by Taya Graham and Stephen Janis | Sep 15, 2026 | Democratic Party, Democrats, Inequality, Inequality Watch, midterms, Politics and Movements: US, video
David Sirota explains how consultants profit from massive television-ad purchases, how billionaire-funded super PACs influence the candidates and policies voters are offered, and how the language of “moderation” and “electability” is used to undermine progressive and populist challengers.We examine the consequences of legalized political corruption: Washington’s silence on America’s healthcare crisis, the widening gulf between voters and their representatives, and the 50-year campaign to transform elections into auctions while concentrating power in the presidency.David Sirota is the founder of the investigative news organization The Lever, a former speechwriter for Bernie Sanders, an Oscar-nominated co-creator of the story for the movie Don’t Look Up, and the producer of the podcast series Master Plan.
Additional links/info:
David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher’s co-authored book, Master Plan: The Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption in America
The Lever’s website, Instagram, and podcast series, Master plan
Credits:
Production: Stephen Janis, Taya Graham
Written by: Stephen Janis
Studio Production: Cameron Granadino
Post-Production: Stephen Janis, David Hebden
Transcript
The following is a rushed transcript and may contain errors. It will be updated as soon as possible.
Taya Graham:
Hello, my name is Taya Graham and welcome to the Inequality Watch Report, a show that examines government policy and action through the lens of extreme economic inequality, the existential issue of our time. Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that defines who holds power in America and how they keep it despite growing voter dissatisfaction amid a historic wealth imbalance. It’s a story of money, access, and self-enrichment that is at the root of the bad policies and broken institutions we all struggle with daily. And it’s an issue that transcends the nominal state of play in this country
by Brett Wilkins | Sep 15, 2026 | Article, Democratic Party, Democrats, Israel, midterms, Palestine, Politics and Movements: US, Reprint
This story originally appeared in Common Dreams on Aug. 26, 2026. It is shared here under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) license.
A growing number of establishment Democrats are facing backlash from progressives for their escalating attacks on leftist streamer Hasan Piker, with critics accusing the party’s corporatist wing of obsessing over an online influencer while ignoring the economic and foreign policy grievances driving millions of voters away on the eve of the critical midterm elections.
The latest controversy erupted after Piker argued during an online broadcast that Jewish Americans’ public support for Israel could contribute to antisemitism. Piker’s comments drew swift condemnation from prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY), who, without naming Piker, called them “dangerous and antisemitic.”
Other Democrats piled on, prompting rebuke from progressives, who accused the centrists of caring more about an online personality than winning back control of Congress in November.
Former progressive Michigan congressional candidate Kyle Blomquist called it an “absolute mass psychosis event.”
Wild to see establishment Dems fighting a Twitch streamer harder than they’re fighting Trump. Putting out statements attacking @hasanthehun while meeting with Jared Kushner. It’s so obviously playing into the right’s midterm strategy of distracting people from rising costs. pic.twitter.com/vhxHN9pTpB— Aaron Regunberg (@AaronRegunberg) August 25, 2026
“Too many demotivated Democrats stayed home in 2016 and 2024. We can’t repeat past mistakes,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said on social media.
Khanna implored Democrats to stop calling Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)—who is Jewish—an antisemite and “stop wasting time attacking Hasan Piker instead of [President Donald] Trump’s robber-baron corruption.”
“Don’t put Israel hawks out of touch with our voters in charge of our Middle East policy,” he added. “It is time for a reckoning: Are we a party that represents corporate interests and super PACs, or will we
by Michael Fox | Sep 15, 2026 | brazil, Latin America, Politics and Movements: International, Politics and Movements: US, Trump, video
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched his campaign for a fourth and final term before thousands of supporters in São Bernardo do Campo, promising to keep fighting poverty and investing in Brazil’s future. His challenger: Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, running in place of his father, former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest after being convicted of attempting a coup. US President Donald Trump has backed the Bolsonaros with tariffs, visa revocations, and open pressure — what experts call a new era of US dominance over Latin America.
Michael Fox reports from São Paulo, with voices from Lula’s campaign launch, evangelical Bolsonaro supporters on the streets of São Paulo, and foreign relations professor Igor Fuser.
Credits:
Filmed and edited by Michael Fox
Transcript
The campaigns are underway ahead of Brazil’s October elections
And U.S. President Donald Trump is doing his best to sway the vote…
“Lula, Lula!”
Thousands of supporters of leftist president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended his campaign launch in mid August.
Karen Silva
“We came to support Lula, especially in his last election. And we believe that we are going to win. This is a fact.”
They filled May 1st Stadium in Sao Bernardo do Campo….
A place, where Lula led an iconic metal workers strike and rally in 1979.
They say Lula has changed their lives.
Raimunda Silva Santos
“Yeah, he changed my life. He changed the life of my whole family.”
During his years in office, he promoted education, health and social programs. He helped to lift millions from poverty. They have not forgotten.
Raimunda Silva Santos
“Wow, this is the greatest joy of my life. I’m 76 years old. I’m so happy. Lula is coming to stay. He’s an incredible person. He’s helped
by Brad Reed | Sep 15, 2026 | AI, Article, Climate, Climate Crisis, Economy, Economy and Inequality, Politics and Movements: US, Reprint, Trump
by Ray levy uyeda | Sep 15, 2026 | Article, Climate Change, Climate Crisis, Maryland, Politics and Movements: US, Reprint
by Michael Fox | Sep 15, 2026 | brazil, free speech, Podcast, Politics and Movements: International, Politics and Movements: US, Uncategorized, Under the Shadow, Under the Shadow Season 2
