Washington Monthly

President Donald Trump's relentless attacks on vote by mail are needlessly threatening public trust in absentee voting. Learn the truth about vote by mail and the threats to its future.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guests: Phil Keisling, former Oregon Secretary of State; Barbara Smith Warner, Center for Responsive Government

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to vote by mail and its importance

02:07 History and growth of vote at home states

03:21 Demographics relying on vote at home

04:36 Partisanship and vote at home expansion

06:27 Addressing voter fraud claims and evidence

08:02 Security features of mail ballots

10:00 Impact of vote at home on election turnout

12:16 Trump's executive order on Postal Service and mail voting

13:00 Postal Service's role and security concerns

15:19 Legal and constitutional issues with postal regulations

17:41 Implementation challenges for election officials

20:05 Supreme Court decisions and future challenges

22:30 Implications for future elections and legal safeguards

25:20 Election administration resilience and confidence

29:45 Policy recommendations for Congress to protect vote by mail

1 in 5 voters who supported Donald Trump iin 2024 now regrets their vote, according to a new survey from Navigator Research. Inflation and war are their biggest complaints.

But Democrats shouldn't count on their votes. "Trump regretters" remain deeply skeptical about both parties' ability to deliver on their promises.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Tina Tang, Navigator Research

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trump voter regret and its significance

01:58 Demographic breakdown of regretters: age, race, gender

03:53 Key issues driving regret: costs, war, broken promises

05:52 Trust in parties and disillusionment among regretters

07:58 How regret influences voting intentions and party trust

09:51 The importance of everyday issues over cultural topics

12:01 Messaging strategies for Democrats and Republicans

13:54 Perceptions of party focus and voter priorities

15:50 The role of news consumption and information seeking

17:59 Future research plans and post-election follow-up

Recent weeks have seen an escalation of the Trumpadministration’s efforts to interfere with this fall’s elections. Itsaggressive efforts to restrict mail-in voting, for example, could potentially disenfranchise millions while sowing chaos in states.

President Trump has also threatened to arrest election officers accused of wrongdoing (many of whom are volunteers) andto send ICE agents to the polls.

The nonprofit Protect Democracy argues that all of theseactions are part of a larger scheme by the Trump administration to perpetuate election denialism, interfere with Americans’ right to vote, and thwart free and fair elections.  

How can citizens be prepared when they go to the polls thisfall, and what they can do to protect themselves and others in their communities?

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Beau Tremitiere, Protect Democracy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to election threats and Protect Democracy

01:50 The three tactics: deception, disruption, denial

03:50 How the federal government is undermining election integrity

07:04 Civil society's response and mobilization

08:54 Legal challenges and court rulings protecting elections

11:09 The role of the Supreme Court and untested legal issues

15:05 Voter suppression and intimidation tactics

19:53 How to prepare and respond to election-related threats

23:08 Responsible recording and reporting of election issues

26:02 Resources and where to learn more

Elon Musk's DOGE has "self-deleted." But not without leaving a trail of wreckage that could take decades to undo.

Tens of thousands of vital government workers have been fired or have left, leaving Americans more vulnerable to a host of threats: terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics, tainted food.

Crucial federal data systems have also been compromised, including Social Security's database with personal information on every living American.

Brookings Institution expert Elaine Kamarck explains how the Trump administration's recklessness has jeopardized the health and safety of all Americans.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Elaine Kamarck, Brookings Institution

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the DOGE initiative and its failures

01:48 Reinventing government in the 1990s: successes and lessons

04:04 The chaos and randomness of the DOGE approach

05:57 Potential benefits of some DOGE personnel in IT support

07:55 The importance of personnel and timing in government reform

09:49 Emerging risks: food safety, Ebola, and other time bombs

13:11 Risks to social security databases and national security

17:09 Impact of government dismantling on infrastructure and disaster response

19:57 Threats to national security and intelligence capabilities

28:00 Strategies for restoring public trust and effective government

Businesses need democracy to thrive, argues Daniella Ballou-Aares, founder of the business coalition Leadership Now. They should step up to defend it.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO and founder, Leadership Now

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniella Ballou-Aares and the topic of democracy and business

01:47 The macro context that led to the founding of Leadership Now

04:03 The argument for business influence in preserving democracy

06:03 Why American businesses are involved in politics but not enough in democracy

08:00 The relationship between business and government: balance and risks

09:52 Historical examples of business influence in regimes and transitions

12:07 The importance of a broad, non-crony approach to business influence

14:09 The impact of January 6th and the importance of election integrity

17:01 Business community responses to threats against democracy

19:58 The importance of bipartisan and diverse business engagement

22:58 The economic and societal reasons for defending democracy

25:57 The risks and opportunities of political alignment for businesses

28:04 How collective action can promote democratic resilience

30:00 How to get involved with Leadership Now Project

The Internal Revenue Service may never be the government’s most popular agency, but it could have been the most efficient. 

In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which invested $80 billion to fix the Internal Revenue Service. In 2024, the agency rolled out features like Direct File, a new free filing service for taxpayers. But Elon Musk's DOGE had other plans, including mass firings and data sharing agreements with ICE. The result is new risks for taxpayers.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Danny Werfel, former IRS Commissioner

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Danny Werfel and IRS challenges

01:01 The importance of the IRS and public perception

02:04 The referee analogy and public trust

02:57 Modernization goals and digital interactions

05:30 Impact of current administration on the IRS

06:29 Performance before and after the Inflation Reduction Act

07:55 Reversal of modernization efforts in 2025

09:22 Lack of a clear modernization plan from the IRS

11:20 Recent IRS performance and taxpayer frustrations

12:21 Consequences of underfunding and staffing issues

16:39 The size and capacity of the IRS compared internationally

20:43 Doge's mistakes in IRS reform

23:05 Spending, capacity, and efficiency in government

27:08 Risks of rapid reform and the reflecting pool analogy

37:34 The concept and benefits of direct file

40:57 Challenges and opportunities in free file solutions

44:19 The future of IRS reform and innovation

The ultra-right-wing Heritage Foundation blames "feminism" for falling fertility rates. Not surprisingly, its "solutions" are hostile to women.Host: Anne Kim, Washington MonthlyGuest: Varina Winder, Co-founder, Arch CollaborativeChapters00:00 Introduction to the Pronatalist Agenda02:57 The Heritage Foundation's Influence and Report05:50 Crisis Framing: Fertility Rates and Social Welfare08:46 Feminism and Its Role in the Fertility Debate11:55 Policy Solutions and Their Implications15:03 Critique of Heritage's Understanding of Family Needs17:56 Cultural Shifts and Women's Autonomy20:56 Advocacy and Action Steps for Women

Much like the economy at large, the system favors big players over independent creators.

Online sensations like Mr. Beast—the YouTuber with nearly 500 million subscribers—have spurred countless imitators with dreams of online fame.

Yet a vanishing few reach the stratospheric heights of Mr. Beast, who reportedly earns $700 million a year. Accordingto a 2025 survey by NeoReach, 70 percent of creators report earning less than $49,000 a year, and more than half earn less than $15,000 annually. (YouTube, meanwhile, reported $60 billion in revenues in 2025.)

As veteran podcaster Matt Robison argues, media has become a “superstar economy” where a small number of players dominatethe market. Their incumbency is secured by platforms like YouTube and Substack, which have every incentive to promote their superstars as a way to compete against each other. Algorithms that favor popularity make things worse forsmaller creators trying to break in. The result is that no one who isn’t already big can make it big because the big guys are insulated from competition.

Host: Anne Kim, Washington Monthly

Guest: Matt Robison, author of the Substack, “Worth Knowing,” and the host of the podcast, “Beyond Politics.”

For several decades now, girls have been outperforming boysacademically. 

They earn higher grades, are less likely to drop out, and are significantly more likely to attend college. Women now earn themajority of professional degrees, according to the Hechinger Report, including 60 percent of master’s and doctorates. 

More male teachers can help close gender gaps inachievement, argues Curtis Valentine, president of the newly launched Male Educator Network, an initiative of the American Institute for Boys and Men.

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Guest: Curtis Valentine, president of the Male Educator Network and Policy Institute

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Male Educator Network

02:38 Curtis Valentine’s Teaching Journey

05:30 Impact of Male Educators on Students

08:52 Gender Disparity in Education

11:27 Challenges in Attracting Men to Teaching

14:47 Policy Recommendations for Increasing Male Educators

17:40 Addressing the Prestige of Teaching

20:29 Cultural Perceptions of Masculinity and Teaching

23:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

Billionaires are the apex predators of the modern economy. They tear up governments, buy politicians, and wreck the planet with carbon-spewing yachts. They control the news and what’s in our feeds. They spend $55 million on lavish weddings while the rest of us struggle to buy groceries and gas.That's why entrepreneur Nick Hanauer and Professor Eric Beinhocker argue for a new economic paradigm they call "market humanism." It's not the end of capitalism, nor the end of markets. Instead, what Hanauer and Beinhocker would like to see is the better organization of markets so they produce the outcomes that benefit humanity (i.e., not the production of more billionaires).In this episode, Hanauer and Beinhocker discuss their new treatise, "Markets Built for Humans," and their critique of the current neoliberal paradigm. Host: Anne Kim, Washington MonthlyGuests: Nick Hanauer and Eric Beinhocker

Risky financial maneuvers and mountains of debt mean the AI economy is in trouble, says Vanderbilt's Asad Ramzanali. America needs to get ready. Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington MonthlyGuest: Asad Ramzanali, Director of AI and Technology Policy, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, Vanderbilt University

President Donald Trump recently unveiled his “Great Healthcare Plan,” vowing to bring down soaring premiums and “fix” the Affordable Care Act.

But Trump’s single-page plan is likely to fall far short of his promises, says Edwin Park, a research professor at Georgetown University and a former health policy advisor to the National Economic Council under President Joe Biden.

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Guest: Edwin Park, Georgetown University

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trump's Health Care Plan

02:23 Analyzing Drug Pricing Proposals

05:20 Cash Payments vs. Insurance Premiums

10:24 Transparency and Cost Sharing in Health Care

15:34 Republican Proposals and Medicaid Cuts

18:48 Bipartisan Efforts and Future Priorities

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So-called “Constitution-First” Republicans are uncomfortable with Trump’s abuses of power. They could be the key to a pro-democracy coalition that cuts across party and ideology.

President Donald Trump’s grip on the Republican party hasseemed absolute.

But his consistent disregard for constitutional and societalnorms might be leading to genuine fissures within the GOP.

A new report by the nonprofit Public Agenda and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, based on focus groups and surveys involving more than 4,500 Americans, identifiesan emerging three-part typology within the Republican party:

·      “Trump First” Republicans who are the core of the MAGA base;

·      “Party First” Republicans, whose partisan loyalties outweigh their personal devotion to Trump; and

·     “Constitution First” Republicans, conservativeswho are increasingly uncomfortable with Trump’s behavior in office.

These Constitution First Republicans—who make up 34 percent of the party—have the potential to be an effective counterweight to extremism within their party.

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Guests: Andrew Seligsohn, President, Public Agenda; Sarah Bryner, Director, Public Agenda

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Research and Its Purpose

02:55 Understanding the GOP Typology

06:39 Contrasting Republican Groups: Trump-First vs. Constitution-First

10:26 Media Consumption and Its Impact on Political Views

14:16 Engagement Strategies for a Healthy Democracy

19:44 Hope for American Democracy: Insights from the Research

Read the Washington Monthly: www.washingtonmonthly.com

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In 2003, New Orleans public schools were among the worst in the country.Seventy percent of eighth-graders were not proficient in math, 74 percent weren’t proficient in English, and the graduation rate was barely over 50 percent. Moreover, the district was as corrupt as it was incompetent. FBI investigations led to the indictment of two dozen school officials; nearly $70 million in federal funding was missing. New Orleans schools have since achieved a remarkable transformation. In 2023, the high school graduation rate was 79 percent, and 65 percent enrolled in college—nearly double what it was in 2004 and higher than the state average.This success, one expert argues, was powered by the city’s commitment to charter schools. In a new documentary, Turnaround, which premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival last fall, author David Osborne chronicles the rise of New Orleans public schools through its use of charters and argues for the expansion of this model. Osborne is the author of six books, including the 1992 bestseller, Reinventing Government. Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington MonthlyGuest: David Osborne, Director, TurnaroundChapters00:00 Introduction to the Documentary and Its Purpose03:18 The State of New Orleans Public Schools Before the Turnaround05:40 The Role of Charter Schools in Education Reform10:18 Leslie Jacobs: A Key Figure in the Reform Movement17:10 Success Stories from Charter Operators21:40 Criticism and Challenges Facing Charter Schools25:42 Differentiating Vouchers from Charter Schools32:33 The Future of Public Education and Charter SchoolsRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's PolicyFix playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5j_rTTHx-0Vv_T_AyQqoRaO&si=AANgMFJ6G2_cOUM4

In the eyes of today’s teens, journalism and the media are doomed.

In two major surveys of US teens conducted over the last two years, the nonprofit News Literacy Project found deep levels of mistrust and misunderstanding of the news:

The root of this distrust is the lack of “newsliteracy,” argues Charles ("Chuck") Salter, the News Literacy Project’s President and CEO.

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Guest, Charles Salter, President and CEO, News Literacy Project

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to News Literacy and Its Importance

03:37 The Disturbing Findings of the Studies

06:01 Understanding Teenagers' News Literacy Levels

08:47 The Negative Perception of Journalism Among Teens

11:20 The Role of Popular Culture in Shaping Attitudes

14:01 The Risks of Low News Literacy

16:40 The Societal Impact of Mistrust in Journalism

19:30 Advice for Journalists and Conclusion

President Donald Trump won 93 percent of rural counties in 2024. Rural voters also made up 36 percent of the Trump vote, according to the Pew Research Center, compared to just 16 percent of voters for Harris.

Political scientists Suzanne Mettler of Cornell University and Trevor Brown of Johns Hopkins argue that Democrats must work to bridge this urban-rural chasm, both for the sake of Democrats’ political fortunes but for the sake of preserving democracy.

Mettler and Brown are the authors of the new book, Rural versus Urban: The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy, in which they argue for robust investments in rural America to rebuild the Democratic Party. They also lay out a surprising analysis of why Democrats lost rural voters. The blame lies not with major policy differences between rural and urban voters, but Democratic neglect and disdain of the rural vote.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps

Guests: Suzanne Mettler, Interim Chair & John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions, Cornell University; Trevor Brown, Postdoctoral Fellow in Moral and Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rural vs Urban Divide

02:55 Defining Rural Voters and Their Political Impact

05:39 Exploring the Myths of Rural and Urban Voter Differences

10:20 Historical Context: The New Deal and Rural Politics

14:17 Current Challenges for Democrats in Rural Areas

16:38 The Role of Race and Ethnicity in the Divide

19:55 The Importance of Competition in Rural Politics

25:25 Strategies for Democrats to Reconnect with Rural Voters

In 2010, the Supreme Court opened the floodgates to money in politics with its decision in  Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission.

The Court struck down longstanding federal restrictions on “independent” political spending by corporations and outside groups, ruling that such expenditures were protected “speech” under the First Amendment.

Since then, according to the Brennan Center, super PACs have spent more than $10 billion on federal elections.

For many campaign finance reform advocates, reversing Citizens United is the holy grail. Some nonprofits, for instance,have called for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision—an effort Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has endorsed as well.

But with the passage of such an amendment is unlikely,, a group of prominent legal scholars is arguing for an alternative path. The Supreme Court could choose to end super PACs, they say,and without overturning Citizens United.

Among these advocates is Lawrence Lessig, the Roy L. FurmanProfessor of Law and Leadership at Harvard Law School and the founder of Equal Citizens.org, a new nonprofit leading the legal campaign against super PACs. Lessig says a critical test willcome this spring, when the First Circuit Court of Appeals hears a case involving a voter initiative passed in Maine last fall to limit super PAC contributions. Super PACs have challenged the restrictions as unconstitutional—an argument that’slikely to end up in front of the Supreme Court.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps

Guest: Lawrence Lessig, Harvard Law School

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Super PACs and Their Impact on Democracy

06:35 Legal Challenges Against Super PACs: The Maine Initiative

12:07 The Argument for Regulating Contributions to Super PACs

17:37 The Role of Amicus Briefs and Evidence of Corruption

22:37 Future Steps: Reviving Campaign Finance Reform

28:48 Engaging Citizens in the Fight Against Super PACs

Billionaires have become a uniquely destructive force to both democracy and the planet, says author Chuck Collins. Collins' new book, "Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet," argues that the rise of the billionaire class has profoundly damaging impacts on ordinary Americans’ lives and on the functioning of democracy. Collins is a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, where he co-edits Inequality.org, and is the author of several books on inequality and wealth, including Wealth and Our Commonwealth, co-authored with Bill Gates, Sr. Host: Anne KimGuest: Chuck CollinsChapters00:00 The Rise of the Billionaire Class02:59 Impact of Billionaires on the Planet05:41 Billionaires and the Housing Crisis08:38 Billionaire Influence on the Economy11:28 Billionaires and Political Power14:08 Proposed Solutions to Wealth Inequality16:58 Grassroots Movements and Citizen ActionSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's podcast:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hYFpElBTi8uC8HT5bSqpFQ&si=VMM10M3WJpqDN3RqRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's PolicyFix playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5j_rTTHx-0Vv_T_AyQqoRaO&si=AANgMFJ6G2_cOUM4

It’s slow, inefficient and sclerotic. Here’s a progressive blueprint to fix it.

President Donald Trump’s unrelenting assault on the federalworkforce has prompted many progressives to leap reflexively to government’s defense.  

Some progressives, however, are acknowledging the need for reform. “The truth is, Trump and Elon Musk alone didn’t break our governing institutions,” write Hannah Garden-Monheit and Tresa Joseph in a new report for the Roosevelt Institute. “Unfortunately, for most Americans, the federal government is distant, abstract, labyrinthine."

Garden-Monheit and Joseph interviewed 45 former officials from President Joe Biden’s administration, many of whom conveyed the frustration of ambitions thwarted by risk aversion, red tape and a cumbersome civil service system.  Based on these conversations, they offer more than 160 fixes to make government more efficient and responsive.

Rebuilding public trust, Garden-Monheit and Joseph argue, demands bold action that delivers visible benefits to Americans’ lives.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Hannah Garden-Monheit, former director of the Office of Policy Planning, Federal Trade Commission

Democrats are riding high after this year’s special elections,but that still doesn’t mean they’re popular with voters. Strategist Simon Bazelon has advice on what to fix.

Less than a year into his second term, President DonaldTrump is already hobbling toward lame duck status. His approval rating has plummeted to 36 percent, according to Gallup’s latest survey, including just a 25 percent thumbs-up among independents. He’s squandered his gains with Latino voters, with nearly 80 percent now telling Pew that his policies are more harmful than helpful.

Democrats, meanwhile, are enjoying an uptick in theirelectoral fortunes. Democratic gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill cruised to victory in Virginia and New Jersey, while generic Congressional ballots have begun to show commanding leads for Democrats hopeful of capturing the House.

But don’t mistake Trump’s unpopularity with newfoundaffection for Democrats, warns strategist Simon Bazelon, a Research Fellow at the Democratically-aligned organization Welcome. Democrats have increasingly shifted leftward in recent years, Bazelon argues, and are perceived as too liberal and out of touch.

Bazelon is the lead author of Deciding to Win, an exhaustive,data-driven autopsy of the Democratic Party recently published by Welcome. He advocates a new brand of “moderation” among Democratic candidates, defined not by old models of compromise and “triangulation” but by the dictates of popular opinion. Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Simon Bazelon, Research Fellow, Welcome

We go behind the scenes with Angela Kuefler, the pollsterwho helped engineer the historic victories of governors-elect Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill.

Earlier this month, Democratic gubernatorial candidates AbigailSpanberger and Mikie Sherrill notched blockbuster victories in Virginia and New Jersey. 

Spanberger trounced her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by a 15-point margin, while Sherrilldefeated businessman Jack Ciattarrelli by 13-points.

The Virginia and New Jersey campaigns relied on similar tactics:A core message on affordability; an emphasis on the national security backgrounds of both candidates; and a willingness to stand up against Trump. One of the chief strategists who devised this approach is pollster Angela Kuefler, a partner at Global Strategy Group who worked with both candidates. Kuefler also brought to both races her perspective as the rare female pollster in a male-dominated field.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Matt Cooper

Guest: Angela Kuefler, Partner, Global Strategy Group

The Trump administration’s policies have damaged the economies of both countries, says former U.S. Ambassador to Canada James Blanchard.

A month after President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada over an anti-tariff ad featuring former President Ronald Reagan, the two countries have yet to resume negotiations.

The rift between America and its ally to the north is in fact “the worst in modern history,” says former US Ambassador to Canada James Blanchard. And it’s no wonder. Trump has threatened to annex Canada as the “51st state,” and mocked former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as its “governor.” He’s blamed the country for flooding America with fentanyl and illegal immigrants, though neither charge bears resemblance to reality. And he’s levied punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, among other exports, all the while accusing Canada of “cheating” on trade.

Even after Trump’s eventual departure from office, these wounds will be hard to heal, says Blanchard, who served as Ambassador to Canada under President Bill Clinton. Blanchard also served two terms as governor of Michigan and four terms in Congress.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps

Guest: The Hon. James Blanchard

Chapters

00:50 Current US-Canada Relations

02:43 Elbows Up?

05:12 Tariff Impacts on Canadian Economy

06:54 Trump unifies Canadians against him

11:42 Carney's performance

14:04 Tariffs benefit no one

17:16 The future of US-Canada relations

The erosion—and deliberate erasure—of government data bythe Trump Administration threaten both public safety and the US economy, says former US chief data scientist Denice Ross.

Federal data are more than jobs numbers and the Census Bureau's tallies of Americans. Government data undergird everyday essentials like the weather forecasts Americans rely on, including tornado and hurricane warnings. Federal data keep track of crime and public safety, give us early warning of epidemics and help farmers plan their crops.

But all of that is under threat.

Denice W. Ross, former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officerand U.S. Chief Data Scientist under President Joe Biden, is sounding the alarm on the degradation of America’s federal data infrastructure and the myriad risks that presents. She’s also spearheading an effort, EssentialData.us, to track and preserve disappearing data.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Denice Ross, former US Chief Data Scientist

Chapters:

A pending decision could gut the Voting Rights Act andencourage states to disenfranchise minority voters.

Last month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais—a case that could spell the end of Section2 of the Voting Rights Act, the bedrock federal law that bars racial discrimination in voting.

As voting rights expert Joshua Douglas explains, the Courtis unlikely to strike down Section 2 outright. That’s a headline this Court doesn’t want. But the Court could still gut Section 2—by allowing the disenfranchisement of minority voters as partisan gerrymandering, not racial discrimination. 

Host: Garrett Epps

Guest: Prof. Joshua A. Douglas, University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

Photo credit: Library of Congress

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Democracy and Voting Rights

02:29 The Louisiana vs. Calais Case Explained

06:38 Understanding Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

08:57 Opportunity Districts and Candidate Choice

11:07 Oral Arguments and Court Dynamics

14:57 Partisan Gerrymandering and Its Implications

21:23 The Interplay of Race and Partisanship

25:31 Chief Justice Roberts and the Voting Rights Act

28:15 Reflections on Progress and Future Challenges

Reckless tax and budget policies have stifled upwardmobility for young and working class Americans, says budget expert Eugene Steuerle. Bipartisan dysfunction is to blame.

The federal government spends the equivalent of about $90,000 per U.S. household per year—yet many Americans don’t see the benefits. Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security and tax subsidies (primarily for wealthy households) swallow up the lion’s share of the federal budget every year, alongwith interest on the national debt.

All of this automatic spending means no room in the federalbudget for investments in America’s future, argues budget expert Eugene Steuerle, while many Americans are losing out. In 2023, for instance, just nine percent of the federal budget went toward programs for children—while 11 percent wasspent on interest on the debt. In 2024, the federal government spent $880 billion for interest on the debt, compared to $80billion for the Department of Education.  

In his new book, Abandoned: How Republicans and Democrats Deserted the Working Class, the Young and theAmerican Dream,Steuerle blames a broken budget process that rewards short-term fixes and a Congress too polarized to tackle entitlement reform. He also argues that Republicans’ fixation on tax cuts has vastly contributed to inequality, while Democrats’ focus on consumption over investment has meant insufficient attention to helping working class Americans build wealth. The net result, Steuerle says, is a collapse in “fiscal democracy.”  Increasingly, Americans are losing their stake in the federal spending as entitlements and debt consume the entirety—and then some—of the nation’s future budget.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Eugene Steuerle, Richard B. Fisher chair at the Urban Institute

Chapters:

YouTuber Natalie Wynn (aka "ContraPoints") spent a year immersing herself in the conspiracy theories wreckingour politics. Now, she’s sharing what she’s learned.

Wynn's latest video, “CONSPIRACY,” has racked up more than 4 million views with a deep dive into the history anddynamics of conspiracist thinking in America, and how conspiracism undermines democracy. The success of her approach could hold important lessons for how toloosen conspiracists’ grip on American politics.

Guest: Natalie Wynn

Hosts: Anne Kim and Gillen Martin

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ContraPoints and Conspiracy Thinking

03:54 The Evolution of Conspiracy Theories

06:53 Understanding Conspiracist Thinking Patterns

09:40 Historical Context of Conspiracy Theories

13:33 Trump and the Rise of Conspiracism

16:24 The Role of QAnon in January 6th

19:22 Psychological Vulnerabilities to Conspiracist Thinking

22:18 Conspiracism's Threat to Democracy

Nearly 1 in 6 Americans lives in a “distressed” community. Where these Americans live and what they experience could explain alot about the rise of Trump.

As the architect of the Economic Innovation Group’s DistressedCommunities Index, Senior Fellow Kenan Fikri has spent the better part of the last decade discovering who is prospering in America—and where. The maldistribution of American opportunity, he warns, has led to stark divides, economically, socially and politically. On the other hand, he argues, understanding the geography of opportunity could help to heal these rifts.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Kenan Fikri, Senior Fellow, Economic Innovation Group

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Distressed Communities Index

01:48 Understanding Economic Distress

04:10 Geographic Distribution of Distress

05:58 Demographics of Distressed Communities

09:33 Gender Disparities in Economic Opportunity

09:51 Impact of Education on Community Well-Being

14:25 Health Outcomes in Distressed Communities

16:58 Political Polarization and Economic Distress

20:58 Solutions for Regional Inequality

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ian Johnson discusses thelife of Liu Xiaobo, China’s sole laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize. Though Liu is hardly a household name in America, he is a pivotal figure for understanding modern China, Johnson argues. Johnson's recent ⁠review⁠ of I Have No Enemies, by Perry Link and Wu Dazhi (Columbia University Press), won the Washington Monthly’s ⁠2025 Kukula Award for Excellencein Nonfiction Book Reviewing⁠ for large publications.Host: Anne KimGuest: Journalist Ian JohnsonChapters:00:00 Introduction to Liu Xiaobo and His Significance03:47 The Life and Legacy of Liu Xiaobo06:44 Understanding Chinese History Through Liu Xiaobo09:42 Grassroots Activism and the Role of the Internet12:55 The Decline of Civil Society in China15:21 Future of Chinese Dissidents and Liu Xiaobo's Impact18:28 Engagement vs. Containment: American Perspectives on China21:20 China's Approach to Global Challenges and Future TechnologiesSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's podcast:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hYFpElBTi8uC8HT5bSqpFQ&si=VMM10M3WJpqDN3RqRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's PolicyFix playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5j_rTTHx-0Vv_T_AyQqoRaO&si=AANgMFJ6G2_cOUM4Subscribe to the Washington Monthly's Democracy 101 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hW58ZQq-q8JVvn5eHWL5PL

The pending sale of an historic federal building by Trump could mean the wrecking ball for the “Sistine Chapel of New Deal Art.”  

Journalist Timothy Noah discusses the masterpieces of New Deal Art housed at the Wilbur Cohen Building in Washington, D.C. that Americans should fight to save.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps

Guest: Timothy Noah

Chapters

00:00 The Hidden Treasures of American Art

03:48 The Legacy of Public Art Programs

06:10 The Life and Work of Ben Shahn

11:50 The Significance of the Cohen Building's Murals

16:27 The Threat to Cultural Heritage

21:59 The Call to Action for Preservation

2025 Kukula Award winner Christoph Irmscher discusses hisreview of Arlie Russell Hochschild’s book, Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right, and the vital role of criticism in civil society.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Christoph Irmscher, Distinguished Professor of English, Indiana University

Chapters

04:56 Insights from 'Stolen Pride' and Empathy Bridge

09:43 The Concept of Stolen Pride and Polarization

14:51 The Role of Book Reviews in Today's Society

18:46 The Art of Book Reviewing

23:39 The Importance of Professional Critics

Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial election will be a trialrun for next year’s midterms and an early referendum on Trump. Pollster Pete Brodnitz, founder of Expeditioin Strategies, critiques the strategies emerging from these campaigns.

Host: Anne Kim

Guest: Pete Brodnitz, Founder, Expedition Strategies

Chapters:

00:00 Virginia's Upcoming Elections: A Bellwether for the Nation?

06:08 Candidate Profiles: A New Era in Virginia Politics

11:26 Campaign Strategies: Culture Wars vs. Kitchen Table Issues

16:39 Turnout Dynamics: Northern Virginia's Influence

22:29 Down-Ballot Races: The GOP's Split Ticket Strategy

In what’s become increasingly common practice in recentmonths, the Supreme Court recently used its “emergency docket” to lift a lower court injunction barring the use of racial profiling by federal immigration officials. The Court’s order allows ICE officers in Los Angeles to continue aggressive “roving patrols” and detention practices based on a person’sappearance.

While the Court’s order was unsigned, it was accompanied by a rare concurring opinion by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who argued on both procedural and substantive grounds that the raids are legal.

In this episode, Washington Monthly Legal Affairs Editor Garrett Epps speaks with contributing writer Peter Shane about theflaws in Kavanaugh’s reasoning. Chapters

00:00 Supreme Court's Decision on Racial Profiling

06:55 Justice Kavanaugh's Opinion and Its Implications

14:02 The Concept of Standing in Legal Cases

20:18 The Broader Impact of ICE's Targeting Practices

24:52 Concluding Thoughts on Civil Liberties and the Court's Role

In comparison to its glitzy neighbor in Princeton, NewJersey’s Montclair State University cuts a relatively low profile. But its impact on the region is just as profound.Montclair is New Jersey’s second largest public university, with 21,000 students – the majority of whom are racial minorities and half of whom are the first in their families to go to college.

Montclair is also among the top-ranked colleges inWashington Monthly’s 2025 College Guide and Rankings as a “Best Bang for the Buck” institution in the Northeast. In this sponsored episode, Montclair’s president, Jonathan Koppell, describes his institution as both public and public serving.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Montclair State University

03:23 Affordability and Financial Aid Programs

06:13 Work-Based Learning Experiences

09:28 Student Success and Retention Programs

12:04 Community Engagement and Public Service

15:29 Advice for Prospective Students

Donald Trump recently declared on TruthSocial that he plans to “lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots.” He claimed that “ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS.”

In truth, vote-by-mail is a bulwark of American democracy.

Trump’s efforts to end vote-by-mail are an extension of hisefforts to control the nation’s elections apparatus in advance of the 2026 midterms and to tilt the system in his favor. And if he succeeds, he could disenfranchise the millions of Americans – including seniors and people with disabilities – who depend on vote by mail to participate in elections.

In this episode of the Washington Monthly podcast, Anne Kim and Garrett Epps spoke with Phil Keisling, the former Oregon Secretary of State who pioneered modern systems of vote by mail and the founder of the National Vote at Home Institute.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Vote by Mail

08:42 Debunking Myths: Fraud and Partisan Advantage

16:28 The Impact of Mail-in Voting on Turnout

24:47 Addressing Voter Suppression and Access

30:50 Empowering Citizens: Actions to Preserve Voting Access

President Donald Trump has condemned the District ofColumbia as a crime-ridden hellhole. He’s warned that “caravans of mass youth rampage through city streets,” and that the district’s murder rate is higher than “theworst places on Earth.”

More than 2,200 National Guard troops now rove the streets of the nation’s capital, at a cost of more than $1 million per day.

In truth, violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, and Trump's real goal with his occupation of DC is to suppress resistance, not combat crime.

Washington Monthly Legal Affairs Editor spoke with Contributing Editor James Fallows about what life is really like in an occupied DC: Empty streets and an atmosphere. of fear. Chapters

00:00 The Current Mood in Washington, D.C.

11:42 Home Rule and Its Limits in D.C.

21:39 The Future of D.C. and Its Challenges

Higher education finance expert Sandy Baum explains what the“One Big Beautiful Act” means for student borrowers. Medical student and many middle-class parents could be in for a shock.

Guest: Sandy Baum, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Unlike other college rankings that rate institutions for their “prestige” and selectivity, the Washington Monthly’s College Guide and Rankings scrutinizes schools for what really counts – their commitments to public service, research and social mobility for their students.

Founded by an abolitionist minister as the first inter-racial, coeducational college in the South, tiny Berea College in Kentucky – with about 1,550 students – is an exemplar of this ideal. That’s why it’s ranked number one in the Monthly’s 2025 College Guide. Fully 99 percent of its students are low- and moderate-income students eligible for Pell Grants. They pay no tuition and graduate nearly debt-free. The vast majority ofgraduates remain in the region, contributing to its economy and growth.

MonthlyEditor in Chief Paul Glastris spoke with Berea President Cheryl Nixon about the college’s philosophy, approach and formula for student success.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Berea's Ranking

02:50 Understanding Berea College's Unique Model

06:17 Student Employment and Work College Model

08:32 Demographics and Community Impact

10:50 Academic Rigor and Career Preparation

13:20 Financial Accessibility and Student Debt

19:28 Berea's Endowment and Funding Model

22:09 Campus Life and Community Engagement

24:52 Admissions Process and Student Criteria

26:26 Dr. Nixon's Journey and Educational Philosophy

29:24 Berea's Lessons for Higher Education Today

The past president of Oregon Public Broadcasting says cuts to federal funding for public media could be catastrophic for rural communities in his state. Our guest is Steven Bass, who stepped down as president of Oregon Public Broadcasting in 2024 after 19 years. He calls public radio a “lifeline” for rural communities in his state.

Hosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps

Until about a decade ago, the Texas GOP epitomized traditionalsmall-government conservatism. It championed tort reform, deregulation, and a laissez-faire, business-friendly atmosphere that politicians would often contrast to the oppressive regime of  California.

But the election of Donald Trump has led to a peculiarphenomenon: the “Californi-fication” of Texas and the adoption of California-style tactics to impose a right-wing agenda. In this episode , journalist Christopher Hooks speaks with host Anne Kim about his recent article for Texas Monthly chronicling this shift.

No school can stand against the government’s limitless resources forever, says higher education finance expert Robert Kelchen.

In this conversation with host Anne Kim, Robert discusses the current financial pressures facing universities, including threats to international student enrollment and the increase in the endowment tax included in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Trump's Policies on Ivy League Institutions

04:01 Financial Pressures and Settlements in Higher Education

06:46 The Decline of International Student Enrollment

09:35 Cascading Effects on Smaller Colleges

12:20 The Changing Relationship Between Higher Education and Government

14:59 The Future of University Leadership

17:38 The Political Landscape of Higher Education

20:44 Advice for University Leaders in Turbulent Times

22:53 The Supreme Court's Recent Rulings

Donald Trump's destructive trade and tariff policies will leave America poorer and less competitive, argues trade policy expert William Reinsch, who speaks with host Anne Kim. And while the United States has shown itself to be an increasingly unreliable partner, the rest of the world is forming alliances without us, to our detriment. Reinsch also talks about the need for new US policies to address the economic discontent that has led to isolationist policies.

Guest: William Reinsch is senior adviser and Scholl Chair emeritus with the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 

Hashtags: #TradePolicy #GlobalEconomy #WilliamReinsch

Donald Trump's disastrous economic policies on trade, immigration and the federal budget - along with his threats to the Fed - are a perfect recipe for economic disaster.

Economist Rob Shapiro joins host Anne Kim to explain exactly why the US economy could be headed for a hard landing.

He talks about the impact of high deficits on domestic savings and interest rates, the role of foreign investors in the U.S. economy, the influence of tariffs and immigration policies on inflation, and why it's so crucial to keep the Fed independent.

Robert Shapiro is a Washington Monthly contributing writer, chairman of the economic consulting firm Sonecon, and a senior fellow at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. He has served as Undersecretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs under President Bill Clinton and as an advisor to the Obama administration.

#Economy #Recession #USPolitics #RobertShapiro

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of the U.S. economy. Subscribe now to stay updated on our latest episodes!

After years of slavish fawning over Vladimir Putin, PresidentDonald Trump has apparently made an abrupt about-face in his views on the Russian President. In the last week, he has threatened huge tariffs on Russia’s trading partners if Putin didn’t agree to a ceasefire; he’s also restartedthe flow of arms to Ukraine via third-party transactions with European allies.

But will Trump's new resolve on Ukraine hold? 

Washington Monthly Contributing Writer Tamar Jacoby, Director of the New Ukraine Project for the Progressive Policy Institute, joined Editor in Chief Paul Glastris, Politics Editor Bill Scher, Exective Editor for Digital Matt Cooper and moderator Anne Kim for this week’s episode of the Washington MonthlyPolitics Roundtable.

Anne Kim and Garrett Epps discuss the dangers of the SupremeCourt's increasing reliance on often unsigned emergency rulings – the so-called “shadow docket” - to rule in favor of President Trump's agenda. They also discuss the Court’s recent rulings limiting the rights of transgender minors and their parents and the erosion of the wall between church and state. Epps argues that the Court has forsaken its role as a co-equal branch of government and a check on executive power in favor of enabling Trump’s increasing authoritarianism.

This episode is sponsored by Montclair State University.

Located just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State University is a public research university that’s helping students get from where they are now to where they want to be. Nationally ranked for social mobility and Washington Monthly’s Number 1 public institution in New Jersey, Montclair is the state’s premier public service institution. Learn more about what makes Montclair a university on the rise at Montclair.edu.

Now that Trump's signature domestic policy agenda - the "one big beautiful bill" - is law, what can Americans expect? Washington Monthly's Bill Scher, Matt Cooper and Anne Kim tell you what you need to know about how this bill will affect ordinary Americans. They also talk about the political risks Republicans face in passing this unpopular legislation and the backlash that is certian to begin. They also talk about the likely impact of tariffs, due to kick in this week, and the politics of immigration, where the Trump Administration's harsh tactics are beginning to backfire.

Washington Monthly's Paul Glastris, Bill Scher, Matt Cooper and Anne Kim discuss the implications of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on its Medicaid cuts, the betrayal of Trump's base, the impact on renewable energy, and the harsh immigration policies included in the bill. The discussion also touches on the political landscape leading up to the July 4th deadline for passing the bill, the dynamics within the Democratic Party, and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Ten years ago this week, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional right to same-sex marriage in its landmark ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges. Since then, marriage equality and LGBTQ rights have been increasingly under threat. Conservatives activists are successfully weaponizing trans rights issues as a wedge to undermine LGBTQ progress more broadly.

In this episde, University of Oregon political science professor Alison Gash - one of the nation's foremost authorities on marriage equality - describes the nature of the conservative assault on LGBTQ Americans and how to fight back. She also discusses how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs - which overturned Roe v. Wade - has opened the door to walking back protections for same-sex marriage. Cohosts: Anne Kim and Garrett Epps.

National Interest editor Jacob Heilbrunn joins Paul Glastris, Matt Cooper and Anne Kim to discuss the fallout from Trump's attack on Iran - and why Trump's prosecution of the war could be a failure.

Also in this week's episode: How Republicans' "one big beautiful bill" is faltering in Congress, and the Supreme Court's decision upholding a ban on treatment for transgender minors.

Washington Monthly Editor in Chief Paul Glastris, Politics Editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor for Digital Matt Cooper join Anne Kim to talk about this weekend's protests, Trump's flop of a military parade, political violence in Minnesota, and the prospect of a regional war in the Middle East. Chapters00:00 The Military Parade and No-Kings Protests12:30 The Durability of the Resistance21:09 Political Violence in Minnesota25:05 Political Instability and Violence29:43 Middle East Tensions and Military Actions34:53 U.S. Leadership and Military Strategy40:21 Domestic Political Dynamics and Future Implications47:43 newsPolitics-intro-high-short.wavSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's podcast:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hYFpElBTi8uC8HT5bSqpFQ&si=VMM10M3WJpqDN3RqRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's PolicyFix playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5j_rTTHx-0Vv_T_AyQqoRaO&si=AANgMFJ6G2_cOUM4Subscribe to the Washington Monthly's Democracy 101 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hW58ZQq-q8JVvn5eHWL5PL

In his latest attack on Harvard and other elite universities, Donald Trump has blocked the abiilty of international students to attend these schools. The results will be catastrophic for colleges nationwide, including the regional public schools that educate most Americans going to college.

Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps speak with higher education finance expert Robert Kelchen of the University of Tennessee about the impacts of the ban on foreign students.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:51 Trump's New Front Against International Students02:23 Impact on International Student Enrollment05:31 Economic Implications for Universities and Local Economies08:28 Harvard and Regional Public Institutions14:12 Financial Pressures and Potential Solutions19:30 Endowment Taxation and Financial Strategies20:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher, Executive Editor Matt Cooper and Contributing Editor Anne Kim discuss the recent deployment of the National Guard by Trump in response to protests over immigration raids, the public's reaction to this escalation of power, and the implications for civil liberties. They also touch on the political fallout from the breakup between Trump and Musk, the challenges facing the reconciliation bill in Congress, and the potential consequences of work requirements in Medicaid. Chapters00:00 Escalation of Power: Trump's National Guard Deployment10:21 Media Coverage and Its Impact on Civil Liberties20:27 The Trump-Musk Breakup: Political Implications23:54 Republican Party Dynamics: Reconciliation and Internal Conflicts34:33 Consequences Ahead: Economic Concerns and Political Fallout38:01 newsPolitics-intro-high-short.wavSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's podcast:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hYFpElBTi8uC8HT5bSqpFQ&si=VMM10M3WJpqDN3RqRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to the Washington Monthly's PolicyFix playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5j_rTTHx-0Vv_T_AyQqoRaO&si=AANgMFJ6G2_cOUM4Subscribe to the Washington Monthly's Democracy 101 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonp7h9esu5hW58ZQq-q8JVvn5eHWL5PL

The Trump Administration has threatened to suspend the writ of habeas corpus - which would enable the government to detain people without due process. But is this legal?

Prof. Lee Kovarsky of the University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s leading experts in criminal law, speaks with co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps about the history and importance of habeas - and why Trump can't take it away.

Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor, Digital, Matt Cooper discuss the prognosis for the GOP's "big, beautiful" tax and spending bill in the Senate. They also discuss Trump's pivot on Russia, and whether "language" is why Democrats have lost working class voters.

After Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding to the state of Maine over the issue of transgender athletes, Gov, Janet Mills famously told the president, 'We'll see you in court." Since then, Maine has waged an effective resistance against Trump's attempts at federal coercion. Political science professors Luisa Deprez and Amy Fried discuss the contours of this defiance and its implications for key upcoming races, including the re-election campaign of Sen. Susan Collines. Washington Monthly contributing editor Anne Kim and Legal Affairs Editor Garrett Epps co-host.

Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher breaks down the GOP's "big, beautiful" tax and spending bill - its prospects, its provisions, and its politics. Host: Anne Kim.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the GOP's Tax and Spending Bill

02:41 Current Status of the Bill and Key Developments

05:21 The SALT Deduction and Its Implications

08:21 Deficit Concerns and Freedom Caucus Demands

11:35 Medicaid Cuts and Political Ramifications

15:09 The Impact of Work Requirements on Medicaid

19:12 Tax Policy Changes and Their Effects

20:27 Democratic Strategies Against the Bill

22:49 Gavin Newsom's Controversial Moves

28:26 Biden's Challenges and Democratic Responses

33:44 Looking Ahead: Economic Implications and Political Strategies

38:42 newsPolitics-intro-high-short.wav

In his first inaugural address, FDR famously told the nation that there was "nothing to fear but fear itself." Fast forward to 2025, and fear is the hallmark of Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. Author and journalist Jonathan Alter contrasts the enduring legacy of FDR to the chaos of Trump. Co-hosted by Washington Monthly Legal Affairs Editor Garrett Epps and Contributing Editor Anne Kim.

Washington Monthly Editor-in-chief Paul Glastris, Politics Editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor for Digital Matt Cooper chat with host Anne Kim about Trump's abysmal progress toward his promise of a new "golden era" for America.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Promises Made and Broken

00:36 Trump's Trade Deal with China

06:10 Evaluating Trump's Promises on Trade

09:33 Grading Trump's Promises on Government Efficiency

11:50 Inflation and Economic Promises

13:26 Balancing the Budget vs. Tax Cuts

16:13 Immigration Policies and Promises

19:09 Corruption and Foreign Influence

28:44 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Political Developments

32:31 newsPolitics-outro-high-short.wav

Lawyer and historian Ira Shapiro, author of three widely-acclaimed books on the history of the U.S. Senate, speaks with co-hosts Garrett Epps and Anne Kim about the Senate's long decline over the last 30 years, the role of former Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the destruction of the institution, and the need for the Senate to step forward to defend US democracy.

Some Democrats are already talking about the prospect of impeaching Donald Trump, and there's plenty evidence already of the "high crimes and misdemeanors" the Constitution demands. But as Washington Monthly's Bill Scher and Matt Cooper argue, the politics risks of talking up impeachment might be too high at the moment to pursue.

Donald Trump has launched an all-out assault on the nation's largest and most prestigious law firms. While some have chosen to capitulate, others have chosen to fight. Washington Monthly Legal Affairs Editor Garrett Epps and contributing editor Anne Kim discuss the myriad ways in which Trump's attacks on Big Law are unconstitutional and why it's vital for firms to resist.

Trashing the economy and breaking the law - it turns out - are politically unpopular moves. Who knew?

Washington Monthly politics editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor for Digital Matt Cooper talk through Trump's latest polls, the most recent laws broken, and the "big, beautiful" budget bill that could ultimately be Republicans' undoing. Moderated by contributing editor Anne Kim.

When the Associated Press refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America," Donald Trump expelled AP from the White House press pool. Was this legal?

Washington Monthly Legal Affairs Editor Garrett Epps and contributing editor Anne Kim walk through the key legal concepts that undergird the First Amendment's freedom of the press and the three things every citizen should know: that government censorship is illegal; that retaliation for free speech is unconstitutional; and that citizens have significant freedom to criticize their government and elected leaders.

After another week of bad news, bad polls and adverse court rulings, has the Trump president hit a tipping point in its power and popularity? Washington Monthly Editor in Chief Paul Glastris and Politics Editor Bill Scher debate Trump's future with contributing editor Anne Kim.

Most Americans don't pay much attention to the US territory of Guam, but this tiny island has outsized strategic importance - especially as China considers how, and when, to retake Taiwan. Hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps speak with longtime foreign correspondent and author Christian Caryl about the Chinese threat to Guam and whether America is ready for a potential attack.

There's plenty that ordinary citizens can do to push back on the Trump regime. They can protest, they can support legal action, they can lobby elected officials, and, above all, they can stay informed. Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps speak with journalist Timothy Noah about his recent piece for TNR on the tactics of successful resistance.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Marching

06:10 Strategies for Citizen Resistance

12:38 Keeping Up with the News

18:03 Addressing Immigration Issues

21:15 Historical Context and Citizen Warriors

25:23 Lessons Learned from Reporting

Has Resistance 2.0 finally arrived? Washington Monthly politics editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor, Digital Matt Cooper chat with contributing editor Anne Kim about the impact of last weekend's massive "Hands Off" demonstrations and what the outcome of last week's special elections in Florida and Wisconsin spell for the viability of GOP electoral prospects in 2026.

Now that the Supreme Court has made racial preferences in college admissions illegal, can class-based affirmative action promote equity? Washington Monthly Editor-in-Chief Paul Glastris and Contributing Editor Anne Kim speak with Richard Kahlenberg, the nation's most prominent advocate of economic affirmative action.

In this week's livestream, Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher and Executive Editor for Digital Matt Cooper chat with host Anne Kim about the political fallout from SignalGate and Donald Trump's reckless imposition of tariffs. "Incompetence" may be the political weapon Democrats need to turn around their political fortunes. Plus, a preview of Tuesday's special elections in Florida and Wisconsin, and Matt's take as a veteran of numerous White House Correspondents' Association dinners on what it means for the WHCA to cancel its headliner comedian.

Donald Trump's abandonment of Ukraine in favor of Russia and Vladimir Putin threatens to upend the global order. Will Europe emerge as a unified force to defend Western democracies in the absence of American leadership? Washington Monthly editor-in-chief Paul Glastris speaks with Tamar Jacoby, Director of the New Ukraine Project at the Progressive Policy Institute; and Mike Lofgren, author, historian and a leading expert on military weapons systems.

Two themes have animated the last week of Trump's presidency: defiance and revenge. Washington Monthly ediitors Matt Cooper and Bill Scher and contributing editor Anne Kim discuss the potential political fallout of Trump's call to impeach judges who disagree with him. They also talk about the rise of Bernie Sanders and AOC as the face of Democratic resistance and the fate of Sen. Chuck Schumer as minority leader. Bill also shares a bright spot: JD Vance's terrible poll numbers and what that means for the future of Trumpism without Trump.

"Abundance liberalism" is catching fire among Democrats as an economic theory that could revive the progressive left and, with it, the Democratic Party's brand. Its major focus is regulatory reforms to free up bottlenecks in the construction of new housing, infrastructure and sources of energy. But is it enough? Washington Monthly Editor-in-Chief Paul Glastris and Editor Nate Weisberg think not. They share their critique with contributing editor Anne Kim.

Colleges and universities potentially face unprecedented financial strain under the Trump administration. While the most significant threat is cuts to funding for research, schools also potentially face cuts in financial aid and higher taxes on endowment.

Washington Monthly Editor in Chief Paul Glastris and contributing editor Anne Kim speak with higher education finance expert Robert Kelchen, who leads the Departmentof Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Washington Monthly politics editor and Washington Monthly Editor-in-Chief Paul Glastris join contributing editor Anne Kim for the Monthly's first ever politics livestream, the morning after Donald Trump's first speech to a joint session of Congress.

In his speech, Trump doubled down on tariffs and taking Greenland. He demonized immigrants and trans Americans. And by his own account, he's just getting started.

In this episode, Anne Kim and Garrett Epps discuss the foundational concepts of U.S. democracy, focusing on the separation of powers and the emerging threat of the "unitary executive" theory. They also discuss the implications of Trump's power grab, including threats to public health, safety and the rule of law.

Key moments:

00:00 Foundations of Democracy and Constitutional Challenges

05:05 Separation of Powers: The Structure of Government

09:43 The Unitary Executive Theory: Implications and Origins

12:44 Practical Implications of Power Grabs

17:46 The Role of the Supreme Court in Executive Power

22:27 Looking Ahead: The Future of Constitutional Law

26:15 Introduction and Overview

26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps speak with Tamar Jacoby, who is living and working in Kyiv as Director of the Progressive Policy Institute's New Ukraine Project. She speaks about the future of Ukraine, the changing face of warfare, and Vladimir Putin's potential ambitions in Europe.

#elections #votersrights #trump #2026 #2028 #elections President Donald Trump has promised drastic changes to election laws, such as requiring proof of citizenship and paper ballots, that could disenfranchise thousands, if not millions, of voters. How serious are these threats?Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epp speak with Joshua A. Douglas, a law professor at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. He is the author of The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How the Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights and Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting. He is also the host of the Democracy Optimist podcast and writes the Democracy Optimist Substack. Find him at www.joshuaadouglas.com and follow him on Twitter @JoshuaADouglas.About the co-hosts:Anne Kim is a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly and the author of Poverty for Profit: How Corporations Get Rich Off America's Poor (The New Press, 2024) and Abandoned: America's Lost Youth and the Crisis of Disconnection (The New Press, 2020). Garrett Epps is Professor of Law Emeritus at University of Baltimore, Professor of Practice at the University of Oregon and Legal Affairs Editor at the Washington Monthly.Both Anne and Garrett are alums of the Duke University School of Law and proud Blue Devils.

Federal workers are the latest target of Donald Trump, who vowed in his campaign to shrink the size of government and purge anyone he perceives to be disloyal. Can the civil service be saved? Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epp speak with Donald F. Kettl, former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and an expert on public administration.

Massive tariffs. Mass deportations. A looming budget crisis. A politicized Fed.

Economist Rob Shapiro speaks with co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps about what's ahead for the economy as Donald Trump takes office. Chapters00:00 The Biden Economy: A Strong Recovery03:52 Trump's Tariff Plans and Their Implications09:16 The Threat of Mass Deportations16:12 Fiscal Policies and the Deficit20:47 The Federal Reserve's Role and Challenges24:33 Predictions for a Trump Recession29:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps continue their conversation with Washington Monthly Editor-in-Chief Paul Glastris about how Democrats can win back working-class Americans. Paul also discusses the shape of "Resistance 2.0" to Trump and the legacy of Monthly founder Charlie Peters.

Paul Glastris, Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Monthly, speaks with co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps about the latest issue of the magazine, which offers 10 ideas for reviving the fortunes of working-class Americans - and the Democratic Party. Part 1 of a two-part interview.

#petehegseth #veterans #veteranshealth #privatization #defense #nationalsecurity For decades, the Koch Network and its GOP allies have been working to gut the VA health care system through "privatization." Their efforts could leave millions of veterans without affordable, high-quality care. Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps speak with Suzanne Gordon and Steve Early, two of the nation's foremost experts on the VA system. Gordon is the author of numerous books and articles on the VA system, including Wounds of War: How the VA Delivers Health, Healing, and Hope to the Nation's Veterans. Gordon and Early are also co-authors of Our Veterans: Winners, Losers, Friends, and Enemies on the New Terrain of Veterans Affairs.Key moments:00:00 Understanding the VA Health System05:00 The Privatization Debate13:42 Future Legislative Threats to the VA17:45 The Ideological Battle Over the VACredits:Photo of Pete Hegseth: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

Co-hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps discuss the implications of president-elect Donald Trump's threat to end automatic citizenship for people born on US soil. What damage could he do and how would ordinary Americans be affected?

President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to install his Cabinet without Senate confirmation. That would violate the Constitution, says NYU law professor Peter Shane. Shane talks with hosts Anne Kim and Garrett Epps about the history and legality of recess appointments.