Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration
The Trump administration is waging war on DEI. But what does that mean? We ask one of our favorite guests, Heather McGhee, to break down how and why DEI has become such a focus for Trump and his allies. Heather wrote the groundbreaking book “The Sum of Us” and is an expert in economic and social policy. She explains that diversity is the backbone of America and that it’s unquestionably better for everyone when we embrace more diverse voices.
We also discuss the appalling ICE raids in Los Angeles and around the country and the economic and moral impact of the war on immigrants. Heather sees many parallels between this and the disgusting actions of segregationists, who chose to fill in and close public pools rather than let everybody have access to them.
Read more about Heather: https://heathermcghee.com/
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YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!
First time guest David Pakman joins us for this week's show! David is a political commentator and hosts one of the most watched independent progressive programs in the country. With over 3 million YouTube subscribers, David spreads truth and commentary on the devastating impact Donald Trump is having on our country.
Al and David kick around news out of Washington including the "Big, Beautiful Bill" and its chances of survival now that some Republicans have expressed their opposition (and Elon Musk has torn it apart). Plus, we take a look at the new "travel ban" and how Trump's arguments for it make no sense.
David also shares what has shocked him the most about Trump’s second term and discusses what Democrats should do to win more seats and help improve their standing with American voters.
WATCH David's videos on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedavidpakmanshow
LISTEN to David's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-pakman-show/id402050558
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40:06
George Packer on Vice President JD Vance
JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 40, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin."
We’re joined by The Atlantic’s George Packer. His most recent piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether or not he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition.
We also take a look at the Democrats' path forward. Packer shares how they can respond to Trump's appeal to disengaged voters.
Read Packer’s writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/george-packer/
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225: BEST OF: Ed Shelleby on Being My Senate Communications Director
In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Al’s former Senate Communications Director, Ed Shelleby, to relive their time working together. Ed tells tales of him TRYING to manage Al's comedic impulses in serious situations, but also talks about the great work they accomplished together.
Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to "pivot" in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer.
But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al's time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated his staff like family.
It's a different kind of show this week, but one we KNOW you will enjoy.
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49:30
224: Michael Lewis on Amazing Government Workers
From the start of Donald Trump's second term, he's been eager to cut the federal workforce. So, Elon Musk headed the newly minted DOGE to begin slashing tens of thousands of jobs.
Our friend, Michael Lewis, author of "The Big Short" and, most recently, "Who is Government?," joins us to share stories of public servants who not only improved this country but have saved countless lives. Those improvements and breakthroughs could only have happened through the power and effectiveness of a strong government.
Lewis warns of the long-term consequences of dismantling agencies like USAID and removing oversight mechanisms. The public might not immediately feel these impacts, but the results will eventually be catastrophic, particularly for vulnerable populations worldwide. Lewis explains that DOGE was never about fraud, waste, and abuse. It's always been about ideology, power, and money.
Visit Michael's website to learn more: https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/
A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.
Ireland