Preview: California Senate Race 2024
Steve, Sharline, and Julie dive into the facts and data of the California Senate race ahead of the 2024 election to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein.
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In this Episode:
Steve, Sharline, and Julie dive into the facts and data of the California Senate race ahead of the 2024 election to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein.
They discuss current polling data related to the race, racial demographics underlying the state, including its growing Latino population, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 promise to appoint a Black woman to the seat.
References:
CA-12 - Rep. Barbara Lee
CA-47 - Rep. Katie Porter
CA-30 - Rep. Adam Schiff
The Nation // Steve Phillips - “Don’t Count Barbara Lee Out of the California Senate Race”
The Lineup: Four Republicans Vying for White House in 2024
We discuss the current state of the Republican Party and its continued devolvement into the party of white racial resentment.
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NOTE: This episode was recorded a week before former President Trump was indicted by the state of New York on charges related to alleged hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels.
In this Episode:
We discuss the current state of the Republican Party and its continued devolvement into the party of white racial resentment. We examine four leading contenders for the party’s 2024 presidential nomination, including Trump, who despite his recent indictment could very well still be in the running. We analyze Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ attempts at fanning the flames of hatred and division and what makes him a modern-day George Wallace.
We also look at two POC South Carolina Republicans—former governor Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott—and discuss whether their attempts to weave their backgrounds into a party that is hellbent on attacking people based on their identity can work.
REFERENCES:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Mark Niesse – Ban on ‘Zuckerbucks’ election money in Georgia heads to final votes
Growth and Opportunity Project Wiki
Rep. Jennifer McClellan Is Making Government a Force for Good
Newly-elected Congressmember Jennifer McClellan just became the first Black woman representative from Virginia.
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In this Episode:
Newly-elected Congressmember Jennifer McClellan just became the first Black woman representative from Virginia. She comes with a powerful slate of accomplishments dedicated to expanding and protecting our democracy.
Rep. McClellan joins us to share how her love of history and her family’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement led her to politics; her proudest achievements during her time in the Virginia state legislature; and her goals as a new House member.
She explains how the Voting Rights Act of Virginia came to be (she was one of the main architects behind the bill), and what it meant for her to see the monument honoring white supremacist Confederate general, Robert E. Lee, come down in 2021.
REFERENCES:
Rep. Jennifer McClellan - @JennMcClellanVA
Heather Booth: When We Organize, We Can Change the World
Activist, strategist and organizer Heather Booth is a living legend. Booth—the founder of Jane, an underground abortion service she started in Chicago prior to Roe v. Wade—joins us to share how she got started in organizing and social justice work, the legacy of the Janes, and the lessons she’s learned for future generations of organizers and leaders.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify
In this Episode:
Activist, strategist and organizer Heather Booth is a living legend. Booth—the founder of Jane, an underground abortion service she started in Chicago prior to Roe v. Wade—joins us to share how she got started in organizing and social justice work, the legacy of the Janes, and the lessons she’s learned for future generations of organizers and leaders.
She recounts her early activist days as an organizer alongside Fannie Lou Hamer during Mississippi’s 1964 Freedom Summer to her founding of the Midwest Academy, the go-to training program for organizers in the progressive movement today.
Heather also shares what it’s been like to be a woman leader in the movement and her advice for those who want to make a difference today.
References:
Heather Booth - @hboothgo
Heather Booth - Changing the World - Documentary
The Janes - Documentary
Call Jane - Feature Film
The 1619 Project’s Shoshana Guy Is On the Record
Shoshana Guy, the “sho”-runner (pun intended) of Hulu’s new docuseries The 1619 Project, joins the podcast to discuss the significance of the series and her career trajectory.
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In this Episode:
Shoshana Guy, the “sho”-runner (pun intended) of Hulu’s new docuseries The 1619 Project, joins the podcast to discuss the significance of the series and her career trajectory—from broadcast network news to leading the critically acclaimed Netflix series High on the Hog.
She and Sharline also reminisce about how they met more than 15 years ago and Shoshana shares what’s next for her as a creative Black woman at the top of her game.
REFERENCES:
Shoshana Guy - @Shoshana_Guy
Nikole Hannah-Jones - @nhannahjones
Doing Politics Differently with Justice Democrats’ Alexandra Rojas
Executive Director of Justice Democrats Alexandra Rojas joins us to talk about the organization’s instrumental role in recruiting and running young progressive candidates and how they’re rewriting the rules for what a political leader looks like.
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In This Episode:
Executive Director of Justice Democrats Alexandra Rojas joins us to talk about the organization’s instrumental role in recruiting and running young progressive candidates and how they’re rewriting the rules for what a political leader looks like.
Justice Democrats is the group behind Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ historic 2018 victory against 10-term Democratic incumbent Joseph Crowley, as well as freshman Representative Summer Lee’s historic 2022 victory to become the first Black Congresswoman from Pennsylvania. Alexandra recounts AOC’s political rise and the role Justice Democrats has been playing in revolutionizing U.S. electoral politics.
Alexandra also shares her own story, including why she dropped out of community college to work on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.
References:
Alexandra Rojas - @alexandrasiera
Justice Democrats - @justicedems - Website
Emmy Ruiz is in the House
Emmy Ruiz, current Assistant to the President and White House Director of Political Strategy & Outreach and former campaign aide to President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris, is an all-around rockstar.
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In this Episode:
Emmy Ruiz, current Assistant to the President and White House Director of Political Strategy & Outreach and former campaign aide to President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris, is an all-around rockstar.
Emmy joins us to talk about her path to politics, the importance of building diverse campaign teams, and what she’s learned along the way from her time as a presidential campaign manager in Nevada and Colorado to what it’s like to be a mother in a high-pressure career.
She also shares the powerful role her family played in helping her get to where she is today and she provides insight into what young people who are interested in politics can do to get involved.
On the Road to 2023
For our first episode of 2023, Steve and Sharline take a look at some of the key issues Democrats should pay attention to this year.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
IN THIS EPISODE:
Happy New Year!
For our first episode of 2023, Steve and Sharline take a look at some of the key issues Democrats should pay attention to this year. From the upcoming Virginia elections to the Party’s new primary calendar and questions surrounding Biden’s reelection, they dive into the major themes that will define the year ahead. They also touch briefly on the chaos taking place within the Republican Party and what it means for the next two years.
Steve also shares his thoughts on grief and Sharline pays a touching tribute to Susan Sandler, Steve’s partner in social change and life, who passed away on December 16, 2022, and who would have encouraged us all to keep doing the work and fighting the fight.
2022: A Year in Review
For our final episode of the year, Steve, Sharline, and Julie reflect on the past year as they highlight some of the major political victories and challenges of 2022. They also share their favorite pop culture moments from this year.
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IN THIS EPISODE:
For our final episode of the year, Steve, Sharline, and Julie reflect on the past year as they highlight some of the major political victories and challenges of 2022. They also share their favorite pop culture moments from this year.
And Steve makes a touching tribute to his wife Susan as they celebrate the 32nd anniversary of their first date.
See you in 2023!
REFERENCES:
“Wednesday” - Netflix
Jenna Ortega - @jennaortega
“Only Murders in the Building” - HULU
Selena Gomez - @selenagomez
Wakanda Forever - Marvel
Tenoch Huerta - @tenochhuerta
Giving in Color with Crystal Hayling
Crystal Hayling, executive director of the Libra Foundation, joins us to discuss her path to philanthropy, how she’s helped center issues of social and racial justice, and what it’s going to take to make sure those at the forefront of change are able to get the resources they need.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this Episode:
Crystal Hayling, executive director of the Libra Foundation, joins us to discuss her path to philanthropy, how she’s helped center issues of social and racial justice, and what it’s going to take to make sure those at the forefront of change are able to get the resources they need.
Crystal also shares why and how she started the Democracy Frontlines Fund, which raised over $36 million to fund Black-led organizations fighting for democracy, following the police murder of George Floyd.
REFERENCES:
Crystal Hayling - @CHayling
2022 Post-Game with Danielle Moodie and Wajahat Ali
Hosts of the “democracy-ish” podcast Danielle Moodie and Wajahat Ali join us for a special crossover episode to discuss 2022 midterm election results, the fragility of our democracy, the role youth voters played this cycle and what to expect in 2024.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
IN THIS EPISODE:
Hosts of the “democracy-ish” podcast Danielle Moodie and Wajahat Ali join us for a special crossover episode to discuss 2022 midterm election results, the fragility of our democracy, the role youth voters played this cycle and what to expect in 2024.
Our guests share how their podcast came to be, how they’re feeling about last week’s elections, and their hope for a multiracial democracy in this country. This special episode is the first half of a larger conversation and you’ll be able to hear the other half of that conversation next week on the “democracy-ish” podcast.
REFERENCES:
Danielle Moodie - @DeeTwoCents
Wajahat Ali - @WajahatAli
Midterms 2022: It’s All About Voter Turnout
With important and history-making choices on ballots across the country this year, resident data expert Dr. Julie Martínez Ortega joins the podcast to help cut through the hazy 2022 midterm election predictions and offer an objective look at the final days leading up to November 8.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this Episode:
With important and history-making choices on ballots across the country this year, resident data expert Dr. Julie Martínez Ortega joins the podcast to help cut through the hazy 2022 midterm election predictions and offer an objective look at the final days leading up to November 8.
Spoiler alert: it all comes down to voter turnout. From Georgia to Florida and Arizona to Wisconsin, this year’s midterms will be decided by which side does a better job of motivating their supporters to hit the polls through Election Day.
We also list the groups and organizations doing this work across the country and explain how supporting them right now can help shape midterm outcomes.
REFERENCES:
Arizona - Arizona Wins
California - CHIRLA Action Fund
California - Inland Empire Action Fund
California - OC Action
Georgia - Stacey Abrams for Governor
Wisconsin - PowerPAC
Live With Senator Cory Booker And Steve Phillips
To celebrate the release of How We Win the Civil War, Steve joins Senator Cory Booker for a live, national virtual Town Hall, moderated by MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting, to discuss how we build majority support for a true multiracial democracy in the U.S.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this Episode:
To celebrate the release of How We Win the Civil War, Steve joins Senator Cory Booker for a live, national virtual Town Hall, moderated by MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting, to discuss how we build majority support for a true multiracial democracy in the U.S.
This live recording was co-hosted by our national partners at Community Change Action, Justice Democrats, MoveOn, Netroots Nation, Voto Latino, and Working Families Party.
REFERENCES:
Purchase your copy of How We Win the Civil War today!
Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey - @CoryBooker
Rahna Epting, Executive Director, MoveOn - @rahnamepting moveon.org
How We Win 4 Part Special Series
Why I Wrote “How We Win the Civil War”
Steve takes the hot seat as a guest on his own show in this penultimate episode of our special podcast series! Steve and Sharline discuss his forthcoming book How We Win the Civil War and how the concept developed over the last few years.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this Episode:
Steve takes the hot seat as a guest on his own show in this penultimate episode of our special podcast series! Steve and Sharline discuss his forthcoming book How We Win the Civil War and how the concept developed over the last few years.
Sharline shares how she and Steve came to be a book publishing power team, and Steve discusses the formative experiences that have shaped his work and his path to writing (Jesse Jackson quotes, included). Steve and Sharline also explain when and how you can pre-order your copy of the How We Win the Civil War, out October 18!
CW: Adult Language
REFERENCES:
Steve Phillips - @StevePtweets
Steve Phillips // New Press - How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good
Isabel Wilkerson // Random House - Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
How We Win 4 Part Special Series
Sounding the Alarm with Ron Brownstein
Atlantic staff writer and CNN columnist Ron Brownstein joins us for Part 2 of our special How We Win series to discuss the coalitions competing to define the identity of this country and the historical context for this centuries-long existential battle.
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IN THIS EPISODE:
Atlantic staff writer and CNN columnist Ron Brownstein joins us for Part 2 of our special How We Win series to discuss the coalitions competing to define the identity of this country and the historical context for this centuries-long existential battle.
Ron shares his analysis on why the 2020s could end up looking a lot like the 1850s, how he’s interpreting Biden’s changing rhetoric, and how he’s thinking about the upcoming midterms.
Ron also provides his expertise as we explore key themes in Steve’s forthcoming book How We Win the Civil War, out October 18.
REFERENCES:
Ron Brownstein- @RonBrownstein
Books
Rock Me on the Water: 1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics by Ron Brownstein
The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861 by David M. Potter
The South as a Conscious Minority, 1789-1861; a Study in Political Thought by Jesse T. Carpenter
History Reference
How We Win 4 Part Special Series
Who Gets to Be an American with Historian Mae Ngai
For the first episode of our special How We Win series, award-winning author and historian Mae Ngai places the existential crisis of our time into historical context as she highlights the pervasive nature of the question: who gets to be an American and who is deserving of dignity and equality?
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In This Episode:
For the first episode of our special How We Win series, award-winning author and historian Mae Ngai places the existential crisis of our time into historical context as she highlights the pervasive nature of the question: who gets to be an American and who is deserving of dignity and equality?
Our conversation with Mae lays the foundation for our series’ deep dive into the parallels between our present moment and the not-so-distant past. She reveals the history of a partnership between the South and West to perpetuate white supremacy, and describes just how intertwined the “Chinese Question” and the “Negro Question” have been since the founding of America.
How We Win 4 Part Special Series
Trump’s Ticking Time Bomb
Lawyer and former federal prosecutor Subodh Chandra joins us to help wrap our minds around the myriad legal challenges Trump is currently facing, from the January 6 hearings to the multiple investigations taking place in several jurisdictions.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this Episode:
Lawyer and former federal prosecutor Subodh Chandra joins us to help wrap our minds around the myriad legal challenges Trump is currently facing, from the January 6 hearings to the multiple investigations taking place in several jurisdictions. Subodh breaks down what a federal search warrant signals, and how much leeway Trump has been given so far to comply with the rule of law (hint: a lot).
Subodh’s explanation of the current state of Trump’s criminal investigations—and his overall optimism that our nation’s justice system will prevail—left us feeling fairly hopeful that the former president will, in fact, be held accountable for his crimes, and that we can rest assured that the levers meant to protect and ensure a functioning democracy have not completely disappeared.
REFERENCES:
Subodh Chandra - @SubodhChandra
Documentary
137 Shots 2021, TV-MA
In this documentary, law enforcement faces scrutiny as Americans demand justice after police violence claims multiple Black lives in Cleveland.
Analyzing Elections in Living Color
We discuss the political power of Black people and other people of color, who, when factored into the math, have the ability to tip the scale in this year’s midterms.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In This Episode:
We discuss the political power of Black people and other people of color, who, when factored into the math, have the ability to tip the scale in this year’s midterms. Our resident data scientist Dr. Julie Martinez Ortega joins us to help explain some of the most significant takeaways that surface when we apply a race-conscious perspective to existing election analyses.
References:
Equis Research - 2020 Post-Mortem
Why Ohio Is Trending Red: Conversation with David Pepper
Former Ohio Democratic Party Chair David Pepper joins us to discuss the state of U.S. politics through the lens of Ohio.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In This Episode:
Former Ohio Democratic Party Chair David Pepper joins us to discuss the state of U.S. politics through the lens of Ohio. David shares the work he’s done to hold the line against the disturbing trend of autocracy emerging across the state and in national politics at large. He breaks down the role state houses play in either helping or hurting our democracy.
We also discuss David’s new book Laboratories of Autocracy, in which he outlines the dangerous strategic shift and development of white nationalism across the country—a backlash he attributes to the election of the first Black President.
REFERENCES:
David Pepper’s Books
Lessons from the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement with Activist Julie Dorf
LGBTQ+ rights activist Julie Dorf joins us to share how she and a coalition of ragtag organizers created the the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
In this episode:
LGBTQ+ rights activist Julie Dorf joins us to share how she and a coalition of ragtag organizers created the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission in the 90s, her role in and lessons learned during the struggle for marriage equality, and why she’s listening to her own “queer spawn” and younger activists on how to move forward in these times.
References:
Julie Dorf - @JulieDorf
Roseanne episode - “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”