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Exploring how Christian conviction and civic love — inspired by the faith of Willie Faye and Mahalia Jackson's generation — can transcend political tribalism.
A raw look at which relationships and conversations are worth our time—and when to just say f* it. ✨ Episode Summary In this candid, off-the-cuff talk, Corey wrestles with a series of deeply personal and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of this progam's mission:
Record-breaking sums of money are pouring into American politics — from billionaires spending hundreds of millions to dark money groups hiding their donors. These sums have given wealthy interests outsized access and influence — while the Federal Election Commission (FEC), created to enforce campaign finance laws, has become unable to fulfill its mission.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with former FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Campaign Legal Center President Trevor Potter. Together, they trace how court rulings like Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNOW v. FEC opened the floodgates to unlimited political spending — and explore reforms that could restore transparency, strengthen the Federal Election Commission and curb the outsized role of big money in our democracy.Timestamps:(00:01) — Why was an FEC commissioner suddenly removed?(03:14) — How much money was spent in the 2024 election cycle?(07:00) — What campaign finance lessons came out of Watergate?(09:35) — What was the McCain-Feingold Act, and why did it matter?(10:45) — How did Citizens United and SpeechNow change U.S. elections?(13:41) — What is dark money and why is it dangerous?(15:18) — Why has the FEC failed to enforce campaign finance laws?(21:48) — How did Elon Musk become the biggest mega-donor in U.S. history?(24:14) — What government power did Musk gain after funding Trump?(30:03) — How has campaign finance evolved since Watergate?(33:41) — What reforms could reduce dark money and strengthen transparency?(40:57) — What must Congress do now to curb big money in politics? 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.Ellen L. Weintraub served as Commissioner and four-time Chair of the U.S. Federal Election Commission from 2002 to 2025. There, she advocated for meaningful campaign-finance law enforcement and robust disclosure and strove to combat "dark money" and foreign influence in our elections. She has been a critic of the system that gives disproportionate influence to billionaire donors and has refuted unfounded claims of voter fraud. On February 6, 2025, she was informed that the President was removing her from office.A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Weintraub has published articles in The New York Times, The Washington Post and leading law reviews and is a frequent speaker on news shows and at conferences at home and abroad. Previously, she practiced law at Perkins Coie LLP and was Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee. Sheldon Whitehouse represents Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate. Senator Whitehouse serves as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee.Trevor Potter is President of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises. Links:Democracy Decoded: Season 1, Episode 4 – CLC How Does the Citizens United Decision Still Affect Us in 2025? – CLC Dark Money Groups Are Pumping Millions Into the 2024 Election – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC New CLC Report Examines FEC's Role in Letting Big Money Dominate Elections – CLC From Dysfunctional to Destructive (FEC Report) – CLC The Impact of Big Money and Secret Spending on Trump's Second Inauguration – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC Preventing Wealthy Special Interests from Using Shell Companies to Keep Their Political Spending Secret (Case Page) – CLC Opposing Special Interest Loopholes in Campaign Finance Law Enforcement — ECU v. FEC (Rick Scott Appeal - Case Page) – CLC CLC Steps Up to Promote Enforcement of Federal Campaign Finance Law (Case Page) – CLC Defending Federal Limits on Corporate Spending in Elections (Citizens United v. FEC - Case Page) – CLC Campaign Legal Center Releases New Report on the FEC's Deregulatory Trend – CLC The Agency That's Supposed To Provide Election Oversight Badly Needs Oversight – CLC Campaign Legal Center Letter Responds to President Trump's Unlawful Attempt to Exert Control Over the FEC – 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.
Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today.
Why defending viewpoint diversity might be the most radical—and necessary—act in higher education today.
In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing?
In times of national tragedy, can we resist the urge to turn our grief into political ammo? Sadly, our current leaders can't seem to find their better angels. So who's gonna do the right thing?
The U.S. Supreme Court has vastly reshaped American democracy — rolling back voting rights, enabling secret money in politics and expanding presidential power. These decisions have a real impact on all Americans by making it harder for citizens to exercise their freedom to vote, easier for wealthy interests to sway elections and more difficult to hold leaders accountable.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny Podcast Leah Litman, Campaign Legal Center Senior Vice President Bruce V. Spiva and Campaign Legal Center Campaign Finance Senior Counsel David Kolker. Together, they unpack the real-world impact of landmark Supreme Court decisions — from voting rights cases like Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich v. DNC to campaign finance rulings like Citizens United — and explore what reforms could restore balance, accountability and trust in the Court.Timestamps:(00:05) — What do Americans really think about the Supreme Court?(02:18) — Why does the Supreme Court's power matter for democracy?(07:01) — How did Shelby County v. Holder weaken voting rights?(16:39) — What was the impact of Brnovich v. DNC?(23:39) — How has the Supreme Court reshaped campaign finance?(29:24) — Why did Citizens United open the floodgates for money in politics?(32:37) — How have super PACs changed elections?(34:02) — How have wealthy special interests reshaped U.S. elections?(35:44) — What does presidential immunity mean for accountability?(37:30) — How do lifetime seats protect the Supreme Court from accountability?(39:22) — What role can Congress play in restoring trust and democracy?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.Leah Litman is a professor of law at the University of Michigan and a former Supreme Court clerk. In addition to cohosting Strict Scrutiny, she writes frequently about the Court for media outlets including The Washington Post, Slate, and The Atlantic, among others, and has appeared as a commentator on NPR and MSNBC, in addition to other venues. She has received the Ruth Bader Ginsburg award for her “scholarly excellence” from the American Constitution Society and published in top law reviews. Follow her on Bluesky @LeahLitman and Instagram @ProfLeahLitman.Bruce V. Spiva is Senior Vice President at Campaign Legal Center. He is an attorney and community leader who has spent his over 30-year career fighting for civil rights and civil liberties, voting rights, consumer protection, and antitrust enforcement.Over the past three decades, he has tried cases and argued appeals in courtrooms across the country, including arguing against vote suppression in the United States Supreme Court in 2021. In 2022, in his first run for public office, Bruce mounted a competitive run in the primary election for Washington, D.C. Attorney General. In addition to founding his own law firm where he practiced for eleven years, Bruce has held several leadership and management positions as a partner at two national law firms. Most recently, Bruce served as the Managing Partner of the D.C. Office and on the firm-wide Executive Committee of Perkins Coie LLP, where he also had an active election law practice. He first-chaired twelve voting rights and redistricting trials across the country, and argued numerous voting rights appeals in U.S. circuit courts and state supreme courts during his tenure at Perkins. David Kolker is Campaign Finance Senior Counsel at Campaign Legal Center. He focuses on both short- and long-term strategies to improve campaign finance laws across the country, and precedent interpreting those laws. David has spent decades litigating cases in both the public and private sectors. He worked for nearly 20 years at the Federal Election Commission, where he litigated cases on federal campaign finance law and for several years led the agency's Litigation Division. He represented the government in dozens of oral arguments, including the government's defense in SpeechNow.org v. FEC before the D.C. Circuit sitting en banc. He litigated many cases decided by the Supreme Court, including the landmark cases of McConnell v. FEC and Citizens United v. FEC. David joined CLC from the Federal Communications Commission, where he served as the deputy bureau chief, Enforcement Bureau. He previously was a partner at the law firm Spiegel and McDiarmid in Washington. Early in his career, David worked as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice. Links:The Supreme Court Needs to Start Standing Up for Democracy – CLCThe Supreme Court's Role in Undermining American Democracy – CLCSupreme Court's Impact on Voting Rights Is a Threat to Democracy – CLCWhy the Current U.S. Supreme Court Is a Threat to Our Democracy – CLCU.S. Supreme Court Reinstates Illegal Virginia Voter Purge at the Eleventh Hour – CLCWhat Does the U.S. Supreme Court's Recent Arizona Decision Mean for Voters? – CLCAlito Flags the Fatal Flaw of the Supreme Court Ethics Code – CLCU.S. Supreme Court Reinstates Illegal Virginia Voter Purge at the Eleventh Hour – CLCImproving Ethics Standards at the Supreme Court – CLCSupreme Court tossed out heart of Voting Rights Act a decade ago, prompting wave of new voting rules – The HillU.S. Supreme Court Significantly Limits Restraints on Unconstitutional Presidential Actions – CLCCampaign Legal Center Responds to SCOTUS Ruling Limiting Court Restraints on Unconstitutional Presidential Actions – CLCProtecting the Promise of American Citizenship – CLCBringing the Fight for Fair Voting Maps to the U.S. Supreme Court – CLCThe Supreme Court Must Uphold Fair Voting Maps for Fair Representation – 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.
Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it's finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. This Flying Pig Episode: If you're trying to build community in this fractured time (for anything), have we got a hack for you. At a time when binaries rule the day (you're either with “us” or “them,” with us or against us), “complicating the narrative” between groups has a powerful effect on the conversations and relationships that are even possible. That means civic entrepreneurs need to be on the lookup for unexpected combinations—of traits in people, of relationships between people, of coalitions of groups. We call it being criss-crossey, a term we're just sure is going to sweep the nation. Miss the first Flying Pig Academy Episode? Find it here. The second in the series, after "Location, Location, Location" is an homage to our intellectual hero (and lucky for us, our friend and colleague) Dr. Jonathan Haidt who - literally - wrote the book for Pigs With Big Dreams. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Oh and if you haven't watched the "hive switch-y" Almost Famous Tiny Dancer scene we mention toward the end of the episode, here's your chance. Find the full list of Flying Pig Academy Episodes online here. The Village Square is a proud member 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.
What if the role of “pastor's wife” wasn't biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women's voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr—medievalist, church historian, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor's Wife—for a candid conversation about faith, history, evangelical subcultures, and women's leadership in the church. Beth traces how the modern “pastor's wife” role emerged alongside the decline of women's ordination, shows how women have always done pastoral work, and offers grounded, hope-filled ways to talk across differences in a volatile moment.
What if the role of “pastor's wife” wasn't biblical at all, but a cultural invention that sidelined women from ministry? Dr. Beth Allison Barr pulls back the curtain on how power, patriarchy, and politics shaped Evangelical churches—and why reclaiming women's voices could change everything. Episode Summary So glad to sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr—medievalist, church historian, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor's Wife—for a candid conversation about faith, history, evangelical subcultures, and women's leadership in the church. Beth traces how the modern “pastor's wife” role emerged alongside the decline of women's ordination, shows how women have always done pastoral work, and offers grounded, hope-filled ways to talk across differences in a volatile moment.
How did American democracy reach such a precarious moment — and what can we do to fix things? Host Simone Leeper examines the fundamental threats to our democracy today, from gerrymandering and corruption to abuses of executive power and the outsized role of money in politics.Through real stories from everyday Americans and insights from the experts at Campaign Legal Center and other distinguished guests, this season of Democracy Decoded explores how we can use the tools we still have to repair the cracks in the system — and how, together, we can change things for the better.Learn what's at stake — and what can be done to solve the challenges facing American democracy. Follow Democracy Decoded on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.About 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.
What is America's role in a dramatically changing world? How does the health of our democracy impact other nations? In this episode we hear a rich mix of ideas in a conversation with podcaster, commentator, and former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes.“Young people today are going to have to imagine a new US government and a new set of international institutions,” says Ben. A future administration “will have to renegotiate the terms of a new international order.”This hour-long episode is a recording of a live event held on May 22 in Washington D.C., produced by the Democracy Group and The McCourtney Institute. “How Do We Fix It?” is one of eighteen network members of Democracy Group, which features podcasts about civic engagement, civil discourse and the future of our democracy.Ben Rhodes is cohost of the foreign policy podcast, “Pod Save the World”. He served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting under President Obama. With former Biden advisor Jake Sullivan, Rhodes the co-chair of National Security Action, a political NGO. He is the author of two books: “After the Fall”, and “The World As It Is.”This Democracy Group recording is cohosted by Kamy Akhavan, who leads the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California, and Stephanie Gerber Wilson, host and producer of the podcast/column “Freedom Over Fascism”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and former CEO of ProCon.org. Kamy shares his extraordinary journey from war-torn Iran to becoming a champion of civil discourse and political bridge-building in the United States. What We Discuss: Kamy's powerful immigration story and personal connection to today's immigration challenges What's actually happening in Los Angeles vs what many news programs are showing How debate and listening helped shape Kamy's open-minded leadership The mission of USC's Center for the Political Future and its bipartisan impact The root causes of polarization and how we can counteract them Why respect, listening, and humility are foundational for meaningful dialogue Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Kamy's homage to Parliament Funkadelic and Sly Stone [00:06:00] Living through war in Iran and escaping with his family [00:14:00] Adjusting to poverty in Louisiana and finding strength in education [00:18:00] Discovering a passion for political discourse through debate [00:27:00] Leaving management consulting to lead ProCon.org [00:30:00] Kamy's role at USC's Center for the Political Future [00:39:00] Building a culture where tough conversations can happen respectfully [00:55:00] A deeper look into today's immigration debates and polarization Featured Quotes: "Every person you meet knows more than you do about something. If you approach with humility, every conversation becomes a chance to learn." — Kamy Akhavan "If you really want to be a powerful advocate for your cause, the best tool you have isn't your mouth—it's your ears." — Kamy Akhavan "We all inherit democracy. And that inheritance is a gift many have died for." — Kamy Akhavan Resources Mentioned: USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future: https://dornsife-center-for-political-future.usc.edu/ ProCon.org: https://www.procon.org/ The Democracy Group: https://www.democracygroup.org/
For our final episode of the season, we present a conversation with Ben Rhodes recorded at in Washington, D.C. at the end of May. Democracy Works is going on summer break. We'll be back with new episodes in September!The Democracy Group's first live podcast recording featuring foreign policy expert and fellow podcaster Ben Rhodes in conversation with Kamy Akhavan of Let's Find Common Ground and Stephanie Gerber Wilson of Freedom Over Fascism about America's place on the world stage and how the health of American democracy impacts other democracies around the world. They also discuss how podcasting can shape messaging and narrative in a fractured media environment. About Ben RhodesRhodes is a writer, political commentator, and national security analyst. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made, and The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. He is currently co-host of Pod Save the World. His work has also been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Foreign Affairs. From 2009-2017, Ben served as a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. From 2009-2017, Rhodes served as a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. In that role, he led the secret negotiations with the Cuban government that resulted in the effort to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba.To learn more about each of the featured podcasts, visit the Shows page at democracygroup.org/shows.
The Democracy Group's first live podcast recording featuring foreign policy expert and fellow podcaster Ben Rhodes in conversation with Kamy Akhavan of Let's Find Common Ground and Stephanie Gerber Wilson of Freedom Over Fascism about America's place on the world stage and how the health of American democracy impacts other democracies around the world. They also discuss how podcasting can shape messaging and narrative in a fractured media environment. About Ben RhodesRhodes is a writer, political commentator, and national security analyst. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made, and The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House. He is currently co-host of Pod Save the World. His work has also been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Foreign Affairs. From 2009-2017, Ben served as a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. In that capacity, he participated in all of President Obama's key decisions, oversaw the President's national security communications and public diplomacy, and led the secret negotiations with the Cuban government that resulted in the effort to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba.To learn more about each of the featured podcasts, visit the Shows page at democracygroup.org/shows.
Christine Anderson is a German politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019, representing the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Anderson joined AfD in 2013 and served as its group leader in the Limburg-Weilburg district assembly from 2016 to 2018. In the European Parliament, she is part of the Identity and Democracy Group and serves on committees including Public Health, Women's Rights and Gender Equality, and the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety, as well as the Delegation for relations with the United States. We discuss the recent election in Germany, mass immigration and energy security. Christine Anderson in Canada tickets:https://trinityproductions.ca/To watch the Full Cornerstone Forum: https://open.substack.com/pub/shaunnewmanpodcastGet your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500Silver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionWebsite: www.BowValleycu.comEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Use the code “SNP” on all ordersProphet River Links:Website: store.prophetriver.com/Email: SNP@prophetriver.com
We're making our way through a time of extreme disruption, led by rapid transformation in technology, especially in how we communicate information. According to our special guest Renée DiResta, the way power and influence have been profoundly transformed reveals how a virtual rumor mill of niche propagandists increasingly shapes public opinion. By revealing the machinery and dynamics of the interplay between influencers, algorithms, and online crowds, DiResta vividly illustrates the way propagandists deliberately undermine belief in the fundamental legitimacy of institutions that make society work. Find the program online here. This program is part of the series in partnership with Florida Humanities — “UNUM: Democracy Reignited,” a multi-year digital offering exploring the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests (or sometimes fails to manifest) in our lives. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/america-fourth/Riffing along with our civic hero Dr. Danielle Allen, you have to start with basic agreements that are foundational (nonviolence as a basic norm, a supermajority for constitutional democracy, and full inclusion for all citizens). We're also wondering if the secret to a healthy America is to… wait for it… put “America Fourth!” Perhaps too much of our lives are now wrapped up in this life or death, us v. them struggle for us to be happy people. According to political scientist Eitan Hersh, this is making us insufferable “political hobbyists” who need to get a life? What if we can rediscover other higher loves — faith, family, art, travel, Star Wars trivia, whatever floats your particular boat. And in finding our loves again, maybe we even find each other? Facilitated by Pastor Latricia Scriven of St. Paul's United Methodist Church — God Squad is on it. Learn more about the program and meet the God Squad here. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Donald Trump took office as president on January 20, 2025, having already served one term. Immediately, however, he made clear his second term would be even more unpredictable than his first. He put one of the world's richest men — and his biggest campaign donor — in charge of a shadowy new entity with seemingly unfettered access to government data. Trump also blitzed the system with a barrage of executive orders, which have seemingly upended the government. He has done everything from threatening judges and lawyers to attacking the very concept of birthright citizenship, while Congress has remained largely on the sidelines.In short, Trump has moved aggressively against many of the checks and balances that American democracy has built in. As he works to consolidate power for the executive branch, other players have stepped up to challenge the president's moves — Campaign Legal Center among them. In this special episode of Democracy Decoded, our host Simone Leeper speaks with Trevor Potter, the president and founder of Campaign Legal Center, and Adav Noti, the executive director of Campaign Legal Center, to discuss what they've seen and what they're doing during this unprecedented moment.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.Trevor Potter is President at Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises.Adav Noti is Executive Director at Campaign Legal Center. He has conducted dozens of constitutional cases in trial and appellate courts and the United States Supreme Court. He also advises Members of Congress and other policymakers on advancing democracy through legislation. Prior to joining CLC, Adav served for more than 10 years in nonpartisan leadership capacities within the Office of General Counsel of the Federal Election Commission, and he served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Adav regularly provides expert analysis for television, radio, and print journalism. He has appeared on broadcasts such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Anderson Cooper 360, PBS NewsHour, and National Public Radio's Morning Edition, and he is regularly cited in publications nationwide, including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Politico, Slate, and Reuters.Links:The Trump Administration's (Second) 100 Days: What You Need to Know – Campaign Legal CenterIt's almost Inauguration Day. Will there be any checks on Trump's power? – The Hill op-ed by Trevor PotterBad Signs for Democracy as First 100 Days Begins – CLC newsletter, From the Desk of Trevor PotterOn the Question of Crisis – CLC newsletter, From the Desk of Trevor PotterAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization which advances democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American's right to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect 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.
Ten years ago this month we launched our first show at a time of new beginnings for podcasts. We were early to this game, and well before podcasting became part of mainstream media. In contrast to other shows about politics and current affairs we ran against the grain, avoiding snarky slogans and angry attacks. How Do We Fix It? focused instead on solutions journalism and what might be improved if we listen carefully to others who we don't agree with. We urge listeners to get out of their comfort zone.Right from the start, co-hosts Jim Meigs (leans red) and Richard Davies (leans blue) embraced nuance and celebrated the ideas of contrarians and compromisers alike. Their weekly podcast partnership lasted nine years. Together in this episode Richard and Jim consider a range of ideas that we have discussed.Our podcast was well ahead of many others in its stout defense of free speech for all sides and firm support of enlightenment ideals. We also share examples here of how we broke ground with episodes on the impact of smartphones on children and college students, the spread of COVID, and the need for carbon-free nuclear power to be part of the response to climate change.In this episode we include extracts from our rich catalog of episodes that date back to 2015. All of our shows can be found at howdowefixit.me.Recommendations: Jim and Richard are both avid podcast listeners. Two of their favorites are "Breaking History" and "Strangers on a Bench". Eli Lake interviews historians, academics and reporters for Breaking History, "mining the past of human experience to figure out the present. " British singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal hosts Strangers on a Bench. He meets people for the first time while sitting on a park bench, usually somewhere in London.. How Do We Fix It? is a proud member of the Democracy Group podcast network. We recorded this episode at The Manhattan Institute in New York. Thanks for their help and support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it's finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The bigger, gnarlier and more all-encompassing a conflict grows, the more we naturally rush right to its epicenter to try to break it up. It demands so much attention it's hard to look away. But we're going to give you our hottest tip for handling the most difficult conflicts — do it indirectly. Named by our very own Bill Mattox (this episode's guest), who may or may not know a lot about a carom shot in billiards (hitting a ball to hit another ball into the pocket), but he certainly knows a lot about human beings. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Featured in this episode: A reference to the Heineken Worlds Apart ad, which is well worth a watch. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it's finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The second in the series, after "Location, Location, Location" is an homage to our intellectual hero (and lucky for us, our friend and colleague) Dr. Jonathan Haidt who - literally - wrote the book for Pigs With Big Dreams. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Miss the first Flying Pig Academy Episode? Find it here. Oh and if you haven't watch the "hive switch-y" Almost Famous Tiny Dancer scene we mention toward the end of the episode, here's your chance. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
In this episode, we explore some essential tools for navigating difficult conversations in today's polarized world. After all, we are part of The Democracy Group! And our goal with TDG and this program is to foster respectful, insightful discussions on politics, religion, and other sensitive topics—without resorting to hostility. In this solo episode, Corey shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, "clearing the brush" (i.e. assumptions), and focusing on meaningful conversations rather than debates.
Why does it feel like those on the “other side” are not just different but dangerous? According to our special guest UNC psychologist Kurt Gray in his new book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground the conflict lies in our human instinct to protect ourselves and the ones we love from harm. Find the program online here. This program is part of the series in partnership with Florida Humanities — “UNUM: Democracy Reignited,” a multi-year digital offering exploring the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests (or sometimes fails to manifest) in our lives. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
We have become a most tediously offended people. We're not talking about the big stuff — it's the “little” things we wonder about. “Sticks and stones may break my bones” and “water off a duck's back” seem quaint and anachronistic in today's culture of maximal aggrievement. Provoked by even the slightest offense — that, mind you, we seem to be on constant vigilance to find — we're on a hair trigger that sends us into conjuring up “us vs. them” and “good vs. evil” thinking and language. Scholars have written that this sad state of affairs reflects a wider shift in our culture, from what they call a “dignity culture” to an “honor and victimhood culture.” Humanity has been here before (in the days of yore when the Secretary of the Treasury killed a sitting vice president, or that one time a U.S. Senator was caned on the Senate floor) — and it doesn't end well. Led by Rev. Josh Hall of First Baptist Church — God Squad is on it. Learn more about the program and meet the God Squad here. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it's finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The first, second and third rule? Like buying a house: location, location, location OR local local local. This is easier to fix than you thought. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
We claim to be a nation founded on an idea. But, especially in these times of civic rupture, are we even all talking about the same idea? Contributing Washington Post opinion writer Dr. Ted Johnson joins us again to discuss his beautiful, powerful new book “If We are Brave: Essays of Black Americana.” The program is faciliated by Dr. Nashid Madyun, Executive Director of Florida Humanities. Find hte program online here. This program is part of the series in partnership with Florida Humanities — “UNUM: Democracy Reignited,” a multi-year digital offering exploring the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests (or sometimes fails to manifest) in our lives. The Village Square is a proud member 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. Funding for this podcast was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
In this episode, host Corey Nathan reconnects with Julie Mason, renowned journalist and host of The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM's POTUS channel. Julie brings decades of experience in journalism, spanning local, state, and national politics, and shares her sharp insights on the evolving media landscape, political discourse, and the state of journalism today. What We Discuss: The evolving role of journalists in a polarized media environment. How to navigate news consumption and discern credible sources. Insights into the challenges of covering politicians and divisive topics. The growing intersection between social media platforms and journalism. Why re-engaging with quality news content is critical to democracy. Mike Pence: The King of Hilarity... Wait. WHAT?!?! No, really Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] – Corey welcomes Julie back to the podcast after four years and reflects on her journey in journalism, from print reporting to hosting her SiriusXM show. [00:09:00] – Julie explains how she transitioned from print to radio and why she took the leap into the unfamiliar world of broadcasting. [00:20:00] – The challenges of modern journalism: Julie addresses disinformation, lies in politics, and why reporters must focus on stories that truly impact people's lives. [00:27:00] – A discussion on how journalism is evolving to meet the needs of a fatigued audience, from long-form storytelling to true crime podcasts. [00:40:00] – Julie emphasizes the importance of journalists remaining stoic and professional, especially during major historical events like January 6th. [00:47:00] – Corey and Julie explore ways to have constructive conversations with people across ideological divides, drawing inspiration from bipartisan efforts in Congress. [00:55:00] – Julie's call to action: Why supporting quality journalism through subscriptions and active engagement matters more than ever. Featured Quotes: “You've got to be willing to kick your sources right in the balls if necessary, even if they're your friends.” “Politician lied is not really the story—focus on what impacts people's lives.” “To have meaningful conversations, you have to put down your weapons and see the humanity in the other person.” Resources Mentioned: The Julie Mason Show on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel – www.siriusxm.com/channels/potus-politics Substack Recommendations: The Great Transformation with Mike Madrid Tom LoBianco's 24Sight Oliver Darcy's Substack The Contrarian by Jennifer Rubin and Laurence Tribe Dirty John Podcast – Listen Here Call to Action Support on Patreon - www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion Watch on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Leave a Review for TP&R - ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Proud to be part of The Democracy Group - www.democracygroup.org/shows/talkin-politics-religion Social Media Links @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook @julesdc Facebook Our Sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
As we welcome in a new year, what is this moment about? What have we been leading up to? And what will the coming months and years be about? In this episode, Corey reflects on the importance of democracy and decency in today's polarized climate. Emphasizing respectful dialogue and the significance of national and local political involvement, we explore the impact of the election and the ongoing challenges posed by political divisiveness. We delve into insights from notable essays and personal experiences, advocating for voting, recognizing the humanity in others, and knowing when to step away from unproductive conversations. Join us in the commitment to have more basic decency and to respect our democratic institutions. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Intro: The intersection of democracy and decency. [00:03:00] Discusses the significance of respecting election results for a healthy democracy. [00:05:00] Explores how many voters are motivated by opposition to perceived threats from the other side. [00:06:00] Highlights Masha Gessen's insights on liberal democracy versus populism. [00:08:00] Corey shares personal experiences with online threats related to political discourse. [00:10:00] Emphasizes the importance of modeling proper behavior after elections. [00:12:00] Reflects on David Brooks' perspective on understanding people in all their complexities. [00:14:00] Discusses knowing when to disengage from toxic interactions to preserve well-being. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
(Given that yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, an attempted violent disruption of the peaceful transfer of power, one of our nation's most cherished traditions, we thought it would be a good time to refresh our conversation with Prof. Danielle Allen who has been ensconced in the work of renovating our democratic institutions.) Our democracy is brittle. Many would say our Constitutional Republic is in trouble. So what kind of work can we do on "actually renovating our institutions"? We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Danielle Allen, a democracy advocate, Harvard professor and nonprofit leader who's doing something about it. We talked about how to maintain a loving spirit when faced with "a lot of bleeps"; Danielle's fascinating family legacy and her "obsession" with democracy; what the heck a eudaemonist democratic pragmatist is; the ways the 5 freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment are under threat; the merits of ranked choice voting, expanding the House of Representatives and other democratic renovations; the imperative of developing a civic portfolio; and how to "not let our differences take our humanity hostage." Prof. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Outside the University, she is a co-chair for the Our Common Purpose Commission and Founder and President for Partners In Democracy, where she advocates for democracy reform to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and to drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Be sure to read Danielle's series in the Washington Post on How to Renovate American Democracy: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/31/danielle-allen-american-democracy-renovation-series/
