagious, what the risks are for someone Trump's age with Trump's comorbidities, to what degree Trump must now isolate himself from the public, and whether it's even safe for Trump and Joe Biden to debate in two weeks. Cliff and I then talk about what the diagnosis means for the presidential race, about Trump not even letting Biden knows that he might have been exposed, and more. Lots to discuss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Arrogant un-American crackhead," our presidential debate recap Sep 30, 2020

In today's patron-only special episode, Cliff and I recap last night's presidential debate with the best (or worst) clips of the evening, and our take on who won, and whether it even matters. Among the clips: Trump's incessant interruptions; Trump embracing the Proud Boys white supremacist group; Trump talking about a coup; taxes; the ACA; masks; the vaccine and Trump's wacky bleach idea; the economy; and Kellyanne claiming riots help Trump. We also have a long discussion throughout about whether Fox News' Chris Wallace totally botched the debate, or whether, after having listened to the clips again, Wallace may have shown Trump to be a bully, which won't help him with white suburban women, a key demographic in November. This is one of our subscriber-only episodes, but you can listen to a free 30-minute clip here, and to hear the rest of the 82-minute show, and support our work, please become a patreon over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parkland dad Fred Guttenberg on gun violence Sep 29, 2020

In today's episode, Cliff and I speak with Fred Guttenberg, who became an outspoken gun safety advocate after his 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed in a mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018. We have a long discussion with Fred about his story, his new book "Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me About Recovery, Purpose, and Hope," and about the time Brett Kavanaugh refused to shake his hand. After our interview with Fred, Cliff and I talk for another 45 minutes about the other news of the day, including Trump's taxes, the latest polls, and tonight's Trump-Biden debate. This is one of our free episodes. To hear our other shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Marcotte on Trump's refusal to forswear violence should he lose the election Sep 24, 2020

Liberal writer Amanda Marcotte joins us to talk about Trump's latest refusal to accept a peaceful transition of power should he lose. Among other topics, we discuss what feels like a growing threat of violence, the Supreme Court, and the election overall and how the Senate is looking. You can listen to 30 minutes of this episode here for free, and then to hear the rest of the show, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The coming Civil War, with guest Jared Yates Sexton Sep 22, 2020

Writer Jared Yates Sexton joins us for Civil War Week at UnPresidented. We talk to Jared today, and will speak with Amanda Marcotte on Thursday, about why our country is descending into chaos, and what can be done, if anything, to stop it from falling apart entirely. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NYC emergency room Doc Craig Spencer on the Trump Covid fiasco Sep 17, 2020

Our guest today is Dr. Craig Spencer MD MPH, the Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Craig is an emergency room doctor who divides his time between providing clinical care in New York City and working internationally in public health as a member of the board of directors of Doctors Without Borders US. Craig is also a Covid expert, having personally worked on scores of patients in NYC over the past seven months, particularly during the really awful period beginning at the end of March, and you may have seen him on CNN talking about the Coronavirus and US policy. Finally, you might also remember Craig as the guy who went to Guinea to fight Ebola a few years back, and unknowingly brought the disease back to NYC, causing quite a scare. We talk to Craig about Covid, what is was like as an emergency room doc in NYC during the peak of the crisis, Trump's response to the crisis, Ebola, and whether there's any hope on the horizon with regards to vaccines and more. It was a surprisingly fun talk, and quite informative as well. I think you'll like it. This is a free 30-minute excerpt of our interview with Dr. Spencer. To hear the entire show, and support our work, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. And you watch a Zoom video version of this interview here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

48 days to the election Sep 15, 2020

With only 48 days to the election, today's podcast is all about the election, with special guest Matt Robison, a former Democratic congressional staffer, campaign manager, and blogger. Among the topics, Bloomberg's $100m he's spending on Florida and how it will help; why Biden needs to get way more than 270 electoral votes to ensure victory; why the Woodward book is an even bigger problem for Trump than the Atlantic story ("suckers" and "losers"); and much more. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's a Murderer Sep 10, 2020

