Schmolitics

See our voter guide @schmoliticsshow and @itsdangordon

How do we talk about a thing where we really disagree? Host Dan Gordon (@itsdangordon) and guest Adam Epstein (Twitter: @adamepsteinprod / Instagram: @akepstein) dig into their different views on fixing our broken healthcare system. Adam Epstein is the liberal pundit on Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network. Read Adam's essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Credits where credits are due: Produced by Dan Gordon (@itsdangordon). Edited by Brett Epstein. Original theme music by Carlos Foglia. @schmoliticsshow Thank you for listening and subscribing. And a special thank you to all of our Schmoliticians on Patreon! How to support Schmolitics:   Takes 3 minutes: Rate and review Schmolitics on Apple Podcasts. Become a Schmolitician! Join now at patreon.com/schmoliticswithdangordon

Weekly roundup of the storylines in the news and why they matter. With Dan Gordon (@itsdangordon) and special guests Amy Wiwuga (@amywiwuga) and Adam Epstein (Twitter: @adamepsteinprod / Instagram: @akepstein). Special Guests Amy Wiwuga is a political strategist based in Los Angeles. Adam Epstein is the liberal pundit on Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network. Read Adam's essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Credits where credits are due: Produced by Dan Gordon. Edited by Brett Epstein. Original theme music by Carlos Foglia. How to support Schmolitics: 1. Rate and review Schmolitics on Apple Podcasts. 2. Become a Schmolitician! Join now at patreon.com/schmoliticswithdangordon

Dan Gordon and Adam Epstein explore our country’s contradictions and built-in capacity to go insane. Hopefully, they find a compass for where we’re going and how we get there. They use Adam Epstein’s latest essay as a guide — “Our Sweet Land of the 'Indigenous American Berserk’. Links: https://www.clydefitchreport.com/2019/10/american-berserk-roth-trump/ Special Guest: Adam Epstein (Twitter: @adamepsteinprod, Instagram: @akepstein) is the liberal Pundit on Trish Regan Primetime. Read Adam's essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Credits where credits are due: Hosted and produced by Dan Gordon (@itsdangordon). Edited by Brett Epstein. Pro Tip: Become a Schmolitician! Join now at patreon.com/schmoliticswithdangordon   @schmoliticsshow

Can someone be fired simply for identifying as LGBTQ? In most states, yes. And there are currently no federal protections for LGBTQ people in the workplace. Some argue existing law should include LGBTQ, others disagree. What are the cases and what’s at stake? Special Guest Adam Epstein (Twitter: @adamepsteinprod, Instagram: @akepstein) is the liberal Pundit on Trish Regan Primetime. Read Adam's essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Adam Epstein on Twitter @AdamEpsteinProd and Instagram @akepstein. Hosted and produced by Dan Gordon. Edited by Brett Epstein. Become a Schmolitician! Join now at patreon.com/schmoliticswithdangordon @schmoliticsshow

What did Trump do this time? How does impeachment work? What does it all mean for our 2020 election? ...Does any of it matter?!? — GUESTS: Amy Wiwuga (@amywiwuga) is a political consultant based out of Los Angeles. & Adam Epstein (Twitter: @adamepsteinprod/Instagram: @akepstein) is the liberal Pundit on Trish Regan Primetime. Read Adam's essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. --- Hosted by Dan Gordon Edited by Brett Epstein --- Support the podcast. Become a Schmolitician! Join now at patreon.com/schmoliticswithdangordon ---   @schmoliticsshow

Gilroy. El Paso. Dayton. It’s not even the whole picture. Why are we so angry? Why are we so violent? Is Trump a cause or a symptom in today’s America? --- Special Guest: Adam Epstein, the liberal pundit on Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network. Adam earned his masters degree in American studies from Brown University. Read his essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Adam Epstein: Twitter @AdamEpsteinProd / Instagram @akepstein -- Schmolitics is Dan Gordon @itsdangordon working to get  Democrats elected and fighting for progressives causes. Schmolitics: @schmoliticsshow Be a Schmolitician! patreton.com/schmoliticswithdangordon

The electoral appeal of the once-insurgent-now-mainstream Senator Bernie Sanders. Also: what are polls good for and looking back at a different presidential election upset. --- Special Guest: Adam Epstein, Liberal Pundit on Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network. Adam earned his masters degree in American studies from Brown University. Read his essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Adam Epstein on Twitter @AdamEpsteinProd and Instagram @akepstein. --- Be a Schmolitician! patreton.com/schmoliticswithdangordon --- Schmolitics is Dan Gordon, working to get  Democrats elected and fighting for progressives causes. --- Instagram @schmolitics   Twitter and Facebook @schmoliticsshow

You are what makes Schmolitics happen. Be a Schmolitician! Join on patreton.com/schmoliticswithdangordon --- Special Guest: Adam Epstein! Adam is a Liberal pundit on Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network. He got his masters degree in American studies from Brown University and has published over 30 essays on politics and culture at www.clydefitcheeport.com. Follow Adam Epstein on Twitter @AdamEpsteinProd and Instagram @akepstein. --- Part 1: How do we reconcile the difficult choice between picking the best candidate and the best president? Adam Epstein drops some history on us. Turns out that famous Nixon/Kennedy TV debate changed more than just how politicians think. --- Part 2: Many of us are evaluating the crowded field of Democrats for president based on who would be the best candidate not who would be the best president. Does thinking like a strategist make us savvy or cynical? Amit Thakkar from (CEO of lawmaker.io) wrote this super great article, “Shopping for a Candidate? 5 Things NOT to Do.”    

Special Guest Inman Moore. Inman is a civil rights activist, retired Methodist minister, author, and columnist for the Pasadena Weekly. Inman was born and raised in Mississippi and found himself in the middle of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Inman faced a choice to either remain silent and keep his life as it was or risk his livelihood by speaking up taking action. Also with Paul Cole Padilla.   If there’s just one thing I’ve learned in my short time in activism, it’s that to create lasting change we need to support each other and keep showing up.   This episode was mixed by Josh Wagner.   Schmolitics is Dan Gordon, communications and policy for progressive campaigns and causes.   To hear this and every episode, become a Schmolitics member on Patreton.com. You are what makes Schmolitics happen.   RESOURCE LINKS!   Pasadena Weekly: Inman Moore https://www.pasadenaweekly.com/author/inman-moore/   Book: On the Road to Civil Rights by Inman Moore https://www.amazon.com/Road-Civil-Rights-Inman-Moore/dp/1514407205/   Born of Conviction Statement https://www.seedbed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/BoC-text2.pdf   MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail - April 1963 http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/undecided/630416-019.pdf   ThoughtCo.: Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1960 to 1964 https://www.thoughtco.com/civil-rights-movement-timeline-45361   Book: Born of Conviction: White Methodists and Mississippi's Closed Society by Joseph Reiff https://www.amazon.com/Born-Conviction-Methodists-Mississippis-Society/dp/0190246812   MUSIC CREDITS!   The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/vendaface/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/   Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100183 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Clean Soul - Calming by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300033 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   Consequence - Wonders by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100283 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Ambiment - The Ambient by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100630 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   The Dark Glow of the Mountains by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/darkglow/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/    

OMG you're reading these show notes!!!! Let's play a game!!!! Ready?! Tweet a photo of your favorite politician (real or imaginary) with the phrase "My Favorite Schmolitician." Tag @schmoliticsshow and @schmolitics. ************ Schmolitics Special Guest Daraka Larimore-Hall @DarakaforCDPChair and @DarakaKenric, candidate for Chair and current Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party. And Dan runs for reelection as an assembly district delegate! What does the California Democratic do, exactly? Whatever you know or don’t know about the California Democratic Party, this is for you. Since California is run by Democrats, does that mean the chair of the California Democratic Party is actually running our state, like China’s one-party rule? And, how do the decisions made at the top of the party ripple down to your neighborhood and vice versa? ************ Thank you to Daraka Larimore-Hall @DarakaforCDPChair Thank you to Jeremy Lee for editing this episode and for late-night collaborating!! ************ Schmolitics is Dan Gordon, LA-based progressive, voiceover artist, and communications for Beth Finn for Philadelphia City Council. ************ You are what makes Schmolitics happen. To hear this and every episode, become a Schmolitics member on Patreton.com.  

It's me, Dan. Hiiiiiiiii I pulled an all-nighter to make this for you. So let me know what you think of the episode. I want to hear what you think. This week’s value: Women's Rights. Have you heard the news? Tamika Mallory, a Women's March, Inc. Co-Chair, took a photo with Louis Farrakahn and captioned it by calling him the GOAT. She and the other co-chairs apologized and explained themselves. They did a media tour. Is it enough? And what does all of this scandalous stuff have to do with women's rights?? I go to the Women's March in Downtown LA to see what it is, and what it isn’t. Special Guests: Beth Finn @beth4phl, Co-Founder of the Women’s March on Philadelphia It’s me, Dan. Schmolitics is now taking a people-centric approach to politics. I’m taking the podcast in an exciting new direction: we’re exploring politics and issues by starting from a value. Who is Dan Gordon? Slim Jim Voice -> Podcast host -> Bernie Delegate at the DNC -> CDP Elected Delegate -> super volunteer for progressive causes -> field organizer for Katie Porter (FLIPPED IT!!!!) -> communications for Beth Finn for Philly City Council. To hear this and every episode, subscribe to Schmolitics on Patreton.com and search for Dan Gordon or Schmolitics. It’s how I’m able to do this public service. I am so proud of this work. I hope you’ll join us.

#063 Voter Guide to The Props for the California General Election Nov 6th, 2018

#062 Voter Guide to The Races for the California General Election Nov 6th, 2018

Feels kinda like we're heading for a civil war, doesn't it? Have you heard someone say "Kavanaugh is evil," or "Trump is soulless"? There's a real danger in dehumanizing the other side. How do we hold people we disagree with accountable and create an environment where we can talk and heal? We have a chat with yoga therapist and storyteller Jillian Szafranski (Instagram @yogi.jillian).   Oh yeah! If you like what you’re hearing, give us a rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps other people find the show.   Links!   "We're not intimidated by hatefulness," Jagmeet Singh responds to heckler https://youtu.be/y67DnNRPszA   p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545; min-height: 14.0px} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #e4af0a} @schmoliticsshow

Today we’re talking about net neutrality in California Senator Scott Wiener and Senator Kevin de Leon, the authors of Senate bills 822 and 460, respectively. This story is still developing. Why did SB 822 fail to pass a committee with the original language in an 8 to 0 vote? And what does this say about the future of net neutrality, corporate influence, and California Democrats’ ability to save net neutrality. Thank You: Senator Scott Wiener, Senator Kevin de Leon, and their staffs, Assembly Member Miguel Santiago and his staff. Special thank you to my fellow elected delegates in assembly district 53 for being the best team of citizen journalists and researchers and for generally being people who care enough to add work on top of their full-time jobs. And to all of you Schmolitics listeners! You know it's true. Everything I do. I do it for you. If you like what you’re hearing give us a rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps other people find the show. @schmoliticsshow   —————————————————————————————— LINKS Dan Gordon Explains Net Neutrality https://www.facebook.com/itsdangordon/videos/10155408983709139/   Ars Technica: California net neutrality bill gutted as lawmakers cave to AT&T lobbyists https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/06/california-net-neutrality-bill-gutted-as-lawmakers-cave-to-att-lobbyists/   SF Chronicle: The fight over net neutrality in California: ‘threats,’ memes and data caps https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Threats-memes-and-data-caps-The-fight-13018805.php   NBC Bay Area: California Lawmaker Faces Harsh Attacks Over Net Neutrality https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/California-Lawmaker-Faces-Harsh-Attacks-Over-Net-Neutrality-486285471.html   Engadget: Six more tech companies join fight to save net neutrality https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/05/kickstarter-etsy-foursquare-net-neutrality/   The Hill: 83 percent of voters support keeping FCC's net neutrality rules http://thehill.com/policy/technology/364528-poll-83-percent-of-voters-support-keeping-fccs-net-neutrality-rules   CALmatters: Politicians at play in Pebble Beach https://calmatters.org/articles/newsletters/politicians-at-play-in-pebble-beach-san-diego/

#059 Our California Primary Voter Guide It's here!! The Schmolitics California Primary Voter Guide for June 5, 2018!!!!!! Carlos has been busy making TV shows but he wants to be an informed voter on the primary election day. Dan shares his research and insight. They go through the entire ballot together, who to vote for, and why. -- -- -- You can look up your district here: http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov And find your polling place here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place -- -- -- Timecodes Welcome 00:00 / Our Bias and POVs 1:40 / How We Researched 4:44 Our Picks for… Gov. 11:15 / Lt. Gov. 18:00 / Sec. of State 20:00 / Controller 21:35 / Treasurer 23:00 / Attorney General 24:44 / Insurance Commissioner 27:53 / Board of Equalization 3rd District 33:40 / US Senator 36:45 / US Congress District 34 42:00 / State Senator District 30 43:00 / Judges 43:18 / Superintendent of Public Schools 49:40 / LA County Assessor 52:36 / LA Country Sheriff 53:50 / LA County Supervisors 55:25 / Propositions 55:40 / Final Notes and Goodbye 58:00 -- Subscribe to Schmolitics wherever you get your podcasts. And post a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other people find the show. -- ALL THE VOTER GUIDES WE USED (*Dan’s Favorites) NON-PARTISAN: Voter’s Edge* https://votersedge.org Ballotpedia https://ballotpedia.org/California_elections,_2018 Emerson College Poll https://www.emerson.edu/communication-studies/emerson-college-polling-society/latest-polls   PROGRESSIVE GROUPS: The League of Pissed Off Voters* http://www.theleaguesf.org/voter_guides LA County Democratic Club http://www.lacdp.org/endorsements East Area Progressive Democratic Club https://www.eapd.la/endorsements Democratic Socialists of America - Los Angeles http://www.dsa-la.org/dsa-la_primary_voter_guide Our Revolution https://ourrevolution.com/candidates Climate Hawks Vote http://climatehawksvote.com/endorsements Follow the Money of Antonio Villaraigosa http://bit.ly/followantoniosmoney   MEDIA OUTLETS: 89.3 KPCC Public Radio* https://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2018/05/02/62827/you-can-thank-us-later-an-overview-on-california-s/ LA Times http://www.latimes.com/opinion/endorsements/la-ed-endorsements-20180518-story.html SF Chronicle https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2018/voter-guide/endorsements-list Mercury News https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/25/our-recommendations-for-the-upcoming-california-election/ Daily Kos’ Los Angeles Forward https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/5/21/1766024/-California-Progressive-Voter-Guide-June-5-2018-Ballot-Props Modesto Bee http://www.modbee.com/opinion/editorials/article211748564.html Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article210186464.html -- -- -- @schmoliticsshow

Dan mixes it up with a South African Trump supporter outside the hotel where Donald Trump is staying, Conor Lamb’s mass appeal, and an interview with Dotty Nygard, the candidate who epitomizes what progressives are all about. Dotty Nygard is a registered nurse, a former city council member for Riverbank, and a is running for US Congress in the hotly contested California’s District 10. Well, she was. Before she was a candidate. Now, she’s an idea. Dotty and Dan talk about the DCCC putting their fingers on the scales of congressional races, challenges of running a corporate-free campaign, why she thinks Americans need universal healthcare, and how legalizing marijuana is good for everyone. www.schmoliticsshow.com @schmoliticsshow Quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics! Rate/Review/Subscribe! on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people.

Today’s Special Guest: Controller for the City of Los Angeles Ron Galperin! The realities and challenges of public banking, how to get your ideas for the city on the fast track, and why changing out fax machines for computers is a perfect model for how government works...and doesn’t. Links! LA City Controller Ron Galperin Transparency: Where’s Your Money Going?? Send LA Your Audit Ideas! Public Bank LA Ground Game LA Big thank you to LA City Controller Ron Galperin and his wonderful staff for making this interview possible. A very special thank you for research assistance by Killa Choi over at Ground Game LA. And from Public Bank LA: David Jette, Ben Hauck, and Phoenix Goodman. These are wonderful grassroots organizations. You can find out more about them on our social media and in the show notes for this episode. www.schmoliticsshow.com @schmoliticsshow We knowwwww…! You’re looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. Win. Win.

This is what it’s like to be in the epicenter of California politics. Today’s episode is from the 2018 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Diego with Dan and his mom. The state convention is where politics and activism converge. Dan Gordon talks with candidates seeking his endorsement about single-payer healthcare, hears from delegates in the endorsement process, and sees firsthand how our democracy works at the party level. Guests: Delaine Eastin Candidate for Governor of California, Jess Phoenix for US Congress CA-25 running against GOP Rep. Steve Knight, Ankur Patel for California State Assembly District 45, Somerset Waters, Jon Schnitzer, Scott Svonkin for Board of Equalization District 3, Eden McFadden, Ryan Khojasteh for US Congress CA-12 running against Nancy Pelosi, Nohemi Tungui of Food & Water Watch and Action, Mary Ann Cox, Dr. Ron Birnbaum, and Senator Ricardo Lara for Insurance Commissioner. And, yes, his mom flew out to do this with him. — Are you looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It’s how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. Win. Win. www.schmoliticsshow.com @schmoliticsshow

Sophomore Dan Gordon and newbie Chris Roth get a crash course from delegate veteran Carrie Scoville on what to expect, what’s at stake, and how the California Democratic Party Convention effects all Americans. Also, Dan’s convention roommate is back! Hi, mom. And special sage wisdom from progressive sage Dr. Robert M. Nelson. Wanna see exclusive videos and photos and updates from Dan’s experience at the convention? Like Schmolitics on Facebook! -- Links!! California Democratic Party - https://www.cadem.org — Are you looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. Win. Win. www.schmoliticsshow.com   @schmoliticsshow

Dan Gordon here. Hi! Pat Harris is a proud progressive running for US Senate. He is one of the candidates I'm considering to endorse at this weekend's California Democratic Party State Convention in San Diego. Among a crowded field and with a fraction of Feinstein's big money, how does Harris stay competitive? And, what is his message? Hint: It's something Rep. Keith Ellison and Senator Bernie Sanders talk about. A lot. How's it working for Pat? Plus, we talk criminal justice reform, income inequality, and a converted 1980s school bus that's like the biggest mascot. -- Links!! Pat Harris Website - https://patharrisforsenate.com California Dem. Party Endorsements Page - https://www.cadem.org/vote/endorsements SF Chronicle: Protesters target Sen. Feinstein for not holding town halls - https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Protesters-target-Sen-Feinstein-for-not-holding-10955584.php — Looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. That right there is called a win/win. www.schmoliticsshow.com   @schmoliticsshow

We take a dive into election security with Ruben Major for California’s Secretary of State. This is how Russian hackers are trying to stop your vote from being counted and how they can use provisional ballots to change an election outcome. Also discussed: the homeless voting, what are California Voting Centers, and what Russian hackers did and plan to do again. — Looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. That right there is called a win/win. www.schmoliticsshow.com @schmoliticsshow — PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS DISCUSSED: Ruben Major Campaign Website http://www.rubenmajor.com VR Systems https://www.vrsystems.com   SOURCES: Center for American Progress: Election Security in All 50 States https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/democracy/reports/2018/02/12/446336/election-security-50-states   LA Times: ‘It was just chaos': Broken machines, incomplete voter rolls leave some wondering whether their ballots will count http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-voting-problems-20160607-snap-htmlstory.html   Chicago Tribune: Alleged Russian hack reveals a deeply flawed U.S. election system http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-russia-election-hacking-20170607-story.html   California Voting Guide and Registration Deadlines http://www.vote411.org/state_guide?state_id=California#.WoqBU8bMyRs   The Intercept: TOP-SECRET NSA REPORT DETAILS RUSSIAN HACKING EFFORT DAYS BEFORE 2016 ELECTION https://theintercept.com/2017/06/05/top-secret-nsa-report-details-russian-hacking-effort-days-before-2016-election   USA Today: Paper ballots are back in vogue thanks to Russian hacking fears https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2017/09/19/russia-hacking-election-fears-prompts-states-to-switch-to-paper-ballots/666020001   East County Magazine: Voter’s Watchdog: Citizen Oversight Files Opposition to AB840, Says Amendment Would gut Election Audits in CA https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/voters-watchdog-citizens-oversight-files-opposition-ab-840-says-amendments-would-gut-election-audits   PRI: How secure are America’s voting machines? PRI’s Science Friday with Ira Flatow. https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-08-26/how-secure-are-america-s-voting-machines   USA Today: Hackers at DefCon conference exploit vulnerabilities in voting machines https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/07/30/hackers-defcon-conference-exploit-vulnerabilities-voting-machines/523639001   MUSIC CREDITS Firebrand by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100830 Artist: http://incompetech.com   Enter the Maze by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100782 Artist: http://incompetech.com

Guest: Sean McMoriss, Represent San Gabriel Valley Chapter, Represent.Us How do we take our democracy back? The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has left at least 17 people dead. Students and adults are among the victims. Congress’ gridlock goes beyond gun control. Other reforms with broad support by American voters don't go anywhere, like big money in politics. And it's because of big money influence on politicians that most Americans have little effect on what their elected officials do, even on crucial issues like gun control. How much influence do Americans have on how their representatives vote in Congress? And how do we unrig this broken system? Links! https://represent.us Represent San Gabriel Valley Closing Song performed for Represent.us by Ed Helms and Jack Black. Looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. And it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. That right there is called a win/win. www.schmoliticsshow.com @schmoliticsshow

We need Democrats to run for office. But if a Democrat is running in a blue state, does it matter? Sure, all elections matter, but does this one actually matter? Does it?? A Democrat held this seat before. (He resigned suddenly #MeToo.) And so a Democrat is very likely going to win this seat again. PLUS it’s for the California State Assembly (lower house in the state legislature), where Democrats already have a supermajority. This is Blue California!! Why does this election in District 45 matter? Ankur Patel will tell you why. He lives in that district. He’s a progressive. And he’s a candidate for that seat. Ankur Patel has worked for LAUSD school board member Scott Schmerelson. He’s also been an organizer with the  National Union of Healthcare Workers, an activist and Volunteer with Food & Water Watch, and is a new member of the Valley Chapter of the Los Angeles Tenants Union. Today’s talking points: Single-payer healthcare in California, fixing the education system and magnet schools, and fighting for families and communities affected by the Aliso Canyon gas leak, the largest natural gas disaster in US history.   LINKS! http://ankurforassembly.com www.schmoliticsshow.com   YOU KNOW WHAT’S COOL!?! SUBSCRIBE and RATE and REVIEWING SCHMOLITICS on Apple Podcasts! Go to Apple Podcasts. Click "Subscribe." Then click "Write a review." And good things happen to you for the rest of the day. It's that easy. We say "Subscribe/Rate/Review" a lot because, really, it’s a thing. Your review is like money to us. But better. And so much more thoughtful. Your "Subscribe/Rate/Review" goes a long way. We thank you in advance.

Andy Thorburn is a Democrat running for US Congress in Dem's top seat to flip in California. The historically Republican district in Orange County has blue tendencies. Democrats plan to take back the House and this district is crucial. Dan Gordon talks with Andy Thorburn about why he's optimistic, supporting DACA, and fixing our broken healthcare system. Links!!! Andy Thorburn for Congress LATimes: Ed Royce and Dems Future in California's 39th District Support us supporting you. Subscribe/Rate/Review Schmolitics on Apple Podcasts. It'll make you feel all warm and toasty.

Episode 49 Why did this tax reform bill happen? What do lobbyists do? And how does Lawmker.io want to fix the problem? The tax reform bill making its way through the house and senate is filled with policies that benefit the rich — like formalizing the ability to write off personal jet expenses while students may have to pay income tax on their scholarships. A lot of the legislation in it is because of lobbyists. What do lobbyists do, exactly? Lobbyists petition the government on behalf of special interests. They educate elected officials on key issues. And they’re protected by the constitution. That sounds like a good thing. Why are lobbyists so gross and associated with corruption? They have outsized influence. Only the rich can afford them and get true representation. How does it affect you? What can you do about it? Short answer? Check out Lawmaker.io. Shorter answer? Listen. WHAT WE SAY WHEN: Why does this Tax Reform Bill exist? [1:09] What do lobbyists do and why is it legal? [2:40] Squire Patton Boggs [4:20] Amit Thakkar [7:10] Lawmaker.io [11:45] How Lawmaker.io works [13:00] What makes Lawmaker different? [15:30] Councilman David Ryu's Lawmaker Challenge [19:00] How do you get people to believe their vote matters [20:00] LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Lawmaker.io ABC News: Trump Vows to Reinstate 5-Year Ban on Lobbying for Former Government Officials Vox: About half of retiring senators and a third of retiring House members register as lobbyists. Up from 5 percent in the 1970s Represent.Us: 5 Crazy Facts About Lobbyists Represent Us: One graph shows how the rich control American politics Politico: Has Trump drained the swamp in Washington? Opensecrets.org: Tom Daschle Lobbying Profile Opensecrets.org: John Boehner Lobbying Profile Vox: House Republican: my donors told me to pass the tax bill “or don’t ever call me again” The Atlantic: John Boehner's Entirely Predictable Next Act The Hill: Poll: Majority oppose GOP tax-reform bill Looking for a quick and easy way to love and support us at Schmolitics? Do a quick rating/review/subscribe on Apple Podcasts! It's how we know you care. ANNNND it really supports us by making us look good, which lets us reach more people. This right here is called a win/win.

Episode 48 We’re back!!! Where have we been?? Like for real. Where?! We explain. We interview Los Angeles City Councilman for District 4, David E. Ryu, who was elected to his first term in the summer of 2015. The 4th District is at the center of Los Angeles. The unusually shaped district reaches from Koreatown and Mid-Wilshire through Miracle Mile, the Fairfax District, north through much of Hollywood, Los Feliz and Griffith Park, and Silver Lake, and north through the Hollywood Hills, over the Cahuenga Pass into North Hollywood, and Sherman Oaks. What. The scope of Councilmember Ryu's job duties range from the most local like the refilling (and future of) the Silverlake Reservoir, national issues like DACA, and the 2028 Olympics. Ryu is the first Korean-American and only the second Asian-American to serve on the LA City Council. And as of 2017, only Ryu and fellow Councilman José Huizar (District 14) were born outside the US. Councilmember Ryu was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1975 and moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was 6 years old. He holds a BA in Economics from UCLA and a Masters of Public Policy & Administration from Rutgers University. Some of Ryu's core issues are fiscal accountability, limiting the uncontrolled expansion of homes, and restoring trust in government. WHAT WE SAY WHEN: Overview on Ryu's work on the city council, his role in local matters and national politics, and its influence on life in Los Angeles [05:20] DACA and LA as a city of immigrants [07:00] The future of the Silver Lake Reservoir [10:00] The 2028 Summer Olympics and the preparing Los Angeles to be the host city [15:40] LA Traffic and Public Transportation [23:00] Runyon Canyon vs. Griffith Park [24:50] LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Councilman David E. Ryu: http://davidryu.lacity.org DSA LA’s Nolympics Initiative: https://www.nolympicsla.com Dan’s article on the Refilling of the SIlverlake Reservoir: https://medium.com/schmolitics/irresponsible-progress-and-the-empty-silverlake-resevoir-74590ae81bb2 Refill Silverlake Now: http://silverlakenow.com Silverake Forward: http://silverlakeforward.com Hey! Hi! Don't you just love Schmolitics? Us, too! Give us a quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts. And subscribe so you never miss an episode. It's fast, easy, and really supports us by making us look good, which genuinely lets us reach more people. So thank you in advance for giving us some love! That right there is called a win/win.

Interview with The Sierra Club's Evan Gillespie (@ecgill). Evan Gillespie is the Western Deputy Director for Beyond Coal (@BeyondCoal), a Sierra Club campaign that aims to move our economy toward a clean energy future by stopping new coal-fired plants and phasing out existing plants. Evan also runs The Sierra Club's My Generation Campaign (@MyGenerationSC), a campaign focusing on clean air, clean energy, and climate justice. @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

What started off as the opportunity to follow a Congressional candidate on the trail turned into something completely different. Over the course of an entire day at multiple locations, we learned more about the "Civil Unrest" than we ever thought we could. With speeches from prominent Korean and African Americans, as well as interviews with elected officials, there was a glimmer of hope that we walked away with. And we want to share it with you. Our hope is to bring this knowledge to those that think of the events as just a punchline and show that though we've come a long way, there is much more work to be done before we all truly get along. Produced by Jesse Alson-Milkman.

Remember the DNC Chair race between Keith Ellison and Tom Perez? It's happening again in California. And Dan gets to vote. Who are the candidates and why does it matter?

Running against The Establishment. Union Endorsements. Special Interests. We talk with Robert Lee Ahn, one of two candidates in the runoff election for US Congress in Los Angeles' district 34. http://ahnforcongress.com

What are town halls? Why do they matter? Schmolitics hits the road and attends town halls hosted by Rep. Pete Aguilar and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

What starts as a quick fun phone call idea between friends ends with someone calling someone a shithead. Dan has second thoughts about his candidate for a US Congressional Special Election. And the Senate's ability to filibuster for SCOTUS nominees is going away. Is this a new low in partisanship? What does this say about where we're headed?

Expectations of fatherhood with Schmolitics contributor Dave Jette @sydiot. And Dan's voting in a special election in his congressional district. Carlos, Dan and Mason give a guide on how to find YOUR candidate in the local and special elections happening across the country in 2017. @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

Carlos and Dan call Dan's mom and draw parallels from news reports on Nixon and Watergate (aka Original-Gate) to Trump and Russia, review what Nunes did and did real wrong, Neil Gorsuch's Originalism vs Al Franken's Humanism, and brief look at Trump's Budget Wish List. Hint, it's a lump of coal for pretty much all of us. Plus ResistBot.io and Remembering Carlos' Dad.

Episode Review by Carlos Foglia: "The thing that stands out here is the vocal prowess that Dan Gordon possesses, he really carries the aural aspect of the show. And one could fault Carlos Foglia for failing to keep up with the Tom Brady-esque caliber of Gordon’s vocal Touchdowns, but it’s when you listen to the perfect balance of quips, facts and accessible nuggets reliability that we realize that Carlos is happy being the Belichick to Gordon’s Brady, and that’s a match made heaven. I highly recommend The Schmolitics Podcast." Episode Review by Dan Gordon: "Dan’s excitable tangents, though endearing, are endless and his inability to focus on one topic make him more trusted to tell a short story, like The Diggiest Dog children’s book. This is where Carlos Foglia, a professional storyteller practiced in both narrative and nonfiction, masterfully keeps Gordon in the solar system, effortlessly navigating him like a ship with broken thrusters, back on course. Their combined skills -- Gordon’s bottomless fuel tank of excitement with Foglia’s battle-tested navigation -- make this duo more than capalbe of telling us The Lord of the Rings anthology."

Carlos and Dan cover the five ballot measures for the LA Municipal election on March 7th, 2017. Special Guest Mikey Korich, co-host of One Star Cinema Podcast at onestarcinema.com. LAVote.net for sample ballot and polling place. Ballotpedia.org to start your research. Very Special Thanks: Dick Platkin, Luke Klipp, Ron Mayhew, Jessica Salans, Wayne Williams, Kendall Mayhew, Nate Clark, Ace Katana, Andrew Reich, Grace Yoo, Dan McNamara, Chris D’Alessandro, Brent Gaisford, Jason Islas, and Jane Damien @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

Special Guest! Adam Mordecai (@advodude), Editor-At-Large at Upworthy. Episode Topics: -Trump on the Congressional Black Caucus -Mordecai on Trump the Media and the Intelligence Community -George Stephanopoulos and The White House's Stephen Miller -The Lying Press/Lügenpresse -DACA's Uncertain Future -Daniel Ramirez Medina -Trump and Trudeau Talk Science Links to everything mentioned in this episode… Amazon Dash Button Donates to ACLU https://www.good.is/articles/amazon-dash-aclu The Lying Press https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lying_press Get Involved! Volunteer, support, & advocate with these organizations: Safety Pin Box https://www.safetypinbox.com How does it work? A physical “safety pin” box shipped to you with guided ally tasks for the month. Tasks will vary in scope from individual to group assignments, and task categories include data collection, personal development, influencing your networks, and showing radical compassion. CAIR LA http://ca.cair.com CAIR-CA is a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. Informed Immigrant http://informedimmigrant.com Immigrant rights organizations and leaders across the country have banded together and pooled resources to help immigrants and their allies obtain the current best-known information and guidance. Black Alliance for Just Immigration http://blackalliance.org BAJI educates and engages African American and black immigrant communities to organize and advocate for racial, social and economic justice. National Immigration Law Center https://www.nilc.org Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. NIILC believes that all people who live in the U.S.—regardless of their race, gender, immigration and/or economic status—should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. California for Progress http://californiaforprogress.com “California for Progress is a progressive organization built by and for activists, with the unified goal of enabling local communities of our great state to engage in the political revolution, as we lead the nation in all progressive causes.” Movement 2017 http://movement2017.com “The Big XII Council On Black Student Government commits to uplift and empower our community through leadership, academic excellence, spirituality and political action to enhance our Black legacy.” Migente www.migente.com Latino people speak freely. Discuss hot topics in our forums, groups, chat & blogs. @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

From Schmolitics Live at The Virgil in Los Angeles. January 10, 2017. Alt Right includes Neo-Nazis but it also includes self-radicalized internet users. With an umbrella this big, their beliefs are wide-ranging. They hate social justice, Muslims and Jews, and post modern architecture. Hosts: Carlos Foglia and Dan Gordon. Guests: Heather Anne Campbell, Alex Fernie, and Adam Epstein. @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

If Trump's Inauguration happens but no one is around to see it, did it actually happen? Just kidding. Let's march! Hosts: Carlos Foglia and Dan Gordon @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

The Dangers of Trumped Up News, Political Party Realignments, Critical of the Media and Critical Thinking, How to move forward and get involved, Spotlight on Advancement Project, and Dan wins his election! Hosts: Carlos Foglia and Dan Gordon Panel: Heather Anne Campell, Adam Epstein and Alex Fernie Special Guest: Katie Smith, Director of Communications for Advancement Project @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

There’s a statewide election happening in California but nobody knows about it. But we do. And Dan’s campaigning for a seat! Guests include comedy writer Patrick Baker and rocket scientist/wise-Democrat-on-the-mountain Dr. Robert M. Nelson. Get Out The Vote! Assembly District Delegate Elections for the California Democratic Party are this Saturday January 7th and Sunday January 8th! http://adems2017.vote Type in your address and get your your polling location, election time, and you can also sign up for a text reminder to go vote! This site also shows you Bernie progressives running in your assembly district. Or… First find your assembly district at http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Then select your assembly district from the drop-down menu on the California Democratic Party Website at http://www.cadem.org/our-party/adem. Bonus! Gov. Jerry Brown’s Speech at the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, December 2016 https://youtu.be/kWSgncpqWtE Guests: The Presidential Dickerbook: Extended Edition Paperback by Patrick Baker http://a.co/b8LRxqr Dr. Robert M. Nelson Planetary Science Institute A private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to Solar System exploration http://psi.edu @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com

You can be a voice of influence in the California Democratic Party. Carlos and Dan’s PSA on being a state delegate. How to become a state delegate: 1. Find your Assembly District: legislature.ca.gov. 2. Apply to run cause the deadline is Dec. 8: http://cadem.org/our-party/adem 3. Fill out this form to get contacted about building a slate (aka team of candidates) in your district or to help get out the vote: http://bit.ly/ademsignup Important Dates: * Deadline to apply is December 8th. * Caucus elections are January 8th/9th. Which day depends on your assembly district. * The 2017 CADEM State Convention is May 17th to May 21st

Before #boycottschmolitics takes off we take a moment to analyze what the heck just happened. Dan can run a marathon in 5 hours. Carlos can walk to the store in 5 hours. Together they try to figure out what to do now, at different paces.

If you haven't had time to watch the videos, here is the SAME content in podcast form.

Carlos uses scary polling numbers to calm down Dan and himself, Gary Johnson might be an Aleppo moment, Los Angeles’ $1.5 billion woulda coulda shoulda, and never forget Harold Bluetooth.

It’s debatable whether tonight’s First Presidential Debate has enough debatiness to debatability be debatey enough for debatingly be called a true debate.

Harbingers of Future Styles! We're here for you to Ctrl-Alt-Delete if ya like. Also: Granny Flats Baby!

The (awesome) United States Congressman from CA's 28th District sits down (not for the anthem) and answers your questions. From social media in government, to getting involved in politics and maybe we even talk about aliens. Maybe.

Why are Hillary and Donald the two least liked candidates ever? Where do Trump supporters go from here? And HOW much do plumbers make!?! Part 2 of our talk with Dr. Jeanine Kraybill, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Pre Law Advisor at California State University Bakersfield. The doctor diagnoses the election, politics, and feelings with Carlos and Dan. @schmoliticsshow schmoliticsshow.com