(Getting to speak with Anne Applebaum was such an honor. She's not only one of the world's most prominent historians and writers, Anne's focus on the fragility of democracy and emerging autocracies couldn't be more timely.) In the 20th Century, we had Cold War adversaries. In the early 2000s, George W. Bush talked about the Axis of Evil. But are those frameworks the most accurate way to understand the forces attempting to undermine not just democratic nations but democratic ideas? And to what degree have these antagonists - those that are fundamentally opposed to our core principles such as the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and basic human rights - pervaded U.S. politics? In this episode we welcome Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer-prize winning historian, staff writer at The Atlantic and senior fellow at the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. After discussing her motivations, experiences, and insights into the autocratic regimes and their impacts on global democracy, we dive into Anne's new book Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. We explore how autocracies collaborate, ways the rest of the world is complicit in autocratic behaviors, and strategies to combat these influences. The conversation also touches on Anne's personal history and initial fascination with the history, literature, culture and politics of the “Borderlands,” a region that includes Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and beyond. 01:53 Anne's Early Career and Inspirations 16:29 The Concept of Autocracy, Inc. 29:44 Global Complicity in Autocracy 34:39 Hamas and Global Destabilization 37:05 Trump's Influence and Dictator Admiration 39:17 Russian Propaganda and Dark Money in US Politics 42:37 Autocracy, Inc. and Democratic Values 52:43 Engaging in Local Politics and Understanding the Big Picture anneapplebaum.substack.com www.anneapplebaum.com/book/autocracy AUTOCRACY IN AMERICA podcast - www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/archive/2024/08/introducing-autocracy-in-america/679474/ We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
(Speaking with Nancy was such a highlight of this year. In addition to all we discussed in this raw, beautiful, candid, downright funny conversation, I'm glad to report that subsequent to when we spoke, Nancy was able to "ring the bell" as a cancer survivor!) We're joined by author, essayist, investigative journalist and the gloriously feral Nancy French. We discuss Nancy's new memoir, GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY, which involves deeply personal topics such as her experiences with sexual abuse, faith struggles, being a ghostwriter for politicians, and increasing political turmoil. Nancy also talks about navigating her long-standing personal and professional relationships amid the Trumpification of the Republican party; how the party has drifted away from folks like her even though Nancy's positions and philosophy haven't changed; and how her Christian faith has played a significant role in the journey. We also candidly explore the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the complexities in religious institutions, and being resilient in troubled times. Nancy French is a five-time New York Times bestselling author, essayist, investigative journalist, and storyteller at the Moth. She's published op-eds and articles in the Washington Post, USA Today, Time and many other publications. Her investigative journalism into abuse at Kanakuk Kamps appeared on the front page of USA Today. Nancy is also the co-author of The After Party with friend of the pod Curtis Chang and she's the author of the new memoir GHOSTED: AN AMERICAN STORY. 01:20 Nancy French: A Brief Introduction; 05:14 The Art of Ghostwriting; 09:53 The Journey of Discovery and Art; 13:45 The Struggles of Writing Your Own Story; 19:38 The Challenges of Confronting Past Abuse; 31:10 The Power of Love and Relationships; 37:47 The Struggle with Faith and the Church; 40:25 Reflections on Christian Faith and History; 41:16 Experiences of Divine Intervention; 42:07 Discussing Faith with Non-Believers; 46:19 Political Writing and Its Consequences; 50:12 The Shift in Political Identity (Despite Not Having Changed); 52:11 The Impact of Political Polarization; 55:34 The Power of Human Connection Across Differences We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social www.nancyfrench.com GHOSTED on Amazon - https://amzn.to/49tSNzO www.threads.net/@nancyjanefrench
Yeah, this ages well. Seriously... This conversation with Bill Kristol was from April of this year. Some of the discussion applied to that moment in time (eg. bemoaning the Mets tepid start to the 2024 season); but much of it still applies even given the outcome of the latest election. With that, here are the notes from one of our "Best of 2024" conversations... Are REPUBLICAN VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP our greatest BULWARK against authoritarianism and the most significant constituency in DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER? (Dad jokes about the future of our Constitutional Republic aside...) Bill Kristol shares his thoughts on the state of our democracy and how this year's consequential election is shaping up. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion So glad to be joined again by Bill Kristol, Editor at Large of The Bulwark; Director of Defending Democracy Together; and Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol. We took time to reflect on Bill's early political experiences, including his roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, his academic career, and his work with the Project for the Republican Future. We also touch on our shared passion for baseball, particularly for the New York Mets! We then delve into Bill's critical views on the Trump presidency, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracy. He shares insights into his efforts with the Republican Voters Against Trump initiative and the importance of bipartisan engagement in preserving democratic norms. We then discuss the impact of social and political polarization, the significance of grassroots activism, and the need for open, exploratory dialogue across ideological divides. We wind down with Bill emphasizing the resilience of the American political system and the potential for positive change through collective action and constructive discourse. 00:52 Meet Bill Kristol: A Storied Career in Politics; 01:58 Baseball and Politics: A Personal Connection; 04:09 Navigating Political Ideologies: From Youth to Present; 05:41 The Evolution of Political Beliefs and the Impact of External Changes; 10:18 The Threat of Illiberalism and the Defense of Liberal Democracy; 15:21 Exploring the Dangers of Trumpism and Authoritarian Tendencies; 26:56 The Role of Intellectuals and Voters in Shaping Political Futures; 33:59 The Impact of Testimonials from Former Trump Voters; 34:53 The Strategy Behind Targeting Swing Voters; 35:54 Challenges and Strategies in Political Advertising; 36:55 Building a Broad Coalition Against Trump; 42:09 The Role of Money in Politics and Campaign Strategies; 44:34 Fostering Careers and Nurturing Talent in Politics; 50:43 The Evolution of Political Discourse and Outreach; 54:36 Final Thoughts on Political Engagement and Hope We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social and www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. www.thebulwark.com www.defendingdemocracytogether.org bsky.app/profile/billkristolbulwark.bsky.social
(This was one of my favorite conversations of 2024 partly because Tom and I both did our best Robert DeNiro impressions toward the end.) Let's talk candidly about why Gov. Josh Shapiro of PA wasn't chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate. Let's also assess the merits and potential drawbacks of Gov. Tim Walz of MN as the Democratic VP candidate. Oh, and while we're at it, how's that J.D. Vance pick working out for the Trump campaign? We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion We're joined by Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, to discuss all of this and more! We get into Tom's background in a working-class family, his educational journey, and his career in academia. Tom also discusses his views on democracy, international security, and challenges in contemporary politics. We get to reflect on Tom's Greek Orthodox faith and how it shapes his beliefs, while contrasting his temperamentally and philosophically conservative outlook with the current stance of the Republican Party. Additionally, Tom offers insights on the importance of a balanced media diet in today's political landscape. And since Tom is a 5x Jeopardy champion, we do a little Robert DeNiro-inspired Jeopardy at the end! 03:30 Tom Nichols' Background and Upbringing 07:49 Influence of Church and Community 10:49 Orthodox Christianity and Politics 19:51 Political Philosophy and Conservatism 25:49 Discussion on Israel and U.S. Politics 32:56 Debating the Choice Between Shapiro and Walz 33:49 Tim Walz: The Normal Guy in Politics 36:24 Tim Walz's Background and Achievements 40:09 JD Vance: A Controversial Figure 46:40 Kamala Harris's Electability and Political Evolution 53:29 Media Consumption and Political Discourse We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/daily www.threads.net/@radiofreetom
“All who entered the Temple Mount entered by the right, circled to the right and exited by the left, except for one to whom something had happened, who entered and circled to the left...” (Mishnah Middot) We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Rabbi Sharon Brous, the founding rabbi of IKAR and author of THE AMEN EFFECT, delves into ancient Jewish rituals, the role of pain in human connections, and the transformative power of compassion and curiosity. Through heartfelt stories and profound insights, she explores the importance of staying engaged with those who challenge us and how communities can support each other in moments of deep sorrow and joy. The discussion also touches upon inclusivity in Jewish worship, dealing with vicarious trauma, navigating hard conversations such as differences over what's happening in Israel and the results of the U.S. election, and the significance of asking and truly listening to Malakh: "tell me about your heart." 00:52 Introducing Rabbi Sharon Brous 01:21 Exploring the Mishnah Middot 04:05 The Power of Ritual and Compassion 06:53 Personal Reflections on Sin and Mental Health 11:49 The Role of Community and Vulnerability 17:41 Balancing Leadership and Personal Burdens 24:22 Innovative Practices at IKAR 36:53 Challenges and Changes in Jewish Leadership 38:47 Navigating Differences in a Diverse Congregation 39:53 The Power of Curiosity and Compassion 47:05 The Importance of Staying at the Table We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social ikar.org ikar.org/the-amen-effect/the-big-idea
How should we respond to the election? Fight? Surrender? Or is there another way? Let's "Meet the Majority" and see if we can figure it out! We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion As part of our "Meet the Majority" series, this is a candid conversation on ideological differences, election surprises, and friendship. In this episode, Corey sits down with his long-time friend Brandon to explore their differing political views and the implications of recent elections. Corey explains the importance of maintaining relationships and having open dialogue despite political differences. Brandon, a staunch Republican, shares his life story, professional background, and family history. He discusses his views on national security, the shortcomings of the far left, and the influence of Trumpism on American politics and the church. Both Corey and Brandon delve into the complexities of being in the political middle today, their concerns about the future, and the need for more constructive discourse. The conversation highlights the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives to foster better relationships and navigate the current political landscape. 00:49 Meet the Majority Series: Background and Purpose 03:42 Brandon's Background and Political Views 07:19 Discussion on Liberalism and Conservatism 11:34 The Middle Ground in Politics 17:11 Concerns About Trump and the Future of the Republican Party 26:28 Impact of Trumpism on the American Church 28:24 Debating Presidential Impact and Religious Influence 30:26 Supreme Court and the Conservative Legal Movement 33:10 Navigating Political Differences and Building Relationships 37:25 Reflecting on Political Identity and Middle Ground 50:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social
Is there any coherence to Trumpism from a policy standpoint? Public policy expert, Lanhee Chen, says coherence is overrated... at least at this moment. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion In this conversation with Lanhee Chen, we explore some hard questions in today's fraught political moment. As a key policy advisor to both Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio on their respective presidential campaigns, how can candidates and elected officials balance political considerations and policy priorities? Is there a place for a "compassionate conservative" in today's Republican Party? Is there a place for conservatives in today's California? We also discuss key moments that influenced Lanhee's career, his conservative philosophy shaped by early experiences, and significant milestones like running for statewide office in California as a Republican. Lanhee shares insights into political coherence, the impact of electoral processes, and his stance on contemporary issues such as regulatory policies and international relations. Lanhee Chen is a widely respected public policy expert who has advised numerous high-profile Republican candidates and served as a presidential appointee in both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is currently the David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies at the Hoover Institution, as well as the Director of Domestic Policy Studies and Lecturer in the Public Policy Program at Stanford University. 00:53 Guest Introduction: Lanhee Chen 01:36 Lanhee Chen's Early Interest in Politics 03:56 Formulating a Conservative Philosophy 09:06 Working with Mitt Romney 14:27 Challenges in Modern Politics 17:42 The State of California Politics 21:50 Advice for New Politicians 24:23 Impact of Electoral Processes 28:45 Electoral Reforms and Future Outlook 32:01 The Rise of Neopopulism in American Politics 34:43 Assessing Trumpism and Policy Coherence 37:34 Hope and Concerns for the Upcoming Administration 39:45 Reflecting on Biden's Legislative Accomplishments 46:49 Final Thoughts and Future Plans We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social www.hoover.org/profiles/lanhee-j-chen
Do you find yourself generally hopeful or really concerned about this 2nd Trump Administration? Or are you just grabbing your popcorn and buckling up for the ride? Author, Columnist and Podcaster, Matt Lewis helps us work through all this and more. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion We're joined on this episode by Matt Lewis, author of FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS and TOO DUMB TO FAIL. He is the host of the "Matt Lewis And the News" YouTube channel , co-host of "The DMZ" and co-host of “The Wrong Stuff" podcasts. We talk about the current state of democracy, the challenges faced by writers, and the shifts in media consumption. Matt shares his thoughts on Trump's campaign, the election results, and the implications of another Trump term. We also delve into personal topics such as family, faith, and the impact of politics on personal beliefs. And of course we mix in a little bit of movies, music and sports. 00:37 Guest Introduction: Matt Lewis 03:43 Shifting Focus to YouTube and Podcasts 08:19 Challenges of Political Opinion Journalism 11:06 Changing Media Landscape and Influencers 16:23 Election Predictions and Reflections 24:35 Democratic Party's Challenges and Future 35:17 Public Sentiment Post-Election 35:40 Trump's Influence and Political Violence 40:04 Understanding the Anger Towards Biden and Harris 43:02 Media Influence and Public Perception 46:26 Hopes and Concerns for Another Trump Term 52:38 Personal Reflections on Faith and Politics 59:00 Building Bridges Across Differences We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. https://bsky.app/profile/mattklewis.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@mattlewis
Since a lot of folks were doing the whole thanksgiving thing, I guess we can consider this counter-programming. Either way, in case you missed it... Who's doing the canceling now? The leader doth protest too much... (the leaders of Presbyterian Church in America, that is.) We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics In this edition, we take a look at a very public controversy surrounding the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and David French. We'll highlight a significant dispute within the PCA, where a planned panel on dealing with polarization was cancelled due to the inclusion of French. We explore articles and commentary (quoting extensively from a number of pieces), especially focusing on PCA Elder Ben Dunson's misleading attacks against French's views. In this inquiry, the mischaracterizations and false witness borne by Dunson get proper scrutiny so we can contextualize David (and Nancy) French's positions. The episode also explores broader implications of such church conflicts, stressing the importance of honesty, intellectual rigor, and faithfulness to Scripture. 01:38 Today's Topic: The David French PCA Controversy 02:17 Background on David French and the PCA 03:42 Criticism and Mischaracterization of David French 12:31 David French's Actual Stance on Drag Queen Story Hour 17:47 David French's Actual Views on Same-Sex Marriage 20:05 David French's Actual Position on Legislation Involving Transgender Youth 27:23 Addressing Personal Attacks on David and Nancy French Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Please support our sponsor Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. https://julieroys.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-david-french-being-too-polarizing/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/opinion/presbyterian-church-evangelical-canceled.html https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-political-scene/david-french-sohrab-ahmari-and-the-battle-for-the-future-of-conservatism?_sp=9d3e8c33-72cc-4872-b332-e14d92b13983.1718748473071 https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/11/respect-for-marriage-same-sex-religious-freedom/676545/ https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/frenchpress/when-culture-wars-go-way-too-far/ https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/04/16/nancy-french-ghosted-book-cancer-david-french/ https://americanreformer.org/2024/05/david-french-and-the-pcas-general-assembly/
Someone I love voted for a different candidate at the top of the ticket. Can we still have a healthy, loving relationship? Can we still have any sort of relationship? Even when we disagree about something we feel so passionately about? We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics In this episode, Corey's lifelong friend, Natalie, joins the program as the first edition of our 'Meet The Majority' series. The recent election underscored that a lot of people we know and love voted differently than we did (at least at the top of the ticket). Those differences often exacerbate unspoken grievances and lead to decaying relationships. The other way to go forward in a time like this is to do the hard work of staying in relationship with each other - not with the intent to convince or persuade or to win an argument - although we can still have the conversation. We can still go there. And we can even disagree. But when we do go there, the practice is to lead with curiosity. Curiosity and not contentiousness. That's what Natalie and Corey tried to model in this conversation. 01:15 Personal Reflections on Voting and Family 02:44 Leading with Curiosity in Political Conversations 03:41 Introducing Natalie: A Lifelong Friend 04:57 Natalie's Background 09:56 Political Upbringing and Shifting Views 15:06 College Years and Career Beginnings 26:36 Voting History and Political Shifts 40:05 Reflections on Trump's Leadership Style 43:39 Concerns About First Amendment Rights 44:53 Media Bias and Social Media Censorship 49:28 Political Conversations and Family Dynamics 52:29 Immigration and Border Control 01:02:18 Election Integrity and Popular Vote 01:17:44 The Aftermath of January 6th 01:22:28 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
A Republican, a Democrat and an Independent walk into a podcast... We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics So glad to have joined the hosts of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, to discuss the election results and reflect on our concerns regarding Trump's second term. We explore the complexities of political identity, the importance of community, and the need for clear boundaries in political discourse. The conversation delves into the intersection of faith and politics (of course!), the impact of hyperbole in political conversations, and the responsibility of individuals in their media consumption. We emphasize the need for discernment and understanding in navigating the evolving landscape of religious beliefs and political affiliations. We also explore the intersection of Christianity and politics, discussing the historical context of Christianity as a religion of empire versus the teachings of Jesus. We reflect on the implications of political power, the potential for violence, and the importance of accountability in leadership. Amidst concerns about the current political climate, we express hope for the future and the role of the church in promoting positive change. The discussion also touches on the challenges of engaging with differing ideologies and managing fear and anxiety in a politically charged environment. 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Politics Live Show 04:11 Reflections on the Recent Election Results 07:56 Concerns About Trump's Second Term 12:05 The Role of Identity and Community in Politics 16:00 Defining Terms in Political Discourse 19:50 The Intersection of Faith and Politics 24:13 Hyperbole and Its Impact on Political Conversations 28:10 Agency and Personal Responsibility in Media Consumption 32:13 The Evolution of Religious Beliefs in Politics 46:53 The Religion of Empire vs. the Religion of Jesus 50:06 Concerns About Political Power and Violence 52:45 Reflections on Presidential Power and Accountability 01:01:41 Hope Amidst Political Uncertainty 01:10:00 Engaging with Challenging Ideologies 01:19:00 Managing Fear and Anxiety in Politics Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/coreysnathan.bsky.social We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com Faithful Politics Podcast - www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
We're excited to bring you an episode from Bad Watchdog, the podcast from the Project on Government Oversight and one of our colleagues in The Democracy Group podcast network. This is the first episode of the show's second season, which takes a deep dive on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).Established in the wake of September 11, the DHS was entrusted with protecting the U.S. from national security threats. Since then, much of the agency's focus has been on the southern border — with tens of thousands of people held in its detention centers on a daily basis. Host Maren Machles explores how this came to be and delves into what happens to people held in immigration detention centers with the presumption that they may be national security threats. And she asks the question: How does this relate to the way DHS addresses the most dangerous threat currently facing our nation — far-right violent extremism? To find out, host Maren Machles talks with Daryl Johnson, who recounts his work as the former lead analyst for domestic terrorism at DHS. She also speaks with Alejandro Beutel, a criminologist who focuses on domestic terrorism, and Berto Hernandez, who shares their story of being brought into the U.S. as a child and held in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement years later.Listen to Bad WatchdogLearn more about The Democracy Group
Can Christians reckon with when the Bible is at odds with their political preferences, passions and prejudices? That just depends on who you ask. So we asked Dr. Tommy Givens, Assoc. Professor of New Testament Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (and a pastor's kid to boot!), about Scripture, the church in America, and what the results of the election has revealed about it all. We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics In this episode, we go deep: When did Tommy start to question the prevailing orthodoxy of the fundamentalist church of his youth? Evangelism - Is it simply persuading others "to be like me"? Or is it about joining life with our neighbors? What does Christianity have to say about war, friendship, and how to navigate a broken family? Should Christians work to occupy positions of power? (First, we need to ask whether Christians are necessarily good.) How can we negotiate life, politics, share a country or even just a meal with people who aren't like us? Are we reducing people's lives to the terms of this candidate vs. that candidate? And the art of strolling... Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com www.fuller.edu/faculty/g-tommy-givens fullerstudio.fuller.edu/from-the-bible-faculty
In the end, the worst of everyone's election fears —political violence, overt foreign interference or a razor-thin margin between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump leading to a hotly contested legal battle — did not come to pass. Instead, Donald Trump won a plurality of votes for president, and did so decisively. On January 20, 2025, he will once again become the country's most powerful executive.His victory raises weighty questions for the experts at Campaign Legal Center. Trump ran explicitly on a platform of behaving like an authoritarian, promising to fire U.S. civil servants, threatening opponents with jail, and brandishing military force against would-be dissenters. As his return to power approaches, we grapple with a paradoxical election, in which voters declared their preference for the candidate who repeatedly threatened the American system as we know it.Joining Simone in this episode are Trevor Potter, CLC's president and founder, and CLC senior vice presidents Paul M. Smith and Bruce Spiva. They offer their forecasts for the uncertain years ahead and explain what this election did (and did not) signify about the health of American democracy. Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at CLC, 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.Trevor Potter is President at Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises.Bruce Spiva is Senior Vice President at Campaign Legal Center. He is an attorney and community leader who has spent his over 30-year career fighting for civil rights and civil liberties, voting rights, consumer protection, and antitrust enforcement.Over the past three decades, he has tried cases and argued appeals in courtrooms across the country, including arguing against vote suppression in the United States Supreme Court in 2021. In 2022, in his first run for public office, Bruce mounted a competitive run in the primary election for Washington, D.C. Attorney General. In addition to founding his own law firm where he practiced for eleven years, Bruce has held several leadership and management positions as a partner at two national law firms. Most recently, Bruce served as the Managing Partner of the D.C. Office and on the firm-wide Executive Committee of Perkins Coie LLP, where he also had an active election law practice. He first-chaired twelve voting rights and redistricting trials across the country, and argued numerous voting rights appeals in U.S. circuit courts and state supreme courts during his tenure at Perkins. Paul M. Smith is Senior Vice President at Campaign Legal Center. He works directly with CLC's talented team of litigators to protect and advance American democracy through innovative litigation strategies.Paul has four decades of experience litigating a wide range of cases. He has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court 21 times and secured numerous victories, including in the important cases advancing civil liberties and civil rights, Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark gay rights case, and Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Ass'n, which established First Amendment rights of those who produce and sell video games. In addition, Paul has argued several voting rights cases at the Supreme Court, including Vieth v. Jubelirer and Gill v. Whitford, involving partisan gerrymandering, LULAC v. Perry, involving the legality of Texas's mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts and Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, involving the constitutionality of a voter identification law. He served as counsel for amici in several key campaign finance merits cases including McCutcheon v. FEC (on behalf of Democratic House members), Arizona Free Enterprise Club's Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett (on behalf of the Committee for Economic Development) and Citizens United v. FEC (on behalf of the Committee for Economic Development).Links:www.campaignlegal.org/support-our-workAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization which advances democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American's right to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect 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.