Donald Trump is a murderer. The shocking -- yet, somehow not unexpected -- revelations from Bob Woodward's new book prove that the blood of tens of thousands of Americans is on Trump's hands. Today's episode is all about Woodward's book and Trump's refusal to prepare our country for the Coronavirus' onslaught, even though Trump knew in early February that it could kill over one hundred thousand Americans, and was far worse than the flu. Among the topics: What did Woodward find; what did Trump admit; who else in the White House knew about Trump's lies & malfeasance; why didn't Dan Coats and General Mattis speak up if they thought Trump was so dangerous; and what is wrong with the New York Times? All that and more in a rather angry, but not terribly long, new episode. You can listen to the first half-hour of our show free, then to hear the rest of the show, and support our work, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks so much. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should we trust election polls, with guest Jason Boxt Sep 08, 2020

Today's show is all about polls. Can we trust them, should we trust them, what actually happened in 2016, what do the polls tell us about the upcoming November election (including the fact that Biden is doing remarkably well with traditional GOP voters, and that Biden is winning in most swing states), and might the polls (with the help of mail-in ballots) put Trump in a position to claim an election night victory even if he lost. We also discuss the bombshell Atlantic story about Trump calling the troops suckers and losers (and what the polls tell us about Trump's military support), Trump's rush to approve a vaccine, and all those MAGA boats that sank this weekend (sad!). This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Never-Trumper Amanda Carpenter on how Republicans finally cleanse the party of Trumpism Sep 03, 2020

In today's subscriber-only episode, Amanda Carpenter, prominent Never-Trumper, columnist at the Trump-critical Bulwark, and contributor to CNN joins us talk about the election and to revisit her book, "Gaslighting America: Why We Love It When Trump Lies to Us," now that Trump is over three years into his reign. Among the topics: What is gaslighting and how does Trump use it; why Trump won't just go away if/after he loses in November; how Trump, Don Jr. and the alt-right will continue to terrorize GOP members of Congress even if Biden wins; Amanda's optimism that far more Republicans are fed up with Trump than they were just two years ago; why Amanda sees a future in which Republicans don't repeal the Obamacare; and whether (and how) the GOP finally cleanses itself of Trumpism. You can listen to a free 30-minute of the show here, and to hear the entire 75-minute interview, and support our show, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump is nuts Sep 01, 2020

On today's show, Cliff and I talk about the latest poll showing Trump in trouble with the military vote, we get into some other races as well, then talk about the latest revelations about Trump's health, the protests in Kenosha and Portland, and close with a discussion of the virus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The worst week in politics, with guest Will Bunch Aug 29, 2020

On today's show, we discuss the aftermath of the Republican convention with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch. In this rather-long subscriber-only episode, we talk about the convention, the African-American march on Washington, how the media should deal with Donald Trump's incessant lies, the latest on the election and whether Joe Biden has peaked too soon, and the anniversary of the lynching of civil rights icon Emmett Till. You can listen to a half-hour of our show here, then to har the rest of the broadcast and support our work please become a patron over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Convention from Hell, with guest Rex Huppke Aug 25, 2020

Today we do a deep dive into the first night of the insanity that was the Republican National Convention. Our special guest is Chicago Tribune humorist Rex Huppke. Yeah, so, it was pretty hateful all around. In addition to have a necessary laugh about just how bad it was, we also discuss whether Trump's apparent strategy to appeal to the base even makes sense. Then we end with a discussion of the latest on the Coronavirus. That's a short description for a rather long show. Hope you enjoy. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our podcast, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura Packard on America's health care crisis Aug 22, 2020

Health care advocate and Democratic strategist Laura Packard found out three years ago that she had Stage 4 lymphoma, and turned her diagnosis into action, becoming a leading American health care activist, traveling the country pushing for better health care laws, and culminating in her appearance this week in a segment with Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention. Most of our discussion is about health care, including how the Affordable Care Act saved her life. Laura is an excellent speaker. I think you'll enjoy this. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to the first 30 minutes here, and to hear the rest of our show and support our podcast please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strategist Paul Begala on how Democrats can beat Trump in November Aug 18, 2020

Democratic strategist Paul Begala -- author of the new book, "You're Fired: The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump" -- joins us for more than an hour to talk about the election and everything surrounding it: the Democratic Convention; Kamala Harris; Joe Biden; Covid; how Dems are and should be messaging; whether we can still save our democracy (or the GOP) and how; and more. It was practically a master-class in how to message in politics. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our podcast, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. (PS My mic got messed up for the first few minutes, but then it's better - sorry about that!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kamala! Aug 13, 2020

Our old friend Brett Di Resta, a longtime national political consultant, and all around funny guy, joins us to talk Kamala! That's a good portion of the show, but we also get into the latest on the Coronavirus and overall election chatter. Enjoy. This is one of our premium episodes. You can listen to 30 minutes of the show for free, and then if the spirit moves you, and you'd like to support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lot of election updates, a wee bit of COVID too Aug 11, 2020

In today's show, Cliff and I discuss Biden's convention, the veepstakes (before it was announced), the Republican running for Congress who appears to have an affinity for Hitler, and a bit more on the Coronavirus latest. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our podcast, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The death of the GOP, with Republican strategist Stuart Stevens Aug 07, 2020

Longtime GOP strategist Stuart Stevens -- who was the chief strategist for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign, and now is a member of the Lincoln Project -- joins us for a fascinating discussion about his new book, "It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump." Stevens doesn't hold back with his assessment of both Donald Trump ("I'm very comfortable calling Donald Trump a traitor because he’s actively trying to destroy America") and the Republican party ("courage is the exception and cowardice is the norm"). Stevens talks about COVID ("If Hillary Clinton were president today, tens of thousands more Americans would be alive"), and his concerns about the state of the conservative movement under Trump, calling them "a lost generation of conservatives" that we may just have to write off. It was such an interesting, and more than a little sobering, discussion. I know you are going to enjoy this one, I think it's one of our best. This is a half-hour excerpt of our show. To hear the entire interview with Stuart Stevens, and to browse our entire two-year library of shows, please consider subscribing over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) on Trump, the economy, COVID and the election Aug 05, 2020

Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell of California joins me to discuss Donald Trump, the Coronavirus, the economy, Bill Barr, the fall election, and his own presidential run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NARAL's Ilyse Hogue on the state of women in America Jul 30, 2020

Our good friend Ilyse Hogue, the President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, joins us today to talk about the state of women in America, from abortion to contraception to Biden's VP pick, and about her new book about the far-right, "The Lie that Binds." Enjoy! (This is a 22-minute excerpt - to hear the entire show, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Trump on how her family created the most dangerous man in the world Jul 28, 2020

Mary Trump, the niece of Donald Trump, joins the UnPresidented podcast to talk about her new book: "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man." Over the course of an hour, Mary explains why she believes Donald Trump is a "psychologically deeply damaged man," and must be defeated in November. This is a free episode. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Malcolm Nance on how Trump embraced our enemies, compromised our security, and how Joe Biden can fix it Jul 24, 2020

National Security expert Malcolm Nance joins us to talk about his latest book, "The Plot to Betray America: How Team Trump Embraced Our Enemies, Compromised Our Security, and How We Can Fix It." We also get into what Joe Biden needs to do to fix the Russia problem, should he win in November. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our archive, and support our podcast, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Donald Trump can still win the 2020 election, with campaign expert Matt Robison Jul 21, 2020

