Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist from Harvard, dives into the dynamics of civil resistance and the vital role of nonviolent protests. With evidence suggesting just 3.5% participation can thwart authoritarian attempts, she explores the stagnation of U.S. protests and the resilience of civil society. Chenoweth analyzes global comparisons, discussing the effectiveness of strikes and boycotts, and highlights the importance of community support for impactful movements. Her insights into navigating political turmoil shine a light on the necessity of hope and activism in preserving democracy.

Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, dives into the ongoing legal battles against former President Trump. She argues that Trump can't simply bypass laws with executive whims and emphasizes the crucial role of checks and balances. James discusses the resilience of state attorneys general in resisting authoritarianism and highlights the implications of Trump's so-called "revenge tour". She also reflects on the prospects for upholding the rule of law as America navigates its politically charged landscape.

The United States is pretty intertwined with Latin America. So why has it historically been seen as more of a European outpost as opposed to a nation in the Western hemisphere that is part of the broader Americas? Our guest this week points out that there are other ways to understand the history and identity of the U.S., aside from the narrative that is so often a part of contemporary discourse. Greg Grandin is the C. Vann Woodard Professor of History at Yale and the author of “America, América: A New History of the New World.” He joins WITHpod to discuss rethinking our conceptions of the “New World,” democratic backsliding in the U.S., why he says we should rethink hemispheric history and more.

Peter Beinart, an author, journalist, and MSNBC analyst, shares his insights on the aftermath of the Gaza conflict and its implications for American Judaism. He emphasizes the need for Jews to narrate a new story and examines the complex interplay of anti-Semitism and political discourse on campuses. Beinart also addresses the urgent need for dialogue between Jewish and Palestinian communities, advocating for recognition of shared humanity despite the ongoing conflict. His reflections prompt critical questions about identity, coexistence, and the future of Jewish life.

Ezra Klein, host of The Ezra Klein Show and New York Times columnist, dissects America's stagnation and the illusion of progress in modern governance. He argues the obsession with procedural adherence is crippling real outcomes, particularly in infrastructure and democracy. Klein emphasizes the need for flexibility in governance to stimulate innovation while addressing urgent social challenges. He also highlights the necessity of a progressive rethink in the face of rising political crises and the intricate balance between regulation and creativity.

John Green, author of "Everything Is Tuberculosis" and co-creator of Vlogbrothers, discusses the chilling persistence of tuberculosis as the deadliest infectious disease today. He reveals how TB serves as a stark reflection of global health disparities and healthcare inequities. Green also emphasizes the danger of multi-drug resistant strains and critiques policy changes undermining healthcare efforts. The conversation dives into the intertwined nature of illness, stigma, and human behavior, urging a compassionate response to public health crises.

Beverly Gage, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century," dives deep into the controversial legacy of J. Edgar Hoover. She explores how his tactics of repression shape today's political landscape. Gage discusses the historical misuse of FBI power, connecting Hoover's oppressive methods to contemporary concerns under Trump. The conversation highlights the tension between institutional integrity and political influence, shedding light on the enduring consequences of Hoover’s reign.

Public streets play a big role in our day-to-day lives.  And if you’ve visited any large metropolitan city, you’ve seen just how much traffic can fill up roadways. New York City became the first city in America to implement congestion pricing, a program aimed at generating revenue and making streets less crowded. But the initiative hasn’t been immune to opposition, including from the Trump administration, which has ordered the city to end the program. Janno Lieber is the chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. He joins WITHpod to discuss the effects of congestion pricing in NYC, legal fights ahead and more. 

Robert Garcia, Representative from California’s 42nd district and former Long Beach mayor, dives into the urgent challenges threatening American democracy. He discusses the Democratic Party's struggle to connect with disillusioned voters and emphasizes the need for assertive leadership. Garcia highlights the alarming concentration of power and its impact on public trust. He calls for innovative messaging to engage the working class and outlines strategies for revitalizing democracy through grassroots mobilization and effective communication in a digital age.

Elle Reeve, a CNN correspondent and author of "Black Pill," dives into the alarming rise of internet trolls influencing U.S. politics. She reveals how online extremism, particularly from groups like incels and the alt-right, has shifted from the shadows to the mainstream. Elle dissects toxic ideologies shaping young men's perceptions of masculinity and the real-world consequences of online hate. The conversation also touches on the role of influential figures in amplifying these disturbing beliefs and the emotional struggles faced by those within these extremist communities.