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The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio
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Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
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 Mica Soellner, Senior White House Reporter for Bloomberg Government.
The two analyze the divisions that are developing within the GOP over the U.S. war with Iran. Also, they discuss how new Republican voting restrictions, that occurred during the recent Texas primary elections, reveal the party's nationwide strategy for the midterm elections. They also discuss the latest on the DHS shutdown and a new push by Trump and Vance to convince voters that they now care about the 'affordability' issue.
Then, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of 'Social Security Works,' is our special guest for the second half of the show.
He and Brad detail the 'Billionaire's tax' proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna. They also talk about 'millionaire's day,' which is when people making a million dollars a year stop paying into Social Security.
Brad is first joined by Mica Soellner, Senior White House Reporter for Bloomberg Government.
The two analyze the divisions that are developing within the GOP over the U.S. war with Iran. Also, they discuss how new Republican voting restrictions, that occurred during the recent Texas primary elections, reveal the party's nationwide strategy for the midterm elections. They also discuss the latest on the DHS shutdown and a new push by Trump and Vance to convince voters that they now care about the 'affordability' issue.
Then, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of 'Social Security Works,' is our special guest for the second half of the show.
He and Brad detail the 'Billionaire's tax' proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna. They also talk about 'millionaire's day,' which is when people making a million dollars a year stop paying into Social Security.
Mica's handle on X is @MicaSoellnerDC. The website for Bloomberg Government is www.bgov.com.
Alex Lawson's handle on Blue Sky is @alaw202.bsky.social. The website for Social Security Works is www.socialsecurityworks.org.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Leslie speaks with Naveed Shah, Political Director at Common Defense and a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, about the constitutional and human consequences of the Trump administration’s new military action against Iran. Shah discusses the lack of congressional authorization, the risks of entering another prolonged Middle East conflict, and the impact such decisions have on troops and their families. The conversation also examines Trump’s past promises to end “forever wars,” his comments about potential U.S. casualties, and concerns about cuts to veterans’ benefits while committing the nation to a new war.
Their website is CommonDefense.us and their handle on Blue Sky is @commondefense.bsky.social. Naveed's handle there is @armyofnaveed.bsky.social.
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Leslie speaks with Alex Rias, Director of Civil, Women’s, and Human Rights at the AFL-CIO, about growing threats to civil rights protections and what they mean for working people. From the weakening of labor enforcement agencies and voting rights challenges to the criminalization of protest and attacks on workplace protections, Rias explains how civil rights and labor rights have always been interconnected. He also discusses how unions are responding—organizing more workers, defending workplace rights in the courts, and building diverse worker power to protect democracy and economic opportunity.
The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO.
The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO.
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
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 two discuss the military and foreign policy aspects of the Trump administration's airstrikes against Iran, the decision to kill their leader, whether the President had the authority to start this war despite being unprovoked, and more.
Then, Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA, is our special guest for the second half of the show.
She and Brad cover the domestic repercussions of the new U.S. war with Iran, including rising gas prices, which experts say could surge to $4 dollars per gallon.
Sarah also breaks down the Paramount purchase of Warner Bros., which includes CNN, and the dangers of media consolidation.
This is the same group that recently blocked Stephen Colbert's interview with Democratic politician James Talarico. Paramount was in position to do this because they recently acquired CBS News, the network that airs Colbert's show, in a recent merger deal.
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.
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his 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 two discuss the military and foreign policy aspects of the Trump administration's airstrikes against Iran, the decision to kill their leader, whether the President had the authority to start this war despite being unprovoked, and more.
Then, Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA, is our special guest for the second half of the show.
She and Brad cover the domestic repercussions of the new U.S. war with Iran, including rising gas prices, which experts say could surge to $4 dollars per gallon.
Sarah also breaks down the Paramount purchase of Warner Bros., which includes CNN, and the dangers of media consolidation.
This is the same group that recently blocked Stephen Colbert's interview with Democratic politician James Talarico. Paramount was in position to do this because they recently acquired CBS News, the network that airs Colbert's show, in a recent merger deal.
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.
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
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 White House Correspondent for the Washington Examiner, Mabinty Quarshie, who previews tomorrow's 'State Of The Union' address.
Mabinty says she expects Trump to say that he doesn't need authority from the Supreme Court or from Congress in order to levy tariffs, and that he'll cherry pick any positive economic stats his staff can find.
She and Brad also discuss why voters have soured on Trump's approach to immigration, and how electricity prices have doubled under his watch.
On the subject of tariffs, Congress will have to authorize Trump's 15% tariffs across the board after 150 days, which doesn't look like it'll have the votes in the House or Senate.
Mabinty also highlights how Trump's go to economic policy was tariffs, (and he was using it as a weapons for any world leader that angered him), but now those are likely to be gone soon.
Then, leading progressive strategist and Outreach Director of the Battleground Alliance, Heather Booth, discusses November's upcoming midterm elections in the House and Senate.
Heather highlights the damage that President Trump and congressional Republicans have done by taking away health insurance for millions of Americans, failing to address increases in the cost of living, and killing Americans like Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Next, despite acknowledging positive polling for Democrats heading into the midterm elections, she says that the results will all depend on Democrats organizing and turning out voters beginning now.
Brad and Heather then discuss how the Battleground Alliance brings together Unions, environmental groups and civic groups and are supporting local organizations that are doing the work on the ground to win the midterms for Democratic candidates in over 40 congressional races.
Heather also speaks about her organizing work with the late Rev. Jessie Jackson, and how his work lives on.
She and Brad recap redistricting thus far for the upcoming election cycle, how Democrats have fought back against the Republican efforts to rig the upcoming midterms, the threat the Supreme Court still presents to the Voting Rights Act, and how Americans can fight back if it's struck down.
Finally, Heather highlights how we can turn our anger into action and the 'hurt and hate into hope and heart.'
The website for the Battleground Alliance is www.BattlegroundAlliance.org.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by White House Correspondent for the Washington Examiner, Mabinty Quarshie, who previews tomorrow's 'State Of The Union' address.
Mabinty says she expects Trump to say that he doesn't need authority from the Supreme Court or from Congress in order to levy tariffs, and that he'll cherry pick any positive economic stats his staff can find.
She and Brad also discuss why voters have soured on Trump's approach to immigration, and how electricity prices have doubled under his watch.
On the subject of tariffs, Congress will have to authorize Trump's 15% tariffs across the board after 150 days, which doesn't look like it'll have the votes in the House or Senate.
Mabinty also highlights how Trump's go to economic policy was tariffs, (and he was using it as a weapons for any world leader that angered him), but now those are likely to be gone soon.
Then, leading progressive strategist and Outreach Director of the Battleground Alliance, Heather Booth, discusses November's upcoming midterm elections in the House and Senate.
Heather highlights the damage that President Trump and congressional Republicans have done by taking away health insurance for millions of Americans, failing to address increases in the cost of living, and killing Americans like Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Next, despite acknowledging positive polling for Democrats heading into the midterm elections, she says that the results will all depend on Democrats organizing and turning out voters beginning now.
Brad and Heather then discuss how the Battleground Alliance brings together Unions, environmental groups and civic groups and are supporting local organizations that are doing the work on the ground to win the midterms for Democratic candidates in over 40 congressional races.
Heather also speaks about her organizing work with the late Rev. Jessie Jackson, and how his work lives on.
She and Brad recap redistricting thus far for the upcoming election cycle, how Democrats have fought back against the Republican efforts to rig the upcoming midterms, the threat the Supreme Court still presents to the Voting Rights Act, and how Americans can fight back if it's struck down.
Finally, Heather highlights how we can turn our anger into action and the 'hurt and hate into hope and heart.'
The website for the Battleground Alliance is www.BattlegroundAlliance.org.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
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, White House Correspondent for CQ Roll Call.
The pair discusses President Trump's reaction to the Bad Bunny Superbowl halftime show, the Department of Homeland Security facing a Friday shutdown unless Republicans agree to ICE reforms demanded by Democrats, Trump's racist video post of the Obamas, and ICE's disastrous polling amongst Americans.
Then, Brad is 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 Rob's recent blog titled, "Affordability: What It Means and How Trump Has Made It Worse."
(Link: https://www.sonecon.com/affordability-what-it-means-and-how-trump-has-made-it-worse/)
John Bennett's handle on X is @BennettJohnT and the website for CQ Roll Call is www.CQRollCall.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is www.Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ Roll Call.
The pair discusses President Trump's reaction to the Bad Bunny Superbowl halftime show, the Department of Homeland Security facing a Friday shutdown unless Republicans agree to ICE reforms demanded by Democrats, Trump's racist video post of the Obamas, and ICE's disastrous polling amongst Americans.
Then, Brad is 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 Rob's recent blog titled, "Affordability: What It Means and How Trump Has Made It Worse."
(Link: https://www.sonecon.com/affordability-what-it-means-and-how-trump-has-made-it-worse/)
John Bennett's handle on X is @BennettJohnT and the website for CQ Roll Call is www.CQRollCall.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is www.Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Leslie is joined by Josh Graves, who serves as both an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Warehouse Division Representative and Vice-President of Teamsters Local 104.
As a second-generation Teamster from Atlas Warehouse, a third-party logistics company that services Kroger, Josh has been a Teamster for over 22 years and is currently based in Arizona. He has played a key role in securing some of the union’s strongest contracts at Sysco, most notably the recent agreement at Local 690 in Washington, which provided Teamsters members with a wage increase of over 30 percent.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Leslie and Josh dug into what has quietly become one of the most consequential labor stories in the country: the growing power of the Teamsters at Sysco, one of the nation’s most profitable food service giants.
The discussion began with a recent win in Spokane, where drivers represented by Teamsters Local 690 ratified a four-year contract delivering major gains, including significant wage increases, lower health care costs, stronger pensions, and more vacation time. Graves emphasized that those gains were driven by workers’ willingness to authorize a strike, a show of unity that forced Sysco back to the table.
That local victory, he explained, is part of a much larger strategy. Marshall and Graves pointed to the first-ever regional Sysco contract covering more than 1,000 Teamsters across Northern California and Nevada, where coordinated bargaining and a credible strike threat produced similarly strong results. The agreement not only boosted pay and benefits but also included important protections around safety and automation, setting standards that extend beyond a single facility or city.
Graves noted that these wins are happening even in right-to-work states like Arizona, underscoring how union density and member engagement have reshaped negotiations nationwide. Over the past five years, Teamsters representation at Sysco has grown dramatically, strengthening the union’s leverage and changing the tone of labor relations with the company.
Looking ahead, the conversation turned to upcoming contract expirations in Montana and Chicago. Graves made clear that, after a string of major victories, Sysco Teamsters are prepared to take action to secure contracts that match the gains workers have already fought for elsewhere.
Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X and Instagram, where their handle is @Teamsters, and “like” them on Facebook at Facebook.com/Teamsters.
As a second-generation Teamster from Atlas Warehouse, a third-party logistics company that services Kroger, Josh has been a Teamster for over 22 years and is currently based in Arizona. He has played a key role in securing some of the union’s strongest contracts at Sysco, most notably the recent agreement at Local 690 in Washington, which provided Teamsters members with a wage increase of over 30 percent.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Leslie and Josh dug into what has quietly become one of the most consequential labor stories in the country: the growing power of the Teamsters at Sysco, one of the nation’s most profitable food service giants.
The discussion began with a recent win in Spokane, where drivers represented by Teamsters Local 690 ratified a four-year contract delivering major gains, including significant wage increases, lower health care costs, stronger pensions, and more vacation time. Graves emphasized that those gains were driven by workers’ willingness to authorize a strike, a show of unity that forced Sysco back to the table.
That local victory, he explained, is part of a much larger strategy. Marshall and Graves pointed to the first-ever regional Sysco contract covering more than 1,000 Teamsters across Northern California and Nevada, where coordinated bargaining and a credible strike threat produced similarly strong results. The agreement not only boosted pay and benefits but also included important protections around safety and automation, setting standards that extend beyond a single facility or city.
Graves noted that these wins are happening even in right-to-work states like Arizona, underscoring how union density and member engagement have reshaped negotiations nationwide. Over the past five years, Teamsters representation at Sysco has grown dramatically, strengthening the union’s leverage and changing the tone of labor relations with the company.
Looking ahead, the conversation turned to upcoming contract expirations in Montana and Chicago. Graves made clear that, after a string of major victories, Sysco Teamsters are prepared to take action to secure contracts that match the gains workers have already fought for elsewhere.
Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X and Instagram, where their handle is @Teamsters, and “like” them on Facebook at Facebook.com/Teamsters.
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
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 Cristina Jimenez Moreta, the 'Shared Future' Director.
The pair examines the the rein of Kristi Noem as Trump's DHS Secretary and the leader of ICE, and why it's well past time for her to be fired.
Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
They breakdown Trump's historically destructive first year of his second term, and why the America people are no longer buying what he's selling.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Cristina Jimenez Moreta, the 'Shared Future' Director.
The pair examines the the rein of Kristi Noem as Trump's DHS Secretary and the leader of ICE, and why it's well past time for her to be fired.
Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
They breakdown Trump's historically destructive first year of his second term, and why the America people are no longer buying what he's selling.
Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Leslie welcomes back Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, to explore why the coming year could be a turning point for U.S. manufacturing.
He breaks down how easing interest rates, clearer trade policy, and a steadier economy may finally give manufacturers the confidence to invest, expand, and hire after several uneven years.
Scott and Leslie also look at the growing wave of factory openings and why the real impact often shows up after construction—when workers are hired and local supplier networks take shape.
The conversation digs into tariffs and trade policy, including what “tariff predictability” means for businesses and how the U.S.–China manufacturing relationship is shifting toward supply-chain security.
Leslie and Scott close by examining workforce challenges, new short-term training pathways, and the growing competition between manufacturing and AI data centers for workers, energy, and materials.
Overall, the episode offers a clear-eyed but optimistic look at what’s ahead for American manufacturing.
AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is 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 AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively.
Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM.
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 Unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO.
The two review President Trump's first year of his second term, and how it's been filled with relentless attacks on workers during his pursuit of 'Project 2025.'
However, they also discuss how the labor movement is fighting back, and winning!
The administration:
The two review President Trump's first year of his second term, and how it's been filled with relentless attacks on workers during his pursuit of 'Project 2025.'
However, they also discuss how the labor movement is fighting back, and winning!
The administration:
- committed the single biggest-act of union-busting in history,
- launched a brutal assault on immigrants and communities across the country,
- ripped health care from millions,
- made billionaires richer and corporations more powerful,
- moved to unleash untested AI technology,
- And dismantled government agencies that provide essential services.
President Trump promised to “make America affordable again,” but instead, he spent a year driving up costs, holding down wages and letting jobs disappear—including jobs that would keep energy bills from skyrocketing.
But in the face of relentless attacks on our livelihoods and freedoms, workers are turning to unions to fight back. And we’re winning.
But in the face of relentless attacks on our livelihoods and freedoms, workers are turning to unions to fight back. And we’re winning.
- In December we saw the first sprouts of victory when a bipartisan group of lawmakers canceled votes on the SCORE Act, succumbing to pressure after months of organizing from the labor movement. Then before the year ended, a group of bipartisan lawmakers passed a discharge petition advancing one of labor's top priorities: restoring federal workers collective bargaining rights.
- At the beginning of 2026, we saw lawmakers in the house rally around an extension of the ACA tax credits and a band of Republicans come together to sink a series of anti-worker labor bills.
The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.