Background Briefing (5am)

Background Briefing with Ian Masters – November 21, 2023

The Death of a First Lady Who Made a Difference

We begin with the death of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who was married to Jimmy Carter for 77 years, and who will be remembered for the personal and political bravery she displayed in her pioneering efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Joining us is James Fallows, an award-winning author and national correspondent for The Atlantic. He previously worked as President Carter’s chief speechwriter and was editor of US News & World Report. He has written a number of books on media and politics; his latest books are, China Airborne: The Test of China’s Future and, co-authored with his wife Deborah Fallows, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey Into the Heart of America, which was made into an HBO movie. He blogs at “Breaking the News” at fallows.substack.com, where his latest article is “Rosalynn Carter Made a Difference.”

A Chainsaw-Wielding Madman Just Got Elected President of Argentina

Then, with far-wing populist Javier Milei, who has vowed to “exterminate” inflation and hack into the state with a chainsaw, winning the presidency of Argentina decisively, we will speak with Leopoldo Rodriguez, a Professor of International & Global Studies and Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University. An expert on Argentina, his research focuses on international financial crises, neoliberal reforms and democracy, and sustainable development.

Musk’s Open Anti-Semitism is Being Spread to His 170 Million Followers

Then finally, with Elon Musk praising the election of the chainsaw-wielding madman who just got elected president of Argentina, we look into Musk’s open anti-semitism, which is being spread to his 170 million followers on his private platform X, formally Twitter. Joining us to discuss this one man hate machine who happens to be the richest man in the world is Wendy Via, the President and Co-Founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism; her work there focuses on the effects of extremism on our society, systemic racism, economic inequality, immigration, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ+ rights. Previously she was the Chief Communications and Development Officer at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

 

Playlist

Artist Song Album Label
Sound ProvidersIt's Gonna BeeAn Evening With The Sound Providers
Johnnie TaylorI Could Never Be PresidentThe Very Best Of Johnnie TaylorUniversal Music Ireland Ltd.
MolotovGimme Tha PowerMolomixUMG - National Own (UC)
Nando Carneiro,Egberto GismontiG.R.E.S. Luxo ArtezanalViolãoUMG - Deutsche Grammophon ECM
Billy Bragg,WilcoAll You FascistsAll You FascistsWMG - Nonesuch
Los LobosOne Time One NightJust Another Band From East L.A.: A CollectionRhino/Warner Bros.