Barbara Lee

Barbara Lee, the newly inaugurated Mayor of Oakland, brings decades of congressional experience to her new role. She tackles pressing issues like crime and homelessness, emphasizing a community-driven approach to public safety. Lee shares insights on revitalizing abandoned properties and boosting local businesses while fostering youth employment. The conversation also delves into her initial months in office, where she learns from residents about their concerns and aspirations for a brighter Oakland.

Just three days after 9/11, Congress authorized a major expansion of executive power: the President could now wage war against terrorism without prior approval. The resolution was called the Authorization for Use of Military Force, and it passed almost unanimously. Its reauthorization, in 2002, brought our country to war with Iraq, and has been used to deploy American forces all over the world. More than twenty years later, the mood in the country has changed dramatically, and lawmakers in both parties are pushing to roll back the President’s discretion to use force. A bill to revoke the A.U.M.F. passed the Senate 66–30 a few weeks ago, and it is expected to pass the House as well. David Remnick talks with the senators who led that effort—Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, and Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana—and with Representative Barbara Lee of California, who, in 2001, cast the sole dissenting vote in all of Congress.   Plus, David Remnick remembers the beloved cartoonist Ed Koren, a fixture of the magazine for more than half a century.

Barbara Lee, a longtime East Bay Congresswoman and candidate for Oakland mayor, shares her vision for the city amid its upcoming election. She emphasizes the need for effective leadership and collaboration to unite Oakland and tackle challenges like public safety and affordable housing. Lee discusses her Congressional experience, focusing on building partnerships between labor and business to foster economic stability. She advocates for community engagement, transparency in governance, and revitalizing the city's image to address pressing urban issues.

Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, and Steve Garvey discuss the California Senate primary race. Schiff is leading, but Porter and Lee are in a dead heat with Garvey. The guests analyze the progressive stances of the candidates and the pressures they face. The discussion also explores key constituencies and the potential impact of Trump voters in the race.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a long-time advocate for reproductive rights and social justice, joins the conversation to discuss the implications of the January 6th hearings and the significance of Juneteenth. Alongside her, California Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks shares insights on how the state is gearing up to be an abortion sanctuary, combating the current climate surrounding reproductive rights. The dialogue highlights social justice issues and the need for community engagement in these critical areas.