Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

State of the Union, State of the Monarchy

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:41:11 GMT

Episode Summary

On this week’s Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown convenes his transatlantic panel to examine two democracies straining under the weight of power, personality and public distrust. In Washington, President Trump’s State of the Union address is dissected less as governing document and more as performance art, heavy on self congratulation, generous with medals and applause lines, and sharply combative toward Democrats. The panel questions whether such rhetoric represents democratic resilience, institutions holding firm, or simply the normalization of political antagonism as spectacle.

Across the Atlantic, the arrest of Prince Andrew under investigation, alongside renewed scrutiny stemming from the Epstein files, pushes Britain into uncomfortable constitutional territory. Is this elite accountability finally catching up with power, or is it a carefully managed distancing exercise by an institution that has survived by cutting loose liabilities? The monarchy’s durability, its relationship to political neutrality, and the erosion of deference are all put under the microscope. Comparisons with the United States are unavoidable, particularly the appetite, or lack thereof, for holding powerful figures to account.

The conversation then turns to the Gorton and Denton by election, a contest that feels bigger than its geography. With Labour, Reform and the Greens in a tight race, the panel debates whether Britain is entering a period of structural political realignment. Is Reform’s ascent a populist vindication or a short term protest vehicle? Can the Greens convert authenticity and digital savvy into sustained influence? And are the Conservatives facing something more existential than a bad polling cycle? On both sides of the Atlantic, the episode leaves listeners with a bracing question, are these systems bending or quietly being remade?

Five Key Quotes

“It’s presidential politics as world wrestling, this is what Trump does.”
“You can’t tell people that things are great when they’re not.”
“There’s a reason they’ve survived for 1,100 years, they’re experts at survival.”
“The splintering is extraordinary, it’s all to play for.”
“Authenticity is the difference, people can tell.”

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Mandelson, Starmer, and a Scandal That Was Wired to Explode

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:11:04 GMT

The Mandelson affair didn’t arrive as a shock so much as a delayed detonation. On Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown and his panel argue that the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US was neither unforeseeable nor accidental. It was the result of a conscious political decision one that traded judgment and party trust for perceived expediency, and one now threatening to corrode Labour’s credibility as a governing force.

Steve O’Neill frames the issue bluntly as a failure of judgment at the very top. Keir Starmer’s admission that he knew about Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein at the time of the appointment turns the scandal from an oversight into a choice. Leah Brown widens the lens, describing a cultural problem inside Labour’s leadership: a growing comfort with elite networks, transactional politics, and risk-taking that sits uneasily with the party’s professed values. Mandelson, long distrusted by Labour’s rank and file, becomes less an anomaly than a symptom.

The panel also grapples with why this scandal has landed so forcefully in Britain while similar Epstein-adjacent figures in the United States remain largely untouched. Mike Donahue argues that American politics has lost its capacity for collective shame, trapped in hyper-partisanship and institutional paralysis. In contrast, Britain—still angry, poorer, and distrustful of elites after Brexit—retains a shared sense that some lines simply should not be crossed. Whether Starmer survives the fallout may depend less on process than on whether Labour can convince voters that this was an aberration, not a reflection of who now governs in its name.

Five Key Quotes

“This wasn’t bad luck. It was a conscious choice.”
“You can have all the vetting processes you like, but someone still decides to override them.”
“Mandelson was playing from a different playbook one far closer to billionaires than to Labour members.”
“In the US, we’ve lost our sense of shame. Not even this is enough to force accountability.”
“The problem isn’t just Mandelson being found out it’s how many others are playing the same game.”

The Mark Carney Moment, Canada’s New Global Role

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:29:12 GMT

In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown sits down with Canadian political commentator and host of The O Show, Laura Babcock, to dissect Canada’s unexpected political upheaval and its new identity on the world stage. With Mark Carney now prime minister, what was once unimaginable has become policy: a technocratic, globally respected leader is now seen by many Canadians as their country’s best defense against the growing unpredictability of the United States under Donald Trump.

Babcock explains how Trump’s revived “51st state” rhetoric and a separatist push from Alberta have shaken Canadian politics out of its usual calm. Mark Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, was drafted into leadership in a moment of national anxiety. The result? What many are calling the “Carney Doctrine” a centrist, pragmatic, globally cooperative approach that reasserts Canada's place as a serious voice in a chaotic international landscape.

But this isn’t a cheerleading session. Carney’s past as a global banker still raises eyebrows among populists, and there are strategic risks in rebalancing trade and security away from the U.S. toward other powers like China. Still, Babcock argues that Carney's blend of calm pragmatism and sharp global insight has given Canada a renewed sense of unity, purpose and relevance.

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Execution in Minneapolis, Burnham is Blocked

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:47:45 GMT

In this week’s episode of Mid-Atlantic, the panel dissects two unsettling scenes of political drama — one on the streets of Minneapolis, the other in the corridors of Westminster. The fatal ICE shooting of a civilian in Minneapolis, initially misrepresented by the Trump administration, has unleashed a bipartisan backlash. Tensions flare as footage shows an unarmed veteran stepping in to aid a protester only to be shot dead. Host Roy Field Brown is joined by panelists Logan Phillips and Mike Donahue for a conversation that shifts from outrage to hard political analysis, exposing a nation’s frayed moral seams.

Across the pond, the Labour Party blocks Andy Burnham — the “King of the North” — from contesting a Westminster seat, triggering speculation of Keir Starmer’s insecurity. Is this about party discipline or political self-preservation? Corey Bernard decodes the local maths in Manchester’s Gorton and Denton constituency, while Leah Brown challenges Starmer’s leadership style, likening it to brittle control masquerading as strategy.

This episode weaves grief, fury, and policy fatigue with snappy transatlantic banter — and asks the fundamental question: when institutions crack, what do ordinary people do?

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Greenland, Trump, and the Transatlantic Stress Test

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:13:03 GMT

If you thought the idea of the US buying Greenland was a historical curiosity, think again. In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown returns to YouTube with geopolitical analyst Pyotr Kurzin of The Global Gambit to peer into the mess that is Trump-era foreign policy is creating in the North Atlantic. Spoiler: It’s not just about a frozen island with more musk oxen than people. It’s a full-blown stress test for NATO, Europe, and what’s left of the post-WWII international order.

Kurzin lays out the Trump worldview: alliances are optional, leverage is everything, and territorial sovereignty is up for negotiation. European leaders are adjusting, some more bravely than others. Macron is saying the quiet part out loud, Germany is quietly recalibrating, and the UK is hedging its bets, Brexit hangover and all.

This isn’t just about Greenland. It’s about whether Europe can finally stop outsourcing its security to a partner that may now be actively undermining it. The conversation ends with an uncomfortable but necessary truth. If this is the new normal, then Europe, Britain included, needs to grow up, gear up, and rethink everything from trade to deterrence.

Selected Quotes from the Episode

“Trump sees Greenland as an extension of the Americas, which therefore by default is de facto America’s to control.”
“Europe needs to behave in the reality that it is, not in the way that it wants it to be.”
“We live in an age of international disorder.”
“Britain needs to pick a side. Be more consistent in its messaging and positioning.”
“Hope is not a strategy.”

Further Reading & References from the Episode

The Global Gambit YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlobalGambit

The Global Gambit Substack

https://theglobalgambit.substack.com

Financial Times illustration of global powers carving up the world

https://www.ft.com

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Reform and Fallout

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:17:35 GMT

A defection, a photocopied resignation, and an airborne crisis: welcome to politics in 2026.

In this week’s episode of Mid-Atlantic, Royfield Brown leads a transatlantic panel through the latest signs of fracture on the British right and a chaotic shift in U.S. foreign policy. Robert Jenrick’s defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK is dissected not as a grand ideological realignment, but as a cynical career move amid a floundering party machine. Corey Bernard and Tanya Altrade offer little sympathy, framing the departure as more “photocopier farce” than political earthquake, while Logan Phillips warns of what happens when short-termism becomes the only strategy left standing.

Attention then pivots to Washington, where Trump’s erratic foreign policy has turned the Monroe Doctrine into something far more impulsive—and combustible. From the disastrous optics of promising support to Iranian protesters (then ghosting them), to the bizarre muscle-flexing over Greenland, Logan paints a picture of a White House driven by ego, not doctrine. As European troops cautiously land in Greenland and NATO solidarity is tested in real-time, the panel reflects on the geopolitical aftershocks of U.S. unpredictability.

The episode closes on a lighter note—sort of—with Gregorian chants, Game of Thrones hypotheticals, and Roy Field’s lament that YouTube might be eating TV’s lunch… and possibly dinner.

Selected Quotes:

“Robert Jenrick left the Conservative Party because he saw no future in it, only a future for himself elsewhere.” — Corey Bernard

“Farage is not anti-establishment. He’s just mad the establishment won’t let him in.” — Tanya Altrade

“Americans want to be the big dog, but not the bully. Trump makes that distinction hard.” — Logan Phillips

“We’re living in a world shaped by how Donald Trump’s father treated him.” — Corey Bernard

Further Reading & Links Mentioned:

Race to the White House – Logan Phillips' election forecasting site
Breaking Points on YouTube
Three-Eyed Theorist on YouTube (Game of Thrones What-Ifs)
Chess.com YouTube Channel
Screen Crush – Film and Marvel Commentary
Gregorian Chant YouTube Search

Next Episode Preview:

Join us next time as Mid-Atlantic shifts to YouTube—bringing panelist beards, political insights, and probably more broadband-related complaints into full 4K view.

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The US attacks Venezuela, When the Rules Become Optional

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:37:27 GMT

Host: Roifield Brown

Producer: Connor Begley

Guests: Mike Donahue, Mike Holden, Tony Alltrade

Episode summary

This week, Mid-Atlantic looks at what happens when the “rules-based international order” stops behaving like a system and starts behaving like a slogan. The conversation centres on the US seizure/extraction of Venezuela’s president and the eerie normalisation of an act that by the usual standards would be labelled rogue behaviour. From there, the panel widens the lens: spheres of influence, NATO’s credibility, Britain’s silence, and the uncomfortable possibility that “rogue state” is becoming a category defined by power, not principle.

What we cover

The “rules-based order” feels retired: how language about sovereignty and international law collapses when allies break it.
Why Britain went quiet: the panel digs into the significance of Keir Starmer’s (and the UK government’s) muted response—and what that says about the “special relationship.”
Foreign policy vs domestic distraction: is this about strategy (oil, BRICS, China/Russia influence), or a political smokescreen (Epstein files, domestic turmoil, midterms)?
“Trump pushes until stopped”: the idea that boundary-testing is the method, not a side-effect.
Greenland as the next anxiety: not just as a hypothetical, but as a test of whether NATO is a system with teeth or a club with vibes.
Spheres of influence, back to the 19th century: are we sliding into a three-bloc world and if so, what replaces the pretence of universal rules?
NATO: paper, system, or faith?: argument over whether annexation would shatter the alliance or merely bruise it.
The “moral high ground” problem: what the West can and can’t say about Russia/Ukraine or China/Taiwan after a precedent like this.
Can US institutions stop a rogue executive?: sharp disagreement on whether the military, courts, Congress, or wider civil society can meaningfully constrain Trump.
Consequences if the order collapses: sanctions, trade wars, defence spending spikes, market shock, and realignment away from US leadership.
A little football palate cleanser: Arsenal title optimism, Burnley survival nerves, Portsmouth loyalty, and a classic Mid-Atlantic sign-off.

Key moments & quotes (highlights)

Ro: “If that doesn’t count as rogue behaviour, then the term has become meaningless.”
Mike Donahue: “He’ll push and push and push boundaries until someone actually stops him.”
Mike Holden: “Yes, any maniac looks strong. But that doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy.”
Tony: “We’re almost having to reset… we have no semblance of what is right again.”
On NATO/Europe’s response: “Very strongly worded diplomatic messages… very strongly worded.”

Big questions the episode asks

What does a world look like when rules become optional?
Who gets to break the rules and who gets punished for trying?
If the old system is dead, what replaces it: blocs, spheres, or chaos?
How does the West criticise Russia or China after this precedent?
Is the real battle now internal to the US rather than international?

People & accounts mentioned

Mike Donahue — (social: discussed on-air)
Mike Holden — @MikeHolden42
Tony (“Alltrade”) — @alltrade_ (Twitter) / Tony on the… / alt aLT (as mentioned)

Closing beat

The episode ends where it began: with disbelief, unease, and a running (and increasingly personal) disagreement between Ro and Donahue about whether anyone can stop Trump or whether the rest of the world is simply getting a late invitation to the chaos Americans have already been living through.

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Has Trump Permanently Coarsened American Political Language?

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:09:24 GMT

In this week’s episode of MidAtlantic, host Roifield Brown asks whether Donald Trump’s corrosive rhetoric is a momentary blip or a seismic shift in the way American presidents speak and more importantly, lead. Is the bar for political discourse permanently lowered, or are we just watching a uniquely toxic figure dominate a uniquely toxic moment?

The transatlantic panel includes Steve Krone in LA, Denise Hamilton in Houston, Mike Donahue in the U.S., and Mike Holden in Preston, UK. Together, they grapple with whether Trump’s verbal scorched-earth tactics are just personal style or indicative of something more lasting. Krone argues the bigger threat isn’t Trump’s words but his authoritarian ambitions. Hamilton disagrees, insisting rhetoric and policy now move hand in hand, eroding trust in institutions and in each other. Donahue adds that Trump’s cult-like grip on the Republican base makes critique feel futile. “There is no bottom,” he says.

From the UK, Holden observes the creeping Trumpian tone in Reform UK’s politics. One Reform candidate telling David Lammy MP to “go back where he came from” may be Britain’s own grotesque baby step in that direction. But Boris Johnson, for all his rule-breaking, used elevated language. Trumpism in tweed, you might say.

So what’s the right response? Fight fire with fire or take the high road? The panel is split. Gavin Newsom’s choice to hit back with the same kind of crassness raises the question: is this tactical jiu-jitsu or just more degradation of political standards?

The conversation closes with a tribute to Rob Reiner, whose films offered a more decent and coherent version of the American story. The contrast is stark and perhaps intentional.

Five Key Quotes

Steve Krone: “Trump is vile, yes, but has he changed the baseline of political discourse? I don't think so.”
Denise Hamilton: “Rhetoric plus policy equals destruction. That’s the true Trump legacy.”
Mike Donahue: “There is no bottom. We’ve just given up caring. If you haven’t figured out who Trump is by now, there’s no hope.”
Mike Holden: “Some UK politicians are trying out Trumpism but in lowercase.”
Denise Hamilton: “How do you fight a sociopath? Michelle Obama said go high. My mother said gouge their eyes out.”

From Council Estates to the Green Surge, Local Power and National Shifts with Cllr Julian Pritchard

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:52:37 GMT

In this episode, RoyField Brown revisits his Birmingham radio roots with an interview that blends the local and the political. Green Party councillor Julian Pritchard joins from his ward of Druids Heath and Monyhull, a place that even the most civic-minded Brummies might struggle to locate on a map. But that’s the point. Pritchard has been trying to change that for over seven years, turning up, knocking doors, chasing bin collections, and campaigning for a more equitable form of regeneration that isn’t developer-led and value-extractive. His success there is more than a hyper-local curiosity. It’s part of a wider green moment.

The conversation moves between the nitty-gritty of grassroots activism and the broader surge in national Green Party support, spurred in part by leader Zack Polanski’s recent media breakthrough. Pritchard, a methodical campaigner, credits Polanski with articulating long-held Green values, on social justice and climate policy alike, with clarity and conviction. Unlike Labour’s technocratic drift, the Greens now appear to be talking about transformation and redistribution, and crucially, they’re being heard.

As for Druids Heath, it's a case study in how regeneration can alienate when it doesn’t centre residents. Pritchard pushes back against full demolition plans for the estate, highlighting the murky logic of “affordable housing” that may not be affordable at all. He’s advocating for proper social housing, not policy euphemisms. Amid a national housing debate, the fate of Druids Heath could be a local test case with national implications.

5 Selected Quotes

"We need somebody like your leader who can grab the attention and articulate a vision, not just for now, but where we are going." — RoyField Brown
"It's about changing systems and policies, not saying that everybody makes real choices." — Julian Pritchard
"People felt taken for granted, and nobody did anything." — Julian Pritchard
"This is trust us from the council that's delivered us equal pay liability, bankruptcy, Oracle disaster, yearlong bin strike..." — Julian Pritchard
"To save the planet fairly, we’ve got to focus on both people and planet." — Julian Pritchard

Podcast Producer Connor Begley

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The New Left Is Here And It’s Winning

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:49:52 GMT

What do a Democratic Socialist in New York and a Green Party leader in Britain have in common? Charisma, clarity, and, apparently, a hatred of high bus fares. In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and the transatlantic panel tackle the political rise of Manami in NYC and Zack Polanski in the UK—two left-wing politicians who’ve gone from fringe to front page without watering down their message.

Manami’s victory over Andrew Cuomo to become New York’s mayor-elect wasn’t just an electoral upset; it was a messaging masterclass. Free buses, city-run groceries, and rent freezes—policies that many establishment Democrats wouldn't touch with a barge pole—landed him in City Hall with a wave of grassroots energy and a TikTok-savvy machine behind him. Meanwhile, across the pond, Polanski’s strategic reframing of the Green Party—away from "tree hugger" stereotypes and toward a hard-hitting, cost-of-living political vehicle—has seen the party overtake the Lib Dems and Tories in membership numbers.

But is this revival of unapologetic leftism a fleeting blip, or a realignment? Can charisma and clear messaging finally outgun billionaire-backed centrism and weary technocracy? Roifield is joined by regulars Denise Hamilton (Houston), Steve O'Neill (London), Cory Bernard (Manchester), and Mike Donahue (Los Angeles) to unpack what the centre-left keeps missing—and why hope might just be the most radical policy of all.

Five Standout Quotes:

“If people feel seen, they feel heard, they feel valued, they will support you—and they will vote for you.” – Denise Hamilton
“Corbyn always sounds like someone’s just stolen his lunch.” – Corey Bernard
“Even if you elect Bernie Sanders president, how effectual is he going to be? But the mayor of New York—he can change things.” – Mike Donahue
“Polanski just sounds like he enjoys it. Same message as Corbyn, but without the gloom.” – Steve O'Neill
“We’ve embraced a cynicism and a hopelessness that Manami rejected—and people gravitated to it.” – Denise Hamilton

Panel Social Handles:

Denise Hamilton: @officialdham
Mike Donahue: [@MichaelDonahue on Bluesky]
Steve O’Neill: [@SteveZeroONeill] – Mostly on LinkedIn
Cory Bernard: @168Polymer

Next Episode Tease:

Will the UK general election be a bloodbath for Labour—or will Starmer’s centrism survive the green wave? Stay tuned.

Need tweaks to match a specific platform (Spotify, Apple, etc.) or want a shorter version for email/newsletter blasts? Let me know.

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Gaza, Genocide and the West’s Moral Failure

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:50:21 GMT

In this charged episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown is joined by Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani, along with regular contributors Cory Bernard in Manchester and Mike Donahue in Los Angeles, to lay bare the harrowing conditions in Gaza and the political cowardice of the West. With over 60,000 Palestinians killed and famine declared by the IPC, the panel asks a blunt question: why does the so-called democratic world continue to stall, excuse, and equivocate?

Rabbani underscores the systematic assault not just on Gaza, but on the Palestinian people as a whole — from military aggression and forced displacement to attempts at erasing Palestinian refugees from political consideration. The conversation pivots to the deafening silence from Washington, London, and Brussels, and the wider consequences for international law, human rights, and geopolitical credibility. Meanwhile, domestic shifts are underway: US support for Israel is fracturing along generational lines, while in the UK, groups like Palestine Action face state repression under terrorism legislation — raising questions about civil liberties and the hypocrisy of Western democratic claims.

Finally, the guests wrestle with the viability of a two-state solution. Mouin Rabbani insists that any hope for Palestinian sovereignty must come with political renewal and an end to the current PA-Hamas schism. But even that hinges on one thing Western governments refuse to offer: meaningful pressure on Israel. For now, the focus must be immediate — stop the famine, stop the bombs, and stop the enabling.

Selected Quotes

"The PA has essentially assumed the role of a powerless spectator." — Mouin Rabbani
"It's Marjorie Taylor Greene saying, 'Why are we supporting genocide?' That's how much the conversation has shifted." — Roifield Brown
"You should not be able to break into an RAF base. That says more about our military than it does about Palestine Action." — Cory Bernard
"The West has made Israel a special case because of the Holocaust. That indulgence is eroding — and fast." — Mouin Rabbani
"We can talk about statehood tomorrow. But tonight, people are starving. Get them food." — Roifield Brown

Gaza, Moral Clarity and Complicity

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:07:10 GMT

Mid-Atlantic: Gaza—Moral Clarity and Complicity

Guests: Dave Smith (North London), Michael Donahue (Los Angeles), Tonye “T” Trade (East London), Safana “Saf” Monajed (East London) Host: Roifield Brown

Episode summary

Roifield opens with a stark personal statement: Gaza is a genocide, and Britain’s leadership—particularly the Labour government—has failed morally and politically. The panel examines the collapse of a “rules-based order,” Western complicity, media cowardice, the role of the IDF, Netanyahu’s politics, and why Arab and Western governments have not stopped the slaughter. The conversation closes with appeals to justice, courage, and hope.

One quote per speaker

Roifield Brown (Host): “There comes a point when you have to stand up and call out mass murder and crimes against humanity when you see them on your smartphone, your TV, in your newspaper.”
Dave Smith: “Yes, it is genocide—ethnic cleansing—and a holocaust in our own time; the rules-based order has given way to might-is-right.”
Michael Donahue: “Netanyahu isn’t leading so much as riding a wave of anti-Palestinian sentiment—everything about this is just crushingly depressing.”
Tonye Altraide “This is the naked expression of extreme Zionism; our media’s silence is enforced by influence, cowardice, and self-preservation.”
Safana “Saf” Monajed: “What you see on the micro you see on the macro—states and people alike choose self-preservation over justice.”

Key themes

The collapse of Western moral authority and selective application of “rules-based order.”
Genocidal rhetoric, systematic targeting of civilians, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Media gatekeeping and the costs of speaking plainly about Gaza.
U.S./UK complicity through arms and political cover; cautious divergence only very recently.
Arab regimes’ calculus of self-preservation.
Holding onto a “moral imperative of hope” and a future Palestinian state.

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Westminster vs. Washington: Musk’s Exit Scam

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:39:54 GMT

This week’s Mid-Atlantic served up a blistering transatlantic roundup, with host Roifield Brown and a sharp panel of commentators dissecting political dysfunction from the White House to Westminster. First, Elon Musk’s abrupt departure from the Trump administration drew collective side-eye. Denise Hamilton called it a “planned grift,” while Michael Donahue reminded us Musk’s firms are still swimming in government contracts. As for public perception? Let’s just say Tesla’s aura now smells a lot like diesel.

Next, Trump’s vendetta against Harvard and foreign students provoked righteous fury. Michael labelled it “vindictive chaos,” while Denise broke down how this could gut America’s soft power for decades. Meanwhile, Cory Bernard coolly suggested British universities may opportunistically benefit from Trump’s xenophobic overreach. A win for Oxford, a loss for everyone else.

On the UK side, Labour’s Brexit “reset” is, according to Cory, “technocratic fudge.” While the EU quietly standardises global regulation, Britain remains a rule-taker masquerading as a rule-maker. The panel skewered Starmer’s “quiet alignment” approach, calling it necessary but cowardly. Gaza and the UK’s too-little-too-late condemnation of Israeli settlements brought a sombre close, with Denise lamenting performative outrage after the damage is done. Oh, and Trump’s tariffs? Illegal, inflationary, and economically suicidal—now rubber-stamped as such by the courts.

Selected Quotes from the Episode

“This is just a three-card monte. You’re looking over here, meanwhile, you’re being robbed mercilessly.” – Denise Hamilton
“You can’t run a country like a business because government’s job isn’t to make money—it’s to deliver the mail and send checks to old people.” – Michael Donahue
“The UK’s condemnation is just performative. Now that Gaza’s flattened, suddenly everyone finds their moral compass.” – Cory Bernard
“We are experiencing a level of grift we can’t even process.” – Denise Hamilton
“The EU is stealthily rewriting global corporate governance—and Britain is just cosplaying sovereignty.” – Roifield Brown

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Post-Election Blues, Reform’s Rise, and Labour’s Messaging Meltdown

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:20:27 GMT

British politics post-local elections resembles less a democracy in action and more a therapy session with occasional shouting. In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, the panel tears into the latest electoral results, with Reform UK bulldozing their way through local councils, Labour sleepwalking through governance, and the Tories doing their best impression of a political hospice.

Dave Smith kicks things off with a cold, hard look at Reform UK’s momentum. With council control and a surprise mayoral win in Lincolnshire, Reform is no longer on the fringes. Smith calls them a “galvanising force for the working class,” prompting an awkward reckoning from the left. Labour, once the natural home for these voters, is now seen as distant, managerial, and uninspiring. Steve O’Neill admits his past support for Labour’s “do nothing and hope” Ming vase strategy was misplaced—an understatement.

Tonye Altrade and Leah Brown grapple with Labour’s post-landslide hangover. Starmer’s white paper on immigration is dissected not just for its policies but for the gaping hole where vision should be. It's tough to sell a national direction when no one can tell what lane you’re driving in. Leah Brown underlines the real crisis: Labour may be governing, but Reform is winning the emotional war by peddling a message of hope, however dubious the details.

The Tories, according to Brown, are in survival mode. Talk of new leadership is already swirling, with Kemi Badenoch eyed as the phoenix to rise from electoral ashes. But internal division and reformist flirtations risk turning the party into political mulch. Meanwhile, the Lib Dems are cheerfully slicing up the Tory carcass in the South West and beyond. Steve O’Neill calls it “vibes-based campaigning,” and frankly, it's working. While Reform is tapping into disillusionment and Labour fumbles the bag it just won, the Lib Dems are slowly, quietly positioning themselves as the adults in the room—if only anyone knew who Ed Davey was.

5 Quotes from the Episode

“It's still like being crowned the tallest dwarf.” – on Lib Dems’ electoral wins.
“Populism doesn’t equate to good governance.” – Leah Brown
“Labour basically ran on being ‘not the Tories’. Now Reform is running on being ‘not Labour’.” – Dave Smith
“Starmer behind a lectern won't fix Britain's sinking ship. He needs to be laying bricks on a building site.” – Royfield Brown
“We knew what the last Tory government said it stood for. I have no idea what this one does.” – Steve O’Neill

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Canada Votes 2025 – A Maple-Syrup-Soaked Middle Finger to Trumpism

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:37:59 GMT

In this post-election special of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and Canadian political analyst Adam Schaan break down what might be the most consequential Canadian election in recent memory—not just for the results, but for what they signal about the country’s identity. In a week where Donald Trump’s bombastic threats of annexation echoed from below the 49th parallel, Canada’s electorate responded with an unmistakable rejection of populist rhetoric, economic fearmongering, and American political toxicity.

Mark Carney’s Liberal Party managed to claw its way back into minority power, with 169 seats and 43.7% of the vote, largely thanks to a generational divide and the NDP’s collapse. While Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives posted their strongest popular vote showing since 1988, a loss of his own riding and a perception problem with key demographics (read: older voters and women) left the party licking its wounds. The NDP, Greens, and Bloc all bled support, caught in the crossfire of a campaign where sovereignty and survival overshadowed ideology.

Adam Schaan, fueled by cigarettes and sheer political obsession, paints a picture of a fractured federation temporarily glued together by a fear of becoming the 51st state. Whether unity can hold, and whether Carney truly walks the walk of humility and coalition-building, remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Canada is reasserting its independence not with sabres, but with ballots.

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Executive Overreach and Rightwing Realignments

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:45:12 GMT

In Washington, a rare flicker of institutional resistance is lighting up the political gloom. As the Supreme Court sides 7-2 against mass deportations and Harvard takes legal aim at executive power, Roifield Brown and his panel ask the awkward but necessary question: Is the American Republic finally growing a spine? Panelists Denise Hamilton and Mike Donahue agree that while Trump’s pressure tactics aren’t new, the scale of legal and educational defiance certainly is. Meanwhile, they also highlight the existential threat: America’s fragmented information ecosystems mean citizens no longer even start from the same facts, making any comeback for democratic norms a grinding uphill struggle.

Across the Atlantic, a different kind of existential crisis unfolds. Robert Jenrick, already measuring the curtains for Tory leadership, hints at a tactical realignment between the Conservative Party and Reform UK. Cory Bernard and Steve O’Neill dissect the fine line between electoral pragmatism and political self-destruction. They warn that while Britain’s political history favours the Conservative Party's survival, wealth inequality and voter volatility could easily tear up the rulebook. Roy Field, clearly unimpressed by complacency, reminds everyone that assuming Britain’s institutions are immune to collapse is dangerously naive.

The panel closes with a lighter moment: each guest picks a hometown hero worthy of a street name. Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, and Clement Attlee are among the choices, though Steve O’Neill’s initial bid for "Roger Federer Street" suggests some people should stay away from naming contests. Throughout the episode, the tone is bracing: whether it's executive overreach in the U.S. or far-right drift in the U.K., democracy’s defenders will need a lot more than nostalgia and wishful thinking to hold the line.

5 Selected Quotes:

“I think what we're seeing is a stiffening of the spine and a bigger commitment to holding up our institutions.” — Denise Hamilton
“It’s not left versus right anymore — it’s institutions versus chaos.” — Roifield Brown
“You can't rationalize with people who aren't working with the same facts.” — Mike Donahue
“Britain's political history doesn't guarantee immunity from collapse.” — Roifield Brown
“One street at a time, we still get to choose who we celebrate.” — Denise Hamilton

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The Tariff Tantrum, Trump and the End of Brand America

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:29:55 GMT

This week on Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown hosts a packed panel to break down Donald Trump's latest economic gamble: a 10% blanket import tariff and steeper levies on select countries, with China squarely in the crosshairs. The result? Global market chaos, retaliatory threats, and international alarm bells over the US’s role in the rules-based economic order.

Joining from across the Atlantic and the US are Logan Phillips in D.C., Michael Donahue in L.A., and Cory Bernard in Manchester. The panel weighs whether the tariff plan is part of a coherent economic strategy or just political theatre aimed at riling up Trump's base — spoiler: coherence is not in attendance. More than just a trade war, this marks a serious erosion of trust in the US as a trading partner. The dollar might be strong, but America's brand value? Not so much.

The second half turns sharply towards the UK's options in a world where the US is a geopolitical liability. Roifield pitches a Commonwealth-centric economic bloc as a post-Brexit survival strategy — cue a full-on diplomatic skirmish. What follows is a clash of economic realism, nostalgia, and pride as the panel debates whether Britain should grovel, realign, or get louder. Yes, tempers flare. And yes, someone gets called Neville Chamberlain.

Five Standout Quotes:

“This was not Team Trump’s best moment. It’s like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.” – Logan Phillips
“If you know tariffs are coming and then vanishing, there’s billions to be made — and lost. That’s terrifying.” – Michael Donahue
“Brand America just took a six-trillion-dollar hit. But it’s the trust deficit that really stings.” – Roifield Brown
“Trump won’t lose his base until their wallets feel it. If they can’t feed their families, that’s the break.” – Cory Bernard
“I’m not giving away the Sudetenland — I’m trying to build a coalition against economic lunacy.” – Roifield Brown

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Signal Failure, Leaks, Bombs, and Budget Cuts

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:23:33 GMT

This week’s Mid-Atlantic felt like reading classified memos in the group chat, except the group chat accidentally included a journalist and the memos were about bombing Yemen. Host Roifield Brown and his panel of sharp minds, Aram Fischer in Oakland, Denise Hamilton in Houston, Steve O’Neill in London, and Leah Brown in Broadstairs, looked at two transatlantic absurdities: national security leaks from Team Trump 2.0, and a British Labour government budgeting like it’s still 2010.

In the US, cabinet officials used Signal to discuss military strikes in Yemen, adding a reporter to the chat by mistake. The conversation quickly turned from emoji-filled incompetence to existential dread. Denise Hamilton called it what it is: “a cabinet of convenience and fealty,” while Aram Fischer reminded us that when the “vibes” run the state, reality bites hard. Bombs fell, 53 people died, and somehow no one resigned.

Across the pond, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a Spring Budget that sounds progressive until you read it. Welfare cuts, frozen benefits, and a forecast of a quarter-million more people—including 50,000 children—falling into poverty. All while wealth remains virtually untaxed. The panel didn’t hold back. “Tories in all but name,” Roifield declared, with Steve admitting he didn’t vote Labour to get austerity rebranded with a red rosette.

Takeaway: If this episode had a moral, it’s this: Government by vibes kills. And Labour’s soft technocracy might just be Tories on mute.

5 Pull Quotes:

“This is not a cabinet of excellence. This is a cabinet of convenience and fealty.” – Denise Hamilton
“They added a journalist to the Signal thread and thought, ‘Eh, it’s fine.’ That’s where we’re at.” – Aram Fischer
“Nothing really matters as long as the vibes are right.” – Aram Fischer, summarising MAGA foreign policy
“Labour’s playing a long game with no message. That’s a strategy with a short shelf life.” – Leah Brown
“You knew what the Tories stood for. I’ve got no idea what this lot stand for.” – Roifield Brown

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Canada Under Siege? The Trump Trade War and a Resurgent Liberal Party

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:57:12 GMT

Mark Carney is Canada’s new prime minister, the Liberals are surging in the polls, and the country is locked in an escalating trade war with its unpredictable southern neighbour. At the centre of it all? Donald Trump. Since returning to the White House, Trump has hit Canada with aggressive tariffs and even floated the outrageous idea of annexation. The result? A nationalist backlash, a boycott of U.S. goods, and a shifting political landscape that could redefine Canada’s future.

Roifield Brown is joined by media strategist Laura Babcock and political analyst Adam Schaan to unpack what Carney’s leadership means for Canada and whether Pierre Poilievre, Canada’s own mini-Trump, can survive the fallout. Has Trump inadvertently handed the Liberals a lifeline? Will Canada turn further toward Europe as America becomes an unreliable partner? And is this trade war just a symptom of a much deeper ideological battle?

Five Notable Quotes from the Episode:

“We are in a propaganda war with our southern neighbors, and they are trying to get us to question our own democracy.” – Laura Babcock
“This election won’t be about facts—it will be fueled by emotions, and right now, Canadians feel under siege.” – Adam Schaan
“Trump didn’t think this through. He needs Canada’s resources far more than Canada needs his nonsense.” – Roifield Brown
“If Trump can do this to Canada, what’s stopping him from doing it to any other ally?” – Laura Babcock
“If Poilievre can’t secure a majority, his leadership will be on borrowed time.” – Adam Schaan

Kash Patel, Trump 2.0, and Britain's Identity Crisis

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:49:55 GMT

On this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown, broadcasting from sunny Oakland, takes on a transatlantic feast of political intrigue with guests Aram Fischer, Cory Bernard, Denise Hamilton, and Mike Donahue.

In the U.S., Kash Patel’s confirmation as FBI director raises alarm bells about the erosion of institutional integrity. Denise calls it “catastrophic,” while Aram points out the grim normalization of political weaponization. The panel digs into Robert F. Kennedy’s new role as health secretary, questioning what it means for evidence-based policy when a vaccine skeptic helms public health. Trump 2.0 looms large, with concerns about transactional diplomacy in Ukraine and a revamped "America First" agenda that feels all too familiar.

Across the pond, the UK's proposed youth mobility scheme sparks debate. Cory argues it’s a pragmatic fix for Brexit’s labor shortages, but Mike warns of political skittishness. Nigel Farage’s departure from Reform UK has mixed implications—could his influence truly wane? Kemi Badenoch’s warnings of Western decline also come under the microscope, with the panel parsing whether this is a genuine call to unity or a veiled push against multiculturalism.

Notable Quotes:

“We need these institutions to work, and they are being compromised from the inside out.” — Denise Hamilton
“It’s a hostile takeover of government, plain and simple.” — Aram Fischer
“If you think the park ranger was keeping you from living your best life, maybe reevaluate.” — Denise Hamilton
“Farage knows how to speak to regular people, but that doesn’t mean he’s good for them.” — Mike Donahue
“We need someone to present a vision of Britishness that feels real—not just a reactionary echo.” — Cory Bernard

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Trump’s Gaza Gambit & Britain’s Colonial Reckoning

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:45:12 GMT

This episode of Mid Atlantic tackles two seismic geopolitical issues shaping transatlantic discourse. First, Donald Trump’s alarming suggestion that the U.S. should take control of Gaza sparks global outrage, raising questions about America’s stance on foreign intervention and human rights. The panel—featuring host Royfield Brown, progressive organizer Aram Fischer, polling expert Logan Phillips, mediator Leah Brown, and tech entrepreneur Michael Donahue—dissects the domestic and international fallout, the Republican Party’s reaction, and how this aligns with Trump’s broader disregard for international norms.

Then, the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius—while retaining control of Diego Garcia for military operations—triggers fresh debates about colonial legacy and national security. As Keir Starmer takes heat for a deal orchestrated under the Conservatives, the panel examines Britain’s reluctance to fully reckon with its imperial past and whether this move signals true decolonization or a carefully managed power play.

To wrap up, the panel weighs in on the Super Bowl—some with genuine excitement, others with absolute indifference.

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Trump’s Executive Orders, UK Immigration, and the AI Power-Shift

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 13:19:29 GMT

This episode of Mid-Atlantic examines the latest political and economic turmoil on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, Trump’s sweeping executive orders, including plans for an immigration detention center at Guantanamo Bay, signal a hard-line second-term agenda. His tariffs threaten global trade, while his federal appointments prioritize loyalty over competence. Across the UK, immigration dominates headlines as the population surpasses that of France, fueling debates over national identity, economic necessity, and post-Brexit trade strategy. Meanwhile, China’s DeepSeek AI has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, raising questions about the West’s technological dominance and the future of work in an AI-driven world.

Logan Phillips, Denise Hamilton, Dave Smith, Tonye Altraide, and Michael Donahue break down the real motives behind Trump’s policy blitz, the UK’s struggles to reconcile border control with labor shortages, and whether AI will lead us toward utopia or economic collapse. With a mix of analysis, frustration, and a few well-placed snarky remarks, this episode tackles the intersection of power, populism, and technology.

Notable Quotes:

Logan Phillips: “Building an immigration detention centre at Guantanamo Bay? It’s cruelty for the sake of spectacle.”
Denise Hamilton: “You can’t negotiate with someone willing to cut the throats of his own people just to stop minorities and women from succeeding.”
Michael Donahue: “AI is going to rule our lives in 30 years anyway—enjoy it while it’s still fun.”
Dave Smith: “Britain keeps trying to reclaim a role it held by force, not by consensus. Maybe it’s time to figure out what we actually want to be.”
Tonye Altraide: “We’ve allowed people to redefine Britain as something it’s not. This country is supposed to be about fairness, inclusion, and dignity.”

Tech Billionaires, the American Oligarchy

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:07:13 GMT

The second Trump inauguration was more than just a political spectacle—it was a clear signal of Silicon Valley’s growing entrenchment in American governance. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and other tech moguls sat front and center, ahead of cabinet secretaries, embodying a stark new reality: the marriage of big tech and the state is no longer subtle, it's explicit. This week’s Mid Atlantic dissects what this means for democracy, corporate power, and the growing rift within the American right.

Host Roifield Brown is joined by an incisive panel: progressive strategist Aaron Fisher, political thinker Cory Bernard, campaign strategist Z Cohen Sanchez, and tech entrepreneur Michael Donoghue. Together, they explore whether this alignment is mere corporate pragmatism or a more sinister ideological shift. Fisher warns of the perils of unchecked billionaire influence, Sanchez underscores the Democratic Party’s failure to counteract these forces, and Bernard highlights the distinct differences between U.S. and U.K. political structures. Donoghue, speaking from the tech world itself, offers a bleak outlook: billionaires are playing with power like a passing fad, but the systemic consequences are anything but temporary.

As Trump’s executive orders begin dismantling legal and regulatory frameworks at breakneck speed, the discussion pivots to how opposition forces—particularly the Democrats—should respond. Is it time to watch and wait for fractures in the new ruling class, or is immediate mobilization necessary? The panel is divided, but one thing is clear: the line between corporate control and state power has never been thinner.

Five Notable Quotes from the Episode:

"Billionaires have always owned America. The difference now is they aren’t even pretending otherwise." – Aram Fischer
"The Democratic Party treats its movements like inconveniences, while the Republicans elevate theirs into power." – Z Cohen Sanchez
"Trump’s second term isn’t just dangerous—it’s disciplined. That’s what makes it terrifying." – Cory Bernard
"Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos—they’re not just donors, they’re shaping policy. That’s the death of democracy in real time." – Michael Donoghue
"This isn’t the Gilded Age. It’s the Gilded Age on steroids, with an algorithmic propaganda machine to match." – Roifield Brown

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Labour’s Corruption Scandal and Reform UK’s Rise

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:31:34 GMT

Labour’s Tulip Siddiq has resigned as Economic Secretary to the Treasury amid corruption allegations, marking the first major scandal to hit Keir Starmer’s government. The panel dissects what this means for Labour’s credibility, with some suggesting it’s merely the growing pains of governance, while others argue it could be an easy attack line for opponents eager to undermine Starmer’s promise of clean politics.

Meanwhile, Reform UK is shaking up the political landscape, overtaking the Conservatives in polls and edging closer to Labour. Nigel Farage’s populist movement is tapping into young, disillusioned voters—particularly young men—through an aggressive social media strategy. With Elon Musk openly engaging in British politics, the conversation turns to the wider implications of billionaire influence and whether the traditional party system is on the brink of collapse.

In a lively discussion, the panel debates whether the Conservatives have any identity left, what Labour must do to win back young voters, and why British politics might just be a more chaotic version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?—except the final prize is government control, and the lifeline is TikTok.

Notable Quotes:

"Welcome to the NFL, Ricky—Labour’s now in government, and scandals are inevitable." – Olisa Jones
"Reform UK is just saying what young voters want to hear—on the platforms where they actually listen." – Saffana Monajed
"The Conservatives have no clear identity. If Jenrick leads, aren’t they just Reform Party Lite?" – Royfield Brown
"We’ve always had billionaire influence in politics, but now it just feels more… blatant." – Tanye Altraide
"Labour is doing the right things—but they’re terrible at telling people about it." – Olisa Jones

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The Rise and Fall of Justin Trudeau – A Canadian Turning Point

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:33:21 GMT

Justin Trudeau’s decade-long run as Canada’s Prime Minister is ending, marking a dramatic shift in Canadian politics. Once a symbol of progressive optimism, Trudeau is now grappling with plummeting popularity, a fractured Liberal Party, and mounting challenges from a surging Conservative opposition under Pierre Poilievre. In this episode, Roy Field Brown speaks with political commentators Laura Babcock and Adam Khan to dissect Trudeau’s legacy, his downfall, and the road ahead for Canada.

From ambitious immigration targets and a housing crisis to economic stagnation and divisive COVID-19 policies, Trudeau’s missteps have alienated both the political center and his progressive base. Compounding this is an emboldened far-right influence in Canada, fueled by rhetoric spilling over from the United States. As Trump eyes Canada in his rhetoric, even suggesting a borderless North America, the stakes have never been higher. Can the Liberals regroup under new leadership like Mark Carney to fend off a Conservative majority, or will 2025 mark a seismic political realignment?

Quotes from the Episode:

“Trudeau thought his charm and the family name would carry him through, but hubris blinded him to the mounting political storm.” – Laura Babcock
“Pierre Poilievre’s populism isn’t MAGA; it’s targeted, class-based, and resonates with both urban and rural Canadians.” – Adam Khan
“Canada is in a perfect storm: post-pandemic anxiety, inflation, housing shortages, and a rising tide of right-wing extremism.” – Laura Babcock
“If young people can’t afford homes, we’re facing a societal collapse—it’s not just an economic issue, it’s a moral one.” – Roy Field Brown
“The left must reclaim its mantle of economic fairness before the right completely co-opts it with empty populist rhetoric.” – Roy Field Brown

Jimmy Carter’s Legacy and Modern Political Cycles

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:37:02 GMT

This week’s Mid Atlantic explores the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who lived to 100 and left an indelible mark on American politics and humanitarian work. The panel examines his role as a symbol of a bygone era, bridging the post-war optimism of the mid-20th century and the rise of Reagan-era conservatism. Michael Donohue, Zee Cohen Sanchez, and Olisa Jones discuss Carter’s moral leadership and contrast it with today’s more polarised landscape, where figures like Trump and Elon Musk dominate.

The episode also tackles the growing fragmentation of Western politics, examining whether centrism still holds value as populism gains ground globally. From Biden’s tenuous legacy to Musk’s outsized influence, the conversation probes the future of governance in an age of spectacle and celebrity.

Quotes from the Show:

“Carter symbolized the end of the New Deal Democrats and the start of Reaganomics.” – Michael Donohue
“Kamala’s campaign showed the limits of box-ticking without a bold economic message.” – Zee Cohn Sanchez
“Populists thrive because they stand for something, even if it’s controversial.” – Alyssa Jones
“Musk’s entry into government is a symptom of a broader celebrity-driven politics.” – Royfield Brown
“The American electorate craves authenticity, not polished continuity candidates.” – Alyssa Jones

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Healthcare Rage and the "Free Luigi" Phenomenon

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:19:52 GMT

This episode of Mid Atlantic tackled the seismic aftermath of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination in Manhattan—a shocking act that's ignited a visceral debate around corporate greed, healthcare inequality, and public anger in the United States. Panelists Roifield Brown, Steve O’Neill, Mike Donahue, and first-time guest Jimmy the Giant dissected the complex implications of this event and its broader societal resonance.

The conversation explored whether the act, dubbed a political assassination, was a rallying cry against systemic injustices or an alarming escalation of violence. Hashtags like #FreeLuigi underscore the public's anti-corporate sentiment, but as the panelists debated, this moment seems unlikely to translate into political action. They compared the U.S.'s profit-driven healthcare system with the NHS in the UK, noting the deep cultural attachment to universal care in Britain. Warnings of privatisation were raised, but the panel largely agreed that such moves in the UK would spark resistance.

Ultimately, the discussion reflected on the growing unity across political lines in America against corporate overreach. Yet, skepticism loomed about whether this sentiment could coalesce into meaningful reform in a system dominated by money and lobbyists.

Five Key Quotes:

Steve O'Neill: “The NHS is a national institution that Britons hold dear—it's not just a service; it’s an identity.”
Mike Donahue: “If a CEO profits while people die for lack of healthcare, it’s hard not to call that systemic evil.”
Jimmy the Giant: “This isn’t one person’s greed; it’s a system designed to disconnect responsibility.”
Royfield Brown: “For 40 years, neoliberalism has hurt working families; now it’s time for a new way of doing politics.”
Jimmy the Giant: “If you want to privatize the NHS, you don’t attack it—you underfund it until the public gives up on it.”

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AI, Beauty Standards, and Body Image with Sangeeta Pillai

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:52:03 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown sits down with Sangeeta Pillai, feminist changemaker and host of Masala Podcast, to tackle a troubling facet of artificial intelligence: its impact on body image. The conversation centers around AI-generated beauty standards and their capacity to amplify already damaging ideals perpetuated by social media and advertising.

Sangeeta's recent article sparked the discussion, highlighting how AI beauty pageants reflect narrow, harmful notions of beauty—thin, white, and hypersexualized. They examine the role of AI in reinforcing societal biases, particularly its lack of diversity and the troubling implications for young people growing up surrounded by such unrealistic portrayals. With studies showing that children as young as six worry about their weight, the conversation paints a stark picture of the psychological toll these developments could take. They also delve into AI’s role in dating, the commercialisation of "perfect" bodies, and the urgent need for regulation in a fast-moving, ethically murky space.

Roifield and Sangeeta leave listeners pondering whether humanity can reclaim authenticity in an era increasingly defined by artificial perfection. While the conversation highlights the downsides, it also underscores the importance of sparking debate now—before AI's effects on self-image spiral out of control.

Notable Quotes:

"Imagine if you take the worst ideas of beauty and let AI amplify them—that’s where we’re heading." – Sangeeta Pillai
"A six-year-old child looking in the mirror thinking, 'I need to be thinner'? That’s insane." – Sangeeta Pillai
"What AI does is strip out what makes us human: our imperfections, the very things that make us beautiful." – Sangeeta Pillai
"When we don't ask ethical questions about AI now, it’s like letting the train leave the station—soon, it’ll be too late." – Roifield Brown
"We’re not just addicted to technology; we’re replacing human connection with it—and it’s making us lonelier than ever." – Sangeeta Pillai

Trump's wild cabinet picks

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:29:04 GMT

In this episode of *MidAtlantic*, host Roifield Brown, joined by panelists from both sides of the Atlantic, unpacks the political reverberations of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election and shifts in British leadership. From the Democratic Party’s introspection post-Kamala Harris’s defeat to the implications of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, the discussion spans populist movements, neoliberal woes, and institutional complacency.

**Kamala Harris’s Loss and Democratic Strategy**

The panel critiques the Democratic Party’s messaging failures, particularly its over-reliance on identity politics while neglecting the economic pain felt by working-class voters. Aram Fischer highlights the party’s inability to address economic discontent effectively, allowing Trump’s simplistic blame-game narratives to resonate more powerfully with voters. Michael Donahue underscores the challenge of combating right-wing populism in a political system dominated by neoliberal inertia and financial inequities.

**Trump’s Cabinet: A Show of Loyalty or Competence?**

Donald Trump’s controversial appointments, including vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. and loyalists like Matt Gaetz, reflect his disdain for institutional norms and his consolidation of personal power. The panel speculates on the potential for internal Republican politics to shape national policy, while noting the absence of checks on Trump’s authority in this administration.

**Across the Pond: Keir Starmer vs. Kemi Badenoch**

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s early tenure as a “boring but competent” leader is juxtaposed with Kemi Badenoch’s shaky start as Leader of the Opposition. While Starmer’s steadiness may benefit Labour in the short term, some panelists express concern over his lack of transformative vision. Meanwhile, Badenoch faces skepticism over her political depth and readiness, though some Tories remain hopeful about her potential.

**The Gaza Debate and Moral Responsibility in Politics**

The conversation takes an impassioned turn as the panel confronts the West’s complicity in the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Criticism is levied against Keir Starmer and other Western leaders for their silence or tepid responses to what some panelists describe as ethnic cleansing. This segment underscores the broader tension between geopolitical pragmatism and moral leadership.

**Quotes to Reflect On**

1. **Aram Fischer**: "Trump says, ‘I see your pain, and it’s immigrants’ fault.’ Democrats say, ‘Things are getting better.’ Guess which resonates more?”

2. **Michael Donahue**: “Neoliberalism has squeezed people for decades; what they need is left economic populism, not status quo institutionalism.”

3. **Steve O’Neill**: “Starmer’s strength is in being a boring technocrat, but where’s the big, juicy policy to show things are changing?”

4. **Dave Smith**: “If we can’t call out ethnic cleansing in Gaza, what hope do we have of defending the rules-based international order anywhere?”

5. **Roifield Brown**: “Politics isn’t just management—it’s about inspiring people to believe change is possible.”

**Further Reading**

- [The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781631494536)

- [Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781324001546)

- [The History of the World in 47 Maps by John Elledge](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781911393701)

- [Tides of History Podcast](https://wondery.com/shows/tides-of-history/)

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America’s Political Earthquake: Trump’s Return and the Democratic Divide

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:07:05 GMT

In this episode, host Roifield Brown leads a riveting discussion on America’s political landscape after a historic and divisive election. Joined by political activist Zee Cohen Sanchez, tech entrepreneur Mike Donoghue, and author Jarett Kobek, the group dissects the surprising return of Donald Trump to the presidency and the ramifications for the Democratic Party, American democracy, and global stability. The analysis doesn’t just linger on Trump’s victory; it explores America’s ideological divides, the fading influence of character in politics, and how populism has now displaced traditional party structures.

The discussion shifts focus to the Democratic Party’s future, asking if it's time for a bold recalibration to reconnect with working-class America or to address the stark gender, race, and education-based divides in voting trends. While some argue for a more economically inclusive platform that speaks directly to disenfranchised voters, others contend that the Democratic Party's alignment with elite technocrats has distanced it from grassroots support.

Finally, the panel unpacks Trump’s alignment with global authoritarian figures and its possible threats to NATO, European security, and the already fragile international order. While some panelists remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for a tempered approach from Trump, others warn of a deeply uncertain period ahead. This episode serves as a wake-up call for anyone seeking to understand the shifting tectonic plates of American politics—and what lies ahead.

Notable Quotes:

1. Roifield Brown: “The middle ground in American politics is gone. We are witnessing a tectonic shift.”

2. Zee Cohen Sanchez: “This wasn’t a red wave; it was a red bloodbath. The Democratic Party has lost touch with working-class America.”

3. Mike Donoghue: “The irony is, Trump won by portraying himself as the populist, but he’s anything but.”

4. Jarett Kobek: “Trump’s genius isn’t in governance—it’s in being a master marketer, aligning himself with those who feel ignored.”

5. Roifield Brown: “This isn’t about America alone. This epoch shift threatens the entire world order.”

Further Reading:

- [The Atlantic on Populism and Democracy](https://www.theatlantic.com/)

- [New York Times Analysis of Voter Demographics](https://www.nytimes.com/)

- [Pew Research on the Political Divide](https://www.pewresearch.org/)

- [Brookings: Future of NATO in Trump’s America](https://www.brookings.edu/).

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Election Showdowns & Budget Balancing Acts: U.S. on the Brink, U.K. on the Tightrope

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 11:36:13 GMT

In this episode of *Mid Atlantic*, host Roifield Brown assembles a dynamic panel to dissect two major political showdowns: the final week of the U.S. election and Labour’s landmark budget in the U.K. As Brown remarks, with tight swing-state races, all eyes are on pivotal battlegrounds where razor-thin margins could decide the outcome. Guests debate the atmospherics of campaign styles, contrasting Trump’s bombastic rallies with Kamala Harris’s grassroots approach, framed by the panel as a battle between populist grievance and Democratic pragmatism. Mike Donoghue provides the American perspective, calling the mood "squeaky bum time," while Dave Smith and Corey Bernard offer sharp critiques on both sides’ campaign strategies, debating whether Democrats risk losing due to overreliance on anti-Trump rhetoric.

Shifting gears to Labour’s budget, which the Financial Times dubbed the largest tax increase in three decades, the conversation explores its potential to reshape Britain’s public spending, with core issues including public services, employer taxes, and social housing. While the budget signals a commitment to infrastructure and public welfare, Corey Bernard warns it might stifle small businesses, emphasizing the need for robust growth rather than short-term fixes. The panel touches on Britain's housing crisis, pointing to the lack of affordable options as a pressure point that could define Labour’s success in the next election.

As the episode winds down, the panel makes predictions for Election Day, with most forecasting a win for Kamala Harris. A characteristically sardonic Brown urges America to "do the right thing" and avoid electing a "fascist," encapsulating the critical stakes of the election as seen from both sides of the Atlantic.

Notable Quotes

1. "It’s squeaky bum time here; we’re all pins and needles, no matter which side of the fence you're on." — Mike Donoghue

2. "We’re at a place where racist jokes at rallies feel normalised. That’s how far down the rabbit hole we’ve gone." — Dave Smith

3. "Asking voters to go out to vote with a spring in their step is all about Trumpism’s showbiz appeal." — Corey Bernard

4. "Labour's budget tightrope walk is necessary, but tightrope walking doesn’t leave room for real change." — Corey Bernard

5. "Housing touches every generation and wealth level—if Labour can’t deliver here, they’re going to face a reckoning." — Dave Smith

### Further Reading

1. [Financial Times on Labour's Budget](https://www.ft.com)

2. [U.S. Swing State Poll Tracker - FiveThirtyEight](https://fivethirtyeight.com)

3. [The Guardian - Analysis of Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy](https://www.theguardian.com)

4. [Office of Budget Responsibility: U.K. Budget Analysis](https://obr.uk)

5. [NY Times - America’s Evolving Electoral Demographics](https://www.nytimes.com)

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James Cleverley’s rising momentum and Lib Dem Conference Insights

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:11:37 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown dives into the Conservative Party leadership race, breaking down the key moments from their recent conference in Birmingham. Joined by regular contributor Cory Bernard, they explore everything from James Cleverley’s rising momentum to Kemi Badenoch’s gaffes, Robert Jenrick’s Thatcher references, and the broader question of where the party goes from here.

But that’s not all—we start the show with a voice notes from Steve O’Neil, who attended the Conservative conference and Lib Dem conferences. Steve gives us his take on the optimistic yet mellow mood at the Lib Dem gathering and how they’re positioning themselves for the future.

Key Highlights:

Lib Dem Conference Recap (Steve O’Neil):
Optimism about the party’s rising profile, thanks to new select committee roles in Defra and Health.
Emerging tensions around housing policy and Brexit, with some calling for a more pro-EU stance.
The party’s identity crisis: will they align with Labour or attack them from the left?

Conservative Leadership Race Analysis (Roifield & Cory):
James Cleverley’s strong performance and his appeal to MPs and the public.
Kemi Badenoch’s struggle with gaffes and reliance on culture wars rhetoric.
Robert Jenrick’s "new Conservative" messaging, though lacking concrete substance.
The broader question of whether the Conservatives can rebuild from their historic defeat, and the uncertain direction of their economic strategy.

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Hope, Hardship, and Heating Bills, US-UK Politics in Focus

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:15:52 GMT

This episode of *Mid Atlantic* brings together voices from both sides of the Atlantic to dissect political developments in the U.S. and the U.K. Host **Roifield Brown**, broadcasting from a rainy Birmingham, UK, leads a panel discussion with guests from Nevada, London, Los Angeles, and Liverpool. **Tonye Alltrade** shares her recent visit to the birthplace of democracy in Athens, reflecting on its enduring relevance. The conversation quickly pivots to U.S. politics, with an analysis of Kamala Harris's recent economic push, and a lively discussion of Trump’s policies and the upcoming Waltz vs. Vance debate. Mike Donahue critiques Trump’s economic misunderstanding, while Z Cohen Sanchez highlights how Harris is struggling to wrestle the narrative away from Trump’s populist rhetoric.

The conversation then turns to the U.K., where **Steve O’Neill** provides insight into the Labour Party Conference, and how Keir Starmer’s campaign, with its message of competence over hope, contrasts with Harris's style. They also discuss the recent announcement on winter fuel payments, which sparked significant debate. Steve explains the Labour government’s decision to reduce the payments, arguing that the triple lock on pensions still protects the poorest. However, **Tonye Alltrade** and others express concerns about how the policy has been received, especially its impact on pensioners who are already struggling with rising living costs. Mike Donahue adds that the political handling of the issue has been clumsy, giving the opposition an easy line of attack.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the Windrush scandal and the slow compensation process for its victims, with **Roifield Brown** voicing his frustration over the government's lack of accountability.

**Quotes:**

1. "We need to make sure we have an educated populace to keep democracy going." – **Tonye Alltrade**

2. "It’s just when will this national nightmare [Trump] come to an end?" – **Mike Donahue**

3. "Labour’s campaign is all about rolling up sleeves, not hope." – **Steve O’Neill**

4. "We deliberately slow-rolled this. It makes me disgusted to be British." – **Roifield Brown** on the Windrush scandal.

5. "Young people can’t buy homes, and one in five pensioners are millionaires. Something has to give." – **Tonye Alltrade**

**Further Reading:**

- [Windrush scandal report overview](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/windrush-scandal-report)

- [Labour Party Conference analysis](https://www.bbc.com/news/politics/labour-conference)

- [Winter fuel payment policy](https://www.bbc.com/news/politics-winter-fuel-payments)

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Kamala's Masterclass as Trump Stumbles

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:28:36 GMT

In this episode, host Roifield Brown leads a lively panel discussion on the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The panel, featuring Denise Hamilton, Logan Phillips, Aram Fischer, Michael Donahue, Dave Smith, and Tonye Altrade, analyzes Harris’s strong performance, which many viewed as a decisive victory that left Trump on the defensive. Despite Harris's commanding presence, the polls haven't shifted dramatically, leading to a deeper conversation on the reliability of early polling and the enduring stability of Trump’s base.

The group dissects Harris’s strategy of contrasting substantive policy points with sharp jabs at Trump, which effectively kept him off-balance throughout the debate. They also explore the broader implications of the debate for key swing states like Pennsylvania, where viewership was notably high. Despite some skepticism from panelist Logan Phillips, who cautions that Trump's support remains more resilient than expected, others argue that Harris's poised approach might gradually erode Trump’s appeal, particularly among undecided voters and key demographics.

Quotes from the Episode:

1. "Kamala’s basic pattern was, say something substantive about policy, then close with a jab that made Trump want to punch her." — Aram Fischer

2. "I want a leader that does their homework, that cares enough about me to prepare." — Denise Hamilton

3. "Kamala just got lucky enough that it came up on the debate stage. He's been saying some wild stuff." — Logan Phillips

4. "We have got to get out of this post-truth season of how we interact with each other in America." — Denise Hamilton

5. "For whatever reason, Trump does not have the same effect on people. And I don't think you're going to see his supporters running for the hills after that debate performance." — Logan Phillips

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Kamala "feels" like a change and Jenrick leads

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:39:11 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and his panel of experts delve into the latest political developments on both sides of the Atlantic. On the UK front, the Conservative Party leadership race heats up as Robert Jenrick takes the lead, with Priti Patel bowing out. The discussion centers on the ideological divides within the Tory party and what Jenrick’s lead might mean for the future of the Conservatives. The panel questions whether the party has learned anything from its recent defeats or if it remains stuck in its old ways.

Across the Atlantic, the focus shifts to the U.S. election, where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to face off in a pivotal debate. The conversation explores Harris’s polling numbers, fundraising efforts, and her centrist appeal that seems to resonate despite the lack of a primary campaign. With disinformation playing a significant role, the panel also considers the broader implications of fake news, the power of social media, and the challenges of regulating these platforms in a democratic context.

Key Quotes

Logan Phillips: “Kamala Harris’s campaign is trying to show she’s empathetic, that she’s tough, and that she means business now. Could the lack of policy focus hurt her? Only because the media is so obsessed with it.”
Jane Mote: “The Conservative Party is struggling to find its place in politics, but we can’t just discount them as odd. They still command a large part of the vote.”
Cory Bernard: “Kamala feels like a change candidate, but she’s an insider. She’s all things to everybody, which might be an advantage.”
Roifield Brown: “We’re getting politicians who are all veneer with no policy substance, and it’s utterly bad for both sides of the pond.”
Cory Bernard: “The Tory party is in shock and disarray. There’s no energy, it’s just going to be status quo until the next reckoning.”

Palestine's Struggle, Global Politics and Regional Power Shifts with Mouin Rabbani

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:27 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown engages in a profound discussion with Mouin Rabbani, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern affairs, focusing on the Palestinian struggle and its intricate position within the evolving dynamics of the Middle East. Rabbani offers a comprehensive analysis of Israel's intensified military actions in Gaza and the broader regional implications, highlighting the potential for an all-out regional war involving various actors like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran.

Rabbani sheds light on the complexities within the Palestinian political landscape, particularly the disintegration of Fatah and the weakening of Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. He argues that this internal division has hindered the Palestinian cause on the global stage, leaving a void where a strong, unified voice could have garnered more substantial international support.

The conversation also touches on the critical role of international diplomacy, especially the impact of U.S. politics on the Middle East. Rabbani suggests that while U.S. support for Israel remains unwavering, the political landscape is slowly shifting, with growing public and political scrutiny of Israel's actions. The episode concludes with a sobering reflection on the future of the Palestinian state, acknowledging the immense challenges ahead but also hinting at the possibility of a turning point in the ongoing struggle for sovereignty.

Key Quotes:

"Israel has transformed itself into a rogue state, a pariah state, a genocidal regime in the eyes of much of Western public opinion."
"The disintegration of Fatah has left the Palestinian cause without a strong, unified voice on the global stage."
"We may now be closer to the beginning of the end than we were a year ago, but this struggle requires time, organization, and commitment."
"Mahmoud Abbas's leadership has become a significant obstacle to Palestinian national unity."
"Biden's unconditional support for Israel has reached a level of fanatic devotion, surpassing even his predecessors."

Kamala Harris, and the New Face of American Leadership

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 14:23:13 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown leads a deep discussion with an expert panel on two major developments: the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the suspension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign. With voices spanning from Texas to the UK, the panel provides a well-rounded analysis of these pivotal moments in U.S. politics.

The panel explores the significance of Kamala Harris's rise as the Democratic presidential nominee, marking a historic moment for both women and people of color. Denise Hamilton underscores the flawless execution of the DNC, comparing it to the Avengers assembling—a moment of unity and strength for the Democratic Party. The convention is lauded for its inclusivity and intentional messaging, aiming to connect with a diverse electorate. Denise emphasizes the importance of this moment, not just as a political milestone, but as a turning point in American leadership.

The panel delves into the standout moments from the DNC, particularly the speeches delivered by Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama. Leah Brown reflects on the emotional resonance of Harris's speech, especially for African American women, and how it redefines what is possible in American politics. Denise and Iris Shapiro discuss the Obama speeches, noting their impact on the audience and how they contrast sharply with the rhetoric from the Republican side. The humor and humanity in these speeches, especially Barack Obama’s jabs at Donald Trump, are highlighted as effective tools in engaging the electorate.

The conversation also covers the generational shift within the Democratic Party. Roifield Brown and the panelists discuss the symbolic passing of the torch from figures like Hillary Clinton to Kamala Harris, marking a new era for the party. Leah Brown notes the importance of this transition, not just in terms of age, but in the approaches and policies that resonate with younger voters. There is a consensus that while Kamala Harris represents continuity in some respects, she also embodies the change that many Democrats are eager for.

The issue of reproductive rights is identified as a key battleground in the upcoming election. Denise Hamilton asserts that beyond just female reproductive rights, there is a broader struggle for personal freedom against increasingly restrictive policies from the Republican side. The panel agrees that this will be a central issue for the Democrats, particularly as they appeal to women and younger voters who are deeply concerned about their autonomy and rights under a potential Republican administration.

The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges ahead for Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party. While there is significant excitement and momentum, the panel acknowledges the need for clear policy positions and continued engagement with voters. The upcoming debates, particularly between Harris and Donald Trump, are anticipated to be critical in shaping the final stretch of the election.

Five Notable Quotes:

Denise Hamilton: "I’ve been swimming in a putrid sea of mediocrity for the last few years, and I think we really turned the page of expecting excellence."
Logan Phillips: "It’s going to be hard to make Kamala Harris look weak. Very hard."
Iris Shapiro: "Kamala Harris’s nomination isn’t just a relief; it’s a surge of excitement that’s going to carry us to November."
Leah Brown: "Kamala Harris has reoriented and de-weaponized what it means to aspire to the highest office with grace, poise, and intelligence."
Roifield Brown: "For all of this sense of hope and joy, I don’t know what new Kamala Harris is truly saying."

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Battleground Shifts: Kamala's Surge and UK's Economic Upswing

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 15:32:25 GMT

In this week's episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and his panel of political experts—Zee Cohen Sanchez, Logan Phillips, Corey Bernard, Aram Fisher, and Olissa Jones—dive into the chaotic landscape of U.S. and U.K. politics. On the U.S. side, the focus is on the latest struggles of Donald Trump's campaign as Kamala Harris gains momentum in the race for the presidency. The discussion centers on Harris's unexpected surge in key battleground states, her consolidation of the Democratic base, and the strategic shifts within the Trump campaign. The panel dissects the potential impact of RFK Jr.'s candidacy on the election and the challenges Trump faces in maintaining his support.

Switching gears to the U.K., the episode explores the economic aftermath of 14 years of Tory rule and how Labour, under Keir Starmer, is navigating the current political climate. The conversation covers the surprising timing of Rishi Sunak’s election call, the challenges facing the Labour government as they manage public expectations, and the subdued Tory leadership race. The pundits debate the impact of Starmer’s perceived lack of bold vision and the struggles of the Conservative Party to capture public interest in their leadership contest.

The episode also takes a lighter turn with a lively discussion about the Olympics. Roifield and the panelists express mixed feelings about the inclusion of new sports like breakdancing and skateboarding in the Olympic Games. While some appreciate the evolution of the games to include modern sports that resonate with younger audiences, others argue that sports requiring subjective judging lack the clear, objective criteria that define traditional Olympic competitions. The conversation reflects on the changing nature of the Olympics and whether the event has lost some of its magic and global appeal.

Five Notable Quotes

Logan Phillips: "Kamala Harris has taken the lead in the polling... the question is whether the electoral map will mirror 2020 or if we're witnessing a fundamental shift."
Zee Cohen Sanchez: "Kamala Harris has become part of pop culture. That's huge for young voters, but there's still a fear—RFK could be the wild card."
Corey Bernard: "Keir Starmer is lucky, but only because Rishi Sunak made the strategic blunder of calling an early election."
Aram Fisher: "Tim Walz is the perfect response to MAGA politics—he's mainstream enough to appeal to the center while throwing punches when needed."
Olissa Jones: "The entire British political system is lacking credible, charismatic figures at this point in time—it's like we're tinkering around the edges."

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England Riots

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 22:16:38 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown navigates the disturbing riots sweeping across England. Joined by Leah Brown in Broadstairs, Jane Mote in Sussex, Tonye Altrade in London, and Michael Donoghue in Los Angeles, the discussion dives into the roots of this turmoil sparked by the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. With over 400 arrests and violence spreading from London to Belfast, the panel examines the factors driving this unrest, from misinformation and far-right agitation to systemic failures and political rhetoric.

Key Topics:

Roots of the Riots: Jane Mote highlights the impact of long-standing government neglect, far-right agitation, and inflammatory political rhetoric on the current crisis.
Role of Social Media: Michael Donoghue discusses the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, while Leah Brown emphasizes the importance of responsibility and upholding the truth.
Cultural and Historical Context: Roifield Brown and the panel reflect on the historical context of race relations in the UK, the visible changes in communities, and the fear of difference.
Government Response: The response from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is scrutinized, with calls for stronger leadership and accountability.
Personal Experiences: Tonye Altrade shares her perspective as a relatively recent immigrant and the palpable fear within minority communities.

Relevant Quotes:

"The violence has spread to numerous cities from London to Belfast, with over 400 arrests so far." - Roifield Brown
"We've had 14 years of a Tory government that's worn down the justice system and has played off this ugly talk." - Jane Mote
"I don't think you can make any statements along those lines without treading perilously close to restricting freedom of speech." - Michael Donoghue
"I think one of our obligations is to uphold the rule of law." - Leah Brown
"We need to fortify the state's defenses against this kind of misinformation campaigns." - Tonye Altrade

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Kamala Harris shakes up the race

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 23:41:37 GMT

In a seismic shift in American politics, Vice President Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, following President Joe Biden's withdrawal. This unexpected turn of events has ignited both enthusiasm and apprehension among Democrats and political pundits alike.

On today's episode of "Mid Atlantic," Roifield Brown navigates this political earthquake with an esteemed panel: Dave Smith from London, Logan Phillips from Washington DC, Zee Cohen Sanchez from Nevada, Mike Donaghue from Los Angeles, Corey Bernard from Manchester, and Denise Hamilton from Jamaica. The discussion spans Harris's impact on the Democratic campaign, her polling status, and strategic shifts needed by both parties.

Polling Shifts and Historical Parallels Logan Phillips kicks off the conversation by analyzing polling data, noting that while Biden was trailing Trump by about two points, Harris's numbers mirror Biden's but lack historical reliability. Drawing a parallel to Hubert Humphrey's late surge in 1968, Phillips suggests the true impact of Harris's candidacy will become clearer in the coming weeks.

Enthusiasm Among Key Demographics Denise Hamilton highlights Harris's traction among younger voters, people of color, and women. Hamilton, who was on a historic Zoom call with 40,000 women, shares the palpable excitement and organizational power rallying behind Harris. She emphasizes Harris's qualifications and the need for experienced leadership over personality-driven politics.

Potential Republican Strategies Corey Bernard and others discuss the likely Republican pivot to focus on Harris's perceived weaknesses and a more aggressive campaign strategy, emphasizing issues like abortion and crime. However, the panel agrees that such attacks may backfire, especially given Harris's diverse support base and the fresh energy she brings compared to Biden.

Foreign Policy and Progressive Stance Dave Smith and Zee Cohen Sanchez weigh in on Harris's foreign policy moves, such as skipping Netanyahu's address, which could appeal to younger, more progressive voters. They debate the balance Harris must strike between continuity and presenting a rejuvenated Democratic vision.

Vice Presidential Choices The conversation rounds out with speculation on Harris's potential VP picks, with Mark Kelly and Josh Shapiro being top contenders. Both bring swing state appeal, but Shapiro's potential to avoid a Senate seat loss for Democrats makes him a particularly strategic choice.

Quotes from the Episode:

"Harris's polling mirrors Biden's, but we need to see where this race actually is in three weeks." – Logan Phillips
"We have done the impossible and the incredible time and time again." – Denise Hamilton
"The Democratic Party has made a stance, right? They need Jewish donors." – Zee Cohen Sanchez
"I think they'll go heavy on portraying her as an uber-liberal, but it's a strategy that could easily backfire." – Corey Bernard
"Skipping Netanyahu's address was the right move politically and morally." – Logan Phillips

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Gun shots and Nominations

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:31:40 GMT

Mid Atlantic dissects a chaotic week in American politics marked by an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the consequential nomination of J.D. Vance as his running mate. Host Roifield Brown, broadcasting from Birmingham, leads a panel including Ira Shapiro, Michael Donoghue, Denise Hamilton, and Aaron Fisher, who share their insights and reactions to these seismic events.

Panelists’ Initial Reactions:

Denise Hamilton was home watching a 90s movie when she heard the news. She believes it was the act of a mentally ill individual rather than a politically motivated attack.
Michael Donoghue Appreciates the Democratic leadership's denouncement of political violence and hopes for a quick return to political normalcy.
Ira Shapiro sees this incident as another tragic example of America's endemic gun violence. He believes it has already started to fade from public focus, returning to the pre-assassination political landscape.
Aram Fischer was driving back from a progressive political conference. He hoped the shooter wasn’t from the left and emphasised the potential catastrophic consequences if Trump had been seriously injured.

Key Discussions:

Polarisation and Violence: The panel agrees that the assassination attempt highlights the dangerous polarisation in American politics, reflecting deep societal divisions.
Impact on the Election: While some panelists think the attempt might briefly shift public sympathy towards Trump, they don't believe it will significantly alter the tight race between Biden and Trump.
Trump's Nomination of J.D. Vance: The panel sees Vance's nomination as a cynical move that reinforces Trump’s base rather than expanding his appeal. Vance’s controversial past statements and policy stances are seen as unlikely to attract younger voters or moderates.

Final Thoughts: The assassination attempt, while shocking, seems to have limited long-term impact on the political landscape. The Democratic Party faces internal debates over Biden's candidacy, while Trump's choice of Vance suggests a doubling down on his core support rather than a strategic shift to broaden his appeal. The episode underscores the intense and often volatile nature of contemporary American politics.

Quotes:

"The attempted assassination shows just how dangerous our political divisions have become." - Ira Shapiro
"Trump's nomination of J.D. Vance is doubling down on his base, not expanding it." - Denise Hamilton
"My first thought was, I hope he's not seriously injured. And I really hope the shooter isn't on my side of politics." - Aram Fisher
"It's a reminder that our political rhetoric needs to be toned down." - Michael Donoghue

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Things get harder for Biden as Starmer Starts

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:05:14 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown, dives into the passionate responses surrounding England’s recent football triumph and the dynamic political landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic. The excitement over England's victory, especially Ollie Watkins' crucial goal, sets a lively tone as Roifield welcomes guests Jane Mote, Tonye Altrade, Leah Brown, Z Cohen Sanchez, Michael Donahue, and Olissa Jones.

The Football Fever

The episode kicks off with a high-energy discussion about England's thrilling match, with Jane, Tonye, and Leah sharing their reactions. The panelists recount their experiences watching the game and the emotional rollercoaster leading to the final. Tonye’s description of the bar going “volcanic” after the last-minute winner encapsulates the collective euphoria.

Biden’s Mounting Pressure

Shifting gears to politics, the podcast delves into President Biden’s current challenges. Amid growing concerns over his electability, especially after a poor debate performance, the panel explores the increasing calls for Biden to step down. Michael Donahue discusses the potential implications for Biden’s campaign, while Z Cohen Sanchez emphasizes the party's need to consider Biden’s health and public perception. The discussion paints a picture of a party at a crossroads, weighing the costs and benefits of Biden’s continued candidacy.

Starmer’s Steady Start

The conversation transitions to the UK, where newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first week in office is under scrutiny. Jane Mote and Tonye Altrade highlight Starmer’s competent and decisive start, contrasting it with the previous government’s perceived incompetence. The panel debates the challenges ahead for Starmer, particularly in achieving economic growth amid tight fiscal constraints. Olissa Jones expresses skepticism about relying solely on growth metrics, while Leah Brown advocates for a holistic approach to governance.

Concluding Thoughts and a Sing-Along

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted moment as Tonye Altrade is persuaded to sing the unofficial anthem, "Three Lions," celebrating England’s football hopes. The camaraderie and spirited discussions underscore the intersection of sports and politics, reflecting the national mood and the anticipation of upcoming challenges.

Quotes

"The bar went volcanic. We're in the final. Everyone's talking about dreaming again, about things coming home." - Tonye Altrade
"Biden's ego in ending his career this way, which, in Biden's defense, I do feel for him, right? This is no way to end a career." - Z Cohen Sanchez
"Starmer has got this sort of quite reserved executive suit that never takes his jacket off, unlike Blair who made a point of rolling his sleeves up when he got into office." - Jane Mote
"We've moved out of performativism, and one of the greatest criticisms leveled over the Starmer opposition government was that they were boring." - Leah Brown
"If you do those things well, then if the things outside of your control hit you, you might be better prepared for them." - Tonye Altrade

Labour's Seismic Shift, Post-Election Analysis

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 12:34:38 GMT

Britain has cast aside 14 years of Conservative rule, ushering in a new era with a Labour landslide in the 2024 general election. This victory, while momentous, has brought with it a wave of uncertainty and a plethora of questions about the future of British politics. Joining host Royfield Brown to dissect this historic event are pundits Steve O'Neill, Corey Bernard, Annie McNeill, Leah Brown, Dave Smith, and Alyssa Jones.

Despite the overwhelming victory, the panel agrees that this wasn't a full-hearted embrace of Labour, but rather a rejection of Conservative chaos. Steve O’Neill expresses relief, hoping for stability after years of Brexit-induced turmoil. Corey Bernard and Annie McNeill echo sentiments of cautious optimism, highlighting that Labour's challenge is to transform this vote of dissatisfaction into genuine support.

The Conservative Party’s dramatic fall, coupled with the rise of the Reform Party, spells trouble for traditional Tory dominance. Dave Smith warns of the risk of far-right resurgence if Labour fails to deliver on public services. The panel is divided on the future of the Conservative leadership, with names like Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly floated as potential candidates to steer the party back to relevance.

Alongside this, the rise of the Reform Party and the Greens has been bolstered by tactical voting, significantly altering the political landscape. The Reform Party's increased presence signals a shift in right-wing politics, while the Greens' gains highlight growing environmental concerns. Both parties capitalised on Conservative missteps, demonstrating the electorate's readiness for alternatives. Corey Bernard and Dave Smith stress the importance of Labour defining a clear agenda to maintain their newfound dominance and prevent future volatility.

Quotes from the Panel:

"Not in the sense that the result was unexpected, but it's been so much chaos for the last eight years since Brexit. I think to quote Starmer, it's good to turn a page." – Steve O'Neill
"The Tories may have been rejected, but Labour have not been embraced." – Corey Bernard
"If we deliver on public services, then they will get people turning out and believing in politics again." – Dave Smith
"The lack of discussion about policy this election felt rather American. It's hard to talk about policy when you've got people who fabricate and lie." – Dave Smith
"Volatility in UK politics is here to stay. Even with the best will in the world, the volatility is not going anywhere." – Leah Brown

Climate Denial - David Lipsky - The Parrot and the Igloo

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:56:46 GMT

Host Roifield Brown engages in conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Lipsky about his latest book, "The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial." Lipsky's work dives into the tangled history of climate change denial in America, tracing its origins and exploring the intersection of science, money, and the American psyche.

Lipsky's narrative is compelling, drawing connections between historical technological advancements and the cultural pushback against scientific consensus. He skillfully illustrates how early climate warnings, dating back to the 1910s, were overshadowed by societal fascination with the benefits of industrialization and technological progress. The conversation shifts to contemporary times, highlighting the paradox of technological solutions like fracking reducing emissions while being environmentally controversial.

Lipsky and Brown also discuss the psychological and cultural aspects of denial, emphasizing how deeply rooted skepticism and anti-elitism in American society have fueled resistance to scientific evidence. The discussion underscores the moral complexities and the often misplaced burden of responsibility on individuals rather than systemic change. The episode is a thought-provoking examination of how history, culture, and politics shape our understanding and response to climate change.

Quotes:

"A sufficiently advanced technology will always seem like magic." - David Lipsky
"People start pollution. People can stop it." - Famous Ad Slogan
"The phrase 'climate change' was designed to make people less anxious about it." - David Lipsky
"The most honest answer to why you drive or fly is: we didn't make that deal. We accepted the world as it was presented." - David Lipsky
"We need to change our laws, not our light bulbs." - Al Gore

For more thought-provoking discussions and to share your thoughts, email Roifield at roifield@gmail.com and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to support the show.

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Biden's Debate Woes & UK Election Showdowns

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:29:10 GMT

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," Roifield Brown, broadcasting from sunny Birmingham, England, is joined by a distinguished panel: Aram Fischer in Oakland, Z Cohen Sanchez in Nevada, Dave Smith in London, and Corey Bernard in Manchester. The focus of the discussion is the aftermath of President Biden's recent debate performance and the final stretch of the UK election campaign.

The panel starts by analyzing President Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump, which has stirred significant controversy. Concerns about Biden's mental acuity have intensified following what many viewed as a shaky and ineffective performance. Aram Fischer compares the Democrats' situation to the English national team's struggles in the Euros, suggesting that while Biden's performance was lackluster, the Democrats might still be in a relatively strong position due to Trump's ongoing unpopularity. The conversation then turns to Trump's behaviour during the debate. Corey Bernard notes that, surprisingly, Trump appeared more disciplined and restrained, allowing Biden to falter on his own. This strategy, according to Corey, showcased Trump's instinct for performance and audience engagement, highlighting a rare moment of tactical restraint from the former president.

The panel also explores the possibility of the Democratic Party replacing Biden as their nominee. Fischer emphasizes that such a decision rests solely with Biden, given the current party rules and the absence of superdelegates who could sway the nomination process. Despite calls from some media outlets and party members for Biden to step aside, Fischer believes it's unlikely unless Biden himself decides to do so.

Shifting to the UK, the discussion moves to the final stretch of the election campaign, where Labour holds a commanding lead in the polls. The Conservative Party, however, is mired in a betting scandal. Dave Smith explains that several key figures within the party were found to have placed bets on the election date, revealing insider knowledge and reinforcing negative perceptions of the Tories. This scandal, Dave argues, is emblematic of the "Tory toxic culture" that has plagued the party in recent years.

Quotes:

Aram Fischer: "Most people didn't really vote for Joe Biden in 2020. They voted against Donald Trump."
Dave Smith: "The setup for the debate actually helped Trump, making him appear more restrained and disciplined."
Corey Bernard: "Trump realized quickly he would do far more damage to Biden by shutting up and letting Biden damage himself."
Z Cohen Sanchez: "We need to rethink if we want to go through with this option in November."
Roifield Brown: "Democracy is at stake. We need to be ruthless and look at the good of the republic, not just one person's career."

Bosnia A Nation at a Crossroads

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:23:31 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown takes us into the complex political crisis of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country on the brink of division with significant implications for the stability of the Western Balkans. Roifield is joined by Valerie Perry, an independent consultant with the Democratization Policy Council, and Florian Bieber, a professor at the University of Graz, to dissect the factors driving Bosnia’s current predicament and the international ramifications of a potential split.

Valerie Perry points out that the threats of secession from Milorad Dodik, leader of the Bosnian Serb-controlled territory, are part of a long-standing political strategy. She explains that Dodik’s rhetoric serves to distract from pressing domestic issues like brain drain, low wages, and lack of development. Florian Bieber provides a historical context, highlighting the inadequacies of the Dayton Accords, which, while successful in ending the Bosnian war, established a governance system that has proven to be dysfunctional in the long term.

Both experts delve into the international dynamics at play. Valerie elaborates on the role of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his increasing nationalist rhetoric, which bolsters Dodik’s secessionist threats. Florian broadens the discussion by examining the geopolitical influences of regional actors like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, whose illiberal policies and alliances complicate the EU’s stance on Bosnia.

As the conversation shifts to potential future scenarios, the guests offer a sobering outlook. Florian envisions a continued status quo, with Bosnia remaining in a state of slow decline unless there is significant external intervention. Valerie warns of the broader implications of corruption and economic stagnation, suggesting that without meaningful reforms and international support, Bosnia’s prospects for EU integration remain bleak.

Quotes

"Dodik’s business model is to stoke division, distracting from issues like brain drain and low wages." - Valerie Perry
"The Dayton Accords were meant to end the war, not to be a long-term governance solution." - Florian Bieber
"Serbia's nationalist rhetoric under Vučić mirrors Russia’s strategy of regional influence." - Florian Bieber
"Economic development is hampered by instability and corruption, deterring investment." - Valerie Perry
"Bosnia could become a cordon sanitaire for migrants, exacerbating its political and social challenges." - Valerie Perry

Manifestos and Mudslinging, UK Election Pledges and US Politics

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 10:47:28 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown leads a discussion with an expert panel featuring Ira Shapiro, Aram Fisher, Steve O'Neill, Tonye Altrade, and Michael Donoghue. The main focus is on the launch of the UK party manifestos and the impact they may have as the general election approaches. The panelists examine key pledges from the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties, analysing their potential influence on voters.

The discussion also covers recent events in US politics, including President Joe Biden's response to his son Hunter Biden's conviction and the significance of a recent meeting between Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. The panelists debate the implications of these developments and the broader state of American politics as the 2024 election season heats up.

Key Quotes

Steve O'Neill on UK Party Manifestos: "The thing with manifestos, they are in some way shopping lists of policies, but they also tell a story. Labour's manifesto tries to tell a story about the kind of government Keir Starmer wants to run."
Tonye Altrade on the Conservative Manifesto: "There was no story whatsoever I could glean from the Conservative manifesto. It was a ramshackle of different things, some bold, some pandering to far-right wingers."
Mike Donoghue on US Politics: "It's a brutal time to be an incumbent president. When you've got a country that seems angry, divided, depressed, they tend to blame the incumbent for everything."
Ira Shapiro on Mitch McConnell and Trump: "McConnell staying with Trump despite their differences shows the extent of partisanship. It’s clear McConnell will support the nominee, no matter who it is."
Aram Fisher on Biden's Strategy: "Biden has taken steps to re-engage with black voters, appearing alongside Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. How effective this will be remains to be seen, but it’s a crucial part of his campaign strategy."

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The Global Peace Index 2024

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 08:49:14 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown takes on the heavy subject of global peace—or the lack thereof—in 2024. The discussion opens with a grim statistic: conflict-related deaths in the first four months of the year have reached 47,000, potentially setting a record since the Rwandan genocide. Brown is joined by Thomas Morgan, who discusses the findings of the 18th Global Peace Index (GPI). Morgan explains the GPI's purpose and methodology, noting a general decline in global peacefulness over the past 16 years.

Morgan outlines the three domains of the GPI—safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation—highlighting the technological changes and geopolitical shifts contributing to increased conflicts. He emphasises the rise of asymmetric warfare and the increased involvement of non-state actors. The discussion also touches on specific conflicts in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Gaza, Myanmar, and Haiti, illustrating the complex, multifaceted nature of modern conflicts.

Brown and Morgan also discuss the contrasting paths of El Salvador and Haiti regarding gang violence and governance, noting the former's controversial yet effective short-term strategies. They explore the balance between reducing violence and maintaining civil liberties, with Morgan asserting that long-term peace is typically achieved through democratic means rather than authoritarian measures.

Finally, the episode provides a detailed look at the top and bottom countries in the GPI, with Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore being the most peaceful, and Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine being the least. The UK and US are examined for their rankings and inherent issues, including violent crime and geopolitical involvement.

Relevant Quotes

"The overall trend of peacefulness is a negative one. We've seen a deterioration in the level of global peacefulness over the past 16 years." – Thomas Morgan
"The rise of asymmetric warfare and new technologies like drones makes it easier for smaller states and insurgent groups to be involved in conflict." – Thomas Morgan
"Conflicts now tend to fizzle out or become frozen, rather than ending decisively as they did in the past." – Thomas Morgan
"El Salvador's approach to reducing violence through mass incarceration has been effective short-term, but the challenge is ensuring sustained peace." – Thomas Morgan
"It's possible to achieve a certain amount of peace through authoritarian measures, but long-term peace is more likely in full democracies with respect for civil rights." – Thomas Morgan

The week after Trump's guilty verdict and Farage enters the race

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 12:53:29 GMT

In the latest episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown is joined by a global panel including Z Cohen Sanchez from Arizona, Logan Phillips from Washington, DC, Dave Smith from London, and Mike Holden from Burnley. The discussion kicks off with the unfolding UK election campaign, highlighting Nigel Farage's return to frontline politics and the anticipated leaders' debate. The panel dissects Farage's impact on the Conservative Party and the potential electoral consequences of his bid to become an MP in Clapton.

Dave and Mike debate the significance of Farage's comeback, emphasising the potential devastation to the Conservative vote. They analyse whether Reform Party votes will translate into parliamentary seats and discuss the broader implications for the Tory party's future. Logan provides a snapshot of current UK polls, showing a significant shift in voter sentiment towards the Reform Party and away from the Conservatives.

The conversation then shifts to the aftermath of Donald Trump's recent conviction and its impact on the US political landscape. Logan Phillips discusses the polling implications, noting a slight uptick for Biden but emphasising the need for more data to fully understand the trends. The panel also explores the potential long-term threat posed by Trump's candidacy and the broader challenges facing American democracy.

Quotes from the Episode:

"Farage's comeback is the worst news Rishi Sunak has had in the last 48 hours." - Mike Holden
"A 400-seat majority in Parliament is not a healthy thing. It will lead to real problems in terms of scrutiny and what the government does." - Dave Smith
"Biden looked very old and not exciting during the primary debates, but at least now, both him and Trump are of similar cognitive ability." - Z Cohen Sanchez
"The no audience part of the debate format is the greatest political bear trap that's been laid recently." - Dave Smith
"Trump's speech after the verdict was incomprehensible. His declining cognitive abilities are catching up with him." - Roifield Brown

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UK Election Week One

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:00:21 GMT

In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown, broadcasting from sunny Birmingham, is joined by a distinguished panel of political analysts to dissect the latest political turmoil in the US and UK. Representing London is Dave Smith, Logan Phillips joins from Washington, D.C., and Corey Bernard contributes from Manchester, England.

UK Election Season Kickoff:

The episode focuses on the first week of the UK election season, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Rishi Sunak's Rocky Start:

Dave Smith describes Sunak's initial week on the campaign trail as disastrous.
Missteps include awkward public appearances, such as standing in the rain, posing by the Titanic, and a mishap in a supermarket.

Labour Party's Cautious Strategy:

The panel discusses Labour's cautious approach, characterized by avoiding bold statements and focusing on not making mistakes.
The shadow chancellor's reluctance to identify as a socialist and the deselection of left-wing MPs are highlighted.

Polling Analysis:

Logan Phillips provides an analysis of UK polling data, showing Labour's consistent lead over the Conservatives since late 2021.
Current polls suggest a significant Labour majority if the election were held today.

General Election Expectations:

Corey Bernard predicts a boring election season, with both major parties being unexciting and overly cautious.
The panel debates whether the British public desires stability and boring politics after years of tumultuous events like Brexit and COVID-19.

National Service Proposal:

The controversial proposal by the Tories for national service is discussed, with Corey Bernard labeling it a gimmick aimed at older voters.
The proposal is seen as an attempt to stem voter loss to the reform party.

Nigel Farage's Media Presence:

The panel questions why Nigel Farage continues to receive significant media attention despite not running in the election.

Labour's Internal Dynamics:

Keir Starmer's leadership and his approach to managing the left-wing faction within Labour are scrutinised.
The potential consequences of Starmer's strategy on the party's unity and election prospects are debated.

Minor Parties' Influence:

The potential impact of minor parties like the Greens and SNP on the election is discussed.
The possibility of Labour losing seats in London due to their stance on Gaza and other issues is considered.

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Trump’s Guilty Verdict: What Now?

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:48:47 GMT

Historic Accountability: For the first time, a US president has been held accountable by the justice system. The significance of this verdict in the context of American history and democracy was a major point of discussion.
Political Ramifications: The panel explored how this conviction might affect Trump’s political career and the upcoming election. Opinions varied on the extent to which the verdict will impact Trump’s base and the broader electorate.
Legal Consequences: Despite the historic nature of the verdict, there was consensus that the actual legal consequences for Trump might be limited, possibly avoiding prison time due to the nature of the crimes and his status.
Future Implications: The discussion also touched on how this verdict might influence future presidents and politicians, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law in maintaining democratic norms.
Public and Media Reactions: Immediate reactions from public figures like Biden and Trump Jr. were shared, highlighting the polarized nature of American politics. The media’s role in shaping public perception of this verdict was also considered.

Notable Quotes:

“We have to have rules. And we have to have a society where justice means something where character means something.” - Denise Hamilton
“A criminal judgment inherently reduces whoever the person is that has it. Nobody comes away from it with enhanced stature.” - Jared Kobach
“If you are explaining, you are losing.” - Aram Fischer
“This isn't about Republican or Democrat. This is about crime and you shouldn't do it and we should have a culture.” - Denise Hamilton
“This is a man who has never been held accountable. The first time he was held accountable at all.” - Aram Fischer

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Understanding Iran And how It Works

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:08:49 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, dissects Iran's intricate power structures and its enduring protests, with significant implications for both Iran and the broader Middle East. The discussion pivots around the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's president, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989. The episode features insights from Jason M. Brodsky, policy director of United Against a Nuclear Iran, and Henrik F. Rasmussen, executive director of the Institute for Science and International Security.

The guests delve into the workings of the morality police, the enforcement of Islamic dress codes, and their impact on civil liberties. They also explore the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) role in Iran's political and military strategies and Iran's technological and nuclear capabilities. Jason provides a comprehensive overview of Khamenei's rise to power, his extensive bureaucratic reach, and the supreme leader's strategic decisions. He also elaborates on the Iranian protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, the persistent dissatisfaction among the Iranian populace, and the cyclical nature of protests against the regime.

Henrik offers a detailed analysis of Iran's nuclear ambitions, the JCPOA nuclear deal, and the international community's divided stance on Iran's nuclear program. He highlights Iran's technological advancements in missile and drone technology and its strategic cooperation with Russia, posing significant implications for regional and global security. The episode concludes with discussions on the "axis of resistance," Iran's alliances with militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and the strategic interplay between Iran, Russia, and other regional actors.

Quotes

"Khamenei has been the glue of the system, holding it together through his extensive bureaucratic reach and strategic decisions." — Jason M. Brodsky
"Iran's youth are completely alienated from this system, yearning for a different life free from oppression and economic hardship." — Jason M. Brodsky
"Iran's nuclear program claims to be civilian, but the facts on the ground suggest a clear military intent." — Henrik F. Rasmussen
"The axis of resistance is designed to encircle Israel in a ring of fire, exhausting its resources and deterring its operations." — Jason M. Brodsky
"Iran's cooperation with Russia extends beyond military support, impacting European security through technological exchanges and nuclear developments." — Henrik F. Rasmussen

Sunak's Surprise July 4th Election Move

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:20:22 GMT

In a twist that has left political pundits and voters alike scrambling, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a UK general election on July 4th. This unexpected announcement comes at a time when many believed the election would be delayed until November. The move has sparked a flurry of reactions and speculation about the motivations behind such timing.

Key Insights from the Episode

Shock and Speculation: Steve O'Neill, expressed his surprise at the timing, noting that many expected a November election. Tonye Altrade, suggested that recent economic news, particularly regarding inflation, might have influenced Sunak's decision.
Labour's Preparedness: The general consensus among the pundits, including Mike Holden and Corey Bernard, is that the Labour Party should be ready for this early election call. Keir Starmer's calm and pragmatic response indicates that Labour is poised for the challenge, despite the unexpected timing.
Impact of Voter ID Laws: The discussion also touched on the new voter ID laws, a controversial topic that could potentially disenfranchise certain voter demographics, notably the young and economically disadvantaged. This issue, reminiscent of similar debates in the US, adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election.
Conservative Party Dynamics: The panel speculated on the internal dynamics of the Conservative Party and the potential candidates for leadership post-election. The focus was on whether the party will shift further to the right or see a resurgence of One Nation Tories.
Electoral Strategy and Policy: The conversation highlighted the strategic moves both major parties need to make in the coming weeks. Labour's stance on Gaza and the Middle East, as well as the Conservative Party's handling of immigration and economic issues, will likely play crucial roles in swaying public opinion.

Memorable Quotes

"Even throughout until about midday today, I was saying no, it'll be November. Everyone's getting overly excited. But I was completely wrong." - Steve O'Neill
"This is his best shot at it. I don't know if it's going to be enough, but it is worth a gamble." - Tonye Altrade
"First off, I don't even think you should be holding the election on July 4th, but let's leave that aside for now." - Mike Donoghue
"I think the Labour Party should be raring to go, then it, that would be a disaster." - Corey Bernard
"Every picture that you've seen has been a sodden looking downbeat man." - Mike Holden

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia.

Thu, 16 May 2024 20:07:28 GMT

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an intimate look at the challenges, changes, and unexpected joys that come with living with this condition, providing support and understanding to families facing similar challenges.

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Haiti, Unraveling a Crisis Centuries in the Making

Sun, 12 May 2024 18:28:58 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown dives deep into the unfolding crisis in Haiti, a nation with a rich yet tumultuous history. From its days as the world's richest colony to becoming the first black republic and now one of the poorest countries, Haiti's journey has been marked by resilience against relentless adversity. Joining us to dissect the current civil collapse is Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global Strategies, an expert in geopolitical dynamics. We'll explore the historical roots of Haiti's challenges, the rise of gang violence post the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the humanitarian crisis that has ensued. This episode sheds light on the complexities of Haiti's plight and discusses potential pathways to stability.

Show Notes:

Introduction
Host: Roifield Brown
Guest: Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global Strategies

Topic: The civil collapse of Haiti

Historical Context
Haiti's journey from the richest colony in the Americas to the first black republic
Independence in 1804 after a brutal struggle against French colonial rule
Economic and political challenges post-independence

Modern Challenges

The devastating 2010 earthquake and its aftermath
The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021
The rise of gang violence and control over critical infrastructure

Current Situation

Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation and the leadership vacuum
The international community's response and the role of foreign intervention
The humanitarian crisis: displacement, violence, and lack of basic services

In-Depth Analysis

The role of historical debts and economic policies in Haiti's current state
The impact of natural disasters compounded by ecological damage
The necessity for international aid and the challenges in its implementation

Future Prospects

Potential solutions and the role of international organisations
The importance of addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability
A call for understanding Haiti's plight through its history

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UK Local Elections 2024

Mon, 06 May 2024 12:15:26 GMT

Description:

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, join host Roifield Brown in Birmingham and guests Leah Brown in Broadstairs, and Tonye Altrade in London, as they analyse the dramatic outcomes of the UK's 2024 local elections. Labour is celebrating its noteworthy victories in the West Midlands and London, while the Conservative Party grapples with significant losses, marking its worst performance since 1996. This episode delves into the implications of these results on national politics, the emerging strength of the Green Party, and the voter backlash against Labour over its stance on Gaza. We also explore the potential strategies and challenges facing each major party as they prepare for the upcoming general election.

Show Notes:

Labour's Celebrations: The hosts and guests discuss Labour's strategic victories and the boost this gives them as they look towards the upcoming general election. Labour's ability to capture key regions such as the West Midlands, with Richard Parker narrowly defeating incumbent Andy Street, is highlighted as a sign of growing support.
Conservative Setbacks: The episode delves into the Conservative Party's significant losses, marking their worst performance since 1996. There's an in-depth analysis of the potential long-term implications for the party and the internal scrutiny on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s leadership. The discussion includes perspectives on how the Conservatives might strategize to recover from these losses and the notion of potential internal changes within the party.
Rising Green and Struggling Reform Parties: The Green Party's notable gains are discussed as indicative of a shift in voter preferences towards more environmentally-focused agendas. Meanwhile, the nascent Reform Party's difficulties in establishing a foothold in the political landscape are also examined.
Political Analysis by Guests: Leah and Tonye share their insights on the election results. Leah discusses the slim possibilities for optimism within the Conservative Party, despite the overall negative results, and Tonye offers a critique of Labour's position and its disconnect with certain voter bases, especially within Muslim communities affected by Labour's stance on Gaza.
Voter Sentiment and Strategic Implications: The episode also explores broader voter sentiments and strategic shifts within major parties. The hosts and guests debate the potential for Labour to adjust its policies in response to the backlash over Gaza and consider the Conservatives' strategy to delay a general election in hopes of recuperating from their losses.
Future of UK Politics: The discussion extends to the potential future scenarios for UK politics, including the role of independent candidates and the implications of voter turnout and new voting requirements.

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Palestinian Politics and the Failure of Abbas

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:15:51 GMT

In this weeks "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and guest expert Mouin Rabbani explore Palestinian politics, with a special focus on the Palestinian Authority and Fatah under Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. They look at the historical evolution of Fatah, the pivotal roles within the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and the controversial dynamics between the Palestinian factions and Israel. The discussion also touches upon the shifting public opinions and the internal and external pressures reshaping Palestinian governance and aspirations.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the Topic: Overview of Palestinian politics and the key focus on Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah.
Guest Introduction: Mouin Rabbani, former UN Special Envoy to Syria and a contributing editor to the Middle East Report.
Historical Context: The establishment of the Palestinian Authority through the Oslo Accords and its intended role.
Fatah's Role and Evolution: Analysis of Fatah's foundational principles and its impact on Palestinian politics and the PLO.
The Oslo Accords and Beyond: Discussion on the implications of the accords and the subsequent developments in Palestinian governance.
Current Challenges and Criticisms: Addressing the issues of legitimacy, effectiveness, and public perception of Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership.
The Future of Palestinian Politics: Expert insights into potential political shifts and the role of international interventions.
Audience Q&A: Engaging with listeners' questions about the future of the Palestinian state and the broader geopolitical implications.

Trump on trial and Truss to save the West

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:45:22 GMT

Welcome to this episode of the MidAtlantic podcast where we look at the news and views for both sides of The Atlantic. I'm your host, Roifield Brown, and joining me today are a panel of keen observers from across the globe: Kate Smurthwaite and Tonye Altrade from London, Michael Donahue from Los Angeles, and Zee Cohen Sanchez tuning in from Nevada. Today we delve into the intricate layers of one of the most unprecedented legal and political dramas in American history. the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, who faces charges over hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and its implications not just on American politics but on the global stage. Also later in the show, we will also cover the never-ending career of Liz Truss and her latest endeavour, the book "10 Years to Save the West."

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Israel Strikes Iran, Iran Strikes Back

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:30:46 GMT

Host Roifield Brown is joined by Michael Kaplow from the Israel Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to dissect recent developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics. They focus on the intense dynamics following Israel's recent military actions against an Iranian consulate in Syria and the consequential Iranian missile barrage. The episode delves into the international outcry, the debate over the legality of the actions under international law, and the potential repercussions on global diplomacy.

The conversation extends to Israel's internal political tension regarding its military service policy, especially concerning the ultra-Orthodox community's long-standing draft exemptions. This internal policy debate is juxtaposed with the external military engagements, providing a comprehensive view of the multifaceted challenges Israel faces both domestically and internationally.

As the episode unfolds, Kaplow provides an expert analysis of the strategic missteps and potential paths forward, examining how these might influence wider regional stability and the geopolitical landscape.

Talking Points from the Podcast

Recent Middle Eastern Turmoil: Discussion of the recent events involving Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, followed by Iran's missile response.
International Law and Responses: Analysis of the legality of Israel's actions under international law and the global reaction to both Israel's strike and Iran's missile response.
Impact of Iranian Strikes: A closer look at the specifics of the Iranian strike, including the types and number of missiles used, and the strategic intent behind the response.
Calls for Israeli Restraint: Discussion on the international calls for restraint from Israel, and the potential ramifications of these calls on Israel’s foreign policy and military strategy.
Israeli Military Service Plan: Israel's contentious new military service plan, focusing on the debate around ending draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community and how this issue is influencing Israeli politics and society.
Shadow War Dynamics: Insights into the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran, especially in the context of the Syrian civil war and the presence of Iranian forces in Syria.
Israeli Public Reaction: Reflections on how these developments are perceived and reacted to by the Israeli public, including their concerns and expectations for future security and political stability.
Future Implications for Regional Stability: Speculation on how these events might influence future Israeli actions, Iranian strategies, and overall stability in the Middle East.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

Michael Kaplow: "The response with over 300 missiles was nominally proportional, but the real question remains whether Iran intended a serious escalation or a show of force meant to deter without causing substantial damage."
Roifield Brown: "The strike on the Iranian consulate has undeniably escalated tensions, but it also seems to be a calculated risk to pull the U.S. into a broader conflict—a move fraught with immense geopolitical risk."
Michael Kaplow: "Israel's internal debate over military service is reaching a boiling point, reflecting broader societal divisions that could impact its domestic and international policies."
Roifield Brown: "As we navigate through these turbulent times, the interplay between military actions and political strategies is becoming more complex, illustrating the challenges of managing internal dissent while facing external threats."

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The BBC - A Conversation with Jane Mote

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:42:18 GMT

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown speaks with seasoned journalist and former head of the BBC in London, Jane Mote. They discuss the challenges facing the BBC, including financial pressures from its traditional license fee model and the broader decline of traditional media in the UK amidst digital transformation. Moat emphasises the necessity for the BBC to adapt to changing consumer preferences, where people favour streaming services like Netflix over traditional broadcasting due to brand loyalty.

Mote also touches on the BBC's role in creating and maintaining British cultural identity in a globalised media landscape. She points out the organisation's ongoing struggle with maintaining editorial independence amidst political pressures and decreasing audiences. Furthermore, Moat highlights the need for the BBC to foster diverse and inclusive content that truly reflects its audience, critiquing its current shortcomings in diversity and inclusion.

Throughout the conversation, they explore the implications of digital media on traditional broadcasting and the BBC's initiatives to stay relevant. Mote advocates for a more dynamic and commercially viable BBC that can continue to serve as a beacon of British culture and journalism.

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Why We Must Renationalise Water

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:10:18 GMT

In the first of the Midatlantic Essays, I explain the failure of privatised water and why we need to bring it back into public ownership.

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Bail and Bonds, A Tax on the Poor? Jeffrey J. Clayton

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:41:02 GMT

The podcast episode from "Mid Atlantic" with host Roifield Brown features the topic of bail and criminal justice reform in the U.S., contrasting it with the UK's approach. The guest, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, https://ambailcoalition.org provides insights into the complexities of the American bail system, its historical background, current challenges, and debates surrounding reform efforts. The episode illuminates the stark differences in how bail is approached in the U.S. and the UK, highlighting the impact on freedom, equality, and justice, particularly for marginalised communities in the U.S.

Key Points:

Comparison of U.S. and UK Bail Systems: The U.S. system, reliant on commercial bail bonds, starkly contrasts with the UK's preference for granting bail without such bonds, raising questions about justice and equality.
Disproportionate Impact on Marginalised Communities: The financial burden of bail in the U.S. often means that wealth determines pre-trial freedom, disproportionately harming black and poor Americans.
Divergence in State Policies: Some states like Illinois, New Jersey, and New Mexico are moving away from monetary bonds, while others like Georgia and New York are tightening bail requirements.
Increase in Pretrial Detention Rates: From 1984 to present, the detention rate has increased from 24% to 75%, indicating a shift towards mass pretrial incarceration.
Challenges with Non-Monetary Pretrial Conditions: The growing use of ankle monitors, house arrest, and other conditions has become a significant and costly part of the pretrial process.

Notable Quotes:

"We've substituted the evils of money bail in the federal system for a system of mass federal pretrial incarceration."
"The presumption of crime...really does affect people's attitudes around monetary bail and its efficacy."
"Bail challenges prosecutors to act...there's no incentive to get a conviction when you've already got pretrial detention."
"Our system...it's really a test of your ties to the community. Can you find a third party to put up a financial guarantee?"

Organisations Advocating for Bail Reform:

The Bail Project (https://bailproject.org): A national nonprofit organization that provides bail assistance and advocates for bail reform across the U.S.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (https://www.aclu.org): Advocates for a fairer justice system and works on various fronts, including bail reform, to ensure equality and justice for all, particularly marginalized communities.
Equal Justice Under Law (https://equaljusticeunderlaw.org): Focuses on ending wealth-based discrimination in the justice system, including challenges to the cash bail system.
National Bail Fund Network (https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory): A directory of over 60 community bail and bond funds across the U.S. that work to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.

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The Battle for Abortion Rights in Florida and Conservative Oblivion in the UK

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:15:44 GMT

Roifield Brown and panel navigate through the turbulent political climates of both the United States and the UK, focusing on two major stories that have captured headlines and stirred considerable debate. The episode unfolds against the backdrop of Florida's contentious new six-week abortion law and the anticipation of a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the UK's next general election.

The discussion on Florida's abortion law reveals a deep-seated concern over reproductive rights, with critics arguing that the law, which imposes mandatory in-person doctor visits and a 24-hour waiting period, acts as a de facto total ban on abortion. Panelists, including Mike Donoghue from Los Angeles and Ira Shapiro from Maryland, unpack the implications of such legislation, noting its potential to drastically alter the outcome of the November election. They delve into the political underpinnings of the law, emphasising its alignment with a broader Republican agenda to restrict abortion access across the country. The conversation also touches on the judicial dynamics at play, with Shapiro providing insight into how the Florida Supreme Court could overturn decades of precedent, hinting at a politically motivated judiciary under Governor DeSantis's influence.

Transitioning to the UK, the podcast explores the significant political shift indicated by recent polls, suggesting a monumental victory for the Labour Party. Such a scenario raises questions about the potential for sweeping policy reforms under a Labour government led by Keir Starmer. Panelists, including Mike Holden from Burnley and Leah Brown from Lancashire, express a mix of optimism and caution, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Labour, particularly in addressing pressing issues like the National Health Service and climate change.

Bullet Points :

Florida's Six Week Abortion Law:
The law's implications for women's rights and reproductive freedoms.
Political motivations behind the law and its potential effects on elections.
The role of the judiciary and the possibility of overturning the law through a ballot measure.

UK Labour Party's Potential Victory:
Predictions of a landslide victory for Labour and its implications.
The potential for policy reforms in health service, climate change, and economic policy.
The role of leadership and public opinion in shaping political outcomes.

Key Quotes from the Podcast:

On Florida's Abortion Law: "This regulation... effectively acts as a total ban, complicating abortion access dramatically as political and social opposition mounts."
On Political Strategy: "It's pretty clear their real goal is a full zero... targeting IVF, rules against abortion for rape and incest survivors."
On the UK's Labour Victory Prediction: "We're at a historic juncture with the Conservative Party facing what could be one of its most devastating electoral defeats in recent history."
On Leadership and Decision-Making: "It comes down to a misunderstanding of what it means and looks like to be a leader... people generally don't necessarily have a willingness to learn from lessons of those who have come before them."
On Public Ownership and Policy Reform: "The one thing an incumbent Labour government should do is to say water, we're going to take that back into public ownership."

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The Cold War in the Middle East

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:20:16 GMT

Podcast Episode Summary:

In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown sits down with Ian Sanders, host and producer of Cold War Conversations, to dive deep into the Cold War's impact on the Middle East. Through a detailed and engaging discussion, they explore the geopolitical dynamics, conflicts, and the roles of global superpowers in shaping the region's history. This conversation sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the Cold War, emphasising the importance of oral histories in understanding complex historical events.

Show Notes & Topics Discussed:

Cold War's Influence in the Middle East:
Specific Conflicts and Events:
The geopolitical shifts in the 1950s, including the overthrow of the monarchy in Egypt and the rise of Nasser, signalling a move towards socialism but not communism.
The strategic importance of Jordan post-formation of the State of Israel and its complex relationship with both the West and its own citizens.
The Six-Day War and its consequences, including Israel's territorial gains and the weakening of Nasser's position in Egypt.
The Iran-Iraq War as a significant yet often backgrounded conflict of the '80s, illustrating the enduring legacy of border disputes and the influence of external powers.
Soviet Union's Challenges:
The draining effect of the Soviet Union's involvement in Afghanistan, drawing parallels to the American experience in the region decades later.
The withdrawal from Afghanistan and the internal pressures leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Broader Implications and Themes:
The rise of Arab nationalism and anti-colonial movements in the Middle East, facilitated by the geopolitical vacuum left by declining British and French influence.
The emergence of Islamic fundamentalism as a significant force following the Cold War, with ties back to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Conclusion and Podcast Promotion:
Ian Sanders encourages listeners to explore Cold War Conversations for in-depth interviews and stories, offering a comprehensive view of the Cold War's global impact.
Host Roifield Brown wraps up the episode with a call for listener engagement through reviews and previews upcoming content for the podcast series.

Quotes

"And at the end of the conflict, there was really nothing. Nothing there, there was no benefit really from either side. They almost ended up back at where they started there, but there were a number of proxy forces operating in, in both countries."
"So the Soviet Union fades away to Christmas 1991. But I think one of the other things that weakens the Soviet position is they have been exhausted, their army's been exhausted and bled dry by their ill-advised invasion into Afghanistan in 1979."
"Yeah, the Iran-Iraq war is an interesting one. I remember this playing out in the '80s and it was almost like background noise, but in terms of its scale and the number of people killed, it is a really significant conflict and particularly for that area."
"The six-day war was really a Israeli surprise, a surprise attack on Egypt. What was happening at the time is Egypt had told the United Nation forces that were on the Suez Canal to they had to get out. And in the process of them leaving, Israel sees a great opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

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Israel Isolated - Is This The End for Netanyahu?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:56:57 GMT

Host Roifield Brown looks into the escalating crisis in Gaza, its severe humanitarian implications, and the resulting shifts in Israel's global standing. Joined by Michael Kaplow of the Israel Policy Forum, the discussion centres on the unfolding human tragedy in Gaza, where an imminent famine threatens millions, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contemplate a new offensive amidst widespread food insecurity.

The conversation navigates the intricate web of political manoeuvres by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of the United Nations Security Council's recent resolution, which the U.S., Israel's closest ally, notably chose not to veto. This resolution, demanding a ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan, symbolises a significant pivot in international relations and showcases the nuanced dynamics at play within Israeli politics, especially considering Netanyahu's controversial leadership and the roles of right-extremist figures in his coalition.

As the dialogue unfolds, Kaplow provides insightful analysis on the broader geopolitical context, the internal and external pressures facing Netanyahu, and the profound implications of the U.S.'s stance for Israeli domestic politics and its global image. The episode not only sheds light on the complex layers of the crisis but also delves into the potential paths forward amidst this geopolitical quagmire.

Quotes:

"This resolution, while short, is not merely symbolic; it's a seismic shift in the dynamics of U.S. and Israeli politics, challenging the very foundation of their longstanding alliance." - Michael Kaplow
"Netanyahu's political gambits are not just about navigating the current crisis; they're about clinging to power by positing himself as Israel's sole defender against a world he portrays as antagonistic." - Michael Kaplow
"The crux of the debate is not about whether an operation in Rafah should happen, but about when and at what cost, highlighting a rare consensus across the Israeli political spectrum amidst international contention." - Michael Kaplow
"Criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-Semitic. The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate policy critiques and those that question Israel's very right to exist." - Michael Kaplow

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The Political Earthquakes in Ohio and the UK's Conservative Crisis

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:19:06 GMT

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown, from Birmingham, engages in a riveting discussion on the latest political developments on both sides of the Atlantic, focusing on Bernie Moreno's recent victory in the Ohio GOP Senate primary and the unfolding challenges facing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. With the insights of political analyst Aram Fischer, pollster Logan Phillips, and UK-based political consultants Leah Brown and Cory Bernard, the episode delves into the implications of Moreno's win, endorsed by Donald Trump, for the Ohio Republican Party and the broader American political landscape. The discussion also turns to the troubled waters Prime Minister Sunak navigates amidst internal dissent within the Conservative Party and looming local elections. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the Trump endorsement's impact, the dynamics of the Senate races, and the future of UK politics under Sunak's leadership.

Quotes:

Aram Fischer: "Ohio has been drifting to the right for a bunch of years now... the blue cities have stayed very blue, but the red areas of Ohio have gotten increasingly red."
Logan Phillips: "Democrats could overperform in the right places here to have a shot at winning. They're underdogs, but they consistently have an edge in candidate recruitment."
Leah Brown: "Rishi Sunak could have had a fundamentally different premiership. It's a masterclass in what does it look like to bring people along with you and to fail at that."
Cory Bernard: "The Tory party...didn't have to be in this dire situation. Rishi Sunak had a clear two years and some change to set a vision... He's completely dropped the ball."

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Hesters Hate and The Reality for UK Black Politicians

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:11:29 GMT

Description:

One week after Frank Hestor's attack on Diane Abbott, we explore the persistent challenges of racism and misogyny within the British political landscape. Our distinguished panel, featuring MP Claudia Webb, Leah Brown from Broadstairs Consulting, and political analyst Corey Bernard, look at the troubling experiences faced by black women in positions of power, particularly highlighting the distressing experiences of Diane Abbott. As we dissect the implications of leadership in combatting racial prejudice and examine the dichotomy of progress and persistent bigotry, this conversation sheds light on the intricate dynamics of race, identity, and politics in the UK.

Show Notes:

Claudia Webb MP shares her experiences of anti-black racism and misogyny as a black woman in Parliament, offering insights into the broader context of institutional racism and its impact on political figures.
Discussion on the lack of leadership in addressing racism, with specific reference to recent comments by Tory donor Frank Hester and the response (or lack thereof) from political leaders.
Leah Brown analyses the failure in political leadership and its connection to systemic issues, including conflicts of interest and the need for integrity and accountability.
Corey Bernard reflects on the role of identity politics in the political spectrum and how expectations differ across party lines, offering a unique perspective on diversity within political leadership.
Claudia Webb provides a closing statement, emphasising the need for genuine leadership to confront and eradicate racism and misogyny within the political arena.
Final thoughts from host Roifield Brown and the importance of continued vigilance against racism and sexism in all sectors of society.

Quotes

Claudia Webb MP: "The level of anti-Black racism and misogyny that I experienced as a Black Member of Parliament on the left is probably unprecedented... Black women, particularly those in positions of power, are targeted for the most vile levels of hate, targeted not just for being black, but also for being female and having the audacity to be in a position of power and then having the audacity to be on the left as well."
Leah Brown: "Lack of leadership is my favourite topic... The key area in which there has been lack of leadership shown here by the Prime Minister is in relation to conflicts of interest... Fundamentally if you can't address the conflicts of interest that arise in a way that doesn't give rise to toxic leadership, you also can't expect those same individuals to show leadership."
Corey Bernard: "Identity politics in this context, leading with race or ethnicity, is definitely something perhaps more expected on the left, right? As opposed to on the right... People are not very comfortable, basically, when you show who you are in terms of your identity."
Claudia Webb MP: "Black people in positions of leadership does not mean that we're going to see change. We are talking about a lack of political leadership, there are opportunists that are using this for political gain... Black people in positions of leadership does not necessarily mean that we're going to see change, we're talking about a minority, but we're talking about a lack of political leadership."

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Mitch McConnell Legacy and Controversy - Ira Shapiro

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:29:21 GMT

Host Roifield Brown engages with Ira Shapiro, the author of "The Betrayal," to dissect the legacy of Senator Mitch McConnell. The discussion delves into McConnell's significant yet contentious 17-year tenure as the top Republican in the U.S. Senate, a period marked by strategic mastery and polarizing partisanship. Shapiro, offering insights from his comprehensive examination of McConnell's career, paints a portrait of a politician whose actions have indelibly shaped American politics.

The episode explores McConnell's complex persona, acknowledging his unparalleled skill in navigating parliamentary procedure while critiquing his staunchly partisan approach. The conversation underscores McConnell's influential role in obstructing the Obama presidency and facilitating the Trump administration's judicial appointments, framing these actions as pivotal moments that define his legacy.

The episode is an in-depth analysis of McConnell's first major political manoeuvre against campaign finance reform, highlighting his enduring impact on the role of money in politics. The episode also addresses McConnell's strategic decisions during key moments, such as the blocking of Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination, illustrating his prioritisation of party over country.

The podcast provides a nuanced perspective on McConnell's legacy, balancing admiration for his political acumen with critical scrutiny of his partisanship and its implications for American democracy.

Quotes

"I have a sneaking admiration for Mitch McConnell. I think he is that Machiavellian master of the dark arts of parliamentary procedure. And there is something, even though I dislike every one of his policies, I admire him for that."
"My problem is that Senator McConnell has functioned totally as a partisan. Our system is a little different and complicated because it requires some degree of minority cooperation."
"He tarnished and diminished the Obama presidency through his obstruction. He made the Trump presidency through his ramming through of the Supreme Court nominees after blocking Merrick Garland's nomination."
"The first and continuing work of McConnell has been to maximize the power of money in politics, and he was very successful at it."

The 2024 Spring Budget with Raj Kandola: Insights and Implications

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:42:57 GMT

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, we welcome Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to dissect the 2024 Spring Budget announced by UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. As the nation moves closer to the next general election, this budget has garnered attention for its strategic tax adjustments, investment allocations, and potential impacts on the economic landscape. Raj provides an expert analysis of how these fiscal policies may or may not shape the UK's economic resilience, influence the business community, and affect regional growth and development.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the episode and guest Raj Kandola.
Overview of key budget announcements: NI reductions, child benefit threshold increases, extension of the cost of living support fund, adjustments in alcohol duty and property taxes.
Raj Kandola's perspective on the budget's focus on household tax cuts and missed opportunities for business growth.
Examination of positive initiatives in the budget, such as AI investment and support for workforce reintegration.
Discussion on the Institute of Fiscal Studies' skepticism and the business community's sentiment towards the projected economic recovery.
The sustainability of fiscal policy in light of significant public service cuts.
The need for investment in regional infrastructure to address disparities, particularly between Birmingham and London.
Raj's assessment of the budget's timing and potential implications for the upcoming general election.
Conclusion: Raj Kandola's overall grade for the budget and its implications for UK businesses.
How to connect with Raj Kandola and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce online.

Quotes:

"I think given the fact that we're facing the prospect of a general election at some point this year, it was no surprise to see the Chancellor use the limited fiscal headroom he's got to prioritise tax cuts for households." - Raj Kandola
"From a business perspective, we can't help but feel he's missed a trick in really trying to unlock growth for businesses, not just in our region but across the country as well." - Raj Kandola
"There's still a lot of challenges out there. There's still more support that businesses need." - Raj Kandola
"We need a far more integrated transport system, which incorporates all modes, but also encourages people to get out of their cars, essentially, because, as Birmingham was renowned for being a city of the car." - Raj Kandola

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Super Tuesday Special: The Age Factor and Beyond - Steve Hewitt

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:40:46 GMT

Today we look into the dynamics of the American presidential race, focusing on the Super Tuesday and the unique characteristics of this election cycle. Join us as we explore insights from Dr. Steve Hewitt, an associate professor of North American history at Birmingham University, shedding light on the age factor, potential legal challenges, and the evolving nature of political parties in the U.S. Don't miss this thought-provoking analysis that goes beyond the ballot box, offering a glimpse into the future of American democracy.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the special Super Tuesday episode.
Overview of the event attended in Birmingham and introduction of Dr. Steve Hewitt.
Discussion on the implications of having elderly candidates in the presidential race.
Analysis of the potential legal and financial jeopardy faced by certain candidates.
Insight into the changing relevance of political parties and the rise of independent voters.
Predictions for the 2028 election and potential key players.
Examination of the role of media and personality in politics.
Consideration of the impact of Donald Trump on voter engagement and democratic participation.
Concluding thoughts from Dr. Steve Hewitt and wrap-up.

Quotes:

"It's not been the most exciting choice and I think, certainly on the Democratic side, many would prefer to have a different candidate, but I think even many Republicans would as well."
"It's a sort of gerontocracy. You've got these elderly gentlemen running who, Trump, I think is four years younger than Biden. And so it's not like a dynamic choice that reflects the wider population."
"It's going to be absolutely fascinating, I think, come the autumn. And then, of course, do we have a repeat of 2020 where one of the candidates doesn't accept the result if it's a close election?"
"I think the Republican party is going to, it's become the party of Trump. It effectively is he, Trump owns it and it's almost like his personal fiefdom in a sense."

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Shut Downs and Islamophobia

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:19:14 GMT

Summary:

Today we look at the high-stakes drama of American politics amidst looming government shutdown threats and internal GOP conflicts. Joined by experts Tonye Altrade, Aram Fischer, Logan Phillips, and Zee Cohen Sanchez, the conversation explores Speaker Mike Johnson's contentious budgeting strategies, the Republican Party's internal struggles, and the potential repercussions on US governance. Shifting focus to the UK, the panel discusses the provocative comments by MP Lee Anderson about London Mayor Sadiq Khan and their impact on the Conservative Party, examining the broader implications of political rhetoric on race and religion.

Five Notable Quotes:

"As the United States teeters on the brink of yet another potential government shutdown, the political drama intensifies, reflecting deep-rooted party divisions and challenging the GOP's governance capabilities." - Roifield Brown
"The GOP dysfunction we're witnessing is a stark illustration of the party's internal battles, where ideological extremes hinder coherent governance and compromise." - Aram Fischer
"Despite the frequency of government shutdown threats, their normalisation risks undermining public trust and the essential functions of governance." - Logan Phillips
"Lee Anderson's comments not only stir controversy within the Conservative Party but also ignite critical conversations on how political discourse shapes public perception of race and religion." - Tonye Altrade
"The dynamics within the Republican Party and the UK's Conservative Party showcase a global political trend where internal conflicts and polarizing rhetoric threaten the principles of democratic governance." - Zee Cohen Sanchez

Further Reading Suggestions:

"The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track" by Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein - An insightful analysis of the issues plaguing the American legislative branch, offering historical context and potential solutions.

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Navigating US Homelessness: Dr. Robert Marbut

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:09:06 GMT

We have a comprehensive dialogue with Dr. Robert Marbut, a renowned figure in the realm of homelessness advocacy and a former appointee of President Trump to lead the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Dr. Marbutt known for his pragmatic approach to tackling homelessness, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this crisis, emphasising the need for a nuanced understanding and targeted interventions.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Dr. Robert Marbut:

Background in homelessness advocacy.
Experience in government and policy-making.
Founding of Haven for Hope.

2.Understanding Homelessness:

The scale of homelessness in the U.S. and its societal impacts.
Differentiating between various groups within the homeless population.
The critical distinction between housing shortage and homelessness.

3.Dr. Marbut's Approach:

Critique of one-size-fits-all solutions.
Advocacy for a holistic approach: Engage, assess, and treat before housing.
Success stories from cities that have implemented comprehensive strategies.

4.Policy and Perception:

Addressing misconceptions and stigmas around homelessness.
The importance of data-driven policies and community involvement.
Future directions in homelessness advocacy and policy.

5.Resources:

"No Address" documentary and movie for insights into homelessness.
FixHomelessness.org for data and success stories.
MarbutConsulting.org for more on Dr. Marbut's work and philosophy.

Quotes

Dr. Robert Marbut: "The way you exit homelessness in most parts of the country is death. That, I think, is a way you judge a society — how you deal with the least, last, and lost."

Roifield Brown: "The future of humanity is for us to live closer and closer with each other, and if that is going to be the future, we need a way that all of us can have the equity of at least a roof over our heads."

Dr. Robert Marbut: "We love you so much we take you as you are, but we also love you so much to let you stay that way."

Dr. Robert Marbut: "We're making it easy to get high and hard to get treatment. We need to make it easy to get treatment and hard to get high."

Creating Rainbows: The Ongoing Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights with Kevin Jennings

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:09:27 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, few names resonate as profoundly as Kevin Jennings. A guest on the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, Jennings, a leader of Lambda Legal, provided an illuminating discourse on the history and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. His insights offered a rare window into the resilience and triumphs that have marked the movement from its nascent days to the current era.

Jennings' tenure at Lambda Legal stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of LGBTQ+ rights. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Lambda Legal, under Jennings' leadership, has been instrumental in several landmark legal battles. Most notably, Jennings highlighted Lambda Legal's role as co-counsel in the historic Obergefell v. Hodges case, which granted marriage equality to same-sex couples in the United States. But Jennings' involvement extends beyond this singular victory, tracing back to earlier milestones such as the 1983 lawsuit securing protections for individuals living with HIV and the pivotal 2003 case, Lawrence v. Texas, which abolished so-called sodomy laws.

Jennings' journey, characterized by both legal advocacy and policy-making, underscores the multifaceted approach necessary in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In an era marked by shifting political landscapes and persistent challenges, His work, as detailed in the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, is not just a narrative of legal triumphs but a broader story of societal progress, one where the fight for equality continues with relentless vigor and unwavering hope.

Show Notes:

Guest Introduction: Kevin Jennings, leader of Lambda Legal and renowned advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Topic Overview: Tracing the history of gay rights in the U.S., including key milestones and ongoing challenges.
Key Discussions:The formation and impact of Lambda Legal.
Jennings' work in the Obama administration and its effects on bullying prevention.
The intersection of LGBTQ+ rights with other civil rights movements.
The impact of the AIDS crisis on the LGBTQ+ community.
The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights from Stonewall to the present day.
Actionable Insights: How listeners can support LGBTQ+ rights and Lambda Legal.
Audience Q&A: Engaging discussion with listeners about the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community globally.

Quotes from the Episode:

"We've been fighting the good fight for 51 years now, and we have the receipts to show that we're effective." - Kevin Jennings
"We showed the government can make a difference. And our successor showed the government can make a difference in the opposite direction." - Kevin Jennings on bullying prevention
"LGBTQ+ people have experienced a lot of oppression, but for a century, LGBTQ+ people have been fighting back. So it's a very hopeful story." - Kevin Jennings
"The government hostility towards gay men in particular, during the AIDS crisis, is why half a million people died." - Kevin Jennings
"We are not going anywhere, and we are not going to let this happen." - Kevin Jennings on fighting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

Unmasking AI: The Politics of Bias

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 13:02:00 GMT

In this episode of the Mid Atlantic Podcast, we look into the complex world of AI and political bias with expert guest Maxim Lot. A seasoned journalist and data connoisseur, Maxim brings over 15 years of experience to the table, having worked with ABC, Fox, and as the founder of Maxim True Substack. His latest project, TrackingAI.org, is at the forefront of analysing political biases in AI, offering a unique perspective on the issue. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of data harvesting, AI algorithms, and the potential societal impacts of AI-driven technologies.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the topic of political bias in AI.
Maxim Lot's extensive background in media and data analysis.
Discussion on data harvesting, AI algorithm training, and their inherent biases.
TrackingAI.org's innovative approach to evaluating AI biases.
Debate on AI regulation and the balance between innovation and societal impact.
Listener Q&A: Addressing the practical and ethical challenges of AI in various aspects of life.
Closing thoughts: The need for a holistic approach to AI development and regulation.

Quotes:

Maxim Lot: "They just vacuumed the data and fed it into these AI algorithms. And so that's step one. Where there could be bias if Wikipedia is biased, if the Google News results are biased, that could lead to a biased data set."
Roifield Brown: "However, I'm profoundly scared about an AI future and a scale of one to 10. You're a better man. You deal with statistics. How scared should I be about an AI-driven future?"
Maxim Lot: "So I basically did this for all the AIs, ChatGPT, Bard, Rock, and just to see where they would come down on this political quiz."
Roifield Brown: "I don't believe in a future which is run by tech companies and tech companies alone. I must admit, and that scares the bejesus out of me."
Maxim Lot: "But in the nuclear industry, for example, where you obviously need some regulation, but now we have a situation where France, for example, most of their energy is produced with nuclear, and it's great, they've never, no one's, died from it, and they produce 70 percent of their energy with it, and it's clean, there's no CO2.

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Age and Statesmanship: Biden's Tenure and Kier Starmer stumbles

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:46:21 GMT

Today we delve into the highly charged topic of President Joe Biden's age and its political ramifications. Host Roifield Brown leads a panel of experts through an incisive discussion, beginning with Robert Herr's report on Biden's handling of classified documents and his response about his son, Beau. The conversation pivots to the media's portrayal of Biden and Trump, exploring biases and the impact on public perception. As the debate heats up, our panelists weigh the consequences of an aging leader, comparing media scrutiny and voter sentiment. We also venture across the pond, examining the Labour Party's challenges in the UK, from antisemitism to policy stances on Gaza.

Show Notes:

Deep dive into Robert Herr's report and its implications.
Discussion on media's treatment of Biden vs. Trump, focusing on age and mental acuity.
Analysis of Biden's policy successes and media's search for sensationalism.
Exploring the potential for a Democratic alternative to Biden.
Transition to UK politics: Labour's turmoil and antisemitism challenges.
Insights on Labour's stance on the Gaza conflict and its political repercussions.
Reflections on leadership and the role of age in politics.

Quotes:

Aram Fischer: "I think the short answer is no, [Biden's] obviously not too old because he's currently in the job and by a lot of metrics, he's doing a good job."
Mike Donoghue: "The media needs to look in the mirror quite a bit here because what our media really thrives on is less left-right and more sensational at all costs."
Jarett Kobek: "Biden seems old. Trump seems young because psychosis always has a sort of youthful break to it. Everybody's ancient and it's not good for the health of the Republic to have two people this old vying for the highest office in the land."
Steve O'Neill: "One of the ways that Keir Starmer and his team have rescued the Labour Party is by stamping out and having a zero tolerance line on antisemitism."
Tonye Altrade: "South Africa has shown that by willingness and by the intent to do the right thing, they can start making a difference. By taking that case to the ICJ, South Africa have shown that with boldness and courage, they can stand up to people or their friends and tell them when they're doing something wrong.
Cory Bernard: I think [the Labour Party's handling of antisemitism] has the potential to be damaging, but I just don't think it will be, just because the Conservatives right now are just not able to capitalize on anything that can give them that edge to maybe narrow the polls a bit more.

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Art and Protest - Wayne Campbell's Journey in activism

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:27:10 GMT

Today we delve into the world of Wayne Campbell, renowned street photographer and visual activist. Wayne shares his unique journey from capturing powerful moments in protests to creating an evocative gallery and book. His work, symbolising mental health, resilience, and the potency of activism, transcends traditional photography, offering a profound commentary on contemporary issues. Join us as Wayne discusses the impact of his peers, the significance of his gallery and self-published book, and his ambitions for global empathy through art. Don't miss this blend of creativity, activism, and personal insight!

Show Notes:

Introduction to Wayne Campbell: Learn about Wayne's background and his unique approach to photography and illustration.
Inspirations and Collaborations: Wayne talks about the influences in his art, highlighting his peers Aubrey Fagan and Wayne Critchler.
The Role of Galleries and Books: Discover how these platforms have been crucial in bringing Wayne's work to a broader audience.
Activism in Brixton: Wayne shares his experiences growing up in Brixton and how it has shaped his perspectives on activism and art.
Creating a Community Hub: Learn about Wayne's vision for his gallery as a space for discussion, learning, and showcasing visual activism.
Photography Tips: Wayne offers practical advice for aspiring photographers looking to capture the essence of demonstrations.
The Power of Visual Media: A discussion on the impact of smartphones and professional cameras in modern photography.
Wayne's Book and Gallery: Details on where to find Wayne's work, both online and in-person.

Quotes:

Wayne Campbell on Inspiration: "The greatest inspirers are people you probably have never heard of. They are the ones who keep me honest, the ones I trawl the streets with. Their work is the true inspiration behind my work."
On the Importance of Galleries and Books: "I've always considered myself a Ferrari with wooden wheels. The exhibition and the book, they were the big push I needed to introduce my work to the world."
Discussing Activism in Brixton: "Growing up in Brixton, I've seen what activism looks like in this environment. Bringing this gallery space and exhibition of activism back to Brixton, nestled between frappuccinos and lattes, makes it more relevant."
Reflecting on the Power of Photography in Protests: "When I initially came up with the idea to create a safe space for protest, I realized that it's never going to be possible to be comfortable with everyone's politics. But that's the journey and part of my learning."

A Celebration of Demonstration

Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, SW9 8PS

https://wacfoo.com/product-category/blm

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The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Is This a Turning Point - Rami Khoury

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:15:51 GMT

Rami Khoury, Director of Global Engagement at the American University of Beirut. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza and its ramifications. Khoury, an acclaimed journalist and academic, brings a unique perspective, honing in on the imminent famine crisis in Gaza and exploring the historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of Palestine, the role of Hamas, and the shifting global response to this century-old struggle.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Rami Khoury: Brief background on Khoury's achievements and his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Current Crisis in Gaza: Discussion on the Israeli invasion of Gaza, focusing on the humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine.
Historical Context: Exploration of the conflict's history, tracing back to the early 20th century, and the role of colonial powers in shaping the current landscape.
Role of Hamas: Insights into Hamas's influence and actions within the conflict, including the October 7 attack and its global perception.
International Response and Legal Perspectives: Analysis of the International Court of Justice's rulings and the shifting stance of Western governments, including the U.S. and the U.K.
Prospects for Peace: Envisioning a two-state solution, the challenges ahead, and the potential roadmap to peace.
Audience Q&A: Responses to listener questions, providing clarity on complex issues.
Conclusion: Summarising key takeaways and reflections on the future of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.

Quotes:

On the Historical Context of the Conflict: "It was in 1923 that the League of Nations gave a mandate to Great Britain...and now it's 101 years, and this is still going on." - Rami Khoury
Regarding the Role of Hamas: "Hamas has developed since the late 1980s, and it has become over time a very proficient military force... recognising what the capabilities they have developed." - Rami Khoury
On International Response and Legal Perspectives: "The International Court of Justice decision... is very significant because this is the first time in the history of this entire conflict, the two sides were able to present their case in public at a legitimate venue." - Rami Khoury
Looking Towards the Future: "The Israelis and the Americans when they talk of states, they say states for the Palestinians, but the Israelis have security rights to control the borders... We're done with that. The Arab world is done with that." - Rami Khoury
Hope:I am 75 years old. I was born in 1948. So I've lived, this has been my whole life, but it seems to me that this year is the turning point. 2023, 2024. This is the most dramatic week that we've seen where changes are happening... it seems to me that this year is the turning point. - Rami Khoury

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The Democratic party Chessboard 2016 - 2024 - Luppe Luppen and Hunter Walker

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:26:06 GMT

Roifield Brown delves deep into the heart of American politics with seasoned political journalists Luppe Luppen and Hunter Walker. The duo, famous for their book "The Truce: Progressive, Centrist, and the Future of the Democratic Party," unpacks the complex narrative of the Democratic Party from the 2016 election to the present. Get ready for an insightful exploration of the party's internal struggles, the rise of pivotal political figures, and the events shaping its trajectory. This episode promises a thorough discussion on the party's future and its leadership, comparing its dynamics to British politics and exploring the underlying themes influencing both nations' political landscapes.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Luppe Luppen and Hunter Walker, authors of "The Truce."
A deep dive into the Democratic Party's journey and internal conflicts.
Comparison of the Democratic Party's dynamics with the Labour Party in the UK.
The impact of the 2016 election on the Democratic Party's future.
Analysis of Joe Biden's role in unifying the party and the challenges ahead.
The generational divide and the youth vote's influence on American politics.
Interactive Q&A session with the audience, featuring discussions on progressive policies, youth engagement, and the 2024 elections.

Quotes:

Luppe Luppen: "We didn't really understand early on in the process how the Democratic Party was doing, what it was doing. How does Joe Biden end up consolidating the party in this sort of rapid fire weekend after the South Carolina primary and sweeping Bernie Sanders aside and taking the nomination and then going on to defeat Donald Trump?"
Hunter Walker: "Biden both, I think, governed more progressively than those on the left might've expected, but also he worked behind the scenes and these calls with Obama that Lupe is talking about."
Hunter Walker: "As we were talking earlier with RM about that sort of paradox where Democrats have the majority, but they don't always get the victory. A big part of that is youth engagement and the fact that young people are not engaged."
Luppe Luppen: "America does change more gradually than anyone would like, but we are in a far more progressive place now, even with the threat of Trump, which I don't discount at all."

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Crossing the Aisle: Steve O'Neill's Political Odyssey from Lib Dems to Labour

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:42:48 GMT

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," we explore the world of UK politics through the eyes of Steve O'Neill. Steve, a seasoned political strategist with a background in education and international policy, shares his journey from the British civil service to his involvement in political strategy with the Liberal Democrats, and his eventual shift to the Labour Party. The discussion delves into the dynamics of British politics during critical times like the end of New Labour in 2010, the coalition government, and the post-2015 election challenges faced by the Lib Dems. Steve also discusses his time in New York, including a stint with the United Nations, and his work on the "No Man's Land" podcast, offering a perspective on political division and the quest for unity.

Notable Quotes:

On Political Awakening: "I wasn't really interested in politics until I was 23, 24 years old. A lot of what I learned about policy and politics was from my day job in the civil service."
On Coalition Compromises: "I thought a lot of the big ideas happened in politics. This led me to sympathize with the Lib Dems, particularly their stance during the coalition government."
On Shifting Allegiances: "The world felt politically different around the Brexit referendum. That's when I realized no more fence-sitting – it was time to support a more progressive party."
On Political Identity: "I'd probably describe myself as centre-left now, aligning more with the Blair-Brown era of politics, having moved away from my earlier centrist views."

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Maple Politics, the Winds of Change in Canada

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 10:51:51 GMT

Roifield Brown invites Canadian political pundits Laura Babcock and Adam Schaan to dissect the shifting dynamics of Canadian politics. As they delve into the complexities of Trudeau's leadership, the rise of Pierre Poilievre, and the influence of U.S. politics, the conversation illuminates the pressing issues shaping Canada's future.

From the climate of political discourse to the impact of housing and immigration policies, this episode offers a deep dive into the heart of Canada's political climate as it stands on the brink of significant change.

Show Notes:

A deep dive into Canadian political attitudes and the public's perception of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Analysis of Pierre Poilievre's rise in Canadian politics and his potential impact on the country's future.
Discussion on Canada's housing crisis and its political ramifications.
Exploration of Canada-U.S. relations and their influence on Canadian politics, especially considering potential changes in U.S. leadership.
Insights into the role of social media and communication strategies in contemporary Canadian politics.
Predictions for the future of the Canadian political landscape and the potential outcomes of upcoming elections.

Quotes from the podcast episode:

Laura Babcock: "Canada has been going through a really deep affordability and housing crisis like nothing else that we've ever seen. Despite doing well compared to other G7 nations, we are completely not feeling it on the ground."
Adam Schaan: "Pierre Poilievre's rise is significant. He's been a member of parliament for nearly two decades and is now seen as sharp, competent, and a potential prime minister. His approach, blending traditional politics with savvy social media strategies, marks a new era in Canadian politics."
Laura Babcock: "What's important is for people who say, 'Yeah, that's just Trump. That's just his BS.' He has had a very intelligent and deep and sophisticated and widespread machine behind him the last two years that has been organising how to, in fact, bring in all loyalists, how to take apart the justice system."
Adam Schaan: "Canadians recognise how important immigration is and are in support of it, both on a moral basis as a multicultural society and also due to the economic necessity to bring in people to fill in shortages in the labor force and to counteract an aging population."

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Brass Monkeys, Iowa and Rwanda

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 13:01:04 GMT

Guests include political strategist Michael Donohue, commentator Cory Bernard, analyst Zee Cohen Sanchez, and poll expert Logan Phillips.

Segment 1: Unpacking the Iowa Caucuses

Introduction to the Iowa caucuses as a critical milestone in the 2024 election cycle.
Discussion on Trump's surprising victory, securing a record 51% of the vote, and the tight race for second place.
Analysis of Trump's enduring popularity and the implications for rivals like Haley and DeSantis.
Exploration of the Republican field's strategic shifts and challenges.

Segment 2: The UK's Rwanda Bill Controversy

An in-depth look at the controversial Rwanda bill, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Examination of the bill's journey through the House of Commons and the impending challenges in the House of Lords.
Insights into the internal divisions within the Conservative party and the bill's global implications.
Perspectives from notable political figures including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick.

Closing Segment:

Reflections on the future of the Republican Party post-Trump, exploring potential shifts and the emergence of new political figures.
Final thoughts on the evolving political landscapes in the US and the UK, and their broader implications.

Social Media Highlights:

Catch Logan Phillips (@loganr2wh) discussing the impact of trials on the general election on Politico.
Follow Mike Donahue (@MichaelADonahue).
Join Corey Bernard (@168polymath) as he navigates through political academia and current events.

Quotes

Cory Bernard:

"I don't think that much. I think it was, I think it was overhyped..." - Cory Bernard, commenting on the perceived threat to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's position regarding the Rwanda bill.

Z Cohen Sanchez:

"100 percent in that, this has been a question on everybody's mind for the last four years, essentially, right?" - Z Cohen Sanchez, discussing the enduring support for Trump despite various controversies.

Michael Donohue:

"Crazy stupid, cruel. And I understand politically why Richie's doing it. But to me, I think he's preaching to the choir of his base." - Michael Donohue, providing his perspective on the motivations behind Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill.

Logan Phillips:

"You have, in particular, a lot of white voters that don't have a college degree that had been moving away from Democrats but just accelerated a lot towards Trump..." - Logan Phillips, analyzing voter demographic shifts and their impact on the Republican Party's dynamics.

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2024: A Global Crossroads

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:55:45 GMT

Guest: Pyotr Kurzin, Global Gambit podcast

Key Topics:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Middle East: The episode begins with a discussion about the significance of the ICJ in 2024, particularly its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The conversation delves into the complexities of the court's decisions and their global impact.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the possibility of Ukraine's partition, is analyzed. The discussion covers the international response and the conflict's broader geopolitical implications.
China's Economic Slowdown and Taiwan Tensions: The episode explores China's economic challenges and the escalating tensions with Taiwan, especially in light of Taiwan's new presidential election.
Horn of Africa - Ethiopia and Somaliland Treaty: The focus shifts to the Horn of Africa, examining the significance of the recent treaty between Ethiopia and Somaliland and its potential to reshape regional stability.

Key Quotes:

On the ICJ and Middle East: "The ICJ's decisions in 2024 could significantly reshape the Middle East, not just legally but also in terms of international perception and alliances." - Pyotr Kurzin
Regarding Russia-Ukraine Conflict: "This conflict isn’t just a regional issue; it's a global inflection point with far-reaching consequences that we’re only beginning to understand." - Pyotr Kurzin
On China and Taiwan: "The tension between China and Taiwan is more than a regional standoff; it’s a litmus test for global superpower diplomacy in the modern era." - Roifield Brown
Discussing the Horn of Africa: "The Ethiopia-Somaliland treaty is not just about regional politics; it’s about redrawing the strategic map of the Horn of Africa." - Pyotr Kurzin

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Trump's Command and Haley's Surge

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:07:41 GMT

Roifield Brown, broadcasting from Birmingham, delves into the intricate world of American politics. With the help of political pollster Logan Phillips, the discussion centers around the recent Iowa caucus results and their implications for the Republican presidential race. The episode examines Donald Trump's significant lead over rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, despite his minimal campaigning efforts in Iowa. This leads to a broader debate on the efficacy and democratic nature of the U.S. primary system, questioning whether it's time for a revamp. Special attention is given to Nikki Haley's surging popularity, especially following Chris Christie's exit from the race. The episode also explores the potential impacts of the primary system on American democracy, considering the risk of political extremism and the need for more focused candidate selection.

Quotes:

Roifield Brown: "It's like a complex chess game where every move redefines the board. The primary system, with its obscene spending and often irrelevant maneuvers, begs the question: Is it time for a rethink?"
Logan Phillips: "With Trump's looming presence over Iowa, it challenges the state's traditional role in shaping the presidential race. It's not about whether he'll win Iowa; it's about how much he'll win by."
Logan Phillips on Nikki Haley: "Haley's rise in New Hampshire, now over 30% in polls, is not just a surge but a strategic consolidation of anti-Trump sentiment. Her challenge is winning over the key demographic still open to Trump, a task that requires more than just being the establishment choice."

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Crossing Borders and Crossing Lines: The U.S. Migrant Crisis and the UK's Post Office Scandal

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:14:46 GMT

The episode delves into two major topics: the escalating U.S. migrant crisis under the Biden administration and the UK Post Office Horizon scandal.

U.S. Migrant Crisis: The discussion begins with an exploration of the U.S. migrant crisis, noting a significant increase in unauthorized border crossings and the challenges this poses to federal resources and policies. The conversation touches on the varied responses from the government, from expanding deportations to increasing work permit access. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum, Republicans and immigration advocates, are mentioned for their differing views on the administration's approach. The panel also discusses the broader impact of the crisis beyond border areas, particularly in cities like New York, which has seen a substantial influx of migrants. The financial and societal impacts of this influx are explored, along with the political ramifications for the Biden administration.
UK Post Office Horizon Scandal: The second part of the podcast shifts focus to the UK Post Office Horizon scandal, a saga involving the wrongful conviction of numerous sub-postmasters due to a faulty software system. The panel discusses the system's introduction, the early warnings that were ignored, and the prolonged struggle for recognition of the issue. The scandal's implications extend to the UK government and Fujitsu, highlighting issues of privatization and lack of oversight. The conversation also covers the media's role in bringing attention to the scandal, the government's response, and broader questions about privatization of public services.

Key Quotes:

Michael Donoghue: Discussing the U.S. migrant crisis, Michael states, "It's an unavoidable reality at this point. And I think that's why the tide is finally turned on this problem."
Jarett Kobeck: On the need for a paradigm shift in U.S. immigration policy, Jared remarks, "The right wing always has a luxury that the center and the center left and the far left don't necessarily have, which is the default position is always just smash it."
Tonye Alltrade: Speaking about the UK Post Office scandal, Tanya notes, "We seem to have a cacophony of toxic and secretive organizations who are in bed with the media, who are also, who then are in bed with the government or politicians."
Steve O'Neill: Reflecting on the political fallout of the Post Office scandal, Steve observes, "No one trusts politicians, no one trusts the kind of political sphere in the state, and this is a great example of why."

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2023 Unveiled: Voices and Visions from a Turbulent Year.

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:15:15 GMT

Guests:

Michelle Washington: Founder of The Curious Story Lab, discussing the lack of design museums and cultural spaces for diverse design works, and addressing the issues surrounding black maternal health.
John Horgan: Science journalist and author of "The End of War", sharing insights on the war between Israel and Hamas, and the concerning rise of artificial intelligence in warfare.
Ian Dale: Broadcaster from LBC Radio, offering his perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict and its profound emotional impact, as well as discussing international affairs and elections.
Keir Paterson: Australian activist and politician, reflecting on his time in Laos and the contrast between the Lao people's peaceful resilience and the ongoing global conflicts.
Francine Hardaway: Tech investor and entrepreneur, sharing her personal and emotional response to the war between Israel and Hamas and the emergence of anti-Semitism.
Roifield Brown: The host himself, sharing his personal story and insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the complexity and historic roots of the issue.

Summary:

The episode is a special edition focusing on a reflective look back at the year 2023. It features a diverse group of guests, each bringing their unique perspectives on various global issues. The topics range from cultural discussions about design and black maternal health to more politically charged issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the role of AI in warfare, and global peace. The episode stands out for its deep, personal reflections by each guest, offering a multifaceted view of the year's significant events and their broader implications. The host, Roy Phil Brown, ties these narratives together with his insights, concluding with a message of peace and reconciliation.

Quotes

Michelle Washington: "When people think of design, they tend to think of fashion design, interior design, and architecture. Where are the spaces, cultural spaces, that a person who is a maker, then is a maker of objects, can be exhibited in a gallery space? Why don't we have enough of that around?"
John Horgan: "Artificial intelligence is being used on the battlefield in Ukraine and in the Middle East in ways that are really disturbing. Nations around the world, especially the U.S., China, and Russia, are developing AI, and that's worrisome."
Ian Dale: "To hear the desperation in my Jewish callers' voices as they coped with the fallout of the Israel-Gaza War, and the utter desperation in the voices of many of my Muslim listeners... It's getting to me in a way that maybe other conflicts haven’t."
Keir Paterson: "The remarkable thing about the Lao people is they don't seem to harbor any resentment or rage. They're not seeking retribution. And it has led me to think about the conflicts where people are being killed indiscriminately for reasons of either revenge or to achieve political aims."
Francine Hardaway: "The incident that has affected me the most this year is the war between Israel and Gaza. As a Jew who has not paid much attention to being a Jew, I have now had to deal, for the first time in my life, with ever-present anti-Semitism around me."
Roifield Brown: "The only way that the state of Israel will have peace is when Palestinian people have an equitable state. The Israelis have a right to exist, however, that is not at the expense of the Palestinian people."

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Mid Atlantic - A Year in Review: Impactful Stories of 2023

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:16:44 GMT

The podcast features a diverse panel discussing the year's most resonant events. Denise Hamilton from Houston, Cory Bernard from Manchester, Tonye Altrade from London, and Zee Cohen Sanchez from Nevada explore various topics including the Maui wildfires, King Charles III's coronation, the 'Keith Lee Effect', and the Titan Submersible tragedy.

Maui Wildfires:

Zee Cohen Sanchez discusses the devastating wildfires in Maui, highlighting their unexpectedness in a place not typically prone to such disasters. The conversation delves into the broader context of climate change, the political divide over its acknowledgment, and its profound impact on communities, both in terms of displacement and the predatory nature of the real estate market following the disaster.

Coronation of King Charles III:

Cora Bernard speaks on the historic coronation of King Charles III, touching on its significance for the British monarchy and its symbolic value. The panel debates the cost of the ceremony against the backdrop of economic crisis and austerity in the UK, with differing views on the role and relevance of the monarchy in modern society.

The Keith Lee Effect:

Denise Hamilton brings up the 'Keith Lee Effect,' named after Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter turned TikTok sensation known for boosting struggling restaurants with his reviews. His story is used as a lens to discuss the power of social media in creating positive change and supporting small businesses, particularly minority-owned establishments.

Titan Submersible Tragedy:

Tanya Altrade addresses the Titan Submersible's implosion, which occurred during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety protocols and industry standards, with parallels drawn to the broader themes of corporate hubris and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Key Quotes:

"What was most devastating about the Maui wildfires was not just the severity, but the aftermath – the displacement of working and lower-class people and the predatory real estate market." – Zee Cohen Sanchez
"The climate crisis is a tangible reality, not a political debate. It's time for action, not denial." – Denise Hamilton
"Keith Lee's social media influence exemplifies how we can use our platforms to bring positive change and support small businesses." – Tonye Altrade
"The Titan Submersible disaster highlights the dangers of corporate recklessness and the importance of adhering to safety and regulatory standards." – Cory Bernard

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Why Americans are down on the Economy and Colorado Blocks Trump

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:02:24 GMT

We shift our focus to the complex political and economic climate of the United States. Hosted by Roy Phil Brown from Birmingham, the episode features a distinguished panel of guests - Z. Cohen Sanchez from Arizona, Logan Phillips from Washington, D.C., Denise Hamilton from Houston, Texas, and Aram Fischer from the Bay Area. Also we explore the significant decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to bar former President Donald Trump from the state's Republican primary ballot. This decision, hinging on a constitutional clause related to insurrection or rebellion, has sparked a nationwide debate about the legal and political implications for Trump's future campaigns.

Key Discussion Points

Colorado's Exclusion of Trump from Primary Ballot: Delve into the implications and potential outcomes of this unprecedented move in Colorado, and its broader impact on Trump's political future.
Biden's Under-the-Radar Economic Achievements: Explore the paradox of substantial economic progress under the Biden administration, despite a lack of public awareness or confidence in these achievements.
Navigating Public Perception and the Economy: Analyze the disparity between statistical economic growth and the public's perception of personal financial health, particularly in the context of housing costs and inflation.
Political Strategy for the 2024 Economic Debate: Discuss the necessary shifts in communication strategy for the Democrats to effectively convey their economic successes to the voters.
The Challenge of Messaging in Today’s Political Climate: Examine the difficulties faced by the Democrats in communicating their achievements and the potential need for a change in tactics.
The Role of Fear Tactics in Political Messaging: A critical look at the use of fear tactics in political messaging, particularly in the context of the Republican party.
Colorado Supreme Court Ruling: Analyzing the specifics of the ruling that excludes Trump from Colorado's Republican primary ballot and its legal foundations.
Impact on Trump's Political Future: Delving into how this ruling could affect Trump's chances in the general election and its potential to set a precedent in other states.
Reaction from Biden and Democrats: Discussing why there has been a muted response from President Biden and other leading Democrats to this decision.
Public and Republican Perception: Examining how this ruling might influence Republican voters’ perceptions of Trump and its potential to boost his image as an ‘underdog’.
Supreme Court's Potential Involvement: Exploring the likelihood and implications of this case being escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Broader Political Implications: Debating the broader implications of this ruling on American democracy, the sanctity of elections, and the Republican party's future.

Quotes

Z. Cohen Sanchez

"Clearly the stats are in Biden's favour, but that doesn't mean that's going to resonate with working-class families."

Logan Phillips

"Even though we've seen some growth in the economy, Americans aren't doing as well relative to their paychecks."

Denise Hamilton

"People are paying too much for eggs, and they're paying more for childcare than they are for their mortgage."

Z. Cohen Sanchez

"All this [Colorado ruling] has done is honestly given Trump an early Christmas gift."

Aram Fischer

"We're completely unmoored. And we're trying to figure out what we're going to re-anchor to."

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The End of War? The Possibility of a World Without Conflict - John Horgan

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 23:55:53 GMT

Guest: John Horgan, Author of "The End of War"

Summary:

John Horgan, author of "The End of War." Horgan, a seasoned American writer, challenges conventional perceptions of conflict, arguing that war is not a preordained part of human existence but rather a solvable scientific problem. The discussion traverses various dimensions of war, including its biological, historical, and psychological aspects. Horgan presents a compelling case for the human inclination towards peace, likening the eradication of war to curing cancer. The conversation also reflects on the impact of recent global conflicts and political shifts, questioning the inevitability and justification of war in modern times.

Selected Quotes:

John Horgan: "War keeps happening. And I feel that people need more than ever to realize how terrible war is and to realize also that if we have the collective will to get rid of war, to get beyond this period of militarism, we can do it."
John Horgan: "War turns us into monsters... War is something that we do, we inflict on each other, and therefore we can stop it."
John Horgan: "Violence generally is impractical... Nonviolence is more successful, produces better outcomes than violent rebellions."

Key Points:

War as a Scientific Problem: Horgan discusses his approach to understanding war through scientific methods, suggesting that war, unlike natural phenomena like cancer, is a human creation and thus can be resolved by human effort.

Human Nature and War: The discussion touches on the idea that humans are naturally inclined towards both peace and violence, challenging the notion that war is an inevitable part of human existence.

Recent Global Conflicts: The conversation acknowledges the ongoing conflicts worldwide, including in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Ethiopia, and reflects on how these events have impacted Horgan's views since writing his book.

Democracy and Peace: The podcast delves into the concept of democratic peace theory, which suggests that democracies are less likely to go to war, especially with each other, and the contradictions in this theory as observed in recent history.

War and Its Moral Implications: A significant part of the discussion focuses on the moral aspects of war, especially the impact on civilians and children, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of violence in political conflicts.

Economics and Militarism: The conversation explores the relationship between economic factors, resource distribution, and the perpetuation of war, with particular attention to the role of capitalism and economic inequality in fostering conflicts.

Nonviolent Resistance and Social Change: Horgan advocates for nonviolent methods as more effective for achieving political and social goals, citing historical examples and research findings.

Role of Education and Raising Awareness: The importance of education in shaping perspectives on war and peace is emphasized, with Horgan discussing his role as an educator in challenging and broadening his students' views on these topics.

Hope for the Future: Despite the challenges and setbacks, the discussion concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the potential for positive change and the importance of striving towards a more peaceful and just world.

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Echoes of 1967: Decoding the Six-Day War's Lasting Impact

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:11:13 GMT

Summary of the Show:

The podcast episode, hosted by Roifield Brown in London, delves into the historical complexities of the Six-Day War of 1967, its aftermath, and its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode features two main guests: Benny Morris, an acclaimed Israeli historian, and Mitchell Newmark, an associate professor in the history department at the College of Arts and Letters in Sacramento, with a history PhD from UCLA.

Key Points Addressed:

Origins of the Six-Day War: The discussion begins with an exploration of the pre-war tensions in the Middle East, including the roles of Israel, Egypt, Syria, and the Palestinian guerrilla movements.
Impact of the War: The podcast examines how the war reshaped the geopolitical landscape, including the expansion of Israeli territory and the subsequent control over millions of Palestinians.
Israeli Settlements and Occupation: The conversation moves to the establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, discussing the legal and political controversies surrounding these actions.
Palestinian Identity and Nationalism: The episode also addresses the evolution of Palestinian identity and nationalism, particularly in the wake of the war.
Jordan's Role and Transformation: The impact of the war on Jordan and King Hussein's leadership, especially in relation to the Palestinian population, is also discussed.
Long-term Consequences: The guests discuss the long-term consequences of the war, including its role in shaping future conflicts and peace efforts in the region.

Three Notable Quotes:

Benny Morris on the Six-Day War's Outcomes:

"It shows that Israel has emerged as a dominant military power in the Middle East... but it also subordinates the Palestinians to Israeli rule... this triggers a reawakening of Palestinian nationalism."

Mitchell Newmark on Israeli Settlements:

"Israel controls most of the borders with Jordan... but it transforms from a security issue about the West Bank into a greater Religious Jewish issue."

Roifield Brown on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

"I fervently believe that the Palestinian people do deserve a viable state somewhere which they can call home... and I fervently do believe that when there is a viable peace for the Palestinian people, the Israeli state will then also have peace."

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Sunak's Struggle: the Tory Rebellion and the Rwanda Bill Crisis

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:56:39 GMT

In this episode, we delve into the controversial Rwanda bill and its implications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party. We discuss the internal rebellion within the Tory party, led by its right-wing caucus, challenging Sunak's leadership over this divisive bill. The episode also sheds light on the bill's rocky journey through Parliament and the broader political landscape in the UK.

Host: Roifield Brown

Guests:

Mic Wright - Journalist and writer - Founding pundit of the podcast
Leah Brown - Leah Brown Founder / Director, writer of Broadstairs Consulting - Regular contributor

Key Points

Rwanda Bill Controversy: The episode delves into the details of the controversial Rwanda bill, discussing its implications for British politics and immigration policy.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Leadership Challenges: Focus on how Prime Minister Sunak is grappling with securing support for the bill within his own party, highlighting the internal rebellion and division within the Conservative Party.

Internal Conflict in the Conservative Party: Analysis of the rifts within the Tory party, especially the challenge from the right-wing caucus against Sunak's leadership over the divisive bill.

Parliamentary Journey of the Bill: Discussion on the bill's progress through Parliament, emphasizing the struggles Sunak faced in uniting his party behind it.

Political Commentary from Mick Wright and Leah Brown: Insights from the pundits on the broader context of the bill, including the nature of political debate around immigration in the UK.

Public Opinion on Immigration: Examination of recent polls and public sentiment regarding the government's handling of immigration, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.

Rishi Sunak’s Political Strategy and Decisions: Critique of Sunak’s approach to policy-making and leadership within the context of the Rwanda bill and immigration issues.

Comparative Analysis of Global Immigration Policies: The podcast also touches on immigration policies in other countries, offering a comparative perspective.

Moral and Ethical Considerations: A deep dive into the moral implications of the Rwanda bill and the broader approach to immigration in the UK.

Future of the Conservative Party: Speculation about the party's direction, internal factions, and potential challenges to Sunak’s leadership in the near future.

Mick Wright:

"The various groups in the Tory party were essentially fighting to either have the bill be medium cruel or super cruel."
"Immigration is used as an excuse by politicians for years. Tory parties addicted to a juvenile debate around immigration."
"The truth is the majority of the public have a very vibes-based approach to immigration. They don't actually know very much about it."

Leah Brown:

"Leaders have agency and they have the opportunity to make choices, and Rishi has made choices that he's struggling to reap any benefits from."
"Britain needs to take a long look in the mirror and examine its morality."
"The lack of empathy is born from a perspective of fear and distrust and an unwillingness to see things as they really are."

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Broke Britain: A Roadmap to Economic Renewal with Emily Fry

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:44:08 GMT

Host Roifield Brown sits down with Emily Fry from the Resolution Foundation to dissect the UK's current economic challenges. They explore the deep-rooted issues of stagnant wage growth, high inequality, and regional disparities, contrasting the UK's economic landscape with other countries. The conversation delves into the intricacies of fiscal policies, the role of technology in shaping the future of work, and strategies to reduce inequality. With a focus on inclusive economic growth, they discuss innovative approaches to stimulate the economy and the pivotal role of public and private sector investments. Emily shares insights from the Resolution Foundation's Economy 2030 inquiry, shedding light on the UK's potential economic future. This episode not only critiques the present but also offers a glimmer of hope and practical solutions for a more prosperous Britain.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Emily Fry: Learn about her background and the work of the Resolution Foundation.
Analysis of UK's Economic Strategy: Examining why it's faltering and potential remedies.
Exploring Fiscal Policies and Technology's Impact: How these factors shape work and economic growth.
Addressing Inequality and Inclusive Growth: Strategies for ensuring prosperity reaches all.
Key Takeaways from the Economy 2030 Inquiry: Insights into Britain's potential economic future.
Comparing UK's Economy with Global Counterparts: A look at international economic trends.
Investment in British Industry and Public Services: Discussing historical patterns and future needs.
Regional Disparities and Solutions: Understanding and addressing the economic divide.
Final Thoughts and Future Directions: Summarising the roadmap to economic renewal in Britain.

Show Quotes:

On UK's Economic Challenges:

"We're seeing record levels of homelessness over the last couple of months in the UK. So really quite very concerning deep poverty that's happening across the UK."

On the Role of Public and Private Investment:

"There needs to be a lot more investment in Birmingham's and Manchester's transport network to make sure that, highly skilled people that we've trained up through world-class universities stay in these cities."

On Future Economic Strategies:

"If our median household income was actually the same as a group of countries that are really similar to us, the median household income would be 8,300 pounds higher. We don't have to be as innovative as the US, we just have to do a bit better and be a bit more like the countries we like to compare ourselves to.

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Chile's Constitutional Upheaval

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:36:34 GMT

Introduction:

Host: Roifield Brown
Guest: Peter Siavelis, Professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, Wake Forest University
Topic: Exploration of Chile's political landscape from the 2019 protests to Gabriel Boric's presidency.

Episode Breakdown:

The Spark of 2019:

Discuss the eruption of protests in 2019 demanding social equality and a new constitution.
Analyse the root causes and the impact on Chilean society and politics.

From Allende to Pinochet:

Delve into the historical context starting from 1973, examining the impact of Allende’s presidency and Pinochet’s dictatorship.
Assess the role of the United States in Chilean politics during this era.

The Pinochet Legacy and Neoliberalism:

Examine how Pinochet's policies shaped Chile’s economic and social structure.
Discuss the privatisation of key sectors and its long-term effects.

Chilean Politics Post-Dictatorship:

Explore the transition to democracy in the 1990s and its political and economic impacts.
Analyze the role of different political factions in shaping post-dictatorship Chile.

The Rise of Gabriel Boric:

Discuss the election of Gabriel Boric and its significance as a generational and ideological shift.
Evaluate his policies and the public response.

Constitutional Reforms and Challenges:

Discuss the movement for constitutional reform and the challenges faced in drafting a new constitution.
Analyse the debates surrounding the proposed changes and public opinion.

International Relations and Future Prospects:

Explore Chile’s relations with key global players like China and the U.S.
Predict future political and economic trends in Chile.

Key Quotes

On the 2019 Protests:

"It's not about 30 pesos, it's about 30 years."

On the Legacy of Pinochet’s Dictatorship:

"Pinochet's policies set up Chile for profound inequality, but also deep reforms. While some hail these as economic salvations, others view them as the roots of today’s disparities."

On the Constitutional Reform Process:

"Democracy in real time can be messy. The constitutional assembly's chaotic process and laundry list of rights showed the challenges of turning popular demands into coherent governance."

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Javier Milei - Argentina's Bold Leap

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:59:34 GMT

This episode of "Mid Atlantic" delves into the political and economic upheaval in Argentina following the election of Javier Milei as president. Host Roy Phil Brown and guest Daniel Schweimler explore the implications of Milei's victory for Argentine politics, the economy, and the broader South American context.

Daniel Schweimler is an Al Jazeera correspondent based in Buenos Aires, who has extensive experience reporting on Argentina's complex political and economic landscape. He has been observing and reporting on the region since 1986, witnessing numerous economic crises and political changes in Argentina.

1. **Javier Milei's Election and its Significance**: The episode begins with a discussion on the election of Javier Milei, marking a significant shift in Argentine politics. Milei's victory is considered a departure from traditional political norms in Argentina, especially given his promise of radical economic reforms.

2. **Argentina's Economic Challenges**: Schweimler outlines Argentina's history of high inflation, economic instability, and the struggle with boom and bust cycles. He touches on the impact of successive administrations and their handling of the economy, including excessive government spending.

3. **Melei's Proposed Economic Reforms**: A key focus is Milei's proposal to dollarise the Argentine economy, a move that has stirred both interest and concern nationally and internationally. This radical approach raises questions about the potential impacts on Argentina's financial stability and sovereignty.

4. **Schweimler's Personal Experiences and Observations**: Daniel shares his firsthand experiences living in Argentina since 1986, including witnessing economic meltdowns and societal frustrations. He provides a personal perspective on the country's economic and political turmoil.

5. **Analysis of Argentine Political Landscape**: The discussion delves into the intricacies of Argentine politics, including the role of the Peronist party and the political dynamics leading up to Milei's election. Schweimler provides insights into the changing political sentiments in Argentina.

6. **Implications for Argentinian Society and Global Relations**: The episode covers the potential societal impact of Milei's policies, including his stance on issues like abortion and his views on international relations, particularly with China and Brazil.

7. **Interactive Audience Participation**: The podcast features an interactive segment where audience members ask questions, contributing to a diverse discussion on topics like the feasibility of dollarisation and the historical context of Argentina's economic policies.

Quotes

Daniel Schweimler on Argentina's Economic History: "Argentina is potentially one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It should be; it has been in the past, certainly in the middle of the 20th century, it was one of the world's greatest wheat exporters, a big agricultural country with some of the best meat in the world."
On Javier Milei's Election and Argentina's Economic Situation: "So in many ways, the election of Javier Milei is the culmination or the latest chapter in a whole series of economic difficulties that Argentina's faced."
About Javier Milei's Radical Approach: "He's unconventional, promising things which are very different to anything that Argentina, perhaps any country has seen before. And now there is this kind of inquest into quite what, why Argentine voted for him in such numbers and what they now expect from him."

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Revisiting Vietnam: The My Lai Massacre - Marshall Poe

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:50:38 GMT

This episode delves deep into the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the My Lai Massacre. The guest, Marshall Poe, an expert historian on the Vietnam War, discusses the causes and implications of the My Lai Massacre, drawing parallels with modern military conflicts. He emphasises the complexity of war, the difficulty in distinguishing between civilians and combatants in counterinsurgency, and the psychological and operational challenges faced by soldiers. The conversation also explores the broader context of the Vietnam War, including its impact on American public perception and its comparison with subsequent conflicts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Key Points Covered in the Podcast:

Nature of the Vietnam War and My Lai Massacre: Marshall begins by exploring why the Vietnam War, particularly the My Lai Massacre, is still relevant today. He challenges the popular perception of the Vietnam War as merely a war of counterinsurgency, suggesting instead that, from the perspective of the soldiers, it was more akin to a war of occupation.

Comparisons with Other Conflicts: The discussion moves to comparing the Vietnam War with other American military involvements, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Marshall highlights the heightened risks in wars of counterinsurgency and how these differ from conventional military conflicts like World War II.

Root Causes of the My Lai Massacre: Marshall delves into the specifics of the My Lai Massacre, discussing the operational and psychological factors that led to this tragic event. He emphasizes the difficulty soldiers faced in distinguishing between civilians and insurgents, which was exacerbated by the hostile environment and the nature of guerrilla warfare.

The Leadership Failure and its Consequences: The podcast highlights the role of leadership in the massacre, with Marshall assigning significant blame to the officers in charge, particularly Lieutenant Colonel Frank Barker. He examines how Barker's ambition and poor decision-making were instrumental in the tragedy.

The Aftermath and Cover-up: The episode also touches on the immediate aftermath of the My Lai Massacre, including the initial cover-up by the military and the subsequent exposure of the event by investigative journalists and whistleblowers.

Broader Impact on American Society: The conversation concludes with a look at the wider impact of the My Lai Massacre on American public opinion about the Vietnam War. Marshall discusses how the massacre significantly shifted perceptions, turning the American public against the war and altering views on military interventions.

Key Quotes:

On the Nature of Modern Conflicts: "When you're involved in what they call a war of counterinsurgency the risk of this kind of thing happening is obviously heightened."
On the Perception and Reality of War: "It's true. There was a draft, but I think if you take the entire, we sent two million Soldiers to Vietnam in total. Most of them are volunteers."
On the Impact of My Lai Massacre: "The magnitude of it made it different in the American mind. And, for good reason."

The Reality of the My Lai Massacre and the Myth of the Vietnam War by Marshall Poe https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=981

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Turbulent Politics: GOP Jostling and UK's Chaotic Week

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 03:26:49 GMT

Main Topics:

Republican Party's Presidential Campaign: Analysis of the shifting dynamics after Senator Tim Scott's withdrawal. Focus on Donald Trump's lead, Nikki Haley's ascension, and the strategic implications for the GOP.
UK Politics: A turbulent week, including the sacking of the Home Secretary, the recall of David Cameron, and the Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda refugee plan.

Guests: Zee Cohen Sanchez, Logan Phillips, Leah Brown, Corey Bernard

Key Quotes:

On Political Dynamics: "It's going to be hard for [Nikki Haley] to beat Trump, but at least she'll have a chance now." - Discussion on the changing landscape of the GOP primaries.
On Campaign Effectiveness: "Out of the folks that did field in the way that we told them to, we had a hundred percent win rate." - Zee Cohen Sanchez on campaign strategies.
On Tim Scott's Campaign: "I think that he didn't have enough of a following to begin with...riding between the lanes too much was not helpful for him." - Analysis of Tim Scott's campaign strategy.
On UK Politics: "I'm almost disappointed by the way that things have unfolded... Confidence in the direction of travel is no longer clear." - Leah Brown on the turbulent week in UK politics.

Discussion Points:

Analysis of the current state and potential future of the Republican Party in the U.S. presidential race, including the impact of internal rivalries and strategies.
The state of UK politics, focusing on recent government actions and their implications for leadership and policy directions.
Insights into the efficacy of political campaign strategies, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork and funding.
Diverse perspectives from various geographical and political standpoints, offering a comprehensive view of current political events in the U.S. and UK.

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The Democrats Sweeping Victories - Gaza in US and UK politics

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:34:04 GMT

Brief Summary:

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and a panel of experts dissect the Democratic Party's significant victories in recent U.S. elections. The discussion covers various aspects, including the impact of local issues, the role of abortion rights, and the influence of President Biden's administration on these outcomes. The episode also delves into the dynamics of the conflict in Gaza and its repercussions in U.S. and UK politics.

Longer Summary:

In a detailed episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown is joined by Cora Bernard, Logan Phillips, Michael Donoghue, and Aram Fisher to analyze the Democratic Party's recent electoral successes. The panel begins by examining the underpolling of Democratic voters and President Biden's unique position in influencing voter turnout. They discuss the strategic focus on local issues and the significant role of abortion rights as a mobilizing factor, especially in traditionally conservative states.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of these victories, considering the potential impact on the 2024 presidential elections. The panelists explore the challenges facing both Democrats and Republicans in maintaining and expanding their voter bases. They also discuss the high voter turnout among young people and the importance of consistent overperformance by the Democrats in various states.

Additionally, the episode touches on the conflict in Gaza and its influence on domestic politics in the U.S. and the UK. The panelists discuss the political ramifications of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the role of the ceasefire, and the impact of these international events on local political dynamics, particularly within the Conservative and Labour parties in the UK.

Quotes:

"His [Biden's] approval rating has been lower than most, but he doesn't seem to animate the people that dislike him to vote that much." - Logan Phillips
"It's clear that reproductive freedom is an issue that favors Dems by a lot." - Aram Fisher
"Democrats did really well... especially compared to 2021, a great year for Dems." - Logan Phillips
"It's become a hot topic because Suella Braverman wants to be the leader of the Conservative Party." - Cora Bernard

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1948 - Israel and Palestine - Benny Morris

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:06:43 GMT

Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of Mid Atlantic, we dive deep into the historical roots and contemporary implications of the Israel and Palestine conflict, with a special focus on the events of 1948. Renowned Israeli historian Professor Benny Morris provides a critical examination of the conflict's history, the Palestinian refugee problem, and the recent shocking events of October 7th. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Morris's insights offer a poignant reflection on the past's impact on the present.

The episode opens with a deviation from the usual format, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the Israel and Palestine conflict, particularly in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Professor Benny Morris, a critical voice in Israeli historiography, joins the conversation to shed light on the pivotal year of 1948, which he argues is essential for understanding the current situation.

Morris recounts the harrowing events of October 7th, expressing personal shock but no direct involvement. He predicts significant repercussions for Israel's security apparatus and political landscape, including the potential downfall of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

The discussion then pivots to 1948, a year marked by the creation of the State of Israel and the onset of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Morris challenges traditional narratives, presenting a nuanced view based on his extensive research. He describes the mixed causes of Palestinian displacement, including fear, Israeli military actions, and a lack of systematic expulsion.

Morris also touches on the broader Arab-Israeli conflict, the UN's partition plan, and the subsequent Arab rejection and war. He provides specific examples of flight and expulsion from Arab towns, offering a complex picture of the events that shaped the region.

Professor Morris reflects on his personal journey as a historian and a Zionist, discussing how his research into Israeli government papers and the darker aspects of the Zionist movement affected his views. The dialogue touches on the differences between Hamas and Fatah's stances towards Israel and the complex road towards a two-state solution that Professor Morris advocates for, despite the resistance from various factions within the region.

**Quotes from the Podcast:**

1. "The most shocking, in fact, thing that had happened to the Jewish people since the Holocaust, basically." - Reflecting on the impact of the events of October 7th.

2. "1948, I think is the crucial year in the evolution of the Zionist-Arab conflict." - On the significance of the year 1948 in the conflict's history.

3. "There was no predetermined plan. There was no systematic expulsion of the Palestinians, but on the other hand, most of them fled because of Israeli conquest and fear of Israeli conquest, Israeli atrocities in the '48 war." - Discussing the causes of the Palestinian refugee problem.

4."The Arab leaders had been terribly humiliated by their defeat by this cluster of 650,000 Jews, and weren't going to be further humiliated by agreeing to peace with the 650,000 Jews."

5."As a Zionist, I'm agreeable to a two-state solution. I think that's a solution which would give a modicum of justice to both peoples. The Jews would have a state, and the Palestinian Arabs would have a small state."

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British Politics isn't Right enough: A Conversation with Calvin Robinson

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:08:01 GMT

We dive deep into the heart of contemporary British issues and ethics with Calvin Robinson, a figure known for his provocative stance in the UK media landscape. As a clergyman and a critic of liberalism and metropolitan elitism, Robinson brings a unique perspective to the table, challenging the status quo and offering insights into the complexities of modern Britain.

Episode Summary:

Calvin Robinson's Background: Once a familiar face on GB News, Robinson is not just a media personality but also a man of faith. His views often challenge the mainstream narrative, particularly on topics like liberalism, social justice, and critical race theory.

Controversy and Media Landscape: The episode delves into the recent controversies surrounding GB News, including the dismissal of Laurence Fox and Robinson's own firing. These events highlight the tensions within media outlets regarding free speech and political correctness.

Brexit and British Identity: Robinson passionately defends Brexit, viewing it as a reclaiming of British sovereignty and independence. He argues that the focus should not solely be on economic metrics like GDP but also on the broader aspects of national identity and autonomy.

Cultural and Political Discourse: The discussion also touches on the culture wars and the role of the media and political class in shaping public discourse. Robinson emphasises the need for honest conversations about Britain's challenges, including economic inequality and social issues.

Future of British Politics: Looking ahead, Robinson shares his views on the future of populism in the UK and the potential impact of a Labour government. He stresses the importance of aspiration and innovation in politics, drawing comparisons with past leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

Calvin Robinson discusses his views on Rishi Sunak being a Hindu and its implications for British politics and society. He expresses concern about the challenges posed by having a non-Christian Prime Minister in a traditionally Christian country. Robinson points out that the Prime Minister is responsible for selecting bishops in the Church of England, and for the first time, this role is being fulfilled by someone who is not a Christian. He sees this as a conflict of interest and a deviation from the country's Christian heritage.

"We gained our sovereignty back with Brexit. For many voters, that was a price worth paying, even if it meant a short-term dip in GDP." - Calvin Robinson
"The culture wars are not a waste of time; they are a battle for the very soul of our nation." - Calvin Robinson
"We need another Thatcher. Someone to inspire aspiration and make better lives for ourselves and our children." - Calvin Robinson
"It's a challenge because the prime minister, for example, at the king's coronation reads the epistle and it's just been a given that we have a Christian prime minister because we're a Christian country. And this is the first time we haven't had that whilst there's been a coronation. So we had someone who is outside of the faith partaking in the service."

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The Israel and Hamas conflict - Week 2

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:07:18 GMT

With the situation intensifying in Israel and Palestine, the podcast brings insights from Adam Block from Efrat Israel, Daniel Boardman, the Senior Correspondent for the National Telegraph in Canada, and Dr. Ibrahim Haroub from Hebron on the West Bank, a professor at Bethlehem University specialising in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The episode captures the tumultuous events in the Middle East, from potential invasions to the significant role of the US in the ongoing crisis.

Roifield Brown introduces the episode by highlighting the escalating conflict in Israel and Palestine. He mentions the potential invasion of Gaza by Israel, which has mobilized its entire armored corps and called up 360,000 reservists. Amidst this tension, US officials are pressing Israel to delay its attack, hoping to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas. The situation worsened when a hospital was bombed, leading to over 500 casualties in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces have detained 120 Palestinians. As the situation escalates, over a million Palestinians have evacuated their homes in Gaza. US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel is also discussed, signaling his support for the state and potentially aiming to broker a deal to assist trapped Palestinian civilians.

Dr. Ibrahim Haroub shares his perspective on the conflict, emphasizing the need for objectivity when addressing the Middle East crisis. He criticizes the US administration for not being fair in this crisis. He also mentions the aid package for Palestinians that President Biden is trying to broker. Dr. Haroub stresses the importance of stopping the war and the genocide against Palestinians. He also differentiates between terrorism and freedom fighters, emphasizing that ordinary Palestinian people are being killed on the ground.

Adam, providing the Israeli perspective, talks about the mood of the Israeli people amidst the conflict. He mentions the trust in the military and the disappointment with Netanyahu. However, he believes that changing leadership in the middle of a crisis is not advisable. Adam also highlights the importance of President Biden's visit to Israel, which was a major boost for the Israeli people.

The podcast recording also touches upon the actions of Hamas, with Daniel Bordman asking Dr. Haroub about specific war crimes and the events of October 7th. Dr. Haroub emphasizes the need for a two-state solution and peace agreement.

Quotes:

1. "You should be objective when you come to the Middle East and when you try to solve such a crisis, such a genocide against Palestinian people." - Dr. Ibrahim Haroub

2. "I think that there's a strong degree of trust that the military will operate as it's supposed to, and that we're not at the point that we need to talk about changing the horse in midstream." - Adam Block

3. "It's about the Palestinian lives. It's about this genocide against Palestinian. Every day they kill Palestinian people. Civilian Palestinian people." - Dr. Ibrahim Haroub

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GOP's Speaker Dilemma, Labour's Rising Tide and Israel and Palestine

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 02:37:45 GMT

The episode begins with a comprehensive analysis of the Republican party's leadership turmoil, particularly focusing on Jim Jordan's controversial candidacy for the Speaker position. Despite his long-standing presence in Congress, Jordan's lack of significant legislative accomplishments and his polarising nature, backed by conservative media and connections to former President Trump, are highlighted.

Speakers:

Roifield Brown (Host)
Cory Bernard: Political commentator from Manchester, England.
Aram Fischer: Californian political activist and strategist.
Doug Levy: Freelance writer and communication strategy expert from San Francisco.
Michael Donohue: Author, journalist, and political science enthusiast from Los Angeles.

Topics Discussed:

Jim Jordan's Candidacy for Speaker: Despite his long tenure in Congress, Jordan's lack of significant legislative achievements and his divisive nature are discussed. The challenges of building bipartisan coalitions and the role of conservative media in Jordan's rise are explored.
UK Politics: The episode shifts to the UK, discussing the Labour Party's surge in popularity under Keir Starmer's leadership. Questions arise about whether this popularity is due to Starmer's vision or the Conservative party's missteps.
Conflict in the Middle East: The episode touches on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting in London against Israel's military actions in Gaza. The episode also covers President Joe Biden's visit to Israel and the complexities surrounding it.

Best Quotes:

"The Republicans are successfully disabling the entire federal government." - Doug Levy
"Tony Blair had a personality. And regardless of what the newspapers say, like there's only so much that they can modify positively the public opinion of Keir Starmer." - Michael Donohue
"Labour now has, consistently a 16, 17, 18, sometimes as much as 20, 22 percent lead in the polls here over the Tories." - Logan Phillips

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Google and Amazon in the Antitrust Crosshairs - Adam Kovacevich

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:20:36 GMT

Episode Summary:

Host Roifield Brown discusses the landmark antitrust trial between the U.S. Department of Justice and tech giant Google with guest Adam Kovacevich, the founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress. The trial centers around Google's dominance in internet search and its potential anticompetitive practices. They explore whether Google's position is a result of genuine market success or if it has leveraged its power unfairly. The conversation also touches on the Federal Trade Commission's case against Amazon and the broader implications of these legal battles for big tech. Additionally, they discuss recent developments in European regulation affecting tech companies and their impact.

In this episode, Roy Phil Brown and Adam Kovacevich delve into the complex world of tech giants facing antitrust scrutiny. They provide insights into the ongoing trials against Google and Amazon, discussing market power, competition, and the potential consequences of these legal battles for the tech industry and beyond. The conversation also touches on European regulation and its implications for tech companies.

Speakers:

Roifield Brown: Host/Moderator.
Adam Kovacevich: Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress.

Key Quotes:

Adam Kovacevich on the Google antitrust case: "The heart of the case is whether these deals are improper, whether they themselves are making Google unbeatable in search. And that's really the heart of the question."
Adam Kovovich on European regulation: "I just think Europe has gone on a very wrong-headed track over the last couple of years of digital regulation that's going to increasingly make Europe a place where companies say, 'Why bother?'"

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Hamas attacks Israel: Voices from Both Sides

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:01:53 GMT

Roifield Brown delves deep into the escalating crisis between Israel and Palestine, particularly focusing on the recent attacks by Hamas on Israel. The episode features a diverse panel of voices, including Yehudah Mirsky, a Professor of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies; Dr. Ibrahim Horoub, a Palestinian professor from Bethlehem University; Moav Vardi, a prominent Israeli journalist; and Mohammad Manasrah, an educator from the West Bank.

Quotes:

"I've always believed in the two-state solution, firmly upholding that the Palestinian people deserve their own state, one that can live alongside an Israel where its citizens can feel secure and safe." - Roifield Brown
"There is a humanitarian crisis actually happening now in Gaza because of the Israeli bombing and the blockade of the Gaza Strip." - Dr. Ibrahim Horoub
"It's something that we never witnessed. It's something like the pogroms against the Jews in 19th century Russia." - Moav Vardi

All speakers touched upon the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza due to the Israeli bombings and blockade. Dr. Haroub emphasized the need for a balanced perspective, highlighting the suffering on both sides. He also pointed out the challenges Palestinians face in conveying their narrative to the international community, given the media's potential biases. Moav Vardi provided insights into the political situation in Israel, explaining the country's shift in strategy towards Hamas. He mentioned that the aim now is not just deterrence but the complete dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the international community's role and perception. Dr. Haroub expressed concerns about how the Palestinian people are often conflated with Hamas in global media narratives, potentially affecting international sympathy and support. On the other hand, Vardi highlighted the importance of international backing for Israel, especially from allies like the U.S.

Yehudah Mirsky expressed sadness over the humanitarian crises in both Israel and Palestine. He emphasized the importance of understanding the broader context and not just focusing on one side's losses. He highlighted the Israeli government's use of propaganda to change narratives and demonize Palestinian practices.

Mohammad Manasrah, provided a passionate perspective on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He emphasized the humanitarian crises in both Israel and Palestine, highlighting the media's role in shaping narratives. Manasrah expressed sadness for the civilians affected on both sides and urged for a balanced view of the conflict. Manasrah also highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in Hebron, due to Israeli settlements and restrictions. He called for international solidarity and support for the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing crisis.

The episode also delved into the intelligence failures that might have led to the recent escalation, with Vardi acknowledging gaps in Israel's intelligence regarding Hamas's intentions.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the human cost and the urgent need for a resolution.

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Puerto Rico's Quest for Statehood: A Conversation with George Laws Garcia

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:54:11 GMT

Host: Roifield Brown, currently in Ottawa, Canada.

- Guest: George Laws Garcia from the Puerto Rico statehood council. With over 18 years of experience in public policy and government intergovernmental affairs. Advised governors, members of Congress, federal agencies, and national nonprofit organizations.

- Discussion Topics:

- Comparison of Washington DC's and Puerto Rico's drive towards statehood.

- The unique challenges both territories present to the U.S. and its governance.

- The role of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council in advancing equality and democracy for Puerto Rico's U.S. citizens.

- The civil rights issue surrounding Puerto Rico's status and the limitations faced by its citizens.

- The history of U.S. territories and their journey to statehood.

- The 2020 non-binding plebiscite in Puerto Rico where 52.5% voted for statehood.

- The internal politics of Puerto Rico and its alignment with U.S. political parties.

- The work of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council and its efforts to educate and advocate for statehood.

- Puerto Rico's recent challenges, including its fiscal debt crisis and the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Puerto Rico's journey towards statehood has been long and complex, with many factors influencing its current status.

- The Puerto Rico Statehood Council plays a crucial role in advocating for statehood and educating the public about the importance of this issue.

- Puerto Rico's status as a territory has significant implications for its citizens, who face limitations in representation and rights.

- The internal politics of Puerto Rico are influenced by its status issue, with various parties representing different views on statehood, independence, and the current territory status.

- Recent events, such as the fiscal crisis and natural disasters, have brought Puerto Rico to the forefront of national discussions, highlighting the need for change and support.

Three memorable quotes :

"America was founded on the principle of government by consent of the governed. It's enshrined into the Declaration of Independence, and the U. S. Constitution is a legal mechanism that basically sets up a structure where citizens can have a say in the government that makes the laws that they live under."
"So every single day, the 3.2 million US citizens in Puerto Rico are subject to federal laws that impact everything from labor laws, international commerce trade and finance, banking environmental issues, you name it."
"In my sense, I believe that if Puerto Rico were to become a state, It would be a toss-up state. It's going to be a battleground state."

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Political Whirlwinds: The US House's Unprecedented Shifts and the UK's Conservative Quandary

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:53:59 GMT

Cory Bernard political commentator from Manchester

Zee Cohen-Sanchez - Director Of Operations at campaign operation Sole Strategies in Nevada

Leah Brown FRSA Founder and CEO Broadstairs Consulting Ltd broadstairs Kent

Aram Fischer, california political activist and strategist

Steve O’Neil political adviser and the host of the No mans Land podcast

US Politics:

Examination of Kevin McCarthy's short tenure as speaker and its implications for the Republican Party.
Analysis of the divisions within the Republican Party and the potential consequences for governance.
Insight into the unprecedented ousting of McCarthy and the role of the far-right faction in this decision.
Speculation on potential future leaders of the Republican Party and the challenges they might face.
Exploration of the GOP's internal strife and its potential impact on the 2024 elections.

UK Politics:

Overview of the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
Examination of the party's identity and direction, with a focus on Rishi Sunak's leadership and Suella Braverman's rise as a hardline faction leader.
Discussion on the controversial views on human rights and immigration presented at the conference.
Analysis of the decision to scrap the HS2 train line to Manchester and its implications for the UK's infrastructure and political landscape.

Key Takeaways:

The Republican Party in the US is facing significant internal challenges, with divisions becoming more evident.
The Conservative Party in the UK is also grappling with its identity, with leaders like Suella Braverman taking hardline stances on various issues.
Both parties are at crucial junctures, and their decisions now will shape their futures and potentially the political landscapes of their respective countries.

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Shutdown Showdown & Kier Starmer's Brexit Brouhaha.

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:07:06 GMT

Podcast Show Notes Summary:

Host: Roifield Brown

This episode delves deep into the political landscapes of the U.S. and the U.K, dissecting the unique government shutdown in the U.S. and exploring the implications of Keir Starmer's stance on Brexit in the U.K.

U.S. Government Shutdown:

Main Discussion: The podcast explores the current government shutdown in the United States, highlighting its distinctiveness as it emerges from a power struggle within the House of Representatives.
Guests: The episode features a panel of political experts and strategists including Aram Fisher, Zee Cohen Sanchez, Logan Phillips, Leah Brown, and Tanye Altrade, who provide their insights and analyses on the political dynamics and repercussions of the shutdown.
Key Points:
The shutdown is marked by a lack of serious negotiations and progress in Congress, with discourse reduced to grandstanding and personal attacks.
Various services are impacted, including food inspection, disaster funds, and national parks.
The episode delves into the historical context of government shutdowns, their use as political theatre, and the structural problems within the GOP.

U.K. Politics:

Main Discussion: The conversation also touches upon U.K. politics, scrutinising Keir Starmer's stance on Brexit and the possibility of the U.K. rejoining the EU.
Key Points:
Starmer’s statement of there being no case for rejoining the EU is discussed, exploring whether it is a pragmatic approach to win elections or a reflection of his true stance.

Notable Quotes:

Aaron Fisher: "The shutdown is a result of a lack of serious negotiations and progress in Congress. The discourse has been reduced to grandstanding and personal attacks, overshadowing serious issues."
Denise Hamilton: "We send a bunch of people to Congress that quite frankly, there's no report card. They win by being oppositional and defiant and disruptive and quite frankly, terrible."
Tanya Altrade: "I wish [Starmer] is actually playing this game that he's focused on getting into power, but I can't trust it. I think he's doing and setting maybe some of the right foundations."

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Be Broke Be Birmingham

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:09:04 GMT

Guests:

- Professor Carl Chinn, MBE A historian, he's a broadcaster and author.

- Jane Hayes She's an award winning, the award winning politics and people editor of Birmingham Live

- Jez Collins The founder of the Birmingham musical archive,

- Alex Yip Conservative councillor for the city of Birmingham representing Sutton Coldfield Wylde Green

Overview:

In this episode, host Roifield Brown talks about the multifaceted crisis Birmingham is experiencing, focusing on the city's financial predicament, historical context, social conditions, economic disparities, and the impact of austerity measures. The discussion delves deep into the reasons behind Birmingham’s current situation, including the disparity between the bustling city centre and the poverty-stricken suburbs, reflecting on the essentiality of restoring power to local governments and a need for tangible solutions to alleviate the numerous challenges Birmingham faces.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Existential Crisis:

Birmingham is undergoing a serious crisis involving economic, social, and administrative turmoil, significantly impacting its reputation and the livelihood of its citizens.

2. Equal Pay Claims:

The city is grappling with equal pay claims amounting to between 650 and 760 million pounds, predominantly impacting women workers and posing substantial liabilities to the council.

3. A Tale of Two Cities:

Birmingham is witnessing a stark contrast between a flourishing city centre, characterised by substantial investments and developments, and impoverished neighbourhoods, marked by severe deprivation and deteriorating living conditions.

4. Impacts of Austerity:

The austerity measures, implemented since 2010, have exacerbated the existing issues in Birmingham, diminishing public spending and contributing to the rising instances of poverty within the city.

5. Mismanagement & Accountability:

Mismanagement of funds, asset misappropriation, and a series of failed projects are among the reasons contributing to Birmingham’s crisis. The discussion sheds light on the urgent need for accountability and rectification from the local and central government.

6. Housing and Community Crisis:

Birmingham is facing an acute housing crisis, coupled with the dilapidation of existing housing stock and a growing population, necessitating equitable development and community integration.

7. Centralised Power:

The iron grip of central government and limited local financial autonomy is underscored as a major constraint, affecting local councils' ability to foster progress and self-sustain.

8. Future Trajectory:

The discussion hints at a lengthy resolution process involving numerous meetings, the imposition of commissioners, and possible interventions from the government to navigate through the crisis.

Quotable Moments:

- Jez Collins: “Great cities change, they always change, the landscape changes, the communities change, they have to change, they have to adapt, but it’s about how change is done.”

- Professor Carl Chinn: “The whole of the working class of Birmingham is being buffeted by winds pouring in from every direction.”

- Jane Hayes: “This was very much about scoring political points and making political headway.”

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Biden's Global Vision and a Municipal Crisis: Insights from the UN and Birmingham

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:14 GMT

In this podcast episode, host Roifield Brown is joined by a diverse panel, including political pollster Logan Phillips, Doug Levy, Tonye Altrade, Zee Cohen Sanchez and the Manchester native Corey Bernard. The episode begins with a deep dive into President Biden's recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on themes of reconciliation, global collaboration, and addressing climate change. The panel discusses Biden's message to China, the significance of his visit to Vietnam, and the evolving landscape of global politics.

The conversation then shifts to the importance of foreign affairs in American politics. Logan Phillips emphasises the role of crisis in elevating foreign policy as an election issue and highlights the impact of global events on voter priorities. The panel delves into Biden's foreign policy approach and its implications for the United States' global standing.

The episode also explores Birmingham's financial crisis, shedding light on the city's challenges, including equal pay claims, poor investments, and the changing funding model imposed by central government. The panel touches on the broader issues facing post-industrial cities in the UK and the impact of economic restructuring on their cultural and reputational resurgence.

Throughout the discussion, the panel provides valuable insights into international relations, domestic politics, and the economic challenges faced by cities like Birmingham in an ever-changing world.

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Impeachment Inquiry and Crumbling Infrastructure: Challenges on Both Sides of the Atlantic

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:50:05 GMT

In this episode of the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, host Roifield Brown discusses the ongoing impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden with a panel of guests. The panel includes Emma Burnell, a UK journalist in London; Zee Cohen Sanchez, a political strategist in Nevada; Logan Phillips, a political pollster in D.C.; Tonya Altraide, a philosopher and non-conformist in London; and Steve O'Neill, the ex-deputy head of policy with the Liberal Democrats, also in London.

The discussion revolves around the impeachment inquiry's lack of concrete evidence linking President Biden to any wrongdoing, focusing instead on his son Hunter Biden's business dealings. The panel explores why some Republicans are pushing for this impeachment, with Zee Cohen Sanchez suggesting it may be a desperate attempt to regain support, especially among the MAGA wing of the party.

Logan Phillips provides polling insights, indicating that most Americans believe Hunter Biden profited from his father's position but don't see direct involvement by Joe Biden in any wrongdoing. He also suggests that the impeachment effort may be driven by political calculations rather than public sentiment.

The conversation then shifts to the crisis involving reinforced autoclaved concrete (RAAC) used in critical infrastructure like schools and hospitals in the UK. Emma Burnell discusses the historical context of underinvestment in infrastructure and the cancellation of building projects, leading to the current crisis. The panel explores the need for a long-term consensus on infrastructure investment.

Steve O'Neill emphasizes the importance of competence in addressing these issues and raises concerns about the financial constraints on UK local councils, citing the example of Birmingham's bankruptcy.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges facing Britain and the optimism that the country can overcome them in the long term, despite short-term challenges.

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Exploring the Promise and Pitfalls of AI: A Conversation with Max Sklar

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:19:48 GMT

In this episode, Roifield introduces Max Sklar, the creator of the Local Maximum podcast. Max is known for his exploration of tech, math, and political philosophy with leading experts. He played a key role in developing Foursquare's city guide rating system, combining data from 120 million global points of interest and 500 million data points.

The conversation delves into the future disruption caused by AI and the critical ethical and regulatory considerations governments face, such as mitigating bias in algorithms and strengthening privacy protections. Max shares his optimistic but cautious perspective on AI's future, acknowledging the incredible possibilities while highlighting potential pitfalls. They discuss concerns around AI consolidation in the hands of a few companies and its potential to influence governments.

The conversation explores the balance between AI's potential for creativity and personal creation while acknowledging the risk of retreating into echo chambers. Max emphasises the power of generative AI to enable individuals to conjure entire new worlds for creative purposes. They touch on AI's impact on various industries, such as drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, and the legal field. Max suggests that while certain roles may not disappear entirely, they could be transformed with the integration of AI, making them more self-serve and advisory.

In summary, Max Sklar provides insights into the exciting and complex future of AI, emphasising the need for a balance between human and AI capabilities across various industries.

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Racial Extremists and Murder: A Transatlantic Perspective.

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:57:23 GMT

Mid Atlantic" podcast, host Roifield Brown delves into the temperature around race, immigration, and hate in the US and the UK. He gathers a panel of experts to discuss the recent racially motivated attack in Florida and its connection to far-right extremism. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, carried out by a white 24-year-old who left behind a disturbing manifesto. The Justice Department is investigating it as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated political extremism.

The panelists include Logan Phillips, a political pollster in DC; Denise Hamilton, a professional speaker and thought leader; Doug Levy, a freelance writer and communication strategy expert; and Corey, a political pundit from the UK.

They discuss the persistence of hate-fueled ideologies and their impact on society, especially focusing on the rise of racially motivated attacks in the US. They also explore how some Republican politicians, including Ron DeSantis, are perceived as fostering an environment where far-right extremism can thrive. Additionally, they highlight the importance of addressing white supremacy directly and the need for more anti-racist efforts to create a more equitable society.

The segment concludes with a sense of hope for a better future in the US, driven by a rising anti-racist coalition and a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and equality in the country.

The speakers then address various aspects of rhetoric around immigration and politics in the UK by non white politicians. The discussion then shifts to the scale of immigration in the UK, with a focus on recent statistics. They debate whether the Conservative Party is effectively tackling the issue or merely generating media headlines without concrete policies. The hosts express concerns about rewarding failure within the government.

In the latter part of the conversation, they explore the differences between how non-white politicians are perceived in the UK and the US. They discuss whether UK politicians are seen as representatives of their respective minority groups and whether the UK is truly post-racial. The hosts highlight the presence of diverse politicians in key positions but question whether this reflects genuine inclusion.

The discussion captures different perspectives on immigration, politics, and diversity in the UK, emphasising the complexities and nuances of these topics.

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Navigating AI for the Future

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:05:37 GMT

In this podcast episode, we introduce a diverse group of individuals who share their insights and perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives. Roifield Brown serves as our host, guiding the conversation through a range of viewpoints.

Laura Babcock, hailing from Hamilton, Canada, brings her expertise as a communication strategist and media commentator who has harnessed AI for writing, editing, and design. Her enthusiasm for AI's creative potential and innovative capabilities is palpable, tempered by a keen awareness of the ethical and social challenges that demand regulation and education.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Zee Cohen Sanchez in Nevada, USA, a political strategist who approaches AI with skepticism. Having utilized AI sparingly for photo editing, Zee raises thought-provoking questions about AI's impact on democracy, privacy, and human dignity, highlighting concerns about reliability, accountability, and sources.

Moving on to Washington, DC, we meet Logan Phillips, a political pollster and data analyst who has leveraged AI for processing, analyzing, and visualizing data. Logan's optimism about AI enhancing human intelligence and decision-making is apparent. However, he doesn't shy away from discussing AI's limitations and biases, advocating for transparency and quality control.

Joining us from Seattle, USA, is David Volodzko, a journalist and writer who has delved into AI out of curiosity. While not a professional user, David's experiments with AI for paraphrasing, research, and essay writing intrigue him about its potential applications in journalism, art, and communication. He thoughtfully explores the ethical and social implications of AI, emphasizing the critical need for verification and critical thinking.

Doug Levy, a freelance writer and communication strategy expert based in San Francisco, USA, offers practical insights into effectively and responsibly employing AI for writing, editing, and content generation. Drawing from personal experiences, Doug shares examples and tips that shed light on AI's practical applications.

Finally, from Houston, USA, Denise Hamilton, a diversity speaker and TED speaker, lends her perspective on AI's potential for education, diversity, and inclusion. With a curiosity about AI's capabilities in these domains, Denise also underscores the imperative of addressing AI's ethical and social dimensions, advocating for awareness and empowerment.

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Unveiling Injustice: America's Flawed Justice System - Stephen B Bright

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:42:28 GMT

Todays podcast explores America's Flawed Justice System. Today's guest is esteemed awyer Stephen B. Bright, a renowned in law and justice advocate. We delve into Stephen's book, "The Fear of Too Much Justice." which reveals systemic failures in the US criminal justice system, highlighting inequality, injustice, and its struggles for fair trials.

Stephen's experience includes teaching law at Yale and Georgetown, directing the Southern Center for Human Rights, and advocating in Supreme Court capital cases. The conversation begins with Stephen explaining his drive to expose US justice inequalities after handling death penalty cases since 1979. The US stands out for its deeply flawed justice system due to elected prosecutors and judges, politics driving cases, and power imbalances favouring the powerless.

Historically, remnants of slavery influence the system, seen in the racial bias of the death penalty, particularly in the South. Stephen shares the tragic case of Glenn Ford, wrongly sentenced to death, who suffered from inadequate defence, discriminatory jury selection, and prosecution misconduct. This illuminates the National Registry of Exonerations' findings, revealing over 2,800 wrongly convicted people by 2021.

Systemic flaws underscore the urgency for reform. Discriminatory practices, racial bias, and unchecked power in the US justice system demand a closer examination.

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Balancing Scales: Trump's Indictment and The Impact of The Woman's World Cup

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:58:42 GMT

In this episode, a diverse panel discusses two topics: the global impact of women's sports and the latest indictment of Donald J. Trump in Georgia. The indictment raises questions about the intersection of justice and politics, impacting the 2024 election. The panel includes Michael Donoghue, an author and political enthusiast from Los Angeles; Logan Phillips, a political pollster from DC; Corey Bernard, a political affairs expert from Manchester; and Leah Brown, CEO of Broadstairs Consulting from Kent.

The discussion starts with the complexity of Trump's trial, the role of judges' appointments, and the challenges of separating politics from justice. Despite the foundational principle of unbiased justice, there's heightened attention to judge appointments based on party affiliation. The panel acknowledges that while the desire for a fair trial exists, the reality often involves political considerations. The conversation shifts to polling data. Polls show decreasing trust in the justice system, particularly among Republicans, influenced by Trump's claims of witch hunts and bias.

The panel discusses the clash between prosecutors seeking swift trials and Trump's defence team aiming to delay until after the 2024 election. The reasons for the disparity in opinion are debated, with some suggesting a potential impact on Trump's campaign if trials occur before the election. The conversation concludes with the panel highlighting the importance of expeditious trials in the public interest to uphold democracy and justice.

The ongoing Women's World Cup serves as a springboard to discuss broader issues in women's football and sports coverage. Despite thrilling matches, the tournament highlights gender disparities in media attention and reporting. Women's sports receive less than 10% of annual coverage compared to men's, which shapes public perception. The panel discusses the impact of media coverage on how women's sports are perceived. While women's sports have increased visibility, they still face a lack of coverage.

The Women's World Cup spotlights these issues and provides an opportunity to contemplate the stories that will shape the trajectory of women's sports and football. The final match between England and Spain garners excitement, yet the panel debates the role of media and governing bodies in perpetuating gender disparities. The discussion delves into societal views and biases about women's sports, touching on issues of funding, representation, and recognition. The panel debates reasons behind the unequal media coverage and emphasizes the need to recognize the talent and achievements of women's teams on par with men's, promoting fairness and equality in sports.

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Unveiling the Crossroads: Abortion Rights, Ballot Defeats, and Political Landscape Shifts in US and UK

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:16:51 GMT

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown welcomes Emma Burnell, a UK journalist in London; Logan Phillips, a political pollster in Washington, D.C. and Corey Bernard, a political pundit in Manchester. The discussion revolves around a pivotal political moment in the United States. The main topic is a Republican proposed constitutional amendment, Issue One, which faced a resounding defeat in a recent special election. The amendment aimed to raise the threshold for future constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. The defeat was seen as an attempt to hinder an upcoming referendum and garnered national attention due to its implications for abortion rights.

The conversation delves into the impact of the defeat on abortion rights supporters and the connection between the proposed amendment and women's health care decisions. The panelists discuss the polling data and the landslide nature of the defeat, with little middle ground between the predictions. They highlight similar instances in other states like Kansas and Michigan, where efforts to restrict women's rights through ballot initiatives also faced significant defeats.

On to the UK, Greenpeace has criticised the UK government for its perceived failure to address the climate crisis while simultaneously engaging in divisive culture wars. This critique follows a surprising Tory victory in the Uxbridge by-election, attributed to opposition against the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Greenpeace argues that the government's neglect of climate concerns contrasts with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The podcast panelists discuss how the ULEZ issue influenced the by-election and the Tory government's subsequent reaction to the organisation's protests, including directing officials to cease engagement with Greenpeace. This raises questions about whether the Tory government is engaging in a culture war against climate change advocates.

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Trump's Indictment: Unpacking the Impact on Politics and American Democracy

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:43:41 GMT

In today's episode Roifield speaks to powerhouse panel to discuss the recent indictment of Donald J. Trump. Panelists include UK-based journalist Emma Burnell, political strategist Zee Cohen Sanchez, political pollster Logan Phillips, diversity speaker Denise Hamilton, and freelance writer Doug Levy.

The indictment revolves around Trump's role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, where he stands accused of inciting the crowd to storm the Capitol and spreading false claims about the 2020 election. Trump now faces his third criminal indictment in four months, making it the most serious charge he has faced. Despite legal challenges, Trump remains a front runner for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nominee.

The panel explores the potential impact of the indictments on his candidacy and the broader political landscape, considering his unpopularity with many American voters while still having a dedicated base of supporters. The panel discusses the delay in filing the indictments and the role of the January 6th committee in prompting action. Pollster Logan Phillips provides insight into the American people's response to the indictment, with a majority supporting it.

The panel highlights the importance of distinguishing between free speech and the criminal actions outlined in the indictment.

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Twitter's X Factor: The Branding Gamble and can we fix Britain

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:55:12 GMT

In this episode, we explore Elon Musk's fascination with the letter X and its impact on Twitter's rebranding. Our panel of experts includes Mekey Gabriel, a financial and economic expert from Houston, Corey Bernard, a political pundit from Manchester, Leah Brown from Kent, and Zee Cohen Sanchez, a political activist and CEO from New York.

Twitter's recent rebranding to "X" has sparked heated discussions. Zee expresses skepticism, believing that Twitter's iconic branding was a key strength, and this move risks alienating its long-time users. Corey highlights Twitter's influence on political discourse, describing it as both democratising and contributing to the debasement of politicians. Leah adds that Twitter's power lies in diversifying perspectives, but it also coarsens dialogue and debases expertise. Zee points out that Twitter's threads may not fully replace the unique features of the platform. Still, they could have potential if further developed, but the current shift to "X" raises concerns about the platform's direction.

In this episode, we delve into the economic challenges facing the UK, known as stagflation. The country's economy has seen no real growth since mid-2022, and inflationary pressures persist, leading to widespread labor disputes. The Bank of England, under Andrew Baillie's leadership, is conducting a review and preparing for prolonged inflation.

The UK's economic issues are perceived to be more complex and severe than those of other major economies. Brexit, credibility concerns in economic governance, and underinvestment in public health and transport services add to the difficulties.

The upcoming general election adds further complexity to the situation. We discuss the impact of increasing housing costs, rising homelessness, surging energy prices, and soaring food inflation, along with rising transport expenses and the North-South divide.

The financial markets are concerned about Britain's economic state due to its interconnectedness with the global economy. Despite Brexit, the UK remains relevant in international markets.

The podcast panelists discuss the need for changing leadership at the Bank of England and implementing policies to improve economic sentiment and alleviate financial pressures on citizens.

Beyond economic challenges, the UK faces crises in various sectors, including train and doctor strikes, police and public broadcaster issues, legal backlogs, and the migrant crisis. Government intervention in bank affairs, rolling back on green initiatives, and windfall profits from energy suppliers are also contributing factors. The podcast episode concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing inflationary pressures and finding solutions to restore economic stability in the UK.

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UK By-Elections Shake Political Landscape: Labour Celebrates, Tories Hold On Amidst Challenges

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:26:57 GMT

In this edition of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown discusses the aftermath of recent triple by-elections in Britain, which have been bad news for the Tories. Labour secured victories in Selby and Anstey, overturning a significant Tory majority, while the Liberal Democrats unseated the Conservatives in Somerton and Frome.

The by-elections were triggered by Boris Johnson's resignation, and the Tories managed to hold on to his old seat in Uxbridge and South Ryslip with a reduced majority. These by-elections highlight UK voters' increasing tactical decision-making, leading to shifting fortunes for parties in different constituencies.

The discussion delves into the significance of each by-election and their potential implications for Rishi Sunak and the Tories. While the results are bad for the Tories, Corey Bernard argues they are not as disastrous as predicted. The program also explores the impact of local issues on election outcomes, particularly in Uxbridge and South Ryslip.

Additionally, the conversation touches upon the challenges of party cohesion within Labour, citing a mismatch between the National Labour outfit and regional mayors. Despite Labour's wins, the discussion raises questions about their ability to secure victories in traditional Conservative and blue wall seats.

Overall, the by-election results suggest shifts in voter behavior and signal potential challenges for both major parties in future elections.

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Age, Prejudice, and Effective Leadership: Unpacking President Biden's Potential Re-election

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:51:17 GMT

Roifield Brown is back home in Birmingham, England, with guests Denise Hamilton, CEO of Watch her Work from Houson, Texas, Leah Brown, CEO of Broadstairs Consulting from Kent, UK, and Jared Kobek, a Turkish American writer from Los Angeles, US. They discuss the potential implications of President Biden seeking re-election at the age of 82 and whether concerns about his age are valid. Jared believes ageism is at play, while Denise values wisdom and effectiveness over age-related concerns. Leah suggests that succession planning is an issue and that Biden's ego may influence his decision-making.

They discuss President Biden's potential re-election at 82 years old.
Jared defends Biden, stating age prejudice might be influencing opinions.
Denise values wisdom and effectiveness over age-related concerns, praising Biden's track record.
Leah suggests the issue lies in the lack of succession planning and continuity in politics.
The discussion touches on Biden's occasional tripping and speech impediment.
Jared mentions Biden's speech impediment and its impact on public perception.
Denise believes the focus should be on Biden's accomplishments and ability to solve problems.
Leah questions if Biden's ego might influence his decision-making and succession planning.
The conversation highlights the youth-obsessed culture and its impact on leadership.
They discuss the importance of valuing wisdom and experience in leaders.
Roy asks whether Biden's age and potential health risks should be a concern.
Denise and Jared argue that age should not be the sole determinant of a leader's capability.
Leah emphasises the need for leaders to groom successors and plan for continuity.
The guests acknowledge Biden's achievements but question if he is the best option for 2023.
Roy brings up Biden's commitment to the American people and unfinished business.
Leah suggests that leaders should know when to vacate their positions.
The discussion centres on having a continuity plan and involving newer generations in politics.
Jared expresses his admiration for Biden, despite his occasional shortcomings.
The conversation concludes with different perspectives on leadership and the future of the United States.

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Decoding the Republican Party's Presidential Primaries: Runners and Riders

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:58:28 GMT

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown engages in a conversation with Logan Phillips, the head of The Race to the White House website, to analyse the Republican Party's presidential primaries. They discuss the historical context of large Republican candidate fields and explore whether it reflects media opportunism or ideological diversity within the party. The discussion covers various declared runners and riders in the current GOP primary race, including Donald Trump, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Larry Elder, Asa Hutchinson, and Doug Burgum. The conversation also touches upon the long-shot candidates and their chances of success. Throughout the episode, Brown and Phillips provide insights into the motivations and strategies of these candidates, as well as their potential impact on the future of the Republican Party.

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The Rising Tide of Conflict: the Alarming Surge in Global Deaths

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:15:52 GMT

Roifield Brown discusses the latest research from the Institute of Economics and Peace with Thomas Morgan. The study reveals that conflict-related deaths in 2022 were the highest of this century, occurring across various conflicts worldwide. While global GDP has risen alongside these deaths, the correlation between prosperity and conflict is complex. Factors such as good governance and a sound business environment contribute to reducing conflict, but they are not sufficient on their own. Additionally, the decline in violence within countries does not necessarily guarantee a permanent reduction in conflict deaths. Technological advancements and the internationalization of conflicts are identified as key factors behind the deadliness of contemporary conflicts. The proliferation of drones and the involvement of external actors have increased the duration and intensity of conflicts, resulting in higher casualties.

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The UK dumps Johnson, but the US is stuck with Trump.

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:07:48 GMT

In this episode, we look at the political news surrounding Trump and the ex-UK PM Johnson and ask why Republicans can't do what the Conservative Party in the UK can: dump a political leader who has passed his sell-by date. Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 charges, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defence information, after being indicted by the Department of Justice for potential mishandling of classified documents. His arraignment took place in Miami, marking the first instance in American history of a former president facing federal charges. Many Republicans see it as a which hunt.

While over in the UK Ex-PM Boris Johnson resigned ahead of a damning report by the Privileges Committee, which would have suspended him due to findings of deliberately misleading Parliament about lockdown parties. Although his resignation avoids a potential by-election, Conservatives are relieved to bid farewell to the populist former PM.

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Thom Hartmann - The Hidden History of American Democracy

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:15:59 GMT

Thom Hartmann is an American author, radio host, and progressive political commentator. Hartmann has written numerous books on a variety of topics, including American politics, economics, and the environment.

He is best known for his radio show, "The Thom Hartmann Program," which airs nationally in the United States. The show focuses on political and social issues from a progressive perspective. Hartmann has also appeared on various television programs, including "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "Real Time with Bill Maher."

Throughout his career, Hartmann has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes, such as income inequality, healthcare reform, and environmental sustainability. He is known for his articulate and passionate style of commentary, and he often engages with listeners and viewers in lively discussions.

Thom has written a new book, The Hidden History of American Democracy: Rediscovering Humanity’s Ancient Way of Living.

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Can we save local journalism in an age of social media

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:33:17 GMT

Katherine Brodsky is a freelance writer, Katherine has also contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, WIRED, Esquire, The Guardian, Newsweek, USA Today, CNN, The Independent, Playboy Magazine, New York Magazine/Vulture, AFAR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Weekend, Mashable, Elle Canada, Backstage, MovieMaker Magazine, Montecristo, NUVO, Delta Sky Magazine, Time Out, Canadian Traveller, and many others.

The rise of citizen journalism has been seen as a solution to the problems that have plagued traditional journalism in recent years. However, while it offers a more diverse range of voices and allows local voices to tell their stories, it is not necessarily a more trustworthy source of information.

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Humza Yousaf and The SNP, is Scotland further from independence?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:05:59 GMT

Today we speak to Scottish pundit Lesley Riddoch an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author about Scotland's new first minister and the issues faced by the SNP.

Humza Yousaf has pledged to be a "first minister for all of Scotland" after being chosen by party members to replace Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Yousaf, who had been serving as health secretary, also vowed to "kickstart" a grassroots campaign that would "ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear".

Here are some of the other issues that are looming in his in-tray:

The mammoth task required fixing the problems across health and social care. More than 600,000 people are on a waiting list; A&E departments are regularly full; one in every six patients in hospital cannot get out, despite being ready to be discharged.
Education: Before the pandemic, the Scottish government saw education as its defining mission. It wanted to be judged by its progress in raising attainment and helping children and young people from disadvantaged areas. Inevitably, the pandemic has thrown up new problems which are still real issues.
Scotland's business lobbies hope for a reset in their relations with Bute House. Several feel their concerns have taken a low priority under Nicola Sturgeon.
Climate change: Tackling climate change was one of Nicola Sturgeon's priorities, with the Scottish Parliament setting some of the most ambitious targets in the world. But year after year those targets have been missed and the government's independent advisers have said Scotland's lead has been lost.
The government's track record on the NHS is never far from a political rammy, but increasingly those working within health and social care are asking policymakers to step back from arguing among themselves and give some candid consideration to what kind of reform is needed. The new FM says his priority is to recover and reform the NHS but he won't deviate from its founding principle, to be free at the point of use.

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How to save democracy - Eli Merritt

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:31:28 GMT

On this episode of Mid Atlantic, we speak to Eli Merritt author of How to Save Democracy' we explore the themes in the book, 'How to Save Democracy'. Eli talks about the key principles of democratic success, including never taking democracy for granted, and the importance of equality, inclusion, and diversity.

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Are we in a world wide banking crisis? - Mekey Gabriel

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:08:45 GMT

Mekey Gabriel is a long-term investor who is passionate about finance, tax, investments and estate planning. She helps us today to look at the recent banking crisis across the globe.

This month has seen the largest U.S. banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis when regulators closed SVB and seized its deposits, and the second largest ever with the buyout of the 167-year-old Swiss bank Credit Suisse. The SVB collapse was due to the need for it to raise $2.25 billion to shore up its balance sheet, while the Credit Suisse crisis was a result of changes in top management, questionable acquisitions, and penalization leading to a deterioration in reputation and a 10% drop in business growth. Members of the VC community have bemoaned the role that other investors played in SVB’s demise, while UBS, the biggest number one Swiss Bank, bailed out Credit Suisse at a cheap rate and wrote off the AT1 bonds worth 17 BN $.

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Will Gary Lineker, change government policy and topple the BBC chairman?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 23:31:36 GMT

This weekend, Match of the Day was broadcast without presenters, pundits, or commentators after Gary Lineker was suspended from the BBC for breaching impartiality guidelines with his criticism of the government's asylum policies. In solidarity with Lineker, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, and other pundits have refused to present the show, leading the BBC to only feature match footage. Initially, the BBC had put pressure on Lineker to agree to their terms on his future use of social media, but on Monday, the Corporation did a u-turn in the face of public pressure after Lineker's suspension had been widely criticized. This has now led to calls for BBC chair Richard Sharp to resign for his mishandling of the affair.

Roifield is joined by a group of British pundits to discuss this momentous weekend in British politics, in which football, immigration policy, and free speech all collided.

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Taxation without representation Washington DC - Bo Shuff

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:08:37 GMT

Bo Shuff serves as the Executive Director for DC Vote having been promoted from Director of Advocacy in June of 2017. Bo has spent the last twenty years on the front lines of both electoral and advocacy politics. From being a member of the Gore election team in Florida in 2000 to being on the staff of HRC from the Lawrence decision through the 2006 Marriage Amendments, Bo somehow finds himself engaged in some of the hottest political moments. In addition to organizational advocacy work his electoral efforts led to a progressive majority in the Washington State Senate and, as Campaign Manager, the election of Mayor Muriel Bowser. He joined DC Vote in 2016 with an eye to achieving full equality for the residents of the 51st State, Washington DC.

https://www.dcvote.org

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Leslie Herod Denver's next mayor?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:03:42 GMT

Leslie Herod

The first openly gay, Black person elected to the Colorado state legislature. She was first elected in 2016 and most recently re-elected for a fourth and final term to the Colorado State House of Representatives - representing House district eight. During the 2021 legislative session, Herod was appointed to the state's coveted Joint Budget Committee. During the previous session, Herod was vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee. She's now a mayoral candidate in Denver. The election is on April 4, 2023.

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What candidates do to win campaigns - Zee Cohen-Sanchez

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:28:21 GMT

From fundraising, field operations, public relations, and digital strategy, Zee Cohen-Sanchez and her team at Sole Strategies support Democratic candidates running for office. Roifield speaks to her about her ethos and what is needed for messaging and success for prospective politicians.

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2022 in review.

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:37:55 GMT

Guests of Mid Atlantic give their thoughts on the events of 2022. We are Joined by Laura Babcock, Doug Levy, Greg Satell, Pytor Kurzan, Emma Burnell, Steve O'Neil, Mike Holden, Jarett Kobeck, David Volodzko, Amy Everett, and Iain Dale

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Forecasting US elections with Logan Phillips

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:16:52 GMT

Roifield speaks to Logan Phillips from RacetotheWH which uses data to predict elections and tracks the latest polling in both general elections and primary races. They've proven to be one of the most accurate election forecasters in the nation.

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The Iranian Uprising Explained

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:32:34 GMT

My guests today are Moj Mahdra a founding member of the Iranian Diaspora Collective, which was just created in response to the Iranian uprisings and Helen Kamali an Iranian-American and Co-Founder of The Azadi Co which is a streetwear for freedom project that donates funds to Iran-centric charities.

Human Rights activists in Iran claim that At least 470 people have been killed since the demonstrations began and more than 18,000 have been arrested. We ask if these protests will topple the regime of the Ayatollah

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Georgia's run off election win and the UK census result

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:51:40 GMT

Georgia U.S. Senate Runoff Election Results

Senator Raphael Warnock defeated his challenger, Herschel Walker, a former football star and Trump-backed Republican, in the Georgia runoff what does this mean for the Democrats and the Republicans and 2024?

The 2021 UK Census

England and Wales are now minority Christian countries, the UK census reveals. Data also shows Leicester and Birmingham have become the UK’s first ‘minority majority cities.

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Trump, The Republicans wont pick him again will they?

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 07:32:12 GMT

As Trump announces 2024 run, some in the GOP do their best to look away.

Former acting Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney — Mulvaney was skeptical in a CNN interview, saying, “I think he’s the only Republican who could lose.” Former vice president Mike Pence — With characteristic vagueness, Pence told ABC and the Times that “I think we’ll have better choices.”

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Where was the red wave, is this the end for Trump - the Mid Terms

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:11:09 GMT

As we published the podcast Congree Dem 182 -7 +5 206 Rep 218 to win 388 of 435 races called

Senate Dem* 48 +1 -1 48 Rep 51 to win 32 of 35 races called

The red wave didn’t happen,’ says Biden as the Senate race remains tight. What does the result mean for the GOP, Biden, and Trump. Has the American electorate changed, with Gen x and Gen Z voters, and how much of a factor was Roe vs Wade on the turnout?

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Malcontent News

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 06:32:29 GMT

Malcontent News has emerged as one of the best platforms for Russia-Ukraine War Updates. It is a truth-based, fact-checked update on events happening on and off the battlefield in Ukraine. Roifield speaks to David David Obelcz about Malcontent and its rise in 2022.

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Climate denial - Guy Mitchell

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 19:35:45 GMT

Here to speak with us now about the matter is Guy Mitchell, the author of Global Warming: The Great Deception – The Triumph of Dollars and Politics Over Science and Why You Should Care. He recently wrote an op-ed titled The Deindustrialization of the European Union which delves deeply into this subject, so his expertise is certainly welcome here.

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After Liz Truss is this a turning point of UK politics?

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 03:17:20 GMT

Roifield speaks to UK, political pundit, Paul Duddridge and Steve O’Neil ex, LibDem staffer to reflect on the last week in UK politics. Are we seeing a realignment of British politics, which will divide the Conservative party?

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Liz Truss gone after 44 days

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 02:21:45 GMT

Roifield speaks to a star-studded panel who document the last 24 hours in UK politics.

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How online and Social Media is shaping culture wars and politics in the USA

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:05:27 GMT

When it comes to the type of content posted on social media, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that Congress needs to act. But the bipartisan accord doesn't extend much farther than that. Democratic politicians want more content moderation, and Republican politicians want less content moderation.

Roifield speaks to Adam Kovacevich of the Chamber of Progress about how our attitudes are evolving around online and politically and culturally.

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Listen to podcasts from Roifield Brown

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:58:26 GMT

10 American Presidents Podcast

DumTeeDum - A show about BBC Radio's 'The Archers'

How Jamaica Conquered the World

Intelligent Speech - interviews, conversations and presentations of ideas

Map Corner

Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

The Race Directors Podcast - F1

The Things That Made England

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The world last week - Liz Truss, Trump, January 6th, Ukraine, Italy and Sweden

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:33:14 GMT

This week we dispense with a normal mid-Atlantic format by looking at the last week in world news. Roifield speaks to a number of speakers from around the globe about politics in their own countries. Topics discussed are the UK economic crisis under the premiership of Liz, Truss, the January 6th hearings, the future of Donald Trump, and the historic agreement between Israel and Lebanon. We look at recent developments in the Ukraine war and we end by looking at the new Swedish government that includes the neofascist Swedish Democrats and the new administration in Italy which is led by the fascist brothers of Italy party.

Please support this podcast by writing a review on Apple podcast, this will mean that more people will get to hear about our output.

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What now for the UK- Splendid isolation again?

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 17:07:39 GMT

Roifield thinks aloud about the next 10 years for the UK

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How Hopeful Should Democrats Be About the Midterms?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 01:23:02 GMT

The midterms traditionally mean disaster for the president's party. However, things may be different this year, so we ask why the electoral hopes for the Dems are so high with the economy reeling from high inflation and uncertainty about whether the country will slip into recession.

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What’s next for the British monarchy?

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 00:24:52 GMT

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascent of King Charles III to the throne comes as several Commonwealth nations are re-evaluating their relationship to the British monarchy.

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Will Ukraine's rapid advances cause the Russian army to implode?

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 21:04:19 GMT

Today we speak to Chuck Holton an American war correspondent about to head back to Ukraine, about the recent Ukrainian army advances around Kharkiv and why the Russian army has been left reeling.

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The economics of the Ukraine war - Wook Lee

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 23:27:29 GMT

Roifield speaks to economist Wook Lee about the economic fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, for Russia, Ukraine and the world.

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Gorbachev remembered and his legacy - Professor Iwan Morgan

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:12:37 GMT

Mikhail Gorbachev was a Russian and Soviet politician who served as the last leader of the Soviet Union. Professor Iwan Morgan and Roifield talk about his life and the times and the period when Gorby mania gripped the world.

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Training the Ukrainian Media - Errol Murray

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:07:33 GMT

Errol Murray is a Journalism Lecturer/Social Media Trainer who works for the BBC. In 2019 he was sent by the BBC to help train Ukrainian journalists in new media techniques. This is an intimate and reflective look at his time there.

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Has The Commonwealth past it's sell by date?

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 18:34:48 GMT

The Commonwealth originated from the British Empire.

The Commonwealth started in 1926. This is when it changed from the British Empire to the Commonwealth. Around one-third of the world is in the Commonwealth, 2.5 billion people.

The modern Commonwealth was formed on 26 April 1949 when the leaders of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom adopted the London Declaration. The declaration defined the Commonwealth as a “free association” of independent member countries.

All members have an equal say, regardless of their size or economic stature. This ensures that even the smallest countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth. The Pacific nation of Nauru is the smallest Commonwealth member country with a population of about 13,000. The most populous member country is India with over 1.3 billion people. In 1971 the Declaration of Commonwealth Principles were released. The principles said that it should support international peace and understanding, have equal rights for all citizens and remove poverty, ignorance and disease.

In the past two decades, countries which have joined include Mozambique, Cameroon and Rwanda, which were never part of the British Empire. The Gambia re-joined in February 2018

The UK has rather neglected the Commonwealth in recent years and is now desperately trying to rebuild links as a futile attempt to reduce the impact of Brexit.

There are 54 countries in the Commonwealth.

They are:

Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries.

It encompasses Africa (19 countries), Asia (7), the Caribbean and Americas (13), Europe (3), and the

Pacific (11). The Commonwealth’s strength lies in its shared values and diversity. Thirty-one of our members are small states, usually with a population well under 1.5 million, and 24 members are small island developing states.

The Commonwealth is connected by an active network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society and professional organisations, including:

o The Commonwealth Secretariat – supporting member states

o The Commonwealth Foundation – supporting civil society

o The Commonwealth of Learning – promoting distance learning and education

o The Commonwealth Games Federation – promoting sports development. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held on 27 July – 7 August 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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The Conservative Party leadership race

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:19:27 GMT

Today I'm joined by Paul Duddridge a conservative voice on TalkTV, BBC and ITV he is a Writer and Director who is also the Host of ‘The Politics People podcast.

As the prospective leaders for the Conservative party embark on their third round of voting we try and understand just who stands for exactly what and who has the best chance of becoming the next PM of the UK.

Rishi Sunak has topped the first two rounds of voting by MPs. Penny Mordaunt is the bookmakers’ favourite with a sizable lead in polls of party members though that is now slipping while Kemi Badenoch has surged to the top of a Conservative Home member survey.

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Morocco/Spain: Horrific Migrant Deaths at Melilla Border

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:40:29 GMT

Today I'm joined by Kartik Raj of Human Rights Watch to discuss the deaths of at least 23 African men at the Melilla-Morocco border on June 24, 2022. The deaths occurred during an attempt by as many as 2,000 people to enter Spain by climbing the high chain-link fences surrounding Melilla, one of two Spanish enclaves in North Africa. An independent, impartial investigation should identify the causes of death and whether security forces were responsible for the loss of life with a view to ensuring accountability and justice for the families of the victims.

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Boris Johnson refuses to go, the UK government in crisis!

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 23:52:53 GMT

Boris Johnson clings on to power amid a cabinet standoff and 42 resignations. Despite interventions from ministers including, Gove, Shapps and Patel and with the fat lady warming up to sing, he insists he won't step down.

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After Roe vs Wade what comes next?

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 05:02:31 GMT

Today I'm joined by Amy Everit The President of Golden State Opportunity and the ex-State Director of NARAL Pro-Choice America, Steve Krone constitutional law expert and ex-Supreme Court staffer, Mark Pinsley Democratic party candidate for State Senate in Pensilyviania and political activist Andrea Soccorso from New york.

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Is San Francisco a failed city?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:03:45 GMT

During the first part of the pandemic, San Francisco County lost more than one in 20 residents

San Francisco now has the fewest children per capita of any large American city, and a $117,400 salary counts as low-income for a family of four.

I’d gotten used to the crime, rarely violent but often brazen; to leaving the car empty and the doors unlocked so thieves would at least quit breaking my windows.

The budget to tackle homelessness and provide supportive housing has been growing exponentially for years.

In 2021, the city announced that it would pour more than $1 billion into the issue over the next two years. But almost 8,000 people remain on the streets.

Every tent costs taxpayers roughly $60,000 a year.

The San Francisco Bay Area is 52 percent white, 6.7 percent Black, and 23.3 percent Asian.

SF isn’t turning red on any electoral maps.

The widest income disparities in the Bay Area are in San Francisco County, where the top 5% of households makes an average of $808,105 annually, compared with $16,184 for the lowest 20%.

Bay Area residents in the 90th percentile of incomes earned $384,000 a year, compared to just $32,000 for those in the bottom 10th percentile.

Despite California’s strong economy, low- and middle-income earners have seen fewer gains than those in the top bracket in recent decades.

San Francisco remains the most expensive rental market in the U.S. – with average one-bedroom rent costing $2,700 per month as of December 2020 (a 23% decrease year-over-year).

“San Francisco has some of the most extreme inequality anywhere in the world, and many of the best-known companies growing here have some of the largest gaps between executive pay and worker pay.

San Francisco voters overwhelmingly backed a new law that will levy an extra 0.1% tax on companies that pay their chief executive more than 100-times the median of their workforce. The surcharge increases by 0.1 percentage point for each factor of 100 that a CEO is paid above the median, up to a maximum of 0.6%.

Tim Cook, the chief executive of Apple, was paid $134m in 2019, more than 2,300 times the firm’s median pay of $57,600.

1 in 4 Bay Area families isn't making enough to live here,

8,011 homeless individuals were counted in San Francisco's 2019 point-in-time street and shelter count. This was an increase of more than 14% over the 2017 count.

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Boris Johnson wins the vote of no confidence

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:13:32 GMT

Did the prime minister survive a vote on his premiership this week because the potential leadership contenders held off welding the fatal blow to his leadership? We are joined by Paul Duddridge, Mike Holden, Shannon Maybury, Nabanita Sircar and Pyotr Kurzan on this week's episode.

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Russia makes gains in Eastern Ukraine.

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:56:00 GMT

We are joined by professor Karolina Wigura, Michael Donahue, Greg Satell, Ben Mendelson and Dr Dan as we look at the Russian advances in the east of Ukraine.

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The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order - Prof. Gary Gerstle

Wed, 18 May 2022 18:20:16 GMT

Roifield speaks to Prof. Gary Gerstle about the last 40 years that chart the fall of Communism and the end of the Cold War and their pivotal place in American and world history. They discuss how neoliberalism originated as much on the Left (the New Left) as on the right, among individuals such as Paul Goodman, Stewart Brand and Steve Jobs who were seeking ways to emancipate the self in an increasingly regulated and bureaucratized world

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The world this week - The Ukrainian defenders of Maripul and Boris Johnson skates on thin ice

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 23:03:18 GMT

In a week when a US federal mask mandate was struck down on public transport, we ask how many lives does the British prime minister have?

Today we are joined by Pyotr Kurzin geopolitical expert from Washington DC and the host of the global gambit podcast, Greg Satell award-winning author and businessman who lived in Kyiv for over 10 years and Steve O'Neil who was deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats between 2013-15. You can hear more from him on his blog and podcast No Man's Land.

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A War Reporters View of the Ukrainian War - Chuck Holton

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:55:11 GMT

Today I’m joined by Chuck Holton an American war correspondent. Holton is currently a War Correspondent for Newsmax and is embedded in Ukraine following the war.

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The Moskova is sunk, Le Pen in the French run off and Elon Musk wants Twitter - The World this week -

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:53:47 GMT

Le Pen, the far-right candidate for the French presidency, offered a worldview reminiscent of the Trump presidency, forget Brexit, here comes Marine Le Pen!

Russia warns of nuclear weapons in Baltic if Sweden and Finland join Nato

Elon Musk Tech entrepreneur offers to buy Twitter for $41.4bn

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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is confirmed and its politics

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 02:07:06 GMT

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed to the Supreme Court, with President Biden calling her "one of the nation's brightest legal minds". Ms Jackson, 51, will be the first black woman to serve in the court's 233-year history and only the third African American, replacing liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer when he retires at the end of the court's term in June. She has two degrees from Harvard. Before coming president, Biden first promised to nominate a black woman to the top court two years ago while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.

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Ukraine - How would peace effect in the US, UK and other countries - Emily Channell-Justice

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:13:14 GMT

Today I’m joined by Emily Channell-Justice the Director of the Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program at the Ukrainian Research Institute, Harvard University to discuss part two of our discourse about how peace could be formed in Ukraine. In this section, we look at how the conflict will change the domestic and foreign policy of the US, UK and other countries around the world.

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Ukraine - What would peace look like? - Emily Channell-Justice

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 21:30:09 GMT

If the war ends in the next two weeks could we have a peace agreement? What if the Russians cease operations as the Ukrainians are making small gains. Can Russia Keep Crimea and Donetsk and Ukraine have enforceable security guarantees from the West, could that bring peace?

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The Ukrainian War - The Polish View - Prof Karolina Wigura

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:45:04 GMT

Karolina Wigura is a historian of ideas, board member of the Kultura Liberalna Foundation in Warsaw and a fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin

She writes for the Guardian and the New York Times amongst other publicans and lives in Warsaw and works in Berlin.

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Putin attacks Ukraine and the rules based order - Carla Seaquist

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:39:06 GMT

As the world watches with alarm the despotic takeover of Ukraine by Russian forces, we speak to Carla Seaquist about its ramifications for Europe, The US and the world.

About Carla

For more than two decades—after shifting from playwriting to commentary on 9/11—prolific writer and public thinker Carla Seaquist has worked at the intersection of politics, culture, and the American character, and addressed top issues through hundreds of essays, first for The Christian Science Monitor, then HuffPost and Medium. Carla earned a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary American and European art and music at the American University, School of International Service, and her Master of Arts from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). For more on Carla, see her homepage, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook.

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Understanding Ukraine from 1991 - 2022 with Greg Satell

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:06:15 GMT

Durings Ukraine’s 30-years of independence since the Soviet Union’s collapse, it has had to contend with neighbouring Russia’s tightening grip and expanding power on the country's geopolitical future. Instead of following the current Russian invasion and the heroic defence of the Ukrainian people today I want to look at Ukrainian politics from 1991 to 2022 with Grreg Satell who lived in Kiev and witnessed the 2004 Orange Revolution and the growing sense of Ukrainian national identity.

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The Canadian Truck Protest

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 21:58:58 GMT

A loose coalition of truckers and conservative groups that began in western Canada has brought the country to a standstill provoking the Prime Minister to invoke emergency powers, we ask TV pundit Laura Babcock why this happened and what it means.

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American election integrity and voter access

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:18:26 GMT

Gregory is one of two co-founders and Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. based OSET Institute (“OSET”), a non-partisan non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation headquartered in Silicon Valley. He leads all aspects of the Institute's resource development, corporate partner R&D alliances, public outreach, election official stakeholder relations, and government and legal affairs. OSET is an election technology research and development institute working with elections officials worldwide. The mission is simple: increase integrity; improve turnout; and lower taxpayer cost. The strategy is delivery.

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Are these the last days of Boris Johnson?

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 22:44:45 GMT

Johnson is facing fury from The Conservative party over a drinks party at Downing Street on 20 May 2020. He admitted at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday that he had joined colleagues in the garden for around 25 minutes to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic, while the country was on a strict lockdown. Mr Johnson claimed he had "believed implicitly that this was a work event". Senior Tories have publicly called for his resignation since the statement, including the leader of the Scottish Tory's, Douglas Ross.

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Joe Manchin the most powerful senator and is this Boris' last stand?

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 00:25:34 GMT

Senator Manchin's opposition, along with that of Senator Kyrsten Sinema, effectively kills the Biden administration's hopes of passing Build Back Better before the end of the year.

Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, said on Sunday that he couldn't support the legislation, an ambitious package of social policies including prolonging Child Tax Credit, expanding Medicare, instituting paid employee leave, subsidizing child care and early-childhood education, as well as investing in clean energy.

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How do you end a pandemic

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:26:40 GMT

As Boris Johnson triggers plan B of working from home, mask-wearing and Covid passes for nightclubs and theatre in The UK, following warnings from scientists that Omicron spreads more easily, we ask just how do you end a pandemic?

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Germany's new Government - Tiryn Fischer

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:59:06 GMT

German lawmakers elected Social Democrat Olaf Scholz as new chancellor ending 16 years of CDU rule under Merkel. Scholz will lead Germany's first federal "traffic light" coalition, made up of the SPD, the ecologist Greens and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP). We speak to Tiryn Fischer about German politics

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What does the Aubrey and Rittenhouse cases say about America and has Boris lost the plot

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 17:58:42 GMT

In a week that has seen Thirty-one people drown after a refugee boat capsizes in the English Channel, we ask has Boris reached his low point?

Has the last week proved that the US Justice system is blind to race and ideology with the verdicts for Ahmaud Arbery and Kyle Rittenhouse cases?

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UK sleaze and The US passes an infrastructure bill

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:44:10 GMT

Today we are joined by Steve O'Neil in London, Paul Dudderidge in LA and Mike Holden in Burnley England.

In a week that has seen the England team put 10 goals past San Marino? Can No 10 move on from the sleaze row?

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The politics of the ocean

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:47:33 GMT

We speak to the founder of MotherOceanBlue.com Zakia Rashid about education to elicit social change and education for the ocean its systems, ecology and the problems of human impact. She is a passionate conservationist, and a shark ambassador.

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Chantal Hébert - on the 2021 Canadian election

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:34:27 GMT

Currently, Hébert is a national affairs writer with the Toronto Star she frequently appears on CBC Television's The National and other media commenting on Canadian politics.

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Justin Higgins - Politics and Media 101

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:43:22 GMT

Justin is the brains behind the podcast and Clubhouse room Politics and Media 101. He has 7 years of communications and policy experience in U.S. politics Before his career in PR, Justin led the legislative and media strategies addressing Hurricane Maria as an appointed official for the Democratic Government of Puerto Rico. Prior to switching political allegiance to the democrats, Justin was an advisor to a U.S. Congressman and managed a national opposition research portfolio for the Republican National Committee during the 2016 presidential campaign to influence top-tier print and broadcast outlets.

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Canada's 2021 election deconstructed with Laura Babcock

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 12:08:07 GMT

Laura Babcock is a National TV/radio commentator and host, for CBC and the Executive Director of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. She gives the takeaways of the 2021 Canadian election. She is joined on stage by John Gunnison and Juston Higgins.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party will form Canada's next government following a tightly contested general election against conservative rival Erin O'Toole. The Liberals, fell short of the target of winning the necessary 170 seats to form a majority government. The Conservatives won 122 seats with the remaining seats in the next Parliament held by the left-leaning New Democratic Party, The Greens and the Quebec-based separatist party Bloc Quebecois.

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American foreign policy options - Justin T Russell

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 13:43:32 GMT

Justin T. Russell has over 30 years of experience in government service, government relations, and international affairs, covering a wide range of issues. We speak to him about the world after Afghanistan.

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The Suburb Reader - Becky Nicolaides, Andrew Wiese

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 13:43:26 GMT

Since the 1920s, the United States has seen a dramatic reversal in living patterns, with a majority of Americans now residing in suburbs. This mass emigration from cities is one of the most fundamental social and geographical transformations in recent US history.

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Canada Votes - Trudeau calls a snap election

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:40:06 GMT

Today we are joined by Matt Jeneroux MP from the riding of Edmonton Riverbend of the Conservative party. Nadine Nakagawa a City Councillor in the City of New Westminster, British Columbia. Amina Yasin is a City and Regional Planner, who sits on The Vancouver City Planning Commission. Alex Bishop helps companies access grants, investments and government and is a political pundit and finally, we have Sarah Jama - the founder and executive director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario.

On the day when children have been reportedly killed by two explosions outside Kabul airport, we ask what are the major themes of the Canadian snap election.

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The next 20 years globally after the fall of Kabul

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:07:07 GMT

2021 will prove a tipping point moment in international politics. In recent decades, globalization has created opportunities, reduced poverty, and supported peace for billions of people. But with China and the US decoupling on technology, the 21st-century economy is now breaking in two.

Geopolitics

Migration and refugees

Climate change

Developed world countries have become toxically polarized. Climate change matters as never before.

1. political uncertainty in institutions

In 2020, US political institutions will be tested as never before, and the November election will produce a result many see as illegitimate. Poland and Hungary in the EU.

3. US/China

As this decoupling occurs, US-China tensions will provoke a more explicit clash over national security, influence, and values. The two sides will continue to use economic tools in this struggle—sanctions, export controls, and boycotts—with shorter fuses and goals that are more explicitly political.

5. India rising, India tensions with China

Beginning on 5 May 2020, Chinese and Indian troops engaged in aggressive melee, face-offs and skirmishes at locations along the Sino-Indian border.

In 2019, Prime Minister Modi and his government revoked the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, piloted a plan that stripped 1.9 million people of their citizenship, and passed an immigration law that considers religious affiliation.

6. Geopolitical Europe

European officials now believe the EU should defend itself more aggressively against competing economic and political models.

7. Politics vs. Economics of Climate Change

Climate change will put governments, investors, and society at large on a collision course with corporate decision-makers, who must choose between ambitious commitments to reduce their emissions and their bottom lines.

8. Shia Crescendo, the defeat in Afghanistan

The failure of U.S. policy toward Iran, Iraq, and Syria—the major Shia-led nations in the Middle East—creates significant risks for regional stability. MBS in Saudi Arabia

9. Discontent in Latin America

Latin American societies have become increasingly polarized in recent years. In 2020, public anger over sluggish growth, corruption, and low-quality public services will keep the risk of political instability high. Bolsanrno anti-establishment politicians will grow stronger, and election outcomes will be less predictable.

10. Africa

With a land mass bigger than India, China, the US and Europe combined, few doubt the scale of the African continent and its resources. However, until recently only some have seen it as the growth market that it is fast becoming.

With a steadily growing population heading towards 2bn, Africa’s 1.1bn workforce will be the world’s largest by 2040. Equally, with a collective GDP of $2.6 trillion by 2020 and $1.4 trillion of consumer spending, many see the impact of around 500m new middle class consumers. Africa as a continent has, on average, grown its economy by at 5% per annum over the last decade. It is already as urbanized as China and has as many cities of over 1m populations as Europe.

As global economic power continues to shift away from advanced economies to emerging economies, Nigeria's economy is projected to rank among the world's top ten economies by 2050 with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $6.4 trillion.

Migrants - Worldwide, there is an estimated 191 million immigrants;

1. As the Venezuelan Crisis Digs In, International Community Pledges to Step Up

2. Syria and Iraq Experience New Waves of Displacement

3. Using Aid and Trade Threats as Leverage, United States Pushes Through Controversial Migration Management Deals

4. Violence against Immigrant and Minority Communities Erupts Amid Rising Xenophobic, Anti-Migrant Discourse everywhere

6. Countries Push Borders Outward, Preventing Migrants from Reaching Hoped-For DestinationsWe

8. Far-Right Populists See Reversals, Some Gains in 2019

10. Amid Fears of Provoking Backlash, Governments Move Slowly and Softly on Global Compact for Migration Implementation

Worldwide, there are an estimated 191 million immigrants; 115 million immigrants live in developed countries;

20% (approximately 38 million) live in the US alone, making up 13% of its population;

33% of all immigrants live in Europe;

75% live in just 28 countries;

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Soledad O'Brien Reporting Black America

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 17:17:17 GMT

María de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien (born September 19, 1966) is an American broadcast journalist and executive producer. Since 2016, O'Brien has been the host for Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien, a nationally syndicated weekly talk show produced by Hearst Television.

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Iain Dale on Margaret Thatcher

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:28:06 GMT

Iain Dale is a British broadcaster, political commentator and publisher, who can be found daily on LBC. Dale writes British political blogs, publishes podcasts and frequently appears on UK news channels.

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Football and Racism in England before and after the Euros

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 18:38:45 GMT

Rofield discusses the torrent of abuse that the black players suffered after England's defeat to Italy.

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The Supreme Court rulings and The Tory Blue Wall

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:47:34 GMT

In a week that has seen England sail into the knockout phase of the European championships, we ask what did the supreme court rule in the last week?

Paul Duddridge, John Gunnison, Erika Andrade, Steve O'Neil, Duc Vu, AB,

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Biden in Europe, Johnson hosts the G7 and Israel's new government.

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 05:08:04 GMT

Panellists on today's show are Paul Duddridge, John Gunnison, and Duc Vu, Emma Burnell. Joe Biden travelled to Cornwall in the UK for a meeting of the G7, his first overseas trip as president of the United States,

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Vice President Harris at the boarder and the Kamloops scandal in Canada

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 23:38:59 GMT

Comments from Alex Bishop in Hamilton Canada, Marce Butler in California. John Gunnison, AB in Texas and Duc Vu in Philly and Peter Chou

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What now for Liz Cheney and the Republican party

Sat, 08 May 2021 17:51:23 GMT

Today we are joined by Laura Babcock TV pundit in Hamilton Canada, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast in New York, Mike Holden in Burnley England. Clint Loshe, ex capitol hill staffer and writer Emma always up for it Burnell in London

In a week that has seen the British navy send warships to the coast of France like its 1792 we ask is why has the Biden administration angered big pharma?

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Dominic Cummings.

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:13:56 GMT

This week we look at Dominic Cummings and his fight with Boris Johnson with James Fletcher, Dawn Parry and John Gunnison

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Why white women vote Republican with Jane Junn

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 01:25:02 GMT

Today we are joined by Clint Loshe exCapitol Hill staffer, Doug Levy political pundit in Marin County and Paul Duddridge political right-winger in Los Angeles.

Jane Junn is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California. She is the author of five books on political participation and public opinion in the United States. Her most recent book The Politics of Belonging: Race, Immigration, and Public Opinion.

Who is the "modal" voter in American elections? In other words, were there more men or women who turned out to vote in 2020? How about in 2016? How long have men/women been the modal voter?

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Biden approaches his first 100 days and the UK considers Covid passports

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 19:45:31 GMT

In a week that has seen Sir Lewis Hamilton prove that its the man and not the car that matters in a thrilling Bahrain grand prix as ask is there a place for morality in politics?

Joe Biden entered the White House with an expansive agenda that includes taming the coronavirus, economic recovery, climate policy and reducing the power of tech companies, it’s so far so good, as Biden's approval rating on the economic recovery is at 62% and his overall approval rating is 55%. How much of Bidens approval rating is the fact that he isn’t Trump?

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More gun deaths in the US and flag waving in the UK

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 20:59:59 GMT

Today we are joined by Writer and journo Emma Burnell in London, Mic Wright Editor at Conquest of the Useless, the media criticism newsletter in Norwich, Clint Loshe ex Capitol Hill staffer in Washington, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast in New York, political pundit Doug Levy San Fransisco, Steve O'Neil the ex deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats in London, James Fletcher political gun for hire and producer of the film the accidental president and Dr Who fan and political wonk Mike Holden in Burnley.

In a week that will see how difficult it is for superheroes to get loans, we look at the conundrum that is the passing gun legislation in the US.

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America in Retreat: The Decline of US Leadership from WW2 - Michael Pembroke

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In the heady days after 1945, the authority of the United States was unrivalled and, with the founding of the UN, a new era of international co-operation seemed to have begun. But seventy-five years later, its influence has already diminished

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Newsom and Cuomo in trouble and the UK's policing Bill

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 01:12:13 GMT

Today we are joined by Writer and journo Emma Burnell in London, Mic Wright Editor at Conquest of the Useless, the media criticism newsletter in Norwich, Clint Loshe ex Capitol Hill staffer in Washington, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast in New York, political pundit Doug Levy San Fransisco, Steve O'Neil the ex-deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats in London, author and sage Jarett Kobeck in LA and Marce Butler of the Esoteric Negro in La

Everyone who follows New York politics has an opinion on Andrew Cuomo, a year ago he was the hero of the democratic party with his response to Covid why is there a scandal surrounding him now?

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After Meghan and Harry is the UK closer to becoming a republic?

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 21:26:41 GMT

In a week that has seen the women in London organise a vigil to reclaim the streets after the disappearance of Sarah Everard in London will ask have Meghan and Harry have just not just put the boot into the royal family but also the monarchy?

Today we are joined by Writer and journo Emma Burnell in London, Drew Morisey the ideological Freeagent, programme Manager in the non-profit sector Gilly Cooper in London, Actor Terry Molloy in East Anglia and Mic Wright Editor at Conquest of the Useless, the media criticism newsletter in Norwich, businessman Alex Bishop in Hamilton Canada, Clint Loshe ex Capitol Hill staffer in Washington, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast in New York, pundit Doug Levy San Fransisco and Steve O'Neil the ex-deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats in London.

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When will the US raise its minimum wage and Rishi Sunak’s second UK budget

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:55:20 GMT

In a week that has seen the Daft Punk hang up their helmets, we ask why is the minimum wage in the US so low and why didn't a bill to raise it pass in congress?

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Mid Atlantic moves recordings to Clubhouse join us live Thursday 4th March

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:51:36 GMT

We will be moving recordings to Clubhouse the new social media platform. If you are on there please follow @roifield to get notifications of when we are recording so you can ask a question to the panel live. The first recording is Thursday, March 4th, 7 pm London time, 2 pm Eastern and 11 am Pacific.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene - The GOP flights over its soul and should Labour wave the flag?

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 04:26:57 GMT

Today we are joined by Writer and journo Emma Burnell in London, Actor Terry Molloy in East Anglia and Mic Wright Editor at Conquest of the Useless, the media criticism newsletter in Norwich, Laura Babcock Tv pundit in Hamilton Canada, Clint Loshe, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast in New York and Jane Junn Professor of Political Science in Los Angeles

In a week that has seen over a million people in the UK receive Covid jabs in two days, we worry about the future of the Republican Party and whether it’s now the party of Qanon.

1. Should the GOP turn its back on Marjorie Taylor Green and how inclusive should a big tent be?

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Britain risks becoming a failed state. The Brit panel discuss Gordon Browns warning

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:22:30 GMT

Today we are joined by Steve O'Neil the ex-deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats in London, political pundit Mike Holden in Burnley, writerand journo Emma Burnell in London, Actor Terry Molloy in East Anglia and Mic Wright the Founder and Editor at Conquest of the Useless, the media criticism newsletter in Norwich.

Gordon Brown said The UK at risk of becoming a failed state, with disunion rife, the world shocked at our covid numbers and the PM and his government all at sea, is this fair?

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Biden wants vows to unite the country. How to end this uncivil war.

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 00:32:13 GMT

Today we are joined by Clint Lose ex capitol hill staffer in Washington, Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast, TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario, writer Doug Levy in San Francisco, Derek Perkinson of the National Action Network in New York, writer Emma Burnell in London and Jeanie Walsh AC transport director in Oakland.

Biden Wants to Unite the Country. We must end this uncivil war!

Transcription

Speaker 0 (41s): Hi, Mid Atlantic pundits and listeners. I'm Maddie from Moto and a great fan of Roifield podcast, especially Atlantic after the US insurrection podcast, I want it to ring in to support Laura Babcock and Rick Wright by asking us to what's this space very carefully X to my mind, to the U S North America. And actually the whole world had a narrow escape. And you, because Trump is superbly self disillusioned, meaning that before November, he really believed he would win in the election and therefore did not get his trips organized in time.

For real coop, had he had another term, or if Paris had thought he got in a term in 2020 for you would of been ready to get US militia to take the government hostage and to declare him precedent for life. It is good, and he's such a bad business executive and used to organize a thank goodness for that. He did a great job and thanks for the podcast. It's always very interesting to listen to. Well, I couldn't agree more with our colour. I think we have to keep watching this space.

There are rumours that Trump wants to start a Patriot party and maybe have his children run for the Senate. And if it's not his family, there are certainly others who are trying to pick up his audience and trying to keep his mega movement going. And so we got a break this time we got to break because they thought they had it when they realized they didn't have it. They tried their COO and they weren't successful. But that by no means suggests that the millions of people that bought into the big lie that Trump was so good at putting out there.

Aren't still wanting to believe that lie, and aren't willing to follow somebody else in his footsteps. So I appreciate the call and I agree wholeheartedly.

Speaker 1 (2m 22s): Thank you for that. Cool, Maddie, if you would like to join Maddie by responding to a comment on this episode, why don't you go on to Mid Atlantic show.com, click the button, which has speak pipe and the little red tab over there on the right. And you can leave a voice note of up to two minutes, which will then we'll include on a future show. So go to Mid Atlantic show.com hit the speak pipe button, the little red tab over on the right's and leave us your message, which will play an a forthcoming show.

Now on with today's episode. Welcome submitted. Atlantic the show where we look at the news reviews from one side of the endocrine, the perspective of the other I'm Roifield Brown who was back in my beloved Bay area. Today, we are joined by, Hmm. It's called in to my notes. It says Clint Lucy ex Capitol staffer, but he's just told us that he's got to go off and do a work call, but he might be joining us later. We have Eric Marcus of the Making Gay History podcast. TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario we have writer and Sage Doug Levy in the San Francisco Emma Burnell because without her it's this even a Mid Atlantic she is a writer and a political commentator in London.

Derek Perkinson my brother from another mother from the national action network in New York. And we have my pal, my good friend, Jean Walsh, who is the director of AC transit in Oakland California. Say hello folks. Sure. Are you

Speaker 3 (3m 52s): Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Do solemnly swear. I had Joseph Robyn at Biden Jr. Do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States...

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Georgia turns blue and the Capitol is invaded

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 02:01:27 GMT

Today we are joined by Clint Lose ex capitol hill staffer in Washington, Latosha Brown co-founder at Black voters matter, political commentator and Tv pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario. Kyle Kondik managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, Derek Perkinson of the National Action Network. Karin Robinson of the Democratically: 2020 podcast, author Jarett Kobek and Mic Wright the journalistic Fire Starter in Norwich.

In a week that has seen the first storming of the capitol since the British took it in 1812 we try to take stock of what happened this week.

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Looking back at 2020, its the Mid Atlantic Christmas Party

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:58:23 GMT

Clint Lose ex capitol hill staffer in Washington, writer Emma Burnell in Walthamstow and political commentator and Tv pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario. Doug Levy in California, Karin Robinson of the Democratically: 2020 podcast, multimedia artist Wayne Campbell in London and Mic Wright the journalistic Fire Starter in Norwich.

In a year that has seen historic demonstrations for racial justice around the world, the impeachment of a president, a pandemic swept the globe I hunker down with my political bubble to look forward to 2021 and while also looking back at 2020.

Without mentioning Trump, Covid, George Floyd, Biden, Brexit, what has been the most significant thing in 2020?

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Guns and Gun Safety with Nico Bocour of Giffords

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 01:00:00 GMT

Nico Bocour is the government affairs director of Giffords, where she oversees the organization’s federal, state, and local legislative strategy and serves as the organization’s principal liaison to elected officials at all levels. Nico has worked in state capitols across the country, bringing together lawmakers, experts, and stakeholders to advance legislative priorities.

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Split screen America, The UK's High Street in crisis and Canadians to get the jab.

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:16:22 GMT

Hello and welcome to Mid Atlantic the show where we look at the news and views from one side of the Atlantic from the perspective of the other, I’m Roifield Brown who is in the area. Today we are joined by Clint Lose ex capitol hill staffer in Washington, writer Emma Burnell in Walthamstow and political commentator and TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario.

In a week that has seen a 90-Year-Old woman become the UK's First Coronavirus Vaccine recipient, we ask if split-screen America is here to stay?

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Britain after Brexit

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 03:47:22 GMT

Has Covid reset Brexit, how much has the British public forgotten about our divorce from Europe because of the pandemic?

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England is locked down and its effects on UK politics

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 21:23:02 GMT

Today we are joined by writer Mic Wright in Norwich, the Ex deputy head of policy for the Liberal Democrats Steve O’Neil in Brixton, writer Emma Burnell in Walthamstow and Political commentator and favoured Trump tweeter Mike Holden in Burnley

In a week that has seen the UK Prepare for a low-key Christmas, we turn to the UK for a deep dive into British politics. How are the country and its political parties gearing up for a covid Xmas, how has covid shaped UK politics?

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Why did America narrowly vote for Biden?

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:51:28 GMT

Jarret Kobek author of The future won't be long and the I hate the internet in Los Angeles, political scientist Jane Junn in southern California, constitutional law professor Corey Brettschneider in New York and by former senate staffer Clint Loshe in DC discuss last weeks US election with Roifield.

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EP: 4 - 121 - It's President elect Biden and whats next for America?

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 23:10:03 GMT

Joseph Biden is the President-elect of the United States, he and his and running mate Kamala Harris defeated President Donald Trump in the 2020 United States Presidential election. We ask why didn't the Democrats do better and what comes next?

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Ep: 4- 120 - Understanding America's polls and the US electorate.

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:56:11 GMT

Jane Junn is an American political scientist. She is the University of Southern California Associates Chair in Social Sciences, and a professor of political science and gender studies. She studies public opinion, political behaviour, and survey methodology, including work on the relationship between education and public participation, Asian American political participation, and gender and politics. She talks to Roifield about to read the American polls and the electorate.

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Ep: 4- 119 - The new Green Party leader in Canada, Jeremy Corbyn is suspended from the Labour Party and long lines to vote in the US

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 21:35:11 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Canada, journalist Emma Burnell London and by hellraiser and fire starter Doug Levy in San Francisco, America.

In a week that has seen the world hold its breath in anticipation of next weeks US election we ask

How will the outcome of next week's US election affect Canadian politics and what does the results of the October by-elections and the new Green leader tell us?

Is the Labour Party at war ?

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Ep: 4- 118 - America enters its election endgame

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:52:13 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton, journalist Emma Burnell London and by hell raiser Doug Levy in San Francisco, America

In a week that has seen The Cleveland Browns get embarrassed at Pittsburgh we look at America as it enters its election endgame

Joe Biden has a comfortable lead in every poll Americans are voting in record numbers. Coronavirus cases are surging, Donald Trump is downplaying the pandemic and criticizing his own public health experts. The president only pays $750 in tax and there's a Supreme Court vacancy! The president has been hospitalised, there have been protests for racial justice and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are scrambling to strike a stimulus deal 7.9 percent of Americans are out of work, so why have the opinion polls hardly moved since July? According to RealClearPolitics, Biden currently boasts an average polling lead of 8.9%, while three three months ago, on July 20, he led by 8.6%

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Ep: 4- 117 - Trump and The future of the Republican party - Erik Fogg of Reconsider

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 20:49:14 GMT

In this episode Roifield speaks to Erik Fogg of the Reconsider podcast about how America has got to a point where by its current commander-in-chief has broken many norms associated with the office and how the Republican Party can reform itself if it loses the presidency after November 3.

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Ep:4 - 116 Susan Stokes on Protests

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 23:12:29 GMT

Susan Carol Stokes is an American political scientist and the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in the Political Science department of the University of Chicago, she speaks to Roifield about the cycle of street protests that have rocked the world in the last 15 years and how they differ from earlier demonstrations.

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Ep:4 - 115 Trump's week has the Democrats rattled

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:01:01 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babock in Hamilton, journalist Emma Burnell London and by hellraiser and fire starter Doug Levy in San Francisco, America

In a week that has seen The UK to become largest state donor with 30% funding increase to the WHO we are ask has Mitch McConnell overplayed his hand?

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Ep: 4- 114 - Jay Hill Party leader of Wexit Canada talks to Roifield about independence from Canada

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 09:05:30 GMT

Wexit Canada is a Canadian federal political party. It advocates for the secession of Western Canada, which includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The name is a play on Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The party has its roots in Alberta separatism.

The party plans to run 104 candidates across the four provinces in the next federal election and to also run candidates for the provincial levels of government.

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Ep:4 - 113 Canada helps black business, the books against Trump and UK government goes rogue

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 23:30:00 GMT

Hello and welcome to Mid Atlantic the show where we look at the news and views from one side of the Atlantic from the perspective of the other, I’m Roifield Brown who is Birmingham in England. Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton, journalist Emma Burnell London and by hellraiser and fire starter Doug Levy in San Fransisco, America.

In a week that has seen the noon day sky of the Bay Area turn a dark orange colour that is almost heralding the end of times we ask why are Canadians giving money to black businesses?

Trudeau announces new loan program for Black entrepreneurs as Singh calls for action against systemic racism.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a multi-million dollar program to help Black Canadians get business loans and said his government is looking at measures to tackle systemic racism in Canada. Why did the death of George Floyd have such a profound effect on Canadian politics?

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The Fault Line: Bush, Blair and Iraq

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 08:04:06 GMT

The Fault Line: Bush, Blair and Iraq - premieres on September 29th on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts

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Ep:4 - 112 Gabe Fleisher - Wake up to Politics

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:00:37 GMT

As Editor-in-Chief, Gabe is the sole staffer of Wake Up To Politics and is responsible for all content, which he writes himself every weekday morning, he has been running the newsletter for 9 years since the age of 9.

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Ep:4 - 111 Kyle Kondik on Kamala Harris and the Democratic and Republican parties before November

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:03:09 GMT

Kyle Kondik is managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, a nonpartisan newsletter on American politics and elections produced by the University of Virginia, he speaks to Roifield about Kamala and the run up to the election in November.

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Ep:4 - 110 Tristan Justice of the Federalist talks to Roifield about Trump's 3 nuclear bombs

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 23:30:32 GMT

Tristan Justice is a writer for the Federalist, a right wing publication in the US. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at Tristan@thefederalist.com. He talks to Roifield about why he will be voting for Trump in November and why Black Lives Matter are Marxist.

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Ep:4 - 109 Canada yawns through the Conservative party election race and we discuss, regionalism, monuments and independence.

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:35:39 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babock in Hamilton, journalist Emma Burnell London and by hell raiser and fire starter Doug Levy in San Fransisco, America. In a week that has seen baseball return to the sporting calendar we ask if Canadians are bored of the CCP?

Why has the Canadian conservative leadership failed to capture the imaginations of Canadians?

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Ep:4 - 108 The Supreme Court stops Trump, Canada's debt and Starmer is dull but competent

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:41:52 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babock in Hamilton Canada, journalist Emma Burnell in London in England and by author Jarett Kobek in LA America

In a week that has seen 16 formula 1 drivers take a knee for Black Lives matter, we ask is the Supreme Court the effective check on the Trump administration that the Republican Party isn’t been?

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Ep:4 - 107 Richard Ready talks about racism, BLM, F1 and the stance of Lewis Hamilton

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:01:51 GMT

This week I speak to Richard ready the host and producer of the Missed Apex podcast about his childhood growing up in Colchester and being non-white. We also discuss Lewis Hamilton's push for diversity and inclusion in Formula One and BLM.

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Ep:4 - 106 Black lives matters, tearing down statues and John Bolton does Trump

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:47:54 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Canada, the ex British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith in Malvern England and Mila Atmos of the Future Hindsight podcast in New York.

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Ep:4 - 105 Iain Dale, a conversation

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:11:19 GMT

British broadcaster Iain Dale from LBC speaks to Roifield about politics, economics, identity consensus and non-tribal thinking.

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Ep:4 - 104 The killing of George Floyd and Trump fiddles while America burns

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:30:35 GMT

Today we are joined by TV pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Canada, Journalist Emma Burnell and LBC presenter Iain Dale in London, Doug Levy political consultant in San Fransisco and Derek Perkinson from The National Action Network in New York as we discuss the extraordinary week of protests in America following the police Killing of George Floyd.

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Ep: 4 - 103 Continuing under Covid in Canada, The US and The UK

Fri, 22 May 2020 16:55:12 GMT

Donald Trump sees Covid cases a 'badge of honour' from BBCTrump says Covid cases a 'badge of honour, does he have a slight point, can we believe the numbers from China, or Russia.

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Ep:4 - 102 Trump rage tweets, Keir beats Boris and Canada rewards it's key workers

Sat, 09 May 2020 22:01:28 GMT

Today we are oined by pundit Laura Babcock in Hamilton Canada, Journalist Emma Burnell in London and political consultant Doug Levy in San Fransisco.

In a week that has seen the UK become the European nation with the greatest number of COVID 19 deaths, we take a scattergun approach to news in the US, UK and Canada.

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Ep:4 - 101 How has Canada, The UK and US responded to Covid 19?

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 11:09:02 GMT

Today I’m joined by Laura Babcock in Hamilton Ontario Canada, Emma Burnell in London and Doug Levi in San Fransisco, California. Today we look at our respective countries responsive to the Covid 19 crisis.

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Ep:4 - 100 John Bercow - Sebastian Whale

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 01:17:06 GMT

For the later period of the Brexit crisis, John Bercow became one of the most visible and powerful politicians in the UK, which is highly unusual for someone inhabiting the position of the speaker of the House of Commons and for a member of parliament who has as many detractors as they had friends. Today I speak to Sebastian Whale who has written an autobiography about the man who showed the real power that the speaker wheals in parliament and who rallied the opposition to Brexit and showing the power of parliament in the face of the executive.

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Ep: 4-99 The world declares war against the Coronavirus

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:30:00 GMT

Today I’m joined by Emma Burnell in London, Benjamin Jacobs in Cranston Rhode Island and Clare Astbury in Bedford

In a week that has seen world declares war against Corona Virus, we check in with each other.

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Ep:4 - 98 Is America Ready for Bernie and Diversity in the UK Parliament

Sat, 29 Feb 2020 20:44:51 GMT

In a week that has seen world markets tumble with fears that the coronavirus will disrupt global supply chains, we ask is America ready for a Bernie revolution?

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Ep: 4 - 97 After New Hampshire, what now for the Democrats and Britain finally says yes to High Speed Rail

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 01:00:00 GMT

Today I’m joined by Mic Wright in London and by podcast pundit virgin Schon Stokes in Fremont California.

In a week that has seen a Brexiteer complain that he has to wait in queue at EU airport: ‘This isn’t the Brexit I voted for’, we ask who will the Democratic presidential race change after New Hampshire?

Two States have now voted in the Democratic Primary race, Now That It’s Moving To less white States in the union how will it change?

Boris Johnson is overseeing the construction of Britain’s biggest infrastructure project since the second world war — the 250mph HS2 high-speed railway from London to Birmingham and on to Manchester and Leeds. With HSBC bank, TalkTalk and Deutsche Bank are among companies that have relocated some operations out of the south-east, why do many think that HS2 is vital to the UK’s future?

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Ep: 4-96 The Republicans have no soul and Brexit is being done.

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 03:50:50 GMT

Today it’s a changing of the guard, we have the supply teachers in, we have first time contributor by Mila Atmos in New York from the Future Hindsight website and returning founder contributor in Mick Wright in Lime House in London.

In a week that has seen Tate Britain defend its job ad for £40k 'head of coffee' which pays 5k more that the position of a curator, we ask where is the soul of the US Republican Party?

President Trump has proven himself to be completely self-serving, he has little love or history with the republican party, what kind of party will he leave in his wake when he goes whether its this year or in 2024?

Yesterday UK MEPs sing Auld Lang Syne in the European parliament as they left the body, things look great for Britain as she untethers herself from Europe, how will Britain’s politics look now free its free of the fight over Brexit?

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Ep: 4 - 95 Trumps impeachment starts, as does Labour's leadership race

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 02:24:51 GMT

Today I’m joined by Emma Burnell in London and Doug Levy in Marin County.

In a week that has seen UK pub numbers rise for the first time in a decade, we ask if Trump will get his comeuppance?

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Ep:4 - 94 The labour party is routed and Trump to be impeached

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 01:52:10 GMT

In a week that has seen England and Scotland both vote for nationalist parties we ask where does the 2019 election take the UK and left wing politics. Listener Philip Pomerantz has responded to Ben Jacobs call in last weeks show regarding Jewish allegiance to Israel and Zionism. Laura Babcock reports on Andrew Scheer's shock resignation in Canada.

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Ep: 4 - 93 The world laughs at Trump and one week left in the UK election.

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:30:00 GMT

In a week that has seen the speaker of the house Pelosi say that house Democrats will draft articles of impeachment against Trump, we ask just what has been happening in the run up to the most important UK election since 1945?

Today I’m joined by friend of the show Doug "I know my wines Levi" in Marin County and Emma "off with the royal’s heads" Burnell in London.

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Ep: 4 - 92 The British election race starts.

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:30:00 GMT

This week's show features political pundit Emma Burnell and first-time voter and Myisha Box discussing the start of the race to see which party will win the 2019 British election and we revisit Canada with Canadian political observer Laura Babcock to discuss the results of last months Canadian election.

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Ep: 4 - 91 MP Chris Williamson and Anti Semitism

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 19:40:07 GMT

In February 2019, Williamson was criticised for saying that the Labour party was being "demonised as a racist, bigoted party", partly because, in response to claims of anti-Semitism, the party had "given too much ground (and) been too apologetic". He has had the whip removed and he has been suspended from the Labour Party.

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Ep: 4 - 90 The 2019 Canadian Election - Laura Babcock

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:19:04 GMT

To celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving I sat down with my family and Canadian political pundit and commentator Laura Babcock to discuss the forthcoming general election.

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Ep: 89 - How history predicts the 2020 election (and the next 40 years) Misha Leybovich

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 02:56:15 GMT

Roifield speaks to tech entrepreneur Misha Leybovich about this theory of the 40 year pattern in American politics and what it tells us about 2020 and 2060. https://medium.com/@mishaley/how-history-predicts-the-2020-election-and-the-next-40-years-1904e6ac19bd

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Trump faces impeachment and Boris Johnson loses against the Supreme Court

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 03:32:52 GMT

Today I’m joined by friend of the show Karin Robinson from the Primarily 2020 podcast and by journalist Emma Burnell.

In a week that has seen political eruptions in Washington and London, we ask will this be seen as one of the most momentous weeks in politics on both sides of the Atlantic?

Join Mid Atlantic on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/170146093623078/

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Ep: 4 - 87 Boris' terrible week in parliament

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 03:15:48 GMT

A rebel bill, which forces the prime minister to go to the EU and ask for an extension to the UK's membership if there's no progress with Brexit negotiations by 19 October, was passed by opposition MPs and 21 Tories, it was only the start of a bad week for the new Prime Minister in Parliament.

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Ep: 4 - 86 Constitutional coup. Boris trashes parliamentary procedure, sovereignty and primacy.

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 01:29:58 GMT

Conservative and opposition MPs reacted in shock on Wednesday after the prime minister confirmed he had obtained permission from the Queen to prorogue parliament, limiting the time left for parliament to debate Brexit. The Commons Speaker John Bercow described it as a “constitutional outrage”.

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4 - 85 Trump attacks Baltimore and Johnson's cabinet veers right.

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:45:01 GMT

Today we are joined by love bomb Doug Levy in The San Fransisco Bay Area and the future Home Secretary Emma Burnell in London.

In a week that has seen Britain record its highest temperature on record, we the president can call all Mexicans rapists and Baltimore a synonym for black America “infested? when will republicans call him on racism?

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Ep: 4-84 Trump's racist tweets, where's me Jumper and more Brexit confusion

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 23:20:57 GMT

Today we are joined by pimp daddy Doug Levy in The San Fransisco Bay Area and the future celebrity love island contestant Emma Burnell in London.

In a week that has seen the English win the cricket world up in the most dramatic game in history, we ask if we can send Donald Trump back to where he came from? Donald Trump, tweeted on Sunday that a group of progressive women of colour critics, three of whom were born in the US - and he then stood silent on Wednesday night as a rally crowd chanted for one to be deported, why is trump doing this is is this thought out strategy or knee jerk reflexive racist populism.

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Ep: 4 - 83 Kamala Harris Surges and will the UK survive Brexit

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 07:15:02 GMT

Today we are joined by author Doug Levy in The San Fransisco Bay Area and Journalist and pundit Emma Burnell in London.

In a week that has seen the US woman's football team knock out the plucky English in the semi finals of the World Cup we ask should we pay attention to the campaign of Kamala Harris.

Download the new MidAtlantic Flick app Mid Atlantic Podcast

https://flickchat.page.link/hznoEjvFy6EmesTN9

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Ep: 4 - 82 Trump 2020 and the Tory Party leadership election

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 22:56:54 GMT

Today I'm joined by Pundit and Emma Burnell in London and writer Doug Levy in San Fransisco.

In a week that has seen The number of rough sleepers in London reaching a record high after an increase of nearly one fifth in a year as ask can trump do it again in 2020?

On Tuesday night in Orlando, Florida, Donald Trump "officially" kicked off his presidential re-election bid. his pitch to the American people for four more years, to Keep America Great. There is no doubt that he has the ability to connect with his supporters. What will his pitch be? "Keep America Great."

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Mid Atlantic meets The Primarliy 2020 podcast

Fri, 31 May 2019 23:15:00 GMT

Download the new Mid Atlantic chat app https://flickchat.page.link/hznoEjvFy6EmesTN9

Saturday, June 29th 11 am – 7 pm The Centre for Social Innovation, New York https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/shop/

Saturday, June 29, 2019 for an event that will bring together many of internet’s best podcasters for a day of live podcast recordings, open tables, Q and As and seminars at The Centre for Social Innovation, Chelsea in New York. It’s an opportunity for listeners to meet the creators of some of their favourite podcasts and to maybe even get on mic.

Confirmed podcasters

Are you interested in speaking at the conference, please email roifield@gmail.com we are especially looking for more female, LGBTQ and people of colour speakers

Mike Duncan – The History of Rome and Revolutions

David Crowther – History of England

Roifield Brown – 10 American Presidents

Kevin Stroud – The History of English

Ryan Stitt – The History of Ancient Greece

Christine Caccipuoti – Footnoting History

Heather Teysko – Renaissance English History

Benjamin Jacobs – Wittenberg To Westphalia

Stephen Guerra – The History of Papacy

Erik Fogg – Reconsider

Claude Myron Goozer – The Cannon Ball

Abishai Aziz Al-Doory – The History of Westeros

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Ep: 4 - 80 Alabama's shame and Boris does it again

Fri, 17 May 2019 23:36:59 GMT

Today we joined by writer Doug Levy in the North Bay of San Fransisco and pundit Emma Burnell in London.

In a week in that has seen the Brexit Party and Lib Dems SURGE in the UK Euro polls we ask, why men are again trying to control womens bodies in America?

The supreme court, which now has a conservative majority, to overturn the 1973 ruling legalising abortion but the Supreme Court did block a new abortion restriction law in Louisiana this year, are American states turning away from choice?

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Ep: 4-79 8 indictive votes and 8 nays, plus Trump is vindicated

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 18:59:41 GMT

Today we joined by author and constitutional law scholar Cory Bretschieder in Rhode Island and Journalist and pundit Emma Burnell in London.

In a week in a leading investor said that The UK increasingly resembles an “emerging market” and risks a currency crash should it leave the EU without a deal we ask what happened this week with the car crash that is Brexit?

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Ep: 4-78 Europe extends the date to Brexit but we still might crash out on March 29th

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 22:13:01 GMT

Today I'm joined by Journalist and pundit Emma Burnell in London to look at the deepening crisis in the UK.

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Ep: 4-77 May is defeated as parliament takes control and the 2020 Democratic field gets even even fuller

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Today we have a changing of the guard joined by author and constitutional law scholar Cory Bretschieder in Rhode Island and Journalist and pundit Emma Burnell in London.

In a week that has seen the Cleveland Browns announce their intention to win the super bowl by signing Odell Beckham Junior, and the UK government admitting that Spotify music, Netflix could be blocked to British citizens on holiday in Europe in the event of a no deal, just when will this Brexit madness stop, we ask just what will the immediate political future hold in Blighty and The Land of Opportunity.

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The Oath and the Office Roifield talks to Corey Brettschneider

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 21:22:30 GMT

1. The Oath. Washington second inaugural. The idea that the office is not the person. Washington asks to be subject to "constitutional punishment," The idea that the president is not about the law. The notion that a president must go beyond courts to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution.

2. Adams attack on the oath. Signs the alien and sedition act. Shuts down criticism of the president. The most direct assault on speech and democracy. The key idea is it shows why the right to criticise the president isn't just constitutionally required but key to democracy itself.

3. The bully pulpit and the obligation to uphold the oath. Wilson expands the presidency, gives a constitutional argument for the notion that the president is first among equals. But he uses the new power of the bully pulpit to advance racism, showing the birth of a nation at the white house.

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Ep: 4-75 At last the Democrats talking about the poor with Nathaniel Popkin

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:32:37 GMT

Today we are joined by writer and thinker Nathaniel Popkin Philadelphia-based writer, editor, and historian to look at attitudes to wealth and poverty in the US and the Democratic party's new found enthusiasm for talking about it.

Presidential campaigns are not usually about poverty. Poverty is something that candidates pay lip service too but little more. Things are normally termed around helping the “middle class” or “American families,” not the poorest of the poor, why are things shaping up so differently this time around?

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Ep: 4-74 President Pelosi and Poor Theresa May

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Democrats in Washington have spent two years trying to thwart President Trump. After the president's defeat over the government shutdown will Pelosi’s speakership, signal the end of Trump's spell over the American people and its politics?

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Ep: 4-73 Elizabeth Warren runs and far right vitriol in British politics

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:08:50 GMT

Today we are joined by my favourite senior political editor at Salon Amanda Marcotte in New York as Alice Thwaite is looking after her poorly Dad. We wish him a speedy recovery.

In a week that has seen President Trump address the nation and then 2 days later say he'll 'probably, almost definitely' declare a national emergency, we ask Does Elizabeth Warren have what it takes to win the Democratic party nomination to become its next president?

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Ep: 4-72 Working People with Maximillian and Zac Alvarez

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:10:20 GMT

Today we speak to Maximillian Alvarez is a dual-PhD candidate at the University of Michigan, a columnist for The Baffler magazine, and host of the podcast Working People and his brother Zachary Alvarez who is a writer and economist from the University of Chicago.

The GM layoffs now (as part of a 30-year process of de-industrialization) show that labor's concessionary bargaining model of negotiating higher wages has shown its insufficiency. Labor should have stuck with a more militant, postwar vision of negotiating shared ownership of the means of production.

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Ep: 4- 71 Why are we scared of Immigration?

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 07:03:04 GMT

Today we are joined by writer and foodie Doug Levy in San Fransisco and by the voice of the north Mike Holden in Preston, England.

In a week that has seen The British PM cling on to office by her fingertips we question why immigration is so important a topic on both sides of the Atlantic.

Fear of immigrants and Immigration was the not so secret sauce that led to Trump's Presidential victory and that made the UK vote to leave the EU in 2016. The outgoing Republican Congress largely supports Trump’s restrictionist rhetoric on immigration. Apparently, Republicans are favouring their base over business.

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Ep: 4 - 70 Who will run in 2020 and when will we stop remembering Remembrance Sunday

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 03:42:07 GMT

Today we are joined by my favourite senior political editor at Salon, Amanda Marcotte in New York and by writer Alice Twaite in Kent in England.

On the day that Theresa May is fighting to convince her cabinet that her Brexit deal is the best one for Britain, we ask after the midterms just who will run to be the Democratic nominee for 2020?

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Ep: 4-69 Trump the nationalist and the end of austerity in Britain

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 10:01:57 GMT

In a week that has seen Lewis Hamilton win yet another F1 world championship, we ask what is the world coming to when the president of the United States can call himself a nationalist?

Last week, Trump declared himself a "nationalist" at a campaign rally in Houston. "You know, they have a word. It sort of became old-fashioned. It's called a 'nationalist.' "You know what I am? I'm a nationalist, OK? I'm a nationalist." What does that mean in 2018?

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Ep: 68 Nicki Arnold-Swindle runs for the 36th Alabama state district

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:10:45 GMT

Nicki Arnold-Swindle talks to Roifield about running for the 36th Alabama state district. Nicki talks about healthcare, defunding public schools and the working class voting against their own economic interests in the deep south. Donate to her campaign here http://www.votenicki.com

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Ep: 4 - 67 David Shields - 'Nobody Hates Trump More Than Trump' Interview

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 23:00:00 GMT

NOBODY HATES TRUMP MORE THAN TRUMP: AN INTERVENTION is perhaps the only genuinely original thing you have read yet about Donald Trump. It can be read in a variety of ways: as a psychological investigation of Trump, as a philosophical meditation on the relationship between language and power, as a satirical compilation of the “collected wit and wisdom of Donald Trump,” and above all as a dagger into the rhetoric of American political discourse. https://thoughtcatalog.com/book/nobody-hates-trump-more-than-trump/

Listen to David Shields and I talk about his new book, where we start by discussing Marshawn Lynch.

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Ep: 4-66 Trump's backing state sponsored murder and is this Mays last stand?

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 22:37:46 GMT

Today we are joined by the eloquent Brexit naysayer Femi Oluwole and liberal US sage Doug Levi

In a week that has seen the man-boy that is the president of the United States call a woman a horse face, we ask where is the moral leadership at the heart of the US administration?

“I think we have to find out what happened first,” Trump said isn't that right Saudi Arabia should be guilty before proven innocent?

"Intensive work" is needed to overcome differences on the Irish border and reach a Brexit deal, Theresa May says as she heads to Europe, what are her avenues for manoeuvre tonight as she dines with EU heads?

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Ep: 4-65 Should men just shut up about me too and has May done enough to hold on to power

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 05:13:00 GMT

Today we are joined by our friend the writer in Philly Nathaniel Popkin and by writer and wag Mic Wright in Norwich. As rape allegations surface against Ronaldo we look at the man who was once part of 100 Kegs or Bust fraternity and his attempt to became one of the most powerful men in America and the whirlwind of allegations against him.

With Trump mocking Christine Blasey Ford at Mississippi rally as supporters cheer and Republican Jeff Flake calling Trump’s speech ‘appalling’ while Ford’s lawyer condemns ‘vicious, vile and soulless attack’, how should men react to the enormity and pervasiveness of sexual violence and misconduct, where women are now speaking out?

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Ep: 4-64 An Irish opinion on Brexit - William Campbell of Challenging Opinions

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 07:00:02 GMT

When the history books are written about Britain in the early 21st century this will be the period where the raw soul of the country will be remarked upon. We have always been able to hide behind a Whiggish view of history that progress was and is inevitable and that we are an ordered and people. Brexit has but a lie to that fallacy.

The idea of this show was to look at the Irish perspective of Brexit with podcaster William Campbell along with the issue if the Irish border but we veered off into the weeds looking at how Britain trying to cleve itself from Europe makes little and no sense economically looking at the practicalities for industry.

At the EU summit in Salzburg last Thursday British PM was ambushed by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the EU council president, Donald Tusk, who embarrassed the prime minister by declaring that the Chequers plan would not work, its just another reason why Brexit is unworkable.

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Ep 4-63 Venezuela Teetering on the Brink and The South China Sea with Tim Marshall.

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 06:59:00 GMT

Venezuela Teetering on the Brink

According to the United Nations, approximately 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled their country over the last several years.

Extreme shortages of food and medicine, coupled with hyper-inflation that could approach one million percent, are pushing Venezuelans to flee to neighbouring Ecuador, Colombia, and elsewhere.

There are no real prospects for positive change in the foreseeable future, with the Maduro government beginning its second term by simply blaming the U.S. and Europe for the country’s problems.

The South China Sea and China's island building

“U.S. military aircraft, you have violated our China sovereignty and infringed on our security and our rights. You need to leave immediately and keep far out.”

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Ep: 4 - 62 Kavanaugh's me too moment and the calls for a second referendum on Brexit

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 05:09:49 GMT

Today I’m joined by Alice Twaite of the Echo Chamber club in Kent and Amanda Marcotte of Salon in Brooklyn New York. In a week that has seen the Austrian EU Presidency propose a special Brexit Summit in November, we ask just what does the Kavanaugh’s me too movement say about sexual politics and power in America today?

Kavanaugh’s Supreme court confirmation, seemed certain, was cast in doubt after Dr Christine Blasey Ford said in an interview published Sunday by The Washington Post that a drunken Kavanaugh groped her and tried to take off her clothes at a party when they were teenagers. Ford said Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth when she tried to scream.

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Ep: 4-61 Trump vs Obama and Johnson vs May

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 02:37:46 GMT

Today we are joined by our friend the writer in Philly Nathaniel Popkin, and by writer and wag Mic Wright in Norwich.

In a week that has seen the release of Bob Woodward's book 'Fear' on the Trump White House, we look at two feuds either side of the Atlantic?

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Ep 4-60 Trumps beef with McCain and racism in British politics

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:59:50 GMT

Today we are joined by the happy curmudgeon that is the New Statesman's Jonn Elledge somewhere in London and by Salon's political editor Amanda Marcotte in Brooklyn, New York.

In a week that has seen Theresa May strike trade deals with Malawi to replace our membership of the EU, we ask was John McCain the saint the press would have us believe?

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Ep: 4 - 59 Draining the swamp of American lobbyists and Boris Johnson's burkha broadside

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:19:42 GMT

Today we are joined by the journalist of a thousand quips Mic Wright in Norwich, England and by that sensible man of the left who likes good wine Doug Levy in San Francisco California.

In a week that has seen Another warning bell for Republicans In the shape of the closeness of the special election in Ohio we ask who will ever drain Washington’s swamp.

Boris Johnson has an appeal to white working class voters, who are traditional Labour voters but who backed Brexit, so his cozying up to right wing populist Steve Bannon makes sense doesn't it?

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Ep: 4 - 58 Trump the Traitor and could there be a National Government because of Brexit

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:10:58 GMT

Today we are joined by the woman that Time magazine described as "an outspoken voice of The Left Amanda Marcotte in Brooklyn New York and in Burnley sometimes called the renaissance capital of Lancashire with have Donald Trump’s favourite tweeter Mike Holden.

In a week that has seen the 40th birthday of the world's first test tube baby we ask is Donald Trump a double agent?

President Donald Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday that he was "very concerned that Russia will be fighting very hard to have an impact on the upcoming Election."

Instead of benefiting him and the Republicans as Russia did in 2016, Trump claimed with no evidence, that Russia "will be pushing very hard for the Democrats" because, Trump said, "no President has been tougher on Russia than me." Amanda why is that statement utter hogwash?

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American History Tellers Revolution an introduction

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Imagine it's 1754. The British had developed thirteen colonies along the eastern seaboard of the American continent. Meanwhile, the French had quietly colonized a strip down the center, with a line of settlements along the Mississippi River.

This threw the American colonies in the middle of a global power struggle between England and France that eventually led to a revolution.

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Ep: 57 - Russia's geopolitical position

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 11:09:03 GMT

In a week that has seen a France beat Croatia 4-2 to become champions of the globe, we ask has this World Cup been Putin’s biggest triumph?

There were fears that world cup would be racked by hooliganism and racism, and an instead travellers to Russia in 2018 were confronted by smiles, streets parties and have learnt to not define a people by its politicians. Tim Could this world cup be as effective way of disrupting our perceptions of Russia as the GUR’s campaign to disrupt the 2016 US election?

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Ep: 56 - Trump dodges the baby Trump Blimp and World Sport

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:50:06 GMT

Today we are joined by that most gentle of journalists, that sensitive soul in Norwich Mic Wright and we call onto the field of battle our super sub pundit Doug Levy in San Fransisco!

In a week that has seen England lose yet another semi final we ask, why is Donald Trump over here upsetting us all?

Donald Trump has arrived in the UK for a four-day visit which will feature talks with our embattled PM Theresa May, crumpets with the Queen and a giant Trump baby blimp being flown over Westminster. How will we judge if the many protests to mark his visit have had an impact?

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4 - 55 Huckabee Sanders is asked to leave and the English feel good about the World Cup

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 00:10:11 GMT

Today we are joined by the journalist of a thousand quips Mic Wright in Norwich and by the woman that Time magazine described as "an outspoken voice of the left Amanda Marcotte in Brooklyn New York

In a week that has seen a California woman threaten to call police on an eight-year-old black girl for selling water we ask is it right to refuse to serve a politician in public?

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Ep: 4 - 54 Brexit inches closer as Trump makes diplomacy great again

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 20:57:44 GMT

Today we are joined by heavyweight pundits Amanda Marcotte of Salon in New York and Mic Wright in Norwich in England. In a week that will see the world go to war over football we ask just what does the UK governments victory yesterday mean for Brexit?

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Ep: 4 - 53 Italy's new government and Putin's World Cup

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:30:39 GMT

Today I’m joined by our foreign correspondent, the man with passport that has been stamped more times that Henry Kissinger's, Tim Marshall. Tim was IRN’s Paris correspondent, he has worked for the BBC and Sky News. Reporting from Europe, the USA and Asia, Tim became Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem. His latest book is ‘Worth Dying For. The Power and Politics of Flags’. In a week that has the Trump summit with Northern Korean leader Kim Jong Un be called off, then be called back on again, we ask what does Italy’s new populist government mean for Italy and the its relationship with the EU?

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Ep: 4 - 52 Roseanne's racist tweets and Northern Ireland's abortion limbo

Thu, 31 May 2018 11:39:19 GMT

Today we are joined by Amanda Marcotte of Salon in Brooklyn and Alice Thwate in Oxford of the Echo Chamber. In a week that has seen Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko come back from the dead, we ask what is going on in Roseanne Barr's head?

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Ep: 51 - The intellectual Dark Web and The Royal Wedding

Wed, 23 May 2018 12:25:26 GMT

In a week that has seen Meghan Markle inject a little colour on a royal pageantry we ask what is the Intellectual dark web?

Last week saw the mainstream web, the place where liberals with a small "l" hang out, gnash their collective teeth over an article by Bari Weiss of the New York Times, the article was a coming of age for many thinkers who see themselves as persecuted for speaking the truth. They claim that freedom of speech is being denied them by an intellectual straightjacket that is imposed mainly by the left.

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Bonus episode - Ep: 2 The Things that made England - Ska

Fri, 04 May 2018 03:28:13 GMT

Racial diversity is one of many facets that separates England from the other parts of the United Kingdom. While the UK’s White population totals over 55,010,359 or 87.1% according the 2011 census, just under 13% or over 7.5 million are non white. Over 90% of all British ethnic minorities live in England and most of them can be found in its cities of Birmingham, London, Leicester, Luton, Manchester, Wolverhampton, Bradford, Coventry and Watford. It’s the arrival of the first mass wave of non white immigrants in 1948 on the Empire Windrush, that really started modern England, a country comfortable enough to say its favourite food is curry and where “Jafacian” is could displace cockney as the dialect of the capitol’s kids. This episode is broadly about that viewed through the prism of one aspect of English culture, Ska.

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Ep: - 50 The Windrush scandal in the UK and the record numbers of women declaring to run for the House and Senate

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:12:23 GMT

Today we are joined by Amanda Marcotte Salon's Senior Political Reporter in New York and by Alice Thwaite editor of the Echo Chamber in Oxford. In a week that has seen the leaders of the two Koreas declare an end to nuclear weapons on the peninsula we ask, what does the Windrush scandal say about Britain in 2018?

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Ep: 4-49 Amanda Marcotte - Troll Nation: How the American Right Devolved Into a Clubhouse of Haters

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 01:16:30 GMT

Today we are joined by Salon’s Senior Political Reporter Amanda Marcotte to examine her new book Troll Nation, how Trump, a man with peake, and resentment won the highest office in the land. She has covered the American right for years its a slice of America she knows well but grew up in a conservative Texan household with Fox News and Rush Limbaugh-loving parents, we ask why did she leave her people?

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Ep: 4-48 Corey Ryan Forrester takes on Evangelicals and his money is on Biden in fight with Trump

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:40:26 GMT

Today I’m joined by the always funny liberal Redneck Cory Forrester in Chickamauga Georgia, to give us his take on the last week in American politics. In a week that has been the president involved in a scandal with a porn star of which pornography is the least disgusting thing about it, we document the new normal that is American politics.

22.1 million Americans watched Sunday night’s “60 Minutes” to see Stephanie Clifford, a.k.a. Stormy Daniels and Anderson Cooper talk about her affair with Donald Trump, focusing on spanking, threats and the fact that she was not physically into Trump, why isn’t America appalled by this saga?

Why have evangelicals stuck with Trump despite Stormy Daniels, are they abandoning their god fearing principles for a perceived political advantage?

President Trump’s cabinet turnover is significantly higher than any of his five predecessors. As of Jan 2018, 34 percent of the staff has left, four times that in President Barack Obama’s.

In a recent Poll: Voters think Biden would win in fist fight against Trump lets look at this Biden 75 Height 6'0'' Weight 180.4 lbs

Trump Height 6'2'' Weight 198 lbs.

Talking about polls, President Donald Trump’s popularity may be on the rise, even as he faces accusations of extramarital affairs, mounting legal challenges and never-ending turmoil among his White House staff, how come?

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Ep: 4-47 The Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal, why should we care.

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:54:05 GMT

Facebook exposed data on 50 million Facebook users to a researcher who worked at Cambridge Analytica, which worked for the Trump campaign and a similar number of facebook users in the UK. Did Cambridge Analytica help swing the last US election and the vote Leave campaign in the UK? Why are we more worried about being manipulated politically but not our consumer habits, isn't Facebook just a bunch of cookies on steroids?

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Ep: 4 - 46 Will there be a second referendum and why is Trump starting a trade war?

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 00:40:11 GMT

Today we are joined by Jorno Mic Wright in somewhere in Gonzo’s Tea Room in Norwich and by author and man of travel Chris Kurtana in the land of Highbury and Islington. In a week that has seen a porn star sue the president of the United States and Italy lurches to populism, we ask will parliament or a second referendum save us from Brexit?

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Ep: 4-45 Chris Kutarna author of the book The Age of Discovery

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 01:11:22 GMT

Can we look to the Renaissance to understand the political turmoil of today and if so, who are the Columbus, Copernicus, Gutenberg and Savonarola of today?

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Ep: 4-44 More death and slaughter in America

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:11:52 GMT

Three of the deadliest mass shootings in US modern history have occurred in the last five months.

David Hogg, survivor of Florida school shooting: "This is the 18th one this year. That’s unacceptable. We're children. You guys are the adults. You need to take some action and play a role.”

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Ep: 4-43 Greece and Macedonia spar over a name and what is happening in the Maldives?

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 21:57:00 GMT

I’m joined by Tim Marshall in London, editor of thewhatandthewhy.com to do our monthly look at World politics away from the special relationship.

In the last week, tens of thousands of Greeks have taken to the streets in a protest about the dispute over the name of the republic to the North. Many Greeks object to the country calling itself Macedonia, saying it implies a territorial claim on Greece's northern Macedonia region, what has caused this round of mass demonstrations?

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Ep: 4-42 The Black Brexiter, why I and other ethnic minorities voted to leave the EU - Kunle Olulode

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 01:53:23 GMT

Polls conducted before the European referendum – and indeed some conducted afterwards – indicated that ethnic minority voters were more likely to vote Remain. However, there is data to suggest that the strength of euroscepticism within the British South Asian population was perhaps stronger than previously anticipated.

A number of areas with large South Asian populations delivered Leave votes, including Luton (56.5% Leave), Hillingdon (56.4% Leave), Slough (54.3% Leave) and Bradford (54.2% Leave). All have South Asian populations of 25% and above. It’s not unreasonable to think that such Leave votes could not have been delivered without a significant number of Asian voters opting for Brexit.

I speak to Voice4Change England director, Kunle Olulode on why he and some other minorities voted leave in the referendum.

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EP: 4-41 America's S*** Hole diplomacy in 2018 and Maduro the authoritarian democrat

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Today I'm joined by Tim Marshall in London, editor of thewhatandthewhy.com to do our monthly look at world politics away from the special relationship’.

Trump and his Shithole view of the world and is Maduro a democratic authoritarian, who has used a referendum to expand the powers of his presidency, imprisoned political prisoners, attacked the judiciary branch of his government, and restricted the freedom of the press?

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Ep: 4 - 40 Nathaniel Wayne on gender fluidity and why gender X matters.

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Today we are joined by Vlogger, Nathaniel Wayne in Vermont to discuss Gender Fluidity and as the State of Vermont considers a 3rd gender option on driver's licenses.

Starting January 27, the ability to identify as male, female or X on birth certificates. The policy lets Washingtonians change existing documents; The rule, announced by the state Department of Health, defines X as the following: A gender that is not exclusively male or female, including, but not limited to, intersex, agender, amalgagender, androgynous, genderfluid, genderqueer, male-to-female, neutrois, nonbinary, pangender, third sex, transgender, transsexual, Two Spirit, and unspecified.

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Ep: 4-39 President Oprah and Bannon gets the boot from Breitbart

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:40:26 GMT

Today we are joined by Doug Levy, communications expert and wine connoisseur in The North Bay and by Mic Wright the technology, music and popular culture journalist in Norwich.

In a week that has seen Theresa May try and assert her authority over the Tory government through her cabinet reshuffle. We take a look at one of the most extraordinary weeks in American politics.

After Oprah's barnstorming speech at the Golden Globes are “celeb” candidates here to stay? Is Trump’s election win a turning point in American presidential politics?

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Ep: 4-38 Cyril Ramaphosa becomes the ANC president and Poland Defies the EU

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 21:19:14 GMT

Zuma and Ramaphosa battle over SA’s future

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's scandal-hit president, may not see out his second term now that the African National Congress party has elected his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa its leader, is time up for Zuma?

Poland judiciary reforms: EU takes disciplinary measures

While Brits are focused on Brexit, The European Union has launched unprecedented disciplinary measures against Poland, saying its judicial reforms threaten the rule of law. The EU states that 13 new laws in two years have allowed the government to "interfere significantly" in the judiciary so it has taken disciplinary measures, what exactly are these?

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Ep: 4-37 May is defeated in the Commons and Trump's candidate loses in Alabama

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:34:56 GMT

Today we are joined by Doug Levy, communications expert in transit in south California and by columnist Sunny Hundal who is sat in Barcelona.

In a week that has seen the Tory rebels finally rebel we ask will the Tory rebellion give Parliament a much greater say in leaving the European Union? Are the Commons defying the will of the people in the referendum?

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EP: 4 - 36 The special relationship, Trumps tweets and Meghan's marriage.

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 05:21:19 GMT

In a week that has seen two different sides of the special relationship between the US and the UK, we ask do the president's tweets mark a sad and low moment for AngloAmerican relations, which in teh words if a British MP, betrays a deep ignorance of the very real challenges of tackling the insidious rise of extremism and prejudice that threatens us all?

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EP: 4-35 The pernicious power of Fake news with Gleb Tsipursky of the Pro Truth Pledge

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 20:02:48 GMT

I’m joined by Gleb Tsipursky, Co-Founder, of the Pro-Truth Pledge.

In a week that has seen that Russia used hundreds of fake accounts to tweet about Brexit, we look at the psychology around Fake news and demonising legitimate media scrutiny.

Are we are facing a systematic danger for our democracy with Alabama front-runner Senate candidate Roy Moore calling The Washington Post “fake news” after the newspaper published a thorough investigative report of his sexual improprieties. He forms just part of a broader pattern of prominent public figures using the label of “fake news” to denounce mainstream media stories they do not like.

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EP: 4-34 Is Britain ungovernable and a week in Trumps America

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 23:34:25 GMT

Today we are joined by writer, editor, and historian Nathaniel Popkin in an always sunny Philadelphia and by Jonn build some bloody houses Elledge from a dank and damp Brexit ridden London.

In a week that has seen yet another senseless mass shooting in The States which the gun lobby would tell us has nothing to do with guns we ask is Britain ungovernable?

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Ep: 4-33 Tim Marshall on Catalonia vs Madrid and Trump's bellicosity towards North Korea

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 21:07:57 GMT

I’m joined by friend of the show and the former BBC and sky news foreign news and international diplomacy expert. Tim is editor of http://www.thewhatandthewhy.com

With the Spanish government in Madrid suspending the autonomy of Catalonia, a decision which prompted anger across the region, this is Spain’s deepest constitutional crisis since the restoration of democracy in 1977.

Donald Trump said the US may be obliged to “totally destroy” North Korea. He has also denounced the endeavours of his top diplomat, Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.

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Ep: 4-32 May vs The Tory Party and Trump vs Corker

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 03:02:05 GMT

Today I’m joined by wine expert and writer Doug in the North Bay and map geek and pedant irascible Englishman Jonn Elledge in London.

In a week that has seen Theresa may dodge the question as to whether she would vote for Brexit if there was another referendum, we ask was Corbyn right when he said are the Tories more interested in fighting amongst themselves then solving problems?

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Ep: 4-31 A conversation about America's love of guns - Corey Ryan Forrester

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 18:11:22 GMT

Today we look at the issue of Gun culture and how The U.S. Compares With Other Countries. Today I'm joined by Corey Ryan Forrester the Comedian and Co-Author of National Best Seller The Liberal Redneck Manifesto.

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Ep: 4-30 Catalonia vs. Spain with Tim Marshall and Dominique Stewart

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 02:29:33 GMT

Spain is desperately trying to halt a drive for independence in Catalonia. The Catalan government has said that they will declare independence from Spain after violent clashes between Spanish police and voters on Sunday. Tim Marshall from The Why and The What and Dominique Stewart.

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EP: 4-29 Trump speaks to the world as his poll numbers go up

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:10:33 GMT

Today I'm joined by Wine expert and ex Columbia university communications head Doug Levy and by part-time Buddhist and Bernie Sanders forward planner Reggie Hubbard. In a week in which President Donald Trump’s poll numbers and approval ratings stabilize and move up slightly over the past month, we ask is Trump and his breaking of political norms, the new normal.Following a low of 39 percent in the POLITICO/Morning Consult poll last month after his controversial reaction to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, Trump is back at 43 percent in this week’s survey. Other surveys show similar results: Trump bottomed out at 35 percent in Gallup’s weekly tracking poll in late August, but ticked up to 38 percent last week. Trump is at 40 percent in the RealClearPolitics average, up about 2.5 points from his low-water mark last month.

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Ep: 4 - 28 Nik Gowing, Thinking the Unthinkable

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 22:55:22 GMT

Thinking The Unthinkable Britain out of the EU? President Trump? To express incredulity is not a political judgment. Until a few weeks ago, what many viewed as outlandish ‘unthinkables’ were not even being considered or investigated as part of corporate or political risk assessments. Now they have to be.

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Ep: 4-27 Trump, white supremacists and murder in Charlottesville.

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:01:48 GMT

Today we are joined by part time Buddhist and Democratic party apparatchik Reggie Hubbard in Washington DC and by wine expert and ex Director of Communications at Columbia Univ Doug Levy in San Francisco. In a week that has seen white supremacists murder a peaceful protester in Charlottesville, we ask is this the end for Trump.

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Ep: 4.26 - Trump turns on Sessions and the meaning of Dunkirk

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 17:41:05 GMT

Today I’m joined by the Founder of the Echo Chamber Club. Alice Thwaite in Berlin and by yogic Democratic party operative Reggie Hubbard in Washington DC, we start by a look at the last week in Trump's America and his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. We end the show by looking at the meaning of Dunkirk to Britain.

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Ep: 4.25 - Peter Joseph and the New Human Rights Movement

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:43:35 GMT

Today I’m joined by Peter Joseph an American independent filmmaker and political activist. He is best known for the Zeitgeist film series, which he wrote, directed, narrated, scored, and produced which spawned The Zeitgeist Movement to talk about his new book, The New Human Rights Movement.

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EP: 4.24 - Does Trump lack dignity or is he ill and Britain starts Brexit talks?

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 09:46:31 GMT

Today I'm joined by jorno and map geek Jonn Eldige in London and by yogic Democratic party operative Reggie Hubbard in Washington DC, on a week where everyone is talking about the 25th amendment we ask does Trump lack dignity, is he just undisciplined or is he ill?

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EP: 4-23 Paul Hilder of Crowdpac on the importance of crowd funding political campaigns

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:48:57 GMT

Today I’m joined by Paul Hilder of co funder of Crowdpac, the crowdfunding political platform that is aiming to weaken the hold of big money interests in politics and both sides of the Atlantic.

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Ep: 4.23 - The Grenfell Tower Fire - Ishmahil Blagrove

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 19:00:35 GMT

The Grenfell Tower fire occurred on 14 June 2017 at a 24-storey, high tower block of public housing flats in North Kensington, West London, England. The Metropolitan Police has said that 58 people are currently missing presumed dead, including 30 confirmed dead. The BBC says it understands that the number dead could be "around 70".The local community are raising £2,000,000 to Help the families of Grenfell Tower, West London who have been devastated by a fire which has destroyed their homes and taken loved ones. Please donate herehttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/familiesofgrenfelltowerI'm joined by political activist, writer and Notting Hill sage Ishmail Blagrove about where the community, London and the country go from here.Grenfell Tower lies in the wealthiest locality in the country, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The average income is over £100,000 and the average property is sold for close to £2,000,000. David Cameron and Roman Abramovich both own a house there. The...

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EP: 4.22 - Friday 15 special - How you become president of the United States

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Always be there is a searing track on Remedy the debut studio album by the English electronic music duo Basement Jaxx which was released in 1999Number one for six consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart "Call Me" is a song by the American new wave band Blondie and the theme to the 1980 film American Gigolo. "Crying Over, reached #11 on the UK Singles charts in 1974 and was featured on the seventh studio album by Jamaican recording artist Ken Boothe.

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EP: 4-21 - Its the kids 'wot swung it for Jeremy Corbyn

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 13:55:44 GMT

Today I'm joined by journo and map geek Jonn Elledge in London, on the morning after the night before with The Conservatives losing their Commons majority in the UK 2017 election. Theresa May says she will form a government and work with the 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs, after going to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen, we ask Jonn how did he and eveyone else get this election so wrong?

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Ep: 4.20 - Trump the most persecuted politician ever and May turns on Thatcher.

Fri, 19 May 2017 21:23:47 GMT

Hello and welcome to Mid-Atlantic the show where we look at the news and views from one side of the Atlantic from the perspective of the other. Today I'm joined by journo and map geek Jonn Eldige in London and by Democratic party operative Reggie Hubbard in Washington DC, on the day that Swedish prosecutors drop Julian Assange rape's investigation we ask, is Donald Trump the most persecuted politician in world history?

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Ep: 4-19 May calls a snap election as we get used to President Trump

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:31:07 GMT

Today we are joined by journo and map geek Jonn Elledge in London and by Democratic party operative Reggie Hubbard in Washington DC, on the day that sees France go the polls for its first round of presidential voting, we ask will the Labour party be destroyed by May’s snap election and are we normalising President Trump?

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Mid Atlantic special - Dan Carlin on Friday 15 - Trumps first month

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:09:08 GMT

Today we speak to podcast superstar Dan Carlin about the first month of Trump's America.Covered by Eminem, Jay Z and Miquel UK Singers Labi Saffe’s I got the, is instantly recognisable.Nominated by The actress Charlotte martin who plays Susan Carter in the Archers "Left Hand Free" is a song by English indie band alt-J. It was released as the second single from the band's second studio album This Is All Yours in 2014. Colin Patrick Harper is better known by his stage name 'Collie Buddz, is an American/Bermudian reggae artist best known for his single "Come Around". Although born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was raised in Bermuda."Urvasi Urvasi" is a beautiful Tamil-language song composed by A. R. Rahman and written by for the 1994 Indian film Kadhalan.

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Ep: 4-18 conservative blogger Niall Gooch on why he changed his mind on Brexit

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 03:47:44 GMT

Today I'm joined by conservative blogger Niall Gooch who describes himself as an Englishman born a century too late. Amateur poet and writer of unfinished novels, to discuss why he changed his mind over Brexit and what he thinks will come next.

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Ep: 4.17 - The UK government’s Brexit bill was passed "bigly"

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 23:43:49 GMT

Welcome to Mid Atlantic the show where we look at the news and views from one side of the Atlantic from the perspective of the other. Today we are joined by Reggie Hubbard democratic operative from Maryland and in London Alice Thwaite of the Echo Chamber. In a week that has seen leeks from the Trump white house and the speaker of The House of Commons' outburst against Trump speaking to parliament we chart another week in the Alt right’s attempted takeover of the world.The UK government’s Brexit bill was passed overwhelmingly, by 494 votes to 122, and yesterday The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn signalled that this was the time to fight for workers rights, was this too little too late?

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Ep: 4.16 - Trump, the Muslim Ban and the British PM

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:53:03 GMT

Today we are joined by Reggie Hubbard democratic operative in Maryland and in London by Jonn Elledige of the New Statesman and City Metric. In a week that has seen unprecedented political action by and against President Trump, we ask, just what is going on, is this a case of the people vs President Trump?

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4.15 The Richmond Park By Election and Trump Settles in.

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 12:01:58 GMT

In a week that has seen a nation mourn as a plane crashed that killed 76, including Members of a Brazilian Soccer Team, we ask what does the Richmond Park By election mean?It’s been almost a month since Donald Trump won the US election to become president of the united States, how is he doing in the run up to his inauguration?Jonn ElledgeRob MonacoRoifield Brown

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4.14 - What now for progressives and the left plus reflections on why Trump won

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:02:24 GMT

Doug Levy has covered health care and health policy in Washington for most of the 1990s and now is a freelance journalist and communications consultant. In this election, he stepped into an advocacy role, campaigning for Hillary Clinton in those bastions of Liberalism New York and San Francisco.Journalist and commentator Sunny Hundal is the editor of Political Scrapbook a columnist at Hindustan Times who writes about current affairs, identity and lefty political goings on.British Berliner Alice Thwaite is the Founder and editor of The Echo Chamber, The Echo Chamber implore us to listen to and to read the opinions of those outside our ideological comfort zone. Jonn Elledge is not only a mid Atlantic pundit but is also the editor of the New Statesman's sister site CityMetric. Jonn spent the end of the 2016 election travelling around America.Natasha Shallice is a producer of ITV's Peston show, her other credits include The Agenda, 'Ten O'Clock Live' for Channel 4, Dispatches and a stint at the Beeb.

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Ep: 4-13 Why I voted for Trump

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 12:04:33 GMT

David is an Associate Professor of Education. David was a high school teacher of social studies in Wisconsin and Wyoming, and has taught online learning for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center.David grew up in middle America, he and has family are committed christians and he is listener to Mid Atlantic and 10 American presidents, he speaks to Roifield about why he voted for Donald Trump and the cultural divide in America today.

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Ep12: Roifield talks to Alice Thwaite, the editor of the Echo Chamber

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:04:41 GMT

The Echo Chamber Club is a weekly newsletter. It aims to directly challenge the political status quo. Most people who live in cities have fairly liberal and centrist beliefs and The Echo Chamber Club monitors social media to understand what is being shared in this group and then challenges it.

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Ep: 4.11 More Trump and more Brexit with Nick Clegg riding to the rescue

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 12:54:25 GMT

In a week that has seen The number of people who regret voting for Brexit grow so it is now greater than the margin of victory for leaving the EU, we ask can the American election get any crazier?

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Mid Atlantic Show 4.10 – May to trigger Brexit and Why are the US polls so close?

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 11:25:18 GMT

Roifield Brown is joined by Benjamin Jacobs from New Jersey and Jonn Elliedge.In a week that has seen Prince George refuse to fist bump the prime minister of Canada we ask just why are the polls so close in the US presidential race.With Theresa May announcing that she will triggerBrexit: Article 50 by end of March, what does Brexit mean Brexit?Both Clinton and Trump suffer from historic levels of unpopularity among the public at large. Recent New York Times and CBS News polling has shown that the race is tight but one candidate is obviously temperamentally, intellectually and politically unsuitable to any office let alone the highest in the states so why does Trump still have a good chance of the becoming President?

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Ep: 4-9 Colin Kaepernick the National Anthem and Change Britain

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 04:54:12 GMT

In a week that has seen The president of the Philippines call Obama a son of a whore we look at protesting the flag and the start of Tory infighting over Brexit.Colin Kaepernick, the 28-year-old San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has made news after he was spotted sitting during the playing of the U.S. national anthem at a National Football League pre-season game on Aug. 26.Although he took the tactic of quietly sitting in protest against police brutality and the general oppression of Black and other people of colour, the result created a loud firestorm of both support and criticism, Rob should he have chosen this moment to protest against police brutality?This week has seen the launch of a new pressure campaign Change Britain that aims to push Theresa May to fully deliver EU exit. Does Brexit mean Brexit, or at an indecent haste?

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Trump Softens and Britain's record gold medals

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 00:51:50 GMT

This week Roifield is joined by Rob the history man Monaco from Connecticut and Jonn Elliedge of The New Statesman in London. In a week that has seen an earthquake rock Italy we look at the softening of Donald Trump and the gold medals that rained down on old Blighty.The music at the of the show is Rule The World - Michael Kiwanuka

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Roifield talks to Amina Lone

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 00:22:17 GMT

Amina Lone co director of Sarf is a Labour Councillor for Hulme in Manchester. Lone is a Muslim single mother of 4 and was somewhat of a Labour party pin up in the 2015 election, running for the 98% white seat of the Morecambe and Lunesdale. After narrowly losing the election she described herself as "battered and bruised" and said that Labour needed to listen to UKIP voters rather than dismissing their concerns, especially about immigration, as racist.

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Post party convention round up.

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 16:53:51 GMT

The Mid Atlantic and ReConsider podcasts discuss the themes of the conventions and what it tells us about US politics today. Roifield is joined by Xander and Erik.

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Sunny Hundal speaks to Roifield Brown on the Labour party Crisis

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:44:58 GMT

Another Mid Atlantic and Round Table talk mash up. Today we pivot from the US and we look at the left of UK politics with commentator and pundit Sunny Hundal, who is best known as the founder and editor of the centre-left group blog Liberal Conspiracy. ferocious tweeter Hundal has also written for publications including The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Independent. In a week that has seen Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States, in Britain Owen Smith formally laid out his platform to become the next leader of the Labour Party, simply we ask Sunny, why is the labour party in such as mess, how did we get here?

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Mid Atlantic Show 4.4 - Trump and May

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 21:29:07 GMT

This week we look at Trump's speech at the RNC and Theresa May's first week as PM. We end things by remembering the world of just switching on the TV.Jonn ElledgeRob MonacoRoifield Brown

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EP 4.3 Mid Atlantic Special - Trump the Good

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 19:02:05 GMT

This week we look at Trump the good, a force of restructuring the right of American politics. To look at how 2016 could reshape the US political map going forward, I’m joined by Sam Tanenhaus, Sam as you may know was an assistant editor at The New York Times from, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, the editor of The New York Times Book Review. His biography of Whittaker Chambers won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and was a finalist for both the National Book Award for Nonfiction.

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Ep 4.2 - Guns, African Americans and the Police and yet more Brexit

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 01:16:49 GMT

On this weeks show we have Rob Monaco in Connecticut, from London we have Jonn Elledge of the New Statesman and Mic Wright, with host Roifield Brown in San Francisco. In a week that has seen a woman live broadcast the dying moments of her fiance to the world, we will look at the continuing political fall out in UK after Brexit and the volatile mixture of race, guns and the police in the US.

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Mid Atlantic Show 4.1 - Brexit and Bust

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:46:09 GMT

This week, we discuss Brexit, how crazy is Britain, Trump, how crazy is he and The Game of Thrones, how crazy good was the episode battle of the Bastards?Roifield BrownRob MonacoThomas Daly

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Mid Atlantic – Season 3 Episode 1

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:33:22 GMT

When will Donald Trump crash and burn?

Does the success of Jeremy Corbyn herald the rise of the left again in UK politics?

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Mid Atlantic – Season 2 Episode 3

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 06:32:51 GMT

In a week when French and British fighter jets have scrambled to deter Russian bombers from entering their airspace, Michael Fallon the British Defence Secretary has warned there is a “real and present danger” that Vladimir Putin will launch a campaign of undercover attacks to destabilise the Baltic states on Nato’s eastern flank”. Are we entering a new cold war with the Russian bear?

With the field so wide open for the Republican presidential candidate that will most probably face Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, just who are the real front runners?

With Chelsea FC promising to ban for life anyone proved to have been involved in the Paris Metro incident and Chelsea manager, José Mourinho, saying the club was appalled by the racial abuse, what does that incident say about the state of racism in...

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Mid Atlantic – Season 2 Episode 2

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 01:29:58 GMT

Greek stock markets fell on Friday at the end of a volatile week of trading. Bank shares were under pressure amid fears of a fresh run on Greek bank deposits. Are we all ready for Grexit and what will it mean for Europe if it happens?

This week Ukip leader Nigel Farage has been forced to abandon a campaign walkabout in Rotherham after protesters blockaded him in a party office. Simply why is he the UK’s most divisive political operator?

The Israeli prime minister's upcoming speech to Congress without President Barack Obama's blessing has angered Democratic lawmakers. Are we seeing the start of a break in US Israeli relations?

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Mid Atlantic – Season 2 Episode 1

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 01:44:34 GMT

Obama delivered his State of the Union address last week and he stated it was strong, with his reproachment with Cuba, the rebounding economy and moves to make community collage free, are we now seeing the Obama we always wanted?

With the surge in Support for the Greens, The SNP and with the Lib Dems looking at the electoral wipeout how, what is and will 2015 election will say about the UK politics?

King Abdullah died last week, his death has prompted western governments to send flowery condolences to the Saudi Arabia, this is in stark contrast to popular feeling on both sides of the Atlantic. Is Saudi Arabia our most toxic friend?

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Mid Atlantic Show 10

Wed, 28 May 2014 12:35:28 GMT

With UKip winning the largest share of the European election vote in the UK and protest parties around Europe getting around 25% of the vote how big was the political earthquake last week?

What does the election of Modi mean for India and World politics, will India now emerge as a political power as well as an emerging economic powerhouse?

With Democrats as well as Republicans up in arms over the VA scandal will this be the issue where Obama's even handed tone is his undoing?

Their Take Aways
The Station Agent
Ask me another
Getting out of your comfort zone

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Mid Atlantic Show 9

Tue, 13 May 2014 12:31:16 GMT

The Bring back our girls campaign, has focused the worlds attention on Boko Haram, will this outrage help deal a death blow to the group?

Simply, should UK politicians get in the way of the proposed Pfizer takeover of Astrazeneca?

The supreme court has ruled that sectarian prayer at town meetings does not violate the First Amendment. After rulings on Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, those on the left are losing faith in the institution are they right to feel so?

Their Take Aways
X com
The People Vs Larry Flint

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Mid Atlantic Show 8

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:35:27 GMT

David Cameron has brought Christianity up front and centre into UK political life saying, “the UK is a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say so”, is he right and what place does religion have in a modern multi faith society?

Cliven Bundy has gone from libertarian hero to racist pariah in just over a week, what does his rapid ascent and decent tell us about far right wing politics and its media?

With the agreement to form a joint government between Fatah and Hamas now in place, where does this leave the Israel Palestinian peace process?

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Mid Atlantic Show 7

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:40:39 GMT

With Robs state of Connecticut becoming first state to pass $10.10 as the state's minimum wage, will the push for national minimum wage be Obama's most tangible legacy after the ACA?

With the state visit of President Higgins of Ireland to Britain is the era of The Troubles truly behind us and what does this first state visit say of Anglo-Irish relations?

Away from the gruesome death of Reeva Steinkamp, the Oscar Pistorius trial has shone the light on the jury-less and truly combative nature of the South African legal system, are there any lessons for the US and the UK could learn from it?

Their take aways
Dungeons and Dragons

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Mid Atlantic Special – Scottish Independence with Listener Louise Cairns

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:28:23 GMT

A special one off episode with listener Louise Cairns advocating Scottish independence in this years referendum. A national referendum is scheduled to be held in Scotland on 18 September 2014, in which residents of Scotland can vote for or against leaving the UK. Following the Scottish National Party's victory in the 2011 election, which gave the party an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament, First Minister Alex Salmond stated his desire to hold a referendum “in the second half of the parliament”, a campaign for Scottish independence was launched on 25 May 2012 by the SNP. The other three main parties in Scotland...

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Mid Atlantic Show 6

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 23:04:49 GMT

Topics covered in this episode, The Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg debate, should the UK leave the EU, Nate Silver and statistics in American politics and the protests in Venezuela.

The World
A wave of anti-government demonstrations has been sweeping through Venezuela since early February. Quite simply, what lies behind the protests in the South American state?

The UK
Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg clashed in an hour long debate this week, over the UK's membership of the EU, why after almost 40 years of membership, is this debate still a hot topic in Britain?

The USA
Nate Silver the sporting and political statistician has been somewhat of a darling for the democrats after...

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Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

State of the Union, State of the Monarchy

Episode Summary

Five Key Quotes

Mandelson, Starmer, and a Scandal That Was Wired to Explode

Five Key Quotes

Further Reading / References Mentioned

The Mark Carney Moment, Canada’s New Global Role

Execution in Minneapolis, Burnham is Blocked

Greenland, Trump, and the Transatlantic Stress Test

Reform and Fallout

The US attacks Venezuela, When the Rules Become Optional

Host: Roifield Brown

Episode summary

What we cover

Key moments & quotes (highlights)

Big questions the episode asks

People & accounts mentioned

Closing beat

Has Trump Permanently Coarsened American Political Language?

Five Key Quotes

Further Reading & Mentions

From Council Estates to the Green Surge, Local Power and National Shifts with Cllr Julian Pritchard

5 Selected Quotes

Further Reading & Links Mentioned

Podcast Producer Connor Begley

The New Left Is Here And It’s Winning

Gaza, Genocide and the West’s Moral Failure

Selected Quotes

Further Reading & Resources

Gaza, Moral Clarity and Complicity

Mid-Atlantic: Gaza—Moral Clarity and Complicity

Episode summary

One quote per speaker

Key themes

Westminster vs. Washington: Musk’s Exit Scam

Post-Election Blues, Reform’s Rise, and Labour’s Messaging Meltdown

Canada Votes 2025 – A Maple-Syrup-Soaked Middle Finger to Trumpism

Executive Overreach and Rightwing Realignments

5 Selected Quotes:

The Tariff Tantrum, Trump and the End of Brand America

Signal Failure, Leaks, Bombs, and Budget Cuts

5 Pull Quotes:

Canada Under Siege? The Trump Trade War and a Resurgent Liberal Party

Five Notable Quotes from the Episode:

Further Reading & Resources:

Kash Patel, Trump 2.0, and Britain's Identity Crisis

Trump’s Gaza Gambit & Britain’s Colonial Reckoning

Trump’s Executive Orders, UK Immigration, and the AI Power-Shift

Notable Quotes:

Further Reading:

Tech Billionaires, the American Oligarchy

Five Notable Quotes from the Episode:

Labour’s Corruption Scandal and Reform UK’s Rise

Notable Quotes:

The Rise and Fall of Justin Trudeau – A Canadian Turning Point

Quotes from the Episode:

Further Reading:

Jimmy Carter’s Legacy and Modern Political Cycles

Healthcare Rage and the "Free Luigi" Phenomenon

Five Key Quotes:

AI, Beauty Standards, and Body Image with Sangeeta Pillai

Notable Quotes:

Further Reading:

Trump's wild cabinet picks

America’s Political Earthquake: Trump’s Return and the Democratic Divide

Election Showdowns & Budget Balancing Acts: U.S. on the Brink, U.K. on the Tightrope

James Cleverley’s rising momentum and Lib Dem Conference Insights

Key Highlights:

Hope, Hardship, and Heating Bills, US-UK Politics in Focus

Kamala's Masterclass as Trump Stumbles

Kamala "feels" like a change and Jenrick leads

Key Quotes

Further Reading

Palestine's Struggle, Global Politics and Regional Power Shifts with Mouin Rabbani

Key Quotes:

Further Reading:

Kamala Harris, and the New Face of American Leadership

Five Notable Quotes:

Battleground Shifts: Kamala's Surge and UK's Economic Upswing