The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich

This week features a riveting discussion on Senate Democrats' controversial compromise over the government shutdown. The hosts dissect the resurgent Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its implications for Trump's presidency. They spotlight Katie Wilson's mayoral win as a beacon of progressive activism and praise labor actions by Starbucks baristas. Insights into the erosion of judicial integrity, the media's framing of Trump, and economic realities amid the shutdown round out a thought-provoking conversation on accountability and activism.

Dean Fuleihan, the incoming First Deputy Mayor of New York City, shares insights from his extensive experience in government operations. He discusses the deputy mayor's vital role in implementing city services and executing ambitious policies alongside Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Fuleihan reflects on lessons learned from past administrations, stresses the importance of working closely with Albany, and emphasizes the need for ongoing engagement from campaign volunteers to drive change. His blend of experience and youthful leadership sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in NYC politics.

Vishal Shankar, an elections correspondent, sheds light on recent political shifts in the U.S. He analyzes the impact of New York City's social democratic mayoral win, emphasizing grassroots organizing triumphing over billionaires. Shankar compares volunteer turnout to past movements, highlighting the urgent need for Democrats to deliver on affordability. He also addresses shifts in Latino and young voters, and discusses how modest Democratic gains could reshape Congress. The conversation reflects a growing voter identity centered around economic needs.

Friends,Today, Heather and I are joined by the talented writer and comedian W. Kamau Bell to assess the latest week’s dark saga of Trump et al.We start with the horrifying reality that 42 million of America’s most vulnerable people — the poor, the very young, the very old, the disabled — will not be receiving nutrition assistance starting today because of …. Why? There are funds to pay them, but Trump and his lapdog Republicans in Congress won’t release them, although they’re happy to keep on paying federal troops and to release tens of billions to the party of Trump’s flamboyant libertarian ally Argentinian President Javier Milei.Today is also the day that millions of Americans reliant on Obamacare discover that starting January 1, their health care premiums will rise an average of 30 percent, because Trump and his Republicans in Congress refuse to extend Obamacare subsidies. Which is why Democrats are refusing to join Republicans in approving that new budget.At least King Charles III had the integrity to strip brother Andrew of his royal titles and estates because of Andrew’s apparent entanglements with Jeffrey Epstein. But Trump and his speaker of the House lapdog Michael Johnson are keeping the House in recess and won’t swear in Arizona’s newest member of Congress, Adelita Grijalva — although she won election 39 days ago — out of fear she’ll be the deciding vote to demand release of the Epstein files.And more. Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join the conversation. P.S. If you haven’t already gotten one, you might consider buying an official Coffee Klatch mug as a special holiday gift. Or a ticket to: Or perhaps even: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,I recently spoke with my old friend Katie Couric, the longtime and much-admired TV host. I was thrilled to oblige when Katie asked me to explain the current government shutdown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,Today I had the pleasure of speaking with New York Assemblyman — and New York City mayoral candidate — Zohran Mamdani.Zohran Mamdani is the bright future of the Democratic Party — brimming with excellent ideas about what working families need.My own granddaughter is knocking doors for him in the final stretch of the NYC mayoral race.I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.Please be sure to also read my previous piece about Mamdani here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,I used to think of presidents as having dignity and stature, and the White House as being the “People’s House” — the essence of simple taste and modest grandeur. No longer. In the week after No Kings Day — the largest demonstration in American history — Trump has found new ways to defile and desecrate his office and the nation. He’s taken a battering ram to the White House, literally as well as figuratively, to create a giant garish gold-leafed ballroom financed by Trump’s favorite billionaires and big corporations. Meanwhile, he posted an AI-generated video of himself as a bomber pilot defecating on the Americans who demonstrated against him. He is using the Justice Department to prosecute people who have tried to hold him accountable for his illegal actions. Deploying federal troops in places he calls “Democrat” cities. Illegally shifting taxpayer money out of what he calls “Democrat” programs during the shutdown. And illegally bombing ships off the coast of Latin America. Trump is degrading his office and himself. Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,Today, millions of Americans are standing up for their values and standing up to Trump. Millions are saying clearly and powerfully — and peacefully — that this is a nation of laws, not of people who put themselves above the law. That we are a nation that values self-government, not a government by an authoritarian dictator. That we are a people whose forebears have sacrificed much — some have sacrificed their lives — so that democracy and freedom shall be preserved. We will not allow that legacy to be destroyed by Trump or anyone else. Please join Heather and me as we discuss these fundamentals in today’s coffee klatch. Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,Today Heather and I discuss Trump’s sending Texas National Guard troops into Chicago, Illinois — over the objections of Chicago’s mayor and Illinois’s governor. His indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James, after having indicted James Comey — both of whom tried to hold him accountable for some of his actions during his first term. And his targeting of so-called “liberal” organizations. We also examine the government shutdown, his peace plan for Israel and Hamas, his aid to Argentina — and why Trump is helping bring peace and stability to other parts of the world while sowing chaos in America and declaring war on the “enemy within.”Please grab a cuppa, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,Today, Heather and I assess the government shutdown and explore its connection to Trump’s meeting this week with the military’s top brass, his attempt to create a police state in America, declare war on Venezuela, make war on “the enemy within,” occupy big Democratic cities, and lead an anti-democracy movement. We also find some reasons for hope. Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join in the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe