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American Socialist (2020)

Dec 23, 2021

Eugene V. Debs, a pioneering labor organizer and five-time Socialist Party presidential candidate, shares his vision for a fairer America. Joined by Bernie Sanders, a renowned advocate for democratic socialism, they dive into the origins of American socialism and its relevance today. Topics include the struggles of the Pullman workers, Debs' powerful speeches against capitalism, and how his message resonates in the current labor movement. Together, they explore the legacy of collective action and its potential to reshape society.

01:04:23

Creator website

Episode guests

Sen. Bernie Sanders

Eugene V. Debs

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Episode notes

Intro

1min

Eugene Debs and the Roots of Socialism

4min

Eugene Debs: A Symbol of National Discontent

2min

Struggles of the Pullman Workers

8min

From Literature to Labor: A Journey of Advocacy

10min

Eugene Debs: From Skepticism to Socialism

7min

Radical Roots of American Socialism

14min

Socialist Dissent and War in 1917

5min

Gene Debs and the Canton Speech

6min

10.

Debs and the Resurgence of Socialism

7min

11.

Supporting Public Radio and Business Growth

2min

American workers are reaching a breaking point. We're seeing a wave of resignations and labor strikes, and a supply chain that's cracking under the pressure. At the turn of the 20th century, one man faced a similar world and dreamt of something more – Eugene V. Debs.

He was a bold and irreverent labor organizer, and the first socialist candidate for president. He believed in welfare programs, early childhood education, and the collective ownership of public resources. To him, there was nothing more American than standing up against oppression. When he spoke to the masses, people leaned in to listen. This week, the founder of American socialism and the legacy he left behind.

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