Counterpunch Radio

This week Eric welcomes to the show consumer advocate, progressive leader, and author of the new book How the Rats Re-formed the Congress, Ralph Nader. Listen to Ralph talk about his idea for the fiction book, how he intended it to be received, and why he thinks it's so important in this moment. Eric and Ralph then discuss the argument that Clinton-Bush-Obama paved the way for Trump. From there, the conversation turns to the Boeing 737 Max 8 and Ralph's personal connection to the tragedies. The great consumer advocate explains why significant reforms AND criminal charges must come in the wake of these preventable disasters. Eric manages to sneak in a question about the 2000 election and the concept of "spoiler" in left politics in the US, because of course he did. Ralph is cool, as always.

This time on CounterPunch Radio, Eric chats with political analyst and media critic JP Sottile about the fallout from the Mueller Report, how Russiagate may or may not fit into the 2020 election, what the hell happened in the Jussie Smollett case, and a lot more. The conversation begins with a discussion about the Mueller Report and Russiagate, and how the media has exploited our current politics for profits. Eric and JP discuss if/how Russiagate and "NO COLLUSION!" fit into the narrative of the 2020 campaign, and whether it helps or hurts both Trump and the Democrats. JP gives his astute analysis of the Democratic candidates, the electoral map, and changes in American politics that he foresees. The last portion of the discussion focuses on the Smollett case, and how it relates to broader sociopolitical questions of America in 2019. Music: Nouvelle Vague - "Guns of Brixton"

"Writing is a type of sorcery." So says author, poet, and educator Lesley-Ann Brown on this week's CounterPunch Radio. Listen to hear Lesley-Ann discuss her book "Decolonial Daughter: Letters from a Black Woman to Her European Son" and some of the important political, cultural, and spiritual themes that weave the text together. Eric and Lesley-Ann explore memory, the role of mothers and women in indigenous cultures, how capitalism robs people of their histories, what colonization looked like from the beaches rather than the ships, the stories written upon our skin, and so much more. Music: Max Romeo - "Socialism Is Love"

This week Eric welcomes to the show journalist, author, and host of The Infinite Inning podcast, Steven Goldman, to talk a little baseball, engage in a little sociology, explore the decline of journalism and rational thought in America...oh and talk some New York Mets, Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani. Eric and Steven discuss how baseball reflects American society at any given point in its history, and why the place of baseball in modern American culture has changed so dramatically. The conversation explores some of the political aspects of the game in 2019, including what a racist controversy in Milwaukee might tell us about America in the Age of Trump and about the collapse of real sports journalism. From there, Eric and Steven touch on everything from the baseball players union to Mike Trout's status as a living god. Don't miss this fun conversation on CounterPunch Radio. Music: "Devo - "Freedom of Choice"

Note: Interview recorded on January 18, 2019 This time Eric welcomes to the show author and journalist Liza Featherstone to discuss some of her recent writings on feminism and progressive politics, the 2019 Women's March, and her new book "Divining Desire: Focus Groups and the Culture of Consultation." The conversation begins with a discussion of contemporary feminist politics, and how recent political developments may call into question the hegemony of elite white feminism and corporate entryism for women. From there, Eric and Liza explore some of the political context surrounding January's Women's March, and how it all dovetails with the progressive movement, and especially the Bernie 2020 campaign. The second half of the interview explores Featherstone's new book, and how the history and development of the focus group is intimately connected with the development of post-war capitalism and the modern, consumer-centered economy of today. Music: Jackson Browne - "Lawyers in Love"

This week CounterPunch Radio continues its coverage of the attempted US-backed coup in Venezuela by chatting with author and attorney Eva Golinger. Eva was a close adviser and confidante of Hugo Chavez, and had a front row seat for the development of the Bolivarian Revolution. Eric and Eva discuss the situation unfolding in Venezuela today and examine how it got to this point. Eva provides her analysis of the domestic and international issues that have led to the crisis, including mismanagement and corruption on the part of the Maduro government, as well as the ongoing US attempts to undermine, destabilize, and ultimately overthrow Maduro and destroy the Bolivarian Revolution. Eric and Eva explore the impact of sanctions on the Venezuelan economy, how the collapse of oil prices impacted the country, Chavez's vision versus today's reality, and the ignorance of the Trump administration as to the level of resistance of the Venezuelan people. This in-depth discussion provides the sort of analysis on Venezuela you

This week CounterPunch Radio is co-hosted by CounterPunch's Managing Editor, Joshua Frank, who turns the tables on Eric as interviewer becomes interviewee. Eric provides his analysis of the situation in Venezuela: How we got here, what's happening, and what comes next. The conversation begins with some background on Venezuela's recent history, Eric and Josh's experiences in Venezuela, and the general political and economic context for the current crisis. From there, Eric and Josh discuss some of the international angles of the story, including how Venezuela is a geopolitical battleground in the global conflict between the US and Russia (and China), and the role of oil and other natural resources. The conversation touches on a wide variety of other topics including the political culture in Venezuela, the importance of Bolivarian idealism over personality cults, and the importance of regional and international solidarity. Eric finishes this episode with an important plea to the rest of the Left in the US and be

This week Eric welcomes to the show Billie Winner-Davis, mother of whistleblower Reality Winner. Billie explains the circumstances that led to her daughter's arrest, conviction under the Espionage Act, and current incarceration...but that's only the beginning of the story. Eric and Billie explore the political context within which Reality's case must be understood, the monumental and deliberate failure of corporate media to cover Reality's story, and the struggle Reality's friends and family have gone through to defend her. While the news is dominated each and every day by endless stories related to Russiagate, somehow Reality's story has been made taboo, something not worthy of attention. Well, not here on CounterPunch Radio.

In the final episode of 2018, Eric welcomes back to the show economist, author, and former finance minister of Greece, Yanis Varoufakis, to discuss the state of global politics today. Eric and Yanis begin with an examination of how the financial crisis that began in 2008 has reshaped political affairs over the last ten years, and the role of austerity in fomenting many of these changes including the ascendance of far right politics. From there, the conversation moves swiftly to an analysis of Trump, his base, and how the politics he represents should be understood. Eric then asks Yanis to provide his perspective on Brexit, why and how the European Union should be transformed, Bernie Sanders and the international progressive movement, a Green new Deal, and so much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation with one of the leading voices of left politics in the world today. Don't miss it! Follow @yanisvaroufakis on twitter

This time Eric sits down with veteran activist and organizer L.A. Kauffman to discuss her new book "How to Read a Protest: The Art of Organizing and Resistance." Kauffman, who was the mobilizing coordinator for the massive Iraq War protests of 2003-2004, discusses her experiences as an organizer, and why mass protests are important. Eric and L.A.explore the relevance of protest, and how to evaluate its effectiveness. They discuss the 1963 March on Washington, and how history has remebered and, in some ways, distorted, its impact. From there, the conversation touches on everything from the role of the media in amplifying messages, to the human connections developed in organizing such mass actions, to the contrasts between large and small protests. Kauffman's book is a primer for activists, and this conversation is an introduction to some of those ideas. Music: Lee "Scratch" Perry & Errol Walker - In These Times

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and academic Bradley Hart to discuss his important new book "Hitler's American Friends: The Third Reich's Supporters in the United States" and the contemporary events it informs. The conversation begins with a discussion of some of the findings in the book regarding pro-Nazi sentiment in the US during the 1930s, how it manifested, and who/what was behind it. From there, Eric and Bradley discuss everything from the discourse of isolationism to the clear parallels between Nazi race laws and their Jim Crow models, as well as other similarities between the two countries. The second half of the discussion focuses on politics in the Age of Trump, and how understanding pro-fascist sentiment in the US historically informs our understanding of the rise of fascism today. How does Big Capital fit in? What was the role of communism and trade unions in fighting fascism in America? These and so many other questions all addressed in this wide-ranging discussion. Music: Devendra B

This week Eric sits down with Brazil-based multimedia journalist Michael Fox for an in-depth discussion on the exceedingly dangerous political situation in Brazil as a fascist prepares to assume the presidency. Michael provides an overview of the current conditions and provides background on Jair Bolsonaro, the Trump-like far-right candidate widely expected to win the second round of the election at the end of October. Eric and Michael examine everything from the use of fake news to bolster Bolsonaro and the support he's received from big capital to the responses from the social movements and Brazilian left. The second half of the podcast focuses on victories on the Left, the importance of the social movements, and the insidious role of Steve Bannon and the growing fascist international in backing Bolosonaro. Naturally, there is also discussion of how Bolsonaro truly is a Brazilian Trump. All this and so much more in this special report from Brazil exclusively on CounterPunch Radio! #elenao Music: Linton Kwe

This week Eric welcomes author and journalist David Dayen to the show to discuss his recent investigation into ICE contractors and his coverage of the anti-ICE activist groups around the country. Eric and David discuss the privatized detention and deportation system, and how corporate profits and impunity are driving the child separation and domestic removal policies. From there, David provides some insights into the courageous and determined activist groups and local movements that are fighting back against Trump and the entire immigration machine. The second half of the conversation takes a look back 10 years after the subprime housing crisis. David, who literally wrote the book on the human costs of that crisis, explains how little has changed since 2008. Eric and David discuss everything from those impacted in 2008 to the changing nature of the housing market post-2008 which has shut out millions in favor of Wall Street. All this and a lot more in this week's CounterPunch Radio. Don't miss it!

This week Eric sits down with education and labor activist and Green Party candidate for Lt. Governor of New York, Jia Lee. Eric and Jia explore everything from the neoliberal assault on education to the disaster capitalism at work in Puerto Rico. The conversation begins with a discussion about the ways in which Wall Street and billion-dollar corporations are privatizing and capitalizing public education while undermining teachers unions and destroying teaching as a profession. From there, Jia discusses her experiences this past summer in Puerto Rico, and how the devastation post Hurricane Maria mirrors what we've seen in New Orleans and elsewhere. The last part of the interview focuses on the campaign, the relevance of an issue-centered "activist" campaign, and the need for unity in the face of this right wing attack. All this and so much more on the latest CounterPunch Radio. Music: The Orwells - "Who Needs You"

This week Eric welcomes to the show Israeli dissident, activist, and co-founder of Boycott from Within, Ronnie Barkan, to discuss the current situation in Palestine, some of the important history that has led to the current moment, and various forms of resistance to Israeli oppression and apartheid. The conversation begins with an exploration of Jewish society and the distinctions between liberal Zionists and the right-wing Zionists, the importance of the Israeli legal system in upholding apartheid, and much more. Ronnie provides some critical insights into nuances of Israeli law and society to highlight how deep the brainwashing and propaganda of the Israeli state has penetrated. Eric and Ronnie discuss the recent passage of the Israeli "Nationality Law" and what it means for the future of Arab-Israelis and, especially, Palestinians both in Palestine and the diaspora. Ronnie also explores the importance of Ahed Tamimi, and how her heroic resistance has led to a crisis in Israeli social discourse. Finally, Ro

This week Eric welcomes author and Yale professor Jason Stanley to discuss his brand new book How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. The conversation opens with a discussion of the motivation for writing the book, and what "Us" and "Them" means for understanding fascist politics of the past and today. From there, Eric and Jason touch on some of the key elements of fascism discussed in the book while providing examples of how those ideas are being expressed in the context of Trumpism and the global march to the far right. The second half of the conversation touches on other examples internationally, from Salvini in Italy to Orban in Hungary to Netanyahu in Israel, fascism is here and must be understood. From nostalgia and mythology to the notion of shared, collective oppression, fascism is rearing its ugly head all over the world. This in depth interview and new book should provide the tools we need to understand and fight it. Music: Chumbawamba - "Bella Ciao"

This week Eric welcomes to the show award-wining journalist Barrett Brown to discuss his recent and very public falling out with Julian Assange, his perspective on Wikileaks and the role of Assange within it, and his exciting new Pursuance Project. The first half of the conversation explores Brown's work, his relationship to Assange/Wikileaks, and the circumstances that led to Brown's serving four years in prison. Barrett explains how his conflict with Assange developed, and provides insights into some of the internal conflicts roiling Wikileaks now, and in the recent past. The second half of the show provides a detailed exploration of Pursuance: what the project is, why it's critically important, and how it could fundamentally transform journalism, among other things, in the 21st Century. This is an explosive, jam-packed show...don't miss it! Music: The Coup - "Laugh/Love/Fuck"

Warning: this interview between Louisa Willcox and actress and activist Margot Kidder could change your life. Margot was a brilliant spokesperson for the underdog and the dispossessed, who cared deeply about wilderness and the fate of the planet. Margie was also my friend, and one of the most generous, hilarious, smart and beautiful people I have ever met. Margie enjoyed a successful career acting, known, in particular, for her role as Lois Lane in the Superman Series alongside Christopher Reeves. This interview was done in December, 2016, shortly after Margie returned from unprecedented protests at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, aimed at stopping a pipeline from being built under the Missouri River. Within a week of this interview, the Trump administration ordered the razing of the protest site, forcible removal of all remaining protesters, and completion of the pipeline. The time then did not seem ripe to publish this piece, but Margie passed in May, 2018, and I feel that others could

This week Eric welcomes back to the show author and journalist Arun Gupta to discuss everything from being a journalist in the Trump era to immigration, trade wars, and the sorry state of analysis on the left today. The show begins with a discussion of the Trump news cycle, the importance of sticking to issues, and some banter about Russia and what is, or isn't, important to our political reality. From there, Eric and Arun discuss Trump's trade wars, and whether it's a brilliant move from a position of strength, or a dangerous play that could harm his political fortunes. The second half of the show focuses on immigration, and how the Trump Administration has used immigration "enforcement" as a form of ethnic cleansing. Also, Eric and Arun explore the obsession in some quarters of the left with Obama, and the new mantra of whataboutism that Obama has come to represent. So much covered in this wide-ranging interview. Don't miss it. *Note: Some minor audio issues just before the break, which last a few minutes.

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and academic Stan Malinowitz to discuss the recent elections in Colombia, among other important developments. The conversation begins with a rundown and analysis of the elections, including a profile of the two main candidates from the left and far right. Eric and Stan then discuss the recent wave of political assassinations, and what this means for the incoming administration and the people of Colombia. Additionally, Stan explains how neoliberalism manifests in Colombia, and how the economic situation will likely evolve under a far right wing government. The second half of the show focuses on Colombia's role in regional and international issues, including the news that Colombia will be an observer-member of NATO. Eric and Stan also compare and contrast the right wing victory in Colombia with the victory of left-populist AMLO in Mexico. From Venezuela and Brazil to Nicaragua and Mexico, Colombia is a central actor in nearly every regional issue, and as such, commands