The Bill Press Pod

In this episode, Bill speaks with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), about the significant challenges facing education in the United States. They discuss the federal government's role in leveling the playing field for students, the importance of maintaining a Federal Department of Education, and the dangers of current political attacks on schools and teachers. Weingarten also talks about the impacts of school shootings and the lack of effective measures to keep schools safe. Furthermore, they delve into her new book 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers,' highlighting how autocratic regimes throughout history suppress education to stifle critical thinking and maintain control. The conversation underscores the urgent need for supporting public education and safeguarding democracy.You can get your copy of Why Fascists Fear Teachers here:See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kirk Assassination. Pols are Fearful. Blame it on the Left. What About Guns? Epstein Birthday Book. The “Signature.” Government Shutdown? Dems Have No Plan. Who Gets the Blame for Shutdown? Which City Next Gets Troops. With Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, Jason Dick, Editor-in-chief at CQ-Roll Call and Igor Bobic, Senior Politics Reporter at HuffPost.Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworker’ Union. More information at Ironworkers.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former professor, discusses the mental and cognitive decline of former President Donald Trump. Dr. Gartner emphasizes that Trump's deteriorating condition, which includes signs of dementia, malignant narcissism, and potential bipolar spectrum disorder, was evident even before his presidency and has worsened over time. The conversation highlights Trump's frequent, erratic social media usage, his memory lapses, and his increasingly incoherent speech as symptoms that support this diagnosis. Dr. Gartner also expresses concern over the normalization of Trump's abnormal behavior by the media and political allies. The episode explores the potential dangers of Trump's unpredictability, especially regarding impulsive decisions that could have grave consequences. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of mental health evaluations for presidential candidates and the systemic failures that prevent the invocation of the 25th Amendment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Very Bad Jobs Report. Department of War. Attack on “Drug” Boat. RFK, Jr., Slammed. Epstein Survivors Speak. Files Release Stalled. Troops in DC. Troops To Chicago? Pritzker Fights Back. Will SCOTUS Stop Trump? With Jeff Dufour, Editor in chief at National Journal, Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News and Arthur Delaney, Senior Politics Reporter covering Congress and the economy for Huff Post.Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill talks with Elizabeth Kolbert, a leading environmental journalist from The New Yorker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, about the significant rollbacks in environmental regulations under Donald Trump's administration. They discuss how Trump's policies have reversed progress made in combating climate change and hindered the growth of green energy projects like offshore wind, leading to job losses and environmental degradation. Kolbert elaborates on the global and long-term impacts of such policies and the urgency of addressing climate change. The conversation also touches on international perspectives and America's credibility on the world stage in combatting climate change. Today Bill highlights the work of The League of Conservation Voters. More at information at LCV.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Swift-Kelce Engaged. Federal Reserve Firing. CDC Firing. CDC Resignations. Trump’s Claim to Absolute Power. Weaponization of the DOJ. 3+ Hour Cabinet Meeting. Nobel Peace Prize. Troops to Chicago? Gov. Pritzker Fires Back. With Sarah Wire, Senior National Political Correspondent for USA TODAY, John Bennett, White House Correspondent for CQ-Roll Call and former Washington Post Columnist, Philip Bump.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers' International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill speaks with David Cole, the George Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University and Legal Affairs Correspondent for The Nation Magazine. They discuss the weaponization of the Justice Department under Donald Trump's administration, highlighting recent actions taken against Trump's critics like John Bolton. Cole elaborates on how these actions represent a misuse of power and undermine the rule of law. Cole also talks about the broader implications for civil society, mentioning how Trump has leveraged federal funding to coerce universities, law firms, and media organizations into compliance. They explore the lack of checks and balances from both Congress and the Supreme Court, and Cole provides insight into how civil society and legal organizations can push back against these abuses of power.Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Where our guest used to be the Legal Director for many years. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FBI Raids John Bolton. Ukraine Summit. But No Ukraine Progress. Troops in DC. Gerrymander Fight. Epstein Not Going Away. Smithsonian/Slavery. With Katherine Doyle, White House Reporter for NBC News, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and Kirk Bado, Editor, The National Journal Hotline. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bill and National Security Analyst Joe Cirincione discuss a historic meeting at the White House with multiple world leaders uninvitedly uniting to support Ukrainian President Zelensky and sway President Trump to maintain the alliance commitments to Ukraine. The episode delves into the strategic maneuvering used by European leaders to manipulate Trump through flattery and offers, highlighting how these tactics have momentarily shored up Western support for Ukraine. The discussion extends to the implications of potential US troop involvement, and the complexities surrounding the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. Plus a brutal assessment of the Putin's Alaska Summit with Trump. Additionally, the episode touches on other geopolitical hot spots, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the potential shift in public and political sentiment against Netanyahu's aggressive Gaza strategy. Finally, the conversation veers into the enduring threat of nuclear weapons, recommending Annie Jacobson's book 'Nuclear War: A Scenario' as a gripping read on the subject. Today Bill highlights the work of The Ploughshares, an organization committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons. More information at Ploughshares.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Putin’s Trump Summit. Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Obsession. Redistricting Battle. Can Newsom Win? ICE Shows Up at Newsom Event. Newsom Trolls Trump. CA Governor’s Race. What’s Next for Kamala Harris? With Joe Garofoli, Senior Political Writer at The San Francisco Chronicle, Laura Nelson, Staff Writer at The Los Angeles Times and Melanie Mason, Senior Political Reporter at Politico. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The Ironworkers Union. More information at Ironworkers.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill talks with David Corn, the Washington Bureau Chief for Mother Jones and author of the 'Our Land' newsletter. They discuss a variety of topics, starting with the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing and the lessons learned from it. David shares his recent visit to Hiroshima and the city's dedication to peace. The conversation shifts to current nuclear threats and the unsettling complacency around them. David compares this to climate change, highlighting people's reluctance to engage with frightening issues. They also delve into the rise of authoritarianism in the US, particularly under Donald Trump's administration, citing examples like ICE raids, control of government information, and the erosion of democratic norms. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential for Democrats to regain political power. You can subscribe to David's excellent newsletter, Our Land, at DavidCorn.com. Today highlights the work The Amica Center, an organization dedicated to providing aid to people illegally targeted by ICE. More information at AmicaCenter.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TX Dems Stand-up. CA-NY-IL Dems Fight Back. Epstein Still. Selling the BBB. GOP Town Hall Problems. Trump: Obama Committed Treason. Treason Claims=Epstein Distraction. Tariff Price Hikes are Here. With Allan Smith, Political Reporter for NBC News, Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News and Cameron Joseph, Senior Washington Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) discusses the severe impact of Donald Trump’s policies on the federal workforce, particularly in Northern Virginia, and the troubling economic data under Trump's administration. Beyer expresses concerns over the multiple effects of Trump's actions, such as layoffs and tariffs, on both global trade and local economies. They also touch on the partisan handling of budgets and the repercussions of Medicaid cuts. The conversation extends to recent electoral dynamics, highlighting the Virginia Governor's race and the broader need for Democrats to refocus their messaging. Beyer shares his thoughts on potential 2028 presidential candidates, expressing a preference for Pete Buttigieg while discussing the challenges Kamala Harris faced. Lastly, the discussion anticipates a forthcoming vote on the release of Epstein files, reflecting bipartisan support.Today Bill highlights the work of ActBlue. The organization that raises hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. To support any candidate in any race, go to ActBlue.com and provide what you can. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump Fuels Epstein Scandal. Yes Tariffs-No Tariffs. Higher Prices are Here. Trump Attacks 2 GOP Senators. Grassley “Offended.” Texas Gerrymander. Dem States Fight Back. Kamala 2028? $200 Million WH Ball Room. With Arthur Delaney, Senior Political Reporter at HuffPost, Maria Recio, Washington Correspondent for Austin American Statesman and Evan McMorris-Santoro, Reporter for NOTUS. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill Press reconnects with veteran journalist Michael Wolff to discuss the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff reveals intimate details about their close friendship from the late 80s through the early 2000s, their mutual interests in women and real estate, and their eventual fallout over a Palm Beach property deal. Wolff also discusses Trump's efforts to downplay their relationship, Epstein's later belief that Trump contributed to his legal troubles, and the reluctance of mainstream media to delve into this story. Wolff shares his personal interactions with Epstein, insights from his 100 hours of taped interviews, and untapped explosive content related to Trump. The conversation also touches on Trump's first term in office, comparing it to his current administration, and concludes with Wolff's views on Trump's current challenges and potential impact on his political future. Michael Wolff's latest book is All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America. You can see his other books here. And Michael Wolff is active on Instagram. instagram.com/michaelwolffnycToday Bill highlights the work of EMILYs List, and its enormous success in electing female abortion rights candidates to thousands of political offices. More information at EmilysList.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.