The Intercept Briefing

Summer Lee, US Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, discusses her efforts to ban super PACs and fight corporate greed. She critiques a new law that transfers wealth from working people to the elite, triple-funding border enforcement while cutting crucial healthcare for millions. Lee highlights the struggle against harmful political narratives and emphasizes the importance of campaign finance reform to support marginalized voices. The conversation sheds light on the urgent need for equitable policies and genuine representation in today's political landscape.

Talia Lavin, journalist and author of "Wild Faith," joins Jessica Washington, a politics reporter at The Intercept, for a thought-provoking discussion on the Christian right's influence in American politics. They delve into how religious ideologies drive Donald Trump’s agenda and the historical resurgence of the Christian right. The guests examine the violent legacy of the anti-abortion movement and the need for protecting secular democracy against these rising nationalistic forces. Their insights reveal a complex landscape where faith and politics intertwine.

This episode dives into the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, exploring the complex repercussions of U.S. military actions. The discussion highlights how such aggression can undermine diplomatic relations and stall peace efforts. Insightful commentary from Iranian American author Hooman Majd sheds light on Trump's influence in escalating tensions. The nuances of diplomacy in the Middle East are scrutinized, leaving listeners to ponder whether true negotiation can withstand the strain of conflict.

Hooman Majd, an Iranian-American writer and author, joins the discussion on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He argues that diplomacy should have taken precedence over military strikes, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region. Majd delves into the failures of past negotiations and the dangers of intervention, as well as the implications for Iran's alliances. Personal reflections on his immigrant experience also surface, emphasizing the broader narratives of belonging and identity amidst geopolitical turmoil.

Explore how disinformation skews public perception of key events, like political violence and immigration. The discussion reveals how narratives around the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker are manipulated, with right-wing figures deflecting blame. Journalists uncover the tactics that distort reality and the implications for societal understanding. Tune in for keen insights into the thriving chaos-driven ecosystem of misinformation.

Taylor Lorenz, an independent journalist known for her insights into tech and online culture, joins Akela Lacy, senior politics reporter, to dissect the aftermath of a political assassination. They delve into how right-wing figures distorted the narrative to blame the left, despite the perpetrator’s ties to radical anti-abortion beliefs. Lorenz emphasizes the pervasive disinformation machine that skews public understanding of violence, while Lacy highlights the alarming prevalence of right-wing political violence, questioning the accountability of those propagating false narratives.

ICE agents are arresting day laborers and raiding businesses across the country. They didn’t expect community resistance. This week on The Intercept Briefing, Salvador Sarmiento, the campaign director and lawyer for the 70-member National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and Jonah Valdez, reporter for The Intercept joined host Jordan Uhl to discuss the wave of ICE operations sweeping Los Angeles that have sparked a week of protests and the militarized response from law enforcement. Attorney Isabella Salomão Nascimento also talks to us about our First Amendment right to protest. You can hear the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salvador G. Sarmiento, a campaign director and lawyer for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and Jonah Valdez, a reporter for The Intercept, delve into aggressive ICE actions that have sparked protests in Los Angeles. They describe law enforcement's militarized tactics as resembling ‘GI Joe’ scenarios, which have instilled fear in immigrant communities. The discussion emphasizes grassroots resistance and community solidarity, highlighting the significance of knowing one's rights during demonstrations against these actions.

Political leaders are often deceptive, presenting themselves as champions of the working class while catering to wealthy donors. This disconnect is particularly evident within the Democratic Party, which struggles with its identity amidst corporate influence. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a grassroots movement to reclaim representation for everyday voters and turn the political tide.

David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, joins politics reporter Jessica Washington to dissect how Trump’s culture wars are captivating working-class voters. They discuss the Democratic Party's struggles to connect with this demographic and articulate the need for a more populist approach. The duo also examines the new 'Speaking with American Men' initiative, aimed at understanding and engaging young male voters who feel overlooked. Their insights highlight the urgency for the Democratic Party to rethink its strategies.