The Majority Report with Sam Seder

On today’s Best of 2012, an interview with author and environmentalist Derrick Jensen on dominant culture, how it informs the system we live in,  and what it means to all the systems of the planet and strategies for resistance. And Climatologist and director of Earth System Science Center Dr. Michael Mann on Conservative smear campaign to discredit climate scientists, distract the public and the dire consequences.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation.  Thanks!

Direct download: 12-31-12-Best_of_2012-Derrek_Jensen-Michael_Mann-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

On today’s Best of 2012, some of the best Casual Friday interviews of the year. Actor, Richard Kind gave movie recommendations and talked about HBO's luck. Michael Ian Black shared parenting notes with Sam and Jonathan Krohn, talked with Sam about his transformation from conservative wunderkind to normal (and very smart) teenager. PLUS an interview with "Katherine Harris" live from the floor of last summer's Republican National Convention!

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation.  Thanks!


On today’s Best of 2012, Sam’s interviews NSA whistle-blower Thomas Drake and his attorney Jesselyn Radack,on the government’s intimidation and personal destruction of whistle-blowers and the Obama Administration's record on government transparency. And an interview with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on Kill Lists and the Grand Bargain. PLUS! Even more extra best of material from throughout the year!

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation.  Thanks!

Direct download: 12-27-12-Best_of_2012-NSA_WhistleBlowers-Senator_Sheldon_Whitehouse-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EDT

On today's Best of 2012, Sam's interview with Guy Lawson, the author of Octopus, on Wall Street's most wild con, the culture of Wall Street and the story of the Octopus scam. Also, a debate from the summer between Sam and conservative talker Malcolm Out Loud. PLUS! Even more extra best of material from throughout the year!

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 12-26-12-Best_of_2012-Guy_Lawson-Malcolm_Outloud-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52pm EDT

In two of the best interviews from 2012, the great Chris Hayes, explained the iron law of meritocracy, the cult of smart, the self correcting power of democracy and his own experience in the American meritocracy. Plus, Sam Seder's War on Christmas!

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 12-24-12-Best_of_2012-Chris_Hayes-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20am EDT

Cliff Schecter responded to the incredible cynicism and insanity of NRA head Wayne LaPierre's press conference, guns are a public health issue, the NRA wants fully militarized schools, LaPierre did the gun control movement a favor by showing a large audience how insane he is, why there is no shared sacrifice in America and Congressional Democrats will pay for voting for cutting.

Isabel Gillies and Matthew Film Guy started to get to know each other, Matthew Film Guy recommended the French film The Kid With The Bike and Isabel recommends Win Win and she and Matthew agree to a contest.

On The Better Half: The most important stories 2012 with senior Majority Report analyst Myla Seder, what will Obama's legacy be? Are we more aware of the danger out plutocracy today? and your calls and IMs

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-21-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-Matthew_Film_Guy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

Reuter's Digital Editor Chrystia Freeland explained the global growth of the plutocracy, the economic and technological drivers behind the growth of small sectors of super wealth, the impact of the bubble the plutocrats live in globally, the challenge the left faces in talking about income inequality, the emotional neediness and delusions of the new plutocrats and why they resent President Obama so much.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-20-12-Chrystia_Freeland-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi explained how HSBC laundered billions for global drug cartels and Al Quada, how the FBI did practically nothing in response, how the "punishment" for HSBC amounts to a few deferred bonuses and staying on the financial industry "ethics" beat what is the real reason the hedge fund the maker of the Bushmaster (the assault rifle used in the Newton killings) sell that company?

On the Better Half: "raise our boat docking fees a couple hundred bucks and we will go on strike" whine the rich of Newport Beach CA, hack Megan Mcardle says school children should be trained to bum rush shooters, an insane preacher wants everyone to have guns and your calls and Ims.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!   

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 12-19-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:15pm EDT

The soon to be retired David Dayen explained what would happen if we went over the "fiscal cliff", why the new Obama offer is so bad, explained why he is retiring, asks is the liberal blogesphere losing its added value, how to hold power accountable in the Obama era and What are Dave's next moves?

On the Better Half: Sam isn't surprised by Obama's offer. you have more influence on Congress than you realize, Rick Perry wants more guns in schools and the role the conspiracy culture plays in gun violence.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-18-12-Dave_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:10pm EDT

Cliff Schecter explained why the NRA is a front group for arms dealers, most members of the NRA support commons sense gun control, the opportunity for stringent gun control, why the NRA is a paper tiger and can be defeated politically, how the NRA fights against Constitutional Rights, what the Second Amendment really meant and the best way to move forward now.

On the Better Half: Mike Huckabee: crazy, wrong, tasteless and Iran's Supreme leader agrees with him, Louie Gohmert wishes the Principle at Sandy Hook had a rifle, some Random Rush and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-17-12-Cliff_Schecter-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:54pm EDT

Cliff wants to know why did Obama pick Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense? Hagel's positive record on Iraq, HSBC launders hundreds of millions of dollars in drug cartel money and will not be prosecuted, why Cliff and Sam are cautiously optimistic about the fiscal cliff, Sam and Cliff discuss the heartbreaking tragedy in CT and call the NRA a domestic terrorist group.

And it seems like old times! Janeane Garoflo live in studio! Janeane calls Sam out on his mixed metaphors, recommends the Kings Speech and Sam has a big announcement! he is having a son! Janeane gave Sam's kids awesome gifts and more on the unfolding horrific tragedy in CT.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 12-14-12-Cliff_Schecter-Janeane_Garofalo-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

Independent journalist Max Blumenthal joined Sam live from Egypt where he explained President Morsi's power grab, the governments constitutional proposal that limits the rights of women and minorities and empowers the military, the new Egypt opposition, why the traditional Islamic establishment opposes the Muslim Brotherhood, how the new Egyptian government is still carrying out the siege on Gaza and the role the US is playing in the crises.

On The Better Half: Random Rush, Republicans are very unpopular and they have an "A-Hole problem," Brit Hume wants you to feel bad for John Boehner, Matt Lauer asks Anne Hathaway a creepy question and Hathaway owns him and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-13-12-Max_Blumenthal-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT

Becky Bond the Political Director of this months sponsor Credo Mobile, explained Credo's history and why its outsider progressive approach is possible, the success of the Credo Super Pac in 2012, Credo's role in the fight to protect Medicare and Social Security and how Credo puts your dollars to work for good.

Filmmaker Ken Burns talked about hia new Documentary The Central Park Five, explained why five black and hispanic teenagers were convicted of a brutal crime they didn't commit, how the language and imagery of Jim Crow America, drove media coverage of the case, why the exoneration of the five received so little press attention and what the case of the Central Park Five says about all of us.

On The Better half: The Texas Legislature punishes Planned Parenthood and it backfires, Justice Scalia wants to know if we can't discriminate against Gay people, can we really oppose murder? And Michelle Bachman returns with some new amazing crazy.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 12-12-12-Ken_Burns-Becky_Bond-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39pm EDT

Writer Richard Yeselson, explained what a "right to work" state is, why Michigan's assault on collective bargaining is worse than Wisconsin's, why the United States has the lowest rate of Union membership in the industrialized world and recent examples of Union success.

On The Better Half: The Obama White House is waging the war on Christmas with Bo Obama leading the way according to Fox.com, more myths on Medicare and Social Security, Christian talk show host wants to start punching atheists in the mouth because they are "bullies" and Sam takes apart Nicholas Kristoff's new article calling for cuts in child welfare programs.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 


Direct download: 12-11-12-Richard_Yeselson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm EDT

Digby explained how the beltway media test bad ideas, why elite Democrats are pushing for raising the eligibility age for Medicare, Digby still thinks President Obama wants a grand bargain and why pressure from the grassroots could save Medicare and Social Security.

On the Better Half: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx has a meltdown when a Congressional staffer rides in her elevator! Michigan Republicans push Union destroying bill through the state legislature,The Romney Ryan face tattoo guy is finally getting his tattoo removed after deciding Romney is a "sore loser" and your calls.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!   

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

 

Direct download: 12-10-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm EDT

Cliff and Sam talked about the Senate's rejection of the UN treaty on the disabled, Bob Costas speaks sanity on guns and right wing media hasa meltdown, Andrew Cuomo undermines Democratic and progressive power in New York, Mitch McConnell filibusters his own bill and hilarity ensues, and Sam and Cliff reflect on Jim Demint's move from the Senate to the Heritage Foundation.

Sam talks marriage with Film Guy Matthew, Matthew pushed back against Sam on Skyfall, and Matthew recommended the new films Green and theThe Sheik and I.

A father wants to take away his daughters right to vote because she voted for Obama and the Sam Seder Libertarian learning annex returns (no Ford didn't tell people that the Pintos gas tank exploded).

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

Direct download: 12-7-12-Cliff_Schecter-Film_Guy_Matthew-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35pm EDT

Media Matters' Eric Boehlert explained how the conservative movement became a media movement, why the GOP's political leaders don't matter, why paranoid right wing rhetoric is good for getting viewersbut terrible for winning national elections, why conservative talkers don't care if Republicans win elections and how this interview all connects with Jim Demint picking up his crazy blocks and leaving the Senate for a new gig as the head of the Heritage Foundation.

Alan Simpson, takes his lie to young people campaign to the Daily Show. Sam takes everything apart in an epic breakdown of Simpson's absurd lies.

On The Half: Sam explains means testing, brings us a classic Random Rush, more thoughts on the Simpson-Bowles cult and your calls and ims.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

Direct download: 12-6-12-Eric_Boehlert-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52pm EDT

Sam held it down on his own today, explained what is really happening with the fiscal cliff, praised Obama and Pelosi for holding firm on tax increases for the top two percent, but worried that hacks like Steny Hoyer keep calling for cuts in Medicare and Social Security and checked in on the latest in Republican insanity

On The Better Half: can you negotiate with the GOP? In sad news Karl Rove and Dick Morris are benched on Fox News, Dick Army leaves Freedom Works, Roger Ailes begged David Petraeus to run for President and Murdoch would have bankrolled his run, Cory Booker: nice guy and corporatist and Sam schools a young Libertarian on the purpose of education.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

Direct download: 12-5-12-Sam_On_Fiscal_Cliff-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EDT

Freelance journalist Sarah Jaffe, explained the origins of the fast food workers strike in New York City, the logistical challenges of organizing fast food workers, the impossibility of living off of fast food wages, how the strikes grew out of community organizing efforts, the myth of teenage fast food workers and low paying jobs become middle class jobs through organizing.

Sam takes apart a plutocrat on Up With Chris, Obama fundraiser and multi millionaire real estate developer, Donahue Peeples made an disingenuous assertion about the Estate Tax and Sam called him out in epic fashion. Sam gives us the play by play.

On The Better Half: Listeners congratulate Sam for a job well done on Up With Chris, Sam is encourged by the Obama Administration's new negotiating strategy and Sam remembers TV battles with George Pataki and Thomas Friedman,

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 


Direct download: 12-03-12-Sarah_Jaffe-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

Cliff Schecter explained by President Obama's opening offer on grand bargain negotiations was hugely encouraging, how progressives are flexing more muscle what does Obama's new more aggressive negotiating strategy mean for his second term? Sam and Cliff chuckle over  charles krauthammer Civil War meltdown and assess how delusional the Romney campaign was/is.

Sam told Isabel Gillie's why he is in a bad mood, Sam explained why Skyfall sucked and Isabel recommended the documentary Secrecy and revealed that her father worked for the CIA.

A new song from Jimmy Reefercake, The UN recognizes Palestine, Bradley Manning's Court case begins with harrowing testimony on his treatment in detention, do Republicans want Kerry for Secretary of State? and Sam closes us out with a Random Rush.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 11-30-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:55pm EDT

The Nation's Sports Editor, Dave Zirin, talked with Sam about the legacy of Marvin Miller, the legendary leader of the Major League Baseball Player’s Association, explained how horribly Baseball players were treated before Miller began organizing them, the travesty of Miller not being in the Baseball Hall of Fame and will there be a NHL season?

Alan Charney of USAction, explained what progressive groups are doing to keep the pressure on Congress for tax increases on the wealthy and to protect the social safety net and why how Obama is important.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 11-29-12-Dave_Zirin-Alan_Charney-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:56am EDT

Bill McKibben explained the Do the Math tour, the new evolution of climate activism, the fossil fuel divestment movement, the good news from Germany, why global climate talks are irrelevant until we break the power of the fossil fuel industry and what's coming next.

On The Better Half: a heart warming story, Glenn Beck ever more disgusting and desperate, a Idaho state politician peddles an insane plan for Romney to become President in January and Sam does not like Andrew Cuomo.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

Direct download: 11-28-12-Bill_McKibben-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

The New America Foundation's Lina Khan explained, the growth of agricultural monopolies, why farmers are serfs on their own land, how CongressionalRepublicans killed the Obama Administration's efforts to reform the industry and why the Administration folded on the issue and Sam and Lina map out where we go from here.

The Better Half: Will Republican billionaires smarten up? Filibuster reform is looking weak, is Walmart just a Mafia family? And former Florida Republican Party leaders admit that efforts to block early voting is about disenfranchising African American voters.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  


Direct download: 11-27-12-Lina_Khan-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EDT

Journalist Osha Gray Davidson explained the rapid growth of renewable energy in Germany, the roots of the German sustainability movement,why there is more market stability in renewable energy and what the United States can do to follow the German lead.

On The Half: The deficit is shrinking fast, reporter Thomas Ricks destroys Fox on Fox, the rich are paying even less in taxes, Egypt's President Morsi grabs dictatorial powers and the war on men has been launched and Sam gives us some Random Rush.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  


Direct download: 11-26-12-Osha_Gray_Davidson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39pm EDT

Financial fraud expert William Black explained why pushing for austerity in a economic crisis is illogical, how Europe plunged itself into a unnecessary recession and social crisis with austerity policies, why governments need to stimulate the economy,how Greece's debt crisis is fundamentally different from America's "debt crisis", what the IRS does with your cash if you send it in to pay your taxes and how a "grand bargain" would be grand betrayal of the middle class and the poor.

And for Members only! interviews from the Air America archives with Zach Galifianakis (@galifianakisz) and Ralph Neas ( former head of People for the American Way.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!  

Direct download: 11-23-12-William_Black-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Director Jeff Orlowski explained what the "Extreme Ice Survey" is, the shocking collapse of the earth's glaciers, the centrality of climate change to our future, why climate change is the biggest issue that humanity faces, how is climate is measured scientifically and the success of his new movie Chasing Ice.

Linda McMahon gives bad checks and condoms to campaign workers for their work on her failed campaign, Lloyd Blankfein wants you to work more, Breitbart Website is just awful at comedy, a ceasefire in the Middle East and Wal Mart called out on CNN.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!   

Direct download: 11-21-12-Jeff_Orlowski-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT

Professor Stephanie Kelton explained the origins of the Bretton Woods system, why US policy makers still make policy as if we were in a gold standard world, why we will not become like Greece, what really creates hyper inflation, why the US can easily reach full employment

without inflation, the problem is demand, why the inflation of the 70s was not driven by government seeking full employment, why the "solutions" to the fiscal cliff will produce a fiscal crises, what is the best policy to follow now and how the economic debate is changing.

The Better Half: How to deal with a bad fiscal cliff deal deal, IMer Bushinchainz did not like the Stephenie Kelton interview and the coming Ross Douthat scanda

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!   

Direct download: 11-20-12-Stephanie_Kelton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Former Middle East peace negotiator Daniel Levy explained what precipitated Israel's military action in Gaza, why Netanyahu chose to escalate the conflict, the internal politics of Gaza, how the citizens of Gaza have lived under blockade conditions for several years, Israel's lack of coherent strategy and how Israel's worst tendencies are reinforced by American policy makers.

On The Better Half: Rush wallows in self pity in Random Rush, why Sam does not want a Christmas tree and is Lindsey Graham listening to Sam?

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!

 Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!   

Direct download: 11-19-12-Daniel_Levy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

Cliff Schecter and Sam explained why Simpson-Bowles would tank the economy, where we can make smart cuts, all the money we waste on the Drug war, is Social Security safe?, are progressives drawing a line in the sand? a much more forceful President Obama and the Real John McCain.

Marc Maron talked about his record collection, what he worries about, his arc with Gina Gershon on the pilot of his tv show and recommended the documentary DR. Bronner's Magic Soapbox.

And before we got to the Better Half a new song from Jimmy Reefercake.

the Better Half: why did Hostess go out of business? Don't blame the Union, activists pressuring Macy's to drop Donald Trump's Cologne line, Sam overviews Israel's military action in Gaza and movements across college campuses for divestment from companies profiting from the Occupation.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 11-16-12-Cliff_Schecter-Marc_Maron-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:01pm EDT

The National Priorities Project's Mattea Kramer explained the biggest misconceptions Americans have about the federal budget, what makes up most of the federal budget, why now is a great time for infrastructure investment, the best ways to deal with the deficit, why the fiscal cliff is a myth and some predictions on budget negotiations.

On the Better Half: Matt Bai writes something stunningly disingenuous and Sam nails him on it, the fiscal cliff is a bait and switch, Mitt Romney still a massive A-Hole and the head of the Maine Republican Party proves the GOP isn't just racist in the South.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 11-15-12-Mattea_Kramer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:41pm EDT

Professor David Grabaer explained why our understanding of debt is flawed, why we keep telling ourselves a false narrative of debt, student loans and Occupy, how the debt crises and the ecological crises are the same thing, how the Rolling Jubilee will work and what is financial disobedience?

On the Better Half: Spanish banks hold up evictions in cases of extreme hardship after a woman commits suicide, floods threatening Italian economy accelerating due to climate change and Sam takes another Libertarian caller to the Sam Seder Learning Annex.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 

Direct download: 11-14-12-David_Graeber-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39pm EDT

BuzzFeed's Michael Hastings explained the full sordid details of the Petraeus affair, how the spying on David Petraeus is typical of today's surveillance state, The hypocrisy of the Washington Press, how Petraeus helped us scrub our record of disaster in Iraq, how he started to believe his own press and why we need a realistic perspective on the Military.

On The Half: the danger of cutting of unemployment benefits, why 96 percent of Americans benefit from government spending, Obama's 2011 grand bargain memo leaked and it does not look good, some in Louisiana and Texas want to Secede and Paul Ryan blames his tickets loss on "urban" voters.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-13-12-Michael_Hastings-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

Sam and Cliff rejoice in the Republican meltdown, Karl Rove's public humiliation, the billionaires who wasted their money and why that's important, why the GOP still doesn't get demographics, Can the GOP adjust to reality? Sean Hannity's stunning new position on immigration and new progressive energy in Congress.

Comedian and Obama fan Andy Kindler then joined the show to discuss the big victories on election night. However, something weird happens to this "Obamabot" whenever Sam says our President's name.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-09-12-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:43pm EDT

The Huffington Post's Ryan Grim (the Nate Silver of Pot) explained wins for Marijuana decriminalization in Colorado and Washington, why attitudes are shifting on decriminalization, Obama's record on theDrug War, is opposing Marijuana turning into bad politics?, what;s the state of the Grand Bargain and the Fiscal Cliff, the advantages the Democrats and Republicans have, will Democrats hold firm? will Harry Reid save Social Security? And hoping for more Republican insanity?

On the Better Half,
has Paul Ryan's stock gone down?, Republican poll watching reports voting "irregularities" non-white people voting, the Republican freakout continues and debating the health affects from Marijuana

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks! 


Direct download: 11-08-12-Ryan_Grim-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

Democrats win big and Republicans whine hard!

The Nation's Ari Berman, explained how progressives fought back against voter suppression, how Republicans used disenfranchisement to keep the House, how blocking the vote is starting to hurtRepublicans with the broader public, Sam and Ari say Democrats need to get serious about expanding the right to vote, Sheldon Adelson is incredibly stupid and Citizen United still very, very dangerous.

Firedoglake's David Dayen ran us through down ticket election results, great results on Gay rights, bold moves on Marijuna decriminalization, how the demographics favor a long term Democratic majority and and liberal victories need to start being reflected in policy.

And
A more progressive Senate, Bill O'reilly's loses all subtly in his racism, the Republican bubble still not penetrated, why its good that Michele Bachman won reelection, and the wonderful moment when Fox called Ohio for President Obama, Karl Rove's epic meltdown on election and what is Karl's  future?

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-07-12-Ari_Berman-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT

Janeane "Katherine Harris" Garofalo wanted to know how Sam was doing after last weeks "plague", was confidant that Romney would win, commented on her  own history of voter disenfranchisement or "voter cleansing" and explained what are "sex pests" are.

And some smart and charming election thoughts from Myla Seder! And Sam's election prediction.

The Better Half: More racism from Rush, Matt and Michael give their election picks, other races we should keep in an eye on and some Random Rush.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-06-12-Janeane_Garofalo-Myla_Seder-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:12pm EDT

Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas gave us his election day math, predicted a comfortable Obama victory, Democrats holding the Senate and gaining some seats in the House. Sam asked if Paul Ryan's extremism was exploited enough?

Jeff Smith explained how Occupy responded to Sandy, wealth inequality and hurricane relief, Bloomberg's shockingly tasteless push to keep the New York Marathon going in the face of continued power outages and all the ways that Occupy is coordinating help.

CNN's Eric Erikson says election results don't matter because the rapture is coming, Fox and Friends have uncovered a new dastardly plot! And Mitt will lose because of the Hurricane according to Republican excuse makers.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread!  

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-05-12-Jeff_Smith-Markos_Moulitsas-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:26pm EDT

It's Casual Friday! Cliff Schecter described the fundamental difference in world view between the radical right and the rest of America, why Chris Christie is praising Obama so much, assessed the impact of Mike Bloomberg's endorsement of thePresident for reelection, revisited the debate between Sam and Matt Stoller on third party voting and explained why Obama's auto bailout and populist pitch worked in Ohio.

Comedian and Mitt Romney Twitter tormentor Rob Delaney joined Sam and explained why he backs Obama, his personal experience with medical bankruptcy and how Mitt Romney's pathological desire to be President is both disturbing and a good source for comedy.

Jimmy Reefercake debuted a new song, New Jersey is in a horrible shape as 2.5 million are still without power, Sam responds to idiot right wing talkers trashing NY and NJ and we find out all the ways Occupy is helping with Sandy relief efforts.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 11-02-12-Cliff_Schecter-Rob_Delaney-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:55pm EDT

Sam updated us on the Hurricane Sandy aftermath, drew a connection between the hurricane and climate change. Sam argued that climate change deniers would be even more empowered in a Romney Administration and and again made the case for voting for President Obama.Independent journalist Michael Tracey reported from Jersey Shore New Jersey where he said the situation was very dire and wondered if many residents in New Jersey and New York would be able to vote on election day.

And Mitt Romney staged a fake hurricane relief effort and compared such efforts to cleaning up a high school football field.

On the Better Half: Why FEMA could face a forty percent cut under Romney, what Romney said about FEMA during the Republican primaries, Sam explained why devolving FEMA back to he states would be catastrophic and much of New York City is still without power.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 11-01-12-Sam_Sandy_Climate_Change-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Sam hosted a heated interviewed with Veteran activist and Naked Capitalism Contributing Editor Matt Stoller. Matt argued that Obama's policy agenda was regressive by design, that both major parties are pushing the United States towards petro state status and that progressives should consider voting for a third party as an affirmation of their rejection of the Obama/Romney choice. Sam pushed back against Matt on the consequences of a Romney Presidency for the Supreme Court and emphasised that voting for Obama did not mean that you opposed organizing toward genuine reform. Both Sam and Matt agreed that movement building was was essential for the future no matter who wins the election.

On the Better Half: Will the Republicans want to get rid of the electoral college if Obama wins the electoral college and loses the popular vote? why are Republicans are trying to destroy Nate Silver's reputation and more thoughts from Sam on his contentious debate with old friend Matt Stoller.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-31-12-Matt_Stoller-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:57pm EDT

On today's show journalist Frederick Kaufman explained Wall Street's speculation in food commodities, why pizza is a great starting point for understanding the global food system, how the financialization of food markets drives up prices  and how the "Foodie" movement is overlooking the role of Wall Street abuse in creating unjust and unsustainable food systems.

Also...Hurricane Sandy in NYC.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-30-12-Fredrick_Kaufman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:50pm EDT

10/26/12

Cliff Schecter let us know what was happening on the ground in a couple of swing states, the possibility of electing some progressive candidates for Congresswhy Michelle Bachman, Steve King and Allen West might lose, why President Obama’s numbers are rebounding and what will the impact of the horrific statements on rape that Republican candidate have made will be on woman voters?

