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The Al Franken Podcast

The Al Franken Podcast

By: The Al Franken Podcast
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A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.

© 2019 Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Catherine Rampell on Trump’s Economic Policies

    Catherine Rampell on Trump’s Economic Policies
    Jul 20 2025

    We’re joined by Washington Post columnist and co-host of MSNBC's The Weekend, Catherine Rampell!

    Catherine breaks down what the Big, Beautiful Bill means for Americans and why it's been so important for Trump and the Republicans to get it done. It will balloon our deficit and gut the social safety net. And for what? Tax breaks for the richest Americans.

    We also discuss immigration and why immigrants are so important to the economy. Catherine delves into how Trump is rounding up immigrants with NO criminal record and, in many cases, disappearing them without a trace.

    Plus, the latest on the inflationary damage of Trump’s tariffs.

    READ Catherine's opinion pieces in The Washington Post:
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/catherine-rampell/
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    40 mins
  • Dahlia Lithwick on The Godawful SCOTUS Term

    Dahlia Lithwick on The Godawful SCOTUS Term
    Jul 13 2025
    Another devastating term of Trump's Supreme Court has come to a close. There's a lot to be angry about, so we're joined by Dahlia Lithwick, our authority on all things SCOTUS and host of Slate’s podcast, Amicus.

    Dahlia explains how this Supreme Court is using the "shadow docket" to advance bad policy without full briefings or arguments and how the results of these decisions can lead to judicial chaos.

    We also discuss many of the awful decisions handed down by The Court, including those on birthright citizenship, healthcare for trans children, and religious exemptions for parents who don’t want their kids reading books that feature LGBTQ+ characters. (YIKES!)

    All in all, The Court is strengthening executive authority under Trump, which is leading us towards full-blown authoritarianism.

    LISTEN to Dahlia's podcast, Amicus:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786

    READ Dahlia in Slate:
    https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwick
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    49 mins
  • Marc Elias on Trump’s Authoritarian Second Term

    Marc Elias on Trump’s Authoritarian Second Term
    Jul 6 2025
    One of Donald Trump's priorities when he returned to the White House was to target law firms that he felt had wronged him. While some immediately caved to his demands, others fought back... and won. We're joined by Marc Elias, preeminent election lawyer and founder of Democracy Docket, to discuss Trump using his second term to settle personal scores, abuse his power, and put a strain on the judicial system in America.

    Marc and Al discuss the growing authoritarianism and how the recent Supreme Court decisions won't slow it down. But with the unpopularity of Trump's disgusting immigration policy to his handling of the economy to The Big Beautiful Bill, we look with hope towards the midterms.

    Check out Democracy Docket for the most important news on voting rights and election litigation:
    https://www.democracydocket.com

    Learn about my work with Midwest Values PAC: https://www.midwestvaluespac.org/
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    46 mins
All stars
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Great, fun, but kinda scary conversation between Al, Harry, George and Mitch. You know, the usual.

Mitch McConnell

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One of my favorite podcasts. Always interesting guests and topics. And great discussion of current events. Franken for President!

Al Franken

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Al and Dahlia shared a warm chemistry, which, added to the gentle method used to introduce each topic, was soothing to the listener. The recounting of the number of overturned precedents was impressive. They knew their facts, but it was no recitation. This was truly a worthwhile way to spend my time and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Well Done and Informative.

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Very entertaining and poignant subjects discussed intelligently and with Al's terrific humor. Excellent choice of interesting guests.

Simply fantastic

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i love Chris Rock. it was an excellent podcast as usual. i an a hige Al fan. loved him on the Daily show.

Chris Rock

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