Political Misfits

Co-founder of independent media organization Status Coup Jordan Chariton joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss the bipartisan effort to eliminate third party and independent candidates from ballots, the lack of federal regulation on social media influencers being paid surrogates for presidential candidates, the waning of the honeymoon era of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, and the findings of a Department of Health and Human Services report on the connection between high fluoride consumption and lowered IQ in children.

Author and ​​Editor-in-Chief of Consortium News Joe Lauria discusses a lawsuit against a prominent Australian journalist that has serious implications for free speech, efforts in Australia to make “hate speech” a criminal rather than civil offense, how hate speech laws prevent honest reporting, the treatment of journalist Richard Medhurst and former Ambassador Craig Murray, and what’s at stake in France’s arrest of and investigation into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Independent journalist, researcher with Code Pink, and author Nicolas Davies discusses whether China might strongly prefer one US presidential candidate over the other, the goals of Israel’s escalation in the West Bank, what factors are contributing to Iran’s restraint with regard to Israeli provocatoins, and a report from USAID that suggests the Biden administration’s Gaza aid pier only hampered the delivery of aid to Gazans and perhaps was intended to do just that.

Ron Clewer, Illinois Market president of Gorman & Company and affordable housing advocate, discusses an antitrust lawsuit by the Department of Justice over a real estate software that allegedly allowed rent collusion nationally, how extensive the problem of rent price collusion is, whether a DOJ victory would make a difference in the high rents facing Americans across the country, and an analysis of each campaign’s proposals for the national housing crisis.

The Misfits also discuss Kamala Harris’ first post-convention interview and the revived federal election interference case against former President Donald Trump.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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Spokesperson for the Black Hive and host of Full Spectrum on Anthony Rogers Wright joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ post convention bump, whether Harris is being boosted from below by more popular down ballot candidates, whether the race will be affected by Republicans coming out of the woodwork to support Harris, whether a new book about Donald Trump’s foreign policy as president will affect the 2024 race, and Republican infighting over their own efforts to impeach President Joe Biden.

Canadian author and activist Yves Engler discusses US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s trip to China, the way the US influences Canada’s China policy, who in Canada benefits from following the US line on China, and whether Canadians would prefer greater independence on foreign policy from Washington.

Kim Iversen, independent journalist and host of the Kim Iversen Show, discusses Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealing the pressure the White House put on his platform to censor even harmless content related to COVID-19 and his regrets over suppressing reporting on Hunter Biden. She discusses where Facebook’s policies on political speech are likely headed, global press organizations calling on the EU to take action against Israel for its killing of journalists, the recent intimidation of journalists in the UK and the EU, and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joining forces with Trump after a conflicted history with the Democratic Party.

Former associate deputy attorney general and constitutional scholar Bruce Fein discusses Special Counsel Jack Smith appealing the dismissal of Donald Trump’s classified documents trial, the chances Smith has in an appeals court that appears to have been deeply politicized, and whether to expect this question to eventually be decided by the Supreme Court.

The Misfits also discuss statements by Iran’s supreme leader indicating openness to negotiating with the US, why Washington is helping Israel hunt Hamas’ leader, and a new twist in the case of a US “defector” to North Korea.

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International affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda discusses the real reasons Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France, whether the Western meddling in Telegram will impact communications on the battlefield in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz trying to get political cover after a high-profile crime by an asylum seeker, and former President Donald Trump trying to find novel ways to attack Democrats on their Afghanistan withdrawal.

Community organizer and immigrant activist Maru Mora Villalpando discusses the broken promises of the Biden administration on immigration, why Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party have been downplaying the issue, what meaningful differences on immigration exist between the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates, and whether Hispanic voters in the US can really be treated as a bloc.

Author, activist, and journalist working for peace and social justice Robert Fantina discusses the exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah this weekend, who is being warned with displays of strength on both sides, why violence and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank is continuing, what the planned new division of Gaza shows about Israel’s intentions for the future, the significance of recent negotiations between the leaders of Syria and Turkey, the threat of the Balochistan separatists in Pakistan and Iran, and if the Democrats are going to continue to rely on personal attacks on Trump on the campaign trail.

Director of Eastern Panhandle Liberation Center Robert Gillette discusses the reality of West Virginia and ongoing issues of poverty and underdevelopment, how the Democratic National Convention speakers attempted to rewrite their role in West Virginia’s labor history, NAFTA’s role in increasing poverty in Appalachian communities, and reflections on the anniversary of the largest armed uprising in the United States since the Civil War at Blair Mountain.

The Misfits also discuss NASA’s decision not to bring Boeing’s Starliner back from the ISS with a crew and OJ Simpson’s ashes.

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Editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author Margaret Kimberley joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ convention speech, the erasure of Palestinian voices from the convention, whether any candidate offers a chance to change US policy toward Israel, whether an endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will help GOP candidate Donald Trump, and if Democrats will succeed in making abortion the main issue in this year’s election.

