Bad Faith

Maura Finkelstein, a former Associate Professor of Anthropology, discusses her controversial firing due to pro-Palestine speech, raising critical questions about academic freedom. She delves into the influence of organizations like Hillel on campus discourse and the culture of censorship they've fostered. Predictions for upcoming college protests and the ongoing struggle against injustice are explored, shedding light on the complexities of advocacy and free speech in today's academic climate.

India Walton, the trailblazing activist who won the 2021 Buffalo Mayoral Primary, shares her insights on battling the Democratic establishment that stymied her victory. She reflects on the emotional toll of political campaigns, especially for progressives, and the struggle for authenticity amid outside pressures. Walton discusses the impact of billionaire influence, the crucial role of grassroots organizing, and the need for genuine engagement within marginalized communities. Despite past challenges, she emphasizes renewed hope for meaningful change in politics.

This time, David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, dives into the surprising electoral success of Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. He challenges the narrative of centrist politicos who claim they were 'right all along' and critiques their attempts to co-opt Mamdani's win. Sirota discusses the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party, highlighting the tension between its centrist and leftist factions, and reflects on the rising populist sentiments that are reshaping political strategies.

Alex Thompson, Axios National Political Correspondent and co-author of 'Original Sin', digs into the serious implications of President Biden's declining health and related media coverups. He addresses the contentious decisions behind granting anonymity to sources and the backlash journalists face for highlighting Biden's cognitive fitness. The conversation critically examines the media's role in shaping political narratives, especially regarding Democratic dynamics, stressing the need for accountability and transparency in journalism and politics.

Lindsey Boylan, former aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the first to accuse him of sexual harassment, shares her compelling insights. She discusses the crisis of credibility within the Democratic Party and why the #MeToo movement has been selectively weaponized for political gain. Lindsey reflects on the emotional toll of silence and the struggles faced by those confronting abusive power dynamics. The conversation also touches on grassroots advocacy and the importance of mobilizing voters against Cuomo's potential return.

Joining the conversation is Ross Barkan, a journalist and author of "Cuomo: Return of the Dark Prince." He shares his firsthand insights into socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani's rise in the New York City mayoral race. Barkan contrasts Mamdani's effective strategies with Andrew Cuomo's campaign missteps. The discussion highlights the left's struggle to unify support and mobilize resources against entrenched political figures, emphasizing the urgent need for aggressive progressive fundraising. It's a deep dive into what lessons the left can draw from this pivotal race.

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock our full premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Professor of African-American Studies, scholar of political economy and historical sociology, and author of Black Scare / Red Scare: Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States Charisse Burden-Stelly returns to Bad Faith to discuss the No Kings protests, the media backlash to the L.A. protests, the new Red Scare, and what history tells us about how to fight back. She also weighs on on why neoliberal pundits from Jake Tapper to Zadie Smith have been attacking the paradigm of "oppressed vs. oppressor," and why it may be time for the left to firmly defend "woke." Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod).

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock this episode and our entire premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Journalist Abby Martin returns to Bad Faith to discuss Israel's bombing of Iran, the hypocrisy of the "antiwar" Trump right receiving pushback from the Tucker Carlson wing of the party, Zohran's NYC mayoral debate performance & what his possible victory means for the left, & Trump's military parade. Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod).

Craig Mokhiber, an international human rights law expert and former director at the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses the recent Rafah massacre and the Gaza Tribunal's call for accountability. The conversation critiques Western influence in the U.N., especially amid U.S. funding cuts, pushing for reformed power dynamics. Mokhiber also highlights grassroots activism, the need for media accountability, and the urgent humanitarian crises in Gaza, challenging listeners to understand the complexities of these conflicts.

Glenn Loury, a distinguished economist from Brown University and a Black conservative, dives into his controversial firing from the Manhattan Institute due to his views on Israel's actions in Gaza. He discusses how his identity shapes his empathy toward the Palestinian plight and reflects on his journey through academia as a Black intellectual. The conversation further touches on the impact of changing political climates, the complexities of race and reparations, and the challenges facing conservatives today. Loury’s insights resonate deeply in a polarized environment.