Best of the Left Podcast

Put a description of your podcast here.

The Podcasts

Air Date: 8/31/2018

Today we take a look at some of the tactics and ramifications of Trump's all-out war with journalism which is his strategy to undermine the most potent force capable of opposing an administration of lies and propaganda

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: BetterHelpAmazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Trump's War on Journalism - Newsbeat - Air Date 3-1-18

Obama had his "War on Whistleblowers." Trump unflinchingly attacks the media. There have also been arrests of reporters. How "free" is the free press?

Ch. 2: Trump really does want to put journalists in prison - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-30-18

Memos written by former FBI Director James Comey after private meetings with President Donald Trump indicate Trump seemed obsessed with arresting and imprisoning journalists.

Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE (Primaries) - Support Progressives in New Hampshire on 9.11 and Rhode Island on 9.12 - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 4: Is Trump's chaos beating the media? - Trumpcast - Air Date 4-26-18

Jacob Weisberg is joined by the media critic, Jay Rosen, to talk about why he thinks Trump is winning and the press is losing.

Ch. 5: For the Sake of The People In This Room - On the Media - Air Date 8-3-18

CNN reporter Jim Acosta was verbally attacked by a crowd of Trump supporters at a Tampa rally. Brooke speaks with Greg Sargent, opinion writer at The Washington Post, about how and why the president incites his base toward anger and disbelief.

Ch. 6: Is Donald Trump Systematically Destroying Faith in The Media - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 8-1-18

The First requirement of every despot is to destroy people's faith in the free press.

Ch. 7: Trump Admin Launches Major Attack on Freedom of the Press - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 7-23-18

The Trump administration launches a concerted large-scale attack on the media with the goal of labelling it the enemy of the American people.

Ch. 8: Blood on the newsroom floor will be blood on the president's hands - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-6-18

More and more mainstream corporate media folks are receiving death threats as well, leading one NYT columnist to warn, “we are approaching a day when blood on the newsroom floor will be blood on the President’s hands."

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Explaining extra costs of private health insurance - Dave from Olympia, WA

 

Ch. 10: Final comments

 

THE MIDTERMS MINUTE:

*Reminder! Massachusetts on 9/4 & Delaware on 9/6*

Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution

PHONE BANK with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer”  & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer & Voter Circle

Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org

For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser.

15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge)

SEPT. 11TH - NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH Voter Info from Rock the Vote

List of NH Election Offices

1st district: Mindi Messemer 

Governor: Molly Kellyvs. Steve Marchand (Further Reading: NHPR| Concord Monitor)

SEPT. 12TH - RHODE ISLAND

RI Voter Info from Rock the Vote

Governor: Matt Brown 

Lt. Governor: Aaron Regunberg 

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1206_Trump_Media_Air_Date_8-31-18_-_8-30-18_23.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Air Date: 8/28/2018

Today we take a look at just some of the many ways the Trump administration is systematically attacking the environment and our health to pave the way for increased profits for the business interests who have the administration's ear

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: CleanChoice Energy | Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Profit Over Grizzlies: Trump Admin Tries to Gut Endangered Species Act for Oil & Mining Interests - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-25-18

The Trump administration has announced plans to gut the Endangered Species Act, ordering federal agencies to consider economic impacts before listing animals to be protected under the law.

Ch. 2: Record heats and record fires - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 8-14-18

The Trump administration is using extreme fires and an excuse to unnecessarily weaken endangered species protections.

Ch. 3: Trump EPA Allowing ASBESTOS Back into Manufacturing - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 8-11-18

The Trump EPA is building a framework to allow new uses of the toxic carcinogen asbestos.

Ch. 4: Rewriting the rules to harm more Americans - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 6-12-18

The Trump EPA wants to undo pollution standards by systematically downplaying health benefits to people of avoiding pollution.

Ch. 5: Sec. Ryan Zinke's Monumental Screw-Up - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-3-18

Aaron Weiss of the Center for Western Priorities explains the "monumental screw up" when the U.S. Department of Interior accidentally released un-redacted documents exposing how agency officials rejected data on the benefits of public lands.

Ch. 6: How Trump's rules on coal-fired power plants differ from Obama's - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-21-18

The Trump administration unveiled its plan to reverse President Obama's coal pollution rules. The new EPA proposal, called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, would give states leeway on whether to limit emissions and allow older power plants to operate.

Ch. 7: Fighting for the environment now means fighting against the EPA - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 8-23-18

Trump administration plans to roll back Obama's clean energy plan and vehicle mileage and emissions standards while acknowledging that both moves will cause more deaths.

Ch. 8: Rise for Climate - A Global Day of Action on September 8th via @350 - Best of the Left Activism

TAKE ACTION! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 9: Writer Victor Wallis presents a socialist framework for ecological revolution. - @thisishellradio - Air Date 7-30-18

Writer Victor Wallis presents a socialist framework for ecological revolution. Victor is author of "Red-Green Revolution: The Politics and Technology of Ecosocialism" from Political Animal Press.

Ch. 10: Final comments

 

TAKE ACTION

Find a Rise for Climate Event at RiseForClimate.org

Check out 350 Action candidate endorsements

Check out 14 climate sceptics in battleground districts

FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING

Why I Rise(350.org)

A Destroyed Planet is Not Our Destiny(350.org)

Saving Earth: Don't Fall Into Climate Change Fatalism(Huffington Post)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1205_Environment_Air_Date_8-28-18_-_8-27-18_18.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Air Date: 8/24/2018

Today we take a look at some of the historical context for the dynamics of international trade, some progressive ideas about managing the domestic results of trade, the economics and politics of tariffs and the dangers of trade wars.

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Bolt - Online Security as a ServiceAmazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Explaining the economics and politics of tariffs - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date 6-17-18

Prof. Richard Wolff gives an overview explaining what tariffs are, how they work and why they're put in place.

Ch. 2: Michael Hudson on just a few of the things President Trump doesn't know about trade - Left Out - Air Date 4-8-18

Michael Hudson discusses the so-called "trade war" developing between the U.S. and China.

Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE (Primaries)- Support Progressives in Massachusetts on 9.4 and Delaware on 9.6 - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 4: Explaining some of the historical context and possible future of trade with China - The Inquiry - Air Date 6-27-18

The Inquiry looks at the forces driving the trade conflict between the US and China including some important historical context.

Ch. 5: Dani Rodrik the need for broad-based social programs to accompany international trade - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 7-19-18

Dani Rodrik on how globalization predictably deepens societal divisions, exacerbates distributional problems and undermines domestic social bargains which is why having robust social safety nets is critical in an age of global winners and losers.

Ch. 6: Prof. Richard Wolff on Whether Trump's Reckless Tariffs Could Start a War - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 03-27-18

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the impact of Donald Trump's reckless trade policies on the Thom Hartmann Program. Could they lead to a war?

Ch. 7: Jason Hickel on power, poverty and the long divide between Global North and South - @thisishellradio - Air Date 6-2-18

Jason Hickel examines the creation of mass poverty in the Global South from exploitation built into global trade and aid policies to the echoes of colonialism in structural adjustment programs of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Is V looking for a dogma rather than philosophy? - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 9: Drowning in capitalism - Dave from Olympia, WA

 

Ch. 10: Final comments on the need to fund independent media directly

 

THE MIDTERMS MINUTE:

Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution

PHONE BANK with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer”  & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer & Voter Circle

Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org

For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser.

15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge)

SEPT. 4TH

MASSACHUSETTS (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - August 15th/ General - October 17th)

3rd District: Juana Matias

7th District: Ayanna Pressley (Further reading)

Governor: Bob Massie (Voter Circle) (Further reading)

SEPT. 6TH

DELAWARE (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - August 11th / General - October 13th)

Senate: Kerri Evelyn Harris (Further reading)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1204_Trade_War_Air_Date_8-24-18_-_8-24-18_18.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Air Date: 8/21/2018

Today we take a look at some of the reasons behind the rise of right-wing movements around the world but also at some of the various shapes they're taking, strategies they're following and emerging trends that may lend them additional momentum in the future

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp| Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Madeleine Albright’s Warning Of Global Fascism - The Diane Rehm Show - Air Date 4-24-18

Madeleine Albright discusses the rise of right-wing authoritarianism around the world and the demagogic nature of Trump.

Ch. 2: Elif Shafak on the fragility of democracy - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 3-2-18

Turkish writer Elif Shafak warns of the fragility of democracy, the strategies of populist demagogues and the importance of not belittling those who are fearful but not allowing ourselves to be guided by fear either.

Ch. 3: Eliane Glaser on the misguided reaction to a rejection of politics - This is Hell - Air Date 5-8-18

Eliane Glaser breaks down Brexit and the uprising of anti-politics against technocratic policies of the elite.

Ch. 4: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE (Primaries) -Support Progressives in Arizona and Florida on 8.28 - Best of the Left Activism

Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 5: Katha Pollitt: Is Trumpism fascism? - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 8-1-18

Katha Pollitt on Trump's attacks on democracy which have a lot in common with authoritarian around the world. Austerity, pushed by right-wing parties, creates the economic anxiety that fuels racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Ch. 6: Branko Milanovic on the economic realities that lead to angry populism - The Good Fight - Air Date 12-16-17

Yascha Mounk and Branko Milanovic discuss why economic causes of populism are often expressed in cultural ways.

Ch. 7: Dr. Lukasz Pawlowski on Liberal vs Illiberal Democracy - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 4-10-18

Dr. Lukasz Pawlowski explains that a country being a democracy only tells you how people gain power, it doesn't tell you how that power is used. A critical difference between liberal and illiberal democracy.

Ch. 8: Yuval Noah Harari: Why fascism is so tempting and how your data could power it - @TEDTalks - Air Date 6-8-18

Author and historian Yuval Noah Harari explains the important difference between fascism and nationalism -- and what the consolidation of our data means for the future of democracy.

Ch. 9: Final comments on the barriers to a united front against fascism in America

 

THE MIDTERMS MINUTE:

Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution

Phone bank with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer”  & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer

Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org

For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser.

15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge)

AUGUST 28TH

Arizona (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - July 30th / General - Oct 9)

EARLY VOTING: Aug 1st-28th

U.S. Senate: Deedra Abboud 

U.S. House 2nd District: Mary Matiella 

U.S. House 3rd District: Raul Grijalva (incumbent; will likely win primary) 

Governor: David Garcia

Florida (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - July 30th / General - Oct 9) 

EARLY VOTING: Aug 18th-25th

U.S. House 7th District: Chardo Richardson

U.S. House 8th District: Sanjay Patel 

U.S. House 18th District: Pam Keith

U.S. House 26th District: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell 

U.S. House 27th District: Michael Hepburn

Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson (incumbent; uncontested in primary; running against Rick Scott in Nov)

Governor: Andrew Gillum

Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC: 

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1203_International_Right-Wing_Air_Date_8-21-18_-_8-21-18_21.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Air Date: 8/17/2018

Today we take a look at the threats to reproductive justice everywhere, from the newest Supreme Court nominee to the entire long and storied history of the structures of power clamoring to control the bodies of women with a particular focus on the destinies of communities of color

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors:CasperAmazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Mark Joseph Stern on how conservatives plan to hollow out Roe v Wade - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-10-18

Mark Joseph Stern explains exactly how conservatives plan to hollow out Roe v Wade without overturning it outright to effectively bam abortion while buffering the political backlash.

Ch. 2: Kinsey Hasstedt on the new rules looking to further control women's access to health care - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-26-18

Kinsey Hasstedt on the Trump administration's announcement of rules further controlling the reproductive health care that women reliant on federally funded family planning programs can receive.

Ch. 3: Dr. Willie Parker on the crossroads of faith and reproductive justice. - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-15-18

What if faith could fuel a movement that supports women and families in having real choices over their lives and their bodies? Dr. Willie Parker on the crossroads of faith and reproductive justice.

Ch. 4: Loretta Ross on Race and Reproductive Justice - @speakouttimwise - Air Date 2-13-18

Tim speaks with Loretta Ross, one of the nation’s leading scholars and activists in the movement for reproductive justice. She was the co-founder and National Coordinator of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective from 2005-2012.

Ch. 5: Toni Bond Leonard on the origins of the movement for reproductive justice - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-15-18

Toni Bond Leonard explaining the crossroads of faith and reproductive justice.

Ch. 6: Examining some of the specific reproduction issues that affect communities of color - In the Thick - Air Date 7-10-18

Maria and Julio talk to Tannia Esparza, executive director of the organization Young Women United, and Regina Mahone, VP/managing editor of Rewire.News about the impact of reproductive rights restrictions on women of color.

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: The passing of Ed Shultz - Jeff from Charlotte, NC

Ch. 8: Explaining the difference between liberalism and progressivism - Craig from Ohio

Ch. 9: The problem with the intentionally faulty framing of political issues - Daniel from Washington

 

Ch. 10: Final comments on why we missed an episode, announcing that we’re on Instagram and appreciating the term “oppression canary”

 

REMINDER: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY CANDIDATES!

Important primaries are happening in August! Learn about the races, voter registration dates, how to help progressive candidates, and more at the links below...

*AUGUST 21ST* (Alaska & Wyoming Spotlights)

Alaska (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: July 22nd / General: Oct. 7th)

Early voting happening now! Find locations 

Governor - Mark Begich and Dana Call

U.S. House At Large - Dimitri Shein (Dem) vs. Alyse Galvin (Ind)

Wyoming (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: Aug. 6th or day-of in-person / General: Oct. 22nd)

Governor (Dem Primary) - Mary Throne  vs. Ken Casper vs. Rex Wilde

U.S. House At Large - Greg Hunter vs. Travis Helm

Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate - Gary Trauner (uncontested in primary)

*AUGUST 28TH* (Check next episode for Arizona & Florida spotlights)

Arizona

U.S. Senate: Deedra Abboud 

U.S. House 2nd District: Mary Matiella 

U.S. House 3rd District: Raul Grijalva (incumbent) 

Florida

U.S. House 7th District: Chardo Richardson 

U.S. House 8th District: Sanjay Patel 

U.S. House 18th District: Pam Keith

U.S. House 26th District: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell 

U.S. House 27th District: Michael Hepburn

Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson (incumbent; uncontested in primary; running against Rick Scott in Nov)

(For future primary & general election spotlights, listen for future segments of "The Midterms Minute.")

TAKE ACTION: 

Phone Bank for Brand New Congress

Phone Bank for Justice Democrats

Phone Bank with Swing Left

Voter Contact Resources & Tips from Indivisible

Easily keep up with races & donate to candidates with DownTicket.com

Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1202_Reproductive_Justice_Air_Date_8-16-18_-_8-17-18_14.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date: 8/10/2018

Today we take a look at some of the historical context that sheds light on our current immigration debate by showing that there is essentially nothing new about it, only the details are fresh. We'll also explore the evolution of criminalizing immigration, the abuse of separated children and the GOP need to build a demographic control machine.

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

Episode Sponsors: Clean Choice Energy | BoltAmazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Aviva Chomsky on the historical context of immigration in America - Who What Why - Air Date 6-21-18

Aviva Chomsky, a professor at Salem State University in Massachusetts, places the current debate about immigration in America in a broader historical context.

Ch. 2: The criminalization of immigration - Latino Rebels - Air Date 7-8-18

Marisa Franco of Mijente on the criminalization of immigration.

Ch. 3: The history of using dehumanizing language to stoke fear and hatred of outsiders - Code Switch - Air Date 6-26-18

Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise but, in many ways, this is history repeating itself. And the history of using dehumanizing language against outside groups goes back a very long way.

Ch. 4: A Neuroscientist's Warning of Family Separation - In the Thick - Air Date 7-13-18

Dr. Gina Poe on understanding the science behind family separation and the neurological long-term impact of trauma.

Ch. 5: Looking at who is allowed to frame the immigration debate - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-20-18

Janine Jackson takes a quick look at what sources the press had been highlighting to inform the public about immigration detention.

Ch. 6: Immigration & the Meaning of America From the Muslim Ban to Family Separation & the Rhetoric of Hatred - @speakouttimwise ‏ - Air Date 6-27-18

Tim Wise's commentary on how the rhetoric of hatred is being used increase our tolerance for cruelty.

Ch. 7: Robert L. Tsai on the right's anti-immigrant, demographic control machine - @thisishellradio - Air Date 6-30-18

Law professor Robert L. Tsai examines the right's anti-immigrant, demographic control machine. Robert wrote the Boston Review article "Trumpism Before Trump" with Calvin TerBeek.

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Thoughts on 3D printers and guns - Tim from Spokane, WA

Ch. 9: Egalitarian, Communitarian, Utilitarian - Craig from Ohio

Ch. 10: A criticism, a compliment and a correction - Jeff from New York

 

Ch. 11: Final comments on the debated definition of Democratic Socialism

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1201_Immigration_Air_Date_8-10-18_-_8-10-18_20.54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Air Date: 8/07/2018

Today we take a look at a few of the reasons the Democrats went from controlling both houses of Congress and the presidency 10 years ago to being completely out of power today and then lay out a series of steps the left can take to return to power

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors:  Better Help  |  Amazon USA  | Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK 

Support Best of the Left on Patreon!

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Thomas Frank explains how the Democrats lost so much in such a short time - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 7-5-18

Just eight years ago Democrats held not only the presidency but both houses of Congress. How did they lose so much in such a short time? Thomas Frank explains the disaster, and how, for millions of people, the recession of 2008 has never ended. 

Ch. 2: The Democratic Autopsy Report (w:Jeff Cohen) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 06-25-18

Progressive organizations got to together to analyze how the Trump was able to beat Hillary Clinton in 2016 to make sure it never happens again!

Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE (Primaries) - Support Progressives in Alaska and Wyoming on 8.21 - Best of the Left Activism

Ed Ayers speaks to Smithsonian political curator Jon Grinspan about how young people went from fierce partisans to independent voters by the end of the 19th century.

Ch. 4: Youth declaring their independence - Backstory - Air Date: 04-13-18

Sean McElwee, co-founder of Abolish ICE and one of many players involved in the recent flurry of progressive activity explains the strategy to move the Overton Window to the left.

Ch. 5: How Fringe Ideas Become Policy - On the Media - Air Date 6-21-18

Even though the New Deal Style policies of Bernie Sanders are derailed by the corporate media, Republicans and the Morbidly Rich, these so-called "radical far left policies" are actually favored by the majority of Americans.

Ch. 6: The Radical Left Wing Policies Most Americans Want Right Now - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-08-18

Writer Eliane Glaser calls for the left to return to politics and reclaim the power of ideology, authority and the state - as a way to unify a working class splintered into identity groups in the absence of mainstream organizing.

Ch. 7: Eliane Glaser on why the left must return to politics and power - This is Hell - Air Date 5-8-18

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Progressivism = Scientific Method + Common Decency - Tom from Toronto

Ch. 9: Understanding neuro-political elasticity - Dee Dee from Philly

Ch. 10: Progressivism takes the need for working together into account - Nick from California

Ch. 11: Fighting capitalism while falling prey to it - Angela from Sacramento, CA

 

Ch. 12: Final comments on progressivism, borders, collectivism and capitalism

 

THE MIDTERMS MINUTE:

Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution

Phone bank with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer”  & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer

Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org

For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.comon your mobile browser.

15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge)

August 21st Primaries:

ALASKA(Reg. Deadlines: Primary: July 22nd / General: Oct. 7th)

Early voting happening now! Find locations 

Governor - Mark Begich and Dana Call

U.S. House At Large - Dimitri Shein(Dem) vs. Alyse Galvin(Ind)

WYOMING(Reg. Deadlines: Primary: Aug. 6th or day-of in-person / General: Oct. 22nd)

Governor: Mary Throne  vs. Ken Casper vs. Rex Wilde

U.S. House At Large - Greg Hunter vs. Travis Helm

Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate - Gary Trauner (uncontested in primary)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC:

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1200_Democrats.Progressives_Air_Date_8-7-18_-_8-7-18_16.01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Air Date: 8/15/2017

Today we look at the origins, underpinnings and effects of neoliberal economic thinking and policies. #1, it has nothing to do with who Americans think of as “liberals”. #2, both major US political parties are on board with it to varying degrees. #3, it’s pretty much what everyone in the world is pissed off about without necessarily knowing that there’s a name for it

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Donate or become a Member to support the show! 

Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft 

Show Notes

Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill

Ch. 2: Act 1: Neoliberalism is focusing on the wrong aspects of the economy and society - Upstream - Air Date 8-29-16

Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A


Ch. 4: Act 2: Noam Chomsky on the remaking of the economy - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 5-20-17

Ch. 5: Song 2:  inequality - Mark Shine


Ch. 6: Act 3: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 1 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17

Ch. 7: Song 3:  Class Warfare - Chris Priest


Ch. 8: Act 4: Wall Street thieves find “New Way” to steal from us - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 8-11-17

Ch. 9: Song 4:  Robber Barons - Battlefield Band


Ch. 10: Act 5: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 2 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17

Ch. 11: Song 5:  Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids


Ch. 12: Act 6: Expand Your Economic Knowledge with The CORE Project - Best of the Left Activism

Ch. 13: Song 6:  Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard


Ch. 14: Act 7: The Outdated Origins of Neo-Liberalism.  It's Time to Move On (w:Guest Kate Raworth) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 05-04-17


Voicemails

Ch. 15: Explaining the original argument for lowering taxes - Patrick from Dallas, TX

Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics


Ch. 16: Final comments announcing the Best of the Left Social Network

Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone


Activism:

TAKE ACTION!

Expand your economic knowledge for free with The CORE Project

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Making economics exciting (Bloomberg)

Does economics still work? (BBC World Service)

Has the way universities teach economics changed enough? (The Guardian)

Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman


Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1126_Neoliberalism_Air_Date_8-15-17_Ad_Free_-_8-3-18_21.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT