Trailblaze 2028

Trailblaze 2028

By Trailblaze 2028NewsNews CommentaryPolitics
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Trailblaze 2028 episodes

  • 34: After 100 Days, Why Trump Deserves An F
    Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, examining its historical context and impact on governance, power dynamics, and economic policies. They explore Trump’s challenges to the balance of power, Congress’s role, and the consequences of tariffs and trade policies on the economy and healthcare. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle for rights and the government’s responsibilities in ensuring public safety and welfare. Nayyera and Jamal discuss the need for a multi-party Congress, checks and balances, and the influence of money in politics. They explore the failures of the current party system and the need for innovative voting systems. The conversation highlights political engagement challenges and the urgency for action to address systemic issues in democracy.
    31 min
  • 33: Why Trump Picked An Amateur Like Pete Hegseth
    Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss a range of pressing issues, including the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the economic implications of Trump's policies, and the potential risks associated with food safety and national security. They explore the historical context of African American economic organizing, the role of USAID in foreign policy, and the colonial undertones of current diplomatic strategies. The discussion culminates in reflections on the future of American economic policy and identity in a rapidly changing global landscape.
    31 min
  • 32: Is TikTok Our New History Book?
    Nayyera & Jamal are joined this week by Jason Steinhauer to discuss the profound impact of social media and the internet on our understanding of history and collective memory. He emphasizes the challenges of preserving information in the digital age, the role of institutions like the Library of Congress in shaping narratives, and the importance of diversity in historical storytelling. The discussion also touches on the fragmentation of memory in the current information landscape and the necessity of critical thinking in navigating this complexity.
    41 min
  • 31: TLDR: The Tragedy of Trump’s Tariffs
    How will Trump’s tariffs hurt us? Jamal Simmons & Nayyera Haq are joined by Don Graves, former Deputy Secretary of Commerce to dig into why small business confidence is falling, when Americans will feel the impact of tariffs (hint: soon), and how food safety is also at risk. They explore how Trump’s actions are creating new enemies from countries who used to be our allies, risking Americans’ quality of life, all so Trump and Co. can turn the clock back 100 years. It’s bleak, y’all.

    44 min
  • 30: Did The Campaign Lie To Kamala
    How did we go from excitement about change to getting another Trump term? Nayyera and Jamal are joined by journalists Amie Parnes and Jonathan Allen, who tell us what happened in the room in their new book FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House. They dig into where mistakes were made in polling, how the different personalities leading the campaigns managed the candidates, and what’s in store for the next year.
    Find the book here
    51 min
  • 29: A Reckless Government
    Nayyera and Jamal dig into the Trump Administration’s recklessness with national security and social security—from the recklessness of a war planning group chat, which would have caused any rank and file military service member to get fired—to shutting down Social Security websites and customer service, claiming that people don’t need it—these officials keep showing us that their billionaire status makes is impossible for them to meet the American public’s needs. 

    They are also joined by their friend, social impact leader and author of the new book 'Flip the Tables',  Alencia Johnson, who explains how this moment is a chance to tap into your courage, uncover your unique talents, and use personal disruption to make systemic change. 

    You can find 'Flip the Tables' at https://www.alenciajohnson.com/book
    44 min
  • 28: Is This A Constitutional Crisis Yet ?
    CNN Legal Analyst, former federal prosecutor and Homeland Security official Elliot Williams joins Nayerra and Jamal to discuss Trump deporting immigrants to off shore prisons without judicial review or proof of offense. We are on the slippery slope. 

    Nayyera and Jamal also discuss the profound changes in human interaction after COVID and the future of community in a digital world. Will we still have democracy, privacy or real sex when the metaverse takes over?


    43 min
  • 27: The Rise of Billionaire Villains
    Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss the evolving perception of billionaires in society, the cultural shifts against wealth inequality, and the implications of taxation and public support. They explore the broken promise of the American dream, the importance of legal rights, and the need for a more equitable system that allows everyone to thrive. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by political meanness and the hope that arises from confronting these issues together.
    23 min
  • 26: Paddles & Pink Suits Are Not Going To Work
    Nayyera and Jamal dissect Trump’s first address to Congress and share how Democrats should be responding. They dig into the fact that 90 million people didn’t show up to vote in the last election, which makes apathy equal to the major political parties, and how that audience might be lost forever if systems and leaders don’t change. 

    26 min
  • 25: Why Joy Matters
    Nayyera and Jamal chop it up about how journalist Joy Reid challenged people’s assumption and lifted up new voices, how information networks need to adapt for today’s politics, and how the powerful few use tools of democracy for themselves. They also discuss how the military has always been at the forefront of a changing society. They also debate whether “both sides” need oligarchs.

    34 min

About Trailblaze 2028

From the publisher's feed

Trailblaze: The Road to 2028 is your insider’s guide to the next great American political showdown. As both parties begin lining up their runners and riders for the 2028 presidential election, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the candidates, the strategists behind them, and the high-stakes decisions that will shape the race long before the first votes are cast. With sharp insight, behind-the-scenes reporting, and a healthy dose of fun, hosts Jamal Simmons and Matthew Butler explore the personalities, power plays, and pivotal moments that will define the road to the White House—making sense of the politics while never losing sight of the passion.