Best Ronald Dave Smith Podcasts (2025)

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Bob Roberts (with Adam Scott) 57:04

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7M ago57:04

57:04

We've got a bonus installment of the Film Fest—with special guest Adam Scott! In addition to his work on Severance, Parks & Recreation, Party Down, and so much more, he's just a genuinely thoughtful and kind person, so we are thrilled to have him back on the podcast. We're discussing the 1992 film Bob Roberts, a satirical mockumentary by Tim Robbin…

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 50:33

9M ago50:33

50:33

We're trying to savor the Capra-esque quality of this experience by wrapping up with Mr. Smith. Supplemental materials: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend Mr Deeds Goes to Town trailer Sokovia Accords debate from Captain America: Civil War Thank you so much for joining us again for this series! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choic…

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Dave 49:33

9M ago49:33

49:33

Starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and Kevin Kline. This one was a Patreon subscriber pick! Additional materials: an article about the making of Dave Kevin Kline plays Mr. Fischoeder in Bob's Burgers "clever" as an insult in Fight Club Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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The Candidate 53:23

9M ago53:23

53:23

Is The Candidate, in fact, the anti-West Wing? A political story that ends not with a bang, but with a question of existential dread. Interview with screenwriter Jeremy Larner in Brooklyn Magazine The trailer for Downhill Racer (1969) Jerry Seinfeld on Letterman: "You're rooting for clothes." Let us know what you thought of the film! Learn about yo…

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A Face In The Crowd 51:45

10M ago51:45

51:45

Did this movie predict Trump back in 1957? We discuss the film debut of Andy Griffith in a role so dark, anyone who knows the Andy Griffith show might experience some uncomfortable dissonance. Some goodies that came up in our conversation: The dance of joy from "Perfect Strangers" This essay about the film on the Criterion website Albert Brooks and…

1
Network 59:33

10M ago59:33

59:33

This week, we dive deeper into the role of the fourth estate, as we discuss Network, the Oscar-winning film that was meant to be a wild satire at the time it was released, but ended up uncannily predicting the future. Some additional reading material: Mad As Hell, Dave Itzkoff's book about Network Directors' Guild of America post about Sidney Lumet…

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Bulworth 1:00:36

10M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This week, we're discussing the 1998 film Bulworth, which features a rapping Warren Beatty, a young Josh Malina, a few problematic moments, and some wonderful and strange ones, too. For a real treat, watch the music video for Ghetto Supastar, which also features a young Josh Malina! What did you think of Bulworth? Join the conversation over on our …

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Judas and the Black Messiah 50:40

10M ago50:40

50:40

What's more terrifying in Martin Sheen's depiction of J. Edgar Hoover—the racism, or the makeup?! We discuss ALL the important aspects of this cat-and-mouse thriller, which was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya. For additional viewing: The Lucas Brothers Willi…

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Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb 48:43

11M ago48:43

48:43

This week, we're discussing the hilarious — and terrifying—Dr Strangelove. A few goodies: An interview with title designer Pablo Ferro "Are We the Baddies?" from That Mitchell and Webb Look George C Scott side-by-side with Tim Robinson (from I Think You Should Leave) Let us know what you thought of the film, on a scale of 1–10 precious bodily fluid…

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In the Loop 47:12

11M ago47:12

47:12

This week, we're discussing the razor-sharp dialogue and side-splitting comedy of In the Loop (2009), one the greatest political satires. Here are footnotes for some of the stuff outside of the film that came up in the conversation: A tiny clip from the unaired pilot of "Legally Mad" The stateroom scene from the Marx Brothers' "A Night at the Opera…

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The American President 1:02:36

11M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

It's the first installment of the Political Film Fest, and we've got: Martin Sheen in the oval office! "What is the virtue of a proportional response?" The GDC! There are so many familiar elements in The American President, and yet, the film feels dramatically different from The West Wing (and at times, comedically different). It's our first episod…

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Introducing: The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest! 4:25

12M ago4:25

4:25

After four years away, we're bringing back The West Wing Weekly in a new form. As this election season heats up, we're taking a weekly respite from the stress of reality, and turning towards political cinema instead. We're watching and discussing some of our favorite films. It's the same mix of analysis and nonsense that you’ve come to expect from …

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0.21: Celebrating the new West Wing book "What's Next?" (live with Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald, Aaron Sorkin, and 1:06:59

1y ago1:06:59

1:06:59

On Saturday, August 10, we celebrated the publication of the new book "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. Josh and Hrishi moderated a discussion with them, along with special guests Aaron Sorkin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff…

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0.20: A West Wing Weekly Special to Discuss A West Wing Special To Benefit When We All Vote (with Aaron Sorkin) 1:15:54

5y ago1:15:54

1:15:54

We’re back! The West Wing cast reunited for this special episode, so we got back together to discuss it. And Aaron Sorkin joins us to talk about his experiences adapting "Hartsfield’s Landing" for this voter turnout initiative. Please go to whenweallvote.org to donate! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/020 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.…

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Introducing: Home Cooking 17:31

5+ y ago17:31

17:31

We want to introduce you to a brand new emergency quarantine podcast mini-series called Home Cooking. It’s from Hrishi and chef Samin Nosrat, author of the award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and host of the Netflix show by the same name. The first episode just came out, and features Josh as the special guest. If you’ve missed hearing Jos…

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7.22: Tomorrow (Live with cast and crew of The West Wing) 2:12:24

5+ y ago2:12:24

2:12:24

As the Bartlet administration ends, so does our podcast. We recorded our finale live in Los Angeles, at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. This episode has two parts: first, we discuss "Tomorrow," with several guests joining us. Then, we take a fond look back at the entire series, along with thirty (30!) guests from the cast and crew, including Aaron So…

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7.21: Institutional Memory (with Janet Ashikaga) 1:12:43

5+ y ago1:12:43

1:12:43

CJ & Danny and Will & Kate all ponder what's next, and Josh & Hrishi do, too, as we discuss "Institutional Memory." We're joined by someone who also posseses institutional memory: the fantastic Janet Ashikaga, editor on The West Wing (including this episode), as well as Sports Night and Seinfeld. Plus: listen to the trailer for Hrishi’s new podcast…

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7.20: The Last Hurrah (with Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo) 1:19:19

5+ y ago1:19:19

1:19:19

We discuss "The Last Hurrah" in this, our antepenultimate hurrah. And what a hurrah it is, with not one, but two great guests: Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo. Hurrah! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/720 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.19: Transition (Live with Bradley Whitford) 1:17:16

5+ y ago1:17:16

1:17:16

We traveled all the way to London to make a lot of references to "Fiddler on the Roof." Bradley Whitford joined us to record this episode in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/719 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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0.19: John Wells 1:00:56

5+ y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

For our last episode of the year, we've got a special one with television legend John Wells. We've been talking about him for seven seasons, and now we finally got him to talk to us directly. Our conversation spans the entire history of The West Wing, since John Wells served as Executive Producer for every single episode. For more, visit thewestwin…

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7.18: Requiem (with memories of John Spencer from the cast and crew) 1:13:02

5+ y ago1:13:02

1:13:02

In this episode, some thoughts on John Spencer, shared by Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Smits, Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Del Negro, Emily Procter, Eli Attie, Michael Hissrich, and Josh Malina. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/718 Support The West Wing Weekly and Radiotopia. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.f…

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0.18: Small Block of Cheese Day (The West Wing Weekly Forever) 14:31

5+ y ago14:31

14:31

In the main foyer of our podcast, we have this small block of cheese, there for any and all who might want a snack. We want this block of cheese to stick around forever, and never get moldy, or get thrown out! To do so, we’re hoping you’ll support our wonderful podcast network, Radiotopia, the refrigerator that keeps our show fresh in this increasi…

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7.17: Election Day, Part 2 (with Jimmy Smits) 1:18:01

6y ago1:18:01

1:18:01

As we finish the long arc of the Presidential campaign with this momentous West Wing episode, Jimmy Smits joins us to tell us about his experience playing Matt Santos. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/717. Right now, Radiotopia is holding its annual fundraiser. Help us keep The West Wing Weekly available and free forever by supporting the netw…

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7.16: Election Day, Part 1 (with Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and Michael Hissrich) 1:13:36

6y ago1:13:36

1:13:36

This week’s episode is one of love and loss, but with our guests this week, we’re celebrating the joyful side. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich wrote this episode, and she and her husband, West Wing line producer Michael Hissrich, join us to tell us how their path together mirrored and influenced Josh and Donna’s. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/716 L…

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0.17: Casting the Pilot (with John Levey) 41:17

6y ago41:17

41:17

Before we get to the end, we're going back to the beginning. For this bonus episode, we talk to John Levey, Emmy-winning casting director for the first two seasons of The West Wing, about putting together our renowned ensemble. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/017 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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7.15: Welcome to Wherever You Are 51:20

6y ago51:20

51:20

In this week's episode, Toby says, "You should do the crossword," so Hrishi made a mini puzzle to go along with our discussion. Get a PDF of the puzzle at thewestwingweekly.com/715. ACROSS 1. Grammy-winning singer and creator of questionable slogans, Bon _ 5. Nights before, like Erevs Yom Kippur 6. What Josh wants when he yells, "I want the numbers…

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7.14: Two Weeks Out 45:12

6y ago45:12

45:12

We take this episode in our bone-crushing grip and shake it with everything we've got. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/714 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.13: The Cold (with Janel Moloney and Bradley Whitford) 1:09:02

6y ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Josh and Donna There on my TV K-I-S-S-I-N-G Let's discuss. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/713 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.12: Duck and Cover (with Eli Attie) 55:48

6y ago55:48

55:48

Eli Attie joins us to discuss this tension-filled episode about a potential nuclear disaster. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/712 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.11: Internal Displacement (with Bradley Whitford and Annabeth Gish) 58:00

6y ago58:00

58:00

Bradley Whitford returns to gleefully tell us about writing this episode and giving Josh the lines, "I can't act. I'm a terrible actor." And Annabeth Gish joins us, too! (How lucky are we?) We talk to her about the complicated character of Liz Bartlet Westin, whom she portrayed so thoughtfully. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/711 Learn about …

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0.16: Annabeth Schott (with Kristin Chenoweth) 40:57

6y ago40:57

40:57

This week, the great Kristin Chenoweth joins us to discuss her role as Annabeth. She's an Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer, and we’re so glad she’s finally joining us! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/016 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.10: Running Mates (with Matthew Del Negro) 1:09:22

6y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

This week, we discuss the beautiful performance by John Spencer in "Running Mates," the first episode of his to air posthumously. We’re also joined by Matthew Del Negro to discuss Bram, telebrams, and more. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/710 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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7.09: The Wedding (with Nina Siemaszko) 58:03

6y ago58:03

58:03

Today, we’re talking about "The Wedding" (or The Marriage, or The Espousal, or The Nuptials, or The Union). We’re joined by Nina Siemaszko, who tells us about the twist in this subplot that she didn’t see coming. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/709 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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7.08: Undecideds 43:50

6y ago43:50

43:50

In "Undecideds," Santos gives a speech meant to uplift and inspire, but Josh and Hrishi are "Unconvinceds." Plus, we look at Toby’s apartment, Godwin’s Law, and Will’s butt. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/708 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.07: The Debate (Part II, with Ronald Klain and Beth Myers) 58:25

6y ago58:25

58:25

How did Santos and Vinick do in the debate? To help us judge the candidates on both substance and style, we’ve enlisted the people in charge of debate prep on either side of the 2012 Presidential election. Ronald Klain led President Obama’s debate prep, and Beth Myers was in charge of Senator Mitt Romney’s prep. It was fascinating to speak to both …

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7.07: The Debate (Part I, with Lawrence O'Donnell) 1:01:07

6y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

In our first of two episodes on "The Debate," we talk to Lawrence O’Donnell, who took on the challenge of writing a live episode — one that takes place entirely in the context of a Presidential debate. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/707 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.06: The Al Smith Dinner 51:14

6y ago51:14

51:14

At long last, everyone is ready to unleash their negative ad campaigns. Here's one Hrishi came up with. JOSH MALINA—he's not nearly as mean as he makes himself out to be! He says he "ruined The West Wing," but even Richard Schiff says 'Arctic Radar' is one of the best episodes of the series. What else is Josh hiding? JOSH MALINA—actually pretty nic…

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7.05: Here Today (with Richard Schiff) 1:14:13

6y ago1:14:13

1:14:13

Richard Schiff joins us to discuss this gorgeous, eerie, heartbreaking episode and to tell us his true feelings about Toby’s storyline. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/705 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.04: Mr. Frost 54:16

6y ago54:16

54:16

Joshua Malina and Hrishikesh Hirway (collectively, “The Hosts”) have been served a subpoena to appear on this episode of the podcast, to testify in regards to the above television episode. Pursuant to this agreement, you (“Listener”) are required to listen to our nonsense. Failure to do so may result in missing out on some dumb thing that gets call…

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0.15: Alex Graves 51:53

6y ago51:53

51:53

At long last, West Wing director and executive producer Alex Graves joins us to talk about his time on the show. From "In Excelsis Deo" to "17 People" to our current episodes in Season 7, we discuss some of the big moments in the series that he helped shape. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/015 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-…

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7.03: Message of the Week 39:19

6y ago39:19

39:19

This week, the message is The Message of The Week. Just to brief you: we're keeping it brief. As they say in athletics. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/703 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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7.02: The Mommy Problem 54:11

6y ago54:11

54:11

In this mother of an episode, Alex Graves cranks the style up to 11. We’re introduced to the character of Louise Thornton (played by Janeane Garofalo). We get real-time text answers to our quests from the unstoppable Eli Attie. So get ready cuz, as Steve Miller says, "we go down Carolina!" For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/702 Learn about your …

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7.01: The Ticket 56:00

6y ago56:00

56:00

It’s the Season 7 premiere! Which begins, naturally, with a scene from the Season 10 premiere! Suspense hovers over this episode, like a space station in need of maintenance—or a baker about to be sent home from the tent—as Josh and Hrishi sort through both the wise and foolish acts of our heroes. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/701 Learn abo…

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0.14: Veep (with Gary Cole and David Mandel) 46:53

6y ago46:53

46:53

We wanted to honor the end of Vice President Bob Russell's storyline in The West Wing with Gary Cole, who played Bingo Bob. Gary also plays Kent Davison in the brilliant, vicious, hilarious Veep, so we decided to celebrate two great(?) Vice Presidents in one episode. It's a Veep special! We're also joined by Veep showrunner David Mandel, a huge Wes…

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6.22: 2162 Votes (Live with Mary McCormack and Lawrence O'Donnell) 1:11:03

6y ago1:11:03

1:11:03

We wrap up Season 6 with a live taping from Washington, DC, joined by special guests Mary McCormack (@marycmccormack) and Lawrence O’Donnell (@lawrence). Cue the balloons! Go balloons! Uhhh, where are the balloons?! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/622 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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6.21: Things Fall Apart (with Jennifer Palmieri) 1:06:14

6y ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the DNC, The delegate tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of democracy is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. With special guest, Jennifer Palmieri. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/621 Learn about your ad choices…

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6.20: In God We Trust (with Alan Alda and Rev. Katey Zeh) 1:20:46

6y ago1:20:46

1:20:46

The legendary Alan Alda joins us this week to discuss Arnie Vinick, the Constitution, and eating ice cream. Plus, we speak to Reverend Katey Zeh, the executive director of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/620 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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6.19: Ninety Miles Away 43:17

6+ y ago43:17

43:17

"Ninety Miles Away" really takes us somewhere, and we're not talking about Cuba. Josh and Hrishi try to navigate their way through wigs, termites, and Hemingway. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/619 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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0.13: Graphic Design for President! (with Michael Bierut and Leslie Wah) 1:00:07

6+ y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

When you’re running for President, how you present yourself to the public is crucial. The West Wing often underscored that it’s not just what one says, it’s how one says it. So in this special episode, we look at what goes into designing a Presidential campaign – both fictional, and non-fictional. Michael Bierut designed Hillary Clinton’s ubiquitou…

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6.18: La Palabra (with Eli Attie and Angelica Salas of CHIRLA) 1:02:16

6+ y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Eli Attie joins us again to talk about his third episode in the trilogy of Santos campaign episodes that he wrote for Season 6. We also hear from Angelica Salas of CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) on the real story behind California’s fight over driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/618 L…