POPULARITY
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith of the 'Democracy Nerd' Podcast is joined by his esteemed father Joe Smith for the popular News with my Dad segment. On Jeff's last day he shares inspiration, poetry and stories to encourage listeners to become more politically active to fight fascism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith of the 'Democracy Nerd' Podcast speculates on what the potential formation of a new political party by Elon Musk might mean. What are the ways to get youth and non-voters engaged and wrench politics away from the super rich? What about American ghost towns?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith of the 'Democracy Nerd' Podcast is joined by his esteemed father Joe Smith for the popular News with my Dad segment on current events. Also Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Ukraine & host of the 'On the Edge' podcast, Phil Ittner reports on the amped up barrage of Russian drone attacks after irresponsible comments by Pete Hegseth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann to ponder the power of words. Epstein Files failure proves Trump lied but why? - Was Trump in the files? The failure to release signature campaign promise is turning Trump's greatest defenders into his newest critics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann explaining that Trump's policies put Texas underwater. The flooding in Texas is not random, it is the result of Climate Change caused by deregulation - and by Trump's policies that think billionaires getting one more percent is worth more than the people of Texas. Also callers share communication insights on how left and right can speak to each other without hostility. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann What we can learn from the tragic historic flood disaster and loss of life. Jefferson is joined by his esteemed father Joe Smith for the popular news with my dad segment with a day full of news. A reflection on the tragedy of loss and the environmental impacts that are threatening us all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For all the festivities around July 4, the nation's founding document, the Declaration of Independence, actually depicts a wounded, fearful society, teetering on the brink of disaster. Sound familiar? Along with the ideals it expresses, the Declaration of Independence mourns for something people lost in 1776 − and now, too. Texas flood disaster...FEMA, only for red states? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann analyzing the implications of the devastating new GOP bill. Despite the performative protests of a few right-wingers, the passage of the Brutal Bill of Betrayal marks the complete end of modern Republican ideology. Can the Democrats embody the party of truth and compassion so sorely needed at this time?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann considering whether the surprising primary win in New York bodes well for Democratic gains. Moderates ring in with spirited push-back and an old friend from the bus project gets Jeff emotional in remembrance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann shares insights on the horrendous legislation just passed by the Senate. Listeners compete with ideas for the worst name to describe the most destructive bill imaginable that looms over passage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann as the Senate passes the most devastatingly destructive bill that will incapacitate the citizenry while rewarding the already bloated rich. Jeff's dad Joe Smith joins the show celebrating his 90th birthday with the popular segment News with My Dad. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As Republicans fight it out to make us all live with their solution to making the very rich extraordinarily rich- what solutions can the Democratic party bring to support the lives of the rest of us? Guest host Jefferson Smith proudly helms the discussion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Thanks to the Republicans the established faith in American norms is being eroded from the inside-out. Guest-host Jefferson Smith of The Democracy Nerd Podcast takes a deep dive, and brings his dad along for the ride!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Start building! Guest host Jefferson Smith emphasizes what we CAN do amid the destructive rule of Presidents Trump and Musk.Plus- Thom reads from 'Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America' by Nancy MacLean.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann. Too often fundamentalism is used primarily to subjugate and oppress. Whether economic, racial, class or sex fundamentalism is not based on purity religion but as a weapon to attack the more vulnerable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann. Interview: Founder and CEO of Twenty Ideas Inc, Mike Biglan joins Jefferson Smith to break down the failures of Trump's meme inspired Department of Government Efficiency. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann examines the hypocrisy and authoritarianism of DJT's recent speech. Also Jeff's dad Joe Smith returns for the ever popular "News With My Dad" feature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann examining the reals motives and deceptive tactics of the billionaire class in destroying the country and what they have to gain. What damage is at stake and what are strategies we can employ to break them?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann with insights on coping in the age of triggering and fear tactics from the White House. Plus Jeff gives his better-late-than never insights from the past election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann. Why does America's promises and character matter? Why does NATO matter? Why do our allies matter? And when do countries declare their independence?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's been 85 years since Dorothy melted the Wicked Witch and Jefferson Smith held the Senate floor for 23 hours straight. A look back at two classic films that are both timely and timeless as ever. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun facts, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!
Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sarah Duncan, and new guest, Brian Skutle (Film critic, podcaster, composer, host of Sonic Cinema, projector fixer) discuss Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for its 85th anniversary: directed by Frank Capra, written by Sidney Buchman and Myles Connelly, music by Dmitri Tiomkin, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, and Edward Arnold.Plot Summary: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic tale of idealism clashing with the gritty realities of political power. Jimmy Stewart stars as Jefferson Smith, a naive but well-intentioned small-town man thrust into the unforgiving world of Washington politics after being unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate. Smith, with his earnest love for American principles, soon finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and power-play, where his sincere belief in doing the right thing is dismissed as foolish by hardened senators.What follows is a story of resilience, where Stewart's character battles not only for a cause but for his very soul. Director Frank Capra lets his protagonist shine during a famous filibuster scene, in which Stewart's quivering intensity speaks volumes about the weight of standing up to corruption. While Capra's romanticized view of democracy is apparent, he tempers it with a frankness about the ugliness of the political machine—a balance that resonates even decades later. It's a movie as much about Smith's journey as it is about a society's idealism and its power to confront, and perhaps even mend itself.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Our Guests01:38 Getting to Know - Brian Skutle05:56 Cast and Recognition for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington09:39 Why This Movie?12:21 Relationship(s) with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington15:04 What is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington About?19:57 Is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Outdated?22:56 Plot Summary for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington24:30 Did You Know?26:51 First Break28:29 What's Happening with Sarah and Brian31:10 Ask Dana Anything39:23 Best Performance(s)53:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:05:32 Second Break01:06:14 In Memoriam01:08:31 Best/Funniest Lines01:11:09 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:19:01 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:28:46 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:34:11 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:37:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:38:58 Remaining Questions for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington01:44:18 Thank You to Our Guests01:45:57 CreditsGuests:Sarah Duncan - Sister of Tom, Daughter of Dana@thenomadicarchaeologist on IGPrevious Episodes: Zodiac, My Fair Lady, The Artist, Inglourious Basterds, The Great Dictator, and
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann and welcomes back his father Joe Smith. The ever popular 'News with My Dad' segment covers the stories of the day, shout-outs and a Straw in the Wind. The superpower of Donald Trump is framing the outrage on whatever topic he chooses. Don't take the bait! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann.Reflections on the Department of Justice and why despite criticism from authoritarians, the rule of law still mostly functions with the indictment of Eric Adams, Mayor of New York. And Joe Smith returns for a brief news wrap. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann. The US & our allies must push the UN to convene a new round of negotiations leading to solid and unambiguous treaties that will prevent rogue nations from invading nearby states they covet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann and welcomes back his father Joe Smith. The ever popular 'News with My Dad' segment covers the stories of the day, shout-outs and a Straw in the Wind.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith speaks with author, historian, and accidental speechwriter Jeff Shesol. A founding partner of West Wing Writers, Shesol is the author of Mercury Rising: John Glenn, John Kennedy and the New Battleground of the Cold War, and Supreme Power: Franklin Roosevelt vs. The Supreme Court, which was selected as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year in 2010. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest host Jefferson Smith captures the zeitgeist with the help of his clever callers. We are living in a time of obfuscation, dichotomy, idiots, and hangovers...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jefferson Smith guest-hosts today- how can we truly make- or keep- America great? Plus the latest installment of 'News With my Dad'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann is Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast. Guest Interview: Mike Sacks, Senior Advisor of Court Accountability and former lawyer who explains what the Supreme Court's decision really means. Plus a return of the red and blue yard sign messaging debate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann, Guest-Host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast contemplates the meaning of our Independence Day and The Magna Carta. Listeners weigh-in on the much hyped drama of the recent debate debacle, and initiate a movement for red and blue yard sign messages for the Fourth of July. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann, Guest-Host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast brings back "News With My Dad" featuring Joe Smith. Plus Guest Interview: Professor Kermit Roosevelt of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School on his new book "The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America's Story."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann, Guest-Host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast engages with listeners on the composition of his new poem, The Supreme Court Sucks. Guest Interview: Elliot Mincberg, Senior Fellow of People For the American Way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann, Guest-Host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast weighs listener opinions about the recent presidential debate debacle and casts a light on the sneaky SCOTUS decisions that slipped by in the fracas. Now that you've had a few days to think it through...how DO you feel about Biden v. Trump? (Is it really a choice?!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless tale of idealism and integrity. James Stewart shines as Jefferson Smith, a naive yet passionate man who becomes a U.S. Senator. Amidst political corruption, Smith's unwavering belief in democracy and justice inspires hope, reminding us of the enduring power of one honest voice.Listen to Robin and Lisa discuss Frank Capra and his film that became his love letter to the United States of America.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast explores strategies of how fascism may be defeated with the failure of the GOP to police themselves. Jeff's father, retired prosecutor Joe Smith returns with the popular "News With My Dad" notable shout-outs and a straw-in-the-wind think piece. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In for Thom Today...Jefferson Smith, Host-Democracy Nerd Podcast. Violent crime is down and the US murder rate is plunging, FBI statistics show. Hunter Biden's plea deal collapsed. What happens now? Guest Interview: Amy Hanauer, Executive Director, Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy. Topic: Why should Americans have to pay a 3rd party to figure out how much income tax to pay?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of "Democracy Nerd", host Jefferson Smith interviews Steven L. Herman--the Chief National Correspondent for Voice of America and the author of "Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist's Story of Covering the President--and Why It Matters"--about the importance of unbiased information to ensure a healthy and peaceful democracy. Jefferson and Steven discuss the history and importance of Voice of America, a government-funded international broadcast platform, whose mission is to provide news and accurate information about the United States to global audiences, with an overall goal to promote understanding and goodwill between the U.S. and other countries. To ensure Voice of America accomplishes its mission, a firewall is created to ensure political interference by presidential administrations on VOA's independent content doesn't occur. However, during the Trump presidency, attempts were made to politicize VOA's content. Steven emphasizes the importance of VOA to maintain independence from political influence and take the necessary steps to ensure its reporting remains objective and free from partisan bias. Steven also discusses the difficulties faced by journalists who rely on social media to collect facts in an era of widespread disinformation and misinformation. Fact-checking and verifying info is an essential duty performed by journalists that fall by the wayside in a rush for breaking news or to spin events in support of a political agenda. Steven shared his experiences live Tweeting from Fukushima after the disastrous 2011 earthquake, and continued to regularly use Twitter for the next 15 years before receiving a lifetime ban in 2022. Overall, this episode sheds light on the challenges journalists face in maintaining journalistic integrity, navigating social media, and ensuring accurate information reaches the public.
Guest host Jefferson Smith joins Thom for a fascinating look at democracy and politics in America. Between Jeff's deep thoughts and Thom's quick mind, this is a fascinating discussion on Republican shenanigans, the need for empathy in politics, and how Democrats might work towards justice for all Americans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As the GOP bans more & more books, the American Federation of Teachers is fighting back. They're giving away more than 10 million books to combat book bans. President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten joins Thom Hartmann and attorney Jefferson Smith with the storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Original Air Date 9/14/2022 Today, we take a look at the history and hysteria behind debt and debt forgiveness while Biden is canceling student debt and opponents of the idea are reacting in the most predictable way possible because they misunderstand the relationship between debt and morality. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Cancel It All: Debt Collective's Astra Taylor on Biden Plan & Need for Full Student Debt Relief - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-25-22 We speak to Astra Taylor, writer, filmmaker, and co-director of the Debt Collective, a union for debtors and one of the original advocates for a debt jubilee that would cancel all student debt. Ch. 2: Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis - The Intercept - Air Date 8-22-22 The Intercept's new documentary, “Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis,” profiles Black women educators and activists struggling under the weight of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, in student loan debt. Ch. 3: Hidden History of Student Debt - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-25-22 Many woke up to find news that $10k of their student debt would be forgiven, Thom Hartmann and Jefferson Smith break down what this means and what happens next. Ch. 4: Bidens Big Student Debt Announcement: PITOTWIU for the Indebted Masses - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 8-28-22 Max breaks down the politics, the details, and biggest misses of the Biden student debt relief plan and why it's in danger of being PITOTWIU SEE FULL SHOW NOTES FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on morality and money MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A dark gray, 3D image of the word "DEBT" sits in a white void, a connected chain and open shackle with an open padlock lie in front of it. Credit: "3D Shackled Debt" by Chris Potter, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Enlarged with more white background Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, Guest-Host Jefferson Smith explores the real meaning of power and what impact it will have in the contentious national election this year. Also a caller raises the point that Donald Trump could not have been elected without the allegiance of white people and what can be done about that. Jeff explores the psychology of young white men coming of age at this time and why they are at risk of succumbing to fascism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith from the Democracy Nerd Podcast joins callers in an engaging discussion on the feelings around Daylight Savings Time and whether it should be abolished. Guest Interview: Alex Aronson · Lawyer, Strategist, Organizer & Advocate on the future of the Judiciary and how it has been corrupted by dark money. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest Interview: Julia Roig - Founder of The Horizons Project which strives to facilitate connections between the social justice, peace building & democracy fields. Plus news with Jeff's dad and shout outs! Guest-Host Jefferson Smith filling for Thom Hartmann.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
G.O.P. strategists are preparing to hit the ground running if Trump is re-elected. Can people of conscience turn back the tide of billionaire money seeking to remake our country completely in their interests?People for the American Way's Svante Myrick joins Jefferson Smith to sound the alarm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Filling in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith from the Democracy Nerd Podcast frames the key points to not overlook as the 2024 Election Season starts cranking into full gear. What are President Joe Biden's accomplishments that should be lauded as the threat of DJT's authoritarian promises loom large? Plus a breakdown of what Katie Britt's peculiar performance may actually mean. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jefferson Smith guests-hosts for Thom Hartmann as Katie Britt's SOTU Rebuttal is lampooned by SNL and dumb Donald hectors the Oscars.Guest Interview: Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter, James Steele discusses the legacy of Ronald Regan's tax cuts & how they have increased inequality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this day in 1917, the U.S. Senate adopted a rule that allowed a two-thirds majority to cut off debate and force a vote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sitting in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith speaks with Kareem Crayton the Senior Director for Voting Rights and Representation at the Brennan Center for Justice. Callers share poetry and reflect on artificial intelligence with an eye to its influence on the future of humanity and space exploration. Jeff's wife calls Joe Biden Captain America as the guy who is trying to save America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Has the time come for pro-democracy people to lean into patriotism as we teeter on the brink of losing it all? Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann, guest-host Jefferson Smith explains why the Democratic Party has become America's party. Listeners call-in to continue the dialogue on the concerns over Artificial Intelligence, Canadian healthcare, and whether Ebenezer Scrooge was an environmentalist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.