Katie Phang, Dem Rising Star Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Juliegrace Grufke all join Jim!

Katie Phang, Dem Rising Star Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Juliegrace Grufke talk about the day's news from South. Africa's president's visit to the White House, to the big bill. YouTube | Substack

A View From The Front Lines — My Conversation With Rep. Haley Stevens

Afternoon all, I'm sharing an interview I just completed with a dear friend, Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan. While we discuss her Senate race and this week’s battle over the reconciliation bill, what I think will be most interesting to our community is her description of how Trump’s economic agenda is harming the Michigan economy and threatening the important gains the state has made in recent years. The Congresswoman provides a great window into why Trump’s agenda is so dangerous, and why it is being so roundly rejected by the people of Michigan and all across the US. For more interviews like this, subscribe and join us on Substack at https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/. Keep working hard all. — Simon YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmQzHRzd9Bg

The GOP’s Looming Debt Bomb

How big is Trump's BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL? And what will it do to the national debt. Jessica Riedl explains.... and WOW.
YouTube

Note: This video was recorded a month ago but remains very relevant.

HISTORIAN: Trump Turning America Into Russia Unless We STOP HIM (w/ Anne Applebaum)

Sen. Van Hollen showed that Congress actually does have agency, and a federal judge finally scorched the administration in crystal-clear language about how it's violating the essence of our constitutional republic. But the White House is just treating the whole Abrego Garcia affair like it's a joke. Meanwhile, Trump is elevating his own businesses over the nation's, and is quickly adopting the kleptocratic models of Russia and China—while overlooking the fact that the Chinese have maintained a functional and competent government. Plus, children all over the world are going to die because Elon wants our money to go to his companies, and Marco signaled that the big talker who promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is ready to give up and walk away.
YouTube

David Frum: Trump is a World-Class Dupe

On today’s “To the Contrary” Podcast, I’m joined by The Atlantic’s David Frum. We discuss the staggering corruption and cluelessness behind Donald Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million Qatari jet—complete with a backstory of diplomatic white elephants and Vegas-style décor. And we explore how Trump’s second term is shaping up to be less about governance and more about retirement planning, international grifting, and institutional erosion.
YouTube

Protecting Our Battleground House Members — My Conversation With Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-04)

Friends, I'm excited to share an interview I completed Wednesday with the inspiring Rep. Laura Gillen, one of the 7 newly-elected House Members this community backed in 2024. We’ve begun a campaign to raise money for these 7 to ensure they return, as protecting our battleground House Democrats is the first step in flipping the chamber next year. To support this effort directly, please visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopiumhouse2025. Hope you enjoy the conversation - it's a window into what has been a very consequential week in Washington. Keep working hard all. — Simon
YouTube | Hopium

Exhausted AF But, Still, We Persist (and Resist)

This week's Elephant in the Room is exhaustion. You're feeling it, we're feeling it, and Trump and his administration are feeling it. Trump is falling asleep during meetings, and for his staffers, living in fear is draining. Overthrowing a democracy consumes a lot of energy from all sides. We knew another Trump term would mean another serious bout of adrenal fatigue, but this time, the array of high-stakes, stressful headlines is on another level.
YouTube

Putting Democracy First - My Interview With New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez

Yesterday I sat down with the smart and impressive Attorney General Raúl Torrez of New Mexico, another of the 23 Democratic AGs fighting and coordinating their battle against Trump's savage attack on the rule of law. AG Torrez and I explore how important Federalism itself has become to thwarting our leader's authoritarian fantasies. For a deeper dive into the legal battle to preserve our democracy, and to hear from our next Attorney General, join us on Substack at https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/. Thank you all. — Simon
YouTube (26.51)

Abrego Garcia's Attorneys Being "Kept in Dark"; Trump Official Says Garcia "Will Not Be Coming Back"

The attorneys representing Kilmer Abrego Garcia in his unconstitutional deportation case have asked the presiding Judge, Paula Xinis, to order two more Trump administration officials to sit for depositions to be forced to explain what, if anything, they are doing to "facilitate" Garcia's release and return to the US. In a breathtaking "F U" to the Supreme Court, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that "Garcia . . . will not be coming back to this country."

In a related story, Senator Chris Van Hollen is calling out this conduct for what it is, as reported by CBS News: "Sen. Van Hollen accuses El Salvador government of being complicit in violating U.S. Constitutional rights in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case."
YouTube

You can find my audio podcast, Justice Matters, wherever you usually get your podcasts; and my website at: glennkirschner.com. Follow me:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn.

Winning Virginia — My Conversation With Abigail Spanberger

Morning all, I'm excited to share a new interview I held yesterday with our great candidate for Governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger. Simply, the VA elections are the most important elections we have this year, and we must win them. We have narrow majorities in both legislative chambers and while Spanberger has a modest lead in current polling, this is going to be a close race where our money and volunteer time can make a real difference. To support Abigail directly, please contribute any amount here:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopium4spanberger
Keep working hard all. Proud to be in this fight with you. — Simon
YouTube

This Needs To Be Shut down

This doesn’t stop until we stop it.
YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idItFSIgDmc

The Trump Crime Family

This week's Elephant in the Room is the Trump Crime Family. 'Nuff said.
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Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln. If you'd like to help us continue this critical work, visit: https://action.lincolnproject.us/helplp to make a difference.

WTF DHS?!

Seems like a lot of waste and fraud babe…
YouTube

WATCH: Kristi Noem Gets GRILLED By Senate

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate yesterday and sparred with Senate Democrats over the Abrego Garcia case. Steve Schmidt explains how Noem's responses display a lack of respect for the Constitution that threatens American values.
YouTube | Substack

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Kleptocracy, Inc. — with Anne Applebaum | Prof G Conversations

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Scott to discuss the rise of kleptocracy in America, the global playbook of autocrats, and solutions to our democratic slide.
YouTube

Follow Anne, @anneapplebaum.
Want more Prof G? Check out everything we're up to at
https://profgmedia.com/

VE Day

On this 80th Anniversary of VE Day, we remember all those who won the war against Nazis and remember the countless sacrifices they made to deliver it. The Greatest Generation stood up to an evil dictator to protect peace and freedom for generations. Now it’s our turn.

The Lincoln Project is a leading pro-democracy organization in the United States — dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of democracy. Our fight against Trumpism is only beginning. We must combat these forces everywhere and at all times — our democracy depends on it.
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Don’t forget to like, share, and follow The Lincoln Project on social media below!

DONATE TO THE LINCOLN PROJECT
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PODCAST

Senator John McCain left us an important lesson and message

Link to PDF

10 Things You Can Do For Democracy

I understand this is all so crazy. The question is what do we do about it? Here’s a list of 10 things…
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Anne Applebaum and the Most Corrupt Presidency in American History

In this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, examining how postwar reconciliation—not battlefield triumph—became America’s true finest hour. He contrasts that legacy with Donald Trump’s recent bombastic Victory Day statement, urging a rededication to the values that built a more peaceful world.

David is then joined by The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum to discuss the astonishing and brazen corruption of the Trump presidency, how authoritarian regimes seek to break institutions, and the hardship of losing friendships to politics.

Finally, David answers listener questions on fostering open-minded political dialogue among polarized high-school students, why America hasn’t developed a strong worker-based political movement like its European counterparts, and how to think about class in modern U.S. politics. He also weighs in on the risk of data suppression under the Trump administration and reflects on whether his long-held conservative values still belong to the political right.
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Trump's Economic Agenda Is Far More Sabotage Than Strategy — My Conversation With Dr. Rob Shapiro

Friends, yesterday I was joined live on Substack by recurring guest Dr. Rob Shapiro. Here is the recording. Rob and I dive into his new compelling essay in the Washington Monthly - Trump’s Perfect Storm That Could Sink The American Economy. Rob's presentation will be useful for anyone seeking education on this current, perilous economic moment. I thank him for taking the time to be with our community again.
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The Jim Acosta Show welcomes Senator Mark Warner and Michael Cohen

Senator Mark Warner, Michael Cohen, and Juan Lima whose parents were detained by ICE.
YouTube

Rep. Tom Suozzi On The Reckless GOP Reconciliation Bill

Simon Rosenberg, Hopium Chronicles

Friends, I'm excited to share my in-depth discussion with Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03) on the GOP reconciliation bill, one the Congressman repeatedly calls "reckless." The interview is the latest of our series with the Hopium House 7, the House members we endorsed in the 2024 cycle who our community is rallying around again. The first step in flipping the House is to ensure these 7 win reelection. Thank you all. — Simon
YouTube

Support Hopium House Incumbents 2025
We are kicking off our 2025-2026 cycle effort to flip the House by endorsing and raising for the 7 freshman House Members our community helped elect in 2024, all still in battleground districts.
ActBlue

It’s OK to Feel Scared: A Conversation with Jocelyn Benson

It’s ok to feel scared right now. To be angry and frustrated and not know what to do. It’s fine to have those feelings, but as Michigan Secretary of State, and leading candidate for Governor, Jocelyn Benson asks, what do we do next? How do we stand up for what’s right when the stakes are high? How do we change the world not let the world change us? We talk today about finding purpose in rage, in the importance of building the bravery muscle, and to move forward even when we’re scared. History shows us when Americans fight, when we organize, when we don’t back down, we win. We can’t forget that now. Now, we move forward. YouTube

Trump’s 100-Day Disaster: Tariffs, Fear, and Lies

As Trump’s first 100 days reveal cruelty and chaos—from deporting a sick child to damaging the economy—Steve Schmidt & Jim Acosta expose the danger of rising authoritarianism and why bold Democratic leadership is essential.
YouTube

Subscribe for more and follow Steve Schmidt with The Warning:
Substack | Bluesky

Judge Rules Trump's Attempt to Punish Law Firm Perkins Coie is "UNCONSTITUTIONAL" & "NULL & VOID"

In a meticulously and persuasively reasoned 102-page legal opinion, DC Federal Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled that Donald Trump's Executive Order punishing the law firm Perkins Coie is unconstitutional. The case is over, as Judge Howell granted summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs Perkins Coie (though the case likely will be appealed by Trump). In a particularly powerful passage, Judge Howell notes that Trump has put a "cringe-worthy twist" on the Shakespeare line, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." The judge wrote that Trump's approach in his unconstitutional Executive Order is, "Let's kill the lawyers I don't like."
YouTube | Substack

The 100 Dayes Conference

Youtube | Substack

12:00-12:10 — Welcome
Norm Eisen, Co-founder and Publisher, The Contrarian
Jen Rubin, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Contrarian
Michael Tomasky, Editor, The New Republic

12:10-12:25 — Opening Remarks
Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO

12:25-12:55 — Defending the Rule of Law
J. Michael Luttig, Retired U.S. Circuit Court Judge
Mary McCord, Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, Georgetown Law
Moderator: Norm Eisen, Co-founder and Publisher, The Contrarian

12:55-1:25 — Democracy Delivers
Jared Bernstein, Former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress

1:25-1:55— Media’s Role in Protecting Our Democracy
Katie Phang, MSNBC Legal Correspondent Brian Tyler Cohen, Host of No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen, YouTube
Moderator: Jim Acosta, Former CNN anchor

1:55-2:25 — Fighting Corruption and Protecting Civil Society
Vanita Gupta, Former United States Associate Attorney General
Asha Rangappa, Assistant Dean, Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University
Moderator: Jen Rubin, Editor-in-Chief, The Contrarian

2:25-2:55 — Protecting Fair Elections and Pluralism
Maya Wiley, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights
María Teresa Kumar, Founding President and CEO, Voto Latino
Moderator: Michael Tomasky, Editor, The New Republic

2:55-3:25 — Closing remarks
Sherrilyn Ifill, Vernon E. Jordan Jr., Esq. Endowed Chair in Civil Rights, Howard University

3:25-3:30 — Farewell
Norm Eisen, Co-founder and Publisher, The Contrarian
Jen Rubin, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Contrarian
Michael Tomasky, Editor, The New Republic.

Trump’s Inner Circle: The Rise of Cruelty and Chaos

Steve Schmidt: The Warning

As Trump appoints Stephen Miller and fires his National Security Advisor, concerns grow over rising division and declining democracy. Steve Schmidt breaks down the stakes and what it means for America.
YouTube

WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES - MAY DAY STRONG

This May Day, we proved what’s possible. In over 1,100 cities, hundreds of thousands of workers took to the streets—marching, organizing, and demanding our rights. Parents, teachers, nurses, warehouse workers—together, we showed the power of a united working class. We’re not stopping there. We’re building something bigger: a movement that fights every single day for a country that belongs to the people who make it run. The future belongs to the working class. Join us. Workers Over Billionaires. Together, we win.
YouTube

workers.fyi/wob
bit.ly/maydaydebrief
#MayDay2025
#MayDayStrong
@OPINORG

Production/Editing: Mike Cassidy & Jasmin Meza Videography: Many heroes with cameras across the country

Democracy Experts Explain the Four Ways Trump Could Break Democracy

Hannah Fried, Skye Perryman and Harry Litman joined Marc Elias to discuss Trump's first 100 days in office and the four crises that could break our democracy.
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Trump's Poll Numbers Are Plummeting as Fast as America's GDP | Lincoln Square

We’ve had 100 days of Trump (again.) And apparently, the majority of Americans have had enough, as poll after poll shows. Lincoln Square’s Lisa Senecal and Susan J. Demas ask Simon Rosenberg, who writes the Hopium Chronicles Substack, to break down the numbers for us, especially on the economy. As Trump stumbles, don't miss this inspiring discussion about how we can continue to build our pro-democracy community. YouTube

Trump's First 100 Days: Four Crises That Could Break Democracy

Hannah Fried, Skye Perryman and Harry Litman joined Marc Elias to discuss Trump's first 100 days in office and the four crises that could break our democracy. YouTube

Judiciary gone wild!

Republicans on the Judiciary Committee just voted against an amendment that would stop Trump from deporting U.S. citizens. Rep. Jasmine Crockett breaks down what happened—and why it’s as dangerous as it sounds. YouTube