The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Linda Gordon, Florence Kelly Professor of history at NYU and author of 'The Second Coming of the KKK: The Ku Klux Klan of The 1920s and the American Political Tradition,' joins us.

On today's show: Trump says he misspoke at the Putin press conference when he said "I don't see any reason why it would be Russia," meant to say "wouldn't."

Linda Gordon, professor of history and the humanities at NYU, joins us to discuss the history of the KKK in America, particularly in the 1920s. The three waves of KKK activity -- the late 1800s, the 1920s, and the 1950s -- and the characteristics of each. The KKK's 1920s expansion from an underground terrorist organization to a mainstream group with a long list of enemies including blacks, Jews, Catholics, and all non-Protestant immigrants. The factors driving the group's 1920's expansion. How the KKK became a hub for networking and social activities for its largely middle class membership. The ignorance and conspiracy theories driving fear of the "other."  The role women like Alma White played in the organization. The KKK's racially and religiously motivated raids on saloons. The parallels with what's happening now and how the 1% uses mass bigotry as a tool to make gains for themselves.

On the fun half: Trump and Tucker Carlson dog whistle white supremacy, claim "mass migration" is "destroying the culture of Europe." Trump defends Russia because of its role in WWII, steals valor from Stalin. Lights go out in White House when Trump says "I have full faith in our intelligence agencies." MSNBC visits Missouri nail factory strangled by tariffs, asks Trump voters if they stand by their decision. Dissident Peasant on race and voting rights. A caller deciphers what Trump crossed out in his Russia speech. Should we abolish the Supreme Court? Jamie makes a case for anarcho-syndicalism, promises not to call it libertarian socialism. A caller tries to deflate the Putin hysteria. Richmond man calls cops after a hard foul in pickup basketball. Chicago man calls cops on black woman for trying to use a coupon at CVS.

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Direct download: 7-18-18-Linda_Gordon-pub.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:44pm EST

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