Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy

Dive into the chaos of misinformation and its consequences in today's digital landscape. Discover how public trust in experts has eroded amidst partisan politics and the rise of alternative media. Explore the delicate balance between open-mindedness and skepticism, and learn about the emotional impact of conspiracy theories in society. Unpack the role of disinformation in political discourse and the challenges centrism poses to progressive movements. Finally, reflect on the evolving education system and the importance of critical thinking.

Join the lively discussion as hosts dissect why recent voting trends have swung the way they did. They explore the hypnotic appeal of hard-right politics and the urgent need for a proactive leftist response. Delve into the complexity of political perceptions and how anti-establishment sentiments shape today’s discourse. The hosts shine a light on the intersection of traditional and modern ideologies, revealing the challenges of strategizing unity in a time of division. Plus, discover humane solutions for pressing social issues through progressive lenses.

Nina Turner, a former Ohio state senator and progressive activist, joins Vice President Kamala Harris and analyses the implications of Donald Trump's rhetoric on the upcoming election. They discuss the persistent effects of white supremacy and misogyny in politics, the urgency for genuine activism, and how historical injustices still shape modern electoral dynamics. The conversation digs into Black men's disconnection from the Democratic Party and the need for action beyond performative gestures. The episode tackles uncomfortable truths about race and politics today.

Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, joins experts like Lindsay Owens and Ben Burgis to dissect the illusion of conservative economic populism. They explore the need for progressives to unite around a message of economic justice and the importance of automatic stabilizers during downturns. Jeff Madrick emphasizes the dire consequences of child poverty, while Virginie Perrotin discusses the potential of worker cooperatives in combating inequality. The conversation critiques current economic models, advocating for a shift towards community-centric, sustainable practices.

Air Date 11/12/2024 It's easy enough to look into one industry at a time to see what's going wrong, but today we're looking at what is so often lurking in the background of higher prices, lower quality goods and services, and, ultimately, many failing businesses: Private Equity. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: Why Does Everyone Hate Private Equity? - The Plain Bagel - Air Date 9-20-24 KP 2: How Private Equity Consumed America - Wendover Productions - Air Date 5-7-24 KP 3: How private equity conquered America - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 3-1-24 KP 4: Warren Calls for Ownership Transparency for Private Equity in Health Care - Senator Elizabeth Warren - Air Date 7-12-24 KP 5: BlackRock: The Conspiracies You Don’t Know - More Perfect Union - Air Date 9-15-24 (48:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On getting through this together DEEPER DIVES (53:11) SECTION A - HOW IT WORKS (1:30:42) SECTION B - POWER (2:03:28) SECTION C - SOLUTIONS SHOW IMAGE Description: The words “Private Equity” are typed out  on paper on a clipboard, surrounded by $20 and $100 bills and a pair of glasses. Credit: “Private Equity” by Nick Youngson, Pix4free.org | License: CC BY-SA 3.0  | Changes: Slightly cropped   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Explore the emotional landscape post-election, highlighting generational voting patterns and societal divides. Discover how misogyny shapes political narratives and the need for accountability. Engage in meaningful conversations to bridge divides and combat misinformation. Reflect on the fatigue felt in marginalized communities and the complacency within Generation X. Analyze the challenges posed by COVID-19 on mental health and political engagement, emphasizing collaboration as a path to recovery and activism.

In a riveting discussion, guests Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur, Donald Trump, former president, Kamala Harris, current Vice President, and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, dissect the overwhelming influence of wealth in today’s politics. They explore how billionaires shape the landscape ahead of the 2024 elections, raising alarm about democracy's drift towards authoritarianism. Topics include Musk's controversial support for Trump, the manipulation of voter perceptions, and the dangerous rhetoric surrounding election legitimacy. The conversation highlights urgent calls for integrity in the electoral process.

Kristen Kobes Du Mez, author of "Jesus and John Wayne," uncovers the intertwining of evangelicalism and politics. Brad Onishi discusses the rise of Christian nationalism alongside Matt Lewis' analysis of the Trump-evangelical dynamic. Andy Kroll exposes the secretive Ziklag network’s political maneuvers. Keri Gaspert-Hogwood examines charismatic religions' influence. Ryan Walters advocates Bible education in schools, and John Malcolm highlights constitutional implications. This engaging discussion reveals how faith shapes politics in America today.

Dive into discussions about how neoliberalism is impacting renewable energy. Discover the wild world of viral marketing with the Stanley Cup and its bizarre consumer demand. Explore the unsettling surveillance of school kids by big tech and the fossil fuel industry's stealthy infiltration of higher education. The transformation of Crocs from mockery to must-have status is also examined, revealing the curious connection between social media and modern consumer behavior.

Air Date 10/29/2024 Trump has only come close to perfecting the grift of the American conservative, he certainly didn't invent the strategy. Today we look at some current and past grifts and explore why they work. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: GRIFT-GOBLIN Donald Trump is Selling HILARIOUSLY CRAPPY Gold Watches Now!!! - Jesse Dollemore - Air Date 9-27-24 KP 2: The "Dirtbag of the Internet" and Trump's Crypto Project - Bloomberg Technology - Air Date 9-13-24 KP 3: Controlling the Weather and Eating Pets: Expert Breaks Down Disinformation - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 10-18-24 KP 4: Down the Rabbit Hole w/ Naomi Klein - The Dig - Air Date 10-8-24 KP 5: Media Literacy Can't Save Us Part 1 - Dummy - Air Date 10-7-24 KP 6: How did grifters like Trump take over the GOP? - The Bunker - Air Date 9-25-24 (48:03) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the scam of political fundraising DEEPER DIVES (56:06) SECTION A - GRIFT A1: Russell Brand Has A New Grift - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-24 A2: GRIFTER-CON Morons Did Not Disappoint - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-1-24 A3: Russell Brand And The Conspiracy Grift - Media Matters - Air Date 1-2-24 A4: Some Grifters Who Finally Faced Consequences – SOME MORE NEWS -Air Date 9-25-24 (1:28:27) SECTION B - SCAMS (1:50:18) SECTION C - CONSPIRACY (2:19:48) SECTION D - MISINFORMATION SHOW IMAGE Description: Graphic showing a large pile of triangular warning signs with the word “SCAM” inside. Credit: “traffic-signs-attention-notice” by Gerald, Pixabay | License: Pixabay   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com