Podcast appearances and mentions of Robert Reich

Labor Secretary under President Clinton Robert Reich discusses the tariffs between the U.S. and Canada and AI's impact on the workforce, as well as wealth taxes, the rise of populism in the U.S., and the K-shaped economy that he says is driving them both. One of the largest hurdles for AI and the data center race is power. Emerald AI CEO Varun Sivaram has built a solution in flexible power sourcing to ease strain on the grid, and backers like Samsung, Nvidia, and Salesforce have bet on his success. Plus, Bill Gates has issued a lengthy warning on AI, Stanley Druckenmiller has used AI in a Wall Street Journal Opinion piece, and OpenAI says goodbye to more top tech talent. Robert Reich 20:40 Varun Sivaram 39:20 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ralph welcomes Robert Reich (professor of Public Policy and former Secretary of Labor) to discuss his "Pledge to Make America Affordable Again." Then, Ralph speaks to Derek Shearer (former economic policy adviser and US Ambassador to Finland) about his recent work, "A Bold Economic Program for America."Robert Reich is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations, including as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton. Mr Reich has written eighteen books, including The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It, The Common Good, Supercapitalism, and Coming up Short: A Memoir of My America. He is co-founder of Inequality Media, co-founder of the Economic Policy Institute, and co-founding editor of The American Prospect.Democrats have an opportunity now to talk to the working class about—and not just the working class, the middle class too—about prices, about affordability in ways that are terribly important and meaningful and that really could get prices down or at least stop the onslaught of inflation. And also that are very, very consistent with what we believe as Democrats, as progressives, as people who want to see the nation move back toward its pursuit of social justice.Robert ReichYou can bet that the right, the apologists for wealth in this country are going to say, “Oh, no, no, no, don't do that because wealthy people will leave the country!” I mean, what they always do reflexively is say, “If you do that, we'll leave.” And I say in California the same thing I would say about a national wealth tax—if they want to leave, let them leave. But they're not going to leave because there are so many advantages to staying in California in terms of: this is where a lot of the high tech talent actually is. This is where the infrastructure for high tech is already. The climate, as I talk to you, I'm looking at a beautiful day out here. You know, who wants to leave California? And if you are a billionaire, and you are just so intent on leaving California because of this one very, very minor tax, then frankly, goodbye.Robert ReichI am a believer, though, in the common sense of the American people. Now, if that makes me naive, if that makes me gullible, so be it. But I think at the end of the line, the bottom line here is that the American people will make a decision starting with the midterm elections coming up in just 96 days (something like that). And those elections are going to be critical in terms of trying to constrain Trump and the people, the sycophants and lapdogs behind him and Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and all these people who are ripping the social contract to shreds. And I think that the one way that (this brings us back to my pledge, my affordability pledge for Democrats), I think one way the Democrats can be sure to get the House back and maybe even possibly the Senate in 96, 97 days, is to pledge to make America affordable again. And using these 10 particular steps that are widely, widely supported.Robert ReichDerek Shearer served as the US Ambassador to Finland from 1994 to 1997. Previously, he worked in government at the national, state, and local levels, including the founding board of directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank in 1978 and Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs in 1993. He is emeritus Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College and Diplomat in Residence at Occidental for 2025-26. During the 1992 presidential campaign, Ambassador Shearer was a senior policy adviser to Bill Clinton and helped to write the campaign's economic program, Putting People First. He has continued this policy work by co-authoring the comprehensive proposal A Bold Economic Program for America and exploring its political path forward in his recent article, Planning for the Day After Trump.The point of our program is not that it should be endorsed in its entirety. It's almost meant to be a discussion document to show what is possible—that this can be done. It doesn't require some dramatic change in the way the government operates. It just demands a change in priorities and some new lawsDerek ShearerYou can't get to those issues until you are actually in the government. And if we don't win back the House and at least have a shot at winning back the Senate, talking about these issues while Trump and the MAGA Republican Party controls the government (and might continue to control it), makes us feel good, but it doesn't change anything. What I've learned about the so-called leaders of the party is you don't really expect them to lead. They will follow when they see where the voters are going. And they'll also follow when they see if there is a Presidential candidate who takes off on these kinds of issues…I don't expect the leadership to lead on these issues. So I don't rail against them. Because what I'm doing (and I'm doing it with a lot of different people out there, including a lot of young people) is trying to find good candidates, provide them with economic ideas to run on, and then hope that we win back the House and that these kinds of then-elected officials who share our viewpoint become the Democratic Party. I mean, that's how you do these things. If we don't win these elections, then we're just kind of crying in the wilderness.Derek ShearerLet's Start the RevolutionTools for Displacing the Corporate State and Building a Country that Works for the PeopleIn his latest eye-opening exploration, political maverick Ralph Nader dissects the astonishing twists and turns of the 2020 presidential election, a race that left the nation on the edge of its seat. Although Joe Biden clinched victory with a substantial popular vote lead, Nader unveils the precarious nature of the outcome, where a mere 100,000 votes in key swing states could have catapulted Donald Trump back to the presidency. Get your copy here.News 8/7/26* This week, a new wave of Democratic primaries were held, most notably in the state of Michigan. In the closely watched Senate primary, which came down to a two-way race, Bernie Sanders-backed progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed emerged triumphant. Some have played up the fact that his opponent, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, overperformed relative to her polling in an attempt to downplay the significance of El-Sayed's victory. Yet, this narrative ignores the fact that Stevens enjoyed the backing of the Democratic Establishment and AIPAC, which gave her an 12-to-1 spending advantage according to Axios, and that she ran misleading ads that made it seem as though former President Barack Obama had endorsed her campaign. Viewed in this light, it is clear just how impressive El-Sayed's victory – statewide, in a must-win swing state for Democrats – is. El-Sayed will now face off against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in the general election.* In Detroit, the left scored another major win with the victory of Donavan McKinney. McKinney, a DSA member and Michigan state representative, won his primary race against incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13th congressional district, the Detroit Free Press reports. Thanedar, a millionaire businessman, was a DSA member but left over disagreements over Israel. Thanedar fought hard to keep this seat, which he won in 2022, and was supported by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries despite many members of the Congressional Black Caucus supporting McKinney. Given that this is a heavily Democratic district, McKinney is essentially guaranteed a seat in the next Congress, bringing the number of DSA-backed House Members to an unprecedented high of seven. Moreover, between McKinney and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the city of Detroit will now enjoy all DSA representation in Congress.* In Michigan's seventh congressional district, progressive climate activist and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement William Lawrence pulled out a win in his primary as well. NBC notes that Lawrence defeated his two more moderate opponents, retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam and former Ambassador to Slovakia Bridget Brink, in part by aggressively criticizing the construction of new AI data centers. Some have alleged that Lawrence received support from Republicans using dark money to boost his campaign because they believe him to be an easier candidate to defeat in the general election. However, the Hillary Clinton campaign's “pied piper” strategy to boost Donald Trump in 2016 proves that this is ever a risky strategy. Michigan's seventh district is seen as a critical battleground seat. Donald Trump won the district by just one single percentage point in 2024.* In more data center news from the Midwest, Hell Gate reports former New York City Mayor Eric Adams was in “Wisconsin Rapids—population 18,654—trying to convince residents that they should allow a real estate developer to build a data center in the heart of their town.” In a video of his pitch, the townspeople can be seen heckling, booing and shouting down the former Mayor, with attendees saying “You belong in prison!” and “You're here to steal our water!” Community activist Kaitlyn Federwitz is quoted in this piece saying “Our whole town does not want him here at all,” adding “We want our resources to be properly safeguarded, our farmers to be protected, our waterways protected.” The Wisconsin Rapids economy had been largely dependent on a local mill, which closed its doors in 2020; Federwitz spoke to this, arguing that “When the mill closed, we lost 900 jobs. We're aware we need jobs and industry in our city.” However, she added that the people of Wisconsin Rapids are “not willing to accept that a data center is the answer to that problem.”* In more news from the midwest, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has published a new op-ed in Newsweek contending that “Democrats Must Pick a Side: Billionaires or Working-Class.” Fain cited numerous examples of Democrats in powers betraying their working class supporters, from NAFTA to modern governors like Abigail Spanberger of Virginia vetoing collective bargaining rights for public-sector workers. He criticized Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in particular for vetoing “nine bills restoring pensions, lowering health care costs, and restoring bargaining rights for public-sector workers,” after “Michigan Democrats fought an 18-month legal battle to force the bills to the governor's desk.” He claims that “When the courts finally ordered [the bills] delivered, Whitmer vetoed all nine the same day—without so much as a phone call to legislative leaders or the unions that helped elect her.” He ends this piece with a call for “every elected official and candidate to…[reject] corporate PAC money,” and “adopt a platform that addresses the needs of working-class people.” This clear-eyed, laser focus on the working class is what has put Fain into conversation for a 2028 presidential run by some on the populist left, particularly if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ultimately declines to run. A recent article in POLITICO quotes Bhaskar Sunkara, the 2020 Sanders surrogate and former vice chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, saying “If he's willing to run, [Fain] might be the best candidate for the left…Since he's progressive but very much says his egalitarian value system comes from his Christianity, [he] can speak in a moral language that can reach more independents than other candidates, and I think it would set a good precedent for labor.”* For the DSA left, all eyes now turn to Wisconsin, where Francesca Hong's campaign for the gubernatorial nomination continues to pick up steam. Just this week, per Wis Politics, Hong picked up the endorsement of the SEIU Wisconsin Healthcare and Service Workers. In their endorsement statement, SEIU Wisconsin called Hong “a longtime advocate and fighter for the working class,” who is “committed to building back strong labor protections by overturning Act 10 and so-called ‘Right-to-Work' laws, expanding Badgercare, and abolishing poverty wages in Wisconsin.” The union added that Hong's “support for a $20 minimum wage, adopting family-centered policies such as paid family leave and affordable child care, and enacting much-needed regulations on corporate monopolies make her the clear choice for all Wisconsinites, not just the wealthy.” Hong currently leads in the polls, despite the sitting Democratic Governor's attempts to boost her primary rival, David Crowley. Both Hong and Crowley have racked up labor support, though Crowley decidedly leads among the building trades and firefighter unions.* In St. Louis, the left experienced its biggest setback this cycle, with former Congresswoman Cori Bush losing her comeback bid against Congressman Wesley Bell by a large margin. Bush was ousted in 2024 as part of “a broader strategy by AIPAC to unseat Israel's sharpest critics in Congress, including the ‘Squad,' which Bush was a part of,” per the Missouri Independent. This piece notes that AIPAC spent over $8 million to oust Bush in that cycle and outside groups spent $7.2 million on Bell's behalf this year. Bell's official campaign outspent Bush's by a margin well over 10 to 1. Bush is the first candidate backed by National DSA to lose their race in 2026, which, while disappointing in this case, is a stunning testament to the track record of the group.* In a totally different part of the country, this week Julian Beaudion, the Democratic nominee for Senate in South Dakota, dropped out of the race. Beaudion cited personal hardships for himself and his family in his statement of withdrawal citing a recent house fire. However, many see this as an acknowledgement that the independent candidate in this race, veteran and former park ranger Brian Bengs, has a better chance of defeating incumbent Republican Senator Mike Rounds in a head-to-head matchup. This dynamic has been playing out in other states; Democratic Senate candidates have dropped out to clear the way for independents in Nebraska and Idaho already and there is immense pressure on the Democratic nominee in Montana to do the same. For his part, Beaudion will not endorse either candidate in South Dakota, according to KELOLAND News, but South Dakota Searchlight reports the South Dakota Democratic Party will not replace Beaudion on the ballot, giving the greenlight for Democrats to coalesce around Bengs in the general election.* In another primary election story, Lehigh Valley Public Media is out with a story on the strange dynamic emerging in Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district. According to this story, this race – between incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie and his Democratic challenger Bob Brooks, who seems to have done the impossible by getting Bernie Sanders and Josh Shapiro on the same side in a primary – has been upended by the entry of one Andrew Tupone. Mr. Tupone, a former Republican candidate, is running on the Green Party ballot line and claims to have “joined the Green Party this spring, drawn by its environmental policies on water conservancy and opposition to data centers, after growing disillusioned with both major parties.” Yet, apparently, “Green Party leaders warned in a statement this month that a wave of candidates may be posing as party members across the state.” Chris Robinson, a Green party spokesman, claims that “The party hasn't endorsed any congressional candidates in Pennsylvania and has never heard from Tupone.” Robinson adds that he “looked at [Tupone's] Facebook page, and he seems like he's a nice Republican.” According to LVPM, “a third-party candidate wouldn't need to move the needle much,” to influence the outcome of the election, noting that the current Congressman defeated the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Susan Wild by just 1 percentage point, in 2024, while “Tim Silfies, the last third-party congressional candidate to appear on a Lehigh Valley ballot, earned 8,011 votes, or 3 percent of the vote, in 2018.”* Finally, in more third party news, POLITICO reports several leading figures on the anti-MAGA right – including Congressman Thomas Massie, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and commentator Tucker Carlson – convened last weekend to “[sow] the seeds for a future third-party political organization…aimed at undercutting the Republican establishment.” This gang of three, joined by former Trump national security official Joe Kent, are particularly incensed by the president's intervention in Iran, with Greene writing “We said no more foreign wars and we meant it and supported Donald Trump because he made that promise. But he's betrayed us all.” This group is reportedly mulling a right-wing, third-party presidential campaign in 2028. While Carlson has declined to launch a presidential bid in the past, despite urging from within his circle, a sprawling new “10-point vision for America” he debuted during a recent stream implies that he is increasingly interested in articulating an alternative vision of right-wing politics from those espoused by Trump. This manifesto, as reported by Axios, includes everything from declassifying records on the JFK assasination and 9/11 to enforcing universal sobriety to “halting immigration until the effects of AI become clearer.” We will be watching closely to see if this effort moves forward or peters out as has been the pattern with other recent third party attempts.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

