Podcast appearances and mentions of Thom Hartmann

The fight isn't between left and right anymore: it's between oligarchy and the people, between those who hoard power and those still brave enough to believe in democracy. Is Trump's Brain Healthy? Attorney and columnist Dean Obeidallah explains why our country's future could depend on forcing Trump to get a brain scan.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 in Ukraine, Phil Ittner reports from a dark room after Putin's recent attack on Kiev's power system. All indications point to a grim winter of deprivation thanks to Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Looks like Trump's Justice Department released a lengthy Orwellian manifesto. Surprised? Apparently ICE can mess you up but you can't fight back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through procedural paralysis, the Speaker has done what violence could not: silence Congress and hand Donald Trump the powers of a king...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do Democrats have a shot in the midterms of retaking the house? Will the massive numbers at No Kings rallies make a difference? How does the shutdown look from the empty halls of Congress? Mark Pocan answers listener calls from across America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Tears Down Whole East Wing. “Privately” Funded Destruction. Trump Demands $230 Million. Johnson Knows Nothing. Shutdown Goes On and On. Does Trump Care? At “War” with Venezuela? No Putin Summit. Trump Poops on America. AI's Cost to Truth. With Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Media, Allan Smith, Political Reporter for NBC News and Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline. 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.

Amy Wallace says the FBI and DOJ have the list. Twenty abusers. Zero accountability. How long will we tolerate this cover-up?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump is writing a new chapter in American politics- 'How to Use the justice department to punish your enemies, benefit your loyalists, and make money too!'Plus- getting control of dangerous frogs and unicorns...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fight isn't between left and right anymore: it's between oligarchy and the people, between those who hoard power and those still brave enough to believe in democracy...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump continues to harm his own supporters, cracks are showing in his coalition despite his best efforts at intimidation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Punishing his enemies and privileging his loyalists- is this normal authoritarian behavior, or actually a sign of Trump's weakness?Plus - Congressman Ro Khanna takes listener questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He's learning what every would-be king learns: fear works only until people remember who they are…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with Elie Mystal, the Justice Correspondent at The Nation, about the current state of the U.S. Department of Justice, particularly focusing on its role under the Trump administration. The discussion highlights recent indictments of political figures, the Department of Justice's shift towards serving Trump's political agenda, and the questionable legal merit of these indictments. They delve into the Supreme Court's new session, discussing its selective case acceptance process and the conservative majority's influence on the court's docket, including key issues like voting rights, presidential powers, and the overall shift to the right. The conversation also addresses the potential impact on minority rights, particularly LGBT Americans, and criticizes Democrats for not taking a stronger stance on court reform. Mystal underscores the urgency for Democrats to focus on judicial appointments and court expansion to counterbalance the conservative-leaning Supreme Court.Bill referenced Elie's work for the Nation Magazine. You can read his work here: thenation.com/authors/elie-mystal/Today Bill urged us to support the ACLU. More information at ACLU.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author and intelligence researcher Malcolm Nance takes apart the game Trump and Putin are playing with Zelensky. Whose side is Trump really on?Plus- will effective leaders come forward to fight against fascism in America?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The movements of the 1960s built lasting institutions. Today's movements need more than moral clarity: they need leadership and coordination...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As if boldly lying about Antifa, Soros, their own policies and their own party's actions weren't enough- a recently surfaced young Republican Telegram transcript show just how low they can go...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Healthy Democracy's Linn David joins guest host Jefferson Smith to discuss a more collaborative way for we the people to own public policy.Plus- Trump's amoral actions in contrast to the disturbing weaponization of Christianity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the eve of No King's Day, brilliant guest host Jefferson Smith orchestrates a discussion on the nuts and bolts of making change through successful demonstrations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bolton Indicted. Retribution Continues. Is Adam Schiff Next? Putin Trump Summit-Again. Will Gaza Deal Hold? Shutdown Continues. SCOTUS vs Voting Rights Act. GOP's Racist “Kids.” No Kings Protest. With Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, S. V. Date, Senior White House Correspondent for HuffPost and Cameron Joseph, Senior Washington Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republican policies are making life ever more expensive for most Americans- and meanwhile the graft, hustles, and outright scams keep making the rich richer- but at least nobody can say we're socialist... right? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The boneheaded cruelty of Trump's ICE Brigade shows itself more every day. Is Trump working hard to make America into a 3rd world-style dictatorship like Egypt? Where are the Republicans of conscious willing to defend our liberty and our nation?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Qatar, China, Palestine, Argentina- is there any nation Trump won't cut a deal with to fatten up his already bulging bank accounts?Plus- Thom reads from "Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America's Empire" by Jonathan M. Katz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristi Noem's shutdown blame-game video could cost them fines and their livelihood...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill speaks with congressional scholar Norm Ornstein about the deteriorating state of the United States Congress. They discuss the book Ornstein co-authored 13 years ago, 'It's Even Worse Than It Looks,' focusing on how the Republican party has evolved into an 'insurgent outlier.' Ornstein shares his personal history working in the Senate since 1970, citing a loss of 'institutional patriotism' among Republicans and their complete subordination to Donald Trump. He criticizes current congressional leadership, particularly Mike Johnson, and highlights issues like the Senate's blind approval of Trump nominees and the failure of effective oversight. Ornstein also addresses the implications of a government shutdown, the misuse of the Justice Department for political retribution, and the need for an effective Democratic response. He ends on a somber note, comparing current political dynamics to the erosion of democratic norms seen in history, suggesting that the road to recovery is uncertain and fraught with challenges. (No kidding.)Norman Ornstein is a political scientist, co-host of the podcast “Words Matter,” and author of books, including “It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism.” Today Bill highlights the work of one of his favorite morning reads, The Bulwark. A great website and media company founded by Never-Trump Republicans which is at the forefront of The Resistance. You can check it out at TheBulwark.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every raid, every body slammed to the pavement, is a public ritual meant to teach us obedience. The goal isn't enforcement — it's submission...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hegseth has indicated that the US will welcome Qatar to build a a Qatari base on US soil... Wait, what??Plus, Thom reads from "Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery" by Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump is dragging America's democracy towards oblivion – could this be it for the US as we know it? Chris and Jarv discuss with Thom Hartmann, author of The Last American President: A Broken Man, a Corrupt Party, and a World on the Brink. Buy The Last American President: A Broken Man, a Corrupt Party, and a World on the Brink through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund American Friction by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Back us on Patreon – we need your help to keep going. Get ad free episodes, extra bits and merch: https://www.patreon.com/c/americanfriction  We're now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanFrictionPod  Follow us on social media:  BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanfric.bsky.social  Instagram  TikTok Go to https://surfshark.com/amfric or use code AMFRIC at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!   Written and presented by Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Video and audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today- the latest on Ukraine from embedded correspondent Phil Ittner in Lviv, Ukraine. Also- did Trump fumble what was meant to be a private message that shows his plan to brand anyone who opposes him as "the enemy within"?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And the Nobel Peace Prize Goes to...Maria Corina Machado Not Donald J. Trump | The Latest Moves by the Shadowy Power Broker Who Owns J.D. Vance, Peter Thiel | Thom Hartmann on His Latest Book The Last American President: A Broken Man, a Corrupt Party and a World on the Brink backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

While Trump and Stephen Miller send in the troops to quell imaginary emergencies, Republicans continue the relentless push to give back to the wealthy donors who got them elected...Plus, Thom reads from " Stop Being Reasonable: How We Really Change Our Minds" by Eleanor Gordon-Smith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dean Obeidallah joins Thom for a deep dive on Pam Bondi's evasive protection of Trump's coverup of his long involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Plus- The autocratic MAGA GOP pushes hard to make anyone who is 'anti fascist' into an automatic criminal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How the Insurrection Act could become the 21st-century Enabling Act, with six justices and the GOP standing by…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No Trump Nobel. Trump's Retribution Continues. No Shutdown Talks. Who Gets the Blame? Who Gets the ACA Subsidies? Trump's Mideast Deal. With Jeff Dufour Editor-chief of The National Journal, John Bennett, White House correspondent for CQ Roll Call and Mia McCarthy, Congressional Reporter for Politico. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UIFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Christian Nationalists succeed in making their personal religion the law of the land? Will abortion one day be met with the death penalty- or merely huge fines and prison time?Plus - Thom reads from "If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk" by by John Pavlovitz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Americans lose faith in capitalism, Trump's economic nationalism looks less like free enterprise and more like state control…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conservatives call Anderson's film “irresponsible” because it dares to show what happens when power turns its guns on the powerless...