Podcasts about NAACP

JB Thibodeaux shares how he became the “Duplex King,” scaled pocket developments, and created a $100M+ housing portfolio through innovation and relationships.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with JB Thibodeaux, founder of JB Thibo Homes & Properties and the man known as the “Duplex King.” JB explains how growing up in construction became both an advantage and an Achilles heel — and why relying on hustle alone nearly destroyed his early real estate career.He shares the full story behind his pocket development strategy, how he scaled from flipping to building dozens of duplexes at a time, and how he created an efficient 18x67 duplex design that opened the door to $100M+ worth of sustainable housing projects.JB also breaks down his Duplex Flex Giveaway, a partnership with Prosperity Bank and the NAACP designed to help working-class individuals move from surviving to thriving. He explains why real estate is “the ultimate relationship business,” how he overcame mistakes (like buying 23 houses too fast), and why mindset and delegation drive scale more than construction skills ever could.This is a masterclass in development, mindset, and creating generational wealth.What You'll LearnWhy growing up in construction helped—and hurt—his early careerHow he went from flipping to developing high-density duplex projectsThe innovation behind his 18x67 duplex designHow to avoid overbuilding and manage engineering costsThe biggest mistakes new investors make when scalingWhy relationships matter more than tacticsHow delegation unlocked his ability to growHow the Duplex Flex Giveaway works and who it helpsA practical framework for moving from service provider to developer

This Day in Legal History: Morgan v. VirginiaOn December 3, 1946, the NAACP filed the pivotal case Morgan v. Virginia, challenging state-enforced segregation on interstate buses. The case arose after Irene Morgan, a Black woman, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Greyhound bus traveling from Virginia to Maryland in 1944. Arrested and fined under Virginia law, Morgan appealed her conviction with the support of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Thurgood Marshall, who would later become the first Black Supreme Court Justice, argued the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.The legal argument hinged on the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress—not individual states—the power to regulate interstate commerce. Marshall argued that Virginia's segregation law placed an undue burden on interstate travel and was thus unconstitutional. In a 7–1 decision issued in June 1946, the Court agreed, holding that states could not impose segregation on interstate passengers.Though the ruling did not end segregation on all public transportation, it was a critical legal breakthrough. It limited the reach of Jim Crow laws and marked one of the earliest Supreme Court victories for the civil rights movement. The decision also served as a foundation for future rulings, including Boynton v. Virginia (1960), and inspired direct action like the Freedom Rides of the early 1960s.Morgan v. Virginia helped establish a constitutional framework for challenging racially discriminatory laws under federal authority. It demonstrated the NAACP's strategy of incremental legal challenges and the importance of judicial victories in the broader civil rights struggle.A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a law that would strip Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood and similar organizations in 22 states. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the provision, part of the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, likely violates the Constitution's Spending Clause by retroactively imposing ambiguous conditions on state Medicaid participation. The law bars Medicaid funding for nonprofit reproductive health providers that offer abortions and received over $800,000 in Medicaid funds during fiscal year 2023.Talwani issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting the law's enforcement in the states that sued, including California, New York, and Connecticut, along with the District of Columbia. However, she stayed her ruling for seven days to allow the Trump administration time to appeal. The judge warned that enforcing the law would increase healthcare costs and reduce access to preventive services like birth control and screenings.Planned Parenthood welcomed the ruling, calling the law unconstitutional and harmful. The organization reported that at least 20 health centers have closed since the law began taking effect in September. States argued the law forced an unexpected change to Medicaid operations and undermined their authority to choose eligible healthcare providers.US judge blocks Trump from cutting Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood in 22 states | ReutersThe Trump administration has dismissed at least seven immigration judges from New York City's immigration court, located at 26 Federal Plaza, a central site for immigration enforcement and protests. This move is part of a broader pattern under President Trump's second term, with over 100 immigration judges reportedly removed nationwide since January, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Critics say these firings are worsening backlogs at a time when arrests and deportations are increasing.Immigration judges operate under the Department of Justice, not the independent federal judiciary, and are considered inferior officers who can be dismissed by the president or attorney general. The Justice Department declined to comment on the terminations. Among those fired was Amiena Khan, the court's assistant chief immigration judge and former president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, who had previously opposed efforts to dismantle the judges' union.Khan and six other judges, all women, had their names removed from the court's staff directory, with five appointed by Democratic administrations and two during Trump's first term. These dismissals follow similar firings in San Francisco, Boston, and elsewhere. One former judge in Ohio has filed a lawsuit, alleging her termination was due to discrimination based on sex, national origin, and political beliefs.Trump administration fires numerous New York immigration judges | ReutersRahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in a deadly Washington, D.C. ambush that killed one National Guard member and critically injured another, pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance. He participated remotely from a hospital bed and was ordered held without bond due to the violent nature of the attack, which occurred just blocks from the White House. The judge cited the “sheer terror” of the incident in denying release.Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, traveled from Washington state to D.C. with the intent to carry out the shooting. He reportedly opened fire while shouting “Allahu akbar,” fatally shooting 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and injuring 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both West Virginia National Guard members deployed to aid law enforcement. Lakanwal was subdued by military personnel and a Secret Service officer after being shot.He faces four charges, including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. Lakanwal's defense highlighted his lack of criminal history, but prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of his actions. His immigration status has drawn political attention—he entered the U.S. under a resettlement program launched during the Biden administration and was granted asylum under Trump, making the case a focal point in renewed debates over immigration policy.Washington shooting suspect pleads not guilty to murder, ordered detained | Reuters This is a public episode. 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We pivot back to our coverage of the civil rights movement and in this episode we focus our attention to the Montgomery Bus Boycott & Rosa Parks. We are joined by Donna Beisel who is the Director of Museum Operations at The Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. This episode discusses themes related to racial violence, discrimination, and sexual assault, including references to cases Rosa Parks worked on during her time with the NAACP. These topics may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or step away if needed. For your reference this is discussed from the 15 min - 17 minute mark.   There is always more to lear - talk to you soon,  Jimmy & Jean

