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Is Chief Justice John Roberts crazy? Why can’t we take corporations to court? The answers to these dilemmas come from constitutional scholar Jack Balkin and antitrust expert Lina Khan. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Barbara Lee.   As the nation marks Constitution Day this week, legal scholar Jack Balkin of Yale University says conservative judges keep making up things that aren’t IN the Constitution and imagine a country that never existed. Antitrust expert Lina Khan tells us how the courts have taken away Americans’ right to sue corporations. And Bill Press interviews anti-war Congresswoman Barbara Lee   Jack Balkin Law professor Jack Balkin, on the anniversary of the Constitution’s ratification, says the opinion of Supreme Court Justice John Roberts allowing unlimited political donations is “just crazy” http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/jbalkin/   Lina Khan Antitrust expert Lina Khan says the right to sue should be a fundamental conservative idea … but with help from Democrats, conservatives have virtua

Journalist Chuck McCutcheon decodes Washington-speak … anthropologist Janine Wedel decodes the world of shadow lobbyists. And Bill Press interviews Christina Bellantoni, editor of Roll Call.   With Congress back in session and an election coming up, journalist Chuck McCutcheon is here to interpret political euphemisms, explaining why calling someone “my good friend” is usually a lie. The author of a new book about political accountability says the conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is an example of a new kind of corruption – violation of the public trust. And Bill Press interviews journalist Christina Bellantoni about Democratic prospects for retaining the Senate.   Chuck McCutcheon Political reporter Chuck McCutcheon has written a dictionary of Washington euphemisms … or dog whistles as he calls them … to help us understand the Kabuki theater of Congress and the election campaigns. http://dogwhistlebook.com/   Janine Wedel Anthropologist Janine Wedel says the widespread loss of faith in ins

Professor Gordon Lafer reviews the corporate war against labor. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan reveals a corporate conspiracy to repeal the laws against monopolies. And Bill Press interviews Democratic consultant Erikka Knuti.   Another Labor Day, but what’s to celebrate? Professor Gordon Lafer says issues like the minimum wage, a living wage and paid sick days are winning issues politically and progressive candidates should call out big business – and win. Antitrust expert Sandeep Vaheesan calls out what he says is a corporate conspiracy, aided and abetted by Democrats, to trash the nation’s anti-monopoly laws. And Bill Press interviews Democratic strategist Erikka Knuti.   Gordon Lafer As we commemorate another Labor Day, professor Gordon Lafer reminds us that unions gave us the minimum wage, the 8-hour day, and child labor laws – all of which were opposed by the Chamber of Commerce, which continues to oppose what most working Americans demand. http://www.epi.org/people/gordon-lafer/   Sandheep Vaheesan

David Chappell reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King. David O’Connell has surprising conclusions about presidents and religion. And Bill Press interviews Jillien Meier about hunger in America.   Another anniversary of the March on Washington comes amidst a crisis in Ferguson, Missouri. Civil rights historian David Chappell reviews the legacy of the “I Have a Dream Speech.” Presidents always invoke God in their major speeches, but political scientist David O’Connell says it never really works in changing minds. And Bill Press interviews Jillien Meier about hunger in America.   David Chappell In this time of continued turmoil, civil rights historian David Chappell says that 41 years ago at the March on Wahsington, Martin Luther King was really not talking about hope but about sacrifice and struggle. http://www.randomhouse.com/book/26218/waking-from-the-dream-by-david-l-chappell   David O’Connell When presidents invoke religion and God, it is usually to promote a controversial policy, or because they are

Law professor Jack Balkin says we have to reclaim the Constitution,  historian Harvey Kaye says we have to reclaim the Four Freedoms ,and Madison Paige explains “micropolitics.”     It’s been 80-some years, but the New Deal is still on our radar screens. Conservatives want to repeal it and progressives need to remind people about what FDR really wanted out of it. Law professor Jack Balkin explains how progressives can also use the Constitution’s original language to fight conservative attempts to roll back the New Deal. Historian Harvey Kaye reminds us of FDR’s Four Freedoms speech and the legacy that remains unfulfilled. And micropolitics activist Madison Paige focuses on the need for more people to run for office at the very local level.   Jack Balkin We all get a little exasperated when conservatives talk forever about the “original” meaning of the Constitution. But law professor Jack Balkin says progressives have just as much right to the original wording – for example, free speech, equal protection of t

Fred Rotondaro says the border crisis is a pro-life issue. Journalist Chuck McCutcheon decodes Beltway blather. And Bill Press interviews Ohio Congressional candidate Michael Wager.   Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the border crisis should be seen as a “pro-life” issue among Catholics, and others. Journalist Chuck McCutcheon explains the secret language spoken inside the Beltway. And Bill Press interviews Michael Wager, running for Congress in Northeast Ohio.   Fred Rotondaro With the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Jesuit Society pushing hard for a compassionate response to the influx of unaccompanied Central American children, commentator Fred Rotondaro says he would like to see Church leaders  “turn the screws” on congressional Republicans. http://www.americanprogress.org Chuck McCutcheon What is the definition of “reasonable Republicans?” How about “adults in the room?” Sometimes they are one and the same, explains journalist Chuck McCutcheon, who has written a book  about Washington jarg

Ruy Teixeira on white working class voters … Mike Konczal on protecting the social safety net … and Bill Press interviews retiring Senator Tom Harkin, founder of 21st Century Democrats.    With just three months left before the midterm elections, the outlook for Democrats depends on how the white working class votes, says public opinion expert Ruy Teixeira. Economic analyst Mike Konczal says Democrats have to defend the social safety net because the evidence says voluntary help to the poor never works. And Bill Press interviews retiring Senator Tom Harkin, the founder of 21st Century Democrats.   Ruy Teixeira Noted Democratic political analyst Ruy Teixeira says Democrats have an uphill battle in the 2014 elections – and maybe in 2016 -- unless the white working class can be turned around.   http://americanprogress.org/about/staff/teixeira-ruy/bio/   Mike Konczal   Whenever Republicans have tried to replace the social safety net with private support, it has failed. Economic analyst Mike Konczal offers a hist

Mike Barnes on trouble in Ukraine … Tom Malleson on trouble in the economy and Bill Press with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro on trouble at the border.   Former Congressman and foreign policy expert Mike Barnes offers his thoughts on Ukraine, Western Europe and Florida politics. Economic researcher Tom Malleson makes the case for economic democracy in the workplace. And Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Rosa deLauro on the border crisis.   Mike Barnes Foreign policy expert and former Congressman Mike Barnes offers his assessment of Vladimir Putin and the struggle in Ukraine. http://www.ciponline.org/about-us/experts-staff/michael_barnes Tom Malleson The Occupy Wall Street movement failed because it didn’t spell out concrete alternatives to the current economy, says researcher Tom Malleson – who lays out his alternative – economic democracy in the workplace. http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199330102.do Rosa DeLauro Bill Press and his guest, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut discuss the trouble

GOP sues Obama but can YOU sue anyone anymore? Lina Khan says no. Tech innovator Aneesh Chopra offers lessons on government data collection. And Bill Press interviews Washington, D.C.’s “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry   If you think John Boehner’s lawsuit against the president will be laughed out of court, wait till you find out that when YOU try to sue, it’s no laughing matter. President Obama’s first technology adviser has some advice on how partnerships between the feds and corporations can improve government services. Finally, Bill Press interviews D.C. “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry   Lina Khan When you sign up for cable, join a gym or buy a phone you have given up your right to sue. Policy analyst Lina Khan explains how the courts let us sign away our legal rights. http://newamerica.net/people/lina_khan   Aneesh Chopra There’s a lot of negative talk about government efficiency, but President Obama’s first chief technology officer, Aneesh Chopra, says innovation can and will improve things. http://www.inn

Religion is on the menu today with theologian James Skillen, activist nun Simone Campbell and a Bill Press interview with Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the Hobby Lobby case.   With all the furor over the Supreme Court’s injection of religion into public policy, we hear from theologian James Skillen about the true nature of this country’s spiritual foundation. And activist nun Simone Campbell reveals what she would ask Pope Francis, if she could. Finally, Bill Press interviews Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Hobby Lobby and impeachment.   James Skillen The Supreme Court’s exemption for Hobby Lobby from Obamacare and the justice’s incredible decision about contraception makes this is a good time to hear from an actual theologian – Professor James Skillen -- about the true role of faith in American politics. http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-good-of-politics/342640   Simone Campbell Activist nun Simone Campbell says the Catholic movement for economic justice is well within the teachings of the Church. And she

Economist Gordon Lafer on the GOP and the Supreme Court’s war on workers …  author Harvey Kaye on the legacy of FDR’s “Four Freedoms” and Bill Press with steelworkers president Leo Gerard   The Supreme Court has just struck another blow against unions, and economist Gordon Lafer traces the Republican war on workers. Historian Harvey Kaye has written a book about FDR’s “Four Freedoms” and how they propelled us through the Depression and World War II. But he says Democrats have let them fall into disuse. And Bill Press talks with Steelworkers President Leo Gerard about  the Supreme Court’s “baloney” decision encouraging workers to freeload off of unions.   Gordon Lafer Professor Gordon Lafer says the Republican war on workers is most intense in battleground states where the Koch Brothers are spending money and is targeting government employees, just like the Supreme Court just did. http://www.epi.org/people/gordon-lafer/   Harvey Kaye Historian Harvey Kaye has written a book on the legacy of FDR’s “Four Freedom

Diplomat Peter Galbraith says Obama is on the right course in Iraq. Professor Danielle Allen explains the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. And Bill Press interviews author Jonathan Allen about Hillary Clinton’s wealth.   What went wrong in Iraq? Former diplomat Peter Galbraith says it was the Bush fantasy that we could establish a national army -- where there was no nation. What’s the meaning of the Declaration of Independence? Professor Danielle Allen explains it is the explicit link between liberty and equality. And Bill Press talks with Hillary Clinton expert Jonathan Allen.   Peter Galbraith Diplomat Peter Galbraith says there is nothing we can do to put Iraq back together again. http://armscontrolcenter.org/about/staff/pgalbraith/ Danielle Allen Professor Danielle Allen has written a book about our most sacred political document, the Declaration of Independence, which intertwines both liberty AND equality. https://www.ias.edu/people/faculty-and-emeriti/allen   Jonathan Allen Bill Press and h

Sandra Hanson on the American Dream … Mike Konczal on the fallacy of voluntarism …and Bill Press with his guest, Congressman Mark Pocan.     How has the shrinking of the middle class changed the American Dream? Professor Sandra Hanson says the dream is now more spiritual than material. Economic analyst Mike Konczal points out that when conservatives say we should go back to before the New Deal when private sector charity took care of the poor … they are misinformed. It was never that way. And Bill Press talks about House Republicans and LGBT issues with Representative Mark Pocan.     Sandra Hanson Catholic University Professor Sandra Hanson has been looking into the American Dream, and as we approach the annual celebration of American independence, she says we need that dream even more when times are tough. http://www.temple.edu/tempress/titles/2112_reg.html Mike Konczal When Republicans talk about the good old days when voluntary organizations, like churches and charities, took care of the poor, they are fan

Cashin on  replacing affirmative action … Hibbing on the genetic basis of politics … and Bill Press with his guest, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth.   A new college class has graduated, and succeeding ones may have a different racial composition. Law professor Sheryll Cashin says if affirmative action is out, then use a college applicant’s social status to determine admissions. If a conservative stopped listening to Fox News, would she change her views? No, says political scientist John Hibbing, who contends our politics are knitted into our DNA. And Bill Press talks with Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky. Sheryll Cashin Sheryll Cashin is an African-American law professor at Georgetown University. She makes the case in a new book that it is “place, not race” that should be used in determining college admissions. John Hibbing Professor John Hibbing has studied politics and people’s brains. He says people can sometimes change their views based on evidence, but mostly we voters are responding, in part, to

Peter Galbraith on Obama’s foreign policy; Jan Leighley on why rich people vote. And Bill Press interviews Senator Bernie Sanders..   President Obama is back from Europe, and former ambassador James Galbraith says he has had a successful foreign policy. Political science professor Jan Leighly explains why the rich vote in greater numbers than the poor, and what they vote for. And Bill Press talks with Senator Bernie Sanders on his new veterans affairs legislation.   Peter Galbraith Diplomat Peter Galbraith says President Obama’s foreign policy has been successful … and that if Hillary Clinton becomes president, she will enter office with more foreign policy experience than anyone in American history. Jan Leighley Voting expert Jan Leighley has a warning for Democrats – it isn’t the rhetoric that will matter in defeating Republicans – it is the organizational efforts and door-to-door campaigning. http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/leighley.cfm Bernie Sanders Bill Press and his guest, Senator Bernie Sanders,

Economist James K. Galbraith talks about trade policy … researcher Tom Malleson talks about the remarkable new book by Thomas Piketty … and Harvard’s Theda Skocpol warns that the Tea Party is not dead.   Progressive economist James K. Galbraith offers his thoughts on the crisis in Ukraine and on how U.S. trade policy is a concession to corporate interests. Social scientist Tom Malleson talks about the groundbreaking work of Thomas Piketty and calls for economic democracy in the United States. And despite some recent primary setbacks by Tea Party candidates, Harvard professor Theda Skocpol says they aren’t dead yet! James K. Galbraith Economist James K. Galbraith is optimistic that there will be no great effects on the world economy from the flare-up in Ukraine, and he has some strong thoughts about U.S. trade policy. http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/ Tom Malleson Tom Malleson is a research fellow at York University in Canada and he says the growing income inequality documented by French economist Thomas Piketty

A holiday treatise on the Declaration of Independence by Princeton Professor Danielle Allen … regular commentator Fred Rotondaro’s assessment of Hillary Clinton’s prospects … and Bill Press talks with the Nation’s Zoe Carpenter.     As the nation celebrates Memorial Day, Princeton Professor Danielle Allen examines the power of words in the Declaration of Independence to bring us liberty AND equality. Hillary Clinton. Will she or won’t she? Regular commentator Fred Rotondaro says the Democratic nomination is NOT hers for the asking, but it would be a big surprise if she doesn’t get it. And Bill Press talks with the Nation’s Zoe Carpenter about immigration reform and Republican politics.   Danielle Allen Political science professor and MacArthur genius Danielle Allen has written a book about the Declaration of Independence, and she says its powerful words about liberty AND equality are an example of how we, as individuals, can use words to achieve our political ends. https://www.ias.edu/people/faculty-and-emeri

Sister Simone Campbell says GOP budget proposals fail the moral test, former Congressman Mike Barnes says Republicans would have us in a war every three weeks, and Senator Bob Casey tells how the Republicans are killing an energy bill.     A harsh critic of Republican budget-cutting, Sister Simone Campbell says the GOP spending proposals “fail the moral test.” Foreign policy scholar and former congressman Mike Barnes says if McCain had been elected president, “we’d be in a new war every three weeks.” And Bill Press interviews Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania about energy, the economy and politics.   Simone Campbell Sister Simone Campbell made a national splash a couple of years ago with her “nuns on the bus” campaign against Paul Ryan’s budget proposals. Today, the Republican proposals are even worse, she says, because “we are not taking care of the people Jesus cares about.” http://www.amazon.com/Nun-Bus-Create-Change-Community/dp/006227354X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399053054&sr=8-1&keywords=a+nu

College admissions should about place, not race, says professor Sheryll Cashin. Government must work with business to create innovative ways of delivering services, says technology expert Aneesh Chopra. And Bill Press interviews an innocent man who was on death row.   In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, a perhaps surprising take on affirmative action from Georgetown law professor Sheryll Cashin. With the V.A. under attack by Republicans, the government’s first chief technology officer tells how the administration actually cleared up a backlog of claims and used information technologoy to empower veterans. And Bill Press interviews one-time death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth   Sheryll Cashin It’s 50 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 60 years after Brown v. Board of Education, and Georgetown Law professor Sheryll Cashin says it’s time to substitute the students’ place in society and not their race in college admissions http://www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty/cashin-sheryll-d.cfm Aneesh Chopr

Privacy expert Peter Singer on Internet security, Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore on progressive values messaging, and Bill Press interviews Congresswoman Gwen Moore.   Internet Explorer and AOL are the latest institutions hacked by computer villains. Privacy expert Peter Singer tells us how to protect ourselves. Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore advises progressives to talk less about programs and more about values. And Bill Press interviews Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore.   Peter Singer With Internet Explorer and AOL the latest victims of hacking, privacy expert Peter Singer reveals the biggest threat – our own ignorance. http://www.cybersecuritybook.com/   Ed Kilgore Ed Kilgore is a Democratic strategist whose message is fairly straightforward: Talk less about government programs and more about values. http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org   Gwen Moore Bill Press and his guests, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and the National Journal’s Matt Vasilagambros. http://gwenmoore.house.gov/   Jim Hightower Some Co