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Wasserman Schultz’s prescription for America, Feminist Marianne Schnall on chances for a female president, and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz talks about working together and dialing down the vitriol in Washington. Feminist Marianne Schnall discusses what it will take for the nation to elect a woman president. And Bill Press interviews the always provocative Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer.    Debbie Wasserman Schultz Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has written a book that could serve as a roadmap for Democratic priorities. She also says Obamacare is a cake on its way to being baked. http://us.macmillan.com/forthenextgeneration/DebbieWassermanSchultz Marianne Schnall Electing a female president would be a victory for all women and their daughters, says feminist author Marianne Schnall, who adds it will take the right candidate and one with a thick skin. http://womanpresidentbook.com Brian Schweitzer Bill Press

Politics this week -- former Senator Alan Dixon on Obamacare; Professor Fabio Rojas on Twitter as a predictor of elections; and education expert David Bergeron on the politics of student loans. A former Democratic Senate leader says his party better start fixing Obamacare right away. An expert on social media says he can predict congressional elections by monitoring Twitter. And a higher-education policy maker has a series of student loan reforms in mind. Alan Dixon   Alan Dixon was a senator from Illinois for two terms and was chief deputy whip for the Democrats. Well known as a moderate, he has some harsh words for both parties and calls on congressional Democrats to fix Obamacare. https://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Senator-Alan-Dixon-Memoir-The-Gentleman-from-Illinois/180738472064831 Fabio Rojas Indiana University professor Fabio Rojas studies politics and social media. And he believes that Twitter activity can predict the outcome of close House elections http://mypage.iu.edu/~frojas/index.html David

Thanksgiving reflections on America’s food supply and the theocracy that one author says governs the “land of our pilgrims’ pride.” As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving, professor Robert Paarlberg summarizes the politics of food in a country where obesity may be more of a problem than hunger. This year, Thanksgiving coincides with Hanukkah -- and the role of God and religion in our civic life is the subject of a provocative interview with Sean Faircloth, a former legislator from Maine and an advocate of strict separation of church and state. And Bill Press interviews California Congressman Sam Farr. Robert Paarlberg Robert Paarlberg is an expert on food. In addition to summarizing the science and  politics of food production, he notes that the biggest health threat from American agriculture is not on the farm or in the labs of Monsanto but in our own kitchens. http://robertpaarlberg.net Sean Faircloth Church and state expert Sean Faircloth – he wants to separate them – reminds us on Thanksgiving that d

As a political animal, the Republican Party’s moderate wing is extinct. Interviews with political experts Geoffrey Kabaservice and Erica Seifert about the future of the GOP. And Bill Press interviews a leader of EMILY’s List. Today we talk about a fascinating species of political animal – the Republican Party. Professor Geoffrey Kabaservice has written a history of the GOP since Eisenhower and says its moderate wing is pretty much extinct. Democratic political analyst Erica Seifert has conducted focus groups of Republicans and predicts that their takeover by extremists marginalizes the party’s national appeal. And Bill Press, along with Chris Moody of Yahoo News, interviews Jess McIntosh, communications director of EMILY’s List about Project Madam President. Geoffrey Kabaservice Historian Geoffrey Kabaservice has studied Republican moderates of the past – and they include people named Cheney and Rumsfeld – and traces the party’s history to its present state. And, he says, the moderate wing of the Republica

Democratic Party Chair on Obamacare and the Virginia election. A Veterans Week reflection on the state of warfare, and a peace activist says U.S. intelligence apparatus is out of control.. Democratic Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has a lot to say about Obamacare and the Tea Party’s extremism, and she advises members of both parties in Congress -- just try to be “normal human beings.” A Veterans Week reflection by law professor Mary Dudziak on how America has come to be in a permanent state of war. And Bill Press interviews Joe Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund, about the NSA and, also, Syria. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, chair of the Democratic Party and a congresswoman from Florida says if you don’t like the way your kitchen was remodeled, don’t burn down the house – take the counter out and re-do the cabinet knobs. Her point? The Affordable Care Act needs minor revisions, not arson. http://us.macmillan.com/forthenextgeneration/DebbieWassermanSchultz Mary Dudzi

Is it time for a woman president? Feminist author Marianne Schnall thinks so. How permanent is the House GOP majority? Not very, says Democratic strategist Elaine Kamarck. And Ellie Smeal talks about women’s issues at the state level. It is three years until the next presidential election, but not too early to start handicapping it. Could it be the year for a woman president? Author Marianne Schnall thinks so. Democratic analyst Elaine Kamarck has some advice for Republicans – start speaking to a majority of the American people! And Bill Press interviews Eleanor Smeal, president of the Fund for a Feminist Majority. Marianne Schnall A feminist author, Marianne Schnall, interviewed hundreds of women to find out what obstacles stand in the way of a female becoming president. The answer? Nothing! http://womanpresidentbook.com Elaine Kamarck A year from the midterm congressional elections, Democratic analyst Elaine Kamarck notes that there is nothing permanent about a majority in the House in the face of large

The rise of a theocratic America … the decline of the American economy … and a preview of the 2014 gubernatorial races. Sean Faircloth is a former state legislator and now an advocate for separation of church and state. He says that the intrusion of religion into government can have deadly consequences. Economist George Tyler tells us what went wrong with the American economy. One short answer, he says, is “stock options.” And Bill Press interviews Danny Kanner of the Democratic Governors Association about how the Virginia race could be a bellwether for Democratic gains next year. Sean Faircloth Washington, Adams and Jefferson could not be elected president today because they didn’t profess a belief in God, says secularist Sean Faircloth. And, says the former state legislator, religion intrusion into policy can cause the death of children. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIrK-Fv6M8 George Tyler What caused the Great Recession? Former World Bank economist George Tyler has a few answers for us, but mainl

Food expert Robert Paarlberg says the biggest danger from contaminated food comes from your own kitchen. Historian Richard Moe says Obama can take lessons from FDR. And Larry Sabato talks with Bill Press about the JFK legacy. The role of government in regulating food safety came up recently when the FDA and Agriculture Department were shut down. But food expert Robert Paarlberg says the biggest health danger lies in your own kitchen. Historian Richard Moe tells us that FDR never wanted to run for a third term, until World War II made him. He also says Obama can take a lesson from FDR by using executive power when Congress won’t cooperate. And Bill Press talks about the legacy of JFK with political scientist Larry Sabato. Robert  Paarlberg Professor Robert  Paarlberg is an expert on American agriculture and food production. He says there is no evidence of risk from genetically modified organisms, BUT what’s most likely to make you sick is how you prepare food in your own kitchen! http://belfercenter.ksg.ha

Music historian Sheryl Kaskowitz explains why we are singing “God Bless America” so much. Economist James K. Galbraith assesses the country’s economic mess. Bill Press interviews Congressman Bruce Braley. With the baseball playoffs in full swing, fans and viewers will hear “God Bless America” during every 7th inning stretch. A music scholar tells us how it has become such a powerful national song. With a new head of the Fed and the fear of national default in the air, progressive economist James K. Galbraith reviews the meaning of government shutdowns, budget sequesters and the debt ceiling. And Bill Press talks with Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley. Sheryl Kaskowitz Everyone knows the song “God Bless America.” It will be sung during every post-season baseball game. But it has a powerful and controversial history and, says author Sheryl Kaskowitz, communal singing of it can have “a coercive element.” http://gba.sherylkaskowitz.com/ James K. Galbraith Economist James K. Galbraith offers his view on the way o

Budget expert Michael Linden asks whether Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time? Analyst Elaine Kamarack on the Democrats lock on the electoral college. And Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa talks with Bill Press. Michael Linden is managing director for economic policy at the Center for American Progress who argues that focusing on the deficit hurts economic growth. Centrist Democrat Elaine Kamarck applies old lessons from her party to the current Republican Party; namely, party unity gets in the way of figuring out the best policies for winning moderate voters. And Bill Press talks with Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii. Michael Linden Progressive budget expert Michael Linden tells us something obvious – that Congress can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. He urges lawmakers  to stop letting budget issues get in the way of programs that would help the economy. http://www.americanprogress.org Elaine Kamarck Centrist Democratic political analyst Elaine Kamarck says Democrats may have an el

Public opinion analyst Erica Seifert proposes a new economic agenda for women, and author Eric Liu proposes building the economy from the middle class out. And some union history from Jim Hoffa. Erica Seifert is a public opinion analyst who helped draws up a “women’s economic agenda” and it’s based primarily on economics. Progressive scholar and author Eric Liu wants to build the economy from the middle class out  and explains how to do it. And Bill Press talks with Jim Hoffa, president of the Teamsters Union. Erica Seifert Public opinion analyst Erica Seifert says the key political issues for women are pay, education and reproductive freedom. And those issues may pave the way for congressional gains next year – IF women turn out at the polls. http://gqrr.com/articles/2013/07/24/the-women-s-economic-agenda/ Eric Liu Author Eric Liu says restoring the ideal of opportunity for all Americans can be accomplished by adopting “middle out economics.” The result would be more money in the hands of consumers to

Pollster Celinda Lake says Democrats need to be more aggressive in their messaging. Economist George Tyler says corporate greed crashed the American economy, and Congressman Steve Israel on House Republicans. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says the top issue on the political horizon isn’t the economy or education, but rather which crazy thing Republicans will do next. Former World Bank executive and author George Tyler answers the question, “What Went Wrong” with the U.S. economy. And Bill Press talks with Congressman Steve Israel of New York. Celinda Lake Pollster Celinda Lake thinks Democrats are too responsible and cooperative when it comes to talking policy. She says we need to concentrate more on messaging and fighting whatever crazy thing Republicans think of next. http://www.lakeresearch.com George Tyler The American economy has experienced considerable growth in the last 30 years. But virtually none of this growth has trickled down to the average American. Economist and author George Tyler expl

Five years after Lehman Brothers, economist James Galbraith says the financial sector is dysfunctional. And a demographer says your zip code determines your health Five years ago, the collapse of Lehman Brothers set off the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Economist James Galbraith analyzes what we have learned since then. At a time when the gap between rich and poor is at a 100-year high, demographer Phillip Longman finds a direct link between an American’s income and his or her health. And Bill Press talks with Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz James K. Galbraith University of Texas economist James K. Galbraith says that five years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the economy is starting to slowly come around. http://utip.gov.utexas.edu/JG/ Phillip Longman Health expert Phillip Longman has found that where you live – and how much you make – directly correlates to your health status. http://newamerica.net Debbie Wasserman Schultz Bill Press

Chemical and biological weapons, along with cyberwarfare, are the new national security threats. Also, a new semester and still no help for students who are in debt. An expert in national security defines the two biggest threats to America 12 years after 9/11, and a time when the NFL is limiting what you can bring into a stadium. The fall semester at colleges around the country has begun, and a former Education Department official has an idea on how to lessen the massive debt burden facing American students. And Bill Press talks with Representative Jim Moran about Syria, and why the Virginia Congressman doesn’t attend classified briefings. Michael Greenberger Law professor and homeland security expert Michael Greenberger says the two greatest threats to national security 12 years after 9/11 are cyberwarfare and chemical weapons. http://www.michaelgreenberger.com David Bergeron David Bergeron was a top official in the Education Department. He has a plan for the government to make it a little easier for col

Reflections on the plight of organized labor, with union leader Paul Booth and economist John Schmitt on how to fight the Republican assault on working people. Labor Day 2013 finds much of the nation finally focused on income disparities and the plight of minimum wage workers. Our guests today speak directly to those issues. Long-time union leader Paul Booth says the fight progressives must make is not only about good wages, but good wedges -- framing our concerns in terms of winning wedge issues. Economist John Schmitt takes us through the history of the minimum wage fight. And Bill Press talks with the University of Virginia’s Larry Sabato about that state’s race for governor. Paul Booth Labor Day commemorates the contributions of America’s working men and women, and a leader of the government workers union, Paul Booth, says that just being right on issues isn’t enough – you have to use language to win the message war. http://afscme.com John Schmitt Economist John Schmitt explains how the productivity

Labor Day is approaching, and guests George Packer, Andrew Levison, and David Bonior analyze how things have gotten so tough for working men and women. Labor Day is coming up, and this week we hear from three experts on the challenges facing working people in America. Best-selling author George Packer talks with us about his book “The Unwinding,” and how since the Reagan Administration we have become “a society of winners and losers.” And labor advocate and former House Democratic Whip David Bonior says this is the worst moment for organized labor in his lifetime. George Packer George Packer is a staff writer for The New Yorker and has written a best-selling book about America’s “unwinding.” He says it was caused by what leaders and elites could get away with. It turns out to have been plenty, and now the American worker is in a race to the bottom. http://media.us.macmillan.com/Catalogs/Current/FSG_Spring-2013_09_2012.pdf Andrew Levison Where are Democrats going to get the votes to improve their stan

“The Ghosts of Jim Crow” still roam says black historian … Don’t like the president? A political scientist says we need two of them! As we approach the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, law professor F. Michael Higginbotham (pronounce the “th”), tells us about the subject of his new book, “The Ghosts of Jim Crow.” DavId Orentlicher, lawyer, a doctor, a professor and a former state legislator, says the presidency is too powerful. Therefore, he argue, we need TWO presidents! And Bill Press talks with the new president of Americans United for Change, Brad Woodhouse. F. Michael Higginbotham As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, we hear from African American law professor F. Michael Higginbotham about “the ghosts of Jim Crow.” He says there has been much progress, and that the destiny of today’s black men and women will be determined by how hard they are willing to work. http://www.fmichaelhigginbotham.org/ David Orentlicher How can we end the political pol

One historian examines the political skills of Franklin D. Roosevelt … another tells us who the worst president in history was. Today we go back into history to discuss with two presidential scholars perhaps the greatest president of all time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and some of the worst, or most forgotten, gentlemen to occupy the White House. And Bill Press talks with Joe Cirincione, president of the ploughshares fund. Ira Katznelson President Franklin D. Roosevelt had to make some unsavory political compromises to establish the New Deal. Historian Ira Katznelson tells us about that, and he calls for progressive to become more imaginative and galvanize a new New Deal. http://polisci.columbia.edu/people/profile/92 Michael Gerhardt Americans may argue over who was the greatest U.S. president – Washington, Lincoln, FDR. But how little attention we pay to the least among them! Presidential historian Michael Gerhardt reviews for us the subject of his new book “The Forgotten Presidents.” http://www.oup.com/u

Hear the creators of two new progressive ideas -- Eric Liu on “middle-out” economics and Erica Seifert on a women’s economic agenda. President Obama has renewed his campaign to fix the American economy by by strengthening the middle class. Today, we talk with author Eric Liu, who coined the phrase “middle-out” economics. And Erica Seifert, a political analyst explains how  a  new “women’s economic agenda” can help Democrats regain the House, keep the Senate and retain the presidency in the years ahead. And Bill Press talks with John Conyers, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee about the NSA. Eric Liu Author Eric Liu coined the phrase “middle-out economics,” which President Obama has adopted. What does it mean? Simply that jobs are created not by business tycoons but by a middle class prosperous enough to demand more consumer goods. http://www.truepat.org Erica Seifert It isn’t just pay equity that’s important to women, says political analyst Erica Seifert. It’s their actual pay. She e

Race and the economy. It’s the white working class Democrats need to win over, says one expert. Another says the economy is coming around, but slowly. Two issues at the forefront of American political discussion this week – race and the economy. Author Andrew Levison takes us on a tour of the white working class, and, with talk swirling about a replacement for Ben Bernanke, former Fed official Stephen Axilrod says the economy is inching forward. And Bill Press talks with Melanie Sloan about the nation’s most ethically challenged governors. And guess which party they belong to? Andrew Levison Progressive author Andrew Levison says that Democrats desperately need votes in 2014 from people who now vote Republican. Who are they? He says they are the white working class, and they are not as conservative as we may think. http://thewhiteworkingclasstoday.com/ Stephen Axilrod Stephen Axilrod was a top official of the Federal Reserve Board for 30 years. He has written a book explaining how the Fed works, and he