Send us a textRHOP-When Cookie Crumbles, Drama SpillsRHOP S10 E8 – Pride and Pettiness | Podcast SummaryThe episode picks up right in the chaos: Kiarna tells Monique that Stacey has been dating Chris Samuels. Monique brushes it off—two years divorced, no hard feelings—as long as the co-parenting stays solid.Then Ashley questions Stacey's cannabis line having a Nigerian name, and when Stacy mispronounces it, Wendy and Tia call her out. Giselle, of course, finds this hilarious.The group heads to the GNA Pride float, where Wendy shades the branding and Giselle pretends she knew what GNA even was.After the parade, Giselle is surprisingly warm to Monique, saying she liked her energy. Monique opens up about why her marriage ended: feeling unloved, overshadowed, and ultimately having a breaking-point moment that made her walk away for good.Meanwhile, Angel and Bobby go house-hunting, but the bright green kitchen cabinets are a no. Angel vents that she didn't appreciate being called “catfish,” and thinks Wendy piled on Giselle's shade.At lunch, Giselle celebrates 10 million downloads for Reasonably Shady and an NAACP nomination. Kiana drops a bomb that Cookie called her—because Chris Samuels was upset over rumors that Monique trashed him, and apparently Stacy is the one who told him that. Cookie cannot stand Stacy and will also be at the upcoming party. Perfect.Wendy meets with Monique, and they surprisingly reconnect. They talk Candace drama, old tension, and even Giselle—who Monique still has beef with. Wendy also mentions drama with Karen and wonders if Cookie is trustworthy. Monique says Cookie once lied about being Chuck Brown's daughter, so… maybe not.Stacy is still doing “Evite dates” with her ex Thiemo, and when Tia arrives to meet him, Stacy makes it clear: she is friendly, not stupid. And she's not introducing Timo to the whole group until they meet Giselle's man first.Giselle gets help from her daughter Grace planning the Reasonably Shady event, noting that Robyn won't attend because of how she exited the show.Wendy and Eddie go to dinner with Tia and her husband Rob, and Stacey becomes a point of contention. When Wendy calls Stacey, Stacey apologizes for introducing Tia to Thiemo first, but Wendy is heated.Finally, it's the Reasonably Shady 100 Million Download Party (without Robyn). Even Wale shows up—with flowers for Robyn.The party turns into a showdown: Stacey vs Tia, Kiarna vs Stacey, Cookie vs Stacey, Wendy playing referee, and Monique being dragged into drama even though she isn't even there.Accusations fly about who told Chris Samuels what, who's lying, who's shady, who shouldn't be trusted, and who doesn't even have a husband. It's peak Potomac pandemonium.Support the showhttps://www.wewinewhenever.com/

Referencias:  - Censo de Chile: https://censo2024.ine.gob.cl/estadisticas/ - Censo de México: https://www.inegi.org.mx/programas/ccpv/2020/  - Censo de Perú: https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1762/libro.pdf  - Salt Lake Tribune: 110 años: https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=3123952&itype=NGPSID - La Iglesia como caridad en Canadá: https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNmFltr=church+of+jesus+christ+of+latter-day+saints+in+canada&selectedCharityBn=826344632RR0001&dsrdPg=1  - Radio Free Mormón: Cambiando escrituras racistas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn4w5StxfX4 - Stevenson y la NAACP: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/1/20/21069626/naacp-huntsman-foundation-rosie-rivera-elder-stevenson-common-ground/

President Trump muses about attacking other countries that are sending drugs into the U.S. Epstein files vote to take place today. Why was a congressional Democrat texting with Jeffrey Epstein during a House hearing in 2019? Was a congressman viewing porn on a recent flight? Why is news about Donald Trump's shooter, Thomas Crooks, only now coming to light? Jonathan Karl explains the moments leading up to Trump's 2024 VP pick. Ted Cruz 2028? NAACP pastor accuses Trump of wanting to be like Adolf Hitler. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) on illegal and legal immigration. Zohran Mamdani's New York City in full effect! Bill Maher explains liberalism to a liberal. Former President George W. Bush appears on an awkward installment of the "ESPN ManningCast." 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 02:20 Trump is Losing his Voice 03:25 Next Steps with Venezuela 06:26 Is America Going to Strike Other Countries? 14:58 Voting on the Epstein Files 19:45 Chuck Schumer on the Epstein Files 21:05 Hakeem Jeffries on Stacey Plaskett 22:30 FLASHBACK: Stacey Plaskett Texts with Epstein 25:34 Chris Cuomo Talks with Epstein's Brother 31:39 Fat Five 48:52 More Information on Thomas Crooks? 57:29 Cloudflare is Down 1:00:26 FLASHBACK: Jonathan Karl on Trump's Choice for VP 1:07:42 ICE in Charlotte, NC 1:08:08 Rev. Corine Mack on President Trump 1:09:40 Did You Vote for This??? 1:12:13 Football Update 1:16:12 Ron DeSantis on American Immigration Policies 1:18:39 Zohran Mamdani is Going to Arrest Benjamin Netanyahu? 1:21:23 Why are you Not Wearing a Hijab? 1:23:34 Dearborn Mayor is Not a Fan of the Term "Melting Pot" 1:29:09 Bill Maher Educates Patton Oswalt 1:33:14 George W. Bush Joins the Mannings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NAACP award-winning historian and Fulbright scholar Karida Brown, Emory University sociology professor, goes inside her two latest texts, “The Battle for the Black Mind” and “The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families”.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this episode of Brutally Honest Talk Radio, Elmo and Shana delve into the complexities of recent elections, the role of the NAACP, and the dynamics of tribalism in political allegiance. They discuss the implications of identity politics, the hypocrisy in political messaging, and the challenges surrounding voter mobilization. https://www.facebook.com/BrutHonestRadio https://brutallyhonestradio.libsyn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/BrutHonestRadio/ https://twitter.com/BrutHonestRadio https://www.tiktok.com/@bruthonestradio? https://rumble.com/c/c-628487 TAKEAWAYS The NAACP's endorsement choices can reflect broader political allegiances rather than merit. Voter mobilization efforts often intertwine with identity politics, complicating the electoral landscape. Tribalism plays a significant role in how communities align politically, often overshadowing individual beliefs.

In Hour 1 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Tanner Cole and Rachel Maines for a powerful conversation that starts with humor and heart—but quickly dives deep. What happens when faith, culture, and politics collide? As they reflect on the passing of Dick Cheney, the trio challenges listeners to rethink compassion, forgiveness, and how Christians should respond to hate. Then the discussion shifts—why are women leaving the church while men are returning? Backed by Barna and Pew Research data, Andy and Rachel expose shifting beliefs about abortion, gender, and truth itself. Has modern Christianity become too compromised… or too feminine? This episode asks the hard questions others won't—about faith, conviction, and what it really means to stand for truth in a culture that's lost its way. HOUR 2 In Hour 2 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate teams up with Jersey Joe for a hard-hitting political rundown spanning New Jersey, California, and Virginia. Could Jack Cittarelli pull off a red upset in a deep-blue state? Are skyrocketing electricity rates and green energy failures driving voters to the right? The two break down shifting voter trends, redistricting battles like California's Prop 50, and the economic fallout from high taxes and bad policy. Then they turn to Virginia, where the NAACP and Barack Obama face charges of hypocrisy for backing a white Democrat over black Republican Winsome Sears. Is this about race, gender—or just party power? Packed with insight, outrage, and irony, this episode asks: what's really changing in America's political landscape, and is a conservative comeback already underway? HOUR 3 In Hour 3 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Eli Bremer, political consultant and former Olympian, for a bold look at the rise of socialism, real estate collapse, and economic flight in America's bluest cities. Could New York's Zohran Mamdani turn the Empire State into the next San Francisco? Andy and Eli expose the dangers of collectivization, the hypocrisy of modern Democrats, and how free-market capitalism remains the only system that feeds rather than starves. With stories ranging from Trump's legal battles to billionaires fleeing New York, the pair reveal how misguided policies—and willful ignorance—are driving America toward disaster. Will citizens finally learn from failure, or will taxpayers be forced to bail out collapsing blue states once again? This episode pulls no punches—it's a warning, a wake-up call, and a reality check all in one.

In Hour 1 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Tanner Cole and Rachel Maines for a powerful conversation that starts with humor and heart—but quickly dives deep. What happens when faith, culture, and politics collide? As they reflect on the passing of Dick Cheney, the trio challenges listeners to rethink compassion, forgiveness, and how Christians should respond to hate. Then the discussion shifts—why are women leaving the church while men are returning? Backed by Barna and Pew Research data, Andy and Rachel expose shifting beliefs about abortion, gender, and truth itself. Has modern Christianity become too compromised… or too feminine? This episode asks the hard questions others won't—about faith, conviction, and what it really means to stand for truth in a culture that's lost its way. HOUR 2 In Hour 2 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate teams up with Jersey Joe for a hard-hitting political rundown spanning New Jersey, California, and Virginia. Could Jack Cittarelli pull off a red upset in a deep-blue state? Are skyrocketing electricity rates and green energy failures driving voters to the right? The two break down shifting voter trends, redistricting battles like California's Prop 50, and the economic fallout from high taxes and bad policy. Then they turn to Virginia, where the NAACP and Barack Obama face charges of hypocrisy for backing a white Democrat over black Republican Winsome Sears. Is this about race, gender—or just party power? Packed with insight, outrage, and irony, this episode asks: what's really changing in America's political landscape, and is a conservative comeback already underway? HOUR 3 In Hour 3 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Eli Bremer, political consultant and former Olympian, for a bold look at the rise of socialism, real estate collapse, and economic flight in America's bluest cities. Could New York's Zohran Mamdani turn the Empire State into the next San Francisco? Andy and Eli expose the dangers of collectivization, the hypocrisy of modern Democrats, and how free-market capitalism remains the only system that feeds rather than starves. With stories ranging from Trump's legal battles to billionaires fleeing New York, the pair reveal how misguided policies—and willful ignorance—are driving America toward disaster. Will citizens finally learn from failure, or will taxpayers be forced to bail out collapsing blue states once again? This episode pulls no punches—it's a warning, a wake-up call, and a reality check all in one.

In Hour 1 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Tanner Cole and Rachel Maines for a powerful conversation that starts with humor and heart—but quickly dives deep. What happens when faith, culture, and politics collide? As they reflect on the passing of Dick Cheney, the trio challenges listeners to rethink compassion, forgiveness, and how Christians should respond to hate. Then the discussion shifts—why are women leaving the church while men are returning? Backed by Barna and Pew Research data, Andy and Rachel expose shifting beliefs about abortion, gender, and truth itself. Has modern Christianity become too compromised… or too feminine? This episode asks the hard questions others won't—about faith, conviction, and what it really means to stand for truth in a culture that's lost its way. HOUR 2 In Hour 2 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate teams up with Jersey Joe for a hard-hitting political rundown spanning New Jersey, California, and Virginia. Could Jack Cittarelli pull off a red upset in a deep-blue state? Are skyrocketing electricity rates and green energy failures driving voters to the right? The two break down shifting voter trends, redistricting battles like California's Prop 50, and the economic fallout from high taxes and bad policy. Then they turn to Virginia, where the NAACP and Barack Obama face charges of hypocrisy for backing a white Democrat over black Republican Winsome Sears. Is this about race, gender—or just party power? Packed with insight, outrage, and irony, this episode asks: what's really changing in America's political landscape, and is a conservative comeback already underway? HOUR 3 In Hour 3 of Rush to Reason, guest host Andy Pate is joined by Eli Bremer, political consultant and former Olympian, for a bold look at the rise of socialism, real estate collapse, and economic flight in America's bluest cities. Could New York's Zohran Mamdani turn the Empire State into the next San Francisco? Andy and Eli expose the dangers of collectivization, the hypocrisy of modern Democrats, and how free-market capitalism remains the only system that feeds rather than starves. With stories ranging from Trump's legal battles to billionaires fleeing New York, the pair reveal how misguided policies—and willful ignorance—are driving America toward disaster. Will citizens finally learn from failure, or will taxpayers be forced to bail out collapsing blue states once again? This episode pulls no punches—it's a warning, a wake-up call, and a reality check all in one.

It's day 34 of the government shutdown which is posed to be the longest ever as Republicans and Democrats appear to be at an impasse. President Trump has called for the "nuclear option," ending the filibuster which requires 60 votes to reopen the government. On the eve of the 2025 elections, Jim McLaughlin is here to give expert insight into tomorrow's elections. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger is leading Winsome Earle-Sears for the Governor's race, even getting an endorsement from the NAACP. Jason Miyares has had the lead for Attorney General against Jay Jones since early October. Jay Jones is still in the race even after text messages revealed a dark, demented fantasy about him wanting to kill his political opponents and their family. In New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli is in a neck and neck race with Mikie Sherrill, McLaughlin says New Jersey is ready for change and most people are worried about affordability. Ciattarelli has picked up support in counties President Trump did well, as well as seeing support from black voters. In New York City, while Zohran Mamdani shows a significant lead in polling, the candidates are so untraditional this race is much closer than people think. New Yorkers have to choose between a radical Socialist Zohran Mamdani and a scandal plagued independent Andrew Cuomo. Curtis Sliwa does not have the support of Trump voters which has really hindered his campaign. McLaughlin thinks this race will be close as Mamdani has a 67% unfavorability rating in Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Featuring: Jim McLaughlin President & Partner | McLaughlin & Associates https://mclaughlinonline.com/ Today's show is sponsored by: Boll & Branch The key to wellness starts with a good night's sleep. Making your night's sleep better starts with quality sheets. Boll & Branch sheets start unbelievably soft and get softer over time. Boll & Branch sheets are made with the finest 100% organic cotton in a soft, breathable, durable weave. If you're looking for sheets that last, feel amazing, and help you sleep better, Boll & Branch is where it's at. Feel the difference an extraordinary night's sleep can make with Boll & Branch. Just head to https://www.bollandbranch.com/SPICER for 25% OFF and FREE SHIPPING. Delta Rescue Delta Rescue is one the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries. Leo Grillo is on a mission to help all abandoned, malnourished, hurt or suffering animals. He relies solely on contributions from people like you and me. If you want to help Leo to continue his mission of running one of the best care-for-life animal sanctuaries in the country please visit Delta Rescue at: https://deltarescue.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Day in Legal History: Nevada Admitted as 36th StateOn October 31, 1864, Nevada was officially admitted as the 36th state of the United States, a move driven as much by wartime politics as by the territory's readiness for statehood. With President Abraham Lincoln seeking re-election and needing support for the proposed 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, the Republican-controlled Congress saw strategic value in adding another loyal Union state. Although Nevada's population was below the threshold typically required for statehood, its vast mineral wealth and political alignment with the Union helped accelerate the process. To meet the tight timeline ahead of the 1864 election, Nevada's leaders moved quickly to draft a state constitution.Facing logistical challenges in sending the document from Carson City to Washington, D.C., Nevada officials made the unprecedented decision to transmit the entire text—over 16,000 words—via telegraph. The transmission took over 12 hours and cost more than $4,000, making it the longest and most expensive telegram ever sent at the time. The decision proved effective: the telegram reached the capital in time, and Congress formally approved Nevada's admission on the same day.The speed and cost of Nevada's telegraphic constitution became a symbol of the urgency and improvisation of Civil War-era governance. The state's motto, “Battle Born,” reflects both its literal birth during the Civil War and the political battle over slavery and Union preservation. Nevada's admission also helped secure support for Lincoln's re-election and for the 13th Amendment, which passed Congress in January 1865.In a recently disclosed legal filing, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sought taxpayer information on over 1.28 million individuals from the IRS, though only about 47,000 records matched. The request, part of a broader effort to access data on individuals under final removal orders, was submitted under a carve-out in Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code, which permits limited disclosures during criminal investigations. The IRS initially rejected ICE's requests citing legal constraints, but a memorandum of understanding in April allowed for limited data sharing. A subsequent refined request from ICE in June targeted a smaller group of 1.27 million, but again, only a small percentage matched IRS records, and many failed to meet legal standards for processing.The case arose from a lawsuit filed by taxpayer advocacy groups and unions, which argue that these disclosures violate the Tax Reform Act, the Privacy Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to halt further sharing. Internal emails reveal IRS officials were concerned about the unprecedented scale and legality of the request, and officials emphasized the need to keep the data sharing confidential. The IRS typically handles about 30,000 such data requests a year, each requiring detailed justification and high-level agency approval. Critics warn that this massive data handover poses urgent threats to taxpayer privacy and due process rights.ICE Sought Records on 1.3 Million Taxpayers, Filing Shows (1)U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols praised two federal prosecutors, Samuel White and Carlos Valdivia, for their handling of a case against Taylor Taranto, despite both being suspended by the Justice Department the day before. The suspension followed their reference to January 6 rioters as “a mob of rioters” and mention of Donald Trump allegedly sharing Barack Obama's address in a sentencing memo. Judge Nichols commended their work as professional and exemplary, stating they upheld the highest prosecutorial standards.Taranto was sentenced to 21 months in prison for firearm and hoax-related charges after being arrested near Obama's D.C. residence in 2023. However, he will not serve additional time due to pretrial detention. Though originally charged for participating in the Capitol riot, those charges were dropped under President Trump's mass clemency order for January 6 defendants issued at the start of his second term. Taranto's defense claimed his statements about explosives were meant as “dark humor” and that he hadn't committed any violence.After White and Valdivia's suspension, a revised sentencing memo—stripped of January 6 and Trump references—was filed by two replacement prosecutors, including a senior DOJ official. The incident reflects broader tensions under the Trump administration, which has repeatedly moved to minimize references to Capitol riot violence and penalize prosecutors involved in politically sensitive cases.US judge praises prosecutors who were suspended after referring to January 6 ‘mob' | ReutersA federal judge allowed the Trump administration to move forward with firing nearly all remaining employees of the Department of Justice's Community Relations Service (CRS), an agency established in the 1960s to mediate racial and ethnic conflicts. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, while denying a temporary restraining order sought by civil rights groups, noted that the plaintiffs failed to show immediate, irreparable harm. However, she also stated that the groups are likely to succeed in proving that the executive branch cannot lawfully dissolve a congressionally created agency.The lawsuit, brought by 11 organizations including the NAACP and the Ethical Society of Police, challenges the Justice Department's recent “reduction in force” that would leave just one CRS employee. The move follows a pattern under the Trump administration, which has rejected all new requests for CRS services and proposed no funding for the agency in its budget. Plaintiffs argue that a termination notice stating the layoffs aim to “effectuate the dissolution” of CRS confirms unlawful intent.Although Talwani's ruling allows the firings to proceed, she emphasized that the final outcome may favor the plaintiffs as the case continues. The layoffs coincide with a government shutdown that began October 1, meaning the employees would have been furloughed regardless. The DOJ claims it is merely reorganizing, not eliminating, the agency, though it concedes that only Congress has the authority to formally abolish it.Judge allows Trump administration to fire most of DOJ race-relations agency's employees | ReutersHagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, a prominent plaintiffs' law firm, is under scrutiny in two high-profile class actions, facing judicial criticism and potential sanctions. In Seattle, a federal judge sanctioned the firm for over $223,000 after finding it misled the court and opposing counsel about its client's withdrawal from an antitrust case against Apple and Amazon. The judge said Hagens Berman failed to disclose that their client, who later disappeared from proceedings, had expressed his intent to exit the case months earlier. The firm argues it acted ethically under client confidentiality rules and has asked the judge to revise her dismissal ruling.In a separate matter in Philadelphia, the firm faces possible new sanctions in long-running litigation over thalidomide-related birth defect claims. A special master found misconduct, including altering an expert report and advancing claims lacking legal merit. While Hagens Berman disputes the findings, calling them outside the master's authority and biased, U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond upheld the report. The firm has now requested that Diamond recuse himself, citing an appearance of bias due to his close coordination with the special master.In both cases, Hagens Berman maintains its actions were in good faith and within legal and ethical bounds, while critics and courts point to patterns of misrepresentation and overreach.Law firm Hagens Berman battles sanctions in Apple, thalidomide cases | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Camille Saint-Saëns.Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist whose long career spanned the Romantic era and touched the early 20th century. Born in Paris in 1835, he was a child prodigy who began composing at the age of three and gave his first public performance at ten. Saint-Saëns was celebrated for his extraordinary versatility, writing symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and choral works. Though deeply rooted in classical forms, he was an early supporter of contemporary composers like Liszt and Wagner, even as he remained skeptical of more radical modernism. His music often combined technical brilliance with elegance, and his clear, structured style made him a bridge between tradition and innovation. He was also a prolific writer and amateur astronomer, and his intellectual breadth sometimes earned him criticism from those who found his music too refined or academic. Still, Saint-Saëns maintained influence across Europe, and his works remain staples of the concert repertoire.This week's closing theme is Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre. Originally a song for voice and piano based on a poem by Henri Cazalis, Saint-Saëns later reworked Danse Macabre into a tone poem for orchestra. It depicts Death summoning the dead from their graves at midnight on Halloween for a wild, skeletal waltz. A solo violin—tuned unconventionally to evoke a harsh, eerie sound—plays Death's dance theme, while xylophone rattles mimic clacking bones. The piece was controversial at its premiere in 1875 but quickly became a concert favorite, especially around Halloween. With its vivid orchestration and playful macabre imagery, Danse Macabre is one of classical music's most iconic musical depictions of the supernatural, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season.Without further ado, Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre—enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for October 30, 2025. 0:30 For years, the Department of Justice has turned a blind eye to corruption—but that may finally be changing. The DOJ is investigating Black Lives Matter leaders for allegedly defrauding donors of millions, a long-overdue step toward restoring real accountability. From BLM mansions to political double standards, public trust has eroded under unequal justice—and holding every power player to the same standard, left or right, is essential to saving faith in the system. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. President Trump has reached a trade deal with China that is expected to avert an all out trade war between the worlds' two largest economies. The Sunshine Protection Act — the bill that would give states he opportunity to ban the changing of the clocks from standard time to daylight savings time twice a year — has stalled out in Congress again. General Motors is laying off more than 3,000 workers this week.Some of the layoffs are temporary, but more than half are permanent. 12:30 Get NSorb from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:30 A new Quinnipiac poll out of New York City shows Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani leading the mayoral race with 43%—well ahead of Andrew Cuomo at 33% and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 14%. But are the polls missing something? We dig into what those numbers really mean, questioning whether the data captures the growing frustration among everyday New Yorkers tired of crime, taxes, and government overreach. 16:00 The American Mamas tackle a question that’s stirring controversy: should the NAACP be supporting Winsome Sears—a Black female immigrant, Marine veteran, and current Lieutenant Governor of Virginia—over white Democrat Abigail Spanberger? The Mamas break down the debate fallout, the viral reactions across social media, and the growing frustration among Black Americans who feel politically manipulated. From Barack Obama’s campaign choices to the NAACP’s partisan priorities, the conversation exposes what many see as deep hypocrisy within identity politics. As more voters—especially young Black men—begin speaking out and shifting right, the Mamas ask: is this the moment America finally wakes up to the political double standard? If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button. 23:00 When Kamala Harris appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, her profanity-laced rant about Trump’s “ballroom for the rich” and looming SNAP benefit cuts turned heads for all the wrong reasons. We unpack the Vice President’s meltdown—fact-checking her claims about government shutdown funding and calling out the growing trend of political figures dropping F-bombs on national TV. 26:00 With ten months of President Trump’s second term in the books, we're looking back at the most productive stretches in modern presidential history. From record-breaking deportations and declining food stamp enrollment to rising GDP, falling inflation, and renewed energy dominance, the mainstream press is ignoring a wave of domestic and economic achievements. On everything from tariffs and tax cuts to military recruitment and peace deals abroad—this administration has delivered results where others only made promises. 32:30 Get Prodovite from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 33:30 For the first time in seven years, President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping meet face-to-face—and strike a deal that could reshape global trade. We break down the stunning tariff reductions, China’s promise to open its markets to American goods, and what it could mean for U.S. manufacturing. But is Beijing serious this time, or just smiling through another double-cross? 36:30 Turning Point USA lights up the University of Mississippi with a massive rally that packs the stadium and spills into the streets — and it wasn’t just the crowd that made headlines. Vice President J.D. Vance took center stage, fielding tough, unfiltered questions from students and delivering one of the most thoughtful defenses of faith and freedom we’ve ever heard from a sitting VP. From his take on Christianity’s role in America’s founding to his sharp insight into the future of conservative youth, this was a defining moment for a new generation of leaders. A genuine bright spot — and one worth replaying. 40:30 Glamour UK released its “Women of the Year” issue featuring biological men on the cover. When did celebrating women become about celebrating men? We've just got to say, "Whoa!" Follow us: americangroundradio.com Facebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadio Instagram: instagram.com/americangroundradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got a question in for our American Mamas...Dear Mamas, Shouldn't the NAACP be supporting Winsom Sears, a black female immigrant?

In this episode of "Normal World," Dave Landau, 1/4 Black Garrett, and Angela kick things off with a jaw-dropping news story about a 70-year-old grandmother entering adult entertainment before turning to politics as the NAACP endorses Democrat Abigail Spanberger over Republican Winsome Sears in the Virginia governor's race. The hosts mock the bizarre logic behind the move and the media's reaction before shifting into Halloween mode and a round of quickfire cultural commentary. They unpack Don Lemon's dig at Megyn Kelly, debate new Gen Z slang, and question why modern language feels like a secret code. The conversation heats up with Ben Stiller's endorsement drama and a sharp exchange on celebrity guilt, Hollywood hypocrisy, and the state of modern comedy. Later, the crew reacts to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's jab at Riley Gaines, diving into the absurdity of gender and competition in women's sports. The show then takes a wild turn into pop culture as the team breaks down the White House's Halo-inspired ad campaign and Elon Musk's launch of “Grokipedia,” an AI twist on rewriting the internet's narrative. The night ends on a Halloween high note with a live musical performance and a reminder that Normal World always ends in style. Today's guests on "Normal World" are Mike Imbasciani and Matthew Marsden. Sponsors Blue Chew Nothing makes you more of a legend than a little BlueChew. Discover your options at BlueChew.com! As always, get your first month of BlueChew FREE Just use promo code NORMAL at checkout and pay five bucks for shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The audacity to make us wait until 9PM for this....Try Audible for FREE: https://www.audibletrial.com/RGjxRaGive to UNCF: https://give.uncf.org/site/Donation2?12702.donation=form1&df_id=12702Give to the NAACP: https://naacp.org/donate?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacHqLT8UQfaXB3PFMUtp7H9dpj4_N2KuFq_qlWaPge5ozmjtBG-uxmOTgwIAA_aem_QcROCH9BI_dhZtYYQoLDxAGive to Thurgood Marshall College Fund: https://tmcf.org/donate/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadhZW9whSr0mBe1f8qYjgCG222jG1yBL-IOZ5UzuLLCFyvMLlOs0Ll5uYCcCQ_aem_lFpMiq8DtgLSS-F0w_6GuwGive to NJ PHEI: https://givebutter.com/hzoFR5

Donate to any/all of the organizations below: Give to UNCF: https://give.uncf.org/site/Donation2?12702.donation=form1&df_id=12702Give to the NAACP: https://naacp.org/donate?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacHqLT8UQfaXB3PFMUtp7H9dpj4_N2KuFq_qlWaPge5ozmjtBG-uxmOTgwIAA_aem_QcROCH9BI_dhZtYYQoLDxAGive to Thurgood Marshall College Fund: https://tmcf.org/donate/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadhZW9whSr0mBe1f8qYjgCG222jG1yBL-IOZ5UzuLLCFyvMLlOs0Ll5uYCcCQ_aem_lFpMiq8DtgLSS-F0w_6GuwGive to NJ PHEI: https://givebutter.com/hzoFR5

LIVE TONIGHT: Bondi Threat, NAACP, Groceries, Election, Myron Receipts, And More.  Hosts: Olivia, Amy, and Matt  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dum-show--6012883/support.Call In Live: +1 (276) 200-2105 Be Heard. Be Bold. No Censorship. Watch Us Here:  linktapgo.com/thedumshow  thedumshow.com #DontUnfriendMe #TheDumShow #MAGA #Trump2025 #GOP #ConservativeTalk #FreeSpeech #PoliticsUnfiltered #Republicans #TalkRadio #CallInLive #WimkinLive

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for October 27, 2025. 0:30 What drives the left’s obsession with Donald Trump? We're diagnosing Trump Derangement Syndrome—a political fever that’s gripped the media, the swamp, and much of Washington since the day Trump came down the golden escalator. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The American Federation of Government Employees is calling on Democrat Senators to end the Government Shutdown. Mike Braun, the Governor of Indiana is calling the state legislature back for a special session to redraw the state's congressional districts. A Minnesota Man has been arrested for offering a reward for anyone who kills Attorney General Pam Bondi. 12:30 Get Brain Reward from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:30 We tackle one of the most uncomfortable truths in American politics—how the same media that condemns conservative outrage excuses or even glorifies violence from the left. From riots and Molotov cocktails to threats against Supreme Court justices, political violence has become woven into the left’s playbook—and the double standard is impossible to ignore. 16:30 When Zohran Mamdani tearfully claimed his aunt was too afraid to ride the subway after 9/11, the media swooned—until the story fell apart. Our American Mamas, Terry Netterville and Kimberly Burleson, dig into the facts behind Mamdani’s emotional performance and uncover a troubling pattern of deception and radical associations. From his fabricated family story to his ties with an imam who calls America “filthy and sick,” the Mamas ask: how did this man become a rising star in New York politics—and why is the media looking the other way? If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button. 23:00 We break down Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s response to a question about funding for illegal aliens, exposing the left’s campaign to rewrite language and erase accountability. “Illegal alien” isn’t hate speech—it’s federal law. And when politicians start treating law as a moral insult, that’s when the rule of law itself is on the line. 26:00 We Dig Deep into the latest numbers from the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, where early voting trends are defying every media narrative. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger’s supposed seven-point lead over Winsome Earle-Sears isn’t showing up in the ballot box, as Republican strongholds surge in turnout while Democrat areas lag behind. And in New Jersey, the margins are even tighter than the pollsters want to admit. We break down what the data really means, why the NAACP’s endorsement of Spanberger over Sears exposes the left’s hypocrisy, and why Democrats may be facing another polling meltdown. 32:30 Get Prodovite from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 33:30 When is a pep talk more like a parody? When Joe Biden starts sounding like Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live. In this segment, we compare Biden’s latest “get up and fight” speech to Al Franken’s classic “Daily Affirmations,” arguing that the president’s rallying cry feels less like leadership and more like self-help gone wrong. 36:30 America turns 250 soon, and the Heritage Foundation is celebrating by helping us rediscover who we are — and where we came from. The foundation is working on a new project ranking historic sites across the country for their accuracy and authenticity, from Monticello to Gettysburg, and it's a Bright Spot. Unfortunately some landmarks are slipping in the ratings not because of poor preservation, but because of politics creeping into the storytelling. We dig into how ideological rewriting has distorted our view of figures like Washington, Jefferson, and even Lincoln — and why honest history still matters. From battlefields to presidential homes, history reminds us that America’s story isn’t perfect, but it’s good — and worth remembering. 40:30 Charlie Sheen — yes, that Charlie Sheen — just might be the voice of reason. On Bill Maher’s podcast, the Hollywood wild man took aim at the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for next year’s Super Bowl halftime show, calling it “off-putting for real football fans.” Charlie Sheen is onto. Football fans are saying, "Whoa." Follow us: americangroundradio.com Facebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadio Instagram: instagram.com/americangroundradio Links: Republican Redistricting Push Hits Gas As Indiana Joins Party 'Sniper-scope red dot' death threat against Pam Bondi on TikTok leads to arrest of suspect with 'multistate conviction history': Feds Tulsi Gabbard Details How Trump Is Intimidating Mexican Cartels Following Arrest of Drug Lord Putin Faces Growing Financial Crisis Amid Sanctions Is The Climate Cult Losing? A New Poll Shows It Might Be. EXCLUSIVE: Heritage Foundation Launches New Tool To Help Americans ‘Rediscover’ Nation’s History George Washington's 221-year overdue library book: A timelineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal housing funds could be at risk due to the government shutdown. Meanwhile, NY Attorney General Letitia James pleads not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges. Finally, the City Council holds a hearing on how the Housing Authority is handling mold and leaks in NYC housing.

We are switching things up a bit with our slogan, so this show is now Informative, Unique, Fearless and Topical where you provide the balance to our content. Tonight, in Hour 1, Shelley talks about Hurricane Melissa making land fall in Jamacia and would like everyone to pray for the families there including his family, talks about his brother and how he is coping with the storms, calls out the NAACP, and much more. Listen LIVE weeknights 7pm-9pm on 95.5 WSB

Give to help Chris continue making Truce In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States went years without using the death penalty. Not a single person was killed by injection, firing squad, hanging, or electric chair. But by the late 90s, we were killing around 100 convicted criminals per year. What happened? In 1972, the Supreme Court handed down its decision Furman v. Georgia, which negated state capital punishment laws across the country. This meant that some of the worst criminals in the country were suddenly given new sentences. And Americans... lost their minds. Within just a few years, new laws were written, and the Court decided to approve many of them. The death penalty long had a prejudiced bent, disproportionately killing people of color. The NAACP worked hard to end the practice, but those efforts were soon undone as American opinions toward the death penalty abruptly changed. My special guest for this episode is Maurice Chammah, author of Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty Sources: Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty by Maurice Chammah The Death Penalty: An American History by Stuart Banner (an excellent source!) Reaganland by Rick Perlstein The Hijacking of American Flight 119: How D.B. Cooper Inspired a Hijacking Craze and the FBI's Battle to Stop It. by John Wigger Listen, America! by Jerry Falwell Romans 13 (and 1 for a fact check) The US Constitution September 26, 1973 (page 94 of 98). (1973, Sep 26). The Ottawa Citizen (1954-1973) Retrieved from https://wsl.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/september-26-1973-page-94-98/docview/2338669544/se-2 Oyez.org coverage of Furman v. Georgia Oyez.org coverage of Gregg v. Georgia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4G_O_Z55fQ Pew Research data on crime Discussion Questions: What are your thoughts on the death penalty? Why was the Furman case so important? What did it decide? Should juries have guidelines when considering a death penalty case? Why is the death penalty so popular among evangelicals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Witt, Yale Professor of Law and History, shares his latest text, “The Radical Fund: How a Band of Visionaries and a Million Dollars Upended America”, an inspiring story for these challenging times about a financial backer of the NAACP's landmark legal campaigns.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Library of Congress, the NAACP, Rotary International“Your will to succeed remains one of your greatest assets.”Clifton TaulbertAccording to Clifton L. Taulbert, noted author and entrepreneur businessman, he could have failed had he not encountered community builders and entrepreneurial thinkers early on in his life. Taulbert was born on the Mississippi Delta during the era of legal segregation where he completed his secondary education. Though opportunities were few and barriers were plentiful, Taulbert managed to dream of being successful, not knowing the shape that success would take. Today Taulbert is the President and CEO of the Freemount Corporation (a human capital development company) serving clients nationally and internationally-Fortune 500 Companies, small businesses, federal agencies, professional organizations, community colleges and K-12 leadership. Additionally, entrepreneur Taulbert is the President and CEO of Roots Java Coffee-an African-American owned national coffee brand, importing coffee from Africa. To pass his life lessons along, Taulbert shares his entrepreneurial journey with others as a Thrive15.com mentor.He is a Generational Bridge of Segregated Times tio Integrated Times Today.In "The Invitation," Clifton Taulbert returns to the themes of "Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored," his award-winning book and the source of a major motion picture. This new memoir chronicles Taulbert's transformative experience of a supper invitation to a former plantation house in Allendale, South Carolina, where the successful adult confronts his childhood memories and wrestles with the legacies of slavery and segregation that demand to be acknowledged in his present circumstances.Transported back to a setting that looks and feels like the cotton fields and shotgun shacks of his childhood, Taulbert finds himself expected to cross racial barriers that no "colored" man could have broached without dire consequences. "The Invitation" is the story of the man and the little boy inside him wrestling with a past they both know so well, and of stepping into a future that is still being determined.Taulbert is a trustee of the University of Tulsa, has been recognized international by the Sales and Marketing Academy of Achievement, the Library of Congress, the NAACP, Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow and has been a recipient of the Jewish Humanitarian of the Year Award and the Richard Wright Literary Award. The Freemount Corporation is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.© 2025 All Rights Reserved© 2025 Building Abundant Success!!Join Me on ~ iHeart Radio @ https://tinyurl.com/iHeartBASSpot Me on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yxuy23ba

