Lever Time

In a compelling discussion, Graham Platner, a military veteran, oyster farmer, and first-time Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Maine, dives into his grassroots campaign aimed at challenging Susan Collins. He addresses past controversies, including problematic social media posts, emphasizing his growth and commitment to change. Platner shares insights on political violence, the necessity of labor-focused policies, and how grassroots messages resonate with working-class voters, posing crucial questions about the future of the Democratic party.

Tom Moore, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and a key strategist behind the Montana Plan, dives into the battle against the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling. He discusses how the Montana ballot initiative aims to ban corporate political spending and redefine corporate powers, potentially revolutionizing political finance. Moore sheds light on the historical context of corporate influence in Montana and outlines strategies for enforcing new restrictions. He also explores the possibility of other states adopting similar reforms.

U.S. Representative Joe Neguse from Colorado's 2nd district joins to discuss the fight against the Citizens United decision. Neguse shares insights on how dark money distorts democracy and why he believes the independent expenditure loophole is a legal fiction. He outlines his Citizens Over Corporations Act, aiming to restore campaign finance control to states. The conversation delves into bipartisan opportunities for reform and examines how industry spending shapes Congressional behavior, while also proposing a lobbying ban to rebuild public trust.

Dive into the controversial world of campaign finance and the implications of Citizens United v. FEC. Explore J.D. Vance's alarming efforts to deregulate the system and legalize bribery. Discover how the Supreme Court may expand corporate influence in politics, potentially leading to a kleptocracy. Unpack recent cases challenging anti-bribery laws and learn about the historic trends that shaped this landscape. Plus, find out what everyday issues like healthcare and housing have to do with corruption. A gripping analysis of money's power in politics!

Join investigative reporter Luke Goldstein, who exposes Ticketmaster's hidden arbitration clauses, and David Seligman, a workers' rights attorney, as they unravel the ticketing giant's monopolistic practices. They discuss how recent changes strip consumers of their rights to sue and join class actions. Goldstein traces Live Nation's rise to power, while Seligman highlights the implications of forced arbitration, illustrating how it shields corporations from accountability. Together, they shed light on the urgent need for reform in this controversial industry.

The podcast dives into the conservative takeover of media, spotlighting Bari Weiss's controversial rise at CBS News. It explores the historical influence of the Powell Memo, which urged corporations to dominate public discourse. The discussion highlights how media consolidation has stifled diverse viewpoints, risking democracy. Listeners are called to support independent journalism as a bulwark against oligarch-fueled narratives. Key takeaways include the need to break up media monopolies and the implications of recent corporate media maneuvers.

Helen Santoro, a Reporter at The Lever, dives into her investigation of Zillow and Redfin's one-stop real estate platforms. She reveals how these conveniences may disguise hidden costs for homebuyers. Exploring the lucrative mortgage market, Helen discusses the dangers of steering consumers towards in-house lenders and how this ties into regulatory issues. The conversation touches on the impact of the 2008 crisis on these platforms, the potential risks they impose on consumers, and ongoing scrutiny from regulators. It's a compelling look at the future of homebuying.

Join investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein, known for his insights on civil liberties, as he dives deep into NSPM-7, a controversial directive altering the landscape of domestic terrorism. He reveals how this memo expands indicators to include views deemed anti-American or anti-capitalist. Ken discusses chilling effects on free speech and the potential targeting of nonprofits. He raises alarms about the ramifications for journalists and sources, all while challenging the narrative around political violence. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation!

Keith Ellison, the Elected Attorney General of Minnesota and former U.S. Representative renowned for his civil rights work, discusses pressing legal battles against the Trump administration's executive orders. He shares insights on suing TikTok over youth exploitation, addressing gun violence through corporate accountability, and the importance of antitrust actions against monopolies. Ellison also critiques the Democratic Party’s strategies and emphasizes grassroots mobilization to expand the electorate, advocating for bold action on economic justice and civil rights.

Alec Karakatsanis, a civil rights lawyer and author of 'Copaganda', dives into the myths surrounding crime in America. He challenges President Trump's fearmongering about violent crime by contrasting it with declining FBI data. Karakatsanis explores how media amplifies public fears, particularly targeting marginalized communities. He discusses the dangerous effects of 'broken windows' policing and the PR tactics behind crime coverage, urging for reforms to shift away from oppressive policies and build a more equitable public safety framework.