Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

This week on Assembly Required, Stacey sits down with Alex Wagner, veteran journalist and host of the new Crooked Media podcast “Runaway Country”. Together, they unpack Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s alleged order to execute the two remaining survivors of an American missile strike on a fishing boat suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean, and the rare moves in Congress to investigate the matter. They also talk about how the Trump administration is using the shooting of two National Guard members in D.C. to further anti-immigrant policies, what the Republicans’ razor-thin House majority means for the 2026 midterms, and more.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More Be Curious: If you enjoyed Stacey’s conversation with Alex Wagner, be sure to check out her new podcast Runaway Country.Solve Problems: As protests continue across the country in response to ICE’s cruel abductions and other authoritarian actions by this administration, it’s more important than ever to know your rights. Visit the ACLU’s website at aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights for comprehensive guidance on organizing a protest, participating safely, filming law enforcement, and more.Do Good: Republicans in Congress have allowed Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, putting millions of Americans at risk of skyrocketing premiums and losing healthcare access altogether. Just Fix It is a nationwide, nonpartisan activation led by the 10 Steps Campaign in partnership with SEIU-NW, Caring Across Generations, MomsRising, and other labor and advocacy organizations. Learn how you can get involved and help protect healthcare for everyone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a lively discussion at Crooked Con, guests include Ken Martin, DNC Chair focused on rebuilding party infrastructure, and Maurice Mitchell, the Working Families Party's National Director advocating for independent political strategies. Ezra Levin of Indivisible highlights grassroots organizing against authoritarianism, while Melissa Morales emphasizes rebuilding trust in Latino communities. DeRay Mckesson challenges narratives around public safety, and Kate Barr creatively confronts gerrymandering through protest campaigns. Together, they explore effective ways to engage low-information voters and the importance of grassroots activism.

This week features Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior advisor to President Obama and co-host of Pod Save America, who unveils the high stakes of redistricting in the 2026 elections. He explains how California's Prop 50 fights gerrymandering while detailing Texas's partisan map changes influenced by Trump. The conversation covers the risks of Democrats matching fire with fire, the devastating impact of undermining voting rights, and the urgent need for a reform-focused agenda that empowers all voters. Pfeiffer's insights provide a compelling look at the future of democracy.

Samantha Bee, a trailblazing comedian and former Full Frontal host, joins to discuss the vital role of comedy in resisting political oppression. They delve into the current landscape of late-night comedy and its power to push back against censorship and authoritarianism. Bee shares her journey into political comedy and highlights how humor can drive real legislative change. She emphasizes the necessity for artists to stand firm in truth-telling while offering practical ways to maintain humor amid crisis, creating laughter in turbulent times.

In this engaging discussion, Rula Jebreal, a foreign policy analyst with Palestinian roots, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen tackle the complexities of Gaza's humanitarian crisis and Israeli politics. Jebreal delves into the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians and Netanyahu's authoritarian maneuvers. Van Hollen shares insights from his visit to Gaza, highlighting the devastation and advocating for U.S. accountability through the Leahy Law. Both underline the urgent need for a two-state solution and emphasize grassroots activism to shift Congressional policy.

In this conversation, political scientist Erica Chenoweth, author of "Why Civil Resistance Works," dives into the power of nonviolent civil resistance. She reveals her groundbreaking 3.5% rule, showing that if just 3.5% of a population engages in sustained action, they can drive significant change. Erica discusses effective tactics like protests, strikes, and economic boycotts, highlighting that nonviolent methods often attract broader participation. She also addresses the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of local, cross-partisan organizing.

Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and Insha Rahman, VP at the Vera Institute of Justice, reveal alarming trends of state violence in America. They discuss the militarization of law enforcement and its impact on communities, highlighting the dangerous tactics employed by ICE. The guests expose how peaceful protests are being criminalized and warn against the broader implications for society. They emphasize the importance of civic engagement and local leadership in fighting back against these authoritarian measures.

Fashion isn’t just functional — it’s transformative. It can be a form of political speech, like when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines in a white gown emblazoned with “Tax the Rich.” It can also be a statement of resistance, as when the Black Panthers adopted black berets, a uniform that came to symbolize unity and power. Understanding the language of fashion is key to understanding the times we live in. It’s a translator for anyone trying to navigate this moment and one of the ten steps to reclaiming freedom and power as we challenge norms and assert our identity. Those of us who are pro-democracy may one day need to show who we are just as clearly. What we wear might matter more than we think. This week on Assembly Required, Stacey is joined by fashion editor and Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Robin Givhan. She breaks down how fashion reflects our culture back to us and what that reflection reveals about the political moment we’re in.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More:Be Curious: If you enjoyed my conversation with Robin, pick up her latest book, Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.Solve Problems: Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills — the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes every single second. To help reduce waste, be mindful of your clothing consumption and shopping habits. Before clicking “buy” on that fast fashion site for the latest trend at the cheapest price, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I buy it from a sustainable source? Can I thrift something similar instead?Do Good:If you have old clothes or have been meaning to clean out your closet, don’t throw them away. Instead, consider donating them to those in need. Goodwill, your place of worship, or local homeless shelters are great places to start. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stacey Abrams chats with Adam Serwer, a senior writer at The Atlantic and author of The Cruelty Is the Point, to explore the ongoing attack on knowledge in America. They discuss how the Republican Party manipulates facts, distorts historical narratives, and undermines scientific inquiry. Adam highlights the serious implications of these actions for democracy and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of historical literacy and public vigilance. They also provide actionable steps for individuals to combat misinformation and protect knowledge in their communities.

In this engaging discussion, political journalist Jane Coaston and Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party, tackle the challenges posed by America's entrenched two-party system. Coaston shares insights from her libertarian past, while Mitchell underscores the importance of grassroots organizing. They explore the barriers third-party candidates face and the need for collective power to counter autocracy. Listeners will learn actionable steps to support alternative political movements and the significance of inclusive strategies in democracy.