Podcasts about Orban

June 9, 2026A Very Big Deal IndeedTrump has officially nominated Todd Blanche to become attorney general of the United States, Blanche as formerly Trump's personal attorney who led the defense team in the case of falsifying records and in the cases for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and retaining classified documents, Blanche has flouted the law to do Trump's bidding, The nomination challenges Republican senators to ignore rank and file Republicans, and to break the law, The DOJ has ignored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and Epstein survivors are being threatened by Trump supporters, This nomination encourages the DOJ to bless wide ranging corruption, from allowing foreign interests to invest in Trump family businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, allowing Middle East billionaires to buy access to the president, and to make billions in a crypto currency business that has generated losses for more than a million investors duped by the promise of investing in a Trump business, Reports reveal massive fraud by Hungary's Viktor Orban before he lost his bid for re-election, Trump is attempting to prevent the kind of defections in his rank that Orban suffered by forcing Republican senators to vote for Blanche's confirmation, The Blanche confirmation is a very big deal. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe

In April 2026, the world was shocked by when Péter Magyar handily defeated long-time Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán. In this episode, LCHP Assistant Director Rose Campbell speaks with legal scholar Kim Lane Scheppele about this unexpected upset after sixteen years of Orbán's autocratic regime, and what it reveals about the rise and fall of modern authoritarian regimes. Drawing on decades of research in Hungary and Eastern Europe, Scheppele explains how leaders such as Orbán, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump, among others, have used legal and constitutional mechanisms to consolidate power, weaken democratic institutions, and entrench their rule while maintaining a façade of legality. Orbán's tactics have been widely used by aspiring autocrats around the world, and his defeat throws the political future of these regimes into uncertainty.The conversation explores how corruption, economic stagnation, independent media, and grassroots organizing ultimately contributed to Orbán's downfall and the rise of Péter Magyar, whose campaign successfully united opposition forces and mobilized voters across Hungary. While not a progressive himself, Magyar's policies nevertheless are more centrist than Orbán's more hardline right-wing policies. Winning the election, however, is just the beginning. As Scheppele argues, elections can remove autocrats from office seemingly against all odds, but rebuilding democratic institutions can be a years-long challenge.  Kim Lane Scheppele is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. She is also a faculty fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She studies the sociology of law and specializes in ethnographic and archival research on courts and public institutions. She has published over thirty articles (find them here) and her book, Legal Secrets, won Special Recognition in the Distinguished Scholarly Publication competition of the American Sociological Association as well as the Corwin Prize of the American Political Science Association. 

Hungary is undergoing a major transformation with the election of a new prime minister.After 16 years in power, Viktor Orban's Fidesz party was swept from office in a historic landslide election in April and with an equally historic turnout of almost 80 percent.The new Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, won the largest super-majority in Hungary's post-communist history with a platform focused on anti-corruption and national renewal. They've promised major changes to Hungary's constitution, known as the Fundamental Law.So what does this election mean for Hungary and how might the new leadership reorient its relationship with America, the European Union, Russia, and China?Orban was known for his pro-family and pro-tradition domestic policies, while at the same time cultivating close ties with Russia and communist China and distancing himself from the EU.Joining us today to break all this down is Hungarian constitutional law scholar Marton Sulyok, a visiting researcher at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution.Sulyok is, notably, also the son of Hungary's current President, Tamas Sulyok.Magyar has demanded the resignation of Sulyok and other Orban allies. It remains to be seen whether they will be forced out by constitutional amendment or other means.Despite his family ties, the younger Sulyok has remained strikingly detached.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

La Russie instrumentalise l'économie pour dissuader l'Arménie de se rapprocher de l'UE, nous serons en reportage auprès des producteurs. Nous irons également à Budapest où les listes d'attente s'allongent pour découvrir les fastes du gouvernement déchu. Également dans cette émission « l'affaire » Beatrice Venezi qui fait encore des vagues à la Fenice de Venise, et la revue des médias européens. L'Arménie à quelques jours d'un scrutin décisif  Moscou s'inquiète du rapprochement de l'ancienne république soviétique avec Bruxelles. La pression ne cesse de monter, notamment sur le plan économique : la Russie ferme ses portes aux exportations agricoles arméniennes. De fait, dans ce pays du Caucase où près d'un tiers de la population vit de l'agriculture, les producteurs d'asperges, de roses ou de vin sont très dépendants du marché russe et la diversification vers l'UE est compliquée. Notre correspondante Marie Penin est allée à leur rencontre.   Dans la revue des médias européens de Franceline Beretti  Xenia Fedorova, porte-parole officieuse du Kremlin très présente dans les médias de Vincent Bolloré ; le Portugal et l'Autriche élus membres non-permanents du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, au détriment de l'Allemagne et un hommage au magazine « Country life ».    En Hongrie, les visite de « château Orban » font salle comble  Depuis la victoire de l'opposition aux législatives et la chute du régime Orban, les Hongrois se pressent aux visites du « château Orban ». L'exposition des luxueux bureaux de l'ex-Premier ministre et du « ministère de la propagande » révèle les excès du régime, et le succès de l'opération ne se dément pas - les listes d'attente s'allongent. Le reportage de Florence La Bruyère.   À Venise, c'est un incendie politique qui n'en finit pas...  Celui de la nomination puis la révocation d'une personnalité controversée à la tête du mythique orchestre de la Fenice, Beatrice Venezi. Début mai 2026, la cheffe a estimé qu'avec la révocation de sa nomination, c'était finalement « le projet culturel du gouvernement qui était parti en fumée ». Ces déclarations ont relancé les soupçons d'une nomination politique à la tête de l'un des théâtres lyriques les plus réputés du monde. Car la jeune femme est une proche de Giorgia Meloni. Les explications de Cécile Debarge.

La Russie instrumentalise l'économie pour dissuader l'Arménie de se rapprocher de l'UE, nous serons en reportage auprès des producteurs. Nous irons également à Budapest où les listes d'attente s'allongent pour découvrir les fastes du gouvernement déchu. Également dans cette émission « l'affaire » Beatrice Venezi qui fait encore des vagues à la Fenice de Venise, et la revue des médias européens. L'Arménie à quelques jours d'un scrutin décisif  Moscou s'inquiète du rapprochement de l'ancienne république soviétique avec Bruxelles. La pression ne cesse de monter, notamment sur le plan économique : la Russie ferme ses portes aux exportations agricoles arméniennes. De fait, dans ce pays du Caucase où près d'un tiers de la population vit de l'agriculture, les producteurs d'asperges, de roses ou de vin sont très dépendants du marché russe et la diversification vers l'UE est compliquée. Notre correspondante Marie Penin est allée à leur rencontre.   Dans la revue des médias européens de Franceline Beretti  Xenia Fedorova, porte-parole officieuse du Kremlin très présente dans les médias de Vincent Bolloré ; le Portugal et l'Autriche élus membres non-permanents du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, au détriment de l'Allemagne et un hommage au magazine « Country life ».    En Hongrie, les visite de « château Orban » font salle comble  Depuis la victoire de l'opposition aux législatives et la chute du régime Orban, les Hongrois se pressent aux visites du « château Orban ». L'exposition des luxueux bureaux de l'ex-Premier ministre et du « ministère de la propagande » révèle les excès du régime, et le succès de l'opération ne se dément pas - les listes d'attente s'allongent. Le reportage de Florence La Bruyère.   À Venise, c'est un incendie politique qui n'en finit pas...  Celui de la nomination puis la révocation d'une personnalité controversée à la tête du mythique orchestre de la Fenice, Beatrice Venezi. Début mai 2026, la cheffe a estimé qu'avec la révocation de sa nomination, c'était finalement « le projet culturel du gouvernement qui était parti en fumée ». Ces déclarations ont relancé les soupçons d'une nomination politique à la tête de l'un des théâtres lyriques les plus réputés du monde. Car la jeune femme est une proche de Giorgia Meloni. Les explications de Cécile Debarge.

In this gripping episode of Ukrainapodden, we dive deep into the dramatic collapse of Russian influence in Central Europe following the historic electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán. Award-winning investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi joins the studio to unpack his explosive «Kremlin hotline» exposé, which revealed direct coordination between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Hungary’s Péter Szijjártó. You can read about The Kremlin Hotline here: https://vsquare.org/kremlin-hotline-hungary-colluded-with-russia-to-delist-sanctioned-oligarchs-companies-and-banks/ https://vsquare.org/kremlin-hotline-how-hungary-coordinates-with-russia-blocking-ukraine-from-the-eu/ For years, Hungary operated as Putin’s «reliable Trojan horse» within the EU and NATO, shielding Russian assets and blocking Ukrainian integration. However, the recent landslide victory by Péter Magyar and the Tisza party has triggered a massive geopolitical nightmare for Moscow, stripping the Kremlin of its most crucial European ally. Panyi breaks down the mechanics of the fallen autocracy, exposing how Russian kompromat and deep-rooted financial greed drove Hungary's foreign policy. We explore the staggering wealth accumulated by Orbán's inner circle, including figures like Lőrinc Mészáros, and discuss where the people around Orban are funneling their assets now that their political protection has disintegrated. Furthermore, Panyi shares his harrowing personal experience of surviving the paranoid tactics of the outgoing government. From being surveilled by Pegasus spyware to facing absurd espionage charges just weeks before the election, his story highlights the extreme lengths the regime went to silence independent journalism. With Orbán completely ousted, we analyze what this setback means for the Kremlin’s broader strategy in Europe. Tune in for a masterclass on investigative journalism, European security, and the enduring fight against autocracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast I spoke once again with a regular guest, Paul Niland who has been living in Kyiv in Ukraine for nearly 24 years. Paul who is originally from Ireland, is a journalist, a political commentator and the founder and CEO of Lifeline Ukraine, a national suicide prevention service. As always Paul provides us with brilliant insights from within Ukraine's capital city - he spoke about the routine attacks by Russia, Orban's defeat in Hungary, EU membership, Trump the Russian asset, and the drone expertise which has allowed the Ukrainian military reach deep into Russia and provide their citizens their first taste of what it is like to experience fear during this pointless war that was started by Putin. He also talks about music and how it reflects the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians and the role it is playing in the inevitable path to Victory!! Enjoy the show      Podcast Production by Greg Canty Greg's blog Greg on Twitter  Greg on LinkedIn Email Greg with feedback or suggested guests: greg@fuzion.ie   

Ungern inleder ett nytt kapitel där Orban-eran ska städas bort. Men hur gör man upp med ett auktoritärt styre utan att själv bli likadan? Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. Medverkande: Pensionärsparet Ferenc och Ferencna Kovacs i Viktor Orbans hemby i Ungern, tv-tittaren Mario Szuts, medieforskaren Veronika Kövesdi, Istvan Bereznei, online-redaktör på Ungerns Publik Service, journalisten Samuel Pereira som var anställd på statliga TVP under Lag och Rättvisas tid vid makten, Maciej Czajkowski, programledare och redaktör på Polens motsvarighet till Rapport, Sandor Lederer som driver organisationen K-monitor som kartlägger korruptionen i Ungern, juridikforskaren Beáta Bakó, Daniel Tilles, redaktör på den polska nyhetssajten Notes from Poland och Polens justitieminister, Waldemar Żurek.Reporter i Polen: Östersjökorrespondent Felicia Hassan.Programledare: Filip Kotsamboikidisfilip.kotsamboikidis@sr.seProducent: Ulrika Bergqvistulrika.bergqvist@sr.seTekniker: Lisa Abrahamsson

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Metro Shrimp & Grits Thursdays is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, a federal judge ordered Trump to immediately turn over government documents about his plan to intimidate voters with ICE and other armed federal agents in Blue States.Then, on the rest of the menu, Samuel Alito is hit by a new scandal as his son is found secretly working for Trump's Treasury; a MAGA federal judge declined to halt Trump's executive order creating a federal voter list and limiting mail-in voting; and, Musk's SpaceX Starship launches are grounded pending an investigation into last week's test flight where a first stage booster crashed and narrowly missed several ranch houses in the Texas farmland.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where reversing the decision by the previous administration of Orban, Hungary's parliament voted to remain a member of the International Criminal Court; and, with no help from the United States, aid supplies have finally reached the heart of Congo's Ebola outbreak.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live PlayerKeep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Everyone in this good city enjoys the full right to pursue their own inclinations in all reasonable and, unreasonable ways.” — The Daily Picayune, New Orleans, March 5, 1851Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Le Premier ministre hongrois, Peter Magyar, est attendu à Bruxelles pour tenter de débloquer des fonds européens gelés sous son prédécesseur, Viktor Orban, en raison d'atteintes à l'État de droit. "Un accord est très proche", a affirmé Magyar, qui doit rencontrer Ursula von der Leyen demain après-midi. Une réunion avec le secrétaire général de l'OTAN, Mark Rutte, est également prévue.

Chuck Todd opens with Ken Paxton's runoff blowout over John Cornyn — a result that confirms Texas Republicans remain the base of what eventually grew into MAGA nationally, that the insurgent wing of the GOP consistently wins in the state, and that Paxton is somehow simultaneously the least electable nominee Republicans could have picked and still electable enough to make this a real fight. He argues Texas is slowly moving toward swing state status the way Georgia did over the past decade — the ingredients are there for a Democrat to finally break through, the question is whether James Talarico can move his 45% number higher and prove he's the political athlete this moment requires. The downstream consequences for Republicans are brutal: the GOP will have to drop a $500 million anvil on Talarico that can't be deployed in other races, and Democrats' path to a Senate majority just got measurably wider. But the more fascinating story Chuck unpacks is Pope Leo's stunning new document on AI, automated weapons, and concentrated power — a text Chuck argues is essentially an indictment of American military dominance dressed in the language of moral theology. The Pope explicitly compares AI-driven targeting systems to slavery, arguing both reduce human beings to data points and dehumanize their victims, and apologizes for the church's historic slowness on slavery while warning Catholics that they cannot afford the same slowness on artificial intelligence. He declares the centuries-old "just war" framework outdated, argues that no algorithm can ever make war morally acceptable, and pushes back forcefully on the entire concept of nuclear deterrence — drawing a direct line back to Pope Leo XIII's 1891 intervention on industrial capitalism. He argues the document, while never naming the United States, is speaking directly to American politicians: it's framed as a call for a moral framework around AI that can live above the political discourse, an explicit argument that technological capital must be regulated, and a warning that AI is not morally neutral no matter how much Silicon Valley wishes it were. The larger message is unmistakable — the Pope, who Chuck notes is now arguably the most formidable global moral voice that even secular Americans look to for clarity, has just put concentrated technological power on notice in a way no head of state has been willing to. Then, Virginia Kase Solomon — president of Common Cause, one of the country's oldest and most respected pro-democracy organizations — joins the Chuck Toddcast to deliver a clear-eyed assessment of just how broken American self-government has become, and what it might actually take to fix it. Kase Solomon argues that Trump's corruption has gone so far beyond anything in modern history that it makes Watergate look quaint by comparison — she points to Trump stealing roughly $1.8 billion from American taxpayers as a single staggering example — but warns that the most dangerous development isn't the corruption itself, it's that young voters are growing up normalized to it, with no living memory of an administration where this kind of behavior carried consequences. She makes a striking comparison to Hungary, where it took genuinely staggering levels of corruption before Orbán could be toppled, and where the opposition only succeeded once it tied that corruption directly to degrading quality of life for ordinary people — a lesson she says American Democrats badly need to learn. They note that there are real bipartisan calls to address money in politics, that a congressional stock trading ban enjoys overwhelming public support, that Amy Klobuchar's Disclose Act keeps getting reintroduced and ignored, and that forced disclosure of large-dollar donors alone would significantly reduce political giving — but the country is on a runaway train, with big tech money flowing to whoever holds power and Trump openly running the country like a corporation. The conversation broadens into Kase Solomon's structural diagnosis of why American democracy isn't working. She argues that the way the founders designed the country no longer functions in the modern era — but that the founders also gave us the tools to fix what's broken if we choose to use them. Congress is too small to genuinely represent the public, the Senate is horribly malapportioned, the Supreme Court has offered no real solution to the gerrymandering crisis, and we've completely lost the "statesmen" in Congress who once voted their conscience because there's no longer any incentive to compromise or work across the aisle. She is deeply concerned about the regulatory vacuum around AI — deepfakes have terrifying implications for elections and civil litigation is currently the only meaningful path to push back — and she warns that the election of judges has corrupted the rule of law in ways America needs a movement to address. Despite all of this, she is genuinely hopeful: Common Cause is litigating against the corruption, organizing a million conversations between activists and ordinary Americans, and operating from the conviction that the public isn't stupid and still loves this country. Her closing argument is the most American one possible: the United States has always emerged from its darkest periods better than it went in — but only because people refused to accept the broken system as permanent, and that work has to start now. Finally, Chuck reveals his ToddCast Top 5 list of Democrats who could be vaulted into 2028 contender status for the presidency if they perform well in the midterms. He highlights two midwestern gubernatorial candidates, two upstart senate bids and one name that stands above the rest… Jon Ossoff of Georgia. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:30 Ken Paxton trounces John Cornyn in runoff election 05:00 Texas Republicans are the base for what grew into MAGA nationally 07:15 The insurgent wing of the GOP consistently wins in Texas 09:00 Paxton is the least electable nominee, but he’s still electable 10:30 Is 45% Talarico’s ceiling, or can he move that number higher? 11:30 Texas is slowly moving towards swing state status like Georgia did 13:00 Ingredients are there for a Democrat to finally break through in TX 15:30 Senate Republicans won’t be happy having to serve with Paxton 16:00 Texas is more winnable than other races for GOP, will have to spend in TX 16:30 Republicans will have to spend big to drop the anvil on Talarico 17:30 We’ll find out how talented of a political athlete Talarico is 19:30 This will be the magnet race that national reporters will focus on 21:30 Race will cost the GOP $500m that can’t be deployed elsewhere 23:15 Democrats now have a better chance of winning the senate 24:00 The Pope speaks to more than Catholics, seculars look to him for moral clarity 25:00 The Pope is formidable influencer in America 26:15 The Pope speaks out about AI, concentrated power & the “just war” theory 26:45 He compared automated weapons to slavery 28:00 The Pope spoke out similarly in 1891 during the Industrial Revolution 29:00 The Pope’s document says AI is not morally neutral 30:15 Document argues that technological capital needs to be regulated 30:45 The church has had a “just war” framework for hundreds of years 31:15 Pope Leo says “just war” framework is outdated 32:15 Document argues no algorithm can make war morally acceptable 33:15 Document argues against the concept of nuclear deterrence 33:45 Pope apologizes for church’s role in slavery 34:30 Document says AI systems reduce human beings into targeting data 35:00 Pope argues the dehumanization of AI targeting is similar to slavery 36:00 While not saying it directly, the document is speaking about the United States 37:00 The document is an indictment of American military dominance 38:30 Document does have a carve-out for self defence 40:15 The document was speaking directly to American politicians 41:30 A call for a moral framework for AI can live above the political discourse 42:30 Pope argues church was too slow on slavery, can’t be slow on AI 49:00 Virginia Kase Solomon (Common Cause) joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:30 Common Cause works to hold the government accountable to the people 51:30 Corporate lobbies have disproportionate power compared to people 52:15 Many people threw their hands up after Citizen’s United 53:30 States are working to change campaign finance rules 55:15 States can ban companies in their state from making political donations 57:00 Rules changes but money always seems to find a way around them 59:00 Parties stopped becoming the epicenter of political donations 1:00:30 There are bipartisan calls to do something about money in politics 1:02:00 More GOP support for reform at the state level than national level 1:02:45 We’re on a runaway train for money in politics 1:03:30 Big tech money goes to whoever is in power 1:04:00 The country is being run like a corporation 1:04:45 Jamie Raskin has started an anti-corruption task force 1:05:15 A congressional stock trading ban has massive public support 1:06:15 Trump is obviously corrupt, but people fear him too much to act 1:07:30 Forced disclosure of large dollar donors would reduce donations 1:08:30 Amy Klobuchar has put forward the Disclose Act in almost every congress 1:11:00 The Trump administration’s corruption is beyond egregious 1:11:45 Trump stealing $1.8 billion from taxpayers, makes Watergate look quaint 1:13:15 Young voters have grown up being normalized to this corruption 1:13:45 There will be a backlash to the corruption at some point 1:14:45 America’s long term global standing has been severely damaged 1:15:30 Common Cause is involved in litigation trying to prevent the corruption 1:17:30 Striving to have a million conversations between organizers & normal people 1:18:45 People are struggling and feeling fatigued 1:20:30 It took staggering levels of corruption in Hungary before Orban was toppled 1:21:30 Opposition in Hungary tied corruption to degrading quality of life 1:23:30 A fairness criteria was implemented in the California redistricting 1:24:30 CA and VA put redistricting before the voters, but still a race to the bottom 1:25:00 The Supreme Court hasn’t offered any solution to gerrymandering problem 1:26:00 Congress is too small to effectively represent the public 1:26:45 The senate is horribly malapportioned 1:28:30 The way the founders designed the country doesn’t work anymore 1:29:00 The founders gave us the tools to fix the democracy 1:31:15 There’s no incentive to work in a bipartisan manner or compromise 1:32:45 We’ve lost the “statesmen” in congress who vote their conscience 1:33:30 Politics has become a zero sum game 1:34:45 Politics has always been dirty, but we’ve hit an all-time low 1:36:00 Government seems completely unequipped to regulate AI 1:38:45 Deepfakes impact on elections are very concerning 1:40:00 Civil litigation is the only current path to push back on AI 1:41:30 Status of “sunshine laws” in the country? Could they be rolled back? 1:43:45 Need a movement against the election of the judiciary 1:46:45 The reason for optimism… is that people aren’t stupid and love the country 1:47:30 Our country has always emerged better after dark times 1:49:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Virginia Kase Solomon 1:50:30 ToddCast Top 5 2028 contenders depending on their 2026 performance 1:54:00 #5 Amy Acton 1:56:15 #4 Rob Sand 1:57:45 #3 Graham Platner 2:01:15 #2 James Talarico 2:03:45 #1 Jon Ossoff 2:07:15 Ask Chuck 2:07:30 Why are people rounding up Trump’s 1.776B slush fund to $1.8b? 2:09:30 Supporting candidates you oppose just for judicial confirmations? 2:16:30 New Parallel AI model that prioritizes original writing and journalism? 2:20:15 How are candidates allowed to deploy financial resources during campaigns? 2:24:30 Pattern of Dems fixing the economy and GOP making it worse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virginia Kase Solomon — president of Common Cause, one of the country's oldest and most respected pro-democracy organizations — joins the Chuck Toddcast to deliver a clear-eyed assessment of just how broken American self-government has become, and what it might actually take to fix it. Kase Solomon argues that Trump's corruption has gone so far beyond anything in modern history that it makes Watergate look quaint by comparison — she points to Trump stealing roughly $1.8 billion from American taxpayers as a single staggering example — but warns that the most dangerous development isn't the corruption itself, it's that young voters are growing up normalized to it, with no living memory of an administration where this kind of behavior carried consequences. She makes a striking comparison to Hungary, where it took genuinely staggering levels of corruption before Orbán could be toppled, and where the opposition only succeeded once it tied that corruption directly to degrading quality of life for ordinary people — a lesson she says American Democrats badly need to learn. They note that there are real bipartisan calls to address money in politics, that a congressional stock trading ban enjoys overwhelming public support, that Amy Klobuchar's Disclose Act keeps getting reintroduced and ignored, and that forced disclosure of large-dollar donors alone would significantly reduce political giving — but the country is on a runaway train, with big tech money flowing to whoever holds power and Trump openly running the country like a corporation. The conversation broadens into Kase Solomon's structural diagnosis of why American democracy isn't working. She argues that the way the founders designed the country no longer functions in the modern era — but that the founders also gave us the tools to fix what's broken if we choose to use them. Congress is too small to genuinely represent the public, the Senate is horribly malapportioned, the Supreme Court has offered no real solution to the gerrymandering crisis, and we've completely lost the "statesmen" in Congress who once voted their conscience because there's no longer any incentive to compromise or work across the aisle. She is deeply concerned about the regulatory vacuum around AI — deepfakes have terrifying implications for elections and civil litigation is currently the only meaningful path to push back — and she warns that the election of judges has corrupted the rule of law in ways America needs a movement to address. Despite all of this, she is genuinely hopeful: Common Cause is litigating against the corruption, organizing a million conversations between activists and ordinary Americans, and operating from the conviction that the public isn't stupid and still loves this country. Her closing argument is the most American one possible: the United States has always emerged from its darkest periods better than it went in — but only because people refused to accept the broken system as permanent, and that work has to start now. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Virginia Kase Solomon (Common Cause) joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Common Cause works to hold the government accountable to the people 02:30 Corporate lobbies have disproportionate power compared to people 03:15 Many people threw their hands up after Citizen’s United 04:30 States are working to change campaign finance rules 06:15 States can ban companies in their state from making political donations 08:00 Rules changes but money always seems to find a way around them 10:00 Parties stopped becoming the epicenter of political donations 11:30 There are bipartisan calls to do something about money in politics 13:00 More GOP support for reform at the state level than national level 13:45 We’re on a runaway train for money in politics 14:30 Big tech money goes to whoever is in power 15:00 The country is being run like a corporation 15:45 Jamie Raskin has started an anti-corruption task force 16:15 A congressional stock trading ban has massive public support 17:15 Trump is obviously corrupt, but people fear him too much to act 18:30 Forced disclosure of large dollar donors would reduce donations 19:30 Amy Klobuchar has put forward the Disclose Act in almost every congress 22:00 The Trump administration’s corruption is beyond egregious 22:45 Trump stealing $1.8 billion from taxpayers, makes Watergate look quaint 24:15 Young voters have grown up being normalized to this corruption 24:45 There will be a backlash to the corruption at some point 25:45 America’s long term global standing has been severely damaged 26:30 Common Cause is involved in litigation trying to prevent the corruption 28:30 Striving to have a million conversations between organizers & normal people 29:45 People are struggling and feeling fatigued 31:30 It took staggering levels of corruption in Hungary before Orban was toppled 32:30 Opposition in Hungary tied corruption to degrading quality of life 34:30 A fairness criteria was implemented in the California redistricting 35:30 CA and VA put redistricting before the voters, but still a race to the bottom 36:00 The Supreme Court hasn’t offered any solution to gerrymandering problem 37:00 Congress is too small to effectively represent the public 37:45 The senate is horribly malapportioned 39:30 The way the founders designed the country doesn’t work anymore 40:00 The founders gave us the tools to fix the democracy 42:15 There’s no incentive to work in a bipartisan manner or compromise 43:45 We’ve lost the “statesmen” in congress who vote their conscience 44:30 Politics has become a zero sum game 45:45 Politics has always been dirty, but we’ve hit an all-time low 47:00 Government seems completely unequipped to regulate AI 49:45 Deepfakes impact on elections are very concerning 51:00 Civil litigation is the only current path to push back on AI 52:30 Status of “sunshine laws” in the country? Could they be rolled back? 54:45 Need a movement against the election of the judiciary 57:45 The reason for optimism… is that people aren’t stupid and love the country 58:30 Our country has always emerged better after dark timesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise of the far right is the defining political crisis of our time. But are we analyzing it correctly? Suzi speaks with David Ost about his book Red Pill Politics: Demystifying the Far Right from Fascism to Right-Wing Populism. David argues that by focusing on whether Trump, Orban, or Netanyahu is or isn't a fascist, we're missing the deeper question: what political species do fascism and right-wing populism share? And what does understanding that species tell us about why the left keeps losing workers it once counted as its core constituency? It's a sweeping comparative political analysis that argues fascism and today's right-wing populism are not separate phenomena but two expressions of the same underlying political species, that of the Red Pill (a loose acronym of Right-wing, Exclusionary Nationalist-Democratic, Populist Illiberalism). From the Boulanger Affair in 1880s France to Tucker Carlson, from Mussolini's syndicalist unions to Orban's welfare chauvinism, the radical right has won by offering workers something — economic recognition, belonging, enemies to hate — that the neoliberal center-left abandoned along with NAFTA and the Third Way. David ends with a diagnosis of the left's own failures and a prescription for what it would take to turn things around. Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, and propaganda. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships; an advisor to Protect Democracy; an MSNBC opinion columnist and television commentator; and publishes Lucid, a newsletter on threats to democracy. Her latest book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, looks at how illiberal leaders use propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo - and how they can be defeated. Ruth's back with us again for a discussion on Trump's second-term autocratic overreach, including his latest brazen act of corruption, the $1.776-billion 'Anti-Weaponization' slush-fund and his IRS immunity 'settlement'. So is Ruth as optimistic as she was back in December? Tune in to see where Ruth currently stands on Trump's threats to democracy; her takeaways from his recent China summit; Viktor Orban's defeat and it's impact on Trump and American politics; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

The pigs are at the trough. Trump's expected overseas real estate income has tripled to $430 million in his second term. Eric Trump is doing deals in China while Taiwan goes unmentioned and Iran keeps arming the people killing Ukrainians and Americans. Nvidia's CEO is being paraded around as the administration floats opening AI chip markets to Beijing. Don Jr. is tied to a drone company that just landed a Pentagon contract — inside a defense budget heading toward $1.5 trillion, a 40% spike with no apparent guardrails on family conflicts of interest. This isn't politics. It's a national security fire sale, and the Angry Middle smells it. This solo briefing connects the dots the legacy press keeps siloed: the foreign income filings, the Saudi-linked licensing deals, the Pentagon trough, Kash Patel's reality-TV FBI tour, and the lesson from Hungary — that corruption, not ideology, is what finally moved Orban's voters. With 45% of Americans now independent and 60% of young people unaffiliated, the rigged two-party system is on notice. The question isn't whether people are furious. It's whether that fury gets channeled into November, into independent veteran candidates, and into the structural reforms — the Raskin list and beyond — that should already be law. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump's Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vance visits Maine and claims the Trump administration is combating endemic fraud in our public services. States that don't comply with federal rules will have funds cut. Admin will withhold $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments from California. Admin and Republicans blaming political opponents for their own fraud and corruption. Admin seems nervous after seeing Orban dumped. Trump's administration labeled the most corrupt in history. Trump fired or demoted 20 inspectors-general, pocketed $4B from crypto, freed/pardoned cronies for money. Trump's sons and son-in-law are using their political connections to build private wealth. Trump uses his Birthday UFC White House fight to funnel more money to supporters. Trump visits China with delegation of billionaires. Trump's lawsuit with the IRS. Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe

Nach 16 Jahren an der Macht ist die Ära von Viktor Orban und seiner Fidesz-Partei in Ungarn zu Ende gegangen. In dieser Samstagsfolge von NZZ Akzent blicken wir hinter die Kulissen eines historischen Machtwechsels. Wie fühlt sich dieser Umbruch für die Menschen im Land an? Unsere Korrespondentin Meret Baumann war nach der politischen Wende in Ungarn unterwegs. Sie erlebte eine tiefen Erleichterung in Teilen der Bevölkerung, aber hörte auch von den Sorgen in den ländlichen Gebieten, die einst als sichere Hochburgen Orbans galten. Und Meret erzählt vom Tag der feierliche Vereidigung des neuen Regierungschefs Peter Magyar, bei der sie dabei war. Gast: Meret Baumann, Korrespondentin für Österreich und Ostmitteleuropa Host: Simon Schaffer Mehr Texte von Meret Baumann gibt es [hier bei der NZZ](https://www.nzz.ch/impressum/meret-baumann-ld.154638). Lust auf noch mehr digitale Inhalte der NZZ? [Probier`s drei Monate aus.](https://abo.nzz.ch/25077808-2/) Übrigens: Alle NZZ-Podcast und Artikel kannst du jetzt auch unterwegs im Auto hören – mit Apple CarPlay oder Android Auto. Wie's funktioniert, erfährst du [hier](https://go.nzz.ch/carplay). Übrigens: Alle NZZ-Podcast und Artikel kannst du jetzt auch unterwegs im Auto hören – mit Apple CarPlay oder Android Auto. Wie's funktioniert, erfährst du [hier](https://go.nzz.ch/carplay). Lust auf noch mehr digitale Inhalte der NZZ? [Probier`s drei Monate aus.](https://abo.nzz.ch/25077808-2/)

durée : 00:04:42 - La Revue de presse internationale - par : Marie Maheux - La Russie a lancé ce mercredi une attaque massive contre l'Ukraine, touchant notamment la Transcarpatie, région frontalière de la Hongrie. L'ambassadeur russe est donc convoqué par le Premier ministre, une décision actant un changement drastique avec l'ère Orban.

durée : 00:04:42 - Les Matins de France Culture - par : Marie Maheux - La Russie a lancé ce mercredi une attaque massive contre l'Ukraine, touchant notamment la Transcarpatie, région frontalière de la Hongrie. L'ambassadeur russe est donc convoqué par le Premier ministre, une décision actant un changement drastique avec l'ère Orban. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

With the inauguration of Péter Magyar, Hungary has a new prime minster for the first time in 16 years. This episode explores what this means for the nation and for Europe. Guest Biographies Julian G. Waller is an expert in Russian political-military affairs, elite strategic decision-making, adversary systems of governance, and civil-military relations outside the West. He is also a scholar of the politics of authoritarian rule, authoritarian political and social orders, and illiberal/postliberal ideologies globally. Further Reading Julian's Substack: Political Order(s)

At least seven people were killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to health officials Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Péter Magyar ist Ungarns neuer Regierungschef. Was er alles anders als sein autoritärer Vorgänger machen will.

Viktor Orban, __________ of Hungary for sixteen years, lost his re-election bid earlier this week. The simplest phrase to put in the blank is "prime minister". Some people have proposed more loaded terms like "strongman", "autocrat", and "dictator". But he did lose his re-election bid earlier this week, prompting comments that these more loaded terms, especially the d-word, might have been hyperbolic. https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/orban-was-bad-even-though-we-dont 

On this hopeful Gaslit Nation, we confront the MAGA fascist takeover with a look at the ultimate antidote: how to be a dissident. Andrea talks with The Atlantic's Gal Beckerman about his inspiring new book, How to Be a Dissident. While the establishment chooses conformity to protect their wealth, we explore the rare, stubborn individuals—from the abolitionists to the neighbors in Minnesota forming mutual care networks—who ask themselves the only question that matters: Can I live with myself if I obey in advance? As the toppling of Kremlin allies Assad and Orban, and soon Trump, have reminded us: the human spirit's desire for expression is the one thing a dictatorship can never defeat. Join us this Thursday for part two of our discussion on the Gaslit Nation Bonus Show–how to survive the stomach ache of fear and build an unrelenting culture of resistance. To listen to the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon at the Truth-Teller level ($5/month) or higher. And don't forget to save the date: we are opening our May 11th Gaslit Nation Salon at 4 p.m. ET to celebrate Andrea's birthday with an exclusive reading of a smutty screenplay in progress. Every bit of support gives us the freedom to tell the truth, so thank you for making this show possible–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you.  Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Discounted annual memberships are available. Become a Democracy Defender at Patreon.com/Gaslit  EVENTS AT GASLIT NATION: Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community New! There's now a California Signal Group for Gaslit Nation listeners to find each other and connect in that state. Join on Patreon.  The Gaslit Nation Outreach Committee discusses how to talk to the MAGA cult. Join on Patreon.  Minnesota Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join on Patreon.  Vermont Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join on Patreon.  Arizona-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to connect. Join on Patreon.  Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join. Join on Patreon.  Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group. Join on Patreon. As always, keep it kind in our chat groups, extend grace and assume good faith. A culture of care is how we build a better world.   

On April 12, 2026, Hungarians overwhelmingly voted Peter Magyar into office ending the sixteen-year rule of Viktor Orban. It was a stunning victory that sent voters into the streets to celebrate. Now, observers are looking to see whether Magyar will roll back Orban's illiberal system and even prosecute Orban and his clients for corruption. Commentators will also watch now how the strongman's defeat will reverberate in the region and what it might mean for rightwing authoritarianism throughout the world. What led to Orban's rise and fall? Was his regime an anomaly or consistent with Hungarian political history? And who is Peter Magyar? What does he stand for? And does he have enough political will and capital to set Hungary's ailing economy and scarred democracy right? The Eurasian Knot turned to Stefano Bottoni to make sense of what Hungary's past and future might foretell. Is the fall of Orban akin to regime change as Bottoni suggests? Tune in and find out.Guest: Stefano Bottoni is Associate Professor at the University of Florence. He is the author of several books. He's the author of The Orbán Enigma forthcoming from Hurst Publishers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Jacobin Radio presents “In the Imperial Crosshairs: Trump's War and Its Consequences for the People of Iran and Ukraine,” a panel organized by Haymarket Books that took place on April 16. Moderated by Denys Bondar, the panel features four socialist voices from the United States, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. They examine the catastrophic consequences of the US-Israeli war already being paid by the people of Iran and Ukraine — from the Strait of Hormuz to the streets of Kyiv — and by working people everywhere. Speakers include: - Ashley Smith (Ukraine Solidarity Network): Traces the strategic logic of Trump's imperial war, rooted in US relative decline and the drive to dominate China's energy supply chains. - Frieda Afary (Iranian-American socialist and author of Socialist Feminism: A New Approach): Discusses progressive opposition inside Iran, including feminist activists, labor organizers, and national minority movements, and why solidarity with these groups is the only principled position. - Aleksandra Zapolskaya (Coordinating editor of Posle media and anti-war activist): Explains what the war means for Russia and the Russian people living under a repressive regime that has crushed independent institutions, strangled the press, and imprisoned anti-war voices. - Denys Pilash (Editor of Commons journal and member of Sotsialnyi Rukh): Currently serving in the Ukrainian armed forces, he speaks from the front lines on why impunity for one aggressor opens the door for the next. The discussion also explores anti-war labor solidarity, the global implications of Orban's electoral defeat, and the debate around “campism.” Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.

The hour grows late, and Matt the Grey-Haired rides once more from his quiet study, summoned by whispers from the ever-churning gurusphere. And so he goes, to seek counsel with Chris the Grey-Bearded, keeper of receipts, watcher of long-form content, and wielder of the sacred Gurometer. For the gurus stir again… and their nonsense must be decoded.Supplementary Material 48: Grey Beard's Council, Late-Stage Anti-Capitalism, and Demonic Mould Health Updates00:00 Greetings Old Friend02:22 Decoding the Gamers04:16 A Reckoning with Old Grey Hair06:19 Joe Rogan determining US Medical Approvals12:15 The Fall of Orban and the Silence of the Heterodox World17:09 The Hypocrisy of Peter Boghossian19:52 Dave Rubin and other Tenet Media Stooges21:43 The Dugin, Jiang and Sneako Brain Trust discuss the ultra-hyper-globalists.28:58 Trump attacks Alex Jones, Tucker Carlson, & Megyn Kelly32:39 A Return to Weinstein World33:00 Bret's Moon Landing Conspiracies39:03 Eric and his Silicon Friend are still having problems42:47 Hasan Piker Discourse54:33 The Radicalisation Funnel?01:00:14 Hasan on Ukraine01:03:21 Hasan doing China apologetics01:14:03 More Apologetics01:16:37 Hasan on the Vietnamese MAGA supporter01:23:41 What about Destiny?01:26:58 Yale is full of Snakes and Badgers01:33:17 Micro Looting from the Corporations01:41:36 Cenk Uyghur's Rent Gouging Credentials01:44:47 Social Murder and Selective "Understanding"01:54:26 Late-Stage Capitalist Anti-Capitalism 01:56:22 Tucker Carlson is Selling Russell Brand's Guide to Becoming a Christian02:00:33 Sean Hannity chooses Trump over his Catholicism02:04:18 Russell Brand and the spiritual marketplace02:05:48 Postmodern Conservatism02:07:28 Taking a Long View02:10:14 AI Bouldering Gym Cages02:11:30 Taylor Lorenz is making good points on Twitter!02:19:52 Taylor's controversial take: AI is useful02:21:36 Adam Conover engages in revisionist history on tech02:24:14 Rotary Telephones and Typewriter Experiences02:26:41 The Onion takeover of Infowars?02:31:28 Knowledge Fight's Concerns02:35:56 Jordan Peterson Health Update02:40:07 Endlessly Misdiagnosed by "Experts"02:44:32 The Dietary Cures02:47:20 Experimental Stem Cell Treatments02:50:04 Pageau blames Peterson's lack of faith03:00:14 Letting the Pressure Out03:01:07 Outro03:02:01 We Must Join with the MouldThe full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (3 hours, 3 minutes).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksJoe Rogan crowing about his role in the White House executive order on IbogaineFact Check of Rogan's claims on PolitiFactPancreatic cancer mRNA trial update: NBC report on six-year follow-upArticle on NIH grant cancellations/funding cuts at Washington PostAPHA release on lawsuit over politically driven grant terminationsBan on DEI words, including "polarization" by DOGEBBC Article on Orbán's lossBoghossian dodges criticism of Hungary in HardTalk interviewBoghossian avoids dealing with protests in HungaryDugin / Sneako / Professor Jiang interviewTrump attacks Alex Jones, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn KellyBret Weinstein's moon landing / Artemis clip highlighted by Bad StatsEric Weinstein's tweets on commercial AI and theoretical physicsTucker Carlson's promotion for Russell Brand's new Christian-themed bookEzra Klein on Hasan Piker: RealClearPolitics mirror of the New York Times columnConduit: I Spent ONE WEEK Watching Hasan Piker ‪, And This Is What I LearnedA generational divide over Trump among Vietnamese-Americans – BBC NewsHasan reacts to the Vietnamese-American documentaryTwitter Thread with most of the viral Hasan clipsNoahpinion: Hasan Piker is bad for the DemocratsHasan's Yale Debate on YouTubeYair Rosenberg's article on the Atlantic: The Problem With Hasan Piker's Einstein StoryNYT: ‘The Rich Don't Play by the Rules. So Why Should I?' Why petty theft might be the new political protest'LA Times article on the Onion's Infowars Takeover BidAlex Jones clip of him roaming shirtless and complaining about the OnionMikhaila Peterson: Jordan Peterson Health Update and Psych Med Injury DiscussionJonathan Pageau explains Jordan's illness is due to his refusal to submit to GodTaylor Lorenz being correct about the past promotion of technology productsTech Dirt article on the recent court decisions against Meta and YouTubeSean Hannity endorses Trump over his CatholicismTaylor Lorenz: The Truth About the Social Media Addiction Trial

Snyder has spent his career studying how democracies collapse — and how they fight back. He’s the Chair in Modern European History at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the bestselling author of On Tyranny and On Freedom, and he's also the writer behind the popular Substack newsletter Thinking About. In this conversation, Snyder uses Hungary's stunning election upset, in which opposition leader Péter Magyar defeated Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, as a roadmap for American democracy. He breaks down what made Magyar's campaign work, why protests matter even when they feel futile, and how the war with Iran could impact the upcoming elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air Date: 4/24/2026 Today we explore how Viktor Orban spent 16 years transforming Hungary into a blueprint for 21st-century autocracy, how that blueprint traveled directly to the United States and what Hungary's stunning defeat of Orban can teach Americans about fighting back against authoritarianism. Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! TOP TAKES KP 1: If Hungary Can Do It Part 1 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 4-16-26 KP 2: What Orban's Loss Means for Anti-Fascists; Iran's Endgame with Jason Stanley, Mohammad Ali Shabani Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-14-26 KP 3: Viktor Orbán Part 1 - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 3-30-26 KP 4: How Do Peter Magyar's Politics Differ From Orban's Right-wing Populism Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 4-13-26 KP 5: On Tyranny, Orbán, and Trump (with Timothy Snyder) Part 1 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 4-16-26 KP 6: They Actually Voted Him Out Part 1 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 4-16-26 KP 7: Viktor Orban's Loss in Hungary Gives Us the Roadmap to Destroy MAGA! - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 4-12-26 (00:48:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Trumpism Won't End With Trump, Here's What Comes Next DEEPER DIVES (00:56:57) SECTION A: ORIGINS (01:37:50) SECTION B: TACTICS (02:03:08) SECTION C: INTERNATIONAL SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of Hungary's out-going president Victor Orban standing with Trump in the White House while both display a thumbs-up. A "REJECTED" stamp is on Orban and a voting checkbox with an "X" in it is above him. A voting checkbox with a question mark in it is over Trump. Credit: Internal design. Component images: Pixabay Photo Credit: "President Victor Orban and President Trump", White House Instagram, Nov. 7, 2025 | Public Domain   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Distinguished Professor of Earth & Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Michael Mann expounds on hotter summers, double El Ninos, and a shrinking arctic as outlined in his latest work, "Science Under Siege." Also veteran war correspondent, Phil Ittner reports some good news from Kiev, Ukraine with the exit of Orban. Plus, From Surveillance State to Kill Machine: Has the Line Has Already Been Crossed? And Is Trump Really Dumping Our Afghan Allies in the Congo? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Wagner is back to speak with a former guest in Hungary about lessons Americans might take from the election defeat of Viktor Orbán that shocked the world. On the last episode of Trumpland, the team travelled to Budapest to try and learn why Donald Trump and American conservatives were so fixated on authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán's style of “illiberal democracy” as a possible blueprint for governance in the US. Wagner talked to Hungarians about how Orban had been so successful in consolidating power, how it had impacted everyday people, and what lessons Americans might learn about those who had been spent years resisting. Given Orban's monumental election defeat, we came back for a special bonus episode to speak with some of the Hungarians we met last year about what life has been like since election day and what comparisons might be made to political life right here in the US. Alex speaks with Hungarian MP Márton Tompos, who had previously led the opposition Momentum Party. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Eric Columbus, Molly Roberts, and Loren Voss to talk through a few of the week's big news stories, including:•“Meet Joe Flack.” The Justice Department's ongoing investigation into the alleged “grand conspiracy” against President Trump in relation to the 2016 elections and their aftermath has entered a new phase this week with the appointment of Joseph diGenova, a former Reagan-era U.S. Attorney and political commentator, as counselor to the Attorney General in charge of the investigation. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Justice Department may be preparing to bring charges against former CIA Director John Brennan, a vocal Trump critic, whom diGenova has previously called a “traitor” in interviews with Fox News, even after the career attorney previously in charge of the investigation withdrew. What should we make of diGenova's new role in this investigation? And how seriously should we take these attempts to prosecute Brennan and others allegedly involved in the “grand conspiracy”?•“No Occupation Without Representation.” A district court officially closed out Trump v. Illinois this week, that case that ultimately led the Supreme Court to invalidate the grounds on which the Trump administration had federalized and deployed national guard troops to several states last year over the objections of their governors. But while those deployments have ended, other deployments remain ongoing – including the more than 2,500 soldiers that are still on the streets of Washington, D.C., whose deployments are expected to last as long as 2029. What are the limits on these other forms of domestic deployment? And what space does Trump v. Illinois leave for the Trump administration to renew more aggressive deployments if it sees fit?•“Hungary for Change.” Last week, Hungary voted to end the sixteen year reign of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz Party, which have been frequently cited as models for President Trump and his MAGA movement. This was in spite of a last minute visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, which unsuccessfully sought to shore up support for Orban in the waning days of the campaign. How do we see Orban's defeat playing out in the U.S. as the conservative movement begins to think about what comes next after the Trump presidency?For object lessons, Eric recommended The Brick as a way to stop the noise of the internet from distracting you from your work (on your phone, at least). Molly showed off her matryoshka, or Russian nesting dolls, in celebration of the step back in Russian influence in Hungary. Scott celebrated in his own way, by recommending the new spy series Ponies, not so much for its authenticity, but for its incredibly stylish take on 1970s Moscow. And Loren recommended that D.C. locals stop by her favorite chai place, Afghan Chai in Dupont Circle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Orban's gang of Kremlin-paid criminals burn proof of their crimes, the new leadership in Hungary goes after their propaganda machine and GOP allies who used Hungarian taxpayer money to fund CPAC. This is against U.S. law. If America had a real DOJ and functional Congress, all Republican officials would be investigated for being foreign agents of Hungary and therefore Russia.  "Foreign governments are barred from spending money in American elections, and Americans are forbidden from soliciting or accepting it," wrote Rep. Mike Levin on Twitter (we will never call it X). "If these allegations are true, this is a direct attack on the integrity of American democracy…The American people deserve to know exactly what flowed from Orban's government into this country's political ecosystem, who was on the receiving end, and what it bought." As Gaslit Nation has long warned, Orban's regime was funneling money and instructions from Russia to MAGA world. The RussiaGate transnational crime network never stopped. The crime spree continues and has only grown stronger. We told you so!.  In this week's Gaslit Nation, we're re-running our interview with Peter Hidas, who as a young student helped ignite the 1956 Hungarian Uprising. Peter's story is a testament to what ordinary people can do when they refuse to bow to tyranny. The revolts that shook the Iron Curtain in 1956 laid the groundwork for the movements that would one day bring down the Soviet empire.  This week's bonus show, available to subscribers at the Truther-teller ($5/month) and higher, will look at the latest in U.S. politics, including the Virginia election results, and where we need to keep the pressure on. To our Patreon supporters, see you at Monday's salon. Thank you to everyone who supports our independent journalism–we could not make this show without you! The song featured in this week's episode is "Election Day" by The Spiders. Check out their music at thespidersband.com If you have a song to share on Gaslit Nation, submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-d_DWNnDQFYUMXueYcX5ZVsA5t2RN09N8PYUQQ8koq0/edit?ts=5fee07f6&gxids=7628  Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Discounted annual memberships are available. Become a Democracy Defender at Patreon.com/Gaslit EVENTS AT GASLIT NATION: Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community New! There's now a California Signal Group for Gaslit Nation listeners to find each other and connect in that state. Join on Patreon.  The Gaslit Nation Outreach Committee discusses how to talk to the MAGA cult. Join on Patreon.  Minnesota Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join on Patreon.  Vermont Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join on Patreon.  Arizona-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to connect. Join on Patreon.  Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join. Join on Patreon.  Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group on Patreon.  As always, keep it kind in our chat groups, extend grace and assume good faith. A culture of care is how we build a better world.  Show Notes: How to Overthrow a Dictator (Featuring the history of Andrea's father-in-law Mihai Sedaru Barbul) https://sites.libsyn.com/124622/how-to-overthrow-a-dictator  Viktor Orbán built a 'propaganda machine.' Hungary's next leader must dismantle it https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/19/europe/orban-propaganda-media-magyar-hungary-intl  Péter Magyar accuses outgoing foreign minister of destroying confidential documents https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/04/13/peter-magyar-accuses-outgoing-foreign-minister-of-destroying-confidential-documents Suppressed and 'spied on' under Orban — now the press can taste freedom https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/hungary-viktor-orban-press-freedom-magyar-vj9wb0lnp Orban supporters 'burn documents' as Russian allies face prosecution in Hungary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqqjAvcp4Q Trump Taps Palantir to Compile Data on Americans https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/technology/trump-palantir-data-americans.html Palentir lays the groundwork to justify genocide. Some animals are more equal than others. This is literally Orwell: https://bsky.app/profile/andreachalupa.bsky.social/post/3mjumz5lwk22h What can the West learn from Peter Magyar's victory in Hungary? https://theweek.com/world-news/trump-magyar-orban-hungary-maga-politics Videos Show Russian Youths Chant Anti-War Song in St. Petersburg https://www.newsweek.com/videos-russian-youths-chant-anti-war-song-st-petersburg-10883035  Hungary PM Orbán's advisor in hot water for saying resisting Russia is irresponsible https://www.euronews.com/2024/09/26/hungary-pm-orbans-advisor-in-hot-water-for-saying-resisting-russia-is-irresponsible 

Day 1,518.Today, after months of back-room negotiations, delays and doubts, we go live to Brussels as the EU finally approves the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. How significant is this decision for Kyiv's war effort – and what happens now that the funding is secured? We also report on the proposal of “Donnyland”, a suggested name for territory in Donbas Ukraine may dedicate to Donald Trump. Then we round up the latest headlines from Russia and Central Asia.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukraine to launch EU-funded weapons spending spree after Orban defeat (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/21/ukraine-to-spend-90bn-eu-windfall-on-patriots-and-storm-sha/ The Ukrainian negotiator who can silence Russia's guns with one call (Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/20/ukrainian-peacemaker-swapping-prisoners Ukraine proposes creating ‘Donnyland' to satisfy Trump (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/22/ukraine-proposes-creating-donnyland-to-satisfy-trump/ A banking crisis made in the Kremlin is gripping Russia (Melissa Lawford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/22/a-banking-crisis-made-in-the-kremlin-is-gripping-russia/ Putin closes major oil pipeline to Germany (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/04/22/putin-stokes-european-fuel-crisis-cutting-off-oil-germany/ Russian economy is faltering despite oil windfall, Sweden warns (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/04a9d05d-2502-44d4-b7e0-041aaa4f83cd?syn-25a6b1a6=1 ‘Donnyland'? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump's Honor (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/21/us/politics/donnyland-ukraine-donbas-trump.html Russia and North Korea Celebrate Joining of First Road Bridge (Moscow Times):https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/21/russia-and-north-korea-celebrate-joining-of-first-road-bridge-a92556 New biography on author Mikhail Bulgakov labeled under 'drug propaganda' law in Russia (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/amid-growing-censorship-laws-book-on-author-mikhail-bulgakov-labeled-drug-propaganda-in-russia/?mc_cid=9364e648a5&mc_eid=08d0680a95 EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS: EU approves €90 billion loan for Ukraine.A territory in the Donbas region of Ukraine may be named ‘Donnyland' in tribute to Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mona brings the Beg to Differ panel back for a reunion. They address Orban, Iran, Democrats, and Trump as Jesus—among much else.

Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for governor of California following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault. On this week's On the Media, how two social media stars worked to make these allegations public. Plus, what it will take for Hungary to rebuild a robust independent press after years of crackdowns under Orban.  [01:00] Brooke speaks with Melanie Mason, POLITICO's California Bureau Chief, to trace the “whisper network,” involving an education policy influencer with over 1.4 million followers, that exposed California Rep. Eric Swalwell's history of sexual assault and resulted in his resignation from Congress and exit from the California gubernatorial race. Plus, what this reckoning reveals about the legacy of #MeToo.   [18:33] Host Brooke Gladstone sat down with Ivan Nagy, a political journalist and Delacorte Fellow at the Columbia Journalism Review from Hungary, days before the Hungarian election to discuss covering the lead-up, and the lasting damage inflicted on the press by Viktor Orban that will inevitably carry over into the next administration.  [34:50] Brooke calls up Ivan Nagy again after Hungary's election last weekend to discuss what it was like on the ground in the aftermath of Peter Magyar's historic win over Viktor Orban, and what the new Prime Minister could mean for the media.  Further reading / watching: “‘If Someone Lit Up a Match, the Place Would Explode,'” by Ivan L. Nagy “The whisper network that caught up to Eric Swalwell,” by Melanie Mason and Jeremy White Hi On The Media listeners, we want to hear from you! Taking this podcast survey takes about 20 minutes and your feedback will help us make our podcast better! There are no wrong answers, just your honest take. Take the survey here (onthemedia.org/survey).On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

Hungary's autocratic creep was turned back at the ballot box last weekend, in a stark rebuke to the forces of illiberalism and to the American conservatives who invested so heavily in former Hungarian leader Viktor Orban's mission. It's good news. But it's not the end of the story. It behoves pro-democracy forces in the United States to move past the example of democratic resilience in Hungary to real, systemic change to the machinery of American democracy. On this week's Amicus podcast, Norm Eisen, former ambassador and current democracy warrior (as founder of www.democracydefendersfund.org), tells Dahlia Lithwick that America's response to Trumpism starts with protecting the rule of law, safeguarding elections, and strangling corruption—the three pillars of a genuine democratic recovery. The key isn't just fixing courts or passing reforms—it's about building a democratic coalition based on simple, clear issues. As Democrats dare to dream of what may be possible in a post-Trump America, it's time to start making concrete, workable plans. This week's show highlights the roadmap out of autocracy, through coalitions, court reform, and corruption-busting. Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hungary's autocratic creep was turned back at the ballot box last weekend, in a stark rebuke to the forces of illiberalism and to the American conservatives who invested so heavily in former Hungarian leader Viktor Orban's mission. It's good news. But it's not the end of the story. It behoves pro-democracy forces in the United States to move past the example of democratic resilience in Hungary to real, systemic change to the machinery of American democracy. On this week's Amicus podcast, Norm Eisen, former ambassador and current democracy warrior (as founder of www.democracydefendersfund.org), tells Dahlia Lithwick that America's response to Trumpism starts with protecting the rule of law, safeguarding elections, and strangling corruption—the three pillars of a genuine democratic recovery. The key isn't just fixing courts or passing reforms—it's about building a democratic coalition based on simple, clear issues. As Democrats dare to dream of what may be possible in a post-Trump America, it's time to start making concrete, workable plans. This week's show highlights the roadmap out of autocracy, through coalitions, court reform, and corruption-busting. Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 14, 2026; Hungary's Viktor Orban has long been admired by allies of President Donald Trump, with Steve Bannon saying today that MAGA should reflect on this moment as a “warning flare.”Nicolle Wallace unpacks with Tim Miller, Miles Taylor, Marc Elias and Mara Gay.  For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kara and Scott break down Trump lashing out against the Pope and right-wing media figures, and his next moves for Iran after peace talks fail. Then, Viktor Orban loses in Hungary, and his concession is a surprising win for democracy. Plus, Eric Swalwell drops out of the California governor's race and Congress, Scott Bessent warns banks about Anthropic's Mythos model, and Hollywood heavyweights push back on the Paramount–Warner Bros. deal.Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠.Follow us on Bluesky at ⁠⁠@pivotpod.bsky.social⁠⁠Follow us on TikTok at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcast⁠⁠.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to The Majority Report   On today's program:   JD Vance suggests that the U.S. is willing to engage in "economic terrorism" against Iranians. As if we haven't been doing that for years through sanctions.   Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) is asked on Newsmax how long he thinks Americans will be willing to pay higher energy costs as a result of this war in Iran. Marshall answers, "can you imagine in World War 2 telling the president you only have so many days to kill Hitler".   Jason Stanley, professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto and publisher of the Front Left Newsletter on Substack, joins the program to discuss Viktor Orban's election loss and what it means for anti-fascists globally.   Mohammad Ali Shabani, editor of Amwaj.media joins the program to discuss the failed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and what could come next.   In the Fun Half:   Harry Enten presents polling showing massive collapse in Trump's core demographic - non-college educated whites.   Emma takes a deep dive into the Door Dash Grandma saga. TLDR Door Dash and the Trump team send a GOP operative to deliver the president some McDonald's in a stunt that falls very flat.   Dr. Oz tells Don, Jr. about Trump's belief that Diet Coke kills cancer cells. Where did Trump get this notion? Well, because Diet Coke kills grass so obviously it kills cancer cells.   Scott Wiener, candidate for Nancy Pelosi's seat in California's 11th district, is a tall glass of disappointment as he tries to manipulate people into thinking that he is not accepting AIPAC and AIPAC-aligned donations.   all that and more   To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: DELETEME: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/MAJORITY and use promo code MAJORITY at checkout. SUNSET LAKE: use coupon code 420 to save 30% sitewide at sunsetlakecbd.com The sale ends April 22nd at midnight Eastern time. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com

Talks bomb, blockade begins, Orban concedes, and Swalwell thrown under the bus. Plus, the Message of the Day, the Mullahs of Iran are evil.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicolle Wallace covers far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's stunning loss to his opponent Péter Magyar in the most recent Parliamentary elections. Orban's loss is a stunning rebuke of authoritarianism on a global scale. Later, Nicolle covers the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Rep. Eric Swalwell of California by his former staffers. In the wake of these allegations, Swalwell has suspended his campaign for Governor of California. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh To listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SEASON 4 EPISODE 78: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (2:30) BREAKING: Trump attacks and threatens Pope Leo in insane online rant, criticizing him for being opposed to Nuclear Weapons. Then in an in-person interview upon his return to Joint Base Andrews tonight insists Pope Leo was wrong to SUPPORT Nuclear Weapons. Trump then posts an image of himself dressed in Jesus-like attire apparently healing a hospital patient. No comment yet from the world's 1,200,000,000 Catholics. (8:30) SPECIAL COMMENT: I know, I know, lots of stuff just happened: Orban topples in Hungary, Vance beclowns himself there and in talks with Iran, Trump basically ends the ceasefire and threatens war against EVERY country in the world if they send a ship through the strait of Hormuz, the Houthis are trying to blockade the OTHER shipping bottle-neck there, Trump caught staring at cleavage at the cage fighting in Miami, Swalwell self-defenestrating. But I'll stick to this: The Melania Trump speech about Epstein was the single most important public statement by anybody connected to Trump in the last decade. She, personally, out of nowhere, moved the Epstein story back to center stage. A month of world-shaking cataclysm by her husband to bury the Epstein story and HIS COVER-UP OF IT and in 535 words she undid all that. And the thing that will keep this story alive for months: NONE of her words were in defense of her husband. She never said WE are innocent. She said I am innocent. She said it TWENTY FOUR TIMES. Her speech could’ve been only FIVE words long. Five words that may end the Trump presidency: I’M not taking the fall. PLUS: No, Swalwell isn't the victim and the allegations aren't anonymous and this isn't a Roger Stone set-up. He just knew there was a story, the way in 2017 I knew there was a story that would end up getting Matt Lauer fired from NBC and I knew it six days before Lauer knew it. That "B" follows "A" does not mean "A" caused "B." B-Block (42:00) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Chuck Todd blames Trump's pardons on Biden because Chuck Todd Disease. The Financial Times with one of the great corrections of our time. The banner if not the roof falls in on Gov. Shapiro. And what exactly are Kalshi, pro golf, and golfer Bryson deChambeau trying to sell in a commercial that ends with deChambeau evidently moving to a crashed UFO to beat an injured extraterrestrial to death with some golf clubs? C-Block (56:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: My greatest sports record fell last night. It was 21 years and two months between episodes of ESPN's SportsCenter that I anchored. My old friend Rich Eisen has now made it 23 years. A good time to describe the Rip Van Winkle effect, and the bizarre stories about my goin' back to Bristol, Bristol, Bristol, in 2005, 2013, and 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gaslit Nation presents an Instagram Live discussion recorded over the weekend with the acclaimed illustrator Brahm Revel, the artist of Mrs. Orwell. Brahm is based in Barcelona, where Eileen and Eric Blair (aka George Orwell), spent their honeymoon fighting fascists in the Spanish Civil War. Eileen was holed up in the Hotel Continental, which still exists, where Stalin's agents searched her hotel room, stealing Orwell's Spain diaries and other papers, which are believed to be somewhere in Moscow to this day. We're celebrating freedom fighters, past and present, tonight at Powerhouse Arena in DUMBO, Brooklyn at 7pm ET, for the launch of Mrs. Orwell. Patreon supporters get in free! Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman will be there, and so will the good folks of Razom for Ukraine and the Media and Democracy Project, co-sponsors of the event, because the Orwells would have been fans. So come and get a Mrs. Orwell tote bag, meet other Gaslit Nation listeners, and celebrate the defeat of Orban, MAGA, and the Kremlin in Hungary.  Enjoy this conversation with Brahm about the creative process that went into the making of Mrs. Orwell and why the story matters for us today, in an age that needs our own creativity and defiance. Today's Gaslit Nation Salon is still on for today at 4pm so join us via the link posted on Patreon.com/Gaslit!  Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Discounted annual memberships are available. Become a Democracy Defender at Patreon.com/Gaslit

It's a News Day Monday on The Majority Report   On today's program:   Trump, Vance and the right-wing media orbit suffers a humiliation after Viktor Orban loses his re-election bid in Hungary. Trump spends the weekend attending cage fights and posting repeatedly on Truth Social, including an attack on Pope Leo, whom he calls "soft on crime." He also shares an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ healing someone. After facing backlash from Christians, Trump claims he thinks he is portrayed as a doctor because "he makes people feel better." To reinforce that point, he then presents a woman whose husband is undergoing cancer treatment, claiming the president is covering the cost. Harry Enten presents polling showing that JD Vance's net popularity is cratering and that American's feel like the administration is too focused on foreign affairs.   Maria Bartiromo asks Trump if he believes that gas and oil prices will come down before the midterms to which Trump answers with "I think so, could be the same, maybe even higher".   Senator John Barrasso claims that Democrats like higher gas prices because it fits their radical climate agenda.   In the Fun Half:   New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers his 100-days-in-office address, invoking FDR's first 100 days. In the speech, he announces five city-run grocery stores, faster buses, and a plan to containerize all trash across the city.   Dave Rubin tries to attack Mamdani on his tax and childcare plans by using outdated footage out-of-context in a lazy segment that falls flat on his face.   Fox News' Griff Jenkins has come up with his own anagram as a rebuttal to Taco Trump. NACHO - Never Avoiding Confronting Hard Obstacles. Good job, buddy!   Representative Eric Swalwell has is accused of sexual assault by multiple women and has dropped out of the Governor's race and may face expulsion from Congress.   all that and more   To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: FACTOR MEALS: Go to FactorMeals.com/majority50off and use code majority50off to get 50% off SMALLS: get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/MAJORITY SUNSET LAKE: use coupon code 420 to save 30% sitewide at sunsetlakecbd.com The sale ends April 22nd at midnight Eastern time. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of both President Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, conceded defeat in an historic election in Hungary. The results of the vote will have far reaching consequences, potentially reshaping the central European country's relationship with the EU and laying bare the weaknesses of Orban's style of far-right, nationalist populism.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, Mate Halmos and Daniel Ofman.It was edited by Sarah Robbins.Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has led Hungary for the past 16 years, the longest-serving leader in the European Union. He has systematically brought the institutions of Hungary under centralized state control, from the courts and the press to the education system, gutting the democratic checks to his power. But political upstart Peter Magyar, head of the opposition party, is currently beating Orbán in the polls. Brooke sits down with Ivan Nagy, reporter for the Columbia Journalism Review, to discuss covering the campaigns, what new leadership would mean for the nation's media, and the lasting damage done to journalism in Hungary, whether Orbán wins or loses.   On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.