Podcast appearances and mentions of victoria bassetti

On this week's Priorities podcast, two election experts — Ted Allen, a professor at Ohio State University, and Victoria Bassetti, senior adviser at States United Democracy Center — join us to discuss voting as we head into the 2024 election season. With the U.S. 2024 presidential election 8 months away, this episode addresses how state and local governments are preparing for the upcoming election in their states, including election security, voting administration and recent legislation that's had an impact on election officials and poll workers nationwide.

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin laid out the four criminal referrals the January 6th Committee made to the DOJ recommending that Donald J. Trump and others be investigated for the events relating to the attack on the US Capitol. The report included some startling new disclosures including testimony from a former White House staffer that is a potential case of witness tampering. How do we assess the report from the Jan 6 Committee and where do the investigations go from here? We talk to Rep. Raskin and one of the Committee's star witnesses, retired Federal Appellate Court Judge J. Michael Luttig.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Pantheon of American conspiracy theories, the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy is the gift that keeps on giving. For nearly 60 years it has been dissected and debated by partisans of countless conspiracy theories. So what does the newly released material on the matter show? And what are they still keeping secret? In this bonus episode of Conspiracyland, we talk to two leading experts on the subject, former New York Times reporter Phil Shenon and former Washington Post Reporter Jeff Morley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Pantheon of American conspiracy theories, the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy is the gift that keeps on giving. For nearly 60 years it has been dissected and debated by partisans of countless conspiracy theories. So what does the newly released material on the matter show? And what are they still keeping secret? We talk to two leading experts on the subject, former New York Times reporter Phil Shenon and former Washington Post Reporter Jeff Morley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ron Deibert, who runs the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab, to discuss the “mercenary spyware” industry - and its proclivity for providing “almost god-like” spyware programs to governments who've been proven to use them to surveil “opposition politicians, human rights activists, journalists, academics, embassy workers, and political dissidents.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The violent insurrection at the Capitol last year was a sobering day for American democracy, and yet many people thought that - at the very least - it would break the fever that had overcome the Republican Party and push it to separate itself from Trump and move on from his repeated lies with respect to “the big steal.”That is not what happened - instead, the past two years represented a pivot point between “this is not normal “ and “this is dangerous and not going away” as we've all been witness to GOP taking the “plunge deeper into a Trumpian cult of compulsive dissembling and conspiracy mongering,” falling “hostage to the party's most fevered extremists” as “the usual partisan differences [have given] way to an existential call to arms.”So writes journalist Robert Draper in his recently published “Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost its Mind,” an account of how a “new breed” of Republicans - the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, and Madison Cawthorn - far from moving on from Trump, have taken the “politics of hysteria” to even greater extremes.Through his extraordinarily intrepid cross-country reporting, Draper chronicles the ascent of these faces of the “new GOP” among the Republican base and within Congress, rendering unforgettable portraits of how “Greene and her ilk” came hold such sway over the GOP, shaping its terms of engagement to an extent that the GOP establishment - likes of Kevin McCarthy - would only begrudgingly admit.On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Draper to talk about just how the GOP has, as he says, “lost its mind.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I have been accused of having obstructed the war. I admit it. I abhor war. I would oppose the war if I stood alone. I believe in free speech, in war as well as in peace.” So said Eugene Debs on September 12th, 1918 to members of a jury tasked with deciding whether he had, as prosecutors argued, during a speech given a few weeks earlier to a crowd of socialists attempted “to promote insubordination [in the military]” and “propagate obstruction to the [military] draft.” Debs - a socialist, political activist, trade unionist, one of the founding members of, among many leftist groups, the Socialist Party of America - would be convicted of and handy a lengthy prison sentence for violating the Espionage Act, pushed through Congress the year prior by former President Woodrow Wilson - just after the United States entered into the war in Europe.Upon signing the Act - which made criminal dissent against the war - into law, Wilson, at once, began to use it to go after opposition to the establishment - communists, socialists, trade unionists - and continued to do so even after the war had ended.This is just one of the many subjects of American Midnight, journalist and historian Adam Hochschild's recent book, in which he examines a period during which the United States saw a swell of patriotic frenzy and political repression that makes McCarthyism look almost subtle by comparison - 1917-21.On this episode of “Buried Treasure,” we sit down with Hochschild to look back on this all too often unremembered period that gave birth to the Espionage Act - some of the “darkest years of the republic” in which the government and political establishment weren't at all opposed to blatantly illiberal approaches to achieving their desired outcomes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Every so often over the past quarter-century, analysts have predicted that Iran was on the cusp of major change. They always turned out to be wrong. Now, unrest is engulfing the country yet again.” So writes Jason Rezeian in a recent piece for the Washington Post about the threats the Iranian government is facing, what people are saying - and why this time could be different. For the past three months, Iran has been rocked by protests prompted by the death of a young woman - Mahsa Amini - while in the custody of Iran's “morality police” for the alleged crime of wearing an improper hijab. Images of Amini - bruised and on life support - spread on social media, and her name has become the latest rallying cry in what have been largely women-powered protests against the government's repression and misogyny.It has been estimated by human rights organisations that - over the course of the protests - hundreds have died, thousands have been injured, and yet thousands more detained - upwards of 18,000 people.Rezaian, the global opinions writer for the Washington Post, served as the Post's bureau chief in Tehran from 2012 to mid 2015, before he was arrested and convicted on bogus espionage charges and held in an Iranian prison for a year and half before being released in early 2016 as a part of a prisoner exchange with the United States. Rezaian joins us to discuss the protests, Iran's worsening relations with the West, and what he thinks the future holds for the Islamic republicSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday announced what amounts to a legal bombshell in the two most high profile investigations being carried out by his department. He's appointing a Special Council to oversee the ongoing probes into whether Donald Trump illegally sought to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. And whether he violated federal law by taking classified documents from the White House and then refused to turn them over in response to a court approved subpoena. Garland named Jack Smith, a career department prosecutor who once headed the Justice Department's Integrity Section to the job of determining Trump should be prosecuted. And yet Garland still has ultimate power to approve or reject whatever Smith decides. What does this move mean for Trump's future and the integrity of the Justice Department? We talk to Michael Zeldin, a former career prosecutor and Independent Council himself. And then we check in with Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the human rights group D.A.W.N. about the State Department's controversial decision to recommend shielding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman from a lawsuit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump on Tuesday night announced to no one's surprise that he will once again run for President. By Trumpian standards he seemed subdued as he described America's decent into war, crime, and economic catastrophe ever since he left the White House twenty-two long months ago and Joe Biden took office. And yet the timing seemed curious. And to many Republicans infuriating. The party had just suffered un-expecting setbacks in the midterms. Once again losing the Senate and it seems just barely taking back the House as Trump endorsed candidates fell by the wayside one by one. And if that wasn't enough, GOP leaders were still determined to eek out a win in a Georgia run-off and are desperate to have him stay out of the headlines. How much of a threat to Republicans stability and future success as Trump's candidacy? We talk to Yahoo News correspondent Alex Nazaryan who was at Mar-a-Lago for the big announcement. And then we check in with Molly Jong-Fast, a popular liberal podcaster and social media influencer about what she makes of Trump's candidacy and the unexpected midterm results.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Edwin's guests are: - Author and journalist Sarah Posner on Christian fundamentalism in politics - Author and journalist Will Bunch on the midterm results - Economist Dean Baker on U.S. economic policy - Victoria Bassetti, senior adviser to States United Action, on the perils of election denialism

Even while still reeling from their disappointing performance in Tuesday's election, Republicans are bracing for more turmoil, as they prepare to likely take over the House of Representatives with the thinest of majorities. Instead of celebrating the election results as he had expected, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is now facing serious unrest within his ranks, threatening his prospects of taking the gavel from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when the new congress convenes Jan. 3rd. And even if he does ultimately prevail, how much power will McCarthy actually have? And what should we expect from a Republican controlled House in which the hard-right Freedom Caucus has new power. We talk to one of the reporters most plugged in to the House GOP Caucus, Juliegrace Brufke of The Washington Examiner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For weeks the conventional wisdom in Washington couldn't have been clearer. There was a red wave coming that would sweep Republicans to a historic victory. Winning back control of the US House by wide margin and potentially control of the Senate as well. But then the voters spoke and the conventional wisdom of the pollsters and pundits was wrong once again. As we sit on Wednesday the GOP seems likely to win control of the House after all, but by an exceedingly fine margin that could prove a nightmare for presumptive speaker Kevin McCarthy. And the Senate seems that it could once again depend on the results of a run-off in Georgia where the party's Donald Trump backed candidate Hershel Walker will have huge challenges in his hopes of unseating incumbent Democrat Senator Raphael Warnock. What do the election results say about what passes for the conventional wisdom in American politics? And what do they mean for a 2024 Presidential contest that could well begin as early as next week. We talk to Yahoo News Political Reporter Andrew Romano and Washington Post columnist Matt Bai.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Vivian Schiller signed on as a Senior Executive at Twitter in 2013, she was excited to be joining a company that seemed poised to remake the world. It was a heavy time for the social media start-up. Just a few years early, it had been messages on Twitter that connected Democracy activists throughout the Middle East leading to a revolutionary moment known as the Arab Spring. But Schiller soon became disillusioned and has long since left the company. In the years since, Twitter was increasingly hi-jacked by purveyors of hate and disinformation, fouling democracy instead of spreading it. Now, billionaire Elon Musk has taken over twitter, fired half its workforce, and signaled plans to revise if not roll back the content moderation policies that lead the company to kick Donald Trump off the platform for spreading election lies. We talk to Vivian Schiller about what we should make of the Musk takeover and what it portends for the future of Twitter, social media, and American Democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emma hosts Victoria Bassetti, Senior Advisor of States United Action and author of Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters, to discuss the upcoming state elections all across the country coming up next Tuesday. First, Emma runs through updates on ANOTHER Fed interest rate hike, polling in PA, WI, and NC ahead of the midterms, Bolsonaro's private concession, and Netanyahu's return to Israeli politics with a far-right coalition behind him, before diving into Biden's address of the presence of democracy on the ballot in 2022. Victoria Bassetti then joins as she gets right into the work being done at States United Action to track the presence of anti-democratic candidates, beginning in 2021 with reports from both the grassroots and institutional sides of a rising tide of election deniers running for office, and inspiring SUA to keep tabs on state races for the big three seats (Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State). After painting a picture of the serious prevalence of election deniers on ballots across the US, Bassetti and Emma walk through the ballots in various swings states, exploring why Arkansas and Georgia have no election deniers on the ballot while Arizona and Michigan might have multiple seats go that direction, and touching on the prevalence of these politicians even in solid blue places like New York. Wrapping up, Victoria and Emma very briefly touch on the upcoming Moore v. Harper case in the Supreme Court, walk through the various right-wing attempts to stifle voting (both mail-in and in-person), and discuss how individuals can fight back against these tactics heading into the midterms. And in the Fun Half: Emma is joined by Matt and Brandon as they assess the recent discourse on anti-semitism and Black Hebrew Israelites, before watching an old Bo Burnham clip on capitalism's evolution from colonization of land to its attack on attention, and Keister from Florida discusses the anti-semitism at the recent Georgia-Florida game. Fox host Pete Hegseth explores how the libs made up social studies, bells, and sitting in rows, Sam from Wisconsin talks anti-Matt Walsh protests, and Matt Binder parses through his deep-dive exposé on Jimmy Dore's sockpuppet account, plus, your calls and IMs! Check out States United Action here: https://statesuniteddemocracy.org/states-united-action/ Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here (OT STREAMING THERE TODAY!): https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Tushy: Hello Tushy cleans your butt with a precise stream of fresh water for just $79. It attaches to your existing toilet – requires NO electricity or additional plumbing – and cuts toilet paper use by 80% – so the Hello Tushy bidet pays for itself in a few months. Go to https://hellotushy.com/majority to get 10% off today! Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattBinder @MattLech @BF1nn @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Subscribe to Discourse Blog, a newsletter and website for progressive essays and related fun partly run by AM Quickie writer Jack Crosbie. https://discourseblog.com/ Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/

