Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Can state legislation be the key to saving our democracy? Lawyer, political commentator, and host of the Sidebar podcast Katie Phang joins Stacey to unpack Americans’ growing frustration with data centers, the rise of police surveillance, and why Democrats shouldn’t just “take a page from the GOP’s political playbook, but full-on chapters.” They also break down some of the week’s biggest legal stories, from the Miami-Dade Police Department to Trump’s renovation projects and the latest Todd Blanche hearings. 
Learn & Do More: 

BE CURIOUS: For more incisive legal and political analysis, listen to Katie Phang’s podcast Sidebar with Katie Phang. 

SOLVE PROBLEMS: Law Forward is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit law firm that safeguards voting rights, fights for fair maps, strengthens democratic institutions, and advances the rule of law through strategic litigation. Visit LawForward.org to donate.

DO GOOD: Caring Across Generations is an organization dedicated to changing our culture and policies in America to value and support caregiving. They work to transform cultural norms and narratives about aging, disability, and care; win federal and state-level policy change; and create a powerful coalition across the millions of us who are touched by care. Visit CaringAcross.org to learn more and get involved.

Is the South the new epicenter of American politics? National Association of Black Journalists President, The 19th Editor-at-Large, and host of Crooked’s new podcast Long Play, Errin Haines sits down with Stacey to unpack why the South is so fundamentally misunderstood and why expanding our imagination of what the region looks like could be key to winning Democratic elections. They also discuss the NABJ “Thumbs-Down Awards,” the Trump administration’s attacks on DEI, and the growing threat of media censorship.
Learn & Do More: 

BE CURIOUS: If you enjoyed the conversation with Errin, check out her podcast Long Play, a six-part series on how to win power back in the South.

SOLVE PROBLEMS: Many states, including North Carolina, will have new or stricter voter identification laws in 2026. VoteRiders helps people make appointments to get the right kind of ID and covers the costs. Visit Voteriders.orgto get involved by volunteering or donating.

DO GOOD: New Disabled South builds power with disabled people to advance justice, dignity, and collective liberation across the South. Visit NewDisabledSouth.org to find resources, take action, and donate.

You can request a transcript by emailing transcripts@crooked.com. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

What is the future of the Democratic Party? How will redistricting shape voters’ power in the South? What are the latest primary results telling us about the political moment we’re in? Kamala D. Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States, joins Stacey to share what she’s hearing from voters on the ground as she travels through the South. They also talk about the new attitude Democrats need to win elections, fight back against Trump, and stop his authoritarian agenda.
Learn & Do More:
 
1. BE CURIOUS: Sometimes it feels like we are overloaded with information, have a million articles open in tabs, and don’t know where to begin. Your homework is to pick one that piques your curiosity and sit down to read. And with news and reading on the decline, if you haven’t already subscribed to support your local newspaper, please consider doing so.
The Ten Steps Campaign works with partner organizations across the country dedicated to uplifting their communities, and I would like to take the opportunity to rally support for their excellent work here today. Visit 10stepscampaign.org to find out what kind of democracy defender you are and get connected.
2. SOLVE PROBLEMS: Run for Something Civics is a nonprofit organization that encourages young people to step up and run for office and helps support them with a free Future Candidates course. Visit runforsomethingcivics.net to sign up for training or to donate.
3. DO GOOD: Above All is an organization dedicated to building a world where abortion care is affordable, available, and supported for everyone who needs it. Visit aboveall.org to learn more about their work and donate.

What can the great political speeches of the past teach us about the moment we’re living through today? Pod Save the World host and author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, Ben Rhodes joins Stacey Abrams to trace the history of civil rights in America through the words of some of the most influential voices across the political spectrum, from Martin Luther King Jr., Dolores Huerta, and Barack Obama to Alexander Stephens and Donald Trump. They also dig into the rise of modern authoritarianism, the latest in the Iran War, and how we can build community and find common ground in a time that feels increasingly fractured. 
Learn & Do More: 

BE CURIOUS: Pick up a copy of Ben Rhodes’ new book, All We Say: A History of the United States in Fifteen Speeches.

SOLVE PROBLEMS: HeadCount is an organization that turns fans into voters by registering people at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings anywhere you can turn a passion for culture into voting action. They need volunteers! Visit HeadCount.org to sign up to volunteer in your state or to donate.

DO GOOD: With Monday’s massive earthquake in Colombia leading to casualties, as well as the recent devastating earthquake in Venezuela, it’s time to step up and help. Consider donating to World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Visit WCK.org to donate.

Trump's second term has been defined by mounting corruption, but who, if anyone, is holding him accountable? MSNOW’s Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels join the show to discuss whether Republicans will ever push back against Trump's abuses of power, Todd Blanche's nomination, and the growing politicization of the Department of Justice. They also explain why the upcoming midterm elections could be the country's best chance to check authoritarianism, what it will take to build a durable pro-democracy majority, and why Americans should demand more from their government.
Learn & Do More: 

BE CURIOUS: Subscribe to Eugene Daniels and Symone Sanders Townsend's podcast, Clock It wherever you get your podcasts. You can also catch Symone and Eugene in Texas this fall at "MS NOW Live: Together in Texas,” the network’s annual live event on September 26th. Tickets are on sale now at www.ms.now/together-in-texas-we-the-people-2026

SOLVE PROBLEMS: The midterm elections are just a few months away, and control of Congress will be on the ballot. Just as important are the state and local races that shape our daily lives. Learn about the candidates running in your community, find one you believe in, and sign up to volunteer. You can also connect with your local state party or civic organizations to learn more about ways to get involved.

DO GOOD: Mississippi Votes is a youth-led organization that empowers young people through voter education, grassroots organizing, and community outreach. Visit msvotes.org to learn more, volunteer, or make a donation.