Democracy Now! Audio

Iyad Amawi, a local NGO coordinator for the Gaza Relief Committee, discusses urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of unrestricted aid and addressing overcrowding. Moeen Rabbani, a Middle East analyst, critiques a recently announced ceasefire deal, suggesting it overlooks crucial governance issues. Mohamed Chahada provides insight into regional diplomacy pressures leading to the agreement, while Ori Goldberg sheds light on Israeli public sentiment and political implications surrounding the ceasefire.

Ro Khanna, a Democratic U.S. Representative from California, discusses the looming government shutdown and the urgency of releasing Jeffrey Epstein's files. Adelita Grijalva, Congressmember-elect from Arizona, shares her challenges with being unsworn and her determination to push for the Epstein file release. David Kleon examines the dangers of media consolidation, particularly under the Ellison family, and explores the implications of Barry Weiss's appointment at CBS News, raising concerns about journalistic integrity and public representation.

This discussion features Ed Yonke, the ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications, who addresses troubling federal immigration tactics in Chicago and the implications of militarized policies. Palestinian journalist Plastia Al-Aqad shares her harrowing firsthand experiences from Gaza, detailing life under siege, the resilience of its people, and the dangers reporters face. They touch on global solidarity movements, highlight the humanitarian crisis, and emphasize the power of personal stories in inspiring action for change.

Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator, critiques the Trump-Netanyahu Gaza plan, highlighting its lack of details and emphasizing urgent ceasefire needs. Kieran Andriou, a British–Palestinian journalist, shares his harrowing firsthand account of the Sumud flotilla's interception by Israeli forces, detailing the mistreatment of detainees. Alex de Waal, author and peace expert, discusses starvation as a weapon in Gaza and Sudan, arguing that humanitarian aid shouldn't hinge on ceasefires. Each guest sheds light on critical issues affecting the region.

Deborah Kamen, a New York Times real estate reporter, investigates conflicts of interest involving a U.S. Middle East envoy and his family's ties to Gulf investors. She reveals ethical concerns over business and diplomacy intermingling. Jane Fonda discusses relaunching the Committee for the First Amendment to combat the rising threats to free speech and democracy, drawing parallels to McCarthyism. Nora Benavides highlights the case of journalist Mario Guevara, emphasizing the dangers faced by reporters and the importance of press freedom.

Raoul Peck, an acclaimed Haitian filmmaker known for the documentary "Orwell: Two Plus Two Equals Five," explores the enduring impact of George Orwell's work. He discusses how authoritarian leaders manipulate truth and the role of social media in spreading disinformation. Peck ties Orwell's life experiences, including his time in Burma and the Spanish Civil War, to his political convictions. He emphasizes the importance of coalition-building and civic action as responses to totalitarianism, drawing parallels to historical resistance movements.

Brandon Johnson, the Mayor of Chicago and a former teacher, discusses President Trump's alarming comments about using cities as military training grounds. He emphasizes the importance of First Amendment protections and the recent federal immigration raids in his city. Eugene Fidell, a Yale Law scholar specializing in military justice, warns about potential erosion of military norms due to loyalty demands and advises senior officers on legal advice regarding unlawful orders. Together, they delve into the implications of these federal actions on civil rights and public safety.

Diana Buttu, a Palestinian human rights attorney, critiques Trump's Gaza plan as vague and lacking Palestinian agency. Nkosi Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and South African activist, discusses the Global Samud flotilla aimed at breaking the Gaza blockade, emphasizing international solidarity. Cristóbal Cavazos, a community organizer in Chicago, shares insights on grassroots efforts to protect immigrants from ICE, highlighting the importance of know-your-rights outreach and local resilience against federal intervention. Together, they address critical global issues around Gaza and immigrant rights.

Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, discusses the implications of Eric Adams' recent withdrawal from the mayoral race, framing it as driven by donors rather than the electorate. He emphasizes his commitment to working-class policies, including universal childcare funded by taxing the wealthy. Mamdani passionately addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling recent actions genocide. He also shares insights on his vision for democratic socialism and the importance of respecting marginalized communities.

New York Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the race, influenced by pressure from Trump and business leaders. Zohran Mamdani responds, challenging Adams' record on affordability. He emphasizes that Adams' exit won't sway his campaign focus on working-class New Yorkers. The discussion also highlights the tactics used by wealthy donors and Trump allies to influence the election, as well as the challenges Mamdani faces in connecting with low-income neighborhoods while building a coalition.