The Rachel Maddow Show MSLIVE ’25: The State of U.S. Democracy with Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell
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Oct 23, 2025 Two prominent voices in journalism dive deep into the state of U.S. democracy, sharing their personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of careful news presentation, the significance of individual voices, and the rejection of sensationalist formats. A lively Q&A explores advocacy for LGBTQ rights, civic responsibility in education, and strategies for effective nonviolent protest. Through historical comparisons, they emphasize civic actions that can inspire hope in turbulent times.
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Mysterious Gift Of Shoes
- Rachel Maddow told a story about losing dress shoes on the subway when she worked overnight at Air America in 2004.
- A stranger mailed her replacement shoes, which she still wears 21 years later.
Finding Bravery Through Empathy
- Lawrence O'Donnell says bravery in commentary is a choice grounded in empathy for those harmed.
- He finds the heart of a story by staring at transcripts until the emotional pull reveals itself.
Use Short Onscreen 'Magic Words'
- Lawrence describes using short