Podcast Summary: The Chuck ToddCast – "Nukes and Music: Greg Mitchell Talks About the State of Anti-Nuclear Activism"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Chuck ToddCast
• Host: Chuck Todd, Meet the Press
• Episode: Nukes and Music: Greg Mitchell Talks About the State of Anti-Nuclear Activism
• Release Date: December 5, 2023
• Description: Chuck Todd engages in unscripted and informed discussions on critical political matters, featuring top reporters and exclusive interviews from the campaign trail.

1. Introduction and Political Landscape

Time Stamp: [00:31]

Chuck Todd opens the episode by addressing the pressing political deadlines leading up to the holidays in Washington, D.C. He emphasizes the imminent Senate deal concerning funding for Ukraine, which is intricately tied to border policies. This legislative sprint is highlighted as the focal point for the next ten days in Washington.

Chuck Todd [00:31]: "We are in the sprint to the holidays, which in Washington means there's a ton of deadlines... the big Washington story for the next two weeks is this sprint. Can there be a compromise? Is there?"

Todd explains the bipartisan support for Ukraine funding but underscores the fragmentation within parties, particularly within the Republican Party, where support for Ukraine is deeply divided. Additionally, he points out the President's simultaneous push for aid to Israel, complicating Democratic support, especially among progressives.

Chuck Todd [02:50]: "Ukraine is one of those things that literally splits the Republican Party right down the middle... the president is also wanting aid to Israel in this."

He further delves into the broader geopolitical concerns, including the situation in Israel, Europe, and potential developments in Taiwan, especially with impending Taiwanese elections that could have significant implications for U.S. involvement.

2. The Border as Political Currency

Time Stamp: [06:15]

Todd shifts focus to the U.S. border issue, labeling it as the currency Republicans are leveraging to extract concessions from Democrats. He criticizes the Democratic approach to immigration, suggesting that since 2013, Democrats have largely ignored border issues, fearing alienation of key voter demographics. This strategy, according to Todd, has left Democrats ill-prepared to counter Republican narratives effectively.

Chuck Todd [07:45]: "The Democrats have kind of just walked away from the issue believing there are no votes for them on this issue... they have not done a good job articulating what they don't like about the Republicans."

He argues that Democrats have failed to clearly communicate their stance on asylum policy changes proposed by Republicans, leaving the public disillusioned and the party on the defensive. Todd predicts that political pressures may force Democrats to concede on border policies, potentially alienating immigration rights groups and activists.

3. Interview with Greg Mitchell: Anti-Nuclear Activism and Historical Perspectives

Time Stamp: [12:29]

Guest: Greg Mitchell, Author and Journalist

Chuck Todd introduces Greg Mitchell, highlighting his extensive work on California politics, the anti-nuclear movement, and his recent contributions to the discourse on nuclear weapons through a Substack newsletter. Todd shares his admiration for Mitchell’s books, particularly "Nixon and the Pink Lady" and "The Campaign of the Century," which delve into historical campaign tactics and political movements.

a. Evolution of the Anti-Nuclear Movement

Time Stamp: [13:10]

Mitchell discusses the trajectory of the anti-nuclear movement, noting its peak during the early 1980s with the "freeze campaign." He explains how the movement transitioned from mass street activism to more legislative-focused efforts, which he believes diluted its original energy and mass appeal.

Greg Mitchell [13:57]: "The movement itself... became focused on legislation, it got focused on the test ban treaty... became a little more, not so much in the streets and more in the suites."

Todd reflects on how activist groups often struggle to maintain grassroots momentum once they gain political traction, leading to a reduction in civil disobedience and public demonstrations.

b. The Current State of Nuclear Activism and Oppenheimer

Time Stamp: [16:24]

Mitchell expresses concern that without a rekindled mass movement, anti-nuclear activism may remain subdued until a significant event, such as the accidental use of a nuclear weapon, thrusts the issue back into the spotlight.

Greg Mitchell [16:39]: "I have a feeling you're going to enjoy this conversation with Greg... But nukes, is that it? I mean, is that your North Star?"

He delves into his recent work, including his documentary "Atomic Cover Up" on PBS, which uncovers hidden footage and information about the aftermath of atomic bombings and subsequent cover-ups by the U.S. government.

Greg Mitchell [17:25]: "I show some of this footage and explain why it was hidden... the US could not face what we had done."

c. Impact of the "Oppenheimer" Movie

Time Stamp: [18:00]

Mitchell critiques Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" for not sparking the anticipated public debate on the moral and ethical implications of nuclear weapon use. He fears the film presents a muddled message, focusing more on Oppenheimer’s personal anguish without adequately addressing the broader consequences of the bombings.

Greg Mitchell [18:59]: "It really did not set off a new debate, which I predicted... does not have the legs to reset this."

He emphasizes the urgent need for renewed dialogue on nuclear policies, especially in light of contemporary threats from nations like China and Russia.

d. Henry Kissinger’s Legacy

Time Stamp: [23:50]

Todd brings up Henry Kissinger’s diplomatic legacy, questioning its relevance and effectiveness in current geopolitical crises. Mitchell responds with skepticism about replicating Kissinger’s style of diplomacy, citing its controversial nature and mixed outcomes.

Greg Mitchell [25:01]: "There is a lot of work just in the past month... the US is in one of the most dangerous periods of nuclear threat..."

He highlights Kissinger’s historical role in shaping Cold War policies but remains doubtful about his methods being applicable or beneficial in today's complex international landscape.

e. Progressive Movements: Past and Present

Time Stamp: [29:42]

Mitchell draws parallels between past progressive movements, such as Upton Sinclair’s 1934 gubernatorial campaign, and the current progressive resurgence. He underscores the importance of a singular focus, as seen in the successful "freeze campaign," compared to the fragmented nature of modern movements like Occupy Wall Street.

Greg Mitchell [33:31]: "My most recent book and movie is called Memorial Day Massacre... it did help spark the labor movement and helped lead to really the surge in union organizing and success."

Todd adds his perspective on the rising labor movement, attributing it to widespread distrust in big government and corporations, leading individuals to seek collective representation through unions.

Chuck Todd [34:07]: "In this era of distrust, we don't trust big government, we don't trust big corporations... we gotta all look out for ourselves."

f. Greg Mitchell’s Music Interests and Memoir

Time Stamp: [41:40]

Mitchell reveals his passion for music, particularly in the Americana genre, and discusses his ongoing memoir about his tenure at Crawdaddy, a precursor to Rolling Stone. He reflects on his experiences, including writing some of the first articles on artists like Bruce Springsteen.

Greg Mitchell [42:14]: "Crawdaddy was the precursor to Rolling Stone... I was there for all of it. Helped write the first article ever about Bruce Springsteen..."

He also touches upon his challenge of keeping up with new music amidst the dominance of algorithm-driven platforms, expressing a preference for artists like Jason Isbell and Alison Russell.

4. Closing Remarks

Time Stamp: [45:53]

Chuck Todd wraps up the episode by commending Greg Mitchell's remarkable career and encouraging listeners to explore his documentary "Atomic Cover Up" available on PBS. He hints at future discussions on alternative histories and teases an upcoming episode focusing on the College Football Playoff.

Chuck Todd [45:55]: "My next my upcoming guest is Greg Mitchell... It was delicious?"

Mitchell responds humorously, reaffirming the availability of his work online.

Greg Mitchell [45:54]: "PBS.org and all. All PBS."

Todd concludes by thanking his guest and listeners, highlighting the production team and inviting audience engagement through email for future topics.

Notable Quotes

1. Chuck Todd on Senate Deal and Bipartisanship [00:31]:

   "If you care about this funding for Ukraine, because there is a huge bipartisan majority in both the House and the Senate to fund Ukraine... but it doesn't have strong support in one of the two parties, it's almost harder to get said legislation across the finish line."

2. Todd on Democratic Strategy on Borders [07:45]:

   "They have been a dereliction of explanation... not trying to take back and attempt to explain their position on their terms."

3. Greg Mitchell on the Decline of the Anti-Nuclear Movement [13:57]:

   "It became a little more, not so much in the streets and more in the suites, you might say."

4. Mitchell on Oppenheimer Movie's Impact [18:59]:

   "It really did not set off a new debate... does not have the legs to reset this."

5. Todd on Labor Movement and Distrust [34:07]:

   "In this era of distrust, we don't trust big government, we don't trust big corporations... we gotta all look out for ourselves."

Conclusion

In this episode, Chuck Todd provides insightful commentary on the current political maneuvers in Washington, particularly the interplay between funding for Ukraine and U.S. border policies. The in-depth interview with Greg Mitchell offers a historical and contemporary analysis of anti-nuclear activism, the legacy of Henry Kissinger, and the evolution of progressive movements. Mitchell's perspectives on nuclear policy and his critique of cultural representations like the "Oppenheimer" movie enrich the discussion, highlighting the ongoing relevance of nuclear discourse in today’s geopolitical climate. Additionally, Mitchell's passion for music and his forthcoming memoir add a multifaceted dimension to the conversation, bridging politics, history, and culture.

For listeners interested in the intersections of politics, history, and social movements, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration enriched by Greg Mitchell’s expertise and Chuck Todd’s incisive hosting.