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Maryland attorney general Frosh on fracking … peace advocate Stephen Miles on U.S. policy toward Iran … and Bill Press interviews Congressman John Yarmuth.   Maryland’s new attorney general, Brian Frosh, talks about fracking, offshore drilling and gun control. Peace advocate Stephen Miles says if Republicans scuttle an agreement, the U.S. and Iran will be on a collision course to war. And Bill Press interviews Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth   Brian Frosh Maryland’s new Democratic attorney general, Brian Frosh, says he plans to be active on issues facing his and many states – fighting fracking, offshore drilling and guns. http://www.oag.state.md.us/   Stephen Miles Peace advocate and arms expert Stephen Miles says an agreement between the U.S. and Iran is the greatest opportunity to solve one of America’s biggest national security threats. http://winwithoutwar.org/   John Yarmuth Bill Press and his guest, Congressman John Yarmuth.   Jim Hightower Jeb launches "Pickett's Charge" campaign    

Barney Frank with a message for progressives … Fred Rotondaro on TPP and the 2016 campaign … and Bill Press with Sister Simone Campbell, of Nuns on the Bus.   Some tough words for progressives from former Congressman Barney Frank – don’t just march -- start doing the dirty work of getting Democrats elected. Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement is doomed. And Bill Press interviews Sister Simone Campbell about the Pope’s upcoming encyclical on climate change   Barney Frank   Barney Frank says progressives have to do more dirty work, and less shouting, to get people voting, and voting Democratic.   Fred Rotondaro Fred Rotondaro take a dim view of the Trans Pacific Partnership and has some predictions about the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.   Simone Campbell Bill Press and his guest, Sister Simone Campbell.   Jim Hightower Stop Postal executives from destroying our Postal Service.    

Former trade negotiator Ira Shapiro says fears about the TPP are exaggerated … Judicial analyst Ian Millhiser indicts the Supreme Court. And Bill Press interviews TPP opponent Congresswoman Jackie Speier.   A former NAFTA negotiator weighs in on the Trans Pacific Partnership, and Ira Shapiro argues it will benefit the American economy and put us in a better position in the competition with China. With the Supreme Court ready to end its terms with a flurry of important decisions, legal expert Ian Millhiser concludes that historically the court has sided against the bad guys. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Jackie Speier, an opponent of TPP.   Ira Shapiro Ira Shapiro negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement. He tells us why he thinks the very controversial Trans Pacific Partnership is necessary, and that it is not as bad as progressives have made it out to be. www.shapiroglobal.com   Ian Millhiser Ian Millhiser has written extensively about the Supreme Court, and as the nine justices finish t

Author Robert Putnam on the rich world and the poor world … Latina activist Eileen Truax on immigration … and Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page   “Bowling Alone” author Robert Putnam has a new book out in which he talks about two very separate American worlds – the rich world and the poor world. With the President’s immigration program held up in the courts, Latina activist Eileen Truax tells us who the Dreamers are and why they are so important. And Bill Press interviews USA Today’s Susan Page.   Robert Putnam Harvard professor and bestselling author Robert Putnam says Democrats  dropped the ball a long time ago by refusing to recognize that family structure and class – not race – was the main determinant of poverty. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Our-Kids/Robert-D-Putnam/9781476769899   Eileen Truax Eileen Truax is a Latina journalist and activist who has written about the Dreamers. With President Obama’s immigration policy under attack in the courts, she says many immigrants come to America

First amendment expert David Shipler says covering Washington is like covering Cold War Russia … sociology professor Andrew Cherlin ties a drop in college graduation and marriage to the growing income gap … and Congressman Dan Kildee assails the president on trade in a Bill Press Show interview.   At this patriotic time of year, celebrating Memorial Day, journalist David Shipler says President Obama’s campaign against whistleblowing reminds him of covering Cold War Russia. Sociology professor Andrew Cherlin, at this time of graduations and weddings, notes that the growing economic disparity is having a negative effect on higher education and marriage rates. And Congressman Dan Kildee takes on the president over trade in an interview on the Bill Press show.     David Shipler Barack Obama promised to be the most transparent president, but journalist David Shipler writes that this liberal constitutional lawyer has made covering national security like trying to cover Moscow during the Cold War.   Andrew Cherlin

Barney Frank says his Wall Street reforms are working … Lee Drutman says Congress is a farm league for K Street. And Bill Press gets Congressman Xavier Becerra to consider a Senate run.   Barney Frank says that a repeal of the Wall Street reform act that bears his name will never happen as long as a Democrat is president. Professor Lee Drutman has written a book about the power of lobbyists, and he says Congress is merely a farm league for K Street. And Bill Press interviews 4th-ranking House Democrat Xavier Becerra about the Trans Pacific Partnership … and his own Senate aspirations.   Barney Frank How has the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform act worked out? Very well, says co-author Barney Frank, who also has some thoughts about the situation in Baltimore, the lack of affordable housing … and police unions. http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Politics-Society-Same-Sex-Marriage/dp/0374280304   Lee Drutman Corporate lobbyists spend 34 times as much money trying to influence Congress as does the combination of organize

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh on the troubles in Baltimore … former Ambassador Peter Galbraith on trusting Iran – or not … and Bill Press interviews political commentator Jonathan Allen.   Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh says the Baltimore riots highlight the need for improving police procedures and systemic conditions of poor health, bad education and hopelessness. Former ambassador Peter Galbraith reveals that President George W. Bush squandered the possibility for a good agreement to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. And Bill Press interviews journalist Jonathan Allen about the Republican presidential field … and Hillary Clinton.   Brian Frosh Most police officers in Baltimore, and elsewhere, are fine public servants, but Maryland attorney general Brian Frosh says the troubles in that city point out the need to improve police procedures. http://www.oag.state.md.us/   Peter Galbraith The U.S. could have had a good nuclear deal with Iran back in 2003, says former diplomat Peter Galbrait

Ian Millhiser explains what’s wrong – or far right – with the Supreme Court. Jared Bernstein says politics got in the way of a fuller economic recover. And Bill Press interviews Bernie Sanders.   Constitutional law expert Ian Millhiser takes the Supreme Court apart, and in light of the arguments on same-sex marriage, says no one wants a world where business can discriminate because you’re gay. With the latest numbers showing the economy flattening out, former Obama adviser Jared Bernstein says this was not a tremendous recovery, because politics got in the way. And Bill Press interviews Independent Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.   Ian Millhiser For most of its history, the Supreme Court has sided with America’s aristocracy, and constitutional law expert Ian Millhiser says that’s because justices have no connection with the common people. http://thinkprogress.org/author/ian-m/   Jared Bernstein Former Obama economist Jared Bernstein says we know how to fix the economy – the Fed should sho

John Halpin on Hillary Clinton and income inequality … Thomas Geoghegan on the Democratic Party’s need to revive organized labor … and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Barbara Lee.     Democratic analyst John Halpin says Hillary Clinton will not campaign as a raging populist but also is not going to propose rolling back Dodd-Frank. Union lawyer and activist Thomas Geoghegan says the Democratic Party is living in a fantasy world if it doesn’t recognize that its future depends on reviving the labor movement. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Barbara Lee on drone attacks.   John Halpin The big issue of income inequality does not interest most Americans, says public opinion expert John Halpin. But Democrats can cash in on the issue if they talk about the specific components of inequality – such as wages, education, and taxes. www.americanprogress.org   Thomas Geoghegan Longtime union lawyer and activist Thomas Geoghegan says labor will not come back as a political force without militancy, disruption and

Robert Putnam on the growing opportunity gap, Barry Eichengreen on watching out for the banking industry … and Bill Press with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.   Harvard professor Robert Putnam, of “Bowling Alone” fame, talks with us about his new book about saving our children from the effects of a growing opportunity gap. Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen explains how the power of money in shaping public policy has put the American economic system at risk. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.about equal pay for women.   Robert Putnam Harvard Professor Robert Putnam says it isn’t income inequality so much that we should be worried about but “opportunity inequality” – the economic and cultural class segregation that violates the core of America’s identity. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Our-Kids/Robert-D-Putnam/9781476769899   Barry Eichengreen Some fairly weak new regulations on the banking industry after the Great Recession might limit future booms and busts, but Berkeley economist Barry

