The Brian Lehrer Show Brian Lehrer Weekend: Changing Elections; AI & Jobs; Family Language
Sep 20, 2025
Ari Berman, a journalist and voting rights expert, discusses the alarming trends of election subversion, including threats to mail-in voting and redistricting tactics. Hilke Shelman, an investigative reporter and NYU journalism professor, explores the role of AI in hiring, revealing how algorithms can perpetuate biases in recruitment. The conversation also features a whimsical segment on 'familects,' highlighting the charming, unique words families create. Tune in for a blend of serious insights and lighthearted family language anecdotes!
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Episode notes
Federal Push To Reshape Voting Rules
- Ari Berman warns Trump is trying to nationalize voter suppression through executive actions and federal pressure on state processes.
- He highlights proposals like proof-of-citizenship, rescinding voting-machine certifications, and banning mail-in voting as attempts to change who can vote.
Intimidation Over Ballot Manipulation
- Berman says Trump could use federal forces or emergency powers to intimidate voters and alter election mechanics.
- He stresses the aim is less about changing individual votes and more about creating an atmosphere of fear and deterrence.
Local Control Is The New Battleground
- Election-denial actors have targeted state and county election bodies to control certification and administration.
- Berman warns these bodies are now more likely to question or refuse certification, increasing legal fights and public doubt.
