The Bill Press Pod

Tarriff Debacle. Trump Defiant. Negotiation Ploy? Countries Fight Back. GOP is Nervous. Margin Slips in Florida Races. Musk Loses Wisconsin Race. Musk White House Turmoil. New Mothers Fight Johnson. Laura Loomer Flex. Booker’s Very Very Long Fight. With Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico, Nikki Schwab, Chief Political Campaign Correspondent at the Daily Mail and John Bennett, White House Correspondent at CQ Roll Call. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast episode features a conversation between Bill Press and Dahlia Lithwick, Author of Lady Justice, Senior Editor at Slate Magazine, Regular Contributing Analyst at MSNBC and AMICUS Podcast Host . They discuss: * **Concerns about the Rule of Law:** They express concern about the Trump administration's actions testing the legal system, particularly regarding court rulings, executive orders, and targeting law firms. * **Impeachment Threats:** Trump's calls to impeach judges for unfavorable rulings are discussed. Lithwick emphasizes that there's no basis for this and points out John Roberts' statement defending the judiciary. * **Supreme Court and Presidential Power:** They discuss the potential for the Supreme Court to rule against Trump's actions and the implications if he refuses to comply, raising concerns about a constitutional crisis. The "unitary executive theory" and its impact are also examined. * **Targeting Law Firms:** The administration's executive orders targeting specific law firms are scrutinized, focusing on the potential impact on the legal profession and the varying responses from law firms. * **Immigration Issues:** The episode covers the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, highlighting the lack of due process and the problematic legal justification. Cases of students being detained and deported for protesting are also discussed, raising concerns about freedom of speech. * **Weaponizing the Justice Department:** The conversation touches on the concern that the Trump administration is using the Justice Department and the FBI to target its enemies, eroding the separation between the executive branch and law enforcement. The discussion centers on the erosion of legal norms and the abuse of power by the Trump administration. In this toxic legal environment, Bill points to the brave work of the American Civil Liberties Union. They are not caving to Trump. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Security Scandal. GOP Crickets. Good Journalism. Stefanik Under The Bus. Special Election Worries. Greenland Fights Back. Car Tariffs. Canada Fights Back. Social Security Cuts. End FEMA? Purge Smithsonian. With Sarah Wire, Senior national political correspondent for USA Today, Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-Chief of The National Journal and Jason Dick, Editor-in-Chief of CQ-Roll Call. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews Ellie Mystal, Legal Analyst and Justice Correspondent for The Nation, on his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America. Mystal identifies ten laws plus a constitutional amendment that he argues are detrimental to America. During their conversation, they discuss the misconception of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as redefined by Republicans, the problematic impact of the Hyde Amendment on abortion rights, and the adverse effects of mandatory minimum sentencing from crime bills supported by both Democrats and Republicans. They also delve into voting rights, gun liability laws, and the lack of effective representation in Congress, suggesting reforms like the Wyoming Rule for more equitable representation. Mystal underscores the role of neoliberalism in shaping harmful laws and calls for a reevaluation of laws passed before the 1965 Voting Rights Act. You can purchase your own copy of Elie Mystal’s new book here. Today Bill highlights the work of The Nation magazine. A powerful progressive voice for over 160 years. Bill has been a subscriber for decades and it gives a platform for people like Elie Mystal. Sign up at TheNation.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dept. of Education Closed? Impeach Judges! Obey Court Orders? Constitutional Crisis. Musk vs Social Security. GOP Fears Musk, MAGA. Musk Solid with Trump. Town Hall Anger. Dems in Disarray. AOC Rising. Andrew Cuomo Back. Tesla is Political. With Maya King, Political Reporter at The New York Times, Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for the DailyMail.com and Arthur Delaney, Senior Reporter at HuffPost. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill talks with Anat Shenker-Osario. She is a strategist, pollster and messaging consultant for progressive politicians. organizations and causes in the United States and around the world. Shenker-Osorio argues that progressives are not even "losing" the messaging war but rather failing to participate effectively. She attributes this to: An over-reliance on the idea that "good policies sell themselves." A lack of consistent, repeated messaging. Flawed message testing that doesn't reflect real-world communication. A lack of a "fight" mentality. She emphasizes the importance of controlling the narrative through language. She uses the example of "deportation" versus "abduction," and how conservatives have successfully redefined terms like "critical race theory." To counter MAGA messaging, She advises progressives to: Frame issues around shared values. Clearly identify the "villain" (e.g., "MAGA Republicans"). Offer a positive vision for the future and use the phase"MAGA is a death cult." She stresses that the Democratic party is seen as weak, and that the voters want to see a fight. You can follow Anat Shenker-Osario on Blue Sky at @Anatosauras.bsky.social Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the Iron Workers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Schumer Caves. No Shutdown. Trade War Escalates. Markets Seesaw. Trump Approval Fades. Trump Sells Tesla at White House. Judges Slap Down Musk. Dems Attack Musk & Tax Cuts. With Phillip Bump, Columnist for the Washington Post and author of the newsletter, How to Read This Chart, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/Politics Correspondent at the Christian Science Monitor and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at Huff Post. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill talks with popular progressive podcaster David Pakman. Pakman is the author of the new book, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America. They discuss the current state of communication and disinformation in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by progressives in countering right-wing extremism and misinformation. It highlights the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in combating the spread of false narratives, and the need for grassroots activism and strategic political involvement to address these issues. The discussion covers the concept of the "echo machine" that amplifies and propagates disinformation, as well as the role of mainstream media in contributing to the problem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of voting, supporting progressive candidates, and engaging in real-world activism to drive meaningful change. You can pre-order his book here. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by Association of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Backlash to Trump. Tariff Uncertainty. Markets Down. Inflation Risk to GOP. Musk’s Power Fading? Cuts Hurting Red States. Education Dept. Done? Trump’s Rally at Congress. Dems Fumble Response. Dems Bad Hand. Dems Need a Leader. With John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large, CQ Roll Call, Kirk Bado, Editor, National Journal Hotline and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter and NOTUS Daily Newsletter writer. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Bill discusses the concerns around the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with Dr. Rob Davidson, ER doc and the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Healthcare. Davidson expresses concerns about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine advocacy and his potential impact on public health policies. Key issues discussed include the measles outbreak in Texas, the threat of a bird flu pandemic, the cancellation of a key flu vaccine committee meeting, and the potential cuts to funding for the CDC and NIH that could undermine critical public health research. Dr. Davidson also raises concerns about Kennedy's lack of understanding of key healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and the risk of these programs being undermined under his leadership. Overall, the episode highlights the significant public health risks posed by having an HHS Secretary with a history of spreading misinformation about vaccines and a disregard for scientific evidence. Today Bill highlights the work of the nations' nurses and their Union, National Nurses United with 225,000 members. More information at NationalNursesUnited.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk Runs the Cabinet. Town Hall Backlash. Dangerous Fed Staff Cuts. If Government Fails… GOP Medicaid Danger. No Fraud Shown. Zelensky Visit. Tariffs on Tap. Suppressing the Press. With Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief and Columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, Jasmine Wright, Reporter for NOTUS and Jeff Dufour, Editor-in-chief of The National Journal. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill and Elie Mystal, The Nation Magazine’s Justice Correspondent, discuss the ongoing chaos and damage caused by the Trump administration and its close ties to Elon Musk including: The firing of prominent Black figures like Joy Reid of MSNBC and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., which Mystal argues is part of a broader effort to remove Black voices and influence from the government and media. Concerns about Trump and Musk's disregard for the rule of law, including their apparent willingness to defy court orders and undermine federal agencies and regulations. The lack of meaningful checks on Trump's power, with Mystal arguing the courts and Congress have become ineffective in constraining the executive branch. The broader context of ongoing efforts to roll back Civil Rights progress and return to more overt forms of racism and discrimination under the guise of "merit-based" hiring. Despite the bleak outlook, Mystal maintains a glimmer of hope that the current authoritarian push will ultimately be short-lived, drawing parallels to the fall of other historical regimes that sought to establish long-lasting dictatorships. You can read Mystal at The Nation and pre-order his new book, Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That are Ruining America at Bookshop.org. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Worker Purge. Cuts Begin to Hurt. Voter Backlash. Trump’s Worsening Polls. GOP Senators Fear Trump, MAGA. Death Threats. McConnel’s Legacy. Trump Lies About Ukraine. Trump Wants DC Rule. Eric Adams on a Leash. With Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief of CQ-Roll Call, Arthur Delaney, Political Reporter at Huff Post and Amanda Becker, Journalist at 19th News covering politics and Washington. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill interviews CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, who discusses his new book, The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy. (Click the link to purchase.) Before addressing the book, they dive into current legal controversies, notably Trump's influence in New York, where a U.S. Attorney resigned rather than drop a case against Mayor Eric Adams, raising alarms about the politicization of the Justice Department. Toobin compares the situation to the "Saturday Night Massacre," noting the troubling implications and potential quid pro quo involved in the dismissal request. He argues that Trump's administration is projecting its own actions onto others, accusing Democrats of weaponizing the DOJ while engaging in similar behaviors themselves. The conversation shifts to executive orders from the Trump administration that some critics view as legally questionable. Toobin underscores the challenge of accountability, mentioning that state attorneys general have been stepping in to address these overreaches but acknowledges they face difficulties against a Republican-dominated government. Toobin articulates a crucial warning about the potential for a constitutional crisis if the administration openly defies court rulings. He cites historical precedents, noting that the rule of law has long dictated that the courts, not the executive branch, determine constitutionality. They move on to Toobin's book that evaluates the presidential pardon power, emphasizing its political nature rather than legal. Toobin acknowledges that while it is subject to abuse, it can also serve compassionately, highlighting the disparities in pardons by various presidents, including Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Lastly, the conversation addresses Trump's pardons, especially the January 6th rioters, which Toobin describes as a grotesque abuse of power, compounding the larger trend towards authoritarianism within the administration. He concludes that these actions contradict principles of equal legal treatment and reinforce systemic corruption by rewarding allies and punishing adversaries. Overall, the episode critiques the current political landscape, underlining the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal institutions in the face of executive overreach. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by More information at Follow Bill on X at @BillPressPods and on Blue Sky at @BillPress.bsky.social. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musk in the Oval. Mass Firings. GOP Afraid of Trump. Where Are the Democrats? “The Price of Eggs.” Cuts Will Hurt. Trump Bans AP Reporters. Trump’s Own Gulf. Cabinet Forced Through. Constitutional Crisis. Trump Takes The Kennedy Center. With Geoff Earle, US Deputy Political Editor, Mail Online, Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor at Politico and Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief, White House/Politics Correspondent at Christian Science Monitor. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, More information at UFCW.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is issuing a steady stream of controversial executive orders that are testing Congress, the courts, and the Constitution. This "flooding the zone with shit" strategy is making it difficult for the media to keep up and provide in-depth coverage. Today Bill speaks with leading Media Reporter, Oliver Darcy. Darcy, formerly with CNN, now writes the excellent daily newsletter, Status. Bill and Oliver discuss how the media is struggling to adequately cover and contextualize the Trump administration's actions, which range from pardoning Capitol rioters to making extreme claims about seizing control of Gaza. There are concerns that some media outlets are caving to pressure from the administration or the administration's allies. Examples of the media's challenges include the Politico subscription scandal, the 60 Minutes lawsuit, and the Pentagon removing longstanding media outlets from their press corps. Darcy calls for the media to adopt a different approach, such as framing coverage as a "national crisis" and devoting more resources and airtime to these issues. Their discussion exposes the Trump administration's efforts to overwhelm and undermine the media, and spotlights the media's struggle to effectively cover and contextualize the administration's actions. Bill is a subscriber to Oliver’s newsletter and suggest you do as well. Go to Status.news to sign up. Follow Bill on X at @BillPressPods and on Blue Sky at @BillPress.bsky.social. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gaza Chaos. Trump Never Changes. Elon’s Power Grab. Will Trump Dump Musk? USAID and Soft Power Gone. Rubio Falls In Line. Powerless Democrats. NYC Mayor’s Race. Shutdown Coming. Constitutional Crisis Already Here. Will Court Orders Be Ignored? With Maya King, Political Reporter for the New York Times based in New York, Philip Bump, Columnist for the Washington Post and author of the How to Read This Chart Newsletter and Kirk Bado, Editor of The National Journal Hotline. Today Bill highlights the work of Jose Andres and the World Central Kitchen. With USAID gone, we need the World Central Kitchen more than ever. Please give whatever support you can at WCK.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode Oregon Senator Ron Wyden discusses the chaotic first weeks of the Trump administration, including the firing of inspectors general, threats to federal spending, and Trump's nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary. Wyden criticizes Trump's disregard for the law and his attempts to undermine the federal government. He argues Democrats must focus on issues like healthcare costs, housing, and education to counter Trump's agenda that benefits the wealthy. Wyden also discusses the importance of principled bipartisanship and his new book "It Takes Chutzpah" which outlines his approach to progressive politics. Overall, Wyden presents a critical view of the Trump administration's actions and calls for Democrats to take bold action to help working families. You can purchase your copy of his book It takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change by clicking on this link. This episode of the Bill Press Pod is supported by the Iron Workers Union more information at Ironworkers.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DC Plane Crash. Consoler-in-chief-Not. False DEI Blame. Funds Freeze Fail. POTUS Power Grab. Deportation Theater. GOP Congress Capitulates. Democrats Muted. Flooding the Zone. Tight Confirmations. With Lynn Sweet, Columnist and Washington Bureau Chief at the Chicago Sun-Times, John Bennett, White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large at CQ Roll Call and Emily Goodin, Senior White House Correspondent for DailyMail.com. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's back in and tearing up the Constitution, the Federal Government and the World Order. What can elected Democrats do? In this pod, Bill talks with Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. He is a a long-time advocate for progressive policies. He was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s second congressional district in 2013. A small business owner, union member, Rep. Pocan fights for policies that promote economic and social justice. In the current Congress, he serves on the House Appropriations Committee where he sits on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee; and the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. He is Chair of the Equality Caucus, Co-Chair of the Labor Caucus, and Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.