We've Got Issues

We kick off this week's show with a rundown, incomplete but depressing, of what we know so far about how Trump and his inner circle have profited from the presidency.  

 

Then we're joined by two Democratic candidates vying to run against Rep. John Faso (R-NY) in one of the hottest swing districts this cycle, New York's 19th. This is the district that got a lot of attention in 2016, when Zephyr Teachout challenged Faso. It could decide the balance of power in the House this fall.

 

First, we speak with Brian Flynn, a businessman who combines progressive politics with a willingness to fight. You can find out more about his platform by visiting https://www.brianflynn.us/.

 

Then we're joined by Antonio Delgado, an attorney and a naturally gifted speaker who is the only Democratic candidate to have raised more cash than Faso. Learn more about him at https://www.delgadoforcongress.com/.

 

And we'll be featuring more of the candidates in NY 19 in subsequent shows!

 

Playlist: Bob Dorough: "I'm Just a Bill"De La Soul: "Transmitting Live From Mars"

We kick off this week's show with Salon columnist Amanda Marcotte. Amanda tells us all about her new book, Troll Nation: How The Right Became Trump-Worshipping Monsters Set On Rat-F*cking Liberals, America, and Truth Itself.

 

Then we're joined by Robyn Pennachia, who has the unfortunate task of covering the bizarre misgonyistic murder cult known as "incels" for Wonkette. Robyn helps us answer a key question: Just what the Hell is wrong with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and other commenters who take these sick freaks' twisted grievances seriously?

 

Finally, we speak with former Reagan official and conservative apostate Bruce Bartlett about how Donald Trump capitalized on the surprisingly widespread view that white people are the victims of discrimination in the US. 

 

Playlist:Pixies: "Debaser"Walter Murphy: "5th of Beethoven"Eek-a-Mouse: "Atlantis Lover"Benny Goodman Orchestra: "Old Man River"

The spike in hate crimes and everyday harrassment of people of color since Trump announced his candidacy has been referred to as "The Trump Effect." Thus far, it's largely been based on anecdotal evidence. But that's no longer the case. This week, we speak with Brian Schaffner, a political scientist at Umass Amherst, about his new study which lends empirical support to the claim. 

 

Then we're joined by Heather "Digby" Parton to talk about Kevin Williamson's incessant whining about censorship, a ludicrous Congressional hearing on Diamond and Silk and a conspiracy theory about Facebook suppressing conservative voices and the right's embrace of a powerful victimhood narrative. 

 

Playlist:Superorganism: "Everybody Wants to Be Famous"General Trees: "Raggamuffin"

This week, we're joined by David Faris, a political scientist at Roosevelt University who authored a new book titled, It’s Time to Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics. Faris argues that Republicans have exploited every institutional power to create an anti-democratic partisan electoral advantage, and Democrats need to fight fire with fire if they want to move the country forward.  

 

Then we speak with Evan Weber, co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, about the "Sunrise Semester" program -- his organization's plan to train dozens of young climate activists across the country to take time off to help save our planet. 

 

Finally, we go back to the archives for an interview with Jeffrey Swanson, a professor of psychiatry at Duke University, about a fascinating and troubling study he conducted which found that a significant number of gun owners also have anger and impulse control issues. 

 

Playlist:Cream: "SWLABR"Rolling Stones: "She Smiled Sweetly"Patsy Cline: "Back in Baby's Arms"