How do we stop what amounts to a coup from Big Tech from destroying our democracy? Author Marietje Schaake joins Joe and Alex to explain how we got to a place where tech oligarchs aren't just selling services to the government - they're running it. What can we do? How do we take back control of technology when Big Tech is wealthier than most governments? And is there a way out? Get your copy of "The Tech Coup" here: http://bit.ly/4gZnMZ2 Use code #COUP30 for 30% off.

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What do we make of the shutdown? Is it performative for the MAGA cult? (Yes). History and civics teacher Jayne Converse joins Joe and Alex (in our first live video pod) to discuss what happens when autocrats feel like they're losing their grip on power. Hint: It's happening right in front of us. Is Trump's "Full Force" moment really the turning point for the Trump regime? And while we have to win next year- Jayne walks Joe and Alex through a scary autocratic project happening right under our noses, every day. Want to hear more from Jayne? Check out her Substack: https://substack.com/@conversediscourse101

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What a week. Joe gets into what Jimmy Kimmel's suspension - and his triumphant return - really means. What can we learn? And more importantly, what can we DO? And yeah, Trump's going after Tylenol now. How does Joe see this ending? Plus, Joe and Alex get to a bunch of your questions - what's with Trump's Ukraine flip flop? Is it game on for 2026 as of now? And check out the new podcast "Is it bad for the economy?" at http://isitbadfortheeconomy.com/.

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Texas State Rep and US Senate candidate James Talarico joins Joe and Alex to discuss a new path forward for Democrats - and how he talks about the issues differently. Why does he think love is the most important word in the English language - and how do we heal a divided country without folding on the issues we care about? How do we win on issues like immigration and crime? And, how do we crack the nut that is winning in Texas? Check out James's website at jamestalarico.com to learn more and support his campaign.

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Congressman Tom Suozzi joins Joe and Alex to discuss the path forward for Democrats. What four factors does he diagnose as contributing to division in America? From social media to cable television - why is the Democratic brand in trouble? How do Democrats define themselves - and do it in a way that breaks through with everyday people? And as we look ahead to the next round of elections - what should our common goal be? And in what may be a first for the show, what new policy does Congressman Suozzi think could bring us closer together as a nation?

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Alex returns! But that's not all - Mike Podhorzer joins Joe and Alex to discuss the fight we're in - and the fights a lot of people might not know about. Why is Trump going after labor so strongly? Also - why Mike thinks the old red vs. blue framing is outdated - and why the Republican Party is now an agent of the "Neo-Confederacy," as Mike calls it. And we're so far past defending the broken status quo - how do Mike and Joe think it's time to ignore the traditional paved roads and find new maps? Read Mike's latest post that has Joe and Alex thinking: http://weekendreading.net/

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Trygve Olson joins Joe to discuss whether Donald Trump is trying to distract the American people or cover up the Epstein case. What would happen to the MAGA movement if Trump went away? How can we have a fair election in 2026? Read Trygve's latest at ⁠https://trygveolson.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

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Another big win for Democrats in Iowa - why this one (and the earlier special this year) spells bad news for Trump, who isn't on the ballot next year... plus, is Trump OK? Joe explains what we really have to pay attention to. And Alex has a few numbers that show exactly how bad things have gotten on the economy. What are we supposed to do about Chicago? And beyond? 

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Gavin Newsom is taking the fight to Trump - by being Trumpy on social media. Why Joe thinks it can be really effective - and why Democrats shouldn't get bent out of shape about it. Also: You've probably heard about record numbers of Americans "ashamed" Trump is president - but why is it so much worse for Trump under the hood? Just how bad is the economic situation for Trump and MAGA? Plus, a listener question we've been excited to get to for a while...Track Trump's approval and look at some of the numbers Joe and Alex use every week here: https://www.economist.com/interactive/trump-approval-tracker

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Trump's taking over DC - what are we supposed to do about it? Is this just the tip of the iceberg for Trump? And he's got to see his numbers with independents taking - can Trump do anything to save himself ahead of midterms? Plus: Beyond ICE or the tariffs or the deportations - what's the most damaging thing Trump has done so far? Joe has a take you won't want to miss.

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