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From concealed identities to sanctioned violence, the echoes between ICE raids and Klan terror are too loud to ignore…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are Cruz, Greene, and Mace just the first willing to break ranks with a man intent on dismantling American traditions while delivering on few of his promises to the average voter? Will ICE provide the pretext to declare martial law ahead of the midterm elections?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode historian Doug Brinkley discusses the unprecedented ways in which Donald Trump has pushed the boundaries of presidential power. Brinkley compares Trump's actions to historic moments, such as FDR's attempts to pack the Supreme Court and Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, but notes that Trump's use of executive orders and his ability to intimidate fellow Republicans is unparalleled. The episode covers Trump's potential to weaponize the National Guard for political gains, his circumvention of legal authority, and the broader implications for American democracy. Brinkley expresses optimism for the future but warns of the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI and deep fakes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raids without warrants, kids in zip-ties, and officials who say “F** the children”: this is the moral collapse of the American state. It's time for state authorities to start making arrests...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Step by step, moving troops into our cities creates precedents to set the stage to disrupt the midterm election and make Trumpian authoritarian power permanent in America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An inspiring call to action from Ellie Krug, host of "The Illegal Trans Woman" podcast and on the air on am950 in Minneapolis. Plus - Did Trump and Kennedy destroy the chance to find a cure to HIV?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can the economy keep going when only those at the top can afford to keep spending? Also- are you in a relationship with an AI??... A Will Trump get his war with Venezuela?.. Plus- Thom reads from "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom"by David W. Blight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Palast - My mom would've kicked Pete Hegseth's Ass. Apparently Stephen Miller's dreams since childhood have been about torture and pain. Should someone like this be in power? Europe may be on the verge of a nuclear disaster. Plus Twelve Steps to National Collapse: A Blueprint for How Democracies Die. Finally there was an arrest in war torn Portland. And it was a MAGA influencer for fighting. Apparently MAGA is struggling with how peaceful Portland has been.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A historian's alarm: when these twelve familiar steps appear in a nation, the result is often irreversible—unless citizens rise up and demand otherwise…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Government Shuts Down. It's About Healthcare. Who Leads the Democrats? Blue State Spending Cancelled. AI Meme Wars. Hegseth's Embarrassment. Trump's Unhinged Speech to the Generals. No Nobel for Trump. With Linda Feldmann, White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for The Christian Science Monitor, Philip Bump, former Columnist for The Washington Post and Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When lies become policy and propaganda becomes identity, democracy itself is put at risk…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CEO/Reporter, Status Coup News and author of "We the Poisoned: Exposing the Flint Water Crisis Cover Up" Jordan Chariton describes domestic warfare being inflicted on American citizens. GOP House Speaker MAGA Mike Johnson decided to tell the truth for a change. During an interview with Fox News Senior Trump-Fluffer, Maria Bartiromo, Johnson admitted that shutting down the government was a long desired goal of the Republican Party....Surprise! Portland makes a naked attempt to deal with ICE and Trump‘s troops...Can ICE handle it? Also Veteran War Correspondent, Phil Ittner reports from Kyiv, Ukraine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

History's tyrants followed this same path — and those citizens who failed to resist lost their nations forever…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, government shutdowns meant temporary furloughs that were painful but reversible. Now, Trump and his cronies are using the threat of mass, permanent firings to gut the very institutions that protect our food, our air, our water, our workers, and our democracy itself. Trump going after James Comey is the height of authoritarian revenge politics, and the bitter irony is impossible to miss. 'Never seen it so bad': DOGE cuts have Social Security workers needing to be 'medicated' Wow. Jimmy Kimmel tripled his audience on comeback night - I would say this is called a Trump backfire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump released a grotesque, AI-manufactured video on Truth Social in which Chuck Schumer is made to utter vile, fabricated slurs. Has Donald Trump lost his mind? And if he hasn't, what has he become? Trump & Hegseth: They're re-awakening the warrior spirit and saying good-bye to woke... What is woke? Senator Ron Wyden on Trump's threat to send troops to PDX, OR & Epstein financial discovery. Immigrants are begging for help and clean water in detention facilities - Is this who we are? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.