Film Guy Matthew was hurt that he has been kipped for a couple of show and he took a real shots at Isabel Gillies. Sam was not sympathetic and Film Guy Matthew, recommended the less well known Frank Capra classic Meet John Doe. 

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-26-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Film_Guy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35pm EDT

Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi explained President Obama's latest comments on Wall Street reform, why he may defensive about his record, how Mitt Romney is the embodiment of all that has gonewrong in American capitalism, but Matt loves watching Romney lie because he is such a natural at it, reporting from post Soviet Russia was a great training ground for what is happening in modern America and diagnosing narcissism and paranoia in the one percent.

On the Better Half: Richard Mourdock adds himself to the list of Republican making disgusting comments about rape, Sam explains how the GOP has lost control of its Christian Right Frankenstein and predicts less effort from Democrats to appeal to religious conservative voters and your calls and IMS.

And keep the conversation going on the morning thread! 

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-25-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:36pm EDT

Independent journalist John Knefel freshly returned from Guantanamo Bay, where he covered the opening stages of the trials of several defendants including alleged 911 Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Knefel described the disturbing legal precedent set by Guantanamo, the Orwellian nature of the government's case, the difficulty in mounting a credible defense of Guantanamo defendants and how conflicting rulings between military commissions and civilian courts could lead to a return of indefinite detention.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-24-12-John_Knefel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:24pm EDT

The Atlantic's Steve Clemons explained what was missing in yesterday's foreign policy debate, how President Obama offers tactical mastery but little strategic vision while Romney has neither tactical mastery or strategy, where President Obama has been a foreign policy success and where he has fallen short of the progressive policy he articulated in 2008, the stunning lack of discussion of climate change, Steve's pessimistic outlook on the Middle East, what is really driving Iran's nuclear program and the urgent need for a new Global social Contract.

On the Better half: the biggest takeaway from the debate-Mitt Romney looked weak and out of his depth, how Obama commanded the debate, why the right is disappointed in Romney's performance, Sam still thinks the race is Obama's and some Random Rush.

And keep the discussion going on the morning thread!

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don’t forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!


Direct download: 10-23-12-Steve_Clemons-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

Ari Berman talked the GOP's ongoing vote suppression. How GOP is helping people register, then after seeing who they register for, destroy the registration. How Republicans made a huge deal over ACORN and how different their complains about ACORN were compared to the much more sinister methods of voter suppression they use. Sam and Ari then preview tonight's debate on foreign policy, Mitt Romney's vagueness and how the media is seething at the mouth waiting for Obama to mess up the debate so they can basically write his obituary.

In the better half Sam discusses a recent NY Times article that shows analysis on how Mitt Romney's plan of cutting taxes on the rich does not lead to more jobs, New York Mayor / King Michael Bloomberg invoking socialism and the USSR to scare voters into voting for Scott Brown over Elizabeth Warren, the leaked news about Iran entering nuclear talks with the U.S., an update from "legitimate rape" Todd Akin, ANOTHER CEO threatening his employees that if Obama wins they'll lose their jobs and to not only vote, but donate $2500 to Mitt Romney. Plus, your calls and IMs!
Direct download: 10-22-12-Ari_Berman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

Cliff and Sam both see many paths to an Obama victory, Cliff praised George McGovern for his legacy on issues of war and peace, should recent polls make liberals worried? Could Obama lose the popular vote and win the electoral college?Chuck Schumer and Harry Reid throw monkey wrenches in potential post election grand bargain negotiations, Obama has committed himself to vetoing any legislation during the lame duck that would extend the Bush tax cuts on upper income earners in a victory for progressive strategy and how Democrats can win the tax cut fight.

Isabel Gillies shared a life lesson she received from Nora Ephron, explained why Romney is such a jerk and recommended the James Bond movie Moonraker and got some push back from Sam for that pick.

Paul Ryan calls war on woman "a myth", Congressman Joe Walsh peddles Todd Akin like views on Abortion and Rape, Sam thought Romney was nasty and Obama was self effacing at the Alfred E Smith Dinner and we heard a new song from Jimmy Reefercake.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-19-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:20pm EDT

Did you know that Mitt Romney profited from the auto bailouts? Greg Palast explained how Mitt Romney and a shadowy group of hedge fund investors made a killing off of the auto industry bailout,
how they extorted the federal government and shipped jobs oversees, what new favors Mitt's friends want from him if he is elected and why they hate Obama so much.

Also Mitt's son Tagg wants to "slug" the President, isn't that the type of behavior that kids from two parent families don't engage in according to Mitt?

On the Better Half: Mitt wants bosses to tell their employees how to vote, Ben Stein blows the cast of Fox and Friend's minds with basic arithmetic, what will really bring down gas prices, listeners praise Sam and a very conservative Appeals Court Judge calls DOMA unconstitutional.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 10-18-12-Greg_Palast-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

Obama comes out of debate 2 with a win. Digby was not surprised that he performed so much better this time, thought Romney did fine but fact checks will hurt him, people respond better to Obama's articulation of a optimistic vision, as long as Obama talks grand bargain Romney can lie his way to the middle, Romney's strange answer on equal pay, both candidates compete to see who can pollute America more, are Democrats going the way of gun control and the death penalty on climate? Romney's huge blunder in the Benghazi exchange, how the right pushed the Libya story and why it worked and Sam notes that there has been no discussion of the Supreme Court in the debates so far.

On the Better Half: Michael from Florida thinks Obama will lose his state but Sam thinks it will be very close, the moment that won the debate for Obama, and Sam translates an agitated Rush, Obama delivers a zinger that is actually funny and Mitt Romney contradicts self on blind trusts. Surprise, surprise.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-17-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

On today's show Sam epically tears apart Paul Ryan for his epically cynical visit to a soup kitchen. Sam also broke down Wall Street's latest theatrics, Andrew Ross Sorkin wants us to know that if Wall Street needs to be bailed out again it might not be so generous as to save itself without as many pre conditions. And in other Wall Street news Sam is puzzled by the former Morgan Stanley executive who stabbed a cab driver and won't be charged.

On the Better Half: Ezra Klein argues that it actually isn't brave for affluent, air conditioned room dwelling policy wonks to advocate raising the retirement age, Sam concurs and elaborates, Sam explains what Obama needs to do in tonight's debate and connects that to why he thinks that someone from the Romney campaign leaked the debate agreement between the two campaigns and much more.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-16-12-Sam-Talks-Paul_Ryan-Wall_Street-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EDT

Labor journalist Josh Eidelson, caught us up on the latest news on the Walmart strikes, explained Walmart's history of aggressive anti unionism, how its business modelis based on keeping people in poverty, why Walmart's tactics have depressed wages across the service sector and what strikers are planning for Black Friday.

Also the Koch Brothers have sent out a helpful letter to their employees "suggesting" how they should vote in the coming election and Sam wonders what Libertarian would make of this corporate infringement on liberty.

On the Better Half:
Sam says don't worry about the polls Obama is still probably going to win, Jason Thompson may have put the final nail in the coffin of his father Tommy Thompson's WI Senate campaign bid with a birther joke, Billy Graham endorses Romney and scrubs all anti Mormon references from his website, Sam debates a friendly Libertarian, coaches President Obama on what to say in the next debate and George W Bush is now painting dogs, Dubya explains his creative process.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-15-12-Josh_Eidelson.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

It's Casual Friday! Cliff Shecter and Sam take a look at last night VP debate and discuss how the right wing loves Republican bullies but then blast Joe Biden for being "a meanie" to Paul Ryan, how Conservatives pundits are fixated on Joe Biden's "smile" (because they know they lost), some of the topics from the Vice Presidential debate last night: Medicare, Social Security, and more. They also discuss good times in Vegas over the past few days!

In the better half (but it's a Freebie Friday, so you all get it!), Sam and Cliff continue their conversation. They discuss Darrell Issa's planned hearings on Septembers jobs numbers. Sam AND Cliff take your calls and IMs, Cliff Schecter and listener BushInChainz go at it over IMs! and more...

Direct download: 10-12-12-Cliff_Schecter-Casual_Friday-Live_From_Vegas-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:19pm EDT

First up Sam spoke with Cliff Schecter about why democrats struggle with messaging, what cutting social security will do to the American worker and how Joe Biden can win his debate with Paul Ryan tonight.

