Natasha Lennard, a columnist for The Intercept, criticizes the Democratic Party's past decisions that alienate the working class. She emphasizes the necessity of grassroots movements and labor organizations in combating inequality, particularly in an increasingly diverse workforce that features women and care workers. Lennard advocates for a radical approach to politics that engages communities beyond mere voting and donations, highlighting the resilience of the working class as essential for genuine progress.

Among a president’s most profound responsibilities is the power to grant clemency. Now, as President Joe Biden's first term winds down, he faces mounting calls to use that authority to commute the sentences of the 40 men on federal death row.Donald Trump's final months in office marked a stark shift in federal execution policy. After a 17-year hiatus, his administration executed 13 people — the most under any president in over a century. While Biden halted this practice, advocates warn that a second Trump term could restart executions. It's why they're urging Biden to take decisive action now to reduce death penalty sentences to life without parole.On this week's episode of The Intercept Briefing, reporter Liliana Segura examines the gap between candidate Biden's promises and his actions as president. “By far the most significant thing that Biden could do and should do in my opinion is to make good on his stated opposition to the death penalty, which is something he ran on in 2020. Joe Biden said that he wanted to try to bring legislation to end the federal death penalty and, in fact, incentivize states to do the same. He had language in his campaign platform talking about how life without parole sentences were appropriate alternatives,” she says. According to Segura, the federal death penalty reaches far beyond the most notorious cases and its deterrent effect is questionable — challenging many Americans' assumptions. “This idea that the death penalty is a deterrent is like the myth that will not die. You know, I was in Indiana recently covering this midnight execution, and I'm looking at some of the rhetoric that is out there from the state attorney general, and he is banging that drum about, 'Oh, you know, this is a deterrent to crime.’ There's absolutely no evidence that that is true and there really never has been.”To learn more about what Biden could do, listen to this week’s episode of The Intercept Briefing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rami Jarrah, a Syrian journalist who has reported on the uprising and civil war, shares his mixed feelings about the recent fall of Assad's regime. He reflects on the celebrations of freedom but warns of the volatile aftermath. The podcast delves into the complexities of establishing governance, the emotional reunions of families, and the challenges of seeking justice for war crimes. Jarrah draws from his own traumatic experiences to discuss the potential risks of revenge-driven power shifts in the now-changing political landscape.

Noah Hurowitz is a journalist focusing on the ramifications of the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. Shawn Musgrave, senior counsel at The Intercept, tackles legal threats to press freedom. They discuss how this controversial bill can label nonprofits as terrorist supporters, chilling dissent and free speech. There's a focus on due process erosion, especially if Trump returns to power with loyalists in key roles. The potential implications for journalism and civil liberties are stark and concerning.

Akela Lacy and Jonah Valdez, Intercept reporters focused on campus activism and free speech, delve into the recent surge of student protests for Palestine. They discuss the heavy-handed measures universities have taken against students, including felony charges for nonviolent actions. The conversation highlights concerns over increasing censorship and the chilling effect on dissent as political tensions rise, especially anticipating a return of Donald Trump. This vital dialogue emphasizes the broader implications for civil rights and activism on college campuses.

In this engaging discussion, Rep. Summer Lee, a progressive force in Pennsylvania's congressional scene, emphasizes the urgency for immediate legislative action as the Biden presidency draws to a close. She tackles critical topics like the Gaza conflict and immigration reform, highlighting the importance of amplifying the voices of those most affected. Lee notes, "The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power," advocating for grassroots advocacy. With a fierce determination to push back against the impending Republican wave, she reminds us that now is not the time for any political pristine-ness.

Natasha Lennard, a columnist for The Intercept, shares her insights on navigating the political landscape post-Trump's victory. She critiques the Democratic Party for failing the working class, stressing the need for radical action and grassroots empowerment. Lennard highlights the resilience of a diverse, multi-racial working class, especially in care and service sectors. She emphasizes that true change comes from community building and local activism rather than mere electoral politics. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of progressive movements.

There will be much analysis and innumerable postmortems of what Kamala Harris and her campaign got wrong about the electorate this election.Already, the trends are becoming clear: She failed to reach Black and Latino men, who flocked to Donald Trump this cycle. She underperformed in cities, typically Democratic strongholds. And she even lagged among younger voters vital to her party’s present and future.What’s behind this dismal showing? One explanation is Harris’s inability to put forth a distinct agenda that would appeal to disaffected Democrats. Instead, she held steady to the policies of President Joe Biden, despite general voter dissatisfaction and anxiety about the economy and the direction of the country.“We see Democrats over and over turning to courting this mythical moderate voter,” says senior politics reporter Akela Lacy on this week’s episode of The Intercept Briefing. “We also see a big failure to account for the rightward shift among young people and figure out how to give young voters a reason to support the Democratic Party.”Listen to understand what Intercept reporters were hearing at the polls in Georgia and Pennsylvania this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Intercept Briefing, a new podcast from our newsroom. In our first episode, politics reporters Jessica Washington and Akela Lacy break down The Intercept’s recent investigation on how the American Israel Public Affairs Committee has shaped U.S. foreign policy, as well as, as well as its record-breaking spending in the 2024 election cycle to unseat members of Congress who are who are insufficiently pro-Israel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Nathan Thrall discusses Israel's 'system of domination' over Palestinian land, detailing the strict permit system, movement restrictions, walls, fences, segregated roads, and punitive actions. The podcast explores violence in the West Bank, the future outlook for a negotiated solution, and possible escalation at Israel’s northern border. Thrall's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, 'A Day in the Life of Abed Salama,' sheds light on the struggles of Palestinians under Israeli control.