Strategy Session: Trump Gagged And Speaker Silenced

The Oligarchs are in the White House with their Teslas parked out on the front lawn. But this didn’t just happen. What seems like sheer chaos is the result of a four-decades-long systematic plan to dismantle our democracy. It is the greatest transfer of wealth and power in world history, and the billionaires convinced half of us that it was done on our behalf. Anne Nelson, author of “Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right,” joined Maya to break down how it all happened - and what the hell we can do about it because you didn't vote for this!

What really fueled Donald Trump’s 2024 comeback? In this episode Rick sits with journalist and author Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power. They dive into Trump's campaign strategy, his ability to harness cultural resentment, and the political maneuvers that secured his victory. From his outreach to young male voters through podcasts to the decisive role of figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk, Isenstadt provides an insider's perspective on how Trump reshaped his movement. They also explore the psychological impact of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and how it further galvanized his supporters.

The fight for civil rights wasn’t just waged in the streets, it was built in classrooms led by unsung heroes. In this episode Rick speaks with author Elaine Weiss about her new book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss the little-known history of citizenship schools—grassroots educational programs in the 1950s and 60s that empowered Black Americans to pass literacy tests, register to vote, and fight systemic oppression. Weiss sheds light on the broader civil rights movement, the institutional barriers activists faced, and the enduring importance of civic education in today’s political landscape. Elaine's book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement, available now.

If you skipped Trump's "State of the Union" record-setting ramble, this show's for you. Joe and Alex dive in - what actually is the state of our union? Part 1 of where we see the world, the economy, and the state of both parties... Starting with how Joe thinks Trump's second term has completely remade American foreign policy. It's Trump and Putin against the world. He answers maybe the scariest listener question to date. And what about here at home? Turns out, when you burn it all down... it takes a REALLY long time for things to grow back.

Trump has no mandate. Full stop. Does he want to pretend he does? You bet! But it’s a bad bet for Trump and he is way overplaying a bad hand. His sinking numbers with the American people on everything from the economy to Elon tell the story. Lisa Senecal, executive editor of Resolute Square, joins Maya May to punch up at a very deserving bully, Donald John Trump, the POTUS Who Cried Mandate. They discuss why Trump’s attempt to show strength in Tuesday's Castro-esque rant before the joint session of Congress was really a huge tell of where he knows he’s weak and failing.