Real Patriotism

"We have a corporate class that makes many hundreds of times more than people on the factory floor make… and I think that's fundamentally unjust" — Father James Martin dives into the nature of work, the importance of a living wage, and his personal relationship with Pope Francis in this conversation with Terry Moran. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #capitalism #billionaire #faith #catholic

"Donald Trump's not going to be on the ballot, but a whole bunch of his sycophants are." — Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) says America's future depends on holding his enablers accountable. "People like JD Vance and Marco Rubio, we all need to remember what these people were doing in this moment." Watch the full conversation on Terry Moran's YouTube channel. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #trump #uspolitics #democracy #pritzker #2028elections

"If [Trump] gives away of control of the gulf effectively to lower the price at the pump… that is going to be a mistake that will haunt not just us, but everybody for a long time to come." - Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton fears Trump is so desperate to make a deal with Iran that he could put global security at risk. The diplomat who also served under President George W Bush joins Terry Moran to discuss the state of Trump's war. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #iran #uspolitics #trump #democracy #2026election #midterms2026

Tech bro billionaires are spending millions to beat Alex Bores, a 35-year-old NY state assembly member running for Congress. Bores is responsible for New York's new AI safety regulations and wants to see similar protections nationwide. He believes AI is at a turning point where America must decide "whether we can all come together to fight for having…  some control of our collective future, or if we're just willing to gamble it on five incredibly powerful billionaires trying to summon gods." In this discussion with Terry Moran, he lays out his plan to rein in the tech broligarchs and protect our humanity. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #ai #2026election #midterms2026 #uspolitics #voting #democracy #billionaire #trump

"Trump's… trying to restore the policies of the 19th century, and there are Democrats who want to restore the policies of the 20th century. We should be looking ahead." - Strategist and former Obama senior adviser, David Axelrod, explains how the Democratic brand became toxic, why many Trump supporters are finally getting sick of him, and what the road map is to flip the House and Senate. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #uspolitics #2026election #midterms2026 #obama #democracy #trump #democrats #republicans

"They have to capitalize on a tragedy for political reasons" — Jim Acosta, whom Trump once called a "rude, terrible person," joins Terry Moran to break down what happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and how Trump is exploiting the incident to bully Jimmy Kimmel, suppress free speech, and stick you with the bill for his ballroom. ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. #trump #uspolitics #whitehousedinner #whitehouse #kimmel #freespeech

"People are paying the price every single day… at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy… It's been a direct result of the choices that this president has made." — Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) says Trump's Iran war, his tariffs, and his mass deportations are driving up the cost of everything, and Congress and the Supreme Court are failing to rein him in. She says term limits would be one way to make them more responsive to Americans' needs. #congress #uspolitics #2026election #midterms2026 #trump #iran #affordability #gasprices ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

"Trump is not really fighting with Pope Leo. He's fighting a proxy battle with God."  — Historian Timothy Snyder wrote the book "On Tyranny." He breaks down why Trump is mad at God, why he's losing the Iran War, and why the fall of Hungary's authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban should scare the pants of Trump and give the rest of us hope. #trump #jesus #pope #democracy #fascism #hungary #trump #2026election #midterms2026 #uspolitics ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

"The goal of so many billionaires is to extract as much value as possible… to enrich themselves… and leave the rest of us worse off." — Igor Volsky of Tax the Greedy Billionaires, says it's time for the rich to start paying their fair share. The wealthiest 1% of Americans are sitting on $40 trillion dollars. That's about three times the federal budget. Volsky says they're using that money to buy elections, rig the economy in their favor, and move money from your pockets into theirs. This may be why 77% of Americans, across the political spectrum, now support raising taxes on the super rich. In this conversation, Volsky lays out how that could happen, and how all of our lives could be better if our tax system was fairer. #uspolitics #democracy #tax #billionaire #trump #midterms2026 #2026election ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

The downing of two American planes and two helicopters is further proof that this war has not been "won," as Trump repeatedly claims. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #iran #midterms2026 #2026election ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

Trump claimed ICE would deport "violent criminals," but the majority of people they abduct have no criminal record. Former New Orleans mayor, Mitch Landrieu breaks down the facts. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #immigration #ice ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

"The promise of the American Dream… is gone, and I don't like anybody." — Trump is now more unpopular than any president at this point in his term in the history of polling. But Democrats aren't popular either. Working-class voters described Dems as "woke, weak, and out-of-touch" in a study spearheaded by former New Orleans mayor and Biden official, Mitch Landrieu. Workers say both parties have failed them. Landrieu says it's time for Dem to deliver and earn back their role as the Party of the Working Class. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #democrats #midterms2026 #2026election ——— Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: ➔ https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Every Episode of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran: ➔ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Stay connected with Terry Moran: ➔ Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ ➔ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran ➔ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: ➔ [email protected] Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming.

At protests across the country, something feels different. In this report from the “No Kings” demonstrations, Terry Moran speaks with protesters who say they’ve never taken to the streets before — but felt compelled to now. What emerges is a picture not just of anger, but of something more complicated: hope, solidarity, and a sense that participation itself is changing. From Washington, D.C. to cities across the U.S., this movement appears less centrally organized and more organic, with individuals finding each other and raising their voices together. The question is whether this energy lasts — and what it means for the future of American politics. 00:00 “People power” — the mood on the ground 00:29 A different atmosphere this time 00:55 Why people are showing up 01:22 A first-time protester speaks 01:50 Feeling helpless vs coming together 02:22 A decentralized movement 02:50 Protests spreading nationwide 03:08 “Something happened here” 03:30 Protest as “medicine” 03:44 Is this leading to change? #protests #politics #democracy #news #unitedstates Subscribe to my newsletter for more analysis, context and reporting: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ Real Patriotism is veteran news journalist Terry Moran's home for clear-eyed reporting on American democracy and power in our time. From immigration enforcement to the halls of Congress, Terry covers the stories that define who we are — with guests like Stacey Abrams, Anand Giridharadas, and Senator Mark Kelly. Non-partisan. Independent. Not blind to reality. Subscribe if you want to understand what America is becoming. Watch full episodes of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNGxtNFPwQFBEsxcLjir_h8elD30OuV- Connect with Terry Moran on all platforms: Substack: https://terrymoran.substack.com/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TerryMoran Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrymoranjournalist/ Partnership & Sponsorship Inquiries: 📩 [email protected]

"There is a story line of corruption here." — Trump's broken promises not to start any wars, to release the Epstein files, and to lower prices all have a common thread, says Tara McGowan, founder of the independent news outlet, COURIER. "It is about how much money or resources can the president, his family, and his allies extract." Tara joins Terry Moran to discuss how Trump is exploiting his Iran war to enrich himself and consolidate power, why Democrats are failing, and how independent media outlets like COURIER and Real Patriotism can save democracy. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #midterms2026 #2026election #iran #epsteinfiles

A war that was expected to be fast and contained is turning into something far more dangerous. In this conversation, Terry Moran sits down with political scientist Ian Bremmer to break down the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. They examine how the war began, why it’s expanding, and what it could mean for the global economy, U.S. leadership, and the future of world order. From failed assumptions about regime change to rising risks in the Persian Gulf, this discussion explores why there may be no clear off-ramp — and why the consequences could extend far beyond the region. Topics include U.S. foreign policy, Iran’s strategy, global energy markets, China’s role, and the broader shift toward a “G-Zero” world without clear global leadership. 00:00 The war no one expected to escalate 01:20 How the conflict began 03:20 Why this war is bigger than before 06:20 Who is responsible for the escalation 10:25 Miscalculations about Iran 13:30 Why there’s no clear off-ramp 17:45 The risk of global escalation 20:00 Ground war scenarios explained 23:00 Impact on the global economy 26:30 What this means for U.S. leadership 30:20 The rise of a “G-Zero” world #geopolitics #iran #usforeignpolicy #worldnews #waranalysis

The battle is right here at home – for a free press, free speech, and free elections. #war #censorship #freepress #freespeech #iran #trump #democracy

"They cannot take our elections from us unless we give that power up." — Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams on fear that Trump will try to seize control or even cancel the midterm elections. Watch the full conversation on the Terry Moran YouTube channel. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #midterms2026 #2026election #iran

"You don't have to have guns and hoses and dogs to stop people from voting. You just have to overwhelm them with paperwork." — Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams says President Trump and Republicans are trying to rig the midterms through voter suppression. In this conversation, she breaks down how the so-called "SAVE America Act" could disenfranchise millions of American citizens, how Trump could use federal forces to intimidate voters, and whether he could try to cancel elections altogether. She also highlights what Americans can do to defend our most basic freedom. #democracy #voting #trump #midterms2026 #2026election #uspolitics

Could Democrats really flip Mississippi? Senate candidate Scott Colom thinks so. "The vast majority of Mississippians love Mississippi more than they hate the Democratic Party or love the Republican Party," he says. If elected, Colom would be Mississippi's first Black senator in 146 years and the state's first Democratic senator in 38 years. This Lowndes County district attorney is hoping to unseat Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, the Republican incumbent who hasn't held a town hall since she was elected six years ago. Here's why he thinks he can win, and what he'll do for the Magnolia State if he does. #democracy #midterms2026 #2026election #mississippi #uspolitics #trump #iran

"I've been at war all my life" — In a surprising interview, retired vice admiral and former deputy CENTCOM commander, Robert Harward, speaking from Abu Dhabi offers his take on Trump’s Iran campaign, whether this will be another “forever war,” and what the aftermath could look like. #iran #trump #democracy #uspolitics

Trump has a genius for dividing Americans against each other. That was on full display as Trump gave the longest State of the Union address in at least 60 years. He had a lot to say, but what's most telling is what he didn't say. Here are my biggest takeways. #democracy #trump #uspolitics #stateoftheunion

Everything is on the line in the 2026 midterms. America can elect a Congress that will carry out President Trump's will, or one that will stand in his way and possibly even impeach him. Terry Moran talks with Democratic strategist and Texan, Chuck Rocha, and Republican strategist and Florida man, Justin Sayfie about the 7 races to watch most closely,  whether Democrats actually have a chance to flip Texas, and everything else you need to know. #midterms2026 #democracy #trump #uspolitics

President Trump suffered a big loss this week as a grand jury refused to indict Sen. Mark Kelly and five other Democrats over a video warning military service members not to follow illegal orders. But Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth haven't given up on their vendetta against Kelly. Arizona's senior senator is a Navy combat veteran, a former astronaut, and a possible 2028 presidential contender. He joined Terry Moran to talk about how to rein in ICE, how Trump is silencing veterans, whether America will have free and fair midterm elections this year, and what's changed since they last spoke in December. See their previous conversation here: https://youtu.be/qXTAvGShcgo?si=Et_SRGbRn9hsl05E #trump #ice #veteran #democracy #election #uspolitics

