The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, and Sam in Vegas talk America's #1 world ranking in civilian gun ownership, Romney's cookie-gate, Ted Nugent and more.  Jimmy Reefercake delivers his final song of the week. Listen LIVE M-F at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 4-20-12-Cliff-Schecter-Vegas-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EST

Sam in Vegas for Mass Torts.  Ari Berman, the Nation & Herding Donkeys, on Federal Judiciary; political leaning of SCOTUS; impact of next Presidential election and Obama indifference toward record Federal Bench vacancies.  Plus, attorney James Kauffman on details of Jobs Bill. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-19-12-Ari_Berman-Sam_Vegas-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:40pm EST

Writer and Citizen Radio co-host Allison Kilkenny talks Occupy Wall Street; 'sleepful protests', NYPD and May Day preparations.  Also, who is the 99% Spring?  In the better half, Ed Wytkind, AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department President on stymied Transportation Bill; the real threat to Mass Transit and our economy.

Direct download: 04-18-12-Allison_Kilkenny-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11pm EST

Chris Hayes from UP w/ Chris Hayes with an examination of meritocracy, the self correcting power of democracy and his forthcoming book Twilight of the Elites.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-17-12-Chris_Hayes-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:07pm EST

Hullabaloo blogger Digby recaps last week's "news"; the Hilary Rosen/working moms kerfuffle, more anti-woman legislation in Arizona, sexism at Augusta, racism hobby-ist John Derbyshire, commies in Congress and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-16-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm EST

Author Thomas Frank on the crisis of accountability plaguing our nation.  How the elite handle crisis management, the corrupting force of money and the complete collapse of professional ideals.   His Huffington Post article"Too Smart to Fail: Notes on an Age of Folly".  In the better half, Truth-out reporter, Jason Leopold, on government's role stifling Occupy Wall Street.

Direct download: 04-13-12-Thomas_Frank-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EST

Economics professor Bill Lazonick discusses 50 year of changing corporate behavior, the impact on our society and economy.   Plus, Mac McClelland goes undercover to unveil warehouse working conditions for workers delivering our internet goods.  Hard labor, long shifts, low wages and dehumanizing conditions the order of the day.  And for members, Ron Pollack, Families USA, talks the Affordable Care Act and the individual mandate.

Direct download: 04-12-12-Bill_Lazonick-Mac_McClelland-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:32pm EST

Jessica Valenti, feminist blogger, talks sexual messaging and our young girls, the failed abstinence only eduction and purity balls.  And why controlling women works for conservatives.  Also, Progressive Caucus co-chair Keith Ellison(D-MN), his goals for strengthening the movement.  In the better half,  author and Center for Public Integrity senior analyst Wendell Potter on the Affordable Care Act and the state of the health care insurance industry.

Direct download: 04-11-12-Jessica_Valenti-Keith_Ellison-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05pm EST

Writer Chris Mooney on his book The Republican Brain: The Science of Why they Deny Science and Reality.  He examines conservative brain characteristics, the role played in shaping today's Right/Left divide and what the Left needs to learn.  Also Taggart Siegel and Jon Betz on the global bee crisis.  Their movie Queen of the Sun examines why bees are disappearing worldwide and what can be done to save the population.

Direct download: 04-10-12-Queen_of_the_Sun-Chris_Mooney-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12pm EST

Cornell Economics professor Robert H. Frank on the conflict over consumption and competition.  Does competition contribute to progress? He explains Darwin's role and the Progressive Consumption Tax.   His book the Darwin Economy: Liberty, Competition, and the Common Good.

Direct download: 04-09-12-Robert_Frank-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:24pm EST

Economics professor Daron Acemoglu on political and economic failure; how cultural values factor in and the role of the institution.  His latest book, Why Nations Fail: the Origins of Power, Prosperity & Poverty. And, in the better half, members will hear Aaron Smith (@YI_Care) of Young Invincibles talk on protecting Health Care access for younger generations.

Direct download: 04-06-12-Daron_Acemoglu-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:19pm EST

Casual Thursday! Sam and Cliff Schecter, Libertass LLC, talk SCOTUS strip search ruling and other stories from the week’s news.  Isabel Gillies gets a theme song but has to sell Sam on her movie pick.  And in the better half, more news and an interview with Myla!  Katy Perry, watch out! Your calls and IMs.

Direct download: 04-05-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EST

Representing plaintiffs in NDAA case against government, civil rights attorney Bruce Afran on why the law is unconstitutional and how NDAA threatens the rights of every citizen.  Did congress understand the Act before signing it into law? And it’s the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-04-12-Bruce_Afran-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EST

It’s official – Curveball, aka Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi, lied to get the US into war and US doctored graphics to make the case more compelling.  SCOTUS rules strip searches ok for EVERYONE and Sam on why conservatives hate science. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-03-12-Curveball-SCOTUS-Science-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm EST

Sam comments on upheaval at Current and our man in Wisconsin Josh Orton with news of recalls, the GOP strategy involving fake democrats and tacking further right, Romney loses with women. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-02-12-Josh_Orton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EST

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, talks all the week's news; Trayvon Martin killing, SCOTUS and the antagonistic divide between Right and Left.  Plus on the links sharing his day of golf, Richard Kind has our movie review. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-30-12-Cliff_Schecter-Richard_Kind-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:34pm EST

Mother Jones reporter Adam Serwer reports on SCOTUS v Obamacare; the poor analogies, Limiting Principle, the Individual Mandate (is it severable?) and the effect of court’s partisan make-up.  Plus, Spain’s general strike and Occupy’s NYC subway fare action.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-29-12-Adam_Serwer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EST

Interviews from Sam's coverage of SCOTUS v Obamacare.  Iowa Senator Tom Harkin on how Democrats should sell Affordable Care Act and the prospect of unconstitutional ruling on Individual Mandate and cancer survivor Spike Ward on her personal experience.  In the better half, healthcare advocate Ethan Rome on the benefits of the ACA. What people aren't understanding about the Act.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-28-12-Tom_Harkin-Spike_Ward-Ethan_Rome-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EST

Law Professor Amanda Frost breaks down Obamacare SCOTUS case, outlines legal and political implications. Also, writer, blogger Richard (RJ) Eskow on Jobs Act, how it strips investor protections and who's funding the bi-partisan push. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-27-12-Amanda_Frost-RJ_Eskow-John_Sarbanes-Mike_Malloy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EST

Writer John Carl Baker on his article in Jacobin discussing GOP stranglehold on Florida politics, policy and prosperity (or lack of).  Despite highly unpopular Governor Scott, Democratic Party opposition is absent.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-26-12-John_Carl_Baker-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:41pm EST

Gun control, NRA lobby and racism in this country all brought to light in wake of Trayvon Martin shooting.  Also, who gets budget spotlight and what does Obama stand for?  Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, addresses it all in his regular Casual Friday segment.  Isabel Gillies has movie rec for weekend watching. Listen LIVE 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-23-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:58pm EST

Matt Taibbi from Rolling Stone Magazine on corrupt culture of Bank of America; how CEO rivalry and government regulation created the banking behemoth that conned the American people into bankruptcy.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-22-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm EST

Brian Beutler from Talking Points Memo on Paul Ryan’s budget, change in Obama’s willingness to negotiate and what’s in store for lame duck session.  Plus, Janeane “Katherine Harris” Garofalo breaks from campaign trail supporting  Joe-the-Plumber to join us.  Romney communications director’s gift to Santorum and Occupy Wall Street makes Bloomberg nervous. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-21-12-Brian_Beutler-Janeane_Garofalo-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:27pm EST

Jonathan Cohn from The New Republic on upcoming challenge to Affordable Care Act; what the litigation means; possible impact on relationship between Federal Govt and States and how Supreme Court may respond.  Killing of Trayvon Martin puts Police conduct under scrutiny.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST).

Direct download: 03-20-12-Jonathan_Cohn-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm EST

Ryan Devereaux from the Guardian at New York courthouse waiting appearance of Cecily McMillan, woman who suffered seizure Saturday while cuffed by NYPD, reports on general mood of gathering and ensuing melee.  And Jeff Smith, OWS media team, witness to Cecily McMillan brutality, reports on day’s events, police brutality and Occupy’s effort to move forward. Listen LIVE at Majoriy.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 03-19-12-Ryan_Devereaux-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17pm EST

Alyona Minkovski and Sam talk Obama Administration civil liberties failures.  Film Guy Matthew Weiss has movie recommendations and Jimmy Reefercake shows with a song.  In the better half, the latest attack on internet freedom and right wing hate infects college basketball. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-16-12-Alyona_Minkovski-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm EST

Writer and attorney Abigail C. Field on the dirty details of official Foreclosure Fraud Settlement including slippery balance sheet practices that rob homeowners of relief, manipulation of basic servicing standards letting banks off hook and why injunction sought by AG Schneiderman in MERS suit is critical.  

