I just had an important conversation with Representative Eric Swalwell, and we covered some key issues threatening our democracy right now. We dove into the Journalist Protection Act, an important bill that he recently introduced — because let’s be real, a free press is essential for democracy to even function. Representative Swalwell broke it down: journalists are facing real threats, and if we don’t protect them, we’re putting our own rights at risk.

We also dug into the attack on public education (spoiler alert: this is bigger than just schools), how tariffs are going to hurt all Americans, how Republicans REALLY feel about Trump, and the importance of all Americans stepping up and putting pressure on elected officials.

Here’s the bottom line:

* The Journalist Protection Act is a step toward defending our rights against Trump’s assault on our democracy.

* Public education is being dismantled, and that’s a huge threat to democracy.

* Tariffs might seem like a distant issue to some people, but trust me, the impact is coming for all of us.

* We need to pressure Republicans to take their power back to check the President’s power on tariffs.

* When we show up to town halls and call our representatives, we make a difference.

Rep. Swalwell reminded us: we’re not powerless. We have to act — and now’s the time.

Oh, and these are the two books we discussed:

Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation by Zaakir Tameez

The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War by Joanne B. Freeman

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