The Chuck ToddCast

Chuck Todd begins with a scathing assessment of RFK Jr.'s dangerous tenure as health secretary, detailing how Kennedy has systematically dismantled America's public health infrastructure through lies, conspiracy theories, and decisions that will harm low-income children for decades to come. Todd chronicles Kennedy's destructive timeline from canceling $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts to funding the largest anti-vaccination organization while lying during his Senate confirmation hearings, culminating in his role in triggering a massive measles outbreak that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. The episode also covers Seattle's recent elections and Derek Dooley's Senate candidacy announcement in Georgia, while Todd warns that being an incumbent anywhere will be politically treacherous in the current climate. Throughout the discussion, Todd expresses frustration with Congress's silence on Kennedy's actions and the White House's nervousness about confronting what he calls "the least qualified person to lead public health," arguing that there needs to be far more public outrage over Kennedy's "menace" to American public health and the generational consequences of his anti-science agenda. Then, Dr. Terence Lester, an Atlanta-based community activist and educator, joins Chuck Todd to explore how America's growing inequality and resegregation are creating cycles of poverty that trap entire communities despite urban economic booms. Lester explains how Atlanta's prosperity has left many neighborhoods behind, with interstate highways deliberately used to segregate cities and redlining policies affecting not just housing but educational opportunities for generations. He argues that the resegregation of schools and society has contributed to America's current polarization, as many people never truly experienced integration and lack the diverse experiences necessary to build empathy across racial and economic lines. The conversation examines whether property taxes remain a viable method for funding schools, the critical role of impactful teachers in breaking cycles of poverty, and how top-down approaches often fail where community-stakeholder partnerships succeed. The discussion takes on urgent contemporary relevance as Lester warns that current affordability crises will create a "third era of mass homelessness" while communities increasingly criminalize rather than address the root causes of housing insecurity, which he argues violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. He emphasizes education as the pathway to empathy and highlights the crucial role faith communities can play in restoring local connections, while addressing how the dismantling of the Department of Education has strained public school systems that could serve as 24-hour community resource centers. Throughout the conversation, Lester advocates for grassroots solutions that combine public policy with community engagement, arguing that sustainable change requires both faith in humanity and practical action to ensure schools and nonprofits can provide the wraparound services that struggling families need to break generational cycles of poverty and homelessness. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 04:30 Elections held in Seattle 06:30 Being an incumbent anywhere will be tough 07:45 Derek Dooley announces senate candidacy in Georgia 09:00 RFK Jr. is a menace to American public health 10:00 Timeline of Kennedy dismantling American public health system 12:30 RFK canceled $500 million in MRNA vaccine contracts 13:45 RFK lied during senate confirmation hearings 14:45 Kennedy funded largest anti-vax organization 16:30 Kennedy is responsible for massive measles outbreak 17:45 Low income children will pay the price for Kennedy’s decisions 18:45 The consequences will last for decades 19:30 Congress has been...

Chuck Todd examines Trump's disastrous CNBC interview filled with demonstrable lies and errors, questioning whether the president is mentally declining or being fed bad information as he poisons government data and threatens economic stability by claiming false achievements like having the "highest vote total ever in Texas" when he actually ranked just 7th since World War II. He warns that Trump's calls for rigged elections in Texas to maintain power, combined with his corruption of federal statistics, represents a fundamental threat to democracy that even elected Republicans won't support—though the party remains largely silent as Trump advocates for systematic unfairness. The episode also covers emerging political developments including Arnold Schwarzenegger's vow to fight Gavin Newsom over redistricting, Democratic donor Steve Kloobeck launching TV ads in California focused on Trump's Epstein connections after Kamala Harris bows out, and the growing likelihood that Sherrod Brown will mount another Senate run in Ohio despite being positioned as Republicans' top 2028 target. He rounds out the discussion with updates on crowded Democratic primary fields in Iowa, potential presidential ambitions from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Jerry Demings' Florida political future, and the economic reality of shrinkflation hitting grocery stores as Americans face continued price increases. Then, nuclear weapons historian Greg Mitchell joins Chuck Todd to discuss his documentary "Atomic Bowl" and the largely forgotten story of a football game played in Nagasaki just four months after the atomic bombing, revealing how both American and Japanese governments worked to quickly turn the page on nuclear devastation. Mitchell explores why Nagasaki became the "forgotten city" compared to Hiroshima, despite the horrific targeting of civilian populations rather than military bases, and how the military-ordered football game featuring a Heisman Trophy winner was part of a broader effort to westernize Japan and normalize post-war relations. The conversation delves into the decades-long government cover-up of radiation health effects on American troops, the "downwinders" affected by nuclear testing, and how the true decision-making process behind the bombings remains buried by official narratives that claimed the bombs saved a million American lives. The discussion takes on contemporary urgency as Mitchell warns that nuclear weapons are being made "more useable" while the horror of their effects fades from living memory, with AI now integrated into nuclear protocols and the Trump administration proposing nuclear reactors on the moon. Todd and Mitchell examine how Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" brought renewed attention to nuclear issues, the ongoing radiation monitoring in Japanese cities, and whether there's a modern equivalent to muckraking journalists like Upton Sinclair who could expose nuclear truths today. The episode highlights the critical importance of remembering nuclear history as policymakers consider the role of nuclear power in clean energy transitions while the Pacific Theatre's lessons remain overshadowed by European World War II narratives, making the atomic bombings' anniversaries increasingly forgotten despite their lasting global implications. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction 02:00 Trump’s crazy interview with CNBC was full of errors and lies 03:15 Trump is either losing it or is being given bad information 04:30 Trump is poisoning government data 05:45 Corrupting data can destroy the economy 06:15 Trump claims highest vote total ever in Texas… not true 07:30 Trump had the 7th highest vote total in Texas just since WW2 08:45 Trump is calling for an unfair election in Texas to hold power 09:45 Illinois is the most gerrymandered Democratic state 10:45 Arnold Schwarzenegger vows to fight Newsom...

Chuck Todd begins with newly released data showing an economic slowdown and why it could potentially spell doom for Trump’s presidency. He compares it to Biden’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that permanently eroded Biden’s public support, and predicts that Trump’s presidency could end in major economic hardship. Then, political journalist Ron Fournier joins Chuck to explain why Michigan has emerged as America's ultimate political bellwether, driven by a populace that feels deeply let down by traditional politics and is hungry for alternatives to the two-party system. Fournier highlights Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's potential independent gubernatorial run as a test case for whether effective local governance can translate into statewide success, noting that even Trump voters are giving Duggan serious consideration due to his impressive record revitalizing Detroit's brand and economy. The conversation explores Michigan's uniquely competitive political landscape, featuring three viable gubernatorial candidates and the strategic advantages of running against the political duopoly in an era where voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo. The discussion delves into the broader implications for both parties, including whether Governor Gretchen Whitmer damaged her standing with the Democratic base by being cordial to Trump, and whether Democrats have lost by enough to engage in meaningful soul-searching or if they'll remain trapped in a cycle of swing elections that prevent real reform. They examine rising political stars like Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow, the possibility of Elissa Slotkin mounting a presidential campaign, and how Michigan's labor unions could shape future political outcomes. They also address the crisis facing journalism, from the collapse of traditional business models to the disconnect between national media and local communities, while celebrating Detroit's remarkable transformation through sports venues and urban development that mirrors the city's broader political and economic renaissance. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Voters say they want independent candidates but don’t vote for them 05:30 Michigan Democratic senate primary overview 06:45 Do new troubles spell the beginning of the end for Trump? 08:30 Bad economy could be Trump’s “Afghanistan withdrawal” 11:45 Trump can’t “outspin” a bad reality 14:45 Voters wanted the Trump 1.0 economy, not the current one 16:00 Presidents preside over the prior president’s economy 18:15 Trump’s tariff authority could be overturned in court 20:00 Data shows a slowing economy 25:00 Politicizing health agencies and the fed are terrible ideas 27:15 Trump has turned the GOP into a kleptocratic party 29:00 Trump’s parallels with Nixon 31:00 Fractures in GOP over trade policy? 33:00 Protectionism doesn’t work in the modern economy 35:00 Trump’s presidency will end in economic hardship 36:45 Ron Fournier joins the Chuck ToddCast! 37:45 Michigan will be the bellwether for American politics 39:15 What makes Michigan the bellwether? 40:45 The people of Michigan feel let down by politics 42:15 Can Mike Duggan break through as an independent? 43:15 Trump voters are taking a serious look at Duggan 45:15 Duggan's effective record in Detroit means he could win 47:00 Detroit's brand has made a comeback 50:00 Michigan has three viable, qualified candidates for governor 52:00 Running against the duopoly is a strong strategy for Duggan 54:45 Is there a case to be made against Gretchen Witmer? 56:30 It's tough for Benson to run against Whitmer now, that could change 58:30 You have to run against the status quo in American politics 59:45 Whitmer hurt her standing with the base by being cordial to Trump 1:01:45 Whitmer may not want to run for president 1:03:15 Have the Democrats lost by enough to do any real soul searching? 1:06:00 We're stuck in a...

Chuck Todd begins with how Trump continues to damage himself with tone-deaf comments about Jeffrey Epstein that reveal his complete lack of empathy for victims, viewing himself rather than trafficking survivors as the real victim in the scandal. He argues that if Trump truly wants to move past the Epstein controversy, he should pivot to something that could actually win him praise—intervening in Gaza to provide humanitarian aid, which could even earn him the Nobel Peace Prize he desperately wants while addressing voter discomfort with Israel's actions. He also explores emerging Democratic Party fractures over police funding that hint at presidential ambitions from figures like Cory Booker, Trump's concerning signals about abandoning Taiwan, and the troubling spectacle of MAGA influencers like Dan Bongino backtracking on Epstein file demands with McCarthy-esque conspiracy theories. Progressive media entrepreneur Tara McGowan joins Chuck to discuss her journey from Democratic operative to founder of Courier Newsroom, a values-driven journalism platform that openly rejects traditional notions of journalistic neutrality. McGowan argues that independent journalism freed from corporate ownership constraints can better serve democracy by being "offensively oriented" with good information rather than defensively trying to appear neutral while misinformation spreads unchecked. She traces how American media has returned to its openly partisan 19th-century roots after a brief mid-20th-century experiment with objectivity, explaining why Courier embraces progressive values while maintaining journalistic integrity and how the conservative media machine that emerged after Watergate has successfully won the information war by understanding that politics and media have always been intertwined. The conversation explores the structural challenges facing modern media, from the collapse of the newspaper "bundle" that once accidentally informed audiences to the dominance of big tech algorithms that can make or break media companies overnight. McGowan discusses why individual personalities now earn trust better than institutional brands, how right-wing podcasts excel at moving audiences while building relationships with them, and why Democrats lost their early dominance in new media due to a consultant culture that stifled adaptation to the modern media ecosystem. She argues that the future belongs to younger Democratic talent who are native to digital platforms and compares today's media landscape to the muckraking era of the early 20th century, while addressing how Trump's Epstein controversy represents more than just algorithmic manipulation and reflects his broader pattern of covering up damaging information. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:30 Trump keeps digging his own grave when talking about Epstein 04:30 Trump’s “poaching employees” comment shows no empathy for victims 07:15 Trump underestimates the passion in his base for Epstein victims 09:15 Trump doesn’t see the victims, he sees himself as a victim 10:15 If Trump wants to turn the page, he needs to intervene in Gaza* 12:45 Feeding Gaza could win Trump the Nobel peace prize he covets 15:15 Voters on both sides are uncomfortable with what Israel is doing 17:45 It would be in Trump’s, Israel’s, and America’s interest to intervene in Gaza 19:00 Democratic party infighting breaks out over bill for police funding 21:15 Cory Booker is showing his presidential ambitions 23:15 Elected Democrats haven’t figured out how to challenge Trump 26:00 Foreshadowing for Democrats internal civil war? 28:15 Trump only governs for his supporters, Democrats can’t do the same 30:15 The most talented politicians serve all voters and their base simultaneously 31:00 Trump denies Taiwanese president visit to New York 32:00 Trump sends message he wouldn’t intervene...

Chuck Todd begins by surveying the electoral landscape for the midterms after six months of Trump’s presidency. He argues that gerrymandering could potentially backfire on both parties, highlights the advantages each party has heading into the midterms and why Democrats may not find a coherent message until the presidential primary produces a candidate. Semafor reporter Dave Weigel joins Chuck for a comprehensive analysis of how dramatically American politics has shifted since Trump's first term, revealing a Democratic Party still searching for its identity after its first failed presidency since Carter. Weigel argues that both parties have fundamentally transformed over the past eight years, with Democrats struggling to move beyond the failed Obama coalition strategy while grappling with divisive issues like trans rights and immigration that have left them "walking on eggshells" and lacking coherent, united positions. The conversation explores how the country has moved rightward as a backlash to Biden, why Republicans are acting like a party that believes it can't lose, and whether Democrats' overreaction to Trump prevented them from developing substantive policy frameworks on key issues voters actually care about. The discussion dives deep into the strategic challenges facing both parties, from the left's perceived "softness" on cultural issues to the sustainability of Trump's gains with Latino voters in states like Nevada and Texas. Weigel examines why the fight for trans rights has proven more politically costly than the gay marriage battle, how urban voters' flirtation with socialism doesn't translate beyond coastal cities, and whether rising stars like Michigan's Mike Duggan can bridge the gap between metro Detroit and rural areas. Looking ahead to 2026 and 2028, they analyze the emerging Republican primary landscape with potential matchups between J.D. Vance and Rand Paul, why so many Democrats are eyeing Iowa's Senate race despite the party's broader retreat from the state, and how the changing media landscape—from podcasts to new campaign infrastructure—will reshape how candidates connect with voters in an increasingly fragmented political environment. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Taking the pulse of the midterm elections after 6 months of Trump 04:15 There are only 25-30 seats up for grabs in the house 05:00 Gerrymandering could backfire for both parties 05:45 Democrats’ advantages in a midterm election 07:30 The “out” party is more motivated to vote in midterms 09:00 The Republican party is more unified than past midterms in Trump era 11:00 House Republicans are outraising Dems in most vulnerable districts 12:45 Far less unity in the Democratic party now compared to 2017 14:15 Since 90’, Democrats winning the midterms led to winning the presidency 16:30 The presidential primary may help the Democrats cohere 19:30 Dave Weigel joins the Chuck ToddCast! 21:30 Similarities/differences in political landscape between 2017 & 2025? 22:45 The parties are very different compared to 8 years ago 24:15 Democrats had their first failed presidency since Carter 26:45 Democrats could learn the wrong lessons from a successful midterm 29:00 Democrats tried to replicate the Obama coalition and failed 31:00 The media and campaign infrastructure are completely different now 32:30 Battle over trans rights has Democrats flailing 34:30 Democrats are walking on eggshells over immigration 35:30 Democrats don't have clear, united positions on major issues 38:00 Voters want tight border security, but not mass deportations 40:30 Democrats believed they could make Trump "never happen again" 43:00 Dems overreacted to Trump, didn't have coherent immigration policy 44:00 The country has moved right as a backlash to Biden 45:30 Republicans acting like a party that thinks they can't lose 48:00 The...

