The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich Robert Reich

Friends,
What should we make of this week’s Supreme Court ruling that semi-automatic rifles with bump stocks are not machine guns? Or its ongoing decision to slow-walk the question of presidential immunity, effectively pushing the Trump insurrection trial until after the election — or maybe never? Revelations about more secret cash to Clarence Thomas. Samuel Alito’s views that “differences on fundamental things … can’t be compromised” and that America must return to “a place of godliness”? And Thomas’s and Alito’s refusals to recuse themselves from cases involving Trump?
Plus: Elon Musk, Father’s Day, and more.
Please pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join us. (And, if you wish, take our poll.)





This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,
We decided to do another deep dive today — this one on Trumpism and fascism.
With the election less than five months away and Trump escalating his fascist rhetoric and signaling his intent to use federal troops to round up undocumented people inside the United States and put them in camps, we felt it important to show the close parallels between Trumpism and neofascism.
Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and, if so inclined, take our poll.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,
We were tempted to talk about the Trump trial and verdict, and bask in the relief that our system of justice did what it should do to hold people accountable for breaking the law — no matter who they are. But you’ve probably heard everything there is to say about the trial by now.
So we decided instead to do a deep dive into Trump politics and big money.
It’s been reported that just 50 billionaire families have already contributed a whopping $600 million to the 2024 elections. Over two-thirds went to Trump, Trump-affiliated groups, and other Republican candidates.
Heather and I thought it a good day to focus on dynastic wealth in America — what it is, how large it is, whether it’s hurting our democracy, and what to do about it.
Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and, if you’re so moved, take our poll.




This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,
Today, in honor of Memorial Day weekend, we take a deep dive into the common good versus its antithesis — Trumpism. We look at what’s happened to the common good, why Trumpism is attractive to so many these days, and how the common good can be resurrected.
Please grab a cup, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. (Also, if so moved, take our poll.)




This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,
Today Heather and I look at the Trump trial and everything it entails, including the moral squalor of Donald J. Trump and all who have sold their integrity to support him — including Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas. Please join us, and, if so moved, take our poll.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Friends,
Today Heather and I take a hard look at the Trump trials, the latest from Gaza, and RFK Junior’s brain-eating parasite, among other things.
Please bring up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and (if so moved) take our poll.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe