Gaslit Nation – Details, episodes & analysis

We know what comes next. You're not alone in this. We're having a gathering today at 4pm ET over Zoom which will be recorded and shared for our Patreon community. Here's the info: https://www.patreon.com/posts/post-election-et-115498712?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman joins Gaslit Nation to break down the Kremlin’s plan for America: stirring up civil war. Russia is hoping to kick our already chaotic political circus into overdrive, but here’s the twist that the Kremlin—along with many white male pundits—completely missed: women across the political spectrum are furious. 

Whether it’s the GOP’s authoritarian fantasies, including femicide, or the media’s endless obsession ignoring women’s humanity, women in every state across America are punching Nazis in the ballot box, driving out a historic early vote.

Later in the week, look out for the Gaslit Nation Election 2024 Super Special, featuring Terrell Starr of the Black Diplomats Podcast and Substack. It will include this week’s bonus show, available to Patreon subscribers at the Truth-teller ($5/month) tier and higher. On Monday at 4pm ET, we’re having another political salon over Zoom to brace for the impact of MAGA trying to steal our election with Russia’s help, either through Mike Johnson, the failed legal architect of Trump’s Big Lie, or the MAGA majority on the Supreme Court, should the electoral college come down to one state. Or else, we’re celebrating with a Gaslit Nation virtual block party! Either way, to our Patreon community that keeps the show going, see you on Monday, for whatever comes next. 

Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our Victory group chat, invites to live events, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!

Show Notes:

Clip: Anne Selzer on her Iowa polling: https://x.com/PettyLupone/status/1853169502147449005

Clip: Larry Krasner, Philadelphia DA on election terrorism: https://x.com/abughazalehkat/status/1853631034790662312

Clip: John Jackson, American veteran in Ukraine: “My brief message to Americans voting today. From Ukraine, the epicenter of that struggle between good and evil, between democracy and dictatorship. Please lend me 90 seconds of your time:” 

https://x.com/hissgoescobra/status/1853802605509501029

Narrowing nationwide polls reveal a coin-toss for the House majority

https://www.economist.com/interactive/us-2024-election/prediction-model/house

Recent safeguards should quash efforts to overturn election results, experts say It would take congressional majorities and most swing-state legislatures to upend the election. https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/11/04/recent-safeguards-should-quash-efforts-to-overturn-election-results-experts-say/

Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and to Destroy an Energy Facility in Nashville

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-arrested-and-charged-attempting-use-weapon-mass-destruction-and-destroy-energy-facility

Man arrested after federal officials say he sought to destroy Nashville power site https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-arrested-federal-officials-sought-004723571.html

Robert Reich on Mastodon: “If Harris wins, will Congress certify the results? There are now 172 election deniers in Congress. But the new Congress gets sworn in before the presidential election is certified. Your down ballot votes could decide whether your presidential vote is respected or discarded.” https://mastodon.social/@rbreich@masto.ai/113429039266528054

The Kingdom of Lyz Lenz’s God Land Is Within You https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/08/in-god-land-lyz-lenz-makes-the-case-for-nuance.html

Andrea Chalupa on Twitter: “The Reagan Revolution ignited a culture of “greed is good," alongside the rise of Christian nationalism. Democrats, for their part, embraced this shift, allowing unions to weaken and newsrooms to erode, all in the name of boosting corporate profits. As a result, Trump and Manafort’s brand of corruption thrived in plain sight. Throughout American history, progress for Black people has been met with violent white rage, and Trump’s birtherism was the inevitable response to the first Black president. Meanwhile, Russia's support for Trump wasn’t just about sowing chaos in U.S. politics; it was part of a broader geopolitical strategy to lift sanctions and advance their long-standing imperial ambitions, which have been unfolding since Russia invaded Georgia. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is merely the latest chapter of rising Russian imperialism. All of this is compounded by the deep, structural misogyny and racism in America, a nation built on genocide that persists to this day with the prison industrial complex and the epidemic of violence against Native American women. These forces are not isolated—they are interconnected, fueling each other in a dangerous cycle. The gasoline on that fire is unchecked social media as well as Silicon Valley greed. What's left of newsrooms are populated by white men who aren't sensitive to most of these issues since they're blinded by their own privilege.” https://x.com/AndreaChalupa/status/1853788934393766019

Jimmy Kimmel Surprised That Bombshell Jeffrey Epstein Tapes About Trump Friendship Aren’t Getting More Attention https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-jeffrey-epstein-tapes-trump-friendship-1236200783/

Clip: Wil I Am “Yes She Can” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR1rxxIYa-w

In the darkest days of World War II, Algerian-French writer Albert Camus sent a defiant message to the Nazis: our victory is inevitable. If you're feeling any election anxiety or grappling with uncertainty about the months ahead, watch this video on Camus' powerful Letter to a German Friend, from his book Resistance, Rebellion, and Death. It's a reminder that our resistance to authoritarianism has deep, resilient roots.

