The BradCast w/ Brad Friedman

Epizody

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  'BradCast' 10/2/2026 (Encore: Merging and 'Murdering' the Media; Guest: Robert Greenwald, Brave New Films) 02.10.2026 57min

  Encore: original airdate 9-21-2026. On today's 'BradCast': Donald Trump launched an unprecedented ban on CNN, MS Now (formerly MSNBC) and Politico at the White House. The banned networks filed suit over the blatant First Amendment violation, and White House press pool members halted video coverage of Trump at the White House in solidarity. Paramount's new settlement with states clears the path for its merger with Warner Bros., which will place scores of media outlets under the control of the rightwing billionaire Ellison family, including CBS News and CNN. ROBERT GREENWALD of the nonprofit Brave New Films discusses the disturbing implications of the Paramount merger and his timely new documentary, "Murdering 60 Minutes," exploring how rightwing control has degraded the iconic news magazine, and much more. CA Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new election security laws to protect the midterm elections.
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  'BradCast' 10/1/2026 (Dems COULD Win US Senate Races in Previously Unthinkable Places) 02.10.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': New midterm election analyses and polling averages indicate that even 'safe' Republican U.S. House and Senate seats increasingly appear to be up for grabs in deep red states like Mississippi, Kansas and Nebraska. For months, polls have shown that Americans are deeply, increasingly angry with Donald Trump and Republicans. Keep that in mind when Trump falsely claims that the election was 'stolen' from him. Trump's border wall construction bulldozed an ancient Native American geoglyph. A judge permanently dismissed the Trump Administration's bogus criminal case against an innocent man who did not damage the Reflecting Pool. The Trump Justice Department announced arrests of ten suspected non-citizen voters out of millions of votes cast, but the DOJ is ignoring multiple cases of Republican candidates committing voter fraud. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/30/2026 (US, Russia Collude to Weaken UN Treaty on Autonomous AI 'Killer Robot' Weaponry; Guest: Verity Coyle of Human Rights Watch) 01.10.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Donald Trump touted a voluntary agreement with top AI companies pledging to police themselves with no guardrails, regulation or restrictions on development or use of AI tools. At a recent U.N. conference to develop an international treaty to regulate the use of lethal autonomous weaponry, the Trump Administration and Russia reportedly colluded to remove crucial clauses intended to protect civilians, like mandatory human review of AI military targets before a strike. VERITY COYLE, Deputy Director for Arms in the Crisis, Conflict and Arms division at Human Rights Watch, explains the dangers of lethal autonomous weapons systems, how to ensure guardrails and accountability governing the use of AI in military weaponry, and much more. A horrifying airline incident onboard a flight from Dubai to Israel is under investigation.
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  'BradCast' 9/29/2026 (Trump Rolls Back U.S. Fuel Efficiency Standards Amid Global Oil Crisis; Guest: Dan Becker, Center for BioDiversity) 30.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': US consumer confidence in the economy has fallen to the lowest levels since 2012. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide emergency over soaring diesel prices. After the Trump Administration eviscerated the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and fired most of the federal government's cybersecurity experts, the FBI was hacked in a massive security breach that exposed extensive private data on former and current bureau employees. Trump Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth announced that military agencies will now be 'deployed to defend our election infrastructure.' DAN BECKER of the Center for Biological Diversity explains the Trump Administration's new rollback of fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, which will raise energy costs for Americans, worsen pollution and climate change, ensure that US automakers will be unable to compete in global markets, and more.
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  'BradCast' 9/28/2026 (The Fraudulent Ballots of Ken Paxton and Other Not-Fake News Regarding GOP Vote Suppressors) 29.09.2026 57min

  On today's 'BradCast': The nightmare is now over for Crystal Mason, a Black Texas woman who was zealously prosecuted for mistakenly casting a provisional ballot in 2016, despite being ineligible. But white Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who illegally voted at least six times, and a white Republican man in Georgia, who voted unlawfully nine times, have not been held accountable. The Trump DHS claim that it 'found' 16,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Nevada fell to ZERO after a state investigation. Texas officials failed to process tens of thousands of new voter registrations. The US Supreme Court majority allowed states to use a notoriously inaccurate federal database to check voter rolls despite knowing it could disenfranchise lawful voters. But the US Supreme Court blocked another attempt by Missouri Republicans to use racially-gerrymandered maps in the November election.
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  'BradCast' 9/25/2026 (Encore: A Simple Solution to the AI Apocalypse Panic?; Guest: David Dayen of 'The Prospect') 25.09.2026 58min

  Encore: original airdate 9-17-2026. On today's 'BradCast': A shocking new report details new 'concerning' behavior by a 'frontier' AI model. The scary headlines warning of potentially apocalyptic outcomes from unregulated leading artificial intelligence giants have triggered panicked responses from lawmakers to Do Something. DAVID DAYEN, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, delves into the concerns and fears about rogue AI agents, potential risks and dangers to people and the economy, and suggests a fairly simple short term solution that could establish a safer way forward -- by enforcing existing laws. Polling shows voters generally regard Democrats more favorably than Republicans in the midterm elections, prompting a few GOP candidates to distance themselves from Donald Trump's unpopular policies. But rightwing billionaires have only just begun to deploy their money bombs. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/24/2026 (40 Days Out: Chaos Reigns, Hope Looms, with guests Heather Digby Parton of Salon, 'Driftglass' of 'Pro Left Podcast') 25.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': A federal judge rejected the Trump White House's absurd, laughable false claims that their unconstitutional attempt to ban three major media outlets was justified due to 'national security.' Donald Trump gave China's authoritarian Communist leader Xi Jinping a lavish welcome. Trump's Republican Party appears to be heading over a cliff, even among Republican voters, in the last 40 days before the critical midterm elections. HEATHER DIGBY PARTON of Salon and Hullabaloo and ‘DRIFTGLASS’ from The Professional Left Podcast delve into the landscape of the midterm elections, the Iran War, the decline of US authority and power in the eyes of the world, and much more, with insight, context, history and hilarity.
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  'BradCast' 9/23/2026 (Arch Nemesis; Guest: Charles Birnbaum of The Cultural Landscape Foundation on Trump's 'triumphal arch') 24.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Donald Trump is dead set on breaking the historic, careful cultural design of our nation's capital for his vanity projects. The original architect of Trump's gaudy ballroom resigned because the designs violated building safety codes; Trump reportedly said, 'I am the code.' AP debunked Trump's new claims that the ballroom is necessary for 'national security' concerns. Trump now says his wildly unpopular, proposed 250-foot 'triumphal arch' will be a military installation, with snipers, drones and an armory. The arch project is vociferously opposed by veterans and preservationists for blocking the carefully designed views of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. CHARLES BIRNBAUM, president and founder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, explains the impacts of Trump's proposed projects, how they violate the world-renowned cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., and much more.
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  'BradCast' 9/22/2026 (Senate Midterm 'Blue' Wave Rising; Repubs turning on Trump) 23.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Public approval of Donald Trump's handling of the economy dropped another 9 points over the last week to a near-record low. Polls show Democrats are increasingly competitive in U.S. Senate races, including Republican strongholds like Texas, Iowa, and Nebraska. Some Republicans candidates are distancing themselves from Trump, like Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) called for an investigation into a Russian oligarch's funding of Don Jr.'s wedding party. South Dakota's outgoing Republican Sec. of State endorsed the Democratic candidate seeking the top election job. A federal appeals court revived Missouri's unconstitutional gerrymandered maps, despite being rejected twice by the US Supreme Court. Russia has launched another wave of deceptive election disinformation campaigns. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/21/2026 (Merging and 'Murdering' the Media; Guest: Robert Greenwald of Brave New Films) 22.09.2026 57min

  On today's 'BradCast': Donald Trump launched an unprecedented ban on CNN, MS Now (formerly MSNBC) and Politico at the White House. The banned networks filed suit over the blatant First Amendment violation, and White House press pool members halted video coverage of Trump at the White House in solidarity. Paramount's new settlement with states clears the path for its merger with Warner Bros., which will place scores of media outlets under the control of the rightwing billionaire Ellison family, including CBS News and CNN. ROBERT GREENWALD of the nonprofit Brave New Films discusses the disturbing implications of the Paramount merger and his timely new documentary, "Murdering 60 Minutes," exploring how rightwing control has degraded the iconic news magazine, and much more. CA Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new election security laws to protect the midterm elections.
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  'BradCast' 9/18/2026 (Encore: A Midterm Bullet Dodged (For Now). Can't Say Same for the Climate) 18.09.2026 58min

  Encore: original airdate 9-15-2026. On today's 'BradCast': Election officials and voters across the nation are relieved after the US Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's unconstitutional executive order attempting to use the US Postal Service to interfere in the critical midterm elections and undermine mail-in voting. The man-baby president threw a tantrum in response. But it isn't over yet -- Trump and Republicans will continue their schemes to steal the midterms. A Florida county experienced how the now-blocked USPS rule would have generated chaos in the election. Costco restricted shoppers' purchases of motor oil as Trump's expanding Iran War triggers shortages of refined oil products. Trump's EPA repealed limits on climate-warming emissions from the nation's polluting power plants, and moved to block future administrations from enacting emissions standards. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/17/2026 (A Simple Solution to the AI Apocalypse Panic?; Guest: David Dayen of 'The Prospect') 18.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': A shocking new report details new 'concerning' behavior by a 'frontier' AI model. The scary headlines warning of potentially apocalyptic outcomes from unregulated leading artificial intelligence giants have triggered panicked responses from lawmakers to Do Something. DAVID DAYEN, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, delves into the concerns and fears about rogue AI agents, potential risks and dangers to people and the economy, and suggests a fairly simple short term solution that could establish a safer way forward -- by enforcing existing laws. Polling shows voters generally regard Democrats more favorably than Republicans in the midterm elections, prompting a few GOP candidates to distance themselves from Donald Trump's unpopular policies. But rightwing billionaires have only just begun to deploy their money bombs. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/16/2026 (The Unthinkable -- The Federal Seizure of Midterm Ballots; Guest: Election fraud investigator Richard Hayes Phillips) 17.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': In Delaware, progressive candidates won big in state legislature primary races. A handful of Republicans joined House Democrats in voting to limit Donald Trump's Iran war powers, but GOP House leaders adjourned early to block Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie's (R) impeachment vote against Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth. Trump Justice Department election monitors in Wyoming attempted to access voting systems. The City of Denver sued to block the Trump Administration from illegally deploying federal immigration agents to polling places. Trump cabinet members refuse to pledge that agents will not interfere with voting. A new guide from election law experts helps judges adjudicate election challenges. Election integrity investigator RICHARD HAYES PHILLIPS explains the once-unthinkable possibility that Trump will attempt to seize ballots in the midterms, and actions citizens can take to protect our elections.
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  'BradCast' 9/15/2026 (A Midterm Bullet Dodged (For Now). Can't Say Same for the Climate) 16.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Election officials and voters across the nation are relieved after the US Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's unconstitutional executive order attempting to use the US Postal Service to interfere in the critical midterm elections and undermine mail-in voting. The man-baby president threw a tantrum in response. But it isn't over -- Trump and Republicans will continue their schemes to steal the midterms. A Florida county experienced how the now-blocked USPS rule would have generated chaos in the election. Costco restricted shoppers' purchases of motor oil as Trump's expanding Iran War triggers shortages of refined oil products. Trump's EPA repealed limits on climate-warming emissions from the nation's polluting power plants, and moved to block future administrations from enacting emissions standards. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/14/2026 (Going Postal...50 Days Before Midterm Election Day) 15.09.2026 57min

  On today's 'BradCast': America has just 50 days to go until the critical midterm elections -- last chance to vote is November 3rd. The US Postal Service's restructuring resulted in the rejection of thousands of legal, on-time, mail-in ballots across the country, particularly affecting rural voters. Two federal courts blocked Donald Trump's unconstitutional executive order directing USPS to interfere with mail-in balloting. A whistleblower and the Postal Workers union warn USPS is radically unprepared to implement the order. The US Supreme Court blocked Trump's USPS scheme, but voters should try to vote early, dropping their ballot at a dropbox or polling place, or mail ballots at least 7 days before Election Day and ask for a manual postmark. The road ahead will get very bumpy, so vote carefully, and spread the word. Callers weigh in.
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  'BradCast' 9/10/2026 (SCOTUS Again Rejects MO's Trump/GOP U.S. House Gerrymander; Trump's $5k 'dividend checks') 10.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': The US Supreme Court, for the second time, rejected Missouri Republicans' newly-gerrymandered US House voting maps, ordering that the state's original 2022 maps be used for the upcoming critical November midterm elections. Rhode Island's primary delivered interesting results. Indiana's Supreme Court confirmed that otherwise legal ballots must be counted despite minor clerical errors made by election officials, handing a narrow primary victory to a Republican Indiana state senator who blocked Donald Trump's demands for new, extremely gerrymandered maps. Crude oil prices, mortgage rates and inflation are soaring again. Trump said he would give $5000 checks to all adult US citizens, but only if Republicans win both uses of Congress in November, adding another false promise to his very long list. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/11/2026 (Encore: Midterm Mayhem; 'Trump-a-Palooza' in Dallas; Vote suppression in Fort Worth; Gerrymander mess in MO) 11.09.2026 58min

  Encore: original airdate 9-8-2026. On today's 'BradCast': Midterm Mayhem is underway in the final two months before the critical midterm elections. Donald Trump is launching the first-ever GOP Midterm convention in Texas this week, focused primarily on himself. The Trump Administration appealed to the rightwing US Supreme Court to overturn a court ruling blocking the US Postal Service from implementing Trump's unlawful scheme to interfere with mail-in ballots, even as states have already begun sending out absentee ballots. Republican officials in Ft. Worth, Texas voted to close 92 polling places used in the 2022 midterms, including at college campuses. Missouri's state Supreme Court blocked GOP state lawmakers' newly-gerrymandered voting maps. Incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) sued 700 of his own low-income patients for non-payment. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/9/2026 (Missouri's insane U.S. House map battle, with guest Richard Von Glahn of People Not Politicians) 10.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Missouri's midterm elections have been thrown into chaos after a federal judge issued a ruling defying both the Missouri state Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court, which had blocked the state from using the Republican state legislature's newly-gerrymandered maps in the November election. The man at the center of the state's insane, ongoing gerrymandering storm, plaintiff RICHARD VON GLAHN, Policy Director at non-profit People Not Politicians, explains how state Republican officials deployed various outrageous schemes to deny the will of the voters and entrench GOP power; the latest twists and turns in the legal battle; and much more. Also today: Noteworthy results from New Hampshire's primary elections. Global oil prices soared again due to the Iran War, as Donald Trump claimed gas prices won't fall until AFTER the midterm elections.
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  'BradCast' 9/8/2026 (Back to Midterm Mayhem; 'Trump-a-Palooza' in Dallas; Vote suppression in Fort Worth; Gerrymander mess in MO) 09.09.2026 58min

  On today's 'BradCast': Midterm Mayhem is underway in the final two months before the critical midterm elections. Donald Trump is launching the first-ever GOP Midterm convention in Texas this week, focused primarily on himself. The Trump Administration appealed to the rightwing US Supreme Court to overturn a court ruling blocking the US Postal Service from implementing Trump's unlawful scheme to interfere with mail-in ballots, even as states have already begun sending out absentee ballots. Republican officials in Ft. Worth, Texas voted to close 92 polling places used in the 2022 midterms, including at college campuses. Missouri's state Supreme Court blocked GOP state lawmakers' newly-gerrymandered voting maps. Incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) sued 700 of his own low-income patients for non-payment. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'
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  'BradCast' 9/7/2026 (Encore: We're Paying an Unspeakable Price for the Cost of DOGE; Guest: Michael Mechanic of MoJo) 07.09.2026 58min

  Encore: original airdate 8-13-2026. On today's 'BradCast': Donald Trump's White House vanity projects will cost taxpayers at least $900 million, raided from other agencies to prevent congressional oversight. Trump's hand-picked Kennedy Center board voted to shut down the facility for two years, imperiling the survival of the National Symphony Orchestra. Homeland Security officials spent $464 million on a no-bid contract for 10 used airplanes that have barely been used since. A new GAO report confirms that Elon Musk's so-called 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) did not save any taxpayer dollars, or reduce the debt or deficit. Mother Jones' MICHAEL MECHANIC explains how Musk's DOGE scam actually cost taxpayers money, and cost America dearly in heath, humanity, privacy, education, food safety, consumer protections, and world leadership in science. Plus Desi Doyen has our new 'Green News Report.'