The Supremes and the Ballroom. Plus, the Dems and the Senate. The Supremes and the Ballroom. Plus, the Dems and the Senate.
Robert Weissman analyzes the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s White House ballroom, while John Nichols surveys the battle for control of Congress in the midterms.
Sep 10, 2026 / Jon Wiener
The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers. Plus, How to Be a Dissident. The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers. Plus, How to Be a Dissident.
On this episode of Start Making Sense, David Wallace-Wells analyzes the new form of protest in America, and Ami Fields-Meyer explains how dissident leaders and movements arise. Is…
Sep 9, 2026 / Podcast
The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem
David Cole explains the latest court rulings on Trump’s efforts to undermine Democratic voting, and John Powers comments on the new novel “Cool Machine.”
Aug 26, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts
Leah Greenberg and Vanita Gupta join the show to discuss preparations to protect voting, ballot counting, and election certification in the midterms.
Aug 19, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
Election Protection: The ACLU’s $25M Project—Plus, Howard Zinn’s Life and Work Election Protection: The ACLU’s $25M Project—Plus, Howard Zinn’s Life and Work
On this episode of Start Making Sense, Deirdre Schifeling of the ACLU explains their plans to protect voting in November, and Dave Zirin talks about A People’s History of the...
Aug 12, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
How Abdul El-Sayed Can Win Michigan, Plus an Election Protection Test Case How Abdul El-Sayed Can Win Michigan, Plus an Election Protection Test Case
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary provided a test of the power of AIPAC and big money. John Nichols has our analysis.
Aug 5, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
Election Protection for the Midterms, Plus “The Odyssey” for Filmgoers Election Protection for the Midterms, Plus “The Odyssey” for Filmgoers
Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward talks about free and fair elections, and John Powers of Fresh Air discusses the new Christopher Nolan film.
Jul 29, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
The Plan for November—and After The Plan for November—and After
Ben Wikler lays out Democratic strategy, and John Nichols talks about progressive candidates for the Senate.
Jul 22, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
Trump’s Renewed War, More ICE Killings, and Teaching American History Trump’s Renewed War, More ICE Killings, and Teaching American History
On this episode of Start Making Sense, Harold Meyerson analyzes the week’s politics, and Beverly Gage explains Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian.
Jul 15, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
Jamie Raskin on How to Fight Trump—John Nichols on the Dems After Platner Jamie Raskin on How to Fight Trump—John Nichols on the Dems After Platner
Representative Raskin lays out a strategy for the House, and The Nation’s Nichols talks about the Senate races, including Maine.
Jul 8, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener