Podcasts about Congress

In the shadow of sorrow and fracture, we unite to grapple with stark realities and pursue meaningful solutions. This episode of Joe Untamed plunges into the devastating assassination of Charlie Kirk and the escalating violence fracturing America's spirit. Yet, within this mourning lies a higher purpose: resilience, bravery, and solidarity against darkness. With us is Pastor Garrett Graupner, the “Patriot Pastor” of Fervent Church in Texas, renowned for his fearless advocacy of faith and liberty. Pastor Graupner brings profound spiritual insight and steadfast resolve to this dialogue. Together, we'll uncover the deeper moral struggles fueling today's cultural turmoil, consider how the church must answer with both honesty and empathy, and ponder how Charlie's life urges us toward reconciliation over retribution. This transcends mere discussion—it's a summons to fortify our beliefs, safeguard our loved ones, and stand boldly in a world yearning for illumination. We tackle one of America's most pressing and agonizing challenges—the lethal toll of denying the reality of gender dysphoria. From the Minnesota school shooting to Charlie Kirk's murder, we witness how unaddressed mental health struggles, cloaked by the deceptive allure of “gender-affirming care,” are driving disaster. This misguided doctrine doesn't mend—it wounds. It preys on vulnerable youth, coerces institutions to prioritize ideology over care, and muzzles those who voice concern. On this program, we'll expose the truth, insist on responsibility, and urge Congress to shield our children and communities from further ruin.  

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent incidents of political violence have instilled fear in many members of Congress. Those who worry they could be the next targets are requesting increased security and canceling public events. Tennessee Republican Congressmen Tim Burchett joins the Rundown to discuss his concerns about personal safety and what leadership can do to help protect Congressional members, their staff, and their families. The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is heading to court today. While many Americans mourn his death, some individuals are celebrating it on social media. Numerous posts have been flagged and circulated, leading to some of the authors losing their jobs. George Washington University professor and FOX News contributor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss the fallout and what it reveals about free speech in today's political climate. Plus,  commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress is barreling toward another shutdown fight — and Speaker Mike Johnson faces his toughest test yet. Can he rally his conference behind a short-term funding bill before time runs out? Anna and Jake break down Johnson's cautious approach, Trump's unpredictable role, and the new political incentives shaping GOP hardliners. Plus: Why the Senate might skip the NDAA again, and what's driving Democrats' Obamacare subsidy push as open enrollment nears. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we're investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Chargers game pre-empting Conway at 6pm, the show packed in a powerful hour. Listeners got the latest on Charlie Kirk's memorial service this Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, including ticket info and who's expected to attend. The team also dug deeper into Tyler Robinson's chilling plot to carry out the attack and broke down the White House's urgent $58 million request to Congress for protecting government officials. A stark reminder closed the segment: the most dangerous threats often come from people who feel they have nothing to lose. 

President Donald Trump recently celebrated the destruction of a boat that was allegedly carrying illegal narcotics from Venezuela to the United States. The 11 people on board were killed, according to the White House. Trump released a video on social media showing the boat going up in flames, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that more attacks like this could be coming. Members of Congress have yet to gain more details or evidence into the unusual strike, which did not follow typical maritime protocols. The administration has claimed those on board were “narco-terrorists” and members of the criminal group Tren de Aragua, while Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro has called in thousands of reservists over concerns that this could be the opening shot in a broader conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela. These and other developments, including a rebranding of the Department of Defense and a visit by Pete Hegseth to Puerto Rico, have many wondering: Have we entered a new era in the nearly quarter-century war on terror? Today, host Colby Itkowitz speaks with national security reporter Tara Copp about the details of the attack and how Trump is making it a military priority to go after drug cartels. Today's show was produced by Elana Gordon with help from Lucas Trevor. It was edited by Peter Bresnan and mixed by Sean Carter. Special thanks to Andy deGrandpre. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination Ben Shapiro hurls baseless accusations about the murderer's ideology and identity on Real Time with Bill Maher. Utah GOP Governor Spencer Cox continues to pin the shooting on the left without providing any evidence to support his claims. Journalist and author, Megan Greenwell joins the show to discuss her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream. Check out the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. In the Fun Half: Howard Lutnick is laughing all the way to bank as every negative forecast for Trump's economy will ultimately benefit his family business. Another crook, Scott Bessent laughs as he denies that tariffs are a tax. A farmer in Arkansas lays out how screwed American farmers are under Donald Trump. Billions have been lost, and the only way out will be a bailout. When asked if the U.S. bombing an alleged drug boat in the Carribean was illegal he replied that the drugs on the boat were illegal. As people are losing their jobs simply for posting Charlie Kirk quotes, Brian Kilmeade flat out says that we should kill homeless and mentally ill people then offers a weak apology. Chris Van Hollen calls out New York Democratic leadership for not endorsing Zohran Mamdani. Kathy Hochul also endorses Mamdani, applying pressure to Schumer and Jeffries. All that and more The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: CURRENT AFFAIRS: for 30% off for a year on any subscription of your choice, go to currentaffairs.org/subscribe and enter the code MAJORITYREPORT at checkout. The offer expires October 31st.   SUNSET LAKE:  Head to SunsetLakeCBD.com and through September 14th, you can save 30% on all Sunset Lake CBD's Tinctures when you use the coupon code FallTincture Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/

AI is racing ahead. Regulation? Not so much. Kevin Williamson talks with Adam Thierer, senior fellow at the R Street Institute, about the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. They dive into the policy fights shaping its future, the role of Big Tech, and how AI could reshape global competition. The Agenda:—Defining AI—Hardware vs. software—Economic and geopolitical implications of AI—Job replacement concerns—Tech skeptics Show Notes:—Defending Technological Dynamism & The Freedom to Innovate in the Age of AI The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The manhunt in Utah is over — 22-year-old Tyler Robinson confessed to killing Charlie Kirk after admitting it to his father and minister, who turned him in. Investigators haven't nailed down a motive, though his transgender roommate (and alleged former partner) told police Robinson thought Kirk's anti-trans rhetoric was hateful. That roommate has been cooperating, handing over texts that led police to the hidden rifle. Formal charges are expected tomorrow. Meanwhile, Congress is debating everything from Kirk lying in state at the Capitol to criminalizing jokes about his death, while FBI Director Kash Patel made headlines for tweeting bad info about the case… from a prime table at Rao's. Elsewhere: Maryland and Michigan officials got bomb threats (one credible, since cleared), Trump backed off sending the National Guard to Chicago but is pushing troops into Memphis, and Fox host Brian Kilmeade apologized for suggesting homeless people be killed by lethal injection. In Brazil, lawmakers are floating amnesty for ex-president Bolsonaro after his coup conviction — a move drawing sharp rebukes from Brazil and open threats from Trump and Marco Rubio. Trump also tried tying new Russia sanctions to NATO-wide tariffs on China. Across the pond, over 100,000 people joined a far-right rally in London, complete with Elon Musk ranting about wokeness, while Nepal's revolutionaries literally elected a new prime minister on Discord. Not to be left out, Albania's Prime MInister just appointed an AI “minister” named Diella to fight corruption as part of its EU membership bid. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Sources: Kirk suspect's transgender roommate "aghast," may be key to motive CBS News: Live Updates: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody after manhunt, officials announce AP News: Workers commenting on Kirk's death learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs Yahoo: Keystone Kash Dined at Luxe NYC Eatery During Kirk Killer Manhunt The Baltimore Banner: Bomb threats target top Maryland General Assembly leaders Yahoo: Lt. Gov Gilchrist says home targeted in ‘credible' bomb threat Axios: Trump backs off Chicago National Guard threats AP News: Trump says he'll send National Guard to Memphis, escalating his use of troops in US cities AP News: Fox News' Brian Kilmeade apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be executed NYT: After Bolsonaro's Conviction, Brazil Already Considers His Amnesty AP News: Brazil braces for new US sanctions after Bolsonaro's conviction angers Trump administration Axios: Trump ties new Russia sanctions to NATO tariffs on China AP News: More than 100,000 people pack streets of central London in march organized by far-right activist NYT: Nepal's Social Media Ban Backfires as Politics Moves to a Chat Room NBC News: Albania's prime minister appoints an AI-generated 'minister' to tackle corruption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah, Clay asked his good friend Beau Breslin of Skidmore College to join him in a conversation about political violence in America. Political violence is nothing new in America. We were born in an armed revolution, we've had waves of political violence throughout our history, and we seem as a nation to be in love with violence, at least in our popular culture, and beyond. The program includes discussion of slave revolts, violent brawls on the floor of Congress, the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and JFK, the rash of violence in the 1960s, and the growing polarization of America. Professor Breslin believes firmly that we can bring down the political temperature in the U.S. but only if we sit down together and grant each other legitimacy, even when we very seriously disagree. Prompted by popular demand, in the third segment of the program, Clay offered an op ed statement about our need to have a serious, respectful, and civil national conversation about the Second Amendment and gun violence in America.

Why authoritarian language always precedes authoritarian rule…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Miles Taylor takes stock of the deep irony of cancelling the free speech of anyone who speaks badly of the right's new martyr. Meanwhile, it is the right wing that deeply supports violence to achieve its goals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Gutman has the latest on the investigation into the fatal shooting of 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the Governor of Utah saying the suspect, Tyler Robinson, is not cooperating with the investigation; Jaclyn Lee reports on the Trump Administration asking Congress for $58 million to increase security for the executive and judicial branches, according to sources; Christian Cordero has details on the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, and five American F-35 fighter jets landing in Puerto Rico as part of major crackdown on drug trafficking, according to the Trump Administration; Faith Abubey reports on the city of Memphis bracing for a potential surge of federal troops; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This special episode, hosted by our executive producer Juleyka Lantigua, was recorded live at the 2025 UnidosUS national conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Four powerhouse Latinas took part in the keynote panel during the Latinas Luncheon: Cristina Jimenez, Co-Founder of  United We Dream, who has for years fought on behalf of all undocumented people.Daniela Velazquez, an Alderwoman in St. Louis, and the state's ONLY Puerto Rican elected official. She calls herself a “Missouriquena” Rochelle Garza, the current Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Gaby Pacheco, the President/CEO of The Dream.US; the first DREAMER to ever testify before Congress.Happy listening!

