The Bill Press Pod

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews Ellie Mystal, Legal Analyst and Justice Correspondent for The Nation, on his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America. Mystal identifies ten laws plus a constitutional amendment that he argues are detrimental to America. During their conversation, they discuss the misconception of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as redefined by Republicans, the problematic impact of the Hyde Amendment on abortion rights, and the adverse effects of mandatory minimum sentencing from crime bills supported by both Democrats and Republicans. They also delve into voting rights, gun liability laws, and the lack of effective representation in Congress, suggesting reforms like the Wyoming Rule for more equitable representation. Mystal underscores the role of neoliberalism in shaping harmful laws and calls for a reevaluation of laws passed before the 1965 Voting Rights Act.You can purchase your own copy of Elie Mystal’s new book here.Today Bill highlights the work of The Nation magazine. A powerful progressive voice for over 160 years. Bill has been a subscriber for decades and it gives a platform for people like Elie Mystal. Sign up at TheNation.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dept. of Education Closed? Impeach Judges! Obey Court Orders? Constitutional Crisis. Musk vs Social Security. GOP Fears Musk, MAGA. Musk Solid with Trump. Town Hall Anger. Dems in Disarray. AOC Rising. Andrew Cuomo Back. Tesla is Political. With Maya King, Political Reporter at The New York Times, Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for the DailyMail.com and Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter at HuffPost. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.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 talks with Anat Shenker-Osorio. She is a strategist, pollster and messaging consultant for progressive politicians. organizations and causes in the United States and around the world. Shenker-Osorio argues that progressives are not even "losing" the messaging war but rather failing to participate effectively. She attributes this to: An over-reliance on the idea that "good policies sell themselves." A lack of consistent, repeated messaging. Flawed message testing that doesn't reflect real-world communication. A lack of a "fight" mentality.She emphasizes the importance of controlling the narrative through language. She uses the example of "deportation" versus "abduction," and how conservatives have successfully redefined terms like "critical race theory." To counter MAGA messaging, She advises progressives to: Frame issues around shared values. Clearly identify the "villain" (e.g., "MAGA Republicans"). Offer a positive vision for the future and use the phase "MAGA is a death cult."She stresses that the Democratic party is seen as weak, and that the voters want to see a fight.You can follow Anat Shenker-Osorio on Blue Sky at @Anatosauras.bsky.socialToday's Bill Press Pod is supported by the Iron Workers 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.

Schumer Caves. No Shutdown. Trade War Escalates. Markets Seesaw. Trump Approval Fades. Trump Sells Tesla at White House. Judges Slap Down Musk. Dems Attack Musk & Tax Cuts. With Phillip Bump, Columnist for the Washington Post and author of the newsletter, How to Read This Chart, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/Politics Correspondent at the Christian Science Monitor and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. 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.

In this episode Bill talks with popular progressive podcaster David Pakman. Pakman is the author of the new book, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America. They discuss the current state of communication and disinformation in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by progressives in countering right-wing extremism and misinformation. It highlights the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in combating the spread of false narratives, and the need for grassroots activism and strategic political involvement to address these issues. The discussion covers the concept of the "echo machine" that amplifies and propagates disinformation, as well as the role of mainstream media in contributing to the problem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of voting, supporting progressive candidates, and engaging in real-world activism to drive meaningful change. You can pre-order his book here.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by Association of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Backlash to Trump. Tariff Uncertainty. Markets Down. Inflation Risk to GOP. Musk’s Power Fading? Cuts Hurting Red States. Education Dept. Done? Trump’s Rally at Congress. Dems Fumble Response. Dems Bad Hand. Dems Need a Leader. With John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large, CQ Roll Call, Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and NOTUS Daily Newsletter writer.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 discusses the concerns around the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with Dr. Rob Davidson, ER doc and the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Healthcare. Davidson expresses concerns about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine advocacy and his potential impact on public health policies. Key issues discussed include the measles outbreak in Texas, the threat of a bird flu pandemic, the cancellation of a key flu vaccine committee meeting, and the potential cuts to funding for the CDC and NIH that could undermine critical public health research. Dr. Davidson also raises concerns about Kennedy's lack of understanding of key healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and the risk of these programs being undermined under his leadership. Overall, the episode highlights the significant public health risks posed by having an HHS Secretary with a history of spreading misinformation about vaccines and a disregard for scientific evidence.Today Bill highlights the work of the nations' nurses and their Union, National Nurses United with 225,000 members. More information at NationalNursesUnited.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk Runs the Cabinet. Town Hall Backlash. Dangerous Fed Staff Cuts. If Government Fails… GOP Medicaid Danger. No Fraud Shown. Zelensky Visit. Tariffs on Tap. Suppressing the Press. With Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief and Columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, Jasmine Wright, Reporter for NOTUS and Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of The National Journal. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.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 and Elie Mystal, The Nation Magazine’s Justice Correspondent, discuss the ongoing chaos and damage caused by the Trump administration and its close ties to Elon Musk including: The firing of prominent Black figures like Joy Reid of MSNBC and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., which Mystal argues is part of a broader effort to remove Black voices and influence from the government and media. Concerns about Trump and Musk's disregard for the rule of law, including their apparent willingness to defy court orders and undermine federal agencies and regulations. The lack of meaningful checks on Trump's power, with Mystal arguing the courts and Congress have become ineffective in constraining the executive branch.The broader context of ongoing efforts to roll back Civil Rights progress and return to more overt forms of racism and discrimination under the guise of "merit-based" hiring.Despite the bleak outlook, Mystal maintains a glimmer of hope that the current authoritarian push will ultimately be short-lived, drawing parallels to the fall of other historical regimes that sought to establish long-lasting dictatorships.You can read Mystal at The Nation and pre-order his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That are Ruining America at Bookshop.org. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Worker Purge. Cuts Begin to Hurt. Voter Backlash. Trump’s Worsening Polls. GOP Senators Fear Trump, MAGA. Death Threats. McConnel’s Legacy. Trump Lies About Ukraine. Trump Wants DC Rule. Eric Adams on a Leash. With Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, Arthur Delaney, Political Reporter at Huff Post and Amanda Becker, Journalist at 19th News covering politics and Washington. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.