Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

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.

Emma Goldberg, a journalist from The New York Times, and wellness content creator Kate Glavan dive deep into the Make America Healthy Again movement. They explore how wellness influencers have co-opted political rhetoric, blurring the lines between health and right-wing propaganda. The discussion highlights how algorithms exacerbate radicalization, especially among young women, and the growing impact of misinformation on public health. They advocate for accountability journalism and informed activism to combat these trends.

Stacey Abrams chats with Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent at Mother Jones and author of Project 2026. They delve into the alarming Ten Steps to Autocracy, revealing how current political maneuvers echo this framework for authoritarianism. Ari discusses the threats to voting rights posed by a conservative judiciary and the rollbacks affecting mail voting, particularly for vulnerable populations. The conversation highlights the urgent need for action as they explore strategies to protect election integrity and resist state-level suppression.