The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Cliff Schecter is sad that Mitt Romney isn't running for President. Why Mitt didn't run. Why Mitt Romney is such a asshole. Jonathan Chait's whiney "PC Police" article for New York Magazine. "New Republic: Democrats and why we needed the blogosphere. Having platforms and absorbing attacks. Twitter and democratic discourse. President Obama pushes for an end to "mindless austerity" and wants more spending. Why we need to stop TPP.

Isabel Gillies invites Sam to this years Super Bowl Party. What's the best Clam Chowder? Isabel's dyslexia. Why Isabel is Tom Brady fan. What's the deal with "Deflategate"? And Isabel suggested Sherlock on Netflix.

On The Fun Half: Sam crushes the All In With Chris Hayes Fantasy Draft on MSNBC. Why Scott Walker is a dangerous candidate. Also your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-30-15-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:47pm EDT

Swarthmore College, Psychology Professor Barry Schwartz the author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, explains why more choice is not always the best thing. The jam study? Finding the policy sweet spot. The policy implications of "Nudges". Choices and Libertarian fallacies. Asymmetric information and decisions in health. Finding the best decision making style for your life. Also the role of inequality in choice.

On The Fun Half: Sam competes on MSNBC's fantasy candidate draft. Scott Walker is going to make a strong run for President, because he is a far right extremist who is beloved by the establishment. A full rundown of the Republican clown car. Koch Brothers will spend a billion in 2016. Mike Huckabee says "trashy" women swear in New York. The insane Bryan Fischer finally gets fired. Also your IMs.

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Direct download: 01-29-15-Barry_Schwartz-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EDT

Guardian journalist Ed Pilkington explains the shocking role of entrapment in the FBI targeting of environmental activists. The case of Eric McDavid and how he was entrapped by FBI informant. The bizarre story of "Anna" the FBI counter intelligent agent who infiltrated the environmental movement and the ongoing fallout of the FBI abuse of eco activists.

On The Fun Half: Michelle Obama makes a statement in Saudi Arabia, what really drives the Saudi and American relationship, Fox News lying more than ever and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-28-15-Ed_Pilkington-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:45pm EDT

Erwin Chemerinsky the dean of the University of California–Irvine School of Law and author of the new book The Case Against the Supreme Court, explains why the Court has historically sided with the wealthy and powerful and why we reform is needed.

Direct download: 01-27-15-Erwin_Chemerinsky-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:35pm EDT

Greece's left wing Syriza Party wins big and vows to reverse austerity and restore democracy. The lunatics meet up at the Iowa Freedom Summit and Sarah Palin gives an "amazing" speech.

On the Fun Half: Republican Congressman repeats all of the lies about the Minimum Wage in one small clip. Republican governors pursue regressive taxes on middle class and poor people. Fox News attacks Bibi Netanyahu for accepting a Republican invite to address Congress. Ebola under control in Liberia? Big shocker, the leader of Germany's anti Muslim movement, caught posing as Hitler. Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley says overturning Citizens United could lead to abolishing the entire Bill of Rights! Also your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-26-15-Sam_Seder-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Cliff Schecter explains why we should not honor King Abadullah. Cliff wants to know where the President Obama of the SOTU address was the last five years? Where President Obama undercut his own message. The Republicans are committing to fighting voting rights. Expect more fake populist politics from the Republicans. Why the politics of mass inequality are shifting. Republicans agree climate change is real just not caused by humans. Democrat Bob Mendez goes insane on Iran negotiations. The stunning invitation from Republicans to Bibi Netanyahu to address Congress. Also Republicans trying to  hide their disgusting women's health politics.

Comedian David Cross was in Men In Black and he has a new movie he is working on called HITS. Why Masters of Atlantis is David's favorite book. What HITS is about. Why David isn't on Twitter. The limits of quantifying. Why David's new movie will be released on Bittorrent. Is fame a poison.

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Direct download: 01-23-15-Cliff_Schecter-_David_Cross-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:48pm EDT

Journalist Johann Hari, explains the motivation for his new book Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on DrugsWhy were drugs banned to begin with and what really creates drug addiction. Harry J. Anslinger the most important person you never heard of. Anslinger's racism and obsession with Billie Holiday. The racist roots of the drug war. The heroism of Billie Holiday and the white supremacist crusade that destroyed. Arnold Rothstein and invention of modern drug dealing. Why cartels are so violent. Former drug warriors who want to end the war on drugs. Debunking drug addiction myths. What we can learn from Portugal. Also why drugs are a social problem not an individual one.

On The Fun Half: why do we ignore poverty? the Sam Seder Libertarian Learning Annex reopens. We hear from our most incoherent libertarian caller. And the rest of your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-22-15-Johann_Hari-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:21pm EDT

Vermont Senator and progressive champion Bernie Sanders explains what President Obama got right at the State of the Union and why we are in record levels of inequality. The proposals that would help solve the poverty crisis and Why TPP and Fast Track trade authority are problems for inequality and transparency.

The beautiful moment when President Obama burned the Republicans.

Adam Green Co-founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, explains what President Obama got right in his SOTU. Why progressives won the rhetorical fight, but are Democrats really moving in a progressive direction? The obvious progressive ideas that are popular with everyone. Outlining the goal of debt free college. And how do we finally reform trade laws.

On The Fun Half: The great Charles Pierce breaks down the President's SOTU. Why poverty has disappeared from our political discourse. The role of Reagan, Clinton and race in ignoring poverty and the problem with middle class rhetoric.

Joni Ernst's Republican response and your IMs.

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Direct download: 01-21-15-Bernie_Sanders-Adam_Green-Charles_Pierce-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

Historian Ray Raphael, author of Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past,explains the distinction between history and heritage. Revolutionary activity in colonial Massachusetts. The problem with historical myths. How history records rebellions and why it matters. Why the Founders didn't want limited government. Why the Founders wanted the power to tax. What the right's favorite Ben Franklin quote really meant. Why originalism is a myth. Why the Founders hated influence and would always back campaign finance reform.

On The Better Half: Fox New's apologies for the fake "no go zone" story, Bobby Jindel does not get the message. Another Libertarian caller. Previewing the State of the Union. Tea Party leader wants to "own" MLK Jr., also MLK Jr. was a socialist. Rush Limbaugh, explains how to say "Selma with soul". Also your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-20-15-Ray_Raphael-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:12pm EDT

Happy Martin Luther Jr! Day. Today’s show is a compilation of clips including excerpts from “The Frank McGee Sunday Report: Martin Luther King Profile,” NBC News, May 7, 1967, followed by a brief excerpt from a speech at Cleveland, Ohio, on April 28, 1967. Then extended excerpts of a sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on April 30, 1967, then the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite reporting on the assassination on 4-4-68 and finally, Nina Simone singing “Why?” recorded live three days after the death of Martin Luther King,Jr.

Also Dr. King's first tv "interview" from the show The Open Mind - The New Negro hosted by Professor Richard D Hefner.

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Direct download: 01-19-15-MLK_Day_2015-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:24pm EDT

1/16/15

Political maestro Cliff Schecter, explains why Mike Huckabee calling Jay Z a pimp is just the beginning of the 2016 Republican Primary. Why the death threats to John Boehner and teens trying to join ISIS once again shows the need for gun control. The fill Republican clown car in 2016 and why Democrats are finally getting progressive.

Film Guy matthew Weiss explained why he does not care about the Oscars, why Selma was snubbed. What we should be watching on TV. Why our obsession with the world ending and Zombie Apocalypse is a good thing and suggested that we all watch the Vice documentary Return to Homs.

On The Fun Half: what New Yorkers think of the battle between Mayor de Blasio and the NYPD, Pope Francis calls for action on climate and freaks out Rush Limbaugh and the Dalai Lama calls himself a Marxist. Also your IMs.

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Direct download: 01-16-15-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:23pm EDT

More proof of the Lead theory of crime reduction.

Contributing Editor at Harper's Magazine and author of  Lords of Secrecy: The National Security Elite and America’s Stealth Warfareexplains why Dick Cheney is the perfect example of a Lord of Secrecy. The sociological understanding of the cult of secrecy. Why bureaucracies love secrets. Why there was less secrecy during the Cold War when America actually faced an existential threat. How mediocrity and corruption flourish under secrecy. The quest for technological mastery in war and the closing of public debate. What the Thomas Drake story reveal. And is there and American "Deep State?". John Brennan and David Petraeus and legal double standards.

On The Fun: Half: David Petraeus possibly facing criminal charges is all about covering up Benghazi! according to Fox News and Louie Gohmert. Rudy Giuliani says if Mitt Romney talked more about Benghazi he might have won in 2012 and relive one of the best moments of the 2012 campaign. The Mitt Romney pile on continues. Nancy Grace gets schooled by 2 Chainz. Random Rush. Bill Nye debates more Libertarian nonsense with Penn Jillette. And of course your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-15-15-Scott_Horton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm EDT

Visiting Associate Professor in Philosophy at Georgetown University-Qatar, Karl Widerquist explains how a Guaranteed Basic Income would work. The push for Basic Income in Europe. The different ways of delivering a basic income. Would Basic Income replace the welfare state? Reversing Welfare "reform" overcome poverty? The problem with Libertarian thinking. Why Libertarians are all about entitlement and privilege. Also How Libertarianism leads to feudalism.