Remember when the big telecoms worked with the Bush Administration to illegally spy on Americans? Now the Supreme Court has joined Congress and the Executive Branch in insuring that those companies will never be held accountable for breaking the law, Virginia Senate Candidate Tim Kaine says he won't cut Social Security and a Paul Ryan endorsed State Rep says "some girls, they rape so easy." Sam digests this latest bit of horrible from a Republican elected official.

And Sam caught up with former Mississippi Supreme Court Judge Oliver Diaz. Sam and Judge Diaz discussed the Chamber of Commerce's campaign to destroy judicial integrity state by state and what "Tort Reform" would mean for Judaical Independence and how the Chamber worked to destroy Judge Diaz's career and reputation.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-11-12-Live_in_Vegas-Cliff_Schecter-Judge_Oliver_Diaz-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38pm EDT

Former Washington lobbyist and policy advisor Jeff Connaughton author of The Payoff, explained why Washington never takes on Wall Street, how careerism shapes law enforcement decisions in Washington, the failure of the regulatory apparatus and why aggressively reigning in the major banks would help the economy as a whole. Sam and Jeff also discussed the "Blob" and how there is no two party system when it comes to the financial sector.

And Ron Seifert, of tarsandsblockade.org explained his groups work in direct action against construction of the Keystone XL pipeline in Texas, how police are engaging in major acts of brutality against demonstrators and the misuse of Imminent domain in seizing private land for the pipeline.

Better Half: Paul Ryan gets testy but makes some good points about crime and poverty and admits that President Obama isn't proposing any new gun laws, why would ask me that question, Paul Broun, ranking Republican on

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-9-12-jeff_connaughton.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EDT

Author Kevin Baker discussed his new Harper's story Why Vote? Kevin noted the steady erosion of democracy and some of the political myths that Americans cling to, why this Presidential election matters, the extremism of Romney's agenda and how the push for right-wing austerity economics is not isolated to the United States.

Direct download: 10-08-12-Kevin_Baker-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

Cliff chronicled his many many moments of frustration with Obama's debate performance, why the Social Security response was Obama's weakest moment and the debate reminded Cliff of the mistakes President Obama made when he first came into office, the expected failure of Jim Lehrer, the many, many, many ways to mock Mitt that Barack missed.

Also Producers Matt and Michael gave out some movie recommendations

On the Better Half: Sam was name dropped by Louie CK, he praised Sam glowingly but spoke about him like he was dead, more reactions to the debate when will the Democrats get a clear position on social Security? and maybe the debate was not so much of a disaster for Obama.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-5-12-Cliff-Schecter.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Author Ari Berman and Sam agree-Romney won last nights debate, Obama looked and sounded tired and unfocused and didn't take advantage of numerous opportunities to push back against Mitt, Ari wanted to know where the aggressive Obama was last night? Meanwhile, Mitt basically renounces his entire campaign to this point and moves to the center, all the while lying about his centerpeice economic proposals.

Ari than brought us up to date on the latest news in voter rights, on a positive note state courts have been overturning voter ID laws across the country, but the Supreme Court may reverse parts of the Voting Rights Act.

On the Better Half: Sam took Jim Lehrer to task for being terrible at moderating, Romney won the debate by swinging back to the middle, Mitt Romney thought that 47 percent of Americans were moochers, Paul Ryan only thinks its thirty percent, a Cornell study finds that nearlyall of us have benefited at one time or another from government programs and much more!

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-4-12-Ari-Berman.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

Nan Aron, President of the Alliance for Justice explained why the next Supreme Court term matters so much, the future of affirmative action and the voting rights act and Justice Robert's troubling history of hostility to civil rights. How the Supreme Courts decisions on CitizensUnited and the Affordable Care have reminded people of the Court's power and the broader implications of the Roberts Courts strikingly pro corporate stance.

On The Better Half: Noam Chomsky on who he will be voting for and why, free medical clinics in LA lead to overnight waits, Libertarians are creating a feudal paradise in Honduras, Scott Brown slips up in a major way in his last debate with Elizabeth Warren and Sam does his Masshole voice. Also Mayor Bloomberg says something awful no matter what way you interpret it.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-2-12-Nan-Aron.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:16pm EDT

Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki, discussed his new documentary on the war on drugs The House I Live In.  Jarecki, explained the origins of his commitment to social justice, how the business of the drug war works, why politicians from both major parties have internalized the idea that they always need be "tough on crime", the roots of racial targeting in drug sentencing laws and why good police work is degraded by drug policies.

On the Better Half: California becomes the first state to ban "homosexual conversation therapy" for teenagers, Sam explained how George Soros bribes his daughter, Romney practices zingers, Krugman is on the grand bargain watch and Paul Ryan cannot explain Mitt Romney's tax plan to Chris Wallace because he does not have enough time.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 10-1-12-Eugene-Jarecki.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EDT

Cliff Schecter discussed the new evidence confirm his and Sam's predictions that Ryan was an awful choice as a running mate for Romney, pretty much everyone agrees he should have picked Bob Portman instead also more polls showing the shocking result that people like Medicare. The success of Obama's populist campaign in Ohio and Todd Akin knows he is gaining ground on Claire MCcaskill because of her "unladylike" behavior and Cliff thinks if the Republicans lose bad they may become even more crazy and intransigent.

Isabel Gillies joined Sam for a "TMI" edition of movie recommendations which began with a long discussion of Menopause and concluded with Isabel telling us to watch the great Japanese documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Mitt Romney is the type of hero! that would help a friend dock a boat for a minute, Dick Morris makes some election predictions so crazy that even Sean Hannity can't believe it, Bibi Netanyahu uses some very silly visuals to explain how close Iran is to a nuclear bomb, Bibi has been saying that Iran is months away from having a nuclear weapon 1992 and Mitt Romney is now less popular than George W Bush. We get Dubya's reaction.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-28-12-Cliff-Schecter-Isabel-Gillies.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:23pm EDT

Thomas Frank explained why the mainstream Democratic Party rejects populism, the succes of the rights toxic social populism and how our economic debates are no longer empirical. Sam and Thomas reminisced about Rick Santelli's rant at the Chicago Stock Exchange that helped launched the Tea Party and agreed that electoral reform was essential for the recovery of American politics.

On the Better Half: Mitt Romney tries to get a crowd of supporters to chant his name and fails, The Blaze takes Sam to task for not recognizing that Mitt Romney was joking about Airplane windows that open, Massive anti austerity protests in Spain and Greece, a new video of Mitt Romney explaining how Bain's business model is based on "harvesting" firms and Sam takes yet another Libertarian caller to the Majority Report "Learning Annex."

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 09-27-12-Thomas-Frank.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39pm EDT

J.A. Myerson, offered a recap of Occupy's first year, from first being ignored and ridiculed, to gaining press attention and eventually inspiring Occupy actions across the globe. How the success of Occupy led to a violent crackdown and Sam wondered what was happening at Occupy encampments that possibly could possibly have motivated such an extreme response from authorities? And J.A. and Sam considered possibilities for Occupy moving forward.

Richard "ChemChampion" Champion a longtime friend of the Majority Report took democracy into his own hands and has become a leader in the Washington State Democratic Party. He explained to Sam how he did and how you can too.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-26-12-Richard_Champion-JA_Myerson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:41pm EDT

Professor Juan Cole gave a regional overview of recent events in the Middle East, cleared up some of the confusion on the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi, described a poor security situation in Libya and noted that the transitional government is making slow progress there. Cole noted that the Protests in Cairo were small and considered a failure by Egyptian standards, but that President Morsi's response to the demonstrations was problematic and may alter US-Egyptian relations.

And on the Better Half: Mitt Romney is a preparing his presidential transition...Sam and crew laugh at this, Scott Brown campaign staffers give meaning to the word "Masshole", polling data shows the only white working class voters Obama has no traction with are in the south also Lady Gaga "a slut" for smoking weed according to a prominent Staten Island Republican.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-25-12-Juan-Cole.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

Yale Professor Jacob Hacker explained his new project "Prosperity Economics", why obsessing over the deficit right now is putting the cart before the horse, how low interest rates mean now is an excellent time to invest in infrastructure, eduction and human capital.

Why debt hysteria holds us back and how it is based on a fundamental misconception of the economic and political crises facing America. Sam loved the Prosperity agenda but wondered if ideological extremism would continue to make good policy impossible, while Hacker saw reason to hope for change in some public opinion polling.

