Washington Monthly

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 MonthlyGuest: Edwin Park, Georgetown UniversityChapters00:00 Introduction to Trump's Health Care Plan02:23 Analyzing Drug Pricing Proposals05:20 Cash Payments vs. Insurance Premiums10:24 Transparency and Cost Sharing in Health Care15:34 Republican Proposals and Medicaid Cuts18:48 Bipartisan Efforts and Future PrioritiesFind us on Substack: https://washingtonmonthly.substack.comRead the Washington Monthly:www.washingtonmonthly.com

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 MonthlyGuests: Andrew Seligsohn, President, Public Agenda; Sarah Bryner, Director, Public AgendaChapters00:00 Introduction to the Research and Its Purpose02:55 Understanding the GOP Typology06:39 Contrasting Republican Groups: Trump-First vs. Constitution-First10:26 Media Consumption and Its Impact on Political Views14:16 Engagement Strategies for a Healthy Democracy19:44 Hope for American Democracy: Insights from the ResearchRead the Washington Monthly: www.washingtonmonthly.comSubscribe to our Substack: https://washingtonmonthly.substack.com

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: Only about half ofteens know that “branded content” is a form of advertising;Only 52 percent of teens understand that articleslabeled “commentary” are opinions; ·Teens have overwhelmingly negative impressionsof news, calling it “fake,” “crazy,” “biased,” “boring,” and “bad”; Just 15 percent of teens actively seek out news,and many hold low opinions of journalists’ truthfulness and ethics. Half of teens, for instance, believe that journalists make up quotes. 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 MonthlyGuest, Charles Salter, President and CEO, News Literacy ProjectChapters00:00 Introduction to News Literacy and Its Importance03:37 The Disturbing Findings of the Studies06:01 Understanding Teenagers' News Literacy Levels08:47 The Negative Perception of Journalism Among Teens11:20 The Role of Popular Culture in Shaping Attitudes14:01 The Risks of Low News Literacy16:40 The Societal Impact of Mistrust in Journalism19:30 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 EppsGuests: 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rural vs Urban Divide02:55 Defining Rural Voters and Their Political Impact05:39 Exploring the Myths of Rural and Urban Voter Differences10:20 Historical Context: The New Deal and Rural Politics14:17 Current Challenges for Democrats in Rural Areas16:38 The Role of Race and Ethnicity in the Divide19:55 The Importance of Competition in Rural Politics25:25 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 EppsGuest: Lawrence Lessig, Harvard Law SchoolChapters00:00 The Rise of Super PACs and Their Impact on Democracy06:35 Legal Challenges Against Super PACs: The Maine Initiative12:07 The Argument for Regulating Contributions to Super PACs17:37 The Role of Amicus Briefs and Evidence of Corruption22:37 Future Steps: Reviving Campaign Finance Reform28:48 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 KimGuest: 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 KimGuest: 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 CooperGuest: 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 EppsGuest: The Hon. James BlanchardChapters00:50 Current US-Canada Relations02:43 Elbows Up? 05:12 Tariff Impacts on Canadian Economy06:54 Trump unifies Canadians against him11:42 Carney's performance14:04 Tariffs benefit no one17:16 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 KimGuest: Denice Ross, former US Chief Data ScientistChapters:00:00 Introduction and Importance of Federal Data 03:00 The US Geological Survey's Bat Monitoring Database 06:00 Disappearing data - SNAP Program 09:00 Challenges in Data Collection and Integrity 12:00 Public Awareness and Advocacy for Data Preservation

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 EppsGuest: Prof. Joshua A. Douglas, University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of LawPhoto credit: Library of CongressChapters00:00 Introduction to Democracy and Voting Rights02:29 The Louisiana vs. Calais Case Explained06:38 Understanding Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act08:57 Opportunity Districts and Candidate Choice11:07 Oral Arguments and Court Dynamics14:57 Partisan Gerrymandering and Its Implications21:23 The Interplay of Race and Partisanship25:31 Chief Justice Roberts and the Voting Rights Act28:15 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 KimGuest: Eugene Steuerle, Richard B. Fisher chair at the Urban InstituteChapters:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:12 Social Security and Medicare Imbalances01:08 Tax Cuts and Inequality02:36 Wealth Inequality and Fiscal Democracy05:04 Promoting Upward Mobility07:30 Current Policies and Their Impact09:11 Solutions and Fiscal Democracy11:51 Breaking Through Short-term Thinking

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 WynnHosts: Anne Kim and Gillen MartinChapters00:00 Introduction to ContraPoints and Conspiracy Thinking03:54 The Evolution of Conspiracy Theories06:53 Understanding Conspiracist Thinking Patterns09:40 Historical Context of Conspiracy Theories13:33 Trump and the Rise of Conspiracism16:24 The Role of QAnon in January 6th19:22 Psychological Vulnerabilities to Conspiracist Thinking22:18 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 KimGuest: Kenan Fikri, Senior Fellow, Economic Innovation GroupChapters00:00 Introduction to Distressed Communities Index01:48 Understanding Economic Distress04:10 Geographic Distribution of Distress05:58 Demographics of Distressed Communities09:33 Gender Disparities in Economic Opportunity09:51 Impact of Education on Community Well-Being14:25 Health Outcomes in Distressed Communities16:58 Political Polarization and Economic Distress20:58 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 EppsGuest: Timothy NoahChapters00:00 The Hidden Treasures of American Art03:48 The Legacy of Public Art Programs06:10 The Life and Work of Ben Shahn11:50 The Significance of the Cohen Building's Murals16:27 The Threat to Cultural Heritage21:59 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 KimGuest: Christoph Irmscher, Distinguished Professor of English, Indiana UniversityChapters04:56 Insights from 'Stolen Pride' and Empathy Bridge09:43 The Concept of Stolen Pride and Polarization14:51 The Role of Book Reviews in Today's Society18:46 The Art of Book Reviewing23:39 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 KimGuest: Pete Brodnitz, Founder, Expedition StrategiesChapters:00:00 Virginia's Upcoming Elections: A Bellwether for the Nation?06:08 Candidate Profiles: A New Era in Virginia Politics11:26 Campaign Strategies: Culture Wars vs. Kitchen Table Issues16:39 Turnout Dynamics: Northern Virginia's Influence22:29 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. Chapters00:00 Supreme Court's Decision on Racial Profiling06:55 Justice Kavanaugh's Opinion and Its Implications14:02 The Concept of Standing in Legal Cases20:18 The Broader Impact of ICE's Targeting Practices24:52 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Montclair State University03:23 Affordability and Financial Aid Programs06:13 Work-Based Learning Experiences09:28 Student Success and Retention Programs12:04 Community Engagement and Public Service15:29 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. Chapters00:00 Understanding Vote by Mail08:42 Debunking Myths: Fraud and Partisan Advantage16:28 The Impact of Mail-in Voting on Turnout24:47 Addressing Voter Suppression and Access30:50 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. Chapters00:00 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 InstituteHost: 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. Monthly Editor in Chief Paul Glastris spoke with Berea President Cheryl Nixon about the college’s philosophy, approach and formula for student success. Chapters00:00 Celebrating Berea's Ranking02:50 Understanding Berea College's Unique Model06:17 Student Employment and Work College Model08:32 Demographics and Community Impact10:50 Academic Rigor and Career Preparation13:20 Financial Accessibility and Student Debt19:28 Berea's Endowment and Funding Model22:09 Campus Life and Community Engagement24:52 Admissions Process and Student Criteria26:26 Dr. Nixon's Journey and Educational Philosophy29:24 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. Chapters00:00 The Impact of Trump's Policies on Ivy League Institutions04:01 Financial Pressures and Settlements in Higher Education06:46 The Decline of International Student Enrollment09:35 Cascading Effects on Smaller Colleges12:20 The Changing Relationship Between Higher Education and Government14:59 The Future of University Leadership17:38 The Political Landscape of Higher Education20:44 Advice for University Leaders in Turbulent Times22:53 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 #RobertShapiroDon'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.

Beef is bad for the earth, but - perhaps surprisingly - biofuels may be worse. Journalist Michael Grunwald, author of the new book, "We Are Eating the Earth," speaks with Anne Kim and Bill Scher about the devastating environmental impacts of agriculture. Grunwald challenges conventional wisdom about the benefits of biofuels and reveals why organic farming is bad for the planet. He also offers tips for what ordinary people can do to adopt a more earth-friendly diet and reduce food waste. #SustainableFarming #ClimateChange #Agriculture ​

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the GOP's Tax and Spending Bill02:41 Current Status of the Bill and Key Developments05:21 The SALT Deduction and Its Implications08:21 Deficit Concerns and Freedom Caucus Demands11:35 Medicaid Cuts and Political Ramifications15:09 The Impact of Work Requirements on Medicaid19:12 Tax Policy Changes and Their Effects20:27 Democratic Strategies Against the Bill22:49 Gavin Newsom's Controversial Moves28:26 Biden's Challenges and Democratic Responses33:44 Looking Ahead: Economic Implications and Political Strategies38:42 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Promises Made and Broken00:36 Trump's Trade Deal with China06:10 Evaluating Trump's Promises on Trade09:33 Grading Trump's Promises on Government Efficiency11:50 Inflation and Economic Promises13:26 Balancing the Budget vs. Tax Cuts16:13 Immigration Policies and Promises19:09 Corruption and Foreign Influence28:44 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Political Developments32:31 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.