The Bill Press Pod

In this episode, Bill speaks with Anat Shenker-Osorio, a political strategist and messaging expert, about the state of Democratic messaging ten months into Donald Trump's second term. Shenker-Osorio critiques Democrats' reliance on polling and failure to effectively communicate their message to voters. She contrasts this with effective messaging strategies, citing examples like Zohran Mamdani and the importance of agenda-setting. Shenker-Osorio stresses the need for Democrats to adopt a more proactive and consistent messaging approach, focusing on key issues like affordability and framing the opposition as authoritarian. She also discusses current topics like AI-generated videos and California's Prop 50, emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and resistance to authoritarian tactics. You can follow the great work of Anat Shenker-Osorio on Blue Sky at @anatosaurus.bsky.social. Her podcast, Words to Win By: WordsToWinBy-pod.com Her writings on Substack: substack.com/@anatosaurus Today Bill highlights the work of The American Civil Liberties Union. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Tears Down Whole East Wing. “Privately” Funded Destruction. Trump Demands $230 Million. Johnson Knows Nothing. Shutdown Goes On and On. Does Trump Care? At “War” with Venezuela? No Putin Summit. Trump Poops on America. AI’s Cost to Truth. With Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Media, Allan Smith, Political Reporter for NBC News and Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with Elie Mystal, the Justice Correspondent at The Nation, about the current state of the U.S. Department of Justice, particularly focusing on its role under the Trump administration. The discussion highlights recent indictments of political figures, the Department of Justice's shift towards serving Trump's political agenda, and the questionable legal merit of these indictments. They delve into the Supreme Court’s new session, discussing its selective case acceptance process and the conservative majority’s influence on the court’s docket, including key issues like voting rights, presidential powers, and the overall shift to the right. The conversation also addresses the potential impact on minority rights, particularly LGBT Americans, and criticizes Democrats for not taking a stronger stance on court reform. Mystal underscores the urgency for Democrats to focus on judicial appointments and court expansion to counterbalance the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. Bill referenced Elie’s work for the Nation Magazine. You can read his work here: thenation.com/authors/elie-mystal/ Today Bill urged us to support the ACLU. More information at ACLU.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bolton Indicted. Retribution Continues. Is Adam Schiff Next? Putin Trump Summit-Again. Will Gaza Deal Hold? Shutdown Continues. SCOTUS vs Voting Rights Act. GOP’s Racist “Kids.” No Kings Protest. With Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, S. V. Date, Senior White House Correspondent for HuffPost and Cameron Joseph, Senior Washington Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with congressional scholar Norm Ornstein about the deteriorating state of the United States Congress. They discuss the book Ornstein co-authored 13 years ago, 'It's Even Worse Than It Looks,' focusing on how the Republican party has evolved into an 'insurgent outlier.' Ornstein shares his personal history working in the Senate since 1970, citing a loss of 'institutional patriotism' among Republicans and their complete subordination to Donald Trump. He criticizes current congressional leadership, particularly Mike Johnson, and highlights issues like the Senate’s blind approval of Trump nominees and the failure of effective oversight. Ornstein also addresses the implications of a government shutdown, the misuse of the Justice Department for political retribution, and the need for an effective Democratic response. He ends on a somber note, comparing current political dynamics to the erosion of democratic norms seen in history, suggesting that the road to recovery is uncertain and fraught with challenges. (No kidding.) Norman Ornstein is a political scientist, co-host of the podcast “Words Matter,” and author of books, including “It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism.” Today Bill highlights the work of one of his favorite morning reads, The Bulwark. A great website and media company founded by Never-Trump Republicans which is at the forefront of The Resistance. You can check it out at TheBulwark.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No Trump Nobel. Trump’s Retribution Continues. No Shutdown Talks. Who Gets the Blame? Who Gets the ACA Subsidies? Trump’s Mideast Deal. With Jeff Dufour Editor-chief of The National Journal, John Bennett, White House correspondent for CQ Roll Call and Mia McCarthy, Congressional Reporter for Politico. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UIFCW.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode historian Doug Brinkley discusses the unprecedented ways in which Donald Trump has pushed the boundaries of presidential power. Brinkley compares Trump's actions to historic moments, such as FDR's attempts to pack the Supreme Court and Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, but notes that Trump's use of executive orders and his ability to intimidate fellow Republicans is unparalleled. The episode covers Trump’s potential to weaponize the National Guard for political gains, his circumvention of legal authority, and the broader implications for American democracy. Brinkley expresses optimism for the future but warns of the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI and deep fakes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Government Shuts Down. It’s About Healthcare. Who Leads the Democrats? Blue State Spending Cancelled. AI Meme Wars. Hegseth’s Embarrassment. Trump's Unhinged Speech to the Generals. No Nobel for Trump. With Linda Feldmann, White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for The Christian Science Monitor, Philip Bump, former Columnist for The Washington Post and Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode. Bill interviews Matt Gertz, Senior Fellow at Media Matters for America. They discuss various topics, including the recent media silence around a right-wing hate crime, the Jimmy Kimmel controversy, and the influence of corporate conglomerates on the free press. Gertz details how media giants often prioritize profit over journalism, resulting in increased vulnerability to political pressure. They explore how the Trump administration has attempted to manipulate the media landscape to favor its narrative, exemplified by threats from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Attorney General Pam Bondi's remarks on hate speech. The conversation also touches on Donald Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders and the implications for the First Amendment and press freedom in the United States. Today Bill features the work of the World Central Kitchen run by Jose Andres. As the war goes on in Ukraine the World Central Kitchen is there, taking care of that war-torn country. More information at WCK.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Comey Indicted. The InJustice Department. Tom Homan Took $50,000. Trump at the UN. EscalatorGate. Trump’s Ukraine Flip. Kimmel Beats Trump. Trump Attacks Reporters. Kamala Harris Book Tour. With Jen Bendery, Reporter at Huff Post covering Congress, the White House and political campaigns, Evan McMorris Santoro, Reporter for NOTUS and contributor to the NOTUS Daily Newsletter and Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers’ International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A couple of technical issues prevented us from posting our usual Tuesday podcast. Instead, we are featuring the entire United Nations address by the President of the United States because the mainstream media whitewashes the President's ramble, lies, ignorance and narcissism. If you watch the evening newscasts, you’ll see and hear a few seconds of Trump making a point. But we don’t see and hear the absolute madness of what he says most of the time. We hope you will share this episode with friends and neighbors who do not yet understand what a threat he is to Americans and the world. If you'd rather watch the speech, than listen to it, you can do so here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c_9kY6sz_Uc?si=AQ2B13T6cjpVS9cV or search “Trump UN full speech.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kimmel Cancelled. FCC’s Carr: More to Come. Big Media Keeps Caving. Trump Attacks Reporters. Chilling Effect? AG Bondi vs. Free Speech. Right Wing’s New Cancel Culture. Will There be Accountability? With Sabrina Siddiqui, national politics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Hunter Walker, investigative reporter for Talking Points Memo and Geoff Earle long time Washington correspondent for the Daily Mail and New York Post. Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. You can buy the new book by the President of the AFT, Randi Weingarten, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), about the significant challenges facing education in the United States. They discuss the federal government's role in leveling the playing field for students, the importance of maintaining a Federal Department of Education, and the dangers of current political attacks on schools and teachers. Weingarten also talks about the impacts of school shootings and the lack of effective measures to keep schools safe. Furthermore, they delve into her new book 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers,' highlighting how autocratic regimes throughout history suppress education to stifle critical thinking and maintain control. The conversation underscores the urgent need for supporting public education and safeguarding democracy. You can get your copy of Why Fascists Fear Teachers here: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kirk Assassination. Pols are Fearful. Blame it on the Left. What About Guns? Epstein Birthday Book. The “Signature.” Government Shutdown? Dems Have No Plan. Who Gets the Blame for Shutdown? Which City Next Gets Troops. With Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief at CQ-Roll Call and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at HuffPost. Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworker’ Union. More information at Ironworkers.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former professor, discusses the mental and cognitive decline of former President Donald Trump. Dr. Gartner emphasizes that Trump's deteriorating condition, which includes signs of dementia, malignant narcissism, and potential bipolar spectrum disorder, was evident even before his presidency and has worsened over time. The conversation highlights Trump's frequent, erratic social media usage, his memory lapses, and his increasingly incoherent speech as symptoms that support this diagnosis. Dr. Gartner also expresses concern over the normalization of Trump's abnormal behavior by the media and political allies. The episode explores the potential dangers of Trump's unpredictability, especially regarding impulsive decisions that could have grave consequences. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of mental health evaluations for presidential candidates and the systemic failures that prevent the invocation of the 25th Amendment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Very Bad Jobs Report. Department of War. Attack on “Drug” Boat. RFK, Jr., Slammed. Epstein Survivors Speak. Files Release Stalled. Troops in DC. Troops To Chicago? Pritzker Fights Back. Will SCOTUS Stop Trump? With Jeff Dufour, Editor in chief at National Journal, Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News and Arthur Delaney, Senior Politics Reporter covering Congress and the economy for Huff Post. Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill talks with Elizabeth Kolbert, a leading environmental journalist from The New Yorker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, about the significant rollbacks in environmental regulations under Donald Trump's administration. They discuss how Trump's policies have reversed progress made in combating climate change and hindered the growth of green energy projects like offshore wind, leading to job losses and environmental degradation. Kolbert elaborates on the global and long-term impacts of such policies and the urgency of addressing climate change. The conversation also touches on international perspectives and America's credibility on the world stage in combatting climate change. Today Bill highlights the work of The League of Conservation Voters. More at information at LCV.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Swift-Kelce Engaged. Federal Reserve Firing. CDC Firing. CDC Resignations. Trump’s Claim to Absolute Power. Weaponization of the DOJ. 3+ Hour Cabinet Meeting. Nobel Peace Prize. Troops to Chicago? Gov. Pritzker Fires Back. With Sarah Wire, Senior National Political Correspondent for USA TODAY, John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ-Roll Call and former Washington Post Columnist, Philip Bump. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill speaks with David Cole, the George Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University and Legal Affairs Correspondent for The Nation Magazine. They discuss the weaponization of the Justice Department under Donald Trump's administration, highlighting recent actions taken against Trump's critics like John Bolton. Cole elaborates on how these actions represent a misuse of power and undermine the rule of law. Cole also talks about the broader implications for civil society, mentioning how Trump has leveraged federal funding to coerce universities, law firms, and media organizations into compliance. They explore the lack of checks and balances from both Congress and the Supreme Court, and Cole provides insight into how civil society and legal organizations can push back against these abuses of power. Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Where our guest used to be the Legal Director for many years. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FBI Raids John Bolton. Ukraine Summit. But No Ukraine Progress. Troops in DC. Gerrymander Fight. Epstein Not Going Away. Smithsonian/Slavery. With Katherine Doyle, White House Reporter for NBC News, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and Kirk Bado, Editor, The National Journal Hotline. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.