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

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

Latest episodes

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Nov 20, 2024 • 2h 23min

#1671 The Non-Exclusive Impact of White Supremacy and Misogyny on the Election

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.
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Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 19min

#1670 A Refresher on the Sham of Conservative Economic Populism and the Left Alternatives (Remix)

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.
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Nov 12, 2024 • 2h 32min

#1669 Private Equity: The worst of capitalism, amplified

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
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6 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 25min

#1668 We Are Going Back: Team post-election analysis

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.
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Nov 5, 2024 • 2h 38min

#1667 Billionaires and Ballots: The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

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.
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Nov 2, 2024 • 2h 14min

#1666 The Holy War Against America: The New Apostolic Reformation, Opus Dei, Evangelicals, Christian Nationalists, and the Worship of Donald Trump

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.
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Oct 31, 2024 • 20min

Bonus Edition #326 Marketing: The Dirty Public Restroom of the Internet

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.
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Oct 29, 2024 • 2h 58min

#1665 The GOP Is A Grift And Was Long Before Trump

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  
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Oct 25, 2024 • 60min

#1543 Capitalism doesn't live up to the hype (Throwback)

Original Air Date: 2/14/20223 Today, we take a look at some origins, alternatives and misunderstandings of capitalism from the Dutch East India Company, to Adam Smith and up through the planned obsolescence and marketing that have tricked us all into working far harder than necessary while failing to make us happy. 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 (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21 Ch. 2: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23 Ch. 3: We don't understand Capitalism. Part One - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23 Ch. 4: Your Work Is Not Your Worth - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-21-22 Ch. 5: We don't understand Capitalism. Part Two. - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23 Ch. 6: Economics for a New Year - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 1-19-23 Ch. 7: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) Part 2 - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21 Ch. 8: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism Part 2 - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 41min

#1664 All That Gets Wrongly Blamed on Immigrants: Lies about the economy, crime, election integrity, Social Security, and more!

Air Date 10/22/2024 This is your one-stop reference guide to every issue that is being wrongly blamed on immigrants as the Trump campaign rhetoric turns evermore fascist and xenophobic. 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: Deportation First Trump and Harris Compete for Latinx Votes While Pushing Anti-Immigrant Policies - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-24 KP 2: Escaping Otherism Why Dr. Seuss Could Never Find a Rhyme for Genocide - Crazy Town - Air Date 6-12-24 KP 3: The Real Reason Trump Is Demonizing Immigrants - The Lever - Air Date 10-11-24 KP 4: 'Villains nor victims' Why immigration is good for our economy - Velshi - Air Date 6-2-24 KP 5: Escaping Otherism Why Dr. Seuss Could Never Find a Rhyme for Genocide Part 2 - Crazy Town - Air Date 6-12-24 KP 6: Prof Richard Wolff A FUTURE WITHOUT FEAR OF IMMIGRANTS - The Zero Hour - Air Date 10-12-24 (38:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Giving a quick list of immigration lies DEEPER DIVES (42:07) SECTION A - MIS/DISINFORMATION A1: How is Trump winning the US immigration debate - Anywhere but Washington - Air Date 10-10-24 A2: FEMA is running low on disaster money, but not because funds went to housing undocumented migrants - Verify - Air Date 10-7-24 (50:26) SECTION B - REALITY CHECK (1:08:30) SECTION C - OTHERING (1:26:35) SECTION D - SOLUTIONS SHOW IMAGE CREDIT Description: Trump, with a serious expression, stands at a lectern and points out into the crowd. Credit: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

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