Shows
The Alliance Party After DarkA Look Forward with Futurist David HouleDavid Houle, futurist, author and keynote speaker, drops by again to discuss the most disruptive decade in our lifetimes; the 2020s. This decade will see a transformational shift in technology, the environment, politics, and just about everything that impacts our lives. David is currently writing a series of books that speaks directly to the events in this decade, including:
The phenomena of cognitive dissonance
The need to unlearn, learn and relearn
The acceleration, collapse and rebound of society
Finding opportunities and success in a world where the only thing that doesn't change is change itself.
Spend a fa...2021-10-111h 02The Alliance Party After DarkLee DrutmanWe're on a bit of a break here at the Alliance Party After Dark, so we thought it would be interesting to revisit a podcast originally released on March 22 of 2020, where we talked with Lee Drutman, political scientist and author of the book "Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America." Though the podcast is well over a year old, the topic of the Duopoly and how it's tearing apart America, is as relevant as ever.
Note that Lee Drutman recently published an article in the New York Times, which includes a real-time...2021-09-1341 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Conversation with Theodore Theopolis, Ohio State ChairIn our first on-the-spot interview, Theodore Theopolis, the Alliance Party's Ohio State Chair, drops by to talk about politics in Ohio. Theodore describes the current redistricting efforts in Ohio, which consists of a fairly convoluted set of rules that are designed to make the drawing of political district lines "less unfair." We then move on to the biggest scandal currently unfolding in Ohio, which has, so far, resulted in arrests, indictments and ongoing FBI investigations of several politicians in a political "pay-for-play" scheme, where $60 million in campaign funds were used to influence the creation of a bill that would...2021-09-0633 minThe Alliance Party After DarkClimate Change Discussion with Chelsea TobinChelsea Tobin, Staff Director for the Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) drops by to discuss climate change and other environmental issues, with an emphasis on the Great State of Texas.
What does climate change really mean? How is it going to affect our lives? And most importantly, what can we - each of us - do about it?
Chelsea worked in environmental offices across the nation, including New Jersey, Pittsburgh, New York and Denver. In September 2020, she took over the role of Staff Director in the Austin, Texas TCE office.
TCE’s mission is to eng...2021-08-3043 minThe Alliance Party After DarkJim Rex on Education and the Afghan WarOn our 100th episode, we talk with Jim Rex, the Alliance Party’s National Chair Emeritus. Jim was our first guest on episode 1 back in early October 2019, and so much has happened since that time that it’s difficult to catch up. So we focus on just a couple topics during this podcast: education and the end of the War in Afghanistan.
2021-08-231h 00The Alliance Party After DarkWomen in the MilitaryPatricia Olivares drops by to talk about the unique issues and challenges that women in the military face every day. A veteran of the USMC, Patricia is a progressive political operative working on behalf of veterans - particularly women veterans - as well as the residents of Harris County, Texas.
During this podcast, we discuss the incredible pressure on women in the military to perform above and beyond expectations in order to overcome sexist attitudes; pressure that nearly killed Patricia. There is also the issue of MST - Military Sexual Trauma - which women deal with every...2021-08-1641 minThe Alliance Party After DarkAnd More Current Events with Greg And DanJoin Greg and Dan as they get together again this week to discuss current events. This time around, we focus on the privatization of education, the recent Republican shift toward pro-vaccination and global warming. We keep it light, informative and fun!
Join us for these topics and more, regarding the state of politics on August 8, 2021.
2021-08-0944 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMore Current Events with Greg and DanJoin Greg and Dan as they discuss current events. We initially focus on the January 6 Commission, but then we move on to other topics, like Covid and the Olympics. Why is there so much misinformation about Covid, and how can we embrace the vaccine as both a cure and something to be avoided at the same time? Regarding the Olympics, should our athletes be required to act as patriots even though they may not feel it in their hearts?
Join us for these topics and more, regarding the state of politics on August 1, 2021.
2021-08-0257 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPure JusticeMeet RoShawn Evans, co-founder of an organization known as Pure Justice. Mr. Evans helped spark the idea of creating Pure Justice based on his own experience, after being falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison.
RoShawn wrote two books about his experience: Stolen Identity and The Domino Effect. The book Stolen Identity explores how African American males who become victims of the school-to-prison pipeline even when they have not committed a crime, are faced with a continued stigma that leads to recidivism for rightfully and wrongfully convicted felons. The book also explores how such a...2021-07-2654 minThe Alliance Party After DarkCurrent Events with Greg and DanGreg and Dan discuss recent events in politics and how it relates to the Alliance Party. Covid, senate filibusters, packing the Supreme Court - everything is on the table. We even devote a few minutes to discussing the Walking Dead, Stephen King and a couple corny jokes thrown in for good measure. Join us for an interesting and thought-provoking discussion about the state of politics as of July 18, 2021.
2021-07-1943 minThe Alliance Party After DarkEnergy Policy - ReloadedThis is a re-broadcast of an episode from last November where we discussed energy and environmental policy. Keep in mind that this episode was recorded before the new Biden Administration took office, so we expressed concerns over whether the new administration would be influenced more by the Green New Deal or by the forces of "Business As Usual." Now that it's July 2021, how's it working out so far? Let's go back in the time machine and review where we were!
2021-07-1250 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMeet Our LGBTQ Caucus Chair, Ethan Michelle GanzEthan Michelle Ganz, the Alliance Party’s LGBTQ Caucus Chair, discusses her vision for the role that the LGBTQ community will play within the Alliance Party. She also discusses the history of the community and its struggles for political and cultural recognition. Our Declaration of Independence promises equality for all, yet the struggle to realize this promise continues today. As a caucus chair for the Alliance Party, Ethan Michelle promises to carry on the spirit of this struggle with full support from the Alliance Party.
2021-07-0553 minThe Alliance Party After DarkFacism in America"January 6 will be recognized as one of the most important dates in our history, because it lifted the veil of virtue from what was otherwise being presented as a pure form of patriotism into what it truly is, which is the American model of fascism."
With that opening sentence, our National Chair, Jonathan Etheridge, goes on to talk about what fascism means, what it's doing to our political system, what we Americans can do about it, and how the Alliance Party positions itself to fight the disturbing trend toward fascism. The bottom line is that it's not...2021-06-2855 minThe Alliance Party After DarkAyana Crawford - Black Caucus ChairAyana Crawford returns to the Alliance Party After Dark to talk about her new position as the Black Caucus Chair for the Alliance Party. She discusses her plans for the Black Caucus and why it’s important for people to join this effort to help shape the future of the Alliance Party and ensure it addresses the needs of the Black community. We also talk about the new Juneteenth federal holiday and its significance on American culture.
2021-06-2129 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPatriotic MillionairesThe podcast staff is on break this week. Summer is finally here, and with Covid restrictions easing, everyone vacated their post. So we're rebroadcasting an episode that we aired back on July 5 of last year, when we talked with the chair of an organization known as the Patriotic Millionaires, Morris Pearl.
Morris believes in a nation where every person has as much political power as millionaires; where every American who works full time can afford their basic needs; where millionaires and large corporations - who have benefited most from our country’s assets - pay a larger sh...2021-06-1441 minThe Alliance Party After DarkGeneral Topics and IssuesThis week we talk with Tim Cotton, the Alliance Party’s Political Director. We discuss a wide range of current-day topics and issues, including the continuing consequences and fallout from the January 6 insurrection, voter suppression, the “For the People Act,” fascism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the national debt.
2021-06-071h 07The Alliance Party After DarkThoughts About Memorial DaySome thoughts to keep in mind as we celebrate Memorial Day, 2021
2021-05-3113 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Political Rap Session with Jim RexThis week Jim Rex, the Alliance Party’s National Chair Emeritus, drops by to talk about the significant political issues of the day. Topics include the recent trends in the extreme conservative movement in this country, the importance of integrity in our political leaders, the role of education and science, disturbing trends in journalism, climate change and our collective response to the Covid virus. We cover it all - and more - in this hour-long podcast!
2021-05-241h 04The Alliance Party After DarkCritical Race TheoryTim Cotton, the Alliance Party's Political Director, stops by to talk about Critical Race Theory. What is it? Why is it important? And why is there so much controversy over it?
There are many factors that contribute to the criticisms of Critical Race Theory. Critical Race Theory started out as an academic study of how issues with racism affect our laws, but it has been distorted into the idea that it somehow teaches Americans to hate America.
Tim Cotton offers his decades of wisdom and insight to helping us understand Critical Race Theory and how...2021-05-1752 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPurity at the Ballot Box?Voter suppression bills are being proposed and passed at state legislatures across the nation. Many of these bills may be racially motivated, as their language uses phrases that resonate with the Jim Crow era. One such term, "Purity at the ballot box," was codified into a state house bill in Texas.
Listen in as two state representatives debate this matter on the Texas State House Floor.
2021-05-1028 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Politics of LGBTQ with Ethan Michelle GanzEthan Michelle Ganz joins us for a discussion about political issues affecting our LGBTQ community. Ethan Michelle was the Alliance Party candidate for the Houston, Texas City Council back in 2019. She advocates for diversity in our society, especially in light of pressure from both political and business interests.
Ethan Michelle is a nationally certified journeyman pipe-fitter, an intermediate rigger, a certified personal trainer, a sports nutrition specialist, and a water safety instructor. She has an AA from Houston Community College in the Humanities, with a concentration in Global Studies, and she is all set to graduate from t...2021-05-031h 08The Alliance Party After DarkJonathan Etheridge Discusses Gun ViolenceGun violence has been in the news far too much this year, and the debate over what to do about it has tragically descended into partisan shouting matches. The Alliance Party does take a position on gun violence, but without all the shouting. Our approach is based on careful analysis of the data combined with a whole-of-society approach to solving this deadly issue.
Listen in as Jonathan Etheridge, the Alliance Party's National Chair, walks through our proposed solutions and explains the details in a way that is both easy to understand and practical in its implementation.
2021-04-2637 minThe Alliance Party After DarkShort Term Gain, Long Term PainCommentary: This week we feature a commentary on the price we all pay for short-term political thinking.
2021-04-1918 minThe Alliance Party After DarkNew Branding and MessagingThe Alliance Party is rolling out new branding and messaging. We have a new tag line, a new pitch, and a vision that focuses on the future. And new colors! The Alliance Party’s National Chair, Jonathan Etheridge, and the Political Director, Tim Cotton, come together on this podcast to discuss background and motivation behind the new efforts for branding and messaging.
2021-04-1254 minThe Alliance Party After DarkLooking ForwardIn this Easter episode, we review a podcast from earlier this year, where Jim Rex, our prior National Chair, reviews 2020, but more importantly, talks about what's ahead in 2021.
2021-04-0545 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Alliance Party Manifesto - RevisitedThis is a rebroadcast of a highly rated episode from June 7, 2020, where we talked with Jim Rex and Jonathan Etheridge about the Alliance Party's Manifesto. Though the positions of Jonathan and Jim have since changed, the Manifesto remains as strong and relevant as ever. Listen in as these two party leaders discuss the Manifesto and their vision of "America 2.0."
2021-03-291h 02The Alliance Party After DarkRoundtable Discussion with Mark CardenasMark Cardenas, the Alliance Party’s Florida State Chair, joins Greg and Dan to discuss politics in Florida. Why does Florida get such a bad rap for being at the epicenter of political dysfunction in this nation? The answer is that there is a complex combination of factors, including a highly diverse set of voting blocks, each with their own priorities.
Reaching these diverse voting blocks has been a challenge for both parties, though for the time being, the Republicans have done a much better job of it. They have tuned into the chief concerns of the vo...2021-03-2238 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPost Election Discussion - RebroadcastIt wasn't that long ago in terms of linear time, but so much has happened since the election in 2020. Listen in on this rebroadcast of a fairly popular episode of the Alliance Party After Dark as Michael Burger and Tim Cotton discuss the results of the 2020 election in terms of its effect on the nation as well as how the Alliance Party performed overall.
2021-03-151h 09The Alliance Party After DarkGareth Fenley on Georgia PoliticsGareth Fenley, who works as a Coordinator for the Economic Justice Coalition and the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, drops by to talk about voter engagement in the state of Georgia. Recall that Georgia became the center of attention during the past election cycle. The state turned from red to blue, as they elected a Democrat for the White House and shifted the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Much of this shift in political direction is the result of record turnout among minority groups in the state. These groups persevered through an environment...2021-03-0832 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMedicine and Politics in the Age of COVIDThis week we talk with the Wisconsin State Chair and retired medical doctor Michael White to get an update on COVID vaccination progress. Science and politics provide an interesting and often frustrating mix as we move toward eradicating the virus across the country and the world. Dr. White dives deep into some of the science behind the effort to defeat COVID while also paying attention to the human, economic and political cost this effort requires.
2021-03-011h 07The Alliance Party After DarkRhonda Neal on Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling for Women and MinoritiesIn celebration of Black History month and Dr. Martin Luther King, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Rhonda Neal, Executive Director of the Saint Joseph Parenting Center, talks about the challenges that minorities and women face when trying to make it in a white male-dominated corporate America. Through hard work, determination and a great sense of self confidence bestowed upon her by her parents, she has broken through the proverbial glass ceiling. In this podcast, she provides inspiration and advice for young women of color who are entering the workforce. She also shares her formula...2021-02-221h 00The Alliance Party After DarkJonathan Etheridge Discusses "Intentionality"Jonathan Etheridge, the Alliance Party's National Vice Chair, drops by to discuss the Party's plans for 2021 and the theme of "Intentionality." We begin by looking back at the gains made in 2020 despite the challenges, and quickly move on to the plan for the new year.
What can the Alliance Party offer people who are on a political soul-searching journey? And what is the Alliance Party doing today to put the word out and get people to have a look? What opportunities do we see, and how can we take advantage of them in 2021? Listen in as we d...2021-02-1550 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMeet Ayana Crawford - the Party’s National Recording SecretaryAyana Crawford, the Alliance Party’s National Recording Secretary, drops by to talk about minority participation in politics as well as within the Alliance Party. There have been many barriers to minority participation in our political system, but that needs to change. But how do we change the system? Listen in as Ayana talks about the issue, describes the problems, speaks to the motivations of minorities and provides actionable ideas.
Ayana is the founder and CEO of Reviving Solutions, LLC, focusing on political consulting, strategic planning, event coordination and organizational development. She has been in several leadership po...2021-02-0853 minThe Alliance Party After DarkDr. Oscar Lovelace on HealthcareDr. Oscar Lovelace, a rural physician from Prosperity, South Carolina, talks about the challenges of providing good healthcare in a rural environment, the state of healthcare in America, and the idea of medicare of all. Though we originally released this recording on February 9, 2020, the healthcare issues discussed in this interview are perhaps even more relevant today.
Dr. Lovelace was named the “National 2015 Family Physician of the Year” in recognition of his outstanding work over many years of dedication to the practice of medicine. In 2003, he was appointed by then Governor Mark Sanford to serve as state-wide co-chairman of t...2021-02-011h 01The Alliance Party After DarkMeet Dr. Michael White, Wisconsin State ChairDr. Michael White, the Alliance Party’s State Chair for Wisconsin, drops by to talk about a range of issues from Covid to healthcare to the recent insurrection to the Alliance Party’s role in helping to rescue our nation from the ill effects of a highly polarized political environment.
Dr. White, a retired doctor of dermatology, served in both the Navy and the Air Force, and has lived all over the United States as well as two foreign nations. As a member of the Green Party, he ran for governor in the state of Wisconsin in 2016. He w...2021-01-251h 04The Alliance Party After DarkStorming of the Capitol - FalloutVirginia State Chair Kent Garshwiler joins the group to talk about the fallout of the invasion or our Capitol building on January 6. We touch on topics such as the fracturing of the Republican Party, what drove our nation to this point and what it means to be a patriot. We also touch on foreign policy.
2021-01-181h 03The Alliance Party After DarkInsurrection Day?Join Greg and Dan as they discuss the events over the past week, which includes "Insurrection Day," January 6, 2021. Will this day really live on in infamy? What got us to this point? Where are we going as a nation? And could this be just the beginning? These topics and more will be covered.
2021-01-111h 11The Alliance Party After DarkJim Rex Looks Back on 2020 and Ahead to 2021Jim Rex drops by to talk about 2020 and the Alliance Party’s accomplishments during a year in which our nation was challenged on multiple fronts. As National Chair until January 1 of this year, Jim has unique insight into the Party, and he shares his thoughts during this podcast. He also looks ahead to 2021, where Darcy Richardson will lead the Party as we build up state level affiliates, recruit new candidates with a fresh approach to politics, and prepare for the next election year. By no means is it time to relax; we must keep the momentum going in 2021, as th...2021-01-0442 minThe Alliance Party After DarkBook RecommendationsThis week we focus on book recommendations for listeners interested in learning more about our current democracy, warts and all! The books are:
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins
The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy, by Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter
Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right, by Anne Nelson
Let them Eat Tweets: How the Right Rules in an Age of Extreme Inequality, by Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson
2020-12-2817 minThe Alliance Party After DarkLooking Ahead, with Tim CottonThe Alliance Party’s National Political Director Tim Cotton drops by to talk about the Alliance Party’s plans and objectives for 2021. There’s a lot to accomplish in the new year. In general, there will be an emphasis on building the party from the bottom up. This begins at the local level, where getting the word out and getting people to talk about kitchen table issues will be emphasized. Of course, there will be a push for ballot access in as many states as possible. 2021 is also a convention year for the Alliance Party; we would like to host a...2020-12-2137 minThe Alliance Party After DarkEmily Conrad, Author of The FaithlessEmily Conrad, author of the book The Faithless? - The Untold Story of the Electoral College, talks about the electoral college and its “Faithless Electors.”
What is a faithless elector? Let’s start by examining your vote for POTUS. You may think you voted for a president in this past election, but no, your vote ultimately amounted to nothing more than strong advice. The real voting takes place after the general election, when 538 mostly unknown persons meet at state capitols in every state across the nation. These 538 people - known as electors - are the ones who actual...2020-12-1441 minThe Alliance Party After DarkRalph NaderThis is a rebroadcast of an interview with Ralph Nader from January 26, 2020. In this podcast, Ralph drops by and talks about the many contributions that political third parties have made throughout our nation’s history. He also discusses at length the difficulties third parties encounter when trying to break through the barriers that the duopoly has erected to protect their turf. Mr. Nader - an attorney, activist, politician and author of several books and countless articles - ran for US President several times, and now he freely shares his experiences and wisdom with the Alliance Party. He hosts a we...2020-12-0720 minThe Alliance Party After DarkEnergy PolicyThe team at the Alliance Party After Dark discusses energy and environmental policy. With a new presidential administration about to come online in January, there's concern over whether they will be influenced more by the Green New Deal or by the forces of "Business As Usual." The Green New Deal may appear fairly idealistic and festooned with a lot of unrelated progressive ideas, yet it does serve as a canvas upon which to begin constructing a new path forward into an energy efficient and fair economy. But will it actually make a positive difference in our lives? It's hard...2020-11-3050 minThe Alliance Party After DarkElection ReviewThis week we briefly review how well the Alliance Party performed in the recent election. The Alliance Party had a presidential candidate this year as well as a number of “down-ballot” elections in South Carolina, Minnesota and the state of Washington. We go over the numbers in this podcast.
We also talk briefly about Senator Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, a legendary Wisconsin senator from 1906 to 1925. Specifically, we review one of his speeches about the excesses of business and its interference in government, which - sad to say - is still relevant 100 years later.
2020-11-2322 minThe Alliance Party After DarkIndependence Party of New York’s State Chair Frank MacKayFrank MacKay, Chairman of the Independence Party of New York talks about the Independence Party and its history and influence in New York State politics, as well as politics for the entire nation.
Frank has a very active career in public relations, entertainment and politics spanning four decades and encompassing a diversity of disciplines. Back in 1985, at the age of 18, he published his first music production called “Network”, which quickly became a hit among music business insiders, musicians and their fans. Over the next decade, Frank built a significant following in the music industry as a band and...2020-11-1655 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPost Election DiscussionThis evening we talk with Michael Burger, National Vice Chair of the Alliance Party, and Tim Cotton, the National Political Director. We discuss several topics related to the 2020 election. For example, how did the Alliance Party perform in this election, at all levels of the ballot? And where did we end up as a nation? Are both the Democrats and Republicans out of touch with the real America? And is America ready for a third party insurgence? These topics and more are brought into a very interesting conversation with some of the top experts within the Alliance Party organization.2020-11-091h 07The Alliance Party After DarkAlliance Party State Chairs Discuss the Upcoming ElectionJoin Alliance Party state chairs for Minnesota, Florida and Missouri as they discuss topics related to the upcoming national election. Topics include campaign messages, state ballot issues, proposed changes in voting methods, the Supreme Court and thoughts on where our country is headed.
2020-11-021h 06The Alliance Party After DarkA Pre-Election Update on the Alliance PartyThis evening, we hear from the Alliance Party National Chair, Jim Rex, and the Alliance Party Vice Chair, Michelle Griffith. As we close in on the all-important election of 2020, it’s important that we get an update from the top of the party and a look ahead, beyond the election, toward what we hope is a bright future for all of America.
2020-10-2650 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Voting Rights Town Hall from the ACLUThis week we re-broadcast a “Voting Rights Town Hall,” which was presented by the ACLU on October 14, 2020. This town hall features the Executive Director of the ACLU, Anthony D. Romero, and his discussion with former Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. The topic of the discussion is “Voting in a pandemic, what’s at stake for civil liberties, and concrete actions you can take to stay involved through Election Day.”
During the one-hour town hall, former Attorney General Holder and Director Romero discuss the history of disenfranchisement, particularly for Black voters, the ACLU's efforts to expand access to voting...2020-10-191h 03The Alliance Party After DarkBetsy Wright Hawkings and Erica HoffmanThis week we talk with two people - Betsy Wright Hawkings - who has been chief of staff for numerous members of Congress, and Erica Hoffman - a Missouri state legislative candidate running on the Democratic ticket against a Republican incumbent.
Betsy has been chief of staff for four members of Congress, giving her deep insight to the inner workings of our federal government. The years she spent on "The Hill" has given her deep insight into the inner workings of congress. She knows how things work, and how they don't work. She spends time with us...2020-10-121h 31The Alliance Party After DarkThe Sister District ProjectRita Bosworth stops by to talk about the Sister District Project. Sister District is dedicated to changing the composition of state legislatures and making them more representative of their constituents. More specifically, Sister District seeks to turn states blue by helping Democrats win state legislative elections. Their approach is to pair up - or “sister” - volunteers from deep blue districts with carefully targeted races in swing districts. Ultimately, they seek to advance progressive policy and eliminate partisan gerrymandering. Their volunteers canvass, phonebank, write postcards, text-bank, and fundraise for candidates.
Since launching in the wake of the 2016 elec...2020-10-0543 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPolitical Science Professor Dr. Jennifer McCoyHow did our current political system become so polarized? What forces pushed us collectively into a situation where we argue - sometimes violently - in the streets? Where will our pursuit of polarization take us as a nation? And what can we do to rescue ourselves from the destructive forces of polarization that threaten our very democracy?
Dr. Jennifer McCoy, a political science professor at Georgia State University, offers some perspective and insight into this situation. As a specialist on democratization and polarization, Dr. McCoy provides unique insight gained over years of studying other democratic societies and...2020-09-2844 minThe Alliance Party After DarkCommunity Activist and Candidate Jen PerelmanJen Perelman, who recently ran in the Democratic Primary for the US House of Representatives representing Florida’s 23rd Congressional district, stops in to talk about her campaign and her community work. Though Jen ran against a popular incumbent, she managed to secure nearly 28% of the vote, coming in with 20,721 votes in her favor. The incumbent was Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who is one of the more popular and powerful members of the Democratic caucus within the House.
Jen spends a lot of time working for her community in the Miami area. She has worked with the Juvenile Ju...2020-09-2152 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Wrap-up of Our First 50 EpisodesThis is a special episode; it celebrates the Alliance Party After Dark's first 50 podcasts! We get somewhat personal in this podcast when discussing our motivations for keeping this weekly show alive for the past year. We also review some of the highlights of the past 50 episodes.
2020-09-1427 minThe Alliance Party After DarkOpen the Debates!Eli Beckerman, founder of an organization known as “Open the Debates,” drops by to describe this organization and its attempts to establish fair and open presidential debates. Eli describes how the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is NOT a government-run fair organization. Quite the contrary, it is a privately run group that operates with extreme bias against anyone who is not a part of the political duopoly. Open the Debates is a grassroots, cross-partisan group that advocates for wrestling the debate stage away from the CPD and opening it up to all candidates running presidential campaigns across the nation. Only...2020-09-071h 14The Alliance Party After DarkFairvote Presents “The Future of American Elections”This is a rebroadcast of a webinar that FairVote presented on Friday, August 28, 2020 entitled, "The Future of American Elections: Making Every Vote Count." This was a panel discussion headed by David Daley, FairVote's senior communications fellow and author. Guest panelists include Neal Simon, Rebecca Chavez-Houck and Joshua A. Douglas.
Neal Simon is a retired business executive and former independent candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland. He is the author of Contract to Unite America: Ten Reforms to Reclaim Our Republic, which recounts stories from campaigns around the country including his own, and provides specific...2020-08-311h 00The Alliance Party After DarkThe Politics IndustryKatherine Gehl, co-author of the book entitled, The Politics Industry, How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy, drops in to talk about the ideas that she and co-author Michael Porter present in the book.
Believe it or not, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party are multi-billion dollar private industries within a public institution. Together, they’ve consolidated virtually absolute control over all political offices throughout our country. They’ve created an unassailable duopoly that efficiently quashes any third-party competition with extreme prejudice. And what do we citizens get from this duopoly? We get...2020-08-2431 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Center for Competitive DemocracyOliver Hall, Founder, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Center for Competitive Democracy (CCD), describes its mission, objectives and successes on the road to helping make a more perfect union. As stated on its website, "The Center for Competitive Democracy was founded in 2005 to strengthen American democracy by increasing electoral competition. CCD works to identify and eliminate barriers to political participation and to secure free, open and competitive elections by fostering active civic engagement in the political process." Oliver founded the Center for Competitive Democracy in 2005, and has been actively involved ever since. Tune in for an informative h...2020-08-1757 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Sunrise Movement with Grace TedderThe Sunrise Movement consists largely of younger people whose goal is to stop climate change while creating millions of good jobs in the process. In their words, they are building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people. They advocate heavily for the Green New Deal. Grace Tedder, a local coordinator (“Hub Coordinator”) for the local St. Louis chapter of this nation-wide organization, stops by to talk about the...2020-08-1033 minThe Alliance Party After DarkJeffrey Alan Jean, candidate for the New York State AssemblyJeffrey Alan Jean drops by to talk about his candidacy for the New York State Assembly, District 44. Mr. Jean is a well-educated and highly qualified candidate that cares deeply about his New York City community. After graduating college with multiple degrees, he worked on Wall Street for several years within the securities division of several large Wall Street firms. But after a time, he changed his life and dedicated his efforts to directly helping the community through his training as a behavior analyst. He now works with autistic and underprivileged children, and he struggles to find ways to educate...2020-08-0349 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMeet Vice Presidential Candidate Darcy RichardsonDarcy Richardson, the Alliance Party candidate for Vice President, shares his thoughts and ideas on what needs to be done to set our country back on course. He provides a lot of insight into the problems we have and a well thought-out set of ideas that he, as Vice President and Roque “Rocky” De La Fuenta as President, will implement.
2020-07-2751 minThe Alliance Party After DarkCynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director and Founder of RepresentWomenThis evening we talk with Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director and Founder of RepresentWomen, an organization dedicated to strengthening our democracy by advancing reforms that break down barriers to ensure more women run for political office, win their elections, serve at the public’s interest, and become effective leaders. RepresentWomen believes that bringing more women into elected and appointed positions at every level of government will make our democracy more representative of their constituents, reviving bi-partisanship and collaboration, improving the deliberative process, encouraging a new style of leadership, and building greater trust in our elected officials.
2020-07-2050 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Conversation with State Representative Deb LavenderOur representative democracy fundamentally depends on participation from all citizens. Gerrymandering, along with our primary system of voting, threatens the very core of true representation. Further, our current campaign finance laws allow dark money to enter the fray, distorting our ability to make clear choices when voting on politicians and issues. In this podcast episode, we talk with Missouri state representative Deb Lavender and discuss how our current system disenfranchises people and reduces our true sense of democracy. To mitigate these depressing trends, we discuss new developments, such as ranked choice voting, multi-winner districts and “top two” primary elections. Thes...2020-07-1342 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMeet the Patriotic MillionairesMorris Pearl, chair of the Patriotic Millionaires, talks about the organization’s vision for a better America. This vision includes a nation where every person has as much political power as millionaires; where every American who works full time can afford their basic needs; where millionaires and large corporations - who have benefited most from our country’s assets - pay a larger share of the taxes used to run our country. What motivates a millionaire to want to join an organization that advocates that millionaires should pay more taxes? Morris provides some fascinating insight to the issues America face...2020-07-0641 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Midwestern Perspective from Scott FaughnThis evening we talk with Scott Faughn, publisher of a state-wide newspaper in Missouri, called the Missouri Times. He also publishes several local papers throughout Missouri, and he hosts the only statewide political television show in Missouri, entitled This Week in Missouri Politics. The Missouri Times, which is available in both print and digital format, focuses on Missouri statewide politics and policy. It was founded in 2013 and has been publishing ever since. Tune in and listen as Scott shares his insights into Missouri politics and helps us understand some Show-Me State philosophy.
2020-06-2946 minThe Alliance Party After DarkHear from Larry Stanley, Candidate for Washington State RepresentativeThis evening we talk with Larry Stanley, who is running for the 8th district in the state of Washington. Larry grew up in Richland, Washington and has been a preacher, teacher, entrepreneur and leader of an international not for profit. He is a Tasting Room Manager at Hamilton Cellars on Red Mountain in Washington State. He received a MS in Business Leadership from Capella University and a BA in Biblical Languages from Life Pacific College. When he’s not running a winery you can find him playing guitar, hanging with family, reading a book, volunteering as a Washington State Chai...2020-06-2544 minThe Alliance Party After DarkLegal Advisor Chad Peace Discusses the Independent Voter ProjectThis evening we talk with Chad Peace, legal advisor for the Independent Voter Project. The Independent Voter Project (IVP) is a non-profit 501(c)4 organization that seeks to re-engage nonpartisan voters and promote nonpartisan election reform through initiatives, litigation, and voter education. IVP works with organizations around the country to reduce the institutional barriers that limit electoral competition and restrict the nonpartisan right to vote, thus insulating the two major parties from competition. The IVP believes that democracy functions best when most people participate. They also believe that political representatives should be held accountable to their entire community, not just...2020-06-2242 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Alliance Party Manifesto as read by Dan SchaeferThis is a sort of book-on-tape for those interested in the Alliance Party 2020 manifesto. The entirety of the manifesto is read aloud by Dan Schaefer.
2020-06-1535 minThe Alliance Party After DarkThe Alliance Party Manifesto"Our political reform movement’s singular goal is to dramatically transform our dysfunctional partisan democracy of extremism into a functional democracy driven by innovative and term-limited political leaders. Unlike the duopoly, our aims are not to move the direction of the country Left or Right, but Forward. We want to create a revitalized, world-leading United States: America 2.0." Thus begins the Alliance Party’s manifesto. During this episode, Jim Rex, the Alliance Party’s National Chair, and Jonathan Etheridge, one of the Alliance Party’s “At-Large” members, discusses the manifesto and explains its relevance and importance in today’s political environment. Ou...2020-06-081h 01The Alliance Party After DarkA discussion with Michael Burger, the Alliance Party’s National Vice ChairMichael Burger, the National Vice Chair for the Alliance Party, talks about party values and how they relate to current events. We also discuss some of the issues with ballot access across the country in this election year. Michael has a lot of experience with political parties. He held officer positions within the Reform Party, the Independence Party of Minnesota, and most recently, he was a state chair, a regional chair, a vice chair and national chair of the modern Whig Party of America. He’s also worked with the Green Party and United We Stand.
2020-06-0139 minThe Alliance Party After DarkState Candidate Brad Jayne Talks about South Carolina and the NationBrad Jayne, candidate for South Carolina’s 114th Representative District, drops in to talk about issues affecting not only the “Low Country” of South Carolina, but the nation as a whole. Brad is a self-employed film producer and director. He has worked as a consultant and commercial director for top companies and advertising agencies in the nation, and he specializes in high-end broadcast and internet media content for groups such as A&E, JCPenney, History Channel, HBO, South Carolina Aquarium, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and many more. Brad shares some great ideas on education, national issues, and what it takes...2020-05-2555 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Conversation with mayoral candidate Ozzie GonzalesOzzie Gonzales, a small business mentor, an entrepreneur and an advisor to local agencies and nonprofits on equity and sustainability policies, is running for Mayor of Portland Oregon. As an architect with a strong background in environmental science, Ozzie is uniquely positioned to address the big issues facing Portland, including the city’s rapid growth rate and a growing homeless population. Listen in as Ozzie discusses some very interesting and innovative ideas on how to address problems, based on his past experience in environmental science and architectural design. Ozzie is excited to help Portland take the lead by setting an...2020-05-1841 minThe Alliance Party After DarkFuturist and Author David Houle Talks About the 2020sDavid Houle, futurist, author and keynote speaker discusses how the consequences of the 2020s are going to be felt for the next 50 years. Issues like climate change, machine intelligence, the reinvention of capitalism and democracy and a growing global consciousness will play out in this decade, and life as we know it will shift into a new reality. Tune in for a very interesting and informative discussion.
2020-05-1153 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Chat with Candidates Sarah Work and Brad SvensonThis evening we talk with two candidates up for election this November. Sarah Work, who’s running for state senator in district 14 of South Carolina, and Brad Svenson, who’s running for US Representative from the second congressional district in Minnesota. We’ll talk about the issues they plan to address and the special challenges they face during this most difficult year for running while in the grip of a pandemic.
2020-05-041h 10The Alliance Party After DarkAlliance Party 2020 ConventionThis evening we review some of the highlights of the Alliance Party’s 2020 Presidential Convention, which was held online. Hear speeches from the Alliance Party’s presidential candidate, Roque “Rocky” de la Fuenta and the vice presidential candidate, Darcy Richardson. The speeches are informative, moving and inspirational.
2020-04-271h 06The Alliance Party After DarkDrew Penrose on FairVoteThis evening we hear from Drew Penrose, the Law and Policy Director for FairVote. Drew contributes to efforts to promote ranked choice voting, primary election reform, election administration, and the Voting Rights Act. FairVote is a nonpartisan champion of electoral reforms that give voters greater choice, a stronger voice, and a representative democracy that works for all Americans. Listen in as we discuss voting rights in the age of social distancing. We also discuss recent developments in ranked choice voting, which is rapidly gaining popularity all across our nation. Finally - and most importantly - learn what you can...2020-04-2042 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Mashup of Previous EpisodesThis evening we’re doing a mashup of previous shows. The central theme being election issues. We’ll hear from the Alliance Party National Chair, Jim Rex as well as Ralph Nader, Theresa Amato, Lee Drutman and David Daley. This mashup brings you some of the best of the Alliance Party After Dark podcasts over the past 6 months!
2020-04-1352 minThe Alliance Party After DarkEditorials From Around the PartyThe recent struggles with the pandemic has us all thinking about how we got here and how we move forward once the storm blows over. All this thinking has inspired a number of editorials from a few of the folks at the Alliance Party. Listen in and enjoy a few moments of thoughtfulness!
2020-04-0618 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Conversation With Jim Rex, The Alliance Party National ChairmanThis evening we hear from Jim Rex, the National Chair of the Alliance Party. COVID-19 has our nation in its grip, and with most people keeping social distance and sheltering in place, we ask Jim: How did we get here? What can - or should - our leaders do at this time to help? How can we keep this from happening again? And what is life going to look like when this all blows over? Obviously, there are no definitive answers, but it’s always worthwhile to discuss these topics, take some time to be retrospective and commit ourselves to...2020-03-3053 minThe Alliance Party After DarkLee Drutman on the Case for Multiparty Democracy in AmericaLee Drutman, a senior fellow in the Political Reform program at New America, drops by to talk about the increasing bipolar nature of politics in America, and what we can do about it. Lee is the author of the newly published book “Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America.” And, back in 2015, he published the book “The Business of America is Lobbying.” He is also the winner of the 2016 American Political Science Association's Robert A. Dahl Award, given for "Scholarship of the highest quality on the subject of democracy." Lee also co-hosts a podcast called P...2020-03-2340 minThe Alliance Party After DarkSingle Payer Healthcare explainedMimi Signor, a retired hospital staff nurse at a large urban hospital in St. Louis, Missouri drops by to help us understand single payer healthcare. Mimi has been a member of the Missourians for Single Payer (MOSP) since 1991, and served several roles within MOSP including president. She has organized key leaders in the entire state as MOSP works to educate people about the vital need for Improved Medicare for All and to work for its implementation. She addresses questions like, “What if I like my current insurance-based healthcare?” Or, “Won’t hospitals lose money if we implement Medicare for All?” Ha...2020-03-1658 minThe Alliance Party After DarkHistoric Restoration Projects for Our Collective SoulMichael Bedenbaugh, the Executive Director of Preservation South Carolina, talks about restoring more than just historic buildings in South Carolina. He discusses what it means to be aware of our sense of community. The historic structures he and his team restore represent a time when small towns were more than just a collection of buildings, but a foundation of thriving close-knit communities. Our contemporary sense of belonging has been, in many ways, uprooted in our pursuit of a promising future. As banks and businesses consolidated and the world shrank, our country fractured and left large parts of itself behind...2020-03-0947 minThe Alliance Party After DarkTheresa Amato drops by to talk about some of the barriers that independent candidates encounter and what we can do about itTheresa Amato, author of the book Grand Illusion - The Myth of Voter Choice in a Two-Party Tyranny discusses some of the numerous barriers that independent and non-two-party candidates encounter when running for office. She speaks with first-hand knowledge, having been the national presidential campaign manager and in-house counsel for Ralph Nader during his campaigns for President in 2000 and 2004. Theresa was also the first woman to run two high-profile presidential campaigns outside of the two main parties. In this episode, we discuss campaign finance issues, voter disenfranchisement, media bias, the failure to fix voting irregularities and other issues related...2020-03-0248 minThe Alliance Party After DarkMarc Goldwein from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (crfb.org)This evening, we talk with Marc Goldwein, the Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget - or CRFB - where he guides and conducts research on a wide array of topics related to fiscal policy and the federal budget. Marc works regularly with Members of Congress and their staffs on budget-related issues. He is frequently quoted in a number of major media outlets. Listen in as Marc helps explain some of the complexities of our Federal budget, and how the most recent budget proposal from President Trump affects you as well...2020-02-2430 minThe Alliance Party After DarkPhilip Fuehrer and Ben Thome talk politics with a Minnesotan perspectiveThis evening we chat with Philip Fuehrer, the chair of the Independence-Alliance Party of Minnesota as well as the Alliance Party State Chair, and Ben Thome, the State Party Director for the Independence-Alliance Party of Minnesota. Both Philip and Ben have been with the Independence Party for quite some time and have learned many lessons regarding politics in Minnesota, and they share their experience and lessons in this informative podcast.
2020-02-1755 minThe Alliance Party After DarkDr. Oscar Lovelace, rural physician and party chair, talks about healthcareThis evening we’re talking with Dr. Oscar Lovelace, a physician from South Carolina, who was named the “National 2015 Family Physician of the Year” in recognition of his outstanding work over many years of dedication to the practice of medicine. In 2003, Dr. Lovelace was appointed by then Governor Mark Sanford to serve as state-wide co-chairman of the Health Care Task Force. In 2004, he served on the Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on Aging. In 2006, Dr. Lovelace challenged the current state governor during the GOP Primary and though the incumbent prevailed, he managed to get over 35% of the vote. Dr. Lovelace’s experien...2020-02-101h 00The Alliance Party After DarkCongressional Candidate Steve Kuzmich on the IssuesThis evening we’re talking with Steve Kuzmich, a fiscally conservative and socially moderate independent running for U.S. Congress in the 24th district of Texas. This district covers a largely suburban area between - and slightly to the north of - the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Steve is running as an independent candidate, and he has already organized a team and has actively started his campaign. Drop in and listen to his views on why an independent candidate is needed, especially in today’s dysfunctional political environment.
2020-02-031h 01The Alliance Party After DarkRalph Nader discusses political third partiesRalph Nader drops by and talks about the many contributions that political third parties have made throughout our nation’s history. He also discusses at length the difficulties third parties encounter when trying to break through the barriers that the duopoly has erected to protect their turf. Mr. Nader - an attorney, activist, politician and author of several books and countless articles - ran for US President several times, and now he freely shares his experiences and wisdom with the Alliance Party. He hosts a weekly podcast, “The Ralph Nader Radio Hour,” which you can find at ralphnaderradiohour.com. Also...2020-01-2719 minThe Alliance Party After DarkRudy Barnes talks politics, law, religion, ethics and the militaryRudy Barnes has been a lawyer, a US Army Colonel, a Methodist Church pastor and a book author. In today’s podcast, he gives his views on how religion should be more involved in shaping today’s moral behavior, both in and out of politics. He also spends considerable time talking about the critical role that the military plays, not as a force of might, but more importantly, as an instrument of legitimacy. It’s a fascinating hour with a man who has accumulated a lifetime of experience and is willing to share his thoughts and wisdom.
2020-01-171h 00The Alliance Party After DarkNick Thomas talks about EarthXNick Thomas, our current Alliance Party state chair for Colorado, is a Director of Business Development at EarthX. EarthX is an international, nonprofit environmental forum whose purpose is to educate and inspire people to action towards a more sustainable future. Nick talks about EarthX and its upcoming expo in Dallas in April, which will host 200,000+ people and focus on providing a more energy efficient and sustainable future for all.
2020-01-1346 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Discussion with Jim Jonas, Executive Director at the National Association of Nonpartisan ReformersThis evening on the Alliance Party After Dark, we talk with Jim Jonas, Executive Director at the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers. Listen in to learn more about how this Association is helping establish a more representative democracy by offering critical support to its member organizations. The Alliance Party itself is a member organization, along with FairVote, the Bridge Alliance, RepresentUs, and several more.
2020-01-0637 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Chat with David Daley, Senior Fellow at FairVoteThis evening, we chat with David Daley, a Senior Fellow at FairVote. FairVote, a nation-wide organization, is dedicated to advancing Fair Representation and Ranked Choice Voting. David, author of the book entitled “Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count,” describes how Fair Representation and Ranked Choice Voting will help end partisan politics, get rid of gerrymandering and help the American experiment in democracy return to a true representational government that works for all its citizens. Drop in and find out how FairVote has had tremendous success in the past year, and where FairVote will make positive changes in 2020.
2019-12-3037 minThe Alliance Party After DarkDiscussion with Elizabeth Melson, President of FairVote VirginiaIn this episode, we chat with Elizabeth Melson, President and founding board member of the Virginia chapter of FairVote. FairVote is a nation-wide organization that is dedicated to advancing ranked choice voting as a means of providing fair representation in our elections. They are a nonpartisan champion of electoral reforms, and they believe in giving voters greater choice, a stronger voice, and a representative democracy that works for all Americans. Drop in and listen to how the Virginia chapter is putting the philosophy of FairVote into action.
2019-12-2338 minThe Alliance Party After DarkTaking the Legislatures by StormIn this episode, we ask Tim Cotton, the National Political Director for the Alliance Party, to describe the Party’s campaign to “Take the Legislatures by Storm.” Listen in on how the Alliance Party wants ordinary citizens - not professional politicians - to step up and take legislative positions at all levels in our government. Whether you are willing to run for office or would love to help your fellow citizens run for office, there’s ample room for you to get involved in this virtuous effort. “Taking the Legislatures by Storm” will help end corruption, stagnation and partisan politics.2019-12-1643 minThe Alliance Party After DarkA Discussion with Paul Stebbins from FixUSIn this episode, we talk with Mr. Paul Stebbins, a former chairman and CEO of a Fortune 100 company and currently a member of the leadership council of the Fix the Debt Campaign. Listen in as Mr. Stebbins provides deep insight to our current national debt, which is only getting worse by the year. Learn how the debt affects us now as well as its detrimental long term consequences. How did we get here and what can we do to help fix not only the debt, but all the contributing factors? In this fascinating hour, you'll gain key insight from...2019-12-091h 15The Alliance Party After DarkThanksgiving GratitudeIn this Thanksgiving episode, we talk with Jim Rex, the National Chair of the Alliance Party, regarding the Party’s achievements and significant events over the past year for which there is much gratitude. We also touch on gratitude related to national events over the past year, despite some significant challenges.
2019-12-0241 minThe Alliance Party After DarkWhat's it like to be a candidate?In this episode, we interview Donna McGreevy and Sarah Work, two individuals who recently ran for office in South Carolina. Being new to the candidate experience, they learned a lot of valuable lessons and gained considerable wisdom and insight. Listen as Donna and Sarah share this wisdom and insight, and in the process, provide inspiration for anyone who may consider running for political office.
2019-11-251h 07The Alliance Party After DarkInterview with Debilyn Molineaux of the Bridge AllianceOur moderator M. Lloyd Johnson interviews Debilyn Molineaux, co-founder and executive director of the Bridge Alliance. The Bridge Alliance is a coalition of roughly 100 organizations working together as active stewards of our democratic republic. Bridge Alliance member organizations span the ideological spectrum, but are unified to work efficiently, outside arbitrarily defined political lines. In this interview, you'll hear directly from Debilyn regarding the challenges and triumphs of the Bridge Alliance and other related organizations as they seek to heal the political and social divides in our country. You'll hear a lot about respect and civility -- two concepts that w...2019-11-1841 minThe Alliance Party After DarkInterview with Tim Cotton, the National Political DirectorIn this episode, we hear from the National Political Director of the Alliance Party, Mr. Tim Cotton. Tim shares some key insight into party politics, and in particular, what's going wrong with today's two-party duopoly and how the Alliance Party addresses the problems with a new, innovative approach to our representational government. He also describes what goes on behind the scenes when establishing a political party in each state. Finally, he discusses some details on candidates who will run under the Alliance banner in 2020.
2019-11-1159 minThe Alliance Party After DarkParty Leadership Roundtable DiscussionListen in as the Alliance Party leadership discusses the foundational concepts behind the party, including its history, motivation and sense of urgency. And most importantly, learn how you can participate in this exciting new political movement!
2019-11-041h 03