Strategist, activist, and former vice chair of the Maryland Republican Party Eugene Craig discusses why greater numbers of Black men are voting for Republicans, why Donald Trump has been so activating for Black men both positively and negatively, whether the voting bloc of Black Republicans will swing the race in November, and an update on the North Carolina gubernatorial election.

Journalist and writer Daniel Lazare discusses the confirmation by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that interest rates will be cut next month, the Democratic Party dropping the abolition of the death penalty from the party platform, whether President Joe Biden will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping one last time before Biden’s term ends, explanations for a shift in attitudes on foreign policy among Republicans and Democrats, whether the US military and newfound international interest in ties with Serbia after discovery of lithium deposits in the nation.

The Misfits also discuss the US tradition of bullying smaller nations, the Taliban* banning the voices of women in public, and this week’s News of the Weird, including a massive car dredging from Pittsburgh rivers and a pantless psychedelic trip.

*Taliban is under UN sanctions for terrorism.

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Adjunct professor at George Washington University and former NAACP general counsel Kim Keenan joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss the Democratic party’s attempts to co-opt the idea of “freedom” from the right wing, lingering concerns that the Harris campaign will continue to coast on vibes over policy, what to expect when Robert Kennedy Jr. suspends his campaign,

Board President of the National Family Farm Coalition Jim Goodman discusses reports that exposure to agricultural pesticides increase cancer rates, whether the FDA and EPA can be trusted to protect agricultural workers from dangerous pesticide exposure, and how US regulators could promote a safer and more productive agricultural system.

Managing Editor of CovertAction Magazine and author Jeremy Kuzmarov discusses the Justice Department’s criminal investigations into men who have contributed to Russian media, the weaponization of the FARA program to chill dissent in the US, the fiction that the US has attempted to withhold weapons from Israel to pressure it to commit to a ceasefire, and why Washington is letting Saudi Arabia get out of paying its defense bills.

Co-host of the Critical Hour on Radio Sputnik Dr. Wilmer Leon discusses the apparent exclusion of Palestinian speakers from the DNC convention state, whether the DNC has indeed “threaded the needle” when it comes to Israel’s war on Gaza, and the political gains and losses a candidate who pledged to end support for Israel would incur.

The Misfits also discuss a new trial for Google and a looming rail strike in Canada.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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Former US diplomat, and former senior foreign policy advisor Jim Jatras joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss the drone attack launched by Ukraine on Russia, updates to the US Nuclear Strategic Plan, how much influence the US actually has with Israel, expectations for an Iranian response to Israel’s assassination in Tehran last night, a Houthi attack on a Greek ship, and the latest huge political contributions.

Technologist and cohost of the Covert Action Magazine podcast Chris Garaffa discusses a draft bill in the California legislature that would have the state fund “AI innovation” while Google funds journalism. They also discuss the lack of regulation of this powerful technology, whether AI-generated answers to search queries should imply more liability than traditional search engine response lists, and why tech companies have been allowed to engage in large-scale experimentation on entire societies with impunity.

Journalist and writer for Shadowproof.com Kevin Gosztola discusses day two of the Democratic National Convention, how Republican speakers have been utilized in the Democrats’ convention program, how protesters marching for Palestinian human rights feel about the Gaza policies being referenced inside the convention, the size of protests outside the convention and mainstream media assessments that the movement is a bust, whether the fundraising efforts of both parties will help move the needle on either side, the effect of encouraging “content creators” and “influencers” to cover the convention alongside journalists, and what will happen if and when Robert Kennedy Jr. suspends his campaign.

Leading activist and evangelist for Modern Monetary Theory Steve Grumbine discusses the terrible financial conditions of the first wave of Generation X to retire, the coming impact on American society of a generation of impoverished seniors, and the effect of the “401k experiment.”

The Misfits also discuss the dwindling number of teenage drivers and Kroger’s supermarkets promising price cuts.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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Scholar, journalist and geopolitical analyst KJ Noh joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss the “bridging proposal” on Gaza being pushed by US State Secretary Antony Blinken, why US and Israeli negotiators are promoting a deal Hamas has already rejected, why Vice President Kamala Harris isn’t taking credit for any of President Joe Biden’s supposed foreign policy achievements, why the US is announcing plans to move a small number of Afghans to the Philippines ahead of resettling them, and the latest version of the AUKUS agreement binding Australia to the UK and US.

Bartender and labor organizer Max discusses the hoopla surrounding proposals to eliminate taxes, whether tipped workers have actually been asking for tax breaks, what tipped workers have been saying would improve their lives (like paid time off, health care and better wages), and whether warnings that creating this tax loophole will invite abuse by wealthy tax dodgers are valid.

Political consultant and political organizer Donna Davis discusses the kicking off of the first round of speeches at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, whether Democrats are in danger of becoming overconfident, whether Kamala Harris can win without distinguishing herself from Joe Biden on Palestinian human rights, the media’s role in inventing energy or momentum for certain candidates and campaigns, what’s actually activating voters she’s engaging with, and what’s driving some of the more outlandish attacks on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Public interest attorney affiliated with the National Lawyers Guild Ann Wilcox discusses the police presence outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the tactics protesters are using this week, who’s involved in demonstrations in the city, and how the rest of the ceremonies will play out this week.

