CounterPunch Radio is hosted and produced by Eric Draitser, you can follow him on Twitter @stopimperialism.

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Anthony DiMaggio & Paul Street

Trump's Tenure and the Next Executioner in Chief

On this special Election 2020 episode, Eric sits down with CounterPunch regulars Anthony DiMaggio and Paul Street to discuss the latest as the US elects its next executioner and much of the country hopes and prays for the Orange Fascist’s exit from power. The conversation touches on everything from the lasting impacts of Trump’s tenure to the possibility of Trump attempting a “soft coup.” The guys discuss conspiracy theory, COVID’s impact on Trump’s chances, the likely pathetic reality of a Biden Administration, and so much more. This was a fun conversation even as the world seemingly burns. But hey, at least there will no be no more daily Trump overdose…but CounterPunch will still be here to mainline every morning.

Thomas Becker – Episode 169

Bolivia's Movement for Socialism (MAS) Return to Power

This time Eric welcomes to the show Bolivia-based researcher Thomas Becker to discuss the recent election which saw the Movement for Socialism (MAS) returned to power after the right wing coup which deposed Evo Morales in 2019. Thomas provides a summary of the events of the last year leading up to last week’s elections, including the racism, violence, and ethnic cleansing carried out by the right wing coup government. From there, Eric and Thomas discuss the election results, the role of indigenous social movements, the failures of the international left, and much more. This important conversation touches on all the critical issues you need to know to understand where Bolivia has been and where it’s going. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

Ian Scott Horst – Episode 168

The History of Revolutionary Ethiopia

This time Eric sits down with Ian Scott Horst, author of the new book “Like Ho Chi Minh! Like Che Guevara! The Revolutionary Left in Ethiopia 1969-1979.” Eric and Ian discuss the history of the Ethiopian student movement and the revolution itself, its connections to other liberation movements, the redirection of the revolution by the military, and the events that followed. The conversation explores everything from Ethiopia’s experience with Italian fascism and corrupt monarchy, to how this seemingly forgotten chapter of revolutionary history connects to events in Africa today, as well as to the experiences of activists the world over.

Anthony DiMaggio – Episode 167

America's Relationship with Conspiracism

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss social media, conspiracy theory in America, and his latest book “Unequal America.” Eric and Anthony explore the role of social media in propagating conspiracy theories, fake news, and eroding social and cultural institutions. They discuss how fake news and conspiracism is nothing new in America while also exploring the nature of Americans’ economic consciousness and self-deception. This conversation goes in-depth on some of the key issues facing us today. Don’t miss it!

Paul Street – Episode 166

How Obama Paved the Way for Trump

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Paul Street, author of the brand new book “Hollow Resistance: Obama, Trump, and the Politics of Appeasement” published by CounterPunch. Eric and Paul discuss the various ways that Obama paved the way for Trump and the fact that Trump could not exist were it not for Obama. Eric and Paul explore Obama’s reactionary effect on liberals and Black voters, his electoral fetishism, his faux resistance to Trump, and much more. From the fascist backlash against him to his attacks on the Left, Eric and Paul dissect everything Obama…and it ain’t pretty.

CounterPunch+ – Episode 165

CP+ and Obama's War in Libya

This week Eric introduces listeners to CounterPunch+, the new subscriber section of CounterPunch, by discussing his exclusive article “The Plot Against Libya” which tells the story of Obama’s mostly forgotten war on Libya, one of the most brazenly criminal acts committed by a US president. Eric explains why it’s important to remember the truth of Libya now, nine years later. Eric also discusses other pieces currently featured on CP+. Don’t miss this week’s show and don’t forget to sign up for CounterPunch+!

Maximillian Alvarez – Episode 164

The Contours of Class War in 2020

This week Eric welcomes to the show essayist, editor, and host of the Working People podcast, Maximillian Alvarez, to discuss the state of the working class in the time of COVID. Eric and Maximillian discuss the contours of the class war, what the pandemic has revealed about the failures of neoliberalism and the true nature of American capitalism, and the action and inaction of organized labor against the backdrop of America’s social movements. Also, Eric and Maximillian ask (and try to answer) the question: What does it mean to be working class in 2020?

Dave Zirin – Episode 163

The Strike Wave in U.S. Professional Sports

This week Eric welcomes back to the show author and journalist Dave Zirin to discuss the strike wave in US professional sports and what it means for the future. Eric and Dave discuss the NBA being in the forefront of the issue, the significance of professional baseball getting involved, and the future of the NFL in this year of COVID and police brutality. The conversation touches on everything from the diametrically opposed roles of Kaepernick and Obama to the political and economic concerns at the heart of the issues. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

Jackie Fielder – Episode 162

CA State Senate Candidate on her Campaign and Activism

This week Eric welcomes to the show California State Senate candidate Jackie Fielder to discuss her campaign, the issues facing San Franciscans, and the overlapping crises facing all workers in the US. Eric and Jackie discuss why she launched the campaign, and how her experiences as an indigenous woman, and especially as a water protector at Standing Rock, helped shape her politics and activism. From there, the conversation touches on labor issues, the housing apocalypse in California, the raging wildfires and pandemic and how they’re impacting workers, what “democratic socialism” really means, and so much more. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

Doug Henwood – Episode 161

Terrifying Economic Numbers and the Specter of Fascism

This week Eric welcomes to the show journalist Doug Henwood to talk about the latest terrifying economic numbers, how COVID is changing the economic life of America’s working class, what we should expect in the near- and medium-term, and so much more. The second half of the show finds Doug and Eric discussing Trump’s attempts to undermine the election, what a constitutional crisis in the US would look like, and whether the US is a failed state. Also, the specter of fascism makes its usual appearance. Hot, spicy takes abound in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it!