The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

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.

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.

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.

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.

On today's episode, one week from the presidential election, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the proposed economic policies of Harris and Trump and what effect they will have on working people. 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.

Alan MacLeod, a journalist and senior writer for MintPress News, exposes the covert influence of former Israeli spies in U.S. media. He discusses how language is manipulated to normalize imperialism and obscures accountability in reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The podcast dives into the broader implications of media bias on public perception and U.S. foreign policy, arguing for a critical reevaluation of narratives that support militarization and conflict. MacLeod urges listeners to understand the historical context and urgency for de-escalation.

In this discussion, Professor Richard Wolff, a co-founder of Democracy at Work, critiques major tech companies’ influence on nuclear energy decisions, spotlighting their profit-driven motives and the looming health risks. He highlights how monopolies cleverly use advertising to reshape public perception, similar to the historical deceit of cigarette companies. The conversation dives into the systemic challenges of capitalism, the failures of antitrust laws, and the urgent need for a shift toward renewable energy to combat these elite monopolies' grip on society.

The western capitalist media is deliberately misleading people about the US-Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon and the looming possibility of a war with Iran. Vijay Prashad and Brian discuss the true relationship between the U.S. and Israel, what lessons from history tell us about U.S. foreign policy goals, and the nature of imperialist expansion. Brian Becker is joined by renowned journalist and author Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research and Chief Editor of LeftWord Books. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://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.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Mohammad Marandi, a Professor of American Studies at the University of Tehran, sheds light on escalating Middle Eastern tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel. He critiques U.S. media narratives and explores the implications of the U.S. as Iran's adversary. Marandi highlights Iran's military readiness and the shifting dynamics of its relations with Saudi Arabia, influenced by China. The conversation also examines how U.S. foreign policy diverts attention from urgent domestic issues like climate disasters.

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss insurance companies dropping hurricane victims from their rolls and not paying out despite horrendous conditions from Hurricane Helene and with severe Milton on the way. 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.