Chuck Todd begins with the public and media feeding frenzy over Donald Trump and the Epstein files and explains that the best explanation for the administration’s defensiveness is that Trump’s reputation would be tarnished rather than Trump being implicated in crimes. He also weighs in on the FCC and chairman Brendan Carr deciding that the government should have a role in editorial decisions for broadcast networks and why that’s a clear violation of the first amendment. He also breaks down recent polling that shows how badly the Democratic brand is with the general public. Then, John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics joins Chuck to dissect the political awakening of America's youngest voters and the warning signs Democrats can't afford to ignore. Della Volpe explains why Harris's underperformance with young voters compared to Biden signals a deeper crisis for Democrats, particularly with young men who have been drifting away from the party for years. The conversation explores how economic anxiety trumps cultural issues when voters are struggling, why Trump's approval rating is cratering below 30% with under-30 voters despite his election victory, and how COVID-19 became a defining generational experience that shaped Gen Z's worldview in ways politicians are only beginning to understand. The discussion delves into the complex psychology of young male voters, from Della Volpe's "10 archetypes" framework to why many feel abandoned by institutions and drawn to figures like Charlie Kirk who project strength. Della Volpe argues that while Gen Z has largely given up on Washington, they remain deeply engaged in their local communities—as evidenced by progressive victories like Mamdani's win when young voters feel genuinely heard. The episode tackles uncomfortable truths about how Democrats might be losing the messaging war to MAGA influencers, why the party can’t manufacture its own "Joe Rogan," and whether this generation that "loves Bernie and hates woke" will ultimately become transformational political actors shaped by Trump-era strongman politics. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Gen Z’s politics haven’t been set in stone yet 03:30 Huge trend in voters registered as “No Party” 05:30 Epstein feeding frenzy is being driven by algorithms 07:15 If Maxwell had more info, why didn’t she talk in exchange for a lesser sentence? 08:45 The biggest question mark is Trump’s defensiveness 09:45 There was no Epstein “cover up” by the media 11:45 The most likely explanation is that releasing files would tarnish Trump 13:15 The DOJ is losing all credibility with the public 15:15 The information ecosystem is terrible and unregulated AI will make it worse* 16:30 Elon giving Grok a political bias will make people think all AI’s are biased 17:15 FCC restrictions will turn CBS into state television 18:45 Most important diversity in a newsroom is geography and socioeconomic 20:30 Our news ecosystem has been hijacked by the Epstein conspiracy 22:00 The FCC is violating the first amendment 24:00 Brendan Carr believes the FCC’s job is to dictate content 26:15 Newsroom leaders have mostly stayed silent on FCC overreach 29:45 Epstein story shows that the public can be whipped up by misinformation 31:00 “How to” guide for assessing public polling 34:00 Polling with registered voters is good for R’s, “All adults” polls good for D’s 35:45 Dems only lead by 3 points on the generic ballot 37:00 Democrats 60% unfavorable in same WSJ poll 39:00 Dems can be unpopular and still win the midterms 41:00 Voters trust Republicans in Congress on most issues 43:15 A midterm electorate is much different than the entire population 45:15 John Della Volpe joins the Chuck ToddCast! 46:45 When Democrats win 60% of the youth vote, they win 48:15 Harris did worse with both young...

Epstein Backlash Could Fracture Trump’s Coalition + Could AOC Become President? + Will Israel Divide Democrats Chuck Todd begins with the story that won’t quit: Jeffrey Epstein. He explains why failing to release the files amounts to a major broken campaign promise to Donald Trump’s base and why it could fracture the Republican coalition if they can’t find a resolution by the time the house reconvenes in September. He also addresses the resolution to his Google AI debacle and highlights the challenges and opportunities being presented to independent parties. Then, Semafor's editor-in-chief, Ben Smith joins Chuck to discuss the evolving media landscape and the challenges facing modern journalism. Smith explains Semafor's mission to operate without paywalls while producing network-quality content, and explores how new technology causes media to fragment before consolidating. The conversation delves into the transition from print to digital journalism, the incentive structures that drive sensationalized content for clicks, and how the current fragmented media environment mirrors pre-World War II politics rather than the more stable Cold War era. The discussion also covers major political developments, including the implications of New York City's mayoral race results and what they reveal about energy on the political left. Smith and Todd analyze the prospects of various Democratic figures like AOC and Hakeem Jeffries, the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel-Palestine, and Trump's immigration policies that appear to be testing voter patience. They conclude by examining whether America's polarized politics are being exported to Israel or if Israel's political dynamics are a preview of America's future, while touching on the broader question of whether wealthy elites recognize the growing populist sentiment against them. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Trump can’t shake the Epstein story 04:00 Some Republican voters have been “conditioned” on Epstein conspiracy 06:00 Trump voters will view Epstein files as a broken campaign promise 08:30 Republican members of congress are breaking with Trump 10:15 Shutting down the house made the problem worse 12:30 Trump has made his relationship with Epstein the story 14:15 J.D. Vance’s response to birthday card was BAD 16:00 Trump fed deep state conspiracies, now he’s becoming the deep state 17:30 This story could blow over by the fall, or could stick for a long time 20:15 Trump can’t blame the mainstream media to distract 22:00 If they don’t rip the band-aid off, the Republican party could fracture 23:30 Trump should tell Mike Johnson to reconvene the house and deal with it 24:00 Google’s AI has fixed incorrect report of Chuck having Parkinson’s 26:15 Delta Airlines announces that they’ll be using AI to set fares 27:30 Surveillance pricing is predatory 29:00 Roy Cooper will run for senate in NC, will Lara Trump? 31:00 The demographic makeup of independent voters 33:00 The best constituency for independent candidates is young voters 34:30 Ballot access is the biggest hurdle for independent candidates 35:30 Semafor's Ben Smith joins the Chuck ToddCast! 37:30 New tech causes media to fragment, then consolidate 38:30 Semafor's mission and approach to reporting 41:00 Why has Semafor decided to operate without a paywall? 44:30 Independent outlets can produce network quality content 46:00 Journalists owning their own content and reporting 49:00 The bumpy transition from print journalism to digital 51:00 There's always a version of mainstream media that's dying 53:15 The Cold War stabilized our politics, our current politics is like pre-WW2 54:30 The current media model is incentivized to spread lies for clicks 55:45 Pedophilia is central to every right wing conspiracy about the left 57:30 When does this Epstein firestorm...

Chuck Todd begins by addressing the “two shiny objects” in media this week: Epstein and Hunter Biden. He compares Donald Trump’s defensive, suspicious response to the Epstein files to his response to the Russia investigation in his first term, and explains why Trump’s denials won’t appease the conspiracists in his base. He comments on Hunter Biden’s recent appearances in media and explains why he wouldn’t book him for the ToddCast. He also examines the field of candidates that could succeed Trump for the Republican nomination in 2028. Then, best-selling novelist Daniel Silva joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation about his acclaimed Gabriel Allon spy thriller series and the craft of writing. Silva discusses how real-world events and changing global perceptions, particularly around Israel, inform his fictional narratives, while sharing behind-the-scenes insights into his research process—from Vatican experiences to staying current with evolving spycraft and art restoration techniques. The conversation reveals how Silva has attracted high-profile fans like Presidents Clinton and Bush, and explores his concerns about populist movements and antisemitic elements within contemporary politics. The discussion also delves into Silva's creative process, his passion for art and restoration, and his thoughts on the future of publishing in an AI-dominated world. Silva reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of writers, the evolution of independent bookstores, and whether artificial intelligence poses a threat to novelists who dream of building long-running series like his 25-book Gabriel Allon collection. The episode concludes with Silva's summer reading recommendations and a playful question about whether he ever dreams as his famous protagonist. Finally, he reflects on the life of Ozzy Ozborne and the impact Ozborne made on him growing up, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Resurrecting and revitalizing local news 02:30 The best journalism is done in service of local audiences 05:00 Michigan gubernatorial race has three viable candidates 08:00 The two shiny objects this week are Epstein and Hunter Biden 09:30 Mike Johnson shut down the house out of fear of Epstein vote 12:00 There are enough facts in the Epstein case to validate the conspiracists 14:30 Crazy is rewarded in Republican primaries 16:30 Trump’s behavior creates suspicion, like he did with Russia 18:00 Trump doesn’t own the conspiracist base, he borrowed it 20:00 Trump is trying all kinds of distractions 21:15 Obama allegations are pure distraction and propaganda 23:30 Hunter Biden doesn’t offer any value as a guest in media 24:30 Hunter’s media appearances don’t do Joe Biden or Dems any good 26:00 Running for president can do major damage to a candidate’s family 27:30 A president has to put the country over their family 30:15 There’s no “invisible primary” on the Republican side 31:30 The runner up usually becomes the next Republican nominee 33:30 Will the front runner be someone Trump anoints? 35:00 If Trump tanks the economy, it could open up the primary 36:00 The different archetypes of potential Trump successors 42:15 The primary will be a campaign for the affection of Trump 42:45 Daniel Silva joins the Chuck ToddCast! 44:00 Do you know the title of a book before writing it? 45:15 Do you get to know Daniel by reading his books? 46:45 The real world informs the imagined world of his books 49:45 How have changing perceptions of Israel informed his book? 51:15 No desire to write about the Israel/Palestine conflict 52:45 Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are both fans of the books 55:00 The books reflect the importance of institutions 56:45 Populists on both sides don't care about the post cold war order 57:30 The MAGA movement is dripping with antisemetic elements 59:00 Daniel's journey into Vatican themed...

