Rep. Don Bacon, Maria Ressa, Devlin Barrett, David Graham, Fmr. Rep. Charlie Dent, Fmr. Gov. Mark Sanford, Lindsay Dougherty, and David Polonsky discuss topics including the government shutdown, national debt, rising gas prices, preserving democracy, media and journalism, bribery allegations, labor union movement, resilience of Anne Frank, and controversy over teaching difficult history.
The internal turmoil within the Republican Party is hindering progress in Congress and undermining its ability to effectively govern.
Constructive dialogue and a responsible, bipartisan approach are crucial in addressing the national debt instead of engaging in partisan squabbles and government shutdown threats.
The labor movement in America is experiencing a resurgence, with growing support among Americans for labor unions, which is catching the attention of political candidates.
Deep dives
Impending government shutdown threatens to disrupt millions of lives
As funding for the federal government threatens to run out, preparations for a potential government shutdown are underway. The rift between House Republicans and a small group of far-right Republicans is causing a standstill in Congress. The disagreement revolves around demands for deep budget cuts and the addition of controversial policies that have little chance of passing in the Senate. If Congress fails to pass a resolution, federal workers will be furloughed, essential workers won't be paid, and various federal services will be shuttered. This unnecessary disruption puts many Americans in a tough bind, especially those living paycheck to paycheck or working as government contractors.
Republicans causing dysfunction in Congress
The Republican Party in Congress is facing internal turmoil, with infighting and disagreements hindering progress. A small group of far-right Republicans, led by figures like Matt Gaetz, are causing disruptions and pushing for policies that do not align with the broader interests of the party or the country. Their actions are undermining the ability of Congress to effectively govern and address important issues, leaving the majority of House Republicans frustrated and calling the party dysfunctional.
The need for a balanced discussion on the national debt
Addressing the national debt, which stands at $33 trillion, is a legitimate concern that needs to be discussed and resolved. However, the current dysfunction in Congress is not conducive to having a balanced and productive conversation on this issue. The hardline stance of some Republicans in Congress, who are pushing for drastic budget cuts and unwilling to engage in compromise, is fueling the discord and preventing constructive dialogue. It is crucial to approach the national debt issue in a responsible and bipartisan manner, rather than engaging in partisan squabbles and government shutdown threats.
Challenge for Republican leadership to stand up to far-right faction
Republican leadership, particularly Kevin McCarthy, is facing a difficult challenge in dealing with the far-right faction within the party. The demands and actions of this small group are disrupting the normal functioning of Congress and derailing important legislative processes. To effectively lead, Republican leadership must prioritize the interests of the majority of their party rather than appeasing the extreme demands of the far-right faction. By marginalizing and isolating those who seek to obstruct progress and compromise, Republican leadership can help restore unity and focus on governing for the benefit of the American people.
The Resurgent Labor Movement in America
The labor movement in America is experiencing a resurgence, with growing support among Americans for labor unions. According to a Gallup poll, support for labor unions stands at 67%, surpassing the long-term polling average. Americans also overwhelmingly side with workers in labor disputes. Last year, over 2000 petitions to form a union were filed, and over 4 million workdays were lost to labor strikes, the highest number in over two decades. This growing support for labor unions has caught the attention of political candidates, with the Republican Party attempting to position itself as the party of the working class, despite its historical opposition to workers organizing and gaining collective bargaining power.
Anne Frank's Diary and the Power of Graphic Adaptations
Despite the relevance and impact of graphic adaptations of important books, there continue to be attempts to ban them. The graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary, for example, faced criticism and censorship. However, this adaptation aimed to show Anne as a full human being, highlighting her humor, resilience, and ability to find joy in dire circumstances. The adaptation includes passages that were originally censored but are vital to understanding Anne's journey. It is crucial to recognize that banning books about the Holocaust or uncomfortable subjects hinders the learning experience and limits the opportunity for empathy and understanding. Such adaptations serve as valuable gateways for young readers to engage with historical events and foster connection to the stories of those who lived through them.
Ali Velshi is joined by Rep. Don Bacon, (R) Nebraska, Maria Ressa, Nobel Prize winner and journalist, Devlin Barrett, Justice Reporter at The Washington Post, David Graham, Staff Writer at The Atlantic, Fmr. Rep. Charlie Dent Executive Director & Vice President of the Congressional Program at Aspen Institute, Fmr. Gov. Mark Sanford, (R ) South Carolina, Lindsay Dougherty, Vice-President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and David Polonsky, Award-winning Illustrator of ‘Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation’.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
