Episode Details

Synopsis-  A Call to Action: Veterans, Citizens, and Leaders Unite: Hear from veterans like Terrance Deuel, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and UAW President Shawn Fain on why they're fighting for democracy and what you can do to get involved in your local community.

Description: Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. Along the tour, Flanders spoke with veterans, retirees and many concerned citizens. She also caught speeches from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and sat in on a town hall meeting with Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus. Will 2025 turn out to be the year that Americans remake democracy?

“I did 28 years in the army. I maintained an apolitical front at all times . . . I think we're sliding into tyranny, and I took an oath to support and defend the constitution and I'm going to do that whether in or out of uniform.” - Terrance Deuel

“We are at a point where the wealthiest people in the world, like Elon Musk and all the Republicans enabling him, are turning to loot what is left of Medicaid, Medicare, and social security to bankroll even deeper tax cuts and sweetheart contracts for themselves, their fellow billionaires and their corporations. And our political system right now is ill prepared for this abuse of power.” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“I think the message of the moment is to understand that the vast majority of the American people do not think that we give tax breaks to the rich and cut social security or veterans programs. They don't. And our job is to work as hard as we can. Part of what this tour is about is to get them involved in their own local communities.” - Bernie Sanders

Guests:

• Jacqueline Davania-Williamson: Resident, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Terrence Deuel: Veteran, U.S. Army

• Thomas Dyer & Pam West: Retirees

• Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Health Director, Wayne County, Michigan

• Shawn Fain: President, United Auto Workers (UAW)

• Danielle & Jordan Lovik: Residents, Salt Lake City, Utah 

• Sandra & Raymond Martinez: Applicant & Social Security Recipient

• Donavan McKinney: U.S. Representative (MI-11)

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: U.S. Representative (NY-14)

• Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour

• Dina Titus: U.S. Representative (NV-1)

Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country 

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Music Credit:  “Live For You" by Thee Sacred Souls from their album Got a Story to Tell courtesy of Daptone Records..  "Steppin", "All The Ways" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.

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