

The Socialist Program with Brian Becker
The Socialist Program
News and views about the world for those who want to change it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2024 • 11min
Biden Pushes War with Russia [Q&A Seminar Preview]
In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian and Nicole discuss Biden’s major escalation in the Ukraine war, his vetoing the UN ceasefire resolution to end the genocide against Palestine, whether it’s time for a third party in the U.S., how to fight the far-right Trump agenda, and more.
This is a preview of the full Q&A seminar for members of our Patreon community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, submit questions and register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Nov 20, 2024 • 35min
Europe, China & The World Economy
On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Chinese companies outperforming the West in the electric vehicle industry, a new European Union announcement begging China to share its technology, and what the U.S. government could be doing instead of tariffs on China from Trump and Biden.
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Nov 16, 2024 • 13min
In the News: Trump’s Foreign Policy, Marxists Win in Sri Lanka, Netanyahu’s Pretend Ceasefire Offer [Preview]
On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump's foreign policy, Netanyahu's so-called ceasefire 'gift,' the Marxist electoral sweep in Sri Lanka, Trump's cabinet picks, the fightback on Trump's first day in office, Jan 20.
Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.
This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

6 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 6min
Trump’s ‘Populism’ Fraud: Cabinet Stacked for Ultra-Right, Billionaire Agenda
Trump is filling key cabinet positions with a range of MAGA diehards. Some are Christian fundamentalists, some are fascistic, some are neocons, but nearly all are ultra-right extremists who want to implement his agenda for the billionaires. Brian and Walter Smolarek analyze his picks to enable us to defend our rights and fight for a better system. This was recorded hours before the announcement of Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard for Attorney General and National Director of Intelligence.
Brian is joined by Walter Smolarek, editor of Liberation News and a producer of The Socialist Program.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Nov 13, 2024 • 30min
Capitalism Is the Root of This Crisis
On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the Democrats' failure to discuss the economy—despite it consistently being a vital issue for voters—and how to defeat Trump's far-right agenda.
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Nov 9, 2024 • 12min
Does Trump’s Victory Signal a Major Political Realignment in the United States? [Preview]
On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the election results, what they show us about the shifting political landscape, and how we can take action and move forward.
Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.
This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

36 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 60min
The Real Reason Trump Won: The Failure of the Democratic Party
Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer, joins the discussion on Trump’s comeback and the Democratic Party's failures. They dive into the alarmingly low voter turnout among those earning under $100,000, linking it to economic dissatisfaction and disillusionment with major parties. Puryear criticizes the Democrats for straying from their working-class roots and highlights the rise of grassroots movements as essential for social change. The conversation also touches on historical patterns of American authoritarianism and the need for a coherent leftist response.

Nov 6, 2024 • 31min
Wall Street’s View of the Election
On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss world’s largest asset management firm Blackrock CEO Larry Fink’s comments that the presidential election “doesn’t matter.” How does Wall Street view the possible election outcomes?
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Nov 2, 2024 • 13min
Israel’s Impact on the U.S. Elections [Preview]
On this special episode just a few days from Election Day, Brian & Layan discuss the effect Israel is having on the U.S. presidential election, what Israel thinks about the election, and whether there has been any Israeli interference.
Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.
This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

53 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 15min
Does a Trump Win Mean Fascism? The Socialist View
Joining Brian Becker is Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer known for co-hosting The Freedom Side LIVE. They discuss the implications of a potential Trump win, exploring connections between fascism and capitalism. The conversation delves into historical instances of authoritarianism in the U.S., critiques the Democratic Party's alignment with far-right ideologies, and underscores the significance of grassroots movements in resisting authoritarian trends. Puryear highlights the importance of unity among leftist groups to combat emerging threats to democracy.