Podcasts about super pacs

Two genuinely ridiculous things crossed Hawk's desk today, and they rhyme. First, The Atlantic reports that with his approval parked in the low thirties, the president sat his advisors down to figure out how to spend a roughly $400 million super PAC war chest, and the master plan they landed on is more of himself. The diagnosis from his own team is that voters just haven't been properly introduced to his accomplishments yet, which is a bold thing to say about the most photographed man alive. The cure is ads. About him. Problem solved. Then there's the convention. Parties hold conventions in presidential years. Everybody knows this except, apparently, the people planning a two night Trump convention in Dallas on September 9th and 10th, keynote speaker both nights, him. It lands on NFL opening night, which is a fight with the NFL that the NFL does not know it is in and will win anyway. And the cover charge is the punchline: House candidates reportedly pay their own super PAC to walk in, tiered all the way up to a six figure package Hawk reads out with the delight it deserves. His take, more or less: if you were trying to lose on purpose, it would look a lot like this. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., beat back a close challenge from Rep. Ralph Norman to win her GOP Senate primary runoff. We look at the race, and how MAGA, Inc., a super PAC affiliated with President Trump, spent big to get her over the finish line.Then, a look at the Social Security trust fund. The mechanism funding Social Security is running out of money, and potential solutions aren't popular. How might Congress fix it?This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks and Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.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

As the Strait of Hormuz closure pushes US petrol prices past $4 a gallon and Donald Trump's approval ratings hit rock bottom, the Republicans are increasingly worried the Iran war could create a “bloodbath” in the midterms. In this bonus episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer to look at five ways the Middle East conflict is actively reshaping domestic US politics, from the economy to splits in the Democrats and Republicans to record spending pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC. Could Trump lose the House of Representatives because of the war?Plus, how the November US midterm elections work, what's a Super PAC, and the key primary races you need to know about. HighlightsWhy Trump could lose the House over the Iran war‘It could be a bloodbath for the Republicans'CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Joleen Goffin and David DargahiVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democracy won't be saved by outrage alone—it will be saved by people who turn anger into organized, sustained action.In this August 10 BigTentUSA Substack Live, The Lincoln Project's Rick Wilson and The Existentialist Republic's Christopher Armitage argued that the fight ahead requires moving from emotional reaction to practical, repeatable civic engagement.Wilson emphasized the stakes of the 2026 midterms, arguing that a decisive electoral victory could help rebuild democratic institutions and limit attempts to undermine election results. He urged Democrats to stay focused on voters' top concerns—prices, inflation, jobs, the economy, and corruption—and to make the case for change clearly and consistently.Armitage focused on the mechanics of authoritarianism, including misinformation, information overload, and efforts to make people feel powerless. Rather than dismissing or insulting people who believe misinformation, he encouraged asking questions that prompt them to examine where their beliefs come from.Both speakers stressed the importance of grassroots organizing, especially at the state and local level. They called for sustained pressure on elected officials, stronger protection of voting rights, and participation in every election—not just presidential races. The central message was simple: meaningful change comes from millions of people taking small, concrete actions consistently. The goal isn't just to resist—it's to organize, act, and win.Actionable items mentioned:* Vote in every election, including midterms and local races such as county commissions and city councils.* If you encounter a problem voting, request a provisional ballot.* Contact state officials—particularly governors, attorneys general, and secretaries of state—to urge them to prepare for potential federal intervention or unlawful actions affecting elections.* Write letters and make calls to elected officials, including officials who may not share your political affiliation.* Pressure local and state-level officials with specific, concrete demands.* Challenge misinformation through questions, such as asking where someone heard a claim, why they believe it, and what led them to that conclusion.* Take small civic actions consistently rather than waiting for a major moment—actions should be manageable enough to do regularly, even during a morning coffee.* Focus grassroots organizing on lower-level political offices and races, where sustained public pressure can have an impact.* Keep the 2026 midterms front and center, with a focus on building a large enough electoral victory to protect democratic institutions and democratic outcomes.Learn more about The Lincoln Project:https://lincolnproject.us/Check out Rick's Substack:https://substack.com/@therickwilson Explore “The Existentialist Republic” newsletter:https://cmarmitage.substack.com/ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Christopher Armitage is a former law enforcement officer with a background in national security. He now works as a public policy analyst, anti-authoritarian activist, and journalist. His work has been cited by Mother Jones, the Brookings Institute, and Thom Hartman.Founder of The Lincoln Project, Rick Wilson is a renowned political strategist, an award-winning ad-maker and podcast host, writer, speaker, and political commentator who appears on MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, NPR, Real Time with Bill Maher, and various American and international news outlets. A 30-year veteran of national Republican politics, Rick got his start in the 1988 Presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush and has produced groundbreaking and award-winning political advertising, strategic counsel to winning political candidates, SuperPACs, state parties, the national campaign committees, and corporate, association, and government clients across the nation and around the world. Rick has authored two New York Times bestsellers – “Everything Trump Touches Dies” and “Running Against The Devil – A Plot To Save America from Trump And Democrats From Themselves” – and often writes for the Byline Times, The Washington Post, Politico, Rolling Stone, The Hill, The Bulwark, and The London Spectator. Rick's podcast also won the Best Political Podcast award at this year's prestigious Webby Awards. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bigtentnews.substack.com

The second one borrows from 1964. The original Daisy ad ran exactly once, cast Barry Goldwater as a threat to American children, and closed with Lyndon Johnson's line about loving each other or dying. Johnson won in a landslide and the spot became the most famous attack ad in American political history. In the remake, the girl picking daisies is regenerated with AI and placed on an operating table in front of a synthetic Talarico while a narrator lists procedures. Talarico's campaign says he has never supported gender reassignment surgery for minors and calls the ad a lie. The reported buy is 10 million dollars. Hawk's point is that none of this is a policy argument. It is a bet on whether voters can tell a fabricated video from a real one. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, and his own party's establishment spent roughly $83 per vote trying to stop him. Haley Stevens had the governor, Jim Clyburn, AIPAC money, and most of the state's Democratic leadership behind her. She lost anyway. Peter Schweizer and Eric Eggers go through what that result says about where the Democratic Party is headed. The DSA is 85 percent white and 4 percent black by its own membership surveys, a black-led advocacy group put $2 million into ads warning that its agenda threatens decades of progress built by black Americans, and one third of Democratic voters now tell CNN they identify as Democratic socialists. The DNC is carrying debt and borrowed against its own headquarters while left wing superPACs stay flush with Soros money. Schweizer's read: nobody in the party is going to confront the socialists, because Democrats cannot retake the Senate in November without holding that Michigan seat. 00:00 A socialist wins Michigan and the party has to live with it 00:55 The first DSA statewide win outside New York and California 02:17 $83 a vote for Stevens, $40 a vote for El-Sayed, and she still lost 02:58 Why there will be no Sister Souljah moment this time 04:22 The Teamsters are gone and the unions that replaced them are left wing 07:39 Elite overproduction and the $150,000 comparative lit degree 09:48 The DSA is 85% white, 4% black, and losing black voters 12:00 Clarence Thomas on who hands out your rights 15:02 The DNC is broke while the left wing superPACs are flush 17:43 The 2028 calendar, the Michigan AG, and a cider house that apologized The Drill Down is the flagship podcast channel of the Government Accountability Institute. 

Senate Leadership Fund's Alex Latcham joined Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the Punchbowl News Townhouse to break down midterm spending strategy across key states, the SAVE America Act and MUCH more! Stick around for Igor Bobic of NOTUS and our own Andrew Desiderio on That's Not Gonna Fly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**What will decide the battle for the U.S. Senate in 2026?** Just months ago, most political analysts thought Democrats had almost no realistic path to winning back the Senate. Today, the map looks dramatically different.In this episode of **Worth Knowing**, Matt Robison is joined by **Lauren French**, Communications Director for Senate Majority PAC, for an inside look at how Democrats believe the battlefield has shifted—and what they're seeing in polling and internal data that the public hasn't yet seen. Later, former Congressman **Paul Hodes** joins to break down the critical Maine Senate race and whether Susan Collins is more vulnerable than ever.**Topics include:*** Why Democrats suddenly have multiple paths to a Senate majority* Which Senate races are moving toward Democrats* North Carolina, Maine, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Texas, Alaska, and more* Why affordability—not democracy—is the centerpiece of Democratic messaging* The latest on Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in Maine* How fundraising, Super PACs, and campaign strategy could shape the outcome* Whether Democratic momentum is real—or another political mirageIf you're looking for a serious, data-driven discussion of the 2026 Senate map, this conversation goes far beyond the daily headlines.**Chapters**00:00 Can Democrats really win the Senate?03:00 Lauren French joins the show04:00 Why the Senate map has changed07:00 The Super PAC debate09:00 Fundraising and Democratic strategy14:00 Why affordability is the winning message19:00 Race-by-race Senate outlook20:00 North Carolina22:00 Maine and Susan Collins25:00 Georgia and Jon Ossoff28:00 Paul Hodes joins30:00 The state of the Maine race36:00 Republican attacks on Troy Jackson40:00 Can those attacks work?43:00 Progressives, Democrats, and electability49:00 Money, Leonard Leo, and outside groups52:00 The Democratic coalition going forwardSubscribe for in-depth political analysis, interviews, and reporting that goes beyond partisan talking points.

Hawk pushes back on how that gap is being framed. The headline 510 million Republican figure folds in the roughly 400 million sitting in Donald Trump's personal super PAC, money Hawk notes Trump has not spent to help a single Republican candidate this cycle. Set that aside, he argues, and the comparison looks very different. He also explains why so many Democratic donors abandoned the DNC after 2016, when hacked emails revealed the committee favoring Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders, and why small-dollar donors now give directly to candidates instead. From there Hawk covers a New York Times report describing Martin as isolated and struggling, the botched 2024 autopsy report and the rough Jon Favreau interview that followed, the fight over moving South Carolina to the front of the primary calendar, and James Carville floating David Hogg as a replacement. His bottom line: the DNC is a mess, but the candidates are funded and positioned to retake the House. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Episode 52: Dinner Table Action, et al. v. Schneider, et al.Dinner Table Action, et al. v. Schneider, et al. argued before Judges Lara E. Montecalvo, O. Rogeriee Thompson, and Seth R. Aframe of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on July 29, 2026. Argued by Charles “Chip” Miller (on behalf of Dinner Table Action) and Neal Katyal (on behalf of Equal Citizens) and Jonathan Bolton (on behalf of the State of Maine). Case Summary, from the Institute for Free Speech case page: A federal lawsuit seeks to stop a 2024 ballot initiative from placing limits on Mainers' free speech rights. The suit challenges Maine's newly enacted restrictions on contributions to independent expenditure groups, sometimes called “Super PACs.” The lawsuit also challenges requirements that force the disclosure of all donors who contribute toward independent expenditures, regardless of amount. Question 1, passed by voters in 2024, imposes a $5,000 limit on contributions to such groups. The measure, also known as the “Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures,” contradicts established U.S. Supreme Court precedent, as well as numerous subsequent decisions by multiple federal courts of appeal. Thirty federal appellate judges have considered such limits, and all reached the same conclusion: contribution limits cannot be applied to independent expenditure groups. Meanwhile, the law's broad disclosure requirement threatens to chill the speech and damage the associational rights of donors who wish to maintain their privacy when participating in the political process. Under current law, donors contributing less than $50 to candidates or political committees can do so without public disclosure of their identity. The new law would force disclosure of all contributors to independent expenditures, regardless of amount, a change that multiple donors have specifically told the plaintiffs would stop them from participating in the political process. Statement of Issues, from Plaintiffs-Appellees' Response Brief: Whether the First Amendment bars Maine from infringing political speech rights by limiting independent donations for independent expenditures. Whether Maine can require disclosure of small dollar donors who donate towards independent expenditures. Resources: Institute for Free Speech case page (includes all filings) Opening Brief for Defendants-Appellants Equal Citizens, Cara Mccormick, Peter Mccormick, Richard A. Bennett Plaintiffs-Appellees' Response Brief Reply Brief for Defendants-Appellants Equal Citizens, Cara Mccormick, Peter Mccormick, Richard A. Bennett District Court Order The Institute for Free Speech promotes and defends the political speech rights to freely speak, assemble, publish, and petition the government guaranteed by the First Amendment. If you're enjoying the Free Speech Arguments podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform. To support the Institute's mission or inquire about legal assistance, please visit our website: www.ifs.org

Today: Legalize Democracy confronts corporate power, Trump's LNG exports threaten higher bills, and El-Sayed says $60 million in outside money exposes Stevens' electability claim.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Thank you Jason Gael, MLR, Marg KJ, Margaret Vorih, Lisa GK, and many others for tuning into my live video! * “Legalize Democracy” A Move To Amend Mini-Documentary (VIDEO): Legalize Democracy is a must-see 30-minute documentary. It is fast-paced, informational, and action-oriented. This documentary is a great tool for folks looking to get involved in grassroots movements … To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com

미국 정치, 선거를 "쩐의 전쟁"으로 부르는 건 이제 다소 식상한 표현이 됐을 만큼 다들 익숙하실 겁니다. 후보자 개인이나 정당을 위해 돈을 모으고 이를 광고 등에 지출하는 조직을 정치행동위원회(Political Action Committee), 줄여서 팩(PAC)이라고 하는데, 이 앞에 뭔가 거대한 것인 느낌을 주는 슈퍼를 붙인 슈퍼팩이란 말 미국 정치를 소개하는 기사에서 많이 들어보셨을 겁니다. 정치자금과 슈퍼팩은 이번 중간선거를 앞두고도 어김없이 쟁점이 됐는데요, 지난달 말 "정당이 후보 캠프와 조율해서 사용하는 자금의 지출도 제한할 수 없다"는 대법원판결이 또 한 번 논란에 불을 지폈습니다. 정치에 돈이 더 많이, 더 널리, 무제한에 가깝게 쓰이면 민주주의에 어떤 영향을 끼칠까요? 미국 정치자금법과 관련 규제, 이를 둘러싼 찬반 의견을 자세히 짚었습니다.

Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig joined Bradley for a live event last month at P&T Knitwear, co-hosted by Teddy Himler of Optimist Ventures, about the two most fundamental threats to American democracy and what to do about them. Lessig, founder of EqualCitizens.US and author of numerous books on copyright, technology, and political corruption, makes a surprisingly hopeful case that Super PACs can and will be ended without overturning Citizens United. Bradley makes his argument for mobile voting as the only scalable fix for low-turnout primaries that boost extremists in both parties. The two agree on a particular culprit — an engagement-based media economy that profits from turning Americans into "ignorant people who hate each other." Lessig offers the Titanic as a useful metaphor: If there's "a gash in the hull," don't waste your time clearing ice off the deck. This is a full-blown emergency and we need lifeboats.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City's only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today's episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack.

The Secret Court Case That Could Destroy Super PACs ForeverSUPPORT MY WORK: Buy a paid subscription to my newsletter at https://www.usermag.co   Support my work on Patreon: http://patreon.com/taylorlorenz      You've been told that Citizens United created Super PACs… but that's not the full story. In this episode of Free Speech Friday, Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig reveals the obscure lower court ruling (SpeechNow v. FEC) that actually unleashed unlimited billionaire money into American elections, and the groundbreaking legal strategy that could end Super PACs by 2028 WITHOUT overturning Citizens United.Backed by an unlikely coalition including Mark Cuban and Reid Hoffman, Lessig and his group Equal Citizens helped Maine voters pass a historic ballot initiative banning Super PAC contributions. Now the case is headed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals on July 29, with famed Supreme Court litigator Neal Katyal arguing that nothing in the Constitution protects billionaires' "right" to buy elections. If the appeal succeeds, this case could reach the Supreme Court by 2027 and revive existing federal limits on campaign contributions nationwide.We break down: ▶ Why SpeechNow v. FEC — not Citizens United — created the Super PAC system ▶ How the Menendez bribery indictment exposed the "no quid pro quo" myth ▶ The originalist argument designed to win over conservative justices ▶ Billionaire outside spending's explosion from 0.3% to 19% of election money ▶ The AI Super PAC trying to block Congress from regulating artificial intelligence ▶ Why an Article V constitutional convention may be the backup plan ▶ What happens if the First Circuit rules on July 29, and the road to SCOTUSIf you care about money in politics, campaign finance reform, and getting billionaire money out of elections, this is the most important legal fight you've never heard of.

The polling is the throughline. A new American Research Group poll puts Trump's approval at 30 percent against 67 percent disapproval, below the mark where George W. Bush left office, while the Iran war itself draws just 29 percent approval. Hawk pairs that with a rising US service member death toll, now four killed at a base in Jordan, and Jason Crow's blunt assessment that Americans are done with endless Middle East conflict. From there Hawk moves fast through the day's stories: a measles case count surging past 2,295, the highest in 35 years, Trump's super PAC reportedly hoarding 400 million while not funding GOP candidates, new tariffs on Canada and generic drugs, Medicaid payments cut to California and Minnesota, cabinet members joining TikTok, Andy Biggs winning the Arizona GOP nomination, and plans for Lindsey Graham to lie in state. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

An explosive inside account of how the Democratic establishment used every weapon in its arsenal to subvert the will of the people and stop Bernie Sanders's presidential bid in 2016-told by his chief strategist who witnessed it all firsthand.One question haunted the American left after the 2016 election: how could a grassroots movement that drew massive crowds and shattered fundraising records fail? The answer exposes fundamental flaws in American democracy itself.In How the Democrats Screwed Bernie, Sanders's chief strategist in the 2016 Democratic primary unravels how the "Clinton Machine"-a network of operatives, Super PACs, and media allies-in consort with the Democratic National Committee deployed dark money and dirty tricks to stop a wildly popular outsider candidate. A candidate who may well have been the peoples' choice and defeated Donald Trump.You'll discover how deeply the entrenched Democratic establishment orchestrated opposition research campaigns, the true story behind the voter file crisis that nearly derailed the campaign, and why primary rules are deliberately structured to favor insiders over often more compelling outsiders.This isn't just another campaign memoir. Nor is it just a reflection on the doomed Sanders's candidacy ten years hence. It is a cautionary tale about a crisis in American democracy that is becoming more urgent by the day. As voters grapple with growing distrust of political institutions, How the Democrats Screwed Bernie reveals how our democratic processes really work, how they can be manipulated by those with enough money to game the system, and how the people can make their voices heard again.This is the story the Democratic establishment doesn't want you to read.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

One of the biggest stories in the 2026 Michigan Democratic Senate primary isn't just the candidates—it's the money. AIPAC's affiliated Super PAC, United Democracy Project, has poured more than $10 million into the race backing Representative Haley Stevens, part of a broader wave of outside spending that has topped $40 million. The spending has far outpaced support for her opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, and has reignited debate over the influence of Super PACs and pro-Israel advocacy groups in Democratic primaries, especially when candidates are critical of Israeli government policy.

This week, the team discusses the details behind Apple suing OpenAI over alleged stolen hardware secrets. And the company's headaches don't stop there — a group of OpenAI employees just started a Super PAC to advocate for stronger AI guardrails. Plus, they discuss New York's first-in-the-nation data center moratorium and how the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is not telling how they used AI to shape housing policy. Later in the show, WIRED's Emily Mullin explaisn the cyclosporiasis outbreak spreading across the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An explosive inside account of how the Democratic establishment used every weapon in its arsenal to subvert the will of the people and stop Bernie Sanders's presidential bid in 2016-told by his chief strategist who witnessed it all firsthand.One question haunted the American left after the 2016 election: how could a grassroots movement that drew massive crowds and shattered fundraising records fail? The answer exposes fundamental flaws in American democracy itself.In How the Democrats Screwed Bernie, Sanders's chief strategist in the 2016 Democratic primary unravels how the "Clinton Machine"-a network of operatives, Super PACs, and media allies-in consort with the Democratic National Committee deployed dark money and dirty tricks to stop a wildly popular outsider candidate. A candidate who may well have been the peoples' choice and defeated Donald Trump.You'll discover how deeply the entrenched Democratic establishment orchestrated opposition research campaigns, the true story behind the voter file crisis that nearly derailed the campaign, and why primary rules are deliberately structured to favor insiders over often more compelling outsiders.This isn't just another campaign memoir. Nor is it just a reflection on the doomed Sanders's candidacy ten years hence. It is a cautionary tale about a crisis in American democracy that is becoming more urgent by the day. As voters grapple with growing distrust of political institutions, How the Democrats Screwed Bernie reveals how our democratic processes really work, how they can be manipulated by those with enough money to game the system, and how the people can make their voices heard again.This is the story the Democratic establishment doesn't want you to read.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Campaign donation limits look strict. Super PACs can make those limits feel almost meaningless. James Harrigan and Antony Davies join Josh Martens to debate who really controls American elections: donors, politicians, parties, or voters. How much does it cost to win a House or Senate seat? The Words and Numbers hosts explain individual contribution limits, candidate committees, political action committees, independent expenditures, and the unlimited spending available through super PACs. The conversation examines campaign finance, political incentives, the Thomas Massie race, outside spending, foreign influence, publicly funded elections, mandatory voting, gerrymandering, the Republican and Democratic duopoly, and the direct election of senators. The uncomfortable conclusion might be that campaign money is only a symptom. When government has enough power to sell favors, people will spend enormous amounts trying to control it. https://x.com/antonydavies https://x.com/JamesRHarrigan https://wordsandnumbers.org/ Chapters 00:00 James Harrigan and Antony Davies Join GML 02:00 The Thomas Massie Race and Outside Spending 03:30 What American Elections Really Cost 05:45 Campaign Money, Speech, and Property Rights 07:15 Are Voters Responsible for Selling Their Votes? 10:15 Unlimited Government and the Rise of Oligarchy 13:00 Donation Limits and the Super PAC Loophole 18:15 Political Spoils, Corporations, and Union Money 22:45 Libertarians Debate Public Election Funding 27:30 The Massie Race and Foreign Influence 31:15 Stupid Voters, Mandatory Voting, and the Party Duopoly 42:00 One Change That Could Fix American Elections Links Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ https://www.goodmorningliberty.us/fedhatersclub Join GML: https://joingml.com [Martens Minute]: https://martensminute.podbean.com/ All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe to Good Morning Liberty, like the video, and tell us who deserves more blame: donors, politicians, or voters. Share this conversation with someone who thinks contribution limits solved campaign finance. Please also leave GML a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Produced by KSQD 90.7, 89.5 & 89.7FM“Be Bold America!” Live InterviewAired Friday, July 3, 2026 at 5:00pm (PT)Times have changed! 45% of today's voters identify as political independents. They are rejecting rigid opinions. Now, there is a non-partisan reform organization who are advancing fair participation for independent-minded voters.The Independent Voter Project (IVP) is focused on three reforms:• Open primaries for every voter! Over 26 million Americans are locked out of primary elections simply because they refuse to join a political party. The independent Voter Project is leading the fight to change that. • Improve better representation with More Choice Voting! When elections offer only two viable choices; voters settle. More Choice Voting advances reforms that expand the field, increase competition, and force candidates to earn broader support. • End Super PACs! 74.9% of Maine voters said yes to capping Super PAC donations at $5000. Now, IVP is defending that law in court – and building the legal framework to take the fight to all 50 states.IVP's legal work is the engine behind every reform they pursue. They author legislation, build the constitutional framework, and defend it in court. Their track record isn't theoretical – it's precedent. IVP's litigation record, spans, offense and defense – from federal district courts to the US Supreme Court. Interview Guest: S. Chad Peace is an attorney, media executive, and election reform advocate based in San Diego. He is the founder of IVC Media, a digital strategy and public affairs firm working with corporate, nonprofit, and political clients, and a partner at Peace & Shea LLP, where his legal work focuses on election law and voter participation. Chad has been involved in national and state efforts to expand access for independent voters, including litigation, ballot initiatives, and public education. He is a frequent commentator on election reform and political systems and co-hosts the Independent Voter Podcast. View Chad Peace's interview on ABC News!

“America has a rigged economy held in place by a corrupt system of campaign finance.” — the message Tad Devine and Ben Tulchin developed for Bernie Sanders, which tested highest in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2015 How the Democrats Screwed Bernie. It could have been coined by Donald Trump. That was Tad Devine's first objection when his editor floated it. But as Devine, Bernie Sanders' chief strategist on his 2016 Presidential campaign, worked on the book about the 2016 campaign, he realised it most accurately expressed how he felt about what actually happened. And so the new tell-all — the inside account of the historic Sanders campaign — is, indeed, entitled How the Democrats Screwed Bernie. Devine was never an outsider. He worked on Al Gore's 2000 and John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaigns. He first met Bernie Sanders in 1996, when Peter DeFazio — the Oregon congressman for whom Devine and his partner Mike Donilon had just run a near-miraculous campaign — suggested they meet. Sanders had almost lost his House seat in 1994. Devine's campaign won it back by 26 points. Ten years later, Devine ran Sanders' successful Senate campaign against a free-spending billionaire. They won by 30 points. Devine schooled Bernie in the insider-politics of the Democratic party. But he didn't transform him into an insider. Bernie was and is always Bernie. The consummate outsider. So how, exactly, did the Dems screw Bernie? According to Devine, it was a coordinated campaign by the Clinton Machine, the DNC, and a network of Super PACs to stop a wildly popular outsider through dark money, dirty tricks, and deliberately structured primary rules. The unHillary candidate who, Devine argues, may well have been the people's choice — and could have beaten Donald Trump in November 2016. But Bernie's real legacy, Devine insists, is not what was done to him. It's his campaign message. “America has a rigged economy held in place by a corrupt system of campaign finance.” That outsider language — which Devine developed with pollster Ben Tulchin — captures how America is screwing itself. The consummate insider Trump stole Bernie's language. And if the Democrats want to screw the MAGA crowd in 2028, they need to seize back this outsider message. Five Takeaways •       The Title That Sounded Like Trump: Devine's first reaction when his Simon & Schuster editor proposed the title: I don't want to be anything like Trump. But as he worked through the process of writing the book, he came to see that the title most accurately expressed how he felt about what happened in 2016. The Democratic establishment — the Clinton Machine, the DNC, the network of Super PACs and media allies — used dark money, dirty tricks, opposition research, and deliberately structured primary rules to stop a wildly popular outsider candidate. A candidate who, the book argues, may well have been the people's choice and may well have defeated Donald Trump. •       How Devine Met Bernie: 1996, Peter DeFazio, and 26 Points: Devine was already a Democratic establishment figure when Peter DeFazio — a progressive Oregon congressman — introduced him to Sanders in early 1996. Sanders had almost lost his House seat in 1994; Devine's firm came in a month before the 1996 election and reversed the trajectory. Sanders won by 26 points. Ten years later, Devine ran Sanders' Senate campaign against a billionaire who spent the equivalent of $350 million in California, and they won by 30 points. A bond of trust formed between the establishment consultant and the independent socialist, though it was a relationship in which the label-defying aspect went both ways: Bernie, you're a United States senator, Devine told him. That is the establishment. •       The Rigged Economy Message: What Bernie Actually Contributed: The most important moment in the 2016 campaign was not a debate or a rally. It was a polling session in 2015 in which Devine and pollster Ben Tulchin combined two separate arguments — a rigged economy and a corrupt system of campaign finance — into a single sentence: “America has a rigged economy held in place by a corrupt system of campaign finance.” It tested as the highest message in Iowa and New Hampshire. That, Devine argues, is Bernie's real legacy: the identification of the structural problem. Until that problem is fixed — until the campaign finance system that rigs the economy is reformed — the economy will continue to crush the middle class and make it impossible for people to afford groceries, gas, and healthcare. •       The Real Populist vs the Phony One: Trump saw the same diagnosis Bernie had identified and grabbed it — infusing it with his xenophobia, racism, pathological lying, and contempt for democratic norms. The populist message was the same; the bundle around it was entirely different. Bernie represents a belief that government has a role in serving people. Trump represents a belief that government should serve rich people and punish everyone else, wrapped in the language of the working class. That, Devine argues, is the distinction that matters for 2028. The fight is not between left and right. It is between the real and the phony. •       AOC, Ro Khanna, and the 2028 Democratic Race: Bernie won't run in 2028. But Devine is certain that one or more Bernie-style candidates will. AOC and Ro Khanna are the most obvious — both have toured with Bernie, both share his core principles, both are committed to Medicare for All. But Devine adds: at this point in the calendar going into 2006, Barack Obama was a state senator from Illinois. The candidate who actually wins the 2028 nomination may not yet be on the radar. What is on the radar: a Democratic base that is desperate for new leadership and a new direction. And a president, Trump, who Devine believes is capable of doing anything to hold power, including worse than January 6. The only way to stop him is to beat him in elections. About the Guest Tad Devine is a Democratic political strategist with over thirty years of campaign experience. He served as chief strategist for Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign and as a senior adviser in Al Gore's 2000 and John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaigns. He has held academic positions at Boston University, the Harvard Kennedy School, and George Washington University. He is the author of How the Democrats Screwed Bernie (Simon & Schuster, July 7, 2026). References: •       How the Democrats Screwed Bernie by Tad Devine (Simon & Schuster, July 7, 2026). Publishers Weekly: “An enraging account… a keen cautionary tale.” •       Mike Donilon — Devine's former partner; later became Joe Biden's top strategist in the White House.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna are joined by Nico Agosta to discuss Campaign Finance Reform. Nico is the founder of Stocking The Capitol, a platform that tracks and evaluates each member of Congress' campaign financial contributions and well as personal stock trades, and awards them a letter grade based on how clean or dirty the source of their money is. If you take only grassroots donations and you don't own stocks, you get an A. If you take lots of SuperPAC money and trade your own portfolio, then you get...an F. The concept is simple, let's get rid of SuperPACs and dark money from our political system. Nico is taking the first step by making sure you know whether or not your Congressperson is a piece of shit based on where they get their money. And we think it's great. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Uncommon Sense, we're taking a deeper look at the Israel-Iran conflict, the continuing questions surrounding the Epstein files, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We'll discuss why these stories continue to dominate public conversation, explore the political and geopolitical questions people are asking, and examine why these events should be viewed together rather than in isolation.--https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

Zohran Mamdani is being called a kingmaker, and after this week's New York primaries it's easy to see why. Is the Democratic Party fundamentally shifting left, or are voters simply desperate for an alternative to the 70-year-old status quo?This week on Vibes Only, we break down the massive shockwaves from the New York primary elections. From Mayor Mamdani's new proported kingmaker status to the DSA's historic triple-crown victories upending powerful establishment machines, we look at how young, energetic hustlers are changing the face of campaigning in 2026.Plus, we dive into the heartbreaking $27 million super PAC blitz that took down AI-reform candidate Alex Bores, why Trump is blocking his own bipartisan housing bill over the SAVE Act, and the terrifying reality of national security flying blind after the expiration of FISA. Pull up a chair cause the vibes are chaotic this week, but the analysis we are bringing - it is sharp.Vibes Only is a weekly political podcast hosted by Brian Derrick and Glennis Meagher, two political operatives turned creators breaking down the news of the week in politics, elections, and culture with new episodes EVERY Thursday morning!EPISODE LINKSToday, Explained Episode with Alex BoresTulsi Gabbard Expose by The Washington PostOATH CANDIDATE OF THE WEEKSend us a text!Watch us on YoutubeFollow us on Instagram Oh, we're on TikTok tooFollow Brian on IG Follow Glennis on IG

Super PACs with ties to the artificial intelligence industry are spending millions to influence midterm elections this year. We discuss who is behind the spending and what they stand to gain.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and technology correspondent Shannon Bond.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.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

Senate Republicans grapple with the SAVE Act as Democrats resist. A GOP-linked group funds Super PAC efforts in Democratic primary races, and U.S. – Iran ceasefire remains in flux.