Former diplomat Peter Galbraith asks what’s the alternative to a deal with Iran. Environmental author Richard Heinberg says we may be facing the end of civilization. And Bill Press interviews church & state expert Barry Lynn.   Peter Galbraith is a former ambassador and expert on the Middle East. He answers questions about the value of the administration’s deal with Iran. Richard Heinberg is an environmental and energy expert. He warns we are on the brink of extinction as a civilization. And Bill Press interviews the Reverend Barry Lynn about recent assaults on civil liberties.   Peter Galbraith The recent agreement between the United States and Iran was a good one, says former diplomat Peter Galbraith because there is no better alternative.   Richard Heinberg Author Richard Heinberg says the fossil fuel industry is so powerful that it is writing America a prescription for environmental disaster. www.postcarbon.org   Barry Lynn Bill Press and his guest the Reverend Barry Lynn.   Jim Hightower Oil refiner

Hillary Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen on her campaign prospects … professor Thomas Schaller on problems facing House Republicans … and Bill Press talks Chicago politics with Lynn Sweet.   It’s April already. Is this the month Hillary Clinton declares for president? Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen says after she announces, she will have to move to the left, but not too fast. Political scientist Thomas Schaller thinks the Republican party is going to be hurt by the loosening of campaign spending rules because it means outside forces will seize power from party leaders. And Bill Press interviews Chicago political reporter Lynn Sweet.   Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen, now the chief political correspondent for vox-dot-com, has written extensively about Hillary Clinton. He says one problem facing her likely presidential run is the history of infighting among her staff. www.hrcbook.com   Thomas Schaller Political scientist Thomas Schaller says the polarization in Congress is so great that all Republicans are f

Historians Julian Zelizer and David Chappell reflect on the civil rights movement after Martin Luther King … and Latina activist Eileen Truax looks forward to immigration reform.   As we approach the anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, two historians of the civil rights movement assess his legacy. Professor Julian Zelizer reviews the complicated relationship between King and LBJ, and he also has some thoughts on current presidential politics as well. Historian David Chappell re-assesses the civil rights movement, noting that after King, there developed a false trajectory. And Latina activist Eileen Truax tells us about her book featuring young immigrant “Dreamers.”   Julian Zelizer Julian Zelizer is a Princeton scholar of Lyndon Johnson as well as the civil rights movement. He says civil rights activism is no longer as organized or coherent as it was when it sought, and won, passage of the Voting Rights Act. http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

Lani Guinier on merit in college admissions, Caroline Lee on the public engagement industry, and Bill Press with Congressman John Larson on Social Security.   High school seniors are waiting to see what college they will get into, and Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier says true merit admissions should be based on how well a student will contribute to society. Sociologist Caroline Lee explains the movement toward “public engagement,” a form of activism that brings diverse stakeholders together. And Bill Press talks with union leader Congressman John Larson about the future of Social Security.   Lani Guinier Lani Guinier is a Harvard Law professor with some thoughts on how to introduce true merit into the college admissions process, which she says now privileges only the wealthy.   Caroline Lee Professor Caroline Lee tells us about the concept of “public engagement,” which tries to avoid professional activism in solving both corporate and community problems. http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199987269.do

Joe Califano remembers the Great Society … sociologist Chad Broughton remembers NAFTA … and Bill Press interviews municipal employees’ union president Lee Saunders.   With Selma, Oklahoma and Ferguson in the news, former LBJ aide Joe Califano says that 50 years after the Voting Rights Act, the rollback of civil rights is an outrage. Labor sociologist Chad Broughton examines the tragedy of a major American manufacturer moving to Mexico and blames it on NAFTA. And Bill Press talks with union leader Lee Saunders about Governor Scott Walker’s assault on working people.   Joe Califano Joe Califano was Lyndon Johnson’s top domestic adviser. He talks with us today about the monumental legislative achievements of the Great Society -- and about the outrage of Republicans rolling back civil rights gains.   Chad Broughton Labor sociologist Chad Broughton has done a case study on how NAFTA helped shift bargaining power away from unions to corporations. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/boom-bust-exodus-9780199765

Jon Allen on Hillary Clinton’s blind spots … Jared Bernstein on economic recovery … and Bill Press with guest April Ryan on the Ferguson report.   Author Jonathan Allen says the Hillary Clinton organization has a number of “blind spots.” Is her use of private email for government business one of them? Former Obama economic adviser Jared Bernstein urges the Fed to be patient about raising interest rates. And Bill Press talks with journalist and author April Ryan about the Justice Department’s report on Ferguson, Missouri.   Jonathan Allen Hillary Clinton biographer Jonathan Allen says it remains to be seen how much the email controversy will haunt her, but it is an example of why it made sense for her to delay announcing for president. http://www.hrcbook.com/   Jared Bernstein Why are Democrats and Wall Street so cozy? Economist Jared Bernstein says it’s because investors see politics as just another market to invest in. www.jaredbernsteinblog.com   April Ryan Bill Press and his guest author April Ryan.   Ji

Obama gets a B-plus on recovery efforts … the radical rich borrow tactics the radical poor … and Bill Press interviews House Democratic whip Steny Hoyer.     Economist Barry Eichengreen says Obama deserves a B-plus in his economic recovery course.Sociologist Isaac Martin outlines the history of a radical activist group. We call them “the rich.” And Bill Press talks with Democratic whip Steny Hoyer about the dysfunctional House of Representatives.   Barry Eichengreen Economist Barry Eichengreen analyzes the current fiscal crisis in Europe and says the Euro currency is like the Hotel California. You can never leave it. http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199392001.do   Isaac Martin How did the rich get so many breaks from the government? Professor Isaac Martin explains that they used the tactics of social progressives and radicals to get their way.   http://anthroweb.ucsd.edu/~iwmartin/   Steny Hoyer Bill Press and his guest, Congressman Steny Hoyer, the assistant Democratic leader of the House of Representa

The buzz about the movie “Selma” from historian Julian Zelizer. Mike Barnes on Putin, the thug … and Bill Press interviews Elizabeth Warren backer Erica Sagrans.   Historian and LBJ expert Julian Zelizer says Hollywood missed an opportunity with the movie “Selma.” Former Congressman Mike Barnes calls Vladimir Putin “a KGB thug” but says he has lost his swagger. And Bill Press talks with Erica Sagrans, head of the group trying to draft Elizabeth Warren.   Julian Zelizer Princeton Professor Julian Zelizer is an expert on Lyndon Johnson and the civil rights movement. He is disappointed that “Selma,” which he thinks is a “phenomenal movie” but missed a chance to get history exactly right. http://www.amazon.com/The-Fierce-Urgency-Now-Congress/dp/1594204349/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0   Mike Barnes Former Congressman Mike Barnes takes a look at Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, and says President Obama has handled him brilliantly. http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes   Erica Sagrans Bill Pr

Califano on the movie “Selma,” author Darman on how LBJ and Reagan were alike, and Bill Press interviews Hillary biographer Jonathan Allen.   With the Oscars coming up, former Lyndon Johnson aide Joe Califano unloads on “Best Picture” nominee “Selma” for being “totally false.” Author Jonathan Darman has written a book comparing LBJ with Ronald Reagan, an odd couple who were the last two “outsized” presidents. And Bill Press talks with Jonathan Allen, co-author of a book about Hiliary Clinton.   Joe Califano Joe Califano was Lyndon Johnson’s top domestic adviser. Today he blasts the movie “Selma” for a totally false portrayal of his former boss.   Jonathan Darman What did Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan have in common? Author Jonathan Darman says they were the last consequential presidents because they had a vision of real change. http://www.jonathandarman.com/   Jonathan Allen Bill Press and his guest, Jonathan Allen, co-author of a book about Hillary Clinton.   Jim Hightower The KBParty of plutocratic rul

Re-inventing the labor movement with Thomas Geoghan… moving toward third-world status with Thomas Schaller … and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Donna Edwards.   Thomas Geoghegan has written a book called “Only One Thing Can Save Us.” What is that one thing?  Re-invent the labor movement. Political scientist Thomas Schaller explains why Republicans own Congress but Democrats own the White House. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Donna Edwards about the Obama legislative agenda.   Thomas Geoghegan Labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan says everyone in the Democratic Party has a stake in re-energizing the labor movement, and that unions need to refocus and re-invent themselves. http://dsgchicago.com/attorneys/attorney-thomas-geoghegan/books/   Thomas Schaller Professor Thomas Schaller explains why Republicans dominate Congress but will have to fill an inside straight to win the White House. http://yalebooks.com/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300172034   Donna Edwards Bill Press and his guest, Donna Edwards, Cong