INTERVIEW: Rep. Al Green On Disrupting The Joint Session Of Congress, Fighting For Medicaid + More

Summary

The Breakfast Club: Interview with Congressman Al Green Hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God – Released March 7, 2025

In this powerful episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with Congressman Al Green to discuss his bold actions in Congress, his unwavering fight for Medicaid, and his perspectives on the current political climate. The conversation delves deep into themes of civil disobedience, political courage, and systemic discrimination, offering listeners an intimate look at the challenges and convictions driving one of Congress’s most outspoken members.

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1. Introducing Congressman Al Green

[02:10] Jess Hilarious: "We got a special guest in the building. Yes, indeed, we have Congressman Al Green."

Congressman Al Green begins by sharing his journey into public service, highlighting how early experiences in school fostered his passion for leadership and governance. His commitment to serving the community emerged naturally, driven by a desire to effect meaningful change rather than by any long-term political ambition.

[04:46] DJ Envy: "What probably started early in life when I was a child in elementary school... I was running for class President."

2. Disrupting the Joint Session of Congress

A pivotal moment in Green’s career was his decision to stand and speak out during a joint session of Congress. Faced with the President’s announcement of an $880 billion mandate to cut Medicaid, Green couldn’t remain silent.

[06:24] DJ Envy: "By the by, I have to say, you have no mandate to cut Medicaid."

Disregarding protocol, Green openly challenged the President’s claims, asserting that there was no authority to reduce Medicaid funding. This act of defiance led to his removal from the session and subsequent censure.

3. The Fight for Medicaid

Green passionately underscores the significance of Medicaid, emphasizing its role in providing healthcare to one in five insured Americans. He warns that cutting Medicaid would not only strip away essential health services but also cost lives.

[08:50] DJ Envy: "One in every five persons with insurance in this country is covered by virtue of Medicaid. And if we lose Medicaid, we're going to lose lives."

His advocacy is rooted in personal conviction, viewing Medicaid as a foundational element of the American safety net that must be preserved at all costs.

4. Experiencing Discrimination and Political Dynamics

Green discusses his experience with what he perceives as invidious discrimination within the House of Representatives. Reflecting on his background from the segregated South, he draws parallels between historical and contemporary injustices.

[09:17] Charlamagne Tha God: "Why didn't do their job and kick out Marjorie Taylor Greene or Boebert? Like, why? Why? Why don't they do their job?"

[09:21] DJ Envy: "There is still invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives."

He relates personal anecdotes of discrimination and highlights how his removal from the joint session exemplifies systemic bias, differentiating his treatment from that of his peers.

5. Consequences Faced by Al Green

Green openly acknowledges the repercussions of his actions, including censure and the threat of losing committee assignments. Despite these consequences, he remains steadfast in his mission, viewing his sacrifices as necessary for the greater good.

[15:17] DJ Envy: "What are the consequences for what you've...?"

[15:20] DJ Envy: "Well, I'm about to suffer double jeopardy. They have censured me... and there is now a movement to strip me of my committee assignments."

He likens his struggle to historical figures like John Lewis, who also faced significant personal costs for their activism.

6. Critique of the Democratic Party’s Response

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Green’s disappointment with Democratic leadership. He questions why leaders haven’t stood by him in his moment of protest, contrasting his experiences with past Democratic actions against Republican provocations.

[09:00] Charlamagne Tha God: "I'm sick of that talk because Democrats don't ever act like he is."

[13:13] Charlamagne Tha God: "I agree with you. But I also believe Democrats are cowards, and that's why they didn't call out Marjorie Taylor Greene."

Green expresses frustration over the perceived lack of solidarity from his party, emphasizing the need for Democrats to exhibit the same level of courage and willingness to confront injustice.

7. Plans for Future Action and Call to Impeachment

Undeterred by his censure, Green outlines his intentions to continue battling for Medicaid and broader social justice issues. He discusses the possibility of bringing articles of impeachment against leaders who undermine democratic processes and jeopardize essential programs.

[30:13] Charlamagne Tha God: "But he's been in peace twice already, and nothing."

[30:16] DJ Envy: "I have to do that. I've got to do all that I can."

Green underscores the importance of holding leaders accountable, even in the face of repeated failures, advocating for persistent advocacy to protect vulnerable populations.

8. Perspectives on the Presidency and Democracy

Green offers a critical analysis of the current presidency, expressing concerns over executive overreach and the erosion of democratic norms. He warns against the dangers of a leader who disregards institutional checks and balances, labeling such behavior as a direct threat to democracy.

[22:30] DJ Envy: "He's growing this crop of many trumps. But this president is a menace to dignity."

He emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions against authoritarian tendencies.

9. The Need for Political Courage and Incivility as Protest

A recurring theme in the interview is the concept of using incivility as a form of protest against entrenched power structures. Green advocates for tactical disruptions to challenge and change the status quo, drawing inspiration from civil rights leaders.

[34:09] DJ Envy: "I have to be prepared to meet his incivility with incivility."

He believes that traditional political strategies are insufficient in the face of present challenges, calling for more assertive and unconventional methods to effect change.

10. Closing Thoughts and Inspiration

As the interview concludes, both hosts and Green reflect on the importance of maintaining moral integrity and courage in the fight for justice. Green cites Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that standing up for what is right often requires personal sacrifice but is essential for societal progress.

[52:10] DJ Envy: "When Dr. King was at his zenith... he had the courage to say what others knew and would not say."

Charlamagne Tha God and the hosts commend Green for his bravery and commitment, reinforcing the episode’s central message of resilience and unwavering dedication to justice.

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Notable Quotes:

• [06:24] DJ Envy: "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid."
• [09:17] DJ Envy: "There is still invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives."
• [15:20] DJ Envy: "I am about to suffer double jeopardy. They have censured me."
• [30:56] DJ Envy: "I've had to say that we should not wait until he becomes a dictator to try to remove him."
• [34:09] DJ Envy: "We have to use incivility. That is another way of saying protest."

Conclusion: Congressman Al Green's interview on The Breakfast Club serves as a compelling exploration of political activism, highlighting the necessary blend of courage, resilience, and strategic disruption required to challenge entrenched systems. His unwavering commitment to defending Medicaid and upholding democratic values provides a resonant message for listeners striving for meaningful societal change.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Peace to the planet Charlamagne. Tha God here. And I want you to know from Curtis, 50 Cent, Jackson, and the executive producers of power comes the explosive new season of the Stars original series, Raising Kanan. In the riveting fourth season, slates have seemingly been wiped clean for Kanan, Rock and the rest of the Thomas family. However, in the eye of the storm, one very dangerous obstacle looms large. Unique is alive. Unique makes a volatile and violent return as he hunts to upend the lives of the Thomas family. Don't miss the season premiere of Raising Kanan. Watch now only on Starz and the Starz app.

[Eric Andre]

Hey, what's up, y'all? This is Eric Andre. Well, I made a podcast called Bombing about absolutely tanking on stage. I tell gnarly stories, and I talk to friends about their worst moments of bombing in all sorts of ways. Bombing on stage, bombing in public, bombing in life. I want to know what's the worst way they've ever bombed? Or have they ever performed way too drunk or high? Or was there ever a time where they thought they were going to crush and they stunk it up? Listen to Bombing with Eric andre on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[DJ Envy]

Army army with Eric Andre.

[Gabe Lehners]

What would you do if mysterious drones appeared over your hometown? I started asking questions. What do you remember happening on that night of December 16th?

[Emily Tish Sussman]

It actually rotated around our house, looking as if it was peering in each.

[DJ Envy]

Window of our home.

[Gabe Lehners]

I'm Gabe Lehners from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonard's Entertainment. Listen to Obscura, Invasion of the Drone, wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[Emily Tish Sussman]

Hi, listeners. It's Emily Tish Sussman, host of the podcast she Pivots. This March, we're honoring Women's History Month with episodes from powerhouse governor Gretchen Whitmer. I fell in love with public policy, and that's kind of when I pivoted. Then later, we dive into the rise of women's sports by hearing how sports investor Carolyn Tish Blodgett is shaping the industry. Come join us and listen to she pivots on the iHeartRadio app. App podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club.

[Jess]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy Jess. Hilarious Charlemagne, the guy we are the Breakfast Club. La Rosa is here. We got a special guest in the building. Yes, indeed, we have Congressman Al Green.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Welcome, brother.

[DJ Envy]

Thank you. Thank you, dear brother.

[Jess]

Thank you for joining Us. How you feeling?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, well, I'm feeling quite well. Better than I deserve is what I usually say, because candidly, I have the gift of life. I didn't earn it, and I'm appreciative, and I try as best as I can to appreciate the life that I have. But current events, obviously are on my mind. And notwithstanding these events, I still say that I'm better than I deserve.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, I want to. You know, I want to say something, man. A couple of weeks ago, the good brother Michael Eric Dyson reached out and he said, congressman Al Green in Texas wants to come on Breakfast Club. And I'm like, all right, for sure. Connecting with the Producers and everything else. So this is just divine timing because this was something that was in the making a couple of weeks ago, but then everything transpired. Transpired this week at the State of the Union.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, sir.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What made you even want to come on a couple of weeks ago?

[DJ Envy]

What was on your spirit? I admire the way you conduct a program, to be quite honest. But may I just step back a moment and say a kind word about Michael?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely.

[DJ Envy]

I think so much of him. He's one of the great minds of our time. Absolutely. I don't know that he has an equal to be very honest with you. So I'm grateful to him for reaching out on my behalf. But I wanted to come on because I know that you have an audience that may not have had an opportunity to hear some of the things that I think would merit their consideration. So this would be an opportunity to reach out and see if we can help persons better understand some of what's happening in Congress.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And not only do you have one of the greatest R and B singers name, you got a R and B voice. You about to do the Quiet Stone.

[DJ Envy]

Wow. I've never been acknowledged in this fashion before. I have had people to say to me, well, let me give you this example. I was introduced and it was a great introduction, one of the best introductions I've ever had. And as I was going to speak, the gentleman said to me, before you finish, would you just please sing one song? He knew. Not that I was. Just give us one song, please.

[Jess]

But I want to start from back before we get into everything that's going on. Who is Al Green and what made you wanted to get into serving people?

[DJ Envy]

What probably started early in life when I was a child in elementary school, my teacher, Ms. Graham, I believe was her name, had the class to all assume some office or run for some office. And I was running for class President. And my theme was go with green. And that meant something to me then. And it continued. President of student body, president of freshman class. In college, once you get into this, it seems to envelop you, and you. You just don't leave it immediately. So I. I didn't. I didn't plan to do this. It sort of consumed me, in a sense, and here I am. So it's not. Not a. Not a contrived thing.

[Jess]

Now, they said you like HBCU so much, you went to three of them. Well, I went to famu, Howard and.

[DJ Envy]

Tuskegee, and I also went to Texas.

[Jess]

Southern and Texas Southern.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, sir. I enjoyed undergraduate school. I really did. And by the way, for everybody's edification, I have no undergraduate degree. I was fortunate enough to get into law school. It was just a quirk of circumstance. And so I finished law school at Thurgood Marshall School School of Law.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, you caused some good trouble the other night when you stood up and spoke out at the. Is it the State of the Union?

[DJ Envy]

No, it was a joint, Joint. Joint session of.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Joint session of Congress. We stood up and spoke out of the joint session of Congress. I think what's getting lost is what you actually said.

[DJ Envy]

Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you said that you have no mandate on Medicare.

[DJ Envy]

No mandate to cut Medicaid.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Medicaid.

[DJ Envy]

No mandate to cut. Literally, friends, I had my coat, my cane, and I was about to make my exit because I really didn't want to sit through what I knew the President would do. So as I was about to make my exit, he made this statement about his mandate. And I said to him, you have no mandate to cut Medicaid. And by the way, I didn't come to say that. I did not. It was spontaneity. It was just something.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Spirit movie.

[DJ Envy]

Yes. So I said it. And of course, the speaker admonished me. He said that I should take a seat. But at the moment, I had to make the point. So I said it again. The speaker admonished me again. And the speaker did his job. He said, well, you gotta be moved, removed. And so I was evicted. And by the way, the officers who evicted me were very kind. They didn't say anything to me that was out of order. They were very kind to me, but it didn't matter to me what the consequences were. And I've shared this with other people. John Lewis and I were friends, and we talked about this notion of peaceful protest. And a part of it is not just getting in the way, as he put it. You have to get in the way. You have to be disruptive. People are not going to like you in a some. But when you do this, you have to also be prepared to suffer the consequences. So when I did it, I was prepared to suffer the consequences, and I'm prepared now. But that doesn't mean that I'm going to like the consequences. You can be prepared to suffer things that you don't agree with. I don't agree with what happened, but I was prepared to suffer because Medicaid means so much to so many people. One in every five persons with insurance in this country is covered by virtue of Medicaid. And if we lose Medicaid, we're going to lose lives. The President, by and through his agents in Congress, has issued a mandate. We passed legislation to cut $880 billion from the committee that has jurisdiction over Medicaid. You cannot do that. You cannot do that without cutting into Medicaid. And if you do that, you're going to hurt a lot of people that I represent. So I'm standing for them because they can't stand for themselves understanding that they need this health care.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm glad you explained that. But also, you said something. You said that the speaker was doing his job. So if that's the case, why didn't Democratic speakers do their job and kick out Joe Wilson when he yelled out at Barack Obama? You lied. Why didn't do their job and kick out Marjorie Taylor Greene or Boebert? Like, why? Why? Why don't they do their job?

[DJ Envy]

This is why I came to the program, because I would get a question like this. And I really appreciate this question because it gets to the essence of where we are, but a good many of us don't realize it. There is still invidious discrimination. There is invidious discrimination in the House of Representatives. I'm a son of the segregated South. The rights that the Constitution recognized for me, my friends and neighbors denied. I had to sit in the back of the bus, the balcony of the movie, drink from a colored water fountain, and my relatives who committed some crimes were locked up in the bottom of the jail. I know what invidious discrimination looks like. The Klan burned a cross in my yard. I know what it smells like. I was in filthy waiting rooms. And I've been in places where I didn't want to be. And I know what it sounds like. I've been called all kinds of ugly names. So I know invidious discrimination. And when the speaker decided that I would be removed, and then there was this motion, this Resolution to censor me. It became obvious to me that I was not being treated as others were. And candidly speaking, it is invidious discrimination, harmful discrimination. I don't agree with that, but I was willing to suffer that because I knew that I had to get that message to the president and put this issue before the public, because the public has not grasped what's going to happen if Medicaid is cut. This is not about black people. Most of the people of the plurality, they're Anglos. Black people are a smaller percentage of Medicaid. But this is about people who need health care. This president is a person who uses his incivility to take advantage of our civility. When I left, I went home and I saw the rest of the event on television and I saw him point to the Democrats and say, these people are lunatics. He called the Democratic members of Congress lunatics. Now, that is incivility. He will not be punished for that. He's not going to be sanctioned. He's not going to be reprimanded. He's not going to be censured. He does this with impunity. I believe that we have to meet incivility with incivility. I have to be prepared to suffer the consequences, but I'm prepared to meet his incivility that he. He uses to demean people. We have to use our incivility to uplift people, and I plan to do that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I understand that. But why wouldn't the Democratic speaker of the House censor those folks? Like, why wouldn't she call them out? Or he called him out when Obama was in office. Why wouldn't Pelosi call him out when Biden was in office and do to them what they did to you when they disrupted the joint right?

[DJ Envy]

My belief is that what they've done to me exceeded what should be done. And that may be why. Because they didn't want to exceed what should be done. That would be my guess. I candidly don't know. But I know that I have been treated differently and I have accepted that it happened. I don't agree with it. And I think that if you treat everybody else as you should and then when I show up, you decide to treat me differently, I then protest that, and I do that. But I would protest notwithstanding the way they've done it, simply because I think that at some point, even if nobody stands with you on some issues, they are so important that if nobody stands with you, if is better to stand alone than not stand at all.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I agree with you. But I also believe Democrats are cowards, and that's why they didn't call out Marjorie Taylor Green. That's why they didn't call out Joe Wilson when he did it. And Republicans, that's what happened the other night. It made a weak party look weaker. You looked strong. And I was sitting there wondering, well, why is nobody else standing up with that brother? Why is nobody else walking out with that brother in that moment? To me, it just shows you how cowardly the Democratic Party.

[Jess]

Did you feel that way?

[Unknown Speaker]

I was gonna say, did you feel like people should have left with you?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Jess]

Do you feel like if we leave, like, you know, one leave, we all leave, but together we united?

[DJ Envy]

Let me give you a proper predicate before I go to a specific point. I'm not a Democrat because I love the notion of being a Democrat. I don't have another option. This is the option that's available to me, the best option available to me. And I tell people that I'm a liberated Democrat, unbought, unbossed and unafraid. Would I have stood with someone else had they done this?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, absolutely.

[DJ Envy]

I would have. And I believe that there are some Democrats who weren't there when he said lunatic. I'm sort of pleased that Maxine Waters wasn't there because I'm confident Maxine would have had some choice words for him, words that I wouldn't use. She's. She's a master of scatology. And so I. But I don't begrudge them to be very honest. I think people have to, on some of these questions, do what your conscience dictates. This was a dictate of my conscience, My convictions. And I said to my friends, vote your conscience when we got to the vote in this case. Vote, vote. Whatever your convictions are. I'm not trying to sway you one way or another. But I do say to you, and I've said this before, I'm not a Democrat because it was not like a religion for me. I'm there because it's the best choice that I have. And if I had another choice, I would opt for that.

[Jess]

Now, you talk about your. Talk about consequences.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, sir.

[Jess]

What are the consequences for what you've.

[DJ Envy]

Well, I'm about to suffer double jeopardy. They have censured me, which was to bring me before the House and. And read the statement. That was a statement of censure. But there is now a movement to strip me of my committee assignments. I would call that double jeopardy. I will not agree with it, but I will still say to you, if I could do it again, I would. Knowing that they would do these things, because it's not about me. It's about what Brother Charlemagne said. It's about the health care. And somewhere along the way, we make sacrifices. 60th anniversary. Is that what it is? Of crossing Edmund Pettus Bridge today, John Lewis and those folk made sacrifices. John Lewis explained to me he thought he was going to die on that bridge. Some people have to make sacrifices. So if sacrificing a congressional seat is going to help people get health care, then that's a good exchange. That's a fair exchange to get that health care for people who need it.

[Unknown Speaker]

If they strip you of your committees, though, right, Like a person like you, who you're not afraid, right. The committees that you're involved in. Financial services, homeland Security, diversity and inclusion in housing, community development, insurance, what does that mean for the people that, you know you're doing so much good for? Like, what effect are we going to see from that?

[DJ Envy]

Well, I would hope that the person who follows will take up the same causes and will do as well as can be done. I don't believe that I'm the only Al Green in the world. Well, I know that maybe I shouldn't have said it that way. There is Mr. Love and Happiness for the good times, but I think that there are other people who can take up this cause and, and do equally as well or better. You know, I admire Brother Jamal Bowman.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, I love Jamal.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, I, I. Jamal would have stood with you. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Matter of fact, Jamal wouldn't even came. He wouldn't even shown up.

[DJ Envy]

You know, I was tempted not to as well. I was. But I went to walk out. I did not go to make the statement. I went to walk out. But when he said he had this mandate, I had to then counteract that because I didn't want people to think that he would have a mandate to cut Medicaid. Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. They are the foundation of what we call the safety net, and we have to protect them. And with, with Social Security, somewhere around 2035, we're going to have a shortfall, and we're going to have to do something to make sure that Social Security continues to make its timely payments. I have said we should raise the cap, meaning persons who make more than $176,100, I believe is a cap. Let's make them pay into the system, too. Right now, if you make $176,100, all of your money is taxed for Social Security, 12.4%, 6.2 from you and 6.2 from your employer. Well, I think we have to raise that cap so that we can continue to have these payments. There are some people who would raise the age, and if they raise the age, black men will become donors. We're donors right now to a certain extent, because we don't live as long. Our lifespan is shorter. So raising the age only then causes some people to just pay into it and never benefit from it. And it's an investment, not an entitlement, so they won't collect on their investment. So I'm for raising that cap. That's important. And for Medicare, we've got to make sure that we maintain this program. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, they benefit Americans. We have a society where people can walk into places, typical stores, be millionaires, and nobody mugs you. You know, people, people who have much can visit places where people who have little and walk away. In many societies, you have to have armed guards with you. I may have to have one after, you know, what's happened here lately. But you have to have armed guards and you have to be protected. But we have a peaceful society because of the way we treat people in the dawn of life and in the twilight of life. And I'm going to do what I can to help them.

[Unknown Speaker]

Your armed security, is it just. You've been receiving, like, threats and stuff or like.

[DJ Envy]

Well, I don't want you to think that they started with this, but they've increased. Yes. Crystal can pull up some of those, and you can hear them if you'd like. But people, they don't think very much of my mother and my lineage, and they think that it would be appropriate for me to wear a rope as a necktie. So, uh, but the, you know, when you sign on, you don't sign on to have a party or just have a great time. You have to sign on for the times that exist, and you have to do what's necessary to make things better for those that you represent. And you, you, you just have to accept these things. And we do. I don't say to you, accept them and not be judicious, not be prudent. You've got to be prudent enough to say, I want security. And notwithstanding that, things can happen to you, but you ought to at least do what you can to protect yourself. But Dr. King gave us some sage advice. He reminds us that a person who hasn't found something worth dying for isn't fit to live. You know, so we all have to find something.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, when you. When you say you told people to vote for their conscience and then 10 Democrats voted to censure you, what does that say about their conscience?

[DJ Envy]

Well, here again, this is why I'm on your program. I assure you that question would not be put to me as you just put it to me on most other places and most other venues. I think that it is something that they will have to deal with. I don't want to say to them, here's what your conscience should have dictated. What I want to do is be an example and say, here's what my conscience dictates. And if you believe that I'm a good example, then you can adjust. But if you think not, then I have to accept you as who you are. I let them deal with their conscience. Consciousness is something that's within us and it causes us to have moral imperatives. This was a moral imperative for me. If no one else has the same moral imperative, I let them wrestle with it. I would not feel good about myself had I not done what I did.

[Jess]

Do you feel like this presidency changes the landscapes of presidency from here on out? I don't see things like executive orders on the first day. The man put a desk on in the middle and was signing and throwing pens out. Does this change the presidency from here on out?

[DJ Envy]

I don't know about ad infinitum, but I do know that for the foreseeable future, there will be others who will try to emulate him. He's growing this crop of many trumps. But this president is a menace to dignity. To dignity. You fire people en masse. You have no idea as to what their responsibilities are to family members. Maybe there's someone who's sick and they are the breadwinner and they have to take care of. This person could have a child in college that needs these funds, these emoluments to take care of education. You just don't know. And to fire people en masse indicates to me that you just don't respect the humanity and dignity of people that you don't know. There is no due process associated with this process. Elon Musk becomes the arbiter of due process. A guy with a chainsaw who is worth more than anybody else, it seems, who believes that he can make decisions that impact people that he just does not know in an arbitrary and capricious way. I think he's a menace to dignity. But he's also a threat to democracy. A threat to democracy because the Supreme Court has led him to believe that. That he's above the law. He's not in theory. In theory, de jure, de facto, maybe, but in theory he's not. He's not above the law, but he believes he is. He has an inordinate amount of influence over the House of Representatives and the Senate. I've seen people who I thought had great principles just cave, as it were, give in to him, succumb to him, and allow him to cause them to do and say things that I thought I'd never see them do or say. So he has the House, the Senate, and the Judiciary. And if he defies court orders, if he defies court orders, at that moment, dear brothers and sister, he will become a dictator and we will be under a dictatorship.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But he's already in the fire court.

[DJ Envy]

He's a threat to democracy. He's appealed them. He's appealed them.

[Gabe Lehners]

Have you ever looked into the night sky and wondered who or what was flying around up there? We've seen planes, helicopters, hot air balloons, and birds. But what if there's something else, something much more ominous that appears under the COVID of night, Silent, unseen, watching. They may be right above your car late one night as you cruise down the road, or look like mysterious lights hovering above your home. Drones. Or are they?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We used the word drone because it was comfortable to other people.

[DJ Envy]

One minute was there and one minute it wasn't. Oh, that is beyond creepy.

[Gabe Lehners]

Do you feel like this drone was targeting you specifically?

[DJ Envy]

Yes, Absolutely.

[Gabe Lehners]

Listen to Obscurum Invasion of the Drones on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Emily Tish Sussman]

Have you ever wished for a change but weren't sure how to make it? Maybe you feel stuck in a job or a place or a relationship? Join me, Emily Tish Sussman over on she Pivots, where I explore the inspiring pivots of women. Dig deeper into the personal reasons behind them and leave you with the inspiration you need to make your next pivot. Every Wednesday, I sit down with women like Kamala Harris, Vanessa Hudgens, and armchair expert host Monica Padman. This March, we are continuing to uplift women in honor of Women's History Month with episodes from Powerhouse governor Gretchen Whitmer. I fell in love with public policy, and that's kind of when I pivoted. Then later, we dive into the rise of women's sports to learn how leaders like sports investor Carolyn Tish Blodgett and former Gotham FC champion turned coach Michelle Bedos are shaping the industry. Come join us and listen to she Pivots on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Speaker]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here?

[DJ Envy]

Ow.

[Jess]

Go slower.

[Unknown Speaker]

From Blumhouse TV, iHeart podcasts and Ember 20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. And Santi was gone. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi and what's the way to find a missing person. Sleep with everyone he knew, obviously.

[DJ Envy]

Hmm.

[Unknown Speaker]

Pillow talk. The most unwelcome window into the human psyche. Follow our out of his element hero as he engages in a series of ill conceived investigative hookups. Mama always used to say God gave me gumption in place of a gag reflex. And as I was about to learn, no amount of showering can wash your hands of a bad hookup.

[Eric Andre]

Now take a big whiff, my brah.

[Unknown Speaker]

Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Jamie Petras]

September 1979. Virginia's top prison band, Edge of Daybreak, is about to record their debut album Behind Bars in just five hours.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, we're rolling.

[Jess]

One, two, three, four.

[Jamie Petras]

I'm Jamie Petras, music and culture writer. For the past five years, I've been talking to the band's three surviving members. They're out of prison now and in their 70s, their past behind them. But they also have some unfinished business.

[DJ Envy]

They're here to Daybreak. Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Jamie Petras]

It's a story about the liberating power of music, the American justice system, and ultimately second chances. Listen to soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[DJ Envy]

His appeal appellant process is there when you differ.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm gonna be honest with you, Congressman Al Green. I've called him a threat to democracy quite often, but I'm sick of that talk. And the reason I'm sick of that talk is because Democrats don't ever act like he is. Even when they were in power the last four years with Biden, that didn't stop the so called fascism. So why should we ever believe anything that comes out of Democrats mouth ever again. Well, about any of this.

[DJ Envy]

Thank you again for your question, sir. I have said that we should not wait until he becomes a dictator to try to remove him. Now I understand that we don't control the House, but that doesn't mean that we can't still bring articles of impeachment because if the courts can't stop him and he has control of the generals, because all of those generals that he appointed have to pledge fealty to him. If he has control of the generals, the courts can't stop him, and the House of Representatives, the Republicans won't stop him, then that leaves it to us. There are 435 of us. We each have the authority, the ability to bring articles of impeachment. And I'm going to do that. Why? Because I think that you have to go on the record even when you can't make the change.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But he's been in peace twice already, and nothing.

[DJ Envy]

It didn't stop. Did not stop. Didn't stop him. In fact, he was voted back into office with two impeachments and 34 felony convictions. But that doesn't mean that I should not bring them and make the effort. I've got to do all that I can. I grew up with this belief from parents that when you have done. When you can't do what you need to do as much as you should do, do all you can. Just do all you can. And there's a song that I'm sure many of you have heard. The song has these words. After you've done all that, you can just stand. Just stand. And I stand.

[Unknown Speaker]

I have a question for you about how people look at the institution of the office of the President. I know you were part of bringing the articles of impeachment in 2017. You said you're going to do it again.

[DJ Envy]

Yes.

[Unknown Speaker]

You got the 10 Democrats that Charlemagne just mentioned that voted to censor you. Their direct quotes were basically, you needed to learn some decorum and respect the office of the President. Right. So to his point, some of that is probably going to go out the window. People won't care. How dangerous is it that there are Democrats or just people in general that feel like, despite what's happening, it's the institution of the.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why didn't they say that about the President? They need to be saying that about the President.

[DJ Envy]

Well, look, I concur with you.

[Jess]

When people really understand, you realize how scary it is.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It ain't even that. As scared as Democrats. Cowards, man. In every way.

[DJ Envy]

I completely agree that they should say that about the President, especially given that he, on national tv called Democrats raging.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Left lunatics, something like that.

[DJ Envy]

Lunatics.

[Unknown Speaker]

Them lunatics gave quotes. But it wasn't about him. It was about you.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, I understand. I would not have said this about them. I Would not. I can only say to you, they have to live with their words. I have to live with mine.

[Jess]

How do you feel, though? Like it's all as you stand and you fight and. And then when you. You turn your back and you think the people behind you back there, and then you look and you realize that they're not.

[DJ Envy]

Well, one slight adjustment. I didn't look to see, and I didn't have that expectation. Got you. I. I stood because of the people that I represent who cannot be there to stand for themselves. So, again, I would do it again. I will suffer the consequences. And if my being evicted can make a difference in the lives of those people who need Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare, I would do it. The state of Texas was accorded $100 billion for Medicaid and rejected it. Rejected it because at some point, the state of Texas would have to pay 10% of that, the amount that was being paid, and the federal government would pay 90%. Well, there's talk of sending money to states now rather than having the federal government have its fingerprints on this process. If that happens, a state like Texas will abuse it. Texas doesn't regard poor people with any degree of respect that I would give them. So I have to fight to keep it out of the hands of the leaders in the state of Texas. And that's what this is about. There's a fight, and I'll do as best as I can. I don't. Look, I don't guarantee victory, but I guarantee a fight.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Catch a question. Did Democrats coordinate any type of real form of resistance the other night, or was everybody just doing their own thing? Because we saw the people with their pickleball paddles and, you know, you. You said yours was spurred a moment. Like, did. Did anybody have a conversation? Because I know Hakeem Jeffries was trying to get people not to do anything.

[Jess]

We meant signs. Not pickleball paddles. The signs.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Those pickleball paddles. I know Hakeem Jeffries was trying to get people not to do any type of disruption, which I was. Which I thought was beyond cowardly. Was there any conversation amongst y'all?

[DJ Envy]

I am probably what you would call a maverick. I tend to. As I said, I'm a liberated Democrat. I tend to deal with my conscience and my convictions, and I have not been engaged in those kinds of conversations. I think most people have said that Al Green is probably going to do what he wants, so let's not bother. And they're probably right. So I'll do the best that I Can to be as good as I can and be of service. But I think that in the future, what we're doing now, I think will have an impact. I really do. I think that people will give some thought to how we should behave in the future. And I have suggested that we have to meet incivility with incivility. Ours is for a different cause. Theirs is to demean, ours is to uplift. But I think we have to use incivility. What I did was an act of incivility. And when they reprimanded me with the censure, we sang We Shall Overcome right there in the. Well, the speaker tried to gavel us out, but we didn't stop. That was an act of incivility, and it was really a response to the president's incivility. So we have to use incivility. That is another way of saying protest.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, envy brought up a good question. And if we ever get another Democrat president, If. Right. When we see all of the things that Trump is currently doing and we see, wow, presidents really do have power, if they have the political will and courage to use it. I want to see a Democrat do that. Why can't a Democrat move like that? For the good things.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, I. I absolutely agree with you. We. I'll be quite candid with you. I didn't know. I'm a lawyer. Okay. I'm a lawyer. Okay. Well, I'm being candid with you. This is a candid program, by the way, I did not realize that a president had so few guardrails. Donald Trump.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

Donald Trump has pulled the COVID back. You know, he's lifted the blinds, the shades. And we now see that a president has very few obstacles to prevent him from her. Prevent them from doing whatever they want to do.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right.

[DJ Envy]

Very few. This president has decided that he will use executive orders as opposed to using Congress. And he's issuing executive orders in areas that we've never seen a president give us. These executive orders, issue these executive orders. He. He has demonstrated to us that it is more about the will to do things than the way. The way is there. The question is, do you have the will? And my answer to you, dear brother, is yes. I would hope that a Democratic president would use this authority not for the purpose that he's using it. He seems to think that the very wealthy, the plutocrats, need more to do more and that the poor among us can do more with less. Poor can do more with less. The wealthy need more to do more. I would hope that A Democratic president would have a better view of what the needs of society are and try to help uplift people who are living in the streets of life. Not to the detriment of those who live in the streets. There's enough for all of us. But let's look after those who live in the streets. And there are a good many who are not getting any help at all.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Don't you admire that going away? Don't you admire the fact that he is willing to do whatever he wants to do for his base?

[DJ Envy]

Well, I.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cause that's what we. Anybody who supported Democrats, that's all we ever want. Do something for the base. Keep your promises. Yes, he keeps his.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. Well, brother Charlemagne, you. May I just give you this predicate before I get to your. Your question? There are. We've made promises. People have said that black men, as you know, were one of the reasons and that, in a sense, black people in general voted for Trump and that hurt us. And they're saying that members of other communities, the labor community, didn't vote as they should have. Well, we made promises and you've mentioned that. We said, give us the House, the Senate, and the presidency, and we'll pass Voting Rights Act, John Lewis, voting rights. We'll pass George Floyd, justice in policing. We will raise the minimum wage. We will, for the labor folk, pass the Pro Act, Protect the Right to Organize Act. For the members of the LGBTQ community, we would pass the Equality Act. Well, we had the House, the Senate, and the presidency, and we didn't do it. That's your point. That's your point. We didn't do it. But here's to add to your point. When Republicans had the House, the Senate, and the presidency and they didn't have enough votes to bring us to cloture, cloture is where you get 60 votes. So you pass something with 51 votes. When they couldn't get to cloture with 60 votes, they said, fine. They made the following motion, not in these exact words. When there was a federal judgeship up, they said, we believe that we should pass this judgeship on with 51 votes. And the chair overruled that and said, no, you've got to have 60. And I remember the person making this motion asking this, said, I appeal the ruling of the chair. Now, when you appeal the ruling of the chair, you only have to have 51 votes. So the 51 votes then allowed them to take up the issue of placing this person on the Supreme Court with 51 votes, as opposed to 60. We did a similar thing with John Lewis voting rights. Mr. Schumer did. And when we took our votes, we had 48 Democrats to vote with us. Two did not. Manchin and Sinema did not. If they had, then Vice President Harris would have come over African vote and been the 50. So we could have passed George Floyd justice in policing. We could have passed John Lewis voting rights, all of the things that I've said.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And no Democrat ever threw mansion in cinema under the bus.

[Unknown Speaker]

I was giving y'all hell.

[DJ Envy]

You know, y'all give him a speech now, but I. You gave it. Absent some of the language you use. My mother would have loved this program. She was a master of scatology. But so they didn't pressure them like they pressure us. You know, like they treat me in a sense. Okay, they didn't pressure them. But here is what happened. Now I'm getting to your question. Here's what happened. There are two political banks in this country. There is the Republican political Bank and the Democratic Political Bank. Now, there's some smaller than some small institutions. If you put your, your energy and effort, your deposits, if you will, into the Democratic bank, you expect your return to come from the Democratic bank.

[Jess]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

If the Republican bank does something for you, you're not going to reject that. But you put your deposits in the Democratic bank. When the Democratic bank did not return, give them return on investment, then persons lost their enthusiasm. So I don't blame people who lost their enthusiasm because we didn't honor what we said. If we we had the House, the Senate and the presidency in 2021 and we did not deliver, I see how people could lose enthusiasm. So that's where we were. That's what happened. But my hope is that we are learning a lesson and my hope is that we will be truthful about it. That's the way I see it. Now, there are other people who would blame people who didn't vote for not voting. I understand why people didn't vote.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you think Hakeem Jeffries is the leader Democrats need in this present moment?

[DJ Envy]

I think that first of all, I think very highly of him. Let me start with this. I have had an opportunity to. To see his intellect. I think that he finds himself in a difficult position and he's trying position.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

In between Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Well, repeating all the talking points.

[DJ Envy]

Well, I find him in the difficult position in that he's trying to get 218 votes so that we will have the opportunity to do some of these things that I've called to your attention and getting 218 votes. You're probably not going to get 218 Al Greens, but you can get 218 with some people who will do some of the things that I want to see done that will be a benefit and some who won't. So he's trying to get to 218 votes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Politics not going to work. I think we, I keep saying over and over, I feel like Democrats have tried every political strategy except for courage. And I don't know how politics gets us out of this situation. How do regular traditional politics moving by the rule of the law get us out of a situation when you're dealing with people with that much power who don't follow the rules of the law?

[DJ Envy]

Well, I do think you're right about the courage. And here's where it comes into play. When we do get 218 votes, we've got to decide we'll have enough courage to do what has to be done, even if we won't have 218 votes after this. That's the decision that we have to make. That's the decision Republicans have made. They've decided that they're going to press their agenda and if they lose the House and the Senate and the presidency, they will have done as much as they can to advance their agenda at that time. I do think that too often we tend to want to preserve the power and the process, lose the opportunity to make the significant change that ought to be made. So courage is, you're correct. We've got to use it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who do you think is. Well, it's a two part question. Who do you think is very courageous in the Democratic Party right now? And who do you think is the current voice of the Democratic Party?

[DJ Envy]

Well, I have a, you know, I have a bias. I work with the Honorable Maxine Waters. I've known her for many, many years. I have great respect for her, for her. I serve on the committee under her leadership. I think that she is a person who voices the things that I concur with. She's a strong leader. She's fierce. And I think that if she had been there when the president said, you're a lunatic, I don't know, she may have had pull her off the podium.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But Queen Maxine Legend. But she's an og. And then, you know, they said the Bible says old men for counsel, young men for war. Right. Who are the young warriors right now? To me, I think Jasmine Crockett, I think aoc, I think Ayanna Presley.

[DJ Envy]

I agree with all of those. But let me just share this with a little bit of pushback there, brother. Her mentality is not old. Yeah. See, Maxine, look, I've celebrated my 25th birthday three times. I'm not. I'm in my fourth, 25th. I still have my ponytail, you know, my beard. But I'm in age. I'm old. But Maxine is younger than most 25 year olds. She is, yes, she's an OG, but that's a. Thank God for an OG. She's that kind of OG.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I just feel like they left you hanging the other night, my brother.

[DJ Envy]

Absolutely.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I, I appreciate what you did, you know, because, you know, like I keep saying, if something is a threat to democracy, if somebody is a fascist, then people got to act like it. And when, when he said that about Medicare, you stood up and you let everybody know, like you, you know, you don't have a mandate to cut Medicare. So that right there shows me the urgency of the situation. Why everybody else didn't have that sense of urgency, I don't know. I feel like they left you hanging.

[DJ Envy]

Well, thank you for your kind words. And I move forward saying this, we still have the opportunity to demonstrate the courage that you've called to our attention. We still have that opportunity. I believe, as I said, that we have to use incivility. I believe in this. There are times when, if you can't have justice, then you have to step across the line of civility and decide that you will not allow others to proceed with injustice. Don't allow them to proceed with injustice. I remember Ms. Beatty saying something. I hope she'll forgive me for calling her out, but she said at a. We were in a meeting of a sort. When are we going to do something bold, Maybe not in these exact words. When are we going to do what John Lewis did? When are we going to go and take over the floor of the House? Not in these words, Ms. Beatty. Those were not your exact words. But she said that effect. Yeah, something to that effect. And I'm saying to you that that's where we are. That is incivility, by the way. But we've got to have that level of incivility. We cannot allow them to proceed without at least knowing that they're going to have to walk over us and walk around us. We have to do what John Lewis said, and that is get in the way. So we have to now get in the way. I would hope that we would see this as what we are called to do.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You think now is the time to bring people together. And what I mean by that is you have a lot of Republicans who voted for Donald Trump and they're going to these. That's one of my favorite things to watch. Now those Republican town halls, where they going to those town halls and raising hell. And I was sitting there wondering, I'm like, yo, why didn't Democrats bring some of those people to that session the other night and let them be in there in their MAGA gear and let them be as disruptive in the chamber as they have been at these town halls. That would have been a stronger message to me because we used to hearing Democrats complain.

[Unknown Speaker]

You think they would have done that though because they so loyal to each other.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Not the Republican towns they raising how they losing their jobs.

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah, they're amongst their people. I don't know. I just feel like sometimes I feel like one thing that the Republicans do well is even when they're upset, they still, they're still together.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But if you got all these protests with these people protesting Donald Trump, protesting Elon Musk who actually voted for him, if they get an opportunity to be in a chamber where both of them are there, I think they'd have made some noise.

[DJ Envy]

Well, I do agree that we should make some noise. And here's what I would have had us. Do you remember at one point the Republicans started to say usa, usa and that was order but allowed it to continue. I think if I had my druthers in my way when they do that, we ought to then because I'm an OG saying we shall overcome. While they're saying usa, usa, we sing we shall Overcome.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I can't do no more singing.

[DJ Envy]

I understand. But my point is at that moment we have to meet their message with a message and not allow them to say usa, usa and we say nothing. So we have to have some retort. That is my retort to sing We Shall Overcome. I imagine there are some other songs that might have more of an impact. But my point is that we have to raise our voices when they raise theirs. We cannot let them just have the opportunity to proclaim themselves patriots.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right.

[DJ Envy]

While we sit silently.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But that's why they missed a moment with you the other night. All of them should have walked out with you in that moment. That would have made a hell of a statement. They should have been just as disrespectful after they put kicked you out. Somebody else should have stood up and been just as disruptive.

[DJ Envy]

Well, I do think that there will be additional moments. And you, you have now sounded the alarm. I think people are paying attention. I would only say I try to lead by example. If you think I'm a good example, then follow my.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You're a great example, my brother. You believe more than I do, but at least you gave us something to believe in.

[DJ Envy]

That's right. Well, you're very kind. You're very kind. And if I may, I don't know whether we're near the end here, but I want to thank you for bringing a degree of clarity that is not presented in traditional fashions. You know, you have courage. You have courage. You say what's on your mind. It's a very difficult thing to do for most people. Most people just are not going to say what's on their minds. There are many people who had on their minds what I said. And I'm not patting myself on the back, but I know I'm not the only person who thought that. But it takes courage. And you've emphasized this, and I want to let you know this. When Dr. King was at his zenith, when he was at his zenith, there were other great orators. He was not the only great orator. There were other great intellectuals. But the one thing he had that they didn't or they didn't exhibit was courage. He had the courage to say what others knew and would not say. And that was what makes the difference. You've got to have courage. You've got to have guts. Intestinal fortitude. As Malcolm said it, you gotta have chitlins. You do. That makes a difference.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Thank you, Congressman.

[Jess]

Congressman Al Green. We appreciate you for joining us this morning.

[DJ Envy]

Thank you, dear brother.

[Jess]

And anytime you need to pull up, you are more than invited to come on through.

[DJ Envy]

Well, thank Brother Michael Eric Dyson. Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, dear brother.

[Jess]

All right. As Congressman Al Green, it's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club.

[Eric Andre]

Hey, what's up, y'all? This is Eric Andre. Well, I made a podcast called Bombing about absolutely tanking on stage. I tell gnarly stories, and I talk to friends about their worst moments of bombing in all sorts of ways. Bombing on stage, bombing in public, bombing in life. I want to know what's the worst way they've ever bombed? Or have they ever performed way too drunk or high? Or was there ever a time where they thought they were going to crush and they stunk it up? Listen to Bombing with Eric Andre on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[DJ Envy]

Bombing Bombing with Eric Andre.

[Gabe Lehners]

What would you do if mysterious drones appeared over your hometown? I started asking questions. What do you remember happening on that night of December 16th?

[Emily Tish Sussman]

It actually rotated around our house, looking.

[DJ Envy]

As if it was peering in each window of our home.

[Gabe Lehners]

I'm Gabe Leonars from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonard's Entertainment. Listen to Obscurum Invasion of the Drones wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[Emily Tish Sussman]

Hi listeners, it's Emily Tish Sussman, host of the podcast she Pivots. This March, we're honoring Women's History Month with episodes from powerhouse governor Gretchen Whitmer. I fell in love with public policy and that's kind of when I pivoted. Then later, we dive into the rise of women's sports by hearing how sports investor Carolyn Tish Flodgett is shaping the industry. Come join us and listen to she pivots on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Speaker]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here? How goes lower from Blumhouse TV, iHeart podcasts and Ember 20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi and what's the way to find a missing person? Sleep with everyone he knew? Obviously. Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.