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The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio
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3 days ago
3 days ago
Leslie is joined by Connie Livingston, Senior Lead Counselor at Empowerly, which empowers students to become the most successful version of themselves with personalized college and career guidance. Their tailored guidance helps students triumph over the college admissions process and spark the future of their dreams.
Connie has worked in the field of college counseling since 2008. She began her career as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Brown University and has since moved on to Empowerly, where she has worked for the past three years.
The pair examines the increasingly difficult college application process in the United States.
More and more students are applying to college. More and more applications means a lower percentage of acceptance. So the bar has been raised.
4.0's are now 5.0's, competition is international, there are no more DEI policies or 'boxes' for affirmative action/diversity.
So kids are taking SAT prep classes, doing a lot of outside work/volunteerism, etc. and additionally, parents are hiring college counselors.
Here are the questions answered during the interview:
1. What does an outside college counselor do?
2. Is there a range of fees? (Some people think it's unattainable for them because of the price)
3. Do they help the students write their essays? (editing them, etc)
4. Is there any assistance with SAT's?
5. Does it increase a student's chances of admission if they utilize a college counselor that is separate from their high school's college counselor?
6. Why is Empowerly better than a student trying to solely use AI, like ChatGPT, to help them with the admissions process?
The website for Empowerly is Empowerly.org. Their handle on Instagram is @empowerlyinc and you can find them on Facebook.com/empowerly as well.
Connie has worked in the field of college counseling since 2008. She began her career as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Brown University and has since moved on to Empowerly, where she has worked for the past three years.
The pair examines the increasingly difficult college application process in the United States.
More and more students are applying to college. More and more applications means a lower percentage of acceptance. So the bar has been raised.
4.0's are now 5.0's, competition is international, there are no more DEI policies or 'boxes' for affirmative action/diversity.
So kids are taking SAT prep classes, doing a lot of outside work/volunteerism, etc. and additionally, parents are hiring college counselors.
Here are the questions answered during the interview:
1. What does an outside college counselor do?
2. Is there a range of fees? (Some people think it's unattainable for them because of the price)
3. Do they help the students write their essays? (editing them, etc)
4. Is there any assistance with SAT's?
5. Does it increase a student's chances of admission if they utilize a college counselor that is separate from their high school's college counselor?
6. Why is Empowerly better than a student trying to solely use AI, like ChatGPT, to help them with the admissions process?
The website for Empowerly is Empowerly.org. Their handle on Instagram is @empowerlyinc and you can find them on Facebook.com/empowerly as well.
3 days ago
3 days ago
Leslie is joined by Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization working to make children the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. With policy experts in the many areas that affect our nation’s more than 70 million children, First Focus on Children offers thorough, bipartisan, achievable solutions to ensure the well-being of children in the U.S. and around the world.
The two discuss how the budget resolution recently passed by House Republicans would force hundreds of billions of dollars in funding cuts to Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which would decimate their ability to deliver health care to the more than 37 million children they currently serve.
Medicaid and CHIP currently cover:
- 80% of children living in poverty
- 42% of all children under 6
- Over 40% of births in the U.S.
- Nearly half of the 13 million U.S. children with special health care needs
- 99% of children in foster care
- More than 40% of children in rural and underserved communities
- One-third of all school-age children (5-18 years old)
Taking support away from children’s health through Medicaid/CHIP cuts is a prescription for disaster that will:
- Force states to cut services, eligibility, or provider payments that directly affect children
- Create significant financial pressure on children’s hospitals and pediatric specialty providers that depend heavily on Medicaid/CHIP
- Threaten school-based health services that rely on support from Medicaid/CHIP
- Jeopardize mental health and developmental services for children
- Hit hardest in rural and underserved areas, exacerbating existing health disparities
You can read more about why the cuts would be so disastrous here: https://firstfocus.org/update/prescription-for-disaster-the-impact-of-proposed-medicaid-and-chip-cuts-on-childrens-health/
The website for First Focus on Children is FirstFocus.org and their handle on BlueSky is @FirstFocus.bsky.social. Bruce's handle there is @BruceLesley.bsky.social.
The two discuss how the budget resolution recently passed by House Republicans would force hundreds of billions of dollars in funding cuts to Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which would decimate their ability to deliver health care to the more than 37 million children they currently serve.
Medicaid and CHIP currently cover:
- 80% of children living in poverty
- 42% of all children under 6
- Over 40% of births in the U.S.
- Nearly half of the 13 million U.S. children with special health care needs
- 99% of children in foster care
- More than 40% of children in rural and underserved communities
- One-third of all school-age children (5-18 years old)
Taking support away from children’s health through Medicaid/CHIP cuts is a prescription for disaster that will:
- Force states to cut services, eligibility, or provider payments that directly affect children
- Create significant financial pressure on children’s hospitals and pediatric specialty providers that depend heavily on Medicaid/CHIP
- Threaten school-based health services that rely on support from Medicaid/CHIP
- Jeopardize mental health and developmental services for children
- Hit hardest in rural and underserved areas, exacerbating existing health disparities
You can read more about why the cuts would be so disastrous here: https://firstfocus.org/update/prescription-for-disaster-the-impact-of-proposed-medicaid-and-chip-cuts-on-childrens-health/
The website for First Focus on Children is FirstFocus.org and their handle on BlueSky is @FirstFocus.bsky.social. Bruce's handle there is @BruceLesley.bsky.social.
4 days ago
4 days ago
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns.
His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by John Bennett, Editor at Large at Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call. The pair discusses 'Tariff Tuesday,' scheduled for tomorrow by the Trump administration. In response to the tariffs, the cost of goods and services for Americans are expected to rise, while the stock market (and people's retirement accounts) are expected to decline.
Then, Brad is joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans.
Brad and Alex talk about the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration, April 5th's planned protests, and the battles to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.
Stripping Medicaid funding could literally put Seniors in nursing homes on the streets, and deprive children with disabilities of funding for their education.
On the Social Security front, Alex explains that the Trump administration is firing staff at Social Security offices to try to cause enough chaos so that they can create an excuse to demand emergency powers to take control of Social Security.
The website for CQ Roll Call is www.RollCall.com and John's handle on X is @BennettJohnT.
The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns.
His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by John Bennett, Editor at Large at Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call. The pair discusses 'Tariff Tuesday,' scheduled for tomorrow by the Trump administration. In response to the tariffs, the cost of goods and services for Americans are expected to rise, while the stock market (and people's retirement accounts) are expected to decline.
Then, Brad is joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans.
Brad and Alex talk about the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration, April 5th's planned protests, and the battles to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.
Stripping Medicaid funding could literally put Seniors in nursing homes on the streets, and deprive children with disabilities of funding for their education.
On the Social Security front, Alex explains that the Trump administration is firing staff at Social Security offices to try to cause enough chaos so that they can create an excuse to demand emergency powers to take control of Social Security.
The website for CQ Roll Call is www.RollCall.com and John's handle on X is @BennettJohnT.
The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America’s leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union.
The two discuss why labor and business groups are urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to fight back against China's decades-long global shipbuilding dominance.
Next, Scott explains why anti-tariff absolutism is a mistake, and one the Democratic party would be foolish to make.
Lastly, they explore AAM's spotlighting of three great U.S. products, including Steele Canvas, BLKSWN Footwear and the 'Crafted with Pride' Made in America directory.
For over 18 years, Mr. Paul and AAM have worked to make American manufacturing a top-of-mind issue for voters and our national leaders through effective advocacy, innovative research, and a savvy public relations strategy.
Their website is www.AmericanManufacturing.org.
AAM's YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report").
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit www.AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA 2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM
BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social
The two discuss why labor and business groups are urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to fight back against China's decades-long global shipbuilding dominance.
Next, Scott explains why anti-tariff absolutism is a mistake, and one the Democratic party would be foolish to make.
Lastly, they explore AAM's spotlighting of three great U.S. products, including Steele Canvas, BLKSWN Footwear and the 'Crafted with Pride' Made in America directory.
For over 18 years, Mr. Paul and AAM have worked to make American manufacturing a top-of-mind issue for voters and our national leaders through effective advocacy, innovative research, and a savvy public relations strategy.
Their website is www.AmericanManufacturing.org.
AAM's YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report").
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit www.AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA 2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM
BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Leslie is joined by Dr. Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).The NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for social workers, and to advance sound social policies.
The pair discusses Dr. Estreet's op-ed for Salon, titled, "Trump's Executive Orders Are Exacerbating the Country's Mental Health Crisis." (link here: https://www.salon.com/2025/03/12/executive-orders-are-exacerbating-the-countrys-mental-health/)
Dr. Estreet earned a bachelor’s in science in psychology from Bowie State University, an MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University, a doctorate in social work at Morgan State University, and an MBA at the University Maryland-College Park.
He has been a professor and chair of the Master of Social Work Program at Morgan State University since 2013. Estreet is also founder and chief executive officer of Next Step Treatment Center in Baltimore, which provides substance use treatment and mental health services.
The website for the NASW is SocialWorkers.org and you can follow them on BlueSky, where their handle is @naswsocialworkers.bsky.social.
The pair discusses Dr. Estreet's op-ed for Salon, titled, "Trump's Executive Orders Are Exacerbating the Country's Mental Health Crisis." (link here: https://www.salon.com/2025/03/12/executive-orders-are-exacerbating-the-countrys-mental-health/)
Dr. Estreet earned a bachelor’s in science in psychology from Bowie State University, an MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University, a doctorate in social work at Morgan State University, and an MBA at the University Maryland-College Park.
He has been a professor and chair of the Master of Social Work Program at Morgan State University since 2013. Estreet is also founder and chief executive officer of Next Step Treatment Center in Baltimore, which provides substance use treatment and mental health services.
The website for the NASW is SocialWorkers.org and you can follow them on BlueSky, where their handle is @naswsocialworkers.bsky.social.
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Leslie is joined by Sean O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
They begin the interview by acknowledging the accomplishments that President O'Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman have helped their Union to achieve during their three years heading the organization.
With 80,000 new members organized, great successes at the negotiating table including many of their best contracts ever like at UPS and Anheuser-Busch, an empowered rank-and-file membership that has waged over 250 strikes and led bargaining themselves against some of the world’s largest employers, the O’Brien-Zuckerman administration has charted one of the most defining and positive chapters in Teamsters history.
Next, Sean shares with the audience the Union's contract campaign with their 10,000 Teamsters aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). They're fighting for a fair contract with United, who raked in over $4 billion dollars in profits last year, but is lowballing the Teamsters at the bargaining table.
At the same time, the airline wants to outsource maintenance to communist China and South America.
Sean explains how United Airlines Teamsters are ensuring safety in the skies, and that Teamster members will not accept anything less than a strong new contract with the industry-leading wages and job protections they have earned.
Lastly, Leslie and Sean discuss how, following a credible strike threat, more than 1,000 newly organized drivers and warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois have ratified their first Teamsters contracts.
Represented by Teamsters Locals 26, 79, 728, and 769, UNFI workers have secured agreements that deliver significant wage increases, improved benefits, and a defined benefit pension plan.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit www.Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X and Instagram, where their handle is @Teamsters, and “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Teamsters.
Sean's handle on X is @TeamsterSOB.
They begin the interview by acknowledging the accomplishments that President O'Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman have helped their Union to achieve during their three years heading the organization.
With 80,000 new members organized, great successes at the negotiating table including many of their best contracts ever like at UPS and Anheuser-Busch, an empowered rank-and-file membership that has waged over 250 strikes and led bargaining themselves against some of the world’s largest employers, the O’Brien-Zuckerman administration has charted one of the most defining and positive chapters in Teamsters history.
Next, Sean shares with the audience the Union's contract campaign with their 10,000 Teamsters aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). They're fighting for a fair contract with United, who raked in over $4 billion dollars in profits last year, but is lowballing the Teamsters at the bargaining table.
At the same time, the airline wants to outsource maintenance to communist China and South America.
Sean explains how United Airlines Teamsters are ensuring safety in the skies, and that Teamster members will not accept anything less than a strong new contract with the industry-leading wages and job protections they have earned.
Lastly, Leslie and Sean discuss how, following a credible strike threat, more than 1,000 newly organized drivers and warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois have ratified their first Teamsters contracts.
Represented by Teamsters Locals 26, 79, 728, and 769, UNFI workers have secured agreements that deliver significant wage increases, improved benefits, and a defined benefit pension plan.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit www.Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X and Instagram, where their handle is @Teamsters, and “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Teamsters.
Sean's handle on X is @TeamsterSOB.
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Mabinty Quarshie, National Political Reporter for the Washington Examiner.
The pair begins their interview by discussing the bombshell report that the Secretary of Defense accidentally texted a reporter IMPENDING WAR PLANS on a non-government group chat that included the Vice President, Secretary of State, National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Advisor!...who all also replied on the thread, with none of them realizing the Reporter was on the thread, in plain sight!!!
They also examine Trump's plan to gut the Department of Education, whether his relationship with Elon Musk is becoming strained, and why the Republicans could deeply regret messing with Social Security checks.
Then, Mica Soellner, Congressional Reporter for Punchbowl News, talks about the Congressional response to the bombshell Atlantic report about the Trump administration texting a reporter war plans.
She and Brad also examine the divisions among Congressional Democrats following Senator Schumer's vote to advance the Republicans' continuing resolution.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Mabinty Quarshie, National Political Reporter for the Washington Examiner.
The pair begins their interview by discussing the bombshell report that the Secretary of Defense accidentally texted a reporter IMPENDING WAR PLANS on a non-government group chat that included the Vice President, Secretary of State, National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Advisor!...who all also replied on the thread, with none of them realizing the Reporter was on the thread, in plain sight!!!
They also examine Trump's plan to gut the Department of Education, whether his relationship with Elon Musk is becoming strained, and why the Republicans could deeply regret messing with Social Security checks.
Then, Mica Soellner, Congressional Reporter for Punchbowl News, talks about the Congressional response to the bombshell Atlantic report about the Trump administration texting a reporter war plans.
She and Brad also examine the divisions among Congressional Democrats following Senator Schumer's vote to advance the Republicans' continuing resolution.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines the troubled and turbulent Trump tariff and tax policies, as well as their negative effect on the economy.
Then, Mike Lux, Co-Founder of Democracy Partners, talks with Brad on how Democrats would be best served to counter Trump and his lock-step Republican party.
Dr. Shapiro brings broad knowledge and experience in economics and politics based on his government service and decades of conducting analysis and providing advice to U.S. presidents, senators, representatives and governors, as well as foreign leaders and senior executives at numerous Fortune 100 companies.
His website is www.Sonecon.com.
Mike Lux is a co-founder of Democracy Partners, an innovative, full-service national consulting firm launched in 2011; and has been the CEO of his own consulting firm, Mike Lux Media, since 1999. Clients have included many of the most important institutions in the progressive community, including the League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood, Moveon.org, the NAACP Voter Fund, Center for Community Change, DailyKos, and Democracy Alliance.
His website is www.democracypartners.com and his handle on BlueSky is @mikeluxmedia.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines the troubled and turbulent Trump tariff and tax policies, as well as their negative effect on the economy.
Then, Mike Lux, Co-Founder of Democracy Partners, talks with Brad on how Democrats would be best served to counter Trump and his lock-step Republican party.
Dr. Shapiro brings broad knowledge and experience in economics and politics based on his government service and decades of conducting analysis and providing advice to U.S. presidents, senators, representatives and governors, as well as foreign leaders and senior executives at numerous Fortune 100 companies.
His website is www.Sonecon.com.
Mike Lux is a co-founder of Democracy Partners, an innovative, full-service national consulting firm launched in 2011; and has been the CEO of his own consulting firm, Mike Lux Media, since 1999. Clients have included many of the most important institutions in the progressive community, including the League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood, Moveon.org, the NAACP Voter Fund, Center for Community Change, DailyKos, and Democracy Alliance.
His website is www.democracypartners.com and his handle on BlueSky is @mikeluxmedia.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst, Col. Cedric Leighton (USAF Ret.).
The pair analyzes U.S.-Ukraine relations following Trump-Vance's disastrous White House meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Col. Leighton also outlines the threats to Poland, and the rest of Europe, now that Putin has been emboldened by Trump's favoritism of Russia over Ukraine.
They also talk about the latest fighting in Syria since the Assad regime was recently toppled.
Then, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), discusses the Trump administration's expected Executive Order to close the Department of Education, whether that move would be legal, and the disastrous fallout that would occur if it were to happen.
She also details what actions that she'd recommend to concerned Teachers, parents and citizens in the face of these threats from the Trump administration.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.8 million-member AFT, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government employees; and early childhood educators. The AFT is dedicated to the belief that every person in America deserves the freedom to thrive, fueled by opportunity, justice and a voice in our democracy.
Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social. Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst, Col. Cedric Leighton (USAF Ret.).
The pair analyzes U.S.-Ukraine relations following Trump-Vance's disastrous White House meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Col. Leighton also outlines the threats to Poland, and the rest of Europe, now that Putin has been emboldened by Trump's favoritism of Russia over Ukraine.
They also talk about the latest fighting in Syria since the Assad regime was recently toppled.
Then, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), discusses the Trump administration's expected Executive Order to close the Department of Education, whether that move would be legal, and the disastrous fallout that would occur if it were to happen.
She also details what actions that she'd recommend to concerned Teachers, parents and citizens in the face of these threats from the Trump administration.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.8 million-member AFT, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government employees; and early childhood educators. The AFT is dedicated to the belief that every person in America deserves the freedom to thrive, fueled by opportunity, justice and a voice in our democracy.
Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social. Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.
Brad is first joined by Tara Devlin, the host of the podcast, 'TARABUSTER.'
The two talk about the presidential abuse of power by Donald Trump, along with his unelected sidekick, Elon Musk.
They also discuss Trump's undemocratic portrayal of himself as a King on social media.
Finally, they explore how Democrats can find their backbone and fight back against Trump's attacks on the country.
Then, Brad is joined by award-winning journalist, author, and Podcast host, Brian J. Karem.
The pair discusses Brian's experience as a White House correspondent during both the first and second Trump administrations, his observations on what has changed, and the Associated Press' battle with Trump over access to the White House.
They also analyze how the press can effectively defend their first amendment rights against the Trump administration's attacks.
Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.”
Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported.
Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin.
You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradackty.
Brian Karem is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker and recognized defender of the First Amendment.
He is a veteran White House correspondent and former senior correspondent for Playboy Magazine. He currently writes a weekly column on the White House for Salon.com.
Karem has received multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious Pieringer Award and the Freedom of the Press Award, and was recently nominated as “Journalist of the Year” by the Los Angeles Press Club.
He also hosts a podcast called, "Just Ask the Question," which can be found at www.JustAskTheQuestion.com. His handle on BlueSky is @briankarem.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Tara Devlin, the host of the podcast, 'TARABUSTER.'
The two talk about the presidential abuse of power by Donald Trump, along with his unelected sidekick, Elon Musk.
They also discuss Trump's undemocratic portrayal of himself as a King on social media.
Finally, they explore how Democrats can find their backbone and fight back against Trump's attacks on the country.
Then, Brad is joined by award-winning journalist, author, and Podcast host, Brian J. Karem.
The pair discusses Brian's experience as a White House correspondent during both the first and second Trump administrations, his observations on what has changed, and the Associated Press' battle with Trump over access to the White House.
They also analyze how the press can effectively defend their first amendment rights against the Trump administration's attacks.
Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.”
Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported.
Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin.
You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradackty.
Brian Karem is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker and recognized defender of the First Amendment.
He is a veteran White House correspondent and former senior correspondent for Playboy Magazine. He currently writes a weekly column on the White House for Salon.com.
Karem has received multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious Pieringer Award and the Freedom of the Press Award, and was recently nominated as “Journalist of the Year” by the Los Angeles Press Club.
He also hosts a podcast called, "Just Ask the Question," which can be found at www.JustAskTheQuestion.com. His handle on BlueSky is @briankarem.bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.