Hello and welcome to Background Briefing, available 24-7 at Background Briefing.org. I'm Ian Masters, and today we'll look into a number of stories and issues in the news.

We'll begin with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, referring to the pro-Palatinian student encampments as, quote, the little garrisons that have risen up on campuses across America,

which he dismissed as, quote, disgusting cesspools of anti-Semitic hate full of pro-Amus sympathizes fanatics and freaks.

Not to be outdone how Speaker Johnson, who has scheduled hearings this week on anti-Semitism on campuses,

blames overseas forces and George Soros for poisoning the minds of young Americans,

using an anti-Semitic trope to further the phony cause of combating anti-Semitism.

Joining us is John Nichols, the Nation Magazine's Washington correspondent.

His books include The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party, the Enduring Legacy of Henry Wallace's Anti-Fascist, anti-racist politics, and most recently

coronavirus criminals and pandemic profiteers, accountability for those who caused the crisis.

We'll discuss his latest article at the nation. The House Anti-Semitism Bill is an amalgam of

pointless gestures and posturing.

Then we'll examine the role of right-wing Christian Zionist and MAGA provocateurs infiltrating campuses to attack pro-Palestinian student protesters

as the one-sided issue of fighting anti-Semitism becomes a Republican election year cause.

Joining us is Harold Myerson, one of the nation's best known progressive columnists and editor-at-large

at the American prospect.

We also rush regularly about California politics for the Los Angeles Times and other national

publications, and we'll discuss his latest article at the American prospect, what college presidents need to learn and what Joe Biden had better learn.

Then finally, we will speak with Brian Levin,

a criminologist, civil rights attorney, professor of criminal justice,

and founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism

at California State University San Bernardino,

where he specializes in analysis of hate crimes, terrorism, and legal issues.

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