Best Democracy Docket Podcasts (2025)

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The Agonies of Brett Kavanaugh 1:16:44

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3m ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Kate and Leah run through the latest legal news, including updates on the SNAP benefits case, the email dump that revealed Jeffrey Epstein's deep ties to the establishment, and the political persecution of Representative LaMonica McIver. Then they catch up on the past couple weeks of oral arguments at the Supreme Court, which featured bad signs for…

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Did Trump's Epstein Fears Trigger HISTORIC Shutdown? 37:20

7h ago37:20

37:20

Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to keep the Epstein files out of the spotlight — but could his fear of their release be influencing far more than we realize? In this episode, Marc Elias breaks down the strange behavior of Rep. Mike Johnson and Congress, what the recently released emails bring to light, and how the political gridlock may have all …

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Will SCOTUS Say No to Trump’s Tariffs? 1:31:20

7d ago1:31:20

1:31:20

Live from Crooked Con in Washington, Leah, Kate, and Melissa unpack the surprisingly not-awful oral arguments for Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which put the president's tariffs in the hot seat. Then the hosts are joined by Representative LaMonica McIver of New Jersey to discuss the bogus charges against her for “assaulting” federal agents whi…

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What Congress's Top Fighter Sees Coming in 2026 | Rep. Jasmine Crockett 43:17

21h ago43:17

43:17

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins Marc Elias to break down the GOP’s chaos in the House, the fight over redistricting in Texas, and what these battles reveal about the road to 2026. From Republican infighting to the next wave of voting rights fights, Crockett shares her unfiltered view of where American democracy is headed.Support independent jo…

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8 Alarming Ways Trump and Republicans Plan to Undermine 2026 Elections 47:08

20h ago47:08

47:08

Despite major pro-democracy wins in 2025, the fight is far from over. This video exposes the next phase of Trump and the Republicans' playbook — and what voters, lawyers, and journalists must do now to defend democracy before it’s too late. Marc Elias of Democracy Docket gives his expert take on politics, news, and current events.Support independen…

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Trump's Power Grab: Epstein Files, Redistricting, Intimidation | Rep. Dan Goldman 46:42

2d ago46:42

46:42

Rep. Dan Goldman joins Marc Elias and Democracy Docket to expose how Donald Trump is weaponizing the DOJ, threatening Republicans, and covering up the Epstein files. They discuss the dangers of mid-decade redistricting, election denial, and what Democrats are doing to defend democracy and protect the rule of law.Support independent journalism:https…

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Republicans Enabling Authoritarian Takeover of DOJ | Sen. Richard Blumenthal 46:03

3d ago46:03

46:03

Donald Trump is dismantling American democracy through corruption, pay-to-play schemes, and the politicization of the courts and Department of Justice. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joins Marc Elias & Democracy Docket to discuss Republicans enabling an authoritarian takeover, turning justice into revenge, and destroying institutional integrity.Support in…

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The Legal Battles Over Trump’s War on Blue Cities 1:17:21

14d ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Kate, Leah, and Melissa dive into the legal pushback over ICE and the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, anti-marriage equality goblin Kim Davis’s unwelcome return to the courts, the administration’s lawless strikes on boats in the waters around South America, and the specter of Trump 3.0. Then, they preview November’s SCOTUS cases, including …

1
Every Gerrymandering Case, Explained 54:08

7d ago54:08

54:08

Donald Trump and the Republican Party are leading a coordinated redistricting and gerrymandering campaign to rig upcoming elections and weaken democracy. Marc Elias exposes how these maps threaten fair representation, expand voter suppression, and test the limits of election law. Through bold litigation, public activism, and sustained political eng…

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Trump’s DOJ Shakedown 1:20:19

21d ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Kate and Leah dig into a very busy week of legal news as Trump wields his SCOTUS-enabled executive power in increasingly unhinged ways. They also discuss continuing challenges to the president’s deployment of the National Guard in blue cities, ProPublica’s reporting on “Kavanaugh stops,” and, for dessert, the bonkers text exchange between Trump lac…

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Will the Voting Rights Act Survive SCOTUS? 1:45:57

28d ago1:45:57

1:45:57

Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down last week’s agonizing two-and-a-half-hour oral argument in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could see the already weakened Voting Rights Act gutted even further. They highlight the themes that emerged and dig into the case’s broader context with Sam Spital, Associate Director-Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, th…

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Will SCOTUS Allow Conversion Therapy for Minors? 1:49:09

1M ago1:49:09

1:49:09

Leah, Melissa, and Kate are back in business, breaking down this term’s first week of arguments at SCOTUS, including a challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. Also covered: the indictment of New York’s Attorney General Letitia James, the continuing legal fights against Trump’s efforts to send the National Guard into Portland a…

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Something Wicked This Way Comes: A SCOTUS Term Preview 1:33:15

1M ago1:33:15

1:33:15

Kate, Leah, and Melissa preview what fresh hell SCOTUS has in store for us this term, including challenges to the Fourteenth Amendment and the Court’s continued obsession with fighting the culture wars. Then, after breaking down the latest legal news, the hosts welcome Lieutenant Governor of Illinois–and Senate candidate–Juliana Stratton to discuss…

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Why "Good Republicans" Don't Exist 47:49

1M ago47:49

47:49

Stop grading Republicans on a curve. There are no Republican heroes in the fight for democracy. Staying grounded in the truth is essential — our democracy depends on it.Support independent journalism:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtubeJoin our free newsletter:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/youtubeCan We Actually Save Ame…

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The Trump Administration's SCOTUS Winning Streak 1:59:19

2M ago1:59:19

1:59:19

Leah and Kate dive into the week’s legal news, explaining how SCOTUS continues to carry water for the Trump administration. They also cover an epic slapdown of the Roberts Court out of Hawaii, Sam Alito’s Italian sojourn, and the DOJ’s refusal to investigate the wads of cash lining border czar Tom Homan’s pockets. Then all three hosts are joined by…

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Can We Fix Our Broken Constitution? | Rep Jamie Raskin 54:40

2M ago54:40

54:40

American democracy is under attack, and the courts are at the center of the fight. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Mary McCord, and Harvard’s Nikolas Bowie expose how Trump’s legal tactics and a partisan Supreme Court are undermining the Constitution, and what Congress, the courts, and citizens must do to defend it.Support independent journalism by becoming a D…

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Looking for Bright Spots in the Courts 1:44:38

2M ago1:44:38

1:44:38

Leah is joined by guest co-host Skye Perryman, president & CEO of Democracy Forward, to discuss the week’s news, including the continued pushback on the shadow docket from the lower courts and Trump’s boundless abuse of Article II. Then Kate, Melissa, and Leah — along with special guest Sherrilyn Ifill — take a look at the impact of Justice Ketanji…

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How SCOTUS is Making Project 2025 a Reality 1:39:55

2M ago1:39:55

1:39:55

Our fearless hosts continue to slog through this sh*tty shadow docket summer, covering an order from the Court okaying racial profiling by ICE officers, some ominous administrative stays, Amy Coney Barrett’s ongoing press tour through right wing media, and the lower courts’ continuing frustrations with this Supreme Court. Then, Leah and Kate speak …

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Stop Pretending Like Trump Is Normal | Brian Tyler Cohen 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

Brian Tyler Cohen joins us to reveal why the right-wing media machine is so effective, what Democrats still don’t understand about influencers, and how social media will decide the 2028 elections.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtubeStay up to date on the …

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Republicans Are Killing Democracy | Heather Cox Richardson 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

Historian Heather Cox Richardson joins us today to explain how fascism is on the rise in America. As one of the country’s foremost experts on the Civil War, she’ll reveal how the GOP went from the party of Lincoln to the party of Trump.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.c…

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The Lower Courts Punch Up 1:42:06

2M ago1:42:06

1:42:06

Kate, Leah, and Melissa break down how the lower courts are challenging the Trump administration and expressing their frustration with SCOTUS. Then, they check in with two members of the supermajority: Brett Kavanaugh, who’s touting a shiny new shadow docket rebrand, and Amy Coney Barrett as she commences her cursèd book tour. Finally, the hosts sp…

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Nicolle Wallace Calls Trump A "WEAK" Man 53:18

2M ago53:18

53:18

The Republican Party has been co-opted by the far-right to enact their radical agenda. Nicolle Wallace joins Marc Elias to discuss the devolution of the GOP, Trump’s weaknesses, and the media‘s role in preventing a fascist takeover.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/m…

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Trump’s Military Invasion Is Coming | Rep. Jamie Raskin 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

Trump is throwing the Constitution out the window and Rep. Jamie Raskin is calling him out. He joined Marc Elias to discuss restoring American democracy, the administration’s overreach into elections, and Trump’s desire to be a dictator. Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket…

1
The Shadow Docket Just Won’t Quit 1:54:45

3M ago1:54:45

1:54:45

The gang is back together as Melissa, Kate, and Leah break down this week’s mountain of legal news, including the Court’s greenlighting of Trump’s anti-DEI National Institutes of Health cuts, the president’s war on mail-in ballots, and a batshit missive from Solicitor General John Sauer. Then, Leah speaks with candidate for Michigan attorney genera…

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Michael Steele Calls White House A “Clown Show” 51:02

3M ago51:02

51:02

Michael Steele went from Republican Lieutenant Gov. to RNC Chair to MSNBC analyst. He sits down with Marc to discuss his journey, the federal takeover of Washington, D.C., and his recommendations for the Democratic Party. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-Sign up for our free newslette…

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This is Some Serious BS | Rep. LaMonica McIver 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was targeted by the Trump administration for simply doing her job. She sits down with Marc to talk about the weaponization of government, the importance of oversight at immigration facilities, and her unbelievable first year in Congress. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democrac…

1
Why Can't Democrats Reach Southern Voters? 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III isn’t walking away from rural America. He launched the Groundwork Project to listen to voters and invest in states that shouldn’t be forgotten. Rep. Kennedy joined the podcast to discuss the origins of the organization, his experience as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, and the future of the Democratic Party. -Become a…

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The Dubious Legality of Trump's DC Takeover 1:51:25

3M ago1:51:25

1:51:25

Kate and Leah recap the week's legal news, including argument calendars for the next SCOTUS term and President Trump's attempted federal takeover of Washington, DC. Then, it's our third annual State of The Uterus episode. Melissa and Leah talk with Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Lisa Be…

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49: Why Your Voting Rights Aren't What They Used To Be 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

Kimberly Atkins Stohr discusses the current state of voting rights in America with Hannah Fried, co-founder and executive director of All Voting is Local. They explore the multifaceted attacks on voting access, the role of the federal government in collecting voting data, and the importance of local election officials. The conversation emphasizes t…

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We’re in the “Messy Middle” of the Fight for Democracy | Skye Perryman 44:52

3M ago44:52

44:52

Lawyers are at the forefront of the pro-democracy movement. That’s why there’s no one better to talk to about the fight for our country than CEO and president of Democracy Forward, Skye Perryman. She joins Marc to discuss recent victories, gerrymandering in her home state of Texas, and the battle for the rule of law.-Become a Democracy Docket premi…

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The Texas GOP Loves Their "Commander-in-Cheat" | Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer 44:48

3M ago44:48

44:48

Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer left Texas to deny Republicans a quorum and block their gerrymandered map. He sat down with Marc to discuss the threats to him and his colleagues, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Paxton's internal battle, and what’s next in the redistricting fight. Support Texas Democrats by visiting onetexas.org -Become a Democracy…

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How the GOP is Trying to Steal the 2026 Midterms 1:59:34

3M ago1:59:34

1:59:34

Melissa and guest co-host Imani Gandy of Rewire News Group break down the week’s legal happenings, including how Texas Democrats are attempting to thwart that state’s gerrymandering efforts, college admissions in the age of Trump, and more Epstein fallout. Then, Melissa chats with Duke Law Professor Brandon Garrett about his book, Defending Due Pro…

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The DOJ Can “Jump in the Gulf of Maine” | Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

The DOJ wants your voter information. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joins the podcast to discuss the DOJ’s demand for state voter lists, Maine’s dangerous voter ID ballot initiative, and how Trump’s conspiracy theories harm election workers. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube …

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48: Are Dems Too Woke To Win 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks with her old friend and political strategist Steve Schale to discuss the current political landscape, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the importance of understanding voter sentiment. They explore the need for a new coalition of voters, particularly in swing areas like Macomb County, and the perception of …

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Trump's Crazy Voter File Demand | Sec. Shenna Bellows 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

The DOJ wants your voter information. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joins the podcast to discuss the DOJ’s demand for state voter lists, Maine’s dangerous voter ID ballot initiative, and how Trump’s conspiracy theories harm election workers. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-…

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Stacking the Bench with Creeps & Kooks 1:41:25

4M ago1:41:25

1:41:25

Leah and guest co-host Mark Joseph Stern of Slate and the Amicus podcast run through what’s been happening in the courts this week, including disturbing attacks on judges, the confirmation of the extremely unsavory Emile Bove, and Amy Coney Barrett’s upcoming appearance with Bari Weiss. Then, Kate and Melissa speak with Jessica Calarco, sociologist…

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The Epstein Files: What is Donald Trump Hiding? | California Rep. Robert Garcia 38:32

4M ago38:32

38:32

Donald Trump doesn’t want you to know what’s in the Epstein Files. As the GOP rallies together to protect Trump, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are fighting back. The committee’s ranking member, Rep. Robert Garcia, joins the podcast to discuss the subpoena for the Epstein Files, the debate over redistricting in blue states and the march…

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47: How To Join The Resistance Summer School 35:53

4M ago35:53

35:53

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Karen Attiah, founder of Resistance Summer School, about the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions on tough topics in education. They explore the intersection of journalism, race, and global affairs, and how Atiyah's experiences led her to create a new educational initiative after her course at Columbi…

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Can Trump Sue His Way Out of the Epstein Mess? 1:32:28

4M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Kate and Leah break down the week’s legal happenings, including Trump’s flailing efforts to manage the Epstein fallout, the latest abomination from the shadow docket, and the legal quagmire surrounding Trump lackey Alina Habba’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Then, they speak with law professors—and former clerks for David Souter—Alli…

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46: The Fragility of Democracy 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

Kim and Joyce discuss the importance of voter engagement and the fragility of democracy. They emphasize the need for individuals to check their voter registration status, understand local voting rules, and actively participate in the democratic process. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing democracy today, the importance of local go…

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Does MAGA Think They’ve Gone Too Far? | ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero 49:14

4M ago49:14

49:14

As the Trump administration attacks our democracy, ACLU lawyers are on the ground fighting for our rights and freedoms. ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero sits down with Marc to discuss the recent Supreme Court decisions, the importance of bringing hard cases, and the ACLU’s vital impact. To support the ACLU's work, donate here: http://www.aclu…

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SCOTUS Enables Government Destruction 1:30:08

4M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

Melissa and Kate run through the latest legal news, including the Court greenlighting the dismantling of the Department of Education. Then, they speak with NYU law professor Rachel Barkow about her book, Justice Abandoned: How the Supreme Court Ignored the Constitution and Enabled Mass Incarceration. Hosts’ favorite things: Kate: Legalistic Noncomp…

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The Epstein Files: “MAGA World Isn’t Falling in Line” | Rep. Dan Goldman 42:55

4M ago42:55

42:55

Pam Bondi is blocking the release of the Epstein Files to protect Trump. New York Rep. Dan Goldman joins the podcast to discuss the Epstein Files cover-up, masked ICE agents, and congressional Republicans handing over their power to Trump.-Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-Sign up for o…

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45: What Does MAHA Actually Mean? 31:54

4M ago31:54

31:54

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Natalie Davis, CEO of United States of Care, about the importance of preventative healthcare and the recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the Affordable Care Act's provisions for free preventive services. They discuss the challenges faced by various communities in accessing healthcare, the role of advocacy in …

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Former Attorney General Eric Holder Doesn’t Recognize the DOJ 46:26

4M ago46:26

46:26

Pam Bondi is turning the Department of Justice into a political arm of the GOP. Former Attorney General Eric Holder sits down with Marc to discuss the weaponization of his old department. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-Sign up for our free newsletters: https://hubs.ly/Q03jcbrc0-Supp…

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Hunger Games for Legal Hackery 1:38:33

4M ago1:38:33

1:38:33

Katie Phang, independent journalist and trial lawyer, joins Leah to run through the week’s legal news–and there’s a lot of it! They unpack, as KBJ puts it, “this Court’s demonstrated enthusiasm for greenlighting this President’s legally dubious actions in an emergency posture” and break down the latest thirstiness from the judges angling to be Trum…

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The Supreme Court Said What? | Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance 36:13

4M ago36:13

36:13

Conservatives on the Supreme Court are bending over backwards to please Donald Trump. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance joins the podcast to break down the Court’s recent high-profile decisions. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-Sign up for our free newsletters: https://hubs.ly/Q03jcbrc…

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A Term for the Rich, the Reactionaries, and the Ruthless 1:39:45

4M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

With July upon us and bad decision season (mercifully) over, Leah, Kate and Melissa take a step back to recap this year’s SCOTUS term. They highlight some of the overarching themes, break down the biggest opinions, and look back at the moments they’ll remember forever–whether they want to or not. Hosts’ favorite things: Melissa: KBJ’s footnote 12 i…

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"People Are Going to Die Because of This Bill" | Gov. JB Pritzker on Democracy, the GOP's Budget 38:01

5M ago38:01

38:01

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined Marc Elias to discuss the Republicans' budget bill, how he's working to protect democracy in Illinois, the future of the Democratic Party and more.Watch Gov. Pritzker's State of the State Address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBOJhU2pLMo-Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracyd…

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44: TRUMP'S Big Beautiful Bill Has PASSED, What Does It Mean For YOU 35:18

5M ago35:18

35:18

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Wendy Edelberg discuss the complexities of national debt, government borrowing, and fiscal policy. They explore how rising national debt affects everyday Americans, the rationale behind government borrowing for long-term investments, and the implications of current budget proposals. The conversation emphasizes the need for…