Melanie Stansbury

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of a profile on J.D. Vance, joins Melanie Stansbury, a Democratic Congresswoman from New Mexico. They delve into Vance's political transformation and how he navigates identity and ambition in a populist landscape. The conversation critiques moral inconsistencies in current politics, the tension between fiscal conservatism and Trump's influence, and the impact of rising authoritarianism. Stansbury shares insights from her unique political journey in a conservative region, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.

Joining the discussion are Brian Schatz, a U.S. Senator from Hawaii, who dives into the implications of the government shutdown on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia, highlights the alarming ACA premium increases affecting constituents. Melanie Stansbury, a U.S. Representative from New Mexico, critiques the Republican strategy surrounding the shutdown. California Attorney General Rob Bonta sheds light on ongoing court actions regarding troop deployments and the judicial patterns limiting executive overreach.

Join Melanie Stansbury, a US Representative from New Mexico, and Robert Garcia, a US Representative from Long Beach, as they dive into the urgent calls for Elon Musk's removal from federal service. They passionately discuss Musk's corporate influence and its damaging effects on public services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The representatives highlight the need for accountability in governance, transparency in financial practices, and the growing tension between billionaires and political power. They aim to rally support against this corporate grip on democracy.