James Talarico has built a reputation as a progressive voice in Texas politics — but recent statements on Israel raise serious questions about his commitments.David Griscom and Matt Lech are joined by Judith Norman and Alex Birnel to break down what Talarico says, what he avoids saying, and why values-based language without concrete policy prescriptions falls short in a moment of mass violence and U.S. complicity. This is a discussion about the limits of progressive branding, the pressure Democratic politicians face on Israel, and why refusing to articulate policy is itself a political choice.You can read the full statement here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTcB_XvjC...And the response from San Antonio Justice in Palestine: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTs0w7slX...PRE-ORDER David's Book "The Myth of Red Texas" about the Lone Star State's radical history and how we can win Texas again: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-myth-...Support Left Reckoning and help us keep doing independent, class-focused political analysis.🔴 Patreon: patreon.com/leftreckoningSUNDAY SHOW episodes and mail-bag content.Follow us across platforms for clips, live shows, and updates:@leftreckoning@davidgriscom@mattlech

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On today's Left Reckoning, we talk about the deep history in which "Little Marco" is embedded, including the contras and the JFK assassination.

Read Maureen's piece on Rubio here: https://prospect.org/2025/12/23/narco-terrorist-elite-rubio-south-america-iran-contra/

Check out Marco's campaign for Lt. Gov. in Texas: https://velezfortexas.com/

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:45 ICE Attacks Our Constitution

00:17:11 Marco Rubio's Narco Connections

00:58:54 Marcos Velez Union Leader Running For TX LT GOV

David & Matt are back, for the safety of the nation, Chuck Schumer must resign. Then we are joined by Jose Luis Granados Ceja of @SoberaniaPodcast to talk about the US kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, what it means for Venezuela, Mexico, and the US. Then Nick Estes, historian, author, and co-host of the @TheRedNation answers the question: Is the Venezuela invasion an Indian War? Read Nick's piece here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/...Support Soberania's fundraising drive: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-so...Ensure Left Reckoning can continue to bring together anti-imperialist voices from across the hemisphere: Pateron.com/lefteckoning Support Left Reckoning:Live every Tuesday at 6 PM CentralSubscribe & support the show: patreon.com/leftreckoningLike, subscribe, and share to help us reach more peopleSupport the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning