Each episode will focus on a different aspect or example of the general theme. Our kick-off frame is the awkward position that progressives find themselves in. It seems obvious, at least to a significant portion of Leftists, that “working within the Democratic Party” has to be part of any realistic strategy for making substantive, social democratic or radical change in the United States. What is far less clear is what this means practically, in terms of organization and elections. For many years, the slogan of the Left has been to work both “inside and outside” the Democratic Party. But what does that “inside” part actually look like? The podcast project comes from our experience as progressive activists--and from the urgency of now. Dick Flacks taught sociology at UC Santa Barbara and Umiversity of Chicago for 60 years. He's of the founding generation of Students for a Democratic Society and helped write the Port Huron Statement (along with Tom Hayden and the big Lebowski). He and his late wife Mickey recntly published a memoir of their lives--political and personal. It's called MAKING HISTORY/MAKING BLINTZES: HOW TWO RED DIAPER BABIES FOUND EACH OTHER AND DISCOVERED AMERICA. He's written a lot about the American Left--most notably MAKING HISTORY: THE AMERICAN LEFT AND THE AMERICAN MIND. His weekly radio show called'The Culture of Protest' can be heard 6 pm Thursdays on www.kcsb.org. Daraka Larimore-Hall is vice-chair of the Democratic Party of California and a political and organizational consultant working primarily for social democratic parties and trade unions abroad. A lifelong political activist, Daraka first met Dick when he was in Jr High School, and first getting involved in local progressive politics in Santa Barbara. Since then, Daraka has been a national leader and staffer for DSA, a board member of the International Union of Socialist Youth, an activist and elected officer of United Auto Workers Local 2865, as well as active in the Democratic Party at all levels. He received his PhD, supervised by Dr. Flacks, in 2013. Per Hoel is the producer/director of our effort. Per helped found the DSA chapter in Santa Barbara in the aftermath of the Sanders campaign in 2016. He's a professional videographer and multimedia designer and works in instructional design.
Daraka Larimore-Hall, Dick Flacks
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#61: Talking with David Dayen about the New Majority Makers"David Dayen, executive editor of AMERICAN PROSPECT magazine, is one of the best political reporters. He recently published a detailed report on the campaigns of several progressives, who won primaries ageist Democratic establishment backed candidates, in previously GOP leaning districts--and they're running as progressives with good chances of winning. If you're looking for campaigns to support--and for some promise for the future--this episode has some clues. Muaic: "Dark Money" by David Rovics (aka AI Tsuno)" Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#60 Talking With Nelson Lichtenstein about the state of unionsIn time for Labor Day, we converse with Nelson Lichtenstein, the dean of American labor historians. He wrote, years ago, a classic biography of Walter Reuther, who, as president of the United Auto Workers, was a leading figure in post world war II efforts to advance the goals of the New Deal. The UAW remains one of the most important labor unions, having recruited tens of thousands of academic workers to join the factory worker base. Current UAW president, Shawn Fain, who has been speaking a militant language of class struggle, is fighting for re-election and Nelson helps us understand the stakes and the dynamics of that conflict. And we talk as well about union democracy, and about what else is to be done.Music: Joe Jenks sings: 'You are the U in Union" by Si Kahn. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#59 Daraka & Dick Discuss DSA"s Electoral EffortBoth of us have long history in the earlier days of DSA--and are both excited and have worries about the remarkable electoral project DSAers are spearheading. We explore some of the dilemmas, one of which is the 'resolutionary socialism' that's a feature of DSA's organizational life. At the heart of the matter is the inherent contradiction between winning electoral majorities and advancing new, challenging and controversial reform. Music: 'Turn the World Around" by Harry Belafonte Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
"We talk about how and why candidates who identify as democratic socialists are winning in elections across the country. What are the potentials--and the dilemmas and pitfalls--for the emerging Left electoral project. And what does "socialism " mean anyway? We hope to resolve all such questions--or at least pose them-- by the end of the summer., and we hope you'll share the journey..Music: "What Kind of a Country?" Barbara Dane" Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
The current primary campaign for California governor appears messy--too many candidates on the Democratic side, who are at once qualified and flawed, and primary rules that could result in two unpopular Republicans as the November choice. Daraya has years of experience as a county and state Democrat reform leader, whose PhD research mapped the history of leftwing efforts to influence the party; Dick participant in the new left that began in the 60s, and worked since to foster left coalition --talk about why the current 'mess' reveals the urgent need and potential for such coalition going forward in California and in the country. And if you listen, you may get some useful ways to solve the puzzle about how-to vote in the upcoming primary. Your comments at patreon.com/tsmh please. Share this episode with folks who might be glad to get it. Look for Daraka Larimore-Hall and Richard Flacks on Facebook.music: "Someone Died for Me" The Children of Selma
#56 Talking with Miriam Pawel about the Cautionary Tale of Cesar ChavezMiriam Pawel is one of California's leading journalist/historians. She wrote two great books about Cesar Chavez and the struggles of California"s farmworkers: THE UNION OF THEIR DREAMS (2010) and THE CRUSADES OF CESAR CHAVEZ (2014), based on extensive oral histories and immersion in the vast written and taped archives Cesar Chavez helped create. The works give deep appreciation of both the inspiring and the dark sides of the movement and his leadership. She's thought much about the recent shocking revelations; our conversation moves from the scandal to the wider contradictions of charismatic leadership in movements and how such toxicity can be avoided. We also preview Miriam Pawel's from hottom book, CALIFORNIA DREAMS, about the University of California's history and the quest for equality in the state. And don't miss her recent THE BROWNS OF CALIFORNIA (2019) (Jerry and his father and their ancestors) , and her regularly appearing columns in the New York Times, where she's a contributing opinion editor.music: Huelga en General by Los Lobos Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#55: Daraka & Dick Talk About the State of California DemocratsDaraka has been a long time leader for progressive movement in the California Democratic Party. He was chair of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party for many years, and elected vice chair of the state party a few years ago. In this episode we examine the messy governor' primary, and the absence of statewide progressive and labor leadership. The proposed billionaire wealth tax iitiative and Gavin Newsom's character are scrutinized--and we identify hopeful paths for the political future. Read Daraka's incisive piece on left political strategy in the current issue of the Nation: https://www.thenation.com/authors/daraka-larimore-hall/Music: Bette Midler, 'All you fascists bound to lose!" Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
Ali Ekbati was a leader of Sweden's Left Party in 2014 when he was elected to parliament where he served for a decade. In recent years he's been a popular blogger and economic analyst, now living in Oslo, Norway from where he spoke with us. His family emigrated to Scandinavia from Iran when he was a child. The conversation helps illuminate the current stagnation of the once exemplary Scandinavian social democratic model--and some openings for a new left politics based on multicultural solidarity. We close with Norwegian musical evidence for hope.
#53 Talking with University of Minnesota Professor Joshua Page on the streets of Minneapolis. Josh Page is the Fink Professor of Sociology and Law at the University of Minnesota. He is the author of The Toughest Beat: Politics, Punishment, and the Prison Officers Union in California and co-author of Breaking the Pendulum: The Long Struggle over Criminal Justice ; just published is Legal Plunder:The Predatoryi Dimensions of Criminal Justice (co-authored with Joe Soss). He shared eye-witness commentary and historical context for the astonishing MInneapolis resistance movement, and the insights of an expert on policing about ICE.Music: "Streets of Minneapolis" Bruce Springsteen. "To subcribe to our podcast go to Patreon.com/tsmh. For a transcript of this and all previous episodes, go to tsmh.castos.com
#52 Talking with Democratic Party reformer Sam Rosenthal about how the Democrats lost in 2024 and what is to be done. Sam Rosenthal is political director of Roots Action, whose autopsy of the 2024 election offers a springboard for creating a strategy to change the party. Sam has, as well, been a national leader in DSA's eletoral activity. We're all preoccupied with the Venezuela situation (which happened the day after Daraka and Dick talked with Sam) but that increases the urgency for devising effective political strategy--and this episode is of use for that end. The Roots Action report is at Autopsy-The-Democratic-Party-In-Crisis.pdfSam's band "Personal Spaces" has several records out and can be heard on Apple Music, etc. We concluded the episode with one of the tracks. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#51 Talking about Seattle's astonishing mayoral election with union organizer Michael Laslett & Prof. Jim GregorySeattle's mayoral election was, like the Mamdani victory in NY, an important progressive victory. Veteran community organizer Kate Wilson, defeated the incumbent, liberal mayor. We (Dick Flacks & Daraka Larimore Hall) invited University of Washington labor historian Jim Gregory and veteran Seattle union leader Michael Laslett to explore how Seattle's class struggle history, and contemporary grassroots battles with Amazon and other corporate giants, led to this outcome--and, why we need to pay attention to Seattle going forward. music: Michael Laslett performs "They All Sang Bread & Roses" by Si Kahn. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#50 Daraka & Dick Talking About the Recent ElectionMamdani's astonishing campaign in NYC along with the Democratic sweep last week inspired us to grab our mics for a conversation. How will Mamdani be able to bring the change his supporters are hoping for? How can the electoral repudiation of MAGA be built on and to what ends? We try to go beyond the horse race patter and cynical tone of media and online chatter. We're pushing instead hope to help fuel the hard work ahead.Music: "Zohran Mamdani for Mayor" Red Dawn t7
#49: Talking with faculty leaders resisting the Trump assault on the University of CaliforniaProf. Jessica Taft, co-president of the Council of UC Faculty Associations (CUCFA) and Prof. Charmaine Chua, CUCFA director of campus organizing, talk about the new lawsuits challenging the Trump coercive actions against UC, sponsored by a historic coalition of university based unions, CUCFA and the national AAUP. We talk about the nature of the assault on higher education, and ways to organize in response, and the episode is a chance to get to know two outstanding leaders of the rising generation of academics dedicated to democracy. Jessica Taft teaches Latin American Studies, and directs the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas at UC Santa Cruz. She's written several books about youth activism. Charmaine Chua has just joined the Geography Department at UC Berkeley, after several years teaching Global Studies at UCSB. One of her multiple current projects is a book she's co-writing on "how to beat Amazon". Daraka, who is also of the new generation, was unable, at the last minute, to be on the call. He was missed...but will be back.Music: "I'm going to say it now" by Phil OchsI hope it's possible to correct?
"#48: Talking History and Strategy with David DuhaldeDavid is a long tme DSA leader. He served as deputy director of DSA and as director of the DSA Fund. We invited him back to reflect on his recent article which situates DSA today within the long history of American socialist organization. Ww try to draw good lessons from the past that can help going forward.Music: "Understanding Marx" by the Economics Rock & Roll Band"
#47 Talking with JW Mason about what Zohran can accomplishJpsh Mason is an economics professor at John Jay College, CUNY and a senior fellow at Groundwork, whose recent article in Dissent provides much insight into what Mamdani, if elected, can do to advance the "democratic socialist" agenda that helped inspire his grassroots victory in the NY mayoral primary. You may be surprised by his take. It's the first of what we hope will be several podcast conversations wth participat-observers aimed at illuminating how the campaign has been organized and what it may mean.Josh blogs at The Slack Wire. (RSS feed.) You can sign up for his free email newsletter at Substack.Music: from the original cast album of Fiorello! "The Bum Won!" Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#46: Talking with Michael Podhorzer about how to understand electionsMichael recently retired as Political Director of the AFL-CIO. He's a brilliant analyst of election data and pioneered the use of data for progressive electoral strategy. His Substack site: www.weekendreading.net, where you'll find a bunch of the analysis we talk about.Subscribe to TALKING STRATEGY MAKING HISTORY AT PATREON.COM/TSMH where you can get a good deal of bonus listening opportunities, including lots of political music. The song at the end: 'The Mandate" by Charlie King Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
Prof. Nelson Lichtenstein returns to talk with us about his new book, an anthology of writings about the labor movement over the last 75 years from the pages of DISSENT magazine, called LABOR'S PARTISANS, that history illuminates the current scene. Nelson shares well informed insights' about the potentials and problems for workers organizing in this critical time. Music: "Step by Step" performed by Charlie King and 'Annie Patterson. Support the podcast and get bonus stuff by subscribing at Patreon.com/tsmh and share.
Eric Blanc is sociologiste/labor activist whose new book WE ARE THE UNION documents the spreading efforts by workers to initiate and carry forward union organizing without dependence on professional organizers. We explore some key examples and talk about what this might promise for empowering the working class.music: "You are the U in Union" a Si Kahn Song performed by Joe Jencks
#43 Talking about class, race, identity politics & DEIDaraka and Dick critically examine a lot of the talking points and arguments in Democratic circles about how class, race, sexuality and immigration are intertwined--and offer some thoughts about how a democratic popular working-class majority can be built and sustained. music 'Black Brown and White Blues by Bill Broonzy
After years of legendary success as a labor and community organizer, Harley embarked on a journey to recruit and train organizers and volunteers to reach out to working-class voters in swing states. In this conversation, he reflects on this work, inspired by finding many folk ready to listen and engage. Music: 'Step by Step" Sung by Sweet Honey in the Rock
Daraka suggests a 3 R framework for organizing and action in the coming time: REFORM, REALIGNMENT, RESISTANCE--and in this episode we describe what each of these might involve. We promise from now on to strive to be 'Grunny". To find out what we're talking about, click on.. Give us your ideas, suggestions and feedback--and subscribe at: patreon.com/tsmhMusic: Kris Kristofferson passed away in 2024. He wrote quite a few politically engaged songs. One of these, written in the 1990's seems chillingly apt right now: "Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down'. " Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
"BONUS: Talking About Ethel Rosenberg with her son, Michael MeeropolFor Dick interviewed Michael Meeropol for his weekly radio show 'Culture of Protest". triggered by new evidence that Ethel Rosenberg was executed along with Julius even though the government knew she was not guilty. President Biden is being petitioned to declare her exonerated before he leaves office. The conversation illuminates the case, and the sons' experience and development.. Listen and share this revelatory episode. The petition can be found at www.rfc.org.Music: 'Julius & Ethel" by Bob Dylan. 'Strange Fruit" performed by Shirley Verrett
Jeremy Brecher 's books on social change have changed how many activists think about labor and anti-globalization movements. On Dick Flacks' long running radio show he etalksabout his just published book: THE GREEN NEW DEAL FROM BELOW., and we've added this conversation to our podcast series. Do you know about the Liliput Strategy? To comment on this or other episodes, go to patreon.com/tsmhmusic: Iris Dement, 'Working on a World"
"n which Daraka and Dick talk about the most important things Left activists should learn from the election results and what we need to figure out. Can we imagine a Democratic Party that's intersectional and working class? Music: 'What We Want" by Joe Hill (on the 109th anniversary of his execution) performed by the Shelby Bottom duo Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
Harold Meyerson is editor at large of Americn Prospect, Formerly a columnist forrthe Washington Post and the LA Times, a much respected reporter on the labor movement, the Demoratic Partty and California politics. He was one of the founders of DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) and we talk to him abut the Demoratic conventions of 2024, 1968 and 1980 (all of which he atttended) --and much else. Music: Keb Mo, PUT A WOMAN IN CHARGE
Historian Maurice Isserman's new book: Reds: The Tragedy of American Communism helps us think about how the organized left ought to be organized. We talk about the past's relevance to the present; Maurice, like us, is an activist, vitally concerned with building a Left that's democratic and effective. The episode ends with the voice of Swedish singer-songwriter Molly Nilssen. It's a track on her just released CD, Unamerican Activiities. The track is called “American Communist Party” Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
Phyllis Bennis is a unique left journalist, having dedicated her life's work to reporting from the UN and helping the antiwar movements understand international law and diplomacy. She's a long time activist for Palestinian justice, a fellow at the Institute for Policy 'studies, and international advisor for Jewish 'voice for Peace. And an alumna of UC Santa Barbara. Muisc: David Rovics "This is Genocide"
Daraka & Dick engage with Vladidas Khaykin, anti-semitism specialist with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), abd Matthew Finkelstein, co-founder, Progressive Zionists of California. They spell out their experience of leftwing anti-semitism and we all try to define a common ground for a just peace.closing music: David Broza "Yiyeh Tov (It will be better)" Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com
#35 Talking with Sherene Seikaly, Palestine ScholarDaraka and Dick converse with one of the leading Palestinian intellectuals in academia. It was an enlightening and heart-wrenching encounter for us--and perhaps you'll feel that as well.Music: Jerusalem Youth Choir: 'A Different Way"
"In which Daraka and Dick deconstruct the recent congressional resolution denouncing socialism and why so many Democrats voted for it" Music credit: 'Socialist!' by Roy Zimmerman
In which Daraka teaches an insightful, in-depth minicourse on the current troubles of the Swedish social Democratic Party and the European left generally.Music credit: Ebba Grön - "Staten och kapitalet"
In which DARAKA and Dick explore and debate ways to oppose authoritarian leftisms, and the history of Leninism. Communism, anti-communism and anti-anti communismMusic credit: Pete Seeger - "Die Gedanken Sind Frei"
In which one of our foremost liberal journalists, Bob Kuttner, explains to Daraka and Dick why he’s taken a turn toward socialism Music credit: Pete Seeger - "Banks of Marble" (song by Les Rice)
In which Daraka and Dick ask 'What is America to us'? Is there a progressive patriotism?Music credit: John McCutheon - "Our Flag Was Still There" and Paul Robeson - "The House I Live In"
In which Daraka and Dick do a deep and stimulating dive into the eternal question: WTF is socialism anyway?Music credit: Roy Zimmerman - "Socialist!"
