DeProgram: “A Billion Dollar Hole in the Ground”

The political world, especially among Democrats, is reeling in the wake of the surprise upset victory of 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani over the establishment-backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, 67. The “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou” delivers fearless analysis of the history-making NYC Democratic primary and other big stories of the week.

First, John and Ted dive into the stunning results of the mayoral race, where outsider Mamdani routed the Democratic establishment by destroying Cuomo. His Mandani campaign, focused on economic issues like freezing rent—median rent for a Manhattan one-bedroom is close to $5,000/month—and free buses, has triggered panic among corporate Clinton Democrats terrified that the progressive majority of their party is finally about to seize control. We’ll explore the fallout within the party and what it means for the city’s political future.

Next, Ted and John turn to the U.S.’ recent military strikes against Iran’s nuclear-research facilities. Leaked DIA reports show that the attacks, meant to cripple Tehran’s ambitions, probably only set back its nuclear program by a few months. Did Trump risk World War III to make a billion-dollar hole in the ground? Was the attack performative? Where does this leave the risk of broader conflict in the Middle East? We’ll unpack the strategic miscalculations, political embarrassment for the president, and the global implications.

Then, we shift to Texas, where the state’s controversial decision to ban red-flag laws has sparked heated debate. Critics argue it endangers public safety, while supporters say it shores up Second Amendment rights. We’ll examine the legal and social ramifications.

Finally, we tackle Shell’s blockbuster acquisition of BP, a deal poised to reshape the global energy sector. As fossil fuel giants consolidate amid climate pressures, we’ll analyze the economic and environmental stakes. Tune in for unfiltered, hard-hitting insights that challenge conventional narratives.