Bad Faith

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock this episode and our entire premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Lefty content creators Grace Blakeley & James Li have done terrific coverage on the newly released Epstein files, and this is ostensibly a discussion about that. But we ended up having a larger conversation about the obligation of content creators to define and broaden the terms of debate, to push left, to co-opt mainstream spaces (or create our own), to use "woke" language or avoid putting off a mainstream audience by correcting others, how to protest, and whether to own our moral judgments instead of debating about procedure. 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 Contributing editor at The New Republic and author of new book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding Osita Nwanevu joins Briahna to discuss the state of U.S. democracy, the failures of the Democratic Party as a resistance party, avenues for genuine resistance (e.g. packing the court, nixing the filibuster, D.C. statehood) that the Democrats have so far failed to avail themselves of, and whether Zohran Mamdani's victory changes anything about Briahna's cynicism. Is the goal winning at any cost? Are there things more important than winning elections, like the way Mamdani changed public opinion on the right of Israel to exist as an apartheid state? Is the left making a mistake in over investing in electoral victories? Or are those who criticize the left for not actually wanting power right? 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).

Independent journalist Jasper Nathaniel shares gripping tales from the West Bank, including his harrowing experience filming settler violence. Ubai Abudi, an advocate for Palestinian rights, discusses the dire conditions and daily experiences under occupation, stressing the urgent need for international protection. Dr. Jill Stein introduces 'Uniting for Peace,' a UN initiative that could bypass U.S. vetoes to safeguard Palestinian rights, arguing for a global shift in policy. Together, they call for activism and accountability in challenging systemic oppression.

Independent investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein joins the discussion on the alarming implications of NSPM 7, a national security memo targeting activists and critics as potential terrorists. He talks about how the recent murder of Charlie Kirk has fueled authoritarian policies. The conversation delves into the chilling effects of legal harassment on dissent and the difficulties activists face in securing legal representation. Together, they explore the troubling trend of criminalizing peaceful protests and the connections between domestic repression and broader surveillance practices.

Andre Easton, a Bronx-based teacher and independent candidate for NY District 15, discusses his grassroots campaign against Rep. Ritchie Torres. He connects the fight for Palestinian liberation to local issues like housing and labor, emphasizing economic populism. Andre critiques compromises within the Democratic Party, advocating for a radical redefinition of success that prioritizes building working-class power over mere electoral victories. He shares insights on mobilizing low-turnout voters and the importance of solidarity in local activism.

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.