The Rachel Maddow Show

Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont and a prominent progressive leader, joins to share his frustrations with the Senate's recent vote to end the shutdown, criticizing how it undermines the Democratic momentum built from recent election victories. He emphasizes the need for accountability within the party and advocates for primary challenges against establishment candidates. Additionally, he highlights the potential negative implications of the shutdown deal on healthcare, including rising premiums and Medicaid cuts.

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Carol Leonnig joins to explore the unraveling of Trump's popularity amidst shocking poll results. They dissect the classified documents investigation, exposing the tension between Trump and the DOJ. Leonnig shares inside details about grand jury testimony that seemed to crumble under scrutiny. Additionally, the discussion highlights the brave community activism in Evanston, Illinois, where locals are rallying against ICE operations while promoting unity and support for struggling families.

Julia Angwin, an investigative reporter specializing in privacy and surveillance, discusses the alarming rise of advanced spyware used by ICE, emphasizing its potential impact on both immigrants and American protesters. Marc Elias, a prominent elections lawyer, shares insights on the legal challenges facing Trump as he attempts to weaponize the Justice Department amid rising unpopularity. Together, they highlight the crucial need for public awareness and vigilance against government overreach and the importance of protecting voting rights in the current political climate.

Two prominent voices in journalism dive deep into the state of U.S. democracy, sharing their personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of careful news presentation, the significance of individual voices, and the rejection of sensationalist formats. A lively Q&A explores advocacy for LGBTQ rights, civic responsibility in education, and strategies for effective nonviolent protest. Through historical comparisons, they emphasize civic actions that can inspire hope in turbulent times.

Erica Chenoweth, a renowned political scientist from the Harvard Kennedy School, dives into the momentum of the No Kings protests sweeping across the U.S. She discusses the critical elements that drive the success of anti-authoritarian movements, introducing her famous 3.5% rule. The conversation highlights impressive turnout across diverse states, underscoring how public demonstrations translate into political influence. Chenoweth also shares insights on historical parallels and the impact of peaceful protests on electoral outcomes, making this a thought-provoking discussion on civic engagement.

In a landscape of pronounced political weakness, massive protests against Trump are anticipated, uniting individuals from students to older Americans. Legal pushback against federal authority is gaining momentum, with significant court rulings favoring civic rights. As the government shutdown drags on, concerns rise over the financial impacts of GOP policies on health insurance and workers. Notably, the elder generation is increasingly vocal in activism, showing how combined experiences bring them to the forefront of resistance.

Andrew Young, a veteran civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador, shares his pivotal journey alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Courageously recounting his experiences in the civil rights movement, he discusses the impact of the Albany Movement and the Birmingham protests that shaped history. Young emphasizes the media's role in amplifying nonviolent activism and the need for a Voting Rights Act. Joined by Rev. Al Sharpton and entrepreneur John Hope Bryant, they reflect on Young's legacy and inspire continued civic engagement in today's world.

Jen Psaki dives into the evolving landscape of the Democratic Party and how it can reconnect with voters. She chats with Texas Congressman Greg Casar, who champions the need to represent working-class interests. They discuss the importance of communicating policies in straightforward language, drawing from Casar's labor-organizing roots. This insightful dialogue sets the stage for a season focused on reshaping the party's identity and strategies.

Reverend David Black, a Presbyterian pastor from Chicago, shares his harrowing experience of being pepper-sprayed by federal agents while praying during protests. He discusses a lawsuit that resulted in new restrictions on crowd control tactics, emphasizing the need for accountability. Black also reflects on his recovery and the vital role of faith leaders in advocating for justice and supporting detainees. Their conversation highlights the ongoing struggle against authoritarian tactics and the importance of community resistance.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a prominent opponent of federal overreach, discusses the alarming use of the National Guard in U.S. cities. He highlights the dangers of normalizing military presence and its potential use against citizens in the 2026 election. Pritzker warns about the implications of federalized ICE and Border Patrol tactics and calls for a united stand from fellow governors. Additionally, Joshua Aaron shares insights on the removal of his ICEBlock app, emphasizing the need for resistance against corporate submission to government pressure.