Explore every episode of the podcast The Chuck ToddCast

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck looks at new polling showing just how unsettled Americans feel heading into yet another potential government shutdown. With 93% of the country agreeing that political violence is a problem and a majority believing we’re in a full-blown political crisis, partisanship has hardened to the point where disagreement itself is seen as betrayal. Chuck traces how government shutdowns—once unheard of before 1980—became a recurring political weapon, thanks to Justice Department rulings, congressional maneuvering, and laws that reduced the political pain by exempting things like military pay and Social Security. The result: contractors left stranded, bipartisanship all but eliminated, and a system designed to fail.

Finally, Chuck takes a trip in the ToddCast Time Machine to 1974, when congress gave the Freedom of Information Act teeth, plus answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:00 New polling out leading into potential government shutdown 

02:00 93% of the country believe political violence is a problem 

03:00 Majority of the country believes we're in a "political crisis" 

04:00 Democrats less likely to talk politics across the aisle 

05:30 Partisans believe you're on "the other side'' if you don't agree with them 

07:45 People need to feel secure in having political debate 

09:00 Independent voters are disenfranchised relative to D & R voters 

11:15 Before 1980 America never had a government shutdown 

12:30 Two Justice Department opinions created the legal basis for shutdowns 

15:00 Government shutdown threats are now an annual occurrence 

16:15 Two laws passed to make political cost of a shutdown less painful 

17:45 Exemptions for military pay and social security make shutdowns easier 

18:45 Proposals for automatic government funding haven't passed 

21:15 Government contractors can't work under shutdowns or CR's 

22:30 Politicians deliberately created the conditions that lead to shutdowns 

23:45 Congressional leadership wanted to create artificial leverage 

25:00 The incentive structures for bipartisan compromise are gone 

27:30 Congress had the power to deal with shutdowns and didn't

30:30 The ToddCast Time Machine 

31:00 October 5th, 1974 Congress put teeth in the Freedom of Information Act 

32:30 Cheney and Rumsfeld argued transparency would hurt national security 

33:00 Lawmakers overruled the presidential veto 

35:00 Florida has some of the strongest government transparency laws 

35:45 Multiple states created their own transparency laws after FOIA 

37:00 Pentagon demanded restrictions on journalists, no outlets agree 

39:00 We can't have a democracy without transparency 

41:45 When your party is out of power you're more likely to believe nonsense 

43:00 Ask Chuck 

43:15 Parallels between LDS church in UT & OK nearly becoming a black state? 

46:00 Chances the Republican gerrymanders backfire? 

50:45 How can Americans abroad stay civically engaged and bring about change? 

55:45 Where do you get your optimism from in this political climate?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck looks at new polling showing just how unsettled Americans feel heading into yet another potential government shutdown. With 93% of the country agreeing that political violence is a problem and a majority believing we’re in a full-blown political crisis, partisanship has hardened to the point where disagreement itself is seen as betrayal. Chuck traces how government shutdowns—once unheard of before 1980—became a recurring political weapon, thanks to Justice Department rulings, congressional maneuvering, and laws that reduced the political pain by exempting things like military pay and Social Security. The result: contractors left stranded, bipartisanship all but eliminated, and a system designed to fail.

Then, veteran journalist for The Economist, James Bennet joins Chuck to break down Donald Trump’s scathing U.N. speech and what it reveals about his worldview: not isolationist, but relentlessly self-centered, with his personal interest framed as national interest. Bennet warns that Trump’s grip on power is existential for him and his administration, and if institutions like the Supreme Court allow unchecked presidential firings, the rule of law itself could unravel. From the Cold War’s stabilizing influence to the fractures of today’s four-party system crammed into two, Bennet and Chuck explore whether America can navigate its political turmoil without mass violence, and how drone warfare, refugee flows, and the collapse of the international rules-based order are reshaping global politics.

The conversation also turns inward, examining how journalism has struggled to adapt in the Trump era. Bennet reflects on writing for international audiences, the dangers of catering to niche media bubbles, and why legacy outlets must rediscover local reporting. He argues that deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake that accelerated the collapse of resistance, while public pressure against platforming controversial voices continues to erode open debate. From Biden’s misunderstood mandate to the Senate’s paralysis and the rise of cult-of-personality politics, this episode considers what reforms will be necessary both in government and in journalism.

Finally, Chuck takes a trip in the ToddCast Time Machine to 1974, when congress gave the Freedom of Information Act teeth, plus answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction 

06:00 New polling out leading into potential government shutdown

07:00 93% of the country believe political violence is a problem

08:00 Majority of the country believes we’re in a “political crisis”

09:00 Democrats less likely to talk politics across the aisle

10:30 Partisans believe you’re on “the other side’’ if you don’t agree with them

12:45 People need to feel secure in having political debate

14:00 Independent voters are disenfranchised relative to D & R voters

16:15 Before 1980 America never had a government shutdown

17:30 Two Justice Department opinions created the legal basis for shutdowns

20:00 Government shutdown threats are now an annual occurrence

21:15 Two laws passed to make political cost of a shutdown less painful

22:45 Exemptions for military pay and social security make shutdowns easier

23:45 Proposals for automatic government funding haven’t passed

26:15 Government contractors can’t work under shutdowns or CR’s

27:30 Politicians deliberately created the conditions that lead to shutdowns

28:45 Congressional leadership wanted to create artificial leverage

30:00 The incentive structures for bipartisan compromise are gone

32:30 Congress had the power to deal with shutdowns and didn’t

35:00 James Bennet joins the Chuck ToddCast 

36:30 Trump scolds other nations in scathing U.N. speech 

37:30 Trump behaved like Hugo Chavez in U.N. speech 

38:45 Trump is not an isolationist, but it's all centered around him 

39:30 Trump sees his interest as the national interest 

41:15 How alarmed should we be? 

42:15 Things have gotten pretty dark in the past two weeks 

43:00 Staying in power is existential for Trump & his administration 

44:30 If you lose the rule of law, you lose the country 

45:15 If SCOTUS allows fed firing, there's no going back 

46:00 John Roberts desperate to avoid constitutional showdown 

47:30 Government will require major reform after Trump 

50:00 The cold war was a stabilizing force in American politics 

52:00 America is a four party system crammed into two parties 

54:00 Public sentiment has been pessimistic the entire 21st century 

55:45 Can we get through this without mass violence? 

57:30 It's hard to imagine a productive modern constitutional convention 

59:00 The last "protectionist race" led to a world war 

1:00:15 We're no longer living in the international rules based order 

1:01:30 Drones are massively changing the dynamics of warfare 

1:03:00 Refugee flows are causing political instability worldwide 

1:03:30 Trump has no interest in leading internationally 

1:05:00 Trump is constantly campaigning and only for his base 

1:07:00 Did we export our politics to Israel, or the other way around? 

1:08:45 Only Obama had a majority of the vote in the 21st century 

1:09:45 Governors are the only politicians that campaign beyond their base 

1:12:00 Biden misunderstood his 2020 mandate and overreached 

1:13:30 Who is the Economist reader? 

1:15:30 Writing about American politics for an international audience 

1:17:30 If you had more resources, what would you focus on covering? 

1:18:30 Legacy media needs to give more attention beyond D.C. and NYC 

1:20:00 Need to find a new model in order to bring back local journalism 

1:22:45 There's too many journalists in D.C. and not enough in America 

1:24:30 Journalism now caters to niche audiences 

1:26:15 Deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake 

1:27:00 Once ABC caved in lawsuit, resistance to Trump collapsed 

1:29:00 Public pressures journalists to not platform people they disagree with 

1:30:00 Michael Bennet was consensus candidate to replace Schumer 

1:31:45 Nothing gets done in the senate, many senators leaving 

1:35:15 In the TV era, successful presidents have had cults of personality 

1:36:15 Newsom having success emulating Trump's style

1:39:00 The ToddCast Time Machine 

1:39:30 October 5th, 1974 Congress put teeth in the Freedom of Information Act 

1:41:00 Cheney and Rumsfeld argued transparency would hurt national security 

1:41:30 Lawmakers overruled the presidential veto 

1:43:30 Florida has some of the strongest government transparency laws 

1:44:15 Multiple states created their own transparency laws after FOIA 

1:45:30 Pentagon demanded restrictions on journalists, no outlets agree 

1:47:30 We can't have a democracy without transparency 

1:50:15 When your party is out of power you're more likely to believe nonsense 

1:51:30 Ask Chuck 

1:51:45 Parallels between LDS church in UT & OK nearly becoming a black state? 

1:54:30 Chances the Republican gerrymanders backfire? 

1:59:15 How can Americans abroad stay civically engaged and bring about change? 

2:04:15 Where do you get your optimism from in this political climate?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, veteran journalist for The Economist, James Bennet joins Chuck to break down Donald Trump’s scathing U.N. speech and what it reveals about his worldview: not isolationist, but relentlessly self-centered, with his personal interest framed as national interest. Bennet warns that Trump’s grip on power is existential for him and his administration, and if institutions like the Supreme Court allow unchecked presidential firings, the rule of law itself could unravel. From the Cold War’s stabilizing influence to the fractures of today’s four-party system crammed into two, Bennet and Chuck explore whether America can navigate its political turmoil without mass violence, and how drone warfare, refugee flows, and the collapse of the international rules-based order are reshaping global politics.

The conversation also turns inward, examining how journalism has struggled to adapt in the Trump era. Bennet reflects on writing for international audiences, the dangers of catering to niche media bubbles, and why legacy outlets must rediscover local reporting. He argues that deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake that accelerated the collapse of resistance, while public pressure against platforming controversial voices continues to erode open debate. From Biden’s misunderstood mandate to the Senate’s paralysis and the rise of cult-of-personality politics, this episode considers what reforms will be necessary both in government and in journalism.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 James Bennet joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:30 Trump scolds other nations in scathing U.N. speech

02:30 Trump behaved like Hugo Chavez in U.N. speech

03:45 Trump is not an isolationist, but it’s all centered around him

04:30 Trump sees his interest as the national interest

06:15 How alarmed should we be?

07:15 Things have gotten pretty dark in the past two weeks

08:00 Staying in power is existential for Trump & his administration

09:30 If you lose the rule of law, you lose the country

10:15 If SCOTUS allows fed firing, there’s no going back

11:00 John Roberts desperate to avoid constitutional showdown

12:30 Government will require major reform after Trump

15:00 The cold war was a stabilizing force in American politics

17:00 America is a four party system crammed into two parties

19:00 Public sentiment has been pessimistic the entire 21st century

20:45 Can we get through this without mass violence?

22:30 It’s hard to imagine a productive modern constitutional convention

24:00 The last “protectionist race” led to a world war

25:15 We’re no longer living in the international rules based order

26:30 Drones are massively changing the dynamics of warfare

28:00 Refugee flows are causing political instability worldwide

28:30 Trump has no interest in leading internationally

30:00 Trump is constantly campaigning and only for his base

32:00 Did we export our politics to Israel, or the other way around?

33:45 Only Obama had a majority of the vote in the 21st century

34:45 Governors are the only politicians that campaign beyond their base

37:00 Biden misunderstood his 2020 mandate and overreached

38:30 Who is the Economist reader?

40:30 Writing about American politics for an international audience

42:30 If you had more resources, what would you focus on covering?

43:30 Legacy media needs to give more attention beyond D.C. and NYC

45:00 Need to find a new model in order to bring back local journalism

47:45 There’s too many journalists in D.C. and not enough in America

49:30 Journalism now caters to niche audiences

51:15 Deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake

52:00 Once ABC caved in lawsuit, resistance to Trump collapsed

54:00 Public pressures journalists to not platform people they disagree with

55:00 Michael Bennet was consensus candidate to replace Schumer

56:45 Nothing gets done in the senate, many senators leaving

1:00:15 In the TV era, successful presidents have had cults of personality

1:01:15 Newsom having success emulating Trump’s style

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks how Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has become a political weapon, from targeting perceived enemies like James Comey to sweeping bribery cases under the rug, all while eroding public trust in law enforcement. He explores how Trump’s strategy of framing his own criminal charges as political has worn down the public and set fire to the credibility of the legal system. Chuck also looks at the Democratic Party’s internal strife over whether to embrace figures like Zohran Mamdani, the rising prospects of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and even murmurs of Lisa Murkowski eyeing a gubernatorial run. And beyond politics, he flags troubling signals in the economy—from surging Hamburger Helper sales to a slump in cardboard demand—that suggest things may not be as strong as the stock market makes them appear.

Then, Dr. Michael Osterholm, one of the nation’s foremost infectious disease experts, joins Chuck to confront the unsettling reality that Covid-19 was not “the big one.” From SARS and MERS as early warnings to the looming possibility of coronaviruses that are far more deadly than Covid, Osterholm argues that pandemics are inevitable—and the U.S. is dangerously unprepared. He discusses the political failures that prevented a serious after-action review, the collapse of government vaccine infrastructure, and why misinformation and anti-vaccine sentiment have left public health more vulnerable than ever.

The conversation also looks forward: how mRNA technology could still be a game-changer, why developing respirators and updating building codes matter, and the urgent need for leadership with real bio-threat experience. Osterholm warns that everything from resurging childhood diseases to the rise of avian flu and the risk of bioterrorism are on the horizon, and he offers a sobering reminder—science is not fixed truth, it’s the pursuit of truth. This episode is a wake-up call about what it will take to be ready for the next pandemic, which could be far worse than Covid-19.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews an incredible weekend of sports. 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

04:00 Trump’s DOJ targeting his perceived enemies

05:15 Trump convinced his base that all his criminal charges were political

06:45 Poor coordination by law enforcement allowed Trump to evade charges

07:45 Trump fired attorney who wouldn’t bring charges against enemies

08:15 DOJ wants to charge James Comey with lying to congress

10:00 Trump has telegraphed this prosecution

13:15 Trump accused Biden DOJ of politicization, now his DOJ is overtly political

14:00 Trump’s DOJ swept Homan bribery under the rug

15:00 Public trust in law enforcement is being destroyed

16:30 Trump is wearing out the public

17:30 Comey did his share of damage to the FBI’s credibility

18:30 We need a better system for staffing top law enforcement job

19:45 Christopher Wray serving under Biden was good thing

20:45 Trump is taking a blowtorch to the credibility of the legal system

21:30 Mainstream Democrats are refusing to endorse Zohran Mamdani

23:00 Kamala Harris gives tepid endorsement of Mamdani 

25:15 Party either wants the Dem socialists in the coalition or they don’t

26:30 Fence sitting on Mamdani makes everybody mad

28:00 Leadership can’t have it both ways

30:15 Democratic handwringing over Mamdani doesn’t inspire confidence

30:45 AOC may run for senate or the presidency

31:45 AOC could win Chuck Schumer’s seat

33:15 Don’t expect Chuck Schumer will run again

34:15 Lisa Murkowski won’t rule out gubernatorial run in 2026

36:45 Senators looking for options to get out of D.C.

38:00 Sales of Hamburger Helper way up, warning sign for economy

40:15 Cardboard box demand slumping, another warning sign

41:15 Economy looks better than it is due to AI boost to stock market

44:15 Dr. Michael Osterholm joins the Chuck ToddCast 

45:30 Are American leaders ready for the next pandemic? 

46:45 Covid wasn't "the big one" pandemic 

47:45 SARS & MERS gave a warning about coronaviruses 

48:45 Coronaviruses in the wild that are as infectious as covid but more deadly 

49:30 Death rate of Covid was relatively low, could be much worse 

51:00 Pandemics are inevitable, and could be much worse than covid 

51:45 Politics didn't allow for an after action report on pandemic response 

53:15 We'll never know if covid was from a lab or nature 

54:45 We could have vaccines ready before pandemics begin, not doing the work 

55:30 Did you write your book assuming a crank like Kennedy would run HHS? 

56:00 Kennedy is the biggest challenge public health has faced in decades 

56:45 Pandemics cause society to lose its collective mind 

58:15 Anti vaxx anger came from people being angry about the pandemic 

58:45 How do you prepare for a pandemic if the government isn't leading? 

59:30 MRNA vaccines are easier to produce at scale 

1:00:00 $500 million in funding cut for MRNA vaccines 

1:01:00 CDC vaccine board is now completely dysfunctional 

1:03:30 Where does medical research go without government backing? 

1:04:00 PEPFAR was one of the best uses of American soft power 

1:05:15 There's nobody in the White House with bio threat experience 

1:06:00 Trump 1.0 had a credible pandemic response plan. 2.0 doesn't. 

1:07:15 We will see diseases come back that we thought were gone 

1:09:00 What preventative measures can be taken without the government? 

1:09:45 Lockdowns don't work, surges of cases are inevitable 

1:10:30 Lockdowns were over by June, impact was overstated 

1:11:45 Lockdowns should only be based on hospital use/capacity 

1:13:30 Don't do lockdowns, maximize medical care instead 

1:14:45 Public misconception that vaccine would make people immune 

1:15:45 News media needs to be better at messaging public health info 

1:17:45 Risk to kids raised significantly with new covid variants 

1:19:00 Updates to scientific info get labeled as "flip flopping" when it's normal 

1:19:45 Science is not truth, it's the pursuit of truth 

1:20:45 Kennedy now linking acetaminophen to autism 

1:22:45 People dismiss health risks that fit their lifestyle, like drinking red wine 

1:24:00 Half the country was anti-expert, now anti-expert's are in charge 

1:25:45 BARDA was the envy of the world 

1:27:15 What else should we be doing in preparation for the next "big" pandemic? 

1:29:00 We need to develop a comfortable N95 respirator for the public 

1:30:00 Updating building codes to help prevent respiratory virus transmission 

1:32:30 MMR vaccine doesn't require a booster, likely confirms lifelong immunity 

1:35:45 Theme parks in Orlando will pressure government over vaccine mandate 

1:36:45 What's the status of H5N1 bird flu? 

1:38:30 There will be another flu virus pandemic, we just don't know when 

1:39:15 We're producing more poultry than ever, lots of opportunity for exposure 

1:40:15 We should be vaccinating livestock and poultry 

1:41:15 We're more vulnerable than ever to a bioterrorism attack

1:43:45 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Dr. Osterholm 

1:44:15 Ask Chuck 

1:44:30 Will Trump ever target podcasts the way he targets other media? 

1:51:30 Comparing party platforms vs what they actually do while governing? 

1:55:45 Why have Republican voters gone along with Trump's authoritarianism? 

2:05:15 Weekend sports preview

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Dr. Michael Osterholm, one of the nation’s foremost infectious disease experts, joins Chuck to confront the unsettling reality that Covid-19 was not “the big one.” From SARS and MERS as early warnings to the looming possibility of coronaviruses that are far more deadly than Covid, Osterholm argues that pandemics are inevitable—and the U.S. is dangerously unprepared. He discusses the political failures that prevented a serious after-action review, the collapse of government vaccine infrastructure, and why misinformation and anti-vaccine sentiment have left public health more vulnerable than ever.

The conversation also looks forward: how mRNA technology could still be a game-changer, why developing respirators and updating building codes matter, and the urgent need for leadership with real bio-threat experience. Osterholm warns that everything from resurging childhood diseases to the rise of avian flu and the risk of bioterrorism are on the horizon, and he offers a sobering reminder—science is not fixed truth, it’s the pursuit of truth. This episode is a wake-up call about what it will take to be ready for the next pandemic, which could be far worse than Covid-19.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Dr. Michael Osterholm joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:15 Are American leaders ready for the next pandemic?

02:30 Covid wasn’t “the big one” pandemic

03:30 SARS & MERS gave a warning about coronaviruses

04:30 Coronaviruses in the wild that are as infectious as covid but more deadly

05:15 Death rate of Covid was relatively low, could be much worse

06:45 Pandemics are inevitable, and could be much worse than covid

07:30 Politics didn’t allow for an after action report on pandemic response

09:00 We’ll never know if covid was from a lab or nature

10:30 We could have vaccines ready before pandemics begin, not doing the work

11:15 Did you write your book assuming a crank like Kennedy would run HHS?

11:45 Kennedy is the biggest challenge public health has faced in decades

12:30 Pandemics cause society to lose its collective mind

14:00 Anti vaxx anger came from people being angry about the pandemic

14:30 How do you prepare for a pandemic if the government isn’t leading?

15:15 MRNA vaccines are easier to produce at scale

15:45 $500 million in funding cut for MRNA vaccines

16:45 CDC vaccine board is now completely dysfunctional

19:15 Where does medical research go without government backing?

19:45 PEPFAR was one of the best uses of American soft power

21:00 There’s nobody in the White House with bio threat experience

21:45 Trump 1.0 had a credible pandemic response plan. 2.0 doesn't.

23:00 We will see diseases come back that we thought were gone

24:45 What preventative measures can be taken without the government?

25:30 Lockdowns don’t work, surges of cases are inevitable

26:15 Lockdowns were over by June, impact was overstated

27:30 Lockdowns should only be based on hospital use/capacity

29:15 Don’t do lockdowns, maximize medical care instead

30:30 Public misconception that vaccine would make people immune 

31:30 News media needs to be better at messaging public health info

33:30 Risk to kids raised significantly with new covid variants

34:45 Updates to scientific info get labeled as “flip flopping” when it’s normal

35:30 Science is not truth, it’s the pursuit of truth

36:30 Kennedy now linking acetaminophen to autism

38:30 People dismiss health risks that fit their lifestyle, like drinking red wine

39:45 Half the country was anti-expert, now anti-expert’s are in charge

41:30 BARDA was the envy of the world

43:00 What else should we be doing in preparation for the next “big” pandemic?

44:45 We need to develop a comfortable N95 respirator for the public

45:45 Updating building codes to help prevent respiratory virus transmission

48:15 MMR vaccine doesn’t require a booster, likely confirms lifelong immunity

51:30 Theme parks in Orlando will pressure government over vaccine mandate

52:30 What’s the status of H5N1 bird flu?

54:15 There will be another flu virus pandemic, we just don’t know when

55:00 We’re producing more poultry than ever, lots of opportunity for exposure

56:00 We should be vaccinating livestock and poultry

57:00 We’re more vulnerable than ever to a bioterrorism attack

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks how Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has become a political weapon, from targeting perceived enemies like James Comey to sweeping bribery cases under the rug, all while eroding public trust in law enforcement. He explores how Trump’s strategy of framing his own criminal charges as political has worn down the public and set fire to the credibility of the legal system. Chuck also looks at the Democratic Party’s internal strife over whether to embrace figures like Zohran Mamdani, the rising prospects of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and even murmurs of Lisa Murkowski eyeing a gubernatorial run. And beyond politics, he flags troubling signals in the economy—from surging Hamburger Helper sales to a slump in cardboard demand—that suggest things may not be as strong as the stock market makes them appear.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews an incredible weekend of sports. 

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Trump's DOJ targeting his perceived enemies 

02:30 Trump convinced his base that all his criminal charges were political 

04:00 Poor coordination by law enforcement allowed Trump to evade charges

 05:00 Trump fired attorney who wouldn't bring charges against enemies 

05:30 DOJ wants to charge James Comey with lying to congress 

07:15 Trump has telegraphed this prosecution 

10:30 Trump accused Biden DOJ of politicization, now his DOJ is overtly political 

11:15 Trump's DOJ swept Homan bribery under the rug 

12:15 Public trust in law enforcement is being destroyed 

13:45 Trump is wearing out the public 

14:45 Comey did his share of damage to the FBI's credibility 

15:45 We need a better system for staffing top law enforcement job 

17:00 Christopher Wray serving under Biden was good thing 

18:00 Trump is taking a blowtorch to the credibility of the legal system 

18:45 Mainstream Democrats are refusing to endorse Zohran Mamdani 

20:15 Kamala Harris gives tepid endorsement of Mamdani 

22:30 Party either wants the Dem socialists in the coalition or they don't 

23:45 Fence sitting on Mamdani makes everybody mad 

25:15 Leadership can't have it both ways 

27:30 Democratic handwringing over Mamdani doesn't inspire confidence 

28:00 AOC may run for senate or the presidency 

29:00 AOC could win Chuck Schumer's seat 

30:30 Don't expect Chuck Schumer will run again 

31:30 Lisa Murkowski won't rule out gubernatorial run in 2026 

34:00 Senators looking for options to get out of D.C. 

35:15 Sales of Hamburger Helper way up, warning sign for economy 

37:30 Cardboard box demand slumping, another warning sign 

38:30 Economy looks better than it is due to AI boost to stock market

41:30 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Dr. Osterholm 

42:00 Ask Chuck 

42:15 Will Trump ever target podcasts the way he targets other media? 

49:15 Comparing party platforms vs what they actually do while governing? 

53:30 Why have Republican voters gone along with Trump's authoritarianism? 

1:03:00 Weekend sports preview

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the escalating chaos around Donald Trump’s second term, from his doom-and-gloom rhetoric to the brazen decisions that have left few guardrails in place. Voters may not reject Trump’s ideas outright, but his nonstop turbulence—from shaming pregnant women over Tylenol to undermining global allies—has created deep political vulnerabilities. Todd explores how small businesses, foreign policy, and even health guidance have been rattled by Trump’s need for instability, while noting that divided government historically forces presidents to govern more broadly. The monologue also turns to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose new book reveals her frustrations with the 2020 ticket and her uneasy positioning for the future, raising tough questions about her political style and prospects.

Finally, he gives his “ToddCast Top 5” football coaches on the hot-seat and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Trump speeches create heightened sense of doom & gloom 

01:30 Trump's actions the past few weeks have been brazen 

02:30 Far fewer people standing up to Trump in his second term 

04:15 Voters don't reject Trump's ideas, they disapprove of the chaos 

06:30 Trump's political prospects are deflating every day 

08:30 The last 3-4 elections have been "vote against" elections 

10:15 Divided government forces presidents to govern broadly 

12:00 The goal of bringing order to chaos is popular 

12:30 Trump has brought nothing but chaos to health & vaccine policy 

13:30 Trump & team shamed pregnant women & blamed Tylenol for autism 

15:00 Trump showed no evidence to support Tylenol recommendation 

16:00 Trump only tries to please his base 

16:30 Trump trashes Europe and UN in speech to the UN 

17:45 Trump wants constant instability & chaos 

19:30 The lack of certainty is upending small businesses 

20:45 Trump is incapable of preaching a message of unity 

23:30 The constant chaos is Trump's biggest political vulnerability 

24:45 Voters wanted Trump 1.0, a Trump with guardrails 

25:30 A voters lived experience will Trump perception 

27:30 Trump's post on Ukraine didn't sound like it was written by Trump 

28:30 Trump's post cancelling meeting with Schumer had a Trump tone 

30:00 Marco Rubio is clear eyed about the threat from Russia 

32:00 Trump cancels meeting with Democrats, headed for gov't shutdown 

33:15 Trump is not interested in negotiating with Democrats 

34:30 Kamala Harris reveals her true feelings in new book 

36:00 Harris admits she settled for Tim Walz, Buttigieg was her first choice 

37:30 The book makes it harder for her to win the presidency is the future 

39:00 Harris's style doesn't match the mood of the voters 

40:00 Harris was put in a near impossible situation

41:45 ToddCast Top 5 football coach hot seats 

42:15 Mike Gundy fired by Oklahoma State 

44:45 #1 Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins 

45:45 #2 Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans 

46:45 #3 Luke Fickell of Wisconsin 

48:30 #4 Dabo Swinney of Clemson 

51:30 #5 Billy Napier of Florida + Honorable mentions 

55:15 Ask Chuck 

55:30 Why has the term "writ large" become used so much in news & podcasts? 

1:02:15 Are journalists who stay silent in face of authoritarianism showing cowardice? 

1:06:15 Shrinkflation showing up now at Costco

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Congressman Chris Deluzio joins Chuck Todd to talk about the political transformation of Western Pennsylvania, the challenges of running as a Democrat in a swing district, and the lessons he’s learned since succeeding Conor Lamb. From the hollowing out of factory towns to the rare but pivotal swing voters who decide elections, Deluzio reflects on the realignment that has reshaped the region’s politics. He also opens up about how 9/11 led him to serve in the Navy, why he believes American democracy is at risk, and the urgent need for reforms to restore voter trust.

The conversation also dives into big debates in Washington: partisan gerrymandering, government shutdown brinkmanship, establishing limits on presidential power, and the dangers of politicizing the military. Deluzio weighs in on rail safety after East Palestine, social media’s effect on kids, and congressional corruption—from stock trading to pay structures that keep working-class Americans from serving. Plus, Chuck gets his take on the rising cost of energy, Pittsburgh sports, and whether Democrats can win back voters by focusing squarely on economic issues.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Congressman Chris Deluzio joins the Chuck ToddCast

00:45 How much has your district changed since Connor Lamb won it?
01:45 How did the Pittsburgh area swing from Democratic to Republican?

02:30 The hollowing out of factory towns was key to political realignment in PA

03:15 Who is the McCormick/Deluzio voter?

04:15 Swing voters still exist but are rare

06:00 How difficult is it to talk to voters with the “D” next to your name?

07:45 9/11 sealed Chris’s decision to join the navy

09:45 We should be very concerned about the state of American democracy

11:00 Younger generations will have a worse standard of living than their parents

12:45 Democrats mixed message on redistricting

13:30 We should have a federal ban on partisan gerrymandering

14:15 Democrats can’t unilaterally disarm

15:15 Gerrymandering makes it hard to earn trust back with voters

16:45 Senate Democrats should use their leverage in shutdown fight

17:45 Only open to six week extension if Republicans willing to work with Dems

19:00 Thoughts on Fetterman’s intention to vote to fund the government

20:30 There’s been a scrambling of the centrist & progressive wings of the party

22:00 The fissure in the party is more about fighting than ideology

22:45 Fighting the imperial presidency is the priority

24:30 We need to put limits on the executive to prevent overreach

25:45 We can’t be at the mercy of the whims of the president

26:15 Kash Patel’s FBI shut down investigation into Tom Homan taking cash bribe

27:30 We need to formal guardrails and can’t rely on norms

28:15 Trump’s efforts to politicize the naval academy and military

30:00 Efforts to politicize the military are dangerous and erode trust

30:45 Military lawyers ignored,extrajudicial killings in Caribbean are illegal

32:45 Presidents have abused war powers for years, Congress needs to intervene

34:00 Defense is one of the few areas of bipartisan cooperation

34:45 Republicans willing to work on rail safety after East Palestine derailment

36:15 Can congress work together on internet/social media safety for kids?

37:15 Banning smartphones in classrooms has 80/20 support

38:45 There’s a huge concentration of power in tech and media

39:45 It’s harder for a president to bully a diverse market that isn’t consolidated

41:15 Voters agree that there’s corruption, but they think all politicians are corrupt

42:15 We should ban congressional stock trading, corruption breeds distrust

43:30 Congress deserve pay raise in exchange for stock trading ban

46:15 You shouldn’t have to be wealthy to serve in congress

47:00 Working class candidates need to be supported

47:45 Can Democrats drop cultural issues and purely run on economics?

49:30 The rise in energy bills could become a huge issue in coming months

50:30 The Big Beautiful Bill will make the energy prices problem worse

51:30 Tempted to go to the Steelers game in Ireland?

53:00 Pittsburgh Pirates ownership issue

55:00 More PSU or Pitt fans in your district?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the escalating chaos around Donald Trump’s second term, from his doom-and-gloom rhetoric to the brazen decisions that have left few guardrails in place. Voters may not reject Trump’s ideas outright, but his nonstop turbulence—from shaming pregnant women over Tylenol to undermining global allies—has created deep political vulnerabilities. Todd explores how small businesses, foreign policy, and even health guidance have been rattled by Trump’s need for instability, while noting that divided government historically forces presidents to govern more broadly. The monologue also turns to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose new book reveals her frustrations with the 2020 ticket and her uneasy positioning for the future, raising tough questions about her political style and prospects.

Then, Congressman Chris Deluzio joins Chuck to talk about the political transformation of Western Pennsylvania, the challenges of running as a Democrat in a swing district, and the lessons he’s learned since succeeding Conor Lamb. From the hollowing out of factory towns to the rare but pivotal swing voters who decide elections, Deluzio reflects on the realignment that has reshaped the region’s politics. He also opens up about how 9/11 led him to serve in the Navy, why he believes American democracy is at risk, and the urgent need for reforms to restore voter trust.

The conversation also dives into big debates in Washington: partisan gerrymandering, government shutdown brinkmanship, establishing limits on presidential power, and the dangers of politicizing the military. Deluzio weighs in on rail safety after East Palestine, social media’s effect on kids, and congressional corruption—from stock trading to pay structures that keep working-class Americans from serving. Plus, Chuck gets his take on the rising cost of energy, Pittsburgh sports, and whether Democrats can win back voters by focusing squarely on economic issues.

Finally, he gives his “ToddCast Top 5” football coaches on the hot-seat and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:45 Trump speeches create heightened sense of doom & gloom 

04:00 Trump’s actions the past few weeks have been brazen

05:00 Far fewer people standing up to Trump in his second term

06:45 Voters don’t reject Trump’s ideas, they disapprove of the chaos

09:00 Trump’s political prospects are deflating every day

11:00 The last 3-4 elections have been “vote against” elections

12:45 Divided government forces presidents to govern broadly

14:30 The goal of bringing order to chaos is popular

15:00 Trump has brought nothing but chaos to health & vaccine policy

16:00 Trump & team shamed pregnant women & blamed Tylenol for autism

17:30 Trump showed no evidence to support Tylenol recommendation

18:30 Trump only tries to please his base

19:00 Trump trashes Europe and UN in speech to the UN

20:15 Trump wants constant instability & chaos

22:00 The lack of certainty is upending small businesses

23:15 Trump is incapable of preaching a message of unity

26:00 The constant chaos is Trump’s biggest political vulnerability

27:15 Voters wanted Trump 1.0, a Trump with guardrails

28:00 A voters lived experience will Trump perception

30:00 Trump’s post on Ukraine didn’t sound like it was written by Trump

31:00 Trump’s post cancelling meeting with Schumer had a Trump tone

32:30 Marco Rubio is clear eyed about the threat from Russia

34:30 Trump cancels meeting with Democrats, headed for gov’t shutdown

35:45 Trump is not interested in negotiating with Democrats

37:00 Kamala Harris reveals her true feelings in new book

38:30 Harris admits she settled for Tim Walz, Buttigieg was her first choice

40:00 The book makes it harder for her to win the presidency is the future

41:30 Harris’s style doesn’t match the mood of the voters

42:30 Harris was put in a near impossible situation

44:30 Congressman Chris Deluzio joins the Chuck ToddCast 

45:15 How much has your district changed since Connor Lamb won it? 

46:15 How did the Pittsburgh area swing from Democratic to Republican? 

47:00 The hollowing out of factory towns was key to political realignment in PA 

47:45 Who is the McCormick/Deluzio voter? 

48:45 Swing voters still exist but are rare 

50:30 How difficult is it to talk to voters with the "D" next to your name? 

52:15 9/11 sealed Chris's decision to join the navy 

54:15 We should be very concerned about the state of American democracy 

55:30 Younger generations will have a worse standard of living than their parents 

57:15 Democrats mixed message on redistricting 

58:00 We should have a federal ban on partisan gerrymandering 

58:45 Democrats can't unilaterally disarm 

59:45 Gerrymandering makes it hard to earn trust back with voters 

1:01:15 Senate Democrats should use their leverage in shutdown fight 

1:02:15 Only open to six week extension if Republicans willing to work with Dems 

1:03:30 Thoughts on Fetterman's intention to vote to fund the government 

1:05:00 There's been a scrambling of the centrist & progressive wings of the party 

1:06:30 The fissure in the party is more about fighting than ideology 

1:07:15 Fighting the imperial presidency is the priority 

1:09:00 We need to put limits on the executive to prevent overreach 

1:10:15 We can't be at the mercy of the whims of the president 

1:10:45 Kash Patel's FBI shut down investigation into Tom Homan taking cash bribe 

1:12:00 We need to formal guardrails and can't rely on norms 

1:12:45 Trump's efforts to politicize the naval academy and military 

1:14:30 Efforts to politicize the military are dangerous and erode trust 

1:15:15 Military lawyers ignored,extrajudicial killings in Caribbean are illegal 

1:17:15 Presidents have abused war powers for years, Congress needs to intervene 

1:18:30 Defense is one of the few areas of bipartisan cooperation 

1:19:15 Republicans willing to work on rail safety after East Palestine derailment 

1:20:45 Can congress work together on internet/social media safety for kids? 

1:21:45 Banning smartphones in classrooms has 80/20 support 

1:23:15 There's a huge concentration of power in tech and media 

1:24:15 It's harder for a president to bully a diverse market that isn't consolidated 

1:25:45 Voters agree that there's corruption, but they think all politicians are corrupt 

1:26:45 We should ban congressional stock trading, corruption breeds distrust 

1:28:00 Congress deserve pay raise in exchange for stock trading ban 

1:30:45 You shouldn't have to be wealthy to serve in congress 

1:31:30 Working class candidates need to be supported 

1:32:15 Can Democrats drop cultural issues and purely run on economics? 

1:34:00 The rise in energy bills could become a huge issue in coming months 

1:35:00 The Big Beautiful Bill will make the energy prices problem worse 

1:36:00 Tempted to go to the Steelers game in Ireland? 

1:37:30 Pittsburgh Pirates ownership issue 

1:39:30 More PSU or Pitt fans in your district?

1:40:30 ToddCast Top 5 football coach hot seats 

1:41:00 Mike Gundy fired by Oklahoma State 

1:43:30 #1 Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins 

1:44:30 #2 Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans 

1:45:30 #3 Luke Fickell of Wisconsin 

1:47:15 #4 Dabo Swinney of Clemson 

1:50:15 #5 Billy Napier of Florida + Honorable mentions 

1:54:00 Ask Chuck

1:54:15 Why has the term "writ large" become used so much in news & podcasts? 

2:01:00 Are journalists who stay silent in face of authoritarianism showing cowardice? 

2:05:00 Shrinkflation showing up now at Costco

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck delves into the recent developments surrounding Donald Trump, beginning with his confrontational rhetoric against adversaries and the implications of his actions over the past week, which some argue could have driven impeachment efforts. He explores notable incidents such as Tom Homan’s controversial cash exchange and highlights the fundamental challenges to our constitutional principles. The discussion also covers Trump’s use of legal charges like mortgage fraud to target enemies, as well as his aggressive, and possibly legally unfounded, attacks on Venezuelan drug boats. He analyzes how such actions may have numbed the public to attacks and assess whether Trump's political standing is now eroding amidst these controversies

Then, journalist and historian Caleb Gayle joins to discuss his new book which highlights the power of untold history and the forgotten story of Edward McCabe—known by some as “Black Moses.” Gayle traces McCabe’s ambitious but ultimately failed dream of building a “Black state” in Oklahoma, a vision that drew freedmen west during Reconstruction and briefly united Black settlers and Native Americans. From McCabe’s hard-nosed political maneuvering to the competing interests that saw Oklahoma as a battleground for power, Gayle paints a picture of ambition, resistance, and the forces that shaped the region.

The conversation also explores how Oklahoma’s history—from the possibility of a Black state to the devastating Tulsa massacre—has been distorted or stripped down in traditional teaching. Gayle explains the deep tensions between northern Black elites and freed southern Blacks, the lingering influence of Jim Crow, and the ways Native tribes wielded wealth and power. Looking ahead, he reflects on how today’s political climate shapes the writing of history, why context matters more than ever, and what stories he hopes to bring to light in the next decade.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment”

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Trump targets his adversaries

12:00 Trump's actions in the past week would have driven impeachments 

14:30 Tom Homan took a bag of cash 

16:00 We have basic challenges to our constitution 

17:30 Trump target enemies with mortgage fraud charges  

22:00 Trump attacks Venezuelan drug boats without legal basis

25:00 Unclear that there’s legal basis for attacks

30:30 Trump has numbed public to attacks

36:00 Trump’s political standing is eroding

39:00 Caleb Gayle joins the Chuck ToddCast 

40:45 What made you want to become a history biographer/writer? 

42:00 History teaching in Oklahoma is stripped down to its most jingoistic parts 

43:30 When did you discover the Edward McCabe/ "Black Moses" story? 

46:30 McCabe was a polarizing dreamer who wanted a place to belong 

47:30 Blacks and native Americans found common cause in Oklahoma 

49:15 Many blacks moved west to escape tumult during reconstruction 

49:45 How did Edward McCabe get to Oklahoma? 

52:00 McCabe was a hard nosed political tactician but struggled to win office 

52:45 Senators told McCabe that Oklahoma could be a "black state" 

54:30 McCabe sold a vision of "if you build it they will come" 

56:00 The Republican party was hesitant to create a black state 

57:00 Why McCabe was the wrong person to create the black state 

59:15 The role of the native American tribes in the early Oklahoma territory 

1:01:00 Powerful interests competed to control Oklahoma knowing it'd become a state 

1:03:15 McCabe spent his resources trying to fight Jim Crow up to the Supreme Court 

1:04:00 McCabe concludes Oklahoma won't be a black state or place for black people

1:05:00 What happened to McCabe's benefactors in the north? 

1:06:30 What would it look like if McCabe had succeeded in making OK a black state? 

1:09:30 The creation of "Black Wall Street" in Tulsa 

1:11:00 The Tulsa massacre upended the idea of Oklahoma being a safe haven 

1:13:15 The wealth of the tribes gave them political power 

1:14:15 Gambling licenses were one of the only reparations tribes received 

1:16:15 Oklahoma was a crossroads state 

1:18:00 What other untold history stories are you diving into, what's next? 

1:21:30 The divide between northern black elites and freed blacks in south 

1:23:45 The conflict between lineage and freedom in American history 

1:25:00 The influence of the current political climate when writing a historical book

1:27:00 Handling the source material knowing media bias at the time 

1:29:30 What do you want to cover in the next ten years? 

1:30:00 The importance of history for giving context to the present

1:34:00 Nixon takes to the airwaves

1:45:00 Ask Chuck

1:45:15 Could Mamdani’s style of politics help independents?

1:53:00 What do local news organizations need to be successful?

 1:56:45 College football update

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, journalist and historian Caleb Gayle joins to discuss his new book which highlights the power of untold history and the forgotten story of Edward McCabe—known by some as “Black Moses.” Gayle traces McCabe’s ambitious but ultimately failed dream of building a “Black state” in Oklahoma, a vision that drew freedmen west during Reconstruction and briefly united Black settlers and Native Americans. From McCabe’s hard-nosed political maneuvering to the competing interests that saw Oklahoma as a battleground for power, Gayle paints a picture of ambition, resistance, and the forces that shaped the region.

The conversation also explores how Oklahoma’s history—from the possibility of a Black state to the devastating Tulsa massacre—has been distorted or stripped down in traditional teaching. Gayle explains the deep tensions between northern Black elites and freed southern Blacks, the lingering influence of Jim Crow, and the ways Native tribes wielded wealth and power. Looking ahead, he reflects on how today’s political climate shapes the writing of history, why context matters more than ever, and what stories he hopes to bring to light in the next decade.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Caleb Gayle joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:45 What made you want to become a history biographer/writer?

03:00 History teaching in Oklahoma is stripped down to its most jingoistic parts

04:30 When did you discover the Edward McCabe/ “Black Moses” story?

07:30 McCabe was a polarizing dreamer who wanted a place to belong

08:30 Blacks and native Americans found common cause in Oklahoma

10:15 Many blacks moved west to escape tumult during reconstruction

10:45 How did Edward McCabe get to Oklahoma?

13:00 McCabe was a hard nosed political tactician but struggled to win office

13:45 Senators told McCabe that Oklahoma could be a “black state”

15:30 McCabe sold a vision of “if you build it they will come”

17:00 The Republican party was hesitant to create a black state

18:00 Why McCabe was the wrong person to create the black state

20:15 The role of the native American tribes in the early Oklahoma territory

22:00 Powerful interests competed to control Oklahoma knowing it’d become a state

24:15 McCabe spent his resources trying to fight Jim Crow up to the Supreme Court

25:00 McCabe concludes Oklahoma won’t be a black state or place for black people

26:00 What happened to McCabe’s benefactors in the north?

27:30 What would it look like if McCabe had succeeded in making OK a black state?

30:30 The creation of “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa 

32:00 The Tulsa massacre upended the idea of Oklahoma being a safe haven

34:15 The wealth of the tribes gave them political power

35:15 Gambling licenses were one of the only reparations tribes received

37:15 Oklahoma was a crossroads state

39:00 What other untold history stories are you diving into, what’s next?

42:30 The divide between northern black elites and freed blacks in south

44:45 The conflict between lineage and freedom in American history

46:00 The influence of the current political climate when writing a historical book

48:00 Handling the source material knowing media bias at the time

50:30 What do you want to cover in the next ten years?

51:00 The importance of history for giving context to the present

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck delves into the recent developments surrounding Donald Trump, beginning with his confrontational rhetoric against adversaries and the implications of his actions over the past week, which some argue could have driven impeachment efforts. He explores notable incidents such as Tom Homan’s controversial cash exchange and highlights the fundamental challenges to our constitutional principles. The discussion also covers Trump’s use of legal charges like mortgage fraud to target enemies, as well as his aggressive, and possibly legally unfounded, attacks on Venezuelan drug boats. He analyzes how such actions may have numbed the public to attacks and assess whether Trump's political standing is now eroding amidst these controversies

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment”

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Trump targets his adversaries

12:00 Trump's actions in the past week would have driven impeachments 

14:30 Tom Homan took a bag of cash 

16:00 We have basic challenges to our constitution 

17:30 Trump target enemies with mortgage fraud charges  

22:00 Trump attacks Venezuelan drug boats without legal basis

25:00 Unclear that there’s legal basis for attacks

30:30 Trump has numbed public to attacks

36:00 Trump’s political standing is eroding

37:30 Ask Chuck

37:45 Could Mamdani’s style of politics help independents?

46:45 What do local news organizations need to be successful?

54:30 College football update

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this special episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck reacts with alarm to ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air after FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued unconstitutional, mob boss–style threats. Though Kimmel’s comments weren’t in violation of FCC rules, Carr’s pressure—amplified by Trump’s threats and Nexstar’s influence—sparked a firestorm over government coercion, corporate capitulation, and the chilling effect on free speech. From the Nexstar/Tegna merger and Disney’s vulnerability to the broader shift of “cancel culture” from the left to the right, Chuck examines how Trump and his allies are using state power to silence dissent in violation of the 1st amendment—and what it means for media credibility, democracy, and the rule of law.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 ABC pulls Kimmel off air after threats from FCC chair Brendan Carr

02:30 Kimmel’s comments were pretty benign, not against FCC regulations

03:15 Each side is finger pointing over whose ideology causes violence

04:30 Brendan Carr issued unconstitutional, mob boss like threats 

05:45 Carr didn’t like that MAGA was criticized

06:45 Nexstar’s cancellation put pressure on Disney

07:15 Disney opened the door to coercion by settling court case

08:45 Nexstar/Tegna merger needs FCC approval

10:00 If Carr didn’t go public, public backlash could have been avoided

11:15 JD Vance has encouraged doxxing people for their free speech

12:15 Trump threatened Kimmel would “be next” after Colbert

13:00 Trump is using the power of the state to silence dissent

15:15 Media corporations that won’t stand up to Trump should sell

17:15 News organizations bowing to Trump have lost credibility
19:00 Republicans used to push back on unconstitutional actions by Trump

22:00 Trump didn’t get 50% of the popular vote, but governs like he got 100%

23:30 “Cancel culture” has moved from the left to the right

24:30 Deplatforming Trump after J6 was a massive mistake

25:45 Stephen Miller and Brendan Carr are drunk with power

26:30 This is an extraordinarily unconstitutional act

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Chuck Todd unpacks the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it means for public displays of democracy, as lawmakers debate whether fear should keep them from showing up for their constituents. He also dives into explosive Senate testimony from former CDC director Dr. Monarez, who detailed political interference in vaccine policy under the Trump administration. The conversation shifts to the economic strain of tariffs and subsidy cuts—driving up everything from prescription drugs to coffee prices—alongside predictions of mass white-collar job losses fueled by AI. From Trump’s push to end quarterly earnings reports to the unresolved fight over TikTok, he highlights how politics, economics, and technology are colliding in ways that test both government accountability and public trust.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Will we have public displays of democracy after Kirk’s death?

02:30 Lawmakers are reconsidering public events

04:00 If public servants are afraid of the public, they need to leave public service

05:30 Lawmakers should take precautions, but they have to show up

06:30 Social media platforms suppress content criticizing them

08:30 Former CDC director Dr. Monarez testified before senate committee

09:30 Trump nominated Dr. Monarez in March 2025

11:00 Dr. Monarez was fired less than a month after swearing

12:45 Kennedy instructed Monarez not to interact with members of congress

14:00 Monarez testifies Kennedy had no science backing change in vaccine schedule

15:30 Chief of staff at HHS says there would be political review of scientific data

17:30 Monarez says the no evidence support change to under 2 vaccine schedule

18:45 Republican senators seemed troubled by the testimony

19:45 You have to be skeptical of any info that comes from the Trump admin

21:00 Prescription drug prices skyrocketing due to tariffs & subsidy cuts

23:00 Coffee prices will become the new gas prices as bellwether for economy

25:00 Tariff impacts are really starting to show up in the economy

26:00 Anthropic predicting massive job losses in the white collar sector

26:45 Mark Kelly proposes AI companies set up special fund to offset job losses

28:30 Trump comes out against quarterly earnings reports

29:30 Quarterly reports make companies focus on short term profits

31:15 Investors punish long term focus from companies and it’s unhealthy

32:00 Trump’s motives are always questionable, but this isn’t a bad policy

34:00 A functional congress, wouldn't let the Chinese run TikTok’s algorithm post-sale

36:00 Why bother with TikTok ban at all

37:15 Major corporations view fines as the cost of doing business

39:30 Ask Chuck 

39:45 If state senates duplicate their districts, why have the districts at all? 

45:00 Why doesn't Minnesota get swing state attention like other midwest states? 

53:15 Should we stop treating real debate the same as clickbait debate? 

57:15 Is there any benefit to parties besides the rich being able to push their agenda? 

1:02:45 College football preview - Miami vs. Florida 1:09:00 The Iron Skillet SMU vs TCU

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On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck is joined by former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rohit Chopra for a deep dive into the role of the agency and the broader fight to regulate powerful financial institutions. Chopra explains why the agency has struggled to gain footing in Washington, the skepticism the public feels toward banks, and how past regulatory failures contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. They discuss how the CFPB uncovered systemic abuses, the resistance it faces from well-funded interests, and the ongoing debate over who should regulate emerging sectors like cryptocurrency and consumer data.

The conversation also tackles the independence of the Federal Reserve, the risks of politicizing monetary policy, and how unchecked corporate power—from Wall Street to Silicon Valley—continues to shape the economy. Chopra pulls back the curtain on algorithmic lending practices, the dangers of personalized pricing, and why fines alone aren’t enough to hold companies accountable. From junk fees to crypto, from AI abuse to executive impunity, this episode explores why Americans are increasingly demanding regulators who stand up to entrenched financial interests—and why another populist economic revolt may be closer than we think.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Rohit Chopra joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:45 Why has it been so difficult for the CFPB to take root in DC?

02:30 The public is skeptical of financial institutions

03:15 What exactly is the CFPB and what is it supposed to do?

04:45 The fed board wasn’t regulating leading up to financial crisis

06:00 Why were prior regulators ineffective?

06:45 The CFPB has discovered multiple systemic abuses

07:30 Multiple companies settled, and new head of CFPB is ripping them up

08:30 Russ Vought is currently running the CFPB

09:45 What’s the difference between the FTC and the CFPB?

10:45 CFPB is responsible for regulating all financial institutions/lenders

12:30 Voters from both parties benefit from the CFPB protecting them

13:15 Deep pocketed interests want to defang the regulators

13:45 Who should be regulating crypto?

14:30 Is crypto a stock or a commodity?

16:00 Data from stablecoins can be used for targeting consumers

17:00 Which agency should protect Americans from abuse of their data?

18:45 Trump attempting to make more direct control of the Fed

19:30 The founders were against the president controlling the money supply

21:45 Federal Reserve hasn’t been independent under Trump

23:15 The fed has saved the economy twice, but may not if corrupted

24:15 Inflation is just one piece of the equation if the fed loses independence

26:15 Libertarians argue against having a fed, what’s the counter argument?

28:15 The fed should be focused on the entire economy and not just Wall St

30:00 Big moneyed interests wield huge power to avoid regulation

31:00 Did you ever look under the hood of a lending company's algorithm?

34:00 We need to outlaw AI being used for personal pricing

35:00 What is the legal justification for personalizing pricing?

37:30 The administration is destroying financial law enforcement

38:45 No consequences for bad behavior by banks & corporations

40:00 Fines aren’t a deterrent, criminal charges are

42:15 Tech companies are never held accountable

43:45 How did you become a financial regulator?

46:45 Prior generations had an easier path to financial stability

48:00 Who deserved to be brought up on criminal charges for the financial crisis?

49:00 So many investigations were never even started after crisis

51:00 Potential market disruptions dissuaded DOJ from prosecuting executives

53:00 Federal agencies give white glove treatment to big firms

54:00 We are close to another populist economic revolt

55:45 Americans want the government to stand up to private interests

58:15 The CFPB helped eliminate billions of dollars in junk fees

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it means for public displays of democracy, as lawmakers debate whether fear should keep them from showing up for their constituents. He also dives into explosive Senate testimony from former CDC director Dr. Monarez, who detailed political interference in vaccine policy under the Trump administration. The conversation shifts to the economic strain of tariffs and subsidy cuts—driving up everything from prescription drugs to coffee prices—alongside predictions of mass white-collar job losses fueled by AI. From Trump’s push to end quarterly earnings reports to the unresolved fight over TikTok, he highlights how politics, economics, and technology are colliding in ways that test both government accountability and public trust.

Then, he’s joined by former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rohit Chopra for a deep dive into the role of the agency and the broader fight to regulate powerful financial institutions. Chopra explains why the agency has struggled to gain footing in Washington, the skepticism the public feels toward banks, and how past regulatory failures contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. They discuss how the CFPB uncovered systemic abuses, the resistance it faces from well-funded interests, and the ongoing debate over who should regulate emerging sectors like cryptocurrency and consumer data.

The conversation also tackles the independence of the Federal Reserve, the risks of politicizing monetary policy, and how unchecked corporate power—from Wall Street to Silicon Valley—continues to shape the economy. Chopra pulls back the curtain on algorithmic lending practices, the dangers of personalized pricing, and why fines alone aren’t enough to hold companies accountable. From junk fees to crypto, from AI abuse to executive impunity, this episode explores why Americans are increasingly demanding regulators who stand up to entrenched financial interests—and why another populist economic revolt may be closer than we think.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Will we have public displays of democracy after Kirk’s death?

02:30 Lawmakers are reconsidering public events

04:00 If public servants are afraid of the public, they need to leave public service

05:30 Lawmakers should take precautions, but they have to show up

06:30 Social media platforms suppress content criticizing them

08:30 Former CDC director Dr. Monarez testified before senate committee

09:30 Trump nominated Dr. Monarez in March 2025

11:00 Dr. Monarez was fired less than a month after swearing

12:45 Kennedy instructed Monarez not to interact with members of congress

14:00 Monarez testifies Kennedy had no science backing change in vaccine schedule

15:30 Chief of staff at HHS says there would be political review of scientific data

17:30 Monarez says the no evidence support change to under 2 vaccine schedule

18:45 Republican senators seemed troubled by the testimony

19:45 You have to be skeptical of any info that comes from the Trump admin

21:00 Prescription drug prices skyrocketing due to tariffs & subsidy cuts

23:00 Coffee prices will become the new gas prices as bellwether for economy

25:00 Tariff impacts are really starting to show up in the economy

26:00 Anthropic predicting massive job losses in the white collar sector

26:45 Mark Kelly proposes AI companies set up special fund to offset job losses

28:30 Trump comes out against quarterly earnings reports

29:30 Quarterly reports make companies focus on short term profits

31:15 Investors punish long term focus from companies and it’s unhealthy

32:00 Trump’s motives are always questionable, but this isn’t a bad policy

34:00 A functional congress, wouldn't let the Chinese run TikTok’s algorithm post-sale

36:00 Why bother with TikTok ban at all

37:15 Major corporations view fines as the cost of doing business

40:15 Rohit Chopra joins the Chuck ToddCast 

42:00 Why has it been so difficult for the CFPB to take root in DC? 

42:45 The public is skeptical of financial institutions 

43:30 What exactly is the CFPB and what is it supposed to do? 

45:00 The fed board wasn't regulating leading up to financial crisis 

46:15 Why were prior regulators ineffective? 

47:00 The CFPB has discovered multiple systemic abuses 

47:45 Multiple companies settled, and new head of CFPB is ripping them up 

48:45 Russ Vought is currently running the CFPB 

50:00 What's the difference between the FTC and the CFPB? 

51:00 CFPB is responsible for regulating all financial institutions/lenders 

52:45 Voters from both parties benefit from the CFPB protecting them 

53:30 Deep pocketed interests want to defang the regulators 

54:00 Who should be regulating crypto? 

54:45 Is crypto a stock or a commodity? 

56:15 Data from stablecoins can be used for targeting consumers 

57:15 Which agency should protect Americans from abuse of their data? 

59:00 Trump attempting to make more direct control of the Fed 

59:45 The founders were against the president controlling the money supply 

1:02:00 Federal Reserve hasn't been independent under Trump 

1:03:30 The fed has saved the economy twice, but may not if corrupted 

1:04:30 Inflation is just one piece of the equation if the fed loses independence 

1:06:30 Libertarians argue against having a fed, what's the counter argument? 

1:08:30 The fed should be focused on the entire economy and not just Wall St 

1:10:15 Big moneyed interests wield huge power to avoid regulation 

1:11:15 Did you ever look under the hood of a lending company's algorithm? 

1:14:15 We need to outlaw AI being used for personal pricing 

1:15:15 What is the legal justification for personalizing pricing? 

1:17:45 The administration is destroying financial law enforcement 

1:19:00 No consequences for bad behavior by banks & corporations 

1:20:15 Fines aren't a deterrent, criminal charges are 

1:22:30 Tech companies are never held accountable 

1:24:00 How did you become a financial regulator? 

1:27:00 Prior generations had an easier path to financial stability 

1:28:15 Who deserved to be brought up on criminal charges for the financial crisis? 

1:29:15 So many investigations were never even started after crisis 

1:31:15 Potential market disruptions dissuaded DOJ from prosecuting executives 

1:33:15 Federal agencies give white glove treatment to big firms 

1:34:15 We are close to another populist economic revolt 

1:36:00 Americans want the government to stand up to private interests 

1:38:30 The CFPB helped billions of dollars in junk fees

1:40:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Rohit Chopra 

1:42:30 Ask Chuck 

1:42:45 If state senates duplicate their districts, why have the districts at all? 

1:48:00 Why doesn't Minnesota get swing state attention like other midwest states? 

1:56:15 Should we stop treating real debate the same as clickbait debate? 

2:00:15 Is there any benefit to parties besides the rich being able to push their agenda? 

2:05:45 College football preview - Miami vs. Florida 

2:12:00 The Iron Skillet SMU vs TCU

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores the frustrations of the “mainstream middle” in red states and why Democrats can’t seem to reach them, even as discontent with the country grows. From the poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes voters to the outsized influence of social media and big tech money in Washington, the conversation digs into how extremism thrives while moderation is punished. Chuck also examines the rise of independents, the possibility of a third-party shake-up, and how redistricting battles in California, Missouri, and Georgia could reshape the political map. With major races in New Jersey and Virginia looming, and Democrats struggling to find the right message, the episode highlights both the dangers and the opportunities in an increasingly unsettled political landscape.

Then, Chuck sits down with Brian Bengs, who challenged John Thune in South Dakota and is running for senate as an independent, and Todd Achilles, an independent from Idaho, to explore what it really means to run outside the two-party system. They open up about why they chose independence, the challenges of campaigning in red states where the word “Democrat” is a nonstarter, and the dysfunction they see as the product of both parties. From tariffs hurting farmers to the growing cost of attention in politics, the conversation highlights how America’s political and economic systems reward division and extremism over pragmatism and compromise.

The discussion also tackles the bigger picture: whether the Republican Party could split between MAGA and traditional conservatives, why democracy no longer serves as a pressure release valve, and how corporate power and money in politics further erode trust. Bengs and Achilles share lessons from Ross Perot’s run, their views on immigration reform, and the importance of building bipartisan relationships in an age where the middle is punished. For them, independence isn’t just about rejecting partisanship—it’s about offering voters an alternative path forward in a system that too often feels broken.

Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 states that could elect an independent candidate to the U.S. Senate and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:00 There is a mainstream middle in red states, but Dems can’t reach them

03:00 Feeling terrible about the state of the country, don’t see a path out

04:30 We have a poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes people

05:15 Social media is poisoning the well, but big tech doesn’t shoulder blame

06:30 When algorithms curate content, it makes the platform a publisher 

08:00 Public schools finally starting to ban phones in classrooms

09:00 The phones are toxic for adults too, not just kids

11:00 Big tech companies have saturated D.C. with money to avoid regulation

13:00 The administration is speaking in the language of the red scare

13:45 Bipartisanship hasn’t been good for Donald Trump

14:30 The fastest growing political party is “no party”

15:45 The two major parties need a time out in order to course correct

16:45 Spencer Cox can’t succeed in MAGA, but would be a great leader

18:00 A third party scare could sober up the two major parties

19:45 The one commonality between the parties is internet radicalization

21:30 We need a moderate temperament to lead the country

22:45 Our information ecosystem punishes moderation

25:00 It could be a tough year for incumbents

26:45 The big redistricting fight brewing in California

28:00 There are 3 big money entities trying to get CA voters to vote no

28:45 California voters are educated and want the redraw to be temporary

30:00 Missouri redistricting law could go before voters and be repealed

31:30 California Democrats have been very organized

33:00 Democrats’ messaging problem over redistricting

35:00 The Georgia Democratic primary for governor is fascinating

37:15 GA governor primary could be bellwether for progressive vs moderate

38:00 Big money pouring into NJ and Virginia races

39:30 Virginia AG race will show whether law & order politics will be effective

41:45 Trump conceding the NYC mayor’s race to Mamdani

42:45 Jeffries in a tough spot, can’t be seen embracing a socialist 

45:45 Brian Bengs & Todd Achilles join the Chuck ToddCast 

47:15 Why are you running and why as an independent? 

48:30 Someone needed to challenge John Thune in SD 

49:30 Voters in red states hear "Democrat" and tune out despite agreement 

50:45 We have huge levels of debt, division and dysfunction 

51:45 70% of Idahoans identify as independent 

52:30 Democrats haven't provided a counter message in red states 

54:45 Will the MAGA and traditional wings of the Republican party split? 

56:30 Trump's tariffs hurting farmers, can they be won over? 

58:00 Republican leaders get in trouble for "not being MAGA enough" 

59:15 Tariffs and market concentration are squeezing farmers 

1:01:15 What does "caucusing on your own" look like? 

1:03:15 Deny both parties a majority and independents are swing votes 

1:04:00 Is Thune's leadership an impediment to your candidacy? 

1:05:00 The status quo dysfunction is a product of both parties 

1:06:15 The information ecosystem punishes the middle & incrementalism 

1:08:00 Attention is incredibly expensive for candidates 

1:09:30 The attentional incentive structures reward extremism 

1:11:15 The importance of meeting voters in person 

1:12:15 How did we get to the point where political violence isn't shocking? 

1:13:15 Democracy is supposed to be a pressure release valve, but it isn't working 

1:14:15 Talking to the voter who prioritizes economics over democracy 

1:15:30 We need to fix democracy to fix other issues 

1:16:30 There's a "race to blame" in wake of Kirk shooting 

1:17:45 Corporations are pushing their operation costs onto taxpayers 

1:19:15 Guardrails on the private sector have been chipped away at 

1:20:45 The Big Beautiful Bill will shutter rural hospitals 

1:23:00 How can we make money in politics a salient voting issue? 

1:24:45 Lessons that can be learned from Ross Perot's run? 

1:27:15 Pragmatic immigration requires border security and path to citizenship 

1:29:30 Congress more worried about their own security than deescalation 

1:30:30 The importance of building bipartisan relationships 

1:32:30 What 2 senators would you most look forward to working with if elected 

1:33:45 Favorite Democratic and Republican president? 

1:35:30 Eisenhower was the closest to an independent of any modern president 

1:36:15 Military service doesn't lend itself to partisanship

1:39:00 ToddCast Top 5 states most likely to elect an independent to the senate 

1:40:15 #1 & #2 - Vermont & Alaska 

1:41:15 #3 Minnesota 

1:42:45 #4 Arizona 

1:43:30 #5 Florida 

1:45:00 Runner ups 

1:46:15 Ask Chuck 

1:46:30 Is it possible for a candidate to run as a uniter in the current climate? 

1:51:30 At congressional hearings, are the subjects provided questions in advance? 

1:54:15 The importance of presenting multiple viewpoints in a fractured ecosystem 

1:57:45 Instances of a political death being used to attack other side so soon?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores the frustrations of the “mainstream middle” in red states and why Democrats can’t seem to reach them, even as discontent with the country grows. From the poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes voters to the outsized influence of social media and big tech money in Washington, the conversation digs into how extremism thrives while moderation is punished. Chuck also examines the rise of independents, the possibility of a third-party shake-up, and how redistricting battles in California, Missouri, and Georgia could reshape the political map. With major races in New Jersey and Virginia looming, and Democrats struggling to find the right message, the episode highlights both the dangers and the opportunities in an increasingly unsettled political landscape.

Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 states that could elect an independent candidate to the U.S. Senate and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Feeling terrible about the state of the country, don't see a path out 

02:00 We have a poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes people 

02:45 Social media is poisoning the well, but big tech doesn't shoulder blame 

04:00 When algorithms curate content, it makes the platform a publisher 

05:30 Public schools finally starting to ban phones in classrooms 

06:30 The phones are toxic for adults too, not just kids 

08:30 Big tech companies have saturated D.C. with money to avoid regulation 

10:30 The administration is speaking in the language of the red scare 

11:15 Bipartisanship hasn't been good for Donald Trump 

12:00 The fastest growing political party is "no party" 

13:15 The two major parties need a time out in order to course correct 

14:15 Spencer Cox can't succeed in MAGA, but would be a great leader 

15:30 A third party scare could sober up the two major parties 

17:15 The one commonality between the parties is internet radicalization 

19:00 We need a moderate temperament to lead the country 

20:15 Our information ecosystem punishes moderation

22:00 The big redistricting fight brewing in California 

23:15 There are 3 big money entities trying to get CA voters to vote no 

24:00 California voters are educated and want the redraw to be temporary 

25:15 Missouri redistricting law could go before voters and be repealed 

26:45 California Democrats have been very organized 

28:15 Democrats' messaging problem over redistricting 

30:15 The Georgia Democratic primary for governor is fascinating 

32:30 GA governor primary could be bellwether for progressive vs moderate 

33:15 Big money pouring into NJ and Virginia races 

34:45 Virginia AG race will show whether law & order politics will be effective 

37:00 Trump conceding the NYC mayor's race to Mamdani 

38:00 Jeffries in a tough spot, can't be seen embracing a socialist

39:45 ToddCast Top 5 states most likely to elect an independent to the senate 

41:00 #1 & #2 - Vermont & Alaska 

42:00 #3 Minnesota 

43:30 #4 Arizona 

44:15 #5 Florida 

45:45 Runner ups 

47:00 Ask Chuck 

47:15 Is it possible for a candidate to run as a uniter in the current climate? 

52:15 At congressional hearings, are the subjects provided questions in advance? 

55:00 The importance of presenting multiple viewpoints in a fractured ecosystem 

58:30 Instances of a political death being used to attack other side so soon?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Brian Bengs, who challenged John Thune in South Dakota and is running for senate as an independent, and Todd Achilles, an independent from Idaho, to explore what it really means to run outside the two-party system. They open up about why they chose independence, the challenges of campaigning in red states where the word “Democrat” is a nonstarter, and the dysfunction they see as the product of both parties. From tariffs hurting farmers to the growing cost of attention in politics, the conversation highlights how America’s political and economic systems reward division and extremism over pragmatism and compromise.

The discussion also tackles the bigger picture: whether the Republican Party could split between MAGA and traditional conservatives, why democracy no longer serves as a pressure release valve, and how corporate power and money in politics further erode trust. Bengs and Achilles share lessons from Ross Perot’s run, their views on immigration reform, and the importance of building bipartisan relationships in an age where the middle is punished. For them, independence isn’t just about rejecting partisanship—it’s about offering voters an alternative path forward in a system that too often feels broken.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Brian Bengs & Todd Achilles join the Chuck ToddCast

01:30 Why are you running and why as an independent?

02:45 Someone needed to challenge John Thune in SD

03:45 Voters in red states hear “Democrat” and tune out despite agreement

05:00 We have huge levels of debt, division and dysfunction

06:00 70% of Idahoans identify as independent

06:45 Democrats haven’t provided a counter message in red states

09:00 Will the MAGA and traditional wings of the Republican party split?

10:45 Trump’s tariffs hurting farmers, can they be won over?

12:15 Republican leaders get in trouble for “not being MAGA enough”

13:30 Tariffs and market concentration are squeezing farmers

15:30 What does “caucusing on your own” look like?

17:30 Deny both parties a majority and independents are swing votes

18:15 Is Thune’s leadership an impediment to your candidacy? 

19:15 The status quo dysfunction is a product of both parties

20:30 The information ecosystem punishes the middle & incrementalism

22:15 Attention is incredibly expensive for candidates

23:45 The attentional incentive structures reward extremism 

25:30 The importance of meeting voters in person

26:30 How did we get to the point where political violence isn’t shocking? 

27:30 Democracy is supposed to be a pressure release valve, but it isn’t working

28:30 Talking to the voter who prioritizes economics over democracy

29:45 We need to fix democracy to fix other issues

30:45 There’s a “race to blame” in wake of Kirk shooting

32:00 Corporations are pushing their operation costs onto taxpayers

33:30 Guardrails on the private sector have been chipped away at

35:00 The Big Beautiful Bill will shutter rural hospitals

37:15 How can we make money in politics a salient voting issue?

39:00 Lessons that can be learned from Ross Perot’s run?

41:30 Pragmatic immigration requires border security and path to citizenship

43:45 Congress more worried about their own security than deescalation

44:45 The importance of building bipartisan relationships

46:45 What 2 senators would you most look forward to working with if elected

48:00 Favorite Democratic and Republican president?

49:45 Eisenhower was the closest to an independent of any modern president

50:30 Military service doesn’t lend itself to partisanship

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, former U.S. Ambassador and Reagan White House veteran Frank Lavin joins to reflect on the state of American politics and what lessons might be drawn from Ronald Reagan’s presidency. From Reagan’s approach to bipartisanship and his handling of foreign policy, to Trump’s transactional style and fixation on deference, Lavin weighs in on how today’s leaders measure up against the conservative legacy of the past. He explores what governing responsibly looks like in a narrowly divided nation and why Reagan’s emphasis on free trade and coalition-building still matters.

The conversation stretches from historical “what ifs”—like whether Reagan would have risen without Ford’s pardon of Nixon—to the present-day challenges of Ukraine, China, and the role of U.S. alliances in Asia. Lavin also tackles questions of Trump’s political lineage, whether there’s an heir to Trumpism, and how both parties are struggling with trade, borders, and identity. With insights from inside the Reagan administration and a sharp eye on today’s divisions, Lavin offers a wide-angle view on conservatism, leadership, and what the future of American politics might hold.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Frank Lavin joins the Chuck ToddCast

03:15 Where are we as a country and how would Reagan have handled it?

04:30 Social media rewards audacity and “nutpicking”

05:45 We haven’t hit bottom yet

08:45 What would Reagan have done with full control of congress?

10:00 What is the responsibility of a 51-49 winner to the 49?

11:00 The problem with only governing for your base

12:15 Leaders should actively pursue their agenda despite opposition

13:30 Clinton and Reagan had to accommodate the other side

14:15 People like the idea of Trump more than him actually being president

15:30 If Ford doesn’t pardon Nixon, does Reagan win the primary?

18:30 Is a political/DC outsider best positioned to win in 2028?

20:15 Reagan would be pushing back on Putin in Ukraine

21:15 Our weakness on Ukraine will motivate China on Taiwan

22:00 Obama’s lack of action on Crimea green lit Putin on Ukraine

23:00 How do our Asian allies change their behavior without US security?

24:00 Asian countries will have to accommodate China 

25:00 Hosting US military base didn’t prevent strike on Qatar

26:45 Is Trump an heir to the Reagan lineage?

27:45 Reagan was for free trade, Trump is not

29:00 Trump’s premise that free trade hurts us is faulty

30:15 How often did you get time with Reagan as a staffer?

32:30 Reagan was dedicated to getting George Bush elected

34:30 Trump isn’t foreign policy oriented, he’s transactional

35:30 Trump has a 19th century style of foreign policy

37:45 Trump cares more about deference than achieving policy goals

38:30 Is Trump’s Republican party similar to the 1920’s GOP?

40:15 Democrats have been mixed messengers on free trade

41:00 Sherrod Brown is an “old” politician, been in politics forever

42:15 Should Democrats embrace Trump’s border policy

43:30 Obama likely benefitted from the “deporter in-chief” protests

45:45 What is the definition of traditional conservatism?

46:45 What could Romney/Ryan done better to prevent Trumpism?

47:45 Nobody permanently shifts US politics

49:00 Trump won on culture and by not going after entitlements

50:45 Cutting postal service is a place to cut spending

51:45 There’s little political reward for incrementalism

52:15 Trump isn’t a conservative, but rejects the left

54:00 Trump’s anti-crime policies are deliberately offensive

55:00 George H.W. Bush didn’t have communications skills like Reagan

56:00 Is there an heir to Trump?

59:00 The joy of teaching at USC

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Chuck Todd reflects on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it reveals about America’s dangerously fractured politics. He explores how social media algorithms, outrage media, and polarized incentive structures are fueling political violence, with 150 politically motivated attacks already in 2025. From the dangers of cancel culture to the unwillingness of both parties to police their own extremes, Chuck argues that disagreements must stop being treated as existential threats if democracy is to function. He also considers the role of leaders like Spencer Cox, the failures of Biden and Trump to unify, and why regulating big tech and breaking out of ideological silos may be the clearest path back to a healthier, more honest political discourse.

Then, former U.S. Ambassador and Reagan White House veteran Frank Lavin joins to reflect on the state of American politics and what lessons might be drawn from Ronald Reagan’s presidency. From Reagan’s approach to bipartisanship and his handling of foreign policy, to Trump’s transactional style and fixation on deference, Lavin weighs in on how today’s leaders measure up against the conservative legacy of the past. He explores what governing responsibly looks like in a narrowly divided nation and why Reagan’s emphasis on free trade and coalition-building still matters.

The conversation stretches from historical “what ifs”—like whether Reagan would have risen without Ford’s pardon of Nixon—to the present-day challenges of Ukraine, China, and the role of U.S. alliances in Asia. Lavin also tackles questions of Trump’s political lineage, whether there’s an heir to Trumpism, and how both parties are struggling with trade, borders, and identity. With insights from inside the Reagan administration and a sharp eye on today’s divisions, Lavin offers a wide-angle view on conservatism, leadership, and what the future of American politics might hold.

Finally, on “This week in history” Chuck remembers Washington’s farewell address and why it perfectly meets the current moment in U.S. politics, answer questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gives his week 3 college football roundup.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

0015: It’s been a tough past five days since Kirk assassination

01:00 The system is rigged for division and against unity

05:45 There are ways to mitigate the risk of political violence, but it takes will

06:45 We’re most unified when there’s an external, existential threat

07:45 Threats from the inside only divide us

08:15 America has experienced 150 politically motivated attacks in 2025

09:30 College should be about exposure to new ideas, both good and bad

10:45 Social media playing a huge role in every political assassination attempt

12:00 Each side is convinced that violence is only coming from the other side

13:30 Politics is supposed to be about meeting somewhere in the middle

14:45 People on the left should now have a better sense of cancel culture

17:00 Policy disagreements can’t be seen as existential threats

18:00 Online discourse is so much more toxic than in-person

19:30 Social media platforms are the problem with their rage drive algorithms

21:00 Trump views this as a political moment to exploit

21:45 Trump doesn’t view that he’s been a contributor to this political climate

22:45 Politics of division has been good politics for Trump, bad for country

24:00 Incentive structures are what matter most for a healthy politics

26:00 Both parties aren’t comfortable policing their own side

27:30 Neither side is incentivized to do the right thing

28:45 On the right, the agitators are in charge

30:15 Spencer Cox might be exactly the type of leader America needs

30:45 Biden didn’t bring the country together, legislated for his base

32:30 Our political discourse radicalized the gunman

34:00 The biggest, most obvious fix is regulating big tech

35:30 We need a media that accommodates multiple ideologies

38:30 Our information silos create a lack of shared reality

40:45 Outrage media creates a loyal audience but isn’t always honest

42:45 Trying to make the ToddCast a truthful, neutral arbiter

45:15 Frank Lavin joins the Chuck ToddCast 

48:30 Where are we as a country and how would Reagan have handled it? 

49:45 Social media rewards audacity and "nutpicking" 

51:00 We haven't hit bottom yet 

54:00 What would Reagan have done with full control of congress? 

55:15 What is the responsibility of a 51-49 winner to the 49?

 56:15 The problem with only governing for your base 

57:30 Leaders should actively pursue their agenda despite opposition 

58:45 Clinton and Reagan had to accommodate the other side 

59:30 People like the idea of Trump more than him actually being president 

1:00:45 If Ford doesn't pardon Nixon, does Reagan win the primary? 

1:03:45 Is a political/DC outsider best positioned to win in 2028? 

1:05:30 Reagan would be pushing back on Putin in Ukraine 

1:06:30 Our weakness on Ukraine will motivate China on Taiwan 

1:07:15 Obama's lack of action on Crimea green lit Putin on Ukraine 

1:08:15 How do our Asian allies change their behavior without US security? 

1:09:15 Asian countries will have to accommodate China 

1:10:15 Hosting US military base didn't prevent strike on Qatar 

1:12:00 Is Trump an heir to the Reagan lineage? 

1:13:00 Reagan was for free trade, Trump is not 

1:14:15 Trump's premise that free trade hurts us is faulty 

1:15:30 How often did you get time with Reagan as a staffer? 

1:17:45 Reagan was dedicated to getting George Bush elected 

1:19:45 Trump isn't foreign policy oriented, he's transactional 

1:20:45 Trump has a 19th century style of foreign policy 

1:23:00 Trump cares more about deference than achieving policy goals 

1:23:45 Is Trump's Republican party similar to the 1920's GOP? 

1:25:30 Democrats have been mixed messengers on free trade 

1:26:15 Sherrod Brown is an "old" politician, been in politics forever 

1:27:30 Should Democrats embrace Trump's border policy 

1:28:45 Obama likely benefitted from the "deporter in-chief" protests 

1:31:00 What is the definition of traditional conservatism? 

1:32:00 What could Romney/Ryan done better to prevent Trumpism? 

1:33:00 Nobody permanently shifts US politics 

1:34:15 Trump won on culture and by not going after entitlements 

1:36:00 Cutting postal service is a place to cut spending 

1:37:00 There's little political reward for incrementalism 

1:37:30 Trump isn't a conservative, but rejects the left 

1:39:15 Trump's anti-crime policies are deliberately offensive 

1:40:15 George H.W. Bush didn't have communications skills like Reagan 

1:41:15 Is there an heir to Trump? 

1:44:15 The joy of teaching at USC

1:49:30 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Frank Lavin 

1:50:45 This week in history - George Washington's farewell address 

1:51:15 Washington warned against political parties and factionalism 

1:52:30 Washington preached unity above all else 

1:55:00 Washington warned against dominating factions/partisanship 

1:56:30 He argued to follow the Constitution and fiscal responsibility 

1:57:30 He preached morality 

1:59:00 He argued for peace and alliances 

2:01:00 Ask Chuck 

2:01:15 Thoughts on a James Talarico/Jeff Jackson ticket in 2028? 

2:09:00 How can media interviewers produce better interviews? 

2:13:30 How does Arkansas have such an outsized role in national politics? 

2:16:30 College football needs to collectively negotiate their TV contracts 

2:18:30 Week 3 college football roundup

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd reflects on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it reveals about America’s dangerously fractured politics. He explores how social media algorithms, outrage media, and polarized incentive structures are fueling political violence, with 150 politically motivated attacks already in 2025. From the dangers of cancel culture to the unwillingness of both parties to police their own extremes, Chuck argues that disagreements must stop being treated as existential threats if democracy is to function. He also considers the role of leaders like Spencer Cox, the failures of Biden and Trump to unify, and why regulating big tech and breaking out of ideological silos may be the clearest path back to a healthier, more honest political discourse.

Finally, on “This week in history” Chuck remembers Washington’s farewell address and why it perfectly meets the current moment in U.S. politics, answer questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gives his week 3 college football roundup.

Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

0015: It’s been a tough past five days since Kirk assassination

01:00 The system is rigged for division and against unity

05:45 There are ways to mitigate the risk of political violence, but it takes will

06:45 We’re most unified when there’s an external, existential threat

07:45 Threats from the inside only divide us

08:15 America has experienced 150 politically motivated attacks in 2025

09:30 College should be about exposure to new ideas, both good and bad

10:45 Social media playing a huge role in every political assassination attempt

12:00 Each side is convinced that violence is only coming from the other side

13:30 Politics is supposed to be about meeting somewhere in the middle

14:45 People on the left should now have a better sense of cancel culture

17:00 Policy disagreements can’t be seen as existential threats

18:00 Online discourse is so much more toxic than in-person

19:30 Social media platforms are the problem with their rage drive algorithms

21:00 Trump views this as a political moment to exploit

21:45 Trump doesn’t view that he’s been a contributor to this political climate

22:45 Politics of division has been good politics for Trump, bad for country

24:00 Incentive structures are what matter most for a healthy politics

26:00 Both parties aren’t comfortable policing their own side

27:30 Neither side is incentivized to do the right thing

28:45 On the right, the agitators are in charge

30:15 Spencer Cox might be exactly the type of leader America needs

30:45 Biden didn’t bring the country together, legislated for his base

32:30 Our political discourse radicalized the gunman

34:00 The biggest, most obvious fix is regulating big tech

35:30 We need a media that accommodates multiple ideologies

38:30 Our information silos create a lack of shared reality

40:45 Outrage media creates a loyal audience but isn’t always honest

42:45 Trying to make the ToddCast a truthful, neutral arbiter

44:00 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Frank Lavin 

45:15 This week in history - George Washington's farewell address 

45:45 Washington warned against political parties and factionalism 

47:00 Washington preached unity above all else 

49:30 Washington warned against dominating factions/partisanship 

51:00 He argued to follow the Constitution and fiscal responsibility 

52:00 He preached morality 

53:30 He argued for peace and alliances 

55:30 Ask Chuck 

55:45 Thoughts on a James Talarico/Jeff Jackson ticket in 2028? 

1:03:30 How can media interviewers produce better interviews? 

1:08:00 How does Arkansas have such an outsized role in national politics? 

1:11:00 College football needs to collectively negotiate their TV contracts 

1:13:00 Week 3 college football roundup

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the tinderbox state of American politics. He explores how escalating rhetoric, dehumanization, and the amplification of fringe anger online have fueled a culture where violence replaces politics—and where children are left grieving the consequences. From the role of algorithms in supercharging extremism to the failure of leaders and tech companies to meet the moment, Chuck asks whether this tragedy can finally serve as the wake-up call for Americans to step back, recommit to the democratic process, and demand a safer political climate.

Finally, he reacts to the newly released excerpts from Kamala Harris’s book and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction - Charlie Kirk assassinated

01:30 We’re in a tinderbox of our own making

02:30 Political rhetoric has escalated out of control

03:00 Young kids lost their father over a political dispute

03:45 When you resort to violence, you are no longer practicing politics

05:00 Dehumanizing rhetoric leads to violence

07:15 We collectively need to step back in this movement

09:00 The way politics has been conducted won’t lead us to a better place

10:15 We have underreacted to political violence in recent years

11:30 Unity doesn’t mean agreeing, it means agreeing to the process

12:45 The super online angry fringe whips people up

13:45 Hopefully this is the “enough is enough” moment

15:45 Algorithms incentive and feed into the extremist rhetoric

16:45 Hoping our leaders can rise up and meet the moment

19:15 The tech companies have created this environment

20:00 Excerpts from Kamala Harris's book released, are very direct 

20:45 Harris was set up for failure as the "border czar" 

21:45 Surprising that Biden staff treated Harris like Obama's treated him 

23:45 Harris is cautious by nature 

26:00 Harris likely to run again out of Biden's shadow 

27:30 Dean Phillips is owed an apology, party needed an open debate 

28:45 Ask Chuck

29:00 Importance of Michigan politics? 

32:30 Could the energy Detroit sports teams provide could impact politics? 

35:30 How should Democrats call out corruption & unfavorables on their side? 

40:15 Should Democrats invite the national guard, then highlight crime in red states? 

43:45 If the media hounded Trump about Kennedy, would he be more reactive? 

46:15 College football games to keep an eye on 

51:15 Find your way to do your part to de-escalate

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the tinderbox state of American politics. He explores how escalating rhetoric, dehumanization, and the amplification of fringe anger online have fueled a culture where violence replaces politics—and where children are left grieving the consequences. From the role of algorithms in supercharging extremism to the failure of leaders and tech companies to meet the moment, Chuck asks whether this tragedy can finally serve as the wake-up call for Americans to step back, recommit to the democratic process, and demand a safer political climate.

Then, Congressman Greg Landsman joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk at an event on the Utah Valley University campus. (This conversation was recorded prior to the news of Charlie Kirk’s death) The two dig into how political rhetoric has spiraled out of control, the role of social media algorithms in fueling polarization, and why platforms shouldn’t be shielded from accountability. Landsman argues that leaders who cross the line with their rhetoric must be called out and stresses the urgent need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people before the U.S. slips further into a dangerous cycle of political violence.

From there, the discussion shifts to governing—what Landsman learned on Cincinnati’s city council, why Congress has become dysfunctional since 9/11, and the frustrating reality that most bills are more about messaging than legislating. They also tackle foreign policy, including the stakes of defending Taiwan, the risks of Trump’s trade war with China, and whether an “Asian NATO” could prevent a wider conflict. Plus, Landsman reflects on Kamala Harris’s book, the pressures from party leadership, and the uncertainty of his own political future as redistricting looms.

Finally, he reacts to the newly released excerpts from Kamala Harris’s book and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction - Charlie Kirk assassinated

01:30 We’re in a tinderbox of our own making

02:30 Political rhetoric has escalated out of control

03:00 Young kids lost their father over a political dispute

03:45 When you resort to violence, you are no longer practicing politics

05:00 Dehumanizing rhetoric leads to violence

07:15 We collectively need to step back in this movement

09:00 The way politics has been conducted won’t lead us to a better place

10:15 We have underreacted to political violence in recent years

11:30 Unity doesn’t mean agreeing, it means agreeing to the process

12:45 The super online angry fringe whips people up

13:45 Hopefully this is the “enough is enough” moment

15:45 Algorithms incentive and feed into the extremist rhetoric

16:45 Hoping our leaders can rise up and meet the moment

19:15 The tech companies have created this environment

21:15 Congressman Greg Landsman joins the Chuck Toddcast 

21:30 Charlie Kirk shot at event on UVU campus 

24:15 We need to turn down the temperature on political rhetoric 

25:30 Social media algorithms have accelerated polarization 

28:00 Being super online warps your brain 

29:15 Political leadership that crosses the line needs to be called out 

29:45 Social media companies shouldn't be shielded from litigation 

30:45 Algorithms turn social media platforms into publishers 

32:15 Need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people 

33:45 We're likely to slide into a "which side is more violent" debate 

35:30 Why no committee investigation into Trump assassination attempt?

37:45 The country is a tinderbox, the president needs to calm the waters 

40:30 Democrats have been chasing Trump for 10 years 

41:30 Democrats need to offer solutions and not just opposition to Trump 

43:30 What did Greg do before entering politics? 

44:30 What was the experience like on the city council? 

48:15 Local government teaches you the basics of governing 

52:15 After 9/11, congressional leaders ruined congress 

53:30 700 bills made it out of committee, 50 made it to the floor 

54:30 Most bills on the floor are messaging bills 

55:45 America is only united when we have a common external enemy 

56:45 We could be in World War 3 within a couple years 

57:45 U.S. needs to make clear that it will defend allies 

59:00 How do you sell defending Taiwan to the American people? 

1:00:00 Should we have an Asian NATO? 

1:01:15 We have to increase the cost to China for messing with Taiwan 

1:02:30 Trump's trade war increases the likelihood of a hot war 

1:04:50 Thoughts on the excerpts from Kamala Harris's book? 

1:06:15 Were you pressured by the administration into not saying anything? 

1:08:45 Will your seat be redistricted?

1:09:15 Thoughts on interview with Greg Landsman 

1:10:00 Excerpts from Kamala Harris's book released, are very direct 

1:10:45 Harris was set up for failure as the "border czar" 

1:11:45 Surprising that Biden staff treated Harris like Obama's treated him 

1:13:45 Harris is cautious by nature 

1:16:00 Harris likely to run again out of Biden's shadow 

1:17:30 Dean Phillips is owed an apology, party needed an open debate 

1:18:45 Ask Chuck 

1:19:00 Importance of Michigan politics? 

1:22:30 Could the energy Detroit sports teams provide could impact politics? 

1:25:30 How should Democrats call out corruption & unfavorables on their side? 

1:30:15 Should Democrats invite the national guard, then highlight crime in red states? 

1:33:45 If the media hounded Trump about Kennedy, would he be more reactive? 

1:36:15 College football games to keep an eye on 

1:41:15 Find your way to do your part to de-escalate

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Chuck Toddcast, Congressman Greg Landsman joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk at an event on the Utah Valley University campus. The two dig into how political rhetoric has spiraled out of control, the role of social media algorithms in fueling polarization, and why platforms shouldn’t be shielded from accountability. Landsman argues that leaders who cross the line with their rhetoric must be called out and stresses the urgent need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people before the U.S. slips further into a dangerous cycle of political violence.

From there, the discussion shifts to governing—what Landsman learned on Cincinnati’s city council, why Congress has become dysfunctional since 9/11, and the frustrating reality that most bills are more about messaging than legislating. They also tackle foreign policy, including the stakes of defending Taiwan, the risks of Trump’s trade war with China, and whether an “Asian NATO” could prevent a wider conflict. Plus, Landsman reflects on Kamala Harris’s book, the pressures from party leadership, and the uncertainty of his own political future as redistricting looms.

(This conversation was recorded prior to the news of Charlie Kirk’s death)

Timeline:

00:00 Congressman Greg Landsman joins the Chuck Toddcast

00:15 Charlie Kirk shot at event on UVU campus

03:00 We need to turn down the temperature on political rhetoric

04:15 Social media algorithms have accelerated polarization

06:45 Being super online warps your brain

08:00 Political leadership that crosses the line needs to be called out

08:30 Social media companies shouldn’t be shielded from litigation

09:30 Algorithms turn social media platforms into publishers

11:00 Need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people

12:30 We’re likely to slide into a “which side is more violent” debate

14:15 Why no committee investigation into Trump assassination attempt?

16:30 The country is a tinderbox, the president needs to calm the waters

19:15 Democrats have been chasing Trump for 10 years

20:15 Democrats need to offer solutions and not just opposition to Trump

22:15 What did Greg do before entering politics?

23:15 What was the experience like on the city council?

27:00 Local government teaches you the basics of governing

31:00 After 9/11, congressional leaders ruined congress

32:15 700 bills made it out of committee, 50 made it to the floor

33:15 Most bills on the floor are messaging bills

34:30 America is only united when we have a common external enemy

35:30 We could be in World War 3 within a couple years

36:30 U.S. needs to make clear that it will defend allies

37:45 How do you sell defending Taiwan to the American people?

38:45 Should we have an Asian NATO?

40:00 We have to increase the cost to China for messing with Taiwan

41:15 Trump’s trade war increases the likelihood of a hot war

43:35 Thoughts on the excerpts from Kamala Harris’s book?

45:00 Were you pressured by the administration into not saying anything?

47:30 Will your seat be redistricted?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a whirlwind of economic, geopolitical, and political developments shaping America’s future. From Trump’s tariffs likely surviving a fast-tracked Supreme Court review to rising fears of stagflation fueled by deportations and trade headwinds, the economic outlook is looking grim. Abroad, Russia escalates the war by sending drones into Polish airspace, while Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar risks leaving it more isolated on the world stage. Back home, Trump once again rewrites reality, denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein as his allies echo the talking points — raising fresh parallels to Orwell’s 1984.

Chuck also looks ahead to the Democratic Party’s long-term challenges: how can they remain competitive nationally by 2032, when the current path to 270 electoral votes is likely gone? With Georgia and North Carolina emerging as decisive swing states, Democrats will need to expand their map and rethink their message — particularly as the “socialism” label remains toxic to southern voters.

Then, political strategist and K-Street veteran Bruce Mehlman joins Chuck to unpack how politics, media, and business have collided in the Trump era and beyond. From the days when three television networks shaped a shared national narrative to today’s fractured landscape of Substack newsletters, podcasts, and hyper-partisan social feeds, Mehlman and Chuck explore how the internet broke traditional politics.  They dive into how Washington has become a magnet for American business titans, the sky-high costs of lobbying access to President Trump, and whether bipartisan firms can even survive in the current climate.

The conversation then widens to the global stage, connecting the 2008 financial crisis to the populist revolts of Brexit and Trump, and questioning whether the public underestimates just how much globalization has improved daily life. From Trump’s reliance on tariffs to the reality-versus-perception debate over crime, immigration, and the economy, Mehlman outlines the policy flashpoints that will shape 2024 and beyond. Plus: what the redistricting wars could mean for democracy, and why some argue the House of Representatives needs to grow in size to reflect America’s population.

Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 states each party should target in order to make them battlegrounds by 2032, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Trump’s tariffs likely to stay in place despite expedited court ruling

02:15 Trump’s team pushed SCOTUS to rule quickly

04:00 John Roberts is always hesitant to upset those in power

06:00 The bad vibes surrounding the economy look to be right

07:15 Economy was facing headwinds, tariffs & deportations make it worse

09:30 The conditions for stagflation are forming

11:30 Incursion of Russian attack drones into Polish airspace

12:15 Putin has escalated the war since Alaska summit with Trump

13:45 Israel makes brazen strike on Hamas political wing in Qatar

15:45 There’s no chance Trump would have approved strike in advance

16:45 Strike could further isolate Israel

18:00 Israel is a wedge issue amongst the American electorate

20:00 Trump goes full George Orwell, denies letter to Epstein

21:15 Trump staffers have been willing to double down on behalf of Trump

22:30 We’re living through Orwell’s 1984

24:30 Democrats can weaponize Epstein to highlight Trump’s dishonesty

26:30 How can Democrats become a competitive national party in 2032?

27:30 By 2032, the current path to 270 won’t be there for Democrats

29:15 Georgia and North Carolina will become the most important swing states

30:30 Democrats need to figure out how to expand their path to 270

32:30 The word socialism is toxic to voters in the south

34:30 Democrats will have to rebrand and back off the socialism label

39:00 Bruce Mehlman joins the Chuck ToddCast 

41:30 Traditional media is forced to "sand the edges"due to political climate 

42:15 The internet broke politics and media 

43:15 When there were 3 networks, news catered to the entire country 

44:45 The energy in media is in the podcast/substack space 

45:45 The importance of a varied media diet 

47:00 Twitter/X has become incredibly right-wing 

48:00 Washington D.C. has become a tent-pole for business titans 

49:15 Can bipartisan firms succeed in DC these days? 

52:30 How is the "Trump purge" affecting K-Street? 

54:15 Lobbying firms with access are charging astronomical rates 

55:15 Congress isn't passing legislation, it's all executive orders 

56:30 Does Mike Johnson have a go-to shop on K-Street? 

58:00 Was Brexit the event that caused this era of global instability? 

58:45 Brexit and Trump were downstream of the 2008 financial crisis 

1:00:15 The populist revolt was inevitable after the financial crisis 

1:02:30 The public takes for granted the benefits of globalisation 

1:05:15 Successful western countries haven't compensated for globalisation 

1:07:15 The public suffers from recency bias, things are better now 

1:09:00 The perception of the economy is the economic reality 

1:11:15 People who predict doom are perceived as right and smarter 

1:12:45 If SCOTUS takes away Trump's tariff power, will congress restore it? 

1:13:45 Trump views tariffs as the solution to every problem 

1:16:00 If Trump loses in court on tariffs, he'll just use another law 

1:17:15 There's no incentive for Dems to cut a deal due to recissions 

1:19:00 If Republicans agree to no recissions, they could find a deal 

1:20:15 If legislation passes one chamber, it should force a vote in the other 

1:21:15 Fallout from the raid on South Korean workers at the Hyundai plant? 

1:23:30 There's support for the "why" of Trump's immigration policy, not the "how" 

1:27:15 What pushback to Trump's deployment of troops to cities is most effective? 

1:29:30 The perception of crime in cities vs the reality 

1:30:45 Downplaying crime is a political loser 

1:31:30 Democrats' support for capitalism is falling and socialism is rising 

1:33:15 The most important electoral states will be GA, NC and AZ 

1:36:15 Socialism is least popular in the states Democrats need in the south 

1:38:00 Higher embrace of socialism in cities and amongst younger voters 

1:39:45 Thoughts on the redistricting wars? 

1:42:00 The size of the house needs to grow with the population

1:44:30 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Bruce Mehlman 

1:45:15 The Toddcast Top 5 - States each party should target as battlegrounds 

1:46:30 Top 5 states Democrats should target 

1:53:00 Top 5 states Republicans should target 

1:57:30 Ask Chuck 

1:57:45 Why be in congress if you have no interest in exercising power? 

2:04:15 Potential democracy reforms that the U.S. could pass? 

2:08:30 Was the eugenics movement similar to the current anti-vax movement?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a whirlwind of economic, geopolitical, and political developments shaping America’s future. From Trump’s tariffs likely surviving a fast-tracked Supreme Court review to rising fears of stagflation fueled by deportations and trade headwinds, the economic outlook is looking grim. Abroad, Russia escalates the war by sending drones into Polish airspace, while Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar risks leaving it more isolated on the world stage. Back home, Trump once again rewrites reality, denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein as his allies echo the talking points — raising fresh parallels to Orwell’s 1984.

He also looks ahead to the Democratic Party’s long-term challenges: how can they remain competitive nationally by 2032, when the current path to 270 electoral votes is likely gone? With Georgia and North Carolina emerging as decisive swing states, Democrats will need to expand their map and rethink their message — particularly as the “socialism” label remains toxic to southern voters.

Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 states each party should target in order to make them battlegrounds by 2032, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Trump’s tariffs likely to stay in place despite expedited court ruling

02:15 Trump’s team pushed SCOTUS to rule quickly

04:00 John Roberts is always hesitant to upset those in power

06:00 The bad vibes surrounding the economy look to be right

07:15 Economy was facing headwinds, tariffs & deportations make it worse

09:30 The conditions for stagflation are forming

11:30 Incursion of Russian attack drones into Polish airspace

12:15 Putin has escalated the war since Alaska summit with Trump

13:45 Israel makes brazen strike on Hamas political wing in Qatar

15:45 There’s no chance Trump would have approved strike in advance

16:45 Strike could further isolate Israel

18:00 Israel is a wedge issue amongst the American electorate

20:45 Trump goes full George Orwell, denies letter to Epstein 

22:00 Trump staffers have been willing to double down on behalf of Trump 

23:15 We're living through Orwell's 1984 

25:15 Democrats can weaponize Epstein to highlight Trump's dishonesty 

27:15 How can Democrats become a competitive national party in 2032? 

28:15 By 2032, the current path to 270 won't be there for Democrats 

30:00 Georgia and North Carolina will become the most important swing states 

31:15 Democrats need to figure out how to expand their path to 270 

33:15 The word socialism is toxic to voters in the south 

35:15 Democrats will have to rebrand and back off the socialism label

38:45 The Toddcast Top 5 - States each party should target as battlegrounds 

40:00 Top 5 states Democrats should target 

46:30 Top 5 states Republicans should target 

51:00 Ask Chuck 

51:15 Why be in congress if you have no interest in exercising power? 

57:45 Potential democracy reforms that the U.S. could pass? 

1:02:00 Was the eugenics movement similar to the current anti-vax movement?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Political strategist and K-Street veteran Bruce Mehlman joins Chuck Todd to unpack how politics, media, and business have collided in the Trump era and beyond. From the days when three television networks shaped a shared national narrative to today’s fractured landscape of Substack newsletters, podcasts, and hyper-partisan social feeds, Mehlman and Chuck explore how the internet broke traditional politics.  They dive into how Washington has become a magnet for American business titans, the sky-high costs of lobbying access to President Trump, and whether bipartisan firms can even survive in the current climate.

The conversation then widens to the global stage, connecting the 2008 financial crisis to the populist revolts of Brexit and Trump, and questioning whether the public underestimates just how much globalization has improved daily life. From Trump’s reliance on tariffs to the reality-versus-perception debate over crime, immigration, and the economy, Mehlman outlines the policy flashpoints that will shape 2024 and beyond. Plus: what the redistricting wars could mean for democracy, and why some argue the House of Representatives needs to grow in size to reflect America’s population.

Timeline:

00:00 Bruce Mehlman joins the Chuck ToddCast

02:30 Traditional media is forced to “sand the edges”due to political climate

03:15 The internet broke politics and media

04:15 When there were 3 networks, news catered to the entire country

05:45 The energy in media is in the podcast/substack space

06:45 The importance of a varied media diet

08:00 Twitter/X has become incredibly right-wing

09:00 Washington D.C. has become a tent-pole for business titans

10:15 Can bipartisan firms succeed in DC these days?

13:30 How is the “Trump purge” affecting K-Street?

15:15 Lobbying firms with access are charging astronomical rates

16:15 Congress isn’t passing legislation, it’s all executive orders

17:30 Does Mike Johnson have a go-to shop on K-Street?

19:00 Was Brexit the event that caused this era of global instability?

19:45 Brexit and Trump were downstream of the 2008 financial crisis

21:15 The populist revolt was inevitable after the financial crisis

23:30 The public takes for granted the benefits of globalization

26:15 Successful western countries haven’t compensated for globalization

28:15 The public suffers from recency bias, things are better now

30:00 The perception of the economy is the economic reality

32:15 People who predict doom are perceived as right and smarter

33:45 If SCOTUS takes away Trump’s tariff power, will congress restore it?

34:45 Trump views tariffs as the solution to every problem

37:00 If Trump loses in court on tariffs, he’ll just use another law

38:15 There’s no incentive for Dems to cut a deal due to recissions

40:00 If Republicans agree to no recissions, they could find a deal

41:15 If legislation passes one chamber, it should force a vote in the other

42:15 Fallout from the raid on South Korean workers at the Hyundai plant?

44:30 There’s support for the “why” of Trump’s immigration policy, not the “how”

48:15 What pushback to Trump’s deployment of troops to cities is most effective?

50:30 The perception of crime in cities vs the reality

51:45 Downplaying crime is a political loser

52:30 Democrats’ support for capitalism is falling and socialism is rising

54:15 The most important electoral states will be GA, NC and AZ

57:15 Socialism is least popular in the states Democrats need in the south

59:00 Higher embrace of socialism in cities and amongst younger voters

1:00:45 Thoughts on the redistricting wars?

1:03:00 The size of the house needs to grow with the population

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, the conversation turns to the political battles shaping 2025. From the issues Democrats should lean into—and the ones they should avoid—to Trump’s trolling of Chicago and his administration’s push for a showdown over crime and “terrorism,” the stakes are high. Chuck dives into how the White House is setting the stage for possible military action against cartels and even Venezuela, with flimsy constitutional justifications that have sparked pushback from voices like Rand Paul. Meanwhile, Democrats face their own identity struggles, from the risks of being tied to “socialism” with Latino voters to Bernie Sanders’ refusal to formally join the party. Plus, a look ahead to the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, where three strong contenders could reshape the party’s future

Then, physician-turned-politician Abdul El-Sayed joins Chuck to discuss why he left medicine for the rough-and-tumble of politics. From the challenges of running for office with a foreign name to centering his campaign on improving life for children, El-Sayed argues that healthcare isn’t just about access—it’s about fairness. He pulls back the curtain on a system where insurers and hospital CEOs collude to inflate prices, pharmaceutical companies raise costs simply because they can, and Americans are tricked into thinking “choice” in healthcare actually benefits them.

The conversation doesn’t stop at healthcare—it spans the crisis of trust in public health, the lessons El-Sayed learned from his 2018 gubernatorial run, and the corrosive role of money in politics. He weighs in on Gretchen Whitmer’s record, Trump’s overreach beyond Article II, and what sets him apart in Michigan’s Senate race. And in a moment of global reflection, El-Sayed takes on the politics of genocide—from Israel and Gaza to China’s treatment of the Uighurs—arguing that calling atrocities by their name is a test of values, even when nuance is hard to find in today’s polarized climate.

Finally, Chuck gives a history lesson on Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and its impact on modern politics, recaps the weekend in college football, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

04:00 The issues Democrats should run on, and issues they should avoid

05:15 Trump’s trolling of Chicago got the reaction he wanted

06:30 The administration wants a showdown over Chicago

08:30 The administration’s aggressive application of the term “terrorism”
10:15 The Democratic base wants fight, government shutdown likely

12:15 Trump administration setting the stage for war with Venezuela

13:30 Administration needs to justify designating cartels terrorists

16:45 Trump's justification to congress for military action against cartels 

19:00 Trump's justification was lacking, and didn't mention Venezuela 

20:15 Trump ignoring the constitution in rationalizing action against cartels 

21:45 Vance says fighting cartels is best use of military 

23:15 JD gets into back and forth with Rand Paul on X 

24:45 Venezuela story should be consuming Washington 

26:15 Rand Paul has been willing to be combative with administration 

29:00 The progressive left won't succeed if they're associated with socialism 

30:45 "Socialism" isn't rebrandable with Latino voters 

31:45 Bernie Sanders still hasn't joined the Democratic party 

33:15 Michigan Democratic senate primary has 3 great candidates

33:45 Abdul El-Sayed joins the Chuck ToddCast 

35:30 What made you choose politics when your background is medicine? 

37:15 The challenge of running for office with a foreign name 

38:15 Centering politics around improving the world for children 

39:15 Disparities in access to health care based on money and connections 

40:45 Health insurance is getting worse despite rising cost 

42:00 Insurers and hospital CEOs collude to raise prices 

44:00 What should be the cost expectation for pharmaceuticals? 

45:30 Pharma companies raise prices because they can 

46:30 RFK Jr. shouldn't be anywhere near healthcare 

47:30 The impact of the internet on public health 

49:30 The crisis Kennedy is creating at HHS and CDC 

50:15 How can we restore trust in public health authorities? 

52:30 MAHA's appeal is the idea you can control your health future 

53:45 Parallels between public health and education 

55:30 Health relies on both the individual and public health 

56:30 Healthcare industry has tricked the public using concept of "choice" 

58:15 Would you keep a semi-privatized system under medicare for all? 

1:00:45 Health networks curtail choice and raise prices 

1:02:15 What did you learn from your 2018 run for governor? 

1:04:45 The disease of our political system is money buying politicians and policy 

1:06:00 Trump spoke to economic pain and was able to reach voters 

1:07:30 Assessment of Gretchen Whitmer's governorship 

1:09:30 Whitmer tried to work with Trump at times, will you? 

1:11:30 Trump is exercising far more power than Article 2 permits 

1:13:15 Differences between you and your opponents for MI senate? 

1:14:00 Taking corporate money is a major philosophical difference 

1:16:30 Reforming public health will require healthcare pros in D.C. 

1:18:15 The trend of public health officials running for office 

1:20:30 How much will Israel/Gaza factor into the election? 

1:21:45 Calling something a genocide when you see it is a values test 

1:23:00 Was Israel justified in going after Hamas? How much was justifiable? 

1:24:00 The extremes on both sides of the war strengthen each other 

1:25:00 We aim, arm and abet Israeli leaders who don't want two states 

1:26:00 Tax dollars should benefit taxpayers, not foreign militaries 

1:27:00 It's difficult to find nuance in our current politics 

1:29:15 Money in politics make it difficult to have an honest conversation 

1:30:00 Having a nuanced conversation around the world genocide 

1:32:15 The holocaust can't set the bar for use of the term "genocide" 

1:33:45 Is China committing genocide of the Uighurs? 

1:35:00 Using the word genocide can just "switch off" voters

1:42:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Abdul El-Sayed 

1:44:15 This week in history - Chuck's history lesson 

1:45:15 Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon on September 8th, 1974 

1:47:00 The case for pardoning Nixon 

1:49:15 The case against pardoning Nixon 

1:52:00 Ford's decision implied the country couldn't handle a trial 

1:53:15 A majority of the country thought the pardon was wrong 

1:55:00 Nixon never got his due process 

1:56:15 Pardon was a stain on presidential decision making 

1:56:45 College football update 

2:00:45 Ask Chuck 

2:01:15 Why Putin won't grant Trump a ceasefire

 2:04:15 Why do Epstein victims face dehumanization when Trump doesn't? 

2:08:00 Thoughts on the political salience of this season of South Park?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, the conversation turns to the political battles shaping 2025. From the issues Democrats should lean into—and the ones they should avoid—to Trump’s trolling of Chicago and his administration’s push for a showdown over crime and “terrorism,” the stakes are high. Chuck dives into how the White House is setting the stage for possible military action against cartels and even Venezuela, with flimsy constitutional justifications that have sparked pushback from voices like Rand Paul. 

Finally, Chuck gives a history lesson on Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and its impact on modern politics, recaps the weekend in college football, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 The issues Democrats should run on, and issues they should avoid 

01:15 Trump's trolling of Chicago got the reaction he wanted 

02:30 The administration wants a showdown over Chicago 

04:30 The administration's aggressive application of the term "terrorism" 

06:15 The Democratic base wants fight, government shutdown likely 

08:15 Trump administration setting the stage for war with Venezuela

 09:30 Administration needs to justify designating cartels terrorists 

12:45 Trump's justification to congress for military action against cartels 

15:00 Trump's justification was lacking, and didn't mention Venezuela 

16:15 Trump ignoring the constitution in rationalizing action against cartels 

17:45 Vance says fighting cartels is best use of military 

19:15 JD gets into back and forth with Rand Paul on X 

20:45 Venezuela story should be consuming Washington 

22:15 Rand Paul has been willing to be combative with administration 

25:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Abdul El-Sayed 

26:45 This week in history - Chuck's history lesson 

27:45 Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon on September 8th, 

1974 29:30 The case for pardoning Nixon 

31:45 The case against pardoning Nixon 

34:30 Ford's decision implied the country couldn't handle a trial 

35:45 A majority of the country thought the pardon was wrong 

37:30 Nixon never got his due process 

38:45 Pardon was a stain on presidential decision making 

39:15 College football update 

43:15 Ask Chuck 

43:45 Why Putin won't grant Trump a ceasefire 

46:45 Why do Epstein victims face dehumanization when Trump doesn't? 

50:30 Thoughts on the political salience of this season of South Park?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Physician-turned-politician Abdul El-Sayed joins Chuck Todd to discuss why he left medicine for the rough-and-tumble of politics. From the challenges of running for office with a foreign name to centering his campaign on improving life for children, El-Sayed argues that healthcare isn’t just about access—it’s about fairness. He pulls back the curtain on a system where insurers and hospital CEOs collude to inflate prices, pharmaceutical companies raise costs simply because they can, and Americans are tricked into thinking “choice” in healthcare actually benefits them.

The conversation doesn’t stop at healthcare—it spans the crisis of trust in public health, the lessons El-Sayed learned from his 2018 gubernatorial run, and the corrosive role of money in politics. He weighs in on Gretchen Whitmer’s record, Trump’s overreach beyond Article II, and what sets him apart in Michigan’s Senate race. And in a moment of global reflection, El-Sayed takes on the politics of genocide—from Israel and Gaza to China’s treatment of the Uighurs—arguing that calling atrocities by their name is a test of values, even when nuance is hard to find in today’s polarized climate.

Timeline:

00:00 Abdul El-Sayed joins the Chuck ToddCast

01:45 What made you choose politics when your background is medicine?

03:30 The challenge of running for office with a foreign name

04:30 Centering politics around improving the world for children

05:30 Disparities in access to health care based on money and connections

07:00 Health insurance is getting worse despite rising cost

08:15 Insurers and hospital CEOs collude to raise prices

10:15 What should be the cost expectation for pharmaceuticals?

11:45 Pharma companies raise prices because they can

12:45 RFK Jr. shouldn’t be anywhere near healthcare

13:45 The impact of the internet on  public health

15:45 The crisis Kennedy is creating at HHS and CDC

16:30 How can we restore trust in public health authorities?

18:45 MAHA’s appeal is the idea you can control your health future

20:00 Parallels between public health and education

21:45 Health relies on both the individual and public health

22:45 Healthcare industry has tricked the public using concept of “choice”

24:30 Would you keep a semi-privatized system under medicare for all?

27:00 Health networks curtail choice and raise prices

28:30 What did you learn from your 2018 run for governor?

31:00 The disease of our political system is money buying politicians and policy

32:15 Trump spoke to economic pain and was able to reach voters

33:45 Assessment of Gretchen Whitmer’s governorship

35:45 Whitmer tried to work with Trump at times, will you?

37:45 Trump is exercising far more power than Article 2 permits

39:30 Differences between you and your opponents for MI senate?

40:15 Taking corporate money is a major philosophical difference

42:45 Reforming public health will require healthcare pros in D.C.

44:30 The trend of public health officials running for office

46:45 How much will Israel/Gaza factor into the election?

48:00 Calling something a genocide when you see it is a values test

49:15 Was Israel justified in going after Hamas? How much was justifiable?

50:15 The extremes on both sides of the war strengthen each other

51:15 We aim, arm and abet Israeli leaders who don’t want two states

52:15 Tax dollars should benefit taxpayers, not foreign militaries

53:15 It’s difficult to find nuance in our current politics

55:30 Money in politics make it difficult to have an honest conversation

56:15 Having a nuanced conversation around the world genocide

58:30 The holocaust can’t set the bar for use of the term “genocide”

1:00:00 Is China committing genocide of the Uighurs?

1:01:15 Using the word genocide can just “switch off” voters

1:03:30 People assume having an Arab name means tribal loyalty to Arabs

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd is joined by Punchbowl News co-founders Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer to unpack the turmoil gripping Capitol Hill in the Trump 2.0 era. With Congress ceding power and lawmakers increasingly preoccupied with their own reelection campaigns, the leadership is under fire as redistricting battles in states like California and Texas threaten to tip the House majority. Democrats’ gamble on independent redistricting may backfire, institutionalists in the GOP have all but vanished, and even the Senate is starting to resemble the fractious House of a decade ago. The conversation also dives into whether John Cornyn can outmaneuver Ken Paxton, how redistricting uncertainty could push members into statewide races, and the looming prospect of a government shutdown with healthcare concessions as Democrats’ strongest bargaining chip.

Beyond the legislative fights, the episode explores high-stakes questions over tariffs, the White House’s pressure campaign against releasing Epstein files, and GOP senators’ unwillingness to challenge RFK Jr. 's controversial moves at HHS. With potential Senate retirements on the horizon and California’s referendum putting Democrats in survival mode, Sherman and Palmer argue that members of Congress are increasingly acting less like lawmakers and more like elected pundits. As Punchbowl becomes the “local paper” of Capitol Hill, this episode maps the fault lines shaping both parties—and the country’s future.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer join the Chuck ToddCast

02:00 Congress has ceded their power in Trump 2.0

03:45 After Labor Day, lawmakers worry about reelection campaign

04:45 Leadership is taking flak from members over redistricting

05:30 California or Texas redistricting could swing majority

06:15 Redistricting creating massive uncertainty for lawmakers

07:45 Democrats backed independent redistricting and it hurt them

08:30 Are there any institutionalists left in the GOP?

09:45 The Senate is starting to behave like the House 10 years ago

11:30 Redistricting could cause members to run for statewide office

13:30 Is John Cornyn playing for time to prove he can beat Ken Paxton?

14:45 Cornyn closing gap with Paxton, but still well behind

17:00 Democrats have no incentive to cut deal, avoid government shutdown

18:15 White House and Congress have different targets for CR

19:15 Hidden perils for Dems if they shut down government

21:00 Healthcare is the best concession Democrats can extract

22:45 If Democrats shut down the government, how do they get out of it?

23:45 Trump will make a shutdown painful for Democrats

24:30 Dems in the minority have never caused a shutdown

26:30 If Newsom loses the referendum, how will it affect congress?

28:00 Polling shows referendum barely above 50%

29:15 California’s system has been good to Republicans

30:45 If Newsom loses, the party goes into survival mode

33:30 If courts stop tariffs, would Congress vote authority to Trump?

35:30 House might capitulate on tariffs, the senate won’t

36:45 Any chance Schumer and Jeffries meet with Trump?

38:30 Trump likely has the votes to prevent Epstein release

40:00 Epstein files caused rules committee to freeze congress

41:15 White House is pressuring/whipping members against file release

43:15 Where are GOP senators on RFK Jr’s actions at HHS?

44:30 GOP senators are afraid to exercise any leverage

45:45 Is Russia/Putin the only line that would divide Republicans?

47:00 Will there be any more GOP senate retirements?

49:00 Plans for Punchbowl news?

51:30 Members of congress have become elected Trump pundits on TV

53:45 Punchbowl has become the local paper for capitol hill

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks the growing unease in the GOP over RFK Jr.’s influence and Florida’s decision to drop school vaccine mandates, raising the question of how the once-fringe anti-vax movement went mainstream. Drawing historical parallels to the prohibition era, he examines how framing the issue as “personal freedom” and missteps like the COVID mandate fueled a cultural backlash that could take decades to undo, threatening long-term public health. The conversation then shifts to politics, with Trump maneuvering to dominate the NYC mayoral race—pressuring rivals, exploiting ranked-choice voting debates, and turning contests in New York and California into referendums on his influence, just as Democrats look to tie special elections back to Trump himself.

Then, Chuck is joined by Punchbowl News co-founders Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer to unpack the turmoil gripping Capitol Hill in the Trump 2.0 era. With Congress ceding power and lawmakers increasingly preoccupied with their own reelection campaigns, the leadership is under fire as redistricting battles in states like California and Texas threaten to tip the House majority. Democrats’ gamble on independent redistricting may backfire, institutionalists in the GOP have all but vanished, and even the Senate is starting to resemble the fractious House of a decade ago. The conversation also dives into whether John Cornyn can outmaneuver Ken Paxton, how redistricting uncertainty could push members into statewide races, and the looming prospect of a government shutdown with healthcare concessions as Democrats’ strongest bargaining chip.

Beyond the legislative fights, the episode explores high-stakes questions over tariffs, the White House’s pressure campaign against releasing Epstein files, and GOP senators’ unwillingness to challenge RFK Jr. 's controversial moves at HHS. With potential Senate retirements on the horizon and California’s referendum putting Democrats in survival mode, Sherman and Palmer argue that members of Congress are increasingly acting less like lawmakers and more like elected pundits. As Punchbowl becomes the “local paper” of Capitol Hill, this episode maps the fault lines shaping both parties—and the country’s future.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Alarm over RFK growing in GOP congress, but don’t expect action

03:15 Florida dropping the vaccine mandate for kids in schools

06:30 How did the kooky anti-vax movement go mainstream?

07:00 Anti-vaxx movement has historical parallel in prohibition movement

08:30 Anti-alcohol movement seized on a particular moment in time

09:15 Anti-vaxx movement has been framed as a personal freedom issue

10:15 Biggest mistake by public health officials was the Covid vaccine mandate

11:30 Prohibition created crime & deaths from bootlegged alcohol

14:00 Officials know potential harm, and made the decision anyway

15:30 Older generation has memories of deaths from these diseases

16:45 It could take decades to reverse the damage to public health

18:30 Pro vaccine messaging needs to not be political

20:00 Trump trying to clear field in NYC mayoral to beat Mamdani

21:00 NYC voters should get ranked choice voting in general election

22:45 If Trump gets Adams to drop out, race will become all about Trump

24:00 NYC mayoral and CA redistricting could become Trump referendums

26:00 Democrats are making special elections all about Trump

29:15 Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer join the Chuck ToddCast 

31:15 Congress has ceded their power in Trump 2.0 

33:00 After Labor Day, lawmakers worry about reelection campaign 

34:00 Leadership is taking flak from members over redistricting 

34:45 California or Texas redistricting could swing majority 

35:30 Redistricting creating massive uncertainty for lawmakers 

37:00 Democrats backed independent redistricting and it hurt them 

37:45 Are there any institutionalists left in the GOP? 

39:00 The Senate is starting to behave like the House 10 years ago 

40:45 Redistricting could cause members to run for statewide office 

42:45 Is John Cornyn playing for time to prove he can beat Ken Paxton? 

44:00 Cornyn closing gap with Paxton, but still well behind 

46:15 Democrats have no incentive to cut deal, avoid government shutdown 

47:30 White House and Congress have different targets for CR 

48:30 Hidden perils for Dems if they shut down government 

50:15 Healthcare is the best concession Democrats can extract 

52:00 If Democrats shut down the government, how do they get out of it? 

53:00 Trump will make a shutdown painful for Democrats 

53:45 Dems in the minority have never caused a shutdown 

55:45 If Newsom loses the referendum, how will it affect congress? 

57:15 Polling shows referendum barely above 50% 

58:30 California's system has been good to Republicans 

59:30 If Newsom loses, the party goes into survival mode 

1:02:45 If courts stop tariffs, would Congress vote authority to Trump? 

1:04:45 House might capitulate on tariffs, the senate won't 

1:06:00 Any chance Schumer and Jeffries meet with Trump? 

1:07:45 Trump likely has the votes to prevent Epstein release 

1:09:15 Epstein files caused rules committee to freeze congress 

1:10:30 White House is pressuring/whipping members against file release 

1:12:30 Where are GOP senators on RFK Jr's actions at HHS? 

1:13:45 GOP senators are afraid to exercise any leverage 

1:15:00 Is Russia/Putin the only line that would divide Republicans? 

1:16:15 Will there be any more GOP senate retirements? 

1:18:15 Plans for Punchbowl news? 

1:20:45 Members of congress have become elected Trump pundits on TV 

1:23:00 Punchbowl has become the local paper for capitol hill

1:25:00 Ask Chuck 

1:25:30 Are Dems just living in "the world as it is" when it comes to redistricting? 

1:31:15 Are Trump's attacks on mail-in voting an effort to contest 2026 results? 

1:35:45 Is there a line where Democrats fighting will be the "wrong" move? 

1:41:45 Why is Lisa Cook being targeted for mortgage fraud when Trump did it? 

1:47:30 How long would it take the DNC to find viable candidates in light red districts? 

1:51:00 Could Texas/CA gerrymander backfire and put more safe seats in play?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks the growing unease in the GOP over RFK Jr.’s influence and Florida’s decision to drop school vaccine mandates, raising the question of how the once-fringe anti-vax movement went mainstream. Drawing historical parallels to the prohibition era, he examines how framing the issue as “personal freedom” and missteps like the COVID mandate fueled a cultural backlash that could take decades to undo, threatening long-term public health. The conversation then shifts to politics, with Trump maneuvering to dominate the NYC mayoral race—pressuring rivals, exploiting ranked-choice voting debates, and turning contests in New York and California into referendums on his influence, just as Democrats look to tie special elections back to Trump himself.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Alarm over RFK growing in GOP congress, but don’t expect action

03:15 Florida dropping the vaccine mandate for kids in schools

06:30 How did the kooky anti-vax movement go mainstream?

07:00 Anti-vaxx movement has historical parallel in prohibition movement

08:30 Anti-alcohol movement seized on a particular moment in time

09:15 Anti-vaxx movement has been framed as a personal freedom issue

10:15 Biggest mistake by public health officials was the Covid vaccine mandate

11:30 Prohibition created crime & deaths from bootlegged alcohol

14:00 Officials know potential harm, and made the decision anyway

15:30 Older generation has memories of deaths from these diseases

16:45 It could take decades to reverse the damage to public health

18:30 Pro vaccine messaging needs to not be political

20:00 Trump trying to clear field in NYC mayoral to beat Mamdani

21:00 NYC voters should get ranked choice voting in general election

22:45 If Trump gets Adams to drop out, race will become all about Trump

24:00 NYC mayoral and CA redistricting could become Trump referendums

26:00 Democrats are making special elections all about Trump

27:15 Ask Chuck 

27:45 Are Dems just living in "the world as it is" when it comes to redistricting? 

33:30 Are Trump's attacks on mail-in voting an effort to contest 2026 results? 

38:00 Is there a line where Democrats fighting will be the "wrong" move? 

44:00 Why is Lisa Cook being targeted for mortgage fraud when Trump did it? 

49:45 How long would it take the DNC to find viable candidates in light red districts? 

53:15 Could Texas/CA gerrymander backfire and put more safe seats in play

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize winning war correspondent Dexter Filkins joins Chuck Todd to explore whether the U.S. military is prepared for the realities of modern warfare. From Ukraine’s innovative battlefield tactics to Israel’s use of AI, militaries around the world are embracing cheap, agile technologies that challenge America’s reliance on massive, legacy weapons systems. They examine how Congress’s instinct to protect jobs keeps outdated systems alive, why the Pentagon is scrambling to produce affordable drones, and how America’s vast defense supply chain quietly runs through China. The conversation turns to Taiwan—home to 90% of the world’s advanced microchip production—and whether the U.S. and its allies are truly ready to defend it in the event of a conflict with China.

The discussion also delves into the vulnerabilities of low-earth orbit satellites, the role of companies like Palantir in military tech, and whether autonomous targeting and video game–like interfaces are desensitizing the nature of war. Beyond weapons, Filkins and Todd confront America’s recruiting crisis, where three-quarters of young adults aren’t eligible for service, forcing the military to experiment with “pre-boot camps.” They close with reflections on fractured alliances, Trump’s effect on European defense spending, Putin’s ambitions to reconstitute the Soviet Union, and Filkins’s own harrowing experiences covering war zones—from Taliban executions in Kabul to jihadi training camps before 9/11.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Dexter Filkins joins the Chuck ToddCast

02:00 Is the U.S. military vulnerable to small tech innovation?

02:30 U.S. military is studying Ukraine and Israel’s innovations

04:00 U.S. military relies on few, very expensive weapons

05:30 Legacy weapon systems get updated, rarely replaced

06:45 Congress defends status quo to protect jobs in their district

08:15 America spends huge money, doesn’t get bang for buck

09:30 Pentagon has new program making cheap, accurate drones

10:45 50,000 American defense supply chains lead back to China

13:00 Defending Taiwan is a massive logistical challenge

13:45 Is America ready to help Taiwan survive war with China?

14:45 Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s advanced microchips

15:45 If Taiwan falls, the world economy would grind to a halt

17:00 The Asian-Pacific alliance isn’t rock solid

18:30 War between the U.S. and China would be ugly

19:15 Low-earth orbit satellites are vulnerable to attack

20:15 Destroying the satellite network is mutually assured destruction

21:30 China is watching the U.S. response to Ukraine war

23:45 Would Japan jump into a war between the U.S. and China?

24:45 Israel’s military is using AI for targeting

27:45 What is Palantir’s role with military applications?

29:15 Military systems aren’t interconnected for cybersecurity safety

30:45 Modern warfare will require a rapid decision making process

32:00 Autonomous targeting required to avoid jamming

33:30 Modern targeting systems are incredibly advanced

35:15 How much is war desensitized by its video game nature?

37:15 Recruiting problems for the U.S. military

38:30 75% of prime age military recruits don’t quality for service

40:00 Military has set up a pre-boot camp for recruits to lose weight

41:30 What size of military force do we need?

43:00 The fracturing of U.S. alliances in an era of nationalism

44:30 Trump scared the Europeans into increasing defense spending

46:15 Putin has been clear he wants to reconstitute the Soviet Union

46:45 Would Trump defend/liberate the Baltics in an article 5 scenario?

47:45 If Europe gets serious about defense, Trump did a good thing

49:00 How did defense/military become your beat?

50:30 Surviving close calls when covering a war zone

51:45 Watching a live execution at the Kabul sports stadium in the 90s

52:45 Seeing the jihadi training camps in Afghanistan prior to 9/11

53:45 Any desire to cover an active war zone again?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd digs into the looming threat of a government shutdown and the political gamesmanship behind it. He explores whether Democrats will force a showdown with Republicans, the risks and rewards of standing their ground, and how history shows the party that triggers a shutdown usually pays the price. With Trump giving Democrats little incentive to compromise and a restless base demanding a fight, Chuck explains why avoiding confrontation could hurt incumbents more than a shutdown itself. Plus, in the ToddCast Top 5, he breaks down the best Senate pickup opportunities for both Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterms.

Then, Pulitzer prize winning war correspondent Dexter Filkins joins Chuck to explore whether the U.S. military is prepared for the realities of modern warfare. From Ukraine’s innovative battlefield tactics to Israel’s use of AI, militaries around the world are embracing cheap, agile technologies that challenge America’s reliance on massive, legacy weapons systems. They examine how Congress’s instinct to protect jobs keeps outdated systems alive, why the Pentagon is scrambling to produce affordable drones, and how America’s vast defense supply chain quietly runs through China. The conversation turns to Taiwan—home to 90% of the world’s advanced microchip production—and whether the U.S. and its allies are truly ready to defend it in the event of a conflict with China.

The discussion also delves into the vulnerabilities of low-earth orbit satellites, the role of companies like Palantir in military tech, and whether autonomous targeting and video game–like interfaces are desensitizing the nature of war. Beyond weapons, Filkins and Todd confront America’s recruiting crisis, where three-quarters of young adults aren’t eligible for service, forcing the military to experiment with “pre-boot camps.” They close with reflections on fractured alliances, Trump’s effect on European defense spending, Putin’s ambitions to reconstitute the Soviet Union, and Filkins’s own harrowing experiences covering war zones—from Taliban executions in Kabul to jihadi training camps before 9/11.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Will the Democrats force a showdown over a government shutdown?

04:30 Can Democrats trust Republicans to spend appropriated money?

05:15 Trump has given Democrats no incentive to come to the table

06:15 GOP forced shutdown in 2013, paid a heavy political price

08:45 Usually the party that forces shutdown goes down in polls

10:45 Democrats would do well to get caught fighting

13:00 If Democrats roll over, a “burn the establishment” mood will follow

14:45 The Democratic base is angry, not fighting puts incumbents at risk

16:00 Gavin Newsom has been rewarded for fighting

18:00 Trump has written off catering to the middle

19:15 Shutdown is risky, but provides a message for the midterms

22:00 A government shutdown is more likely than not

23:15 ToddCast Top 5 - Best senate pickup opportunities for each party

24:30 Top 5 senate seats for Democrats to pick up

31:45 Democrats need to put more seats in play

32:30 Top 5 senate seats for Republicans to pick up

40:45 Dexter Filkins joins the Chuck ToddCast 

42:45 Is the U.S. military vulnerable to small tech innovation? 

43:15 U.S. military is studying Ukraine and Israel's innovations

 44:45 U.S. military relies on few, very expensive weapons 

46:15 Legacy weapon systems get updated, rarely replaced 

47:30 Congress defends status quo to protect jobs in their district 

49:00 America spends huge money, doesn't get bang for buck 

50:15 Pentagon has new program making cheap, accurate drones 

51:30 50,000 American defense supply chains lead back to China 

53:45 Defending Taiwan is a massive logistical challenge 

54:30 Is America ready to help Taiwan survive war with China? 

55:30 Taiwan produces 90% of the world's advanced microchips 

56:30 If Taiwan falls, the world economy would grind to a halt 

57:45 The Asian-Pacific alliance isn't rock solid 

59:15 War between the U.S. and China would be ugly 

1:00:00 Low-earth orbit satellites are vulnerable to attack 

1:01:00 Destroying the satellite network is mutually assured destruction 

1:02:15 China is watching the U.S. response to Ukraine war 

1:04:30 Would Japan jump into a war between the U.S. and China? 

1:05:30 Israel's military is using AI for targeting 

1:08:30 What is Palantir's role with military applications? 

1:10:00 Military systems aren't interconnected for cybersecurity safety 

1:11:30 Modern warfare will require a rapid decision making process 

1:12:45 Autonomous targeting required to avoid jamming 

1:14:15 Modern targeting systems are incredibly advanced 

1:16:00 How much is war desensitized by its video game nature? 

1:18:00 Recruiting problems for the U.S. military 

1:19:15 75% of prime age military recruits don't qualify for service 

1:20:45 Military has set up a pre-boot camp for recruits to lose weight 

1:22:15 What size of military force do we need? 

1:23:45 The fracturing of U.S. alliances in an era of nationalism 

1:25:15 Trump scared the Europeans into increasing defense spending 

1:27:00 Putin has been clear he wants to reconstitute the Soviet Union 

1:27:30 Would Trump defend/liberate the Baltics in an article 5 scenario? 

1:28:30 If Europe gets serious about defense, Trump did a good thing 

1:29:45 How did defense/military become your beat? 

1:31:15 Surviving close calls when covering a war zone 

1:32:30 Watching a live execution at the Kabul sports stadium in the 90s 

1:33:30 Seeing the jihadi training camps in Afghanistan prior to 9/11 

1:34:30 Any desire to cover an active war zone again?

1:38:00 Ask Chuck 

1:38:15 Book suggestions for 2000 era politics? 

1:45:00 Love for the DeMaurice Smith interview 

1:46:45 Why isn't the public more up in arms over unilateral tariffs?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd digs into the looming threat of a government shutdown and the political gamesmanship behind it. He explores whether Democrats will force a showdown with Republicans, the risks and rewards of standing their ground, and how history shows the party that triggers a shutdown usually pays the price. With Trump giving Democrats little incentive to compromise and a restless base demanding a fight, Chuck explains why avoiding confrontation could hurt incumbents more than a shutdown itself. Plus, in the ToddCast Top 5, he breaks down the best Senate pickup opportunities for both Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterms.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Will the Democrats force a showdown over a government shutdown?

04:30 Can Democrats trust Republicans to spend appropriated money?

05:15 Trump has given Democrats no incentive to come to the table

06:15 GOP forced shutdown in 2013, paid a heavy political price

08:45 Usually the party that forces shutdown goes down in polls

10:45 Democrats would do well to get caught fighting

13:00 If Democrats roll over, a “burn the establishment” mood will follow

14:45 The Democratic base is angry, not fighting puts incumbents at risk

16:00 Gavin Newsom has been rewarded for fighting

18:00 Trump has written off catering to the middle

19:15 Shutdown is risky, but provides a message for the midterms

22:00 A government shutdown is more likely than not

23:15 ToddCast Top 5 - Best senate pickup opportunities for each party

24:30 Top 5 senate seats for Democrats to pick up

31:45 Democrats need to put more seats in play

32:30 Top 5 senate seats for Republicans to pick up

40:00 Ask Chuck

40:15 Book suggestions for 2000’s era politics? 

47:00 Love for the DeMaurice Smith interview 

48:45 Why isn't the public more up in arms over unilateral tariffs?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks how Putin’s latest strikes reveal Trump was played in Alaska and why Labor Day marks a new stage in the political calendar. From looming government shutdowns and Supreme Court battles over tariffs to the total collapse of checks on Trump 2.0, the conversation digs into what—if anything—remains of the pre-Trump Republican Party. With GOP senators capitulating, RFK Jr. emboldened, and even Trump hesitant to cross him, the stakes for public health and American democracy have never been higher. Todd also explores how rumors about Trump’s health could spark a political feeding frenzy, why Kennedy should be forced to prove his vaccine claims, and whether any non-MAGA Republicans are willing to buck Trump to save their party.

Florida Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz joins Chuck Todd with a stark assessment of American politics: bipartisanship is dead, foreign interference has poisoned public discourse, and Democrats face an existential choice between fighting dirty or facing potential party destruction. Moskowitz, who represents Parkland and witnessed multiple system failures during that tragic shooting, argues that Trump's second term has fundamentally changed Democrats who now face primary voters demanding fighters while swing voters want uniters—an impossible contradiction that reflects deeper dysfunction where politicians receive no political reward for solving problems. He warns that increased gerrymandering from both parties will worsen congressional dysfunction while big tech companies have created a discourse environment where TikTok operates as a "psyop weapon" showing endless Gaza content while ignoring Uyghur genocide, demonstrating how public opinion gets manipulated by algorithms designed for engagement rather than truth.

The conversation reveals a politician grappling with impossible strategic calculations as Florida officially becomes a red state through Trump-driven demographic shifts and COVID-era political realignment, while Democrats debate whether moderates should fall in line when progressives win or continue prioritizing electability over ideological purity. Moskowitz's insights into Israel's "generational reputational damage" and the effectiveness of Trump's intimidation politics—where physical threats cause Republican senators to cave—illustrate how normal democratic processes have been weaponized into permanent warfare. Looking ahead, he warns that Democratic failure in midterms could destroy the party entirely, while practical governance challenges like FEMA's disaster response capabilities face deliberate sabotage from a White House that realizes competent federal agencies undermine their political narrative, leaving states unable to handle hurricane logistics independently as climate disasters intensify.

Finally, he gives his reaction to the first weekend of college football and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline: 

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Putin’s latest strikes show Trump was played in Alaska

05:00 Labor day marks new stage in the political calendar

06:00 Potential for showdown over government shutdown

07:00 What is left of the pre-Trump Republican party?

08:00 The checks on Trump 1.0 are gone in Trump 2.0

09:15 Rubio and Bessent are the only two checks left on Trump

10:30 Supreme Court showdown looming over tariffs

11:30 Trump has no legal authority to impose tariffs

12:30 There will be a vote in Congress on tariffs

14:00 Pre-Trump GOP would have stopped RFK Jr. 

16:30 GOP Senators have all capitulated to Trump

18:30 GOP Senators must grow a spine to build a post-Trump party

20:00 Kennedy is putting children and seniors at risk of dying

21:15 Even Trump seems to be afraid of crossing RFK Jr.

22:00 Former CDC directors write joint op-ed sounding alarm on CDC

24:00 Trumpworld only have themselves to blame for Trump health rumors

25:00 Trump’s health could become next “Epstein” frenzy

26:15 If Trump limits appearances it will trigger a feeding frenzy

27:30 Will non-MAGA Republicans buck Trump to save their seats?

30:30 Is there anything left of the Republican party?

31:45 People have forgotten the pre-vaccine era

33:45 Kennedy should have to prove vaccines DON’T work

35:30 Congressman Jared Moskowitz joins the Chuck Toddcast 

37:00 As a Dem, could you ever get a job in a 2nd term DeSantis admin? 

38:15 The days of bipartisanship are long gone 

39:30 Why not stand on principle in the redistricting fight? 

40:30 The Democratic base wants to fight fire with fire 

41:30 Trump's second term has changed the Democrats 

42:45 Primary voters want a fighter, swing voters want a uniter 

43:30 More gerrymander will increase dysfunction in congress 

46:00 Both parties moved away from each other after cold war 

46:45 Foreign interference in American discourse has been effective 

48:15 DeSantis hasn't succeeded in repealing Florida's red flag laws 

49:45 Stopping school/mass shootings requires an "all of the above" approach 

51:45 There's no political reward for bipartisanship and solving problems 

53:45 There were multiple points of failure in Parkland shooting 

55:30 Public discourse is at the mercy of five giant tech companies 

56:15 TikTok is a psyop weapon 

58:15 TikTok shows Gaza content, but nothing about the Uyghurs 

59:30 Restrictions government should place on social media/internet 

1:00:45 The big tech lobby has become one of the strongest 

1:03:00 Bipartisan support for internet regulations to protect kids 

1:04:45 The Democratic party is losing the nuance on Israel 

1:06:00 Social media has juiced coverage in Gaza, ignored other conflicts 

1:08:15 Israel is doing generational reputational damage 

1:11:00 Physical threats have caused Republican senators to cave 

1:12:15 Trump's intimidation politics work effectively 

1:13:15 Majority of Americans want to cut off aid to Israel 

1:14:30 Will Israel be a true voting issue? 

1:17:00 Populations move to the right after being attacked 

1:18:00 Covid led to Republican dominance in Florida 

1:21:30 Florida is officially a red state 

1:22:45 Democrats have policy fights, Republicans have personality fights 

1:24:15 When progressives win, should the moderates get on board? 

1:25:15 Democrats have to value electability over purity 

1:26:45 The power of strong political communication skills 

1:27:30 Any interest in a Florida senate run? 

1:28:45 Trump's presence created big rightward shift in Palm Beach county 

1:30:00 Potential to be gerrymandered out of your seat? 

1:31:00 If Democrats don't win in midterms it could destroy the party 

1:32:15 Democrats can't unilaterally disarm in gerrymandering war 

1:33:45 Trump's cover up of Epstein is openly blatant 

1:36:15 What will FEMA response look like when a hurricane hits? 

1:38:15 States can't handle disaster logistics without FEMA 

1:43:00 White House realizes FEMA will become a problem 

1:44:30 Some of the people around Trump are worse than him

1:55:00 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Jared Moskowitz 

1:56:15 Chuck's experience at Miami vs. Note Dame game 

2:00:45 LSU had the best win of the weekend 

2:02:30 Utah had most impressive win nobody is talking about 

2:03:30 Ask Chuck 

2:03:45 Will politicians make changes to college NIL via legislation? 

2:06:45 Can the U.S. learn from other countries for constitutional reform? 

2:12:00 Does Mike Duggan running as an independent give him an advantage?

 2:17:15 Will America actually be able to bring back manufacturing?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks how Putin’s latest strikes reveal Trump was played in Alaska and why Labor Day marks a new stage in the political calendar. From looming government shutdowns and Supreme Court battles over tariffs to the total collapse of checks on Trump 2.0, the conversation digs into what—if anything—remains of the pre-Trump Republican Party. With GOP senators capitulating, RFK Jr. emboldened, and even Trump hesitant to cross him, the stakes for public health and American democracy have never been higher. Todd also explores how rumors about Trump’s health could spark a political feeding frenzy, why Kennedy should be forced to prove his vaccine claims, and whether any non-MAGA Republicans are willing to buck Trump to save their party.

Finally, he gives his reaction to the first weekend of college football and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline: 

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Putin’s latest strikes show Trump was played in Alaska

05:00 Labor day marks new stage in the political calendar

06:00 Potential for showdown over government shutdown

07:00 What is left of the pre-Trump Republican party?

08:00 The checks on Trump 1.0 are gone in Trump 2.0

09:15 Rubio and Bessent are the only two checks left on Trump

10:30 Supreme Court showdown looming over tariffs

11:30 Trump has no legal authority to impose tariffs

12:30 There will be a vote in Congress on tariffs

14:00 Pre-Trump GOP would have stopped RFK Jr. 

16:30 GOP Senators have all capitulated to Trump

18:30 GOP Senators must grow a spine to build a post-Trump party

20:00 Kennedy is putting children and seniors at risk of dying

21:15 Even Trump seems to be afraid of crossing RFK Jr.

22:00 Former CDC directors write joint op-ed sounding alarm on CDC

24:00 Trumpworld only have themselves to blame for Trump health rumors

25:00 Trump’s health could become next “Epstein” frenzy

26:15 If Trump limits appearances it will trigger a feeding frenzy

27:30 Will non-MAGA Republicans buck Trump to save their seats?

30:30 Is there anything left of the Republican party?

31:45 People have forgotten the pre-vaccine era

33:45 Kennedy should have to prove vaccines DON’T work

35:30 Chuck's experience at Miami vs. Note Dame game 

40:00 LSU had the best win of the weekend

 41:45 Utah had most impressive win nobody is talking about 

42:45 Ask Chuck 

43:00 Will politicians make changes to college NIL via legislation? 

46:00 Can the U.S. learn from other countries for constitutional reform? 

51:15 Does Mike Duggan running as an independent give him an advantage? 

56:30 Will America actually be able to bring back manufacturing?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Florida Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz joins Chuck Todd with a stark assessment of American politics: bipartisanship is dead, foreign interference has poisoned public discourse, and Democrats face an existential choice between fighting dirty or facing potential party destruction. Moskowitz, who represents Parkland and witnessed multiple system failures during that tragic shooting, argues that Trump's second term has fundamentally changed Democrats who now face primary voters demanding fighters while swing voters want uniters—an impossible contradiction that reflects deeper dysfunction where politicians receive no political reward for solving problems. He warns that increased gerrymandering from both parties will worsen congressional dysfunction while big tech companies have created a discourse environment where TikTok operates as a "psyop weapon" showing endless Gaza content while ignoring Uyghur genocide, demonstrating how public opinion gets manipulated by algorithms designed for engagement rather than truth.

The conversation reveals a politician grappling with impossible strategic calculations as Florida officially becomes a red state through Trump-driven demographic shifts and COVID-era political realignment, while Democrats debate whether moderates should fall in line when progressives win or continue prioritizing electability over ideological purity. Moskowitz's insights into Israel's "generational reputational damage" and the effectiveness of Trump's intimidation politics—where physical threats cause Republican senators to cave—illustrate how normal democratic processes have been weaponized into permanent warfare. Looking ahead, he warns that Democratic failure in midterms could destroy the party entirely, while practical governance challenges like FEMA's disaster response capabilities face deliberate sabotage from a White House that realizes competent federal agencies undermine their political narrative, leaving states unable to handle hurricane logistics independently as climate disasters intensify.

Timeline: 

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Congressman Jared Moskowitz joins the Chuck Toddcast

01:30 As a Dem, could you ever get a job in a 2nd term DeSantis admin?

02:45 The days of bipartisanship are long gone

04:00 Why not stand on principle in the redistricting fight?

05:00 The Democratic base wants to fight fire with fire

06:00 Trump’s second term has changed the Democrats

07:15 Primary voters want a fighter, swing voters want a uniter

08:00 More gerrymander will increase dysfunction in congress

10:30 Both parties moved away from each other after cold war

11:15 Foreign interference in American discourse has been effective

12:45 DeSantis hasn’t succeeded in repealing Florida’s red flag laws

14:15 Stopping school/mass shootings requires an “all of the above” approach

16:15 There’s no political reward for bipartisanship and solving problems

18:15 There were multiple points of failure in Parkland shooting

20:00 Public discourse is at the mercy of five giant tech companies 

20:45 TikTok is a psyop weapon 

22:45 TikTok shows Gaza content, but nothing about the Uyghurs 

24:00 Restrictions government should place on social media/internet 

25:15 The big tech lobby has become one of the strongest 

27:30 Bipartisan support for internet regulations to protect kids 

29:15 The Democratic party is losing the nuance on Israel 

30:30 Social media has juiced coverage in Gaza, ignored other conflicts

 32:45 Israel is doing generational reputational damage 

35:30 Physical threats have caused Republican senators to cave 

36:45 Trump's intimidation politics work effectively 

37:45 Majority of Americans want to cut off aid to Israel 

39:00 Will Israel be a true voting issue? 

41:30 Populations move to the right after being attacked 

42:30 Covid led to Republican dominance in Florida 

46:00 Florida is officially a red state 

47:15 Democrats have policy fights, Republicans have personality fights 

48:45 When progressives win, should the moderates get on board? 

49:45 Democrats have to value electability over purity 

51:15 The power of strong political communication skills 

52:00 Any interest in a Florida senate run? 

53:15 Trump's presence created big rightward shift in Palm Beach county 

54:30 Potential to be gerrymandered out of your seat? 

55:30 If Democrats don't win in midterms it could destroy the party 

56:45 Democrats can't unilaterally disarm in gerrymandering war 

58:15 Trump's cover up of Epstein is openly blatant 

1:00:45 What will FEMA response look like when a hurricane hits? 

1:02:45 States can't handle disaster logistics without FEMA 

1:07:30 White House realizes FEMA will become a problem 

1:09:00 Some of the people around Trump are worse than him

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd is joined by former NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith to discuss his new book Turf Wars and the untold battles behind the modern NFL. Smith reflects on how he—despite never playing the game—won the trust of star athletes, navigated intense resistance from owners, and fought for free agency and labor protections. He shares candid stories of his uphill battle to lead the NFLPA, from owners attempting to block his election to risking his career to stand with players.

Smith also offers a rare look inside the billionaire owners’ club, likening it to a feudal kingdom where prestige and profit outweigh fairness. He reveals how Roger Goodell consolidated power, why Jerry Jones remains a polarizing force, and how owners exploit their franchises like personal toys. From hidden revenues to weak contract protections, Smith explains why the NFL has thrived financially while leaving players vulnerable. And with college athletes gaining leverage and younger NFL players more empowered, Smith warns that a seismic labor showdown between players and owners may be on the horizon.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 DeMaurice Smith joins the Chuck ToddCast

03:00 Why write Turf Wars? Why did the story need to be told?

05:00 Similarities between political oligarchs & NFL owners

06:30 Why did you get the NFLPA job despite never playing?

08:15 Players voted to strike in 80’s then crossed picket line 

10:00 Players went through years of litigation to get free agency

11:30 NFL tried to stop NFLPA from hiring DeMaurice

14:30 DeMaurice forced to risk his job to run for NFLPA job

16:30 Was it hard to connect with the players?

18:30 Star players vouched for DeMaurice to their teammates

20:15 Goodell visited with multiple teams and it went BADLY

24:30 DeMaurice was warned, NFL owners are the worst people

25:00 NFL owners view their team as a toy, vehicle for prestige

27:00 Owners try to pull equity out of their team without selling it

28:15 Relationship with Robert Kraft

30:15 Tension between younger and older owners 

30:45 The good and bad of Jerry Jones

31:30 Jerry Jones frustrated with “freeloading” owners

33:15 The NFL is a feudal kingdom

33:45 Pete Rozelle vs Roger Goodell

36:15 Goodell has done an incredible job generating revenue

37:15 Mike Brown isn’t a billionaire without Goodell

37:45 What would the league look like without owners, Packers model?

39:15 Packers requirement to publicly report gives insight into league

41:15 The only rule NFL placed on itself was Rooney Rule, don’t follow it

42:00 The NFL is comfortable knowing it’s basically above the law

43:00 How much revenue was the NFL hiding under its nonprofit status?

44:00 The league gave up nonprofit status to hide salaries, legal issues

45:15 NFL contract protections weaker than other sports

46:00 NFL culture is “psychologically militaristic”

47:30 Players/owners showing solidarity over kneeling for anthem

48:45 NFLPA is a microcosm for labor standing up to capital. 

50:15 College players have more leverage than NFL players

51:30 Newer generation of players will change relationship with owners

53:45 NFL owners fear educated and empowered players

55:30 School should mandate financial literacy courses for players

56:45 Are players concerned about the mess at the NFLPA?

58:00 Players need to understand owners aren’t their friends

58:45 There’s a war coming between players and ownership

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the troubling patterns that emerge after every mass shooting, from how the public rushes to confirm their priors to how culture wars are inflamed when a shooter’s identity becomes politicized. With the FBI investigating the latest tragedy as a possible hate crime, trust in law enforcement once again splits along partisan lines, reflecting the deeper polarization running through government agencies and public perception alike. Then, Todd previews his conversation with DeMaurice Smith as he turns to the looming era of labor strife in professional sports—examining how the NFL operates as a “socialist experiment,” how name-image-likeness deals and the transfer portal are shifting the mindset of athletes, and why collective bargaining disputes will be on the horizon.

Then, Chuck Todd is joined by former NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith to discuss his new book Turf Wars and the untold battles behind the modern NFL. Smith reflects on how he—despite never playing the game—won the trust of star athletes, navigated intense resistance from owners, and fought for free agency and labor protections. He shares candid stories of his uphill battle to lead the NFLPA, from owners attempting to block his election to risking his career to stand with players.

Smith also offers a rare look inside the billionaire owners’ club, likening it to a feudal kingdom where prestige and profit outweigh fairness. He reveals how Roger Goodell consolidated power, why Jerry Jones remains a polarizing force, and how owners exploit their franchises like personal toys. From hidden revenues to weak contract protections, Smith explains why the NFL has thrived financially while leaving players vulnerable. And with college athletes gaining leverage and younger NFL players more empowered, Smith warns that a seismic labor showdown between players and owners may be on the horizon.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction

01:00 There’s a pattern to every mass/school shooting

02:15 People always look to confirm their priors with every shooting

03:30 The shooter being trans could inflame the culture wars

04:30 Shooting could be politicized in all the wrong ways

06:00 FBI announces it will be investigated as terrorism/hate crime

07:00 Trust and favorability of law enforcement is polarized

10:00 Agencies are being run by partisans acting partisanly

12:45 The public & Trump view everything through a partisan lens

14:45 DeMaurice Smith TEASE

18:00 We’re about to enter an era of labor strife in professional sports

19:45 The NFL is one of the great socialist experiments in America

22:30 The attitude of future NFL players will change due to NIL/Xfer portal

23:45 We’ll likely see collective bargaining amongst college players

26:45 DeMaurice Smith joins the Chuck ToddCast 

29:45 Why write Turf Wars? Why did the story need to be told? 

31:45 Similarities between political oligarchs & NFL owners 

33:15 Why did you get the NFLPA job despite never playing? 

35:00 Players voted to strike in 80's then crossed picket line 

36:45 Players went through years of litigation to get free agency 

38:15 NFL tried to stop NFLPA from hiring DeMaurice 

41:15 DeMaurice forced to risk his job to run for NFLPA job 

43:15 Was it hard to connect with the players? 

45:15 Star players vouched for DeMaurice to their teammates 

46:00 Goodell visited with multiple teams and it went BADLY 

51:15 DeMaurice was warned, NFL owners are the worst people 

51:45 NFL owners view their team as a toy, vehicle for prestige 

53:45 Owners try to pull equity out of their team without selling it 

55:00 Relationship with Robert Kraft 57:00 Tension between younger and older owners 

57:30 The good and bad of Jerry Jones 

58:15 Jerry Jones frustrated with "freeloading" owners 

1:00:00 The NFL is a feudal kingdom 

1:00:30 Pete Rozelle vs Roger Goodell 

1:03:00 Goodell has done an incredible job generating revenue 

1:04:00 Mike Brown isn't a billionaire without Goodell 

1:04:30 What would the league look like without owners, Packers model? 

1:06:00 Packers requirement to publicly report gives insight into league 

1:08:00 The only rule NFL placed on itself was Rooney Rule, don't follow it 

1:08:45 The NFL is comfortable knowing it's basically above the law 

1:09:45 How much revenue was the NFL hiding under its nonprofit status? 

1:10:45 The league gave up nonprofit status to hide salaries, legal issues 

1:12:00 NFL contract protections weaker than other sports 

1:12:45 NFL culture is "psychologically militaristic" 

1:14:15 Players/owners showing solidarity over kneeling for anthem 

1:15:30 NFLPA is a microcosm for labor standing up to capital. 

1:17:00 College players have more leverage than NFL players 

1:18:15 Newer generation of players will change relationship with owners 

1:20:30 NFL owners fear educated and empowered players 

1:22:15 School should mandate financial literacy courses for players 

1:23:30 Are players concerned about the mess at the NFLPA? 

1:24:45 Players need to understand owners aren't their friends 

1:25:30 There's a war coming between players and ownership

1:27:30 Chuck's thoughts on interview with DeMaurice Smith 

1:29:30 Ask Chuck 

1:29:45 Could local sports coverage change the local news landscape? 

1:41:15 Friendly trash talk of Chuck's Miami Hurricanes and Green Bay Packers 

1:43:45 Is Marco Rubio having any regrets or second thoughts? 

1:49:00 What publication details generational voting records? 

1:54:30 Artificial chocolate + coffee flavoring?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the troubling patterns that emerge after every mass shooting, from how the public rushes to confirm their priors to how culture wars are inflamed when a shooter’s identity becomes politicized. With the FBI investigating the latest tragedy as a possible hate crime, trust in law enforcement once again splits along partisan lines, reflecting the deeper polarization running through government agencies and public perception alike. 

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction

01:00 There’s a pattern to every mass/school shooting

02:15 People always look to confirm their priors with every shooting

03:30 The shooter being trans could inflame the culture wars

04:30 Shooting could be politicized in all the wrong ways

06:00 FBI announces it will be investigated as terrorism/hate crime

07:00 Trust and favorability of law enforcement is polarized

10:00 Agencies are being run by partisans acting partisanly

12:45 The public & Trump view everything through a partisan lens

14:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with DeMaurice Smith 

16:45 Ask Chuck 17:00 Could local sports coverage change the local news landscape? 

28:30 Friendly trash talk of Chuck's Miami Hurricanes and Green Bay Packers 

31:00 Is Marco Rubio having any regrets or second thoughts? 

36:15 What publication details generational voting records? 

41:45 Artificial chocolate + coffee flavoring?

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Former Republican operative turned Harris campaign strategist Maria Comella joins Chuck Todd to deliver a brutal post-mortem on Democratic failures and to reflect on her unique career path across the political spectrum. From her early days in Republican politics to the inner workings of the Harris campaign, Comella offers candid insights on what it takes to run for office in an era defined by partisanship, shifting voter coalitions, and struggling party identities. She shares stories about Christie’s sharp self-awareness, Giuliani’s early years, and the challenges Harris faced in balancing her legal background with her political ambitions.

Together, Chuck and Maria dive into the pitfalls of Democratic messaging in the Trump era, why Harris couldn’t connect with Republican voters, and how Biden and Harris miscalculated their approach to the left. They also explore the rise of outsider candidates like Sanders and Trump, the failure of movements like “No Labels,” and whether a third party—or even a unifying military figure—could ever gain traction. With upcoming races in New Jersey and New York on the horizon, Comella weighs in on the donor class panic over Mamdani, Cuomo’s uncertain future, and what it will take for either party to break through with an electorate hungry for reform.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Maria Comella joins the Chuck Toddcast

02:00 Maria’s origin story

06:30 Difficulty running for state/local offices after being in unpopular congress

07:30 Experience of working for Rudy Guiliani

11:15 Moving from Republican politics to the Harris campaign

12:15 Do Cuomo, Giuliani and Christie have much in common?

13:15 All three are voracious readers

14:15 Chris Christie was the most self-aware of the three

15:30 Christie was mad at Chuck over Meet the Press interview

18:00 Did you have a seat at the table with the Harris campaign?

19:45 Kamala Harris tried to be everything to everyone

21:30 Harris seemed like a more natural fit in law than in politics

22:15 Harris had ideological identity issues 

23:45 Why Harris didn’t appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast

24:45 Harris for Republicans vs. Republicans for Harris

25:30 Biden & Harris didn’t know how to talk to Republican voters

27:00 Liz Cheney wasn’t effective as a surrogate

29:00 Biden & Harris were afraid to go after the left

30:15 Harris campaign said she’d be different, but didn’t show it

31:30 Harris’s appearance on The View symbolized her loss

33:15 Harris had nearly a difficult, but not impossible task

34:30 Harris didn’t need to campaign with never Trump Republicans

36:00 Harris was too late with her closing argument message

37:30 Dukakis’s closing message was just an airing of grievances

38:45 Harris’s closing message didn’t meet voters where they were

40:00 Democratic messaging has been dumb and lazy in Trump era

41:30 Obama was the last candidate the public voted “for”

42:45 Rise of Sanders and Trump show how weak the parties are

43:15 Is there room for a third party?

44:45 Why the “No Labels” party fell flat

47:30 Could a less partisan military leader bring the country together?

49:15 The system was built to force compromise rather than win/lose

51:00 Voters want a reformer/change, Harris didn’t offer that

53:30 The GOP “establishment” let problems fester and ended up with Trump

55:30 Rand Paul & Josh Hawley have stayed true to themselves

57:15 Imitating Trump doesn’t ever work for GOP candidates

59:30 Who on the Democratic side could break through with GOP voters?

1:01:30 The “Stop Mamdani” movement can’t coalesce around one candidate

1:03:00 Donor class panicking they can’t stop Mamdani

1:04:15 Schumer & Jeffries failed to find good NYC mayor candidate

1:06:30 What will Cuomo do? Could he drop out?

1:08:15 Money & ad buys won’t stop Mamdani

1:10:30 New Jersey governors race will be the closest race in November

1:12:00 The Democratic consultant class is out of touch with voters

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd dives into the shifting political and cultural landscape—from Trump’s transformation of the information ecosystem and the  “civics lesson” his presidency has provided to the American public.  He weighs in on the administration’s use of militarized “law and order” tactics and Trump’s constant economic brinkmanship. The conversation ranges from Trump’s similarities to Turkey’s president Erdogan and his clashes with the Fed.. Chuck also introduces the new “ToddCast Top 5,” spotlighting rising Democratic contenders for 2028—from Gavin Newsom’s leadership and Ruben Gallego’s surge, to James Talarico’s Buttigieg-style buzz and the ongoing question of when Bernie Sanders will pass the torch to AOC. 

Then, former Republican operative turned Harris campaign strategist Maria Comella joins Chuck to deliver a brutal post-mortem on Democratic failures and to reflect on her unique career path across the political spectrum. From her early days in Republican politics to the inner workings of the Harris campaign, Comella offers candid insights on what it takes to run for office in an era defined by partisanship, shifting voter coalitions, and struggling party identities. She shares stories about Christie’s sharp self-awareness, Giuliani’s early years, and the challenges Harris faced in balancing her legal background with her political ambitions.

Together, Chuck and Maria dive into the pitfalls of Democratic messaging in the Trump era, why Harris couldn’t connect with Republican voters, and how Biden and Harris miscalculated their approach to the left. They also explore the rise of outsider candidates like Sanders and Trump, the failure of movements like “No Labels,” and whether a third party—or even a unifying military figure—could ever gain traction. With upcoming races in New Jersey and New York on the horizon, Comella weighs in on the donor class panic over Mamdani, Cuomo’s uncertain future, and what it will take for either party to break through with an electorate hungry for reform.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. 

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Miami vs Notre Dame rivalry

04:30 Trump has changed the information ecosystem and expectations

05:30 Trump is giving the public a long overdue civics lesson

06:30 Turkey & Erdogan are the model for Trump

08:15 Trump backs off when the market reacts negatively

09:30 Trump’s firing of member of Fed board of governors heads to court

11:30 If the economy was booming, the Fed wouldn’t cut interest rates

13:30 Administration will ramp up “law and order” tactics in blue cities

14:45 National guard deployment is more about optics than crime

15:45 The issue of crime in cities divides the Democratic party

17:30 Trump is creating different standards between red and blue states

18:45 Politicizing the economy will only go badly

19:45 Trump will own the bad economy

20:30 Trump inserts himself into the Roger Clemons Hall of Fame debate

21:30 Trump sides with people who are caught cheating

23:45 Clemons belongs in the Hall of Fame

25:45 Will someone drop out of the NYC Mayoral race to stop Mamdani?

27:30 The rise of, and reaction to Mamdani is similar to rise of Trump

29:15 Howard University president resigns… hire Kamala Harris?

31:00 Introducing the “ToddCast Top 5”

31:30 Which Democrat has had the best 2025 to position presidential run?

32:15 Gavin Newsom has become the leader of the Democratic party

33:45 If Newsom loses referendum it will be a huge blow to his prospects

34:30 Ruben Gallego has greatly increased his standing

35:30 3 archetypes of Democratic presidential candidates

37:45 James Talarico buzz reminiscent of Pete Buttigieg in 2017

40:00 Andy Beshear & Wes Moore have made waves

41:30 Bernie Sanders hasn’t officially passed the torch to AOC

44:00 The Democratic base wants a fighter, the middle wants a uniter

46:00 Maria Comella joins the Chuck Toddcast 

48:00 Maria's origin story 

52:30 Difficulty running for state/local offices after being in unpopular congress 

53:30 Experience of working for Rudy Guiliani 

57:15 Moving from Republican politics to the Harris campaign

 58:15 Do Cuomo, Giuliani and Christie have much in common? 

59:15 All three are voracious readers 

1:00:15 Chris Christie was the most self-aware of the three 

1:01:30 Christie was mad at Chuck over Meet the Press interview 

1:04:00 Did you have a seat at the table with the Harris campaign? 

1:05:45 Kamala Harris tried to be everything to everyone 

1:07:30 Harris seemed like a more natural fit in law than in politics 

1:08:15 Harris had ideological identity issues 

1:09:45 Why Harris didn't appear on Joe Rogan's podcast 

1:10:45 Harris for Republicans vs. Republicans for Harris 

1:11:30 Biden & Harris didn't know how to talk to Republican voters 

1:13:00 Liz Cheney wasn't effective as a surrogate 

1:15:00 Biden & Harris were afraid to go after the left 

1:16:15 Harris campaign said she'd be different, but didn't show it 

1:17:30 Harris's appearance on The View symbolized her loss 

1:19:15 Harris had nearly a difficult, but not impossible task 

1:20:30 Harris didn't need to campaign with never Trump Republicans 

1:22:00 Harris was too late with her closing argument message 

1:23:30 Dukakis's closing message was just an airing of grievances 

1:24:45 Harris's closing message didn't meet voters where they were 

1:26:00 Democratic messaging has been dumb and lazy in Trump era 

1:27:30 Obama was the last candidate the public voted "for" 

1:28:45 Rise of Sanders and Trump show how weak the parties are 

1:29:15 Is there room for a third party? 

1:30:45 Why the "No Labels" party fell flat 

1:33:30 Could a less partisan military leader bring the country together? 

1:35:15 The system was built to force compromise rather than win/lose 

1:37:00 Voters want a reformer/change, Harris didn't offer that 

1:39:30 The GOP "establishment" let problems fester and ended up with Trump 

1:41:30 Rand Paul & Josh Hawley have stayed true to themselves 

1:43:15 Imitating Trump doesn't ever work for GOP candidates 

1:45:30 Who on the Democratic side could break through with GOP voters? 

1:47:30 The "Stop Mamdani" movement can't coalesce around one candidate 

1:49:00 Donor class panicking they can't stop Mamdani 

1:50:15 Schumer & Jeffries failed to find good NYC mayor candidate 

1:52:30 What will Cuomo do? Could he drop out? 

1:54:15 Money & ad buys won't stop Mamdani 

1:56:30 New Jersey governors race will be the closest race in November 

1:58:00 The Democratic consultant class is out of touch with voters

2:01:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Maria Comella 

2:01:45 Ask Chuck 

2:02:00 Potential reform to remove political bias from DOJ? 

2:09:00 Would a congressionally drafted amendment be better than a convention? 

2:12:15 Thoughts on a non-binding constitutional convention?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd dives into the shifting political and cultural landscape—from Trump’s transformation of the information ecosystem and the  “civics lesson” his presidency has provided to the American public.  He weighs in on the administration’s use of militarized “law and order” tactics and Trump’s constant economic brinkmanship. The conversation ranges from Trump’s similarities to Turkey’s president Erdogan and his clashes with the Fed.. Chuck also introduces the new “ToddCast Top 5,” spotlighting rising Democratic contenders for 2028—from Gavin Newsom’s leadership and Ruben Gallego’s surge, to James Talarico’s Buttigieg-style buzz and the ongoing question of when Bernie Sanders will pass the torch to AOC. 

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Miami vs Notre Dame rivalry

04:30 Trump has changed the information ecosystem and expectations

05:30 Trump is giving the public a long overdue civics lesson

06:30 Turkey & Erdogan are the model for Trump

08:15 Trump backs off when the market reacts negatively

09:30 Trump’s firing of member of Fed board of governors heads to court

11:30 If the economy was booming, the Fed wouldn’t cut interest rates

13:30 Administration will ramp up “law and order” tactics in blue cities

14:45 National guard deployment is more about optics than crime

15:45 The issue of crime in cities divides the Democratic party

17:30 Trump is creating different standards between red and blue states

18:45 Politicizing the economy will only go badly

19:45 Trump will own the bad economy

20:30 Trump inserts himself into the Roger Clemons Hall of Fame debate

21:30 Trump sides with people who are caught cheating

23:45 Clemons belongs in the Hall of Fame

25:45 Will someone drop out of the NYC Mayoral race to stop Mamdani?

27:30 The rise of, and reaction to Mamdani is similar to rise of Trump

29:15 Howard University president resigns… hire Kamala Harris?

31:00 Introducing the “ToddCast Top 5”

31:30 Which Democrat has had the best 2025 to position presidential run?

32:15 Gavin Newsom has become the leader of the Democratic party

33:45 If Newsom loses referendum it will be a huge blow to his prospects

34:30 Ruben Gallego has greatly increased his standing

35:30 3 archetypes of Democratic presidential candidates

37:45 James Talarico buzz reminiscent of Pete Buttigieg in 2017

40:00 Andy Beshear & Wes Moore have made waves

41:30 Bernie Sanders hasn’t officially passed the torch to AOC

44:00 The Democratic base wants a fighter, the middle wants a uniter

46:30 Ask Chuck 

46:45 Potential reform to remove political bias from DOJ? 

53:45 Would a congressionally drafted amendment be better than a convention? 

57:00 Thoughts on a non-binding constitutional convention?

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Chuck Todd welcomes Politico’s politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin to discuss the rapidly evolving political landscape as both parties grapple with structural weaknesses and Trump's continued dominance of the political conversation. The conversation covers the Democratic Party's primary calendar shake-up, with New Hampshire maintaining its first-in-the-nation status despite ongoing debates about Iowa's role, while examining how the party's focus on winning over traditional early-state voters may not address deeper issues with rural constituencies. Martin and Todd analyze Trump's economic challenges, from emerging tariff impacts to his desperate attempts to influence interest rates, alongside his strategic use of government power to shape elections and avoid potential legal consequences.

The discussion shifts to key electoral battlegrounds, particularly the New Jersey gubernatorial race featuring Mikie Sherrill and her challenger Ciattarelli, which could serve as a crucial midterm bellwether. They explore the broader implications of weak party structures, redistricting battles that Obama has now blessed, and whether Democrats are ceding their traditional "adult in the room" positioning. Their discussion concludes with lighter fare about college football, including LSU's playoff aspirations and James Madison's surprising rise as Virginia's emerging football power, offering a perfect blend of serious political analysis and seasonal sports commentary.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Jonathan Martin joins the Chuck Toddcast!

00:30 College football kicks off

02:30 Democrats debating where to host first primary

02:45 New Hampshire will be first primary state 

05:15 Winning over NH voters doesn't solve Dems issues with rural voters 

07:00 Iowa won't move back to first in the nation status 

07:30 Democrats vacate endorsement of DSA candidate in Minneapolis

09:45 The two traditional parties are incredibly weak 

10:45 Trump is creating a lot of noise, but can't distract from economy 

12:30 Trump's ultimate goal is attention 24/7 

13:15 Tariff impacts are starting to show up 

15:00 Trump is desperate to bring down interest rates 

16:15 Trump will use the power of government to affect elections 

17:30 Texas redraw shows Trump is desperate to avoid third impeachment 

18:45 Could Mike Johnson refuse to seat a new congress? 

19:45 DOJ releases Ghislaine Maxwell testimony to appease base 

21:15 DOJ's reputation will take years to recover 

23:15 Democrats get no credit when being fair on redistricting 

24:00 Obama gives his blessing to redistricting effort 

24:45 Are Democrats ceding "adult in the room" status? 

26:00 Biden overreached beyond his mandate 

27:30 Redistricting will be a massive legal mess 

28:15 Trump takes partial state ownership of major companies 

29:45 Trump's endorsement is decisive in GOP primaries 

31:00 Huge reliance on Scott Bessent to keep lid on Trump 

33:00 New Jersey governor race will be a bellwether for the midterms 

34:45 Mikie Sherrill bungled her answer on Mamdani

35:30 Trump is sympathetic to Ciattarelli 

36:45 Ciattarelli has a Chris Christie quality to him 

38:15 Sherrill would be the least "Jersey" governor 

39:45 Will any Republican senators announce retirement? 

41:45 Sherrod Brown's outlook in Ohio senate race 

43:30 Brown's prize for winning is an election in two years 

45:45 Democrats too focused on DC rather than states 

46:45 Which college football games will you attend? 

48:00 LSU needs to make a playoff run for Kelly to keep his job 

50:15 James Madison becoming the football power in Virginia

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Chuck Todd breaks down the political paradox of August 2025, a month that generated significant headlines yet produced little actual movement in Washington's power dynamics. Despite a DC law enforcement surge that failed to target high-crime areas and escalating redistricting wars that continue eroding institutional trust, Todd argues that distractions like the worthless Ghislaine Maxwell testimony release and questionable personnel moves at the IRS are overshadowing more serious concerns about DOJ's politicization and economic warning signs. With only Rubio and Bessent providing cabinet stability as cracks emerge in the economy and potential stagflation looms by spring 2026, Todd explores how Trump's promised restrictions on mail-in voting in red states will likely backfire as voters demand expanded early voting options, while examining the broader phenomenon of "nutpicking" – when entire political parties get defined by their most outlandish members, a dynamic perfectly satirized in recent South Park episodes that mirror Elon Musk's bizarre Macrohard announcement.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction

02:45 August is always the slowest month in DC

04:30 August made lots of headlines, but made no movement

05:15 DC law enforcement surge hasn’t been to high crime areas

05:45 Redistricting war ramps up, corrosive to institutions

06:15 Ghislaine Maxwell testimony is worthless but a distraction

07:45 Billy Long firing at IRS stinks to high heaven

08:45 DOJ being used to prop up Virginia’s GOP governor candidate

10:15 Rubio and Bessent are the only cabinet members providing stability

11:30 Cracks are showing up in the economy

13:15 Stagflation could show up by spring of 2026

14:00 DOJ could bring bogus investigations against Dem candidates 

15:45 Most recent South Park episode was perfect satire of big tech

16:15 Elon Musk’s announcement of Macrohard feels like South Park plot

17:45 Trump will order end of mail-in voting in red states

18:30 Voters will demand longer early voting period

20:00 Same day voting only isn’t feasible

21:30 “Nutpicking” - When an entire party is painted by one outlandish member

23:45 Ask Chuck 24:00 How can a VP candidate hurt or boost a campaign? 

31:30 Non-political book recommendations? 

36:15 Will there be modifications to limit executive power post-Trump? 

39:00 What happens if Trump declares Democratic party a terrorist organization? 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd breaks down the political paradox of August 2025, a month that generated significant headlines yet produced little actual movement in Washington's power dynamics. Despite a DC law enforcement surge that failed to target high-crime areas and escalating redistricting wars that continue eroding institutional trust, Todd argues that distractions like the worthless Ghislaine Maxwell testimony release and questionable personnel moves at the IRS are overshadowing more serious concerns about DOJ's politicization and economic warning signs. With only Rubio and Bessent providing cabinet stability as cracks emerge in the economy and potential stagflation looms by spring 2026, Todd explores how Trump's promised restrictions on mail-in voting in red states will likely backfire as voters demand expanded early voting options, while examining the broader phenomenon of "nutpicking" – when entire political parties get defined by their most outlandish members, a dynamic perfectly satirized in recent South Park episodes that mirror Elon Musk's bizarre Macrohard announcement.

Then, Chuck welcomes Politico’s politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin to discuss the rapidly evolving political landscape as both parties grapple with structural weaknesses and Trump's continued dominance of the political conversation. The conversation covers the Democratic Party's primary calendar shake-up, with New Hampshire maintaining its first-in-the-nation status despite ongoing debates about Iowa's role, while examining how the party's focus on winning over traditional early-state voters may not address deeper issues with rural constituencies. Martin and Todd analyze Trump's economic challenges, from emerging tariff impacts to his desperate attempts to influence interest rates, alongside his strategic use of government power to shape elections and avoid potential legal consequences.

The discussion shifts to key electoral battlegrounds, particularly the New Jersey gubernatorial race featuring Mikie Sherrill and her challenger Ciattarelli, which could serve as a crucial midterm bellwether. They explore the broader implications of weak party structures, redistricting battles that Obama has now blessed, and whether Democrats are ceding their traditional "adult in the room" positioning. Their discussion concludes with lighter fare about college football, including LSU's playoff aspirations and James Madison's surprising rise as Virginia's emerging football power, offering a perfect blend of serious political analysis and seasonal sports commentary.

Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction

02:45 August is always the slowest month in DC

04:30 August made lots of headlines, but made no movement

05:15 DC law enforcement surge hasn’t been to high crime areas

05:45 Redistricting war ramps up, corrosive to institutions

06:15 Ghislaine Maxwell testimony is worthless but a distraction

07:45 Billy Long firing at IRS stinks to high heaven

08:45 DOJ being used to prop up Virginia’s GOP governor candidate

10:15 Rubio and Bessent are the only cabinet members providing stability

11:30 Cracks are showing up in the economy

13:15 Stagflation could show up by spring of 2026

14:00 DOJ could bring bogus investigations against Dem candidates 

15:45 Most recent South Park episode was perfect satire of big tech

16:15 Elon Musk’s announcement of Macrohard feels like South Park plot

17:45 Trump will order end of mail-in voting in red states

18:30 Voters will demand longer early voting period

20:00 Same day voting only isn’t feasible

21:30 “Nutpicking” - When an entire party is painted by one outlandish member

23:45 Jonathan Martin joins the Chuck Toddcast! 

24:15 College football kicks off 

6:15 Democrats debating where to host first primary 

26:30 New Hampshire will be first primary state 

29:00 Winning over NH voters doesn't solve Dems issues with rural voters

30:45 Iowa won't move back to first in the nation status 

31:15 Democrats vacate endorsement of DSA candidate in Minneapolis 

33:30 The two traditional parties are incredibly weak 

34:30 Trump is creating a lot of noise, but can't distract from economy 

36:15 Trump's ultimate goal is attention 24/7 

37:00 Tariff impacts are starting to show up 

38:45 Trump is desperate to bring down interest rates 

40:00 Trump will use the power of government to affect elections 

41:15 Texas redraw shows Trump is desperate to avoid third impeachment 

42:30 Could Mike Johnson refuse to seat a new congress? 

43:30 DOJ releases Ghislaine Maxwell testimony to appease base 

45:00 DOJ's reputation will take years to recover 

47:00 Democrats get no credit when being fair on redistricting 

47:45 Obama gives his blessing to redistricting effort 

48:30 Are Democrats ceding "adult in the room" status? 

49:45 Biden overreached beyond his mandate 

51:15 Redistricting will be a massive legal mess 

52:00 Trump takes partial state ownership of major companies 

53:30 Trump's endorsement is decisive in GOP primaries 

54:45 Huge reliance on Scott Bessent to keep lid on Trump 

56:45 New Jersey governor race will be a bellwether for the midterms 

58:30 Mikie Sherrill bungled her answer on Mamdani 

59:15 Trump is sympathetic to Ciattarelli 

1:00:30 Ciattarelli has a Chris Christie quality to him 

1:02:00 Sherrill would be the least "Jersey" governor 

1:03:30 Will any Republican senators announce retirement? 

1:05:30 Sherrod Brown's outlook in Ohio senate race 

1:07:15 Brown's prize for winning is an election in two years 

1:09:30 Democrats too focused on DC rather than states 

1:10:30 Which college football games will you attend? 

1:11:45 LSU needs to make a playoff run for Kelly to keep his job 

1:14:00 James Madison becoming the football power in Virginia 

1:16:30 Ask Chuck 

1:16:45 How can a VP candidate hurt or boost a campaign? 

1:24:15 Non-political book recommendations? 

1:28:30 Will there be modifications to limit executive power post-Trump? 

1:31:45 What happens if Trump declares Democratic party a terrorist organization?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd unpacks the political storm brewing around redistricting and its ripple effects on both voter and donor enthusiasm, as Democrats struggle to spark a surge of energy despite making gains in candidate recruitment. He digs into why the New Jersey governor’s race could be unexpectedly tight, with Mamdani looming as a potential wildcard, and how an anti-incumbent mood paired with shaky economic signals could reshape the midterms. From voters increasingly motivated by who they’re against rather than who they’re for, to the larger question of whether this cycle is about personalities or policies, it’s a sharp look at the forces defining the next election.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Redistricting fight fallout will be intense 

01:15 What will redistricting fight do for voter/donor enthusiasm? 

03:15 No surge in Democratic enthusiasm yet 

06:15 Democrats are doing better on candidate recruitment 

07:45 NJ governor's race could be close

 09:00 Mamdani could loom over the NJ governor's race 

11:30 We're in an anti-incumbent environment 

13:00 State of the economy could determine midterms 

14:00 Public is voting AGAINST candidates rather than for them

15:15 Ask Chuck 

15:30 Why do wealthy democracies let Putin get away with so much? 

22:00 What can small market MLB teams replicate the Brewers success? 

27:30 Why can't Democrats win statewide in Florida? 

33:15 How to reverse the damage from cutting research grants? 

38:30 What amendments would you like to see at a constitutional convention?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.