Reveal

Nicole Chase, a young mother and waitress, endured harassment at No Dines Restaurant from her boss, Calvin Nodine, leading her to report sexual assault. Instead of receiving support, she found herself investigated and charged with making a false statement. The conversation delves into the emotional toll on Nicole, the failures of police protocols, and the systemic issues that compel victims to become suspects. Chase’s journey reveals the harsh realities of seeking justice and the pressing need for reform in the handling of sexual assault cases.

Jamilah King, Editorial Director at Mother Jones, David Corn, D.C. Bureau Chief at Mother Jones, and Ari Berman, National Voting Rights Correspondent, dive into Donald Trump's historic return to the presidency. They explore the challenges Kamala Harris faced as a Black woman candidate and the racial dynamics at play in Trump’s voter support. The trio discusses the implications of disillusionment among voters, changing political identities, and the critical state of democracy in America today.

Lewin Manley Jr., grandson of Alexander Manley, shares his family's haunting history linked to the 1898 Wilmington coup, while journalist David Zucchino, author of "Wilmington's Lie," provides critical historical context. They explore the violent election that dismantled Black political power, the rise of systemic racism, and the lasting effects this tragedy had on American society. Drawing connections to present-day racial issues, the discussion reveals how the coup sowed the seeds of Jim Crow laws and shaped ongoing struggles for justice.

Anna Merlan, a Senior reporter at Mother Jones, dives into Elon Musk's unexpected political metamorphosis. Once a moderate, Musk now fervently supports Trump, donating nearly $120 million for his re-election and amplifying his views on social media. Merlan explores the implications of Musk's influence on the electoral landscape, especially regarding misinformation and the power of his platforms. She raises critical questions about the fusion of wealth and politics, highlighting how Musk's actions reshape public perceptions and election dynamics.

Tim Murphy, a reporter for Mother Jones, shares insights from inside Maricopa County's election center, highlighting the threats faced by election officials like Stephen Richer. Ari Berman delves into the influence of election deniers in Georgia, illuminating efforts to reshape voting laws. The conversation touches on the stark reality of misinformation and its impact on public trust in democracy. Emotional testimonies reveal the personal toll on those defending election integrity amid a charged political atmosphere.

Garrison Hayes, a video correspondent for Mother Jones, dives into the evolving political landscape for Black men. He tackles misconceptions about their voting behaviors and skepticism toward polls showing shifting support. Hayes and host Al Letson analyze the implications of Trump's outreach efforts and the significance of Black male engagement. They emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of political choices, particularly in light of historical contributions from Black women, and challenge narratives about declining loyalty to Democratic candidates.

Garrison Hayes, a video correspondent with Mother Jones, delves into the shifting political allegiance among Black voters, particularly the rise of Black Republicans. Michaela Montgomery, a political organizer, shares her on-the-ground efforts in Atlanta, while Whitley Yates addresses inclusivity within the Republican Party. Eugene Craig III discusses supporting Kamala Harris despite being a Republican, reflecting the unique challenges Black conservatives face. Their conversation sheds light on identity, community engagement, and the complexities of race in American politics.

The Reverend Rob Schenck was once one of America’s most powerful and influential evangelical leaders. He routinely lobbied legislators to adopt a Christian conservative agenda. Members of his anti-abortion activist group barricaded the doors and driveways of abortion clinics. He even trained wealthy couples to befriend Supreme Court justices in an attempt to persuade them to render judgments that would please conservative Christians.But along the way, Schenck began doubting where the movement was taking him—and the country. His fellow activists seemed more interested in gaining power than advancing the tenets of humility and selflessness he remembers learning about when he first converted to Christianity. By the mid-2010s, he realized that he had been forging a dangerous, divisive path, one that was leading to a new Christian nationalism with Donald Trump as its figurehead.“I’m afraid I helped build the ramp that took Trump to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” he says. “And that’s a very painful reality for me.”Schenck has since left the movement and been ostracized by some of his former fellow activists for his opposition to Trump. In this podcast extra, Schenck sits down with host Al Letson to talk about his conversion into and out of Christian conservatism and what he’s doing today to rein in the very movement he helped to build. Support Reveal’s journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Don Lamb, Pastor of LifeGate in Pennsylvania, passionately advocates for his church's political engagement, rejecting the notion of a passive faith. Joining him are Najib Aminy, a reporter who investigated LifeGate's political activities, and Kiera Butler from Mother Jones, who sheds light on the New Apostolic Reformation. They explore how political activism is entwined with faith and the implications of NAR's rise, aiming to empower Christians to influence governance, particularly in local elections. The conversation uncovers the tensions between spirituality and political action.

As any schoolkid might tell you, US elections are based on a bedrock principle: one person, one vote. Simple as that. Each vote carries the same weight. Yet for much of the country’s history, that hasn't been the case. At various points, whole classes of people were shut out of voting: enslaved Black Americans, Native Americans, and poor White people. The first time women had the right to vote was in 1919. The reality is that one person, one vote is far from how American democracy actually works. In fact, the political institutions created by the Founding Fathers were meant to constrain democracy, and that system is still alive today. Institutions like the Electoral College and US Senate were designed as checks against the power of the majority. What’s more, the Supreme Court is a product of these two skewed institutions. Then there are newer tactics—like voter suppression and gerrymandering—that further erode democracy and often entrench the power of a conservative White minority.These are some of the conclusions from Mother Jones reporter Ari Berman in his latest book, Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It.In a deep-dive conversation with Reveal host Al Letson, Berman traces the rise of conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan and how he opened the door for Donald Trump. Buchanan made White Republicans fear becoming a racial minority. And he opposed the Voting Rights Act, which struck down obstacles to voting like poll taxes and literacy tests that had been used to keep people of color from the polls. Buchanan never came close to winning the presidency, but he transformed White anxiety into an organizing principle that has become a centerpiece of much of today’s Republican Party.This is an update of an episode that originally aired in May 2024. Support Reveal’s journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices