Memorial Weekend Special: The Oath and the Office (with Jodi Kantor)

The Potato at NATO: Defiance to Alliance, Deadpan to Iran, Confused to Snoozed

As John gears up for his new daytime slot on Sirius XM, his monologue features a whirlwind of topics, from Mitch McConnell's mysterious health issues, to the confusion around Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner dropping out of the race, to the absurdity of Trump's foreign policy blunders, including his latest gaffes at the NATO summit where he confused world leaders, confused countries, and fell asleep in front of everyone multiple times. Then, he welcomes back actor and podcast star Bob Cesca to joke about Trump's clear and obvious dementia spilling from his lips like a flood in Ankara at NATO. Next, John brings back The God Squad—Dillon Naber Cruz and Desimber Rose—for a brisk discussion on the intersection of faith and politics, tackling everything from the Curse of Ham to the bizarre antics of far-right Christian nationalists. And of course, John is joined by the insightful legal analyst - Dr. Tracy Pearson, who helps unpack the implications of all these events, including the lack of transparency surrounding Mitch McConnell's health and the potential consequences for the Republican Party. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Just Spoke with Mitch McConnell and He Said "Hey - I Do Look Like a Turtle!"

John tackles the ongoing mystery surrounding Mitch McConnell's health and the implications it has on the Senate. The lack of transparency regarding McConnell's condition raises crucial questions about political accountability and the public's right to know about their representatives. Then, he discusses the Trump Meme Coin—a cryptocurrency venture that has left many investors reeling. With reports indicating that nearly a million buyers lost huge amounts of money, he argues that Trump's business model resembles a "pump and dump" scheme, where he profits regardless of the coin's performance, leaving his supporters in financial ruin. Then, John interviews the CEO and Executive Editor of Lincoln Square - Susan J. Demas. They talk about the political turmoil surrounding Graham Platner, the Maine Senate candidate who has found himself at the center of controversy due to sexual assault allegations. He discusses the mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing outrage while others feel relief at potentially dodging a bullet. Next, he speaks with author and political strategist Blake Ashby about his new book "Socialism and the Democratic Party: The Case for a Return to Moderated Capitalism". Then, winding it up, John welcomes back comedian Keith Price to chat with listeners about the latest news and pop culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The March of the Mixed-up Mundane Mediocrates

John talks about the neo-fascist, white supremacist hate group Patriot Front marching through Washington DC during festivities on the 4th. They were carrying confederate flags and they wore uniform khakis, blue shirts, sunglasses, and tan caps bearing the Patriot Front logo. They used white masks and balaclavas to conceal their faces because they are true cowards. He also discusses a woman who is now accusing Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner of sexual assault and rape during their relationship. Next, comedian Rhonda Hansome joins the crew for a wrap up of the holiday festivities. And finally, Professor Corey Brettschneider is back to chat about recent Supreme Court rulings, Trump's crypto scams, and the erosion of the free press. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Celebrating Independence: Are We Happy or Just Hot?

John invites listeners to share their thoughts and feelings about the 4th of July holiday, encouraging those who feel disillusioned to find joy in alternative ways of celebrating. He also touches on pressing current events, including Mitch McConnell's recent health scare and the implications of Trump's controversial fundraising tactics during America's 250th birthday celebration. He critiques how Trump managed to turn a national celebration into a personal fundraising opportunity. Then he talks about the recent developments surrounding the Justice Department and the Jack Smith report, highlighting the irony of the government’s blunders as they pursue legal action against others. Then, John speaks with Professor Robin Andersen about Palestine and the situation in Gaza. Through an exhaustive review of reporting on the genocide, Andersen exposes how the corporate media used misleading language, failed to convey basic facts, and showed bias toward slef-serving Israeli narratives--even afther they had been decisively disproven. The journalistic malpractice ranges from extreme bias to deliberately omitting vital context, to treating known fabricators as reliable sources. The information gap left by the mainstream press was filled by independent media outlets and Palestinian journalists. Free from structural pressures to cast Israel in the most favorable light, they produced honest and unsparing reporting that shocked the world and changed public opinion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The 250th Anniversary of America: A Call for Truth and Unity

John opens the episode with a funny yet poignant commentary on the current state of the nation, juxtaposing the joyous celebrations of the Fourth of July with the realities of political polarization and social injustice. He emphasizes the importance of separating the ideals of America from its leaders, urging listeners to appreciate the foundational principles of democracy while acknowledging the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. John then talks with democratic strategist Max Burns and they explore the evolution of presidential power over the decades, noting that the trend towards executive authority has been a gradual shift rather than a sudden change. They discuss how Trump has contributed to this phenomenon, raising questions about the balance of power and the role of Congress in holding the executive accountable. Next, he interviews historian Professor Peter Onuf to discuss the enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson. Together, they explore the complexities of Jefferson's character, from his role as a champion of liberty to the contradictions of his slaveholding past. And lastly, he speaks with historian Jamar Tisby, who passionately argues that Christians have a moral obligation to tell the truth about America’s past. Tisby highlights the dangers of historical myths and the need for a truthful reckoning with our history, particularly regarding slavery and civil rights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].