Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Author and national voting rights correspondent Ari Berman discusses his book 'Minority Rule' with Chris Hayes, exploring the right-wing's assault on democracy, flaws in the U.S. Constitution's founding era, John Calhoun's legacy of white supremacy, and challenges to democracy including voter suppression and gerrymandering.

Author and founder of abortioneveryday.com, Jessica Valenti, discusses the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade under Biden's term, the status of abortion laws across states, the risks faced by individuals seeking reproductive care, nuances of abortion laws, the battle for reproductive rights under different administrations, and the future of abortion laws and political impact.

MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin discusses the Trump trial, flaws in the legal system, and key figures involved. Topics include jurisdictional disputes, David Packer's role, media influence, and judicial handling of Trump's legal issues.

Tech expert Meredith Whittaker discusses the rise of AI, concerns about user privacy, and the need for tech companies to move away from monetizing user surveillance. Topics include the evolution of tech, inefficiencies of surveillance-based ad tech, hidden costs of AI models, and the power play of cloud business.

Kimberly Clausing, tax expert, discusses Trump vs. Biden tax policies, implications of tax cuts for wealthy elites, corporate tax rates and profit shifting challenges, IRS funding implications, and the impact of tax policies on different income groups. Clausing also highlights the evolution of tax policies under Presidents Biden and Trump, emphasizing changes in tax rates, poverty reduction efforts, and clean energy investments.

Immigration expert Aaron Reichlin-Melnick delves into the differences between Trump and Biden's immigration policies, including border enforcement and the asylum system. They discuss the impact of Title 42, border crossings, and bipartisan efforts for reform. Reichlin-Melnick highlights challenges in legal immigration, resource constraints, and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Our guest this week was thrown in jail and fired from his job after social media posts he made about Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th. Meir Baruchin, 62, is an Israeli history and civics teacher who was held in solitary confinement for four days after posts he made denouncing the war in Gaza. There was an adjudicated process in which he was later found to be wrongly fired from his job in the central Israeli city of Petah Tikv. He was later reinstated. Baruchin joins WITHpod to discuss the political persecution he says he’s faced, the intense suffering he’s witnessed, the ongoing legal process he’s experienced and more. UPDATE: Since publishing this episode, Baruchin was granted a permanent injunction against the Ministry of Education and the municipality of Petah Tikva, which will allow him to continue teaching and physically re-enter his classes.

Nate Cohn, chief political analyst at the New York Times, explores the complexities of polling, survey methodology, and systematic biases in politics. He discusses the limitations of polling in predicting election outcomes and the evolving role of polls in understanding campaigns and public sentiment.

Judith Butler discusses the fluid nature of gender and challenges to traditional norms, highlighting the relationship between gender, power dynamics, and societal structures. The podcast explores gender binaries, societal constructs, and the importance of embracing complexities outside traditional norms. The discussion also addresses controversies surrounding gender identity, debates on gender-affirming care for teenagers, and the importance of solidarity in combating discrimination.

Exploring TikTok's uncertain future in the US with Jacob Ward, touching on addictive nature, success factors, global security risks, AI influence, legislative challenges, and market dynamics. Delving into privacy concerns, cultural impact, and the impact of AI algorithms on user behavior.