Bad Faith

David Sirota, an investigative journalist and founder of The Lever, returns to discuss the insidious corporate-backed plans reshaping U.S. politics. He critiques complacency in blue states like New York and California, highlighting missed opportunities for reform. The conversation dives into public financing's impact on progressive successes and questions whether recent Democratic anti-oligarchy messaging is genuine or performative. Sirota also reflects on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, urging a reckoning with past Democratic choices.

Joining the discussion are Richard Wolff, a Marxist economist known for critiquing capitalism and inequality, and Butch Ware, a historian and former Green Party vice-presidential candidate. They delve into Gavin Newsom's evasive answers on California's housing crisis and Medicare for All. Wolff argues that profit-driven models fail housing solutions, while Ware proposes taxing corporate landlords. Together, they analyze the detrimental effects of neoliberal policies and the corporate influence on Democratic politics, raising questions about the future of leftist movements.

A lively discussion unfolds as Briahna and Matt McManus dive into the concept of liberal socialism, questioning if it’s a contradiction. They explore how liberal values can reveal the power dynamics in the workplace and debate whether political arguments now prioritize clicks over substance. With insights on the AOC/Bernie town hall and Kamala Harris's recent book tour, they argue that liberal socialism can inspire a hopeful vision for systemic reform rather than a politics of fear. An engaging blend of theory and current events!

Isa Nakazawa, an Oakland-based writer and astrologer, joins to explore the depth of astrology beyond sun signs. She shares her journey from skepticism to embracing celestial insights, emphasizing how astrology can help connect leftist communities. Isa discusses the importance of rising signs for compatibility, the transformative nature of relationships, and how celestial conditions influence our lives—not as destiny but as guidance. The conversation also dives into the political dimensions of astrology, touching on figures like Trump and Kamala Harris.

This discussion dives into the ongoing battle within the Democratic Party. It challenges the notion that the left is solely to blame for electoral failures, highlighting the influence of tech-funded centrism on Kamala Harris's campaign. Aaron Regunberg argues that a focus on left populism is essential to counter right populism. The hosts unpack how identity politics have been weaponized against economic initiatives and make a clear distinction between progressive and left labels. A spirited debate ensues on the party's path forward.

The conversation dives into the complexities of leftist political strategy, debating whether to support compromised Democrats or embrace third-party candidates. Max Blumenthal emphasizes the importance of class and antiwar principles over traditional labels. He critiques the Democratic Party’s limitations and predicts heightened geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Iran. The discussion includes the necessity of concrete demands, like suspending weapon sales to Israel, and the call for a principled withdrawal from ineffective institutional tactics.

In this conversation, Van Lathan Jr., a culture commentator and political analyst noted for his viral encounter with Kanye West, joins to dissect the recent film One Battle After Another. The duo critiques the film’s portrayal of leftist revolutionaries and discusses its underlying themes of misogynoir. They also dive into the accountability of right-leaning podcasters and the importance of coherent political principles. Lathan and his host explore whether withholding votes can pressure Democrats and reflect on the impact of financial influences on political choices.

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock our full premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Executive editor of The American Prospect David Dayen returns to Bad Faith to explain the government shutdown and how Democrats are doing their darnedest to be the worst resistance party in the world. How is it that Trump seems to have infinite power when Biden, during his trifecta, had none? Did Trump really just do what we were told is impossible: overrule the parliamentarian? Why are Democrats making this a fight about healthcare rather than the fact that the GOP has already effectively shut down the government through their DOGE activities? And why should we be very very scared of OMB director Russell Vought? Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod). Produced by Armand Aviram. Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock this episode and our entire premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Matt Stoller, Director of the American Economic Liberties Project and king of anti-monopoly discourse, returns to Bad Faith podcast along with former Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, who was recently fired by President Trump, to explain how Trump is weaponizing ostensibly independent federal agencies to advance his censorship agenda. As Matt argues, oligarchic control over the media is impossible without media consolidation, and the Jimmy Kimmel cancelation fiasco is in some ways secondary to the bigger problem of an undiversified media ecosystem. Bedoya, who is also the founding director of the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown University Law Center, broadens the conversation into one about the founding fathers' original conception of the corporation, and the need to impose limits due to its fundamentally anti-democratic potential. Will Democrats finally trust the anti-trust pros to break up the powers that are buying America? Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod). Produced by Armand Aviram. Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).

Comedian and cultural commentator Amanda Seales shares her journey from Hollywood to political activism. She discusses her radicalization following the events of October 7th, leading her to advocate for Palestine. Amanda reveals the personal costs of speaking out, including being canceled by her industry. She recounts a tense dinner with political figures, including her direct confrontation with Kamala Harris about accountability. The conversation also touches on her shift towards community organizing and using art and comedy as tools for political education.