Podcasts about Democracy

Headlines for October 17, 2025; “Israeli Sadism in a Nutshell”: Amira Hass on Israeli Prisons, Settler Violence & Gaza Ceasefire; “Cold-Blooded Murder”: David Cole on Trump’s Boat Attacks & CIA Covert Action in Venezuela; “No Kings. No Thrones. No Crowns.”: Millions to Protest Saturday in 1000s of Cities, Towns Nationwide

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty argues that Democrats are making a strategic mistake in their demand to extend ACA health care subsidies and its role in the government shutdown.

Proposition 50 is part of a nationwide battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Californians are being asked to take a side: Should the state be temporarily allowed to redraw congressional maps to counter the Trump administration and redistricting in Texas? LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Civics & Democracy Engagement Producer Brianna Lee break down the arguments for and against ballot measure Prop. 50, and how the Nov. 4 special election could shape local and national politics for years to come. This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autos Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Headlines for October 17, 2025; “Israeli Sadism in a Nutshell”: Amira Hass on Israeli Prisons, Settler Violence & Gaza Ceasefire; “Cold-Blooded Murder”: David Cole on Trump’s Boat Attacks & CIA Covert Action in Venezuela; “No Kings. No Thrones. No Crowns.”: Millions to Protest Saturday in 1000s of Cities, Towns Nationwide

Proposition 50 is part of a nationwide battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Californians are being asked to take a side: Should the state be temporarily allowed to redraw congressional maps to counter the Trump administration and redistricting in Texas? LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Civics & Democracy Engagement Producer Brianna Lee break down the arguments for and against ballot measure Prop. 50, and how the Nov. 4 special election could shape local and national politics for years to come. This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autos Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Proposition 50 is part of a nationwide battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Californians are being asked to take a side: Should the state be temporarily allowed to redraw congressional maps to counter the Trump administration and redistricting in Texas? LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Civics & Democracy Engagement Producer Brianna Lee break down the arguments for and against ballot measure Prop. 50, and how the Nov. 4 special election could shape local and national politics for years to come. This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autos Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Proposition 50 is part of a nationwide battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Californians are being asked to take a side: Should the state be temporarily allowed to redraw congressional maps to counter the Trump administration and redistricting in Texas? LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Civics & Democracy Engagement Producer Brianna Lee break down the arguments for and against ballot measure Prop. 50, and how the Nov. 4 special election could shape local and national politics for years to come. This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autos Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

***Please subscribe to Matt's ⁠Substack⁠ at https://worthknowing.substack.com/***This isn't just another breathless AI conversation. Cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier joins host Matt Robison to discuss the truly transformative things that are not just on the horizon, but actually starting to happen today, as artificial intelligence bleeds into politics and government. They look at the hidden upsides for fixing many of our deepest problems, but also some of the staggering problems we could increasingly encounter. They explore some of surprising ways AI is already being used in opinion polls, political campaigns, and voter engagement. Schneier's new book is Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship02:21 AI in Opinion Polls04:50 AI Voting Assistance13:32 AI as a Consensus Builder17:00 The Dark Side of AI in Democracy23:33 Concerns About AI and Dystopia29:48 AI Avatars in Politics33:28 AI in Fundraising and Campaign Efficiency38:19 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of AI44:03 Public AI vs. Corporate AI46:48 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Democracy

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Gaza ceasefire and prospects for long-term peace with Rob Malley, Middle East policy expert and co-author (with Hussein Agha) of the new book Tomorrow is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine, which side is likely to fold first in the ongoing government shutdown, and who benefits as the Supreme Court hears arguments about whether the 14th Amendment clashes with the Voting Rights Act. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie “One Battle After Another” and its political and social themes. Is it a love letter to the revolutionary left and community connection, “apologia for radical left-wing terrorism,” or something else entirely? In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with author and Yale professor Judith Resnik about her new book, Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy. They discuss the history of the prison system's use of punishments like whipping, how the practice came to an end, and more.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Nina Porzucki   Research by Emily Ditto You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Gaza ceasefire and prospects for long-term peace with Rob Malley, Middle East policy expert and co-author (with Hussein Agha) of the new book Tomorrow is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine, which side is likely to fold first in the ongoing government shutdown, and who benefits as the Supreme Court hears arguments about whether the 14th Amendment clashes with the Voting Rights Act. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie “One Battle After Another” and its political and social themes. Is it a love letter to the revolutionary left and community connection, “apologia for radical left-wing terrorism,” or something else entirely? In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with author and Yale professor Judith Resnik about her new book, Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy. They discuss the history of the prison system's use of punishments like whipping, how the practice came to an end, and more.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Nina Porzucki   Research by Emily Ditto You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Headlines for October 16, 2025; Report from Gaza: Despite Ceasefire, Humanitarian Crisis Continues as Israel Severely Restricts Aid; “Taken Hostage by the Israeli Military”: Freed Palestinian Prisoners Describe Widespread Torture; Why Is Trump Bailing Out Argentina’s President Milei While Firing Thousands of Workers in U.S.?; Will Supreme Court Gut Voting Rights Act & Weaken Electoral Power of Black Americans?; Walkout: Top U.S. Media, Including Conservative Outlets, Reject New Pentagon Press Restrictions

