PODCAST · news
Living in the USA
by Living in the USA
Talking about politics, thinking about the Left. Hosted by Jon Wiener, co-author of "Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties," contributing editor at The Nation, and broadcast live at KPFK 90.7FM in LA Thursdays at 4.
Episodes
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That Republican convention: Harold Meyerson; Data Center Politics: David Wallace-Wells; 'Ordinary People': Skye Perryman
The Republicans held their midterm convention in Dallas, TX on Wednesday and Thursday, which, featured Trump talking for two hours about the "increasingly fictitious" achievements of the GOP – Harold Meyerson comments. Also: Is the resistance to data centers a new kind of mass politics? David...
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Unions and Data Centers: Harold Meyerson; The Supremes and the Ballroom: Rob Weissman; The Dems' Senate Candidates: John Nichols
The political surprise of 2026: the movement to block AI data centers – it's popular among both Democrats and Republicans at the grassroots. But, in many places the building trade unions are opposing that movement – they want to build those data centers – and in some places, Democratic political...
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From the Iran War to the Reflecting Pool: Harold Meyerson; The Supremes, the Postal Service, and Voting: David Cole; 'The Sympathizer': Viet Nguyen.
On Monday, the Postal Service announced that it would follow Trump's executive order, which attempts to block voting by mail in states that do not provide its voter rolls for scrutiny by the Trump administration. As of today, Friday – 67 days away from the midterm elections: November 3, 2026 –…
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Surprise Dem Victories - Harold Meyerson; Indivisible and the Elections: Leah Greenberg; Defending Voting: Vanita Gupta
More progressive democrats have triumphed over AIPAC money — starting with the surprising victory of Aisha Wahab in Northern California – Harold Meyerson comments on how "AIPAC is on a negative roll". Also: Indivisible’s 2,500 local volunteer-led groups are preparing for a rapid response to any...
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Wisconsin and Minnesota Dems: Harold Meyerson; ACLU Election Protection; Dave Zirin on Howard Zinn
News from Wisconsin, one of the most gerrymandered states and a key to the national Democratic strategy; and from my home state of Minnesota, where Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan triumphed over opponent in the primary for state senate, Angie Craig, who out-spent her by 4 to 1 – Harold…
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Abdul El-Sayed's Tasks: Harold Meyerson; A GOP Ballot Seizure: Zach Roth; Jurassic Museum: David Wilson
Abdul El-Sayed's first task is winning Black Detroit; next is making inroads in working class white Michigan. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: A rehearsal for the election protection groups: the California sheriff who seized 650,000 ballots from November’s referendum, claiming he needed to recount...
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Trump's Todd Blanche problem: Harold Meyerson; Election Protection: Skye Perryman; 'The Odyssey': John Powers
Trump's trouble this week is getting the Senate committee to advance his nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Two key Republican senators are refusing to vote for Blanche unless Trump gives up on his deal that gives him immunity from tax audits – Harold Meyerson comments. Also: An...
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Sinking Republicans: Harold Meyerson; Rising Democrats: John Nichols: 'Blonde on Blonde": Alan Minsky
The Dems vs. the GOP in the 2026 Midterms: in the latest Fox News poll, 53% of Americans said they'd vote Democrat; but will that hold until November? "Assuming Donald Trump continues to be Donald Trump... these gaps may grow larger" – in the Dems' favor – Harold Meyerson comments. John Nichols…
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Trump from 2020 to 2026: Harold Meyerson; Smithsonian & History: Beverly Gage; Trump and Golf: Robert Lypsite
Trump's TV speech, and his declining situation, politically and mentally: Six years after he lost the 2020 election, Trump is still trying to find someone, anyone, to tell him he won. Trump said that last night's speech was about the 2020 election but really it was about the 2026 elections – and...
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Dems after Platner: Harold Meyerson; House Dems v. Trump: Jamie Raskin; Haitians After TPS: Amy Wilentz
The Democrats in Maine have got to pick a new candidate to replace Platner by July 27th. As we've learned from Kamala Harris, replacing a candidate this late is hard – but, Harris carried Maine by 7 points in 2024, the Democratic candidate for governor there leads by 15 points, and Susan…
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The Supremes and Us: Harold Meyerson and David Cole; 'Common Sense' for Today: Alan Minsky
On the Supreme Court today there is a 6 to 3 majority—I hesitate to call them 'conservatives' because they have been ripping apart tradition so drastically—right-wing Republican rule; Harold Meyerson comments on the "week of do this but don't do it here decisions". Trump's biggest losses in the...
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Trump vs. Republicans: Harold Meyerson; Election Protection: Norm Eisen; How Protest Works: John Nichols
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani's three candidates for the House all won, showing that Mamdani has "one heck of a lot of clout in New York". Meanwhile, some point out that Democrats should be focusing NOT on DSA victories in urban areas, but on the districts that voted for Trump – Harold…
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Iran and Ohio: Harold Meyerson; Harvard and Trump: Randall Kennedy; Supermarket Workers: Ann Larson
Trump says his memo of understanding is a big win for him because Iran has pledged NOT to develop nuclear weapons and to open the Strait of Hormuz. But, that only "gets us back to what the status quo was before Trump decided to go to war" and "the Iranian pledge not to develop nuclear weapons,...
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California's primary, and Maine's: Harold Meyerson; AI "Poetry": Katha Pollitt; George Harrison: Allan Kozinn
Democratic strength, and Democratic divisions, in primaries from L.A. to Maine—Harold Meyerson has our analysis of the week’s political developments. Also: Can AI write poetry? Good poetry? Katha Pollitt decided to find out. She’s an award-winning poet herself, and a columnist for The Nation....
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The Primaries and Us: Harold Meyerson and John Nichols; Girl Groups: Gary Stewart
California's next Governor will likely be Xavier Becerra – as a former California Attorney General, he has a record of suing Trump; but is also known to be a corporate-friendly Democrat. Still, with California's notoriously slow count, it is too soon to call. Meanwhile, the 35% Karen Bass has in...
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Texas Republicans: Harold Meyerson; Suing Trump: Rob Weissman; Elmore Leonard's Rules
The big picture of national politics: Trump is not just sinking in the polls, he's accelerating into the most unpopular and toxic parts of his presidency. People are focused on the economy, they want the war in Iran finished – instead, Trump is pushing his billion-dollar ballroom and his slush…
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The Billion Dollar Ballroom: Harold Meyerson; The States Project: Daniel Squadron; Minneapolis vs. ICE
The primary elections results this week show the success of Trump's revenge campaign — and the limits of that campaign. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: History on the March: The American Historical Society has filed a lawsuit and a federal judge has ordered the Trump White House to comply with…
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A rough week: Harold Meyerson; Jews against Zionism: Adam Hochschild; Historians vs. Tennessee
Last week was one of the roughest for Democrats since Trump won the election in 2024: The Supreme Court ended Black congressional representation in most of the South and opened the door to the creation of several more Republican House seats, and then the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the...
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The Redistricting Wars: Harold Meyerson; Election Protection: Ian Bassin
Fifty-nine percent of Americans believe Trump does not have the mental sharpness necessary to lead the country; 55 percent think Trump does not have the physical health to serve as president; and 67 percent think Trump does not carefully consider important decisions – according to a new…
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After the Voting Rights Act: Harold Meyerson; Trump's ICE Prisons: John Nichols; Confederate Monuments: Christopher Knight
What Democrats need to do to counter the Supreme Court abolishing Black congressional districts: Harold Meyerson comments on the continuing reapportionment wars and the upcoming elections. Also: John Nichols explains why Trump may never succeed at building any of his ICE prison camps, and how…
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Trump is sinking: Harold Meyerson; AI for the People: Ro Khanna; Solar is cheaper: Bill McKibben
Trump’s support continues to decline on everything he does, especially the war with Iran. But as he becomes weaker, he becomes more dangerous. Harold Meyerson comments; he’s editor-at-large of The American Prospect. Also: We need an AI revolution that works for the people, not just the...
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Trump, Jesus & Orban: Harold Meyerson; The Long Term: Rebecca Solnit; Small Towns v ICE: Emma Janssen
Trump's terrible week started Sunday when he attacked the Pope and then presented himself in an AI image as Jesus Christ; he then took control of the Strait of Hormuz, making sure that oil and gas prices continue to rise; and then Victor Orbán, Trump's MAGA ally in Hungary, lost his election to...
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Iran and elections: Harold Meyerson; Minnesota Changed Everything: Deepak Bhargava; Road Trip: Beverely Gage
The War in Iran: A lot of people on both sides are saying Iran won – that the Iranian regime has emerged stronger than it was before the war; while the US has emerged weaker, unable to force the surrender of a 4th-rate military, demonstrating our strategic ineptitude, and then there is the TACO...
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Protest after No Kings, plus Abortion after Dobbs
Trump's failed Iran war speech, and his firing of Pam Bondi: a big week in Washington. Harold Meyerson comments. Plus: We’re still thinking about No Kings 3 day on Saturday: 8 million people. 3,300 events. ‘No Kings’ protests in almost every city and town in the country. 100 towns in Texas alone...
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No Kings Protests v. Trump: Leah Greenberg, Harold Meyerson; 'Antisemitism' on campus: David Myers
Trump's approval rating has hit an all-time low for a modern president. Jimmy Carter had the same rating on the economy – 29% – back in 1979. And what was happening in 1979? An oil embargo and revolution in Iran. Next: Trump is trying to limit voting by mail and SCOTUS will make a ruling soon....
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War in Iran, Elections in Illinois: Harold Meyerson; Mamdani & the Midterms: Maurice Mitchell; Politics update: John Nichols
Why is the US at war with Iran? "It's entirely a war based on Trump's whim and his apparent desire to do what Bibi Netanyahu has asked him to do". Next up: Elections in Illinois, where AIPAC, AI and Crypto money did not win. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: The Working Families Party is organizing...
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Iran War: Tom Stevenson; News Avoidant Voters: Tara McGowan; Crossword Poliitics: Natan Last
Tom Stevenson analyzes the latest news and long-term prospects of Trump's Iran war, for both Iran and the US. Tom is a contributing editor for the London Review of Books, where he writes about, among other things, politics in the Mideast. Also: what news are people getting these days, and where…
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Trump's attacks on Iran and Voting: Harold Meyerson, David Cole, John Nichols
59% of Americans disapprove of the war in Iran, according to a CNN poll. Democrats offered a War Powers resolution that would have set some limits on Trump's war in Iran; it lost in the Senate on Wednesday with one Republican – Rand Paul – voting in favor. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: After...
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After the State of the Union: Harold Meyerson; Jackie Robinson vs. Paul Robeson: Howard Bryant
Trump's State of the Union speech was the expected firehose of lies – and went on at an unprecedented length. Meanwhile, the foremost issue of concern on the minds of most Americans was the Epstein files. And, what did Trump say about the Epstein files during the speech? "Nada." The other issues…
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Election Protection: Harold Meyerson; Escaping Slavery: Marcus Rediker; Trump's Attacks on Black History
Trump, facing the wave of popular opposition to pretty much everything he’s doing, is working to block Democrats from voting in the midterms, and “election protection” has become a key part of the preparations underway from blue state attorneys general and from voting rights groups like the…
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Minneapolis Defeats Trump: Harold Meyerson, John Nichols; How Dems can Win in Texas: Steve Phillips
Your Minnesota Moment: Today, ICE is pulling out of Minneapolis after a massive and sustained resistance movement – demonstrating that when you fight Trump you CAN win. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: The size and scale of the resistance to ICE in Minneapolis is too vast to fully comprehend. John...
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ICE in Congress: Harold Meyerson; Bad Bunny at the Superbowl: Dave Zirin; Black History: Isabel Wilkerson; Minneapolis: Bruce Springsteen
Congress is debating restrictions for ICE this week, we'll go into the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security; it seems the real negotiations are not between the Democrats and the Republican senators, but between the Democrats and Trump. The "Big Beautiful Bill" provided an…
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Restricting ICE - the Senate Votes: Harold Meyerson; Standing Together in Israel/Palestine: Sally Abed; ICE Politics: Leah Greenberg
Eyes on Minneapolis: three-quarters of Americans have seen all or some of the video of the murder of Alex Pretti. With this attention, we have the power to challenge ICE; where do we stand on the Democrats' bill proposing to enforce restrictions? Harold Meyerson comments. Next: The Nation…
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Trump Year Two Begins: Harold Meyerson; ICE out of Minnesota: John Nichols; Victims of DOGE: Sasha Abramsky
Trump's first year has seen a collapse of support in DC and among voters nationwide, huge losses in the lower courts, and the rise of a massive opposition movement. Meanwhile, as Trump year two begins and the midterms approach, it's looking very good for the Democrats. Harold Meyerson comments....
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From Minneapolis to Caracas: Harold Meyerson; Capitalism in China: John Powers; Reaganland: Rick Perlstein
As Trump’s support collapses, he has lashed out in two directions–sending an unprecedented number of ICE agents to Minneapolis, where one of them murdered Renee Good, and sending the military to Venezuela, where he says he has seized control of the oil industry. Harold Meyerson comments. Also:...
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The ICE Murder in Mpls.: Harold Meyerson; Homeless Vets' Victory in LA: Mark Rosenbaum; the Underground RR: Eric Foner
What is to be done about that ICE agent murdering a woman in Minneapolis, Renée Good, who was a peaceful legal observer trying to drive away from him? Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem called the murder "self defense" – the mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey said that was "bullshit" and to…
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2025 as History: Harold Meyerson and David Cole; plus remembering Ricky Jay
The year in politics: Harold Meyerson of The American Prospect comments on Trump’s collapsing support in 2025, and the rise of the resistance—in both the unprecedented national mobilizations culminating in the second No Kings Day, and the Democratic triumph in virtually all elections in 2025.…
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LA vs. Trump: Bill Gallegos; Jesus the Revolutionary: Reza Aslan; Bob Dylan's Xmas album: Sean Wilentz
In June, Trump sent more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to occupy Los Angeles and terrorize the immigrant population. But by the end of July, almost all the Guard and the Marines were gone. Bill Gallegos explains how that happened and what other cities can learn from it. Also:...
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Trump's Grip on the GOP is Slipping: Harold Meyerson; Epstein's Friends: Katha Pollitt
Last week, the Indiana state legislature voted down Trump's redistricting demands that would've created more Republican seats in the House; now, four Republicans have joined the Democrats in forcing a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, AND, 20 House Republicans are supporting the federal...
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Dems win all over: Harold Meyerson; Origins of the Culture War: Adam Hochschild
In this week's special elections, a Democrat got elected mayor of Miami for the first time in almost 30 years — by a 19-point margin; and, even Trump country in Georgia is not safe from Democratic wins – Harold Meyerson comments. Also: How did we end up with Trump back in the White House? We got...
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Affordability politics: Harold Meyerson; Bob Dylan's beginnings: Sean Wilentz
Trump on Wednesday declared that Democrats who say we are in an affordability crisis are "pulling a con job" – he said prices are "falling across the country, just about everything is down." But the statistics show the opposite, prices have NOT been falling; another key factor of affordability is...
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From Marjorie Taylor Greene to Mamdani: Harold Meyerson; Alice Waters on School Lunch; Sonia Nazario on 'Enrique's Journey'
Last Friday Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she was quitting after Trump excommunicated her from MAGA, while the same day Trump welcomed Zohran Mamdani to the White House with open arms and high praise. What’s going on with Trump? Harold Meyerson comments - he's editor at large of The American...
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Trump's big defeat: Harold Meyerson and John Nichols, 'The Wounded Generation': David Nasaw
On Wednesday night, Trump signed the bill requiring release of the Epstein Files; something he devoted all of his political power to preventing. What does this mean for Trump, for MAGA, and for the rest of us? Harold Meyerson comments. Also: After almost a year of Trump stonewalling about the...
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From the shutdown to the Epstein files: Harold Meyerson; plus Bhaskar Sunkara on Mamdani, and John Fabian Witt on the 1920s
Last week ended with the Democrats triumphant after huge wins with voters across the country; then at the start of this week the Republicans were triumphant when eight Senate Democrats caved on the shutdown; but then, since Wednesday, Trump and the Republicans have been reeling since Democrats on...
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The Blue Wave: Harold Meyerson; The Springsteen Movie: Greil Marcus; William RAndolph Hearst: David Nasaw
The blue wave – or "blue tsunami" – this week restored the Democrats' winning coalition: people of color, young people and women. Harold Meyerson on how Tuesday shows us that while "candidate Trump is good for Republican turnout, President Trump is good for Democratic turnout". Also: Greil Marcus...
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Voters and Redistricting: Harold Meyerson; Confederate Monuments: Christopher Knight; Mansplaining: Rebecca Solnit
Voters can take a stand against Trump’s candidates in next Tuesday’s elections in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and New York City—and move toward redistricting that favors Democrats. Harold Meyerson of The American Prospect explains. Also: A new art exhibit in Los Angeles…
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Trump's bad week: Harold Meyerson; After No Kings: Rebecca Solnit; Reforming the LAPD: Danny Goldberg
From the biggest single day of protest in American history – 7 million people demonstrating against Trump – to his worst major poll since he took office in January – it hasn't been a good week for Trump – unless you count the tearing down of the east wing of the White House. Harold Meyerson...
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New Threats from The Supremes: Harold Meyerson; No Kings: Leah Greenberg; "One Battle After Another": John Powers
The Supreme Court vs. The Voting Rights Act: The conservative majority of SCOTUS plans to eliminate 12 Democratic seats in the House, currently held by Black representatives. What are the implications for the 2026 midterms; and, what can the Democrats do to counter this latest gerrymandering...
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Peace in Gaza: Harold Meyerson; plus the courts v. Trump: David Cole
Harold Meyerson comments on what remains to be done for genuine peace in Gaza; he also reviews the National Guard deployments to Portland and Chicago, the upcoming elections in California and elsewhere, and Trump's lastest attacks on universities. Also: as the Supreme Court begins its new term,...
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The Shutdown and the Dems: Harold Meyerson; Trump and Tylenol: Gregg Gonsalves; Against Football: Steve Almond
For Senate Democrats this is a big week for defiance. At last they are making popular demands as part of a deal to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown. But Trump still holds a lot of cards. Harold Meyerson will comment. Also: None of us were prepared for the double whammy of last week’s...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Talking about politics, thinking about the Left. Hosted by Jon Wiener, co-author of "Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties," contributing editor at The Nation, and broadcast live at KPFK 90.7FM in LA Thursdays at 4.
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Talking about politics, thinking about the Left. Hosted by Jon Wiener, co-author of "Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties," contributing editor at The Nation, and broadcast live at KPFK 90.7FM in LA Thursdays at 4.
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