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The price we pay for corporate consolidation. How the rich hide their wealth. Plus Bill Press with a view from Congress of the chances of passing the American Jobs Act.   Pat Garofalo on an antitrust agenda for working people. Chuck Collins on his newest book The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Spend Millions to Hide Trillions. Plus Bill Press with Congressman John Yarmuth, chair of the House Budget Committee on what it will take to pass Biden’s infrastructure plan.  Pat Garofalo In a recent report, the Economic Liberties Project offers a roadmap to how the Biden Administration can reverse a corporate concentration crisis.  Pat Garafola says there is a growing sense across the political divide that this is an issue lawmakers need to confront.  Chuck Collins In his newest book, Chuck Collins explores how the richest Americans are able to hide their wealth and pay next to no taxes, and how this is deepening our nation’s economic divide.  John Yarmuth Bill Press with Representative John Yarmuth, head of the Ho

The powerful influence of Lady Bird Johnson. Confronting the myths about poverty in America. Plus, Bill Press with a behind the scenes account of Joe Biden’s election campaign.   Julia Sweig on her newest book Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight. Mark Rank on his newest book Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty. Plus Bill Press with journalists Johnthan Allen and Amie Parnes on how Joe Biden barely won the presidency. Julia Sweig In her new biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Julia Sweig reveals the unappreciated impact of a remarkable first lady during a historic turning point in American  politics. Mark Rank In his newest book, Mark Rank explores what we don’t understand about who gets poor and why, and how long-standing myths have damaged our ability to respond to the deepening crisis of inequality in America Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes And now, Bill Press with journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes on Joe Biden’s nail-biting campaign to take the White House, and how luck won ou

Standing up in Congress for working people. Standing up in court to fight voter suppression. Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Julian Castro   Representative Tom Suozzi on the newly formed Labor Caucus and its promise to prioritize working families and unions. Caleb Jackson on the legal case against voter suppression. Plus Bill Press with Julian Castro on what’s really going on at the border.   Tom Suozzi Congressman Tom Suozzi says the idea of getting behind working people should be something that unites every Democrat, and now is the time to get past our differences to do that.   Caleb Jackson The battle to protect voting rights is playing out in courtrooms and legislative halls across the country right now.  Attorney Caleb Jackson says that even when the courts don’t side with voters, the fight is far from over.   Julian Castro Bill Press with Julian Castro on our nation’s border crisis, what should be done now, and what should be done in the future. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPres

How Joe Biden barely won the Presidency. The battle on Capitol Hill to win back our democracy.  Plus, Bill Press with Congressman Jamie Raskin.   Jonathan Allen with a behind-the-scenes look at Joe Biden's 2020 campaign. Fred Wertheimer on why now is the time for a historic overhaul of how we do elections. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Jaime Raskin on the state of play in Congress and why it’s time to get rid of the filibuster  Jonathan Allen Jonathan Allen’s newest book, co-authored with Amy Parnes, takes a deep dive into Joe Biden’s narrow victory that put him in the White House. It’s a story in part about how progressives Democrats, faced with the possibility of another four years of Trump, were able to coalesce behind a centrist candidate. Fred Wertheimer As Congress prepares for a showdown over a massive voting rights bill, democracy advocate Fred Wertheimer says passing the For the People Act is  essential to make sure America does not return to the days of Jim Crow politics. Jamie Raskin Bill Press

The way we work isn’t working. How employers exploit our good will and how to fight back. Division and gridlock in American politics and how to fix it. Plus, Bill Press with John Yang on stopping anti Asian American hate.   Sarah Jaffe on how devotion to our jobs keeps us exploited, exhausted, and alone. Katherine Gehl on America’s broken political system and why ranked choice voting is an answer. Plus Bill Press with John Yang on discrimination against Asian Americans and what can be done about it   Sarah Jaffe Sarah Jaffe’s newest book explores how "doing what you love" has become a recipe for exploitation. She says the time has come for an expanded labor movement that embraces all workers.   Katherine Gehl Katherine Gehl is a businesswoman, author and political innovation activist. She says gridlock and partisan dysfunction is built into American politics, and that’s why ranked choice voting is a necessary reform.   John Yang Bill Press with John Yang on the current climate of hate against Asian Americans

Joe Biden as a Catholic president and what that means for a divided nation. How democratic renewal at home can redefine America’s role in the world. Plus, Bill Press with Norm Ornstein on fixing the filibuster.   Massimo Faggioli on the intersection of faith and politics for America’s second Catholic President. James Traub on how restoring democratic principles in domestic policy can restore America’s legitimacy as a world leader. Plus Bill Press with Norm Ornstein how to break through GOP obstructionism and advance on Biden’s agenda.  Massimo Faggioli  In his recent and timely book, historian and theologian Massimo Faggioli provides an insightful overview of Catholicism in US politics, and its place in the career of President Biden.  He says Biden’s public embrace of his faith offers a much needed opening to heal the division of the last four years.  James Traub As President Biden shapes his foreign policy,  journalist James Traub says the threats to American democracy today come more from within than outsid

Inside the NAACP lawsuit against Trump for inciting the Capitol riot. How government segregated America and at what cost to Black Americans. Plus, Bill Press with Ari Berman on why voting rights are under attack.   NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson on why the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 is being used today in a lawsuit against Trump. Richard Rothstein of the Economic Policy Institute on the endurance of housing segregation in America and the disastrous consequences. Plus Bill Press with Mother Jones Senior Reporter Ari Berman on a new wave of voter suppression across the country driven by the GOP   Derrick Johnson The fight to hold Donald Trump liable for his role in January 6 insurrection is far from over. Derrick Johnson explains why a law enacted in 1871 to counter white supremacists is central to that effort.   Richard Rothstein Racial segregation in housing in Ameica underlies many of our most serious social problems.  In turning that around, Richard Rothstein says we have to acknowledge the role of g

A new era.  Overcoming political division during the pandemic. Bringing back government ethics and integrity after Trump.  Plus, Bill Press  with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the new normal after the pandemic.   Greg Sargent on how Biden’s COVID policy can restore a sense of national purpose.  Daniel Farber on how President Biden can make government accountable again.  Plus a pandemic update and look ahead with Bill Press and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.  Greg Sargent President Biden’s Covid policy includes a significant focus on rural America. Greg Sargent says it’s an excellent example of how Biden’s policy agenda can unify a divided America.  Daniel Farber Donald Trump was nothing less than a disaster for ethics and integrity in government. Daniel Farber says President Biden now faces an enormous challenge to undo the damage.  Sanjay Gupta Bill Press with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on how the pandemic is slowing down, and how it has changed life as we know it. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.  Jim High

A progressive response to the COVID crisis.  A labor movement game plan for the Biden administration.  Plus, Bill Press on the GOP’s bleak future as the party of Trump.   Richard Eskow on what he sees missing in the progressive response to the coronavirus pandemic and how to change that. Jeff Schuhrke on what the Biden administration needs to do to deliver for the working class. Plus Bill Press with Charlie Sykes on Donald Trump’s grip on the GOP.  Richard Eskow The coronavirus pandemic is revealing long-term systemic failures in American politics and culture.  Richard Eskow calls on progressives to recognize the enormity of the challenge and respond with uncompromising vision.  Jeff Schuhrke On the campaign trail, Joe Biden promised to be the “best friend labor has ever had in the White House.” Now that he’s there, Jeff Schuhrke says labor leaders aren’t taking anything for granted in their  fight to hold the new administration accountable to the needs of working Americans  Charlie Sykes Bill Press with Char

The new climate war and how to fight it. What we are learning about race, gender, and political representation. Plus, Bill Press with the latest on the GOP plan to thwart democracy.   Michael Mann says it’s a new day in the climate battle that can only be fought by believing we can still make a difference. Kerry L. Haynie on the record number of women of color in elected office and why it matters. Plus Bill Press with the Brennan Center’s  Eliza Sweren-Becker, on the surge in GOP-led efforts to suppress voting. Michael Mann Climate scientist Michael Mann has achieved fame for his work in proving climate change is happening. He says that even as we move past climate denialism, the battle over how to take action against global warming is as urgent as ever. Kerry L. Haynie In his newest book, political scientist Kerry L. Haynie,  along with his co-authors, explores the intersection of race and gender in today’s political arena.  He says with more women of color in Congress than ever before, expect them to make a

Progressive priorities for the Biden administration. Making the case for immigration reform and raising the minimum wage. Plus Bill Press with Representative Tim Ryan.   David Cooper on what a $15 minimum wage would really mean for America’s workers. Philip E. Wolgin on building an immigration system that lives up to American values. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Tim Ryan on why Biden needs to go big with a stimulus relief package.   David Cooper Progressive Democrats have made raising the minimum wage a priority for the new administration. And for good reason.  David Cooper says a $15 minimum wage would lift pay for tens of millions of workers and help reverse decades of growing pay inequality.   Philip E. Wolgin One of the first actions of the Biden administration was to put a pause on deportation for some undocumented immigrants. Philip E. Wolgin says it’s only the first step toward a fair, humane, and workable immigration policy that must move forward.   Tim Ryan Bill Press with Representative Tim Ryan

What’s next in the battle for free and fair elections? What will it take to achieve equity in education? Plus Bill Press on the year in hate. David Daley on how Republicans are trying to tighten their grip on minority rule, and who is fighting back. Kimberly Jenkins Robinson on why it’s time to guarantee a federal right to education. Plus Bill Press on a new report about the new landscape of hate in America. David Daley In his newest book, David Daley tells important stories about activists who are winning crucial battles for voting rights. And as they do, Daley says Republicans continue to rig the rules in their favor and put democracy at risk. Kimberly Jenkins Robinson Racial and economic disparities in educational opportunity are deep and persistent in the United States.  Legal Scholar Kimberly Jenkins Robinson says the time is long past due to guarantee a federal right to education for all children.  Michael Edison Hayden Bill Press with Michael Edison Hayden of the Southern Poverty Law Center on their ne

The politics of geography. Where Trump lost voters and why.     How Nebraska became a Republican stronghold. Plus Bill Press with former Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez.    Ross Benes In his newest book, author Ross Benes explores Nebraska’s political shift to the right. He says that if Democrats want to turn that around, they need to better understand the legitimate pain being felt in rural America today.   Dante Chinni Recent analysis of the 2020 election from the America’s Communities Project reveals how Trump lost ground in places long considered key GOP strongholds.  Dante Chinni says Trump’s failure to perform better in the middle suburbs was key to his defeat.   Tom Perez Bill Press with former DNC chair Tom Perez on a new era in American politics and the path to 2022 for Democrats. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.   Jim Hightower Hey Democrats – be democrats!

Why it matters to have a Native American cabinet secretary. The recurring crises of American democracy and why this time it’s different. Plus,  Bill Press on what President Biden can actually do in his first 100 days.   Julian Brave NoiseCat on the significance of Representative Deb Haaland's nomination as Secretary of the Interior. Suzanne Mettler on the unprecedented danger threatening our democracy. Plus, Bill Press talks with two Politico Reporters who have been covering the Biden transition.   Julian Brave NoiseCat President Biden has nominated Congresswoman Deb Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, she will become the first Native American cabinet secretary. Julian Brave NoiseCat says it’s a rare opportunity for the Biden Administration to restore trust with Native people and prioritize their concerns.   Suzanne Mettler In her newest book, co written with Robert C. Lieberman, Suzanne Mettler explores four threats that weaken democracy. And what is alarming about this American mom

Political Reckonings. Confronting the threat of right wing extremism.  Plus. GOP loyalty put to the test. And Bill Press with Congressman David Cicilline, co-author of the article of impeachment against Trump.   Alexandra Minna Stern on the changing face of America’s far right. Michael Koncewicz on why Trump’s impeachment is a different kind of challenge for Republicans than Nixon’s. Plus Congressman David Cicilline tells Bill Press  why he made the decision to file an article of impeachment against Trump.   Alexandra Minna Stern Alexandra Minna Stern’s research takes her deep into the dark matter of America’s far right. She says it’s a movement in transition, and an ever growing threat to our democracy.   Michael Koncewicz Michael Koncewicz’s most recent book on Republicans who defied Richard Nixon carries new relevance to the present day with Trump’s impeachment. Koncewicz (KON seh witzs) says what makes today different is a greater fear among Republicans that challenging this President will be at their pol

The Democrats' working class problem. Plus, How corporate monopolies have changed our lives. And Bill Press on the right wing media Trump is watching now.   Joan Williams says Democrats still have to figure out how to connect with the working class.  David Dayen says it's time for a grassroots movement to challenge monopolies. Plus Bill Press speaks with Matt Gertz about the shifting landscape of right wing media.   Joan C. Williams Joan C. Williams has written extensively about America’s working class.  And she says it’s a world that Democrats still have to understand.   David Dayen David Dayen’s most recent book explores the power of concentrated economic power on daily life.  He says monopolies pervade almost every aspect of our lives, often when we don’t even know it.   Matt Gertz The right wing media networks that are worse than Fox, and why Trump is a fan.  Bill Press with Matt Gertz, Senior Fellow at Media Matters for America. If you'd like to hear the entire interview, visit BillPressPods.com.   Jim H

Progressive politics at a turning point. Trump’s weaponization of the national security state. Plus Bill with Madeleine Albright.   Theda Skocpol on the right wing coalition that brought us Donald Trump, and what progressives should do now. Melvin Goodman on how Trump politicized the government to advance his personal agenda, and how to undo it. Plus, Madeleine Albright tells Bill Press about how to repair the damage done from Trump’s foreign policy.   Theda Skocpol Theda Skocpol’s most recent book explores citizen activism in the US from the Tea Party to the anti-Trump resistance and how they are transforming American politics.  It documents the elite and grassroots  interests that are pushing the GOP to the right, and what progressives can learn to advance their agenda in a Biden administration.   Melvin Goodman Melvin Goodman’s 42-year government career includes service at the CIA, Department of State, Department of Defense, and the US Army. He says Trump has weaponized the national security state in unpre

What we need to know about the threat of far right extremist violence. Plus Bill Press with Susan Rice, incoming Direction of the Domestic Policy Council   An extended conversation with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate.  Plus, Bill Press with an archive interview from 2019 with Susan Rice on the publication of her memoir.   Brian Levin - Pt. 1 In the lead up to the November election, there was significant concern about right wing inspired political violence, encouraged by Trump's incendiary rhetoric. As we approach the inauguration, those concerns remain as Trump continues to make unprecedented attacks on  the electoral process. Just before the election, we spoke with one of the most trusted voices on hate and extremism in America about how the landscape of political violence has changed under the Trump administration, and why a major election creates a moment of even greater risk.   Brian Levin - Pt. 2 We’re speaking with Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and

The change we have to have. How to make America work again for all Americans. Plus, Don Fowler, in his own words.    Jim Hightower and Senator Sherrod Brown on why this is a pivotal moment for progressive politics in America.  Plus, we remember a progressive hero, Don Fowler.    Jim Hightower and Sherrod Brown - Pt. 1 Every other Tuesday, A 21st Century Democrats co founder Jim Hightower sits down with a new quest for his own podcast titled Hightower Chat n Chew.  His most recent guest was Senator Sherrod Brown. And together they took on how progressives can get the most from a Biden administration.   Jim Hightower and Sherrod Brown - Pt. 2  We continue with a conversation with Jim Hightower and Senator Sherrod Brown originally posted to the podcast Hightower Chat n Chew. We pick up on a discussion about how progressive democrats can connect with voters in fly over country.   Don Fowler In his memory, our conversation with Don Fowler, in the aftermath of the 2010 election.   Last week, we lost a dear friend 

Moving ahead on a racial justice agenda in a Biden administration. Plus Bill Press on America’s deepening political divide and the future of Trumpism.    An extended conversation with political economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux on the hard work ahead for Democrats  to confront racial inequality. And Bill Press with political journalist Ron Brownstein on the future of both parties as the Red-Blue divide gets deeper. Julianne Malveaux - Part 1 Following his apparent victory in the November election, Joe Biden was quick to acknowledge the groundswell of support he received from Black voters. Dr. Julianne Malveaux says now is the time to make good on the support by taking on the hard lift of closing the racial wealth gap.  Julianne Malveaux - Part 2 We continue our conversation with Dr. Julianne Malveaux, and talk about why she says Joe Biden needs a new cabinet level position focused on racial equity.   Ron Brownstein The lasting appeal of Trumpism in American politics,  and what Democrats can do about it.  Bill P