Episodes

  • Project 2025: The Blueprint to Undermine Democracy

    Project 2025: The Blueprint to Undermine Democracy
    Sep 18 2024
    Michael does one of his provocative and informative solo episodes on a subject he wants to highlight for listeners. Project 2025 is a plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation, Trump investors and policy influencers, to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch, rolling back environmental protections, and restricting reproductive rights. It aims to create an America where the president has unchecked power, the judiciary is packed with loyalists, and the press is silenced. The plan also includes dismantling the Department of Education, implementing trickle-down economics, and deregulating industries. However, Michael emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy and protecting rights by being informed, do your research, and vote - hopefully against the Project 2025 agenda and vote to preserve Democracy. Takeaways Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch and rolling back environmental protections and reproductive rights. The plan includes implementing the unitary executive theory, which gives the president unchecked power, and packing the judiciary with loyalists. Project 2025 also aims to dismantle the Department of Education, implement trickle-down economics, and deregulate industries. The speaker emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy, protecting rights, and standing up against the plan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Stripping Away the Noise 02:29 Chapter 2: Consolidating Power with the Unitary Executive Theory 06:19 Chapter 4: Taking Away Women's Rights 09:41 Chapter 5: Trump's Role in Project 2025 13:03 Chapter 6: Economic Reform and Environmental Rollbacks 15:24 Conclusion: Defending Democracy and Protecting Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Colby Hall of Mediaite: Has Trump’s mojo faded?

    Colby Hall of Mediaite: Has Trump’s mojo faded?
    Sep 11 2024
    The conversation between Colby Hall, founder and editor of political site, Mediaite, and Michael, revolves around the coverage of Trump and the current political landscape. They discuss the constant news cycle, the fatigue of Trump's shtick, and the changing dynamics of the Democratic campaign. They also touch on the influence of partisan media, the authenticity of Kamala Harris, and the potential October surprises in the upcoming election. The conversation covers various topics including the psychological impact of trauma on Donald Trump, the potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future, the persistence of the MAGA base, the need for nuanced discussions on masculinity and white male isolation, the role of the media in covering the upcoming election, and the responsibility of being part of history. The conversation also touches on the importance of responsible communication and the impact it can have on future generations. Takeaways Covering Trump has been nonstop and interesting, but the news cycle can be exhausting. Trump's shtick has become tired and he has lost his mojo in changing the conversation. Partisan media on both sides amplifies extreme voices and distorts reality. Kamala Harris has been authentic and effective in her campaign. The upcoming election still holds the potential for unexpected events and surprises. Donald Trump's psychological response to trauma and his ability to present a strong image The potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future The persistence of the MAGA base and the need to re-engage and include them The importance of nuanced discussions on masculinity and addressing white male isolation The role of the media in covering the upcoming election and the need for fair and responsible reporting The responsibility of being part of history and the impact of communication on future generations Chapters 00:00 The Exhausting News Cycle of Covering Trump 02:54 Trump's Tired Shtick and Lost Mojo 04:15 The Influence of Partisan Media 06:21 The Authenticity of Kamala Harris 15:34 The Potential for October Surprises 20:15 The Psychological Impact of Trauma on Donald Trump 22:34 The Potential for a More Disciplined and Charismatic Republican Leader 25:30 Addressing White Male Isolation and the Persistence of the MAGA Base 28:41 Nuanced Discussions on Masculinity and the Importance of Inclusion 32:24 Media Coverage of the Upcoming Election: Fairness and Responsibility 36:30 The Responsibility of Being Part of History and the Power of Communication Social Media: IG and X: @theonlyhonest Tik tok: @therealonlyhonest -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Cenk Uygur Unfiltered: Kamala, Trump and the Progressive Wave #TYT

