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
  • The REAL Epstein Coverup + The FCC Is Violating The 1st Amendment + Why Gen Z Swung To Trump & How Democrats Can Win Them Back

    The REAL Epstein Coverup + The FCC Is Violating The 1st Amendment + Why Gen Z Swung To Trump & How Democrats Can Win Them Back
    Jul 28 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with the public and media feeding frenzy over Donald Trump and the Epstein files and explains that the best explanation for the administration’s defensiveness is that Trump’s reputation would be tarnished rather than Trump being implicated in crimes. He also weighs in on the FCC and chairman Brendan Carr deciding that the government should have a role in editorial decisions for broadcast networks and why that’s a clear violation of the first amendment. He also breaks down recent polling that shows how badly the Democratic brand is with the general public.Then, John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics joins Chuck to dissect the political awakening of America's youngest voters and the warning signs Democrats can't afford to ignore. Della Volpe explains why Harris's underperformance with young voters compared to Biden signals a deeper crisis for Democrats, particularly with young men who have been drifting away from the party for years. The conversation explores how economic anxiety trumps cultural issues when voters are struggling, why Trump's approval rating is cratering below 30% with under-30 voters despite his election victory, and how COVID-19 became a defining generational experience that shaped Gen Z's worldview in ways politicians are only beginning to understand.The discussion delves into the complex psychology of young male voters, from Della Volpe's "10 archetypes" framework to why many feel abandoned by institutions and drawn to figures like Charlie Kirk who project strength. Della Volpe argues that while Gen Z has largely given up on Washington, they remain deeply engaged in their local communities—as evidenced by progressive victories like Mamdani's win when young voters feel genuinely heard. The episode tackles uncomfortable truths about how Democrats might be losing the messaging war to MAGA influencers, why the party can’t manufacture its own "Joe Rogan," and whether this generation that "loves Bernie and hates woke" will ultimately become transformational political actors shaped by Trump-era strongman politics.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction02:00 Gen Z’s politics haven’t been set in stone yet03:30 Huge trend in voters registered as “No Party”05:30 Epstein feeding frenzy is being driven by algorithms07:15 If Maxwell had more info, why didn’t she talk in exchange for a lesser sentence?08:45 The biggest question mark is Trump’s defensiveness09:45 There was no Epstein “cover up” by the media11:45 The most likely explanation is that releasing files would tarnish Trump13:15 The DOJ is losing all credibility with the public15:15 The information ecosystem is terrible and unregulated AI will make it worse*16:30 Elon giving Grok a political bias will make people think all AI’s are biased17:15 FCC restrictions will turn CBS into state television18:45 Most important diversity in a newsroom is geography and socioeconomic20:30 Our news ecosystem has been hijacked by the Epstein conspiracy22:00 The FCC is violating the first amendment24:00 Brendan Carr believes the FCC’s job is to dictate content26:15 Newsroom leaders have mostly stayed silent on FCC overreach29:45 Epstein story shows that the public can be whipped up by misinformation31:00 “How to” guide for assessing public polling34:00 Polling with registered voters is good for R’s, “All adults” polls good for D’s35:45 Dems only lead by 3 points on the generic ballot37:00 Democrats 60% unfavorable in same WSJ poll39:00 Dems can be unpopular and still win the midterms41:00 Voters trust Republicans in Congress on most issues43:15 A midterm electorate is much different than the entire population45:15 John Della Volpe joins the Chuck ToddCast! 46:45 When Democrats win 60% of the youth vote, they win 48:15 Harris did worse with both young men and women than Biden in 20' 49:45 Democrats' problem with young men has been brewing for years 51:30 Democrats need to get closer to voters 52:45 Did Obama create a coalition that was unique to him? 54:30 Abortion was a more salient issue in 22' than in 24' 55:30 When the economy is bad, cultural issues take a backseat 57:45 Trump hasn't addressed cost of living and his approval is dropping 59:45 Trump's approval is under 30% with voters under 30 1:01:00 Where do Millennials and Gen-Z align and diverge? 1:03:00 Covid was a defining moment for Gen-Z 1:04:45 Migration patterns are south and west, not north 1:06:15 Gen-Z knows they won't do as well as their parents 1:07:15 Eras tour showed Gen-Z craves in-person experiences and community 1:10:15 Can Democrats manufacture a "Joe Rogan of the left"? 1:11:45 Young men came out of Covid more isolated than young women 1:12:45 MAGA developed relationships with influencers outside of politics 1:14:15 Young men grow up with expectations...
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Epstein Backlash Could Fracture Trump’s Coalition + Could AOC Become President? + Will Israel Divide Democrats

    Epstein Backlash Could Fracture Trump’s Coalition + Could AOC Become President? + Will Israel Divide Democrats
    Jul 24 2025
    Epstein Backlash Could Fracture Trump’s Coalition + Could AOC Become President? + Will Israel Divide Democrats Chuck Todd begins with the story that won’t quit: Jeffrey Epstein. He explains why failing to release the files amounts to a major broken campaign promise to Donald Trump’s base and why it could fracture the Republican coalition if they can’t find a resolution by the time the house reconvenes in September. He also addresses the resolution to his Google AI debacle and highlights the challenges and opportunities being presented to independent parties.Then, Semafor's editor-in-chief, Ben Smith joins Chuck to discuss the evolving media landscape and the challenges facing modern journalism. Smith explains Semafor's mission to operate without paywalls while producing network-quality content, and explores how new technology causes media to fragment before consolidating. The conversation delves into the transition from print to digital journalism, the incentive structures that drive sensationalized content for clicks, and how the current fragmented media environment mirrors pre-World War II politics rather than the more stable Cold War era.The discussion also covers major political developments, including the implications of New York City's mayoral race results and what they reveal about energy on the political left. Smith and Todd analyze the prospects of various Democratic figures like AOC and Hakeem Jeffries, the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel-Palestine, and Trump's immigration policies that appear to be testing voter patience. They conclude by examining whether America's polarized politics are being exported to Israel or if Israel's political dynamics are a preview of America's future, while touching on the broader question of whether wealthy elites recognize the growing populist sentiment against them.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction02:45 Trump can’t shake the Epstein story04:00 Some Republican voters have been “conditioned” on Epstein conspiracy06:00 Trump voters will view Epstein files as a broken campaign promise 08:30 Republican members of congress are breaking with Trump10:15 Shutting down the house made the problem worse12:30 Trump has made his relationship with Epstein the story14:15 J.D. Vance’s response to birthday card was BAD16:00 Trump fed deep state conspiracies, now he’s becoming the deep state17:30 This story could blow over by the fall, or could stick for a long time20:15 Trump can’t blame the mainstream media to distract22:00 If they don’t rip the band-aid off, the Republican party could fracture23:30 Trump should tell Mike Johnson to reconvene the house and deal with it24:00 Google’s AI has fixed incorrect report of Chuck having Parkinson’s 26:15 Delta Airlines announces that they’ll be using AI to set fares27:30 Surveillance pricing is predatory29:00 Roy Cooper will run for senate in NC, will Lara Trump?31:00 The demographic makeup of independent voters33:00 The best constituency for independent candidates is young voters34:30 Ballot access is the biggest hurdle for independent candidates35:30 Semafor's Ben Smith joins the Chuck ToddCast! 37:30 New tech causes media to fragment, then consolidate 38:30 Semafor's mission and approach to reporting 41:00 Why has Semafor decided to operate without a paywall? 44:30 Independent outlets can produce network quality content 46:00 Journalists owning their own content and reporting 49:00 The bumpy transition from print journalism to digital 51:00 There's always a version of mainstream media that's dying 53:15 The Cold War stabilized our politics, our current politics is like pre-WW2 54:30 The current media model is incentivized to spread lies for clicks 55:45 Pedophilia is central to every right wing conspiracy about the left 57:30 When does this Epstein firestorm end? 58:00 Sexual smears have been central to politics for centuries 59:45 NYC Mayor race result will reverberate around the world 1:00:45 Mamdani win shows where the real energy is on the left 1:03:30 Democratic leaders failed by letting Cuomo become the candidate 1:06:30 Would Hakeem Jeffries have been the strongest mayoral candidate? 1:07:30 Surprising that Schumer still wants to be senate leader? 1:08:45 AOC's prospects if she runs for president? 1:10:30 AOC is one of the best political athletes in congress 1:12:30 Voters on both sides have a "burn it down" mentality 1:13:45 Democrats will likely move Iowa back to the first primary slot 1:15:00 Progressive candidates have struggled in South Carolina 1:16:30 History won't be a guide to the next election 1:18:30 The internal divide over Israel will factor into the Democratic primary 1:22:00 Pro-palestinian voices in media actually have been silenced 1:24:00 Is Israel's politics our future or did we export our politics to Israel? 1:...
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    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • Epstein and Hunter Biden are “Shiny Objects” + Who Succeeds Trump? + The Real-Life Spycraft & Geopolitics Inspiring Daniel Silva's Books

    Epstein and Hunter Biden are “Shiny Objects” + Who Succeeds Trump? + The Real-Life Spycraft & Geopolitics Inspiring Daniel Silva's Books
    Jul 23 2025
    Chuck Todd begins by addressing the “two shiny objects” in media this week: Epstein and Hunter Biden. He compares Donald Trump’s defensive, suspicious response to the Epstein files to his response to the Russia investigation in his first term, and explains why Trump’s denials won’t appease the conspiracists in his base. He comments on Hunter Biden’s recent appearances in media and explains why he wouldn’t book him for the ToddCast. He also examines the field of candidates that could succeed Trump for the Republican nomination in 2028.Then, best-selling novelist Daniel Silva joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation about his acclaimed Gabriel Allon spy thriller series and the craft of writing. Silva discusses how real-world events and changing global perceptions, particularly around Israel, inform his fictional narratives, while sharing behind-the-scenes insights into his research process—from Vatican experiences to staying current with evolving spycraft and art restoration techniques. The conversation reveals how Silva has attracted high-profile fans like Presidents Clinton and Bush, and explores his concerns about populist movements and antisemitic elements within contemporary politics.The discussion also delves into Silva's creative process, his passion for art and restoration, and his thoughts on the future of publishing in an AI-dominated world. Silva reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of writers, the evolution of independent bookstores, and whether artificial intelligence poses a threat to novelists who dream of building long-running series like his 25-book Gabriel Allon collection. The episode concludes with Silva's summer reading recommendations and a playful question about whether he ever dreams as his famous protagonist.Finally, he reflects on the life of Ozzy Ozborne and the impact Ozborne made on him growing up, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction01:30 Resurrecting and revitalizing local news02:30 The best journalism is done in service of local audiences05:00 Michigan gubernatorial race has three viable candidates08:00 The two shiny objects this week are Epstein and Hunter Biden09:30 Mike Johnson shut down the house out of fear of Epstein vote12:00 There are enough facts in the Epstein case to validate the conspiracists14:30 Crazy is rewarded in Republican primaries16:30 Trump’s behavior creates suspicion, like he did with Russia18:00 Trump doesn’t own the conspiracist base, he borrowed it20:00 Trump is trying all kinds of distractions21:15 Obama allegations are pure distraction and propaganda23:30 Hunter Biden doesn’t offer any value as a guest in media24:30 Hunter’s media appearances don’t do Joe Biden or Dems any good26:00 Running for president can do major damage to a candidate’s family27:30 A president has to put the country over their family30:15 There’s no “invisible primary” on the Republican side31:30 The runner up usually becomes the next Republican nominee33:30 Will the front runner be someone Trump anoints?35:00 If Trump tanks the economy, it could open up the primary36:00 The different archetypes of potential Trump successors42:15 The primary will be a campaign for the affection of Trump42:45 Daniel Silva joins the Chuck ToddCast! 44:00 Do you know the title of a book before writing it? 45:15 Do you get to know Daniel by reading his books? 46:45 The real world informs the imagined world of his books 49:45 How have changing perceptions of Israel informed his book? 51:15 No desire to write about the Israel/Palestine conflict 52:45 Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are both fans of the books 55:00 The books reflect the importance of institutions 56:45 Populists on both sides don't care about the post cold war order 57:30 The MAGA movement is dripping with antisemetic elements 59:00 Daniel's journey into Vatican themed fiction 1:01:15 Daniel's personal experiences at the Vatican 1:02:15 Where did his passion for art come from? 1:03:45 How does he keep up with changing trends in spycraft and art? 1:06:45 When does art go from restoration to completely remodeled? 1:09:30 What defines a "fraudulent restoration"? 1:10:45 How much are actual intelligence agents part of your source material? 1:11:45 Gabriel Allon wouldn't have pulled the trigger on the Israeli "beeper" op 1:13:15 Cell phones are the greatest surveillance tool ever created 1:15:00 Will you pivot to China as the boogeyman in the books? 1:15:45 How many more Gabriel Allon books are left to be written? 1:18:15 Does Daniel's family see their own stories in his books? 1:19:15 The evolution of the publishing/printing industry 1:21:45 Independent bookstores need to host events to sell books 1:25:00 The ability of AI to write in your voice 1:26:00 More worried about societal disruptions caused by AI 1:27:00 Skills you can pass to a child might not be ...
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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • The More Trump Succeeds, The Less Popular He Gets + Trump Can’t Turn The Page On Epstein + Why America Needs a Constitutional Convention

    The More Trump Succeeds, The Less Popular He Gets + Trump Can’t Turn The Page On Epstein + Why America Needs a Constitutional Convention
    Jul 21 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with new polling that shows that the more Donald Trump enacts his promised agenda, the less the public likes it. He also highlights that Trump is underwater with the public on immigration, which was his strongest issue. Chuck also discusses the many distraction tactics Trump has unsuccessfully deployed to distract from the Epstein files, and previews the brewing battle over gerrymandering.Then, Harvard professor and former presidential candidate Lawrence Lessig joins Chuck Todd to tackle one of America's most persistent political problems: campaign finance reform. Despite overwhelming public support for getting money out of politics, meaningful reform has remained elusive for decades. Lessig discusses his innovative legal strategy to challenge Super PACs at the Supreme Court, arguing that if direct campaign contributions can be limited, then unlimited Super PAC spending should face the same restrictions. He explains how an originalist interpretation of the First Amendment could win over conservative justices like Barrett and Gorsuch, potentially ending the era of unlimited political spending that has dominated elections since Citizens United.The conversation expands beyond campaign finance to explore broader constitutional reforms, including the possibility of a constitutional convention that could address everything from electoral college reform to fractional voting systems. Lessig argues that both Trump supporters and traditional Democrats share a desire to reduce the influence of money in politics, creating unprecedented bipartisan momentum for change. He envisions citizens assemblies that could help reconnect politics with ordinary Americans' concerns, while discussing practical reforms like multi-member districts and proportional electoral vote allocation that states could implement immediately. The episode offers both hope and concrete pathways for restoring democratic governance "by the people" rather than by wealthy donors and special interests.Finally, Chuck gives his thoughts on The Open Championship, the lack of leadership for the Washington Nationals and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction02:45 The more Trump succeeds on his terms, the less popular he becomes04:15 Trump’s aggressive immigration approach is receiving backlash08:00 The public is starting to feel the pain from Trump’s economic agenda10:00 A strong majority believe Trump isn’t prioritizing deporting criminals12:00 Immigration was Trump’s best issue, now he’s underwater in polling14:00 Deportations will have a massive negative effect on the economy15:30 All of Trump’s policies will contribute to inflation17:15 The public wants the Fed to remain independent.19:15 Trump’s approval rating has continually dropped21:00 America could end up with a string of one term presidents22:00 89% of Americans want the Epstein files released23:00 Tulsi Gabbard’s Obama/Russia conspiracy is a distraction from Epstein26:00 Russian election interference has been proven28:00 Trump’s latest distraction is demanding sports teams change names29:45 Trump demanded release of grand jury testimony to buy time32:15 Michael Wolff says Epstein believed Trump turned him in 33:45 Huge battle brewing over gerrymandering/redistricting35:15 Democrats willing to cede the moral high ground and aggressively gerrymander37:00 Trump has normalized anti-democratic behavior39:00 A constitutional convention could address many modern issues40:15 Professor Lawrence Lessig joins The Chuck ToddCast! 42:15 Why can't we get traction on campaign finance reform? 43:45 Most Americans want reform but don't think it's possible 45:45 Is Trump's "pay to play" system making reform more likely? 47:30 Effort to challenge Super PACs at the Supreme Court 49:30 If outside money isn't quid pro quo, then why aren't campaign contributions? 50:45 If you can limit campaign contributions, why not Super PACs? 52:45 When can you get your case in front of the Supreme Court? 54:15 The 1st amendment doesn't say anything about contributions 56:15 Does Congress need to pass a new law if you win the case? 57:15 Winning the case would effectively end Super PACs 1:00:30 The two justices to win over are Barrett and Gorsuch 1:02:30 Winning the argument by following originalism 1:04:30 There are clear examples of quid pro quo for donations 1:05:30 Will they try to change contribution limits if you win? 1:06:15 Trump supporters also want money out of politics 1:08:30 Electors not being able to vote their conscience is unconstitutional 1:11:00 Conservatives have been pining for a constitutional convention 1:12:00 What issues would be on the table at a convention? 1:13:45 There's bipartisan energy to reform campaign finance 1:15:15 Issues addressed at a convention would need support of 34 states 1:17:15 What would surprise the founders the most about modern ...
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Will The Epstein Files Bring Down Trump? + How Big Tech Is Weaponizing Your Data Against You w/ Lina Khan

    Will The Epstein Files Bring Down Trump? + How Big Tech Is Weaponizing Your Data Against You w/ Lina Khan
    Jul 17 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with the growing firestorm surrounding President Donad Trump’s decision to withhold the Epstein files and why his behavior is only adding to the suspicion. He explains why Epstein is a central figure to the QAnon conspiracy many Trump supporters subscribe to, and why Trump’s continued dismissals of a theory he has fed for years will only further fracture his base and prolong the outrage over his broken promise to release all the files.Then, Chuck is joined by formal FTC Chair Lina Khan to reflect on her transformative tenure leading the Federal Trade Commission and the critical battles she fought against corporate monopolization. Khan discusses how the concentration of corporate power today mirrors the early 20th century, exploring whether capitalism itself is failing as tech giants like Google and Amazon wield unprecedented control over commerce, media distribution, and information flow. She delves into the surveillance economy that has emerged from companies monetizing user data, the regulatory challenges posed by AI development, and controversial practices like surveillance pricing and non-compete agreements that trap both consumers and workers.Khan also addresses the structural limitations of the FTC, noting how the agency is too small for its ambitious mission, while highlighting unexpected bipartisan support from the populist right for her antitrust work. The conversation covers her efforts to tackle everything from pharmacy benefit managers and subscription cancellation difficulties to the urgent need for algorithm regulation, particularly for content affecting children. As she prepares to leave the FTC, Khan reflects on the media's focus on markets rather than the broader economy, the ongoing fight for data privacy rights, and the "ferocious pushback" lawmakers face when challenging powerful corporate interests, offering practical advice for consumers seeking to protect their privacy in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape.Finally, Chuck shares his experience of discovering that Google’s Gemini AI claims that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease… which is not true. Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction01:30 Seemed like Trump would fire Jay Powell to distract from Epstein03:30 Markets reacted badly to potential firing of Powell04:15 Trump attacks his own supporters over Epstein06:15 “Hoax” is Trumpspeak for not having a good explanation08:00 Trump’s behavior is creating more suspicion11:30 Most Epstein associates probably just looked the other way12:30 The more defiant Trump sounds, the more guilty he looks13:15 Most right wing media has fallen in line behind Trump14:15 Michael Flynn is the pope of QAnon, and is expressing doubts16:45 The central tenet of QAnon is the idea of an elite pedophile cabal18:15 If Trump says it’s a hoax, it knocks down the foundational pillar of Qanon19:00 Epstein became the face of the conspiracy20:30 Trump and his associates have fed the conspiracy theorists for years22:00 If they had evidence of crimes, they would have brought charges23:45 This could be the moment Trump supporters finally feel conned25:15 Trump’s age is showing, possible health issue they won’t disclose28:00 You can’t trust any press release the administration puts out29:30 Trump won’t get out of the Epstein debacle unscathed31:15 Lina Khan joins the Chuck ToddCast! 32:15 Lina's path to becoming the FTC chair 34:15 Concentration of corporate power is similar to the early 20th century 37:15 Is capitalism failing? 39:00 Large corporations control the distribution of media and information 40:15 Will the consolidation of power destroy the media ecosystem? 42:00 Google and Amazon have enormous power over commerce 43:00 Why are users forced to give up their data in order to use a product? 43:45 Companies monetized by surveilling users 45:15 South Park perfectly parodied the concept of "Terms and Conditions" 46:30 Making the same regulatory mistakes with AI that we did with social media? 47:45 The barrier to entry to starting an AI company is very high 48:45 Collected data is being used for surveillance pricing 49:30 Is the FTC set up to be proactive or reactive? 50:30 Non-compete agreements are being used to trap employees 51:30 The FTC is too small for its mission 52:15 The populist right supported Lina's work at FTC 54:15 Can independent pharmacists survive in this market? 55:45 Why do pharmacy benefit managers exist? 57:30 What cases that she pursued has the FTC continued to ligitage? 59:45 Subscriptions are incredibly difficult to cancel 1:01:00 Companies have made subscriptions their business model 1:03:45 How do you make the public aware of your work at the FTC? 1:06:15 The media covers markets rather than the economy 1:08:30 Who is regulating algorithms? 1:09:45 There's a massive need for regulating algorithms that affect kids 1:11:00 Will we ever get a data "bill of rights" or ...
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • January 6th & Trump Assassination Attempt HAUNT American Politics + Showdown Between Newsom & Texas Over Gerrymandering

    January 6th & Trump Assassination Attempt HAUNT American Politics + Showdown Between Newsom & Texas Over Gerrymandering
    Jul 16 2025
    Chuck Todd begins with a rant about his beloved Washington Nationals before pivoting to Trump strong-arming congressman Zach Nunn into running for reelection and Texas into holding a mid decade restricting process to try and maintain control of the house. He weighs in on California governor Gavin Newsom’s threat to gerrymander his state in response to Texas and why that plan may not work. He also surveys the state of several 2026 races. Then, Chuck is joined by renowned CBS News Capitol Hill correspondent Scott MacFarlane who delivers an unflinching analysis of American politics in the post-January 6th era and recounts his harrowing experience of being in attendance during the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. MacFarlane, drawing from his extensive experience covering the insurrection trials and congressional proceedings, explores how the events of January 6th continue to reshape the political landscape, from Trump's recent blanket pardons to the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party. He provides insider perspectives on the Secret Service's challenges during campaign season, the diverse backgrounds of January 6th defendants, and the broader implications of political violence in American democracy.The conversation spans critical topics including the decline of local journalism, the judiciary's politicization, and the increasingly siloed information ecosystem that defines modern American politics. MacFarlane offers candid insights into the DOJ's handling of January 6th prosecutions under Merrick Garland, the death threats faced by trial witnesses, and how Trump's survival of the Butler assassination attempt reinforced his supporters' belief in divine intervention. The discussion also touches on contemporary challenges facing journalists, from the pressure to develop personal brands to declining morale in newsrooms, while examining ongoing political realignments and the future of democratic institutions in America.Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment about Trump trying to rescind some of Biden’s late-term pardons, Gavin Newsom’s political evolution and why Dan Osborne is running for senate rather than governor in Nebraska.Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction00:45 James Wood didn’t have competent pitching in HR derby02:00 Lack of summer sports programming04:45 Trump has unprecedented control over the Republican party07:30 Zach Nunn flirting with run with Iowa governor or switching seats09:30 Trump forced Nunn into seeking reelection 10:30 Trump strong arming Texas into mid decade redistricting11:45 Additional gerrymandering is risky for Texas Republicans13:30 Gavin Newsom threatens to gerrymander CA in response to Texas15:15 Newsom’s rhetoric may not match the political reality16:30 Republicans are trying to rig their house majority17:30 Donald Trump is dictating all of these actions18:15 Trump is trying to destroy Thomas Massie for no vote on BBB19:15 Republicans risk candidates being tied to an unpopular president21:15 Democrats are grappling with whether to fight fire with fire23:15 Gerrymandering fights are popping up around the country24:30 The White House is obsessed with holding the house26:00 Trumpworld will stoke fear of impeachment to juice turnout27:00 NRSC has gone all-in on stopping Ken Paxton in Texas28:15 John Cornyn could walk away and back Wesley Hunt30:30 Susan Collins is raising money as if she’s seeking reelection31:30 Jonathan Bush may run for governor in Maine32:45 Mary Peltola may run for governor or senate in Alaska35:15 The PGA Tour announcing a new tournament at Trump Doral38:00 Scott MacFarlane joins the Chuck ToddCast! 38:30 Scott's origin story 40:30 Local news has been decimated in recent years 42:30 People have the closest connection with local news outlets 44:30 Local news should be targeting millennial parents 46:30 Why was the response to the Butler assassination attempt so muted? 48:30 Secret service is stretched thin during campaign season 49:30 Was the secret service underresourced? 51:00 Scott felt the vibe was "off" at the event 53:00 If Trump hadn't survived, the crowd would have attacked media 54:15 Trump surviving created a divine intervention belief in his supporters 57:00 Many J6ers admitted "they don't know what got into them" 58:30 The J6ers are an incredibly diverse group of people 59:45 Only two J6ers were acquitted 1:01:00 The electorate sees almost everything through a red/blue lens 1:02:30 The senate broke the judiciary 1:03:30 There's only ONE apologetic January 6th defendant 1:05:00 Republicans now in congress wouldn't condemn J6 1:07:15 The blanket pardon was Trump condoning political violence 1:08:45 Have all the DOJ prosecutors who worked on J6 cases been fired? 1:10:00 People who testified at J6 trials have received death threats 1:12:30 Merrick Garland slow rolled DOJ's J6 prosecutions 1:14:30 It's surprising how quickly ...
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    1 hr and 53 mins