Washington is just over two weeks away from a possible government shutdown, with both parties digging in and no clear path forward. Anna and Jake break down the latest on government funding. Plus: Joe Manchin's new book and “revenge tour” taking aim at top Democrats, and a look at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' big fundraising push in California as redistricting battles heat up. Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we're investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Sept 15,2025)Amy King joins Neil Saavedra, who will be filling in for Bill all week, for Handel on the News. Rubio, in Israel, meets Netanyahu as Trump grows impatient. Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting isn't cooperating, Utah Governor says. FBI chief Patel faces Congress amid missteps in Kirk inquiry, agency turmoil and lawsuit over purge. Trump calls on all NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil, threatens 50% to 100% tariffs on China.

Episode 351. In this episode, we explore the controversial AIPAC, lobbying, political influence, and foreign policy in Washington. From billion-dollar lobbying groups to high-level connections that shape decisions in Congress and even the White House, we break down how Mosad is the most feared intelligence agency in the world. And I will answer the question, Does Irael run America? Enjoy the show! Sponsor:Why You Need A Podcast, eBook and Video Guide Watch is Episode Video Podcast Website

It’s Monday in America, time for The World’s Greatest Political Podcast: THE LEFT SHOW! This week JM Bell, Tiffany, and JC talk about the GOP’s Civil War that they’re blaming on the Left. Utah Senator Adams is deeper in the youth grooming than he let on, Trump says domestic abuse is a-ok, and Rep Mace […]

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1146: Automotive News's 100th anniversary Congress celebrated industry icons and looked towards the future, Elon Musk bets big on Tesla, shoppers get overwhelmed by too many choices (sound familiar?)Show Notes with links:At its 100th anniversary Congress, Automotive News celebrated legacy while tackling the industry's most pressing challenges—from EV adoption to geopolitical threats.Centennial Awards went to GM's Mary Barra and Hyundai's Euisun Chung for transformational leadership.Chung addressed the ICE worker raid, signaling cross-government cooperation: “I hope we can make together a better system for that.”Barra emphasized EV commitment despite headwinds: “From an EV perspective, that is still our North Star.”Industry insiders warned of China's dominance—EV share grew from 6% to 50% in five years, while foreign brands lost half their market share.Asbury CEO David Hult called fixed ops the “backbone” of the dealership, with aging vehicles and tech shifts fueling long-term growth saying he's “really bullish on the next six to 10 years.”Tesla stock surged after CEO Elon Musk disclosed a nearly $1B stock buy, calming investor nerves amid political distractions and sagging EV demand.Musk bought 2.57M shares on Friday, spending between $372 and $396 each.Tesla shares jumped over 8% in premarket trading Monday, continuing a late-week rally.Despite a 2% year-to-date dip, the stock is on pace for its third straight daily gain.Investor concerns had grown over Musk's political focus and waning EV demand.Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm pushed back: “Elon is back front and center at the company.”A new survey reveals grocery shoppers are overwhelmed by too many choices—and many now treat food labels like vehicle window stickers.36% of Americans report “aisle anxiety,” triggered by too many options and crowded stores.Shoppers spend an average of 4 minutes per item, with 71% trying to be more intentional.Retailers like Trader Joe's and Aldi combat “choice paralysis” by limiting SKUs per category.Certifications matter: 40% research products for health, ethics, and sustainability—but many confuse terms like “natural” and “organic.”“When consumers see a trusted certification, it's like a shortcut to feeling good about their decision,” said Jamie Horst, Traditional Medicinals' Chief Purpose Officer.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier2:45 Announcements: Upcoming Webinar3:17 Automotive New 100th Anniversary Congress6:12 Elon Musk Buys $1B of Tesla Stock8:39 36% Of Americans Have "Aisle Anxiety"Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Republicans in Congress are intensifying pressure to fully expose the government's files on Jeffrey Epstein, with some now privately conceding that it is only a matter of time before legislation compels Attorney General Pam Bondi to release everything the DOJ holds. Lawmakers have already pushed through partial disclosures — including Epstein's “birthday book,” financial records, and his controversial non-prosecution agreement — but many argue these piecemeal releases fall short of true transparency. Behind closed doors, Republicans increasingly acknowledge that a complete unsealing is inevitable, even if it risks implicating powerful names and institutions.At the same time, Donald Trump has been trying to contain the fallout, publicly resisting demands from MAGA activists and members of his own party to make all Epstein materials public. For weeks he has dismissed the issue as a distraction, but GOP lawmakers admit privately that Trump is losing that argument. The pressure from inside his own ranks reflects not only the enduring political toxicity of Epstein's network, but also the calculation that continued stonewalling may damage the party more than full disclosure would.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:GOP momentum grows to fore release of Jeffrey Epstein filesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

This week, the GovNavigators welcome back Charles Cooper of Brumidi Group for a frank look at Congress's crowded to-do list. From looming shutdown risks, rescissions, and the fight over appropriations to the fate of healthcare extenders, the farm bill, and other expiring programs, Charles explains why the path forward is rockier than ever—and where bipartisan opportunities may still emerge.Show Notes: Combined Federal Campaign: Website Treasury and GSA: SAVE ProgramEvents on GovNavigators' Radar:September 16-18, 2025  Partnership for Public Service's GovHR Conference September 18, 2025  GovExec's GAIN Conference September 17, 2025 ACT-IAC's Digital Transformation Summit September 24-25, 2025 AGA's Internal Controls & Fraud Conference 

In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what's going on in Congress this week, from government funding to healthcare activity at the committee level.

Rep. Mike Flood, who represents the state's first district, says avoiding a government shutdown is the first priority of Congress as the new fiscal year approaches in October. He says that will require negotiations with Democrats to put a budget together and ensure the government is funded.

September's highly anticipated meeting of the Federal Reserve starts tomorrow. This comes after months of President Donald Trump pressuring Chairman Jerome Powell for a rate cut. The president's public prodding of Powell coincides with his administration's ongoing effort to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook ahead of this week's key vote, accusing her of mortgage fraud. However, there have been no formal charges. While inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, investors are betting on a cut this week. The question remains: how low could rates go, and how many cuts could happen this year? Brian Jacobson, the chief economist at Annex Wealth Management, joins Fox Business' Lydia Hu to preview this week's critical meeting and discuss some of the other major economic news that will move the markets this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 10th, during an event at Utah Valley University, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking in front of a crowd of thousands. In the hours after the shooting, many Americans speculated on why it happened. The alleged shooter was later identified as Tyler Robinson, who mentioned to a family friend that he was responsible for the death of Kirk. Retired FBI special agent and CEO of The Brunner Sierra Group, Daniel Brunner, joined the Rundown to discuss what went into the FBI's investigation and catching Kirk's killer.    A new study finds a 42% drop in reading for fun in the U.S. over the past 20 years. That decline is disturbing to some, as reading can be beneficial to one's mental health, sleep habits, and general well-being. Dr. Jessica Bone, senior research fellow in statistics and epidemiology at University College London, explains what's driving the decline in reading, why this trend is problematic, and how we can reverse this trend.  Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If Congress doesn't act, the 2025 tax sunset could bring higher income taxes, lower deductions, and a significant reduction in estate tax exemptions. In this episode, Tim Clairmont MSFS™, LACP™, Wealth Advisor, and Tyler Andrews CFP®, Wealth Advisor, break down the ripple effects this could have on high-income earners, retirees, and families with growing estates. They also share practical tools to prepare—like using life insurance in estate planning, reviewing your gifting strategies, and considering Roth conversions while today's tax rates are still in place.

If Congress doesn't act, the 2025 tax sunset could bring higher income taxes, lower deductions, and a significant reduction in estate tax exemptions. In this episode, Tim Clairmont MSFS™, LACP™, Wealth Advisor, and Tyler Andrews CFP®, Wealth Advisor, break down the ripple effects this could have on high-income earners, retirees, and families with growing estates. They also share practical tools to prepare—like using life insurance in estate planning, reviewing your gifting strategies, and considering Roth conversions while today's tax rates are still in place.

As we build up to the Solar Eclipse in Virgo, emotions are running high and the transits are coming in hot. Mars and Chiron clash, Mercury and and the Sun sit opposite to Saturn in Pisces, and Venus and Uranus square off. Luckily there are supportive transits to help you stay the course. It's a busy week in the stars — find out about the challenges and resources in this week's episode of Ghost!

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

CONTINUED David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. 1944 FALAH Roosevelt faced significant orpposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