Chuck Todd begins with new polling that shows that the more Donald Trump enacts his promised agenda, the less the public likes it. He also highlights that Trump is underwater with the public on immigration, which was his strongest issue. Chuck also discusses the many distraction tactics Trump has unsuccessfully deployed to distract from the Epstein files, and previews the brewing battle over gerrymandering. Then, Harvard professor and former presidential candidate Lawrence Lessig joins Chuck Todd to tackle one of America's most persistent political problems: campaign finance reform. Despite overwhelming public support for getting money out of politics, meaningful reform has remained elusive for decades. Lessig discusses his innovative legal strategy to challenge Super PACs at the Supreme Court, arguing that if direct campaign contributions can be limited, then unlimited Super PAC spending should face the same restrictions. He explains how an originalist interpretation of the First Amendment could win over conservative justices like Barrett and Gorsuch, potentially ending the era of unlimited political spending that has dominated elections since Citizens United. The conversation expands beyond campaign finance to explore broader constitutional reforms, including the possibility of a constitutional convention that could address everything from electoral college reform to fractional voting systems. Lessig argues that both Trump supporters and traditional Democrats share a desire to reduce the influence of money in politics, creating unprecedented bipartisan momentum for change. He envisions citizens assemblies that could help reconnect politics with ordinary Americans' concerns, while discussing practical reforms like multi-member districts and proportional electoral vote allocation that states could implement immediately. The episode offers both hope and concrete pathways for restoring democratic governance "by the people" rather than by wealthy donors and special interests. Finally, Chuck gives his thoughts on The Open Championship, the lack of leadership for the Washington Nationals and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 02:45 The more Trump succeeds on his terms, the less popular he becomes 04:15 Trump’s aggressive immigration approach is receiving backlash 08:00 The public is starting to feel the pain from Trump’s economic agenda 10:00 A strong majority believe Trump isn’t prioritizing deporting criminals 12:00 Immigration was Trump’s best issue, now he’s underwater in polling 14:00 Deportations will have a massive negative effect on the economy 15:30 All of Trump’s policies will contribute to inflation 17:15 The public wants the Fed to remain independent. 19:15 Trump’s approval rating has continually dropped 21:00 America could end up with a string of one term presidents 22:00 89% of Americans want the Epstein files released 23:00 Tulsi Gabbard’s Obama/Russia conspiracy is a distraction from Epstein 26:00 Russian election interference has been proven 28:00 Trump’s latest distraction is demanding sports teams change names 29:45 Trump demanded release of grand jury testimony to buy time 32:15 Michael Wolff says Epstein believed Trump turned him in 33:45 Huge battle brewing over gerrymandering/redistricting 35:15 Democrats willing to cede the moral high ground and aggressively gerrymander 37:00 Trump has normalized anti-democratic behavior 39:00 A constitutional convention could address many modern issues 40:15 Professor Lawrence Lessig joins The Chuck ToddCast! 42:15 Why can't we get traction on campaign finance reform? 43:45 Most Americans want reform but don't think it's possible 45:45 Is Trump's "pay to play" system making reform more likely? 47:30 Effort to challenge Super PACs at the Supreme Court 49:30 If outside money isn't quid pro quo, then why aren't campaign contributions? 50:45 If you...

Chuck Todd begins with the growing firestorm surrounding President Donad Trump’s decision to withhold the Epstein files and why his behavior is only adding to the suspicion. He explains why Epstein is a central figure to the QAnon conspiracy many Trump supporters subscribe to, and why Trump’s continued dismissals of a theory he has fed for years will only further fracture his base and prolong the outrage over his broken promise to release all the files. Then, Chuck is joined by formal FTC Chair Lina Khan to reflect on her transformative tenure leading the Federal Trade Commission and the critical battles she fought against corporate monopolization. Khan discusses how the concentration of corporate power today mirrors the early 20th century, exploring whether capitalism itself is failing as tech giants like Google and Amazon wield unprecedented control over commerce, media distribution, and information flow. She delves into the surveillance economy that has emerged from companies monetizing user data, the regulatory challenges posed by AI development, and controversial practices like surveillance pricing and non-compete agreements that trap both consumers and workers. Khan also addresses the structural limitations of the FTC, noting how the agency is too small for its ambitious mission, while highlighting unexpected bipartisan support from the populist right for her antitrust work. The conversation covers her efforts to tackle everything from pharmacy benefit managers and subscription cancellation difficulties to the urgent need for algorithm regulation, particularly for content affecting children. As she prepares to leave the FTC, Khan reflects on the media's focus on markets rather than the broader economy, the ongoing fight for data privacy rights, and the "ferocious pushback" lawmakers face when challenging powerful corporate interests, offering practical advice for consumers seeking to protect their privacy in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape. Finally, Chuck shares his experience of discovering that Google’s Gemini AI claims that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease… which is not true. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Seemed like Trump would fire Jay Powell to distract from Epstein 03:30 Markets reacted badly to potential firing of Powell 04:15 Trump attacks his own supporters over Epstein 06:15 “Hoax” is Trumpspeak for not having a good explanation 08:00 Trump’s behavior is creating more suspicion 11:30 Most Epstein associates probably just looked the other way 12:30 The more defiant Trump sounds, the more guilty he looks 13:15 Most right wing media has fallen in line behind Trump 14:15 Michael Flynn is the pope of QAnon, and is expressing doubts 16:45 The central tenet of QAnon is the idea of an elite pedophile cabal 18:15 If Trump says it’s a hoax, it knocks down the foundational pillar of Qanon 19:00 Epstein became the face of the conspiracy 20:30 Trump and his associates have fed the conspiracy theorists for years 22:00 If they had evidence of crimes, they would have brought charges 23:45 This could be the moment Trump supporters finally feel conned 25:15 Trump’s age is showing, possible health issue they won’t disclose 28:00 You can’t trust any press release the administration puts out 29:30 Trump won’t get out of the Epstein debacle unscathed 31:15 Lina Khan joins the Chuck ToddCast! 32:15 Lina's path to becoming the FTC chair 34:15 Concentration of corporate power is similar to the early 20th century 37:15 Is capitalism failing? 39:00 Large corporations control the distribution of media and information 40:15 Will the consolidation of power destroy the media ecosystem? 42:00 Google and Amazon have enormous power over commerce 43:00 Why are users forced to give up their data in order to use a product? 43:45 Companies monetized by surveilling users 45:15 South Park perfectly parodied the concept of "Terms and...

Chuck Todd begins with a rant about his beloved Washington Nationals before pivoting to Trump strong-arming congressman Zach Nunn into running for reelection and Texas into holding a mid decade restricting process to try and maintain control of the house. He weighs in on California governor Gavin Newsom’s threat to gerrymander his state in response to Texas and why that plan may not work. He also surveys the state of several 2026 races. Then, Chuck is joined by renowned CBS News Capitol Hill correspondent Scott MacFarlane who delivers an unflinching analysis of American politics in the post-January 6th era and recounts his harrowing experience of being in attendance during the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. MacFarlane, drawing from his extensive experience covering the insurrection trials and congressional proceedings, explores how the events of January 6th continue to reshape the political landscape, from Trump's recent blanket pardons to the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party. He provides insider perspectives on the Secret Service's challenges during campaign season, the diverse backgrounds of January 6th defendants, and the broader implications of political violence in American democracy. The conversation spans critical topics including the decline of local journalism, the judiciary's politicization, and the increasingly siloed information ecosystem that defines modern American politics. MacFarlane offers candid insights into the DOJ's handling of January 6th prosecutions under Merrick Garland, the death threats faced by trial witnesses, and how Trump's survival of the Butler assassination attempt reinforced his supporters' belief in divine intervention. The discussion also touches on contemporary challenges facing journalists, from the pressure to develop personal brands to declining morale in newsrooms, while examining ongoing political realignments and the future of democratic institutions in America. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment about Trump trying to rescind some of Biden’s late-term pardons, Gavin Newsom’s political evolution and why Dan Osborne is running for senate rather than governor in Nebraska. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 00:45 James Wood didn’t have competent pitching in HR derby 02:00 Lack of summer sports programming 04:45 Trump has unprecedented control over the Republican party 07:30 Zach Nunn flirting with run with Iowa governor or switching seats 09:30 Trump forced Nunn into seeking reelection 10:30 Trump strong arming Texas into mid decade redistricting 11:45 Additional gerrymandering is risky for Texas Republicans 13:30 Gavin Newsom threatens to gerrymander CA in response to Texas 15:15 Newsom’s rhetoric may not match the political reality 16:30 Republicans are trying to rig their house majority 17:30 Donald Trump is dictating all of these actions 18:15 Trump is trying to destroy Thomas Massie for no vote on BBB 19:15 Republicans risk candidates being tied to an unpopular president 21:15 Democrats are grappling with whether to fight fire with fire 23:15 Gerrymandering fights are popping up around the country 24:30 The White House is obsessed with holding the house 26:00 Trumpworld will stoke fear of impeachment to juice turnout 27:00 NRSC has gone all-in on stopping Ken Paxton in Texas 28:15 John Cornyn could walk away and back Wesley Hunt 30:30 Susan Collins is raising money as if she’s seeking reelection 31:30 Jonathan Bush may run for governor in Maine 32:45 Mary Peltola may run for governor or senate in Alaska 35:15 The PGA Tour announcing a new tournament at Trump Doral 38:00 Scott MacFarlane joins the Chuck ToddCast! 38:30 Scott's origin story 40:30 Local news has been decimated in recent years 42:30 People have the closest connection with local news outlets 44:30 Local news should be targeting millennial parents 46:30 Why was the response to the Butler...

Chuck Todd begins with a rant about his beloved Washington Nationals interesting selection with the #1 overall draft pick. He pivots to the firestorm surrounding the Trump administration over their refusal to release the promised Epstein files to the public and why Trump’s reality TV style of governance is colliding with actual reality. He also discusses Trump’s retribution campaign having a chilling effect on dissent, the ongoing effort to fire Fed chairman Jay Powell, and highlights a troubling trend for Democrats. Then, Chuck is joined by congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, who offers an insider's perspective on the challenges facing both Congress and her swing district in Colorado. The conversation begins with her advocacy for modernizing congressional rules, particularly around proxy voting for pregnant members, before diving into broader structural issues plaguing the institution. Pettersen argues that Congress has become increasingly dysfunctional due to the consolidation of power in leadership and the erosion of legislative authority, making it especially difficult for women and minority party members to effectively serve their constituents. The discussion covers a wide range of policy challenges, from the housing crisis and healthcare access to immigration reform and climate change. Pettersen emphasizes the need for massive federal investment in housing rather than tax incentives, warns that Trump's policies will exacerbate the housing crisis, and predicts that the homeowners insurance industry will force Congress to act on climate change. She also tackles the politically sensitive topic of immigration, arguing that outdated policies have worsened border security issues and that comprehensive reform would be the best way to address rising costs. Throughout the conversation, Pettersen stresses the importance of transparency in government spending, believing voters deserve to know exactly what services are sacrificed when tax cuts are implemented. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding Trump administration salaries, third party candidates in presidential elections and the immigration bill that never received a vote. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 00:15 Nationals perplexing #1 draft pick 02:45 The pick isn’t reassuring to Nats fans 04:00 You can’t win if you aren’t willing to spend money 07:00 Trump’s reality TV approach is clashing with reality 08:30 Trump is acting very nervous about the Epstein files 10:00 The most simple explanations for the Epstein file debacle 11:00 What is Trump trying to distract from? 11:45 Trump’s immigration narrative doesn’t match reality 14:00 “Alligator Alcatraz” is a disgusting P.R. stunt 15:15 The fear Trump has created will hurt the economy 16:15 Misinformation made the Texas disaster far worse 18:45 Reality will always get the last word 20:30 Our broken information ecosystem is running into reality 21:30 Trump’s retribution campaign is chilling dissent 23:30 People who know better are staying silent 24:45 Trump is looking for a pretext to fire Jay Powell from the Fed 26:00 Trump wants to use a “cost overrun” loophole to fire Powell 29:00 There is a gender crisis brewing for the Democratic party 31:00 Democrats are being viewed as the “women’s party” and against men 33:30 Check out Chuck’s interview with Rahm Emmanuel on Noosphere! 35:00 Brittany Pettersen joins the Chuck ToddCast! 35:30 Tour of Colorado's 7th district 37:15 Changing congressional rules for proxy voting by pregnant members 40:45 Will she introduce legislation for proxy voting if there's a new speaker? 42:30 What guardrails should be put on proxy voting? 44:30 Congress isn't set up for women 46:45 How difficult is it being in the house minority? 48:30 Big beautiful bill removed substance abuse waiver from Medicaid 49:30 Consolidation of power in leadership has been bad for democracy 52:30 Congress has...

Chuck Todd begins by highlighting potential Trump cabinet members that are likely to be resigned or fired in the near future. He rails against the damage RFK Jr. is inflicting on public heath, but predicts Pete Hegseth or Pam Bondi will exit first for making Trump “look bad”. He also recounts recent polling show Democratic voters want drastic action from their lawmakers and points out the 2028 presidential hopefuls that have made stops in early primary states. Then, Chuck is joined by Nathan Gonzalez, editor and publisher of “Inside Elections”, to analyze the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms. They dive into potential Senate retirements, the challenges facing Trump nominees like Pete Hegseth and RFK Jr., and how issues like tariffs and aggressive deportations could impact Republican prospects. The conversation explores whether we'll see more competitive Democratic primaries as the party searches for a new identity, and examines key races from New York and New Jersey that could foreshadow national trends. The discussion also covers some fascinating political developments, including the IRS decision to allow churches to endorse candidates and what that means for the intersection of politics and religion. Gonzalez and Todd speculate about Elon Musk's potential influence on third-party movements, analyze gubernatorial races in states like Ohio and Michigan, and consider how "Biden baggage" might affect Democratic candidates. They wrap up with some college sports talk, debating conference realignment, misleading conference names and the upcoming Pac-12 season. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment about Pakistan, RFK Jr. and a potential rebranding opportunity for Democratic Socialists. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Which Trump cabinet secretary will be next to leave? 02:30 Record measles outbreak under RFK Jr. 03:45 RFK Jr could hurt Republican candidates in midterms 05:00 Measles outbreak should be a bigger story 06:30 RFK Jr lied to Senator Bill Cassidy 08:30 Kennedy is doing tremendous damage to public health 09:45 Hegseth and Bondi are doing most damage to Trump politically 11:00 Outsiders get eaten alive at the Pentagon 12:15 Joni Ernst is the most likely Hegseth replacement 13:00 MAGA media has turned on Pam Bondi over Epstein 15:00 Howard Lutnick’s media appearances have stopped 15:45 Scott Bessent could get the fed chair job 17:00 Will the Senate pick a fight with Trump over fed chair? 18:30 Bondi most likely to go in the short term 19:30 Democratic voters want drastic action from their representatives 21:30 Trump’s re-election is creating a reactionary revolution on the left 24:00 The Big Beautiful Bill could be a huge political loser for MAGA 26:30 Democrats will distance themselves from Biden 28:30 New poll mapping voter preferences was revealing 30:15 The “invisible primary” for 2028 presidential election 31:15 2028 Democratic hopefuls are visiting early primary states 33:15 Ruben Gallego is getting lots of buzz 35:30 IRS won’t revoke churches’ tax-exempt status for practicing politics 37:00 Nathan Gonzalez joins the Chuck ToddCast! 39:00 Anticipating any senate retirements prior to 2026? 41:00 Joni Ernst most likely to replace Hegseth if he's fired? 42:30 Hegseth and RFK Jr are causing problems for Trump 44:00 What Kennedy is doing at HHS will be a big midterm issue 46:30 The tariff bomb will hit hard, but hasn't hit yet 49:30 Did Biden's team set up the bad debate on purpose? 51:45 Will NY and NJ elections foreshadow the midterms? 53:45 How Mikie Sherrill handles Zohran Mamdani will be telling 56:00 Will we see more competitive Democratic primaries? 57:30 Democrats are wrestling with finding a new identity 58:15 IRS will allow candidate endorsements by churches 1:00:00 Could other entities claim to be churches for political purposes? 1:01:45 Politics and religion have...

Chuck Todd begins with Donald Trump receiving criticism and backlash from his own base after essentially declaring “case closed” on the Epstein files and why it’s a “reap what you sow” situation after several members of the administration stoked Epstein conspiracies for years. He also provides Elon Musk with a roadmap for his “America Party” and highlights states where third party candidates would be viable as trust erodes in the two major parties. Then, veteran Boston media personalities Jim Braude and Margery Eagan join Chuck for a wide-ranging discussion about the crisis facing American journalism and democracy. The conversation explores how journalists are compromising their ethics out of personal preservation, the devastating impact of local journalism's decline on political accountability, and the broader media landscape shaped by figures like Roger Ailes since Watergate. Braude and Eagan reflect on how toxic politics has driven good people away from public service, with harassment and threats becoming commonplace for public figures, while an increasingly uninformed public receives information through polarized channels like Fox News and social media. The discussion turns to specific political dynamics, from the deteriorating Kennedy brand in Massachusetts—with RFK Jr. damaging the family legacy while Ted Kennedy's effectiveness as a politician is remembered—to broader questions about whether America can survive and recover from the Trump era. The hosts examine why Americans have become numb to Trump's inflammatory rhetoric, debate whether Democrats should break rules in defiance of Trump (citing the gun violence sit-in as an example of constructive rule-breaking), and discuss the messaging challenges facing the Democratic Party. They also explore how cultural issues rather than economics serve as the glue for both parties, why democratic socialist policies are popular but the socialist label is toxic, and whether politicians from Massachusetts can win nationally, before concluding with reflections on local Boston politics and the ultimate question of whether America can extract itself from its current political mess. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding a cultural swap between the left and the right, whether we’re living through the fall of the American empire and what it would take to break Trump’s spell over MAGA. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 02:15 The right wing Epstein conspiracy theorists are turning on Trump 03:30 The CIA withheld info on Lee Harvey Oswald for 60 years 05:30 Right wing media created atmosphere of distrust 06:15 The conspiracy theorists are now in power 07:15 The Trump administration won’t be believed by their followers 08:00 The administration is behaving like they have something to hide* 09:45 Misinformation has polluted the discourse 11:30 Trump acolytes lied about Epstein at some point 13:15 When you stoke conspiracies, you aren’t believable when in power 15:00 The government has earned its distrust 16:30 In a functional administration, Patel, Bondi and Bongino would be fired* 17:30 The two party system is on brink of collapse, and that’s a good thing 19:30 Musk isn’t wrong to want to break the two party system 21:15 The country would be better served by a four party system 23:00 There is a path for Elon to succeed due to his money 23:45 Texas and Florida are the two best states for a third party to succeed 25:15 Several other states are viable for third party senate candidates 29:30 The midterm electorate will be volatile 30:30 Jim Braude and Margery Eagan join the Chuck ToddCast! 32:30 The state of journalism and public radio 34:00 Journalists compromising ethics out of personal preservation 36:00 The death of print journalism 38:00 The impact of local journalism on political accountability 39:30 John's background in politics led him to radio/journalism 40:45 Media is...

Chuck Todd begins with the flooding disaster in Texas and why America’s toxic political landscape makes preparing for extreme weather events unlikely, if not impossible. He also reacts to Elon Musk launching the “America Party” and expresses doubts about Musk’s motives, while applauding the idea of launching a viable third party. Finally, he blasts Florida governor Ron DeSantis for vetoing funding for a veterans program over a personal gripe with another Florida lawmaker. Then, directors Cecilia Aldarondo, Salima Koroma, and Alice Gu join Chuck to discuss their HBO documentary "Dear Ms.: A Revolution In Print," which chronicles the groundbreaking feminist magazine that launched in 1972. The filmmakers share the origins of their collaboration and the challenges of distilling Ms. magazine's complex 50-year legacy into a cohesive narrative, using iconic covers as launching points for exploring three main themes. They discuss how Ms. magazine differentiated itself from traditional women's publications focused on homemaking, instead tackling controversial subjects like pornography, workplace harassment, and the objectification of women—topics that generated significant male backlash and revealed the deep cultural resistance to feminist ideas. The conversation explores how the documentary's themes resonate in today's political climate, examining whether the Trump era represents a step backward for women's rights or simply exposed hidden truths about persistent inequality. The directors reflect on the evolution of feminist discourse, from the magazine's early battles against normalized harassment to contemporary debates about pornography, violence, and the #MeToo movement. They also consider Gloria Steinem's enduring legacy and discuss how early feminists faced far greater challenges than modern advocates, while acknowledging ongoing struggles around pay gaps in sports and the need for systemic rather than merely optical changes. The filmmakers conclude by reflecting on what didn't make the final cut and speculating about what a future installment might explore, including the recent rise of women's sports as a potential focal point. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment about a potential second civil war, what life in an authoritarian state actually looks like, and why the American media has completely neglected the conflict between Rwanda and Congo. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Politics is making tragedies like Texas even worse 04:30 No evidence that budget cuts played a role in the tragedy 05:30 We’re not prepared for the extreme weather that’s coming 06:30 Voters don’t reward “preventative” policy 09:00 The insurance industry is sounding the alarm on climate 10:30 The climate/disaster debate will only grow 12:30 It’s not “too soon for politics”, we need to be better prepared 13:45 Elon Musk launches the “America Party” 15:15 Musk wants to own, not share a movement 17:00 We need TWO new parties 20:00 Only a few defections to third parties would force change 21:30 There’s massive interest in a third party 23:30 Trump says he “hates” Democrats 25:30 Ron DeSantis vetoes veterans treatment over personal dispute 27:45 Lawmaker blew the whistle on the DeSantis charity 30:00 Line-item vetoes are fraught for political corruption 32:00 Petty politics is being used to harm veterans 34:30 Cecilia Aldarondo, Salima Koroma & Alice Gu join the Chuck Toddcast! 35:00 What was the origin of "Dear Ms.: A Revolution In Print"? 37:00 The biggest challenge making Dear Ms. 39:45 HBO wanted iconic covers as the launching point for storytelling 41:00 The three main themes of the documentary? 42:00 Pornography was the most difficult issue for the magazine to cover 44:30 1972 was an iconic year for women 46:45 It was hard to have a black woman on the cover of a magazine 48:30 Most women's magazines were about homemaking 51:30 Ms. highlighted...

Chuck Todd begins by reacting to Paramount agreeing to settle Trump’s bogus 60 Minutes lawsuit and explains why it’s demoralizing for journalists and delegitimizing for corporate owned media. He also dives into the news that Trump has cut off weapons shipments to Ukraine despite a large majority of Americans supporting Ukraine and why it makes strategic sense to do so. Then, Chuck is joined by Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly for an in-depth conversation about Florida's evolving political landscape and his own remarkable transformation from GOP loyalist to Democratic candidate. Jolly shares his Florida origin story and analyzes how the state's politics have shifted, exploring whether Miami's political evolution offers hope for broader American reconciliation. The discussion delves into immigration dynamics, examining why some immigrant communities have gravitated toward Republicans and the potential backlash from deportation policies, while also addressing whether Democratic socialism remains politically toxic in South Florida. Jolly recounts his political evolution, emphasizing that while his policy positions have changed, his core values remain constant. He reflects on pivotal moments including the Pulse nightclub shooting that served as a reckoning for his views on gun ownership, his departure from the NRA after rejecting their "quid pro quo" offer for an A rating, and his decision to run as a Democrat rather than an Independent. Throughout, Jolly offers candid insights into Florida's systemic challenges—from the unaffordable "Florida dream" and housing crisis exacerbated by hurricane risks, to 27 years of Republican trifecta rule that he argues has led to corruption, gutted public schools through voucher programs, and political interference with state universities. The discussion also touches on everything from NIL regulations in college sports to public financing for professional stadiums, painting a comprehensive picture of Florida's political and social complexities. Finally, in homage to Independence Day, Chuck examines the state of “independents” and third-parties and explains why the appetite for candidates outside the two party system is higher than ever. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Paramount agrees to pay off Trump’s CBS lawsuit to secure merger 03:00 The pay off stains all corporate media and news 04:15 It is a gut punch for practicing journalists 06:00 Corporate owned media are losing their legitimacy 08:15 There’s no good explanation for capitulation 10:30 For media to have credibility, they have to be ethical 11:30 Trump cuts off military aid to Ukraine 13:00 A majority of the American public supports Ukraine 15:45 Supporting Ukraine makes strategic sense for the U.S. 17:30 The Russians helped Trump in 20016, even if there wasn’t collusion 19:00 American news doesn’t prioritize covering the war 20:30 David Jolly joins the Chuck ToddCast! 21:15 David's Florida origin story 23:00 The current state of Florida's politics 24:45 The "Florida dream" is becoming out of reach 27:30 Is Miami's political evolution a sign of hope for the rest of America? 28:45 Backlash to deportations from Florida's immigrant communities? 29:45 What caused immigrants to gravitate towards Republicans? 31:15 Cruelty and broken promises are the two themes of deportations 32:30 Is Democratic socialism politically toxic in south Florida? 34:15 Balancing housing affordability with hurricane safety 36:30 Private insurers can't keep up with risk 37:45 Remove hurricane damage from private insurance policies 38:45 David's political evolution from Republican to Democrat 42:15 His policy positions have changed, his values have not 43:30 What do responsible gun ownership laws look like? 44:15 Differences between a Bush 41 and Bush 43 Republican? 45:15 The NRA's "quid pro quo" offer for A rating 46:30 Pulse nightclub shooting was a reckoning for...

Chuck Todd begins by reacting to the senate passing Trump’s signature piece of legislation: “The Big Beautiful Bill.” He reviews the excuses and rationales given by the senators who had expressed issues with the bill but still voted for it, and explains why the fear of Donald Trump’s wrath is enough to get lawmakers to fall in line and explains why the bill’s passage is emblematic of the broken state of Congress. Then, Chuck is joined by political scientist and Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer to dissect the most pressing geopolitical challenges facing the world today. The discussion begins with analysis of recent Iranian strikes and the Middle East conflict, exploring whether Iran has been exposed as a "paper tiger" and examining the complex dynamics between Trump, Netanyahu, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia. Bremmer offers insights into Iran's domestic vulnerabilities—noting the regime's mere 20% public support—while assessing the likelihood of nuclear developments and potential exit strategies from current conflicts. The conversation expands to cover Trump's relationship with NATO allies, the slowly deteriorating situation in Ukraine, and Putin's potential next moves, including the concerning possibility of nuclear escalation if his regime faces existential threats. Bremmer and Todd also tackle the rise of populist movements globally, the erosion of democratic guardrails in America, and the fundamental shift toward reactionary politics that may define a generation. Throughout, Bremmer provides his characteristic blend of realpolitik analysis and concern for democratic institutions, culminating in a sobering assessment of how America's political system now rewards winners over leaders and creates conditions where "socialists can't beat capitalists, but they can beat kleptocrats." Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding the potential for erosion of Trump’s support, election denialism and a fun alternate history theory where legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka beat Barack Obama for state office in Illinois. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 00:15 90 days from Liberation Day and “90 deals in 90 days”, there are two deals 01:30 Trump will back off on tariffs again to avoid economic damage 02:30 The Big Beautiful Bill passes the Senate 04:15 Josh Hawley votes for bill despite promises not to cut health care 06:00 Lisa Murkowski cites tax break expiration for her yes vote 08:15 Murkowski has always been Alaska first over America first 09:30 Republicans fall in line out of fear of Trump 11:00 Congress is broken 13:00 Bipartisanship is dead in the 21st century 14:30 Both parties have weaponized partisanship 16:15 How do we fix the broken congress? 17:30 The public needs to understand WHY congress is broken 19:00 Independents could force congress to function better 21:00 Bill was rushed due to Trump’s impatience 22:30 We’re in the kleptocracy stage, headed toward authoritarianism 24:00 Dysfunction in congress has created a more powerful presidency 26:00 Ian Bremmer joins the Chuck ToddCast! 28:00 Media cycle has already moved on from the Iran strike 29:15 The strike wasn't meant to be a war 30:15 Steve Bannon's theory that we're on the brink of WW3 31:45 Trump wanted a negotiated settlement with Iran 33:00 Netanyahu was always going to force the US's hand 34:30 Trump is capable of telling Bibi "no" 36:15 Would Trump support a two state solution? 38:30 Iran has no friends on the global stage willing to support them 40:15 After investigators access Gaza, Israel will lose support 41:45 Saudis will demand a two state solution 43:15 Did we expose Iran as a "paper tiger"? 45:30 The Iranian regime only has 20% support from the public 46:30 Iran's strong enough to put down an uprising 47:30 The U.S. won't put boots on the ground in Iran 49:00 What is Iran's exit strategy from this conflict? 52:00 Iran is likely 3 years...

Chuck Todd reacts to the news that North Carolina senator Thom Thillis won’t seek reelection, why harassment from the Trump team led to his decision, and why his decision gives Democrats another opportunity to pick up a senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections. He also highlights the path for Democrats to win the senate in 26’ and cautions Republicans about the potential of a Democratic president abusing their power in a similar way to Trump. Then, Chuck sits down with renowned pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson to dissect the seismic shifts in American politics following the 2024 election. They dive deep into the surprising demographic realignments that defined Trump's victory, including his unprecedented gains with young and Latino voters, while exploring whether traditional demographic-based political messaging has become obsolete. Anderson shares insights from Pew Research's unique voter validation methodology and explains why the biggest story of 2024 wasn't who showed up to vote, but rather the millions of Biden 2020 supporters who stayed home. The conversation spans from foreign policy contradictions—where only 8% support attacking Iran but majorities back preventing Iranian nuclear weapons—to the evolving nature of political coalitions and whether we're witnessing a return to pre-Obama era electoral patterns. Anderson and Todd examine the psychological profile of different generations, particularly Gen Z's political malleability and loss of societal trust shaped by COVID, while discussing the future challenges facing pollsters as AI technology threatens traditional survey methodology. They conclude by analyzing whether 2024 represented a "vote for" or "vote against" election, and how both parties must adapt to meet an increasingly anti-establishment electorate. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment about baseball, the media, and the prospects of Republican congressman Mike Lawler running for governor in New York. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Senator Thom Thillis won’t seek reelection 02:00 Thillis struggled to fully embrace Trumpism/MAGA 03:00 Thillis felt harassed by the Trump team 05:30 Rep. Don Bacon also not seeking reelection 08:00 Thillis retirement makes Roy Cooper senate run more likely 09:15 Lara Trump may run for Thillis’s seat 11:00 Trump has caused multiple senate seats to flip blue 12:15 How Democrats can pick up the seats to flip the senate 13:15 North Carolina, Texas, Maine could all be in play for Democrats 15:30 Susan Collin managed to make both sides mad 17:00 Louisiana probably out of reach for Democrats 18:30 Other states Democrats can target 22:00 Budget cuts to rural states could create openings for Democrats 24:15 It’s an uphill battle for Democrats, but they’re in the game 28:00 It’s been a tumultuous week in politics 28:30 Trump has pushed the limits of his powers 29:30 Trump has created a blueprint for successors to follow 31:00 We’ve grown numb to power being used for personal gain 32:00 Politics was becoming less corrupt until Trump 34:00 After Nixon, the country wanted a high character president 35:15 The constitutional guardrails are being weakened 37:00 Is the ability to get attention the most important skill in politics? 37:45 Kristen Soltis Anderson joins the Chuck ToddCast! 39:15 How Pew Research's voter validation poll works 41:15 Why Pew's poll is the best survey of both voters and non-voters 42:30 Voters have an Iraq hangover when viewing the Iran strikes 43:30 Public opinion on foreign policy is complicated and contradictory 44:15 Only 8% of the public supports attacking Iran 45:00 The public supports intervention to prevent Iran nuclear weapon 46:45 Are Republican voters party first, or Trump supporters? 48:30 Polling on Iran hinges on what we actually achieved with strikes 50:00 Huge jump in Hispanic support for Trump in 2024 52:15 Trump gained most with...

Chuck Todd examines Zohran Mamdani's stunning primary victory as a seismic shift for the Democratic Party, analyzing how the young progressive candidate's win represents a broader rejection of establishment politics and legacy candidates. The discussion explores the Democratic establishment's lukewarm response to Mamdani's victory, their history of imposing flawed candidates on voters, and the growing disconnect between party leaders and their base. The conversation delves into whether the Democratic Party is ripe for a progressive takeover, the uncomfortable alliance between progressives and wealthy Democrats, and how Mamdani's success could inspire primary challenges against older politicians like Chuck Schumer, while also touching on the challenges of governing New York City and the unpopularity of recent legislative packages that fail to energize the Democratic base. Then, Reid Wilson, founder and editor of Pluribus News joins Chuck for a comprehensive discussion that spans from sports stadium financing to the future of artificial intelligence regulation. The conversation begins with lighter topics like public funding for entertainment complexes and the Seattle Mariners' playoff prospects, but quickly dives into substantive policy discussions about AI regulation at both federal and state levels. Wilson provides insights into how different industries are responding to AI oversight, the infrastructure challenges posed by data centers, and why state-level politics often achieves more bipartisan cooperation than federal governance. The discussion shifts to examine critical domestic policy issues, particularly the ongoing privatization of public education through school voucher programs that Wilson argues are draining state budgets while transferring wealth from poor to rich families. They also analyze upcoming gubernatorial races across multiple states, exploring how local issues like housing policy, education reform, and infrastructure development could influence political outcomes in Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Alabama, and Tennessee. The episode concludes with speculation about whether abortion rights will remain a driving force in state legislative sessions, offering listeners a thorough examination of how local and state politics are shaping America's political landscape. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding politics in Louisiana, journalism, and bridging the gap between progressives and moderates! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Zohran Mamdani is a political earthquake for the Democratic party 01:30 The Democratic party’s lukewarm reaction to Mamdani’s victory 03:30 The Democratic establishment has imposed flawed candidates on their voters 06:30 The establishment doesn’t understand how unpopular their candidates are 07:45 Voters never got due process for Cuomo 08:30 Republicans are trying to weaponize Mamdani 10:30 Democrats need to stop supporting legacy names/candidates 12:00 If the wealthy are upset, Mamdani is winning 13:00 Democrats want to embrace Mamdani without adopting his positions 15:00 Is the Democratic party ripe to be overtaken by progressive candidates? 16:30 The uncomfortable alliance between progressives and wealthy Democrats 20:45 Cuomo felt out of touch to the voters 22:30 Chuck Schumer has becoming the establishment punching bag 24:15 Who can replace Chuck Schumer in leadership? 26:30 Gerry Nadler endorses Mamdani 28:00 Governing New York City is incredibly difficult 29:30 Mamdani’s victory could inspire primaries against older politicians 31:30 The “Big Beautiful Bill” is incredibly unpopular 33:30 There’s nothing positive in the bill to sell to their base 34:30 Polling shows voters want the government to do MORE 36:15 Almost every pick in the NBA draft had been traded 38:15 Reid Wilson joins the Chuck ToddCast! 40:15 As a Seattle native, do you care about the OKC...

Chuck Todd begins with Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory over Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. He points to Mamdani’s cost of living messaging and youth as major factors in the victory, but cautions the party against embracing the “socialist” label, and wonders whether the party establishment will embrace or shun Mamdani. Then, Chuck is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who shares his deeply personal journey of living as an undocumented immigrant in America and how it shaped his perspective on one of the nation's most divisive issues. Vargas, who publicly revealed his undocumented status over a decade ago, discusses the atmospheric shift in immigration discourse under Trump, the bipartisan failures that have plagued reform efforts, and why he believes coming out as gay was actually easier than revealing his immigration status. He offers a unique insider's view of working at major outlets like the Washington Post while hiding his legal status, living in constant fear of deportation. The conversation delves into the broader media and political landscape surrounding immigration, with Vargas arguing that Democrats have failed to provide a positive counter-narrative to right-wing messaging that has made anti-immigration sentiment central to Republican identity. He challenges both parties for using immigration as a political football rather than addressing the human reality of 40 million people of Mexican heritage living in America. Vargas advocates for journalism that goes beyond economic impact stories to humanize immigrants' experiences, while grappling with the tension between objective reporting and advocacy journalism. The discussion also touches on America's demographic future, the need for immigrant labor to offset declining birth rates, and whether the nation can reconcile its identity as both a country of immigrants and a Judeo-Christian society. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding the viral Ted Cruz vs Tucker Carlson interview and addresses the conspiracy theory that Starlink hacked voting machines in the 2024 election. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Zohran Mamdani beats Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayoral primary 02:30 Multiple possible explanations for Mamdani’s victory 03:30 Cost of living messaging resonated 04:30 This will supercharge the young vs old debate in the party 05:30 Will the “democratic socialism” label become a liability for the party? 08:00 Moderates rallying around Cuomo made no sense 09:00 This should be a wake up call for the Democratic establishment 10:00 Democratic voters are looking for “new” 11:45 Mamdani fired first shot in battle to rebrand the party 13:30 Rallying around Eric Adams would be a bad move for the establishment 15:30 Mamdani needs to expand his tent 17:30 The big tent illusion - Both parties claim to be "big tent" but aren't 19:15 It's hard to not have a "label" in our current politics 21:00 The Republican party has become a cult of personality 21:45 Politicians can't ever agree with the other side 22:30 The only politicians with a big tent approach are governors 25:00 The coalition that elected Trump is big tent, he isn't governing like it 26:30 Our politics would be healthier if there was four parties 28:00 Politics wasn't designed to be winner-take-all 29:30 Bipartisanship would produce better, more durable legislation 33:30 John Cornyn may drop out, but only if he can stop Ken Paxton 35:45 If Ken Paxton is the nominee, Democrats could win the TX senate seat 37:00 Center-right voters in Texas are homeless 37:45 The TikTok extension via executive order is illegal 38:30 Donald Trump has refused to enforce the law with TikTok 39:45 Politicians are fearful of alienating TikTok users 41:30 Jose Antonio Vargas joins the Chuck ToddCast! 42:00 What year did you go public with your undocumented status? 44:00 The...