Bad Faith

The conversation dives into the complexities of leftist political strategy, debating whether to support compromised Democrats or embrace third-party candidates. Max Blumenthal emphasizes the importance of class and antiwar principles over traditional labels. He critiques the Democratic Party’s limitations and predicts heightened geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Iran. The discussion includes the necessity of concrete demands, like suspending weapon sales to Israel, and the call for a principled withdrawal from ineffective institutional tactics.

In this conversation, Van Lathan Jr., a culture commentator and political analyst noted for his viral encounter with Kanye West, joins to dissect the recent film One Battle After Another. The duo critiques the film’s portrayal of leftist revolutionaries and discusses its underlying themes of misogynoir. They also dive into the accountability of right-leaning podcasters and the importance of coherent political principles. Lathan and his host explore whether withholding votes can pressure Democrats and reflect on the impact of financial influences on political choices.

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock our full premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Executive editor of The American Prospect David Dayen returns to Bad Faith to explain the government shutdown and how Democrats are doing their darnedest to be the worst resistance party in the world. How is it that Trump seems to have infinite power when Biden, during his trifecta, had none? Did Trump really just do what we were told is impossible: overrule the parliamentarian? Why are Democrats making this a fight about healthcare rather than the fact that the GOP has already effectively shut down the government through their DOGE activities? And why should we be very very scared of OMB director Russell Vought? Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod). Produced by Armand Aviram. Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).

Subscribe to Bad Faith on Patreon to instantly unlock this episode and our entire premium episode library: http://patreon.com/badfaithpodcast Matt Stoller, Director of the American Economic Liberties Project and king of anti-monopoly discourse, returns to Bad Faith podcast along with former Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, who was recently fired by President Trump, to explain how Trump is weaponizing ostensibly independent federal agencies to advance his censorship agenda. As Matt argues, oligarchic control over the media is impossible without media consolidation, and the Jimmy Kimmel cancelation fiasco is in some ways secondary to the bigger problem of an undiversified media ecosystem. Bedoya, who is also the founding director of the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown University Law Center, broadens the conversation into one about the founding fathers' original conception of the corporation, and the need to impose limits due to its fundamentally anti-democratic potential. Will Democrats finally trust the anti-trust pros to break up the powers that are buying America? Subscribe to Bad Faith on YouTube for video of this episode. Find Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod). Produced by Armand Aviram. Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).

Comedian and cultural commentator Amanda Seales shares her journey from Hollywood to political activism. She discusses her radicalization following the events of October 7th, leading her to advocate for Palestine. Amanda reveals the personal costs of speaking out, including being canceled by her industry. She recounts a tense dinner with political figures, including her direct confrontation with Kamala Harris about accountability. The conversation also touches on her shift towards community organizing and using art and comedy as tools for political education.

The discussion opens with a provocative look at the ethics of political speech surrounding Charlie Kirk's death. Insights unfold on Kamala Harris's new book and its disconnect from reality. The hosts critique the backlash against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for his comments on Kirk, exploring the implications of public condemnation. They also analyze how wealth influences media platforms and the chilling effect on free speech in academia. A lively debate emerges on the reactions to Kirk's legacy and the darker side of celebratory commentary.

In this engaging conversation, investigative journalist Matt Taibbi delves into the complexities of the Twitter Files and digital censorship. He discusses the role of state-funded NGOs in influencing online moderation and the challenges of understanding biases within Twitter's content management. Taibbi also evaluates Elon Musk's involvement, questioning the authenticity and limitations of the documents shared with journalists. The discussion highlights the need for deeper inquiries into media biases, making it a captivating exploration of modern journalism.

Russell Dobular and Keaton Weiss, co-hosts of Due Dissidence, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about Matt Taibbi's selective coverage of censorship, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian speech. They tackle the pressures journalists face when navigating complex narratives, especially around sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. The conversation also critiques the emotional stakes and real-life consequences of online discourse, all while highlighting the challenges of maintaining free speech in a polarized landscape.

The recent discussion revolves around the controversial legacy of Charlie Kirk following his assassination. Media responses, including praise from some left-leaning outlets, spark a debate on the troubling indifference to anti-Black racism in polite discourse. Alongside this, the complexities of navigating race and politics create a spirited examination of public figures' roles. The conversation hints at deeper issues of political alliances and the emotional intricacies of discussing racism in light of current events.

Omar Fateh, a rising star and Minnesota State Senator, aims to shake up Minneapolis politics as a DSA-backed mayoral candidate. He discusses the controversy surrounding his initial endorsement and the subsequent challenges faced from the establishment. The conversation dives into navigating police reform in the city post-George Floyd, the complexities of pro-Palestinian sentiment in local politics, and the importance of grassroots engagement. Fateh also shares insights on accountability within the DSA and the dynamics of ranked choice voting.