Former Democratic congressional staffer, campaign manager, and blogger Matt Robison joins us to talk about the latest 2020 election news. Is Donald Trump in a political death spiral or can he come back? Should Democrats invite Republicans to endorse Biden at the convention? And why the hell are we even thinking of sending kids back to school right now? All that and more in today's episode of the UnPresidented podcast. You can listen to the first half hour for free, then the rest of the show is available to subscribers over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump, Covid and the election, with guest Neera Tanden Jul 17, 2020

Center for American Progress president Neera Tanden joins us to talk about Trump, Covid, and the election. (Neera is a former senior advisor to both President Obama and First Lady, and then Senator, Clinton.) We start with a discussion about Neera's own personal run-in with the Coronavirus -- she was sick for six weeks -- then we branch out into how Trump is mishandling the crisis, how that will affect the economy and the election, then a more general election-oriented discussion about the presidential, House and Senate races. We also get into whether Biden, should he win, can and should hold Trump et. al. responsible for any crimes they may have committed (Neera says yes). Oh, and we also discuss the late-breaking news about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's cancer. Just a really good conversation all around. This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support the podcast, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pulitzer-prize-winning political cartoonist Mike Luckovich talks cartooning in the age of Trump Jul 14, 2020

Today's guest is double Pulitzer-prize-winning political cartoonist Mike Luckovich, whose hilarious and biting political criticism has been a staple at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1989. Mike talks to us about politics today, his love of Trump (kidding - he loathes Trump), how political cartooning works as a profession, whether it's harder to be in the political cartoon business in an age when people are more sensitive about stereotypes, and whether there's a future for it in the new world order of online media. It was a really fun and interesting interview about a topic I didn't know much about -- I've never met a political cartoonist! -- so I think you'll enjoy this. You can listen to the first half of the show here, and the rest of it, and our earlier shows, by becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2020 election roundup with Ohio Dem party chair David Pepper Jul 09, 2020

In today's episode, we talk Election 2020 with David Pepper, Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and author of the new political thriller, “The Voter File." We talk to David about: how suburban voters have once again made Ohio a swing state; the latest polling in other key swing states, including Red states that shouldn't be swing states at all, but are!; the importance of rejecting Trumpism at all levels to undo gerrymandering; the negative-political effects of monopoly power; and how a then 22-year old David Pepper sat across a table in St. Petersburg from a young Deputy Mayor named Vladimir Putin, and what David learned about Putin that's all the more relevant today. We also get into the latest Supreme Court ruling about Trump's taxes. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our podcast, please consider becoming a paid subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki revisited, with author Greg Mitchell Jul 07, 2020

In today's episode, we interview an old friend, prolific author and former editor of Editor & Publisher magazine Greg Mitchell, here to talk about his new book: “The Beginning or the End: How Hollywood―and America―Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” The book is a look back at how the US government colluded with Hollywood to sell the atom bomb to the American people. We use Greg's book to delve into the history of the bomb, the politics and ethics of its use in World War II, and what could have been had the US not used the weapons at all. This is one of our premium subscriber-only episodes, but you can listen to the first 35 minutes or so here for free, then if you'd like to hear the rest, and support our work, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Gingrich to Trump, the origins of Trumpism with Julian Zelizer Jul 03, 2020

Princeton professor Julian Zelizer joins us to talk about his new book, "Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party." Zelizer's premise for the book, and our discussion today, is that you have to know the history of former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in order to understand how we got Trump: "President Trump practices the kind of anti-establishment, take-no-prisoners partisanship that Gingrich brought to Washington in the 1980s. Gingrich was pioneering in using the national news media as the central arena through which to attack Democrats and he understood that the distrusted born of Vietnam and Watergate could be used to the advantage of conservatives. Since Democrats had been in power so long on Capitol Hill, they were the establishment that so many Americans seemed to hate. It is not a surprise that Gingrich has remained such an important advisor to the president. Understanding the origin story of what we consider to be Trumpian politics gives us a firmer understanding of the foundations and deep-rootedness of our current dysfunction." This is one of our free episodes. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our podcast, please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's a traitor Jun 30, 2020

Not that it's news, but this week it's confirmed yet again that Donald Trump is a traitor. In today's subscriber-only episode, Cliff and I talk about the latest breaking news about Russia having put a bounty on US troops in Afghanistan, and Trump having done nothing about it even though several US service members reportedly were killed as a result. We also get into the latest on the Coronavirus, and have a good talk about the latest election polls as well. This is an excerpt of our hour-long show. To hear the entire show, and support our podcast, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Criminal Justice Reform, the problem & solutions, with Mark Godsey of the Ohio Innocence Project Jun 19, 2020

Today's guest, Mark Godsey, was a prosecutor with the famous SDNY office, mentored Preet Bharara, then moved back to Cincinnati and became an Innocence Project devotee who is now a leader not only of the Ohio Innocence Project, but across the country in the Innocence Movement. We talk to Mark about criminal justice reform -- what's the problem, and how do we fix it. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. And you can support the Ohio Innocence Project here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BLM, COVID & the Elections, with Dem messaging expert John Neffinger Jun 16, 2020

Democratic messaging expert John Neffinger joins us to talk messaging strategy around the anti-racism protests, the Coronavirus, and the 2020 elections, and of course this includes a larger discussion about why messaging matters at all, and whether the Republicans really are better at this than the Democrats. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our podcast, please become a contributor over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Landmark LGBT Supreme Court Decision Explained Jun 15, 2020

Fordham Law Professor Jed Shugerman explains the Supreme Court's sweeping and historic LGBT rights decision making employment discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people illegal across the United States. This is a 43-minute excerpt of the 90-minute interview, to hear the rest of the show, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Frum discusses his new book, "Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy" Jun 09, 2020

In today's UnPresidented Podcast, author and "Never-Trumper" David Frum discusses his new book, "Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy." The overall topic of discussion is how America returns to any sense of normalcy after Trump is hopefully defeated in November, including whether Trump should be pardoned, or jailed, after leaving office. But also, how we restore all the institutions of government that Trump has broken (or shown to be far more vulnerable to corruption than we'd ever imagined). And we close with a discussion of why David, a Canadian by birth, became so enamored with America. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all of our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deep dive on the anti-racism protests with history Prof. Tom Sugrue Jun 08, 2020

Today we talk about the anti-racism protests with Dr. Tom Sugrue, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis and History at NYU. Tom helps us put the current protests in the larger perspective of historical protest movements, we talk about Trump's likelihood of using the protests to help his re-election (and whether it will work), and we also talk a good deal about Obama (whom Tom also wrote a book about). It's a good, albeit somewhat long, episode. This is a 40-minute snippet of the hour-and-a-half show -- to hear the rest of it, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Republican Kurt Bardella joins us to talk Trump & the elections Jun 02, 2020

Former Republican Kurt Bardella joins us talk about the growing protests, Trump's growing authoritarianism, and how Democrats will fare in the 2020 elections this November. To hear the rest of our episodes, please become a supporter and subscriber over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coronavirus Monkey Apocalypse: An interview with Gov. Cuomo impersonator Maria DeCotis May 29, 2020

On today's podcast, we have the famed impersonator of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, comedienne Maria DeCotis, talking about her hilarious portrayal of Cuomo, and more generally what it's like being a female comic in the year 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump is freaking about the election May 26, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic, and the fact that America is now approaching 100,000 official dead (we likely have many more), is starting to freak Trump out, so he's busy responding as he always does: Lies and diversion. While the rest of us are busy worrying about COVID-19, Trump spent Memorial Day accusing Joe Scarborough of murder, and making fun of Joe Biden wearing a mask. The problem for Trump is that his poll numbers aren't that great -- even sycophant pollster Rasmussen, which typically claims Trump has a 50% approval rating while every other pollsters says it's in the low 40s, now puts Trump at only 43% approval. So Trump has reason to be worried. In today's episode we dig into all of that. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Media Matters' Fox News watcher Matt Gertz on the pernicious influence of right-wing media May 22, 2020

