Rachel Bitecofer Shines Light on MAGA, Extremism & Authoritarianism

ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central’s award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures' long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘The Last O.G.’ & ‘Space Force.’ He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines. At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. On this episode of It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins, Roy shares his unique perspective on politics and comedy, shaped by his upbringing in Alabama and his father's influence as a journalist. He discusses the impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham, as well as his transition into social commentary in comedy. The conversation delves into the role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter rationalization, media consumption, political awareness, the changing landscape of politics, and the dynamics of legacy media. Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on the role of young voters, and the challenges of disinformation. Takeaways Roy Wood Jr.'s upbringing in Alabama and his father's role as a journalist significantly influenced his perspective on politics and social issues. The impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham shaped Roy Wood Jr.'s sense of optimism and informed his social commentary in comedy. The role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior is a complex and influential factor in contemporary society Understanding voter rationalization and the complexities of voting against self-interest. The impact of new media on political awareness and the challenges of disinformation. The role of young voters and the future of the country. SPONSORS: QUINCE- Go to www.Quince.com/ITMATTERS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. HelloFresh - Go to www.HelloFresh.com/FREEITMATTERS. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses the political landscape in Michigan and the impact of the Biden-Harris campaign. She highlights the importance of Michigan in national politics and the fear of losing the state to Republicans. McMorrow also talks about the excitement and hope surrounding the Biden-Harris campaign and the need for a functional two-party system. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and down-ballot races. McMorrow discusses the significance of reproductive rights, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision, and the need for access to safe and legal abortion. She reflects on the rise of Trumpism and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Takeaways Michigan is a crucial state in national politics, and the fear of losing it to Republicans has been a concern for many voters. The Biden-Harris campaign has brought excitement and hope to Michigan, with people feeling a sense of relief and a chance to move on from the past few years. Grassroots organizing and focusing on down-ballot races are key strategies for Democrats to maintain momentum and ensure long-term success. The Dobbs decision and the threat to reproductive rights have mobilized many people in Michigan, who are fighting to protect access to safe and legal abortion. The rise of Trumpism has highlighted the need for a functional two-party system and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation 00:39 The Importance of Michigan in National Politics 03:10 Excitement and Hope in the Biden-Harris Campaign 06:03 Grassroots Organizing and Down-Ballot Races 08:54 Protecting Reproductive Rights in Michigan 11:57 The Rise of Trumpism and the Need for a Functional Two-Party System 14:49 The Importance of Organizing and Not Taking Anything for Granted 18:25 The Focus on Abortion and Its Impact on Elections 22:12 Moving Beyond Trumpism and Fostering Unity 24:30 The Significance of Kamala Harris and the Potential for Change 26:24 Lessons from Trumpism and the Importance of Standing Up Against Hate SPONSOR: BetterHelp - Overcome your fears with BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/MATTERS today to get 10% off your first month.

In this episode, guest host Cate Costa discusses the profound impact of the current political climate on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. She shares alarming statistics about mental health issues in America and offers practical coping strategies based on expert recommendations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindful consumption of news, and the need for community support while also addressing the pro’s of seeking professional help. Takeaways The political climate is significantly affecting mental health. Many Americans report feeling exhausted and angry due to politics. Coping strategies include staying informed while setting limits on news consumption. Mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial but may not work for everyone. Physical activity is crucial for improving mood and reducing anxiety. Connecting with safe individuals can provide emotional support. Self-care should focus on preservation rather than indulgence. Social media can amplify stress; limiting usage is advisable. Community involvement can empower individuals but should not add to their burden. Professional help is vital, but access can be a challenge for many. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Mental Health and Politics 02:46The Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health 05:52Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression 08:50Engaging with Others and Self-Care 12:00Navigating Social Media and Community Involvement 14:49Seeking Professional Help and Conclusion You can find Cate on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexy.gram/ SPONSOR: HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at www.HelloFresh.com/freeitmatters. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Summary: Kurt Bardella talks about his journey from a rising star in the GOP, to his moving to the Democratic party in 2016. He talks about his intro to politics, working on Capitol Hill, and his time with Darrell Issa. He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump. Bardella and Michael discusses the 2016 election and the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign. He shares his thoughts on the current state of politics and the importance of understanding the power dynamics at play. The conversation covers various topics including the potential outcomes if Al Gore had been president during 9/11 and the Iraq War, the role of the Clintons in the Democratic Party, the treatment of Monica Lewinsky, the media's bias and failure to hold Trump accountable, the erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism, the need for Democrats to build their own media infrastructure, and the importance of messaging and confronting Trump effectively. Takeaways Bardella discusses the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign and the 2016 election He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump. He emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in politics. The outcome of 9/11 and the Iraq War may have been different if Al Gore had been president instead of George W. Bush. The Clintons' role in the Democratic Party is questioned, particularly in relation to issues of women's empowerment and MeToo. The media's failure to hold Trump accountable and its bias towards false equivalencies is a major concern. The erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism pose a threat to democracy. Democrats need to build their own media infrastructure to effectively communicate their message. SPONSOR: HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at www.HelloFresh.com/freeitmatters. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Rachel Bitecofer, author of Hit’Em Where It Hurts, discusses the urgency of the current political climate and the need for Democrats to strategically counter Republican tactics. She emphasizes the importance of understanding voter behavior, the impact of polarization, and the historical realignment of party coalitions. Rachel highlights the power of messaging, the influence of right-wing media, and the asymmetry between the Democratic and Republican parties. She stresses the need for a focused and strategic approach to win swing races and combat the threat of MAGA extremism. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter knowledge, the Muslim community's influence on the election, the potential impact of social media, and the looming threat of authoritarianism. Rachel discusses the need for strategic messaging and the urgency of addressing the rise of MAGA extremism. She emphasizes the importance of using social media to reach young voters and the need to counteract misinformation with compelling personal narratives. Takeaways Understanding voter behavior and the impact of polarization is crucial for effective political strategy. The historical realignment of party coalitions and the influence of right-wing media play a significant role in shaping the current political landscape. Democrats need to adopt a focused and strategic approach to win swing races and combat the threat of MAGA extremism. Voters' lack of knowledge is a significant challenge in political messaging and mobilization. The Muslim community's influence on the election, especially in states like Michigan, is a critical factor to consider. The power of social media, particularly TikTok, in shaping public opinion and radicalizing certain groups. The urgent need to address the rise of MAGA extremism and the potential threat of authoritarianism. The importance of using compelling personal narratives to counteract misinformation and reach young voters.

The conversation between Michael and his former AP government teacher, Andrew Sonnabend, covers various topics including their experiences in D.C.’s Wilson High School, the changes in teaching over the years, the perception of teachers, and the impact of politics in the classroom. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching in diverse communities, the importance of exposure to different perspectives, and the need for vocational education. They also touch on the turnover of teachers in DC public schools and the disparities in resources between schools. The conversation includes their memories of 9/11 and its impact on their lives in D.C. and in general. The conversation covers other topics, including the DC sniper, the impact of Trump on teaching government, the importance of teaching critical thinking and values, the hopefulness for the younger generation, and the rewarding aspects of teaching. Takeaways Teaching in diverse communities provides opportunities to break down stereotypes and understand different perspectives. Exposure to people from different backgrounds can help overcome societal challenges and foster empathy. The turnover of teachers in some public school systems can hinder continuity and stability in education. The perception of teachers as evil or having an indoctrinating agenda is a misconception that undermines the importance of education. Vocational education and practical skills training should be integrated into school curricula to provide more career options for students. The events of 9/11 and the DC sniper had a significant impact on the lives of teachers and students in the DC area. Teaching government during the Trump era required careful navigation of political ideologies and teaching the values of democracy. Teaching critical thinking and the importance of accountability in education is crucial for the development of students. The younger generation is passionate and active, and there is hope for a bright future. The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing former students succeed and make a positive impact in the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 Teaching in Diverse Communities 08:24 The Challenges of Turnover in Public Schools 11:24 The Importance of Exposure to Different Perspectives 17:45 Dispelling Misconceptions about Teachers 20:07 The Need for Vocational Education in Schools 23:54 Memories of 9/11 and Its Impact 27:04 The Impact of 9/11 and the DC Sniper on Teaching 32:29 Teaching Government in the Trump Era 35:09 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Values in Education 42:03 Hope for the Younger Generation 46:21 The Rewarding Aspects of Teachin

Michael does one of his provocative and informative solo episodes on a subject he wants to highlight for listeners. Project 2025 is a plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation, Trump investors and policy influencers, to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch, rolling back environmental protections, and restricting reproductive rights. It aims to create an America where the president has unchecked power, the judiciary is packed with loyalists, and the press is silenced. The plan also includes dismantling the Department of Education, implementing trickle-down economics, and deregulating industries. However, Michael emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy and protecting rights by being informed, do your research, and vote - hopefully against the Project 2025 agenda and vote to preserve Democracy. Takeaways Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch and rolling back environmental protections and reproductive rights. The plan includes implementing the unitary executive theory, which gives the president unchecked power, and packing the judiciary with loyalists. Project 2025 also aims to dismantle the Department of Education, implement trickle-down economics, and deregulate industries. The speaker emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy, protecting rights, and standing up against the plan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Stripping Away the Noise 02:29 Chapter 2: Consolidating Power with the Unitary Executive Theory 06:19 Chapter 4: Taking Away Women's Rights 09:41 Chapter 5: Trump's Role in Project 2025 13:03 Chapter 6: Economic Reform and Environmental Rollbacks 15:24 Conclusion: Defending Democracy and Protecting Rights

The conversation between Colby Hall, founder and editor of political site, Mediaite, and Michael, revolves around the coverage of Trump and the current political landscape. They discuss the constant news cycle, the fatigue of Trump's shtick, and the changing dynamics of the Democratic campaign. They also touch on the influence of partisan media, the authenticity of Kamala Harris, and the potential October surprises in the upcoming election. The conversation covers various topics including the psychological impact of trauma on Donald Trump, the potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future, the persistence of the MAGA base, the need for nuanced discussions on masculinity and white male isolation, the role of the media in covering the upcoming election, and the responsibility of being part of history. The conversation also touches on the importance of responsible communication and the impact it can have on future generations. Takeaways Covering Trump has been nonstop and interesting, but the news cycle can be exhausting. Trump's shtick has become tired and he has lost his mojo in changing the conversation. Partisan media on both sides amplifies extreme voices and distorts reality. Kamala Harris has been authentic and effective in her campaign. The upcoming election still holds the potential for unexpected events and surprises. Donald Trump's psychological response to trauma and his ability to present a strong image The potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future The persistence of the MAGA base and the need to re-engage and include them The importance of nuanced discussions on masculinity and addressing white male isolation The role of the media in covering the upcoming election and the need for fair and responsible reporting The responsibility of being part of history and the impact of communication on future generations Chapters 00:00 The Exhausting News Cycle of Covering Trump 02:54 Trump's Tired Shtick and Lost Mojo 04:15 The Influence of Partisan Media 06:21 The Authenticity of Kamala Harris 15:34 The Potential for October Surprises 20:15 The Psychological Impact of Trauma on Donald Trump 22:34 The Potential for a More Disciplined and Charismatic Republican Leader 25:30 Addressing White Male Isolation and the Persistence of the MAGA Base 28:41 Nuanced Discussions on Masculinity and the Importance of Inclusion 32:24 Media Coverage of the Upcoming Election: Fairness and Responsibility 36:30 The Responsibility of Being Part of History and the Power of Communication Social Media: IG and X: @theonlyhonest Tik tok: @therealonlyhonest --

The conversation between Michael and Cenk Uygur, originator of The Young Turks, covers various topics including the transition from Biden to Vice President Harris, the importance of sticking with facts and reality, the fallibility of democratic leadership, the potential future of the Republican Party, the need for authentic and progressive Democratic candidates, and the role of identity politics in elections. They also discuss the popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota model, the challenges of staying true to progressive values in Washington, and the influence of the media on political narratives. In this conversation, Cenk Uygur and Michael discuss the culture of political interviews in the media. They also delve into the topic of Israel and how Democrats can talk about it in a more nuanced and honest way. They touch on the rise of Christian white nationalism and its connection to Israel, as well as the need for Democrats to prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans. Takeaways Sticking with facts and reality is important in politics Democratic leadership is fallible and should not always be trusted The Republican Party may move in a more populist direction after Trump Authentic and progressive Democratic candidates are popular The media plays a powerful role in shaping political narratives Most politicians prefer interviews that are complimentary and avoid hard questions, leading to a lack of real conversations in the media. There is a culture of intoxication in politics, where politicians are constantly surrounded by people who tell them how great they are. Talking about Israel and Palestine requires careful navigation due to the potential career repercussions of saying the wrong thing. Democrats need to find a way to talk about Israel that separates the government's actions from the Jewish people as a whole. Christian white nationalism poses a danger to the region and is tied to the issue of Israel. Democrats should prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans, such as paid family leave, rather than catering to corporate donors. Chapters 00:00 The Transition from Biden to Vice President Harris 00:49 The Importance of Sticking with Facts and Reality 04:31 The Fallibility of Democratic Leadership 07:07 The Potential Future of the Republican Party 09:06 The Need for Authentic and Progressive Democratic Candidates 12:02 The Role of Identity Politics in Elections 15:43 The Popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota Model 19:52 Challenges of Staying True to Progressive Values in Washington 22:04 The Influence of the Media on Political Narratives 24:44 The Lack of Real Conversations in Political Interviews 28:47 Navigating the Israel-Palestine Conversation 39:04 The Danger of Christian White Nationalism and its Connection to Israel 39:34 Democrats' Challenge: Talking About Israel in a Nuanced Way 47:49 Prioritizing Policies that Benefit the Majority of Americans

In this conversation, Michael and Joe Walsh, a Republican voting Democratic, discuss the current political landscape and the upcoming election. They talk about the impact of the VP pick, Kamala Harris, and how it has energized the Democratic campaign. They also discuss the changing media landscape and the shift towards digital platforms. Joe expresses his support for Kamala Harris despite policy disagreements, emphasizing the importance of stopping Trump. They also touch on the potential for Trump to become desperate and refuse to accept election results. In this conversation, Michael and Joe discuss the political landscape and the upcoming election. They touch on topics such as Kamala Harris's political positioning, the emergence of a new generation of Democrats, the future of the Republican Party, and the challenges Kamala Harris may face in keeping her coalition together. They also discuss the complexities of the Israel-Palestine issue and the importance of Kamala Harris's likability. Overall, they anticipate a tough race and discuss the potential strategies and challenges for both candidates. Takeaways The VP pick, Kamala Harris, has energized the Democratic campaign and is reminiscent of Obama's campaign in 2008. The media landscape is shifting towards digital platforms, and cable news may become obsolete in the next five to ten years. Joe expresses his support for Kamala Harris despite policy disagreements, emphasizing the importance of stopping Trump. There is a concern that Trump may become desperate and refuse to accept election results, leading to potential violence and unrest. Kamala Harris is seen as a centrist Democrat who understands the dynamics of coming to power in a liberal urban city. There is a new emergence of Democrats who are tough on national security while still being humane. The Democratic Party is experiencing a shift with women and young people coming to the forefront. The Trump team's message on the economy and immigration could be a challenge for Kamala Harris. Black voters are supportive of Kamala Harris and racial attacks against her may actually increase African-American voter turnout. The Republican Party may become a strong regional rural party rather than a national political party. The Israel-Palestine issue is a divisive topic within the Democratic coalition. Kamala Harris faces the challenge of balancing the interests of different groups within her coalition. Trump's unpredictability and lack of preparedness could be a challenge in a debate against Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris's likability is an advantage for her, but she needs to maintain a balance between different generations and progressive groups. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:41 Initial Thoughts on the Democratic Campaign 02:56 The Impact of the VP Pick 06:25 The Shift Towards Digital Media 09:23 Navigating the Media Landscape 12:45 The Future of Cable News 14:21 Joe's Support for Kamala Harris 17:02 Concerns About Trump's Desperation 20:24 The Political Positioning of Kamala Harris 22:02 The Emergence of a New Generation of Democrats 23:10 The Future of the Republican Party 24:04 The Challenges of Keeping a Coalition Together 24:28 The Complexities of the Israel-Palestine Issue 25:45 The Importance of Kamala Harris's Likability 37:50 Anticipating a Tough Race