    Cenk Uygur Unfiltered: Kamala, Trump and the Progressive Wave #TYT
    Sep 4 2024
    The conversation between Michael and Cenk Uygur, originator of The Young Turks, covers various topics including the transition from Biden to Vice President Harris, the importance of sticking with facts and reality, the fallibility of democratic leadership, the potential future of the Republican Party, the need for authentic and progressive Democratic candidates, and the role of identity politics in elections. They also discuss the popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota model, the challenges of staying true to progressive values in Washington, and the influence of the media on political narratives. In this conversation, Cenk Uygur and Michael discuss the culture of political interviews in the media. They also delve into the topic of Israel and how Democrats can talk about it in a more nuanced and honest way. They touch on the rise of Christian white nationalism and its connection to Israel, as well as the need for Democrats to prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans. Takeaways Sticking with facts and reality is important in politics Democratic leadership is fallible and should not always be trusted The Republican Party may move in a more populist direction after Trump Authentic and progressive Democratic candidates are popular The media plays a powerful role in shaping political narratives Most politicians prefer interviews that are complimentary and avoid hard questions, leading to a lack of real conversations in the media. There is a culture of intoxication in politics, where politicians are constantly surrounded by people who tell them how great they are. Talking about Israel and Palestine requires careful navigation due to the potential career repercussions of saying the wrong thing. Democrats need to find a way to talk about Israel that separates the government's actions from the Jewish people as a whole. Christian white nationalism poses a danger to the region and is tied to the issue of Israel. Democrats should prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans, such as paid family leave, rather than catering to corporate donors. Chapters 00:00 The Transition from Biden to Vice President Harris 00:49 The Importance of Sticking with Facts and Reality 04:31 The Fallibility of Democratic Leadership 07:07 The Potential Future of the Republican Party 09:06 The Need for Authentic and Progressive Democratic Candidates 12:02 The Role of Identity Politics in Elections 15:43 The Popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota Model 19:52 Challenges of Staying True to Progressive Values in Washington 22:04 The Influence of the Media on Political Narratives 24:44 The Lack of Real Conversations in Political Interviews 28:47 Navigating the Israel-Palestine Conversation 39:04 The Danger of Christian White Nationalism and its Connection to Israel 39:34 Democrats' Challenge: Talking About Israel in a Nuanced Way 47:49 Prioritizing Policies that Benefit the Majority of Americans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Breaking Ranks: Joe Walsh and Republicans for Harris

    Breaking Ranks: Joe Walsh and Republicans for Harris
    Aug 28 2024
    In this conversation, Michael and Joe Walsh, a Republican voting Democratic, discuss the current political landscape and the upcoming election. They talk about the impact of the VP pick, Kamala Harris, and how it has energized the Democratic campaign. They also discuss the changing media landscape and the shift towards digital platforms. Joe expresses his support for Kamala Harris despite policy disagreements, emphasizing the importance of stopping Trump. They also touch on the potential for Trump to become desperate and refuse to accept election results. In this conversation, Michael and Joe discuss the political landscape and the upcoming election. They touch on topics such as Kamala Harris's political positioning, the emergence of a new generation of Democrats, the future of the Republican Party, and the challenges Kamala Harris may face in keeping her coalition together. They also discuss the complexities of the Israel-Palestine issue and the importance of Kamala Harris's likability. Overall, they anticipate a tough race and discuss the potential strategies and challenges for both candidates. Takeaways The VP pick, Kamala Harris, has energized the Democratic campaign and is reminiscent of Obama's campaign in 2008. The media landscape is shifting towards digital platforms, and cable news may become obsolete in the next five to ten years. Joe expresses his support for Kamala Harris despite policy disagreements, emphasizing the importance of stopping Trump. There is a concern that Trump may become desperate and refuse to accept election results, leading to potential violence and unrest. Kamala Harris is seen as a centrist Democrat who understands the dynamics of coming to power in a liberal urban city. There is a new emergence of Democrats who are tough on national security while still being humane. The Democratic Party is experiencing a shift with women and young people coming to the forefront. The Trump team's message on the economy and immigration could be a challenge for Kamala Harris. Black voters are supportive of Kamala Harris and racial attacks against her may actually increase African-American voter turnout. The Republican Party may become a strong regional rural party rather than a national political party. The Israel-Palestine issue is a divisive topic within the Democratic coalition. Kamala Harris faces the challenge of balancing the interests of different groups within her coalition. Trump's unpredictability and lack of preparedness could be a challenge in a debate against Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris's likability is an advantage for her, but she needs to maintain a balance between different generations and progressive groups. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:41 Initial Thoughts on the Democratic Campaign 02:56 The Impact of the VP Pick 06:25 The Shift Towards Digital Media 09:23 Navigating the Media Landscape 12:45 The Future of Cable News 14:21 Joe's Support for Kamala Harris 17:02 Concerns About Trump's Desperation 20:24 The Political Positioning of Kamala Harris 22:02 The Emergence of a New Generation of Democrats 23:10 The Future of the Republican Party 24:04 The Challenges of Keeping a Coalition Together 24:28 The Complexities of the Israel-Palestine Issue 25:45 The Importance of Kamala Harris's Likability 37:50 Anticipating a Tough Race Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Red & Blue: A GOP View

    Red & Blue: A GOP View
    Aug 25 2024
    In this conversation, Michael interviews Erin Perrine, a Republican strategist, about her career in politics and the upcoming election. They discuss working on the Hill versus working on campaigns, the strengths and weaknesses of Kamala and Trump, the quick shift in the presidential race from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris, and the challenges of messaging on abortion and immigration. They also touch on the importance of emotions in politics, the likability factor for Kamala Harris, and the upcoming debates between Harris and Donald Trump. Takeaways Working on the Hill and working on campaigns are two different experiences, but it is possible to do both. The messaging on abortion and immigration is challenging for both Republicans and Democrats. Emotions play a significant role in politics, and voters are motivated by negative ads. Republicans should focus on delivering their message and not try to trap Donald Trump in debates. Democrats need to acknowledge the failures in certain areas, such as the economy and immigration, to resonate with voters. The likability factor is important for Kamala Harris, and she should stay focused on her message during debates. Both the Trump campaign and the Biden-Harris campaign are neck and neck in the race. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background 01:11 Working on the Hill vs. working on campaigns 05:24 The quick shift in the presidential race 07:50 The challenges of messaging on abortion and immigration 16:00 The role of emotions in politics 29:55 Preparing for debates with Donald Trump 33:31 The neck and neck race between the Trump campaign and the Biden-Harris campaign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Crisis Point: Anthony Coley on defending Democracy