The Epstein Class: Rich, powerful, beyond morality. Anand Giridharadas gets it. Watch the full conversation. #epsteinfiles #jeffreyepstein #power #money

In a wide-ranging conversation, Anand Giridharadas joins Terry Moran to examine power, morality, and the elite networks that shape American life — from politics and corporate culture to inequality, immigration, and democracy itself. Prompted by the release of the Epstein documents, the discussion moves beyond scandal to ask deeper questions: how elite impunity works, why consequences so rarely attach to power, how corporate values shift with political winds, and why so many Americans have lost trust in institutions meant to serve them. The conversation also explores the rise of Donald Trump, the collapse of elite credibility, and the enduring tension between exclusion and belonging in American history — including what still draws people from around the world to become American. This is not a story of conspiracy. It is a factual story about systems, incentives, and power — and about what, even now, continues to set America apart. #epsteinfiles #jeffreyepstein #democracy

The arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort today raise the stakes for all journalists, but especially for those reporters, videographers, photojournalists, researchers and others who work independently, here on Substack and elsewhere. We are all in this together. I stand with Don and Georgia and all my colleagues. This is a fight for American freedom. #democracy #donlemon #trump #minnesota

Minneapolis just scored a major victory. In the face of state terror and brutality, Minnesotans said "no," and Trump blinked. He's sidelined Border Patrol commander, Greg Bovino and seems to be dialing down his occupation of the city. Here's what the rest of us can learn from their example.

Media outlets are scared to tell the truth about President Trump's unprecedented power grabs. It's time to stop being cautious and start being honest about what's happening. From threatening Greenland to using ICE as his personal paramilitary, here are four major steps toward autocracy that Trump is already taking. #democracy #uspolitics #trump #venezuela #greenland #ice

As Donald Trump breaks the limits of the presidency, will the Supreme Court stand up to him or let him run wild? Law Professor Kate Shaw joins Terry Moran to discuss how the court created an imperial presidency and whether ICE violence, attacks on the First Amendment, the investigation of Jerome Powell, or even plans to annex Greenland will be enough to make them rein Trump in. #ice #supremecourt #trump #democracy #greenland #venezuela #federalreserve

In the first week of 2026, Terry Moran sits down with his wife Johanna for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what the year ahead may bring. They talk through the shock of Venezuela, the erosion of congressional power, the rise of strongman politics, and the quiet resilience of everyday American life. From midterm elections and executive overreach to parenting, community, and why politics hasn’t completely poisoned neighborly relationships, this episode blends hard analysis with lived experience. A thoughtful, personal way to start a turbulent year — and a reminder that most Americans are still normal. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Starting 2026 and why it already feels overwhelming 01:00 – Venezuela and executive power without Congress 04:18 – Elections, intimidation, and what to watch this year 07:16 – Strongman government and the collapse of institutions 10:30 – What Trump’s unpredictability means globally 14:52 – No plan for Venezuela and why that matters 19:44 – Greenland, NATO, and trust with allies 23:08 – Power, humiliation, and Trump’s worldview 25:22 – Politics vs real life in American neighborhoods 28:24 – Community support after Terry’s firing 31:18 – Why most Americans are still normal 33:00 – Hopes, predictions, and what to root for in 2026 #2026 #USPolitics #Venezuela #Democracy #WorldAffairs

Historian Douglas Brinkley joins Terry Moran to make sense of one of the most chaotic years in modern American history. In this wide-ranging year-in-review conversation, Brinkley places Trump’s second term in historical context — from the collapse of the Cold War consensus and NATO anxiety to the return of economic nationalism, political violence, and a reshaping of global power. They explore why Trump resonates with disaffected voters, how billionaire populism works, the legacy of the long 1960s, and why this moment echoes earlier eras of upheaval. The discussion also covers assassinations, immigration, climate, executive power, the Supreme Court, and why historians are already calling Trump a world-historical figure. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Making sense of a chaotic year 01:25 – Trump as an end-of-era figure 03:15 – The dismantling of the Cold War order 05:05 – NATO, Europe, and American abdication 07:45 – Economic nationalism and the Ross Perot legacy 09:25 – Why Trump connected with left-behind voters 11:40 – Trump’s desire for historical immortality 13:35 – Parallels to Nixon, Jackson, and earlier presidents 17:30 – Political violence and assassinations in 2025 21:00 – The Pope vs. Trump: competing moral visions 24:20 – Immigration and the erosion of rights 26:55 – The long shadow of the 1960s 29:25 – Executive orders and authoritarian drift 33:00 – Is Trump slipping or doubling down? 38:15 – What historians are watching in 2026 #DouglasBrinkley #DonaldTrump #USHistory #WorldPolitics #Democracy