On the Better half: former New York congressional Dan O'Connor candidate debated Sam on the legality of the federal government giving money to the states, Dan seemed convinced that the spending was unconstitutional but couldn't explain how it was, we also learned from a caller in Georgia how American could be tax and debt free! Sam wheeled it back in by sharing some troubling news on the Grand Bargain and Mitt Romney is confused as to why airplane windows do not open.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

 

Direct download: 09-24-12-Jacob-Hacker.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

Cliff Schecter joined Sam to discuss, Romney's awful week, how Mitt lurches from gaffe to gaffe, why he is dangerous on foreign policy and the man from Bain's bizarre conviction that he is somehow at a disadvantage for not being Mexican.

Matthew Film Guy talked with Sam about whether or not liberals can enjoy Vigilante movies and recommended the Ryan Gosling film Drive.

Sam did an epic take down of a Fox and Friends non story involving Barack Obama, Bibi Netanyahu and a pirate, Anne Romney says its really time for Republican critics of her husband to "stop it!" and Paul Ryan must really be regretting his decision to take up Mitt Romney on his VP offer right now.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-21-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew-Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:12pm EDT

Time Magazine's Michael Grunwald explained why all Americans are "on the dole" from tax credits to public tennis courts, why so many of us are in denial about how much we benefit from government spending across the economic spectrum,how the affluent gain from incentives in the tax code and why even though he hasn't worked in six years Mitt Romney pays a lower tax rate than middle class Americans.

Also Tim Pawlenty got a lobbying gig he simply couldn't wait to take. So good in fact that he quit his position as co-char of the Romney campaign weeks away from the election day so he could start lobbying for Wall Street as quickly as possible.

On the Better Half: Sam highlights sections of the Romney tapes that have received less attention but further reveal how delusional he is, also in a surprise development the author of PA's voter ID law thinks voting shouldn't be easy and many are to lazy to deserve the right to vote and Sam does an epic George W Bush impression that sheds light on success and luck.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-20-12-Michael_Grunwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

David Dayen explained why the leaked Mitt Romney videos are dividing Republicans between those that still argue that trickle down economics benefit all Americans and more aggressive conservatives who are embracing the fact that Republican tax policies simply favor their base, Sam noted that one of the most encouraging things to come out of the tapes is that the Republican donor class is as ill informed as your average tea party supporter and Romney also threw the Middle East and United States security into jeopardy by disavowing the Peace Process.

And David told us why the gobbling up of foreclosed homes across the United States by hedge funds and investment firms could lead to another housing bubble. Scary stuff.

On The Better Half: Sam explained that the Chicago teachers went on strike not over pay but teaching conditions, discussed a Swiss tax evasion scheme that may involve one US presidential candidate and reflected on his weekend hosting Up With Chris.

Direct download: 09-19-12-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

On today's show Kristina Rizga of Mother Jones Magazine, talked with Sam about her reporting on Mission High School San Francisco, what makes a school successful, how the high stakes testing regime advocated by corporate reformers is hurting vulnerable students and why its better to look for best practices instead of one size fits all rules for education.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-18-12-Kristina_Rizga-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:08pm EDT

On today's show Majority Report producers Matt & Michael reported from Occupy Wall Street's one year anniversary and found an energetic group of protesters committed to getting Occupy back in the center of American politics.

They also spoke with several Occupy protesters including Allison Kilkenny from Citizen Radio, freelance journalist and our Occupy Wall Street guy Jeff Smith, and retired Philly Police Captain Ray Lewis and others.

Also in a pre-recorded interview Sam spoke with economist and author Jeff Faux about his new book the Servant Economy on why America's middle class is hollowing out and how and why we are turning into a servant driven economy.

Direct download: 09-17-12-Occupy_Anniversary-Jeff_Faux-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

On today's show Sam was joined by Guardian columnist Glenn Greenwald to discuss the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute murder cases related to the Bush Administration’s torture program in Afghanistan and Iraq.Glenn explained that this investigation was the last remaining opportunity that the Obama Administration had to bring some accountability to those involved in the torture program and Sam wondered if it would take another couple of decades for a real reckoning the crimes of the Bush era.

But, first Occupy activist Jeff Smith talked with Sam about the events planned for next week to mark the one year anniversary of Occupy, how the mainstream media coverage of Occupy often ignored the issues that drove the movement, the ongoing police efforts to disrupt people’s right to peacefully protest and why he feels Occupy should stay independent  as a movement.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-13-12-Jeff_Smith-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

On today's show Sam and Rick Perlstein discussed the Teacher's strike happening right now in Chicago. Rick explained how effective the Chicago Teacher's Union has been in gaining public support, the corporate special interests funding the "education reform" movement and how Rahm Emanuel's disdain for unions is driving Chicago city politics. Sam focused on the ideological nature of the attack on public schools and Rick said that universal education has always been vital to our economic societal success.

On the Better Half: a Libertarian caller sounded a bit confused but definitely loved Gold, Sam went over Kurt Eichenwald's new reporting on the Bush Administration stunning negligence before September 11th, Pat Robertson is confused as to whether men can be beat their wives in America but knows they can in Saudi Arabia and Sam shared his memories of September 11th.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-11-12-Rick_Perlstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Digby joined Sam to discuss the state of the shambolic Romney/Ryan campaign, how the weakness of the GOP ticket may hurt progressives and why Bill Clinton so artfully explained why Medicade was not only a program for the poor but also the middle class. Digby pointed out that Obama left himself a lot of wiggle room for cuts in his acceptance speech and said she felt the same way watching the push for austerity as she did in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq. Both she and Sam agreed that progressives can still influence economic policy and that they should keep pushing to reverse the austerity madness. 

On the Better Half: Sam noted the rise of the Neo Nazi Party in Greece and how the response to catastrophic economic situations is not always progressive populism filled us in on the Chicago teachers union strike and Paul Krugman educates Rand Paul on government job losses during the Obama Presidency and much more. 
Direct download: 09-10-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT

On today's show Sam spoke with Cliff Schecter about the DNC. Both Cliff and Sam agreed that the production value of DNC was a lot better than the RNC's debacle and that the only thing people remember from Tampa is Clint Eastwood's chair address. Cliff told us what he liked and didn't like about Obama's speech, the importance of keeping up the fight against Social Security and Medicare cuts and the disturbing pro Simpson-Bowles sentiments expressed by the keynote speakers. Obamabot (Andy Kindler) had a different reaction to the speech and reminded Sam that we must continue to believe in hope and that drones get the job done. Abi Hassen from the National Lawyers Guild told Sam about protests that took place during the DNC from both left and right and said that Charlotte was far less militarized than Tampa. Also the The National Lawyers Guild is fundraising to support its vital work in protecting demonstrators.

On the Better Half: Germo's wife is afraid that the Majority Report is a cult and Sam offers to have her in studio to clear out her negative energy, Sam maintains there is a real difference between Obama and Romney winning, but says the best scenario for protecting social security is Democratic control of Congress plus all of your calls and IMS.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-07-12-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-Abi_Hassen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42pm EDT

On today's show Harper's Magazine's dynamic duo Jack Hitt & Kevin Baker called in from Charlotte and discussed Michelle Obama's successful speech, how forgiving and organized the Democratic Party base is and how the bear hug between Bill Clinton and Barack Obama represented the cultural bestof the Democratic Party. Sam noted that Elizabeth Warren's speech could be seen as an implicit critique of Bill Clinton and he agreed with his guests that Clinton is turning into a Democratic Reagan, even though his Presidency was problematic from a progressive perspective. A deeply disillusioned Kevin said that the Republican Convention was so disturbing that he was almost ready to campaign for and contribute money to Obama again.

Comedian Dean Obeidallah let Sam know about his new comedy tour, why he wants to be Vice President, how the Republican Convention "looked like an early bird special at Cracker Barrel." And Dean spoke about the real world consequences of the anti Muslim hate speech of Michelle Bachman, Joe Walsh and Allen West.

