Lever Time

Julie K. Brown, an investigative reporter at the Miami Herald and author of "Perversion of Justice," dives deep into the unsettling world of Jeffrey Epstein. She discusses the trauma faced by victims like Virginia Roberts Giuffre and the systemic inequalities within the justice system. The conversation unfolds the intricacies of Epstein's legal maneuvers and the elite impunity surrounding his case. Brown highlights ongoing conspiracies, the challenges of achieving accountability, and the pressing need for transparency regarding Epstein's connections to powerful figures.

David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, joins David Sirota and Luke Goldstein to unpack the deceptive intricacies of Trump's tax bill. They examine how corporate tax cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthy while harming essential services for everyday Americans. Discussions reveal loopholes favoring industries like gambling and the absurdity of tax breaks on gun silencers. The trio also critiques the laughable funding for a 'Garden of Heroes', shedding light on legislative priorities that neglect crucial social programs.

Freddy Brewster, a reporter for The Lever who specializes in investigative journalism, joins the discussion about America's flood preparedness. He reveals that 99% of U.S. waterways lack proper monitoring due to funding issues. The conversation highlights the dire need for stream gauges to improve flood readiness, illustrating how inadequate funding has led to tragic losses in places like Texas. Brewster emphasizes the urgency of investing in flood infrastructure and the political challenges that hinder necessary action against climate change.

Shadi Hamid, a Professor of Islamic studies and Washington Post columnist, dives into the ongoing conflict in Gaza, questioning why the term 'genocide' is often avoided. He discusses the devastating impact on Palestinian lives while addressing the moral and legal implications of labeling such violence. Hamid critiques U.S. foreign policy and highlights societal tensions that arise from this historic trauma. He emphasizes the necessity of honest dialogue to confront the reality of these events and calls for a reevaluation of political narratives surrounding the conflict.

Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, sheds light on the repercussions of the rushed tax cut bill. He believes the legislation threatens working-class voters while questioning its dubious motives. Together with David Sirota, they discuss the bill's potential harms, including healthcare access for 510,000 residents and job losses, particularly in rural areas. Shapiro emphasizes the disconnect between political promises and the realities of everyday Americans, revealing the political and social anxieties spurred by such legislative moves.

Annie Jacobsen, an acclaimed investigative journalist and author focusing on national security and nuclear issues, discusses alarming scenarios that could lead to nuclear conflict. She highlights the chilling possibility of a nuclear winter just 72 minutes after a launch. The conversation addresses the concentration of power in nuclear decisions and critiques Hollywood's portrayal of nuclear crises. Jacobsen emphasizes the urgent need for public engagement on nuclear risks and the importance of international communication to avert catastrophe.

Donald Trump just launched America into a war with Iran, and he’s done so without any authorization from Congress. A growing group of lawmakers says this is illegal and unconstitutional, and they are calling for an emergency session of Congress to force a vote to stop him. Sirota talks to U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who is currently leading the fight to stop Trump’s escalation and pressure his fellow Democrats to follow his lead. The big question: Will there be enough votes from Democrats and MAGA Republicans to halt a conflict that could escalate into World War III?

Zohran Mamdani, a young progressive Democratic socialist and New York Assembly member, discusses his innovative campaign strategies against corporate-backed interests, especially former Governor Cuomo. Joined by Bill de Blasio, the former mayor, they dive into the political schism within the Democratic Party and the implications for the upcoming mayoral race. Topics include tackling affordability, navigating campaign financing, and the crucial role of grassroots movements in shaping a fairer New York City.

Just when it seemed the geopolitical horrors in the Middle East couldn’t get worse, Israel went from leveling Gaza to launching a war against Iran. The offensive started while President Donald Trump was pressing for an Iran nuclear deal that would limit the country’s capacity to build nuclear weapons — and yet still Trump reportedly greenlit Israel’s attack. Today on Lever Time, editor-in-chief David Sirota speaks with Matt Duss, former Senate foreign policy aide for Bernie Sanders and current executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, to explore what triggered this new offensive and what role the U.S. government is playing. Is the endgame here World War III? 

The national deficit usually feels like an abstract talking point: America’s permanent credit card bill that just keeps getting bigger, without ever coming due.But suddenly, our national debt has a real cost. As President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts threaten to add trillions to the deficit, every major credit rating agency has now downgraded the United States’ credit rating, suggesting that the U.S. is no longer a reliable borrower — a move with potentially disastrous, far-reaching consequences for the global economy.To unpack what’s at stake, David Sirota sits down with Stephanie Kelton, a world-renowned economist and pioneer in Modern Monetary Theory, to ask her big questions: What does a credit downgrade mean? Should we really be thinking about America’s spending and debt like it’s a household budget? And how exactly could too much national debt bankrupt the country? The answers, argues Kelton, necessitate transforming our perception of money itself.