Send us a text**"Marching for Justice: The Legacy of Civil Rights Movements"**

Patriots, crank the volume for a dynamic showdown on Joe Oltmann Untamed today Dive into the No Kings Protest frenzy, sponsored by the Communist Party and far-left crews like DSA and Freedom Socialist Party—Gavin Newsom's endorsement got roasted, and a young firebrand scorched Trump's "king" label in a viral clip. We'll unpack Senator Johnson's rally scoop, expose NAACP's race-based district push, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's wild "disabled voters" claim, plus Sotomayor's smacked-down defense—get ready for unfiltered truths that light up the absurd!Ignite the conversation with our powerhouse guest E.M. Burlingame—a Green Beret, author, and cultural revolution fighter—who's storming in to torch the U.S. judicial system's rot! With his Special Forces grit and insights from the Cultural Revolution in America, E.M. will unpack cartels' grip on courts, foreign agitators manipulating outcomes, and how pathocracy breeds poverty and violence. We'll grill him on reintroducing empathy to justice, building a better system, and mobilizing the public without chaos—his Substack wisdom and X takes will arm you to fight back!Wrap with Fun Friday flair: liberals regretting their U.S. exit, Minneapolis mayor's "Baddies for Omar" cringe, Mexico deporting migrants south, and a black panelist claiming immunity from racism—plus Antifa's clown-nosed arrests and White House trolls! Honor Tina Peters in our Fax Blast fury—demand her release from political prison. This isn't just talk; it's your spark for action—tune in and let's fuel the revolution!

How to Save the American experiment? That's the question the Yale historian John Fabian Witt asks this week in both a New York Times feature and his just published new book, The Radical Fund. Sometimes, Witt suggests, we need what he describes as a “calamity” to recognize and protect the American experiment in democracy. In the 1920s, the historian reminds us, this happened with the emergence of the Garland Fund, a charitable organization set up in 1922 which spawned many of the most profound economic and civil rights reforms of the mid century. Founded by Charles Garland, a disillusioned yet idealistic Harvard heir who refused his million-dollar inheritance, the Fund brought together unlikely bedfellows—from the ACLU and NAACP to labor unions—creating what Witt calls an “incubator” for progressive change. Drawing striking parallels between then and now, Witt argues that strategic philanthropy and what he calls “cross-movement dialogue” can reinvigorate American democracy in a similarly turbulent age of cultural anxiety, political distrust and violent division. History may not repeat itself, Witt acknowledges, but it rhymes. And the real calamity, he warns, would be the end not of history, but of the almost 250 year-old American experiment in political and economic freedom. * The 1920s-2020s Parallel Is Uncanny: Both eras feature post-pandemic societies, surging economic inequality, restrictive immigration policies, rising Christian nationalism, and disruptive new information technologies. Understanding how America navigated the 1920s crisis without civil war offers crucial lessons for today.* Small Money, Strategic Impact: The Garland Fund operated with just $2 million (roughly $40-800 million in today's terms)—a fraction of Rockefeller or Carnegie fortunes—yet proved transformative. Success came not from sheer dollars but from bringing together feuding progressive movements (labor unions, civil rights organizations, civil liberties groups) and forcing them into productive dialogue.* Incubators Matter More Than Calamities: While crises like the Great Depression provided energy for change, the Fund created the institutional forms and intellectual frameworks that shaped how that energy was channeled. They pioneered industrial unions, funded the legal strategy behind Brown v. Board of Education, and staffed FDR's New Deal agencies with their “brain trust.”* Cross-Movement Dialogue Is Transformative: The Fund's greatest achievement was convening conversations among groups that disagreed fundamentally—labor versus racial justice organizations, communists versus liberals. These uncomfortable alliances produced the cross-racial labor movement and civil rights strategies that defined mid-century progressivism. Today's left needs similar bridge-building across fractured movements.* We Need New Categories for New Economics: The institutions that saved 1920s democracy—industrial unions, civil rights organizations, civil liberties groups—are each in crisis today. The gig economy, AI, and virtual work demand fresh thinking, not just recycling 1920s solutions. Witt suggests progressives must incubate new organizational forms for 21st-century capitalism, just as the Garland Fund did for industrial capitalism.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

The foundation of our democracy is the Constitution, a system of checks and balances and the rule of law. But today, those cornerstones are being blatantly disrespected by a presidential administration attempting to consolidate power at all costs..In this episode, host Simone Leeper is joined by Campaign Legal Center litigators Anna Baldwin and Brent Ferguson. They examine the most pressing examples of the erosion of the rule of law, from the politicization of the Department of Justice to the stifling of free speech. Along the way, they highlight how Congress and the courts have failed as effective checks — leaving civil society and citizens to defend constitutional principles — and explore the reforms that could restore accountability, protect the rule of law and strengthen democracy against threats. Timestamps:(00:05) — Why is free speech under attack in the U.S.?(03:50) — How is political opposition being falsely linked to political violence?(05:38) — Why is deploying federal troops in U.S. cities a threat to democracy?(09:50) — How are Congress and the courts failing to check presidential abuses of power?(15:09) — How has the DOJ been transformed into a political tool?(20:17) — Why is the Voting Rights Act no longer being enforced?(21:17) — What's at stake with the DOJ's demand for voter data?(27:27) — How is CLC challenging unlawful executive orders?(32:30) — What reforms are needed to restore checks and balances?Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Anna Baldwin is a member of Campaign Legal Center's voting rights team working to protect the freedom to vote, litigating cases in state and federal courts, from filing through appeal to the Supreme Court. Prior to joining CLC, Anna spent 14 years in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP v. McCrory, Anna led briefing and appellate argument for the United States to overturn a North Carolina law that purposefully restricted voting and registration opportunities for Black voters in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Anna was also a member of the trial team that successfully challenged Texas's racially discriminatory voter ID law. Anna has argued eighteen cases before the federal courts of appeal, including four en banc cases. Previously, Anna was an associate in the Washington D.C. office of Jenner & Block LLP, and clerked for Judge James Robertson on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and for Judge M. Blane Michael on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.Brent Ferguson leads Campaign Legal Center's strategic litigation team, focusing on anti-authoritarianism and litigating in all areas of election law. Brent has worked on protecting and improving our democracy for most of his career. At CLC, he has led litigation teams challenging state and federal laws and policies that seek to unlawfully purge voters, limit voter registration activity and otherwise prevent Americans from exercising their constitutionally protected rights. He has authored academic articles on election law and other constitutional issues in the Washington Law Review, the Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy, the Emory Law Journal Online and elsewhere. Before coming to CLC, Brent was senior counsel at the National Redistricting Foundation, where he helped develop strategy for federal and state redistricting litigation. For four years, he served as counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, focusing on campaign finance reform and working on a broad range of other democracy issues. He was also an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, where he litigated appeals of public corruption convictions. He clerked for Judge Michael Chagares of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Judge Jeffrey Miller of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.Links:Taking Action Against Presidential Abuses of Power | Campaign Legal CenterAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10.6.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Day 6 Shutdown Standoff, Jeffries Challenges Johnson, Judge Backs Trump Guard Order, GA Case RiskWe are on Day 6 of the government shutdown, and the Senate will hold its fifth vote on the spending bill aimed at reopening the government. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is challenging Speaker Mike Johnson to a primetime debate.A federal judge has decided not to block Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops to the state, rejecting a lawsuit from the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago against this order. In the Trump Georgia election interference case, if a new prosecutor is not appointed soon, the judge has indicated that he will dismiss the case entirely. The President of Georgia's NAACP will join us to discuss the potential implications of a dismissal.Voters in New Orleans head to the polls this Saturday to elect their next mayor. We'll talk with one of the candidates.The Gathering for Justice celebrates 20 years of standing for justice, community, and real impact. We'll discuss the upcoming gala with the organization's President and CEO. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbaseThis Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing.Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV.The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Cabral hosts with Margery today. NAACP board member Michael Curry discusses the weaponization of Charlie Kirk's murder on the right, and the white nationalist imagery in ICE recruitment materials.Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses the Kennedy commission report on child health ignoring the leading cause of child death — gun violence. Plus, everything to know about vaccine season.Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson previews horror movie season and shares some recent movie reviews.Princeton academic Khalil Gibran Muhammad on the potential fallout from Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and the educators fired over their comments in response to Charlie Kirk's murder.

My guest this week is Dolan Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Wench,” “Bomb,” “Take My Hand,” and most recently, “Happyland.” Her books are all inspired by fascinating facets of American history that are in danger of being forgotten. They have earned awards from the NAACP, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and the American Bar Association. And they've been named best books of the year by Goodreads users and Amazon editors. Dolan is a three-time nominee for a United States Artists Fellowship and an associate professor in the literature department at American University.We covered:Why she goes to the special archives in the library in any town she visitsWhy emails from readers are the best giftHow she recovers from book tourWhat teaching offers her (beyond benefits and a 401K)Her specific writing processThe handicraft that makes her “most at peace”Her pre-writing morning routineHow she measures her writing process (hint: it's not word count)Connect with Dolen on Instagram @dolenperkinsvaldezFor full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.Thank you for listening!And thanks to this week's sponsor, Aqua Tru. Visit aquatru.com and use code KATE to save 20% off a great countertop reverse osmosis water filter that I have been using and loving for years now. Comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Melissa Mace is the owner and clinician at Discovery Counseling Group, and the first-ever Executive Director of the Spokane NAACP.We dive into her powerful journey through social work and therapy, her deep personal ties to Spokane, and how her life experiences now shape the way she leads and uplifts the community. Dr. Mace is already making a major impact in Spokane, and this conversation highlights why.As Executive Director of the Spokane NAACP, Dr. Mace is leading with intention—centering youth engagement, restorative justice, and stronger collaboration across community organizations. Under her leadership, the chapter is expanding its reach through programming, partnerships, and advocacy work that reflects Spokane's evolving needs. Her approach to leadership is grounded in transparency, accessibility, and a deep belief in collective progress.We also talk about how you can get involved—starting with the Freedom Fund Gala, happening Friday, November 15th. This is the NAACP Spokane's biggest annual fundraiser and a celebration of the progress being made across the city. Tickets are on sale now at a discounted rate, but prices increase October 1st, so don't wait.Buy tickets before prices go up on October 1st: naacpspokane.com/freedom-fund-gala-2025Learn more about Discovery Counseling Group: discovery-counseling.org

The death of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Black student found hanging on Delta State University's campus, has shaken Mississippi and raised urgent questions about America's racial climate. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is leading an independent investigation, while the NAACP and Rep. Bennie Thompson demand FBI involvement. #Mississippi #Trump #Racism #CivilRights #BenCrump Join this channel for exclusive access and bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g/join Five Minute News is an Evergreen Podcast, covering politics, inequality, health and climate - delivering independent, unbiased and essential news for the US and across the world. Visit us online at http://www.fiveminute.news Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/fiveminutenews.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/fiveminnews Support us on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/fiveminutenews You can subscribe to Five Minute News with your preferred podcast app, ask your smart speaker, or enable Five Minute News as your Amazon Alexa Flash Briefing skill. Please subscribe HERE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g?sub_confirmation=1 CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed on this channel are those of the guests and authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Anthony Davis or Five Minute News LLC. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content warning: strong partisan commentary, discussion of censorship, political violence, and sensitive allegations. In this episode, the host connects a series of flashpoints in politics, media, and culture. First, Nina Jankowicz's defamation suit against Fox News is tossed out in court — framed as a win against the “disinformation czar” and proof that censorship concerns were real. Then, a takedown of Jimmy Kimmel's collapsing late-night ratings, contrasting his 45% audience drop with the skyrocketing online reach of comedians like Gabriel Iglesias. The verdict: the marketplace, not censorship, is forcing change in media. The discussion shifts to local controversy as the NAACP protests a Turning Point USA club at JL Mann High School — which the host interprets as a desperate move to cancel Charlie Kirk's legacy. From there, the rhetoric sharpens into claims about Antifa violence, transgender activism, and even alleged pedophilia connections tied to the suspect in Kirk's assassination. The episode closes on a dramatically different note: Greenville's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, highlighting long lines of officers, community donations, and a chance to say “thank you” to those in uniform. A fiery mix of courtroom wins, collapsing ratings, cultural clashes, and community gratitude.

Content warning: strong partisan language, accusations of political organizing, discussion of political violence, and claims about sensitive social movements. In this episode the host reacts to local and national fallout after a high-profile assassination, arguing that opponents are resorting to cancellations and race-card politics. Topics include a planned NAACP protest targeting a Turning Point USA club at JL Mann High School (framed by the host as a politically motivated attempt to silence a pro-Kirk legacy), criticism of “white Democrat leadership” for outsourcing protests, and the claim that opponents would rather shut down all political clubs than let students hear conservative viewpoints. The host also repeats a controversial prediction linking online transgender networks to predatory behavior and frames rising church attendance as evidence that the message resonated. Expect combative analysis, calls-to-action about student clubs, and predictions about what comes next.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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