And if you're dealing with MAGA extremists in your life—whether you're navigating tough conversations, protecting your space from harassment, or simply trying to understand the cult of Trump—join our live taping with Dr. Bandy Lee, author of The Psychology of Trump Contagion: An Existential Danger to American Democracy and All Humankind, on October 29 at 12 PM ET for our Truth-Teller-level subscribers and higher. You can also send in your questions for Dr. Lee through Patreon if you can't make the live event.

On October 24th at 7pm ET, we're releasing a recording of our How to Make a Podcast workshop to answer the questions we frequently get from listeners and help you find your voice. This will be available to our Democracy Defender-level subscribers and above, starting today.

We have a lot of exciting events lined up in the coming weeks to connect with our community of listeners. Don’t miss our Political Salons every Monday at 4 PM ET on Zoom—a space to vent, ask questions, share what's going on in your world, and just hang out. It's become a dynamic part of shaping the show!

Thank you to everyone who supports Gaslit Nation—we couldn't make this show without you. Be sure to subscribe and join us for the lively discussions ahead!

A programming change: Our bonus episode Q&A answering questions from our listeners at the Democracy Defender-level and higher will now run next Saturday. Get your questions in, if you haven't yet!

Photo: With my uncle Vitalij Keis in his library. For more on his story, listen to our 2013 interview with NPR here: https://theworld.org/stories/2013/08/15/orwells-animal-farm-and-ukrainian-refugees

Show Notes:

Camus’ Letters to a German Friend, a Warning for Our Times https://casdinteret.com/2021/11/albert-camus-letters-to-a-german-friend-warning/

Broadcast to Germany: Dorothy Thompson Speaking https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1943/01/broadcast-to-germany-dorothy-thompson-speaking/657045/

Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ and Ukrainian Refugees https://theworld.org/stories/2013/08/15/orwells-animal-farm-and-ukrainian-refugees

Orwell and the Refugees: The Untold Story of Animal Farm https://www.amazon.com/Orwell-Refugees-Untold-Story-Animal-ebook/dp/B007JNKF5G

Gaslit Nation is vindicated yet again. Today, The New York Times reports on Bob Woodward’s latest book War, which confirms what we’ve been warning about since day one: Russia is infiltrating the U.S. through Trump’s MAGA fascist cult. The same tactics of weaponized corruption that Paul Manafort, Trump’s longtime friend and neighbor in Trump Tower, used to bring “Ukraine’s Trump” Viktor Yanukovych to power are being deployed here. Ukraine has long been a testing ground for Russian aggression, and what happens there is a precursor for what Russia will try in other nations, including the U.S. This is why Ukraine’s success is our own.

We recorded this week’s episode Tuesday morning before the publication of the report on War, which claims Trump has spoken to Putin at least seven to a dozen times since leaving office. It also reveals, unsurprisingly to Gaslit Nation listeners, that while Trump was waging war on so-called blue states—withholding life-saving supplies during the height of the pandemic—he sent Covid tests to Putin amidst a shortage of tests, further proving his fealty to the world’s most sanctioned terrorist.

This week, Terrell Starr reports from Berlin, Germany, a country grappling with its own MAGA crisis with the rise of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany). We unpack why some nonwhite voters support Trump despite it being against their interests; MAGA disinformation weapon Candace Owens; and Stacey Abrams' warning that “demographics are not destiny.” We also explore how to survive the apocalypse–a time of climate crisis driven by gas station dictatorships, MAGA’s Big Oil backers, and their fascist footsoldiers.

In times of compounding crises and confusion, Gaslit Nation is here to help you stay grounded. This week’s bonus show for subscribers at the Truth-teller level ($5/month) and higher will answer questions from our Democracy Defender subscribers ($10/month and above). We’ll dive into why Louis DeJoy remains in power and the origins of the Green Party’s Kremlin cicada, Jill Stein. Tune in Saturday morning for that! Thank you to everyone who supports the show–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!

Show Notes:

Reform the Electoral College https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2024/5/28/reform-the-electoral-college

Sister District x Gaslit Nation GOTV Phonebank! https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrictnyc/event/642096/

Book Raises Unverified Claims About Trump’s Ties to Putin The journalist Bob Woodward cited an unnamed aide saying that Donald J. Trump had spoken to Vladimir V. Putin as many as seven times since leaving office. Multiple sources say they cannot confirm that report. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/us/politics/trump-putin-woodward-book.html

Ron DeSantis Not Relying on FEMA As Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desalts-not-relying-fema-hurricane-milton-1965526

Come As You Are Weekly Political Salons! Join us every Monday at 4 PM ET via Zoom! Let’s share frustrations, ask burning questions, seek support, and help shape Gaslit Nation. Everyone’s voice matters—whether you’re a political junkie or just finding your voice, you belong here! Recordings available exclusively on Patreon.

🎤 Upcoming Virtual Live Tapings:

• October 24 7pm ET: How to Make a Podcast workshop – we need your voice!

• October 29 12pm ET: Dr. Bandy Lee, author of The Psychology of Trump Contagion: An Existential Danger to American Democracy and All Humankind

All these events, access to our Victory Chat and Art is Survival Chat, ad-free shows, bonus episodes, Q&As, and more await at Patreon.com/Gaslit. Annual discounts available!

A Gaslit Nation listener at the Democracy Defender level asked for a handy guide to help a small business owner considering voting for Trump to reconsider. If you need help convincing the small business owners in your life not to vote against their interests, Gaslit Nation has you covered! This special episode breaks down all the reasons Trump will be disastrous for small business owners, including the bribes they’ll have to pay after Trump finishes turning our country into lawless Russia, which has been the plan all along, as Gaslit Nation first warned.

This week’s bonus show also covers the VP debate. Why didn’t Walz dogwalk Vance like Harris dogwalked Trump? Walz is the guy who coined “weird,” so we know he could have destroyed Vance, listing all the ways he’s a Peter Thiel tool. Why didn’t he? The answer may be in Walz’s closing words. His warnings at the very end gave us important insight and guidance into what to expect in the tense months ahead, as discussed in this week’s bonus show. Our discussion with investigative journalist Greg Palast, about his new must-watch film Vigilantes, Inc., and the audience Q&A at our live-taping, is included in this week’s bonus show. Look out for more live-tapings soon! 

To our listeners at the Democracy Defender level and higher, keep your questions coming as the Gaslit Nation Q&A continues! If you didn’t hear your question answered this week, look out for it soon. Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!

To hear this full bonus episode, get all shows ad-free, invites to exclusive events, join other listeners in our Victory group chat, and more, subscribe at Patreon.com/Gaslit. Discounted annual subscriptions available!

Come As You Are Weekly Political Salons! Join us every Monday at 4 PM ET via Zoom! Let’s share frustrations, ask burning questions, seek support, and help shape Gaslit Nation. Everyone’s voice matters—whether you’re a political junkie or just finding your voice, you belong here! Recordings available exclusively on Patreon.

🎤 Upcoming Virtual Live Tapings:

• October 22 12pm ET: Dr. Bandy Lee, author of The Psychology of Trump Contagion: An Existential Danger to American Democracy and All Humankind

• October 24 7pm ET: How to Make a Podcast workshop – we need your voice! 

Show Notes:

How to Effectively Communicate in a Time of Polarization: Digital Defenders - Freedom Over Fascism with Anat Shenker-Osorio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8vyp45sEw

Biden’s small-business boom may undercut Trump’s polling edge on economy A record 18.1 million new small businesses have sought to launch since the Democratic president’s inauguration https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bidens-small-business-boom-may-undercut-trumps-economic-edge-41030fa3

Small Business Growth Rising Faster Under Biden and Democrats Than Trump https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/2024/6/small-business-growth-rising-faster-under-biden-and-democrats-than-trump

Biden’s Budget Proposes a New Direct Lending Program for the SBA https://www.inc.com/melissa-angell/bidens-budget-proposes-new-direct-lending-program-for-sba.html

Lawmakers Push Bill to Block the SBA From Expanding Further Into Direct Loans https://www.inc.com/melissa-angell/lawmakers-push-bill-to-block-sba-from-expanding-further-into-direct-loans.html

Biden won't put his name on aid checks (unlike you know who) Last year, Trump prioritized putting his name directly onto COVID relief checks. This year, Joe Biden is more interested in governance than self-promotion. https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/biden-won-t-put-his-name-aid-checks-unlike-you-n1260398

The Great Grift: How billions in COVID-19 relief aid was stolen or wasted https://apnews.com/article/pandemic-fraud-waste-billions-small-business-labor-fb1d9a9eb24857efbe4611344311ae78

Trump Erased Millions of Possible PPP Fraud Flags in Last Days in Office Officials cleared nearly all potential fraud flags given to loans above $2 million just days before Trump left office. https://truthout.org/articles/trump-erased-millions-of-possible-ppp-fraud-flags-in-last-days-in-office/

On Gaslit Nation, we often say that America’s history is an authoritarian one for nonwhite people. That brutal legacy flows directly through the family of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. His ancestors were among the first to bring enslaved Africans to Georgia and fought to prevent America’s Founding Fathers from banning slavery in the Declaration of Independence. Fast forward to today: Brian Kemp continues that legacy by denying voting rights to the descendants of those his ancestors enslaved. And in Georgia, you can’t even learn about this history because Kemp has worked to suppress it—that’s how he holds onto power.

As the must-watch documentary Vigilantes, Inc. by investigative journalist Greg Palast reveals, “suppressing history suppresses the vote.” Narrated by Rosario Dawson and produced by Martin Sheen, George DiCaprio, and Maria Florio, the film is available for free at SaveYourVote.org, a site launched by Leonardo DiCaprio. The name Vigilantes, Inc. traces back to 1946, when the Ku Klux Klan used it as a cover for their operations. Today, Kemp is leading the charge to use the Klan’s playbook to steal Georgia for Donald Trump in 2024, and MAGA has a new A.I. weapon. 

Palast is known for his investigative reports for The Guardian and bestsellers including The Best Democracy Money Can Buy. This week’s bonus show, out Saturday for subscribers at the Truth-teller ($5/month) level and higher, will feature the audience Q&A with Palast at our live taping. Listeners' questions at the Democracy Defender ($10/month) level and higher will open the bonus show, incuding how to explain to small business owners that serially corrupt, Kremlin asset, career criminal Donald Trump is no businessman—he just played one on TV. Look out for that special Q&A bonus episode this Saturday, exclusively on Patreon. Discounted annual memberships are available. Thank you to everyone who supports the show, especially in these hard times–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you! 

Watch Vigilantes, Inc. for free here: SaveYourVote.org

Check out Greg Palast’s work here: ww.gregpalast.com

Our next phonebank party is this Wednesday October 2nd at 6pm ET with Sister District, calling into Michigan. RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrictnyc/event/642096/

To join our “Come as You Are” Political Salons over Zoom to vent, ask questions, or just hang out, every Monday at 4pm ET through Inauguration Day, subscribe at the Truth-teller level or higher on Patreon.com/Gaslit! 

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. To support those in need, GoFundMe has created a page of verified mutual aid campaigns where you can make a difference: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-helene.

In our latest Gaslit Nation 'Come As You Are' Political Salon, we explored the MSNBC documentary From Russia with Lev, diving into its revelations and the critical context it missed. This is an excerpt from Andrea's review, which then goes deeper, highlighting what to watch for in the film and what’s conspicuously absent. In the documentary, Lev Parnas apologizes to Hunter Biden for his role in the scheme to fabricate a scandal aimed at derailing Biden’s 2020 campaign to help keep Trump in power. Andrea also shares a list of others to whom Parnas owes an apology—starting with her sister, Alexandra Chalupa, the former DNC consultant who risked her life to sound the alarm to both Democratic and Republican leaders, as well as the media and public, about Russia’s interference in our democracy to install Trump in 2016, part of a Kremlin-led campaign of state capture.

Join us every Monday at 4 p.m. ET for our Gaslit Nation political salons on Zoom, exclusively for Truth-teller level patrons and higher. It’s a chance to vent, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. We’re also hosting a special VP debate night watch party in our Victory group chat. Don’t miss out—discounted annual subscriptions are available! To join, visit us at Patreon.com/Gaslit.

Our hearts go out to the people impacted by Hurricane Helene and their anti-government governments, who will be replaced one day with public servants, which is what this conversation is about. To help those who are impacted, there’s a resource on where to donate in the show notes. (Do not choose the Red Cross, for reasons explained in the show notes). Thank you. 

Thank you to everyone who joined our live taping with Laboratories of Autocracy and Saving Democracy author David Pepper, who is not just a democracy warrior, but also the mastermind behind the new podcast series Project 2025: Up Close and Personal. Picture this: short, terrifying vignettes with a cast so star-studded, you'd think it was Hollywood's last gasp before a fascist takeover—J. Smith-Cameron, Fisher Stevens, Richard Schiff, Morgan Fairchild, Omid Abtahi, and many more! We previewed "Chapter 2" of the series–it’s the audio equivalent of a cold sweat. You can listen to it [here].

Democrats have been playing defense for so long, they've forgotten what offense looks like. "There are two million uncontested races out there," David pointed out, which is about as comforting as knowing JD Vance’s particular brand of weird fills the halls of power in Republican hostage states. David also shared the story of how he got a call out of the blue from Vice President Kamala Harris last spring, to discuss ways to fight back. Thanks to the audience Q&A, he shared who he thinks should be her Attorney General—should she win, of course.

Want to make that dream a reality? Join the fight! Gaslit Nation hosts phonebanks with Sister District every Wednesday at 6 p.m. RSVP [here]. Join our next live taping on Tuesday October 1st at 12pm ET with Greg Palast, discussing his new film Vigilantes Inc: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen. Bring your questions on all the ways Russian-backed MAGA is trying to steal the election, their plans if they lose, and ways to protect the vote. 

Come As You Are Weekly Political Salons! Join us every Monday at 4 PM ET via Zoom! Let’s share frustrations, ask burning questions, seek support, and help shape Gaslit Nation. Everyone’s voice matters—whether you’re a political junkie or just finding your voice, you belong here! Recordings available exclusively on Patreon.

🎤 Upcoming Virtual Live Tapings:

• October 1 at 12 PM ET: Join investigative journalist Greg Palast to discuss his new film Vigilantes Inc: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen

• October 24 7pm ET: How to Make a Podcast workshop – we need your voice! 

All these events, access to our Victory Chat and Art is Survival Chat, ad-free shows, bonus episodes, Q&As, and more await at Patreon.com/Gaslit at the Truth-Teller level and higher. Annual discounts available!

Show Notes:

How To Help After Hurricane Helene https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-26-how-to-help-hurricane-helene-victims-where-to-donate

The Red Cross Won’t Save Houston It has proven itself unequal to the task of massive disaster relief. We need a new kind of humanitarian response. https://slate.com/business/2017/08/dont-give-money-to-the-red-cross-we-need-a-new-way.html

To get all episodes ad free, bonus shows, and more, be sure to subscribe at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Discounted annual memberships available! 

Eric Adams, soon-to-be-former Mayor of New York City, has finally been indicted—a surprise to no one. In this special episode of Gaslit Nation, we break down the latest developments and remind our listeners: If this is what we know, imagine what we don’t. Adams’ corruption and assault on democracy in NYC are just the visible tip of a much larger, deeply entrenched network of local corruption that has long served as a feeding ground for foreign adversaries. America is in a war of attrition, both abroad and at home. The barbarians are at the gate, and now more than ever, it’s going to take a resurgence of people-powered movements to defend our democracy and push back against these threats.

In this special episode, we examine the latest attacks on American democracy and national security by Trump and his MAGA stormtroopers. At a recent rally in North Carolina, Trump once again vowed to hand Ukraine over to Putin. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this dangerous rhetoric by attempting to remove Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., a move we warned about during our latest Gaslit Nation political salon—straight from the Paul Manafort playbook.

To help illuminate this fight, we’re sharing an excerpt of a new radio play series written by David Pepper, author of Saving Democracy, called Trump’s Project 2025: Up Close and Personal. In this powerful excerpt, we meet Eve, a nurse grappling with infertility, whose access to vital treatment is jeopardized by a new president’s executive order banning certain fertility procedures. You can read Chapter Two of David Pepper’s 2025: A Novel at davidpepper.substack.com/p/2025-a-novel-chapter-2. David will join us in this week’s bonus show, out Saturday, to explain how to defeat Project 2025 in Republican hostage states. 

Come As You Are Weekly Political Salons! Join us every Monday at 4 PM ET via Zoom! Let’s share frustrations, ask burning questions, seek support, and help shape Gaslit Nation. Everyone’s voice matters—whether you’re a political junkie or just finding your voice, you belong here! Recordings available exclusively on Patreon.

🎤 Upcoming Virtual Live Tapings:

• October 1 at 12 PM ET: Join investigative journalist Greg Palast to discuss his new film Vigilantes Inc: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen. 

  Join Andrea that night for the VP Debate Watch Party in the Victory Chat!

• October 24 7pm ET: How to Make a Podcast workshop – we need your voice! 

All these events, access to our Victory Chat and Art is Survival Chat, ad-free shows, bonus episodes, Q&As, and more await at Patreon.com/Gaslit at the Truth-Teller level and higher. Annual discounts available! 

To our Democracy Defender and higher folks, be sure to submit your questions for our next Q&A bonus show! Thank you to everyone who supports Gaslit Nation—we could not make the show without you!

Show Notes:

New York City Voters! Vote YES on Prop 1 to protect abortion, LGBTQ+, and other human rights, but VOT NO on Props 2 through 6 to stop Eric Adams’ powergrab. Remember to flip your ballot and VOTE your entire ballot. More info here: https://x.com/MaketheRoadNY/status/1836108886262321175

NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with bribery and taking foreign donations Federal prosecutors accuse the mayor of wire fraud in a years-long scheme to take gifts and donations in exchange for influence and favors. https://wapo.st/3ZBy5f9

NYPD officer, 2 bystanders shot on Brooklyn subway platform when police fire on armed suspect, authorities say https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nypd-shooting-sutter-ave-subway-station-brooklyn/

Meet Ashley Cossins: Report from the Front Lines: Missouri https://davidpepper.substack.com/p/report-from-the-front-lines-missouri-17c

David Pepper’s Radio Series: Project 2025–Up Close and Personal https://trumpsproject2025pod.com/

Opening Clip: https://x.com/atrupar/status/1839322551614362096

Leigh McGowan, aka Politics Girl, joins Gaslit Nation to discuss her heartfelt civics manifesto: A Return to Common Sense: How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It. With 41 days until Election Day, Leigh breaks down how we can seize this moment and make a real impact. The discussion includes “Kremlin cicada” Jill Stein, what to do if Trump tries another violent coup, how to hold a Harris/Walz administration accountable, and how to stop the MAGA machine from spreading chaos and disinformation in a white rage backlash that will make birtherism look like a warm-up act.

While things might look like a political hellscape, Leigh’s book is a hand to hold as we fight back against Russian-backed Trump and his legion of wannabe stormtroopers. It's not just about surviving the next 41 days — it’s about gearing up for the long-haul battle for our democracy and the planet. This convo isn’t just a podcast episode; it's a roadmap to reclaim the soul of America.

Don’t miss our next live-taping on October 1st at 12pm ET with investigative legend Greg Palast, who exposes America’s vote suppression mafia. Catch his film Vigilantes Inc: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen narrated by Rosario Dawson and produced by Martin Sheen, now available for free on Leonardo DiCaprio’s site SaveYourVote.org. Then, join Andrea that night and other Gaslit Nation listeners for our VP debate watch party in the Victory Chat on Patreon as we brace for The Coach vs. The Kremlin!

Come As You Are Weekly Political Salons! Join us every Monday at 4 PM ET via Zoom! Let’s share frustrations, ask burning questions, seek support, and help shape Gaslit Nation. Everyone’s voice matters—whether you’re a political junkie or just finding your voice, you belong here! Recordings available exclusively on Patreon.

🎤 Upcoming Virtual Live Tapings:

• October 1 at 12 PM ET: Join investigative journalist Greg Palast to discuss his new film Vigilantes Inc: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen

• October 24 7pm ET: How to Make a Podcast workshop – we need your voice! 

All these events, access to our Victory Chat and Art is Survival Chat, ad-free shows, bonus episodes, Q&As, and more await at Patreon.com/Gaslit at the Truth-Teller level and higher. Annual discounts available!

Show Notes:

A Return to Common Sense: How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-return-to-common-sense-the-essential-handbook-for-american-politics-leigh-mcgowan/21108421?ean=9781668066430

Learn more about Leigh McGowan (aka Politics Girl): https://www.politicsgirl.com/

Scenes from Nazi Summer Camp In the years leading up to WWII, children across the United States spent their summers learning archery and antisemitism. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/nazi-town-usa-scenes-summer-camp-nazi-town-us/

What the Equal Rights Amendment Will Mean in New York https://nysba.org/why-new-york-needs-an-equal-rights-amendment-now-more-than-ever/

Why New Yorkers Should Vote “Yes” on Proposal 1 The proposal, formerly known as the New York Equal Rights Amendment, will be on the ballot in November. https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-new-yorkers-should-vote-yes-on-proposition-1