What A Day

Matt Duss, Executive Vice President at the Center for International Policy and former Foreign Policy Advisor to Bernie Sanders, dives into the contentious U.S. peace proposals concerning Ukraine. He discusses how these plans push Ukraine to concede territory and recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea. Duss provides insights into the motivations behind Trump's approach, highlighting its implications for power dynamics and Ukrainian sovereignty. The episode also touches on the need for enhanced European support amidst fears of U.S. withdrawal.

Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter for The Guardian, dives into the Trump administration's frantic measures to combat America's declining birth rates. She unveils the bizarre proposals, like baby bonuses, aimed at boosting fertility amidst a backdrop of budget cuts. The discussion also touches on the potential role of immigration in addressing this baby crisis, as well as broader economic challenges, from the Federal Reserve to Google's legal hurdles. Sherman's insights highlight a complex landscape of policy and societal implications.

Leah Litman, co-host of 'Strict Scrutiny,' dives into pivotal Supreme Court cases of the week, including the latest attacks on Obamacare and parental rights surrounding LGBTQ-themed children's books in schools. She emphasizes the court's looming challenge against the Trump administration's influence on rule of law. Listeners gain insight into California's emission standards debate and the broader implications of these legal battles on American rights and education.

President Donald Trump still hasn’t hit the 100-day mark of his second term, but it feels like the country is already hitting some kind of inflection point. On Saturday, we saw a second day of mass protests against the Trump administration’s agenda. Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healy compared this moment to the start of the Revolutionary War, saying, ‘Our freedoms are once again under attack.’ Even New York Times conservative columnist David Brooks wrote about how it’s ‘time for a comprehensive national civic uprising.’ Amid all these proverbial alarm bells, it might seem a little perverse for some Democrats to advocate for a return to a kind of New Deal-era of politics, where more centralized power allowed the government to do big things. But that’s exactly the argument made in the new book 'Abundance.' Co-author Derek Thompson joins us to talk about how America can go back to building and inventing new things, and how Democrats can get people to trust the government again.And in headlines: The Supreme Court issued an emergency decision blocking more flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members to an El Salvador super prison, Vice President JD Vance got an audience with the Pope, and the Israeli military admitted to several “professional failures” when it killed 14 Gaza rescue workers and a U.N. staffer last month.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration is running through our constitutional rights like a bull unleashed on the streets of Pamplona. For days now, the high-stakes back-and-forth between the administration, the courts and the Constitution over the wrongful deportation of a Maryland man has dominated headlines. But in the background, the administration is working overtime to dismantle regulations, particularly around the environment. Just since Monday, the administration got the ball rolling on gutting a key part of the Endangered Species Act, stopped construction on a major offshore wind farm, axed a $3 billion program to help farmers adopt climate-friendly practices, and kickstarted a bid to end a Biden-era rule to put conservation on par with things like drilling as a valid public land use. Crooked Climate correspondent Anya Zoledziowski looks at the fallout from an earlier anti-environmental decision from the Trump administration, to drop a Biden-era suit against a petrochemical plant in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley.”And in headlines: President Donald Trump met with Italy’s prime minister to talk trade, the Supreme Court said it would hear arguments over Trump’s bid to limit birthright citizenship, and a federal judge said Google has an illegal monopoly over online advertising technology.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ritchie Torres, a New York Congressman from the Bronx, is vocal about the significance of due process in immigration cases. He discusses the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the urgent need for accountability in such matters. Torres emphasizes how executive power has overshadowed congressional oversight, calling for a renewed legislative push from Democrats. The conversation further examines ongoing political challenges and the necessity of advocating for workers' rights amidst a complicated immigration landscape.

Alice Miranda Ollstein, a healthcare reporter for Politico, dives deep into the significant changes initiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his short tenure. She discusses the alarming impact of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, particularly the firing of staff and the spreading of debunked theories linking vaccines to autism. The conversation highlights the devastating effects on public health data collection and chronic disease research, raising concerns about mixed messaging in a politically charged environment.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, tackles the complexities of Trump's immigration policies. He discusses the wrongful deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlighting the Supreme Court's involvement and President Bukele's refusal to facilitate his return. The conversation dives into the controversial proposal to send U.S. citizens to El Salvador and the alarming conditions of migrant detentions. Aaron stresses the ethical implications of these policies and raises concerns about civil liberties in the current political climate.

A massive rally in Los Angeles drew over 34,000 supporters as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for unity against perceived threats to social rights. Attendees shared their hopes for the Democratic party, sparking emotional connections and shared goals. The discussion also tackled recent tariff changes and controversial deportation rulings, alongside some light commentary on alcohol recovery products. The impact of these events on progressive ideals was emphasized, showcasing the urgency for action.

California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna joins to discuss the chaotic tariff landscape sparked by Trump’s uncertain trade policies. He explores how these tariffs impact the tech industry and the broader economy while raising concerns about the House GOP's proposed budget cuts to crucial social safety nets like Medicaid. Khanna emphasizes the need for grassroots advocacy in challenging political climates, touching on the political ramifications of student visa revocations and the unforeseen effects of tariffs on U.S. spice imports.