Media Matters' Fox-watching guru Matt Gertz (not to be confused with crazy far-right congressman Matt Gaetz -- Matt receives a lot of hate tweets directed at the other guy, and talks to us about it) joins us to talk about.... Fox News! And the GOP propaganda machine more generally. This is a 45-minute snippet of the hour-and-a-half show -- to hear the rest of it, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Viral video guru Aaron Rupar on the election, the virus, Fox News & more May 21, 2020

In today's free episode, Cliff and I spoke at length with Vox's Aaron Rupar, a true viral video guru (if you don't follow him on Twitter, you should). We talked to Aaron about what it’s like to watch Trump so often -- Aaron has to clip videos of the man all day long -- and how he does it w/out losing his mind. We also talked about how reopening the economy might go, what the election numbers are currently looking like, and how Glenn Greenwald started calling Aaron a "stalker" for taping and posting Glenn's appearances on white nationalist Tucker Carlson’s FoxNews show. All that and more, it was another lengthy episode -- Aaron is a good chatter. Hope you enjoy. To hear the rest of our episodes, please become a supporter and subscriber over at Patreon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jared Yates Sexton on the Coronavirus-truthers May 15, 2020

Author, political analyst, and host of the Muckrake podcast, joins us to talk about faux populism (his expertise) and how it applies to the Coronavirus madness on the right, and more generally, how what we're going through fits into the larger history of fascist movements. It's a really interesting discussion with Jared, and a long episode -- going on 1 hour 40 minutes. We get into the issue of people refusing to wear masks, the possible postponement of the election, and more. A really enjoyable discussion. Hope you like. Jared also has a new book out, “American Rule: How a nation conquered the world but failed its people.” Be sure to check it out. This is a premium episode, so you can listen to a 35-minute preview here. To hear the rest of our show -- it's a good hour and 40 minutes -- please become a supporter over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should Biden pardon Trump? With guest Greg Pinelo. May 12, 2020

In today's free episode, guest Greg Pinelo chats with us about whether Biden should -- and will -- prosecute and/or pardon Trump and his collaborators if Biden wins in November. We also talk about the Supreme Court case over Trump's taxes, yesterday's racist press conference, and Trump losing it over sinking poll numbers. To hear the rest of our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The funny side of Covid-19, with humorist Rex Huppke May 08, 2020

Chicago Tribune humor columnist Rex Huppke joins us again for a hilarious discussion about death, corruption and economic decay. That is what we talked about, but it was actually really fun. See for yourselves. This is one of our premium episodes, you can hear a good half-hour here, but to hear the entire show please consider becoming a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Woke Joe Walsh May 05, 2020

Today's guest is uber-conservative former GOP congressman Joe Walsh, who was a Trump booster in 2016, and now is one of Trump's harshest critics. Cliff and John talk with Joe about why the change of heart (at least on Trump), and whether there's anything disgruntled Republicans can do to save the Republican party, and save the rest of us from them. This is one of our free episodes. To hear all of our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Election forecaster Rachel Bitecofer on the 2020 elections Apr 30, 2020

Dr. Rachel Bitecofer is back to talk about the latest polling for 2020 (presidential and congressional races); Justin Amash's decision to consider a run for the presidency as a libertarian, and whether Amash helps Biden, Trump or neither; and Rachel talks with us about the polling of the Coronavirus, and how the pandemic is affecting Trump's numbers, but also how you poll in a pandemic when it's not clear who going to actually be voting if Covid-19 comes back right before the November elections. We also talk about why the Deplorables are such an immobile voting bloc. This is a 25-minute excerpt of the hour-and-eleven-minute show. To hear the entire podcast, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden is doing well, per latest polls Apr 28, 2020

In today's free episode, it's a bit of a potpourri, ranging from the weirdness of virtual funerals, Trump requiring graduating West Pointers to come back to school just so he can give a self-important speech, and then we do a bit of a deep dive into how Biden is faring (well, in fact) considering he's not getting nearly as much TV time as Trump in these trying times. Then we close with the news that Diamond & Silk got kicked off Fox News for spreading Covid conspiracy theories, and a few more of the world's best jokes from John. Enjoy. (And PS, we had some sound issues today, we think one of our mics might have broken. We're investigating, and apologize in advance.) This is one of our free episodes, but to hear all of our shows in full, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks: https://www.patreon.com/join/UnPresidentedPodcast? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please don't drink the bleach Apr 24, 2020

We discuss Trump's latest crazy idea that maybe people should inject bleach in order to cure themselves of the Coronavirus, or, he added, maybe we can inject ourselves with UV light (Trump didn't quite explain this one fully), and that too could cure us! Dr. Fauci is still raising alarm bells about the lack of testing, and Trump outright contradicted Fauci and said he "doesn't agree." Fauci, of course, is right, and we explain why. We also talk a bit about China and Joe Biden, and then I end with a few of the world's top best ever jokes (or so claims the Readers' Digest). This is a 30-minute excerpt of the hour-and-16-minute podcast. To hear the entire show, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks: https://www.patreon.com/posts/36356675 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Make America Sick Again Apr 21, 2020

Today's episode is about the Republican/Fox News effort to re-open the states before they're ready -- Georgia and South Carolina particularly come to mind, but there are fake protests nationwide pushing governors to re-open, and Republican governors are falling for it. And it's dangerous. So we talk a lot about that, why the GOP seems so hell-bent on getting their own voters killed, and we wrap up with an interesting discussion about Steak-Umm becoming the voice of the resistance. This is one of our free episodes, and the first as a new proud member of the Sexy Liberal Podcast Network. To hear all our shows, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks: https://www.patreon.com/join/UnPresidentedPodcast? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Humor writer Rex Huppke on Trump, the Coronavirus, and just about everything Apr 17, 2020

Chicago Tribune humor writer Rex Huppke joins us for a long discussion about everything and nothing. Boy it's hard to summarize this discussion, it was all over the place, and really fun. Just listen and enjoy. This is a 20-minute excerpt of the hour-and-20-minute interview. To hear the entire show, please become a subscriber over at Patreon, thanks: www.patreon.com/posts/36070743 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Presenting "UnPresidented" on The Sexy Liberal Podcast Network!! Apr 16, 2020

UnPresidented on The Sexy Liberal Podcast Network! Gun control advocate Cliff Schecter ("The Real McCain," Daily Beast) and LGBT leader John Aravosis (The Economist, UN, CDF, AMERICAblog) give you an unfiltered and humorous insider's look at the latest political news from a decidedly anti-Trump perspective. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Pence's holy war against Pete Buttigieg Apr 10, 2019

Today we discuss, among other topic the growing holy war between the Pence and Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg, who is openly-gay and married to a man, has publicly challenged Mike Pence's obsession with sex and Pence's hypocrisy in being, as Mayor Pete calls it, "the cheerleader for the porn-star presidency." Well, Mother (aka Mrs. Pence) is not amused, and struck back at Buttigieg yesterday, accusing him of being intolerant of her intolerance. We also delve into Bernie Sanders' taxes, why it took four years for him to release them, and the hypocrisy of Sanders supporters, like the Intercept, forgiving Sanders' refusal to release his returns while pillorying Donald Trump for doing the same. Next up, we talk about the Republicans yet again trying to demonize Maxine Waters, this time for daring to hold a hearing with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who apparently wanted to be having cocktails with foreign dignitaries instead. And we also talk about the GOP's ongoing effort to turn the Mueller probe, and Trump's un-American behavior, to their advantage. This is 12-minute snippet of the hour-and-9-minute episode. To hear the entire podcast, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/26016049. For the cost of a Starbuck's latte you can help progressive media thrive. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Manafort gets off, the Omar anti-Semitism vote, Joe Biden & racism, and Trump 2020 Mar 08, 2019