Former Chicago mayor and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel joins Terry Moran for a sweeping, provocative conversation about banning social media for kids under 16, the psychological damage algorithms are inflicting on adolescents, and the deeper threats social platforms pose to American democracy. Emanuel outlines why he believes parents are losing a generational battle against addictive systems designed to overwhelm judgment — and why government must step in. He and Moran explore bipartisan support for restrictions, the First Amendment challenges, how algorithms undermine solidarity, and why tech companies profit from division. The conversation expands to national service, political courage, the collapse of institutional leadership, and the forces pulling the country apart. One of the most urgent and wide-ranging interviews in the series. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Rahm Emanuel joins Terry Moran terry-rahm 01:01 – Why Rahm wants to ban social media for kids under 16 01:15 – Evidence of harm: depression, anxiety, isolation 02:35 – Parents vs. algorithms 03:49 – Can government force platforms to cooperate? 04:38 – What enforcement could look like 05:54 – Bipartisan appetite for regulation 07:24 – Will kids just get around the rules? 07:59 – Adults or algorithms — the binary choice 08:37 – Why algorithms and democracy are incompatible 09:47 – Free speech and the First Amendment question 11:19 – Are we losing a generation? 12:53 – The one issue that could unite Democrats and Republicans 14:02 – Social media’s “solidarity” argument for marginalized kids 16:13 – Why Rahm believes parental power must be restored 18:46 – Why not regulate the algorithm instead of banning the apps? 19:40 – Are we hurting kids’ tech literacy? 20:08 – Tech fluency vs. algorithmic addiction 21:57 – Corporate America’s silence and complicity 24:51 – Why elites have failed 26:46 – Trump’s intimidation strategy and institutional collapse 28:29 – Why politicians abandon their independence 30:22 – The media’s failure to stand up 31:41 – Section 230, the Fairness Doctrine, and a bigger reform package 33:53 – Democracy vs. the platforms 36:51 – Universal national service and rebuilding common experience 41:13 – Diversity as strength vs. vulnerability 43:12 – The next political language: community and renewal 47:16 – Loss of control and the economics of resentment 48:17 – 2026 midterms and Democratic momentum 51:46 – Why MAGA voters feel betrayed 52:46 – Trump as a transformational president 53:37 – Final reflections and stories from parenthood #RahmEmanuel #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #Algorithms #USPolitics

Senator Mark Kelly, a Navy combat veteran and former astronaut, joins Terry Moran for one of the most urgent conversations yet about military integrity, illegal orders, presidential power, and the looming risk of conflict in Venezuela. Kelly explains why he and several Democratic senators released a video reminding service members of their duty to refuse unlawful orders — a message rooted directly in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He discusses the backlash, Trump’s threats, the firing of JAG officers and inspectors general, and the profound institutional damage he believes is underway inside the Pentagon. The discussion turns to Venezuela, where Kelly raises alarm about Trump’s intentions, the lack of a clear mission, and the danger of dragging American troops—many already worn from Iraq and Afghanistan—into another conflict with no justification, no planning, and no explanation to the American people. Kelly also speaks about political violence, his wife Gabby Giffords’ survival, and why he refuses to be intimidated by presidential threats. A bracing, unfiltered interview about democracy, duty, and danger in 2025. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Terry Moran welcomes Senator Mark Kelly in Washington 01:04 – Why Kelly told the military they can refuse illegal orders 03:08 – Why he believes “something really bad could happen” 05:29 – Kelly defends the message as simple UCMJ fact 06:47 – Trump calls for Kelly to be executed; consequences and fear 07:49 – Why firing JAG officers and IGs threatens accountability 08:25 – The Venezuela crisis and moral danger for service members 10:46 – Are we too quick to pull the trigger? 11:20 – What decades of war have done to the military 12:25 – Risk of a new conflict in Venezuela with no clear purpose 13:50 – The Juan Hernández pardon and troubling signals 15:46 – Personal safety, political violence, and refusing intimidation 17:01 – Why subservience in Trump’s cabinet is dangerous 17:53 – Could Kelly run for president? His answer 18:52 – Closing reflections and thanks #MarkKelly #Military #Venezuela #USPolitics #Democracy

Ambassador John Bolton joins Terry Moran in Austin for an unflinching conversation about the Trump administration’s approach to Venezuela, the Ukraine peace plan, the Pentagon shake-up, and what Bolton sees as a dangerous breakdown in U.S. foreign policy decision-making. Bolton argues that Trump’s actions toward Venezuela lack planning, strategy, and congressional or hemispheric support. He tells Moran he sees “a mishmash of thinking” in the White House and warns that a failed military flex in the Caribbean could seriously damage American credibility. The discussion turns to Ukraine, where Bolton says the proposed peace plan appears aligned with Russian interests and reflects a chaotic internal process driven by Trump’s impulses rather than American national security. He also raises alarms about the politicization of the military, the firing of senior officers, and the erosion of long-standing norms of civilian-military relations. One of the most substantive interviews yet in the series — and a sobering look at U.S. foreign policy at a moment of global instability. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Terry Moran introduces Ambassador John Bolton in Austin 00:36 – What is happening in Venezuela and the U.S. force posture 00:42 – Bolton says the administration is confused and unprepared 02:10 – Moran challenges Bolton on regime change and past U.S. interventions 02:52 – Bolton explains why Venezuela is a unique case 03:40 – The risk of acting without alignment with the opposition 04:33 – Is Trump showing force for the sake of optics? 05:09 – Bolton on Trump being “in a box” over military action 06:29 – Are we going to war with Venezuela? 07:40 – The Ukraine peace plan and signs it aligns with Russia 08:27 – The collapse of internal foreign-policy process 09:37 – Moran on military politicization and senior officer firings 10:13 – Bolton on damage to civilian-military norms 11:08 – Should members of Congress encourage refusal of unlawful orders? 11:20 – Bolton says Congress needs to legislate, not post 11:56 – Closing and farewell #JohnBolton #Venezuela #Ukraine #ForeignPolicy #USPolitics

At the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Terry Moran sits down with former Senator Joe Manchin for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the shutdown, Donald Trump’s governing style, the decline of Congress, immigration, political extremism, and what Manchin sees as a dangerous moment for American democracy. Speaking with the bluntness he’s known for, Manchin argues that the 43-day shutdown should never have happened, that both parties have abandoned the center, and that Congress has surrendered too much power to the presidency. He also discusses immigration reform, the border crisis, Trump’s use of federal troops in American cities, and the rise of political violence. Manchin reflects on his decades in public life, why moderation is disappearing, how Congress lost its constitutional backbone, and why Americans still want a government that works. One of the most substantive and revealing episodes yet. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Live from Austin: Terry Moran introduces Joe Manchin 00:35 – Manchin on the 43-day shutdown: never should have happened 01:15 – Why shutdown politics make no sense to him 02:00 – Democrats, elections, and governing from the minority 03:00 – Schumer, McConnell, and how Manchin voted his own way 04:40 – The 51-vote Senate math and why the filibuster matters 06:05 – Why polarization and media ecosystems are killing common sense 08:00 – Manchin on redistricting, primaries, and extremism 09:30 – Why independents are now the largest group of voters 11:00 – Why moderates vanish when they arrive in Washington 12:15 – Is the politics of the center dead in the age of Trump? 13:40 – Trump’s toughness, extremism, and why voters respond to it 14:40 – Congress collapsing as an institution 15:30 – How Trump is exploiting Congress’s failures 17:00 – Schumer, Reid, party-line votes, and Manchin’s independence 19:20 – What Trump is getting right on immigration 21:40 – The 2013 immigration bill and the Tea Party rejection 23:00 – Border failures and the politics of crime 25:00 – Trump’s National Guard deployments to cities 26:40 – Are these moves authoritarian? 28:10 – Biden, Democrats, and border failures 29:30 – Freedom, public service, and Manchin’s political roots 31:10 – Violence, threats, and the human cost of political extremism 32:40 – How both parties lost their way 34:10 – Venezuela, foreign policy, and the risk of war 36:20 – Nick Saban stories and growing up in West Virginia 38:30 – Final reflections #JoeManchin #venezuela #Immigration #Trump #Democracy

At the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Katie Phang joins Terry Moran for a powerful, unscripted conversation about the future of independent journalism, Donald Trump’s expanding exposure in the Epstein scandal, the failures of legacy media, and the stakes for American democracy. Phang explains why she left MSNBC, how corporate media softens language to avoid upsetting advertisers, and why this moment demands clarity, courage, and honesty. She and Terry break down newly released Epstein documents, the political panic they’re causing, and why Republicans are now trapped between political survival and moral accountability. This episode also covers the shutdown, healthcare, immigration, and Katie Phang’s personal story of patriotism, family, and fighting for the country she wants her daughter to inherit. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Live from the Texas Tribune Festival 00:25 – Katie Phang on leaving MSNBC and joining independent platforms 01:15 – Why legacy media avoids strong language 02:00 – Terry Moran on the urgency of naming authoritarianism 02:30 – Katie Phang on authenticity, emotion, and calling Trump a convicted felon 04:00 – Epstein’s darkness and Trump’s connection to him 05:15 – What the latest Epstein documents reveal 06:00 – Why the corroborating emails matter 07:00 – Republicans, denial, and the political danger of the Epstein files 08:30 – The Situation Room pressure tactics 09:30 – Trump’s enablers and the infrastructure of corruption 10:45 – Why December will be a political breaking point 11:10 – Bipartisan support for releasing the Epstein files 12:10 – Trauma, survivors, and the ongoing revictimization 13:30 – The shutdown fallout and Democratic strategy 14:45 – Missed opportunities during the shutdown 15:30 – Healthcare, affordability, and political messaging 17:00 – Immigration, tariffs, and economic pain 18:15 – Katie Phang on patriotism and her family’s immigrant story 19:20 – Fighting for her daughter’s future 20:10 – Real Patriotism and the stakes for democracy #EpsteinFiles #DonaldTrump #KatiePhang #Epstein #ghislainemaxwell

Attorney Arick Fudali, who represents 11 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, joins Terry Moran for one of the most direct, unflinching interviews yet about the Epstein files, the DOJ failures, Trump’s ties to Epstein, and why victims have waited decades for justice. Fudali explains how Epstein was “memeified” into a joke while the real crimes — and the powerful people who enabled him — remain hidden. He details the DOJ’s decades of failures, the mysterious decisions by Alex Acosta, and why bipartisan America wants the Epstein files released… except for a tiny group of powerful politicians. This conversation breaks down the legal, political, and moral implications of the case — and asks a simple question: Who is still being protected? ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Terry Moran welcomes Arick Fudali 00:26 – Who Arick Fudali represents: 11 Epstein survivors 01:11 – Epstein “memeified” into a joke while victims suffer 02:12 – DOJ & FBI failures: decades of ignoring Epstein 03:50 – Why justice keeps slipping away 04:35 – Trump’s ties to Epstein: what we actually know 05:08 – Were Trump & Epstein closer than admitted? 07:16 – Why only a handful of politicians don’t want the files released 08:24 – “He’s still being protected — even after death” 09:57 – Ghislaine Maxwell & a two-tiered (now three-tiered) justice system 10:38 – How Epstein controlled victims with fear & power 12:55 – Could Trump commute Ghislaine Maxwell’s sentence? 14:42 – The myth of “they asked for it” — and why juries reject it 16:52 – How many victims? Why the number may be in the thousands 20:15 – Who stayed close to Epstein after he became a registered sex offender? 21:54 – What justice looks like for survivors 23:53 – What Epstein’s world says about America today 25:19 – Closing thoughts #JeffreyEpstein #EpsteinFiles #Trump #GhislaineMaxwell #VictimsRights

On this Veterans Day episode of Real Patriotism, Terry Moran talks with former U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana — a third-generation farmer, veteran advocate, and straight talker about the state of American democracy under Donald Trump. Tester delivers an unflinching assessment of Trump’s shutdown politics, the hunger crisis it created, the threat of militarization in U.S. cities, and how tariffs are crippling American farmers. From his years chairing the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to his life on the land, Tester brings perspective, humor, and heart to a sobering question: what happens when a president no longer plays by democratic rules? ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Terry Moran welcomes Sen. Jon Tester on Veterans Day 01:30 – “This President Doesn’t Care”: The Shutdown and Hunger in America 03:30 – Democrats, Insurance, and the Politics of Feeding People 06:00 – Trump’s Divide-and-Conquer Strategy 09:00 – Have Americans Had Enough of Trump? 11:00 – Tariffs, Farmers, and the Collapse of Rural America 15:00 – “Farmers Don’t Want Subsidies — They Want Markets” 18:00 – Venezuela, the Caribbean, and Trump’s Unchecked Military Actions 21:30 – The Risk of War and Political Distraction 23:30 – The Domestic Military Threat and Democracy at Home 25:20 – “No Kings”: Hope, Resistance, and the Future of Freedom 27:30 – Free Press, Straight Talk, and Why Truth Still Matters 🎙 About the Episode Sen. Jon Tester joins Terry Moran for a candid and fiery conversation about patriotism, principle, and what happens when leaders put power over people. 📺 Watch the full episode for an unfiltered look at America’s political and moral crossroads — from the farm fields of Montana to the front lines of democracy. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Real Patriotism with Terry Moran. #JonTester #snapbenefits #military #politics #VeteransDay

Pulitzer-nominated writer Joe Posnanski joins Terry Moran to talk about baseball, storytelling, and why sports still bind us together. From his acclaimed bestseller The Baseball 100 to his upcoming book Big Fan, Posnanski reflects on the poetry of the game, the heartbreak of Cleveland, the joy of fandom, and the connection between generations that makes baseball timeless. This conversation covers everything from Babe Ruth vs. Shohei Ohtani to Walter Payton’s greatness — and why the most important stories in sports are about love, loss, and belonging. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Terry Moran welcomes Joe Posnanski 01:15 – From Cleveland to the World: A Writer’s Journey Through Sports 03:30 – The Dream Job: Following Every Game Everywhere 05:40 – Growing Up a Cleveland Fan and Learning from Losing 09:40 – The Baseball 100: Writing 100 Stories in 100 Days 12:30 – Carlton Fisk and Fathers & Sons in Baseball 16:00 – Why Baseball Still Connects Generations 19:40 – Big Fan: Traveling the World to Understand Fandom 25:00 – What It Means to Be a Fan in a Divided America 30:30 – Babe Ruth vs. Shohei Ohtani: Who’s the Greatest? 35:00 – Walter Payton, Jim Brown, and the Spirit of Greatness 37:20 – Closing Reflections on Sports, Family, and Hope 🎙 About the Episode In this wide-ranging conversation, Joe Posnanski and Terry Moran explore how sports tell the American story — from heartbreak to heroism. 📚 The Baseball 100 became an instant classic; now Posnanski returns with Big Fan, a journey across continents in search of what fandom really means. #sports #JoePosnanski #Baseball #worldseries #Fandom

Terry Moran reports from Chicago, where ICE raids, legal battles, and community resistance have turned the city into the frontline of a national crisis. From parents afraid to take their kids to school to priests turned away from detention centers, The Battle for Chicago captures the human, political, and moral stakes of America’s immigration crackdown — and what it reveals about power, fear, and freedom in our country. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Chicago Under Pressure: ICE Raids and Resistance 01:35 – “We’ve Lost Touch With Who We Are”: Fear in the Streets 03:02 – Rogers Park: Neighbors on Watch 05:01 – The Moms with Whistles Standing Up to ICE 07:00 – Organizing Against Fear: Inside Protect RP 08:09 – “It’s Okay to Be Afraid”: Courage in the Face of Power 09:30 – Faith at the Gates: Catholic Priests Denied Communion Access 12:10 – “The Crucifixion Continues Today”: The Church Responds 14:15 – Immigrants Speak: “You Have to Prove Yourself” 15:20 – Little Village: The Heart of Chicago Goes Silent 17:00 – Alderman Mike Rodriguez on Economics, Fear, and Division 19:00 – “Re-Fighting the Civil War”: Race, Politics, and Power 21:00 – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Fighting Federal Overreach 23:20 – Divided Homes: A Mixed Marriage on Immigration 26:00 – Law vs. Humanity: The Moral Crossroads 27:20 – Cardinal Cupich: “We Are a Nation of Laws — and of Dignity” 29:30 – What Kind of America Will We Be? #TerryMoran #Chicago #Immigration #HumanRights #Democracy