On The Fun Half: Intrepid caller asks when Sam and Cliff are getting married. More debate on the basic income. House Republicans move to deport dreamers and the 2016 Republican Primary begins. The phony Republican theatre on the Keystone Pipeline vote. And of course your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-14-15-Karl_Widerquist-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Political Science Professor and author of  The Stronghold: How Republicans Captured Congress but Surrendered the White HouseThomas Schaller explains the best way to understand the modern Republican Party. Why Republicans want to have the Congress more than the Presidency. Why Republicans can govern from the House. Why this is Gingrich Republican Party not Ronald Reagan's. How and why the Republicans gerrymandered the House. Why the current Republican Party will never do outreach. Why its hard for Republicans to win the Presidency. Also understanding the right wing political racket.

On The Fun Half: Debunking the godfather of Libertarianism. Why Democrats can and should be more populist. "Terrorism Expert" Steve Emerson goes on the BBC and hilariously attempts to defend himself for his insane comments on Islam in Europe. Fox News host Jeannine Pirro goes on an insane "kill them" rant. Also  your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-13-15-Thomas_Schaller-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:41pm EDT

Oil analyst and author Dan Dicker, explains what really is driving lower oil prices. How is it is to get started in the fracking business. How Dodd-Frank has effected the oil business. Speculation and oil prices. How Russians will bleed because of lower oil prices. How the Saudis are able to position themselves in the global oil market. Why lower oil prices will push back development of renewable energies five to ten years. When the market will self correct. Also New York's fracking ban and the policy implications for the rest of the country.

On The Fun Half: how Republicans are aiming to destroy Social Security in the new Congress. "Terrorism expert" Steve Emerson says non-Muslims aren't allowed in Birmingham Britain and UK Prime Minister calls him an idiot. Pastor beats kid to help him to take "Christ seriously". Bob Beckel compares accepting radical Islam to inter racial dating. Also your calls and IMs.

And members can watch today’s show on YouTube

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Direct download: 01-12-15-Dan_Dicker-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:40pm EDT

Political maestro Cliff Schecter breaks down the broader implications of the terrorist attacks in France. What is and is not a existential threat. Lessons on gun control from France. How the right will use the terror attacks in Europe and America. Debating the merits of censorship. Elizabeth Warren builds progressive power. Democrats stand firm on Wall Street reform. Why progressive Democratic politics are the only path forward. President Obama's new progressive push.

Pete Dominick of Sirius XM misses Sam's prank calls to right wing radio talkers. How Pete got Rick Sanchez fired. What is Sirius XM Insight. What's great about radio. Do Pete and Sam disagree on anything? Who Pete and Sam hate the most and told us to watch the movie Fury.

On The Fun Half: an update from the UK on this May's elections. and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-09-15-Cliff_Schecter-Pete_Dominick-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:23pm EDT

Princeton Professor Julian Zelizer, explains what motivated his new book The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress, and the Battle for the Great Society. Why Congress was also broken during the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations. How liberals were stifled on civil rights, Medicare and education. Why obstruction was worse in the 1960s. Why the importance of Lyndon Johnson's political skills may be overstated. Why  vibrant liberal movement allowed for all of the progress in the 1960s. Why the American system is stacked towards conservatism and the political moment that Johnson recognized. Find out why fear mongering over the deficit has always been a effective tactic against liberalism. Also what to make of the Controversy over the film Selma.

On The Fun Half: Bill Donohue of the The Catholic League expresses sympathy for the Paris terrorist attacks. Charlie Hepdo will publish next week and what we know about the attackers. Juan Cole's theory of why the attack happened. Fox's Shannon Bream wants to know what do when terrorists aren't "the typical color"? Debating the merits of  "freedom". Don Lemon asks a Muslim human rights lawyer if he supports ISIS. Also your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-08-15-Julian_E._Zelizer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

The Terrorist attacks on the Charlie Hebdo satiric Magazine in Paris France.

The Nation's Maria Margaronis, explains the horror of the French terrorist attacks and the danger of it aiding the growth of far right parties in Europe. Will The National Front win the next elections? Anti austerity does not mean anti Europe. How the mainstream political parties in Greece have destroyed the Greek economy and hurt themselves through enforcing austerity. Why Syriza can win and the scare campaign aimed at progressive politics. The many, many ways the austerity has failed. Will Syriza inspire the rest of Europe to reject austerity?

On The Fun Half: Republicans attack Social Security out of the gate. How the Obama Administration will deal with the next Congress and Social Security as a bargaining chip. Former Virginia Governor Bob Mcdonnell goes to jail for corruption and Pat Robertson knows whose fault it is. Rush Limbaugh thinks Republicans will sell out to Obama because he is black. Michele Bachmann explains how she beat progressives by "outsmarting" them. and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-07-15-Maria_Margaronis-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:51pm EDT

Journalist Ari Paul, explains Bill de Blasio has long angered the NYPD. The Central Park Five Case and why the NYPD are angry about it. The real problems New York City faces now. NYPD Labor Union head Pat Lynch is gunning for a favorable contract for the NYPD. Why the Police Union is out of step with a much more diverse NYPD. Also why the right is united against Bill de Blasio and what they fear about him.

Huffington Post Washington Bureau Chief Ryan Grim, explains the hilarious reasons that Congressman Ted Yoho is running against John Boehner for Speaker of the House. Why Boehner is ignoring the crazies running against him. Is Steve Scalise going to stay on as a Republican leader despite his ties to David Duke? What Republicans are going to do in the new Congress and why they are running out of options. Also the fights on trade and Wall Street appointments in the next Congress.

On The Fun Half: Louie Gohmert defends his run for Speaker of the House against John Boehner on Fox News. Chris Christie makes a fool of himself at a Dallas Cowboys game and is also incredibly corrupt. A Ferguson Grand Juror files a lawsuit in order to be allowed to speak about the process and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-06-15-Ari_Paul-Ryan_Grim-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Remember that whole IRS "Scandal"? Well its been completely and finally debunked. Staten Island Congressman michael Grimm uses his reelection to get a better plea deal in his criminal trial. The crazy, crazy Congresspeople taking on Speaker Boehner. House Republican Leader Steve Scalise speaks to David Duke's organization and still has his job. Also "shockingly" Steve Scalise voted against the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Senate Republicans are going to push Keystone hard. President Obama's damning comments on the Keystone pipeline. The heartbreaking suicide of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn.

On The Fun Half: NYPD continues its work slowdown and guess what crime has not gone up! The City mourns the death of the two murdered police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. Off duty African American cops are victims of racial profiling. Pittsburg Police Chief condemns racism and the Police Union says what? And your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-05-15-Sam_Seder-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Best of 2014!:

Princeton’s Eddie Glaude Jr. explains the larger meaning of the crisis in Ferguson and the murder of Michael Brown, “conflict porn” and why we don’t get to the bottom of race in America, why white supremacy is the disease that undermines America, white supremacy can be practiced by anyone, the politics of respectability, President Obama’s reluctance to engage on Ferguson is a expression of our racism, why shouldn’t African Americans expect more from President Obama? the Police culture of abuse and harassment of African Americans, how Ferguson challenges the African American establishment, the intersection between race and poverty and why treating populations as disposable blocks America’s democracy.

Also! Cliff Schecter joins the Majority Report crew to mock Paul Ryan and his completely made him brown paper lunch bag story, Sam Seder talks to Isabel Gillies son as Hugo from Bob's Burgers, the now infamous Libertarian "have you ever ran a Denny's?" debate, and two classic Alex Jones bits: Super Male Vitality and Nazi Net Neutrality.

Direct download: 01-02-15-Best_of_2014-Eddie_Glaude_PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

On today's Best of 2014 as chosen by our listeners:

Professor William Lazonick explains how companies have turned from employment security, how corporate leadership structures are hurting the entire economy, what stock buy backs, how stock buy backs are different from traditional stock purchasing, how Ronald Reagan deregulated the stock market, why the FCC can’t monitor buybacks, why stock rewards have become more and ore popular, the similarity between stock buybacks and pump and dump schemes, how these schemes keep wages down, the real story behind executive pay, why Reagan economic policies failed to put money in the economy, why real wages used to track productivity growth, the 1980s focus on stock price and the destruction of wages and the radical financial reform that is needed.

Also! A Texas police chief claims he'll take on ISIS, Isabel Gillies and Sam Seder discuss standardized testing, Sean Hannity and Bob Beckel demand Muslims celebrate Easter, and Rafael Cruz hates bologna!

Direct download: 01-01-15-Best-of-2014-William_Lazonick-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25pm EDT

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