This week, thunderous explosions rocked the Ukrainian Capitol of Kiev, as Russian forces unleashed another blistering attack of cruise missiles on the city and other regions throughout the country. The attacks targeted energy facilities and other critical infrastructure, cutting off the water supply for 80% of Kiev's residents. It was yet another reminder that despite recent gains by Ukrainians on the battlefield the brutal war that Russia launched last February shows no signs of abating, even as the risks of escalation seem to grow by the day. Is there any hope for diplomacy? Or is the world stuck watching a bloody stalemate in a conflict that has no end in sight? We talk to the CIA former top Russia analyst, George Beebe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There may be no institution in American more consequential or divisive than the United States Supreme Court. Under the leadership of Justice John Roberts, the court has upended campaign finance laws, undermined the 1965 voting rights act, affirmed a previously unrecognized constitutional right to gun ownership, and this year embolden by its new 6-3 conservative majority struck down the constitutional right to abortion. Decisions that have had a profound impact on our politics, not to mention the daily lives of millions of Americans. But there is more coming up. This coming Monday, on Halloween, the Supreme Court will revisit another politically charged issue. Should affirmative action continue to play a role in college admissions? And coming soon, Senator Lindsay Graham have to testify in a Fulton County investigation into Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. We discuss with two longterm court watchers, Leah Litman a Law Professor at the University of Michigan and Jess Bravin of the Wall Street Journal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few month ago, Democrats were upbeat, believing fervently that they had a decent chance of beating the historical odds and retaining the control of the United States congress. The Supreme Court Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade had energized women across the country, while President Biden scored some major legislative successes. Most notably a climate change bill, that they a bit deceptively labeled, the Inflation Reduction Act. But today, with the midterms less than two weeks away, a new gloom hangs over the party's prospects. The polls consistently show rising prices, the economy, and crime to be the dominant issues preoccupying voters, playing to the GOP advantage. Where do things now stand? We talk to Democratic pollster Mark Mellman to get his state-by-state breakdown. And then we check in with Republican consultant Brian Robinson on two showcase races in Georgia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"We don't have a client, we weren't here to move some legislative agenda item. We were here to kick the s**t out of Donald Trump." That's from veteran political consultant Rick Wilson talking in a new five part documentary about the groundbreaking SuperPac he and a handful of other Republican consultants founded called The Lincoln Project. The group raised nearly 90 million dollars during the 2020 election, using the cash to create devastating attack ads hammering Donald Trump and his MAGA allies. As election day approached two years ago, The Lincoln Project was getting tons of attention, and Wilson and his confederates were congratulating themselves on their ability to use their attack dog skills to stop the threat to democracy posed by the then President. But how effective really was The Lincoln Project? The documentary now airing on Showtime takes an unblinking look at the controversies surrounding the group and brings up important questions about what they say about the state of modern politics. We talk to the film makers Karim Amer and Fisher Stevens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With three weeks before the midterms, the outlook for control of the US Senate and possibly even the House, remains as it's been for some time. A jump ball in which either party can yet prevail. But there is little doubt that there is growing anxiety among Democrats, with inflation, gas prices, and crime, consistently ranking as the top concern among voters, outranking the fallout from January 6th or the alarming number of Republicans running for office who still endorse Donald Trump's election denying nonsense. But are Democrats talking about the right issues? And crafting their messages in ways that connect with that segment of the electorate that actually determines the outcome of elections. veteran Democratic consultant Lis Smith says no, and she's got some advice for them in her new book, "Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story." We talk to her about how she sees the midterms and what she's learned as a female advisor to a parade of Democrats from John Edwards to Elliott Spitzer to Andrew Cuomo, all of whom have had problems over their relationships to women. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liz Cheney, Wyoming's Congresswoman, revealed the January 6th Committee's final card at yesterday's hearing. Subpoena to Donald Trump to testify and to provide documents about his role in the events that lead to the attack on the US Capitol. It was a surprise move by the panel at the end of its final public hearing in which it revealed some new details about alarming intelligence warnings to the secret service about the potential for violence that day, as well as compelling footage that day as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer huddled about how to get to the business of the day certifying Joe Biden's victory in the Presidential election back on track. The hearing, like all the earlier ones, got gavel to gavel coverage on cable TV and played big in major newspapers across the country, but it hasn't moved the needle it terms of public opinion. And just as important, hasn't brought the Justice Department any closer to bringing criminal charges to against the former President. We discuss with Matt Miller, former Chief of Public Affairs of the Justice Department under Democratic Attorney General Eric Holder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden in an exchange with CNN's Jake Tapper, vowed there will be consequences for Saudi Arabia in light of their decision to join with Russia in cutting back oil production, a move guaranteed to help Vladimir Putin and his war with Ukraine, while at the same time, jacking up gas prices for American consumers. The Saudi move jolted the White House, coming barely three months after Biden famously fist-bumped the country's de facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salma, the very same Crown Prince, who according to US intelligence, approved the operation that brutally murdered Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But what should those consequences for the Saudis actually be? Biden didn't say. But one Senator, who has been one of the most outspoken on the issue is Connecticut's Chris Murphy, a member of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee. We talk to him about the US-Saudi relationship and the war in Ukraine as well as this week's nearly billion dollar verdict against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for his lies about the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It may have been the biggest investigative scoop of this year's election. This week, The Daily Beast reported that Herschel Walker, the Republican candidate for the US Senate in Georgia and a staunch opponent of abortion rights, paid for a girlfriend's abortion in 2009 - sighting documents that included a receipt from the abortion clinic, an image of a seven hundred dollar check from Walker, and a "Get Well" card signed by the former football star. Walker immediately denied the story. And insisted that he had no idea who the accuser was. But then The Daily Beast followed up with an equally astonishing story, that the woman was actually the mother of one of his children. What prompted the woman, still anonymous, to come forward now? And what impact will this have on one of the most important Senate races in the country? We talk to The Daily Beast reporter who broke the story, Roger Sollenberger, and Yahoo News' own Jon Ward. And then we chat with Slate's Dahlia Lithwick about the new Supreme Court term and her new book, Lady Justice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It may be the most pressing question facing the world at this perilous moment. Is Vladimir Putin bluffing or not when he threatens to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine? Nuclear weapons analyst Joe Cirincione says we need to take the Russian president seriously. "We should believe Putin that this is not a bluff," he writes in a recent op ed in The Washington Post. In fact Cirincione points out, Russian military doctrine has been transformed under Putin's leadership. Where once it called for the use of nukes only when the very existence of the Russian Federation was under threat, it now contemplates their use in response to quote, "large scale aggression utilizing conventional weapons in situations critical to the national security." A big difference to say the least. And one more alarming now than ever given that Putin has declared the eastern regions on Ukraine sovereign Russian territory. What might a Russian nuclear attack in Ukraine look like? And what would and should be the United States and NATO's response? We talk to Cirincione and game out the ever more frightening possibilities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The election of Donald Trump six long years ago began an unimaginable period of time in our history, when the United States was lead for the first time by a President who neither knew or subscribed to the fundamental tenants of our Constitution. And frequently acted to undermine them. So write Peter Baker and Susan Glasser in their new book, The Divider. It maybe the most comprehensive account yet of Trump's presidency. The zig-zags in policy, the clashes and in-fighting among his aides, the incessant attempts to use the power of his office, not to advance policies in the national interest, but to benefit his own personal and political interests. We talk to Baker and Glasser about what they've learned, including their account of Trump's still puzzling relationship with a scary autocrat very much dominating the world stage, Russian President Vladimir Putin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the first installment of the series, Isikoff and his producer Mark Seman travel to Cuba where they interview Johana Ruth Tablada de la Torre, the deputy director for U.S. affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry about how the reports of Havana Syndrome were viewed by the country's leadership. The episode also features interviews with a leading Cuban human rights activist, Brian Nichols, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for western hemisphere affairs and Ben Rhodes, the ex-Obama aide who negotiated the reopening to Cuba in 2014 only to watch all his efforts undercut by the events that began with Havana Syndrome.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The second installment of the series examines the Cold War mystery over suspected microwave attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and how Pentagon fears about such bombardments heavily influenced the initial response to Havana Syndrome. It features interviews with John Fitzsimmons, the former deputy secretary of state for diplomatic security, Sharon Weinberger, a Washington journalist who describes the Pentagon's own secret research to develop a microwave weapon, and Mike Beck, former NSA counter-intel officer who was convinced he was whacked by a microwave attack during a trip to Russia in the 1990s.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The third and final installment of the series recounts how senior U.S. officials became increasingly dubious about sensational claims about Havana Syndrome pointing to the lack of any hard evidence that a secret microwave weapon even exists. It features interviews with Fulton Armstrong, former CIA analyst, Jim McGovern, U.S. congressman, Mark Zaid, national security lawyer, and John Cohen, former Department of Homeland Security intelligence chief.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fall of 1974, a young ambitious prosecutor was grilling a powerful US Congressman on trial for corruption. The prosecutor's cross examination was unforgiving. He had confronted the Congressman with checks from business interests that he had promoted and bombarded him relentlessly with tough questions. After a break, the Congressman threw in the towel and pled guilty. An amazing turn of the tables that handed the young prosecutor his first major triumph. The prosecutor's name, Rudy Giuliani. And it was the first of many headline making triumphs as he went on to serve as a top Justice Department Official, a mob-busting US Attorney, and of course as America's Mayor who guided NYC during its darkest hours and days in the aftermath of September 11th. What's endlessly fascinating about those early triumphs is that they were followed by one of the most spectacular falls from grace that any public figure has experienced in living memory. A man once widely revered, even Knighted by the Queen of England, has ended up as a nearly pathetic laughing stock with significant legal exposure thanks to a considerable degree to his role as consigliere to Donald Trump. It's a story masterfully told by veteran journalist Andrew Kirtzman in his new book, Giuliani: The Rise and Tragic Fall of America's Mayor. We talk to Kirtzman about his new book and Giuliani's legacy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller addressed the Republican Convention of 1964, denouncing the extremists that appeared to be taking over his party. Only to be drowned out by boos and shouts by delegates backing that year's nominee Barry Goldwater. Rockefeller's all but forgotten speech is the opening scene in journalist David Corn's new book, American Psychosis: A historical investigation on how the Republican Party went crazy. Corn draws a somewhat straight line from that moment, when a Goldwater movement rife with followers of the John Birch Society and other extremist groups took over the GOP, to the rise of Donald Trump more than a half century later, culminating in the events of January 6th when MAGA extremists stormed the US Capitol and threatened the lives of lawmakers and the sitting Vice President. Corn's book raises the question that hung over the events of 1964, can the Republican Party be saved? And if it can't, can American Democracy be saved? We talk to Corn on this episode of Skullduggery See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was 21 years ago this week that 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hi-jacked commercial airplanes and crashed them in to the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon killing nearly three thousand Americans. That murderous act prompted the US Government to invade Afghanistan and where Taliban rulers were protecting Osama Bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda leaders. It was the start of the country's longest war stretching over two decades, only to end disastrously last August when President Biden pulled out all US troops and the Taliban re-took control of the country. For most Americans, Afghanistan is a country that evokes vague unpleasant memories that are fast being forgotten. But a new podcast, Kabul Falling, reminds us that for millions of Afghans, the US withdrawal was only the start of a horrific nightmare as Taliban fighters went house to house searching for American collaborators while Taliban leaders methodically stripped the country's women of all their rights and barring them from attending school. We talk to the host of Kabul Falling Nelafur Heydayat, a refugee herself, as well as the podcast's executive producer and former Wall Street Journal reporter Bradley Hope, to discuss what they discovered in the aftermath of the US withdrawal and what it pertains to the future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's no President that Joe Biden and his aides like to compare themselves to more than Franklin Delano Roosevelt. After all, FDR and his new deal transformed the American economy and helped rescue the country from The Great Depression, providing a model for the transformative policies that Biden embraced in his Build Back Better proposals. It was also Roosevelt who rallied the country to fight fascists abroad, even as Biden now seeks to mobilize voters to reject semi-fascists at home. In his new book, Becoming FDR, author Jonathan Darman recounts how the young Roosevelt, a gregarious likable politician, not especially deep or thoughtful, with a losing track record as a national candidate, was transformed by a personal crisis that shook him to his core. It's not unlike the personal tragedy that rocked Joe Biden's world after he was elected to the U.S. Senate. We discuss with Darman the FDR-Biden parallels, as far as they go, as well as the latest on Donald Trump's legal troubles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One year ago this week, the United States hastily pulled out of Afghanistan, an ignoble end to a twenty year experiment in nation building. As armed Taliban fighters swarmed into government buildings and took over the country, the world was privy to gut wrenching scenes as thousands of Afghans who served as translators, co-workers, and allies on the battlefield desperately tried, along with their families, to get on airplanes to leave the country and avoid the inevitable retribution. Few are more emotionally involved in the effort to save those Afghans than our guest Elliot Ackerman. A marine who served five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star for valor. In his new book, The Fifth Act: America's End In Afghanistan, he writes about his own frantic efforts along with others to line up charter flights to save his one-time Afghan colleagues. We discuss America's look back on its humiliating withdrawal and take stock of what Afghanistan has become under the harsh rule of our longtime enemies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a Monday morning in August, the United States Justice Department as well as the FBI, may have crossed the proverbial rubicon. For the first time in American history, agents showed up unannounced at the home of a former President of the United States in a court authorized search for classified documents that were removed from the White House. It was an extraordinary move by any measure based on a still sealed affidavit that lays out probable cause for why the documents at Donald Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago contains evidence of a federal crime. What exactly are potential crimes at issue? And what to make of the furious reaction coming from leading Republicans in congress, vowing full-scale investigations of the Justice Department and the FBI if they, as many expect, take control of the House in Nov. Mary McCord, a career prosecutor and the former Chief of the Justice Department's National Security Division, as well as Dana Milbank, columnist for the Washington Post and author of new book The Destructionists: The 25-year crackup of the Republican Party, join to discuss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the enslaved peoples in America in the wake of the end of the Civil War. Over 160 years after it was first celebrated, President Biden signed legislation this week making it a federal holiday. On this occasion, the Brennan Center's Ted Johnson joins hosts Michael Isikoff and Victoria Bassetti to discuss the holiday's legacy, and his new book When the Stars Begin to Fall: Overcoming Racism and Renewing the Promise of America.GUEST:Ted Johnson (@DrTedJ), Author; director, Fellows Program, Brennan Center for Justice HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:"McConnell shoots down Manchin's voting compromise" by Jordain Carney (June 17; The Hill)When the Stars Begin to Fall: Overcoming Racism and Renewing the Promise of America by Theodore J. Johnson (2021; Penguin Random House) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to "Skullduggery" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is the cause of the nationwide rise in personal, violent crime? Veteran police commissioner Bill Bratton joins hosts Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to discuss the rise in crime, and to comment on the national conversation about the role of police. Bratton shares his thoughts on what reforms are needed, which ones he's against, and to talk about the role of the “Defund the Police” movement on officer morale. He also has some things to say about his former boss, Rudy Giuliani.Plus, we hear from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the threat of domestic extremists, and get to hear some of the early responses to the new season of the critically-acclaimed podcast Conspiracyland, The Secret Lives and Brutal Death of Jamal Khashoggi, which is available now.GUEST:Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton), Executive Chairman, Teneo Risk; fmr. police commissioner, NYC (1994-1996; 2014-2016), Boston (1993-1994); fmr. police chief, L.A. (2002-2009) HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Conspiracyland” Season 3: The Secret Lives and Brutal Death of Jamal Khashoggi“‘The most significant terrorism-related threat': DHS secretary says domestic extremists now more a danger to U.S. than foreign terrorist groups” by Michael Isikoff (June 15, Yahoo News)White House Fact Sheet: National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism (June 15)The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America by Bill Bratton and Peter Knobler (2021; Penguin Random House)“As a longtime police chief, I believe we have to reestablish trust” by William J. Bratton (June 4, Washington Post)“Making New York less safe: Bills in Albany would make it harder to protect law-abiding” by William J. Bratton (June 10; New York Daily... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ultrarich have ways of avoiding paying income tax that regular people simply don't have access to. This unfair balance-tipping is the subject of new reporting by ProPublica investigators, whose sources furnished them with a trove of data revealing the secrets of the megawealthy. ProPublica editor in chief Stephen Engelberg joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to discuss their reporting.Plus, get a sneak peek of the new season of the critically-acclaimed podcast Conspiracyland. Season 3: The Secret Lives and Brutal Death of Jamal Khashoggi debuts on Monday, June 14th.GUEST:Stephen Engelberg (@SteveEngelberg), editor in chief, ProPublicaHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Conspiracyland Season 3: The Secret Lives and Brutal Death of Jamal Khashoggi“The Secret IRS Files: Trove of Never-Before-Seen Records Reveal How the Wealthiest Avoid Income Tax” by Jesse Eisinger, Jeff Ernsthausen, and Paul Kiel (June 8; ProPublica)“Why We Are Publishing the Tax Secrets of the .001%” by Stephen Engelberg and Richard Tofel (June 8; ProPublica)“An Exposé Has Congress Rethinking How to Tax the Superrich” by Jonathan Weisman and Alan Rappeport (June 9; New York Times)“ProPublica's Jesse Eisinger on his reporting about ultra-wealthy tax avoidance” (June 9; CNBC) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to "Skullduggery" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris Matthews surprised his audience one evening in March of 2020 by suddenly stepping down from hosting “Hardball” on MSNBC, the political roundtable show he’d helmed for over 20 years. Matthews, whose new book This Country: My Life in Politics and History comes out this week, joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss the role of the media in politics, how the polarization of today compares to the era of Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill, and to talk about the moment Matthews stepped away from his program.Plus, our hosts respond to a troubling tweet from Maggie Haberman of the New York Times about Trump’s plans to return to the White House — quicker than seems possible, under a sober reading of the U.S. Constitution.GUEST:Chris Matthews (@HardballChris), Author; journalist; former host of MSNBC’s “Hardball”HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:This Country: My Life in Politics and History by Chris Matthews (2021; Simon & Schuster)“Chris Matthews retires from MSNBC after string of recent controversies” by Brian Stelter (CNN, March 3, 2020)“Chris Matthews Tells Joy Reid ‘Nobody Needs to Defend Me, I Did Something Wrong” by Daniel Villarreal (Newsweek, June 1) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to "Skullduggery" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How do we rescue American democracy from the corrupt grip of an extremist party, determined to undermine democratic norms and cement minority rule by authoritarian means? This is the problem before us as laid out by Ben Rhodes, the former deputy national security advisor to Barack Obama, co-host of the Pod Save the World podcast, and author of the new book After the Fall. Rhodes joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss many aspects of domestic and foreign policy, including the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, the global influence of Xi and Putin, and several of the sweeping legislative proposals before Congress today.All of this comes on the heels of the failure in the Senate to form an independent commission to investigate the January 6th insurrection on the Capitol, for which 19 more Senators voted in favor, but failed to meet the 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture.GUEST:Ben Rhodes (@brhodes), Fmr. deputy national security advisor to Barack Obama; authorHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Senate Republicans Filibuster Jan. 6 Inquiry Bill, Blocking an Investigation” by Nicholas Fandos (May 28; New York Times)“Ex-Speaker Ryan to GOP: Reject Trump, ‘2nd-rate imitations’” by Steve Peoples (May 28; Associated Press)After the Fall: Being American in the World We’ve Made by Ben Rhodes (2021; Penguin Random House)“American Demons: Ben Rhodes’ ‘After the Fall’ Excerpt” (May 26; The Atlantic)“Teshuvah: A Jewish Case for Palestinian Refugee Return” by Peter Beinart (May 11; Jewish Currents)“U.S. to reimpose sanctions on Belarus after forced diversion of Ryanair flight” by Amy B Wang (May 28; Washington Post)“France Suspects Russian Role in Campaign to Discredit Pfizer Vaccine” by Matthew Dalton (May 25; Wall Street Journal) Follow us on Twitter:

Given the lack of any successfully carried out assassination attempt on a President in the past 40 years, the Secret Service seems, at a first glance, to be an efficient and effective law enforcement agency. But author and Washington Post reporter Carol Leonnig has spent years talking to individuals inside the agency, and her new book Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service paints a very different picture. Leonnig joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss the agency. She takes us through some of their recent newsmaking scandals, the unique relationship between the Secret Service and the Trump administration, as well as what she identifies as a toxic and confused culture, both among the leadership as well as the rank and file.Plus, an update on the scandal at the Post Office, and some real world effects from Yahoo News' reporting.GUEST:Carol Leonnig (@CarolLeonnig), Reporter, Washington Post; authorHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Kevin McCarthy Leads House GOP In Blasting Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Holocaust Remarks” by Barbara Spunt (May 25, NPR)Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service (Random House, May 2021)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Based on the dogged reporting of investigative journalist and Yahoo News contributor Jana Winter, Americans have recently learned about the covert internet surveillance operation being inexplicably run out of the U.S. Postal Service. The operation, charmingly dubbed “iCop,” targets citizens’ social media posts, and both the exact ends of this invasive effort, and the legal authority under which it exists, are unknown. Winter joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss the fruits of her reporting, the implications of her findings, and to ask why Democrats have not risen to the occasion to protect their constituents.Plus, author Brad Stone joins to talk about his new book Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire. They discuss some of Amazon’s unlikely successes (like Alexa), and notorious failures (like the Fire phone), as well as the scandalous episode where some of Bezos’s intimate text messages were leaked to the public.GUESTS:Jana Winter (@janawinter), Investigative journalist; contributor, Yahoo NewsBrad Stone (@BradStone), Author; head, Global Technology coverage, BloombergHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“House Votes to Create Capitol Riot Commission” by Nicholas Fandos (May 19, New York Times)“Facial recognition, fake identities and digital surveillance tools: Inside the post office’s covert internet operations program” by Jana Winter (May 18, Yahoo News)“Chief postal inspector tells lawmakers that social media monitoring began after George Floyd protests” by Jana Winter (Apr. 30, Yahoo News)“The postal service is running a ‘covert operations program’ that monitors Americans’ social media posts” by Jana Winter (Apr. 21, Yahoo News)Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire by Brad Stone (Simon & Schuster, 2021)

With a vote taking place on Friday morning, the Republican party officially ousted Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and elected 36-year-old Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to be its new Conference chair. The dramatic leadership change reveals fault lines in a party where a significant — and evidently predominant — portion of its elected federal officials places fealty to Donald Trump above all else. Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss this internecine struggle in the GOP, as well as to give her take on the ostracization of Cheney and coronation of Stefanik, based on her personal relationships with both women. She details her vision for a reformed, policy-driven post-Trump Republican party. But is that what Republican voters want?GUEST:Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock), former Congresswoman (R-VA)HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Elise Stefanik speaks to the press after replacing Liz Cheney on House GOP leadership” (The Hill, May 14)“New Yahoo/YouGov poll: Cheney has few supporters in GOP” by Jon Ward (Yahoo News, May 14)“Influential Republicans detail call to reform party, threaten to form new one” by Tal Axelrod (The Hill, May 13)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 2019 trial of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher gripped the nation due to the heinousness of the crimes of which Gallagher, a SEAL team captain, was accused. And though he was charged with the 2017 murder of an Iraqi detainee, he was acquitted of all charges but one — posing in a photo with the young dead Iraqi man. But, over the course of the six episodes of the new podcast “The Line,” written and produced by Dan Taberski, the story of how that man died becomes much, much more complicated. Taberski joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to discuss his podcast and its shocking new revelations, as well as the culture of the military’s elite special operators that Taberski spent so much time learning about firsthand, through the community of SEALs he spoke with for the show. What are the true costs of a twenty-year war on the psyches of the men and women who fight it? And, what responsibility do we, the American people, have for how they draw the line between what is acceptable and what is forbidden in war?GUEST:Dan Taberski (@dtaberski), writer and executive producer of “The Line” podcast HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“The Line” podcast (Jigsaw Productions & Apple Originals), available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify“Eddie Gallagher’s shocking claim that SEALs intended for detainee to die” by Luis Martinez (ABC News, May 5)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former Newsweek editor Jon Meacham has a new podcast called “Fate of Fact,” in which he investigates how it is that American politics — particularly in the Republican Party, as Meacham says — became detached not only from our constitutional system of checks and balances but from reality itself. Meacham joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode, which contains a deep and important conversation about history, our tumultuous present moment and where the country might go from here. GUEST:Jon Meacham (@jmeacham), Pulitzer Prize-winning author; presidential historianHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“The GOP is at a turning point. History is watching us.” by Liz Cheney (Washington Post, May 5)“Jon Meacham to explore the spread of disinformation in ‘Fate of Fact’” by Jacquie Cadorette (Audacy, Apr. 26)The “Fate of Fact” podcast, from Shining City Audio, C13 Originals, and Jon Meacham, on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the wake of the January 6th riot at the Capitol, which itself was preceded by multiple attacks on state governments by right-wing extremists, Attorney General Merrick Garland said publicly that domestic terrorism from white nationalist groups is now as much of a concern as foreign terrorism for the Department of Justice. Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti are joined by Michael German, a former FBI special agent who spent years undercover infiltrating violent right-wing extremist groups in the 1990s. He talks about why the FBI seems to ignore the violent deeds and threats posed by these groups while simultaneously going after environmentalists, anti-war activists, and Black Lives Matter protestors.Plus, our hosts talk about the political implications of the infighting in the GOP, and the renewed attempts to ostracize Rep. Liz Cheney (WY) for her refusal to toe the party line on the “Big Lie” about the 2020 Presidential election.GUEST:Michael German (@RethinkIntel), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice; former FBI special agentHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before a House subcommittee on the DOJ budget (May 4)“Prosecutors Are Said to Have Sought Aggressive Approach to Capitol Riot Inquiry” by Katie Benner (New York Times, Apr. 27)“Cheney could be ‘toast’ in fight with Trump over GOP future” by Lisa Mascaro, Alan Fram, and Mead Gruver (AP, May 5)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On the day after President Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress, and to mark the occasion of his first hundred days in office, Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti are joined by esteemed historians and authors Douglas Brinkley and Jonathan Alter to break down the speech, and place Biden’s nascent presidency in important historical context. They discuss parallels with both F.D.R. and Jimmy Carter, place Biden in the history of modern progressive presidents, as well as look ahead to possible pitfalls and obstacles that may stand in the way of the agenda that Biden introduced to the nation.Also, our hosts discuss the latest news in the ignominious downfall of Rudy Giuliani, who once graced the cover of TIME magazine, but who this week had his office and home searched by the FBI as part of an ongoing investigation into his corrupt practices.GUESTS:Douglas Brinkley (@ProfDBrinkley) Professor of History at Rice University, authorJonathan Alter (@jonathanalter), Contributing Correspondent, NBC News; authorHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:President Biden delivers first address to a joint session of Congress (Apr. 28, 2021)“How F.D.R.’s Heir Is Changing the Country” by Jonathan Alter, New York Times (Apr. 12, 2021)Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America by Douglas Brinkley (HarperCollins, 2017)His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life by Jonathan Alter (Simon & Schuster, 2020) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Air Date 8/22/2020 Today we take a look at the long history and motivations for voter suppression, explain why it tends to help one party over the other and why vote-by-mail is the best solution to the majority of our voting problems. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com  SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jay explains that voter suppression is like pointillism in that it can only be understood by taking a wide enough view   Ch. 2: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 1 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17   Ch. 3: The pointillism of voter suppression (continued)   Ch. 4: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16   Ch. 5: @AriBerman: Kris Kobach Is Helping Trump Lay Groundwork for Nationwide Voter Suppression Effort - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-05-17   Ch. 6: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17   Ch. 7: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18   Ch. 8: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 2 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments TAKE ACTION! Know Your Voting Rights & Make a Plan (ACLU) Let People Vote - State-by-State Rules & Options (ACLU) Volunteer for a 2020 Voter Protection Team (FairFight) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman  MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE:  "December 10 March for Voting Rights" by Michael Fleshman |Changes: cropped | License    Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!

The controversial new election law passed in Georgia has been derided by many, including Stacey Abrams and President Biden, and has inspired many high-profile businesses, like Major League Baseball, to relocate interests out of the state. But Gabriel Sterling, the chief financial and operations official in the office of the Georgia Secretary of State, is a defender of the law. Sterling, who was an outspoken critic of former President Trump’s bullying of state officials in the handling of the 2020 election, joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to talk about what the law does and doesn’t do, whether or not the 2020 election was free and fair, and about whether or not Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021 was, at its core, a Republican party power-grab.GUEST:Gabriel Sterling (@GabrielSterling), COO/CFO, Georgia Secretary of StateHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Supreme Court to Hear Case on Carrying Guns in Public” by Adam Liptak, New York Times (Apr. 26, 2021)“Mr. President, your misinformation on Georgia’s voting law is dangerous” by Gabriel Sterling, Washington Post (Apr. 14, 2021)“Fulton County DA has grown frustrated with Georgia Secretary of State’s office cooperation in Trump probe, source says” by Sara Murray and Jason Morris, CNN (Apr. 24, 2021)“Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger Defends Controversial Election Law” by Sanya Mansoor, Time (Apr. 26, 2021)“What Georgia’s Voting Law Really Does” by Nick Corasaniti and Reid J. Epstein, New York Times (Apr. 2, 2021)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,

The Biden Administration has failed to facilitate the admission of more refugees into the United States, which was a campaign promise and a much longed-for change from the punitive policies of the Trump era. Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti are joined by Mark Hetfield, the president and CEO of HIAS, the Jewish-American refugee advocacy group, to talk about the refugee resettlement program and what the Biden Administration could — and should — do to serve this humanitarian need.Then, investigative journalist and Yahoo News contributor Jana Winter joins to talk about her recent bombshell story about a covert operation to monitor citizens’ social media posts being run by the United States Postal Service. What do we know about this program, and what more can we find out?GUESTS:Mark Hetfield (@MarkJHetfield), President and CEO, HIASJana Winter (@janawinter), Investigative reporter and contributor, Yahoo News HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“‘Broken promise’: Biden’s backtrack on refugees still slammed by advocates” by Laura Barrón-López, Politico (Apr. 16, 2021)“Why the White House wanted to avoid the refugee issue” by Natasha Korecki, Laura Barrón-López, and Nahal Toosi, Politico (Apr. 21, 2021)“The Postal Service is running a ‘covert operations program’ that monitors Americans’ social media posts” by Jana Winter, Yahoo News (Apr. 21, 2021)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd brought up a wave of emotions for a beleaguered nation who watched it read live on Tuesday afternoon. For the first time in the history of the state of Minnesota — over 160 years — a white police officer was convicted for killing a Black civilian while on duty. Should this give us hope about the future of police accountability and racial justice in America? Or is this just a lone data point? Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti are joined by Yahoo News reporter Crystal Hill who covered the trial, and then by Dr. Nakia Gordon, a neuroscientist and psychology professor at Marquette University, who talks about the range of emotional responses to what was at the core of this trial: the denial of a person’s humanity.GUESTS:Crystal Hill (@crysnhill), reporter, Yahoo NewsDr. Nakia Gordon (@Nakia_S_Gordon), Assistant Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology at Marquette UniversityHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Derek Chauvin found guilty in the murder of George Floyd” by Crystal Hill, Yahoo News (Apr. 20, 2021)“Derek Chauvin, convicted of murdering George Floyd in Minneapolis, is led away in handcuffs” by Chao Xiong and Paul Walsh, Star Tribune (Apr. 20, 2021)“Being Seen: Valuing Humanity Amid Social Unrest” by Nakia S. Gordon, Psychology Today (Nov. 5, 2020)“Justice Department announces Minneapolis police probe after Chauvin murder conviction” by Crystal Hill, Yahoo News (Apr. 21, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,

Former FBI special agent, author, and counterterrorism expert Ali Soufan joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to talk about his organization’s shocking new report about the spread of the Q conspiracy. Soufan talks about the influence of foreign adversaries in the spread of disinformation, the role of the tech platforms and the algorithms that promote and fuel the conspiracy, and about what can be done to counter this dangerous movement, by taking what Soufan calls an “all-citizens” approach to the problem.GUEST:Ali Soufan (@Ali_H_Soufan) former FBI special agent; CEO, Soufan Group; founder, Soufan Center HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Quantifying The Q Conspiracy: A Data-Driven Approach to Understanding the Threat Posed by QAnon,” Soufan Center Special Report (Apr. 19, 2021)“Report: China, Russia fueling QAnon conspiracy theories” by Michael Isikoff, Yahoo News (Apr. 19, 2021)“In secret Facebook groups, America’s best warriors share racist jabs, lies about 2020, even QAnon theories” by Carol E. Lee, NBC News (Apr. 16, 2021)“Reps. Malinowski and Eshoo Reintroduce Bill to Hold Tech Platforms Accountable for Algorithmic Promotion of Extremism” (Mar. 24, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Biden’s announcement that he plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11th of this year will mark the end of America’s longest war. But: is it too soon to leave? Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti are joined by Richard Clarke, the former White House counterterrorism adviser on 9/11 and outspoken critic of the George W. Bush administration. Clarke talks about the original flaws in the Afghanistan campaign, and gives his informed take on what future threats might endanger not only the Afghan government, but the United States, as well. Then, eight-year Marine veteran and novelist Elliot Ackerman joins to respond to some of Clarke’s opinions, and to offer his own foreboding predictions about what is to come. The United States might be done with Afghanistan, Ackerman says, but Afghanistan isn’t done with the United States.GUESTS:Richard Clarke (@richardclarke), former Assistant Secretary of State, NSC member, and White House counterterrorism adviser.Elliot Ackerman (@elliotackerman), author of 2034: A Novel of the Next World War (with Admiral James Stavridis) HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:President Joe Biden on his plans for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan (Apr. 14, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the aftermath of the 2012 massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) says he experienced an awakening, and was called to fight for meaningful gun reform on behalf of the grieving families in his home state. Murphy joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti on this episode to talk about his renewed push for gun control legislation now, in the wake of recent shootings in Atlanta and Boulder. He talks about his strategy to get things done with — or without — the help of Senate Republicans, and about the Biden administration's announcement to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan later this year.Our hosts also discuss the federal pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines, and the police shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, as the trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd continues in nearby Minneapolis.GUEST:Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn. (@ChrisMurphyCT) HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice (contributing co-host) RESOURCES:“Student killed by police after firing at officers in shooting at Tennessee school” (AP, Apr. 12, 2021)The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy, by Chris Murphy (Random House, 2020) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions, or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The writer/director of the stunning new six-part investigative documentary series Q: Into the Storm, Cullen Hoback, joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to talk about his amazing project, which spans years and multiple continents in search of the connections between the QAnon movement and a mysterious trio of figures associated with the website 8chan (or, as it was later known, 8kun). They talk about the implications of the documentary’s more fascinating discoveries: including a possible “confession” by Ron Watkins. Our hosts also give you the latest on Gaetz-gate, and update you on the backlash to MLB’s fight against Georgia’s restrictive new voting laws, which President Biden has called “Jim Crow on steroids.”GUEST:Cullen Hoback (@CullenHoback), Investigative filmmaker, writer/director of Q: Into the Storm HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“Gaetz Paid Accused Sex Trafficker, Who Then Venmo’d Teen” by Jose Pagliery and Roger Sollenberger, The Daily Beast (Apr. 9, 2021)Q: Into the Storm, available on HBO and HBO Max (Footage Courtesy HBO)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us with feedback, questions, or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the wake of Georgia's controversial and restrictive new voting laws, Major League Baseball decided to move their All-Star Game out of Atlanta. They weren’t alone in their reaction. Yahoo News’s Jon Ward joins Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to talk about the implications of the corporate backlash in Georgia. Then, they are joined by Florida State Attorney Dave Aronberg of Palm Beach County, who lends his insight on a number of Florida stories in the news: the recent allegations that Gov. Ron DeSantis mishandled his state’s vaccine rollout through preferential treatment, the ongoing unravelling of Matt Gaetz, and the possibilities for the future indictment of one auspicious Palm Beach resident.GUESTS:Jon Ward (@jonward11), Chief National Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDave Aronberg (@aronberg), State Attorney, Palm Beach County, Florida HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“All-Star Game: Gov. Kemp defends election laws after MLB moves game,” Fox 5 Atlanta (Apr. 4, 2021)“As in Georgia, Texas Democrats look to mobilize business against voting restrictions” by Jon Ward, Yahoo News (Apr. 6, 2021)“The Working-Class GOP: A Muddled Concept” by Matthew Continetti, National Review (Apr. 3, 2021)“How the Wealthy Cut the Line During Florida’s Frenzied Vaccine Rollout” by Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS 60 Minutes (Apr. 5, 2021)“Matt Gaetz, Loyal for Years to Trump, Is Said to Have Sought a Blanket Pardon” by Michael S. Schmidt, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos, New York Times (Apr. 6, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,

In the wake of reporting that there is an ongoing Justice Dept. investigation into him, which involves sex, trafficking a minor across state lines, and possible campaign finance misdeeds, Michael Isikoff, Daniel Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti sit down to untangle the twisted web that is Gaetz-gate (or maybe just “Gaet”?) They are joined by Washington Post Justice Dept. reporter Devlin Barrett, and former federal prosecutor Steven Block, who each lend their insight and expertise to predicting what comes next in this wild story.GUESTS:Devlin Barrett (@DevlinBarrett), reporter, Washington PostSteven Block (@sablockus), former federal prosecutor HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDaniel Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“Gaetz investigation complicated by overture to his father about ex-FBI agent who went missing” by Mike Zapotosky and Devlin Barrett, Washington Post (Mar. 31, 2021)“Justice Dept. Inquiry Into Matt Gaetz Said to Be Focused on Cash Paid to Women” by Katie Benner and Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times (Apr. 1, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to “Skullduggery” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.E-mail us with feedback, questions, or tips: SkullduggeryPod@yahoo.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd is underway in Minneapolis, and it represents a moment of grave importance in the fight against police brutality and abuse of power. First, Brandt Williams, MPR reporter who’s on the scene of the trial in Minneapolis, joins Michael Isikoff, Dan Klaidman and Victoria Bassetti to report on the trial’s opening days and on the mood in the city. Then, former DOJ veteran Kristy Parker joins to talk about the difficulties inherent in prosecuting police officers, and how the Garland Justice Department can take steps in the future to hold officers accountable. Our hosts also talk about the import and significance of Biden’s list of judicial nominees, headed by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.GUESTS:Brandt Williams (@BrandtMPR) Reporter, Minnesota Public RadioKristy Parker (@KPNatsFan), Counsel, Protect Democracy HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDan Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“What Biden’s first list of judicial nominees tells us about his approach to the courts” by Ian Millhiser, Vox (Mar. 30, 2021)“Chauvin Trial: Witnesses say they felt anger, powerlessness as Floyd died” by Brandt Williams, MPR (Mar. 31, 2021)“Prosecute the Police” by Kristy Parker, The Atlantic (June 13, 2020) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to Skullduggery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After much waiting and to much fanfare, President Biden gave his first press conference on Thursday, fielding reporters’ questions for a little over an hour. But what, exactly, was revealed? Michael Isikoff, Dan Klaidman, and Victoria Bassetti are joined by National Political Correspondent at the Washington Post Olivier Knox and Yahoo News reporter Caitlin Dickson to break down this presser, discussing the news-breaking moments, the artful (and less artful) dodges, and the state of the White House press corps, post-Trump.GUESTS:Olivier Knox (@OKnox), National Political Correspondent and Anchor of The Daily 202, Washington Post.Caitlin Dickson (@CEDickson), Reporter, Yahoo News HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDan Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“Biden defends immigration policies by pointing to differences with Trump” by Caitlin Dickson, Yahoo News (Mar. 25, 2021)“The Daily 202: Immigration, North Korea, and guns -- Biden’s news conference is a minefield” by Olivier Knox, Washington Post (Mar. 25, 2021)Full press conference video (NBC News) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPod Listen and subscribe to Skullduggery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A horrific massacre; outrage, sadness; calls for reform; and then: nothing. This is our nation’s “doleful ritual” in the wake of yet another mass shooting. In the wake of the mass murder in Atlanta, another community is now in mourning, and an aggrieved and bewildered nation again begins a conversation about possible legislative answers.In this episode, Mayor Sam Weaver of Boulder speaks with Michael Isikoff, Dan Klaidman, and Victoria Bassetti about what his city has gone through, and how it will be part of the gun control conversation to come. Then, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D, Michigan) joins to talk about the politicization of gun reform, about whether we need new laws or agencies to tackle domestic terrorism, and about a close election in Iowa.GUEST:Mayor Sam Weaver (@sampweaver), Mayor of Boulder, ColoradoRep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin), U.S. Congressman (D, MI-8), Chair of House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDan Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti (@VBass), Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice RESOURCES:“President Joe Biden Calls Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver To Offer Condolences, Support After Deadly Shooting” by Jennifer McRae, CBS Denver (Mar. 24, 2021)“NRA Celebrated Block of Boulder’s Assault Weapons Ban Just Days Ago” by Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone (Mar. 23, 2021)“House Homeland Security Holds Hearing on State and Local Responses to Domestic Terrorism” by Tia Sewell, Lawfare (Mar. 24, 2021) Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPod Listen and subscribe to Skullduggery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How can we save our democracy from partisan gerrymandering, the influence of big money in politics, voter suppression, and the spread of disinformation? Congressman John Sarbanes says it is through the pro-democracy reforms of the bill he authored: the For the People Act, which is H.R. 1 and S. 1 in the current Congress — and he says a majority of the American people, regardless of their party affiliation, agree with him. He sits down with Michael Isikoff, Dan Klaidman, and new Skullduggery host Victoria Bassetti, legal expert and former Senate Judiciary Committee staffer, to talk about the sweeping implications of these proposals, and whether there will be enough political will to overcome the Senate filibuster and GOP opposition.GUEST:Rep. John Sarbanes (@RepSarbanes), U.S. Congressman (D, MD-3), author of H.R. 1HOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDan Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsVictoria Bassetti, Fellow, Brennan Center for JusticeRESOURCES:H.R. 1, the For the People Act, Fact SheetH.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, full textH.R. 4, the Voting Rights Enhancement Act of 2019, full text"GOP warns HR 1 could be 'absolutely devastating for Republicans'" by Kendall Karson and Meg Cunningham, ABC News (Mar. 20, 2021)Follow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPodListen and subscribe to Skullduggery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike Isikoff and Dan Klaidman are joined by legal analysts Victoria Bassetti and Michael Zeldin to break down Day 1 of the confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland as U.S. Attorney General. They discuss some of Garland's deft responses in dialogue with Senators, and some missteps, as well.GUESTS:Victoria Bassetti, fellow, Brennan Center for JusticeMichael Zeldin (@MichaelZeldin), legal analyst, former DOJ AttorneyHOSTS:Michael Isikoff (@Isikoff), Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo NewsDan Klaidman (@dklaidman), Editor in Chief, Yahoo NewsRESOURCES:Merrick Garland Confirmation Hearing coverage (Day 1), C-SPANFollow us on Twitter: @SkullduggeryPod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Voting in America – Now What? Amber McReynolds, CEO for the National Vote At Home Institute and Coalition and one of the country’s leading experts on election administration and policy; Victoria Bassetti, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and the author of Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters; Paul Glastris, editor in chief of the Washington Monthly and a former senior speechwriter to President Bill Clinton; and Larry Moore, founder and former CEO of the Clear Ballot Group and Co-Chair of the National Council for Independent Living, join host Richard Levick of LEVICK for a wide ranging conversation on how we protect the integrity of our election process and protects the right of franchise for all Americans.

Air Date 8/25/2020 Today we take a look at the long history and motivations for voter suppression, explain why it tends to help one party over the other and why vote-by-mail is the best solution to the majority of our voting problems. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jay explains that voter suppression is like pointillism in that it can only be understood by taking a wide enough view   Ch. 2: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 1 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17   Ch. 3: The pointillism of voter suppression (continued)   Ch. 4: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16   Ch. 5: @AriBerman: Kris Kobach Is Helping Trump Lay Groundwork for Nationwide Voter Suppression Effort - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-05-17   Ch. 6: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17   Ch. 7: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18   Ch. 8: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 2 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments TAKE ACTION! Know Your Voting Rights & Make a Plan (ACLU) Let People Vote - State-by-State Rules & Options (ACLU) Volunteer for a 2020 Voter Protection Team (FairFight) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman  MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE:  "December 10 March for Voting Rights" by Michael Fleshman |Changes: cropped | License    Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!

In his most recent book, North of Havana, legendary trial lawyer Martin Garbus recounts one of his most high-profile cases: the Cuban Five. In this episode of Brennan Center Live, Garbus talks to Victoria Bassetti about what this case can teach us about the U.S. justice system, American politics, and U.S.-Cuba relations.

In his most recent book, North of Havana, legendary trial lawyer Martin Garbus recounts one of his most high-profile cases: the Cuban Five. In this episode of Brennan Center Live, Garbus talks to Victoria Bassetti about what this case can teach us about the U.S. justice system, American politics, and U.S.-Cuba relations.

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed several problems with the American elections system, but even outside of global pandemic, Americans are increasingly questioning the fairness and accuracy of our elections. In his new book Election Meltdown: Dirty Tricks, Distrust, and the Threat to American Democracy, law professor Richard L. Hasen examines sources of voters' distrust. In this new episode of Brennan Center Live, he speaks with legal expert Victoria Bassetti and proposes steps to restore voters' confidence.

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed several problems with the American elections system, but even outside of global pandemic, Americans are increasingly questioning the fairness and accuracy of our elections. In his new book Election Meltdown: Dirty Tricks, Distrust, and the Threat to American Democracy, law professor Richard L. Hasen examines sources of voters’ distrust. In this new episode of Brennan Center Live, he speaks with legal expert Victoria Bassetti and proposes steps to restore voters' confidence.

The Constitution doesn't explicitly guarantee the right to vote, but it's widely considered to be a fundamental way for citizens to participate in American democracy. Who gets to vote and why? Victoria Bassetti is the author of Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters. She is also a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU.

Since the outcome of the 2016 election, as with many high-profile elections before it, people upset with the outcome have alleged voter fraud. But unlike in the past, this time the allegations are coming from the winning party. Vice President Mike Pence was appointed Chairman of President Donald Trump’s election commission. The goal of the […]

There are so many investigators looking into Russian involvement in the 2016 campaign and the Trump Administration that it’s hard to keep track. That’s where friend of the show Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center comes in. She’s put together a guide, and walks Jimmy through everything you need to know.

Brennan Center contributor, Victoria Bassetti's podcast series, "The Line," examines the Electoral College.

An extra session of Brennan Center contributor, Victoria Bassetti's podcast series, "The Line," examining first time voters. 

An extra session of Brennan Center contributor, Victoria Bassetti's podcast series, "The Line," discussing Tammany Hall. 

If you’re worried about voter fraud, there’s a good chance you’re worried about the wrong thing. We speak with Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center about the myth of widespread voter fraud, and a vulnerability that election officials do acknowledge: Absentee balloting. This episode is produced in conjunction with the Brennan Center and its new election podcast. Search for it on iTunes under the Brennan Center.

Throughout his campaign for the Democratic nomination, the "small donor revolution" became a rallying cry for Bernie Sanders and his supporters. While counteracting big money with the little guy sounds like an appealing idea, it ain't that easy. And it doesn't always produce the best candidates. On the latest podcast, host Jimmy Williams chats with Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center for Justice about her study into why small donations aren't the solution to money in politics.

For our third episode, we talk to Victoria Bassetti, fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School about the electoral college.

Victoria Bassetti, author of "Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters" and Ronnie Eldridge explores our electoral system, surprising some and reminding others that the Founding Fathers omitted the right to vote from the Constitution.