Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Jessica Valenti, a New York Times best-selling author and expert on the anti-abortion landscape, and Monica Simpson, Executive Director of Sister Song, delve into the fallout from Roe v. Wade’s reversal. They discuss personal stories and the urgent need for gender equality, highlighting how anti-abortion laws disproportionately affect marginalized women, particularly in the South. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of activism in defending reproductive rights as a fundamental aspect of social justice and bodily autonomy.

Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, discusses the 'Abundance Agenda' he co-authored, which aims to reframe liberalism around a vision of plenty rather than scarcity. He argues that a hopeful, goal-oriented democracy is crucial to counter populist narratives. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of political ideologies and the need to uplift marginalized communities while advocating for systemic change. Klein emphasizes that Democrats must present aspirational narratives to effectively serve the people and reclaim the promise of democracy.

Join Bishop William Barber, an advocate for social justice, and Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, as they confront the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy. They emphasize the importance of compassion and inclusivity within Christianity, challenging extremist ideologies that distort its core teachings. Listeners will be inspired by discussions on moral fusion politics, the transformative power of community action, and the urgent call for justice in the face of societal oppression.

Joining Stacey Abrams is Oliver Darcy, a journalist and founder of the new media venture STATUS, dedicated to exploring the power dynamics within journalism. They dive into the alarming state of media independence amid escalating attacks, discussing Trump's strategies to undermine journalistic integrity through lawsuits, intimidation, and regulatory weaponization. The conversation highlights the risks of unchecked power, the implications of media consolidation, and the need for support of independent journalism in today’s polarized landscape.

Natasha Sarin, a Yale professor and founder of the Yale Budget Lab, and Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard Kennedy School doctoral candidate, tackle the fallout of the recent Republican Megabill. They discuss how the bill threatens crucial social support programs like Medicaid and SNAP, leaving the most vulnerable at risk. The conversation highlights the exacerbated struggles of marginalized communities, especially women of color and young generations, against tax system injustices and the escalating impact of student debt.

Stacey Abrams dives into a listener mailbag, tackling everything from MAGA controversies to Trump's policies. She embraces her nerdy side with passionate discussions on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek. The conversation shifts to the importance of civic responsibilities and community empowerment in politics. Nostalgic reflections on favorite books and shows add a fun twist, while heartfelt talks about education and youth advocacy stir up a call to action for future leaders. Join this blend of pop culture and critical civic dialogues!

Amber Ruffin, comedian and writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, brings her sharp wit and political insight to the discussion. She explores the essential role of humor during crises, revealing how laughter can transform fear into resilience. Amber reflects on serious societal issues, emphasizing the importance of integrity and community healing through comedy. She shares personal anecdotes about finding joy despite adversity, urging listeners to seek out moments that make them laugh in these challenging times.

Deb Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and current governor of New Mexico, and Rue Mapp, conservation activist and founder of Outdoor Afro, discuss the critical importance of national parks in shaping cultural identity. They emphasize the threats posed by recent legislation aiming to dismantle public lands, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation includes the economic benefits of preserving these spaces and advocates for inclusivity in outdoor access, stressing the role of public lands in fostering community and resilience.

Late June marks the end of the Supreme Court term—a moment when some of the most consequential decisions in American life are handed down. At stake are rulings that could reshape democracy and redefine or limit civil rights. Still pending: major cases on the future of birthright citizenship, transgender rights, the Affordable Care Act’s coverage of preventive care services, and more. This week, Stacey sits down with Leah Litman, University of Michigan law professor, co-host of Strict Scrutiny, and New York Times bestselling author of Lawless, to break down SCOTUS’ latest decisions and preview what to expect in these last days — what they mean and why they matter. Then, Stacey is joined by journalist and TransLash Media founder, Imara Jones, for a deep dive into one ruling’s direct impact on the transgender community, how it causes harm, why it’s a proof of concept for the right, and how we fight back. 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.Stacey also weighs in on a tragedy close to home in Georgia, three years after the Supreme Court stripped millions of women of their civil rights in the Dobbs decision. Adriana Smith was a nurse and young mother who suddenly fell very ill. After she went untreated for brain clots, she was declared brain dead. But she was also pregnant, and due to Georgia’s inhumane abortion laws, her family was forced to keep her on life support to incubate her pregnancy.  Last week, Adriana was finally taken off life support after her forced birth was delivered via C-section. As states continue to eviscerate abortion rights and put lives at risk, inaction is unacceptable. This week’s tool kit is about how to fight on.Learn & Do More:Be Curious: We must renew our attention to the ever-present issue of abortion rights. There are many excellent resources for keeping up on abortion-related news. Jessica Valenti’s substack, Abortion, Every Day, rigorously covers attacks on reproductive rights across the country. The Center for Reproductive Rights has a useful guide outlining abortion laws by state so that you can better understand your rights.Solve Problems: According to the Mayo Clinic, half of all U.S. states have laws on the books that invalidate a pregnant woman's wishes about her medical care if she becomes incapacitated, and a majority of states don't disclose these restrictions in advance directive forms. Your state legislators are the first line of defense against laws like these, and any laws that threaten abortion access. Call them and ask them to take action.Do Good: Donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds and Planned Parenthood. Abortion funds directly finance abortion care for those in need, and Planned Parenthood has remained a lifeline for people seeking the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare access. You can also research local opportunities to support doulas who provide physical, emotional, and logistical support to women during the abortion process. Depending on where you live, training opportunities may also be available.Outside of the scope of abortion care, we must also support members of the trans community, especially in light of recent attacks. As discussed with Imara, the Trump administration shut down its LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline. Please visit The Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ young people, to donate and find out more about how you can get involved. And make sure to research opportunities to get involved with local LGBTQ organizations. You can also check out the Transgender Family Handbook by New York Magazine’s The Cut, an excellent resource for parents and others who want to support young trans loved ones. 

Last week, ICE stormed through Los Angeles, raiding Home Depots, warehouses, and schools in a cruel, targeted crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Those raids sparked a wave of protests as thousands of Angelenos marched through downtown, denouncing the Trump administration’s unjust actions. What began as largely peaceful demonstrations escalated after Trump defied both the California governor and LA mayor by deploying the National Guard and the Marines to the city. It was a deliberate show of force and a warning to other blue states: this is what happens when you resist. But LA didn’t back down. Over the weekend, Angelenos joined millions of other demonstrators in every state for the No King’s protests, while Trump held an underwhelming military parade on the streets of Washington DC. It’s a stark contrast in a  moment when we must continue to stand up to the onslaught anti-Democratic power grabs and strongman tactics. This week, Stacey sits down with MSNBC's senior Washington correspondent and co-host of MSNBC's the Weekend, Eugene Daniels and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF) attorney Yliana Johansen-Méndez to help us unpack what's happening right now and prepare for what's coming next.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: To better understand the current national debate around immigration, our June Assembly Required reading recommendation is “The End of Asylum” by Philip G. Schrag, Andrew I. Schoenholtz, and Jaya Ramji-Nogales. These leading immigration law experts trace the evolution of the U.S. asylum system and expose how the Trump administration dismantled America’s long-standing role as a refuge for the persecuted. And as Eugene mentioned, watch your local news, subscribe to your local paper, and stay plugged into what's happening in your own community. To learn more about how you can support local journalism, visit the American Journalism Project at www.theajp.org.Solve Problems: As the rule of law continues to erode, it’s more important than ever to support those on the front lines—legal aid organizations, researchers, and advocates serving immigrant communities. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference in your own area. If you're in Southern California, connect with our guest Yliana’s organization, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, at www.immdef.org.Do Good: Protest works—but not everyone can take to the streets. Start where you are and use what you have. If you're on social media, amplify the voices and stories of those directly impacted by the Trump administration’s campaign of fear. If you’re able to volunteer, find a local organization supporting immigrants and get involved. If you would like to contribute directly to a detained immigrants bond fund, you can visit Clue Justice at https://www.cluejustice.org/support-the-detained-immigrant-bond-fund/ Every action counts.