In which Daraka & Dick explore how politically class & race have at times come together to shape progressive organizing and programs.Music credit: Josh White - "Bad Housing Blues"
In which Daraka and Dick definitively explain socialism's history and fate in the USA. Music credit: Monsieur Jack - "Commonwealth of Toil"
Season 2, Episode 1#16 - Season Two Kick-off: Socialism and its DiscontentsIn which Daraka and Dick offer definitions and give historical context for 'socialism', 'capitalism', 'liberalism', providing a foundation for season 2 which we call 'Socialism and its Discontents'.Music credit: Leyla McCalla - "The Capitalist Blues"
Season 1, Episode 15Season one breakdown - prospects for a people's party (pt 2) In which Daraka and Dick highlight some of the main takeaways fromseason one focusing on the vision of making the Democratic Party a people’s party. Part two of a two-part conversation. Music credit: Patti Smith - "People Have the Power"
Season 1, Episode 14Season one breakdown - prospects for a people's party (pt 1)In which Daraka and Dick highlight some of the main takeaways fromseason one focusing on the vision of making the Democratic Party a people’s party. Part one of a two-part conversation. Music credit: Patti Smith - "People Have the Power"
Season 1, Episode 13Theda Skocpol (pt 2) lessons for building political powerWe continue our conversation with Skocpol on lessons for social change and the case for "intertwining" inside and outside party organizing to reach political goals that have proved elusive. Music Credit: Leslie Odom Jr. - "A Change is Gonna Come"
Season 1, Episode 12A Conversation with Theda Skocpol (pt 1)In which the eminent social scientist helps us dive deeply into the rise of grassroots civic engagement on the right and the left and how this contributes to social transformation. Music Credit: Leslie Odom Jr. - "A Change is Gonna Come"
Season 1, Episode 11Transforming the Democratic Party: sociology meets experienceIn which we talk further with Jonathan Smucker about how the Democratic party can connect with the needs of working class people.Music Credit: Ryan Harvey - "Light in the Morning (feat. RAAST, Shireen & bell's roar)
Season 1, Episode 11Transforming the Democratic Party: sociology meets experienceIn which we talk further with Jonathan Smucker about how the Democratic party can connect with the needs of working class people.Music Credit: Ryan Harvey - "Light in the Morning (feat. RAAST, Shireen & bell's roar)
Season 1, Episode 10Jonathan Smucker (pt 1) on lessons from organizing in the rustbeltIn which we speak with Jonathan Smucker, author of Hegemony How-to: A Roadmap for Radicals, on what we can learn from organizing victories in rural Pennsylvania. Music Credit: Ryan Harvey - "Light in the Morning (feat. RAAST, Shireen & bell's roar)
Season 1, Episode 9: Senator Monique Limon on why progressives struggle in office In which we discuss the promise, limits, and pragmatics of electing left and progressive representation. Music Credit: Keb Mo - "Put a Woman in Charge"
Season 1, Episode 8:Jane Kleeb on connecting with rural AmericaIn which we talk with Jane Kleeb chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party about the nitty gritty of making the party able to connect to rural America and some of the ways party transformation is happening. It turned out to be an exciting conversation with a rising progressive leader. Music Credit: Neil Young - "Who's Gonna Stand Up (orchestral version)"
Season 1, Episode 7 "Working for a democratic Democratic Party" In which we talk about the change in the Party we think leftists and progressives have to work on. Music Credit: Tracy Chapman - "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" / Martin Lowak - "Chill Boy"
Season 1, Episode 6"The Biden Prospect: a Conversation with Robert Kuttner"In which we hear Bob Kuttner, editor of American Prospect, offering a detailed scorecard on the emerging Biden cabinet, and the potential for executive action and legislation that can offer hope — and that can focus grassroots activism.
Season 1, Episode 5"#05 - The Biden Years: What to Do, Hope, and Work For"In which we talk soon after the 2020 election about what's to be done next.
Season 1, Episode 4"04 - The Left and 'The Democrats'"In which David Duhalde, former political director of Our Revolution and deputy director of DSA (Democratic Socialists of America), traces DSA’s varying efforts to define its relationship to the Democratic Party.
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