Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Join investigative reporter Zeke Faux, who specializes in cryptocurrency, and Annie Lowrey from The Atlantic as they dissect Trump's affinity for digital currency. They explore how cryptocurrency intertwines with profit-driven politics and its implications for the economy. The duo raises ethical concerns surrounding unregulated markets and discuss the potential volatility of crypto assets. They also highlight the political ramifications of digital currencies on congressional funding and urge civic engagement for informed discussions on crypto policies.

Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO and a champion for workers' rights, joins the discussion on the government’s troubling cuts targeting essential workers like mail carriers and food inspectors. She emphasizes how these layoffs could backfire, destabilizing crucial services. Stacey and Liz highlight the vital role of unions in protecting labor rights, especially in a shaky job market. They encourage activism and solidarity to defend workers, reminding us that collective power is essential in fighting against harmful policies.

Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, and Kate Shaw, Professor of Law at UPenn, join the discussion. They reveal how Elon Musk's influence has seeped into the Treasury, raising serious concerns about security and privacy. Feiger provides insight into the unintended consequences of the DOGE task force, while Shaw analyzes the legal gray areas of Musk’s team operating within government. The conversation also highlights the critical need for transparent journalism to navigate the chaos of misinformation and the push for accountability in governance.

Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, sheds light on the moral imperative of America’s approach to asylum and refugees. He dismantles viral misinformation about federal aid and underlines the significance of preserving USAID and refugee programs. Konyndyk highlights how polling shows a welcoming attitude toward immigrants among Americans. Alongside Nayna Gupta from the American Immigration Council, they advocate for humane immigration reforms and emphasize empowering communities to take action and support vulnerable populations.

In this engaging talk, Senator Cory Booker, a prominent voice for social justice, discusses the urgent need for Democrats to connect with more Americans while countering divisive politics. He and Stacey Abrams share actionable strategies for civic engagement, emphasizing radical empathy in political discourse. The duo dives into the power of storytelling and humor in shaping narratives, stressing that effective communication and grassroots movements are essential for preserving democracy. They also explore practical ways to amplify important voices, urging listeners to engage actively in their communities.

Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor at NYU and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, joins to discuss the implications of Trump’s second term. They dive into the ramifications of unilateral actions, like the TikTok order, that threaten the balance of power. The conversation highlights the misuse of civil rights language and the dangers surrounding the 14th Amendment. Topics include the significance of judicial scrutiny over executive orders, and the importance of civic engagement in countering political chaos and misinformation.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor and director at NYU's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, tackles the controversy surrounding DEI initiatives. He explains how DEI, integral since America's inception, is being misrepresented as a threat by right-wing activists. The conversation covers the historical importance of DEI, recent legal challenges, and offers insights into how collective advocacy can counter misinformation. Yoshino emphasizes DEI's potential to shape a more inclusive future.

Joining Stacey Abrams is Tik Root, a Senior Staff Writer at Grist and expert on climate change policy. They discuss the dangers posed by Trump’s potential second term, including threats to the Inflation Reduction Act and environmental regulations. Tik emphasizes the important role of citizens in monitoring local environmental safety. They also highlight how to engage in climate activism and take individual actions to combat the fossil fuel agenda, offering a roadmap for community involvement in these critical issues.

Joy Buolamwini, an AI researcher and artist known for her impactful work on algorithmic bias and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, joins the conversation. They dive deep into the dangers of bias in artificial intelligence, especially in facial recognition technologies. Joy highlights the need for equitable data to combat existing inequalities and discusses actionable steps individuals can take to engage with AI responsibly. They also explore global regulatory approaches and the crucial balance between innovation and privacy.

Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump’s appointees for the nation’s top health and science agencies like RFK Jr., how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by “power-mapping” an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions.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.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More: Check out KFF Health News to get health news and read about health policy research, and sign up for their newsletters at KFF.Org/EmailBegin Power Mapping and researching the issue you care about most. Who is already thinking about this? Who is responsible for addressing it in your state or local government? Let’s get to work! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.