Senate Republicans grapple with the SAVE Act as Democrats resist. A GOP-linked group funds Super PAC efforts in Democratic primary races, and U.S. – Iran ceasefire remains in flux.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

1.         Nueva avería interrumperestablecimiento de agua potable, Cientos de miles de personas y negocios siguensin el servicio y no declaran estado de emergencia2.         Alcalde de Camuyinsiste en hacer su proyecto ilegal que afecta la playa en el Peñón Brusi  y ahora cuestiona al Secretario de RecursosNaturales.3.         Triunfo ciudadano,Tribunal revoca los permisos del Paseo Peatonal y Ciclista de Rincón4.         Juan Dalmau del PIPllamo a la movilización de la gente contra la corrupción del gobierno de JGO yFrancisco Domenech.5.         Guerra abierta entrebandos del PNP de JGO: El Secretario de la Gobernación, Francisco Domenech,dice que el ex secretario del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico, SebastiánNegrón Reichard, tardó 30 días en pedir una dispensa en la Oficina de Ética Gubernamentalluego de que su esposa tramitara un decreto contributivo para una empresa dereciente creación. Negron Reichard y su familia se defienden6.         Industriales exigenproteger la economía y frenar pugnas que amenazan la inversión en Puerto Rico.¿No fueron ellos algunos de los que crearon PACS y SuperPACS para elegir a estegobierno o es que están arrepentidos?7.         Puerto Rico será socioprincipal de FITUR 2027, pero ¿y como responde a la imagen negativa por lacrisis de la falta de agua?8.         Ucrania bombardea larefinería de petróleo de Moscú en el mayor ataque desde el inicio de la guerra.Kiev afirma que el ataque, que también obligó a evacuar el aeropuerto másgrande de Rusia9.         La primera ministra deBarbados anuncia un manifiesto para la reparación de los daños causados por laesclavitud.10.     Díaz-Canel: "Cuba vive las horas más difíciles de este siglo ytenemos la responsabilidad de salvarla"Este es un programa independiente y sindicalizado. Esto significa que este programa se produce de manera independiente, pero se transmite de manera sindicalizada, o sea, por las emisoras y cadenas de radio que son más fuertes en sus respectivas regiones. También se transmite por sus plataformas digitales, aplicaciones para dispositivos móviles y redes sociales.  Estas emisoras de radio son:1.    Cadena WIAC - WYAC 930 AM Cabo Rojo- Mayagüez2.    Cadena WIAC – WISA 1390 AM Isabela3.    Cadena WIAC – WIAC 740 AM Área norte y zona metropolitana4.    X61 – 610 AM en Patillas5.    X61 – 94.3 FM Patillas y todo el sureste6.    WPAB 550 AM - Ponce7.    ECO 93.1 FM – En todo Puerto Rico8.    WLRP 1460 AM Radio Raíces La voz del Pepino en San Sebastián9.    WOQI 1020 AM – Radio Casa Pueblo desde Adjuntas 10. Mundo Latino PR.com, la emisora web de música tropical y comentario Una vez sale del aire, el programa queda grabado y está disponible en las plataformas de podcasts tales como Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts y otras plataformas https://anchor.fm/sandrarodriguezcotto También nos pueden seguir en:REDES SOCIALES:  Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, Tumblr, TikTok BLOG:  En Blanco y Negro con Sandra http://enblancoynegromedia.blogspot.com  SUSCRIPCIÓN: Substack, plataforma de suscripción de prensa independientehttps://substack.com/@sandrarodriguezcotto OTROS MEDIOS DIGITALES: ¡Ey! Boricua, Revista Seguros. Revista Crónicas y otrosEstas son algunas de las noticias que tenemos hoy En Blanco y Negro con Sandra. 

On this Happy Hour, Michael and Anna sit down with Maia Cook, the executive director of Equal Citizens, a democracy reform organization, founded by Lawrence Lessig. Their mission? Fighting for the ultra-sexy, super popular, top of every news cycle issue: campaign finance reform, and specifically reducing the influence of Super PACs and dark money. While we kid that this issue might not be front of everyone's mind, Maia walks us through how this issue actually affects EVERY issue you care about. And the problem is way worse than we realized. We also realized the actual problem doesn't totally lie with Citizen's United, but actually a law that came about BECAUSE of Citizen's united. We promise you'll come away from this one much smarter. We sure did. Make sure you're subscribed here and check out some other ways to engage with us: Grab your 'Elect Young People' shirt. Head to our website to dive deeper on members of Congress under 45-years-old. Watch the full episode here on YouTube. Connect with us on Instagram/Threads and TikTok. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are President Trump and MAGA Republicans publicly signaling that they plan to interfere in—and potentially rig—the 2026 midterm elections? If so, why is the media not taking the threat seriously? In this episode of Inequality Watch, Taya Graham and Stephen Janis investigate the connections between wealth inequality, political power, ICE funding, the influence of Super PACs on elections, and growing concerns about democratic accountability in Trump's America.Credits: Pre-Production: Taya Graham, Stephen JanisStudio Production / Post-Production: Cameron Granadino, Stephen JanisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

Jason talks about a Super PAC ad that uses an AI animated picture of Peggy Flanagan to attack her campaign. MN has a law banning deepfake political ads. Is that enough to stop these sorts of things?

Reaction to the back and forth between U.S. Senate Candidates Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig.

In this episode: Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature has finally agreed on a new state budget, following a flurry of last-minute spending deals — most of them negotiated behind closed doors and sealed late on the Sunday night of a holiday weekend. The eleventh-hour additions to Florida's $115 billion spending plan include provisions that could let the state buy more property from a big developer and donor; steer a $2 million education contract to a Koch-backed company; and pave the way for the use of artificial intelligence in an anti-hunger program that feeds nearly 3 million Floridians. Plus: Ron DeSantis signs a bill written by lobbyists for a mining company that recently donated $50,000 to his Super PAC. And the devolution of Florida's public university system into a pure political patronage machine continues. Show notesRegister here for the Seeking Rents + Welcome to Florida live event in JacksonvilleThe stories referenced in today's show:A tour of Florida's new state budget, from money for Mike Huckabee to tax cuts for casinosA last-minute budget measure could let Florida buy more land from a donor the state paid $83 million to last yearA Koch-connected school choice contractor could get $2 million from Florida taxpayersFlorida may hire an AI vendor to help decide which hungry families get grocery assistanceCompanies linked to a Trump appointee are seeking money from Florida taxpayers — and giving money to Florida lawmakersFlorida is cutting funding for transit — and exposing the true cost of business tax breaksA management firm is poised to profit off plan to divert local property taxes to charter schoolsA right-wing news network lobbied Florida lawmakers to defund fact-checkers, records showLast-minute legislation could give more money to Publix, 7-Eleven and Circle K — but less to Florida studentsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In 2010, two landmark decisions transformed American campaign finance law. The first was Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The second was SpeechNow.org v. FEC. Together, these cases cleared the way for corporations and so-called Super PACs to raise and spend unlimited sums of money in elections. What followed was a new era in American politics where individuals, corporations, and industries increasingly spent more and more money to influence campaigns and public opinion. To debate the constitutional, political, and historical questions surrounding money in politics, we are joined by Larry Lessig and Paul Sherman. Lessig is a Harvard Law professor and the founder of Equal Citizens, one of the country's leading advocates for campaign finance reform. Sherman is a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice who served as co-counsel in SpeechNow.org. Read Larry's paper "If Roe, then Buckley" here. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:43 How Larry and Paul became interested in political speech and campaign finance 05:33 Citizens United, political speech, and quid pro quo corruption 18:34 What was the SpeechNow case? 32:31 Elon Musk and billionaire influence in the 2024 election 49:06 History of campaign finance regulation 51:26 First Amendment originalism, Federalist 52, and Federalist 57 01:07:07 Does money actually influence election outcomes? 01:14:20 Outro Enjoy listening to the podcast? Donate to FIRE today and get exclusive content like member webinars, special episodes, and more. If you became a FIRE Member through a donation to FIRE at fire.org and would like access to Substack's paid subscriber podcast feed, please email sotospeak@fire.org.

Something strange is unfolding in several crucial House Democratic primaries — mysterious super PACs are quietly emerging. Deputy Congressional Editor Robert O'Shaughnessy discusses the latest developments. Plus: the Cornyn-Paxton brawl reaches the finish line. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we're investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at ⁠⁠punchbowl.news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight on Habari Live, we expose the growing controversies shaking America from Washington to local communities fighting for survival. Republicans erupt over a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund tied to Trump allies and possible January 6 compensation, while the Supreme Court weighs Trump's push to end birthright citizenship for children born on U.S. soil. We break down the dangerous historical parallels to Dred Scott, the 14th Amendment, and why civil rights groups say these attacks threaten constitutional protections for everyone.We also react to explosive clips featuring Bernie Sanders calling out billionaire influence and demanding a ban on Super PACs, residents in Wisconsin sounding the alarm over data centers draining local water supplies, AOC confronting officials over undrinkable water in Georgia communities, Trump claiming affordability concerns are “made up,” and JD Vance defending Trump on insider trading concerns. From political corruption to environmental injustice, Habari Live connects the dots that mainstream media ignores.#Trump #AOC #BernieSanders #BirthrightCitizenship #SupremeCourt #JDVance #WaterCrisis #Politics #HabariLive #NewsOurWay #January6 #SuperPACs #TrumpNews #CivilRights #BreakingNews

Artist Anthony Freda describes his professional evolution from marketing cigarettes to children and war to the public for NYT and WSJ to eventually finding a home in alternative media as a dissident political artist in order to maintain his moral integrity. The conversation explores the heavy cost of dissent, including professional blacklisting and legal persecution for challenging official narratives. He expresses deep concern over the budding digital prison and particularly the rise of AI, which he views as a threat to human sovereignty. Anthony frames current global events as a spiritual battle between light and dark, urging listeners to resist state-sponsored tyranny and cultural inversion. Watch on BitChute / Brighteon / Rumble / Substack / YouTube *Support Geopolitics & Empire! Become a Member https://geopoliticsandempire.substack.com Donate https://geopoliticsandempire.com/donations Consult https://geopoliticsandempire.com/consultation **Listen Ad-Free for $4.99 a Month or $49.99 a Year! Apple Subscriptions https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geopolitics-empire/id1003465597 Supercast https://geopoliticsandempire.supercast.com ***Visit Our Affiliates & Sponsors! Above Phone https://abovephone.com/?above=geopolitics American Gold Exchange https://www.amergold.com/geopolitics Escape The Technocracy (15% off w/ GEOPOLITICS!) https://escapethetechnocracy.com/geopolitics Expat Money (FREE “Plan B” Report!) https://expatmoney.com/geopolitics PassVult https://passvult.com Sociatates Civis https://societates-civis.com StartMail https://www.startmail.com/partner/?ref=ngu4nzr Wise Wolf Gold https://www.wolfpack.gold/?ref=geopolitics Websites Website https://anthonyfreda.com Substack https://anthonyfreda.substack.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FredaTheArt About Anthony Freda Anthony Freda is a controversial political artist who left mainstream clients like The New York Times and Wall Street Journal to work for alternative media, including a 10 year run with Infowars as an artist and writer. One of his pieces is part of the permanent collection of the 911 Museum in NY. It is the only piece to question the official narrative. He formed Occupy Peace with Gerald Celente and was under contract in 2024 for RFK Jr’s presidential campaign Super PAC, AV24. He is currently a permanent faculty member of FIT in New York. *Podcast intro music used with permission is from the song “The Queens Jig” by the fantastic “Musicke & Mirth” from their album “Music for Two Lyra Viols”: http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

The recent Kentucky primary defeat of Thomas Massie is presented as definitive proof of a rigged American political system controlled by a singular "uniparty."   Despite the narrative of defying Trump, Massie's loss was orchestrated by a massive influx of outside money from Super PACs after he supported releasing the Epstein files.  Members of Congress were told "you will be destroyed" for this vote. This election, with its unusual voter turnout and ballot dumps, shows the power of the oligarch donor class, who now also control Trump, making him a puppet.

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Hydrofluorocarbon Republican House leadership pulls vote on Iran War Powers Resolution for second time, amid concerns over GOP defections; Ethics, good government groups, Dems blast Trump's $1.7 billion “slush fund” that could pay January 6th insurrectionists; Trump administration rolls back Biden rules on climate-damaging chemicals in refrigeration; Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep Summer Lee introduce bill to cap political contributions to Super-PACs; Prediction markets draw bipartisan criticism, legislation over links to fraud, gambling addiction The post Republican House leadership pulls vote on Iran War Powers Resolution for second time; Trump administration rolls back Biden rules on climate-damaging chemicals – May 21, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On the DSR Daily for Monday, we break down the fallout from the White House Correspondents Dinner shooting, King Charles' upcoming visit to the US, Bernie Sanders' efforts to limit Super PAC money in the Democratic party, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the DSR Daily for Monday, we break down the fallout from the White House Correspondents Dinner shooting, King Charles' upcoming visit to the US, Bernie Sanders' efforts to limit Super PAC money in the Democratic party, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Election Commission filings for the first quarter of 2026 showed that billionaires Miriam Adelson and George Soros were the biggest donors backing GOP and Democratic super PACs, respectively, ahead of this year's midterms, while billionaire Marc Andreessen's venture capital firm poured $25 million into a pro-artificial intelligence Super PAC. KEY FACTS According to the filings published on Wednesday night, GOP megadonor Adelson donated $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the major super PAC backing Republican Senate candidates. Filings made by the GOP-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund—which backs GOP House candidates—showed Adelson had given the super PAC $10 million, bringing her overall contribution to $40 million so far this year. Billionaire George Soros, one of the biggest backers of Democratic candidates, donated $50 million to his Democracy PAC in January through an associated group, the Fund for Policy Reform. The Democracy PAC then donated $9 million to Senate Majority PAC—which backs Democratic Senate candidates. FORBES VALUATION According to Forbes' Real Time Billionaire's list, Adelson's total fortune is worth $37.3 billion, making her the 58th richest person in the world. In comparison Soros' net worth stands at $7.5 billion as of Thursday morning. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT FUNDING FROM SILICON VALLEY ?Leaders from Silicon Valley launched the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future in August last year, with venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz among its main backers. Wednesday's filings showed that the venture firm donated $25 million to the political action committee, with $12.5 million each coming from co-founders Benjamin Horowitz and billionaire Marc Andreessen. BIG NUMBER $27 million. That is how much Democratic Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico has raised in the first three months of the year so far, according to the New York Times. Talarico's strong numbers appear to reflect Democratic optimism about the race in deep-red Texas, as the GOP has been besieged by infighting among its top two candidates. SURPRISING FACT Filings for a Win for America, a super PAC backed by sports betting platforms, showed it raised more than $40 million in the first three months of the year. FanDuel contributed $19.5 million while DraftKings' holding company, DK Crown Holdings, donated 17.5 million. An additional $4 million came from Fanatics' subsidiary FBG Enterprises Opco. Read the full story on Forbes: By Siladitya Ray https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2026/04/16/billionaire-adelson-pours-40-million-to-back-gop-soros-gives-50-million-to-his-democrat-pac/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ralph welcomes journalist and author Megan Greenwell to discuss her book "Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream." Then, Ralph speaks to James Zogby (co-founder and president of the Arab American Institute) about the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon.Megan Greenwell is a journalist who has written or edited for publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, New York Magazine, WIRED, and ESPN. She is also the deputy director of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, a workshop and college-access initiative for students from low-income backgrounds. She is the author of Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream.The real trick with private equity (and this was the thing that made me want to write a book on it) is that when they take out those billions of dollars worth of loans (if you're buying a bigger company), the private equity firm is not responsible for paying those loans back. Only the portfolio company in whose name the private equity firm has taken the money out is on the hook for that money. And so what you end up with is this split in incentive where what's good for the private equity firm is not necessarily what's good for its own portfolio company.Megan Greenwell[Congress hasn't repealed the carried interest loophole] because Congress is in the pocket of the private equity industry. 88% of members of the House and Senate take donations from private equity. Interestingly, Donald Trump has called twice for the carried interest loophole to be closed. And still, even he, as much of a stranglehold as he has on the Republican Party, he can't build support for it among Republicans. Because they're all taking private equity money, as are the vast majority of the Democrats. So this is not a partisan issue.Megan GreenwellOne of the reasons I was really interested to write this book as a series of narrative profiles of people trying to do something about [private equity] is: none of them are trying to do something about it through the federal government. And I think when we talk about “Only the federal government can save us,” we really risk turning people away from trying to do anything. And I think we've seen on the private equity issue there has been some really interesting movement on the state level in several places—real reforms that are much easier to accomplish on the state level than on the federal level.Megan GreenwellJames Zogby is co-founder and president of the Arab American Institute, and he is featured frequently on national and international media as an expert on Middle East affairs. Since 1992, he has written a weekly column— “Washington Watch” —that is published in 12 countries. He is the author of several books, including Looking at Iran: The Rise and Fall of Iran in Arab Public Opinion, The Tumultuous Decade: Arab, Turkish, and Iranian Public Opinion - 2010-2019, Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters, and Palestinians: The Invisible Victims.Not only are thousands being killed [in Lebanon], but there's a process underway of demolishing villages, obviously expelling lots of people, creating internal refugees and sectarian tension as a result of it. And clearly (as Israel has stated, and I think we have to believe them), that they actually want to annex the territory up to the Litani River and maybe even further. They call it a buffer zone, but we've heard that buffer zone stuff before. It's merely a way of taking new land and providing opportunities for settlements.James ZogbyAs we saw ourselves in Vietnam, as we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan, Israel is now getting PTSD reports that are deeply disturbing to them. They're getting suicides. They're getting an exhausted military. They're not exhausted with the weapons that they're losing (because they're losing a lot and they're using a lot), they're getting emotionally and physically exhausted. Look, when the soldiers do what they've been doing—which is basically inhuman behavior, I mean, it's disgraceful behavior—it begins to eat away at the soul. You get these suicides. You get these emotional collapses. And what gets me upset is that—72,000 Palestinians dead, a few Israeli soldiers having PTSD and trauma and committing suicide becomes a news story? My feeling has to be with the Lebanese and Palestinians.James ZogbyWhen I hear on the DNC from other members who say to me, “When you talk about Israeli genocide, that's anti-Semitic, it makes me uncomfortable,” I said, “You know what makes me uncomfortable? That genocide is actually taking place. And it makes me equally uncomfortable that you won't admit it or even want us to talk about it.”James ZogbyNews 4/17/26* Our top story this week comes to us from New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani is delivering on yet another campaign promise thought impossible by mainstream pundits and beltway insiders: the creation of municipal grocery stores. Capping off his first 100 days in office, Mayor Mamdani delivered remarks in front of La Marqueta in East Harlem, the site of one of the original city-run grocery stores created under Fiorello LaGuardia. Mamdani laid out how the stores will operate, noting that while “A private operator will run the store,” they will “answer to the standards the city will set…[including] requirements that at our stores bread will be cheaper. Eggs will be cheaper. Grocery shopping will no longer be an unsolvable equation. And workers will be treated with dignity.” Mamdani plans to have the first of these stores open in 2027 and stores in all five boroughs open by the end of his term in 2029. This from NBC4 New York.* Meanwhile, in New York's 10th congressional district, former NYC Comptroller and Mamdani ally Brad Lander is aligning himself with AOC and calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel. In a meeting with a group of local journalists, Lander said “We need to follow the Leahy Law and condition all of our foreign policy aid on human rights and international law compliance…At the moment, Israel is very far from complying with human rights and international law. So I would not vote for any more aid,” adding that he “hopes” Israel will “[get] there.” The Forward notes that this is an evolution from the position he took during his mayoral candidacy last year. At that time Lander opposed sending offensive weapons to Israel, but believed that the US should keep funding Israel's Iron Dome, per the New York Post. Through a representative, Lander's opponent in this race, incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman, told the Forward he “will always support defensive systems,” like Iron Dome.* The liberal Zionist organization J Street is also shifting its position. The Middle East Eye reports the group is calling for an end to “direct” US military support to Israel, according to a new policy paper. To be clear however, while this does mark a shift from J Street's previous position that the U.S. should provide defensive weapons systems – like resupply for Iron Dome, at no cost to Israelis – J Street now argues that Israel should simply purchase these weapons instead. In short, J Street is arguing that Israel is rich enough to provide for its own defense and that the American financial subsidies are “unnecessary and politically counterproductive, creating avoidable tensions in US domestic politics and in the bilateral relationship.” This is in line with statements by Netanyahu himself, who has made it clear that Israel wants to reduce its reliance on U.S. military aid “all the way down to zero.”* In other news, Reuters reports Apple is closing several of its brick-and-mortar stores, including the first ever unionized Apple store. Over 100 workers at the store, located in Towson Town Center mall in Maryland, voted to join the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) in 2022; Reuters notes that “a similar union drive in Atlanta [around that same time] was withdrawn, ‌with ⁠Apple workers alleging intimidation.”At the other stores being shuttered, employees were offered the option to continue their jobs at other nearby Apple stores. At the Towson store however, Apple is claiming that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation. The union says this is “false” and is reportedly exploring all legal options. IAM also expressed “serious concerns that ​this closure is a cynical attempt to ​bust ⁠the union.”* Elsewhere in Maryland, the state legislature has passed the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act. This bill, which Gov. Wes Moore has vowed to sign into law, is designed to prohibit surveillance pricing, the practice of retailers charging different shoppers different prices for the same item at the same time based on information the store knows about them as an individual. While crucial and innovative legislation, Consumer Reports – which “engaged on the bill…throughout the legislative process,” argues that it has been watered down to the point of inadequacy via lobbying by the Maryland Retail Alliance. Some of the added exceptions include failing to establish any baseline or standard price – given that “with no set standard price, everything can be marketed as a discount” — and exempting any pricing associated with loyalty or membership programs or subscriptions. The bill also does not contain strong enforcement provisions, such as a private right of action. So, while this bill is a start – and you have to start somewhere – we echo Consumer Reports' urging that “other state legislatures considering personalized pricing legislation to build in stronger consumer protections and avoid loopholes that weakened this bill.”* In more consumer news, the scourge of sports betting continues to metastasize. A new report from Siena Research Institute has produced staggering findings: “27% of Americans and [52%] of men ages 18-49…[say] they have an active account with an online sportsbook such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM.” And, while most respondents maintain that they bet because it is “exciting” and “fun”, “31% of bettors report having had someone express concern about their usage of online sportsbooks, [42%] of bettors...say they have felt that they bet more than they should…Fifteen percent of bettors…say they have called a problem gambling Helpline or sought other help with problem gambling, and 22% of respondents overall say they know someone that has or has had a problem with online sports betting.” Taken together, this represents a deeply troubling gambling wave cresting in this country. And, while legislators are beginning to take notice, the sports betting interests are beginning to fight back, with Bloomberg reporting that these companies – FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook – are beginning to dump money by the truckload into new Super PACs. Just this year, they have contributed $41 million to Win for America, according to new FEC filings, and show no sign of stopping there.* In our final domestic story, this week saw the implosion of leading California gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell. Swalwell ultimately opted to resign his seat in Congress after it became clear that the Democratic and Republican House leadership was mulling a deal to expel him and flagrantly corrupt Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick along with two scandal-ridden GOP Reps., Tony Gonzales and Cory Mills. The fact that Swalwell's resignation was paired with that of Gonzales lends credence to the idea that some deal was worked out behind closed doors. Yet, deal or no, this leaves Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills in their seats despite general acknowledgment that they should be expelled, per the Hill. This constitutes congressional horsetrading at its most base.* Turning to international news, this week Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has for months governed the country with a plurality in the House of Commons, has successfully secured a majority for his ruling Liberal Party. This majority was secured via three byelection victories, but more significantly, by five recent “floor crossings” – elected MPs switching parties to join the Liberals. Having secured a majority, Carney is now confident in his ability to stave off a no-confidence vote and will likely remain in power at least until the 2029 general election. Unfortunately, the New Democratic Party (NDP) saw improvement in their share of the vote in only one “riding” despite their new leadership. This just proves the party has a long, difficult climb back to relevance in Canadian politics. This from the CBC.* Looking Southward, this week, Peru held the first round of their presidential election. The top two vote getters will advance to a runoff, but who those candidates would be remained unclear for an agonizingly protracted period of time. Keiko Fujimori, daughter of the former Japanese-Peruvian dictator and a perennial far-right candidate herself, came in first with 17% of the vote. And at first, it seemed like the second slot would be taken by ultraconservative Rafael Lopez Aliaga. However, following days of vote counting, Aliaga moved down to third place, with the second place finisher proving to be Roberto Sanchez, a figure of the Peruvian Left and ally of ousted former President Pedro Castillo. Sanchez however is also allegedly allied with the Andean supremacist movement led by Antauro Humala in Peru. The Peruvian political system has been rocked by instability, churning through “eight presidents in the past 10 years, including four who were impeached,” per France 24. Castillo, the last democratically elected president, was sentenced to over 11 years in prison in 2025; if elected, Sanchez would likely pardon the former president as other left-wing Latin American leaders including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have urged. How long Sanchez, or for that matter Fujimori, might last in office is another question.* Finally, we turn to the United Kingdom where the dream of a new Leftist party – Your Party – is foundering. After a promising start, Your Party ultimately descended into infighting between the Grassroots Left faction, led by Zarah Sultana, and another faction, the Many, led by former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Your Party also chose to bar from participation any avowedly leftist organizations. These moves, alienating to the very constituencies most interested in backing the YP, paired with the meteoric rise of the Green Party under Zack Polanski and a threatened exodus by the Scottish YP segment, have rendered what could have been a substantial power in Parliament, pressing for concessions on issues if not achieving a majority itself, utterly toothless. An inside account of the internal battles is available at Counterfire.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Jack Schlossberg is JFK's only grandson, and he's making his first bid for elected office in Manhattan's 12th Congressional District, the seat being vacated by Jerry Nadler. He has Nancy Pelosi's endorsement, two million social media followers, and a campaign built around kitchen-table issues like housing costs and tariffs on food and clothing. But he's also faced pointed questions about his qualifications and some notably harsh press coverage. In this conversation, he lays out his policy priorities, his decision to forgo Super PAC money, and what the Kennedy name really means for a first-time–ever–candidate running for Congress 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she's breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more. In this episode of UNBIASED University, we pull back the curtain on the hidden power players in Washington and examine how influence actually works behind the scenes. Who are lobbyists, what do they legally do, and how do Political Action Committees, Super PACs, and so-called dark money groups operate within the campaign finance system? We break down the difference between direct lobbying and independent expenditures, how campaign finance laws have evolved over time, and what Supreme Court decisions have shaped the modern political funding landscape. We also explain the rules around disclosure, coordination, and contribution limits so you can better understand what is legal, what is controversial, and why these systems generate so much debate. Whether you view these groups as essential participants in a representative democracy or as outsized influencers in American politics, this episode provides a clear, nonpartisan explanation of how money and advocacy intersect with power in Washington. What to Know About Lobbying (2:58) The World of Campaign Finance (~20:03) PACS, Super PACS, and "Dark Money" Groups (~32:27) Notable Supreme Court Cases That Have Shaped the World of Campaign Finance (~42:41) How to Track the Money (~46:50) SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S ⁠SUBSTACK. ⁠Watch⁠ this episode on YouTube. Follow Jordan on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Primary season for the 2026 midterm elections is underway. And the money from super PACs is already flowing. But how well is it working? On today's show, Kimberly talks with democratic strategist Tim Lim about how spending from outside groups is shaping this year's races so far and why strategists are waiting on the outcome of an under-the-radar Supreme Court case that could loosen the rules on how parties can coordinate with candidates.Here's everything we talked about today:"MAGA Inc.'s $300 Million War Chest Waits for Go-Ahead From Trump" from Bloomberg "Super PAC spending passes $200M, with some groups hiding their cause" from The Washington Post"Big-spending Democratic PACs see mixed results in Illinois" from Semafor"This Supreme Court decision could upend millions in political spending ahead of the midterms. Here's how the parties are preparing." from Politico "Pivotal U.S. Supreme Court Case Could Further Reshape Federal Campaign Finance Law" from Bernstein Shur Got a question about the Iran war and its impact on the global economy? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Primary season for the 2026 midterm elections is underway. And the money from super PACs is already flowing. But how well is it working? On today's show, Kimberly talks with democratic strategist Tim Lim about how spending from outside groups is shaping this year's races so far and why strategists are waiting on the outcome of an under-the-radar Supreme Court case that could loosen the rules on how parties can coordinate with candidates.Here's everything we talked about today:"MAGA Inc.'s $300 Million War Chest Waits for Go-Ahead From Trump" from Bloomberg "Super PAC spending passes $200M, with some groups hiding their cause" from The Washington Post"Big-spending Democratic PACs see mixed results in Illinois" from Semafor"This Supreme Court decision could upend millions in political spending ahead of the midterms. Here's how the parties are preparing." from Politico "Pivotal U.S. Supreme Court Case Could Further Reshape Federal Campaign Finance Law" from Bernstein Shur Got a question about the Iran war and its impact on the global economy? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

What's one thing people across the U.S. can agree on? Hint – it's about money. Voters from all political parties overwhelmingly see unlimited spending in elections as a threat to our democracy. So if most people don't like all this money in politics, then who does? The answer, on this episode of Throughline.Guests:Michael Kang, Class of 1940 Professor of Law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.Henrik Schatzinger, professor of political science at Ripon College and author of forthcoming book Super PACs in the City: How Outside Money is Reshaping Local ElectionsTo access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy