Episodes

  • Introducing Kamala: Next in Line

    Introducing Kamala: Next in Line
    Oct 5 2020

    As a bonus for Chuck ToddCast listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of Kamala: Next in Line, a six-part podcast from MSNBC and Wondery that goes inside the cross-cultural journey that led Senator Kamala Harris from her humble roots to become the first African-American woman to be the Vice Presidential nominee for a major party. From Oakland to Howard University, and California to Washington DC, experience her story as it has never been told before. Hosted by MSNBC's Joy Reid, the show features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, painting a picture of a woman who has fought her way to the top at every turn. Listen to the first episode, and subscribe to the series now: https://link.chtbl.com/description-kamala
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    6 mins
  • Wondery presents Bunga Bunga

    Wondery presents Bunga Bunga
    Sep 8 2020

    Silvio Berlusconi was a charismatic multi-millionaire real-estate mogul who upended the Italian political order and hypnotized an entire nation. He was the longest-serving prime minister of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, until he was brought down by three powerful women - and two words: “Bunga Bunga.” From Wondery, the makers of Dirty John and The Shrink Next Door, and hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, “Bunga Bunga” is an eight part series on the incredible true story of the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, told with Whitney’s signature wit and style. 

    Subscribe today: Wondery.fm/BungaBunga_NBCTC
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    6 mins
  • How Does GOP RECLAIM Republican Party From Trump?

    How Does GOP RECLAIM Republican Party From Trump?
    Jun 12 2025
    Chuck Todd criticizes the controversial military birthday parade planned by Trump in Washington, D.C., which marks both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. He calls out the event as a politicization of the military, a costly spectacle ($25–$45 million) that could have been spent addressing critical social needs such as homeless veterans, Medicaid funding, or infrastructure repair. He takes particular issue with the military personnel being vetted for political loyalty to Trump, which undermines the traditionally apolitical nature of the military and risks eroding public trust. Chuck examines the broader consequences of Trump’s actions, including his use of military intervention in domestic unrest and harsh rhetoric against protestors, which contributes to the dangerous polarization of Americans and threatens democratic norms.Chuck Todd sits down with former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock to discuss her ongoing efforts to reform the Republican Party from within and the challenges facing the GOP in the Trump era. Comstock argues that the party's fundamental problem isn't ideological but character-based, as Republicans have abandoned character as a voting issue and are now required to lie to their voters to maintain political viability. She believes reform must come from the bottom up through state and local politics, which have been less infected by Trumpism, and warns that MAGA Republicans' indifference to whether government actually works has created a dangerous dynamic where loyalty to Trump is the only qualification that matters.The conversation explores the practical consequences of Republican governance, from potential Medicaid cuts that could devastate rural hospitals and long-term care facilities, to the party's abandonment of Christian principles regarding care for the vulnerable. Comstock sees an opportunity for reform during the eventual succession fight after Trump, arguing that it will take just one person of character to begin rebuilding the party. She's particularly critical of figures like JD Vance, whom she describes as a charlatan who cannot represent the party's future, while expressing cautious optimism about leaders like Glenn Youngkin. Throughout the discussion, Comstock draws parallels to international politics, praising Zelenskyy as the world's greatest leader while condemning the Tucker Carlson wing of the party for siding with Putin, ultimately arguing that voters will punish incumbents of both parties if government continues to fail.00:00 Introduction01:05 The two types of ex-Repubicans03:40 The bleak future of the two-party system04:30 Trump's military birthday parade07:20 Longterm damage of politicizing the military08:55 Conservative's absurd renaming of Confederate bases11:30 The HUGE price of this military parade13:30 What the $45 million COULD have been used to fix15:10 Why politicizing the military would be end of the republic16:00 How this stunt is escalating tensions w/ ongoing protests17:15 Why this Trump scandal is particularly un-American19:45 Barbara Comstock joins the Chuck ToddCast!20:45 Efforts to reform the Republican party from within23:00 State and local level politics have been less infected by Trumpism25:15 Republicans are required to lie to their voters26:15 Reform will come from the bottom up27:00 Character is a bigger problem for Republicans than ideology28:30 Republicans have given up on character as a voting issue30:30 Winsome Earle-Sears has capitulated to the Trump movement33:15 Should Republicans embrace Trump’s ideology but with high character candidates?35:15 MAGA Republicans don’t care if government doesn’t work36:00 Loyalty is the only qualification Trump cares about39:00 Attrition and incentives are a better way of cutting government42:15 Emergency care for illegal immigrants is mandated by law43:00 Christian Republicans want to kick the samaritan to the curb44:00 Medicaid cuts will cause rural hospitals to close45:00 Medicaid sustains the long term care industry46:45 Congress has abdicated its responsibility to govern48:15 It takes one person of character to begin reforming the GOP49:15 There will be opportunity for reform during the succession fight50:45 When you make government work well, voters notice52:00 Could Republicans get wiped out like the Tories in the UK?53:30 Zelenskyy is the greatest leader on the world stage55:00 The Tucker Carlson wing has sided with Putin56:15 Can a non MAGA Republican win over MAGA voters in the future?58:45 Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon have looked clueless1:00:15 The Republican party has become an anti-intellectual party1:01:30 Has JD Vance always been a charlatan?1:03:30 JD Vance can’t be the future of the party1:04:45 Is Glenn Youngkin redeemable?1:07:00 Trump will want to anoint his successor1:07:30 Who are some current Republicans that could reclaim the GOP?1:10:15 The potential GOP reformer needs to be someone new1:13:15 Voters won’t be kind to incumbents ...
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • 'Prime Minister': MUST-WATCH Documentary Of Jacinda Ardern's INCREDIBLE Story

    'Prime Minister': MUST-WATCH Documentary Of Jacinda Ardern's INCREDIBLE Story
    Jun 11 2025

    Chuck Todd reflects on his recent conversation with Steve Bannon and proposes his theory for what Donald Trump and his MAGA movement's populism is really tapping into not just in America, but as a global phenomenon. Chuck says that the Democrats have an opportunity to position themselves as an opposition party that taps into the American populace's skepticism of concentrated power, and that if the current Democratic leadership isn't equipped to navigate the moment, they could set themselves up to get steamrolled by Trumpism the same way that the George Bush and Mitt Romney wing of the Republican Party did. Chuck goes on to look at some of the races he's most excited for in 2026.

    Chuck Todd welcomes filmmakers Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe to discuss their documentary "Prime Minister," an intimate portrait of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's extraordinary leadership during some of the most challenging moments in recent history. The film, built around Ardern's personal audio diaries that weren't meant to be released until after her death, chronicles her navigation through three defining crises: the Christchurch shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic, and giving birth while in office. The filmmakers had unprecedented access to Ardern, capturing her reflections on leading a nation through tragedy and global upheaval, while New Zealand became the first country to eradicate COVID-19 through decisive leadership and strong public health measures.

    The conversation explores the broader themes of the documentary, including the misogynistic backlash Ardern faced both for her COVID response and her decision to ban semi-automatic weapons after Christchurch. Utz and Walshe discuss the challenge of misinformation during the pandemic, the export of American political mistrust to other democracies, and how Ardern's millennial confidence shaped her leadership style. Despite her international popularity, the filmmakers reveal that Ardern has sworn off politics forever, making this documentary a crucial historical record of her tenure. The film serves as both a case study in crisis leadership and an inspiration for young women considering political careers, showcasing how Ardern became a global role model while navigating the unique pressures facing female leaders in the modern political landscape.

    Finally, he addresses listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!

    00:00 Introduction

    03:50 Steve Bannon's theory about Trump & the global populist movement

    06:10 Why Trump's character is a distraction for Democrats

    08:10 Democrats' advantage as an outsider party

    10:45 New Jersey gubernatorial race

    14:30 Democratic Senate candidates popping up in Iowa

    18:30 Minnesota Senate Democratic primary

    20:45 New candidate alert in Georgia!

    23:00 Louisiana getting rid of runoffs?

    24:10 Mark Green stepping down in Tennesee

    29:30 Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe join the Chuck Toddcast!

    30:30 What was the origin story of their documentary “Prime Minister”

    31:30 How often did they have access to Jacinda Ardern?

    32:50 Ardern’s audio diaries weren’t supposed to be released until she died

    34:00 Ardern showed extraordinary leadership after the Christchurch shooting

    35:30 Adrern’s story wasn’t local and could resonate worldwide

    37:30 Was Ardern surprised when reflecting on her diaries?

    38:30 Ardern had to lead through 2 crises

    39:30 The tentpoles of the documentary are Covid, Christchurch and giving birth in office

    42:30 Great responsibility to get the story right due to historic nature

    44:30 Was Arden’s book coordinated with the release of the documentary?

    45:30 What was the hardest thing to leave out?

    47:30 New Zealand’s great response to Covid relied on strong leadership

    49:30 New Zealand was the first country to eradicate Covid

    51:00 Citizens of every country blamed their leaders for Covid

    52:30 Misinformation was a huge problem during Covid

    53:30 Was there an anti-vax community in NZ prior to Covid?

    54:45 Was the widespread mistrust in the American government exported to NZ?

    55:45 Ardern received terrible misogynistic blowback from the public

    56:30 Was the backlash worse for Covid or for banning semiautomic weapons?

    59:40 Ardern swears she’ll never go into politics again

    1:02:30 Is Ardern more popular outside of New Zealand?

    1:03:45 What do you hope a young female politician takes away from “Prime Minister”?

    1:05:15 Was Ardern’s confidence a byproduct of being a millennial?

    1:07:45 Ardern was a great role model for young women

    1:08:30 Do they have another project planned in the future?

    1:11:40 Where can people see “Prime Minister”?

    1:14:00 Ask Chuck!
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • DC/DOX Film Festival Kicks Off Its THIRD Year!

    DC/DOX Film Festival Kicks Off Its THIRD Year!
    Jun 10 2025
    DC/DOX Film Festival Kicks Off Its THIRD Year! | Chuck Todd Politics PodcastChuck Todd reacts to Donald Trump’s escalating conflict with the state of California and Governor Gavin Newsom over the ICE raids and protests. Chuck warns that if Trump makes good on his threats to arrest Newsom, he could make him a powerful martyr. He also weighs in Barack Obama’s lack of presence for the Democrats while they struggle with a leadership vacuum.Then sits down with Jamie Shor and Sky Sitney, the co-founders of DC/DOX, Washington D.C.'s premier documentary film festival now in its third year. The duo discusses how they merged their individual visions to create a festival that perfectly captures the capital city's unique position as a hub for storytelling about politics, power, and social change. They explore how modern film festivals have evolved from simple showcases to essential curators in an era where the barrier to entry for documentary filmmaking has never been lower, yet the challenge of finding distribution and audience has never been greater.The conversation highlights some of the festival's most compelling offerings, from the visceral war documentary "2000 Meters To Adiivka" to the humorous AI exploration "Deepfaking Sam Altman," and the shocking government surveillance tale "The Spies Among Us." Shor and Sitney discuss the delicate balance between activism and entertainment in documentary filmmaking, the importance of transparency around AI usage in film production, and how their curation reflects the current cultural moment. They also address the ongoing distribution crisis facing independent filmmakers and explain how festivals like DC/DOX provide crucial visibility for smaller creators who lack major studio backing, while partners like Netflix and National Geographic help amplify important voices in documentary storytelling.Finally, he addresses listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:00:00 Introduction02:30 Trump is in a showdown with the state of California03:30 The “Newscum” nickname makes Trump look unserious05:30 The first amendment doesn’t only apply to citizens07:30 The Trump recession has begun08:30 The Big Beautiful Bill fight is going poorly for Republicans09:30 Trump wants to make California a political punching bag10:15 Trumpworld wants to make Gavin Newsom the face of the Democratic party11:30 If Trump arrests Newsom, Newsom could become a martyr12:00 Should Barack Obama be filling the Democratic leadership vacuum?13:30 DNC leadership seems to be paralyzed 14:30 Obama is the only leader the entire coalition trusts17:45 There’s not enough faith in the Democratic bench18:45 Obama has stayed above the fray19:20 Obama speaking out would raise the alarm amongst disengaged voters20:30 Biden failed to make the country turn the page on Trump 22:45 If Trump tries to seek a third term, so can Barack Obama24:00 Jamie Shor & Sky Sitney join the Chuck ToddCast! 25:45 What is DC/DOX and how has it evolved over three years? 28:20 How did Jamie and Sky meld their visions into one? 30:00 Why D.C. is the perfect host city for the festival. 32:30 The barrier to entry for making documentaries is lower than ever 34:30 Modern film festivals are a curator for films rather than just a showcase 36:30 Most of the documentaries presented don't have major studio backing 37:45 Netflix and NatGeo were early partners of DC/DOX 40:15 Festivals provide visibility for smaller filmmakers 41:00 Sky's favorite feature length films being featured at DC/DOX? 42:30 "2000 Meters To Adiivka" is a visceral war documentary 44:15 Jamie's favorite films being featured at DC/DOX? 47:00 What is "Andy Kaufman Is Me" about? 49:00 What is "Barbara Walters Tells Me Everything" about? 51:00 "Deepfaking Sam Altman" is a great and funny exploration of AI 53:00 "The Spies Among Us" is a shocking tale of government surveillance 54:15 What are the best documentary shorts featured at DC/DOX? 58:45 Activist documentaries still have to be entertaining to make change 1:00:45 The films curated have to be reflective of the time 1:02:45 Filmmakers must be transparent about their use of AI1:06:15 AI ethics in filmmaking will continue to evolve 1:07:15 What is the state of the industry for documentary filmmakers? 1:10:00 Is there a distribution crisis in the film industry? 1:12:00 Where do you go to buy tickets or get more info for DC/DOX?01:14:40 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Jamie Short & Sky Sitney 01:15:50 Ask Chuck 01:16:05 Should the US consider Sunday voting & a Presidential Reform Act? 01:24:10 National security book recommendations? 01:29:10 Members seem clueless…who is actually writing the legislation in Congress?
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Sarah McBride Makes HISTORY As First Trans Member Of Congress

    Sarah McBride Makes HISTORY As First Trans Member Of Congress
    Jun 9 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with the apparent de-escalation of the feud between Donald Trump and Elon and why the power imbalance between the two meant that Elon would be forced to back down. Then, he explains why Trump is deliberately manufacturing a crisis by federalizing the National Guard and sending them to LA to deal with protests over ICE raids. He calls it a “political trap” set by Stephen Miller and that the administration has chosen to use California as a political punching bag. He also weighs in on the crisis of leadership at the DNC after an internal call was leaked to the press and why it could be the end of Ken Martin’s time as chair.Then, Chuck welcomes filmmaker Chase Joynt and Congresswoman Sarah McBride to discuss the documentary "State of Firsts," which chronicles McBride's historic journey as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Joynt explains the origins of the film and the decision to focus on McBride's political coming of age amid the intensifying national debate over trans rights. The conversation explores the broader LGBTQ civil rights movement, the challenges of media coverage around trans issues, and how Trump has weaponized transgender Americans as political scapegoats. They discuss the ongoing tensions within the gay community about whether the fight for trans rights is "worth it," and examine how civil rights have historically advanced incrementally through strategic battles.McBride joins the conversation to reflect on the personal toll of being thrust into the spotlight as a symbol for an entire community while trying to serve her Delaware constituents effectively. She discusses the unique pressures that come with being the "first" of any identity group in Congress, the performance incentives that can bring out the worst in politicians, and her approach to picking battles strategically rather than fighting on every front. The discussion touches on Delaware's distinctive political dynamics, her relationship with President Biden, the complexities of the trans women in sports debate, and whether she would accept a meeting with Trump. Throughout, both guests emphasize the importance of seeing transgender people as whole individuals rather than reducing them to a single issue, while acknowledging the weight of representation in advancing civil rights.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding filibuster reform in the Senate, whether age limits for lawmakers are a good idea, and whether Trump would be best served resigning the presidency in order to receive a pardon from JD Vance.Timeline:00:00 Introduction01:15 Trump backs off when dealing with rich and powerful people02:15 Elon is a bridge between MAGA and the tech elite03:00 Steve Bannon says Musk’s money might have made the difference in election05:00 Trump is always for sale, but the deals aren’t stable 06:15 Musk is powerful but not irreplaceable 07:00 Trump could destroy Musk’s companies before his term ends08:45 The fate of our country hinges on a pissing match between two powerful people10:15 Voters think all politicians are equally corrupt11:00 The Trump administration is trying to manufacture a crisis in Los Angeles12:30 What you’re reading and seeing online isn’t what’s happening on the ground13:30 Majority of voters want immigration enforced, but humanely and with due process15:00 Stephen Miller believes he’s setting up a political trap16:15 The administration wants to use California as a cultural punching bag18:00 DNC chair Ken Martin caught on recording saying he might not be up to the job20:00 Martin defined himself as a placeholder with doubts20:45 Democrats don’t know who’s in charge, or who they want to be in charge21:45 Ken Martin will be defined by this moment24:00 Chase Joynt joins the Chuck ToddCast! 25:00 What was the origin of "State of Firsts"? 26:45 Were there any ground rules or "no goes" when creating the film? 28:00 Sarah's ascent to Congress amidst the brewing fight over trans rights 29:45 Is the debate over trans rights being "worth it" still happening in gay community? 31:00 Does the fight for trans rights feel like two steps forward, one step back? 32:30 The value in unearthing the history of the fight for equal LBGTQ rights 34:20 They chose to tell the story of Sarah's political coming of age 36:15 Frustrations with media coverage of the fight for trans rights? 37:00 Trump understands that he created a scapegoat 38:00 The fight over trans women in sports 39:00 Had Chase ever done a political documentary before "State of Firsts"? 41:00 What did you learn about how politics is conducted? 42:30 Politics dominates the public space in America 44:00 What surprised you most after being around congress? 45:15 Being the "first" of an identity group in congress 47:30 The pressure on McBride of being forced to speak on behalf of an entire community 48:45 Civil rights have always been advanced incrementally 51:...
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Donald Trump & Elon Musk In Public FIGHT

    Donald Trump & Elon Musk In Public FIGHT
    Jun 5 2025

    Chuck Todd reacts to the escalating feud brewing between Donald Trump and Elon Musk after Elon’s departure from the administration. He warns the audience… NOBODY can predict where this will go from here.

    Timeline:

    00:00 Trump and Elon attack each other on social media

    01:00 Trump threatens to terminate Elon’s government contracts

    01:20 Elon accuses Trump of being in the Epstein files

    02:30 Trump and Elon think they’ve bought each other's loyalty

    04:15 Trump and Elon are basically the same guy

    05:00 This was the most predictable split

    07:15 Elon doesn’t understand how politics work

    08:45 This feud will run into a reality check at some point

    09:45 They are basically teenagers fighting
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    11 mins
  • Will a THIRD Party Ever Beat Democrats & Republicans?

    Will a THIRD Party Ever Beat Democrats & Republicans?
    Jun 5 2025
    Chuck Todd begins by trying to make sense of the Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump public feud and why Trump will likely be muted in his criticism. Chuck also weighs in on the NYC mayoral race, why Andrew Cuomo shouldn’t be allowed to run this soon after resigning in disgrace and why voters were deprived of closure in the Cuomo scandal.Then, Chuck sits down with Lindsey Williams Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing America's newest third-party movement. Williams discusses the party's "purple" approach to politics, rejecting traditional left-right labels while focusing on governance over party affiliation. The conversation covers the significant barriers third parties face, from institutional pushback to the infrastructure advantages held by Republicans and Democrats, who have "pulled the ladder up behind them" through restrictive ballot access requirements and partisan primaries.Looking ahead to the 2026 and 2028 elections, Drath outlines the Forward Party's strategic approach to building from the ground up at the state level, targeting swing districts and disaffected voters from both major parties. The discussion touches on fusion voting, potential mergers with other independent groups, and the party's unique challenge of maintaining unity without a rigid ideology. Williams also addresses whether candidates with contradictory positions can coexist under one party banner, the role of money in politics, and how the Forward Party plans to avoid becoming a spoiler while building toward federal party status and meaningful electoral competition.Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ question in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding whether he’d ever consider working in the White House comms shop, what type of leader could best correct the erosion of American democracy, and who he thinks are the top 3 candidates to be at the top of the Democratic ticket in 2028.Timeline:00:00 Introduction02:30 There is tremendous dissatisfaction with both political parties04:00 What to make of the Elon Musk vs Donald Trump feud?05:00 One party governance breeds bad governance07:30 Trump vs Musk was always going to be a test of wills08:30 Trump isn’t as aggressive with people wealthier than him10:15 Democrats likely won’t forgive Elon if he turns on Trump11:30 Winner of the Democratic NYC mayoral primary will be the mayor12:45 Andrew Cuomo hasn’t lived in NYC in 35 years13:45 Cuomo shouldn’t have resigned because we never got closure on accusations15:45 If you resign in disgrace, there needs to be an electoral penalty16:30 Cuomo never faced an impeachment trial18:30 Multiple governors have resigned in order to dodge investigations21:00 We never got an accounting of Al Franken’s ethics committee report23:00 Cuomo shouldn’t be able to run again so soon24:00 Lindsey Williams Drath joins the Chuck ToddCast! 24:50 What is the Forward Party and what do they believe? 26:30 Barriers to entry for a third party 27:10 There's growing sentiment for the need for a third party 28:30 There's major institutional pushback to third parties 29:30 Republicans and Democrats have an infrastructure advantage 30:20 10-year goal. What is success? 31:15 Built the party from the ground up at the state level 32:30 Andrew Yang's role in building the party 35:30 Administrative roles in Forward Party 37:45 Goal for the midterms is not a third party spoiler; but party-building; state level 40:15 Working toward federal party status; looking at seats in 2026 & 2028 42:10 What districts will they be targeting? 44:30 How Forward candidates can register for ballot access 47:00 Major parties have pulled the ladder up behind them. 47:50 Partisan primaries are unconstitutional 49:30 Defining fusion voting 51:30 Merging with the Independence Party? 53:15 There are lots of disaffected voters; and many "formers" in the Forward Party 55:45 We need to prioritize governance over party affiliation 57:30 What did the Problem Solvers Caucus fail at? 59:00 Lisa Murkowski building trust from her base while caucusing with both parties 59:45 John Cornyn missing opportunity to be more independent from GOP 1:01:45 What's stopping candidates from working with the Forward party? 1:03:45 What candidates do they want to target? What's the win? 1:05:30 Voters have closer relationships with mayors & governors1:08:50 The Forward Party is planning a convention 1:10:45 Can you be a political party that doesn't have an ideology or candidates that contradict? 1:14:30 Money in politics & government debt are linked1:27:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Lindsey Willams Drath 1:30:30 Ask Chuck 1:30:45 Would you ever want to work at the White House in communications? 1:34:15 What type of leader can fix the erosion of our democracy and civic unity? 1:38:30 Which three democrats are most likely to win the nomination in 28?
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    1 hr and 34 mins
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