The Better Half: Sam spoke about the DNC amending its Platform on Jerusalem and the word God and contrasted the platform with official US policy on Jerusalem. Mentioned good news from Michigan on collective bargaining and took your calls and IMS.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 09-06-12-Jack_Hitt-Kevin_Baker-Dean_Obeidallah-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT

On today's show Matt Taibbi called in to discuss his new Rolling Stone feature story: Greed and Debt. The True Story of Mitt Romney and Bain Capital. He and Sam talked about how Bain Capital and Mitt Romney exemplified the shift from an industrial economy based on making things to a economy run on speculation, how Bain moved away from investing start up capital to simply loading existing companies with debt and stripping their assets and how the restaurant scene in Goodfellas is the best way to understand how Bain's business model works. Sam lamented that the Democrats haven't followed up on Newt Gingrich's attacks on Bain he made during the primary and he and Matt agreed that the Democrats are still committed to making nice with Wall Street.

Better Half: What Sam liked and didn't like about the DNC. The worlds richest woman had some more inspiring things to say about how people move up the economic ladder, the Ted Kennedy tribute at the DNC was great and Sam thinks Teddy would love that he is getting to destroy Mitt Romney post posthumously and Sam outlined three scenarios for what happens to Medicare and Social Security after the election.

Direct download: 09-05-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35pm EDT

On today's show the Nation's Ari Berman spoke with Sam about some recent encouraging Court decisions at the state level against voter suppression, described how the GOP is attempting to politically re-segregate the south and he and Sam debated the merits of holding the Democratic Convention in North Carolina. Tina Dupuy the editor-in-chief of TheContributor.Com described a pleasant atmosphere in Charlotte and said the DNC had less of a police state feel than last week's RNC. John Knefel, co-host of the podcast Radio Dispatch, gave an update on the many different protests and outside pressure groups meeting in Charlotte to fight for labor rights and genuine immigration reform.

On the Better Half:
Sam continued the Grand Bargain watch and highlighted David Koch's new generous offer to possibly accept some small tax increases in exchange for gutting Medicare and Social Security, a caller from North Carolina explained the power of the Occupy in NC and we discover the incredible danger that Mitt Romney placed himself in during Vietnam War (hint he did not experience this danger in Vietnam).

Direct download: 09-04-12-Ari_Berman-Tina_Dupuy-John_Knefel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Happy Labor Day! Today on the program we bring you a collection of great speeches that celebrate labor and people power from FDR, Mario Savio, John Lewis, & more!

Direct download: 09-03-12-Labor_Day_Special-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:34am EDT

On today's Casual Friday, weekly guest and political maven Cliff Schecter, joined Sam to review this past weeks RNC. Both Cliff and Sam were angry at what the Republicans let Clint Eastwood do to himself.Although they both agreed that Eastwood best represented the wounded psyche of the Republican Party. Cliff thought the overall message of the convention was disjointed and contradictory and both him and Sam thought that Romney did a decent job.

Andy Kindler gave Eastwood some comedy coaching, described what it was like covering the convention for the Dave Letterman Show, told a great Herman Cain story and morphed into a full Obamabot, which was incredibly funny and we will have to wait until next time for Andy's movie recommendations.

Sam shared heartwarming quotes from the world's wealthiest woman (who inherited all of her money) telling working people to work even harder, played a sweet new song from Jimmy Reefercake and took your calls and IMS.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 08-31-12-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT

On today's show Sam caught up with Jack Hitt and Kevin Baker who are in Tampa covering the RNC for Harper's Magazine. Jack and Kevin discussed the many types of lies in the Ryan speech and how even the mainstream media is now finding it impossible to ignore how dishonest he was. Sam noticed that Paul Ryan ran away from his ultra right wing politics and that the speech didn't sound substantively conservative.

Abi Hassen, with The National Lawyers Guild explained that the city of Tampa was onlockdown and looked as if it already had been the victim of a terrorist attack. Sam and Abi discussed how the media always creates a a fear frenzy before protests and how the shutdown of downtown Tampa is impacting the promised economic benefits of hosting the RNC.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 08-30-12-Jack_Hitt-Kevin_Baker-Abi_Hassen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52pm EDT

On today's show Sam spoke with Tina Dupuy, Editor of The Contributor.com and Michael Tracey a contributing writer for Salon, both live from the RNC. Sam and his guests discussed the heavy law enforcement presence in Tampa, the Ron Paul supporters rebellion and why the Tea Party is still so afraid of President Obama.

On the Better Half: Sam reviews last nights RNC speeches and says it was mostly everyone out for themselves, decodes Ann Romney's attempt to humanize her husband and explains Mitt Romney's range of facial expressions. Also Where was Dubya?

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 08-29-12-Tina_Dupuy-Michael_Tracey-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

On today's show author Jack Hitt and historian Kevin Baker called in from Tampa where they are covering the RNC for Harper's Magazine.Sam talked with them about the most important speeches to be listening to at the convention and all three wondered if Chris Christie and Paul Ryan are assuming a Romney loss. Hitt and Baker also ran into a Wisconsin delegate who didn't believe in pension plans public or private and that led to a discussion of the modern conservative movements historical illiteracy.

On the Better Half: Sam stayed on the Grand Bargain beat and played some disappointing clips of President Obama still seeking compromise on Social Security and Medicare. Another Republican senate candidate shared some incredibly disturbing, crazy and just sexist views on rape. And much more!

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 08-28-12-Kevin_Baker-Jack_Hit-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm EDT

On today's show Sam hosted Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. Stein outlined her proposals for a "Green New Deal" and explained why she thought Democratic Party was a dead end for progressive politics. But, Sam wondered if she was missing the lessons of the Bush era and wanted to know what the Green plan was for after the election.

In the Better Half: Sam reviewed Chris Matthew's epic take down of RNC chair Reince Priebus on Morning Joe and also noted some dull and disconnected conventional wisdom offered by Tom Brokaw and took your calls and IMS.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

Direct download: 08-27-12-Jill_Stein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

On today's show Sam and Cliff talked about the shooting outside of the Empire State Building, agreed that the NRA had more blood on its hands and discussed the need to get serious about Gun control. And poor Mitt Romney, Gawker now has their hands on his Bain documents and he can't get Todd Akin to drop out of his race.

Isabel Gillies and Sam talked about Elvis movies and she recommended the French film Un Secrete for our viewing pleasure.

And Sam went to your calls and IMS

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 08-24-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:15pm EDT

On today's show Sam talked with Educators Sarah Knopp and Jeff Bale, editors of the anthology Education and Capitalism: Struggles for Learning and Liberation, about the corporate assault on public on public schools, testing, class and social mobility and what the true purpose of education really is.

On the Better Half: Gawker gets its hands on troves of Bain documents detailing Romney's shady tax schemes, will a hurricane hit Tampa during the RNC? Sam drops a Barry White impression and also does a Random Rush.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 08-23-12-Sarah_Knopp-Jeff_Bale-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

On today's show The Nation's Ari Berman joined Sam to discuss the latest news out of Pennsylvania where a state Judge has uphold the voter ID law and movement to protect voter rights is growing. Sam and Ari agreed that Democrats need to spend political capital on this issue for both moral and political reasons.

Sam was then joined by Slate and Pandagon contributing writer, Amanda Marcotte who explained that Todd Akin's rape comments are reflective of the thinking of the anti choice movement. She and Sam also noticed the disturbing new usage of the term "forcible rape" as if there was any other kind and Amanda chalked it up to the Christian Rights "magical" worldview.

And Sam reported on the latest finding on the CIA/NYPD Muslim surveillance program. One big takeaway: all that spying did not produce a single lead!

Direct download: 8-21-12-Ari_Berman-Amanda_Marcotte-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EDT

On today's show Harper's contributor writer and international legal expert Scott Horton spoke with Sam about the diplomatic standoff between Ecuador and the UK, why the UK's aggression is so unusual in this type of case and explained the difference between political and diplomatic immunity. Assange's US attorney, Michael Ratner told Sam that Sweden regularly sends investigators to other countries to question witnesses and suspects making it all the more suspicious that they would not send officials into the UK to question Assange. Sam and Michael also examined the broader implications of the crackdown on Wikileaks for press freedom.

In the Better Half:
Rogue Republican operative Roger Stone Alleges that the Koch brothers offered Romney more funding for PAC ads if he picked Ryan, Todd Akin's insane and cruel comments about rape, Sam reflects on being on UP With Chris Hayes yesterday and Republicans go skinny dipping in Israel and Sam doesn't care.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 8-20-12-Scott_Horton-Michael_Ratner-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:37pm EDT

Cliff tells us why he thinks Romney picked Paul Ryan. Joe Biden says that Social Security won't be touched and Sam and Cliff say that progressives should push the Obama Biden campaign to make the same commitments for Medicare and Medicade. Circumstantial evidence that Mitt Romney may have been part of a criminal tax avoidance scheme and Cliff gives two cable anchors credit for calling out Republican lies.

Hari Kondabolu writer for the new FX show Totally Biased joined Sam to give some movie recommendations, but before he could get to them Sam almost cost him his job. Hari said that we should check out Chris Rock'sGood Hair and the Bollywood movie Lagaan.

And Jimmy Reefercake has a new song for us.

On the Better Half:
Missouri Senate candidate says the federal government shouldn't give poor kids school lunches, Sam probably won't go to either of the conventions, but Mike from Florida thought he should and Sam explained the key differences between the Obama and Ryan Medicare plans.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 08-17-12-Cliff_Schecter-Hari-Kondabolu-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm EDT

On today's show Sam reviewed the latest from the ongoing crises in the UK over the Assange extradition. The UK's threatens to invade the Ecuadorian embassy and a insightful New York Times piece focuses on the burning question of how Julian Assange was as a roommate.

We also heard an interview with the late David Rakoff right before the 2008 election and learned David's farsighted thoughts on poverty and homophobia in modern America.

On the Better Half: more on why Paul Ryan is good for the left, Hedge Fund manager John Taylor supports the Ryan budget but says Republicans should not talk about it in public in an amazing CNBC clip and Rand Paul is not a bright guy.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 08-15-12-David_Rakoff_Assange-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

On today's Show, Sam discussed a disturbing new referendum that could allow thousands of students to skip out on there science education in Missouri. Also a Pennsylvania Judge will notgrant
an injunction against the states voter ID laws and other news in voter suppression. Speaking of which a new Tufts University study shows that white people think they are more discriminated against than black people

On the Better Half:
Anne Romney gets a little edgy and says that we will not see anymore of Mitt's taxes and that her husband has "golden integrity." Mitt reaffirms in any interview that he approves of what comes out his mouth and Sam gets pretty deep into the wilderness with a Libertarian caller.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 08-15-12-Sam_News-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

On today’s show Sam talked about new research showing that banning junk in schools actually helps kids stay healthier (shocker). He also spoke with with progressive talk show host and anti mountain top removal activist Bob Kincaid, about the health and social justice crises in Applachia and the importance of getting Congress to act against mining interests.

In the Better Half: More on why Romney would actually pick Paul Ryan, the golden opportunity for progressives in the Ryan pick and Mitt Romney left his young ward in the Midwest and went to Florida to have a fundraiser with a convicted drug trafficker and much more.

Direct download: 08-14-12-Bob_Kincaid-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

Today Sam spoke with conservative talker, Malcolm Out Loud about "tough decisions" and the Ryan budget. Things didn't get very specific. Sam wondered if Romney picked Ryan because he thinks he is going to lose and asked why getting tough always meant punishing the middle class and the poor?

On the Better Half: was the Ryan pick a way to distract people from Romney's taxes? Also Tim Pawlenty was vetted by the Romney campaign and he said that he needed to hand over several years of tax returns to the Romney people (interesting). Also do Democrats have more details on Romney's shady taxes that they haven't leaked yet?

Direct download: 8-13-12-Malcolm_Out_Loud-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

8/7/12

On today’s show, Journalist Elizabeth Cline, revealed some of the many costs of our addiction to cheap fashion. Sam talked with BuzzFeed’s Rosie Gray about the inner workings of the Tea Party and from the Majority Report archives, Professor David Graeber, talked about debts, markets and Occupy.

And from the Air America days a beautiful performance from the Cowboy Junkies.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!


On today's show political maestro Cliff Schecter and Sam talked about why Senator Joe Manchin is just awful, the new employment numbers and why Harry Reid's attack on Mitt Romney is so smart. We also learned something unexpected about Cliff's past.

Sarah Silverman talked with Sam about his hair therapy regimen, meeting Al Gore after eating a pot cookie and recommended three movies: The controversial documentary the Staircase, the 1960s comedy Where's Poppa (or Going Ape), the indie drama Jesus's Son (with what Sarah says is an incredible performance from Dennis Leary) and Nora Ephron'sHeartburn.

And Sam took your calls and IMs, got an update on the possible endorsement of President Obama by former Republican Governor Charlie Crist and more comments on the job crises.

Direct download: 08-03-12-Cliff_Schecter-Sarah_Silverman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Glenn Greenwald was on the program today, talking about his new article the "Normalization of Extremism." Glenn and Sam talked about how policies once thought to be well outside of the mainstream such as torture and kill lists have become normalized in today's politics and how some of our worst cultural nightmares of a surveillance state are becoming true.

On The Better Half:

Sam talked about "hate a Gay eat a plastic chicken day" or as its also known Chick-fil-A appreciation day, Mitt Romney's absurd new ad on the auto bailout and reminisced about interviewing Gore Vidal and other greats in the Air America days

Direct download: 08-02-12-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:33pm EDT

Former Tarp Inspector General, Neil Barofsky joined Sam to talk about his new book “Bailout: An Insider Account of How Washington Abandoned Main Street While Rescuing Wall Street.” Neil and Sam discussed the widespread fraud in the TARP program, how the HAMP program was designed to provide a "soft landing" for banks the revolving door between Washington and Wall Street and getting a "Bullet or Bribe" Colombian Drug Cartel Style offer from the former head of TARP Herb Allison

On the Better Half:

Sam talked about why you may be getting a rebate check from your insurance company because of the Affordable Care Act, the Romney campaign hits the trifecta with a new oversees embarrassment, Romney also took some time out to praise Israel's progressive National Health Care system and two new Appellate Court Rulings are in favor of the public not corporate special interests.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 07-31-12-Neil_Barofsky-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:08pm EDT

Former NY Governor and host of View Point on Current TV, Eliot Spitzer discussed Tim Geithner's testimony at the LIBOR hearings last week, explained why self regulation of Wall Street is a failure and commented on former Citi CEO Sandy Weill''s voicing support for breaking up too big to fail banks. Also Mitt Romney is the most "awkward politician" Eliot Spitzer has ever seen.

In the better half: Sam celebrated the 47th anniversary of Medicare, discussed the fake Bill Keller column on Wikileaks and a real Bill Keller column calling for slashing social security. The fake one makes a lot more sense than the real one, and in Mississippi a Church refused to marry a black couple.

Direct download: 07-30-12-Eliot_Spitzer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

Cliff Schecter talks with Sam about Mitt Romney's week of disaster oversees and revisits the Chick-Fil-A saga. Film Guy Matthew recommendeda couple of gritty Brazilian movies, Elite Squad 1 and 2 that brought out his inner right winger.

In the Better Half: Sam talked about what might be an absolutely brutal leadership fight after the next election between Eric Cantor and John Boehner and your calls and IMs

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 07-27-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Film_Guy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Matt Taibbi talks with Sam about the Audit the FED bill that passed the house and the lack of media coverage the last time around, why Guy Lawson’s book Octopus is so good atexplaining how Wall street works and a revealing interview Thomas Friedman did with a tough radio host in New Zealand.

On the better half
After calling for a Police general strike in favor of gun control, Mike Bloomberg endorses anti gun control Scott Brown for Senate. A new study concludes that Medicare saves lives (shocker) and 2012 is the hottest year on record in the United States. You will never believe what Mitt Romney said to the Brits about the Olympics.

Direct download: 07-26-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT

On today's show Sam discussed the string of scandals rocking the Philadelphia charter school system, Pennsylvania Republicans continued to push voter purge bills And Peter Orszag writes an incredibly disingenuous argument for privatizing the Postal Service.

In the better half, Sam talked about Romney backer Suzy Welch saying Obama comes from the "other" America and a Romney aide speaking off the record in the UK saying that Obama doesn't respect our "Anglo Saxon Heritage." Wonder what they're referring to?

Direct download: 07-25-12-Sam_With_News-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Hullabaloo blogger Digby (@digby56) joined us today to talk the Dems plans for the fiscal cliff showdown, and the renewed drive to cut Social Security and Medicare.


In the better half, Sam talked the surge in gun sales in Colorado, Fox hosts two little girls to explain Republican economic policy and Bloomberg calls for a strike.

Direct download: 07-24-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT