The Bill Press Pod

In this episode, Bill talks with Joe Cirincione, an expert on global security. And the unofficial foreign policy guru of The Bill Press Pod.  He and Bill discuss the situations in Venezuela, Greenland, Cuba, Iran, Ukraine, Gaza and Minnesota. Cirincione discusses the challenges faced in global security caused by Trump and provides insights into how good policy can shape a safer world. Which is not what’s happening now. To follow Joe's great work, go to JoeCirincione.substack.com .Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers and their powerful leader, President Randi Weingarten. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Killing of Renee Good. Is There Accountability? Trump More Unconstrained. Some GOP Backlash. Venezuela: Keep the Oil. New Spheres of Influence. Is Greenland Next? ACA Subsidies Pass the House. Impeachment Coming? With Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, Philip Bump, MS-Now Columnist and Contributor and author of the How to Read This Chart Newsletter and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at HuffPost.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill reconnects with Faiz Shakir to discuss the situation in Venezuela and its potential political impact on the U.S. They critique the law-of-the-jungle approach and its consequences for international stability and U.S. foreign policy. They then shift to the political landscape leading up to the 2026 midterms, analyzing the implications of the Trump administration's actions and the Democrats' chances of regaining control of the House and Senate. Shakir emphasizes the need for Democrats to offer an alternative vision beyond merely opposing Trump, focusing on issues like healthcare, AI, labor rights, and economic justice. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of grassroots media and the role of Shakir's new media organization, More Perfect Union, in telling workers' stories and challenging elite narratives.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers’ International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode historian Doug Brinkley discusses the unprecedented ways in which Donald Trump has pushed the boundaries of presidential power. Brinkley compares Trump's actions to historic moments, such as FDR's attempts to pack the Supreme Court and Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, but notes that Trump's use of executive orders and his ability to intimidate fellow Republicans is unparalleled. The episode covers Trump’s potential to weaponize the National Guard for political gains, his circumvention of legal authority, and the broader implications for American democracy. Brinkley expresses optimism for the future but warns of the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI and deep fakes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Bill Press Pod taken from of Bill’s live event, 'Talk of the Hill,' Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times and Susan Glasser who writes the online column "Letter from Trump's Washington" in The New Yorker, where she is a staff writer. They discuss their experiences and insights into modern journalism, particularly during the Trump presidency. The discussion delves into how Donald Trump has reshaped the presidency and American politics, as well as his administration's impact on national and international affairs, including the situation in Venezuela and Russia. They also touch on media challenges, highlighting the intimidation tactics used by Trump against journalists and media outlets. The conversation concludes with a brief update on their upcoming book focused on Vladimir Putin and recent updates on their son's impactful journalism career.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill talks with John Fugelsang about his new book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.  The discussion focuses on what it really means to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and critiques the hypocrisy of the religious right. Fugelsang argues that fundamentalists have hijacked Christianity, using it to justify hateful and exclusionary policies while ignoring the core messages of Jesus about love, humility, and service to others. He also addresses hot-button issues like abortion, immigration, and LGBTQ rights, tying each back to scripture to expose the contradictions in right-wing Christian rhetoric. The conversation ends by highlighting progressive Christians and leaders who are working to reclaim Christianity from the clutches of fundamentalism.You can purchase his great book here.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill discusses the challenges faced by the media during Donald Trump's second term with Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of The National Journal and Sudeep Reddy formerly a Managing Editor at Politico and now Washington Bureau Chief for MS-Now, the renamed MSNBC. The discussion covers the unprecedented actions taken by Trump, including pardoning January 6th participants, issuing over 200 executive orders, and waging an illegal war in the Caribbean. The editors also examine the pressures faced by the media, including the controversy surrounding CBS News under the leadership of Bari Weiss and how to handle the spread of misinformation. Additionally, they discuss the changes in local media coverage, the role of the press in maintaining democracy, and the difficulty in covering both the Trump administration and Congress.Today. Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen and urges our listeners to consider supporting it with a donation. Check out all the places and people they are helping at WCK.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Unraveling? Too Many Deportations? “Affordability” Sticking. Trump’s Speeches. Why Did Susie Wiles Talk? MTG’s Strategy. Congress’ Very Bad Year. Dem’s 2026 Senate Chances. With Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline, Jennifer Bendery, Reporter for HuffPost covering Congress, Trump and authoritarianism, Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Sam Brodey, National Political Reporter for The Boston Globe.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill interviews Dr. John Gartner, a former Johns Hopkins professor and founder of Duty to Warn. In his return to the Bill Press Pod, Dr. Gartner provides an in-depth analysis of President Donald Trump’s cognitive health, asserting that Trump exhibits signs of severe cognitive decline and personality disorders such as malignant narcissism. He discusses specific instances that showcase Trump’s deteriorating mental state, including erratic behavior, memory lapses, and lack of empathy. The episode delves into the challenges and dangers posed by Trump's mental condition, its implications on his presidency, and potential future scenarios.Today Bill once again highlights the work of Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen. While the Trump administration is decimating America's soft power around the world, and our role as a provider of aid to people and countries in peril, the World Central Kitchen goes where they're needed. No matter the war zone nor the danger of a natural disaster. This is one of Carol and my favorite charities and I hope you'll support them at WCK.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's Power fading: Indiana Fail. Trump Lame Duck? Senate Healthcare Fail. Affordability Fail. James Indictment Fail. Judicial Guardrails Holding. Boat Strike Questions. War in Venezuela? With Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News, Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter for HuffPost and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and co-author of the Daily Newsletter for NOTUS. Today Bill suggests a Holiday gift: Hand-made, one-of-a-kind scarves from his weaver wife Carol. These are warm, beautiful and works of art. Check them out at CarolPressScarves.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.