Behind the Bastards It Could Happen Here Weekly 197
Aug 30, 2025
David Forbes is an editor and journalist with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, while Dana El Kurd is a political science professor and expert on Palestinian politics. They dive into Gavin Newsom's controversial social media tactics, critiquing his populist approach and its disconnect from genuine voter support. The conversation then shifts to academic freedom amid political pressures, particularly concerning pro-Palestine protests and anti-trans legislation in North Carolina, highlighting the ongoing struggles for marginalized voices in the face of institutional challenges.
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Democrats Helped Pass NC Anti-Trans Laws
- David Forbes recounts how North Carolina passed HB 805 and SB 442 with Democratic support.
- He highlights Democrats and the governor signing or enabling bills that strip trans protections and redefine child abuse.
Progressive Veneer, Coercive Core
- North Carolina's 'progressive mystique' masks a history of repression and elite control.
- David Forbes links that history to contemporary Democratic collaboration with business and anti-labor policies.
HB2 Showed Compromise Preserves Harm
- HB2 taught the right that Democrats will fold under economic pressure and compromise.
- The repeal produced HB142, a diluted substitute that preserved many anti-labor and anti-trans provisions.