    Crisis Point: Anthony Coley on defending Democracy
    Aug 22 2024
    In this conversation, Michael interviews Anthony Coley, a former DOJ and Treasury official, about the current political landscape and the importance of voting. They discuss Kamala Harris's rise in popularity, the strength of the Democratic bench, the threat of a second Trump term, and the need for Democrats to engage with the Republican media ecosystem. They also touch on the role of the DOJ and the importance of preserving voting rights. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of the upcoming election and the need for Democrats to mobilize and protect democracy. Takeaways Kamala Harris has gained popularity through her hard work and connection with voters, particularly on issues like reproductive rights. The Democratic Party has a strong and diverse bench of talented individuals who are ready to lead. Voting rights are crucial, and efforts to restrict access to the ballot must be fought against. The threat of a second Trump term is concerning, as it could lead to the further weaponization of the DOJ and erosion of democratic norms. Democrats need to engage with the Republican media ecosystem to reach a wider audience and make their case. The Biden presidency represents a return to decency and a fight for the soul of the country. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Kamala Harris 09:33 Importance of Voting Rights 12:24 Threat of a Second Trump Term and DOJ Weaponization 16:05 Engaging with the Republican Media Ecosystem 23:30 The Biden Presidency and Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Michigan Matters

    Michigan Matters
    Aug 20 2024
    Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses the political landscape in Michigan and the impact of the Biden-Harris campaign. She highlights the importance of Michigan in national politics and the fear of losing the state to Republicans. McMorrow also talks about the excitement and hope surrounding the Biden-Harris campaign and the need for a functional two-party system. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and down-ballot races. McMorrow discusses the significance of reproductive rights, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision, and the need for access to safe and legal abortion. She reflects on the rise of Trumpism and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Takeaways Michigan is a crucial state in national politics, and the fear of losing it to Republicans has been a concern for many voters. The Biden-Harris campaign has brought excitement and hope to Michigan, with people feeling a sense of relief and a chance to move on from the past few years. Grassroots organizing and focusing on down-ballot races are key strategies for Democrats to maintain momentum and ensure long-term success. The Dobbs decision and the threat to reproductive rights have mobilized many people in Michigan, who are fighting to protect access to safe and legal abortion. The rise of Trumpism has highlighted the need for a functional two-party system and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation 00:39 The Importance of Michigan in National Politics 03:10 Excitement and Hope in the Biden-Harris Campaign 06:03 Grassroots Organizing and Down-Ballot Races 08:54 Protecting Reproductive Rights in Michigan 11:57 The Rise of Trumpism and the Need for a Functional Two-Party System 14:49 The Importance of Organizing and Not Taking Anything for Granted 18:25 The Focus on Abortion and Its Impact on Elections 22:12 Moving Beyond Trumpism and Fostering Unity 24:30 The Significance of Kamala Harris and the Potential for Change 26:24 Lessons from Trumpism and the Importance of Standing Up Against Hate Social Media: IG and X: theonlyhonest Tik tok: @therealonlyhonest -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Liberty Under Siege

    Liberty Under Siege
    Aug 18 2024
    Michael discusses in this short solo episode, the issue of states' rights and its impact on various rights, particularly women's rights and voting rights. It highlights the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs, which overturned 50 years of precedent on abortion rights and sent the issue back to the states. The conversation also addresses the broader agenda of rolling back civil rights, including marriage equality and the right to vote. It emphasizes the need for people to stand up, fight back, and protect their rights through voting and supporting organizations that advocate for these rights. Takeaways: States' rights have historically been used to justify morally questionable actions, such as owning slaves and segregating schools. The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs has significant implications for abortion rights and sets the stage for potential rollbacks of other rights. States that are most aggressively rolling back abortion rights often rank poorly in areas such as maternal and infant health and child well-being. The fight for reproductive rights is part of a broader agenda to roll back civil rights, including marriage equality and the right to vote. People have the power to protect their rights through voting, holding elected officials accountable, and supporting organizations that advocate for these rights. Chapters 00:00 The Historical Context of States' Rights 01:26 The Supreme Court's Decision in Dobbs 02:22 The Broader Agenda of Rolling Back Civil Rights 04:48 The Impact on Maternal and Infant Health 06:14 The Fight for Reproductive Rights as Part of a Broader Agenda 08:10 The Power of the People to Protect Their Rights Social Media: IG and X: theonlyhonest Tik tok: @therealonlyhonest -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins