Undercurrents

Mark Hemingway, a writer for the Federalist known for his keen insights into American institutions, joins to dissect the Democratic Party's current turmoil. He explores the divide between populist leaders like Bernie Sanders and urban development advocates. Hemingway highlights the party's struggle with clear leadership and messaging, especially as it faces rising skepticism from media. Additionally, he delves into the impact of social issues on libraries and the contrasting strategies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump during elections.

Christian Parenti, an insightful author and political analyst, joins the conversation to dissect the contradictions in Trump's foreign policy. He argues that recent U.S. strikes on Houthi targets contradict the anti-war rhetoric from Trump's campaign. Parenti warns of escalating tensions with Iran and reflects on the broad impact of U.S. military strategies in Yemen on global trade and industrial policies. He also critiques media narratives favoring messaging over substantive analysis of military decisions.

Ashley Rindsberg, a senior editor at Pirate Wires and media bias expert, joins the discussion to dissect NPR CEO Katherine Maher's tense congressional hearing. Rindsberg highlights the accusations of left-leaning bias against NPR and the scrutiny over its journalistic integrity. They delve into the implications of political influence on media organizations, the shifting ideological landscape within NPR, and the challenges of maintaining credibility amidst growing criticism. The conversation also touches on the broader issues of accountability in public media.

Delve into the intriguing Signalgate scandal, where newly revealed messages stir up fresh questions. Public figures weigh in on accountability as the narrative shifts. Explore the tangled web of communication discrepancies among political elites using Signal. Discover the tension between trust and misinformation as conflicting accounts emerge, reshaping the political landscape. With each twist, the complexities deepen, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of FIRE and co-author of 'The Canceling of the American Mind,' dives into the troubling implications of the Trump administration’s student deportations targeting non-citizen protesters. He discusses how these deportations affect free speech rights on campuses and the complexities surrounding immigration law. Lukianoff also examines the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, exploring their influence on speech rights and the ethical dilemmas they present in higher education.

Lee Fang, a journalist known for his investigative work on corporate influence, dives into the murky waters of big soda and politics. He reveals how MAGA influencers were secretly funded to promote soda companies, creating a rift between MAHA and MAGA supporters. The discussion uncovers the alarming dynamics of lobbying in the food industry and its impact on public health. Fang also highlights the rising power of social media influencers in shaping public opinion and political discourse concerning controversial health policies.

A major scandal unfolds as sensitive war plans slip into the hands of an anti-Trump journalist. This blunder raises eyebrows about the trustworthiness of governmental communications. The implications extend beyond embarrassment, shaking national security protocols. The overlap of encrypted messaging with military strategy reveals serious ethical dilemmas. Experts weigh in on the fragile balance between transparency and confidentiality in governance, reflecting on how such leaks can ripple through U.S. foreign policy and affect public trust in leadership.

David Weigel is a Semaphore reporter who has closely followed Bernie Sanders and the political left. In this conversation, Weigel shares insights from his time on the road with Sanders as they rally against oligarchy. Sanders discusses his evolving views on immigration and age, contemplating the future of the Democratic Party. They explore the mobilization of grassroots protests and how this left-wing populism compares to historical movements like the Tea Party, all while addressing challenges faced by Democrats in a contentious political landscape.

Inez Stepman, an education policy expert and contributor to the Independent Women's Forum, joins the conversation to challenge the relevance of the Department of Education. She supports Trump’s executive order to close it, claiming it has only led to bureaucratic bloat without benefitting students. Stepman argues that shifting control to states may reduce costs and improve outcomes. The discussion critiques federal policies, revealing how they have failed to address educational disparities despite increased funding, and explores the implications for students and schools.

Curt Mills, Editor-in-chief at The American Conservative, offers sharp insights into Trump’s evolving foreign policy as he resumes office. He discusses the challenges posed by the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and the Ukraine situation. Mills highlights the internal power struggles among neoconservatives and the MAGA movement, revealing tensions in U.S. diplomacy. The conversation dives into how these dynamics could reshape U.S. foreign relations, reflecting on past administrations to illuminate future implications.