Fault Lines

Democrats won sweeping victories to in statewide elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and local elections elsewhere. A Medicaid expansion measure passed in Maine. One year after Trump’s election and with the midterms a year away, are these off-year elections a bellwether?

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss yesterday’s elections including the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey in the context of Trump’s sagging approval ratings—the lowest on record for a president at this point in their presidency—and other factors. Do these results change the political conversation in America?

Garland and Lee will also discuss the campus sexual abuse crisis and criminal justice reform with Maryland State Legislator Maricé Morales, the Chair of the Violence Against Women subcommittee for the Maryland State Women's Legislative Caucus.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including mainstream media dishonesty, Donna Brazile’s revelations and their impact on the lawsuit against the DNC, and the history of the Black Panthers.

Scheduled guests include: Maricé Morales - Maryland State Legislator (Campus Sexual Assault, Criminal Justice Reform); Andrea Miller - Executive Director of People Demanding Action, former candidate for Congress (Virginia Election Results); Ian Miles Cheong - (Mainstream Media Dishonesty); Elizabeth Beck: Trial Lawyer, Co-Managing Partner at Beck & Lee (How Donna Brazile’s Book relates to the DNC Fraud Lawsuit); Matt Arco - NJ Statehouse Bureau Reporter at The Star Ledger and NJ.com (NJ Election Results); Benjamin Young, Scholar - (History of the Black Panthers).

Voters head to the polls today in statewide elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and local elections elsewhere. A year after the Trump election and a year before the midterms, will these off-year elections provide a referendum on the Trump presidency—the least popular at this far into a presidency according to opinion polls? Will the results today offer other insights into the state of American politics?

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss today’s elections including the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey in the context of Trump’s sagging approval ratings, revelations of primary rigging by Democrats, and other factors.

Garland and Lee will also discuss the latest mass shooting in Texas, and evaluate possible solutions to the epidemic of gun violence that uniquely plagues the United States. More guns? More gun safety laws? Better enforcement of current laws?

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including the close of arguments in the Senator Robert Menendez trial, Trump’s possible softening on diplomacy with North Korea, the state of American politics, and the Sarin gas attacks in Syria.

Scheduled guests include: Dominic Carter - News Reporter for Verizon Fios News | (Topic: Bob Menendez Trial); Antonia Okafor - Campus Carry Activist | (Topic: Texas Shooting/Second Amendment); Tim Black - Host of the Tim Black At Night Show | (Topic: Donna Brazile/Tom Perez/DNC); Dustin Stockton - Former Chief Strategist to Kelli Ward for Senate Campaign | (Topic: Election Day); Rick Sterling on Sarin gas attacks in Syria.

A gunman identified as Devin Patrick Kelley killed at least 26 worshippers and wounded at least 20 others in the latest mass shooting. Kelly was court-martialed in 2012 on charges of assaulting his wife and child, and sentenced to 12 months confinement. He received a “bad conduct” discharge in 2014, according to Ann Stefanek, the chief of Air Force media operations.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs on Sunday. Assailant Devin Patrick Kelley reportedly used a Ruger AR-556 assault rifle and wore a bulletproof vest as he attacked worshippers during the prayer service.

Garland and Lee will also discuss off-year elections including the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, and ask whether recent revelations by former interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile will have an impact on the elections.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including healthcare, the “Purge of Princes” in Saudi Arabia, Trump’s trip to Asia,

Scheduled guests include: Andrea Miller executive director of People Demanding Action, former candidate for Congress on Virginia elections & Democratic Party; Darlene Brown Monday Motivation CEO DivineEmpowerment.org; Matt Stiles - LA Times Special Correspondent in Seoul, South Korea on Trump's Asia Trip; Brittany Shannahan Lead Organizer, Healthcare Is A Human Right Maryland on Healthcare as a human right; Dr Bill Honigman (ER physician, Bernie Delegate) on Healthcare and DNC malfeasance; and William Craddick - Founder & Editor in Chief of Disobedient Media on Saudi Arabia.

Supporters of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Presidential Campaign voice outrage at confirmation that top DNC officials rigged the primary process for Hillary Rodhman Clinton. Interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile’s Article—“Inside Hillary Clinton’s Secret Takeover of the DNC” —published in Politico yesterday detailed the wide range of unethical activities Including the DNC ceding nearly all decision-making to the Clinton Campaign.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the latest revelations about improper collusion between the Clinton Campaign and the DNC, the lack of leadership by former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, and that the Democratic Party was, according to Brazile, “fully under the control of Hillary’s campaign, which seemed to confirm the suspicions of the Bernie camp.”

Garland and Lee will also discuss off-year elections including the governor’s race in New Jersey, and efforts by grassroots organizers to elect a “Brand New Congress” in the midterms next year.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including the Republican tax and budget plan, the newly signed legislation to protect banks and credit card companies from consumers, and Puerto Rican relief efforts.

Scheduled guests include: Joel Segal-National Director, Justice Action Mobilization Network (jamnetwork.squarespace.com) Former Speech Writer for Rep. John Conyers on Puerto Rican Relief; Isra Allison - Executive Director at Brand New Congress on Brand New Summit Event featuring New Candidates Running for Congress; Matt Arco - Statehouse Bureau Reporter at The Star Ledger and NJ.com on NJ Governor Race; Ian Miles Cheong - Journalist for the Daily Caller on Donna Brazile's Politico Article; Michael Krieger - libertyblitzkrieg.com on new legislation protecting financial corporations from consumers.

The Republican-Led House Ways and Means Committee is Scheduled to Announce Their Tax and Spending Package Today as They Rush to Complete Work in the Few Weeks Remaining Before the Thanksgiving Recess.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss Congressional Republicans’ daunting task of passing Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending legislation before the Thanksgiving recess. News reports predict that the House Ways and Means Committee will release the Republican tax bill today. This after a delay intended to round up reluctant Republican votes--mainly from Blue states like California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey whose constituents would face significant tax hikes if the proposed elimination of the state and local tax deduction (SALT) is included. Many Republicans remain leery of raising taxes on their constituents the year before facing reelection. Twenty such Representatives defected during a key vote last week, leaving the GOP with a slim two-vote margin, and even more Republicans could vote no on a motion for final passage.

Garland and Lee will also discuss the ongoing mainstream media coverage of social media ads, incomplete investigations, and other obscure matters. This while largely ignoring many of the most critical challenges facing everyday Americans including war and peace, the economy and jobs, healthcare, education, and more.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including the situations in Yemen and North Carolina, the Democratic National Committee’s recent decisions exclude prominent progressives, and the state of healthcare in the USA as well as after predicted cuts to Medicare and Medicaid under the Republican budget plans.

Scheduled guests include: Jacqueline Luqman Co-Founder of Luqman Media, Co-host of “Coffee, Current Events & Politics” and “Brick by Brick” topic: mainstream media’ refusal to discuss real issues; Paul Kawika Martin Peace Action Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs on legislation topic: North Korea & Yemen; Benjamin Day Executive Director of Healthcare-NOW topic: the state of healthcare in the USA now, and GOP proposed cuts to Medicare & Medicaid; Dr. Bosworth - Topic: Sleep; Ted Rall - award winning columnist, syndicated editorial cartoonist, and author topic: mainstream media’s investigation mania; Bryan Burrough - Author and Correspondent for Vanity Fair, topic: his book "Days Of Rage."

News agencies report the suspected terrorist Sayfullo Saipov--29 years old and an Uzbek national--left a note claiming allegiance to Isil. Identified as a lone wolf extremist, the suspect killed eight and injured eleven by driving a pick-up truck down a bicycle path while screaming "Allahu Akbar" (God Is Great in Arabic) according to witnesses. The attacker’s rented truck also collided with a school bus. The Halloween Day terrorist attack was the worst such incident in New York since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and took place within a few blocks of the 9/11 Memorial.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the terrorist attack, the outpouring of support from around the world, and the most effective measures our society should take to keep our people safer. Will increasing military spending and involvement in more foreign conflicts promote or undermine our national security?

Garland and Lee will also discuss the off-year elections including controversial political ads. Are negative ads appropriate or do they sew chaos and discord? Can anything be done to curb incendiary political ads—by government, by the media, by voters?

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including the situation in Kurdistan and Cuba, the Republican budget, and the state of healthcare in the USA, as well as the mainstream media obsession with personalities and investigations rather than policy.

Scheduled guests include: Michael Keller - Co-Chair of the board of directors, Peace Action Education Fund (Topics: high cost of US militarism, Trump’s nuclear statements; Philip Wegmann - Washington Examiner Writer (Topics: Latino Victory Fund Ad, VA & AL Elections); Dustin Stockton - Former Chief Strategist to Kelli Ward's Senate Campaign | (Topic: Virginia Governor's Race); Kani Xulam Founder and Director of kurdistan.org (Topic: the situation in Kurdistan); Rob Kall - founder OpEdNews.com (Topic: mainstream media focus on investigations vs policy); Vanessa Favier Co-Chair of Events for UDC David A Clarke law school Latinix Law Students Association (Topic: recent radical changes in Cuban culture, economy, and politics); Dr. Bill Honigman - emergency room doctor, healthcare policy expert (Topic: the state of healthcare in the USA now, and under GOP proposed cuts to Medicare & Medicaid)

Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team executed indictments against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates yesterday. Both men surrendered to federal authorities. Additionally, Trump campaign advisor George Papadopoulos plead guilty to charge of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss whether or not Donald Trump should be concerned about the indictments against Trump’s former Campaign Chair Paul Manafort and his deputy Rick Gates, as well as a guilty plea by George Papadopoulos, a third Trump Campaign official. Manafort and Gates allegedly violated laws related to financial and related matters. Unsealed court records allege that Papadopoulos "falsely described his interactions with a certain foreign contact who discussed 'dirt' related to emails" allegedly targeting Secretary Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Garland and Lee will also discuss and analyze the high costs of American militarism including nuclear weapons, overreliance on force, involvement in conflicts, as well as the opportunity costs and fiscal burden of nuclear and other weaponry that crowds out spending on other priorities including healthcare, education, the environment, and infrastructure.

The hosts and guests will also analyze other top news stories and issues including Tony Podesta—brother and business partner of former Clinton Campaign Chair John Podesta—stepping down from his role in the Podesta Group lobbying firm. Also, escalating tensions in Catalonia and Kurdistan, the Sen. Robert Menendez trial, and “Deep State” involvement in social media manipulation investigations.

Scheduled guests include Sister Megan Rice – Catholic Nun, anti-Nuclear weapons activist; Debbie Weinstein - Executive Director, Coalition for Human Needs CHN.org; Jake Wallis Simons - Associate Global Editor for the Daily Mail Online (Topic: Catalonia); Dominic Carter - Reporter for Verizon Fios News (Topic: Menendez Trial); Jonathan Jeffress - Former Federal Public Defender (Topic: Manafort Charges); and David Swanson - Director of WorldBeyondWar.org, author, activist, journalist, radio host, Campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org

Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team is expected to execute indictments today, fueling speculation as to the target(s) and the scope of the ongoing Investigation.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the state of the two major parties leading into the upcoming elections in Virginia—the likely results of the races in the Commonwealth and what they portend for next year’s midterm congressional elections.

Garland and Lee will also discuss Jeff Bezo’s empire including Amazon.com and the Washington Post—should people worry about Bezo’s ties to the CIA?

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including the situations in Catalonia and Kurdistan, Xi’s power consolidation in China, and elections in Japan.



Scheduled guests include Andrea Miller - Executive Director of People Demanding Action, former candidate for Congress on voting rights on the Virginia elections; Michael Sainato - journalist on the Democratic Party Meltdown; Monday’s Inspiration with Darlene Brown - CEO DivineEmpowerment.org; Elizabeth Vos - Associate Editor at Disobedient Media on Bezos/Amazon/CIA/Washington Post & Catalonia; and

James Corbett - Founder of CorbettReport.com om Japan Election Results & Xi's Power Consolidation in China.

Lead-in: The House Of Representatives Passes Budget Resolution by narrow 216-212 margin, with 20 Republicans joining Democrats voting nay. Included in the measure: tax increases on approximately one-third of taxpayers who rely on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, and significant cuts to domestic programs.

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss Donald Trump’s apparent victory over moderate Republicans in Congress. Is this a sign of significant victories to come? Rep. Peter King (R-NY) predicted that some Republicans who voted for the budget could vote against provisions to enact the resolution.

Garland and Lee will also discuss the latest attacks on news services RT and Sputnik News including Twitter’s refusal to run paid ads from the media outlets and allegations that Russia used Pokemon Go, self-defense lessons, etc. to sway the U.S. elections.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including growing tensions in Catalonia and Kurdistan, the state of rescue efforts in Puerto Rico, and nuclear saber-rattling.

Scheduled guests include: Michael Keller - Co-Chair of the board of directors, Peace Action Education Fund; Kani Xulam Founder and Director of kurdistan.org; Joel Segal - National Director, Justice Action Mobilization Network; Dick Nichols – Reporting from Barcelona on Catalonia Crisis; Erielle Davidson - Economics Research Assistant at The Hoover Institution; Ana Blackburn - NC NAACP Latino Liaison on Puerto Rico relief failure, immigration reform; and Bob Schlehuber - Producer of "By Any Means Necessary."

With deaths mounting from opioid overdoses, Donald Trump is expected to announce a state of emergency—beyond that, what will he do to address the crisis and who is responsible for it?

On this episode of "Fault Lines," hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the opioid crisis. The Trump administration is expected to declare a national state of emergency today, pursuant to a recommendation from the special White House commission charged with addressing the crisis.

Garland and Lee will also discuss the role of big money in politics, and the widening divisions within both major parties.

The hosts and guests will analyze top news stories and issues including mainstream media malpractice and populist, separatist, and regionalist movements.

Scheduled guests include Dominic Carter - Political Reporter for Verizon Fios News; Katharine Houreld - Reuters East Africa Bureau Chief; Tim Black - host of “The Tim Black At Night Show” and "No Sell Outs"; Dr. Annette Bosworth – medical expert; and Steve Shaff - Executive Director of the Chesapeake Sustainable Business Council and founder of Community Vision Partners.