School moms to the rescue! (with Laura Pappano)

We're officially back in the thick of things here after the holidays and we're jumping right in with an interview about public schools. But first, our hosts Rachel Vindman, Amanda Weinstein and Jasmine Clark catch up on the latest news. We recently marked the third anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, and it's heartbreaking to see how so many Americans have changed their minds from condemnation to explanation. It is very important to have accurate journalism so that stories like “January 6th was no big deal” are not spread. The hosts also discuss the scapegoating and resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, as well as the bill in Ohio that would ban gender-affirming care.

We then discuss the importance of education and the role that deeply involved “school moms” can play in saving our public schools with journalist Laura Pappano (https://www.laurapappano.com/). We were so excited to talk to Laura about her new book, “School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics and the Battle for Public Education.” She shares what it was like to attend a Moms for Liberty conference, why inclusion is so crucial, and even listening to The Suburban Women Problem while she does Peloton. “School Moms” will be available January 30 and you can read Laura’s article in Vanity Fair here (https://www.vanityfair.com/news/idahos-school-board-battles-against-far-right).

Finally, Rachel, Amanda, and Jasmine raise a glass to Akron's new mayor, Shammas Malik, the fantastic fundraising event Jasmine hosted earlier this month, and high hopes for a new legislative session in the "Toast to Joy” from this episode.

This week, Amanda mentioned the bill in Ohio that would ban gender-affirming critical care – if you are in Ohio, please call your state representatives and tell them to vote no to overturn the Governor Dewine's veto of HB68.
And speaking of supporting the LGBTQ community, we're also hosting a live virtual event with author and former pod guest Lesléa Newman (https://lesleanewman.com/) to talk about her new book / "Always Matt: A Tribute To Matthew Shepard The event will take place on Tuesday, January 16 at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time – you can learn more and RSVP here (https://secure.everyaction.com/hxA7arTWB0Wh9-NcBKnEIQ2) .

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue (http://www.redwine.blue) or follow us on social media!

Twitter: @TheSWPpod (https://twitter.com/TheSWPpod) and @RedWineBlueUSA (https://twitter.com/RedWineBlueUSA)

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA (https://www.instagram.com/redwineblueusa/)

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA (https://www.facebook.com/RedWineBlueUSA/)

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA (https://www.youtube.com/@RedWineBlueUSA)

Please take the opportunity to connect and share this video with your friends and family if you find it useful.