Direct download: 03-15-12-Abigail_C_Field-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:53pm EST

Renowned economics professor Richard Wolff discusses the collapse of capitalism, Roosevelt's action during the Great Depression and measures to stabilize our economy.  And austerity in Greece, projections for what's ahead.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-14-12-Richard_Wolff-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52pm EST

Sunday marked the 1st anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.  Joining us to talk about the nuclear situation in America and the world is professor and investigative reporter Karl Grossman. Plus, arrests in the Murdoch corruption scandal and Greece holding on to austerity measures.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-13-12-Karl_Grossman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00pm EST

Richard Kahlenberg, Century Foundation Senior Fellow, on the right to unionize, Taft Hartley and why labor movements haven’t seen same progress as civil rights movement.  Texas fails to get DOJ support for voter ID laws and massacre in Afghanistan fails to provoke the real question.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 03-12-12-Richard_Kahlenberg-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm EST

3/9/12

Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC on Ohio’s key role in election cycle, how Governor Kasich is killing Republican brand and the Obama administration’s defense of assassination policy.  Recommending movies, Tom Scharpling from Best Show on WFMU reminisces with Sam.  And in the better half, surprise call from Playboy, Penthouse and Hustler model Sydney Moon.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-09-12-Cliff_Schecter-Tom_Scharpling-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm EST

3/8/12

Glenn Greenwald from Salon on U.S. policy condoning assassination of American citizens. Disregard for constitutional right to due process, growing power of the Executive Branch and how the policy defines Obama.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-08-12-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:13pm EST

3/7/12

Huffington Post's Ryan Grim on Super Tuesday results, Mitt's words to Ann and the quiet maneuvering of Steny Hoyer.  Also, Ed Pilkington from the Guardian on unraveling of Murdoch Empire.   Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-07-12-Ryan_Grim-Ed_Pilkington-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm EST

3/6/12

Blogger Digby on the backlash against American women today and Rush Limbaugh's role in waking us up.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-06-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:09pm EST

3/5/12

Writer Seth Freed Wessler on surveillance, entrapment and religious and ethnic profiling conducted by NYPD through unregulated secret program.  Also, justification for killing Americans abroad, should-we or shouldn’t-we with Iran and Limbaugh’s advertisers bail.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-05-12-Seth_Freed_Wessler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32pm EST

3/2/12

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter and discussions of Breitbart’s passing, state of Republican primary race and divisive nature of conservatism.  Isabel Gillies delivers movie reviews. Plus, breaking news from Jon Benjamin.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 03-02-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EST

3/01/12

Sam on Andrew Breitbarts death.  Also, Tracie McMillan talks experiencing our food system from fields to Walmart and Applebees.  And Occupy WallStreet takes issue with monied donors, Jeff Smith discusses.  

Direct download: 03-01-12-Breitbart-Tracie_McMillan-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:11pm EST

2/29/12

Dave Weigel from Slate on Mitt’s Michigan victory, the media’s control of the contest message and the ruin of the GOP.  Author Michael Hastings on Department of Homeland Security monitoring of Occupy Wall Street.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-29-12-Dave_Weigel-Michael_Hastings-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:02pm EST

2/28/12

"Rupert Murdoch" calls in and throws son James under the bus.  Bribery, government and police officials on the take, mass cover ups; Sam digs in to culture of corruption at the Murdoch empire.  California AG puts pressure on Fannie & Freddie. Plus, Majority Report's Chastity reporter calls Senator Santorum's office looking for hard data.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-28-12-Murdoch_Setting_Sun-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm EST

2/27/12

Blogger, professor and Middle East specialist, Juan Cole on the regime crackdown in Syria, expulsion of Hamas and Afghanistan reaction to Qur’an burning US Military.  Plus, Wikileaks’ massive email dump.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-27-12-Juan_Cole-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:41pm EST

It’s our final day of vacation — we wouldn’t let you down with a recycled show!  Here’s fascinating conversation with author and environmentalist Derrick Jensen.  The discussion looks into the concept of dominant culture, how it informs the system we live in,  and what it means to all the systems of the planet.  Jensen talks about strategies for rebellion, black bloc tactics and Occupy Wall Street.   His most recent book is Deep Green Resistance: Strategy to Save the Planet.  Learn more about Deep Green Resistance here. 

Direct download: 02-24-12-Derrick_Jensen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:20pm EST

2/23/12 

More NEW, FRESH content!  Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig (@lessig) talks about the ideas in his new book One Way Forward: The Outsiders Guide to Fixing the Republic.  The problem today is not Right vs. Left, it’s Insider vs. Outsider.  We have a system of government utterly corrupted by the influence of money and a Congress consumed by it’s donors rather than focused on the work of the people.  So what is the answer to fixing the system?  Lessig presents his fix.

And Matt Earley (@mateotemprano), co-founder and farmer relations manager of Just Coffee, joins Sam to talk about fair trade coffee, running a co-op and the mission behind this employee owned and operated fair trade pioneer.

Direct download: 02-23-12-Lawrence_Lessig-Matt_Earley_Just_Coffee-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41am EST

2/22/12

We're still on vacation but here's more fresh content!  We are joined by Harvard Astrology Professor,  Dimitar Sasselov for a scientific look at how the life of Planet Earth and human existence are interconnected.  And a discussion about the possibility of finding life in the universe beyond earth.  His book is The Life of Super Earths.

Plus...after the interview, a special Oscar-related bonus! (Hint: It's something we'd usually do on Casual Friday.)

Direct download: 02-22-12-Dimitar_Sasselov-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59am EST

2/21/12 

On today’s show, interviews conducted at the Health Action 2012 Conference in D.C.  Sam talks to Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland, Valerie Arkoosh and Timothy Jost.   Use this post as today’s thread.  Click thru for links and details.  

Sam talks to Congressman John Sarbanes (@JohnSarbanes) from Maryland’s Third District about the SOPA/PIPA black out, the corruption of democracy by special interests and the formation of the American People’s Super PAC.

Valerie Arkoosh (@VAArk), President of the National Physicians Alliance discusses ways her organization is educating doctors and working to reshape relationships they have in the health care system — including setting new boundaries between physicians and pharmacutical companies.  Read about their UnBranded Doctor campaign here.

And Timothy Jost, professor at Washington Lee University Law School examines the up coming Affordable Health Care Act Supreme Court litigation, which could set dangerous precedent effecting the relationship between States and the Federal Government for years to come.

Direct download: 02-21-12-_John_Sarbanes-Valerie_Arkoosh-Timothy_Jost-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36am EST

2/20/12 

Writer, consultant and Senior Fellow with Campaign for America’s FutureRichard Eskow reveals on how the Federal Housing Finance Agency is crippling America’s recovery and why Acting Director Edward DeMarco is at the center of the problem.  Eskow explains why Obama can’t (or won’t) get rid of him.

And from the Health Action 2012 Conference, Ron Pollack the Founding Executive Director ofFamilies USA, talks about the new health care marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.  How will the new system work, who will regulate it and who will benefit.

Direct download: 02-20-12-Richard_Eskow-Ron_Pollack-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am EST

Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC.  Topics this week include the GOP’s onslaught on women’s reproductive rights, Romney’s standing in Michigan and the economic effects of warmer weather.  Plus, comedian Eddie Pepitone joins us with movie reviews and Jimmy Reefercake delivers the song of the week.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-17-12-Cliff_Schecter-Eddie_Pepitone-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm EST

2/16/12

David Dayen, Firedoglake, dissects Romney's managed-bankruptcy "solution" to Auto Bailout, addresses attack on unions and comments on Mortgage Fraud Settlement.  Jeff Smith talks Occupy Wall Street and black bloc tactics.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-16-12-David_Dayen-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm EST

Sam debates Libertarian Peter Schiff over the Contraception Mandate.  Plus, postmortem conversions by the Mormon Church.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-15-12-Peter_Schiff-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07pm EST

2/14/12

Stories on today's show: the Libertarian anti-woman pro elite class philosophy, the "expanding" social Safety Net, Marijuana and tax revenues, updates on Occupy news from around the country and more.  

Direct download: 02-14-12-Sam_Valentines_Day-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EST

2/13/12

Michelle Alexander, civil rights lawyer, advocate and legal scholar on her book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.

  In the better half, discussion of violence and black bloc tactics in context of Occupy movement continues, Breitbart unglued and Santorum in WA on day of marriage equality signing.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-13-12-Michelle_Alexander-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:54pm EST

2/10/12 

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC.  Up today, shocking liberal support for Guantanamo, the contraception mandate and gun sales gone wild.  Matthew Weiss has movie recommendations and Jimmy Reefercake with his song of the week.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-10-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:46pm EST

2/9/12

Sarah Posner, Religion Dispatches magazine, on contraception coverage controversy. From the Occupy Wall Street bus tour, Jeff Smith on Black Bloc tactics and the movement.  In the better half, the Mortgage Fraud Settlement, a rip-off for the American people.   Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-09-12-Sarah_Posner-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EST

Ari Berman from the Nation on how the GOP is adeptly maneuvering Congressional and state legislative maps to their benefit, wresting control of voting districts away from Democrats, resegregating the South.  In the better half, Catholic bishops continue their stink over contraception coverage, Santorum on keeping prescription drugs affordable (no iPads!) and Ron Paul’s white supremacist ties.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-08-12-Ari_Berman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EST

2/07/12

Sara Robinson from Alternet on the shifting political paradigm issuing in new era of political rules and standards. Plus, the mortgage foreclosure settlement still in negotiation and in the better half, White House's changing tune on debt deal would increase deficit, Obama backing down on birth control access,  Anonymous hacks President of Syria and Senate sells out Unions.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-07-12-Sara_Robinson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:26pm EST

2/06/12

Robert Kuttner from The American Prospect magazine on status of proposed multi-billion dollar settlement in mortgage meltdown; will Obama's Financial Fraud Unit have teeth? Will Big Banks see criminal prosecution?  And behind AG Schneiderman's deal.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-06-12-Robert_Kuttner-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EST

2/3/12

Cliff Schecter and Sam talk the week’s news; the Susan G. Komen fiasco looms large and what it means for the GOP if Romney loses the general election.  Isabel Gillies with impassioned movie reviews, songs of the week (Reefercake has a new CD and we say good-bye to the Screaming Majority!). Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 02-03-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EST

2/2/12 

Director of the Academy Award Nominated, Gasland, hot off his arrest at a public, Congressional hearing on fracking.. Josh Fox on his First Amendment rights, the sequel to Gasland and his status as persona non grata on the Hill.  Also, dems in Indiana add poison pill to bill on creationism in schools, Alabama senator says Bible is anti-teacher pay raise and Washington State, close to marriage equality. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-02-12-Josh_Fox-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EST

2/1/12

Citizen Journalist Spencer Mills, aka OakFoSho, reports on Saturday’s march and arrests in Oakland. And Jeff Smith on the Occupy message and the future of OWS.  In the better 1/2, Oakland occupier Alyssa on her arrest, being denied medication and her 18 hour detention.  Plus, Romney’s not worried about the poor and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure drops funding of Planned Parenthood.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 02-01-12-OakFoSho-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EST

1/31/12 

Author Michael Hastings who's Rolling Stones peice on General McChrystal led to his resignation, joins us to talk about his book The Operators, the war in Afghanistan and what really effects war policy.  Also, two "threatening" British travelers on holiday -- detained and refused entry to the United States. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 (EST). NOTE: we had a major internet fail in the studio today- short show.

Direct download: 01-31-12-Michael_Hastings-No_Internet_Show-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm EST

1/30/12

Anti-racist author, activist and teacher Tim Wise on racism, the history and social perception of government programs, group based failure and more.  Your calls and IMs. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-30-12-Tim_Wise-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:21pm EST

Cliff Schecter on the debate highlights; missed opportunities (no Romney bashing, Swiss jokes?); Santorum rocking the show from the kid’s table; Gingrich’s flat performance; and Ron Paul’s sack full o’ lies.  Also, great movie recommendations from Matthew Film Guy and our songs of the week. Listener beware, the first is profanity laced!  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-27-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Film-Guy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EST

Off of pieces by Dean Baker and Ezra Klein...Sam on how the government always picks winners and losers and the differences between Obama & Romney are small bore.  And Bo Biden calls for a time of action in reaction to Presiden't formation of a Financial Fraud Unit; he doesn't mention Eric Schneiderman.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-26-12-Loser_Liberalism-Financial_Fraud-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:02pm EST

1/25/12

David Dayen from Firedoglake on the President's address to the Nation; does the Financial Fraud unit have a shot at success and will Schneiderman's role diminish his power as New York's AG?  Jeff Smith addresses a rumor about Occupy Wall Street and tells of upcoming actions.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 01-25-12-David_Dayen-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EST

1/24/12 

Hullabaloo blogger Digby on GOP lackluster primary debate, Romney's advice to underwater mortgage holders, vulture capitalism and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-24-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:49pm EST

1/23/12

Steve Kornacki from Salon dishes South Carolina results, the upcoming contests and the craziness of GOP primary season.   

Direct download: 01-23-12-Steve_Kornacki-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:05pm EST

1/20/12

Sam's still in D.C. but casual Friday brings our show favorites!  Cliff Schecter on the week's Clown Car antics, the SOPA/PIPA protests and more. Isabel Gillies returns with movie reviews.  And surprise guest, Dick Gregory, drops in on Sam! Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-20-12-Dick_Gregory-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EST

1/19/12

Historian and journalist Rick Perlstein on Conservatism, the political roots of Mitt Romney and the enslavement of Santorum’s grandfather.  Plus, Jeff Smith on Occupy Congress, his experience in our nation’s capitol and why D.C. is so out of touch.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 01-19-12-Rick_Perlstein-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:26pm EST

1/18/12

Garlin Gilchrist from MoveOn.org on today's internet strike and the SOPA/PIPA threat to internet freedom.  And reporting from Occupy Congress, Tina Dupuy from Crooks and Liars.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 01-18-12-Garlin_Gilchrist-Tina_Dupuy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17pm EST

1/17/12

Corey Robin on how great social movements provoke reaction from the Right.  His book The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Sarah Palin.  And it’s J17!  Jeff Smith reports live from nation’s capitol on Occupy Congress.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 1-17-12-Corey_Robin-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm EST

1/16/12

Happy MLK Jr. Day. Today’s show is a brief 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 MLK 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.

We are back live on Tuesday at www.majority.fm

Direct download: 01-16-2012_MLK_Day_Complilation_ALL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30am EST

1/13/12

Sam fills in as host on the Thom Hartmann show!  On the show, Robert Reich (@RBReich) on the Bain of Capitalism, Dahlia Lithwick (@dahlialithwick) to talk about the importance of the Supreme Court and Citizen’s United and Kanene Holder of Occupy the Dream and the National Day of Action (1/16).

Direct download: 01-13-2012-Sam_Hosting_Hartmann-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:39pm EST

1/12/12

Robert Forrant on relevance of 1912 Bread & Roses labor strike to today’s Occupy movement, Republican Governor of Pennsylvania plans asset testing for food stamps. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30am (EST)

 

 

Direct download: 01-12-12-Robert_Forrant-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm EST

1/11/12

Dave Weigel from Slate on tenor of New Hampshire Republican Primary.  Romney's win, Huntsman's dad - will he pay up and the political skills ofRon Paul.  Occupy Manchester checks in with news of their actions.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-11-12-Dave_Weigel-Occupy_Manchester-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EST

1/10/12 

Justice Party candidate Rocky Anderson on his run for President, his thoughts on Ron Paul and Occupy Wall Street.  Plus, Jeff Smith (@dontbeaputz) prepares for J17 and Occupy Congress next week. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-10-12-Rocky_Anderson-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EST

1/9/12

Laura Clawson, Daily Kos, on Republican union bashing efforts in Indiana.  NFL Players Union pushes back against right-to-work, causing Republicans to attempt blitz passage to avoid Super Bowl spotlight.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST)

Direct download: 01-09-12-Laura_Clawson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:14pm EST

1/06/12 

Friday favorite Cliff Schecter joins Sam.  Today, rights that are ok for Rick Santorum’s family but not yours.  And at the root of Ron Paul’s “good” positions is a dark, dangerous belief system.  Surprise – Chris Rosen’s back with movie reviews!  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm weekdays 11:30am (EST)

Direct download: 01-06-12-Cliff_Schecter-Chris_Rosen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:23pm EST

1/05/12

Recess appointments and Obama’s incentive. Updates on occupy movements across the country including and Jeff Smith reports on Occupy Wall Street's march on Grand Central protesting NDAA. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm, weekdays 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 01-05-12-Recess_Appointments-OWS-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:09pm EST

1/04/12 

Matt Taibbi on Iowa caucus results, GOP primaries as a meaningless sideshow and why Ron Paul resonates with voters.  Plus, Obama's recess appointment of Richard Cordray & fracking earthquakes. Listen LIVE , Majority.fm 11:30am (EST)

Direct download: 01-04-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17pm EST

1/03/12

News and posturing from Iowa: Santorum, Paul, Romney and the others.  Dave Weigel, Slate.com, talks candidates and caucus process with Sam.  Also, Occupy update: New Year’s Eve clashes and arrests at Zuccotti Park.  Listen LIVE, Majority.fm  11:30 am (EST). 

Direct download: 01-03-12-Dave_Weigel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:21pm EST

1/02/2012

Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation, joins Sam. Also, Best Of's of Sam talking Libertarianism.

Direct download: 1-2-2012-Katrina_vanden_Heuvel-BestOf_Libertarian-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:11am EST

12/30/11

Year in Review Show: Janeane "Katherine Harris" Garofalo joins Sam to recap 2011. Plus segments from Sam's take on the Republican Clown Car from throughout the year!

Direct download: 12-30-2011-Katherine_Harris-YearInReview-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:11am EST

12/29/11

Occupy Wall Street: Fran Lebowitz, Justin Weeds of the Occupy Wall Street media team and OccupyWallStreetNYC Twitter account, Jeff Smith aka dontbeaputz + much, much more!

Direct download: 12-29-11-Best_of_Occupy_Wall_Street-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

12/28/11

Best of 2011: Mother Jones blogger Kevin Drum talks plutocracy, the waning influence of labor unions and the effect on the middle class.  Author of Winner-Take-All Politics Jacob Hacker talks American wealth inequality. Segments from the “Best of” Sam Seder and the Majority Report taking on Mainstream Media. 

Direct download: 12-28-2011-BestOf-Jacob_Hacker-Kevin_Drum-MediaTakedowns-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:21am EST

12/27/11

Best of 2011: Bobby Kennedy shares views on capital punishment.  Bill Lazonick on history of corporate stock options and Rosen v. Rosen (faux movie reviewer meets real movie reviewer). Plus Sam Seder on the death of Osama bin Laden in May and Sam & Matt's first London Riot debate from August.

Direct download: 12-27-2011-BestOf-Bobby_Kennedy-Bill_Lazonick-RosenVsRosen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:49am EST

12/26/11 

Really interesting interview today with Richard Heinberg, author of The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality.  He shares his theory that all growth has natural limits and economically we have reached ours.  The conversation considers the post growth period where the three D’s Debt, Depletion, Disaster are in play.  Despite the fact that no one is talking about this economic reality, it’s not all is doom and gloom, Heinberg outlines what he sees for our future.

Also, we’re kicking off our “Best of” shows a bit early…with a few of the Best of’s from the past year today! First up… Guy Lawson from Rolling Stone magazine joined Sam in June to report on the Stoner Arms Dealers, two Florida kids who armed Afghanistan. Then, we have a few segments handpicked by the Best of the Left!

Direct download: 12-26-2011-Richard_Heinberg-Guy_Lawson-BestOf-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:19am EST

12/23/11

Final live show of 2011! Cliff Schecter and Sam wrap up the year and rundown the payroll tax holiday. Actor and best Selling author, Isabel Gillies joins Sam for a movie review and proclaims Cleveland the New Brooklyn. A great song offering from listener Blank Squirrell and the final calls and IMs of the year!

Direct download: 12-23-11-schecter-gillies-last-casual-friday-2011-ALL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15pm EST

12/22/11

Digby on Ron Paul, his racism, Libertarianism, Obama, 2012 election and more.  Media team from OccupyNH details their occupy model and plans for the NH primary.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm, 11:30 am EST

Direct download: 12-22-11-Digby-Occupy_New_Hampshire-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EST

12/21/11

Brian Beutler on Payroll Tax Cut antics.  Options and implications forRepublicans.  How unemployment insurance and Medicare Doc Fix factor in.  Response of Democrats.  Looking toward 2012 both parties weigh strategy.  And in the better half, Gingrich tells gays to vote Obama, Fundies hate Mormons and good work by the Occupy movement.  Majority.fm, live 11:30 am EST.

Direct download: 12-21-2011-Brian_Beutler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm EST

12/20/11

Jeff Clements on the Powell Memo.   The history and corporatist agenda that birthed Corporate Personhood.

Direct download: 12-20-2011-Jeff_Clements-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27am EST

12/19/11

Benlevi’s book Too Much Magic: Pulling the Plug on the Cult of Tech, Occupy Wall Street D17, Trinity Church and arrest reports. Plus Republican Clown Car, Myths about unemployment insurance and the cost of gas at the pump.  And GOP position on payroll tax cut and MTVs “Choose or Lose.”

Direct download: 12-19-2011-Jason_Benlevi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm EST

12/16/11

Cliff talks Clown Car Debate, analyzes Republican field going to Iowa, how emotional vendettas inform policy and the NDAA threat to future generations.  Aasif Mandvi’s review of films and food! Plus, Bradley Manning update, caller on Fukushima radiation on U.S. soil.

Direct download: 12-16-2011-Cliff_Schecter-Aasif_Mandvi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EST

12/15/11

Wall Street's central role in the slave trade, Chris Cobb explains.  Jeff Smith, Fresh from 37 hours in jail, recounts his arrest and detention.  And more.  Majority.fm streams LIVE at 11:30 am EST.

Direct download: 12-15-2011-Chris_Cobb-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm EST

12/14/11

The problem with "If I were a Poor Black Kid" and education inequality in America.  Also, J'Tao's (@PunkBoyinSF) first hand account of West Coast Port actions.  Listen live at Majority.fm 11:30 am (EST).

Direct download: 12-14-11-JTao-Port_Shutdowns-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EST

12/13/11

Spencer Ackerman of Wired's Danger Room talks National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S. in Iraq, saying good-bye but not really and drone attacks in Pakistan.

Round up of west coast port action and Ian of OccupyBaltimore calls with his update.  Sam on how Republicans are attacking our system of government via the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau setting a dangerous precedent and more.

 
Direct download: 12-13-11-Spencer_Ackerman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm EST

12/12/11

On today’s show, David Graeber one of the original organizers of Occupy Wall Street to talk about the movement, his book Debt: the First 5,000 Years, the Occupied port shut down on the west coast and more.

 
Direct download: 12-12-11-David_Graeber-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm EST

12/9/11

Welcome to Majority.FM 2.0!

This is the new website that has been months in the making! We hope you all enjoy it as much as we do.

TODAY on the show our favorite Friday guest, Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter)! Plus, Friday movie reviews from our newest, though sometimes service Matthew (@langdonboom) and our week in review songs from the Screaming Majority and Jimmy Reefercake (@JimmyReefercake)!

Direct download: 12-9-2011-Cliff_Schecter-_PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EST

12/8/11

A great show in store for you today.  Suki Hawley, director of Battle for Brooklyn, is here with us to talk about her acclaimed film.  It’s the story of one neighborhood’s battle to fight big business from taking their homes.

“…The pundits who continue to say they don’t understand what the protesters behind Occupy Wall Street want should look at Battle for Brooklyn, the award-winning documentary about the Atlantic Yards that was released this summer.  The film was released before the Wall Street protests began, but the story it tells is a strong summary of the crony capitalism that sparked the OWS movement.”  — Michael O’Keeffe, New York Daily News

And more, join us!

Please check out this SURVEY from our podcast webhost.  It’ll help us find sponsors for the podcast — 6 questions, it’ll take 5 seconds (and you don’t have to include your email).  Thanks!

Direct download: 12-8-2011-Suki_Hawley-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:05pm EST

12/7/11

Happy Hump Day!

Joining Sam today, Bill Scher (@BillScher), executive editor for LiberalOasis.com and online campaign manager for Campaign for America’s Future, is here discuss Obama’s speech.  Get ready for a good joust!  And Abby Clark  (@abcclark) from  OccupyOurHomes  reports on yesterday’s nationwide action.

In the better half:  Our man on the street Jeff Smith (@dontbeaputz) updates us on his day of action yesterday.  

And HEALTHCARE  (or lack thereof):  Sam reads some poignant personal accounts. A disillusioned Obama supporter's life changes when she finds out she has cnacer - so does her perspective on the President.   

All that and more!

A favor – check out this SURVEY from our podcast webhost.  It’ll help us find sponsors for the podcast — 6 questions, it’ll take 5 seconds (and you don’t have to include your email).  Thanks!

Direct download: 12-7-2011-Bill_Scher-Abby_Clark-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EST

12/6/11

Hello, Tuesday!

Mark Bray from Occupy Wall Street joins us first thing this morning to give us an update on today’s OccupyOurHomes day of action.  He will be marching with many, many others from Brooklyn on a tour of foreclosed homes.  He gives us the details.

Stay tuned!

Direct download: 12-06-2011-Mark_Bray-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07pm EST

12/5/11

It’s Monday!

Welcome to another week — on today’s show, Ari Berman (@ariberman) of The Nation (@thenation) joining us to talk about the strikes in the UK and austerity measures.

Join us!

Direct download: 12-05-2011-Ari_Berman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:39pm EST