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#MeToo Hits Home: John Hockenberry Accused of Harassment, Bullying

The Takeaway

Coming up on today’s show: 

  • Late Friday night, New York Magazine reported that several women say they were sexually harassed by ​former Takeaway Host John Hockenberry. Many of the women who came forward are former producers (and in some cases interns) of The Takeaway. In addition, at least two of his former co-hosts told New York Magazine they were bullied by Hockenberry. Suki Kim, the journalist who broke this story, shares her reporting today on The Takeaway. 

  • The severity of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen has caught the attention of Congress. In mid-November, the House adopted a resolution to increase humanitarian access and prevent further civilian casualties. Congressman Ro Khanna, a sponsor of the measure, weighs in on the conflict and America’s role. 

  • Republicans moved their tax bill through the Senate over the weekend, passing the legislation with a vote that fell along party lines. Jason Furman, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, says this bill could increase income inequality in America. 
  • In July 2012, a gay couple tried to buy a wedding cake from a bakery in Colorado, but the owner of the establishment refused to serve the couple, citing deeply held religious beliefs. The couple sued, and now their five year legal drama has reached the Supreme Court with the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Steven Schwinn, an associate professor of law at John Marshall Law School and co-editor of Constitutional Law Prof Blog explains the history of public accommodation law ahead of tomorrow’s oral arguments. 
  • This week, The Takeaway looks at the future of the Republican Party and whether President Donald Trump will be its savior or its downfall. We begin part II of our series, “The Road Ahead,” with Doug Heye, former communications director for the Republican National Committee, former deputy chief of staff for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and a “never Trump” Republican. 
  • In light of the allegations facing Hockenberry, how does a cultural institution like WNYC Radio, co-producer of The Takeaway, move forward? How do we reckon with this ugly but very real reality that now confronts us? Rebecca Carroll, special projects producer for WNYC, weighs in.

This episode is hosted by Todd Zwillich

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