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Political Misfits

Political Misfits

Sputnik International

Political Misfits brings you news, politics and culture from the belly of Washington, DC - without the red and blue treatment.
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Top 10 Political Misfits Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Political Misfits episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Political Misfits for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Political Misfits episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Technologist and cohost of the CovertAction Bulletin podcast Chris Garaffa joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss this morning’s global IT meltdown, what cybersecurity company Crowdstrike did to trigger the disaster, how Crowdstrike promises to fix the issue and how long it will take, and the national security implications of the event.

Attorney, pundit and writer Tyler Nixon discusses the questions surrounding the Secret Service’s failure to prevent the shooting of former President Donald Trump, how the Secret Service has evaded admissions of fault, historical faults of the Secret Service since the Kennedy administration, and reflections on Trump’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.

Author and West Coast Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition Richard Becker discusses the drone strike by Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement on Tel Aviv, the International Court of Justice ruling that Israeli West Bank settlements are illegal, how to understand the binding or non-binding nature of ICJ rulings and UN Security Council resolutions.

Spokesperson for Black Hive Anthony Rogers Wright discusses Biden continuing to bleed support among leading Democratic politicians, how an open Democratic convention might play out, how these weeks of chaos about the president’s competence have harmed the Democrats’ credibility, the way black women as a voting bloc are treated in US political discourse, and new regulations that will end price gouging in jails for phone calls.

Author, former lawyer, and prosecutor Brad Wolf discusses a new book about legendary peace activist Phil Berrigan, how harshly peaceful activists were and are still punished, the influence of Berrigan and the Plowshares on activism today, and efforts underway today to bring justice to the victims of war crimes.

The Misfits also discuss this week's news of the weird, including a marital spat during an Alaska Airlines flight, and a harsh defamation decision in Italy.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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Foreign affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss how the changes in Russia’s leadership reflect the country’s priorities and projections for the war in Ukraine, how the European Union is pivoting towards greater preparedness among their militaries, how much new plans for conscription have to do with economic hardship, Germany deciding to continue the surveillance of political parties, and renewed processes in recognizing a Palestinian state by several countries.

Second year graduate student at Columbia's School of Public Health Doe Hee Choi discusses a new lawsuit accusing Students for Justice in Palestine and American Muslims for Palestine of being “footsoldiers” for Hamas, how organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine will defend themselves, how unequally accusations of “material support for terrorism” are levied, and the state of demonstrations across New York City schools.

Spokesperson for Black Hive Anthony Rogers Wright discusses former President Donald Trump's New York hush money trial, how former Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s testimony will shape the case, how Trump has campaigned during breaks within his court appearances, why President Joe Biden is not benefitting in polls from Trump's legal battles, the effect of stolen election narratives, and the political fallout of Biden’s Gaza policies among young voters.

The Misfits also discuss this year’s scandalous Eurovision competition, falling fertility rates, and a glowing Washington Post portrayal of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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International affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss the United Nations Security Council adopting a US-backed ceasefire plan in Gaza, why Russia abstained from the vote, why the US and Israel can’t agree as to whether Israel has signed on to the deal, the US deciding to provide weapons to Ukraine’s Azov Battalion, how Kiev might choose to use the F-16 jets coming their way later this year and the consequences that could follow, the ongoing crack down on corruption in Russia’s defense sector, and how the US government is handling Russian ships arriving for exercises in the Caribbean.

Board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Yolandra Hancock discusses the ongoing catastrophe of maternal mortality in the US, where rates are double and sometimes triple that of other wealthy nations. She discusses why maternal mortality rates are so high for black and native women, why the United States has so few midwives and OB-GYNs, and how economic and social changes could help reduce the number of these preventable deaths.

Political analyst and former deputy press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security Brian Doyle discusses the three guilty verdicts delivered to Hunter Biden this morning; an outbreak of finger pointing among major media outlets eager to identify failures in their rivals, but not in their own newsrooms; the dismal state of Joe Biden's approval ratings as Nate Silver recommends he drop out of the presidential race, and predictions regarding Trump’s running mate and possible abortion policies.

The Misfits also discuss MSNBC’s grotesque characterization of Joe Biden as the “living embodiment of the rule of law,” new polling that reveals the depth of American discontent and distance from government policy, and Chiquita Banana being held liable for financing a paramilitary group during the Colombian civil war.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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Editor of the Polemicist Jim Kavanagh joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris couching her failure to provide a campaign platform as “strategic ambiguity”, whether Harris' honeymoon era polling will last, expectations of anti-DNC protests next week during the convention, how the lack of a new Gaza policy is haunting the Harris campaign, why AIPAC didn’t target Rep. Ilhan Omar in her recent primary, and new reports providing more detail about lobbying Hunter Biden did on behalf of Ukraine without ever registering as a foreign agent.

Journalist and international election observer in Venezuela Gloria Guillo discusses the electoral system and structure in Venezuela, the experiences she witnessed while observing the July elections, US legal organizations claiming that Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez was a CIA asset in the 1980s, whether the opposition will put forward Gonzalez as a new Juan Guaido-like figure, and whether there is any likelihood a Harris or Trump administration would seek to normalize relations with Venezuela.

Author and West Coast Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition Richard Becker discusses Washington’s new $20 billion weapons package for Israel, why some in the Israeli government want to launch an offensive against Hezbollah, what such a war would look like, how the US could further sanction Iran, and an assessment of how Joe Biden’s foreign policy doctrine may be remembered.

News Editor of the Pakistan Daily Raja Furqan Ahmed discusses accusations being made by some former members of Bangladesh’s government about foreign interference in the student protests that overthrew Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, what interest the US might have in a small island just off the coast of Bangladesh and Myanmar, why Hasina’s camp is making accusations, and how the US-China rivalry is affecting Bangladesh.

The Misfits also discuss widespread downward mobility in the US, the WHO declaring a global health emergency over mpox, and a possible reopening of a South Carolina murder case.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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International geopolitical consultant, veteran and former security analyst Dr. David Oualaalou joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss expectations surrounding the ceasefire proposal announced by US President Joe Biden, the domestic political implications of that proposal in Israel and the US, whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government can hold, why the US Congress keeps inviting Netanyahu to address it, why the Ukrainian president is openly criticizing China now, and what might come from this month’s Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland.

Longtime agent, manager and film and television producer Nick Mechanic discusses the worst blockbuster kickoff season in several decades, why so much TV and film production is leaving southern California, whether there is a real "crisis in creativity" in Hollywood, how Hollywood has been slow to recover from COVID, and what to expect to see in the continued battle between traditional studios and streaming services.

Labor attorney, human rights activist, and author Daniel Kovalik discusses the jury selection today in Hunter Biden’s trial on gun charges, other charges Hunter faces relating to tax fraud, Capitol Hill testimony provided by former NIAID head Anthony Fauci, the high rate of Congressional retirements, the blocking of Biden appointments by Senate Republicans, former President Donald Trump awaiting sentencing in New York, and the Washington Post’s latest attack on journalists.

Executive director of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition Juan Jose Gutierrez discusses the landslide victory of Claudia Sheinbaum in this weekend’s Mexican presidential election, what promises she’s making, who Sheinbaum's main opposition was and how violence in the election cycle may have affected local races.

The Misfits also discuss new honors for ABBA and Atlanta’s weekend water disaster.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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Co-founder of independent media organization Status Coup Jordan Chariton joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss former President Donald Trump’s appearance with X owner Elon Musk on the platform, the misfires and apparent lethargy of the Trump campaign this time around, why Senator JD Vance increasingly looks like a poor choice for GOP running mate, legal attacks by the Democratic Party to kick independent candidates off of ballots in several states, how political candidates might reach the elusive rural American voter, the likelihood of getting any meaningful Supreme Court reforms, and how the Flint water crisis persists after a decade of inaction and obfuscation from government at all levels.

Author, independent journalist, and researcher with Code Pink Nicolas Davies discusses more the fractures between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Israeli government, why the US appears to still take ceasefire talks seriously though Israel clearly doesn’t, a high profile resignation in the Iranian government, the state of relations between the US and Saudi Arabia, the existential threat AIPAC and similar organizations pose to Congressional progressives, and the terrifying bedfellows the most pro-Israel donors are prepared to accept.

Immigration lawyer and executive director of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition Juan Jose Gutierrez discusses the role Mexico is playing in reducing migration to the US, what Mexico gets out of helping the US implement its own policies, the impact within Mexico of bussing would-be asylum seekers from northern Mexico to its southern border, and Mexico’s perspective on the strange arrest of two major cartel figures.

The Misfits also discuss the UAW filing a federal labor complain against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the potential for strikes in October, and the New York Times ignoring inconvenient facts (again).

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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International geopolitical consultant, global speaker, and author Dr. David Oualaalou joins Misfits hosts John Kiriakou and Ben Zinevich to discuss Iranian voters heading to elections, how Iranian voters choices are influenced by the possibility of Trump’s White House return, Iranians considering that the United States may refuse to ever lift sanctions on Tehran, the crisis of famines in Gaza and Sudan, how both could be avoided, and an update on escalations between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Canadian author and activist Yves Engler discusses the renewed modernization of NORAD military presence in the Canadian Arctic, the militarization of the Arctic by NATO forces and its environmental toll, attempts to make the Arctic a zone of peace, and the Canadian cooperation with the United States to refuse to allow humanitarian aid to Afghanistan amid crisis post-occupation.

Political consultant, political organizer Donna Davis discusses the questions surrounding the viability of Joe Biden as the Democratic frontrunner in November, how Democratic insiders are failing to confront Biden on his mental acuity behind closed doors, who the Democrats could bring in to substitute Biden, Congress beginning fights over federal budget over contentious funding issues, Congress holding Merrick Garland in "inherent contempt", and the mandating the teaching the Bible in every public school in Oklahoma.

The Misfits also discuss the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling for a January 6th rioter’s obstruction charge, and this week’s News of the Weird, including a delayed defecation demonstration, an online gamer’s attempted murder of a rival, and the social lives of elephants.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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International affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss how Ryan Routh, the latest man to possibly threaten former President Donald Trump, came to be so passionate about the war in Ukraine and to be treated seriously by the US mainstream media. He discusses the general delusion in Western media about the war, as well as new accusations that Ukraine’s Kursk incursion was entirely the Ukrainian president’s idea, why US military packages for Ukraine are shrinking, and what to make of the Wall Street Journal’s assessment that the war has resulted in a million casualties.

Veteran FBI special agent and renowned whistleblower Jane Turner discusses how Ryan Routh was able to get close to Donald Trump with a weapon, why the Secret Service wouldn’t have noticed a man lying in the bushes of Trump’s golf club for 12 hours, and why Routh wasn’t on the FBI’s radar as a threat. She also discusses the State Department’s latest attacks on RT, why it was the Department of Homeland Security to arrest Sean Combs, how Combs should be treated while awaiting trial, and what kind of time the music mogul could be facing.

Writer and journalist Dan Lazare discusses the latest election polling and whether that makes predicting November’s presidential election results any easier, whether the true support for Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is being captured, how the potential for more chaos in Ukraine and Gaza might affect the contest, Trump’s complaints that the threats against him aren’t being taken seriously, the Ohio community facing bomb threats as a result of being dragged into the campaign, the appointment of a new European Commission cabinet, and the corruption scandal embroiling New York City.

The Misfits also discuss reports asking whether Israel is intentionally targeting aid workers, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political crisis, and a norovirus outbreak in Hawaii.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

*Meta is banned in Russia as an extremist organization.

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Canadian author and activist Yves Engler joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss whether and when Israel will launch an invasion of Rafah, whether a ceasefire agreement can be struck before such an invasion, the “Anti-Semitism Awareness Act” that conflates criticism of Israel as hate speech, more saber-rattling by French President Emmanuel Macron on the subject of France's involvement in the war in Ukraine, the decision by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to cancel all diplomatic relations with Israel, and whether the campus encampments in Canada will experience similar police crackdowns as their US counterparts.

Second year graduate student at Columbia's School of Public Health Doe Hee Choi discusses the kind of retaliation student demonstrators fear from university administrators, whether the encampments broken up so far will reconstitute, how students leaving for the summer break may continue their organizing efforts, concerns around surveillance and doxxing of student activists, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams walking back accusations of outside agitation in Columbia encampments.

Economist, radio show host, and author Jack Rasmus discusses the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, whether the US will see rate increases before it sees cuts, why the Fed is trying to cool the economy with one hand and stimulate it with the other, how the commercial real estate crisis might affect the country as a whole, how former President Donald Trump is using campus protests and Gazan refugees on the campaign trail, and how Argentinian President Javier Milei has stabilized his country’s currency.

President of Healthy California Now and longtime nurses union organizer Michael Lighty discusses the testimony given by UnitedHealth’s CEO to Congress regarding a catastrophic cyber attack, why suddenly the size of UnitedHealth is being called into question by the government, price fixing in healthcare, and possible solutions to these issues.

The Misfits also discuss an errant drone strike in Syria, and right-wing Congress members visiting George Washington University’s protest encampment.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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Researcher and independent investigative researcher Christopher Helali joins Misfits hosts Michelle Witte and John Kiriakou to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic platform, why the US and Western media continue to take ceasefire talks over Gaza seriously, whether a ceasefire agreement will actually prevent an Iranian retaliation, how Hezbollah is preparing for war with Israel, and what to make of the Wall Street Journal’s new report on how the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline went down.

Lawyer, writer, former journalist and environmental advocate Steven Donziger discusses the role of profit in the US’ extraordinarily long prison sentences, the thousands of deaths in US prisons due to heat stroke and heat-related illness, how US college campuses are preparing for another season of protests when classes resume in the fall, and admissions from CNN that US sanctions backfire.

Mental health counselor and hypnotherapist Dr. Harriet Fraad discusses the FDA’s rejection of MDMA therapy as a means to treat cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, the mixed results of MDMA therapy, whether regulators have learned from their experience with prozac, the corruption of the psychiatric industry, the failures of drug regulation in the US, and why Americans are so hungry for drugs.

The Misfits also discuss CNN’s “objectivity” getting guffaws on The Late Show, and this week’s News of the Weird, including a record-breaking tongue and Congressmembers in bathing suits.

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

bookmark
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share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does Political Misfits have?

Political Misfits currently has 212 episodes available.

What topics does Political Misfits cover?

The podcast is about News, Washington, Podcasts and Politics.

What is the most popular episode on Political Misfits?

The episode title 'University Encampments Spread, UK Deportation Plans, VW Unionization' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Political Misfits?

The average episode length on Political Misfits is 114 minutes.

How often are episodes of Political Misfits released?

Episodes of Political Misfits are typically released every day.

When was the first episode of Political Misfits?

The first episode of Political Misfits was released on Nov 29, 2023.

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