KPFK - BradCast w/ Brad Friedman

Support KPFK, L.A.'s only truly progressive, non-corporate radio station, keeping you informed and connected. New unemployment claims shatter all-time record. More states postpone 2020 presidential primaries. Elections officials scramble to prepare for broad Vote By Mail. Republicans scheme new ways to suppress voters amid global pandemic, especially in Georgia and Wisconsin. Plus Desi Doyen has our latest 'Green News Report.'

Guest: Dr. Stephanie Kelton, Economist, Stony Brook Univ.

Congress reaches an agreement on a $2 trillion emergency relief bill to address the growing economic fallout of the coronavirus global pandemic. But the GOP and the corporate media aren't asking, 'how will you pay for it?' Economist Dr. Stephanie Kelton explains the 'deficit myth' and how Congress has always had the power to fund its priorities, whether it be wars, tax cuts, or the general welfare of Americans. Also today: lack of testing is a national disgrace. The nation's governors seem to be ignoring Trump on the coronavirus.

Guest: David Dayen, The American Prospect

India has instituted a 21-day total lockdown of all residents due to Coronavirus. NY Gov. Cuomo criticizes federal government's meager pandemic response. House Democrats offer a broad recovery bill. Trump lies to the public, and calls for ending 'stay at home' orders against experts' recommendations. Financial journalist David Dayen explains why Trump's plan is insane, and explains how bailout proposals can be structured to ensure any recovery benefits average Americans, not corporations. Plus Desi Doyen has our latest 'Green News Report.'

As more state governors issue "stay at home" directives to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, we open the phone lines to listeners from across the country to hear how they are coping - sharing their enlightening, moving, funny (and a bit heartbreaking) stories. Also today: Congressional Democrats hold fast against Republicans' attempts to insert no-string-attached bailouts for corporations while leaving average Americans behind.

Guest: Mark Joseph Stern, Slate legal reporter

Can Trump invoke national emergency powers to cancel the November election? Slate court reporter Mark Joseph Stern discusses that troubling hypothetical and the many other disturbing issues facing the U.S. court system amid the Coronavirus pandemic. CA, NY, PA, and IL governors issue statewide 'stay at home' orders to slow the spread of the virus. Trump and Republicans suddenly embrace socialism.

Trump's failed coronavirus pandemic response is causing chaos across the nation. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) privately warned wealthy donors of the catastrophic danger of the coronavirus but not the public. Unemployment claims skyrocket. Senate Maj. Leader McConnell proposes teensy assistance funding to individual Americans alongside another massive corporate tax cut. Tulsi Gabbard exits races, endorses Biden. Plus Desi Doyen has our latest 'Green News Report.'

Guest: Alysoun McLaughlin, Dep. Election Director, Montgomery County, MD

Biden trounced Sanders in 3 states that held primary elections; both candidates deliver inspiring remarks on uniting America amid the coronavirus crisis. US Senate finally passed House Democrats' aid package, the stock market plunged again, and Trump finally took some actions to ramp up the federal response. MD elections official Alysoun McLaughlin discusses the many challenges and concerns in shifting quickly to an all Vote-By-Mail system for fast-approaching primaries, and possibly the general election in November, while still ensuring fairness, ballot access and election security...

Guest: Ion Sancho, former Florida election director

FL, AZ, and IL held primary elections today despite Coronavirus risks, and saw low turnout and no-show pollworkers. OH postponed today's primary. Legendary FL elections director Ion Sancho warns that the U.S. may be forced to move to all Vote-By-Mail, including in November. He explains the dangers, pitfalls and preparations that voters and and elections officials must take to ensure upcoming elections are secure, fair, and accurate. Plus Desi Doyen has our latest 'Green News Report.'

Special coverage of Coronarivus impacts in the U.S. and around the world, from the Trump Administration's bungled response to the impacts on everyday people as major U.S. cities begin to shutdown to slow the spread of the virus. And the unfolding and still uncertain effects on upcoming primaries and the November election.

Guest: Lawrence O'Donnell- Host of MSNBC's The Last Word

Guest host Nicole Sandler brings us up to date on the latest news concerning the coronavirus pandemic as the president declares a national emergency. Following the news update, Nicole welcomes MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell to the show for a discussion about politics, socialism and the state of cable news in the 21st century.