David Pietrusza's book, Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal, chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt's pivotal re-election campaign in 1936, a moment that fundamentally reshaped American political demographics and solidified the New Deal as a national agenda. The campaign began under the shadow of the death of Louis Howe in April 1936, FDR's closest political strategist and confidant since 1912. Howe, despite his "unpleasant acerbic" nature and poor health, was an invaluable aide, worshiping FDR and actively pushing Eleanor Roosevelt into political activism following FDR's 1917 affair. His passing left Roosevelt to navigate a complex political landscape on his own. 1936LOWELL THOMAS & FDR Roosevelt faced significant opposition from both the political right and left. On the right, Al Smith, former Governor of New York and FDR's erstwhile mentor, emerged as a fierce critic. Disaffected since FDR's governorship, Smith believed Roosevelt's "forgotten man" speech and New Deal policies constituted "class warfare." Allied with wealthy individuals like the DuPonts and E.F. Hutton, Smith co-founded the American Liberty League, which lambasted the New Deal as unconstitutional and socialist, compelling Roosevelt to wage his own campaign of "class warfare" against these "rich guys in the Silk Hats." From the populist left, FDR contended with the legacy of Huey Long, the charismatic Louisiana senator assassinated in September 1935. Long's radical "Share Our Wealth" program, advocating for massive wealth redistribution and government provision of cars and radios to every family, garnered millions of followers and represented "the greatest force of the populist left." His strategy was to siphon votes in 1936 to ensure a Republican victory, creating a worse economic situation that would pave his way to the presidency in 1940. In Georgia, conservative populist Eugene Talmadge, while ideologically different from Long (being a "Jeffersonian conservative" who refused to fund welfare), also vigorously opposed the New Deal through "race baiting" and accusations of "communist influence," drawing some of Long's former supporters. A significant third-party challenge coalesced around Dr. Francis Everett Townsend, an elderly physician whose Townsend Plan proposed giving $200 a month to every person over 60, requiring them to spend it within 30 days to stimulate the economy. Though Roosevelt personally disliked "the dole," the plan's immense popularity and the formation of millions of Townsend clubs pushed FDR to swiftly introduce Social Security. Townsend later joined forces with Father Charles Edward Coughlin, an influential "radio priest" who initially supported FDR but turned against him over monetary policy, and Reverend Gerald L. K. Smith, a fiery orator akin to Long, along with Congressman William Lemke. This "amateur" coalition, however, failed to gain significant electoral traction, securing only 1.2% of the vote due to ballot access issues in major states and a lack of experienced political leadership. Coughlin, notably, was a more prominent radio figure than FDR for a period, influencing millions through his syndicated broadcasts. FDR's secret meeting with Coughlin at Hyde Park, orchestrated by Joseph Patrick Kennedy, famously ended in a rupture, leading to open political warfare. Ideological parties also presented concerns. The Socialist Party, led by Norman Thomas, consistently polled hundreds of thousands of votes, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The Communist Party USA, under Earl Browder (chosen by Stalin for his pliability and non-Jewish background), initially condemned the New Deal as "fascist." However, with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the global shift to a "popular front" strategy, the Communist Party covertly supported FDR to keep him in power against the looming international threats, while running their own candidate to avoid the "kiss of death" of an overt endorsement. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who controlled a vast empire of 28 newspapers and eight radio stations, also became a powerful opponent. Despite initially supporting FDR in 1932, Hearst grew increasingly disaffected by the New Deal's progressive policies and taxes on the wealthy, leading to a "long bumpy involved breakup." FDR even considered "throwing 46 men who make a million dollars a year to the wolves," a direct reference to Hearst and his wealthy allies. The Republican Party ultimately nominated Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, a "complete surprise" and "least interesting character." Landon, a progressive Republican favored by Hearst, was known for balancing Kansas's budget but was widely regarded as uncharismatic and a poor public speaker, especially on radio, a crucial medium of the era. His campaign message, promising only a more efficient implementation of New Deal programs he had largely supported, failed to energize the electorate. Earlier potential nominees included Herbert Hoover, William Borah, Frank Knox, and Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg. Roosevelt's campaign, in stark contrast, was dynamic. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt played an indispensable role, defying initial party reluctance to campaign vigorously. She became a crucial link to the African-American vote in Northern cities, even though FDR, for political reasons, declined to support an anti-lynching law favored by Eleanor and the NAACP. Roosevelt himself delivered powerful, "frenzied and irate" speeches, most notably his Madison Square Garden address on Halloween night, where he famously embraced the "hatred" of "economic royalists" and promised accountability, a compelling message of "class warfare" that galvanized the electorate despite his own staff's initial horror at its perceived demagoguery. Despite initial polls, like the Literary Digest (which had predicted a Landon victory), suggesting a close race, Rooseveltachieved an unprecedented landslide. He won 46 of 48 states, secured overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress (74 senators, 334 representatives), and claimed 38 governorships. Crucially, FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities, solidifying the Democratic Party's urban strength and marking a profound political realignment in American history. This decisive victory was a clear mandate for the New Deal and established the foundation of the modern Democratic Party.

Thanks to Trump and the GOP, this industry does more to screw us than any other. Instead of Bob Kennedy delivering real change - the strategy appears to be just another example of the Trump administration putting the financial interests of polluting industries above people's health. New data shows the economy is in trouble.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk marked the latest incident in a nationwide rise in political violence, a grim trend that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have condemned. Chair of the House Republican Conference, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), shared her reaction to Wednesday's tragedy and emphasized the need for political leaders to condemn dangerous rhetoric and violence from all sides. This week, Senate Republicans triggered a rule change that will allow them to expedite the confirmation process for some of President Trump's nominees. Republican leadership said the move was necessary because Democrats were obstructing the process. Meanwhile, footage of an unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) was shown at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, as members of Congress investigate the government's transparency regarding mysterious objects in U.S. skies. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joined to break down some of the overlooked headlines from Congress this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is escalating his threats to deploy unwanted and unwelcome troops to the streets of American cities; plus what we are learning from the lawsuit filed against the FBI by three former senior FBI officials alleging a campaign of retribution against those deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump; and how a Republican maneuver will further limit the power of the Democratic minority in the Senate.

A lesson from the other side of the equator about how to hold a would-be dictator accountable; plus Nicholas Kristoff on bearing witness to the deadly consequences of USAID cuts; and Project 2025 has gone from blueprint to reality in the first months of Trump's second term - but there's more to come.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) discusses dangers to democracy as President Trump threatens to deploy unwanted and unwelcome troops to the streets of more American cities; plus what's inside the explosive new lawsuit filed against the FBI by three former senior FBI officials; and why experts are warning that a coming spike in healthcare costs warns of a broader crisis.

In this week's episode of TBR, we unpack the escalating drama in Congress and how it's slowing momentum for key crypto legislation like the FIT and Clarity Acts. As political distractions dominate headlines, critical regulatory progress is being delayed—impacting everything from stablecoin frameworks to broader market legitimacy. We also break down what the latest developments in the Epstein files mean for public sentiment and institutional transparency, and why it's becoming harder to separate conspiracy from reality in the age of digital narratives. Meanwhile, memecoin markets are still hot, with BONK and PUMP trading volumes staying high and brands like Pudgy Penguins pushing narratives forward. As traditional systems stall, onchain innovation continues to evolve. Plus: updates on $NAT trading migration, HyperMall growth, and the ongoing shift in creator-led token infrastructure Topics: First up, unpack the escalating drama in Congress and how it's slowing momentum for key crypto legislation, like the FIT and Clarity Acts. Next, break down what the latest developments in the Epstein files mean for public sentiment and institutional transparency and Finally, memecoin markets are still hot, with BONK and PUMP trading volumes staying high and brands like Pudgy Penguins pushing narratives forward Please like and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app! Sign up for a free newsletter: www.theblockrunner.com Follow us on: Youtube: https://bit.ly/TBlkRnnrYouTube Twitter: bit.ly/TBR-Twitter Telegram: bit.ly/TBR-Telegram Discord: bit.ly/TBR-Discord

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk marked the latest incident in a nationwide rise in political violence, a grim trend that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have condemned. Chair of the House Republican Conference, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), shared her reaction to Wednesday's tragedy and emphasized the need for political leaders to condemn dangerous rhetoric and violence from all sides. This week, Senate Republicans triggered a rule change that will allow them to expedite the confirmation process for some of President Trump's nominees. Republican leadership said the move was necessary because Democrats were obstructing the process. Meanwhile, footage of an unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) was shown at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, as members of Congress investigate the government's transparency regarding mysterious objects in U.S. skies. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joined to break down some of the overlooked headlines from Congress this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is escalating the war on drugs. In addition to the recent strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela, the administration continues to take aggressive action to curb the flow of illicit drugs and crack down on the gangs trafficking them into the country. Special Agent Frank Tarentino, who is part of the DEA New York Division, joined FOX News Rundown host Dave Anthony to discuss how the DEA is working with the military and other government agencies to help cut off the flow of drugs into the country. Tarentino also discusses the gains they've made in fighting the fentanyl epidemic and outlines the challenges in the war on drugs. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino, as he explains how the drug trade operates and how he and others are working to stop it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here's a YouTube episode description tailored for your Habari Live: What's Trending segment:Habari Live: What's Trending – Violence, Hypocrisy, and AccountabilityIn this episode of Habari Live, Damon and Iesha break down the biggest stories making waves across the country. From ICE ripping a law-abiding father away from his children, to Trump's threats of deploying troops in American cities, to RFK Jr.'s Senate meltdown — we're unpacking the narratives, hypocrisy, and dangerous rhetoric shaping America in 2025.We also take a closer look at:Trump's authoritarian crackdown threats in Chicago, Baltimore, and New OrleansThe FBI's Epstein revelations and Congress playing politics with survivorsRFK Jr. grilled at Senate hearings and calls for his resignationAmerica's economy slowing as job seekers outnumber openingsTrump pushing to rename the Department of Defense back to “Department of War”Dehumanization at the southern border under ICE and Border PatrolArkansas farmers calling out Trump as promises fall apart

Members of Tyler Robinson's community say they are shocked he is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Colleges are questioning how open their campuses should be to the public. Missouri lawmakers have answered President Trump's call to help maintain the Republican majority in Congress by redrawing the state's voting map for the midterm election next year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ralph welcomes Timothy Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) to speak about how federal workers across all government agencies are being unfairly denigrated and summarily fired by the Trump Administration to clear the way for corporate corruption. Plus, we are joined by Toby Heaps, Editor-in-Chief of “Corporate Knights” magazine to talk about the benefits of the cooperative business model over the corporate shareholder model.Timothy Whitehouse is executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Prior to joining PEER, he was a senior attorney at the Environmental Protection Agency and was head of the Law and Policy Program at the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation in Montreal.The time to stigmatize federal workers is over. It's time to start rallying for unions for federal workers and what they do, and to support the idea that government plays an important role and that government (the civil service) must be as non-political as possible. Our country will be much better for it.Timothy WhitehouseThat's a good way to describe it: supersonic. We knew things were going to be really bad, but they are much worse than bad because there's no check and no balance on this President's madness. And some of the people and institutions we had hoped would stand up a little bit are collapsing one by one.Timothy WhitehouseOur foreign enemies could not have devised a better way to grind our system to a halt, and that's what's happening.Timothy WhitehouseToby Heaps is the CEO and co-founder of Corporate Knights, and Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Knights magazine. He spearheaded the first global ranking of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations in 2005, and in 2007 coined the term “clean capitalism.” Toby has been published in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Globe and Mail, and is a regular guest speaker on CBC.I think in the co-op movement, the biggest bugaboo holding it back (in North America, that is) is people's perception that it's not a significant force. And it is already a significant force. In many cases, we're not familiar that the company might be a co-op (such as Associated Press or Ocean Spray) but in the United States alone, the turnover of co-op enterprises sales in 2023 was $324 billion US. And so, it's a significant part of the economy already.Toby HeapsI can't underline enough that if you care about a sustainable economy that works for people and planet, that the operating model is not just the clean economy (the environmentally friendly economy), it's the cooperatively-run economy.Toby HeapsThe principal obstacle to co-ops is the inadequate engagement of consumers to know about the huge benefits— to control the local economy from multinational corporations (absentee), who are pulling strings in ways that are very damaging, and basically to assume the purchasing power of the consumer.Ralph NaderNews 9/12/2025* Several major stories surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case have emerged in the past week. First, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released a note written by President Trump to Epstein included in the latter's “birthday book” from 2003. In this note, Trump refers to Epstein as his “pal” and writes “May every day be another wonderful secret," according to Reuters. Trump has denied that this letter even existed, going so far as to sue the Wall Street Journal for defamation over their reporting in July. Trump continues to deny that he wrote the letter, though his signature is a perfect match, and he has sought to tamp down the matter, calling it a “dead issue,” per NBC.* In Congress, Republican allies of Donald Trump are seeking to quash the Epstein issue as well. On Tuesday, Republicans on the House Rules Committee “shot down a bid to put the Epstein Files Transparency Act—which would compel the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein—to a floor vote,” in an 8–4 party-line vote, the New Republic reports. However, despite this setback, dissident Republican Thomas Massie continues to press the issue. Speaking about the birthday note, Massie said “It's…indicative of the things that might come out if we were to release all of the files…embarrassing, but not indictable. And I don't think avoiding embarrassment is a reason to avoid justice,” per CNN. Massie added in an interview on ABC that "I think it's going to be embarrassing to some of the billionaires, some of the donors who are politically connected to [Trump's] campaign. There are probably intelligence ties to our CIA and maybe to other foreign intelligence." Democrat Ro Khanna insisted in this same interview that he and his allies, including Massie, will be able to pull together a House majority of 218 members to force a vote on releasing the files.* Our final Epstein story for the week concerns James O'Keefe. Former leader of Project Veritas, O'Keefe continues to carry out far-right hidden-camera sting operations. In a rare move targeting conservatives, O'Keefe engineered a date between Joseph Schnitt, a deputy chief of staff at the Office of Enforcement Operations at DOJ, and an operative in his employ wherein Schnitt admitted that the Trump administration will “redact every Republican or conservative person in those files, [and] leave all the liberal, Democratic people.” In this video, Schnitt also implies that Epstein's lieutenant, Ghislaine Maxwell was relocated to a lower security prison to “keep her mouth shut,” as part of a deal with the government. This according to the Hill. One should certainly take revelations from O'Keefe with a heavy dose of salt, but these troubling comments should also raise suspicions about the government's possible plans to manipulate information related to this case for political ends.* Aside from the Epstein affair, the Trump administration continues to issue destructive policy directives in all directions. AP reports the federal Department of Transportation has scrapped a Biden-era rule that required airlines to “compensate stranded passengers with cash, lodging and meals for flight cancellations or changes caused by a carrier.” This rule, which sought “compensation starting at $200…[and] as high as $775…for delays of nine hours or more,” was consistent with European aviation consumer protections. Unsurprisingly, airlines – represented by lobbyists in the employ of the industry trade group Airlines for America – bitterly resisted the rule and celebrated the administration's abandonment of this basic consumer protection. The Biden Transportation Department had also been weighing rules that would have required airlines to provide, “free rebooking on the next available flight, including flights on rival airlines, as well as meals and lodging when passengers are stranded overnight.”* At the same time, the Trump administration's Federal Trade Commission is abandoning its rules banning noncompete clauses for employees. An eye-popping 1 in 5 workers are bound by noncompetes, approximately 30 million Americans, and experts estimated that banning such clauses could boost wages to the tune of nearly $300 billion per year and help create 8,500 new businesses, per NPR. The FTC voted 3-1 to vacate its defense of the rule, with Chair Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak, both Republicans, issuing a joint statement. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the lone remaining Democrat on the commission after Trump purged the FTC earlier this year, voted no.* Turning to foreign affairs, the Guardian reports two ships in the Gaza aid flotilla have been struck by drone attacks while docked in Tunisia. The first struck the Family Boat, which carries activist Greta Thunberg, though she was not on board at the time. The second struck the Alma, a ship bearing British flags while docked in the port of Sidi Bou Said. In a video, one can see, “a luminous object hitting the boat and fire erupting on board.” Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, is quoted saying, ‘‘Authoritative sources suggest the attack involved an incendiary grenade, wrapped in plastic materials soaked in fuel, which may have ignited before even hitting the vessel.” These attacks come amidst a renewed Israeli bombing campaign against its neighbors, including bombing the Qatari capital of Doha and the Yemeni capital Sanaa. Trump says he is “very unhappy” about the strikes; Israel's ambassador to the United States however says the world will “get over it.” This from Al Jazeera.* Meanwhile, Drop Site is out with yet another bombshell report, this time on Israel's propaganda push to cover up the scale of the hunger crisis in Gaza. According to this report, the Netanyahu government signed a previously unreported $45 million deal with Google to push false propaganda through the massive platform. One video, viewed more than 6 million times, asserts “There is food in Gaza. Any other claim is a lie.” Israel also reportedly paid $3 million for an ad campaign on X, formerly Twitter, and another $2 million on a French platform called Outbrain. This report also cites other examples of Israeli propaganda campaigns in recent years, including against UNRWA and regarding the illegal strikes in Iran.* In more positive news, the pro-Palestine campaign in Hollywood continues to grow. This week, Variety reports a group of over 3,900 filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals signed a new pledge to boycott working with “Israeli film institutions and companies that are ‘implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.'” This group includes many household names, such as Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Emma Stone, Boots Riley, Ayo Edebiri, and many, many more. The list continues to grow as this pledge circulates. According to the Hollywood Reporter, this campaign is led by Film Workers for Palestine, which explicitly modeled their strategy after Filmmakers United Against Apartheid. That group, founded by eminent filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, demanded that the film industry refuse distribution in apartheid South Africa.* Beyond Israel/Palestine, events are rocking Nepal, the small Himalayan nation that lies between India and China. The BBC reports “Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiralled into arson and violence on Tuesday. The prime minister resigned as politicians' homes were vandalised, government buildings torched and parliament set ablaze. Twenty-nine people have died since Monday.” The "Gen Z" youth groups leading the protests have distanced themselves from these acts of destruction, claiming their movement was "hijacked" by "opportunists". Nepal's military has been deployed in the capital of Kathmandu in an attempt to restore order and enforce a curfew. The government of Nepal, led by now-ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, sought to cultivate a closer relationship with China to offset Nepal's historical dependence on India. For the time being, China seems to be taking a wait and see approach to the situation in Nepal, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian calling for all parties to “properly handle domestic issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible,” per the South China Morning Post.* Finally, Democracy Now! reports that in an apparent fit of retaliation, the Trump administration is now threatening to redeport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the American green card holder recently returned from his wrongful deportation to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison. This time, instead of sending him to El Salvador, the government plans to send Garcia to the tiny African kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. Garcia had previously expressed fear of being deported to Uganda. This move would surely be punitive, capricious and just plain bizarre, but that is hardly a deviation from the course of the Trump administration. We express solidarity with Garcia, who stands practically alone against the juggernaut of the United States' deportation apparatus.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Bolsonaro Behind Bars: What Brazil's Democracy Got Right and America Still Won't. Trump Admits ‘I Couldn't Care Less' When Pressed on ‘How Do We Fix This Country?' Say What?! In the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, callers vent over political outrage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The history, consequences, and current state of political violence in America; Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson discusses his plans to fight back against the Trump Administration's plans to send national guard troops to Memphis; ‘The 1619 Project: Born on the Water' is the subject of this week's Velshi Banned Book Club

The story behind a Supreme Court ruling that has gone under-the-radar, and why it's a full-fledged assault on the 4th Amendment; Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) discusses the new tensions stemming from Russia's drone incursion over Poland and the ongoing fallout from the U.S. strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat; what we know about the profile developing of the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk

The latest on the investigation into the killing of Charlie Kirk and the dangers of the rise of political violence in America; as Missouri is the latest to redraw its congressional map in order to give Republicans more House seats ahead of next year's midterm elections, Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) discusses how she beat back a gerrymander map and won re-election; two of America's most prominent scientists discuss the assault on science's role in public life, and offer a blueprint to avert disaster