Ralph Nader Radio Hour — Episode Summary

Date: November 16, 2025
Podcast: KPFK - Ralph Nader Hour
Hosts: Ralph Nader, Steve Skrovan, David Feldman
Guests: David Dayen (The American Prospect), Danny Noble (Jewish Voice for Peace), Sam Simon (author, “Dementia Man”)

Episode Overview

This episode explores contemporary political failures and activism in the U.S.

• It opens with an analysis of the Democrats’ “shutdown cave” and the mechanics of the government shutdown, with guest David Dayen.
• The conversation then shifts to the continued violence in Gaza and the campaign to divest from Israel bonds, featuring Danny Noble from Jewish Voice for Peace.
• The final segment is a poignant discussion with Sam Simon about living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and the advocacy needed for dementia care.

1. Why Did Democrats End the Shutdown with No Real Concessions?

Guest: David Dayen, Executive Editor, The American Prospect (03:03–23:05)

Key Discussion Points

• The Deal: Democrats ended the shutdown after over 40 days by passing a continuing resolution (CR) largely on Republican terms, securing only a vague promise for a future vote on Obamacare subsidies.
• Obamacare Subsidies at Stake: The CR failed to lock in these crucial health insurance subsidies, affecting up to 20 million Americans.
• Prohibition on Firing Federal Workers: The only concrete concession — a temporary block on Trump firing federal workers — was limited and due to expire soon, adding little real protection.
• Congressional Leverage Forfeited: Dayen argues Congress had clear leverage — Trump was politically weakened and public opinion was turning against him. Instead, the Democrats folded at the moment of maximum advantage.
• Long-Term Consequences: The lack of resolve means Trump can continue withholding funds, rescinding appropriations, and dismantling agencies unchecked. Congress’s constitutional power of the purse was not enforced.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “What Democrats have received as a condition of agreeing to fund the government is really nothing more than sort of a pinky swear.”
  — David Dayen (04:48)
• “The only prohibition is on firing workers, and that ends on January 30th. So I’m not sure exactly what Democrats...got out of this deal.”
  — David Dayen (07:47)
• “Why would I enter into a deal with Donald Trump who’s only going to break the deal?”
  — David Dayen (10:38)

Money & Influence in the Shutdown (18:12)

• Airline Lobbying: Disruption to air travel pushed major airlines and their lobbyists to pressure moderate Democrats toward a settlement.
• Hidden Payoffs for Republicans: Republicans received personal incentives — a provision allowing certain senators to sue for interception of communications, up to $500,000 each.

2. Supporting Issues, Not Politicians

Guest: David Dayen (20:06–23:05)

Key Points

• Focus on Movements vs. Individuals: Dayen laments the growing trend of blind team loyalty in politics. Instead, he urges listeners to focus on advancing specific policy goals and pressuring politicians.
• Example — Shift on Israel: Changing public opinion on Israel/Palestine reflects years of activism, not politicians’ leadership. Activism changes the conversation; politicians follow.

Notable Quote

• “It is far more important to be in the forefront on particular issues and then force Democratic politicians to get with the program and move to your side.”
  — David Dayen (20:25)

3. Gaza, Divestment, and Building Pressure Against Israel

Guest: Danny Noble, Campaigns Organizer, Jewish Voice for Peace (25:37–44:32)

Key Discussion Points

• Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP): A grassroots, member-powered organization fighting for Palestinian liberation and challenging Zionism within Jewish community structures.
• BDS & Israel Bonds Divestment: JVP’s current focus is pressuring U.S. public institutions (pensions, city governments, etc.) to divest from Israel bonds — which directly finance Israeli military operations with few restrictions. Since the new Gaza assault began, over $5 billion in bonds have been sold.
• Local Campaigns Igniting Change: Nearly 20 U.S. campaigns are active, with high-profile wins in New York City and growing momentum as more communities awaken to how their public funds are used.
• Redefining the Ceasefire: Despite ceasefire declarations, Israel has violated the terms hundreds of times, continuing its deadly assault with continuing U.S. arms support.

Quotes & Timestamps

• “Israel bonds… are direct loans to the Israeli military and government…. This is a main way that the Israeli military… generate[s] an unrestricted slush fund to continue their genocidal assault on Gaza.”
  — Danny Noble (28:31)
• “No parent should have to put their child to sleep at night for fear that bombs will come and take their family and their home.”
  — Danny Noble (34:17)
• “We need full accountability for Israeli war crimes. We need an end to Israeli apartheid, and… a future where Palestinians and all communities can have self-determination.”
  — Danny Noble (43:19)

Congressional Shifts (from grassroots pressure, 37:10–39:50)

• Growing Congressional support for the “Block the Bombs” bill — 57 members, the strongest sign yet of eroding support for unconditional U.S. arms transfers to Israel.
• “Even congresspeople who… said they would never get on a bill like this to block weapons — we’ve seen them move this year on this because of… tremendous… local [organizing].”
  — Danny Noble (38:30)

4. Living with Alzheimer’s, Advocacy & Dementia-Friendly Communities

Guest: Sam Simon, Author, “Dementia Man: An Existential Journey” (44:44–56:56)

Key Discussion Points

• Reclaiming Dignity: Simon objects to the term “dementia”, finding it degrading and imprecise, and wants to see it banished from federal usage as “retarded” once was.
• Advocacy in Illness: Despite early-stage Alzheimer’s, Simon is committed to fighting for dignity, support, and meaningful community for those with cognitive decline.
• Living My Values as I Die: His book’s chapter 13 is a testament to advocacy until the end — pushing for community approaches, resisting the narrative that a life with Alzheimer’s is valueless, and providing practical guidance to others navigating this journey.
• Social Structures in Decline: With the collapse of extended family, new “villages” or dementia-friendly communities are being pioneered to reconnect, support, and provide purpose to those aging with cognitive impairment.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Dementia is not a disease. It is a descriptive word…that is degrading."
  — Sam Simon (46:00)
• "My goal is to make this last chapter of my life as authentic as possible to who I am and have always been."
  — Sam Simon (46:55, quoting his book)
• “There is a campaign in many states to make it easier to have… assisted suicide…and I want to be a counter voice…to say life with this disease is still worth living.”
  — Sam Simon (51:31)
• “With the decline of the extended family… the support structure is gone. And you’re trying to restore a support structure.”
  — Ralph Nader (50:27)

Living and Coping — Practical Advice (54:10)

• Exercise daily (thanks to his "cognitive navigator," his wife)
• Community engagement, writing, and activism — purposeful activities and fighting social isolation
• Transitioning to more supportive environments, e.g., senior living centers

5. Memorable Segments & Quotes

• On the worth of activism over hero worship:
  "Politicians get out in front of the parade and pretend to be leading it."
  — David Dayen (20:25)
• On the continuing Gaza crisis:
  “Since the cease fire came into effect, the Trump administration has continued to allow Israeli attacks on Palestinians to continue…. The killing continues.”
  — Danny Noble (40:50)
• On life with Alzheimer’s:
  “I feel like I’m still there, Ralph. And…thank you and all of you who have helped make America safer and changed… We’re all still at it.”
  — Sam Simon (56:23)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Shutdown Cave and Obamacare Subsidies — 03:03–23:05
• Supporting Ideas Over Politicians — 20:06–23:05
• Corporate Crime Reporter segment [skip] — 24:23–25:20
• Jewish Voice for Peace, Israel Bonds, Gaza — 25:37–44:32
• Living and Dying with Alzheimer’s: Sam Simon — 44:44–56:56

Resources & Further Information

• The American Prospect: prospect.org
• Jewish Voice for Peace: jvp.org
• Sam Simon's Memoir: Dementia Man: Existential Journey

Summary compiled using direct quotes and attributions, preserving the original thought and tone of the speakers. All ad breaks and non-content sections have been omitted.