Mask Off

On today’s episode of 'Politics Nation', host Rev. Al Sharpton delivers a forceful rebuke of a racist video shared this week by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Rev. Sharpton condemns the post as vile, dehumanizing, and beneath the office of the presidency, noting that even members of Trump’s own party were compelled to denounce it. The episode examines the broader implications of the incident, particularly as it occurred during the opening days of Black History Month and amid ongoing efforts by the administration to diminish the contributions of African Americans. Rev. Sharpton also raises alarms about the resurgence of racist tropes alongside rhetoric about “nationalizing” elections in cities with large Black populations, calling the moment increasingly ominous. Joining the Reverend for the discussion are Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senator Tina Smith, and Brennan Center President Michael Waldman, who weigh in on accountability, democratic norms, and the stakes for the country moving forward — including why the ultimate response to racist conduct must come at the ballot box this November. To listen to the shows in this feed and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. You'll also get exclusive bonus content and early access to select shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.