The Redistricting Wars: Harold Meyerson; Election Protection: Ian Bassin

The Redistricting Wars: Harold Meyerson; Election Protection: Ian Bassin

From Living in the USA by Living in the USA

May 8, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

The episode discusses polling data on Trump's leadership capabilities, the implications of redistricting, and efforts to protect voting rights in the upcoming elections.

Fifty-nine percent of Americans believe Trump does not have the mental sharpness necessary to lead the country; 55 percent think Trump does not have the physical health to serve as president; and 67 percent think Trump does not carefully consider important decisions – according to a new Washington Post/ABC News Ipsos poll. And, in a time when energy costs are soaring and many Americans are losing their healthcare, Trump continues to talk about his ballroom — with ​a $1 billion price tag ​of taxpayer​ money. Harold Meyerson comments. Also: History on the march: The battle over our understanding of our American past. The history profession had a big win in federal court this week when a federal judge ruled that DOGE did not have the authority to cancel grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities; which totaled $100 million this year. Plus: Trump’s efforts to block Democratic voting in the midterms, or overturn the results, is not going to work—Ian Bassin explains the widespread preparations underway for defending the election in November. Ian is co-founder of the organization Protect Democracy and winner of a MacArthur genius grant.

People in this episode

Host: Living in the USA

Guests: Harold Meyerson, Ian Bassin

Topics covered

  • redistricting
  • election protection
  • Trump's presidency
  • American history
  • voting rights
  • polling data

Keywords

  • Trump
  • redistricting
  • election protection
  • polling
  • American history
  • voting rights
  • Harold Meyerson
  • Ian Bassin

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington Post, ABC News, National Endowment for the Humanities, Protect Democracy

Places: America

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