There Actually Is a Plan: How Democrats Can Save Us and Keep Winning (w/ Ben Wikler)

Is the South the Future of Democratic Politics?

Is the South the new epicenter of American politics? National Association of Black Journalists President, The 19th Editor-at-Large, and host of Crooked’s new podcast Long Play, Errin Haines sits down with Stacey to unpack why the South is so fundamentally misunderstood and why expanding our imagination of what the region looks like could be key to winning Democratic elections. They also discuss the NABJ “Thumbs-Down Awards,” the Trump administration’s attacks on DEI, and the growing threat of media censorship. Learn & Do More:  1. BE CURIOUS: If you enjoyed the conversation with Errin, check out her podcast Long Play, a six-part series on how to win power back in the South. 2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: Many states, including North Carolina, will have new or stricter voter identification laws in 2026. VoteRiders helps people make appointments to get the right kind of ID and covers the costs. Visit Voteriders.org [http://voteriders.org/]to get involved by volunteering or donating. 3. DO GOOD: New Disabled South builds power with disabled people to advance justice, dignity, and collective liberation across the South. Visit NewDisabledSouth.org [http://newdisabledsouth.org/] to find resources, take action, and donate. You can request a transcript by emailing transcripts@crooked.com [transcripts@crooked.com]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

Kamala Harris Says Voters Are Done with the Status Quo

What is the future of the Democratic Party? How will redistricting shape voters’ power in the South? What are the latest primary results telling us about the political moment we’re in? Kamala D. Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States, joins Stacey to share what she’s hearing from voters on the ground as she travels through the South. They also talk about the new attitude Democrats need to win elections, fight back against Trump, and stop his authoritarian agenda. Learn & Do More:   1. BE CURIOUS: Sometimes it feels like we are overloaded with information, have a million articles open in tabs, and don’t know where to begin. Your homework is to pick one that piques your curiosity and sit down to read. And with news and reading on the decline, if you haven’t already subscribed to support your local newspaper, please consider doing so. The Ten Steps Campaign works with partner organizations across the country dedicated to uplifting their communities, and I would like to take the opportunity to rally support for their excellent work here today. Visit 10stepscampaign.org [http://10stepscampaign.org] to find out what kind of democracy defender you are and get connected. 2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: Run for Something Civics is a nonprofit organization that encourages young people to step up and run for office and helps support them with a free Future Candidates course. Visit runforsomethingcivics.net [http://runforsomethingcivics.net] to sign up for training or to donate. 3. DO GOOD: Above All is an organization dedicated to building a world where abortion care is affordable, available, and supported for everyone who needs it. Visit aboveall.org [http://aboveall.org] to learn more about their work and donate.

The Battle for American Identity (w/ Ben Rhodes)

What can the great political speeches of the past teach us about the moment we’re living through today? Pod Save the World host and author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, Ben Rhodes joins Stacey Abrams to trace the history of civil rights in America through the words of some of the most influential voices across the political spectrum, from Martin Luther King Jr., Dolores Huerta, and Barack Obama to Alexander Stephens and Donald Trump. They also dig into the rise of modern authoritarianism, the latest in the Iran War, and how we can build community and find common ground in a time that feels increasingly fractured.  Learn & Do More:  1. BE CURIOUS: Pick up a copy of Ben Rhodes’ new book, All We Say: A History of the United States in Fifteen Speeches. 2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: HeadCount is an organization that turns fans into voters by registering people at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings anywhere you can turn a passion for culture into voting action. They need volunteers! Visit HeadCount.org [http://headcount.org] to sign up to volunteer in your state or to donate. 3. DO GOOD: With Monday’s massive earthquake in Colombia leading to casualties, as well as the recent devastating earthquake in Venezuela, it’s time to step up and help. Consider donating to World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Visit WCK.org [http://wck.org] to donate.

How Trumpism Might Survive the Fall of Trump (w/ Eugene Daniels and Symone Sanders-Townsend)

Trump's second term has been defined by mounting corruption, but who, if anyone, is holding him accountable? MSNOW’s Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels join the show to discuss whether Republicans will ever push back against Trump's abuses of power, Todd Blanche's nomination, and the growing politicization of the Department of Justice. They also explain why the upcoming midterm elections could be the country's best chance to check authoritarianism, what it will take to build a durable pro-democracy majority, and why Americans should demand more from their government. Learn & Do More:  1. BE CURIOUS: Subscribe to Eugene Daniels and Symone Sanders Townsend's podcast, Clock It wherever you get your podcasts. You can also catch Symone and Eugene in Texas this fall at "MS NOW Live: Together in Texas,” the network’s annual live event on September 26th. Tickets are on sale now at www.ms.now/together-in-texas-we-the-people-2026 [http://www.ms.now/together-in-texas-we-the-people-2026] 2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: The midterm elections are just a few months away, and control of Congress will be on the ballot. Just as important are the state and local races that shape our daily lives. Learn about the candidates running in your community, find one you believe in, and sign up to volunteer. You can also connect with your local state party or civic organizations to learn more about ways to get involved. 3. DO GOOD: Mississippi Votes is a youth-led organization that empowers young people through voter education, grassroots organizing, and community outreach. Visit msvotes.org [http://msvotes.org] to learn more, volunteer, or make a donation.

There Actually Is a Plan: How Democrats Can Save Us and Keep Winning (w/ Ben Wikler)

America can feel like it's spiraling out of control—but could a state like Wisconsin hold the blueprint for turning things around? Ben Wikler, former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and author of the new book This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy, joins Stacey Abrams to explain why the answer is yes. Drawing on Wisconsin's political battles, Wikler argues that Democrats can win back voters ahead of the midterms by learning from closely divided states that have successfully pushed back against Republicans. They discuss how Democrats can sharpen their messaging, the lasting impact of gerrymandering, whether it's finally time to abolish the Electoral College, and the power we all have to make a big difference by organizing locally. Learn & Do More:  1. BE CURIOUS: Pick up a copy of Ben Wikler's This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy to learn more about his vision for building a future rooted in democracy, opportunity, and freedom for all. 2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: Elections depend on poll workers, and many communities still need more. Power the Polls connects volunteers with local poll worker opportunities to help ensure safe, fair, and accessible elections. If you're interested in serving your community and earning some extra money while doing it visit http://powertothepolls.org [http://powertothepolls.org] to apply and help your neighbors vote. 3. DO GOOD: As the new school year approaches, Operation Backpack, an initiative from Volunteers of America, is collecting donations to provide backpacks and school supplies for children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and other hardships. Your donation also supports essential services for children and families, including after-school programs and housing stability. You can also find volunteer opportunities in your area visit www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2026/ [http://www.voa.org/operation-backpack-2026/] and consider inviting a few friends or neighbors to donate or volunteer alongside you.