Posts

The Science Behind the Coronavirus Vaccine

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Dr. John Palisano, former Professor at the University of the South, joins again to talk about the Coronavirus and why it has proven to be so deadly, but also about the amazing science and technology that will bring us vaccines in the next few weeks.  How do vaccines work and why it is so important to get one? Effective and safe – welcome back science, we missed you!

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Rural TN is Red – What Can We Do About It?

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All of our great Rural Caucus candidates were defeated.  TNDP Rural Caucus Chair Anne Quillen tells us why Democrats struggle to win in Tennessee.  In reality, we all have many similarities in our ideas and dreams of a good life but when misinformation and divisiveness rule no one will be able to achieve them.  We discuss how Democrats can better get their message to more voters and create a better Tennessee.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

 

A More Democratic System with Dr. Andrea Hatcher

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In light of the election, we are rebroadcasting Sandra Rice‘s evergreen episode with Professor Andrea Hatcher on the undemocratic nature of the Electoral College. This election we DO have a clear winner in both the electoral college and popular vote but it hasn’t always been the case. Donald Trump would never have been President if not for the antiquated and un-Democratic Electoral College. Dr. Hatcher also proposes that spreading misinformation about a candidate or election is a form of fraud.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Opening Our Perspectives with Jenn Foley

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We conclude our interviews with Tennessee state candidates with Dr. Jenn Foley running for House District 65. She summarizes issues and concerns expressed by constituents across the state and the need for relief from the GOP super-majority agenda.  We need more discussion, representation and balance, along with less arrogance and paternalism. Please go out and vote for a better Tennessee for all Tennesseans.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Who Does “Right to Work” Really Serve? with Mariah Phillips

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Mariah Phillips, candidate for State House Rep in District 37, joins Sandy to talk about what it means to be a “Right to Work” state.  They both urge caution as the General Assembly considers chiseling the law into the Tennessee State Constitution. Unions get a bad rap and low wages have bought many jobs to Tennessee but what are the long-term consequences of handing our future to big corporations? Hasn’t the pandemic uncovered many inequalities in worker’s safety and security?

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Rural Democrats with Anne Ferrell Quillen

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Anne Ferrell Quillen is the President of the recently formed and awesome TNDP rural caucus.  Although rural areas are represented by elected officials, they don’t seem to have us in mind when they vote with the GOP supermajority. Expanding Medicaid for rural hospitals, funding for public schools and infrastructure, and developing economic opportunities for our businesses, communities and way of life are all essential issues for rural Tennessee. We do make up 93% of the state. Let’s elect some homegrown candidates to make some change.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

The Electoral College with Dr. Andrea Hatcher

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Who chooses the President, the people, or the Electoral College?  “It’s complicated,” says Sandra Rice’s guest Dr. Andrea Hatcher, professor of politics and pre-law at The University of the South.  The founders would be surprised that we are still using this system despite its flaws and threat to democracy.  Would the popular vote be a more equitable way?  How could this be changed? Please vote.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Distressed Rural Counties with Carol Abney

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Carol Abney, candidate for TN House District 38, knows about distressed counties and closed rural hospitals. Fentress and 3 other TN counties were removed from the bottom 10% of economic performers across the country but 2 more in this district remain on the list.  A licensed CPA, Carol discusses the tax burdens, limited resources, inaccessible medical care, and lack of job opportunities that keep rural residents distressed.  The TN Rural Initiative provides” window dressing” when real financial support from the state government is needed.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Why All Dems Support Medicaid Expansion with Sheila Younglove

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Senate Candidate District 16, Sheila Younglove, joins us again to answer the question: Why Medicaid Expansion is supported by every Democrat running for state office. It is because it is outrageous that affordable health care for thousands of Tennesseans has barely been discussed in the General Assembly since Governor Haslam’s Insure Tennessee was rejected in committee in 2014. With the pandemic, an estimated 750,000 Tennesseans could become uninsured! It is unlikely that the 3rd legislative session will even consider adopting Medicaid Expansion as have 38 states.  We really need some change in our state government. Vote wisely.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Schools Reopening during COVID19 with Civil Miller-Watkins

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Civil Miller-Watkins is running for State Senate District 26  and joins host Sandra Rice to discuss TN’s plan for students to return to school amid a pandemic. She is a mother of 8, a current school board member, and is very familiar with homeschooling and virtual learning. The lack of state plans for managing COVID19 and school reopening as well as a lack of broadband in all rural areas makes learning more difficult in Tennessee.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.