Digest

This episode of "It's Been a Minute" delves into the intersection of politics, culture, and money, focusing on the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups on Democratic primaries. The episode specifically examines the impact of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (APAC) on the "Squad," a group of progressive Democrats in Congress known for their outspoken views on issues like healthcare, climate change, and Israel. The episode highlights how APAC has shifted its focus from competitive swing seats to primaries, where they can spend less money to influence a smaller pool of voters. This strategy has been successful in ousting progressive Democrats who are critical of Israel's policies. Critics accuse APAC of targeting Black progressive Democrats specifically, using racist imagery and manipulating voting records to undermine their campaigns. APAC denies these allegations, claiming their decisions are based solely on candidates' statements about Israel. The episode also features an interview with actor Coleman Domingo about his new film, "Sing Sing," which explores the transformative power of theater for incarcerated men. Domingo discusses the importance of healthy masculinity, vulnerability, and the role of art in rehabilitation. The film challenges traditional notions of masculinity by portraying men who are vulnerable, emotionally expressive, and supportive of each other. It highlights the significance of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which uses theater and other arts-based activities to help incarcerated individuals develop emotional intelligence, process trauma, and build self-esteem. The film's use of formerly incarcerated actors playing characters based on themselves adds authenticity and depth to the story, further emphasizing the transformative power of RTA and the importance of giving incarcerated individuals a voice.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Influence of Pro-Israel Lobbying on Democratic Primaries

This episode explores the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly APAC, on Democratic primaries, focusing on their targeting of progressive Democrats who are critical of Israel's policies.

00:00:23

Interview with Coleman Domingo: "Sing Sing" and the Power of Theater

The episode features an interview with actor Coleman Domingo about his new film, "Sing Sing," which explores the transformative power of theater for incarcerated men. Domingo discusses the importance of healthy masculinity, vulnerability, and the role of art in rehabilitation.

Keywords

Q&A

• How has APAC's influence on Democratic primaries changed in recent years?

  APAC has shifted its focus from competitive swing seats to primaries, where they can spend less money to influence a smaller pool of voters. This strategy has been successful in ousting progressive Democrats who are critical of Israel's policies.

• What are some of the criticisms of APAC's tactics?

  Critics accuse APAC of targeting Black progressive Democrats specifically, using racist imagery and manipulating voting records to undermine their campaigns. APAC denies these allegations, claiming their decisions are based solely on candidates' statements about Israel.

• How does "Sing Sing" challenge traditional notions of masculinity?

  The film portrays men who are vulnerable, emotionally expressive, and supportive of each other. It challenges the idea that these qualities are weaknesses, instead showcasing them as essential for mental health and personal growth.

• What is the significance of the film's use of formerly incarcerated actors?

  The film's use of formerly incarcerated actors playing characters based on themselves adds authenticity and depth to the story. It also highlights the transformative power of RTA and the importance of giving incarcerated individuals a voice.

Show Notes