Bad Faith

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.

The discussion takes a surprising turn with the news of Karine Jean-Pierre leaving the Democratic Party, prompting a critique of political authenticity. Francesca Fiorentini and Briahna tackle the growing discontent on the left and explore the viability of third parties. They delve into the complexities of voting strategies and the pressure to support candidates despite ideological disagreements. The duo debates whether the left can unite behind a candidate for 2028 without succumbing to the familiar 'Vote Blue No Matter Who' mindset.

Cory Doctorow discusses his latest novel and how fiction can drive political urgency and expose societal issues. The conversation highlights the role of science fiction in raising awareness about climate change and civil liberties. They also dissect myths surrounding technology, critiquing how big tech manipulates consumer behavior under the guise of surveillance capitalism. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of storytelling in motivating activism and understanding the nuanced threats posed by AI.