Joan Esposito is joined by Jeffrey A. Winters, professor of political science at Northwestern University, and author of he 2026 book "The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy."

The discussion examined how oligarchic power is embedded in U.S. democratic institutions and possible reforms to the system.  Here is a brief summary of the conversation:
- Winters explained that the Constitution was designed to balance democracy with oligarchy after debt crises and farmer uprisings in the 1780s.
- The Senate, presidential veto, Electoral College, and Supreme Court were created as protections for wealthy interests.
- Winters proposes a 45-member Supreme Court, with half selected by legislators and half chosen by lottery from eligible legal professionals.
- Other reforms discussed: stronger corporate-ownership transparency, progressive taxation, wealth taxes, eliminating the Senate, and removing presidential veto power.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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