Headlines for October 16, 2025; Report from Gaza: Despite Ceasefire, Humanitarian Crisis Continues as Israel Severely Restricts Aid; “Taken Hostage by the Israeli Military”: Freed Palestinian Prisoners Describe Widespread Torture; Why Is Trump Bailing Out Argentina’s President Milei While Firing Thousands of Workers in U.S.?; Will Supreme Court Gut Voting Rights Act & Weaken Electoral Power of Black Americans?; Walkout: Top U.S. Media, Including Conservative Outlets, Reject New Pentagon Press Restrictions

Republican policies are making life ever more expensive for most Americans- and meanwhile the graft, hustles, and outright scams keep making the rich richer- but at least nobody can say we're socialist... right? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Gaza ceasefire and prospects for long-term peace with Rob Malley, Middle East policy expert and co-author (with Hussein Agha) of the new book Tomorrow is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine, which side is likely to fold first in the ongoing government shutdown, and who benefits as the Supreme Court hears arguments about whether the 14th Amendment clashes with the Voting Rights Act. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie “One Battle After Another” and its political and social themes. Is it a love letter to the revolutionary left and community connection, “apologia for radical left-wing terrorism,” or something else entirely? In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with author and Yale professor Judith Resnik about her new book, Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy. They discuss the history of the prison system's use of punishments like whipping, how the practice came to an end, and more.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Nina Porzucki   Research by Emily Ditto You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corruption defines both the perception and reality of government, eroding trust and even threatening national security. Today, the safeguards meant to keep our government accountable are failing. From the mass firing of inspectors general to congressional stock trading and Supreme Court ethics scandals, abuses of power are weakening public trust and raising fears that the U.S. could slide toward kleptocracy.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with Mark Lee Greenblatt, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior; Jodi Vittori, Georgetown University professor and expert on corruption and national security; and Kedric Payne, Vice President and General Counsel at Campaign Legal Center. Together, they trace America's long fight against corruption — from the founders' earliest fears to Watergate reforms — and examine how today's failures of accountability threaten American democracy. The episode closes with solutions for restoring integrity, eliminating conflicts of interest and rebuilding trust in American government. Timestamps:(00:05) — Why did Trump fire 17 inspectors general?(07:36) — How has corruption shaped U.S. history?(11:14) — What reforms followed Watergate?(18:22) — Why does corruption feel worse in daily life now?(23:01) — How did Trump weaken watchdog offices and ethics enforcement?(28:47) — Why does congressional stock trading undermine trust?(33:58) — What do Supreme Court ethics scandals reveal?(39:59) — Could the U.S. slide toward kleptocracy?(46:04) — How does corruption threaten national security?(56:57) — What reforms could restore accountability and integrity? Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Mark Lee Greenblatt is an expert on government ethics and compliance, an attorney and author. Most recently, he served as Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Interior. His work bolstered the integrity of the agency's programs, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department's $10 billion in grants and contracts and $12 billion in natural resource royalties. Mark was elected by the 74 Inspectors General to serve as the Chairman of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency in 2022. He previously served in leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He also served as an investigative counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Anita Brody and was a litigator in two international law firms. Mark is the author of Valor, which tells untold stories of 21st century American soldiers, sailors and Marines who faced gut-wrenching decisions to overcome enormous odds. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, and he regularly appears in the news media. He graduated from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar, and he earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University.Jodi Vittori is an expert on the linkages of corruption, state fragility, illicit finance and U.S. national security. She is a Professor of Practice and co-chair of the Global Politics and Security program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Jodi is also an associate fellow with RUSI's Centre for Finance and Security and was previously a non-resident fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Before joining the Georgetown University faculty, she was the U.S. Research and Policy Manager for Transparency International's Defense and Security Program and a senior policy advisor for Global Witness. Jodi also served in the U.S. Air Force; her overseas service included Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and she was assigned to NATO's only counter-corruption task force. She was an Assistant Professor and military faculty at the US Air Force Academy and the National Defense University. Jodi is also a founder and co-moderator of the Anti-Corruption Advocacy Network (ACAN), which facilitates information exchange on corruption-related issues amongst over 1,000 participating individuals and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and received her PhD in International Studies from the University of Denver.Kedric Payne leads the government ethics program at Campaign Legal Center, where he works to strengthen ethics laws and hold public officials accountable at the federal, state and local levels. He conducts investigations into government corruption and initiates legal actions against officials who violate the law. At CLC, Kedric has been at the forefront of advancing reforms on issues such as congressional stock trading, Supreme Court ethics enforcement, executive branch conflicts of interest, and state ethics commission autonomy. His legal work and analysis have been featured in major media outlets. He has also testified at congressional hearings on government ethics and accountability. Before joining CLC, Kedric built a broad legal career across all three branches of the federal government and in private practice. He began as a litigator at Cravath and later practiced political law at Skadden. He went on to serve as Deputy Chief Counsel at the Office of Congressional Ethics and as a Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he advised on federal ethics laws. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.Links: Understanding Corruption and Conflicts of Interest in Government – CLC Holding Government Officials Accountable for Unlawful Conflict of Interest Violations – CLC Ethics Pledges by Trump Cabinet Draw Questions and Skepticism – NY Times CLC Sues to Stop Elon Musk and DOGE's Lawless, Unconstitutional Power Grab – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC Is Musk Using the FAA to Benefit Himself and His SpaceX Subsidiary, Starlink? – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC How a Second Term Introduces More Conflicts of Interest for Trump – CLC CLC's Kedric Payne on Trump's Brazen Removal of Nation's Top Ethics Official – CLC The public won't get to see Elon Musk's financial disclosures. Here's why that matters.  – CBS  Justice Clarence Thomas Should Be Held Accountable Under Federal Ethics Law – CLC Judicial Conference Decision Lowers Ethics Standards for Federal Judges and U.S. Supreme Court – CLC Improving Ethics Standards at the Supreme Court – CLC The Justice Department Is In Danger Of Losing Its Way Under Trump – CLC Congress Has an Ethics Problem. Now It's Trying to Get Rid of Ethics Enforcement – CLC A Win for Ethics: CLC, Partners Succeed in Preserving Office of Congressional Conduct – CLC Crypto Political Fundraising Raises Questions About Senate Ethics Committee Efficacy – CLC Stopping the Revolving Door: Preventing Conflicts of Interest from Former Lobbyists – CLC The Trump Administration Has Opened the Door to More Corruption – CLC Solving the Congressional Stock Trading Problem – CLCAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A fair, humane, and orderly immigration system should think of the US as the top destination for top talent from around the world, as well as a beacon of hope. Changing the law to give permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship would fix the current failed immigration system.   Todd's civic action toolkit recommendations are:  Post know-your-rights material at your place of worship or local grocery store Ask your HR to have legal resources for immigrant employees   Todd Schulte is the President of FWD.us, where he has directed successful efforts to make the case that immigrants and immigration power the US economy, help us win the global race for talent, and strengthen the American workforce.      Woohoo! We took home the Silver Medal in the Signal Awards:  https://www.signalaward.com/winners/details/#future-hindsight/future-hindsight-maurice-mitchell-working-families-party/0/613058   Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/   Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:  https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark    Follow Mila on X:  https://x.com/milaatmos    Follow Todd on X:  https://x.com/TheToddSchulte    Sponsor:  Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.   Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight  Credits:  Host: Mila Atmos  Guests: Todd Schulte Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s (D) recent comments on violent crime and prison reform. Listener call-in commentary on a recent trip to New Jersey. New courses available through Hillsdale College online impress the dangers of Marxism, socialism, and communism. Barton Swaim’s piece at The Wall Street Journal, “Democracy, Thy Name Is Trump.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Bill and Phil share and reflect on their interview with Political Scientist and Author of How Democracies Die, Steven Levitsky.

