Make It Plain with Mark Thompson

THROWBACK EPISODE! Jaime Harrison is tied in the polls against Senator Lindsay Graham, so we're bumping up this episode with the candidate so you can get to know him and share with EVERYONE you know in South Carolina. Jaime Harrison knows South Carolinians concerns because he grew up with similar ones. In his bid for Lindsey Graham's senate seat, he's been connecting with voters on the issues that matter most to them: access to quality healthcare (especially in rural areas), small businesses burning out and job losses from coronavirus, and food insecurity that was prevalent even before the pandemic hit. In today's episode, he not only addresses how he plans to take on the state's biggest challenges, but he also points to exactly how Lindsey Graham has no time for his constituents, but plenty of time to make appearances on Sean Hannity's show. South Carolina is in need of a change -- Lindsey Graham is standing in the way, so Jaime Harrison is stepping up. (Original air date: 8/10/20). D

The 2016 presidential election saw the lowest turnout for Black voters in over 20 years and the Black Economic Alliance (BEA) is working to change that in 2020. David Clunie, who is the organization's Executive Director, joins the show to talk about the very first National Black Voter Day, improving voter engagement, and how the organization intends to get more Black voices involved in discussions that shape legislation for things like healthcare, education, the economy, and more. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Marissa Nance was attending Howard University a few years behind a young lady named Kamala Harris -- the same one who became a United States Senator and now the first female Vice Presidential candidate. She's admired her since those college days, and says she's still a leader she wants to emulate. Aside from her connections to Sen. Harris, did I mention Marissa's knock-out career? She tells us what it's like to run the only minority and female-certified media agency, and gives us a masterclass in marketing, creativity, and advertising with diversity and inclusion. Some other highlights include launching the classic reality show "Survivor" and helping to create the first ever Nike/LBJ shoe by and for Black women. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcir

Markos Moulitsas, Founder of DailyKos and Civiqs, is back -- and right off the bat, we learn about the key state where Trump is both losing and not bothering to advertise in. And as for ALL that polling data we're constantly bombarded with, Markos breaks down the most reliable information out there. Today's agenda also addresses Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where Biden is currently winning, and Markos helps us understand the significance of this lead in the grand scheme of the electoral college. Mark and Markos also get into some of the comparisons to polling data from 2016, the evolution of attitudes towards Black Lives Matter, and if conservatives are buying Trump's law and order platform. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arkansas State Senator Joyce Elliott is running to represent the state's 2nd congressional district, and she's currently within one point of the Republican incumbent. If she wins, she will be the first Black person to be elected to congress from the state. But this isn't the first historic move Senator Elliott has made in her career OR her personal life. In today's episode, she digs in to tell us her personal backstory that has informed her leadership, as she integrated her school first as a young student, and again when she became an educator. She understands the struggles of middle and working class, having spent time living off Beanie Weenies to stretch a dollar, which is a far-cry from that of her bankrolled opponent who "does a good job looking out for the wealthy." Get to know this incredible leader and how she wants to upgrade Arkansas' healthcare, education, and infrastructure. DONATE: https://www.joyceelliott.com/ Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple

In a startling ProPublica report, Annie Waldman and Joshua Kaplan reveal the horrific details of New Orleans hospitals sending coronavirus patients home to die or pressuring families to put them in hospice care, and in some cases discontinued treatment, even when their loved ones begged them to keep trying. Every patient who was sent home and died was African-American, and just yesterday, the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus called for an investigation into what happened. In today's episode with reporter Annie Waldman, you'll learn the intricacies of this troubling investigation and how it unfolded along racial lines. READ the original story: https://www.propublica.org/article/sent-home-to-die?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature READ the investigation update: https://www.propublica.org/article/the-hospital-system-sent-patients-with-coronavirus-home-to-die-louisiana-legislators-are-demanding-an-investigation Executive Producer: Adell C

How serious is it when a state threatens to secede from the United States? We've heard it casually dropped in places like Texas and California, and certainly you've heard people say they're leaving the country if Trump gets re-elected, which to Richard Kreitner, suggests there is something real fermenting under the surface. Richard is a contributing writer for The Nation, as well as the author of his latest book, "Break It Up: Secession, Division, and the Secret History of America's Imperfect Union." What he calls the "new secession" is actually occurring in every part of the country, and on both sides of the aisle. Barack Obama said at the Democratic Convention that our union and our democracy are in jeopardy, and in today's episode, you'll learn exactly how serious those comments were. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informa

We know the only way to win this November is to #WinWithBlackWomen, so we're continuing the conversation with influential Black women who give us insight and strategy for success. This week, Mark speaks with Tameika Devine, the first Black woman elected to the Columbia, South Carolina City Council, and Glynda Carr, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Higher Heights for America and Co-Creator of #BlackWomenLead. They give reactions to Trump's recent mocking of Senator Kamala Harris' name, what they think she contributes as a running mate, and how they speak to young people who are skeptical of voting. P.S. Did you know it's a record-breaking year for Black women running for congress? Can you guess how many? You've got to listen to find out. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & O

Representative Anna Eskamani (FL-47) flipped her seat in 2018, and now she needs your help to do it again in November. Though she had been working on progressive initiatives well before she ran for office, she was spurred into action when Donald Trump was elected in 2016. In today's episode, she discusses the family struggles that continue to motivate her, how her constituents are facing coronavirus, as well as the subsequent unemployment and health care obstacles, why she has a BIG problem with how Governor Ron DeSantis has been running the state, and much more. To donate to her campaign or learn more about Rep. Eskamani, CLICK HERE: annaforflorida.com Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MJ Hegar is a combat veteran, a working mother, and a Texan who is fed up with Senator John Cornyn accepting big payouts from corporations that leave his constituents struggling to make ends meet -- that's why she's running against him in November. In today's episode, MJ lays out her plans to prioritize the working class and expand healthcare coverage, all without big donors in her pocket calling the shots. Hear how her years of training in crisis management informs her strategy that is without Sen. Cornyn's politicization and focuses solely on protecting citizens. To donate or learn more about MJ, CLICK HERE: https://mjfortexas.com/ Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We've seen the headlines that jobs were added in August, but there's ALWAYS more to understanding the jobs report. We're still in a deficit from coronavirus, and our resident economist is back to break it down for us. Chad Stone, Chief Economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, gives us the details on how unemployment has impacted the Black and Hispanic population specifically, and what types of workers have lost their jobs and not been able to get new ones. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Soledad O'Brien was in Seattle working as the Executive Producer on a documentary about the homelessness crisis in the city when coronavirus arrived in the United States (the first confirmed case was in Seattle). Their team knew it was time to not only pivot, but get a wider shot at how the virus would impact the homeless, as well as another vulnerable group: the elderly. Along with filmmaker Rose Arce, they created "Pandemic in Seattle," a startling, up-close view of the ground zero of coronavirus. CLICK to watch the doc on WORLD Channel. WATCH Beyond the Lens interview with Soledad O’Brien and Rose Arce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8wmInQHiJo&t=4s Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Each week leading up to the election, we're learning how to #WinWithBlackWomen, where we'll feature influential Black women who provide strategy and insight for success in November. This week, Mark speaks with Kerene Tayloe, Director of Federal Legislative Affairs, WEACT for Environmental Justice. You'll find out why she decided to sign on to the #WinWithBlackWomen initiative, her advice to young people of color who think voting is pointless, and why she feels hopeful about the legislation that Senator Kamala Harris recently introduced that supports climate justice, and how environmental racism intersects with coronavirus. SUPPORT BLACK WOMEN: https://www.bonfire.com/store/win-with-black-women/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=store_page_share&store=win-with-black-women&utm_content=default More Information: weact.org Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-

It's another installment of #ThursdayKos with polling master Markos Moulitsas, Founder of DailyKos and Civiqs. First he weighs in on Biden's new campaign ad condemning looting and rioting, pointing out the ways it was not really needed (and not exactly helpful) at the moment. He and Mark also dig into the latest polling numbers and discuss the possibility for minds that are already made up -- just how many people are already solid on their choice? Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hall of Fame Georgetown Basketball Coach John Thompson would have been 79 years old today. On his birthday, we're commemorating his life, career, and the impact he had on those he knew and coached, including Mark himself, who worked under Coach as Manager of the Georgetown Men's Basketball team from 1986-88. The first conversation is with the iconic Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, who led Coach's teams to three Final Fours and a National Championship. Their intimate discussion is followed by another legendary name who also considered Coach to be like a father to him, NBA Hall of Famer and Georgetown Hoya Dikembe Mutombo. And finally Mark speaks with journalist David Aldrige, who interviewed Coach countless times and developed a friendship and deep respect for him over the years. Aldridge is the Editor-in-Chief of the Athletic D.C., and has worked for nearly 30 years covering the NBA and other sports for Turner, ESPN, and the Washington Post. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple

If you're feeling anxious about misinformation campaigns surrounding the 2020 election, your fears are justified; according to Ashley Bryant and Andre Banks, Co-Leaders of the Win Black/Pa'Lante Initiative, Black voters were the #1 target in 2016, where foreign actors flooded social media platforms impersonating Black leaders and reached millions of followers, driving voter suppression and record-low turnout in the general election. In today's episodes, Ashley and Andre detail how their campaign and partners are using specialized methods to prevent misinformation in this 2020 election cycle and additionally how they're engaging African-American and Latinx voters in battleground states. MORE INFORMATION HERE: WinBlack.org Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redci

Tom Perez says the RNC had a lot of "happy talk" about things like health care and the coronavirus response, but the tales are detached from reality. Outside of the Republican bubble, a hurricane clobber cities, the state of California is on fire, and a racial justice crisis is continually unfolding across the country. As the Chairman points out, despite the love stories being told at the convention about Trump's record, the only president to have a worse jobs record than Trump is Herbert Hoover. CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS HERE: iwillvote.com *This episode originally aired as a Facebook Live on 8/27, which you can watch here: https://www.facebook.com/MakeItPlain/videos/1044960409307953 Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode begins with Congresswoman Karen Bass, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus who was recently a contender for Biden's VP. She shares her reaction to the attempted murder of Jacob Blake, the House's efforts to hold police accountable for murdering innocent civilians, her thoughts on the attacks against Sen. Kamala Harris since her appointment as Biden's running mate, and the criminality of the Trump administration. She's followed by another Carmen Perez, who is the President and CEO of The Gathering for Justice. She discusses the organization's 15th anniversary, which lands the day after today's March on Washington. While protesters and police forces clash nationwide in the name of Black Lives Matter, Carmen discusses the intersection of Latinx and Black movements, and how police are trying to deter people from protesting by sticking organizers with felonies. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additiona

Markos Moulitsas, Founder of DailyKos and Civiqs, is BACK for this week's installment of #ThursdayKos and we finally get to hear his thoughts on Joe Biden selecting Senator Kamala Harris for VP, reflections on the Democratic Convention, and why he and Mark are both shook by Kimberly Guilfoyle's shouting, errr, I mean, speech, at the RNC, among other strange & sloppy program features. Markos also assesses the state of the U.S. Postal Service and has some helpful tips on making sure your vote gets counted. Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, says the phenomenon of today in Black America is the working poor: great jobs, prestigious degrees, but salaries that haven't kept up with inflation and therefore keeps Black people earning an average of $30,000 dollars less than white families per year. And that's just one piece of the pie, as we're facing a health crisis that is spurring on an economic crisis, and simultaneously is the racial justice crisis. Ahead of this Saturday's March on Washington, Marc explains how "we have an opportunity to stand on [Martin Luther King's] shoulders." More information on the march here: https://nationalactionnetwork.net/register-for-nans-march-on-washington-get-your-knee-off-our-necks/ Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Producer: Brittany Temple Distributor: DCP Entertainment For additional content: makeitplain.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Op