Jen Rubin's Green Room

Jen and Katie Paris discuss the importance of community and empowerment among women, particularly through the organization Red Wine and Blue. Katie shares her journey in founding the organization, which aims to connect and support women in their local communities, especially in the face of political challenges and social issues. They emphasize the need for local action, the significance of joy in activism, and the importance of mutual aid during crises. The conversation highlights the diverse backgrounds of women involved in Red Wine and Blue and invites listeners to engage with the community. HelloFresh: Get up to 10 free meals and a free high-protein item for life at hellofresh.com/greenroom10fm

Jen Rubin answers listener questions and addresses various pressing political questions as the new year begins. She discusses the implications of international leaders flattering Trump, the status of his cabinet nominations, and the potential dangers posed by certain nominees. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's controversial involvement in European politics, the complexities of immigration policy, and the challenges Trump faces with his legal cases. Additionally, Jen emphasizes the need for Democrats to adapt their messaging strategies in a media landscape that often favors Republicans, and she critiques Attorney General Garland's handling of the Smith report. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Acorns: Start saving and investing for your future today! Head to acorns.com/greenroom or download the Acorns app to take charge of your financial goals. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Jen is joined this week by Eric Liu, they discuss the pain and disillusionment many feel towards politics and how Citizen University aims to empower individuals to take active roles in their communities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local power dynamics, fostering civic character, and creating spaces for connection through programs like Civic Saturdays. Liu also reflects on the significance of immigrant stories and the upcoming 250th anniversary of America as opportunities for civic engagement and reflection. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Jen and George discuss the recent libel case involving Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll, examining the implications of the verdict and public perceptions of Trump. They explore the complexities of legal definitions of rape, the challenges of defamation cases, and the broader impact of Trump's policies on American society. The conversation reflects on how political figures manipulated Trump, the potential for corruption in the current political landscape, and the media's role in shaping public discourse. They also address the pervasive corruption and self-interest in politics during the Trump era, highlighting shifting Republican values, the role of anger in political identity, and the importance of truth in issues like birthright citizenship. Finally, they emphasize the need for Democrats to engage voters effectively, prepare for future political challenges, and confront the misogyny that influenced recent elections.

This week Jen is joined by Jim Kessler from Third Way They discuss the current state of the Democratic Party, focusing on Biden's ideological journey, the importance of effective messaging, and the role of local leaders in engaging voters. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to listen to constituents, balance positive and negative messaging, and address pressing issues like education and immigration. Jim also highlights the disparities between red and blue states and the importance of communication in shaping public perception. He concludes with thoughts on the future of the Democratic Party and the need for a more proactive approach to governance.

Jen and Renato Mariotti discuss the implications of political interference in law enforcement, particularly focusing on the FBI and the Justice Department under a second Trump administration. They explore the erosion of trust in federal law enforcement, the challenges to judicial independence, and the potential consequences of targeting political opponents. The discussion also touches on the role of state governments in resisting federal overreach and the responsibilities of criminal defense lawyers in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Jen is joined this week by Mimi Rocah who analyzes the recent legal landscape, focusing on Jack Smith's federal case dismissals and their broader implications. The conversation examines the complex interplay between politics and justice, highlighting the challenges facing the Department of Justice and the critical importance of maintaining democratic norms. Rocah emphasizes the potential for civil accountability and the pivotal role of ordinary citizens in upholding the rule of law, while expressing cautious optimism about future legal and political engagement.

In a poignant discussion, Jen is joined by Dara Horn and explore her book 'People Love Dead Jews', examining how society fetishizes Jewish memorial narratives while marginalizing living Jewish experiences. She critiques the prevalent anti-Semitism in Western culture, highlighting how Holocaust education often serves as a superficial morality tale that fails to recognize Jewish agency and complexity. Horn discusses the troubling trend of erasing contemporary Jewish identities, arguing that societal perceptions frequently oscillate between romanticizing Jewish victimhood and harboring underlying assumptions of Jewish malevolence. The conversation delves into the nuanced challenges of understanding anti-Semitism, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive historical context and genuine cultural understanding.

White Christian nationalism's influence on US elections reflects complex intersections of religion, race, and politics. Robert P. Jones examines how faith communities, particularly white evangelicals, show strong support for Trump while highlighting concerning trends in political polarization and extremist rhetoric. The discussion emphasizes the importance of local engagement and understanding in addressing these challenges to democracy. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom HelloFresh: Get 10 free meals applied across 7 boxes as a new subscriber when you go to hellofresh.com/freegreenroom

Jen Rubin discusses the implications of recent election results, emphasizing the need to understand voter sentiment and the role of misogyny in American politics. She outlines strategic responses for Democrats, focusing on accountability and the importance of local governance. Rubin expresses hope for the future while acknowledging the challenges ahead, urging listeners to remain engaged and proactive in the political landscape.

Jen Rubin discusses the optimism surrounding Election Day, highlighting the enthusiasm for Kamala Harris and the trends in early voting. She emphasizes the importance of key states like North Carolina and Georgia, and prepares listeners for Trump's expected declaration of victory, urging them to remain calm and patient as the votes are counted. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

David Brock discusses his book on the Supreme Court, focusing on the influence of Clarence Thomas and the ethical issues surrounding the court. He analyzes the power dynamics within the court, particularly the leadership of Chief Justice Roberts, and the implications for the Democratic Party's strategies moving forward. The discussion also touches on the media's role in shaping public perception, especially regarding Trump and right-wing media outlets, and concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of Democratic responses to political challenges. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Jen, Susanne and Russ delve into the financial history and business practices of Donald Trump, exploring his early wealth, the impact of his family's finances, his business failures, and the eventual rise to fame through reality television. The discussion highlights the complexities of Trump's financial dealings, his reputation for stiffing contractors, and the role of media in shaping his public persona. Get the Book: Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Jen Rubin is joined this week by Matthew Seligman to discuss the ongoing legal implications of the January 6th events, focusing on the litigation surrounding Trump's actions and the broader implications for the upcoming 2024 election. They explore the strategies employed by Republicans to influence voting laws and the narrative around illegal voting, emphasizing the importance of voter confidence and the integrity of the electoral process. HelloFresh: Get 10 free meals applied across 7 boxes as a new subscriber when you go to hellofresh.com/freegreenroom Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Jen addresses a series of questions from listeners regarding the upcoming elections, focusing on misinformation, voter outreach strategies, key down-ballot races, and the priorities for Kamala Harris if elected. Also touching on the shifting dynamics among young male voters, the impact of media pessimism, and the current global opinion on Israel amidst conflict. Jen emphasizes the importance of contributing to democratic efforts and highlights positive trends in the political landscape. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom

Timothy Snyder discusses his new book that explores the concept of freedom from a philosophical and political perspective. He contrasts negative freedom, often understood as freedom from constraints, with positive freedom, which emphasizes the importance of community, solidarity, and the conditions necessary for individuals to thrive. Snyder argues that true freedom requires a supportive environment and institutions that foster individual growth. He critiques the American understanding of freedom as overly individualistic and highlights the need for factuality and truth in political discourse. The conversation also delves into the dangers of viewing freedom as inevitable and the importance of imagination in envisioning a freer society. Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code GREENROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/greenroom Zbiotics: Get back into action after a night out with 15% off your first order of Zbiotics when you go to zbiotics.com/greenroom and use code: GREENROOM

Jen Rubin and Ian Bassin discuss the current state of democracy in the U.S., focusing on the upcoming election, the myth of illegal voting, the integrity of the electoral process, and the role of the Supreme Court. He emphasizes the need for reforms to strengthen democracy, including addressing the filibuster and exploring innovative voting systems. Bassin also highlights the importance of community and collective action in overcoming the challenges facing democracy today.

Simon Rosenberg discusses the evolving political landscape as the election approaches, focusing on polling trends, candidate favorability, and the impact of key figures like JD Vance. He highlights the significance of abortion as a political issue and the changing dynamics in the House and Senate races. The discussion also touches on the shifting perceptions of patriotism and the Democratic Party's identity, as well as strategic decisions in battleground states.

Jen Rubin is joined by Robert P. Jones to discuss his book 'The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy' and the updated observations in the paperback version. He explores the connection between Trump and his base supporters, highlighting the role of Christian nationalism in their support. Jones explains that white Christian nationalists want to restore their dominance in society and view Trump as a means to achieve that. He also discusses the struggle between a pluralistic democracy and a vision of America as a Christian nation. Jones shares insights from his survey on authoritarianism, Christian nationalism, and the Republican Party, emphasizing the need for resistance and persuasion to uphold democratic values.

Jen Rubin and Dr. John Gartner discuss the increased focus on Donald Trump's mental health, particularly through Dr. Gartner's work with George Conway and the "Shrinking Trump" podcast. They explore how Biden's exit from the race has highlighted Trump's mental state, and how Conway's ads provoke Trump's irrational behavior. Jen and Dr. Gartner also examines Kamala Harris' strategy to undermine Trump, Coach Walz's appeal to Midwestern voters, and how fact-checking Trump's lies can be effective. Additionally, they discuss the potential societal shift post-Trump and the anticipation around a possible Harris-Trump debate.