The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in collaboration with Detroit One Million presents: The Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson!Together, Donna and Sam illuminate the complexities of Detroit's unique political landscape and give residents a resource for navigating civic engagement and election season.In this episode, they dig into the contrast between rhetoric and results, what power should look like and who it should serve. The conversation gives a preview into this week's mayoral debate between Council President Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. Immigration reform, environmental justice, and fair housing all take center stage in this deep dive on how to build a credible record through community impact and structural results. For more episodes of the Black Detroit Democracy Podcast, click here.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

P&C drink Skipjack Pilsner and then wonder what in the world is going on with all this talk about Trump the dictator. The boys evaluate the liberal narrative that Trump is an authoritarian dictator and find it woefully lacking. The "big one" from the liberal side is January 6 and the claim that the election was stolen. There is some validity to that claim, but it's exaggerated. A lot. The bottom line is that an authoritarian dictator would have behaved very differently. Trump has been accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election, calling the press the “enemy of the people,” and promising “retribution” against his political enemies. But are these actions truly unique? Or are Trump's critics holding him to a double standard?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the “dictator” narrative:Did Trump actually weaponize the Justice Department, or just use it like his predecessors?How do his actions compare to Obama's “Russia hoax” strategy or Biden's push to censor online speech?What defines a real threat to democracy — policy overreach, rhetoric, or selective enforcement of the law?And what would it mean if Trump really does return to power with plans for “retribution”?We explore the accusations, the double standards, and the uncomfortable question: Is Trump a dictator — or just the mirror reflecting our own political hypocrisy?

Ben Fountain is far more than just the author of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, which won RTB hearts and minds (and the National Book Award) long before it became a weird Ang Lee movie. Back in 2020's lockdown, RTB asked Fountain what was consoling and engaging him. American novels, especially those about Americans abroad (Joan Didion. say) have always done something special for him. Marilynne Robinson's and James Baldwin's work make us confront the reality that's happening around us all the time, “a freaking massacre.” He carried the the (fictional but genuine) facts of Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk in his head for forty years. Allen Tate, Fugitive poet (and author most famously of the tricky post-Eliotic 1928 “Ode to the Confederate Dead“) Joan Didion, The Last Thing He Wanted (1996; “a masterpiece of tone and mood and character and profound interiority”; the movie, not so much) Joan Didion, Democracy (1984; she goes “straight after the heart of that mystery, what is America?“) Marilynne Robinson. Listeners, do you prefer her incisive nonfiction (“Poetry of Puritanism“) or the deep, torqued interiority of her first novel, Housekeeping ? Zadie Smith on the amazing, terrifying Americanness of Kara Walker Kara Walker's “A Subtlety” (also referenced in our Silvia Bottinelli episode on food art!) James Baldwin, A Letter to My Nephew (1962) James Baldwin, e.g. If Beale Street Could Talk (Ben loves those Library of America volumes…) Another Country (1962) Giovanni's Room (1956) Sewanee Review, The Corona Correspondence Chronicles of Now George Saunders “A Letter to My Students…." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Members of the GOP (including our very own Ron Johnson) are very concerned about The No Kings Rally this Saturday. And we talk about what to expect at the events, but the bigger problem is if you're against ANTIFA, doesn't that mean you're FOR Fascism? Then, almost all of the Pentagon Press Corps has left the building in protest to new guidelines from the Defense Secretary. Let's lighten things up with some Audio Sorbet and its Thursday, so we're talking all things sports with Journal Sentinel Writer JR Radcliffe! And we shall close out this episode with another installment of This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Frog In My Throat Edition. As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way! Guest: Jr Radcliffe

Ben Fountain is far more than just the author of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, which won RTB hearts and minds (and the National Book Award) long before it became a weird Ang Lee movie. Back in 2020's lockdown, RTB asked Fountain what was consoling and engaging him. American novels, especially those about Americans abroad (Joan Didion. say) have always done something special for him. Marilynne Robinson's and James Baldwin's work make us confront the reality that's happening around us all the time, “a freaking massacre.” He carried the the (fictional but genuine) facts of Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk in his head for forty years. Allen Tate, Fugitive poet (and author most famously of the tricky post-Eliotic 1928 “Ode to the Confederate Dead“) Joan Didion, The Last Thing He Wanted (1996; “a masterpiece of tone and mood and character and profound interiority”; the movie, not so much) Joan Didion, Democracy (1984; she goes “straight after the heart of that mystery, what is America?“) Marilynne Robinson. Listeners, do you prefer her incisive nonfiction (“Poetry of Puritanism“) or the deep, torqued interiority of her first novel, Housekeeping ? Zadie Smith on the amazing, terrifying Americanness of Kara Walker Kara Walker's “A Subtlety” (also referenced in our Silvia Bottinelli episode on food art!) James Baldwin, A Letter to My Nephew (1962) James Baldwin, e.g. If Beale Street Could Talk (Ben loves those Library of America volumes…) Another Country (1962) Giovanni's Room (1956) Sewanee Review, The Corona Correspondence Chronicles of Now George Saunders “A Letter to My Students…." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bible's most revolutionary concept wasn't monotheism - it was something far more profound. What if the most revolutionary idea in human history wasn't freedom, democracy, or even monotheism — but a single verse from Genesis? This week on Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Dr. Tomer Persico, author of In God's Image: How Western Civilization Was Shaped by a Revolutionary Idea. Together, they explore how the Torah's concept of tzelem Elohim — the image of God — was originally understood not as a metaphor, but as something startlingly literal: humanity as the actual analog of the divine. The conversation also traces how Christianity, more than Judaism, adopted and amplified this idea — translating it into the language of conscience, equality, and individual dignity. Does that history diminish the Jewish claim to tzelem Elohim or, paradoxically, confirm its enduring power? Finally, the discussion turns inward: once God's mind becomes internalized within the human mind, religion itself becomes a human sense — like music or beauty — embedded in the architecture of our consciousness. Studying religion, then, is not just the study of the divine, but the study of what makes us most profoundly human. Dr Tomers Biography Dr. Tomer Persico is a Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, Chief Editor of the 'Challenges of Democracy' book series for the Rubinstein Center at Reichman University, and a Senior Research Scholar at the UC Berkeley Center for Middle Eastern Studies. Persico was the Koret Visiting Assistant Professor at the UC Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies for three years and has taught for eight years in Tel Aviv University. His fields of expertise include cultural history, the liberal order, Jewish modern identity, Contemporary Spirituality and Jewish fundamentalism. His books include The Jewish Meditative Tradition (Hebrew, Tel Aviv University Press, 2016), Liberalism: its Roots, Values and Crises (Hebrew, Dvir, 2024 and German, NZZ Libro, 2025) and In God's Image: How Western Civilization Was Shaped by a Revolutionary Idea (Hebrew, Yedioth,2021, English, NYU Press,2025). Persico is an activist for freedom of religion in Israel, is frequently interviewed by local and international media and has written hundreds of articles for the legacy media, including Haaretz and the Washington Post. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Yael and two sons, Ivri and Shilo. Key Takeaways The concept of humans being created in God's image was revolutionary because it applied to everyone, not just rulers or heroes. Taking the idea of God's image literally led to profound implications for human rights and dignity. The "image of God" concept evolved through Christianity and ultimately influenced secularization and the emancipation of the Jews Timestamps [00:00:27] — Opening narration begins: “What if one of the most radical ideas in human intellectual history…” [00:01:42] — Host commentary: Jeffrey connects the “image of God” to the modern idea of dignity and introduces the hope for the hostages. [00:02:34] — Guest introduction: Dr. Tomer Persico is welcomed; he explains his research journey and the origins of his book. [00:05:19] — Defining the radical idea: Persico explains how “in God's image” reframed power, privilege, and ethics in Western culture. [00:07:45] — Literal God debate: Discussion turns to the ancient Israelite belief that God had a visible, bodily form. [00:10:12] — Reframing idolatry: Persico redefines idolatry as failing to see the divine in people, not in statues. [00:14:18] — Birth of human rights: Conversation about Genesis 9:6 and how individuality replaced collective punishment. [00:18:47] — The Christian turn: How Christianity internalized the “image of God” into conscience and reason—laying foundations for science. [00:25:26] — Secular autonomy and modernity: How reverence for human autonomy led to the rise of secularism and liberal rights. [00:31:38] — Closing reflection: The innate “hunch” or instinct toward the sacred—“we do God” naturally—and the episode's farewell prayer for hostages. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/681682 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Dr Tomer's book - https://a.co/d/biMkA6b

Joyce discusses how the Democratic party does not seem to know what the term democracy means even though they claim to fight for it and why that gives the upper hand to Republicans who seem to be winning every political battle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democracy Now! is a daily independent award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. The post Democracy Now! – October 16, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Anne Applebaum joins journalist Madeleine Brand for a timely and urgent conversation about Applebaum's latest book, Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. Together, they explore the growing network of authoritarian regimes, the methods they use to consolidate power, and the global threats they pose to democratic institutions.Anne Applebaum is a staff writer for The Atlantic and a Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the SNF Agora Institute. Her acclaimed works include Gulag: A History, Iron Curtain, and Twilight of Democracy.Madeleine Brand is the host of Press Play on KCRW, an award-winning daily news and culture program offering deep insight into national and international stories through a Southern California lens.This event is part of the America at a Crossroads virtual series, founded by Jews United for Democracy & Justice and the Community Advocates, Inc., bringing leading voices together to discuss the most pressing issues facing our democracy.

Ron and his guest Michael Bedenbough (author "Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses For The Future of America" discuss what's happening to our Country

The episode challenges the familiar “open versus closed” framing of AI systems. Sharma argues that openness is not inherently good or bad—it is an instrumental choice that should align with specific policy goals. She introduces a seven-part taxonomy of AI—compute, data, source code, model weights, system prompts, operational records and controls, and labor—to show how each component interacts differently with innovation, safety, and governance. Her central idea, differential openness, suggests that each component can exist along a spectrum rather than being entirely open or closed. For instance, a company might keep its training data private while making its system prompts partially accessible, allowing transparency without compromising competitive or national interests. Using the example of companion bots, Sharma highlights how tailored openness across components can enhance safety and oversight while protecting user privacy. She urges policymakers to adopt this nuanced approach, applying varying levels of openness based on context—whether in public services, healthcare, or defense. The episode concludes by emphasizing that understanding these layers is vital for shaping balanced AI governance that safeguards public interest while supporting innovation.How can regulators determine optimal openness levels for different components of AI systems? Can greater transparency coexist with innovation and competitive advantage? What governance structures can ensure that openness strengthens democratic accountability without undermining safety or national security?Episode ContributorsChinmayi Sharma is an associate professor of law at Fordham Law School in New York. She is a nonresident fellow at the Stoss Center, the Center for Democracy and Technology, and the Atlantic Council. She serves on Microsoft's Responsible AI Committee and the program committees for the ACM Symposium on Computer Science and Law and the ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency.Shruti Mittal is a research analyst at Carnegie India. Her current research interests include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, compute, and data governance. She is also interested in studying the potential socio-economic value that open development and diffusion of technologies can create in the Global South.Suggested Readings Unbundling AI Openness by Parth Nobel, Alan Z. Rozenshtein, and Chinmayi Sharma. Tragedy of the Digital Commons by Chinmayi Sharma. India's AI Strategy: Balancing Risk and Opportunity by Amlan Mohanty and Shatakratu Sahu.  Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

Headlines for October 15, 2025; Anti-Fascism Scholar Flees U.S. Fearing for His Family’s Safety Amid Trump’s “Antifa” Fearmongering; Historian Joel Beinin on Gaza Deal, Abandoning Zionism, His Israeli Niece’s Captivity in Gaza & More; Lindsey Boylan, Ex-Cuomo Aide Who Accused Him of Sexual Harassment, on Why She Supports Mamdani

Democracy Now! Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The boneheaded cruelty of Trump's ICE Brigade shows itself more every day. Is Trump working hard to make America into a 3rd world-style dictatorship like Egypt? Where are the Republicans of conscious willing to defend our liberty and our nation?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is socialism? Did it fail? Prof. Richard Wolff & Brian discuss what socialism means, compare government systems like China, Cuba, and the USSR, and consider what elements constitute socialism.Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.Join the The Socialist Program community at http://www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Synopsis- HUD in crisis- The Department of Housing and Urban Development has seen its staff slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, with civil rights cases being abandoned and political appointees allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription: About 750,000 people are on unpaid leave as the U.S. government shutdown continues —  but some of the most caring parts of the government's work have been shut down for months. Take the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for example. This is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but in a shocking complaint letter submitted to Senator Elizabeth Warren on September 22, 2025, civil rights attorneys Palmer Heenan, Paul Osadebe and two other whistleblowers describe an agency in crisis. Staff has been slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. Every layoff and budget cut by the Trump administration, both within HUD and across federal agencies, is part of a larger plan to create chaos, end civil rights protections, legalize segregation and exert unitary executive power. Heenan and Osadebe, members of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), are calling on federal employees to uphold their oath to constitution and protect Americans. And they've paid the price: *both Heenan and Osadebe were fired by HUD in what has been called a "stunning act of illegal retaliation.” In this conversation, the two share their story, what it means for civil rights and how unions can fight for government accountability.“No one is asking for a leg up or an extra hand or whatever the case might be. We're just asking to get rid of discrimination. And so I hope the future will tell the story of people doing just that, coming together, going to Congress and saying, ‘These are our rights. You passed them into law decades ago. Fight for the rights that we have now.'” - Palmer Heenan“The thing that will actually get us through this is solidarity, recognizing what potential power we have as federal workers . . . [The administration wants] to create fear, which leads to silence, which lets things be dismantled without anyone standing up and fighting and saying, ‘This is illegal, this is wrong and this is harming people.' It's up to federal workers, the ones in the building, to actually do that.” - Paul OsadebeGuests:• Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476• Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476 Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriendsMusic Credit:  "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Place Delight” by Stephen Emmer featuring Mary Griffin, from the album Home Ground, released on Electric Fairytale Recordings, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper RESOURCES:Related Episodes:•  Housing is a Human Right Watch / Listen•  Frances Golden, “Rabble Rousers” & the NYC Housing Struggle that Won. Watch / Listen / Full,Uncut Conversation•  Domestic Violence Survivor & Homeless Too?  A CA Cohort Shows What Can Be Done. Watch/Listen /  Full, Uncut Conversation•  Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina: Watch/ListenRelated Articles and Resources:• U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announces receipt of official complaint from HUD whistleblowers, ‘If you buy a home or rent a home or want to…'  YouTube• US whistleblowers say they were fired for raising fair housing concerns, by Chris Stein, September 29, 2025, The Guardian•  Rent Debtors Strike Against Abusive Corporate Landlord.  The Debt Collective is leading the charge against the real estate behemoth Equity Residential, by Michael Friedrich, October 6, 2025, The American Prospect•. Trump appointees roll back rollback enforcement of fair housing laws, by Debra Kamin, September 22, 2025, New York Times•  Federal Workers Are Organizing for Democracy- from the Inside Out, by Chris Does and Alissa Tafti, June 25, 2025, NP Quarterly•  Save Public Services•  Exclusive:  Federal Whistleblowers Expose How Trump's HUD is Abandoning Vulnerable Americans, by Maximillian Alvarez, September 22, 2025, The Real News Network•  Trump's housing department rolls back work to combat residential segregation, whistleblowers allege, by Shcris Stein, September 24, 2025, The Guardian Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

This week, Jeremi and Zachary invite John Lawrence, a former senior staff member with extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, to discuss the recent government shutdown. The conversation delves into the causes and impacts of these shutdowns, the role of partisanship, and historical precedents. Jeremi opens the conversation with a powerful excerpt from C.P. Cavafy's poem "Waiting for the Barbarians," setting the tone with a poignant reflection on the complexities and challenges of democracy. Dr. John A. Lawrence served for thirty-eight years as a senior staff person in the United States House of Representatives, including as chief of staff for Speaker Nancy Pelosi from 2005 to 2013. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of California's Washington Center. He is the author of:  The Class of '74: Congress after Watergate and the Roots of Partisanship;  Arc of Power: Inside Nancy Pelosi's Speakership;  and Sherlock Holmes: The Affair at Mayerling Lodge.

In this "final" episode of our examination of ancient Greek democracy we compare it with the early Roman Republic which began "coincidentally" at the same time.This won't be the last time we refer to the structures of these political systems over the next few centuries so this episode is required listening for all Fan of History fans! (And well worth it)Thank you to all the long time fans and Supporters of this podcast! We REALLY APPRECIATE you!This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski.If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistoryContact information:E-mail: zimwaupodcast@gmail.comhttp://facebook.com/fanofhistoryhttps://twitter.com/danhorninghttps://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse.Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wudupdoe! This week.. Trump is doing the most. Tigers and Lions doing things. Pistons are back! And more.

Does good democratic government require intelligent, moral, and productive citizens? Can our political institutions educate the kind of citizens we wish or need to have? With recent arguments "against democracy" and fears about the rise of populism, there is growing scepticism about whether liberalism and democracy can continue to survive together. Some even question whether democracy is worth saving. In Democracy Tamed: French Liberalism and the Politics of Suffrage (Oxford UP, 2024), Gianna Englert argues that the dilemmas facing liberal democracy are not unique to our present moment, but have existed since the birth of liberal political thought in nineteenth-century France. Combining political theory and intellectual history, Englert shows how nineteenth-century French liberals championed the idea of "political capacity" as an alternative to democratic political rights and argued that voting rights should be limited to capable citizens who would preserve free, stable institutions against revolutionary passions and democratic demands. Liberals also redefined democracy itself, from its ancient meaning as political rule by the people to something that, counterintuitively, demanded the guidance of a capable few rather than the rule of all.Understandably, scholarly treatments of political capacity have criticized the idea as exclusionary and potentially dangerous. Englert argues instead that political capacity was a flexible standard that developed alongside a changing society and economy, allowing liberals to embrace democracy without abandoning their first principles. She reveals a forgotten, uncharted path of liberalism in France that remained open to political democracy while aiming to foster citizen capacity. Overall, Democracy Tamed tells the story of how the earliest liberals deployed their notion of the "new democracy" to resist universal suffrage. But it also reveals how later liberals would appropriate their predecessors' antidemocratic arguments to safeguard liberal democracies as we have come to know them. Gianna Englert is Associate Professor of Humanities in The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

A visit with a panel at the One Payer State organization discussed the state of our democracy and how we can free ourselves from the fear that keeps it.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

In December of 2918, during the first Trump Administration, Hart Hagan (Host of The Climate Report) and Ruth Newman (Host of Election Connection) engaged in a free-wheeling exploration of how our democracy got corrupted and how we might envision putting Humpty Dumpty back together again.

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!  Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Our rights were never given — they were earned, they were won. From the ballot box to the picket line, generations of Americans have fought to secure fundamental freedoms and dignity for all of us. President Trump thinks behaving like a king makes him one; but in America, we don't put up with would-be kings, we don't stand for attempts to crush democracy in the name of personal power. We, the People are going to make sure the world knows that our strength arises from a democratic America grounded in a healthy, well-educated and diverse nation. We, the People of Whidbey Island, Washington will join millions across the country in peaceful, non-violent gatherings to say loud and clear: No Kings! No Crowns! No Dictators! No Thrones!We, the People do stand for:•    Free Speech, not suppression•    Peace, not violence•    Healthcare, not illness, disease & death•    Immigrants, not ICE•    Rule of Law, not anarchy•    Democracy, not tyranny•    Compassion, not cruelty•    Due Process, not personal vendettas, threats & revenge•    Working Families, not fat cat billionaires•    Servicemen & women who Protect & Defend Americans, not wage war on AmericansWe, the People welcome any and all like-valued Americans to stand with us so that together we dare to create a more perfect union, building from the good up with liberty and justice for all.  CTA: Join us on Saturday October 18th, 2025 as we gather at the Coupeville Overpass, State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 from 10am – 12noon PDTBring your friends, family, signs, loud singing voices, and “good trouble” peaceful energy.Click HERE to RSVP for Whidbey Island's No Kings Rally 2.0 and find more details [https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/843947/]Click HERE to access No Kings Rally 2.0 comprehensive website with all the information you need to take part wherever your feet touch the ground. [https://www.nokings.org/]We're not watching history - we're making it!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Democracy Now! titulares en español de 15 de octubre de 2025

Does good democratic government require intelligent, moral, and productive citizens? Can our political institutions educate the kind of citizens we wish or need to have? With recent arguments "against democracy" and fears about the rise of populism, there is growing scepticism about whether liberalism and democracy can continue to survive together. Some even question whether democracy is worth saving. In Democracy Tamed: French Liberalism and the Politics of Suffrage (Oxford UP, 2024), Gianna Englert argues that the dilemmas facing liberal democracy are not unique to our present moment, but have existed since the birth of liberal political thought in nineteenth-century France. Combining political theory and intellectual history, Englert shows how nineteenth-century French liberals championed the idea of "political capacity" as an alternative to democratic political rights and argued that voting rights should be limited to capable citizens who would preserve free, stable institutions against revolutionary passions and democratic demands. Liberals also redefined democracy itself, from its ancient meaning as political rule by the people to something that, counterintuitively, demanded the guidance of a capable few rather than the rule of all.Understandably, scholarly treatments of political capacity have criticized the idea as exclusionary and potentially dangerous. Englert argues instead that political capacity was a flexible standard that developed alongside a changing society and economy, allowing liberals to embrace democracy without abandoning their first principles. She reveals a forgotten, uncharted path of liberalism in France that remained open to political democracy while aiming to foster citizen capacity. Overall, Democracy Tamed tells the story of how the earliest liberals deployed their notion of the "new democracy" to resist universal suffrage. But it also reveals how later liberals would appropriate their predecessors' antidemocratic arguments to safeguard liberal democracies as we have come to know them. Gianna Englert is Associate Professor of Humanities in The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

ON TODAY'S SHOW: Anti-Fascism Scholar Flees U.S. Fearing for His Family's Safety Amid Trump's “Antifa” Fearmongering Historian Joel Beinin on Gaza Deal, Abandoning Zionism, His Israeli Niece's Captivity in Gaza & More Lindsey Boylan, Ex-Cuomo Aide Who Accused Him of Sexual Harassment, on Why She Supports Mamdani Democracy Now! is a daily independent award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. The post Democracy Now! – October 15, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Does good democratic government require intelligent, moral, and productive citizens? Can our political institutions educate the kind of citizens we wish or need to have? With recent arguments "against democracy" and fears about the rise of populism, there is growing scepticism about whether liberalism and democracy can continue to survive together. Some even question whether democracy is worth saving. In Democracy Tamed: French Liberalism and the Politics of Suffrage (Oxford UP, 2024), Gianna Englert argues that the dilemmas facing liberal democracy are not unique to our present moment, but have existed since the birth of liberal political thought in nineteenth-century France. Combining political theory and intellectual history, Englert shows how nineteenth-century French liberals championed the idea of "political capacity" as an alternative to democratic political rights and argued that voting rights should be limited to capable citizens who would preserve free, stable institutions against revolutionary passions and democratic demands. Liberals also redefined democracy itself, from its ancient meaning as political rule by the people to something that, counterintuitively, demanded the guidance of a capable few rather than the rule of all.Understandably, scholarly treatments of political capacity have criticized the idea as exclusionary and potentially dangerous. Englert argues instead that political capacity was a flexible standard that developed alongside a changing society and economy, allowing liberals to embrace democracy without abandoning their first principles. She reveals a forgotten, uncharted path of liberalism in France that remained open to political democracy while aiming to foster citizen capacity. Overall, Democracy Tamed tells the story of how the earliest liberals deployed their notion of the "new democracy" to resist universal suffrage. But it also reveals how later liberals would appropriate their predecessors' antidemocratic arguments to safeguard liberal democracies as we have come to know them. Gianna Englert is Associate Professor of Humanities in The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Sam Harris speaks with Damon Linker about the erosion of American democracy. They discuss the right-wing populist movement, the mechanisms by which Trump is consolidating authoritarian control, the Insurrection Act, the Right's weaponization of wokeness, the potential for civil unrest, Trump's punishment of Democrat-run cities, the new Christian Right, and other topics. If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.

It's chaos, capitalism, and counterprogramming this week: Katie Porter's office implodes, Turning Point USA takes its culture wars to the Super Bowl, a billion-dollar political betting platform blurs the line between democracy and data, and a Philly creative turns her home into resistance art. DeRay interviews LaShawn Harris, author of Tell Her Story: Eleanor Bumpurs & the Police Killing That Galvanized New York City. NewsTurning Point USA, group founded by Charlie Kirk, announces Super Bowl halftime counter programmingFirst she turned her Philly living room into a record store. Then it became an art installation at DesignPhiladelphia.He upended political polling by creating the billion-dollar betting platform Polymarket. But is it legal? Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Headlines for October 14, 2025; “Recognize Palestine”: Israeli Knesset Member Ofer Cassif on Protesting Trump, Netanyahu Speeches; Free Dr. Abu Safiya: Calls Grow for Israel to Release Imprisoned Gaza Healthcare Workers; Will Gaza Ceasefire Last? Trump’s Plan “Short on Details” Beyond Release of Captives; Juan González on Chicago’s Grassroots Movement to Protect Immigrants from ICE

Good day, and welcome to Day 14 of the government shutdown. The latest frustrating YouGov poll on the shutdown. The myth of Republicans and the economy. 1,300 CDC employees were laid off Friday by mistake. The latest on the Israel-Hamas cease fire. Donald's celebrating might be premature. Donald's deal is actually Biden's deal. What the heck was Tiny Trump talking about? Donald on Egypt's crime rate. Donald can't remember who was president on January 6. There was clearly a deal between the administration and Ghislaine Maxwell. Eric Swalwell's bombshell. Heroes of Democracy. DNC chair Ken Martin endorses Mamdani. With Jody Hamilton, David Ferguson, music by Freekbass feat. Eric Nally, Powder Pink and Sweet, and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.