LIVE: MAGA’s Biggest Attacks BACKFIRE…Author SPEAKS OUT

Donald Trump consistently uses derogatory language, such as 'dumb' or 'stupid,' to target black political figures like Hakeem Jeffries and black journalists like Rachel Scott. This behavior is framed as a deliberate pattern of disrespect, particularly towards black women, rather than isolated incidents.

Trump called Hakeem Jeffries 'a dumb guy' and 'a Democrat' (00:00:42). He questioned Rachel Scott's intelligence, stating 'you don't see dirt' and calling her question 'stupid' (00:02:37, 00:03:33, 00:03:42). The host highlights Trump's general disrespect for black women (00:05:07).

The guest, Atima Omara, asserts that the right's attacks on black women are rooted in a systemic merging of racism and sexism, which pushes black women to the margins. This phenomenon, termed 'misogynoir,' is evident in how black women are targeted and often left undefended.

Omara states that 'this country systemically pushes to the margins' black women, who are 'the most disrespected, unprotected woman in America' (00:09:44, 00:09:59). She notes the lack of defense from the White House press corps for fear of losing access (00:11:00).

The Democratic Party frequently makes the strategic error of appealing to white, moderate, or conservative-leaning voters, often at the expense of investing in its loyal base of white progressives and black and brown voters. This approach undermines long-term victories, as black women consistently lead successful organizing efforts.

Omara states that Democratic leadership tries to 'appeal to these white, moderate, very white, conservative leaning voters' who 'are not loyal long-term voters' (00:12:22). She argues that 'victories that last' require cultivating the base, 'primarily led by black women' (00:12:36, 00:12:46).

Black women have consistently been at the vanguard of social movements for progress throughout American history. They are characterized as 'instigators' who, despite facing systemic discrimination early in life, possess the optimism and resolve to confront injustice when others do not.

Omara cites examples like black washerwomen in Mississippi organizing for labor rights post-Civil War (00:21:32) and Hazel Johnson fighting for environmental justice in the 1960s-70s (00:22:15). She describes 'instigators' as typically '18 to 45 because that's a sort of the optimism of youth' and they 'don't have the luxury of tapping out' (00:23:43, 00:24:00).

Research indicates that a greater presence of progressive women of color in state legislatures, governorships, and the Senate leads to the passage of policies that directly address social safety nets, criminal justice reform, and poverty initiatives. This is because they come from or are connected to communities most affected by these issues.

Omara highlights research showing 'the more women of color running for office who are progressive-minded... the more likely you'll see policy passed that targets the social safety net, criminal justice reform, poverty initiatives' (00:27:08). She quotes Ayanna Pressley: 'the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power' (00:27:36).