Monica Lewinsky & Mallory McMorrow on Reclaiming, Education, and Group Chats
Mar 27, 2025
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Join Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow, known for her impactful work in education policy, and Monica Lewinsky, who has embraced her narrative through her podcast, as they tackle pressing political issues. They discuss the ramifications of recent executive orders on education, share insights on civic engagement, and reflect on the importance of reclaiming personal stories. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, they explore the challenges of modern media consumption and the significance of community connections.
Trump's executive order could dismantle the Department of Education, risking financial stability and support for vulnerable student populations.
Community engagement in politics is rising as parents become more aware of the ramifications of federal cuts to local education funding.
Women in politics, like Lisa Murkowski, face distinct challenges when challenging powerful figures, balancing integrity against potential political consequences.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trump's Education Department Plan
Trump's recent executive order aims to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that has caused significant concern among educators and parents. The executive order inaccurately suggests that education control would merely shift to the states, although states already handle curriculum and benchmarks. The real impact of this decision is that the Department of Education plays a critical role in funding, civil rights enforcement, and managing federal student aid, which is now in jeopardy. States could face severe financial repercussions, such as Michigan potentially losing $2 billion in federal funds that support essential educational programs.
Misconceptions About Education Funding
There exists a prevalent misunderstanding about the federal government's role in education, particularly regarding funding and curriculum oversight. Many believe that the Department of Education enforces curriculums, when in fact, its main responsibilities include distributing funds and enforcing civil rights protections. Trump's assertions about returning responsibility to states overlook these critical functions and could lead to diminished support for vulnerable populations, including students with disabilities. The fear is that states may not be equipped to absorb these responsibilities adequately, leading to further disparities in educational quality.
Community Response to Education Cuts
The implications of Trump's education policy have sparked outrage among parents and educators who are increasingly aware of the potential cuts at both the federal and state levels. For instance, Michigan parents are already concerned about the proposed budget cuts that contain reductions in education funding. This awareness reflects a growing understanding among constituents of the consequences that federal decisions have on their local education systems. As a result, more community members are engaging in political discussions and town halls to push back against cuts and advocate for their schools.
The Importance of Messaging in Education Policy
Education has been framed as an issue plagued by corruption and inefficiency by political opponents, which has distorted public perceptions. Although many constituents express dissatisfaction with public education systems in general, they often have a very different opinion regarding their child's particular school. This dissonance reveals a critical communication challenge for educators and advocates who need to convey the value of public schools while counteracting negative political rhetoric. By focusing on the specific successes and benefits of individual schools, the education community can foster greater support for public education as a whole.
Navigating Political Pressures as Female Leaders
Women in politics face a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to standing up against influential figures like Trump. Senators such as Lisa Murkowski have used their platforms to call out detrimental actions taken by the administration, facing possible repercussions in the form of primary challenges. These pressures highlight the importance of integrity and the willingness to fight for constituents, even at the risk of personal political fallout. Understanding the calculus of when to fight versus when to compromise is crucial for women leaders navigating a complex political landscape.
Monica Lewinsky and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow join for a very special episode of Hysteria. Mallory and Alyssa discuss Trump’s systematic dismantling of the Department of Education, Lisa Murkowski’s scathing read of the Republican Party, and their media diets. Then Monica shares behind-the-scenes stories from her new podcast and what reclaiming means to her. They wrap up with a petty rant about Usha Vance and a wholesome story of community coming together.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
