Ep. #564: Ben Sheehan, Thomas Frank, Nancy MacLean

In this empowering picture book, Kamala Harris shares her life story, highlighting how she found superheroes in her family, friends, and community. The book encourages children to recognize and emulate the qualities of these everyday heroes, such as kindness and bravery. Illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe, it includes a guide to being a superhero at the end.

In 'Democracy in Chains,' Nancy MacLean exposes the long-overlooked story of James McGill Buchanan, a Nobel Prize-winning political economist who developed a plan to undermine the ability of the majority to influence government. This plan, supported by corporate donors and right-wing foundations, merged states' rights thinking with free market principles, leading to the current elitist ideology of the Republican Party. The book details how Buchanan's ideas, combined with the financial backing of billionaires like Charles Koch, have reshaped American politics to favor corporate dominance and disempower the majority. It is a thorough and gripping narrative based on ten years of research, highlighting the dangers of this stealthy takeover and serving as a call to arms to protect American democracy.

Thomas Frank's "The People Know" offers a concise yet insightful history of anti-populism in America. He examines the recurring attempts to discredit and undermine populist movements, revealing the strategies employed by elites to maintain their power. Frank's analysis highlights the enduring tension between the interests of the ruling class and the aspirations of ordinary citizens. The book provides a valuable historical context for understanding contemporary political struggles. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of populism and its ongoing relevance in American politics.