Bad Faith

Christian Smalls, a prominent labor organizer and co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, shares insights on the intersection of labor rights and politics. He challenges the Biden administration’s claims of being pro-union, questioning whether their actions align with worker interests. Smalls reflects on disillusionment with politicians and critiques the disconnect between union representation and corporate influence. He emphasizes the need for a cohesive labor movement that remains authentically committed to working-class struggles and advocates for social justice amid ongoing global issues.

William Darity Jr. is a prominent Duke Professor specializing in public policy and racial wealth disparities. He dives deep into Kamala Harris's agenda for Black Americans, analyzing its effectiveness. Darity critiques various reparations proposals from 2020 candidates, advocating for direct payments over indirect approaches. He also discusses baby bonds as a potential strategy for closing the racial wealth gap, emphasizing the need for policies that ensure intergenerational resource transfer to achieve real change.

Sabrina Salvati, host of Sabby Sabs and a keen commentator on leftist politics, joins to dissect AOC's clash with Jill Stein and the Democratic Party's aggressive tactics against Greens. The conversation reveals shifting voter dynamics, highlighting declining support for Kamala Harris among key demographics and the rise of 'spite voting.' Salvati also critiques the leadership deficiencies within political campaigns, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism over reliance on national figures. The need for voter accountability and authentic political engagement takes center stage.

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock this episode and our entire premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Author of The Jakarta Method and If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution Vincent Bevins joins Bad Faith to discuss how to turn protests into revolutionary change. In If We Burn he analyzes over a dozen movements from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street to the protests in Hong Kong and Brazil to establish the conditions that create mass movements. Then he takes it a step rather, investigating why those movements have not manifested in progress and have, at times, actually preceded a political regression. In this sprawling three hour conversation we do “applied history” and try to break down what went wrong after the BLM protests of 2020 and how to prevent those failures now that we’re in the middle of global protests over Israel’s genocide on Gaza. 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).

David Sirota, a journalist and founder of The Lever, discusses his new series 'Master Plan,' which examines the roots of American corruption. He sheds light on the DNC's influences, Chris Cuomo's shift towards acknowledging money's role in politics, and the backlash against Kamala Harris' price capping initiative. The conversation delves into the implications of corporate influence on political integrity, questioning whether meaningful reform can emerge from within the Democratic Party. Sirota also reflects on his experiences from the Bernie campaign, highlighting the challenges of navigating internal party dynamics.

Margaret Elisabeth, a dedicated Green Party activist, and Craig Cayetano, a progressive policies advocate, join to discuss the Green Party’s response to the recent DNC events. They highlight the importance of grassroots activism and volunteer contributions in shaping political engagement. The duo contrasts the inclusive nature of Green Party conventions with major parties while addressing the challenges of fundraising and political progress. They also delve into Cornel West's independent run and tackle the rising anti-Green rhetoric in mainstream discourse.

In this engaging discussion, consumer advocate and former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader sheds light on the deceptive narratives surrounding Kamala Harris and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Nader critiques the dual-party system's impact on democracy and advocates for enhanced voter choice through ranked voting. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and informed civic engagement. Listeners will find valuable insights on the role of media representation and the necessity of accountability in politics.

Dr. Trita Parsi, a geopolitical analyst from the Quincy Institute, engages with Ismail Haniyeh, a pivotal leader in Hamas, in a compelling discussion. They analyze the implications of Israel's assassination of Hamas' ceasefire negotiator, highlighting Israel's aggressive stance towards Iran. The conversation touches on the dangers of escalation in the Middle East and the potential impact of Trump's recent meeting with Netanyahu on U.S. foreign policy. It's a deep dive into the complexities of geopolitics and the future of regional stability.

David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, dives deep into Kamala Harris' economic policy and the shadowy influences shaping her decisions. He highlights the intriguing connections between her advisory team and corporate interests, questioning whether they align with progressive values. Dayen explores the implications of hiring practices in governance, especially in relation to past accountability failures. The discussion also touches on the complex balance of power within the Democratic party and the challenges of navigating finance and antitrust in policymaking.

Vijay Prashad, a renowned historian, author, and Marxist intellectual, joins the discussion to unpack pressing political dynamics. He highlights the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents, showcasing contrasts like Rashida Tlaib's approach. The conversation also tackles harm reduction strategies within the polarized American political landscape, calling for a deeper understanding of political affiliations. Prashad draws on global movements, including the recent student protests in Bangladesh, to offer valuable lessons for the American left.