Democrats Abroad: The Blue Vote Café

Are we watching history repeat itself? In this episode of Blue Vote Café, we sit down with Dr. Richard Sack to discuss the creeping shadows of 1930s Europe in today’s political climate and what we can do to fight back.About Our Guest:Dr. Richard Sack is an independent researcher, consultant, and the former Executive Secretary of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA). Holding a Ph.D. in International Development Education from Stanford University, his decades-long career has spanned academic and operational work across the globe, evaluating policies and shaping education systems in developing nations. Now, he brings his rigorous, systemic analytical lens to a different kind of global issue: the mechanics of authoritarianism.In This Episode:Obsessed with understanding the modern rise of fascism, Dr. Sack has meticulously inventoried the actions of the Trump administration, sorting them into 13 distinct categories of fascist behavior. We explore his comprehensive list, draw stark parallels between our current political reality and the 1930s, and discuss actionable ways to turn the tide.As Dr. Sack reminds us: despair is the enemy of the people. This conversation isn't just about identifying the threat—it's about finding the strategy and resolve to overcome it.(Note: A link to Dr. Sack's 13-category inventory will be added here soon!)🎧 Explore More Episodes:Find the full audio library and stay up to date with the Blue Vote Café at:http://bluevotecafe.com🗳️ Make Your Voice Heard:Your vote matters, no matter where in the world you are. Register and request your absentee ballot every year at:https://www.votefromabroad.org/

From MAGA to Democrat: Pamela Hemphill opens up about her journey, including her experience on January 6 and her time in prison. She reveals what broke the spell of the lies and offers strategies for talking to those still in the Trump cult. Pamela also reads a personal letter from Mike Pence and discusses why she embraces Democrats as the "party of love."Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com.Register and request your ballot every year at https://www.votefromabroad.org/.

Campaign consultant Eva Posner of Evinco Strategies (https://www.evincostrategies.com/) digs deep into the big questions: what's toxic in our political system, why the Democrats aren't better liked, and how having an agenda is a good thing. She talks about how our political system is upside-down, what's really needed to win races, and the need to certify and regulate political consultants. She also dips into how where we are now is the logical conclusion of our country's never having finished Reconstruction, the role of local campaigns in fighting Trumpism, and the strategy behind the cruelty of deportations. On a more positive note, she also shares the triumph of helping Monica Montgomery Steppe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_Montgomery_Steppe) achieve office, and the positive results that can be traced back to her first win. Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at https://www.votefromabroad.org/.

Adam Gurri, editor in chief of Liberal Currents https://www.liberalcurrents.com/ talks about this new media company's broad span of investigation, from the foundational work of defining liberalism and the reasons for defending it, to itemizing existing institutional levers that can help resist authoritarianism. Would Trump have been impeached in 2021 if the Senate rules had specified a vote by secret ballot? What if state bar associations deemed any law firm that caved in to the administration's demands to be violating their oaths? Adam outlines an upcoming project of gathering experts to explore how to build back to something better than what existed before, and talks about the GoFundMe that will allow Liberal Currents to hire staff: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-liberal-currents-startup-fund Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at https://www.votefromabroad.org/.

Kalere Payton visits the cafe from Iceland to tell a tale of racial trauma and healing. Payton speaks to what her mother's story has to teach about perseverance, about what it means to be an ally and to use whatever privilege you have to address injustice. She talks about raising children who will stand in the gap, particularly in a time when there is so much hurt in the world. Visit https://www.thefaithofthedreamerfilm.com for more information about the documentary directed by Payton's brother Khary Payton. Follow @the.faithofthedreamer.film for news about when it will be available to screen. Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.

Andrea Miller and Judith Bolker from the Center for Common Ground give an on-the-ground picture of working to educate and empower voters of color in voter suprpession states. Based in Virginia, Andrea talks ensuring that t information reaches people whose circumstances don't give them access, and that people understand why voting makes a difference. Based in the U.K,, Judith talks about Andrea's inspirational leadership, and shares some concrete examples. Andrea offers a poignant reason for why it doesn't matter where in the world your phonebanking call comes from.F ind the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.

Erica Gibson and David Morse, chair and vice chair of Democrats Abroad Norway talk about their new radio show, U.S. Politics in Plain English. https://www.drammenunlimitedradio.com/ They share tales about the world's shittiest secretary, Mary Lou Retton's father-in-law, the contrast between Lincoln's oratory and Trump's, how David Morse contributed to Biden's decision not to run for a second term (https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/07/14/an-arrogant-old-man-wont-stop-joe-biden-must-learn-jack-javits-lesson-and-step-away/), and their "Do Something" campaign. Tips for dealing with fruit flies, and a selection of songs to pair with talking about American politics. Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.