American political commentator
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Funny how the war in Iran has given Trump a chance to further support Vladimir Putin- even to the point of removing sanctions and further abandoning democratic Ukraine- so why has Russian state TV begun to mock Donald on the air?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Andy Beshear is the Democratic Governor of Kentucky and a proud Christian. He joins Thom for a deep dive on how Democrats can reconnect with ordinary Americans and heal a divided nation by focusing on what matters to most voters.Then, another fascinating interview with author John Pavlovitz on the disturbing way Christianity is used to justify heartless Republican policies..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sitting-in for Thom Hartmann is guest-host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast helping us realize the hidden power that we receive ourselves from thankfulness. Also Jeff's dad Joe Smith returns after his marriage at age 90, surviving a heart attack and defeating cancer for the popular segment News With My Dad. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How decades of corporate power and political strategy rewired the country from within…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From red deer to Mesoamerica to America today, the evidence is overwhelming: bottom-up systems endure, top-down systems fail…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ezra Levin, Co-Founder, Indivisible explains that each time we show up, we disrupt President Trump's attempts to rule through repression and remind the country, and the world, that people power is our path to a truly free America. Plus one billionaire just admitted what they all know: This System Is Going to Break. And check-up on Bob Kennedy. They ignored 99% of the safety data before pulling kids' COVID protection. Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works reminds us that our data was stolen, and no one is talking about it. Musk is to blame, but was he behind the whole thing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What he saw from inside the system, and why his departure signals that the guardrails are collapsing faster than anyone on the outside fully understands…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Craig Aaron, President & Co-CEO of the original Free Press reports that a massive Coalition calls on Democratic leadership to stand firm against Stephen Miller's plans to reauthorize dangerous government spying. Is Kash Patel Setting Us Up for Another 9/11? Does Trump ever tell the truth? Trump Said a Former President Backed His War. Every Single One Just Called Him a Liar. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mobile internet access has been disabled in Moscow in recent days after similar outages in dozens of regions, reports the Wall Street Journal. Could it happen here? Plus the slogan that promised efficiency was really a blueprint to dismantle public government and hand its power—and money—to the billionaire class. And the superpower of cats is only recently understood by scientists. Plus six years later, Epstein's ranch finally gets searched. And a judge decides how a woman can deliver her own child. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Iran: The Treason That Changed America's Energy Future...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bill discusses the third week of a U.S. and Israel-led war against Iran and Americans' cratering support for Israel, with J Street founder Jeremy Ben-Ami and senior VP Ilan Goldenberg. Ben-Ami calls it Netanyahu's long-sought war, notes the JCPOA(“The Iran Nuclear Deal” under Obama) had effectively constrained Iran's program, and says the current effort lacks clear goals. They highlight polling showing a sharp decline in U.S. support for Israel—especially among 18–34-year-olds—and criticize AIPAC's tactics and funding, urging Democrats to end “blank check” support, emphasize Palestinian rights, and pursue a balanced, pro-diplomacy approach.They also explored why the war began, where it may lead, and its political fallout. Goldenberg argues there was no imminent threat, diplomacy and other alternatives existed, and the U.S. lacked technical negotiators, leaving outcomes likely to resemble a long containment quagmire with higher oil prices and persistent regional instability. Today Bill highlights the work of J Street and suggests you check out their work at JStreet.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The $5 Billion Secret Behind Trump's Iran War — And Jared Kushner's Role...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Who's paying for this war? You are.. At $11,500 a second. If the road to Tehran required the sons and daughters of the billionaire & political class to march beside everyone else's kids, would we still be there? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Common Dreams reports that Stephen Miller wants to increase mass surveillance on Americans. More than 90 civil society groups on Thursday urged congressional Democrats to “stand firm against White House efforts to extend government surveillance powers” by renewing “without new safeguards” a highly controversial surveillance authorization historically abused by federal agencies. Free Press Action and Demand Progress are leading the call to senior Democratic lawmakers to not reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)—a controversial law that has been abused hundreds of thousands of times—without first enacting privacy reforms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Iranian Schoolgirls Killed After Hegseth Uses ChatGPT To Send Strike Trump's Iran Lies, Miller's surveillance grab, Democrats' 28-0 winning streak, and neo-Nazis at a GOP rally. What do we do if our national leader is guided and manipulated by adversarial foreign countries? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Elections, favors, nuclear secrets, federal land- it's all for sale. Washington is in the grips of a cabal of billionaires, stealing us blind while drowning the average person in a flood of propaganda and distraction.Plus - Thom reads from 'The Meat Racket' by Christopher Leonard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The slogan that promised efficiency was really a blueprint to dismantle public government and hand its power—and money—to the billionaire class…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
War Hits the Homefront. Strait of Hormuz Blocked. Short(?) Term Pain. Low Support for War. Girls School Bomb Blame Game. TSA Struggles in Shutdown. Save Act Stalled. Filibuster Still Here. Old Pols Not Retiring. Replacing MTG. With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief at The National Journal and Maeve Sheehy, Congressional Reporter at Bloomberg Government.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Substack's Christopher Armitage joins Thom- is there anything more powerful than action- or will the despair win out? Also- veteran war correspondent Phil Ittner joins Thom from Kiev, Ukraine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If the road to Tehran required the sons and daughters of the billionaire & political class to march beside everyone else's kids, would we still be there?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As the Epstein investigations roll on, Iran is showing no inclination to settle for peace after the violent and underhanded American and Israeli attacks. Is there any kind of exit strategy, or is it possible Trump is actually hoping for a terrorist-style attack on US soil so he can declare a state of emergency?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From campaigning to destroy NATO to selling out Ukraine to letting Russia help kill American soldiers in the Gulf region, Trump's goal appears to be, to “Make America Russia”…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Soviet-born associate of Rudy Giuliani was there for many of Trump's dealings with Putin- what does he think is going on behind the scenes? And- did talking to Putin make Trump back down on Iran?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Most Dangerous Weapon Ever Aimed at America Isn't a Missile...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bill Press examines two races that could shift U.S. politics: Texas's U.S. Senate contest and California's open governor's race. In Texas, reporter Maria Recio of The Austin American-Statesman, explains how state Rep. James Talarico beat Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, citing his earlier start, stronger ground game, appeal to Latino voters, moderate and faith-based profile, and high Democratic turnout; the GOP nominee will be decided in a May 26 runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and AG Ken Paxton, with Trump's endorsement still uncertain and Paxton seen as more damaged by scandals. They discuss issues likely shaping 2026, including affordability, immigration enforcement conditions, and war. In California, Politico's Melanie Mason details the top-two “jungle primary,” warning Democrats that eight candidates could split votes enough to allow two Republicans to advance; current frontrunners include Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and wealthy spender Tom Steyer, amid few major endorsements.You can follow Melanie Mason's work at Politico.com/newsletters/californiaplaybookToday's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump is talking about putting American soldiers on the ground in Tehran. Could this war spiral out of control- even as far as a nuclear exchange- or just become an endless quagmire? Plus- are you aware that Republicans passed a law to reactivate the draft just a few months ago?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Dark Rise of America's Monsters...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mikey Weinstein of The Military Religious Freedom Foundation condemns Hegseth's latest Pentagon Christian Worship Service with Pete's personal pastor. MRFF exposes that End-Times-Happy commanders are telling troops that the Iran War is part of God's Plan to bring Jesus back. Plus US Rep from Wisconsin, Mark Pocan weighs in on illegal actions by MAGA on the world stage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Good News Alert! Kristi Noem Got Fired. Cricket the Dog Was Vindicated. The Department of Justice released an interview with a woman saying Trump sexually assaulted her as a minor. DOJ claims originally thought that it was duplicate deletion. Who believes that? Plus Monkey Time and The Big Chicken!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A quick note to my MAGA acquaintance...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Veteran war correspondent Phil Ittner reports from Kiev, Ukraine. Will Iran surrender or will this war burn the world down? and “some people will die.” That's your president speaking of Americans. Prominent UAE billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor just published an open letter to Trump. It's brutal. Plus Kristi Noem is thrown out and an MMA fighter takes her place.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kristi Noem Fired. Who's Next? Latest Trump/Epstein Files. Talarico Wins in Texas. Texas Blue Mirage? Trump: Cornyn or Paxton. Iran War Vote Fail. War's Economic Fallout. Iran Exit Strategy? With Shirish Date, Senior White House Correspondent for HuffPost, Sabrina Siddiqui, National Political Reporter at The Wall Street Journal and Arthur Delaney, Senior Politics Reporter for HuffPost covering Congress and the Economy. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Are we going to be able to fight this war and still retain the capacity to stop Russia or China in Ukraine or Taiwan? Is ICE Tracking Your Phone Without a Warrant? Attorney and commentator Dean Obeidallah breaks down Trump's refusal to be honest with the American people on why Trump really went to war with Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As Iran's leaders gathered to debate a U.S.-brokered nuclear deal, American and Israeli intelligence already knew their location. Was this diplomacy, or something darker?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Can Democrats Keep Flipping Red Seats? Thom reviews the interesting recent election results. Also what's up with the Epstein Walk of Shame Near the White House? Kash Patel ousted FBI staff with Iran expertise right before Trump declared war on them. Say what?! Plus ~ Can Sci Fi help save the future? Information Scientist Martin Halbert, PhD reveals the meaning of Helmsman: Book One of the Sojourner Saga.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
History shows how suddenly national tragedy can transform a struggling leader into a wartime commander, and why that precedent should make Americans uneasy today…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump has made many promises that he can't keep. Will that remain true for the midterms? Plus Fox News has duped HALF The Nation with their FAKE NEWS! How did we get here? Writer, policy advisor, litigator, and 25 year federal trial lawyer, Sabrina Haake gives her take on our "news" today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is Deporting a Journalist the Ultimate Form of Cancel Culture?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The U.S. is now at war in Iran after Donald Trump launched strikes without Congressional authorization, despite campaigning against regime change and new wars. Rep. Jim McGovern (D) Massachusetts, argues there is no justification or clearly defined mission, warns of quagmire-like consequences, rising costs, and criticizes Republicans and House leadership for blocking debate and ignoring Congress's constitutional role and the War Powers Act, citing prior votes tied to Venezuela. National security analyst Joe Cirincione says the administration's claims of an imminent threat collapsed, asserting Iran lacks missiles to reach the U.S. and is not close to a nuclear weapon; he frames the conflict as a regime-change war pushed by Israel and Saudi Arabia, worsened by Trump's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal and bad-faith negotiations. They discuss risks including wider regional escalation, oil shocks, global recession, and damaged U.S. credibility. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The plans for Trump to take over the midterms are underway. Will Trump declare a national emergency just in time for the midterms? Russia claims “Trump untied our hands.” What does that mean? I'll explain. Is Cuba next? Who can stop him?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Operation Epstein Fury: Is This About National Security or Political Survival?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Thom Hartmann reflects with listeners on recent military actions the United States has backed or executed on the world stage and what may be the ramifications. Will the recent fire-fight on Mexican cartels with the intervention of Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum curb the illegal drug trade or increase violent reaction from organized crime. Also rethinking Ukraine. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Will Trump's many attacks on the vote enable him to chip enough away from legitimate votes against his party to enable his permanent consolidation of power?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Veteran War Reporteer Phil Ittner based out of Kiev, Ukraine is on the front lines and explains the latest news on the Russian War. Lindsey Graham takes a cue from Joseph Stalin by proposing a law that would lock up critics of Orange Julius. Trump is CREATING the enemy to fuel his road toward fascism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If you've studied history — and you know I have — that's the moment when the hair on the back of your neck should stand up…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hillary-Epstein Deposition. Presidential Precedent Set. Missing Trump/Epstein Docs. Epstein, Epstein, Epstein. War With Iran? SOTU as TV Show. Trump's Affordability Trap. Poll: Trump Losing It. With Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for The New York Post, Philip Bump, Independent Journalist and MS-Now Contributor and Kirk Bado, Editor of The National Journal Hotline.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
NYT Times best selling author and authority on Russia's influence over Donald Trump, Craig Unger explains the vast corruption of the current administration and reasons why the next elections are more critical than ever thought. Also Thom gives his take on recent events including the longest lie-filled SOTU in US history!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump's attack on elected officials of color isn't just ugly rhetoric, it's a calculated attempt to redefine who gets to belong in this democracy…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Media activist Sabrina Haake joins Thom to spread her call for the FCC to regulate one-sided media propaganda like Fox (so-called) news. Plus - if there really is no 'terrorist database' then how is ICE so effective at pursuing protesters to their home and places of work?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If nearly every major financial tie seems to intersect with favorable political outcomes, are Americans confronting systemic corruption or something new and even more entrenched?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.