The Leslie Marshall Show

Latest on U.S.-Ukraine Relations; AFT President Talks Trump's Plan to Eliminate Dept. of Ed.

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.

Trump and Musk's Abuse of Power; Trump vs the Free Press

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.

Untangling the Headlines: What's Happening with Student Loans and the Department of Education

The Student Debt Crisis Center takes over the airwaves of 'the Leslie Marshall Show,' where they detail the latest threats to the Department of Education, what could happen to your student loans, and what's circulating on social media about student debt cancellation regarding data breaches. 
They're also joined by a special guest who helps to untangle all of the confusion.

This episode's SDCC hosts are Executive Director, Sabrina Calazans, and Special Projects & 'Free the Degree' Director, Sabrina Ashley Cereceres.
Today's special guest is Abby Shafroth, Co-Director of Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the Director of NCLC’s Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project.
Abby is an expert on the federal student loan program, as well as on the intersection of criminal and consumer law.
 
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that centers the needs and voices of borrowers, and partners with allies, to impact public policy and end the student debt crisis.
The SDCC website is www.StudentDebtCrisis.org and their handle on X, Instagram and Facebook is @DebtCrisisOrg. 
Their handle on Blue Sky is @debtcrisisorg.bsky.social.

NCLC uses the tools of advocacy, education, and litigation to fight for economic justice for low-income and other vulnerable people who have been abused, deceived, discriminated against, or left behind in our economy. 
The NCLC website is www.NCLC.org.
Their handle on Blue Sky is @nclc4consumers.bsky.social.

Trump & Musk's Threats to America's Social Safety Net; Democratic Response to Trump 2.0

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 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 Elon Musk's infiltration of the social security system, his massive role in the Trump administration, their collective threat to America's social safety net, and today's protests against DOGE, Musk and in favor of protecting Social Security and Medicare.

Then, Brad is joined by Democratic Media Creator Will Robinson.

The two discuss the Democratic response to Trump's excesses (including strategy, message and tactics), Democrats' use of new media, and more.

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. 

Will Robinson's handle on BlueSky is @willrobinson1776.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.

Effects of Trump Pulling Out of Paris Climate Accord; Trump Tariffs Unpopular

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 Bob Deans, Director of Strategic Engagement at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The two discuss the effects of Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord, how the U.S. is trying to unravel a hacking plot that targeted climate activists, climate change and the L.A. fires, and more.

Then, Brad is joined by Founder of the 'Cook Political Report.'
The two analyze how unpopular Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been, whether Trump cares since he won't be on the ballot again, and more.

The NRDC works to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.
They combine the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and other environmental specialists to confront the climate crisis, protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.
The website for the NRDC is www.NRDC.org and their handle on X is @NRDC.

Charlie's handle is on X is @CharlieCookDC. 

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 X is @BradBannon.

Low Lights of Trump's First Week, Attacks on DEI Programs

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 review then opening week of the second Trump administration, what can be done to slow or stop him, and whether he's 'flying too close to the sun' with unpopular actions like mass padoning the January 6th rioters, including some who assaulted Capitol Police Officers.

Then, Brad is joined by Policy and Advocacy Strategist Edwith Theogene.
The pair analyzes Trump's damaging executive orders attacking DEI programs in the federal government and the military.

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 X at @REALTaraDevlin and on Instagram at @Taradackty.

Edwith's handle on X is @WhoIsEdwith and her website is www.ed-with.com.

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 X is @BradBannon.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer on How Organized Labor is Prepping for a Second Trump Term

Leslie is joined by Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the 60 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO.

The two discuss:

- Why there is no source that Union workers trust more for information about politics than their fellow Union workers

- How, despite the massive headwinds Democrats faced in this year's elections, Union voters turned out for Harris by a margin of 57%-41%, a slight advantage over 2020, after months of person-to-person contact focused heavily on pocketbook issues 

- How, the Union vote, almost single handedly, kept the presidential race close across the Blue Wall and other battlegrounds. It also propelled Democratic Senate candidates to victory in closely contested races

- S.T. Redmond's take on the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary

- His reaction to the selection of Gwynne Wilcox to succeed Lauren McFerran as the new chair of the NLRB

- His concern and frustration at House Republicans, President-Elect Trump and Elon Musk forcing the federal government to the brink of a shutdown, and how it would leave so many hard working Americans without a paycheck right before the Holidays

In 2022, S.T. Redmond he was unanimously elected to the position as the highest ranking African American officer in the history of America’s labor movement.His path to the federation’s second-highest office began in 1973, when he went to work at Reynolds Metals Company in Chicago and became a member of the United Steelworkers (USW). He was active in his local union almost immediately, serving as shop steward and eventually vice president. He served three terms as local president.
In 2021, Redmond was elected president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, a prestigious international post.

The website for the AFL-CIO is www.AFLCIO.org and their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO.  Fred's handle on X is @STRedmond.

2024 AAM 'Made in America Holiday Gift Guide'

Leslie is joined by Elizabeth Brotherton-Bunch, Beth oversees communications for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), helping to spread the word about smart public policies that guide the creation of family-supporting factory jobs.

The two discuss this year's AAM 'Made in American Holiday Gift Guide.'
They cover a mix of some of this year's incredible companies and gifts.

Here's more on it directly from AAM:

"The Alliance for American Manufacturing is thrilled to unveil the 11th edition of the Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, our annual collection of American-made gift ideas from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
We worked especially hard this year to find Made in USA companies that have not been included in the guide before, so we can shine a spotlight on even more great American makers and manufacturers. We also purposely selected an eclectic mix of items at a variety of price points, so there’s something Made in America for everyone on your list! If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, scroll to the bottom of this page for previous editions of the guide, or check out the Made in America Directory. We’ve grouped gift ideas by category on this page, but you can also navigate it by state. Happy shopping!"

Check out the gift guide at http://www.TinyURL.com/2024AAMGiftGuide.

AAM's website is www.AmericanManufacturing.org and their handle on X is @KeepItMadeInUSA. Beth's handle is @ebrotherton.

The Power of International Solidarity

Leslie is joined by Kevin Mapp, the USW’s International Vice President of Human Affairs.  Kevin coordinates bargaining in the union’s health care, containers, public sector and ship building sectors.

The pair discuss the power of international solidarity in four parts.

Part 1: Global Solidarity and Corporate Greed

Multinational corporations operate globally, oftentimes attempting to pit workers in different countries against each other in a race to the bottom on wages and working conditions.
Unionized workers, however, understand that the only answer to large-scale corporate greed is global solidarity.

    - The USW works with global labor federations like IndustriALL and UNI so that they can share information about operations in different countries.

    - The USW maintains formal strategic alliances with at least six other unions in Australia, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

    - The USW also maintains relationships with unions in a number of other countries as they work to ensure that workers have a place to succeed in the global economy.

All of these relationships are premised on the simple truth that workers the world over confront many of the same challenges, and their greatest strength is solidarity.

Part 2: Urgency in Liberia and Bridgestone’s Operations

Nowhere has this been more urgent than in Liberia, where workers on Bridgestone’s massive rubber plantation have been struggling for decades to improve their working conditions.

Japanese-owned Bridgestone is one of the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturers. It employs more than 125,000 workers worldwide, including approximately 4,000 members of the USW. Unions in Japan, South Africa, Europe, and Brazil also represent Bridgestone workers.

In Harbel, Liberia, Bridgestone operates the world’s largest contiguous rubber plantation, covering some 185 square miles. It’s owned by Bridgestone subsidiary, Firestone Liberia, and approximately 7,000 workers reside there with their families.

    - These workers both live and work on the plantation, buying food from the company store and sending their children to schools run by the company.

    - The work is difficult, slashing bush, tapping trees, draining latex into metal buckets that weigh 65 pounds each when full, and carrying them long distances to weigh stations.

    - This latex then goes straight into the North American supply chain, serving as the starting point for American-made tires.

Part 3: Unionization and Challenges at Firestone Liberia

In 1990, Terry Renninger, then president of Bridgestone’s Liberia operations, said, “The best way to think of it is as an old Southern plantation.”

Indeed, in the years leading up to the formation of their union, the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL), workers endured what a 2005 human rights lawsuit called “forced labor, the modern equivalent of slavery.”

In 2007, workers successfully organized, and since then they’ve been making incremental progress in improving working conditions on the plantation, though serious problems remain regarding wages, health care, housing, workplace safety, and more.

On top of this, in 2019, Bridgestone fired more than 2,000 workers, forcing them instead to work for contractors, doing the same work but earning significantly lower wages without benefits or other protections provided by FAWUL’s contract.

According to the U.S.-based Solidarity Center:

    - One of the big benefits they lost was the education promised to their children, who now must walk long distances through difficult terrain to attend classes in open-air classrooms without desks or other supplies.

    - Workers struggle to afford protective glasses, boots, or gloves.

    - Living conditions are cramped, and payment for food comes out of workers’ paychecks, which can sometimes leave them with zero or negative balances on their pay slips.

Part 4: Current Efforts and Hope for the Future

Since then, these workers have pushed back, with the support of unions like the USW, as well as the Solidarity Center and others.

    - On Aug. 31, 2024, contractors voted overwhelmingly to unionize and are attempting to rejoin FAWUL.

    - FAWUL is currently in negotiations with Bridgestone, and one of the key issues is the fate of contractors.

The USW has been proud to provide strategic and bargaining support, but the true strength comes from workers themselves who have shown they’re willing to take action.

The outcome of these negotiations is still not certain, but it’s clear that workers – across the world – are strongest when they’re united.

Kevin Mapp also serves as a trustee on the USW Health and Welfare Fund, is an advisory board member to the Institute for Career Development, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation. He is a graduate of the Harvard Trade Union Program and the Cornell National Labor Leadership Initiative.A committed activist, Kevin also serves on the boards of both the metro-Detroit and national A. Philip Randolph Institutes (APRI), where he works to promote social and economic justice, voting rights and community education.

Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at www.USW.org.

Trump's Lies About Immigrants & Social Security, Harris’ Plan to Raise the Minimum Wage and Eliminate Taxes on Tips

Leslie is joined by Brendan Duke, Senior Director for Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

The pair discuss two of his most recent pieces for CAP. (both listed below)

1. "Donald Trump Is Lying About Immigrants and Social Security/Medicare" (https://www.americanprogressaction.org/article/donald-trump-is-lying-about-immigrants-and-social-security-medicare/)

2. "Harris’ Plan To Raise the Minimum Wage and Eliminate Tax on Tips Would Benefit Service and Hospitality Workers" (www.americanprogressaction.org/article/harris-plan-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-and-eliminate-tax-on-tips-would-benefit-service-and-hospitality-workers/)

Previously, Brendan was a senior policy adviser at the White House National Economic Council for the Biden-Harris administration, and a member of their presidential transition team. Duke estimated the cost of various provisions of the 'American Rescue Plan' and of the administration’s 'Build Back Better' plan, as well as helped develop its overall budgetary frameworks. He also worked on the administration’s Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, where he served as the National Economic Council’s point person on supply chain data during the port congestion crisis of 2021, and the infant formula crisis of 2022.
His handle on X is @Brendan_Duke.