In this episode, we take a hard look at what the hell happened in this election. Spoiler alert - What the hell happened, as our host fully admits: "I got it wrong!" So we look at specific ways any number of folks got it wrong. We also reflect on misconceptions about voters' values - what many of us wrongly assumed were shared values and priorities. But we also start to "Meet the Majority." As a majority of voters overlooked the myriad of sins of the once and future President, we take some time to understand who some of these individuals are. As tempting as it might be to hold all those who vote differently in contempt and to view the whole lot with malice, there are 10s of millions of people... actual human beings we can try to understand better if, for no other reason, than it's our own family members, friends we've known our whole lives, neighbors and work colleagues. Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. We're also on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics We're on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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. Very grateful for our sponsor Meza Wealth Management. Reach out to Jorge and his team: www.mezawealth.com
This is a special episode about mental health. It's a talk that was shared on our sister show TP&R a couple months ago. We're hoping that in a moment like this one, our Trailer Geeks community will find it helpful. Perhaps this whole election season has been overwhelming. So we figured it's worthwhile to emphasize the importance of stepping back from all the chaos for mental well-being. The tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable “arrows in our quiver” like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement. 00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles 03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice 10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer 15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health 18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature 21:43 The Importance of Fellowship 25:15 The Necessity of Rest 29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement 34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkin-politics-religion-without-killin-each-other/id1536169792 TP&R is on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other 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.
This week's episode is short, sweet, and to the point: It's Election Day, and if you haven't yet cast your vote, let us be your friendly reminder. Like many of her CLC colleagues, Simone will spend the day monitoring elections. Next week she'll be back with the final episode of the season, with a look at how this most dramatic election is playing out.Until then, it's up to you.Nationwide nonpartisan Election Protection (EP) hotline:866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Host:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at CLC, 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.Links:Vote.orgAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization which advances democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American's right to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect 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.
An incumbent president drops out, mid-race. A former president becomes a party's nominee for the first time in more than a century. There are multiple occurrences of political violence against a candidate. Newly emergent AI tools spread disinformation. And a Supreme Court that may be called upon to decide the race is perceived by the electorate as increasingly politicized.The 2024 election cycle has already made its share of history. With Election Day now just a week away, we bring you another of this season's up-to-the-minute episodes. This time we're speaking with Trevor Potter, president of Campaign Legal Center, who joins Simone to explain how this election has been playing out, and what it all means for you, the voter, as the deadline nears to cast your ballot.Nationwide nonpartisan Election Protection (EP) hotline:866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at CLC, 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.Trevor Potter is President at Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” Trevor is the author of several books and manuals on lobbying regulation and disclosure, campaign finance and federal election law. He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. He has also taught campaign finance law at the University of Virginia School of Law and Oxford University, and he has appeared widely in national broadcast and print media. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises.Links:Count Every Vote, So Every Vote Counts - Campaign Legal CenterWhat Happens To My Ballot After I Vote? - Campaign Legal CenterWant Election Results Sooner? Allow Election Officials to Process Mail Ballots Early - Campaign Legal CenterElectoral Count Reform Act Makes It Harder to Undermine Presidential Elections - Campaign Legal CenterAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization which advances democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American's right to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect 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.
Imagine you're at home when you hear a knock. At your door are people who want you to share, in detail, who you voted for in the last election, months ago. When you ask them who they are and where they're from, they remain vague and perhaps even aggressive.This was the case for some Americans in the years after the 2020 election, part of a spate of behaviors by election skeptics and deniers that, in some cases, amounted to voter intimidation. The history of voter intimidation in the United States is sordid and violent, especially in the century between the U.S. Civil War and the passage of strong voter protections in the 1960s. But it's important to remember that voter intimidation is against the law. Whether you're voting in-person, by mail or via election dropbox, you should never be made to feel unsafe or intimidated while exercising your freedom to vote..Carly Koppes, the clerk and recorder of Colorado's enormous Weld County, describes to us the steps she and fellow officials took when they received reports of unwelcome and unofficial vigilante election “auditors” going door to door in 2021. Christina Das of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund walks us through the bleak history of voter intimidation in America. And CLC's Jonathan Diaz explains how voter intimidation has evolved to become sneakier and more subversive in the digital age — and the steps you can take if you encounter it.Nationwide nonpartisan Election Protection (EP) hotline:866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at CLC, 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.Carly Koppes has been working in the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's office for twenty years starting in June of 2004. Her main department was the Election department, but she has also worked in the Recording and Motor Vehicle departments during her time working for the Clerk and Recorder office. She received her Colorado Election Official Certification from the Colorado Secretary of State in October 2007 and finished up her national designation of Certified Elections/Registration Administrators (CERA) through the Elections Center's Professional Education Program at Auburn University in July of 2014. Carly is a 2016 graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies and in 2019 she received her Public Leadership certification from Pepperdine University through the International Association of Government Officials. Carly was also honored along with the Colorado County Clerks Association to receive the Defender of Democracy Award from The Center for Election Innovation and Research in 2022. In 2023 Carly was appointed to the national Local Leadership Council of the Election Assistance Commission and was elected as the Vice Chair of the Council. Carly is the youngest person to be elected to the position of Weld County Clerk and Recorder. Carly is currently serving on the Executive Board for the Colorado County Clerks Association; Carly was President of the Colorado County Clerks Association in 2021 and will serve as President in 2026.Christina Das is Counsel on the Black Voters on the Rise team with LDF, an interdisciplinary team leading year-round election protection and election administration advocacy efforts across the South, using legal, organizing, and advocacy tools to defend and advance the rights of Black voters to participate in our democracy. Christina's experience includes executing strategic campaigns to expand voter access, such as passing legislation for in-person Early Voting in South Carolina in 2022 and working with state-based coalitions to implement jail-based polling places for eligible detained individuals across Texas. She co-leads the national Election Protection Working Group for Jail and Post-Release Voting and has been working with system impacted individuals over the past four years to break down procedural barriers to accessing the ballot behind bars. Christina will lead LDF's election protection program in Texas for the 2024 cycle and support ongoing litigation efforts. Post-election, she works to safeguard the election certification process from any targeted sabotage efforts, as well as working on future policy and election administration reforms at the local, state, and federal level.Jonathan Diaz is Director for Voting Advocacy and Partnerships at Campaign Legal Center. Jonathan helps lead CLC's work on combating election manipulation and participates on behalf of CLC on a number of democracy reform coalitions, coordinating CLC's work with partner organizations at the national, state and local levels. He also litigates voting rights cases across the United States, including VoteAmerica v. Raffensperger (N.D.Ga.), LUCHA v. Fontes (D.Ariz.), and Raysor v. Lee (N.D.Fla./11th Cir./SCOTUS). Jonathan frequently provides commentary on voting rights and election law issues in the media; he has been quoted in publications including the New York Times, Miami Herald, and ProPublica, and has appeared on Univision, NPR, and CNN, where he was an election law analyst during the 2020 election cycle.Links:Is Voter Intimidation Illegal? What Should I Do If I Experience It? - Campaign Legal CenterTexas Appeals Court Overturns Crystal Mason's Conviction, 5-Year Sentence for Illegal Voting - The Texas TribuneVoter Intimidation in 2022 Follows a Long History of Illegal and Racist Bullying - The ConversationRetro Report: Poll Watchers and the Long History of Voter Intimidation - PBS LearningMediaHow to Navigate Intimidation and Other Obstacles to Voting - CNN About CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization which advances democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American's right to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect 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.
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