In today's episode: - Cliff and I talk about the ridiculous slap on the wrist that former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort got for massive tax fraud. - That anti-Semitism resolution and the ongoing debate over Rep. Omar and the GOP's ability to blow things up that they're actually guilty of. - Joe Biden's comments on desegregation from 1975, and when we should and shouldn't care what someone said or did decades ago if they're good now on the issues we care about. - And finally, increasing concerns that Trump won't leave office in 2020 even if loses. This is an 11-minute excerpt of the 1 hour 28 minute show. To hear the entire podcast, and support our work, please become a patron over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep-171-manafort-25234632 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nancy Pelosi and the race for Speaker of the House Nov 19, 2018

Today's big top is Nancy Pelosi and the race for Speaker of the House. We also discuss the ongoing Mississippi Senate race; Donald Trump not even bothering to learn the correct name of Paradise, CA; Trump intentionally misspelling Adam Schiff's last name as "Schitt"; and Trump's unpatriotic attack on the admiral who ran the bin Laden raid. This is an 11-minute excerpt of the hour and 13 minute episode. To hear the entire broadcast, please become a patron and support our work over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/22809050 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I know Melania Trump's nemesis, Mira Ricardel Nov 14, 2018

I realized this morning that I know Mira Ricardel, the woman Melania Trump is trying to get fired from the National Security Council. Mira Ricardel (then-Baratta) and I worked together in the US Senate in the late 1980s and early 1990s when we both handled arms control issues, she for Bob Dole and me for Ted Stevens. I wanted to talk a bit about my memory of Mira -- she wasn't terribly nice back then either -- but also about an incident that happened to her when we were on my first arms control congressional delegation (codel) in December of 1989, when a top US embassy official openly discriminated against Mira for being a woman. All of this colors my views of Mira today. Hope you'll find it interesting. You can subscribe to our podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/UnPresidentedPodcast? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Melania Nov 13, 2018

In today's episode, Cliff and I talk about Trump's disastrous Veterans Day holiday in which he once again dissed the troops; we then have a big election recap, looking at the overall numbers and just how well Democrats did (spoiler: REALLY well); and finally, we discuss the late-breaking bizarre news that Melania Trump has publicly called for Donald Trump to fire the Deputy National Security adviser. This is an excerpt. Listen to the full episode here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep-142-president-22696357 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Election Day 2018 Nov 06, 2018

The latest polls, GOP electoral anti-Semitism, time to take down Fox News for good, and what the new Democratic House (knock on wood) should focus on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Latest 2018 election polls with one day left Nov 05, 2018

One day left to the midterm elections, and Cliff and I walk you through the latest polls. In a nutshell, the Democrats still 'should' win back the House, while the Senate 'should' remain in GOP hands. But turnout can change everything. This is a ten-minute excerpt of the hour-long episode. To hear the entire show, and support our work, please become a subscriber over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/22529538 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 more days to the mid-term elections Nov 02, 2018

Four days away from the midterm elections we provide lots of election updates, and talk a bit about Trump's racist new Willy-Horton-style anti-immigrant ad that, of course, blames Democrats for something Republicans actually did. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 137: Max Boot on what happened to the Republican party (30 oct 18) Oct 30, 2018

Never-Trumper, and former-Republican, Max Boot talks to us about his new book, "The Corrosion of Conservatism: Why I Left the Right." Max, a former conservative Republican who is now pro-choice, pro-LGBT, pro-environment, pro-immigration, and pro- gun control, talks to us about what Trump has done to the Republican party, what the Republican party let happen to itself, and why Democrats must win the midterm elections on November 6, 2018. This is a 10-minute excerpt of the hour-and-20-minute episode. To hear the entire interview, please become a patron over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/22399643 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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