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joins Terry Moran to discuss the human toll of the government shutdown — and what comes next for 24 million Americans whose healthcare premiums could double. From federal workers showing up at food banks to families facing rising costs, Gallego warns of the long-term consequences of political brinkmanship. As a Marine veteran, he also reflects on patriotism, leadership, and the danger of turning the military on our own citizens. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Terry Moran welcomes Sen. Ruben Gallego 00:31 – Federal Workers Hit Hard: “People Are Showing Up at Food Banks” 01:06 – Back Pay & Bills: “Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Risk” 02:52 – Healthcare Premiums Could Double for 24 Million Americans 04:54 – “This Isn’t About Winning — It’s About People” 06:00 – Chicago & the National Guard: The Dangers of Militarization 09:05 – Patriotism & Power: “Real Leaders Don’t Turn the Military on Americans” 12:28 – Risk of Violence and Loss of Trust 13:54 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell #GovernmentShutdown #RubenGallego #TerryMoran #Politics #Democracy

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) joins Terry Moran for a deeply human conversation about fear, resilience, and hope in his hometown of Chicago. From ICE raids and National Guard deployments to neighbors stepping up for one another, Quigley shares how ordinary people are doing extraordinary things — and why he still believes America’s strength lies in its people. The discussion moves from politics to faith, from fear to compassion, and ends with a call to unity and perseverance in the face of division. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Terry Moran welcomes Rep. Mike Quigley 01:06 – Chicago Under Pressure: How the City Is Coping 03:40 – “These Tactics Aren’t Meant to Secure — They’re Meant to Scare” 05:22 – The Spirit of Unity: Communities Helping Each Other 06:31 – Courts Push Back Against Fear and Overreach 07:41 – Democracy, Courage, and Lessons from January 6th 11:26 – Real Security vs. Fear: What People Actually Voted For 13:09 – The Human Cost: Families and Workers Living in Fear 15:25 – Racism, Vigilantism, and the Fight for Decency 17:32 – Faith and the Golden Rule: The Moral Center Holds 19:40 – Congress, Checks and Balances, and Doing What’s Right 22:20 – Hope and Greatness: Why Quigley Still Believes in America 23:46 – Closing Reflections and Farewell MikeQuigley #TerryMoran #Chicago #Hope #Democracy

Congressman Jamie Raskin joins Terry Moran for an urgent conversation about the state of American democracy, Trump’s assault on the rule of law, and the path forward. From the courts to Congress, Raskin offers a rare mix of constitutional clarity and personal conviction — and a call to defend democracy before it’s too late. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Why We Obey the Law 01:20 – The Constitution, the Courts, and Trump’s Power Grabs 03:30 – The Insurrection Act and the Abuse of “Federal Authority” 05:25 – The Role of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law 07:42 – A Stacked and Gerrymandered Supreme Court 10:10 – How to “Unpack” the Court and Restore Legitimacy 13:22 – Fixing the Court’s Power and Reforming Cert Decisions 15:54 – Chicago Under Siege: Federal Troops and Fear 18:31 – The Jimmy Kimmel Case and Free Speech Under Threat 21:35 – The Tradition of Presidential Disrespect and the Role of Comedy 24:18 – Is Trump Winning? The Courts Say No 26:32 – The Fight for Democracy in Congress 28:49 – “Don’t Fall for the Gloom”: Why Raskin Believes Democracy Will Prevail 31:05 – Conversations Across the Divide: From Marjorie Taylor Greene to Lauren Boebert 34:45 – Can America Return to Normal Politics? 36:38 – Jefferson’s Letter and “The Reign of Witches” 39:12 – Lawyers, Movements, and the Backlash Against Progress 42:10 – Tom Paine, Common Sense, and the American Crisis 46:55 – “The More Difficult the Struggle, the More Glorious the Victory” #jamieraskin #congress #trump #supremecourt #politics

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-3) joins Terry Moran for a powerful and personal interview from the heart of Chicago — now under siege by Trump’s ICE and Border Patrol forces. Ramirez describes a city living in fear, residents being assaulted and detained without warrants, and the constitutional crisis unfolding in real time. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Rep. Delia Ramirez on the Crisis in Chicago 00:39 – ICE Raids, Masked Agents, and a City Under Siege 01:53 – “This Feels Like a War Zone” 02:23 – Why It’s Not Law Enforcement — It’s Terror 04:17 – Goonishness from the Top: ICE Agents “Can Do Whatever They Want” 07:21 – Forcing Congress to See the Truth 08:08 – Complicity in Congress and Who’s Being Targeted 09:54 – The Real Agenda: Chaos and Control 10:16 – Why Trump Is Targeting Chicago 11:45 – “No One Is Safe”: ICE’s Expanding Reach 12:48 – Religious Leaders, Citizens, and Journalists Under Fire 13:29 – Trump’s Show of Force and the Logic of Fascism 14:45 – Personal Stakes: Ramirez’s Family Story 15:24 – Fear Among Green Card Holders and Citizens 16:45 – Patriotism, History, and the Immigrant Story 18:51 – The Shutdown, Healthcare, and Political Hypocrisy 21:03 – Democrats Hold the Line — Restoring Government 21:37 – Final Thoughts and Farewell 🎙 About the Episode As ICE raids escalate and National Guard troops patrol American cities, Rep. Delia Ramirez describes what life looks like for her constituents — fear, confusion, and defiance in equal measure. From the human toll to the fight for healthcare amid a shutdown, she speaks with urgency about democracy, fascism, and the meaning of patriotism in a divided America. 📺 Watch the full conversation for firsthand insight into what’s happening in Chicago — and what it means for the country. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more independent conversations with the people on the front lines of American democracy. #iceraids #trump #immigration #politics #chicago

Donald Trump is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to send troops to places like Portland and Chicago. He's already sent federal agents to the latter, and they are laying siege to my hometown. So I wanted to talk to Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, to share her harrowing story of being handcuffed by ICE inside a hospital while trying to protect her constituents. She describes the moment she was shoved and detained without cause — and what it reveals about Trump’s growing use of federal power in American cities. Fuentes recounts her arrest and the rising militarization of ICE under Trump — from masked agents to helicopter raids — and what it means for democracy and community safety. Terry Moran dives into the human and political story behind the headlines: a young Latina leader confronting federal power with courage, calm, and conviction. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Alderperson Jessie Fuentes 00:45 – Arrest by ICE Inside a Chicago Hospital 02:36 – “No Grounds for Arrest”: ICE Aggression in Chicago 03:26 – Control, Not Safety: The New ICE Tactics 04:05 – Fuentes on Staying Calm Under Pressure 05:25 – Do ICE Agents Need a Judicial Warrant? 06:27 – “If This Can Happen to Me…” 08:08 – Trump’s Chicago Narrative vs. Reality 08:50 – Crime and Safety in the 26th Ward 10:25 – Fear, Federal Overreach, and Community Trust 11:49 – “We Are Living Under Siege” 13:12 – ICE Raids and Race: The Targeting of Black and Brown Communities 14:31 – Patriotism and the Fight for Democracy 15:12 – What Happens If the Lawsuit Fails? 16:40 – Unmasked: Chicago Police vs. ICE Agents 17:49 – Trump’s Orders and the Culture of Violence 18:29 – Immigration, Propaganda, and Political Power 19:33 – Jessie Fuentes’ Story: From Organizer to Elected Leader 21:28 – The Future of Chicago and Democracy 📺 Watch the full interview for an unfiltered look at what’s really happening on Chicago’s streets. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations on politics, democracy, and justice. #trump #insurrectionact #chicago #ice #politics

The federal government has shut down — and this time, it’s different. Terry Moran talks with Daniella Diaz (NOTUS, formerly CNN and Politico) about what’s driving the crisis, how long it might last, and what it means for Americans. Topics covered in this episode: • Why Democrats are holding the line on Affordable Care Act subsidies • Republicans’ strategy and Speaker Mike Johnson’s balancing act • Trump and budget chief Russ Vought using the shutdown to punish blue states • Threats of permanent layoffs in the federal workforce — a first in shutdown history • How misinformation about “illegal immigrants on Medicaid” is shaping the debate • The political risks for Schumer, Jeffries, and moderates in both parties • What everyday Americans will feel first: furloughs, TSA delays, stalled small business loans, and more 📺 Watch the full conversation for a clear-eyed breakdown of what’s happening behind closed doors in Washington. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more independent coverage of politics, power, and democracy. #governmentshutdown #trump #congress #politics #healthcare

Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just summoned America’s top generals and admirals to Quantico — for what Congressman Jason Crow calls a dangerous and appalling display. In this wide-ranging interview with Terry Moran, Crow draws on his service as an Army Ranger and his experience in Congress to break down what it all means. Topics covered include: - Trump and Hegseth’s push to reshape the military in their image - The threat of using U.S. forces against American cities and citizens - Political purges inside the officer corps and loyalty tests for promotions - The firing of top military lawyers (JAGs) and why it chills the ranks - The government shutdown and Trump’s defiance of Congress’s power of the purse - Rising healthcare costs, broken systems, and why Americans are disillusioned - Why Crow still sees optimism in people power and democratic resilience 📺 Watch the full conversation for an unflinching look at the risks of authoritarian drift — and how everyday Americans can resist it. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more independent interviews on politics, power, and democracy. #trump #JasonCrow #military #democracy #politics

Former Chicago mayor and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel joins veteran journalist Terry Moran for a wide-ranging conversation about American democracy at a crossroads. From the FCC’s pressure campaign that pushed Jimmy Kimmel off the air, to Donald Trump’s attacks on free speech, to why Democrats have “lost the American dream,” Emanuel speaks candidly about: - Trump’s authoritarian tactics and the threat to the First Amendment - Corporate America and media’s failure to defend free expression - Why Democrats have lost focus on education, home ownership, and the economy - Crime, policing, and why the National Guard is the wrong answer - Whether he’s considering a run for president in 2028 - What role Barack Obama should play in this political moment - Emanuel argues that the American people—not institutions—are now the last line of defense for democracy. 👉 What do you think: Has Trump overreached, and can Democrats find their way back to the American Dream? Comment below. #RahmEmanuel #TerryMoran #Trump #JimmyKimmel #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #Politics #Democrats #Authoritarianism #Elections2028