The right journeys across the woke-dark sea for Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey”; ICE boils over in Maine and Texas, and Trump waters down the death toll in Iran. This week, W. Kamau Bell grills and roasts Lovett, while Patrick Renna has fun in the ‘90s sun. And we play back the tape on our Second Thoughts.Find Kamau's new show "Who's With Me? with W. Kamau Bell" on YouTube or wherever you get podcasts. Every week, he sits down with someone he admires to give them their flowers, ask his most burning questions, and discuss how to make the world a better place. Check out recent episodes with Leslie Jones on turning pain into comedy, Robert Reich on the fight for democracy, and Kristen Kish on authenticity.For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com.

Ralph welcomes back his old running mate, Native American activist, Winona LaDuke, who has devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous control of their homelands, natural resources, and cultural practices to talk about her latest incarnation: hemp farmer. Then, we'll speak to Hal Weitzman, from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, about how Elon Musk's feud with Delaware may transform corporate America. Plus, we tick off Robert Reich's ten policy prescriptions the Democratic Party should fight for to beat the GOP in the upcoming midterms.Winona LaDuke is an activist, economist, and author, who has devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous control of their homelands, natural resources, and cultural practices. She is also a two-time vice-presidential candidate with Ralph Nader. Ms. LaDuke lives and works on the White Earth Ojibwe reservation in northern Minnesota, where she runs Winona's Hemp & Heritage Farm. She is also a member of the Indigenous Hemp & Cannabis Farmer's Cooperative.I'm looking first at seed sovereignty. We're growing [European hemp] varieties and then we're growing these feral hemp varieties. They're called feral varieties (which of course, that's something that I love) which means that when they eradicated hemp in the 1930s with the Marijuana Prohibition Act—well, they missed some spots. And those guys kept growing. And so 80 years of being illegal—isn't that great? Something that's illegal for 80 years is still with us, rocking out. And so I figure if you grew illegally for 80 years, you are really a tough hemp plant…And so we are growing out these hemp varieties and built a cooperative because we want to own the seeds and we want to own the technology (the value-added processing), and we want to use this hemp as a part of our future as tribes.Winona LaDukeMy grandsons are farming. I don't know who else can say their grandchildren are farming—let me know. My grandchildren are farming. They're running the horses. They're running the farms. You know, that's a retirement plan. My 401k will be worth nothing, but my grandchildren will feed me. This is my strategy.Winona LaDukeHal Weitzman is Executive Director for Intellectual Capital at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, editor-in-chief of Chicago Booth Review, and host of The Chicago Booth Review podcast. A former Financial Times editor and foreign correspondent, he is the author of Latin Lessons: How South America Stopped Listening to the United States and Started Prospering and What's the Matter with Delaware?: How the First State Has Favored the Rich, Powerful, and Criminal—and How It Costs Us All.There is a race to the bottom. There's been a race to the bottom for many decades. That's not new. I think it's accelerated somewhat. Delaware has joined that race from having been something of a “premium product” in terms of incorporating companies—Delaware has become a bit more “cut-price” I would say, and in that sense has followed Texas and Nevada. So the conclusion that we have a race to the bottom and it may be worse than Delaware—actually I think Delaware's already there. So it's not that it's getting worse outside of Delaware, it's getting worse including Delaware.Hal WeitzmanThe trend I think we're seeing is the exclusion of small shareholders completely—regardless of the status of your shares, this is about how big you are. And if you're a small shareholder there is no corporate democracy for you… It was practice in the past for activist groups, campaigning groups, to buy one share of a company and then to go to the shareholder meeting so they could make the point that they wanted to make. Now that kind of shareholder democracy is being encroached on. And the extent now is to say: unless you have a large position (regardless of the size of the company and the cost of the shares), you will not be allowed to bring suits against the executives for the correct running of the company.Hal WeitzmanNews 7/17/26* Our top story this week is New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to impose a one-year “pause” on the construction of AI data centers across the state. ABC7 reports that this is the first such moratorium in the nation, despite similar attempts in several states, most notably Maine where Governor Janet Mills vetoed a bill to this effect. Hochul argues that the pause is necessary so lawmakers and regulators can formulate “Guardrails to reduce the risk to our energy grid, minimize land disruption, noise pollution, and protect our natural resources, especially our water supply.” Hochul's move comes amidst a broader push against AI data centers from the left. Semafor reports Senator Bernie Sanders proposed a nationwide ban in March and many progressives running for state and local office in the midterms have made this a cornerstone of their campaigns. According to this piece, “In February, polling from Marquette Law School found 70% of all Wisconsinites agreeing that ‘the costs of the data centers outweigh the benefits.' Among Democrats, the number was 85%.”* Another progressive Member of Congress quite literally stepped into another hot-button political issue this week. While visiting a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank Wednesday, Al Jazeera reports armed settlers stopped the van of Representative Ro Khanna and were “later joined by Israeli soldiers who continued to block the road.” In a video, Khanna points out, settlers can be seen “brandishing M4s [rifles], kicking the tyres of our van, laughing at us, mocking at us, videotaping us.” This continued for over an hour and was only resolved when he reached out to the American Embassy, according to Khanna. Israel has responded to this fiasco by blaming Khanna, accusing the congressman of failing to coordinate his trip with the Israeli government; Khanna retorted that “The [Israeli military] is lying” and called for the arrest of the violent settlers. Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson excoriated U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, writing “An American member of congress is threatened by foreign terrorists carrying American rifles, backed by a foreign military paid for by American taxpayers, and the US ambassador to that country says not a word in defense of his own countryman…It's too much, too insulting and humiliating to America.”* Following his return from occupied Palestine, Khanna again teamed up with Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky to sponsor an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which would have removed the “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative” from the must-pass legislation. Responsible Statecraft describes the initiative as “an unprecedented integration of the U.S. and Israeli military industrial complexes,” by creating “an executive agent within the Department of Defense whose sole responsibility is furthering U.S. and Israeli military tech integration across nearly every facet of the defense process.” This article also notes that “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described this shift in the U.S.-Israel relationship as ‘my plan.'” However, House leadership is not backing this commonsense, bipartisan amendment. In a letter, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he would vote against the amendment, calling it “overly broad” and claiming the amendment would “restrict our country's ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel,” per the Times of Israel. However, Jeffries pledged not to whip votes against the amendment and indeed the House Minority Whip, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, voted for the amendment as did Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, despite the opposition of Jeffries and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. The Congressional Progressive Caucus reportedly whipped votes in favor of the amendment.* In more Israel-related news, this week Marco Rubio – who serves as Secretary of State as well as the acting National Security Advisor – announced that the State Department will launch a “sweeping campaign to dismantle…the International Criminal Court.” CNN observes that “The administration's ire against the ICC goes back to President Donald Trump's first term, when it targeted the ICC for seeking to investigate alleged war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan,” and that since taking office for the second time, the Trump administration has “imposed a slew of sanctions against ICC officials for their attempts to investigate the US and Israel.” CNN also quotes a State Department official who said that top officials, including Secretary Rubio and US ambassadors, “are calling countries as part of a campaign to diplomatically isolate the International Criminal Court.” It is worth noting that “all American presidents since the ICC's ratification have maintained that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Americans,” and that Congress even passed a law calling for an invasion and occupation of the Hague if any American serviceman was ever prosecuted by the ICC, implying that this crackdown on the court is not about American sovereignty at all but rather the prosecution of Israeli officials for their war crimes in Gaza.* In another stunning story starring Marco Rubio, the New York Times reports the Secretary of State is functionally “running Venezuela from afar.” The Times story characterizes Rubio's position as the “de facto viceroy of Venezuela,” effectively controlling the country's “finances, the distribution of its natural resources and its government.” This story makes clear that while Delcy Rodríguez, the former Vice President of Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro, nominally occupies the presidency, Rubio is the one really calling the shots, with Rubio setting the conditions on what Venezuela's export revenue “can be spent on, and by whom,” and having the authority to approve or deny key governmental appointments in the country, such as the minister of defense. In short, the United States has established a shocking explicitly neo-colonial regime in the country, fulfilling the gravest prognostications of anti-imperialist critics of American intervention in the Bolivarian Republic.* Closer to home, Bloomberg reports the federal government has officially launched a grand jury investigation into the United Auto Workers and the union's outspoken president, Shawn Fain. The investigation stems from accusations made by the union's Vice President, Rich Boyer, who alleged that Fain used his position to secure benefits for his fiancée and her sister – and when Boyer refused to approve the benefits, Fain retaliated by stripping Boyer of his duties as chief negotiator with Stellantis NV. Fain has called the allegations “false” and is accusing Boyer of seeking to influence the upcoming UAW leadership election. Fain also claims that Boyer is the one retaliating after Fain “refused the vice president's request to hire family members to positions in the union.” Fain has long maintained that the Justice Department, and specifically the DOJ-appointed monitor, Neil Barofsky, has a political grudge against him because “the UAW took an anti-war stance about what was happening in Gaza.” According to Bloomberg, “Both Fain and Boyer have slates running and each is accusing the other of attempting to abuse their positions to benefit family.”* This week, another victim of harassment by the federal government, student activist Mahmoud Khalil, filed a landmark civil rights suit alleging that the government conspired with a number of private groups – including the Heritage Foundation, Betar, and Canary Mission – to “suppress criticism of Israel through a coordinated campaign to dox, jail and ultimately deport student activists.” According to the lawsuit, said activists were “nearly automatically targeted by the Federal Defendants for arrest and removal.” Khalil's lawyers argue that this “public-private partnership” could violate the “Ku Klux Klan Act, a Reconstruction-era law that sought to restrict government coordination with vigilante groups.” The suit is led by the Center for Constitutional Rights. The AP reports “Soon after his arrest, both Canary Mission and Betar boasted of their role in flagging Khalil's noncitizen status to the government.” Since Khalil's arrest, Betar has agreed to “dissolve its nonprofit status,” following a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James accusing Betar's members of harassing Palestinians.* Turning to the state level, this week 12 state attorneys general, led by California's Rob Bonta, filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, controlled by the Trump-aligned David Ellison. The proposed, $110 billion merger was approved by the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department last month, which reached the dubious conclusion that the merger is “not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers.” In the filing, Bonta and the state AGs for Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington allege that the merger “would extinguish competition between Paramount and Warner Bros. and inflict substantial harm on movie theatres, basic cable distributors, and, ultimately, audiences nationwide.” This from Reason.* In the world of philanthropy, CNBC reports Warren Buffett, the billionaire chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has “excluded the Gates Foundation from his sizable annual charitable donations.” As this report notes, the Gates Foundation has been among the top recipients of his annual Berkshire donations, totaling $47 billion worth of Berkshire stock since 2006. The reason for the exclusion of the Gates Foundation has been much speculated upon, in particular, whether it was due to the recent revelations about Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Asked about this, Buffett said that he had “read a great deal…in terms of what happened, with Bill and Epstein,” calling their relationship “distasteful,” but also saying that he “found nothing in there that was beyond what [he] could picture [himself] doing.” Instead of the Gates Foundation, all of this year's donations will go to foundations linked to the Buffett family.* Finally, British multinational diamond conglomerate De Beers, famous for coining the “A Diamond is Forever” tagline in 1947, reported this week that they plan to halt work at their “flagship” Venetia mine in South Africa as demand for the stones wanes. The BBC highlights both slackening consumer demand as well as competition from lab-grown diamonds, particularly those produced in China. That said, the closing of the Venetia mine – the biggest in South Africa, accounting for over 40% of the country's diamond production – will send shockwaves through that country's already shaky economy. That mine alone employs more than 4,000 people, while the mining sector employs nearly half a million. De Beers said they plan to reopen the mine in two years; in the meantime, they are looking to expand copper mining to keep up with demand from AI data centers.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

7/16/2026 POSTERITY OVER AUSTERITY: INVESTING IN WHAT LASTSEPISODE 1825“Having been raised with a poverty mindset, I deeply understand the complexity of redrafting the perception surrounding wealth.” J Loren Norris Posterity over Austerity: Investing in What LastsThere is a dramatic contrast between a culture of fear-based cost cutting and legacy-minded investing.  There is also a dramatic contrast of belief about whose role it is to manage wages, prices, productivity and profits. Some research done for you: https://youtu.be/zxVoCw3P1Gc?is=eEFSIfSDR0wGek_NConsider the advice of Robert Reich vs Thomas Sowell when making decisions about your financial strategies. Consider Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki or Money Master the best Game by Anthony Robbins. Leaders safeguard the future of their organization during tight seasons. One way they do this is building the legacy of their people.  Strengthening posterity, the hope of those who will become your successors, this is the greatest return on investment possible. IMHO If the government is given that choice, if the government makes the investment, the government expects the rewards. If the people make that investment, the people should get the reward. Whoever takes the greater risk should receive the greater benefit. Become your own best benefactor. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

7/16/2026 POSTERITY OVER AUSTERITY: INVESTING IN WHAT LASTSEPISODE 1825“Having been raised with a poverty mindset, I deeply understand the complexity of redrafting the perception surrounding wealth.” J Loren Norris Posterity over Austerity: Investing in What LastsThere is a dramatic contrast between a culture of fear-based cost cutting and legacy-minded investing.  There is also a dramatic contrast of belief about whose role it is to manage wages, prices, productivity and profits. Some research done for you: https://youtu.be/zxVoCw3P1Gc?is=eEFSIfSDR0wGek_NConsider the advice of Robert Reich vs Thomas Sowell when making decisions about your financial strategies. Consider Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki or Money Master the best Game by Anthony Robbins. Leaders safeguard the future of their organization during tight seasons. One way they do this is building the legacy of their people.  Strengthening posterity, the hope of those who will become your successors, this is the greatest return on investment possible. IMHO If the government is given that choice, if the government makes the investment, the government expects the rewards. If the people make that investment, the people should get the reward. Whoever takes the greater risk should receive the greater benefit. Become your own best benefactor. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump loses the bid to restore his name to the Kennedy Center. Also, Trump prioritizes an election power grab over a housing bill. Plus, a new report details the cost of Trump and Elon Musk's agency layoffs. And Robert Reich says the NATO Summit exposed the real source of Trump's power. Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rick Hasen, Doug Pasternak, and Robert Reich join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump's new financial filing fuels accusations of the president profiting from his office; Democrats promise to investigate his business ventures if they flip Congress. V Spehar, Aaron Parnas, Robert Reich, Eugene Daniels, and Amanda Litman join the 11th Hour with Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we're kicking off our archive miniseries, Myths That Built Trickle-Down Economics, with one of the most persistent myths in American politics: that regulation kills growth. Corporate lobbyists and trickle-down evangelists have spent decades branding any rule that limits big business as a “job killer.” But what if good regulation isn't the enemy of prosperity, but one of the things that makes prosperity possible? Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich joined Nick and Paul back in 2019 to explain why we should stop calling these rules “regulations” and start calling them what they really are: protections. Because the economy always has rules. The real question is who they're written to protect. This episode originally aired on February 5, 2019. Robert Reich is the former U.S. Secretary of Labor, co-founder of Inequality Media, and author of Saving Capitalism. Social Media: @rbreich.bsky.social @RBReich @rbreich @rbreich Further reading:  Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com Facebook: Pitchfork Economics Podcast Bluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics Threads: pitchforkeconomics TikTok: @pitchfork_econ YouTube: @pitchforkeconomics LinkedIn: Pitchfork Economics Twitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer Substack: The Pitch

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Gordon Holden, Howard Balloch and Stewart Beck to the discuss the Xi-Trump Summit. // Participants' bios: Gordon Houlden is Director Emeritus of the China Institute, Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor of the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta.. Howard Balloch served as the Canadian Ambassador to China and then in the private sector in Beijing and Hong Kong. Stewart Beck served as the Canadian Consul General in Shanghai and San Francisco and High Commissioner to India before heading the Asia-Pacific Foundation. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "Apple in China" by Patrick Mcgee - "Coming Up Short" by Robert Reich -"Party of One: The Rise of Xi Jinping and China's Superpower Future" by Chun Han Wong // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Release date: May 25, 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump leaves China with no policy breakthroughs. Also, the German Chancellor warns of the “social climate” in the United States. Plus, the Trump world thrives as U.S. prices keep rising. And Trump uses the China trip to lobby for his ballroom. Chrystia Freeland, Robert Reich, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They are worried about muskets now. The NYPD is making scooter-crushing hype videos. Politics is thriving. On this Dumb Bleep of the Week, Nate and Chuck break down the strangest stories in politics, including the latest hand-wringing over antique firearms, the NYPD's seized scooter destruction video, and the argument that kids prove socialism makes sense. Then the show pivots into Thomas Massie's race, Ed Gallrein's AI campaign post, the Ro Khanna and New York Times chatter, Polymarket spin, and the late-breaking scandal narrative dominating the final stretch of the episode. Chapters 00:00 Good Morning Liberty kicks off 01:30 Dumb Bleep of the Week preview 03:15 The musket panic begins 07:00 NYPD crushes seized scooters 11:00 "Kids prove socialism" 12:30 Champagne socialists at Lakers seats 15:00 Robert Reich and the billionaire myth 21:15 TPUSA, campus outrage, and censorship logic 26:00 Ed Gallrein's AI campaign fail 29:45 Ro Khanna, The New York Times, and Massie 35:15 Polymarket spin and the money behind the race 38:15 The Massie scandal segment 45:00 Live vote and wrap-up Links Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.com All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, and share the show. Then leave a podcast rating and review so more liberty-minded people find Good Morning Liberty. #libertarian #thomasmassie #politics #government #freemarket #goodmorningliberty

-- On the Show: -- Ashley St. Clair, social media content creator and former MAGA firebrand now speaking out against the movement, joins us to discuss coordinated right-wing "marching orders" and pay-for-play schemes -- Robert Reich outlines a political maneuver where JD Vance and Marco Rubio invoke the 25th Amendment to oust Donald Trump -- Donald Trump travels to Beijing accompanied by a massive delegation of billionaires, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang -- JD Vance sees his 2028 presidential nomination odds drop in betting markets as Marco Rubio gains favor among Republican donors -- Donald Trump states during a press event that he does not think about the financial situation of Americans, despite increasing prices -- Donald Trump insults reporter Akayla Gardner by calling her dumb after she asks about the ballooning costs of his ballroom project -- Donald Trump schedules his third dental evaluation of the year at Walter Reed, despite the White House possessing its own dental suite -- Donald Trump prepares for an annual physical at Walter Reed following recent admissions of receiving a CT scan -- On the Bonus Show: The Army cuts training over budget issues, Estonia considers a law that would require adoption transparency, AOC leads Democrats in 2028 polling, and much more...

AOC says billionaires can't earn a billion dollars. NBC frames Kyle Rittenhouse as gaining fame from a "civil rights rally." Let's talk about incentives, scarcity, taxes, and political spin. In this Good Morning Liberty breakdown, Charlie reacts to NBC's Kyle Rittenhouse framing, socialist economics memes, Robert Reich's wealth tax argument, Nashville's property tax spike and grant scheme, Elizabeth Warren's Spirit Airlines blame-shift, AOC's billionaire comments, and the gun-control claim about children. This one hits media bias, capitalism, socialism, billionaires, equity ownership, airline deregulation, property taxes, cronyism, and Second Amendment politics. Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.com All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, and share. Also leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

AOC says billionaires can't earn a billion dollars. NBC frames Kyle Rittenhouse as gaining fame from a "civil rights rally." Let's talk about incentives, scarcity, taxes, and political spin. In this Good Morning Liberty breakdown, Charlie reacts to NBC's Kyle Rittenhouse framing, socialist economics memes, Robert Reich's wealth tax argument, Nashville's property tax spike and grant scheme, Elizabeth Warren's Spirit Airlines blame-shift, AOC's billionaire comments, and the gun-control claim about children. This one hits media bias, capitalism, socialism, billionaires, equity ownership, airline deregulation, property taxes, cronyism, and Second Amendment politics. Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.com All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, and share. Also leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Send us Fan MailAmerica doesn't feel tense because we disagree. It feels tense because a lot of people believe they kept their end of the bargain and the country didn't keep its end of the deal.We start with that sense of betrayal and follow the trail through today's economic anxiety, collapsing trust in institutions, and a media environment that turns politics into spectacle. When every issue becomes a team sport and social media rewards humiliation over understanding, we don't just get louder. We get lonelier, more suspicious, and easier to manipulate. And when ordinary people are squeezed while elites insist everything is “fine,” anger stops being an emotion and starts becoming an identity.Then we break down a rare commencement speech that actually says what many young people are living: an economy that isn't built for them, a widening 99% vs 1% gap, and disillusionment that can function like a superpower if it leads to clear-eyed action. From there, we run an “autopsy” using thinkers across the spectrum, from Noam Chomsky to Thomas Sowell to Robert Reich and more, to show how different camps spotted different parts of the same collapse. The thread tying it together is simple and heavy: this is also a spiritual and meaning crisis, because money is never just money, it's dignity and a future you can picture.We close with a listener question about rising geopolitical tension and explain why the next decade may bring long-term global instability as a multipolar world forms without agreed rules, plus a sharp “blast from the intellectual past” that reminds us how narratives get contested in real time. Subscribe, share this with someone you trust, and leave a review with the biggest question you're still wrestling with. Support the show

Spirit Airlines is gone. And Washington is already trying to blame everyone else. In this Good Morning Liberty breakdown, Nate and Chuck look at the collapse of Spirit Airlines, the blocked JetBlue merger, Elizabeth Warren's "Biden win for flyers," Robert Reich's airline consolidation argument, and the government's very normal habit of breaking things in the name of helping consumers. Was it fuel prices? Was it the Biden DOJ blocking the JetBlue Spirit merger? Was it bad business? The answer from GML: there is blame to go around, but the deeper problem is politicians and regulators having the power to jack with markets in the first place. Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, airline antitrust, Elizabeth Warren, Robert Reich, airline consolidation, consumer prices, and the myth of government-managed competition all collide in this one. Chapters: 00:00 Good Morning Liberty intro 00:01 Spirit Airlines is done 00:03 The left and right fight over blame 00:06 Both sides are a little bit right 00:07 The DOJ blocking the merger 00:09 Spirit CEO on the JetBlue offer 00:11 Was the merger actually "illegal"? 00:14 Sean Duffy, Biden DOJ, and competition 00:16 Government got involved, travelers lost 00:20 Robert Reich's airline argument 00:27 Airline deregulation and cheaper airfare 00:40 Elizabeth Warren's "win for flyers" ages badly Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.com All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, and share. Then leave a rating and review on the podcast app because unlike Spirit, we are still accepting baggage.  

Spirit Airlines is gone.And Washington is already trying to blame everyone else. In this Good Morning Liberty breakdown, Nate and Chuck look at the collapse of Spirit Airlines, the blocked JetBlue merger, Elizabeth Warren's "Biden win for flyers," Robert Reich's airline consolidation argument, and the government's very normal habit of breaking things in the name of helping consumers. Was it fuel prices? Was it the Biden DOJ blocking the JetBlue Spirit merger? Was it bad business? The answer from GML: there is blame to go around, but the deeper problem is politicians and regulators having the power to jack with markets in the first place. Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, airline antitrust, Elizabeth Warren, Robert Reich, airline consolidation, consumer prices, and the myth of government-managed competition all collide in this one. Chapters:00:00 Good Morning Liberty intro00:01 Spirit Airlines is done00:03 The left and right fight over blame00:06 Both sides are a little bit right00:07 The DOJ blocking the merger00:09 Spirit CEO on the JetBlue offer00:11 Was the merger actually "illegal"?00:14 Sean Duffy, Biden DOJ, and competition00:16 Government got involved, travelers lost00:20 Robert Reich's airline argument00:27 Airline deregulation and cheaper airfare00:40 Elizabeth Warren's "win for flyers" ages badly Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhAWatch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.comAll links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, and share. Then leave a rating and review on the podcast app because unlike Spirit, we are still accepting baggage.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump's Iran war reaches Iraq and Vietnam disapproval levels. Plus, Trump threatens to raise tariffs on EU cars to 25%. Also, May Day protests reflect growing economic unrest. And Democrats fight back against Trump and GOP on voting rights.  Rep. Eugene Vindman, Robert Reich, Leah Greenberg, Rep. James Walkinshaw and Dr. Vin Gupta join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gave a speech at the University of Texas celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and praising its principles and values. But he went on to say that the goals of progressivism are antithetical to those of the Declaration unleashing a deluge of outrage from the left. Robert Reich called him the Worst Justice Ever. In this commentary we look at why Justice Thomas is correct and Mr. Reich is wrong.

On today's episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest on the war in Iran, layoffs at Oracle, and shutting down Sora. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company global technology editor Harry McCracken about what he found out when he collected an oral history of Apple's earliest days. And finally, Kristin speaks with Inequality Media cofounder Robert Reich and executive director of Inequality Media Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse on their organization and how the team educates a broad range of audiences about power imbalance and civic issues in the United States today. To read about Apple's early days, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/91514404/apple-founding-50th-anniversary-apple-1-apple-ii-jobs-wozniak  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

Synopsis:  As a bestselling author of 18 books, including "Aftershock" and "The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It", Robert Reich shares his insights on how to address growing income inequality and its impact on politics and economy. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description (original air date September 14, 2025)-  The crisis we're in was a long time coming. Now that we're here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that's not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich's latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He  is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich's viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura's two cents on “democratic capitalism.” “If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,' then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.'” - Robert Reich “More than a century ago, we had the first Gilded Age in the United States . . . We had the equivalent of billionaires, the equivalent of Elon Musk . . . Why would we not have another Progressive Era as a response to the Gilded Age? We are now in the second Gilded Age.” - Robert Reich Guest:  Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. -Related Podcast: Robert Reich Full Uncut Conversation  Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Music Credit:  'Dawn Smolders' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper   RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?  Watch •  The Pandemic Economy-  Watch / Listen •  Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?  Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation   •  Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation   Related Articles and Resources: •  Documentary:  The Last Class with Robert Reich •  “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack •  Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News •  Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts' as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico •  Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action •  Office Hours:  Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack • Schumer:  Democrats ‘will force votes' on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Tonight on The Last Word: Nationwide “No Kings” protests are planned for Saturday. Also, U.S. troops are injured in an Iran strike on an airbase in Saudi Arabia. And Navy veteran Brian Nathan flips a Florida state senate seat to blue. Robert Reich, Leah Greenberg, Aaron David Miller, and Brian Nathan join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Synopsis:  Robert Reich Calls Out Corporate Power Threatening US Democracy This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description (original air date September 14, 2025)- The crisis we're in was a long time coming. Now that we're here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that's not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich's latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He  is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich's viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura's two cents on “democratic capitalism.” “If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,' then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.'” - Robert Reich Guest:  Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode cut airs on community radio across the country  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast. RESOURCES: *Recommended book:  “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, by Robert Reich - *Get the Book (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?  Watch •  The Pandemic Economy-  Watch / Listen •  Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?  Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation   •  Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation   Related Articles and Resources: •  Documentary:  The Last Class with Robert Reich •  “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack •  Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News •  Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts' as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico •  Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action •  Office Hours:  Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack • Schumer:  Democrats ‘will force votes' on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

On this week's episode, I explain the importance of Saturday March 28th's No Kings 3 Protest. Research says that if 3.5% of the population actively participate in sustained peaceful protest, the people can topple an authoritarian regime. And we have an authoritarian regime that desperately needs to be toppled! 3.5% of our country's population would be 12 million people.  Let's show up and peacefully take to the streets and encourage everyone we know to come be a part of the 12 million people, gathering in solidarity to unite, resist, and restore our democracy. Check out the Show Notes for links to NoKings.org to find an event near you as well as links to Robert Reich's IG clip that I transcribed and key grassroots groups Indivisible, HandsOff, MoveOn, Womens March and 50501, all helping to organize our inspiring resistance movement. Enjoy the podcast!  Links: No Kings 3 Website IG: @rbreich indivisible.org/ indivisiblerockland.org/ www.handsoffnyc.com front.moveon.org/ www.fiftyfifty.one/ womensmarch.com/

Tonight On The Last Word: Six U.S. Service members have been killed in a crash over Iraq. Plus, a judge blocks DOJ subpoenas of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, an ex-DOGE staffer can't find the words to define "DEI" in new deposition footage. And Democratic momentum builds heading into November midterms. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Robert Reich, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, Skye Perryman, and Rep. Chris Pappas join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Air Date: 3/3/2026 The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we examine the multi-front struggle for control: military force and economic coercion seizing resources abroad, institutions weaponized to constrain bodies at home, platforms and propaganda capturing minds, and the democratic resistance proving that organized people can still win. Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! PART 1: TAKING WHAT THEY WANT (00:02:31) #1762 - Trump's Imperialistic Shakedown of Venezuela 1: Trump Admits Venezuela Attacks Are All About Their Oil - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-18-25 2: USA Is the Worst Pirate on Earth: Trump Boasts of Stealing Venezuela's Oil - Geopolitical Economy Report - Air Date 12-26-25 3: Trump's Piracy in the Caribbean - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 12-23-25 (00:29:28) #1768 - The End of an Era: The International Rules-Based Order Gives Way to Trump's Might-Makes-Right Plutocracy 4: Gaza, Venezuela, and Greenland Mark End of World Legal Order Set up in 1945 - Redeye - Air Date 1-19-26 5: "Empire in Decline": Historian Alfred McCoy on U.S. Aggression in Venezuela, Iran & Beyond - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26 6: Mark Carney and the New World Order - Front Burner - Air Date 1-20-26 (00:53:33) #1764 - Wealth Inequality is Bad for Society and There's No Good Counterargument 7: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 12-9-25 8: Where Are Americas Leaders? - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 1-6-26 PART 2: CONTROLLING BODIES (01:04:42) #1766 - The Fragility of State Violence: The ICE Occupation, Renee Good, and the Minneapolis Uprising 9: Abolish ICE - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-7-26 10: ICE Is a Way to Deal With Surplus Males - Therese - Air Date 1-9-25 11: ICE Can Hack Your Phone Without You Knowing - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 9-5-25 (01:30:58) #1763 - It's Not a Health Care System, it's a Wealth Extraction System 12: 20M Americans Set to Lose Healthcare Coverage Jan. 1 After Congress Goes on Recess - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25 13: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 1 - Brian Lehrer_ A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25 14: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25 (01:57:14) #1767 - Wars Are Won By Teachers and Trump is Attacking Them Like a Foreign Adversary 15: 'Abandoning' Kids' Futures AFT Pres. Slams Trump Dept. of Education Changes - MS NOW - Air Date 11-19-25 16: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25 17: Trump Set to Garnish Wages for Student Loan Defaults - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25 PART 3: CONTROLLING MINDS (02:20:20) #1773 - How Big Tech Captured Attention, Kids, and Democracy 18: Trouble at TikTok Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26 19: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26 20: DMs! My Kingdom For DMs! - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-17-26 (02:46:22) #1765 - AI Capitalism Will Not Deliver an AI Utopia 21: The AI Bubble Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25 22: Desperate OpenAI Turns To Erotica - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-25 23: Trump Considers Order to Override State Regulations on Artificial Intelligence - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-20-25 (03:09:13) #1772 - From Fragile to Fascist: How Broken Masculinity Feeds Authoritarianism 24: The Terrifying Rise of "Vice Signalling" - JimmyTheGiant - Air Date 1-28-26 25: The Incel to ICE Pipeline (with F.D Signifier and Caroline Kwan) Part 1 - Matt Bernstein - Air Date 2-6-26 26: The Rise of the Authoritarian-Curious - Then & Now - Air Date 2-9-26 (03:35:07) #1769 - Politics Beyond the Ballot Box: Elections and the Movements that Power Them 27: Donald Trump Wants to Cancel the Midterm Elections Part 1 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-16-26 28: The Next Socialist In Congress with Claire Valdez Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-26 PART 4: THE PEOPLE PUSH BACK (03:48:36) #1770 - Getting in the Fight Against ICE and Authoritarianism 29: What I've Learned From Reading History - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-28-26 30: Americans Flex Democratic Muscles to Show That, Together, They're Stronger Than Trump - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-27-26 31: ICE Out of Minnesota: Unions & Churches Lead Economic Blackout in "Day of Truth and Freedom" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-23-26 (04:04:47) #1771 - They Need You in the Dark: Information, Journalism, and the Fight Against Fascism 32: AG Bondi Confirms FBI Executed Search Warrant at WaPo Reporter's Home - MS Now - Air Date 1-13-26 33: Why Trump Arresting Journalists Is a Sign of Weakness - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-30-26 34: Humor Can Topple Dictators Part 1 - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 10-18-25   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pushes for a return to “rules-based order.” Also, European allies question U.S. leadership under Donald Trump. Plus, House Republicans pass a restrictive voter ID bill under pressure from Trump. And the Trump administration refuses to recognize the growing economic divide. Robert Reich, Rep. Eugene Vindman, Rep. Greg Stanton, and Sharon Epperson join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When most people think about the 1970s, they're likely to conjure up images of Watergate, oil shortages, disco, and outrageous hairstyles. When academic political historians have thought about the 1970s, they have tended to see the era largely as one in which the forces of conservatism gained strength, setting the stage for Ronald Reagan's election as president in 1980 and the subsequent decades of “neoliberalism,” in which both parties tended to agree that market forces needed to be liberated from the heavy hand of government. But a new generation of historians argues that this reading shortchanges many of the Democratic politicians active in the 1970s and the years that followed, particularly the New Liberals. These were the people who wanted the Democratic Party to regain its political momentum by reforming liberalism as well as the party. The New Liberals included intellectuals like Robert Reich and Ira Magaziner, business figures like Felix Rohatyn and Robert Rubin, and politicians including Gary Hart, Paul Tsongas, Jerry Brown, and of course Bill Clinton, who arguably brought the New Liberal project to fruition by winning the presidency in 1992. Henry Tonks, a historian at Kenyon College, has written a dissertation reevaluating the New Liberals. He argues that while they did pave the way toward the modern Democratic Party, they didn't capitulate to Reaganism or repudiate their New Deal heritage. Rather, they tried to reinvent liberalism by adapting it to an economy that was becoming more globalized as well as less industrial and more reliant upon financial services and advanced technology. They embraced industrial policy and worried about whether America was falling behind its commercial rivals, particularly Japan. Tonks argues that while New Liberals didn't correctly diagnose the changes to the economy in all of its particulars, their policy vision retains considerable relevance to today's politics — and particularly the discussion around the Abundance movement.

Air Date: 1/14/2026 Being a bad person who doesn't care about others is helpful in one's pursuit of becoming wealthy. However, becoming wealthy is also helpful in becoming a bad person who doesn't care about others, not that anyone sets out with this as a goal but it is a natural byproduct of wealth and the normal functioning of our market economy. What this means is that the nature of money, market dynamics, and wealth to corrode morality is a systemic problem, not a collection of individual failings, and should be addressed as such. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: The Truth About Income Inequality No One Told You - UNFTR Media - Air Date 7-21-25 KP 2: K-shaped Economy: Why the Wealthy Are Thriving as Most Americans Fall Behind - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-14-25 KP 3: Chris Hedges: The Warped Psychology of the Rich - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 6-24-25 KP 4: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 12-9-25 KP 5: How Power Corrupts Part 1 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22 KP 6: Where Are Americas Leaders? - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 1-6-26 KP 7: Why WORKERS Should OWN Companies - The Market Exit - Air Date 4-30-25 (00:48:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On all the reasons we need to squash wealth inequality DEEPER DIVES (01:02:59) SECTION A: THE EFFECTS OF WEALTH INEQUALITY A1: The USA Is a "Third World" Country for Millions of Americans - Raising Wildflowers - Air Date 7-13-25 A2: The Shocking Truth About Wealth Inequality in America - Established Context - Air Date 2-22-2025 A3: How Wealth Corrupts Democracy with Christy McGillivray - Head in the Office - Air Date 10-24-25 A4: How Power Corrupts Part 2 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22 A5: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 1 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25 (01:42:01) SECTION B: THE MINDSET OF THE RICH & POWERFUL B1: RESOURCE WARS and the Economics of Scarcity with Richard D Wolff - Jacobin - Air Date 9-4-24 B2: Tax Is Not Theft: Why the "It's My Money" Argument Is Wrong - Richard J Murphy - Air Date 12-18-25 B3: The Jacob Rees-Mogg Illusion: Why the Rich Think They're the Victims - Barry's Economics - Air Date 11-16-25 B4: The Fraud Behind Our 'Thought Leaders' - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 1-5-26 (02:18:09) SECTION C: TAX THE RICH C1: 'People Are so Disgusted' - Economist Thomas Piketty on Why We Need a Wealth Tax - Channel 4 News - Air Date 12-10-25 C2: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 2 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25 SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: A horizontally split image of two photos: on top, an extravagant yacht sailing at sunset. On bottom, an open wallet with some $1 bills inside and some coins spilling out. Credit: Internal composite design. Images: "Wallet" and "yacht" via Pixabay | Pixabay license   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Tonight on The Last Word: Polls show voters are furious at the start of the midterm year. Also, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani promises to govern “audaciously.” Plus, Iran protests are growing amid a deepening economic crisis. And lawmakers threaten Attorney General Pam Bondi with contempt over incomplete Epstein files. Timothy Snyder, Robert Reich, Bobby Ghosh, Rep. Adam Smith, and Lisa Rubin join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:08 Robert Reich, political economist who worked in the administrations of three presidents (most prominently as Secretary of Labor for Bill Clinton) now emeritus Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. His latest book is Coming Up Short: a memoir of my America. This is a rebroadcast of our original interview in summer of 2025. The post Robert Reich on Robert Reich: Former labor secretary talks new memoir appeared first on KPFA.

Send us a textWhat if our problem isn't that we disagree—but that we've forgotten how? Robert Reich joins us at a 50th reunion event hosted by the Center on Civility and Democratic Engagement to map the terrain of modern incivility and show a clearer path forward. We explore why trust in institutions fell from a broad majority in the 1960s to a small minority today, how geographic tribalism narrows our circles, and why the most honest political conversations often start with work, wages, and family budgets rather than party labels.We connect the dots between stagnant median wages since the late 1970s, the three coping strategies families used to stay afloat, and the deep disillusionment that followed the financial crisis. That shared frustration fueled both Tea Party and Occupy, and later boosted candidates who promised to “shake up the system” across the spectrum. Reich explains how these economic realities power today's anger—and how smart policy, from stronger safety nets to public investment and money‑in‑politics reform, can reduce the pressure that polarizes us.Then we turn the lens on media incentives. Outrage grabs attention, and attention pays. Reich pulls back the curtain on the production choices that amplify conflict and argues for rewarding outlets and leaders who model respect without pulling punches. Throughout, we return to an old idea with fresh urgency: civic virtue as public deliberation. Think eloquent listening—asking better questions, restating opposing views fairly, and staying open to being moved. From family tables to classrooms to city halls, these habits make conflict useful again and rebuild trust one conversation at a time.If this resonates, share it with someone who sees the world differently, subscribe for more candid conversations, and leave a review with one story that changed your mind. Support the show

The Labor Department reported September jobs numbers on Thursday, showing employers added 119,000 jobs to the economy but also an increase in unemployment to 4.4 percent. “The September report shows fairly good job growth, but every other report we have for October shows a slowdown,” says Robert Reich, the former secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton.“Real wages — that is, wages adjusted for inflation — are going down for most people. The bottom 90 percent of Americans are in very bad shape,” says Reich. This week on The Intercept Briefing, host Akela Lacy speaks to the professor, author, and longtime commentator about the economy and the state of Democratic Party politics under Trump. “The only people who are doing well, who are keeping the economy going through their purchases, are the top 10 percent, and they're basically doing well because they're the ones who own most of the shares of stock,” says Reich. “What happens when and if the stock market implodes?”Reich has been beating the drum on poverty and inequality for decades. And while that message took some time to hit the mainstream, it seems to be hitting home now more than ever, but Democratic leadership continues to fall flat in conveying they understand the urgency of the economic hardships ordinary Americans face.The answer, Reich says, is new leadership. He is disappointed in Democrats who caved to Trump on the government shutdown. “It's another example of the Democrats not having enough backbone,” Reich says. “I think Chuck Schumer has to go. And Jeffries too.” He adds, “I'm 79 years old. I have standing to speak about the fact that there is a time to move on. And I think that the Democratic leaders today should move on.”Listen to the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing.You can support our work at theintercept.com/join. Your donation, no matter the amount, makes a real difference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Reich has spent a lifetime standing up to bullies—from the playground to the halls of power. Now, the former Labor Secretary and bestselling author reveals what we must do to take a stand against social injustice while democracy itself is under attack.Find out why the most impactful leaders might be the ones who never hold public office and why he still believes the antidote to darkness isn’t optimism—but action.Follow Robert on Substack: https://robertreich.substack.com/Learn how you can host or attend a screening of Professor Reich's documentary at https://www.thelastclassfilm.com/Find his memoir "Coming Up Short" at bookshop.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fixing America: Essays on Domestic and Foreign Policy by James Matthew Sawatzki https://www.amazon.com/Fixing-America-Essays-Domestic-Foreign/dp/1958877506 Fixing America: Essays on Domestic and Foreign Policy offers original insights and pragmatic solutions to intransigent and entrenched political issues domestic and foreign. The work provides new analysis which correctly identifies root causes of policy failures; and suggests practical, and potentially effective solutions to solve them. This work, intended for educators, students and citizens engaged in politics hopes to move the nation forward, and bridge divides. Fans of Noam Chomsky, Paul Krugman, David Brooks or Robert Reich will discover a new and like-minded voice. James Sawatzki is a retired public- school teacher still trying to promote citizen engagement and social justice.

Tonight on The Last Word: Speaker Mike Johnson describes an upcoming anti-Trump march as a “Hate America” rally. Also, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Donald Trump's chaos in Chicago is pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act. Plus, Democrats demand answers from the Trump administration on Jeffrey Epstein. And a New York Times analysis breaks down the high number of Black officials fired by the Trump administration. Jason Stanley, Robert Reich, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Errin Haines join Ali Velshi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During an interview with Tucker Carlson, Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger pointed out that intelligence agencies like the CIA manipulate Wikipedia content for propaganda purposes. Jimmy discusses how anti-establishment or anti-war figures are unable to edit their own pages while establishment-friendly outlets such as The New York Times and CNN are approved as reliable sources.  The segment also explores evidence of organized efforts by Israeli groups and Zionist organizations to influence Wikipedia's coverage of Middle East issues. Jimmy concludes by mocking billionaire Elon Musk's plan to create “Grokipedia” as a supposed free-speech alternative, expressing skepticism toward both corporate and government control over online information. Plus segments on former Clinton administration official Robert Reich lying about Trump and the government shutdown and the new Zionist censors at TikTok who are already doing their dirty work to shut down criticism of Israel. Also featuring Mike MacRae and Stef Zamorano! And a phone call from JD Vance!

Robert Reich, Co-founder of Inequality Media and President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Labor, joins the Beast's Jaonna Coles to warn us that the U.S. is sliding into authoritarianism. He lays out how Trump's White House distorts economic data, bullies CEOs, corrupts crypto markets, and undermines global alliances, while billionaires and media titans enable his rise. Reich also calls out cowardice among university leaders, corporate chiefs, and even Democrats who should be defending constitutional freedoms but instead bow to fear and greed. From Disney's censorship of Jimmy Kimmel to the silence of Silicon Valley, he argues that ordinary citizens may have to step in where elites have failed. Can American democracy survive when its leaders refuse to lead, or is it up to the public to stop Trump's march toward tyranny?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Lever Time, David Sirota speaks with Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary and economics professor, about what he's learned from working in multiple presidential administrations, where he believes that American politics went wrong, and what the Democratic Party needs to do to save itself — and the country.Click here for more of this interview, in which Reich explains how the Baby Boomer generation failed America.You can check out Reich's new memoir, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, here. Get ad-free episodes, bonus content and extended interviews by becoming a member at levernews.com/join.To leave a tip for The Lever, click here. It helps us do this kind of independent journalism.

AI is reshaping the workplace as companies are turning to it as a substitute for hiring, raising questions about the future of the job market. For many, there is uncertainty about the jobs their children will have. Robert Reich, the Labor Secretary under President Clinton and professor at Berkeley, joined Geoff Bennett to discuss his new essay, "How your kids will make money in a world of AI." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

-- On the Show: -- Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, joins David for a Substack Live.  Get a copy of Robert Reich's book Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America: https://bookshop.org/p/books/coming-up-short-a-memoir-of-america-robert-b-reich/22044757 Learn more about Robert Reich's newest documentary film The Last Class: https://www.thelastclassfilm.com/ -- Donald Trump takes a 10% government stake in Intel and signals plans to partially nationalize other defense companies -- Trump makes shocking remarks to Vladimir Putin during their recent meeting -- Trump tries to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook but she refuses to resign and cites the law protecting her role -- Trump declares his love for Black people in a widely circulated video clip -- Trump bizarrely calls himself the President of Europe and makes a series of incoherent claims about energy, crime, tariffs, and history -- Trump appears with severe recurring bruises on both hands raising new questions about his health and transparency

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich served under President Clinton from 1993 to 1997. He opens his new memoir, Coming Up Short, with an apology on behalf of the Baby Boom generation for failing to build a more just society. Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews the books Pariah and The Dancing Face.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There's little question anymore that political elites—Democrats and Republicans alike—are part of a so-called "Uniparty" controlled by billionaire interests, and both parties cater to the same oligarchs rather than the public.  Jimmy and Americans' Comedian Kurt Metzger discuss former Clinton era labor secretary Robert Reich's appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where the two agree that it's necessary to get big money out of politics, but they expose their own hypocrisy given that Democratic campaigns often outpace Republicans in billionaire backing.  Jimmy points out that economic inequality has worsened instead of improving under both Democrats and Republicans, in particular citing the 2008 bank bailout without reforms, while he also notes that Democrats talk a big game about promoting democracy but rig their own primaries across election cycles.  Plus segments on a Nebraska town hall audience jeering at GOP Rep Mike Flood after he gaslit them about universal healthcare and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responding to the FBI's $50 million bounty on him by offering his own $50 million reward for anyone sharing the full, unedited Epstein client list. Also featuring Mike MacRae and Stef Zamorano. And a phone call from Liam Neeson!

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.Robert Reich's Critique of Fellow Boomers  (First) | What to Know About the Eating Disorder ARFID (Starts at :33) | The Gen Z Intimacy Recession (Starts at :52)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Headlines for August 06, 2025; Trump’s War on the Truth: Robert Reich on Firing of BLS Head & Push to Replace Fed Chair; “Coming Up Short”: Robert Reich on His Memoir, Rising U.S. Inequality & Fighting Against Bullies; 80 Years After Hiroshima & Nagasaki, U.S. Keeps Covering Up Horrors of Atomic Bombing: Greg Mitchell

The former U.S. Labor Secretary on how complacency and corporate ties created a “bully in chief.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Headlines for June 26, 2025; “The Economy Is Rigged”: Robert Reich on Zohran Mamdani, The Democratic Party, Inequality, and Trump; “A Clown Show”: RFK Jr. Fires CDC Panel & Stacks It with Anti-Vaxxers, Cuts Funding for Int’l Vaccines; “Buy More U.S. Weapons”: “Daddy” Trump Pushes Military-Industrial Complex on NATO Countries

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Thursday, June 26, and reports on the mayor blow to President Trump's agenda in the Senate and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the press over its coverage of the U.S. strikes in Iran. Plus, filmmaker Wes Anderson joins. Robert Reich, Molly Jong-Fast and Karim Sadjadpour also join.