The Misfits also discuss more problems with Boeing’s civilian aircraft, the arrest of a DC councilmember on bribery charges, Americans’ attitudes toward marijuana.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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International affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stated goals for his country’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, what goals might remain unstated, what’s on the agenda as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Azerbaijan, whether Europe will be able to find a way to continue to buy Russian gas when a key agreement between Russia and Ukraine ends later this year, the terms of the Gaza ceasefire proposal announced on Friday, why the US secretary of state is choosing to press Israel and Hamas to accept this particular deal, and whether the US has any “or else” planned.

Co-host of the Critical Hour on Radio Sputnik Dr. Wilmer Leon discusses the situation on the ground in Chicago as the Democratic National Convention commences and with it a variety of protests. He discusses what issues are driving people to Chicago’s streets, what the police presence looks like, whether he anticipates violence either from protesters or police, and the results of Democrats’ efforts to keep third parties off ballots.

Economist, radio show host, and author Dr. Jack Rasmus discusses how Democrats have been attempting to coast with “vibes” instead of policy this election, the legal teams both parties are amassing to challenge or defend election results, the Georgia state election board’s takeover by 2020 election-deniers, efforts to dump voters from state rolls in Arizona, the latest economic proposals from both mainstream parties, the culmination of House Republican efforts to impeach President Joe Biden, and how former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s revenge tour fared.

Organizer for Artists Against Apartheid and guitarist of Eve6 Jon Siebels discusses the cultural war waged by Democrats and Republicans to bring musicians and cultural icons to their side in the election, the pressure to abandon demands regarding Gaza and succumb to the Harris “vibes” campaign, the ties that the entertainment and cultural industries have to US militarism, and how alternatives to major label representation are allowing artists more political freedom.

The Misfits also discuss massive flooding in Connecticut, Donald Trump courting danger by sharing a fake AI image of Taylor Swift endorsing him, and jokes from Scotland.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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Researcher and independent investigative researcher Christopher Helali joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic platform, why the US and Western media continue to take ceasefire talks over Gaza seriously, whether a ceasefire agreement will actually prevent an Iranian retaliation, how Hezbollah is preparing for war with Israel, and what to make of the Wall Street Journal’s new report on how the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline went down.

Lawyer, writer, former journalist and environmental advocate Steven Donziger discusses the role of profit in the US’ extraordinarily long prison sentences, the thousands of deaths in US prisons due to heat stroke and heat-related illness, how US college campuses are preparing for another season of protests when classes resume in the fall, and admissions from CNN that US sanctions backfire.

Mental health counselor and hypnotherapist Dr. Harriet Fraad discusses the FDA’s rejection of MDMA therapy as a means to treat cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, the mixed results of MDMA therapy, whether regulators have learned from their experience with prozac, the corruption of the psychiatric industry, the failures of drug regulation in the US, and why Americans are so hungry for drugs.

The Misfits also discuss CNN’s “objectivity” getting guffaws on The Late Show, and this week’s News of the Weird, including a record-breaking tongue and Congressmembers in bathing suits.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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Labor attorney, human rights activist, and author Daniel Kovalik joins Misfits hosts John Kiriakou and Ben Zinevich to discuss the seemingly never-ending ceasefire negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian forces, how Benjamin Netanyahu's personal legal situation plays a role in the pursuit of a ceasefire, why CIA chief William Burns has been called in to help negotiations by the Biden-Harris administration, Israeli public opinion desiring a ground invasion of Lebanon, what to expect from the Iranians in terms of a response to Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh, and the case of missing journalist Austin Tice.

Editor of the Pan African Newswire Abayomi Azikiwe discusses an overview of the conflict in Sudan, why the separation of South Sudan from Sudan has not resulted in greater stability in the region, whether international pressure could force peace in Sudan, if the African Union could play a role in diplomacy, and the humanitarian toll of the conflict thus far.

Professor of Law and Professor of Public Policy Robert Hockett discusses whether Kamala Harris' "stategic ambiguity" will help her in failing to elucidate basic programs, Harris adopting Trump's idea to exempt tips from taxation, how Democrats are continuing to make abortion the key issue in November, how Fed Interest rate policy looking ahead could affect everyday Americans, the phenomenon of Republicans for Kamala Harris, expectations Trump will challenge the electoral results in November, and if a Harris Administration would appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a cabinet position.

Co-host of the Final Countdown on Radio Sputnik and political cartoonist Ted Rall discusses how the country of Afghanistan has developed over the last few decades, how the Afghan country can develop with virtually no international recognition and financial restrictions, and how current issues of terrorism and fundamentalist treatment of women affects societal development internally.

The Misfits also discuss arrests made relating to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry and the extradition of internet mogul Kim Dotcom from New Zealand to the United States.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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