United States Senator from Ohio
POPULARITY
A new Graham Platner story dropped today, and it answers one question while opening about a dozen others. The reporting centers on an ex-girlfriend from his time in Washington who describes behavior that she says included being yanked out of cabs, shaken by the shoulders, blocked from leaving rooms, and subjected to bizarre conversations about violence and power. The Platner campaign does not appear to dispute many of the specifics. Instead, it continues to insist that none of this amounts to sexual assault. Their strategy is obvious: keep this campaign alive until July 10, the last day under Maine law that Democrats could replace him on the ballot.The problem is that the list of people the campaign says are actually the problem keeps getting longer. First it was the former campaign manager. Now it's an ex-girlfriend. The campaign has gone out of its way to point out that the woman worked in Republican politics years ago. Maybe that's relevant, maybe it isn't. What matters politically is that this is now the second woman in a week whose allegations are being dismissed while the campaign asks everyone to focus on Graham Platner instead. Meanwhile, the campaign's own internal polling reportedly has him four points ahead of Susan Collins. That's not exactly reassuring when a public poll from late May had him up nine. If you're releasing a poll to save a candidacy and it shows you've lost five points, that's not great.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The bigger issue remains the stuff we still don't know. The dating stories are damaging, but the Kik story is the Pandora's box. That's the ugly stuff. What's behind that door? The potential answer is why this scandal continues to dominate the conversation. Platner's goal now is simple: survive the primary, survive the next month, and make it to July 10. If he's still standing then, Democrats may have no choice but to circle the wagons.Elsewhere, there was a polling shocker in Ohio. A Fox News poll found Sherrod Brown leading Senator John Husted by eight points, 53 to 45. If we start seeing more polls like that, Democrats may have found one of their best pickup opportunities. Brown is a known quantity in Ohio. If the environment continues to improve for Democrats, it may not matter how exciting or energetic his campaign is. He could simply coast on familiarity and favorable conditions.California, meanwhile, continues to count ballots at a pace that seems designed to test the limits of human patience. The governor's race is still unresolved, and Los Angeles mayoral results remain in flux. What frustrates me is that this is a choice. California mails ballots to everyone and allows ballots to arrive days after the election. Fine. But there's no reason the ballots already in hand couldn't be processed faster. Instead, the state releases vote drops so slowly that candidates can spend weeks appearing to lead or trail before the public gets anything close to a final picture. I genuinely think that's bad for democracy because people are not wired to watch somebody lead by eight points and then potentially lose weeks later.That brings us to Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman. Prediction markets currently have Raman favored to make the general election despite Pratt holding second place. I don't understand the math. Raman gained ground in the latest vote drop, but not nearly at the pace she would need to overtake him. Maybe future batches change that. Maybe they don't. But when prediction markets start pricing in outcomes that don't seem to match the publicly available numbers, people begin assuming something else is going on. That's another reason the endless California count is so damaging. Even if everything is perfectly legitimate, the process encourages suspicion in ways that simply don't seem necessary.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:01:20 - Graham Platner00:09:22 - Ohio and California00:14:58 - Interview with Reese Gorman00:30:18 - John Bolton00:32:01 - Todd Blanche00:34:26 - College Sports Bill00:41:28 - Interview with Reese Gorman, con't01:01:43 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
David Waldman and Greg Dworkin ponder and elucidate the world's mysteries and conundrums on today's KITM, and probably their off hours as well. As polls go, Donald K. Trump is the loserest. While Trump loses, folks prefer Sherrod Brown even more. Not just in comparison to Trump, but to the palooka he's running against, too. Zohran's Mamdanimentum mounts even after election. People now publicly cheer his political ads! It's Zohran vs Donald at Knicks' Game 3 at Madison Square Garden! Momentum always seems to be heading in the opposite direction of Graham Platner, but he presses on. The Trump Supreme Court gives Alabama a chance to use a map already found to be unconstitutional, which wouldn't seem like something SCOTUS would do, until you remember that they aren't SCOTUS anymore. The Gop House voted for a resolution to end the Iran war, which everyone knows that we won through obliteration ages ago, like Viet Nam. Meanwhile, the Senate voted to finally consider funding immigration enforcement agencies, following their decision to pretend that Trump has given up on his Jan 6 slush fund.
The Ohio Senate race will be one of the most closely-watched of the November election, but voters are not limited to choosing between Jon Husted and Sherrod Brown... Findlay native Bill Redpath is also vying for the seat on the Libertarian ticket (at 13:58) --- Community and Business Spotlight: It says 'farmers' right in their name, but Legacy Farmers Cooperative serves more than just the agriculture community (at 26:34) --- The push is on to find more mentors to connect with kids in the community... The Children's Mentoring Connection is hosting a series of virtual events to get the word out (at 44:38)
Tonight on The Last Word: A group of former federal judges asks the court to probe the “slush fund." Also, Sen. Cory Booker demands DHS shut down a NJ ICE facility. Plus, polls show a tight race for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat. And The Wall Street Journal reports suspicious oil trades trigger an investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Cory Booker, Sherrod Brown, and David Uberti join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Last Trade: Vijay Boyapati, author of The Bullish Case for Bitcoin, joins to argue the bottom is in on what he calls a relatively shallow bear market, why the $100K-era whale distribution into ETF hands sets up a stronger base for the next run, what Charles Schwab onboarding 40 million clients through a Bitcoiner-led trading platform means for adoption, the Clarity Act expected to pass in the next month or two, and where Michael Saylor's stretch preferred-share strategy is starting to add real risk to Bitcoin.---
Today's episode is a heartfelt dive into the wild, wonderful world of rural health care, featuring the utterly inspiring Tami DeCoteau. We explore everything from Native American trauma to the magic of telemedicine and, of course, the political circus affecting mental health funding. Why does Tami love her rural practice? How do social media and AI impact our minds? And what's the deal with farmers feeling more stressed than a coffee addict on decaf? Heidi and Joel also discuss upcoming Senate and governor races, focusing on Sherrod Brown's potential return to the Senate, the political landscape in Ohio, and insights into key electoral strategies. They analyze the implications of recent political developments and candidate choices, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the current US political climate.In this episode:The explosive need for mental health services in rural and Native American populationsHow telemedicine is becoming the unsung hero in rural mental health careChallenges of attracting providers to North Dakota—money, roads, and reputationThe importance of trauma-informed care and how childhood experiences shape nervous systemsThe impact of economic stress, especially on farmers, and rising political tensionsHow social media and AI are rewiring our brains—think of it as mental cord-cutting gone wrongThe future of rural health policy (more resources, better pay, and less stigma)The missing link: the pipeline of Native American psychologists and why rural providers are hard to findPlus, a quick political roundup, because who doesn't love some political banter?Guests:Tami DeCoteau - DeCoteau Trauma-Informed Care & PracticeAnd don't forget to tell your friends, especially the ones who believe mental health is just "a phase," because Tami proves it's a lifelong mission.The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction to Rural Health Care Challenges (03:01) - The Importance of Telemedicine in Rural Areas (05:43) - Understanding the Demographics of Mental Health Clients (09:00) - Building Trust in Rural Communities (11:43) - The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health (14:52) - Economic Stress and Mental Health in Farming Communities (17:58) - The Role of AI in Mental Health (20:57) - Policy Changes for Rural Mental Health (23:27) - The Need for More Mental Health Providers (26:37) - Future Directions for Rural Mental Health Services (33:52) - Sherrod Brown's Senate Race Prospects (36:46) - Political Landscape and Implications for Ohio
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories Jim and Greg covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch. This week, Jim was away and guest hosts included Inez Stepman of Independent Women, Hillsdale College Radio General Manager Scot Bertram, and radio and podcast host Craig Collins.This week our biggest stories included Republican voters in Kentucky soundly defeating Rep. Thomas Massie, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saying she wants to "explore" non-citizen voting, former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown dodging answers on ket issues as he tries to return to the Senate, and the weird congressional obsession with Daylight Saving Time.First, Inez and Greg react to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie losing decisively to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein. They also examine how Massie's image shifted from principled libertarian conservative to a frequent obstacle to the broader GOP agenda.Next, Scot and Greg chronicle Karen Bass saying she is willing to explore non-citizen voting in LA. Scot explains how the left's arguments about citizenship are wildly inconsistent. Greg believes the Democrats' goals on this issue are crystal clear.Then, Craig and Greg get a good laugh out of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was voted out of office in 2024 and running for U.S. Senate again this year, claiming he doesn't know enough about the issues to say whether he supports abolishing ICE or cutting off military aid to Israel.Finally, Scot and Greg groan as the House of Representatives once again considers legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Scot and Greg explain why this is a terrible idea, what the better permanent time would be, and what the best approach to our clocks really is.Please visit our great sponsors:Fast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday.
Radio and podcast host Craig Collins is in for Jim today. Join Craig and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss a convicted Minnesota fraudster implicating Rep. Ilhan Omar, some major wins on the national security front, a red state Democrat trying to fool voters on ICE, and the coming Texas Senate runoff.First, they react to a key figure convicted in the Minnesota fraud scandal saying that Rep. Ilhan Omar is very much a part of the scandal. Craig and Greg don't believe we should automatically believe the convicted criminal's allegations, but they have other reasons for suspecting Omar is likely involved.Next, they applaud three key wins on the national security front, including the elimination of a top ISIS figure in Nigeria, and the arrests of a top Tren de Aragua cartel leader, and an Iraqi national suspected of helping terrorists target American citizens and interests.Then, they get a good laugh out of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was voted out of office in 2024 and running for U.S. Senate again this year, claiming he doesn't know enough about the issues to say whether he supports abolishing ICE or cutting off military aid to Israel.Finally, in the wake of Louisiana Republican voters rejecting a third term for Sen. Bill Cassidy on Saturday, Craig reports on the intensity of the U.S. Senate runoff in his state of Texas with just a week to goPlease visit our great sponsors:Noble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information. https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3ml Better Help May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you're going through, you don't have to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3MLNew episodes every weekday.
John Ashbrook, co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, joined us on the Guy Benson Show today to discuss the November midterms and whether the Republicans are in danger of seriously losing both the House and the Senate. The pair also discussed the Sherrod Brown race and the campaign in the state of Ohio, as well as Kamala Harris' "no bad ideas" rant and the state of the increasingly far-left Democratic party. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joe wraps up the show with how Karen Bass wants to fix "meth mouth" and what old Sherrod Brown doesn't seem to knowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get the inside scoop on the fiercest political showdowns this season! From President Trump's battles with GOP dissenters to Sherrod Brown's Senate race comeback. Dive deep into the political battles shaping our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
00:00 Show open/ Jasmine Warga, author of "The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan" - about the relationship between a cheetah cub born in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo and her unlikely friendship with a rescue dog. 8:06 Jessi Bixler, author of "The Story We Share" about her experience with sexual assault. 21:16 Dr. Peter Solomon, author of "100 Years to Extinction and 12 Years to AI Singularity." 36:30 Face the State: Recap of May primary election, voter turnout. Upcoming US Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted with Bowling Green State University Political Science Professor Nicole Kalaf-Hughes.
Ohio's 7th Congressional District is back on every Democratic flip list in the country, and on this episode of Purple Political Breakdown Ohio Edition, Radell Lewis sits down with two-time OH-7 Democratic congressional candidate Matt Diemer to break down why. Matt has run this district twice, in 2022 and 2024, and he knows exactly what it takes (and what it costs) to fight for a seat the national party has long written off. We dig into the new Democratic nominee Brian Poindexter, the messy reality of incumbent Max Miller's divorce and the domestic violence allegations now hanging over his reelection, the union method that worked for organized labor before the Democratic Party walked away from it, and why R+11 might really be purple plus eleven in 2026. We also break down the 2026 Ohio primary night that just shocked half the state: Allison Russo's commanding 68-32 win over Bryan Hambley in the Secretary of State Democratic primary, the Attorney General Democratic primary surprise, Vivek Ramaswamy versus Dr. Amy Acton in the governor race, Sherrod Brown's comeback campaign against Jon Husted in a Senate seat now tangled in the FirstEnergy bribery trial fallout, and what Maine's Graham Platner versus Janet Mills standoff tells us about how the national Democratic Party is picking its 2026 candidates. Plus the real conversation: vibes versus policy, why primaries make better candidates and better voters, and what an authentic working-class Ohio Democrat actually sounds like. If you live in OH-7 (Ashland, Medina, Wooster, exurban Cleveland, plus parts of Cuyahoga and Wayne), this is the breakdown of your race. If you don't, it's the case study for every flippable R+10-to-R+15 district in the country. Political solutions without political bias. Follow Matt Diemer: The Angry Democrat newsletter at theangrydem.com and The Angry Ohioan newsletter at theangryohioan.com. Standard Resource Links & Recommendations The following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORK Check Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.com ALIVE Podcast Network: Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMS HeadOn: A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/ Living Room Conversations: Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTS Us United: A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATION OtherWeb: An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACY Equal Vote Coalition & STAR Voting: Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/star Future is Now Coalition (FiNC): A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT Independent Center: Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWS Text 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/ Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com Subscribe to the Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/purplepoliticalbreakdown/p/welcome-to-the-purple-political-breakdown?r=3z2cmw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true ALL LINKS https://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdown The Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias." Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics, where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
The Supreme Court just gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais, then broke its own 32-day procedural rule to enforce that ruling mid-election with over 100,000 Louisiana ballots already cast. Justice Jackson called the move "chaos" with "a strong political undercurrent." This episode connects the dots between Callais and the gerrymandering cascade now sweeping Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, and beyond, where MAGA Republicans are redrawing maps to win power they can't earn at the ballot box, and how California and Virginia tried referendums to fight back (only one succeeded). We then break down Trump's "deal or bomb" ultimatum to Iran and the one-page memo he claims is close to signing. The U.S. Navy is interdicting Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have spiked since February, and the Iran war fuel spike is the through-line that just killed Spirit Airlines, which announced an orderly wind-down of operations on May 2 and eliminated 17,000 jobs. We unpack the political blame war (Bessent and Duffy point at Warren, Buttigieg, and the Biden DOJ; Warren and Stoller point at Trump's Iran war) and the actual antitrust question underneath: neo-Brandeisian theory versus the Chicago School consensus. In the Breakdown in the Public segment, we cover AI emotional manipulation and the rise of "AI psychosis," including the case of Soon Hourican, a man in his 50s in Northern Ireland whose Grok chatbot "Ani" convinced him he was being surveilled and led him to arm himself with a knife and a hammer. The BBC documented 14 similar cases across 6 countries. Jonathan Gavalas of Jupiter, Florida died by suicide after his Google Gemini chatbot claimed to be his wife. His family is suing Google. Bipartisan supermajorities (74 to 78 percent in the Human Statement national survey) want AI labels, safety testing, and accountability. Neither party is moving on it. Trump tried to deregulate AI through the One Big Beautiful Bill, then through executive order. Then we dig into the 2026 Ohio U.S. Senate race: Jon Husted versus Sherrod Brown, the cleanest test in the country for whether Ohio is genuinely red now or whether 2024 was a Trump-driven anomaly. We cover Brown's tailwinds (Trump's economic approval at 40 percent, the Callais fallout potentially energizing Democratic turnout), his headwinds (a smaller union-Democrat coalition, Ohio's redrawn map), and the First Energy / HB6 connections that may haunt Husted's campaign. Sherrod Brown, you have an open invite to come on the show. We close with three good news stories the mainstream media isn't covering enough: clean energy passing coal as the world's largest electricity source for the first time since 1919 (per Ember's 2025 review and the IEA's 2026 Global Energy Review), the UCL bowel cancer trial showing zero relapses after 33 months using pembrolizumab pre-surgery, and the North Atlantic right whale baby boom that proves conservation policy works when implemented seriously across borders. Tonight's through-line: the polls keep saying voters want guardrails. The people in power keep finding ways around them. From voting maps to AI rules to who gets prosecuted, this is the pattern we connect tonight. Host: Radell Lewis, Marine veteran, Ohio-based, host of Purple Political Breakdown Contact: thetrendgoldenfeet@gmail.com if you want to come on the show or have a productive conversation about politics Standard Resource Links & Recommendations The following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORK Check Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.com ALIVE Podcast Network: Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMS HeadOn: A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/ Living Room Conversations: Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTS Us United: A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATION OtherWeb: An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACY Equal Vote Coalition & STAR Voting: Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/star Future is Now Coalition (FiNC): A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT Independent Center: Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWS Text 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/ Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com ALL LINKS https://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdown The Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias." Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics: where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be a part of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
5/08/2026 PODCAST Episodes #2376 - #2378 GUESTS: Jim Pfaff, Rep. Buddy Carter, Jane Timken + YOUR CALLS! at 1-888-480-JOHN (5646) and GETTR Live! @jfradioshow #GodzillaOfTruth #TruckingTheTruth Want more of today's show? Episode #2376 MAGA 100, RINO's 0 Episode #2377 Jane Timken to Sherrod Brown: Just Go Away! Episode #2378 America Speaks https://johnfredericksradio.libsyn.com/
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 Today, the FBI raided the office of Democratic Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas who played a key role in the state's redistricting efforts; Republicans unveil a map to carve up Tennessee's majority black house district; satellite images show that Iran has hit far more US military assets than previously reported; ICE reports the 18th detainee death in its concentration camps putting the agency on track for a new record; Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in a special election win that offers clues about the upcoming midterms; several Indiana state senators who opposed Trump's redistricting efforts lost their primaries; Ohio's Sherrod Brown has secured the democratic nomination for US senate; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. Thank You, DailyLook For 50% off your first order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DAILYBEANS. Thank You, HomeChef For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life! HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS. Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. Join Dana And Allison - Blue Wave CA Kick Off Concert - May 12th 7pm - El Rey Theatre - Featuring Rufus Wainwright, Lisa Loeb, Iman Jordan, Laurence Juber, Richard T Bear, and Special Guests Jean Smart, Andy Richter, Alison Gill, Dana Goldberg, John Fugelsang and more! The Latest Breakdown:The Breakdown | Trump Blindsided by Epstein Lawsuit StoriesOffice of Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas Searched by F.B.I. Agents | The New York Times Tennessee Republicans Unveil New Congressional Map Carving Up Majority-Black House District | The New York Times Iran has hit far more U.S. military assets than reported, satellite images show | Washington Post ICE reports 18th detainee death in 4 months, putting agency on track for new record | CBS News Several Indiana state senators who opposed Trump's redistricting efforts lose primaries | AP News Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms | AP News Good Trouble Trump Administration Closes Watchdog Office For Immigration Detention Abuses DWN - Deaths in ICE Custody (2003-present) Tell Congress: No Money for ICE and CBP! Find Your Representative | house.gov More ways to help: detentionwatchnetwork.org →Deliver Mother's Day to the Moms of Dilley →Letter Carriers' “Stamp Out Hunger“ Food Drive →FieldTeam6.org →Standwithminnesota.com →Tell Congress Ice out Now | Indivisible, Defund ICE | 5Calls →Congress: Divest From ICE and CBP | ACLU →ICE List →iceout.org Good NewsNorfolk Arts - When There are Nine exhibition Smolotov - DJT shit bags See Dana in Dallas May 9, 10 - danagoldberg.com/tour →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Harry Dunn is running for CongressHarry Dunn for Maryland Our Donation Links The Daily Beans is donating $10,000 and invites you to give what you can to support their life-affirming work - Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser The Daily beans is donating $10,000 and invites you to give what you can to support their life-affirming work - Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser Pathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736 Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71 More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. 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Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
We were gone for ten weeks and Trump started a war, the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, the government had its longest shutdown in history, two cabinet secretaries got pushed out over Epstein, and Republicans quietly added $70 billion more for ICE to a reconciliation bill nobody could stop. Season 3 of Vibes Only is here and Brian Derrick (Political Strategist and Founder of @oath.vote) and Glennis Meagher (Political and New Media Strategist and Co-founder of @generatorcollective) have a lot to catch you up on.In the Season 3 premiere, Brian and Glennis break down Trump's war with Iran, the $72 billion the U.S. has burned in 60 days, the 3,400 civilians killed, the 14 American troops dead, and why this is the first Middle East war in our lifetime that's actually a voting issue (it has a lot to do with the price of gas). Then they get into how Democrats got played on the ICE reconciliation bill — Schumer specifically — and the $1 million Oath has now raised for the ICE Accountability Fund to prosecute officers and back the people fighting on the ground.The bigger conversation is Louisiana v. Callais. Brian walks through what the 6-3 ruling actually does to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which Southern states are about to gerrymander Black voters out of Congress, and why Oath has always built its plan around flipping 12 House seats, not 3. Plus the Democratic counter-strike taking shape across ten states, why Brian is more fired up than worried, and the early primary signals out of Ohio and Indiana (Sherrod Brown is back, Janet Mills dropped out, and Trump just spent $15 million in Indiana on pure revenge).Also: Glennis brings receipts on Anna Nicole Smith, Brian compares the Trump assassination plot to a concept of a plan, and they make an official on-air challenge to Keith Edwards to come debate gerrymandering. The midterms are six months out. Buckle up.New episodes of Vibes Only drop every week. If you like the show, the single biggest thing you can do is leave a rating and a review… it's free, it takes ten seconds, and it's how we get in front of more people who need a politics podcast that isn't going to make them want to move to the woods.Vibes Only is a weekly political podcast hosted by Brian Derrick (Political Strategist and Founder of @oath.vote) and Glennis Meagher (Political and New Media Strategist and Co-founder of @generatorcollective), two post-Obama political operatives turned creators breaking down the stories of each week in politics, elections, and culture. We aim to be your break from the doom-scrolling and consultant-speak. Just the vibes (and the receipts) with new episodes every Thursday morning.Send us a text!Subscribe to Vibes Only wherever you get your podcasts! If you enjoy the show, spread the word! And please consider giving us a rating and review so others can find it. You can WATCH full episodes of Vibes Only on YouTube.
Many communities provide training for potential employees, as well as entrepreneurial training and support. However, Sherrod Brown, in an Inc magazine article, noted that a significant shift has happened in the marketplace requiring these programs to be redesigned. With the rapid growth in side businesses, many people now need workforce skills and business skills. Many ... The post Budding Entrepreneurs appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump pauses the escort of ships in the Strait of Hormuz for negotiations. Also, Sherrod Brown wins the Ohio Democratic Senate primary. Plus, Rep. Raskin demands answers on Trump's “Board of Peace” patent. And the Supreme Court restores abortion pill access, for now. Rep. Jason Crow, Sherrod Brown, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
David Waldman continues his travels, seeing the sights, absorbing the history, browsing the merch, recording a podcast! Donald K. Trump is a loser, and everyone knows it, even him, or at least he'll be figuring that out real soon. The Trump-Iran war is a catastrophe turning into a bigger catastrophe that Trump's tacos can no longer save. In fact, if Trump doesn't crash soon, we all will crash big. MAGA loves failures that pretend they aren't. That was Trump Media's selling point. The DOJ quit minding laws a while back, now they're just the muscle to take down 78-year-old scientists. A few Indiana state Senators didn't like rigging elections, so Trump had them 86'd, if you pardon the term. The SAVE act would have sunk democracy, but not passing it earns Gop pity points. Ohio's back, baby! Well, almost. Now we need to get Sherrod Brown and Dr. Amy Action! Acton into office.
U.S. President Donald Trump says there's progress on ending the Iran war and pauses a mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Democrats see veteran populist Sherrod Brown as their best bet to retake Ohio, and the Senate. Millions of soccer fans in India and China might not be able to watch next month's World Cup. And the world's most consumed staple – rice – is under threat because of fertilizer shortages and soaring fuel costs from the Iran war. Listen to the Morning Bid podcast here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The landscape for working people in Ohio is shifting fast. In this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, we look at the immediate aftermath of the high-stakes Ohio primary elections and dive into the real-world economic pressures facing local job seekers—from the rapid rise of AI to the expansion of gig-style healthcare work. Segment 1: Ohio Primary Day Breakdown with Tim Burga Fresh off an intense election night, Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga delivers a comprehensive, morning-after analysis of the state's primary results. With approximately three-quarters of labor's 160 endorsed candidates and issues winning their races—including a massive primary victory by union ironworker Brian Poindexter in Congressional District 7—organized labor has built a solid foundation for the fall. Burga outlines the historic, high-profile November matchups, including Amy Acton vs. Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor and Sherrod Brown vs. John Husted for U.S. Senate, and explains how labor's boots-on-the-ground network will combat big money and gerrymandered maps. Segment 2: Navigating a Scrambled Job Market with Dave Megenhardt Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joins the show to discuss a massive new survey of 4,000 clients that yielded a staggering 96% approval rating for the agency's services. He pulls back the curtain on how his team builds trust with workers during stressful career transitions and breaks down a local job market that has been "scrambled" by artificial intelligence and an increase in unstable, part-time healthcare roles. Megenhardt also previews a major upcoming logistics shift: the relocation of the Ohio Means Jobs downtown Cleveland office to a new facility in Midtown. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Trust Factor: How treating job seekers with dignity earned the United Labor Agency a 96% client favorability rating at scale. The Stealth Hiring Slowdown: Why companies are quietly holding back on headcount decisions as they evaluate how AI can reduce labor costs. The "Gigification" of Healthcare: The growing disconnect between open entry-level healthcare jobs and quality, full-time careers with benefits. Labor's Primary Momentum: A data breakdown of the primary election where labor-backed candidates won 75% of their races across Ohio. The Path to November: What Democrats need to flip just five seats to break the Republican legislative supermajority in the Ohio House. Ohio Means Jobs Relocation: Details on the July 1 move of the downtown Cleveland office to 61st and the Opportunity Corridor due to the Innerbelt Rebuild project. About the Guests: Tim Burga is the President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, representing hundreds of thousands of union members and leading the federation's political, legislative, and mobilization ground game. Dave Megenhardt is the Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, leading regional workforce development strategies and connecting job seekers with employers offering "good jobs" across Northeast Ohio. Connect with the Movement: Support workforce development or register for the annual ULA golf outing on June 25: ulagency.org View labor's full list of endorsements and election updates: ohioaflcio.org Subscribe & Review: Never miss an update on the fights that matter to working-class Americans. Hit the Follow button and leave us a review on Podbean!
Host Radell Lewis takes you inside the May 5, 2026 Ohio primary election in this bonus episode of Purple Political Breakdown. Recorded in real time on primary day, this walkthrough covers everything from why Election Day should be a federal holiday to a live look at the Ohio sample ballot, the voter lookup process on the Ohio Secretary of State website, and the absentee ballot system most voters never use. Radell breaks down his ballot picks across the biggest 2026 Ohio primary races, including Amy Acton for governor, the Attorney General race between John Kulowicz and Elliot Foran, Annette Blackwell for State Auditor, the Secretary of State Democratic primary featuring Allison Russo and past PPB guest Dr. Bryan Hambley, Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate, and a fresh on-air research dive into Ohio's 8th Congressional District race between Vanessa Enoch and Madaris Grant, including Enoch's healthcare platform on capping out of pocket costs, Medicare and Medicaid drug price negotiation, and preventative care funding. Along the way, Radell makes the case for expanded voter access: an Election Day federal holiday, all day voting windows, election weekends, paid poll workers, mail-in voting, and online voting infrastructure. He also calls out Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Ohio's gerrymandered 2026 maps, and the SAVE Act's voter ID misdirection. Keywords: Ohio primary election 2026, May 5 Ohio primary, Ohio voter guide, Ohio sample ballot, Election Day federal holiday, voter suppression, Vanessa Enoch, Madaris Grant, Bryan Hambley, Allison Russo, Sherrod Brown, Amy Acton, Frank LaRose, absentee ballot, SAVE Act, Ohio 8th Congressional District, primary ballot walkthrough.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKCheck Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.comALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now)Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
May 3, 2026, 8 AM ; GOP super PAC "Americans for Prosperity Action" is warning the party's Senate majority is at risk -- and is calling on Republicans to focus on the cost of living in their messaging. One state where this is being tested is Ohio, which holds its primary elections on Tuesday, including in a closely watched Senate special race for the seat formerly held by JD Vance. Republican incumbent Jon Husted, who was appointed to the seat, is running unopposed for his party's nomination. The Democratic favorite is former Senator Sherrod Brown, who has long centered his political career on the working class and economic issues. Republicans seem worried that Democrats could be competitive here in November, even in a state that Trump has carried three times. Kimberly Atkins-Stohr and Jackie Kucinich join The Weekend to discuss how President Trump's low approval ratings may cause an uphill battle for Republicans in the midterms. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. 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 Supreme Court's latest ruling further hollowing out the Voting Rights Act and walks through what it actually means in practice — including the very real possibility that several Southern states will now try to redistrict, creating a messy political landscape that won't necessarily benefit Republicans in the way they hope. He traces the history back to the 1990s Georgia reapportionment that led to major GOP pickups by packing Black Democratic voters into fewer districts, but warns this round of Southern redistricting will create more swing districts. He uses the moment to make the case for what he sees as the real structural fix to America's representation crisis: uncapping the House of Representatives to allow it to grow with population the way the founders originally intended, with Madison himself arguing the chamber would always need to expand. He argues that a bigger House would lower the barrier for third parties, minimize the outsized impact of the Electoral College, dramatically reduce the incentive to gerrymander — and crucially, this change wouldn't exclusively benefit either party. His framing is simple: stop fighting over the chairs at the table and increase the size of the table itself. He then pivots to what he calls the rise of the "woke right" — citing the second Comey indictment as exhibit A, noting that the right has now embraced exactly the kind of oversensitivity they once accused the left of engaging in, and pointing out it's no accident that Pam Bondi wouldn't bring the Comey case but Todd Blanche will. He flags that the FCC's attacks on Jimmy Kimmel will badly backfire, dismisses the Hegseth congressional hearing as a useless exercise where everyone was just chasing viral moments, and argues that Hegseth himself is suffering from a bad case of "internet brain" — actively politicizing the military while failing to make a coherent case for why the Iran war was ever necessary. He closes with a pointed observation about the entire administration: nobody around Trump believes any criticism of him is ever valid, and they appear to genuinely think voters are stupid enough to never notice. Then, Adam Green — co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee — joins the Chuck Toddcast to make the case that pragmatic economic populism is the Democratic Party's path back to a durable majority, and to push back hard on the conventional wisdom that "moderate" means "centrist." Green argues the public has lost faith in both political and economic systems and is hungry for candidates who tell a clear story about power — pointing to Maine's Graham Platner, Texas's James Talarico, and New York's Zohran Mamdani as examples of progressives who project authentic energy and pragmatic problem-solving rather than ideological purity. He contends that both major parties have already collapsed reputationally even if they haven't yet collapsed structurally, that Democrats could have passed a $12 minimum wage years ago if they'd been willing to compromise, and that recruiting 77-year-old Janet Mills against Platner is symbolic of everything wrong with Chuck Schumer's approach to the Senate. Green is blunt: if Democrats sweep the midterms but leadership remains unchanged, it actually hurts them in 2028 — a Democratic Senate majority should not be read as a validation of Schumer. They discuss why he Democratic brand is so damaged in red and rural states that independent candidates may be the best path to power in places like Montana and Nebraska, and that having someone like Platner in Senate leadership would dramatically improve Democratic performance in rural America. The conversation digs into the deeper strategic and policy questions facing the party. Green argues Democrats should lead with economic alignment over cultural alignment and that Dems should not put reproductive rights forward as their headline issue if they want to rebuild trust in the heartland. He pushes for progressive lawmakers to assert real leverage against their own leadership, advocates lowering the threshold for discharge petition, and makes the case that getting rid of the filibuster would help Democrats rebuild trust with voters who are tired of seeing nothing get done. Green is open to limited cooperation with Trump if Democrats win both chambers but warns the party shouldn't trim its sails just to get a signature. He explains why the PCC backed Talarico over Crockett , names UAW president Shawn Fain as a potential dark-horse candidate, and floats Stephen Colbert as a genuinely intriguing possibility because performance matters in a media-saturated era. Green argues Talarico, Platner, and Abdul El-Sayed all tell a coherent story about power that voters are hungry to hear, but ultimately, the candidate who runs as a genuine disruptor is the one most likely to win, because the current system is so visibly failing the public. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment, weighs in on the DNC choosing NOT to release their 2024 autopsy, and reacts to the expansion on the NCAA basketball tournament. Try ShipStation free for 60 days with full access to all features, No credit card needed! Go to https://ShipStation.com and use code TODDCAST for 60 days for free! Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:30 Supreme Court further hollows out the Voting Rights Act 03:00 You may see several states in the south try to redistrict 06:00 We have a serious representation issue in congress 07:30 In the 90’s Georgia reapportionment led to major GOP pickups 09:00 Led to more black Dems in congress, but less Dems in congress 10:00 Redistricting won’t be clean for GOP in this political climate 10:30 Redistricting will create more swing districts in the south 12:15 You may see racially charged Dem primaries in new districts 13:45 Uncapping the House of Representatives could solve this issue 14:15 House expanded based on population growth 16:15 Right now the house is not representative of the people 17:45 Multi-member districts also provide better representation 19:00 Bigger house would create less need for gerrymandering 20:00 Expanding house would minimize the impact of electoral college 21:30 Expanded house would lower barrier to entry for third parties 23:00 The house was always meant to be a bit messy 23:30 Madison argued the house was always going to have to expand 25:00 This change wouldn’t exclusively benefit one party 26:00 Don’t fight over the chairs, increase the size of the table 28:00 The “woke right” has emerged, evidenced by Comey indictment 29:30 Right accused the left of the oversensitivity they’re engaged in now 31:00 Attacks by the FCC on Kimmel will backfire and look terrible 33:15 Not an accident that Bondi wouldn’t bring Comey case & Blanche will 34:15 Hegseth’s hearing was useless, everyone wanted a viral moment 35:30 Hegseth is suffering from a bad case of “internet brain” 36:30 Hegseth is doing everything he can to politicize the military 37:15 Hegseth failed to make the case for why the war was necessary 39:00 Nobody in the administration believes that any criticism is valid 40:15 Do they really think the voters are all stupid? 46:30 Adam Green (Progressive Change Committee) joins The Chuck ToddCast 49:00 What does it mean to be a pragmatic progressive? 50:15 The mission is to show economic populism can win in swing races 51:30 Graham Platner is a great storyteller, not a policy wonk 53:00 Several progressive candidates project strong masculine energy 54:30 Balancing incrementalism vs. progress 55:15 Mamdani is showing that you can be both progressive & pragmatic 56:15 Misconception is that “moderate” means centrist 57:00 The progressives are demanding a rebalancing of the power dynamics 57:30 Public doesn’t trust the political and economic system, wants change 58:15 How vulnerable are both parties to collapse at some point? 59:00 Both parties have collapsed reputationally, just not structurally 1:00:45 Dems could have passed $12 minimum wage if they compromised 1:03:00 If Dems sweep midterms but leaders stay the same, it’s bad for 2028 1:03:45 If Dems win the senate, it’s not a validation of Schumer 1:05:00 If Dems elect the non Schumer candidates, he has to go 1:05:45 Schumer was a really good leader… until he wasn’t 1:06:30 Recruiting 77 year old Janet Mills is symbolic of Schumer’s strategy 1:07:15 Sherrod Brown is probably the best Dems can do in Ohio 1:07:45 Iowa is overindexed as a swing state 1:09:30 Michigan having El-Sayed & Slokin would show multiple ways to win 1:10:30 If El-Sayed loses, does that set the progressive movement back? 1:12:00 Are independents the best route to power in Montana & Nebraska? 1:13:00 The Democratic brand is shot in most red & rural states 1:14:15 If Platner was in leadership, Dems would do better in rural states 1:15:30 What matters more to the PCC, economic or cultural alignment? 1:17:15 Democrats shouldn’t put out reproductive rights as their banner issue 1:18:00 Big Dem wins in the past came from economic, not cultural alignment 1:20:15 Jared Golden able to vote against trans sports bill, focused on economics 1:22:30 Want to see progressives assert leverage against their leadership 1:23:30 Proposal to lower the threshold for discharge petitions 1:24:15 Discharge petitions would actually liberate the leadership a bit 1:25:30 When too many items are stuffed into a bill, you don’t get credit for them 1:26:30 Getting rid of the filibuster would help Democrats rebuild trust 1:27:30 Both parties only like the filibuster when they’re out of power 1:29:00 Getting rid of stock trading isn’t as simple as it sounds 1:30:45 Spouses need to be included in stock trading ban 1:31:30 If Dems win both houses, where should they work with Trump? 1:32:45 Dems will be elected to be a check on Trump, but need his signature 1:35:45 Working with Trump requires abandoning the ideas you ran on 1:37:00 Dems shouldn’t trim their sails in order to work with Trump 1:39:30 PCC supported Talarico over Crockett for his bold economic vision 1:42:00 AOC may need to run for president soon, before her “sell by” date 1:42:45 Stephen Colbert could be an intriguing candidate, performance matters 1:44:00 Mamdani takes time every day to tell a story on social media 1:45:15 Shawn Fain could also make a strong candidate 1:46:30 If Talarico wins in Texas, it could put him on the presidential map 1:48:15 Talarico as VP to get his sea legs could be a potential route 1:49:00 McMorrow positioning herself as the “goldilocks” candidate 1:49:45 Being the shake up the system candidate is the way to go 1:50:30 Talarico, Platner & El-Sayed tell a story about power 1:51:15 The current system is failing the public 1:53:15 Preference between Steyer or Porter in California? 1:54:30 AOC raises the most money because people trust her 1:57:30 Ask Chuck 1:57:45 Experienced wildfires, in bad conditions there’s nothing you can do 1:59:00 What do you make of Hegseth purging so many top generals? 2:01:00 Props for “Dynastic” podcast 2:03:00 How do you see the US/Israel dynamic play out post-Trump? 2:06:30 Do you see a path forward for statehood for D.C. & Puerto Rico? 2:10:15 Why don’t interviewers press Lindsey Graham on his post J6 remarks? 2:13:00 Should Democrats be more forceful rhetorically or does that do more harm? 2:17:15 Ken Martin appears on Pod Save to explain why they won’t release ‘24 autopsy 2:18:30 Autopsy could have offended a particular set of donors or supporters 2:19:45 How do you learn lessons from the loss if you don’t share those lessons? 2:20:30 NCAA expanding basketball tournamentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adam Green — co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee — joins the Chuck Toddcast to make the case that pragmatic economic populism is the Democratic Party's path back to a durable majority, and to push back hard on the conventional wisdom that "moderate" means "centrist." Green argues the public has lost faith in both political and economic systems and is hungry for candidates who tell a clear story about power — pointing to Maine's Graham Platner, Texas's James Talarico, and New York's Zohran Mamdani as examples of progressives who project authentic energy and pragmatic problem-solving rather than ideological purity. He contends that both major parties have already collapsed reputationally even if they haven't yet collapsed structurally, that Democrats could have passed a $12 minimum wage years ago if they'd been willing to compromise, and that recruiting 77-year-old Janet Mills against Platner is symbolic of everything wrong with Chuck Schumer's approach to the Senate. Green is blunt: if Democrats sweep the midterms but leadership remains unchanged, it actually hurts them in 2028 — a Democratic Senate majority should not be read as a validation of Schumer. They discuss why he Democratic brand is so damaged in red and rural states that independent candidates may be the best path to power in places like Montana and Nebraska, and that having someone like Platner in Senate leadership would dramatically improve Democratic performance in rural America. The conversation digs into the deeper strategic and policy questions facing the party. Green argues Democrats should lead with economic alignment over cultural alignment and that Dems should not put reproductive rights forward as their headline issue if they want to rebuild trust in the heartland. He pushes for progressive lawmakers to assert real leverage against their own leadership, advocates lowering the threshold for discharge petition, and makes the case that getting rid of the filibuster would help Democrats rebuild trust with voters who are tired of seeing nothing get done. Green is open to limited cooperation with Trump if Democrats win both chambers but warns the party shouldn't trim its sails just to get a signature. He explains why the PCC backed Talarico over Crockett , names UAW president Shawn Fain as a potential dark-horse candidate, and floats Stephen Colbert as a genuinely intriguing possibility because performance matters in a media-saturated era. Green argues Talarico, Platner, and Abdul El-Sayed all tell a coherent story about power that voters are hungry to hear, but ultimately, the candidate who runs as a genuine disruptor is the one most likely to win, because the current system is so visibly failing the public. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Adam Green (Progressive Change Committee) joins The Chuck ToddCast 02:30 What does it mean to be a pragmatic progressive? 03:45 The mission is to show economic populism can win in swing races 05:00 Graham Platner is a great storyteller, not a policy wonk 06:30 Several progressive candidates project strong masculine energy 08:00 Balancing incrementalism vs. progress 08:45 Mamdani is showing that you can be both progressive & pragmatic 09:45 Misconception is that “moderate” means centrist 10:30 The progressives are demanding a rebalancing of the power dynamics 11:00 Public doesn’t trust the political and economic system, wants change 11:45 How vulnerable are both parties to collapse at some point? 12:30 Both parties have collapsed reputationally, just not structurally 14:15 Dems could have passed $12 minimum wage if they compromised 16:30 If Dems sweep midterms but leaders stay the same, it’s bad for 2028 17:15 If Dems win the senate, it’s not a validation of Schumer 18:30 If Dems elect the non Schumer candidates, he has to go 19:15 Schumer was a really good leader… until he wasn’t 20:00 Recruiting 77 year old Janet Mills is symbolic of Schumer’s strategy 20:45 Sherrod Brown is probably the best Dems can do in Ohio 21:15 Iowa is overindexed as a swing state 23:00 Michigan having El-Sayed & Slokin would show multiple ways to win 24:00 If El-Sayed loses, does that set the progressive movement back? 25:30 Are independents the best route to power in Montana & Nebraska? 26:30 The Democratic brand is shot in most red & rural states 27:45 If Platner was in leadership, Dems would do better in rural states 29:00 What matters more to the PCC, economic or cultural alignment? 30:45 Democrats shouldn’t put out reproductive rights as their banner issue 31:30 Big Dem wins in the past came from economic, not cultural alignment 33:45 Jared Golden able to vote against trans sports bill, focused on economics 36:00 Want to see progressives assert leverage against their leadership 37:00 Proposal to lower the threshold for discharge petitions 37:45 Discharge petitions would actually liberate the leadership a bit 39:00 When too many items are stuffed into a bill, you don’t get credit for them 40:00 Getting rid of the filibuster would help Democrats rebuild trust 41:00 Both parties only like the filibuster when they’re out of power 42:30 Getting rid of stock trading isn’t as simple as it sounds 44:15 Spouses need to be included in stock trading ban 45:00 If Dems win both houses, where should they work with Trump? 46:15 Dems will be elected to be a check on Trump, but need his signature 49:15 Working with Trump requires abandoning the ideas you ran on 50:30 Dems shouldn’t trim their sails in order to work with Trump 53:00 PCC supported Talarico over Crockett for his bold economic vision 55:30 AOC may need to run for president soon, before her “sell by” date 56:15 Stephen Colbert could be an intriguing candidate, performance matters 57:30 Mamdani takes time every day to tell a story on social media 58:45 Shawn Fain could also make a strong candidate 1:00:00 If Talarico wins in Texas, it could put him on the presidential map 1:01:45 Talarico as VP to get his sea legs could be a potential route 1:02:30 McMorrow positioning herself as the “goldilocks” candidate 1:03:15 Being the shake up the system candidate is the way to go 1:04:00 Talarico, Platner & El-Sayed tell a story about power 1:04:45 The current system is failing the public 1:06:45 Preference between Steyer or Porter in California? 1:08:00 AOC raises the most money because people trust herSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chuck Todd opens with a sobering analysis of the post-Correspondents' Dinner shooting political climate, arguing that both sides are now busy blaming each other for violent rhetoric while past presidents from both parties always understood their job was to lower the temperature, not raise it. He argues that while Democratic rhetoric has gotten harsher in recent years, Trump is the one who fundamentally changed what was acceptable to say out loud — his January 6th pardons effectively created a permission slip for political violence, and the public barely batted an eye when he celebrated Robert Mueller's death — and warns it only takes one unstable person to take the wrong cue from this environment. He says American politics has become genuinely brutal and violent, that the "cold civil war" is warming up, and that two wrongs don't make a right: just because Trump started this race to the bottom doesn't mean everyone has to engage in it. He then pivots to the Iran war, where he says the U.S. and Iran are measuring the conflict in fundamentally different ways — for the regime, victory is simply surviving — and argues that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz has to be addressed before any nuclear threat. He closes with the proposed Florida redistricting map (which looks great for the GOP in a presidential year but terrible in a midterm), a new Texas poll showing Talarico leading both potential GOP nominees, and Susan Collins going negative on Graham Platner before the Maine primary. Finally, he gives his ToddCast Top 5 list of Republican races that could signal trouble for Donald Trump and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Both sides blaming each other for “violent rhetoric” 03:15 Past presidents always tried to lower the temperature 04:30 Both sides confident they are right & other side is wrong 05:30 We’ve produced a new political environment that is scary 06:45 Trump changed what was acceptable to say out loud 07:45 Democratic rhetoric has also gotten harsher, but Trump took us here 08:30 Two wrongs don’t make a right* 09:15 Trump’s J6 pardons created a permission slip for political violence 10:30 Public barely batted an eye when Trump celebrated death of Mueller 11:15 One unstable person will take the wrong cue from this environment 13:15 American politics is now brutal and violent. Cold civil war is warming up 14:15 Both sides are racing to the bottom, and nobody wins 15:30 Just because Trump started it doesn’t mean everyone should engage in it 16:45 American leadership is not meeting the moment 18:00 You can’t “secure” your way out of a volatile political climate 19:30 At the ballot box, character and temperament need to matter 20:15 James Comey indicted again by Trump’s DOJ 21:00 Administration is weaponizing the Comey case 22:30 If Dems immediately go for impeachment in 27’, the cycle will continue 23:45 Jimmy Kimmel should apologize, but government shouldn’t target him 25:00 You can be a deescalator or an accelerant in this moment 26:30 The U.S. and Iran are measuring the war in different ways 27:00 Victory for the regime is simply surviving 28:30 Iranian control of the Strait has to be dealt with before nuclear threat 29:30 The Iranians understand us better than we understand them 30:30 Florida releases proposed redistricting map 31:15 The map is great for GOP in presidential year, bad in a midterm election 32:00 Map targets Jared Moskowitz & Debbie Wasserman Schultz 33:30 Analysis of how the new districts will look politically 37:30 Republicans might only break even, or only pick up 1-2 seats in ‘26 38:45 Poll out of Texas shows Talarico with a lead over both GOP candidates 39:45 Susan Collins has gone negative on Platner before the primary 40:15 Move shows that Collins would rather face Mills over Platner 41:00 Platner is in a strong position to win the senate seat 45:30 ToddCast Top 5 Republican races that could signal trouble for Trump 47:30 We’ll find out in May if Trump’s grip on the party is slipping 48:15 #5 North Carolina senate 50:30 #4 Louisiana senate primary 52:15 #3 Texas senate primary 53:45 #2 Georgia governor 56:00 #1 Kentucky 4th district & Thomas Massie 58:00 Ask Chuck 58:15 Did Ohio Democrats make a mistake by backing Sherrod Brown? 1:03:30 Is Trump liable for violating contracts by cancelling offshore wind projects?* 1:07:15 If Trump had bought the Bills would it have kept him from running in ‘16? 1:12:30 Navigating the reverence for founders when proposing amendments? 1:18:00 How do we move beyond violence to remove a tyrant?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chuck Todd opens with a sobering analysis of the post-Correspondents' Dinner shooting political climate, arguing that both sides are now busy blaming each other for violent rhetoric while past presidents from both parties always understood their job was to lower the temperature, not raise it. He argues that while Democratic rhetoric has gotten harsher in recent years, Trump is the one who fundamentally changed what was acceptable to say out loud — his January 6th pardons effectively created a permission slip for political violence, and the public barely batted an eye when he celebrated Robert Mueller's death — and warns it only takes one unstable person to take the wrong cue from this environment. He says American politics has become genuinely brutal and violent, that the "cold civil war" is warming up, and that two wrongs don't make a right: just because Trump started this race to the bottom doesn't mean everyone has to engage in it. He then pivots to the Iran war, where he says the U.S. and Iran are measuring the conflict in fundamentally different ways — for the regime, victory is simply surviving — and argues that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz has to be addressed before any nuclear threat. He closes with the proposed Florida redistricting map (which looks great for the GOP in a presidential year but terrible in a midterm), a new Texas poll showing Talarico leading both potential GOP nominees, and Susan Collins going negative on Graham Platner before the Maine primary. Atima Omara — Democratic political strategist, longtime activist, and author of the new book The Instigators — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a wide-ranging conversation about who actually decides American elections, why Democrats keep losing despite favorable demographics, and what a winning coalition looks like in 2028. Omara opens by dismantling the conventional wisdom that white moderate swing voters are the deciding force in elections, arguing that the 2024 contest was lost on mobilization rather than persuasion — Trump won at the margins, not in a landslide, and many blue states were won by surprisingly thin margins. She points out that Kamala Harris was behind before she even started because she had to succeed an unpopular Biden, but they credit Harris with saving three to four Senate seats that Biden would have lost outright. Omara walks through the political leverage Black women in Virginia exercised after the Ralph Northam blackface scandal — pushing for real legislative change rather than just symbolic accountability — and uses that as a case study in how activist coalitions can wield power smartly. The conversation turns to the structural challenges facing the Democratic coalition and what comes next. Omara makes the case that Republican advocacy is a constant, year-round operation while Democrats only mobilize during election years — a fundamental asymmetry that has allowed Republican messaging to dominate the cultural spaces and media ecosystem. She argues the left needs to get dramatically better at cultural messaging, that the activist class has helped Democrats make progress but has also made the party more rigid in ways that hurt it electorally, and that organizations like the Working Families Party are doing important work trying to push the Democratic Party from within. They both reflect on whether the two-party duopoly can survive — Americans clearly want the flexibility of a multiparty system but are stuck with this one. She offers a fascinating cultural analysis of why one-third of the electorate effectively grew up in a non-multiracial democracy, why events like the Tulsa massacre still aren't taught in most public schools, and why the South disproportionately sets the tone for American (and especially Republican) politics. They close by handicapping the 2028 Democratic field. Finally, he gives his ToddCast Top 5 list of Republican races that could signal trouble for Donald Trump and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Both sides blaming each other for “violent rhetoric” 03:15 Past presidents always tried to lower the temperature 04:30 Both sides confident they are right & other side is wrong 05:30 We’ve produced a new political environment that is scary 06:45 Trump changed what was acceptable to say out loud 07:45 Democratic rhetoric has also gotten harsher, but Trump took us here 08:30 Two wrongs don’t make a right* 09:15 Trump’s J6 pardons created a permission slip for political violence 10:30 Public barely batted an eye when Trump celebrated death of Mueller 11:15 One unstable person will take the wrong cue from this environment 13:15 American politics is now brutal and violent. Cold civil war is warming up 14:15 Both sides are racing to the bottom, and nobody wins 15:30 Just because Trump started it doesn’t mean everyone should engage in it 16:45 American leadership is not meeting the moment 18:00 You can’t “secure” your way out of a volatile political climate 19:30 At the ballot box, character and temperament need to matter 20:15 James Comey indicted again by Trump’s DOJ 21:00 Administration is weaponizing the Comey case 22:30 If Dems immediately go for impeachment in 27’, the cycle will continue 23:45 Jimmy Kimmel should apologize, but government shouldn’t target him 25:00 You can be a deescalator or an accelerant in this moment 26:30 The U.S. and Iran are measuring the war in different ways 27:00 Victory for the regime is simply surviving 28:30 Iranian control of the Strait has to be dealt with before nuclear threat 29:30 The Iranians understand us better than we understand them 30:30 Florida releases proposed redistricting map 31:15 The map is great for GOP in presidential year, bad in a midterm election 32:00 Map targets Jared Moskowitz & Debbie Wasserman Schultz 33:30 Analysis of how the new districts will look politically 37:30 Republicans might only break even, or only pick up 1-2 seats in ‘26 38:45 Poll out of Texas shows Talarico with a lead over both GOP candidates 39:45 Susan Collins has gone negative on Platner before the primary 40:15 Move shows that Collins would rather face Mills over Platner 41:00 Platner is in a strong position to win the senate seat 47:00 Atima Omara (The Instigators) joins The Chuck ToddCast 48:30 Misconception that white moderate swing voters decide elections 50:15 Black women pushed for legislation after Ralph Northam blackface scandal 53:15 Activists were smart in using their political leverage in Virginia 55:15 Democrats can try to find some common cause with Trump voters 56:30 2024 election was lost on mobilization, not persuasion 57:45 Trump won on the margins, it wasn’t a resounding win 59:00 Lots of blue states were won with small margins in ‘24 1:00:00 It was hard for Harris to succeed a very unpopular Biden 1:01:00 Harris was behind before she started 1:01:30 Harris saved 3-4 senate seats that Biden would have lost 1:02:45 What ideological arguments work & don’t work with black women? 1:04:30 Messaging around criminal & environmental justice needs to capture humanity 1:06:15 Activists don’t see politicians putting together even piecemeal reform 1:07:15 Even with full control, Democrats couldn’t pass voting rights legislation 1:09:15 LBJ had to play hardball with senators to pass the Voting Rights Act 1:11:00 Most major legislation gets passed through sheer force of will 1:11:45 How can advocacy get more leverage in the face of huge money 1:13:00 Republican advocacy is constant, Dems focus on election years 1:14:00 Republican messaging has dominated the media ecosystem 1:16:00 The left needs to get better at messaging in the cultural spaces 1:17:30 Will the current two party duopoly be able to sustain itself? 1:19:30 Activists have caused Dems to progress, but also become rigid 1:20:30 The Working Families Party works to change the Democratic party 1:22:00 Americans want the flexibility of a multiparty system, stuck with duopoly 1:22:30 There hasn’t been enough energy to force changes to electoral college 1:23:30 Fear of AI job displacement could galvanize energy for structural change 1:24:00 What does a winning Democratic coalition look like in 2028? 1:27:30 Older generation of Democratic strategists have aged out 1:30:00 1/3rd of the electorate lived in a non multiracial democracy 1:31:15 We don’t have a shared public education or shared memory 1:33:30 Events like the Tulsa massacre aren’t taught in many public schools 1:34:45 The south sets the tone for American & especially Republican politics 1:37:30 Obama benefitted from being from a midwestern state 1:38:45 Most of the pushback to progress comes from the south & midwest 1:41:30 Obama’s superpower was being able to talk to everyone 1:42:15 4 people most likely to be the 2028 Democratic nominee? 1:44:30 Harris would be more free to run her own campaign in ‘28 1:45:30 It’s hard to know what Gavin Newsom is FOR 1:47:00 Starting to see more black women break through & win statewide 1:50:00 Thoughts on interview with Atima Omara 1:51:00 ToddCast Top 5 Republican races that could signal trouble for Trump 1:53:00 We’ll find out in May if Trump’s grip on the party is slipping 1:53:45 #5 North Carolina senate 1:56:00 #4 Louisiana senate primary 1:57:45 #3 Texas senate primary 1:59:15 #2 Georgia governor 2:01:30 #1 Kentucky 4th district & Thomas Massie 2:03:30 Ask Chuck 2:03:45 Did Ohio Democrats make a mistake by backing Sherrod Brown? 2:09:00 Is Trump liable for violating contracts by cancelling offshore wind projects?* 2:12:45 If Trump had bought the Bills would it have kept him from running in ‘16? 2:18:00 Navigating the reverence for founders when proposing amendments? 2:23:30 How do we move beyond violence to remove a tyrant?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sherrod Brown shares his pastimes.
Today on the Gist, pushing back against the pundit-class panic that American democracy is "on the brink." Then, host of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck Todd joins the show to break down the psychological profile of the modern politician, explaining why the desperate need for public validation consistently elevates slick communicators over serious legislators. Todd and Mike also survey the 2026 Senate landscape, including the vulnerabilities of Susan Collins and Sherrod Brown, and analyze how a shaky economy, new tariffs, and unforced errors are turning the midterm elections into a brutal referendum on Donald Trump. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact sales@amplitudemediapartners.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Five years ago, the American retirement system faced a "cascading collapse" that threatened to wipe out the hard-earned security of union households nationwide. Today, the Butch Lewis Act stands as a landmark victory for organized labor. On this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Austin Keyser, International Vice President for the IBEW 4th District. Keyser provides an insider's look at the high-stakes battle to pass the Act and why it was about much more than just a "bailout." In this episode, we discuss: The Breaking Point: Why the shift in the trucking and industrial sectors created "orphaned" pension obligations. The Firewall Effect: How the Butch Lewis Act prevented a downward spiral that would have bankrupted the PBGC and healthy pension plans alike. Restoring Dignity: The story of retirees who saw their previous benefit cuts reversed and were made whole again. The Legislative Fight: The role of former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and the coordinated union pressure that finally broke years of Washington gridlock. The Future of Retirement: Why the Butch Lewis Act provides a blueprint for expanding and strengthening defined benefit plans for the next generation of workers. More Information: To stay updated on the latest in the labor movement, visit awfpodcast.com. Subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.
The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran. Brian interviews Jon Lovett at the No Kings protest and Sherrod Brown about polling ahead of his Republican opponent for the US Senate in Ohio.Support Sherrod Brown: www.sherrodbrown.comShop merch: https://briantylercohen.com/shopYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/briantylercohenTwitter: https://twitter.com/briantylercohenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/briantylercohenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briantylercohenPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/briantylercohenNewsletter: https://www.briantylercohen.com/sign-upWritten by Brian Tyler CohenProduced by Sam GraberRecorded in Los Angeles, CASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
No deep fake here. This week, Al Franken does his own impersonations of Bernie Sanders, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Sherrod Brown and Susan Collins in this mock Senate Hearing featuring Siri (played by the actual voice-over talent Susan Bennett) and Al's fellow SNL alum Laraine Newman playing the part of Alexa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
*Disclaimer* This episode contains strong language Chuck Todd tackles three fast-moving stories shaping the political landscape. First, he digs into the escalating Iran crisis, where the Trump administration has deployed two aircraft carriers, hundreds of fighter jets, and a dozen warships to the Middle East — what Todd calls military adventurism without the consent of Congress. With nuclear talks in Geneva producing no breakthrough and Trump advisers saying there's a 90% chance of kinetic action in the coming weeks, Todd warns that history says hot intervention is coming and that the U.S. may have gone too far to back down, while cautioning that any regime change scenario means America would own the outcome — a lesson the country should have learned from its disastrous track record in Iran. From there, he turns to the Texas Senate race, which he calls an all-timer, breaking down the volatile primaries on both sides: Ken Paxton leading despite millions spent by the GOP establishment to take him down, the tight Crockett-Talarico Democratic primary, and the explosive Colbert-CBS controversy — in which CBS lawyers blocked Colbert from airing a Talarico interview over FCC "equal time" threats, only for the resulting firestorm to generate millions more views on YouTube than it ever would have gotten on broadcast, making Jasmine Crockett the quiet loser in the saga. Todd closes with a sharp critique of crypto's financial coercion of the Democratic Party — pointing to Chuck Schumer reportedly urging Senate Democrats to get on crypto's side after the industry spent heavily to defeat Sherrod Brown — and a Potomac sewage dump that underscores how even basic governance has become hostage to political blame games. Then, George Conway — the conservative lawyer turned leading Trump critic, Lincoln Project co-founder, and now Democratic congressional candidate in New York — joins the Chuck Toddcast for an urgent, no-holds-barred conversation about what he sees as an existential crisis for American constitutional government. Conway, who became a Republican in the 1980s as a "legal conservative" grounded in the Constitution, argues that the party he once joined is now unrecognizable, and that young people have been led to believe conservatism and Trumpism are the same thing. He makes an impassioned case that a third impeachment of Trump isn't just politically justified but a constitutional imperative, warning that Trump is psychologically deteriorating while controlling the military and nuclear arsenal, creating a domestic army through ICE, and presiding over what Conway calls the most corrupt government in America's 250-year history. He points to Mitch McConnell's failure to vote for conviction during the second impeachment trial as the hinge point that could have changed everything — and argues that if impeachment doesn't apply to what Trump has done, the mechanism has no meaning. The conversation goes beyond Trump himself into deeper structural questions about how to repair American democracy. Conway endorses the bipartisan constitutional amendment circulating in the House to nullify presidential pardons — citing Trump intermediaries allegedly being paid for sold pardons — but argues that statutory fixes will be more achievable than amendments, and that Congress needs to codify the old "norms" into enforceable law. He argues that that Democrats should fight fire with fire, with Chuck warning it only feeds whataboutism, and makes the case for incrementalism and welcoming converts rather than saying "I told you so" — pointing to figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene as case studies in evolving away from Trump. Throughout, Conway returns to a central theme: that no positive policy agenda is possible until the current constitutional crisis is resolved, and that America simply cannot survive three more years of a government working to serve one man. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or https://apply.americanfinancing.net/thechucktoddcast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:30 GUEST TEASE 03:30 Are we about to go to war with Iran? 04:30 This is military adventurism without consent of congress 05:30 We’ve moved a massive amount of military assets to Middle East 06:45 It’s possible this is all posturing for negotiations 09:00 Does Trump have room to back down, or will it only escalate? 10:00 Will Trump want part of Iran’s oil business in order to back down? 10:30 History says hot military intervention is coming, best not miss 11:30 If we get involved in regime change then we own it 12:30 It feels like we’ve gone too far to back down 14:15 American interventions in Iran have gone terribly in the past 15:00 A democratic Iran would be amazing, but dictating outcomes is hard 15:30 The Texas senate race is becoming an all-timer 17:00 Polls have shown Crockett ahead of Talarico, 17:30 Establishment GOP feels Paxton is unelectable 18:15 Millions have been spent by GOP to beat Paxton, he’s still leading 19:45 Paxton’s numbers have gotten worse in general, not benefiting Cornyn 20:30 Both Talarico & Crockett lead Paxton in recent polls 21:00 Democrats are getting help from GOP softening up their nominee 23:00 What’s the path for Coryn to get to 50% + 1? 24:30 Colbert interview with Talarico yanked by CBS due to FCC threats 25:00 The controversy generated millions more views than it would have 26:30 What the “equal time rule” actually states 27:30 Don’t know if either side, Colbert or CBS is giving the full story 28:30 Jasmine Crockett is the loser here 30:30 The unanswered questions from the Colbert controversy persist 33:00 This controversy has been a massive boon for Talarico 34:45 Chuck Schumer begging senate Dems to get to crypto’s side 35:30 This goes beyond lobbying, this is financial coercion 36:15 Crypto used their money to defeat & make example of Sherrod Brown 38:00 Big money is threatening dissent in politics 40:00 Schumer is saying when opponent has enough money, you must appease 40:45 Trump only wants to point fingers over sewage dump in Potomac 42:00 We can’t deal with disaster only based on politics 43:00 Can we stop the blame game and just fix the problem? 44:00 Lack of local coverage from WaPo has been a glaring issue 53:15 George Conway joins the Chuck ToddCast 54:45 The Republican party is unrecognizable today 55:45 Why George became a Republican in the 80’s 57:15 George was a “legal” conservative based on the Constitution 58:15 Nixon did some not so conservative things because they were popular 59:45 Young people think conservatism & Trumpism are the same thing 1:00:30 The Democratic party is trying to fit a broad coalition under one tent 1:01:15 We can’t have serious policy debates until the current crisis is over 1:02:45 Hating corrupt politicians of all stripes, not just one side 1:03:45 Can’t retire because the last few years have been appalling 1:05:00 The courts aren’t equipped to deal with someone like Trump 1:06:45 Could a third impeachment trial weaken the impeachment process? 1:07:45 Mitch McConnell choked during Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial 1:08:15 If McConnell voted to convict, others would have followed 1:09:15 If we can’t impeach Trump for what he’s done… Then why have impeachment? 1:10:30 Do we want a constitutional government or not? 1:12:15 Impeaching Trump is as constitutional imperative for congress 1:12:45 Trump is deteriorating psychologically and controls military & nukes 1:13:30 Trump is creating his own domestic army with ICE 1:14:15 The Republic, the constitution and rule of law are all on the line 1:15:00 We can’t survive three more years of this 1:16:00 In 250 years, we’ve never seen a government this corrupt 1:17:45 The internet & media only have so much bandwidth, can’t handle Trump 1:19:00 The government is only working to serve one man 1:20:00 If we don’t impeach Trump, we’re throwing out the constitution 1:20:45 Can you convince Hakeem Jeffries to impeach Trump a 3rd team? 1:21:45 Trump & his actions will only get worse in the coming months 1:23:45 American politics has deteriorated due to the weakness of congress 1:24:15 Everything has gone to the courts since congress won’t legislate 1:25:30 Constitutional amendment to nullify pardons introduced in house 1:27:45 Passing amendments is hard, statutory fixes will be easier to pass 1:29:15 Congress gets to set the rules, and has defaulted on responsibility 1:30:00 The old “norms” need to be codified into law 1:31:30 Our backs are against the wall, normal politics don’t apply 1:33:15 Fighting fire with fire feeds into “whataboutism” 1:34:45 Want to go back to an America where the president isn’t a “piece of shit” 1:37:15 Only four people control congress & that’s the problem 1:38:00 What do you say to the voter who supports Trump for policy reasons? 1:39:30 Nobody has done more damage to restriction immigration than Trump 1:40:30 How did the Reagan GOP you joined become Trump acolytes? 1:41:15 Victimhood is clearly the currency of the right 1:43:00 The right’s grievance complex leads them to only oppose the left 1:44:15 The case for incrementalism, democracy is a dialogue 1:45:30 There is a nihilistic animus amongst Trump’s inner circle 1:48:00 Bush has stayed fairly quiet about Trump, should have spoken sooner 1:51:00 The only way to win converts is to welcome them i.e. Marjorie Taylor-Greene 1:52:00 Mike Pence deserves credit for J6, but should have conceded in November 1:53:15 Marjorie Taylor-Greene is a case study in evolving away from Trump 1:55:45 The spirit of democracy requires being to admit you were wrong 1:56:30 Nobody likes to hear “I told you so” - It’s why Trumpism has persisted 1:57:45 What questions do voters ask you that aren’t about Trump? 2:00:30 We can’t do positive things for people until Trump is gone 2:02:30 George Conway makes a persuasive argument for impeachment 2:05:00 History will be kinder if we use the constitution to throw out Trump 2:05:45 Ask Chuck 2:06:00 Why not give Trump accolades in exchange for good policy? 2:08:15 Fresh candidates on the pod restoring a sense of optimism 2:11:00 Did the Inflation Reduction Act include EPA’s ability to regulate air pollution? 2:15:00 Book recommendations for understanding fall of the Ottoman empire? 2:17:30 Which house races are you watching closely and why? 2:19:45 Not as optimistic about passing constitutional amendments 2:22:30 How did the one-term presidents lose if they weren’t politically astute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chuck Todd tackles three fast-moving stories shaping the political landscape. First, he digs into the escalating Iran crisis, where the Trump administration has deployed two aircraft carriers, hundreds of fighter jets, and a dozen warships to the Middle East — what Todd calls military adventurism without the consent of Congress. With nuclear talks in Geneva producing no breakthrough and Trump advisers saying there's a 90% chance of kinetic action in the coming weeks, Todd warns that history says hot intervention is coming and that the U.S. may have gone too far to back down, while cautioning that any regime change scenario means America would own the outcome — a lesson the country should have learned from its disastrous track record in Iran. From there, he turns to the Texas Senate race, which he calls an all-timer, breaking down the volatile primaries on both sides: Ken Paxton leading despite millions spent by the GOP establishment to take him down, the tight Crockett-Talarico Democratic primary, and the explosive Colbert-CBS controversy — in which CBS lawyers blocked Colbert from airing a Talarico interview over FCC "equal time" threats, only for the resulting firestorm to generate millions more views on YouTube than it ever would have gotten on broadcast, making Jasmine Crockett the quiet loser in the saga. Todd closes with a sharp critique of crypto's financial coercion of the Democratic Party — pointing to Chuck Schumer reportedly urging Senate Democrats to get on crypto's side after the industry spent heavily to defeat Sherrod Brown — and a Potomac sewage dump that underscores how even basic governance has become hostage to political blame games. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or https://apply.americanfinancing.net/thechucktoddcast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 2:15 Are we about to go to war with Iran? 3:15 This is military adventurism without consent of congress 4:15 We’ve moved a massive amount of military assets to Middle East 5:30 It’s possible this is all posturing for negotiations 7:45 Does Trump have room to back down, or will it only escalate? 8:45 Will Trump want part of Iran’s oil business in order to back down? 9:15 History says hot military intervention is coming, best not miss 10:15 If we get involved in regime change then we own it 11:15 It feels like we’ve gone too far to back down 13:00 American interventions in Iran have gone terribly in the past 13:45 A democratic Iran would be amazing, but dictating outcomes is hard 14:15 The Texas senate race is becoming an all-timer 15:45 Polls have shown Crockett ahead of Talarico 16:15 Establishment GOP feels Paxton is unelectable 17:00 Millions have been spent by GOP to beat Paxton, he’s still leading 18:30 Paxton’s numbers have gotten worse in general, not benefiting Cornyn 19:15 Both Talarico & Crockett lead Paxton in recent polls 19:45 Democrats are getting help from GOP softening up their nominee 21:45 What’s the path for Coryn to get to 50% + 1? 23:15 Colbert interview with Talarico yanked by CBS due to FCC threats 23:45 The controversy generated millions more views than it would have 25:15 What the “equal time rule” actually states 26:15 Don’t know if either side, Colbert or CBS is giving the full story 27:15 Jasmine Crockett is the loser here 29:15 The unanswered questions from the Colbert controversy persist 31:45 This controversy has been a massive boon for Talarico 33:30 Chuck Schumer begging senate Dems to get to crypto’s side 34:15 This goes beyond lobbying, this is financial coercion 35:00 Crypto used their money to defeat & make example of Sherrod Brown 36:45 Big money is threatening dissent in politics 38:45 Schumer is saying when opponent has enough money, you must appease 39:30 Trump only wants to point fingers over sewage dump in Potomac 40:45 We can’t deal with disaster only based on politics 41:45 Can we stop the blame game and just fix the problem? 42:45 Lack of local coverage from WaPo has been a glaring issue 51:45 George Conway makes a persuasive argument for impeachment 54:15 History will be kinder if we use the constitution to throw out Trump 55:00 Ask Chuck 55:15 Why not give Trump accolades in exchange for good policy? 57:30 Fresh candidates on the pod restoring a sense of optimism 1:00:15 Did the Inflation Reduction Act include EPA’s ability to regulate air pollution? 1:04:15 Book recommendations for understanding fall of the Ottoman empire? 1:06:45 Which house races are you watching closely and why? 1:09:00 Not as optimistic about passing constitutional amendments 1:11:45 How did the one-term presidents lose if they weren’t politically astute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Senator Jon Husted, Republican Junior Senator from Ohio, joined us on the Guy Benson Show today to discuss the latest on the partial government shutdown that's effecting funding DHS. Benson and Husted also discussed the latest on the SAVE Act and a resurfaced clip of Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supporting the voter ID measures that he now so adamantly opposes. Sen. Husted also discussed the ongoing story regarding receiving donations from an Epstein friend and his decision to donate the funds, and you can listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome back to Purple Political Breakdown, hosted by Radell Lewis your source for political solutions without political bias. In this episode, we dive deep into the 2026 Ohio Senate race between challenger Sherrod Brown and incumbent Jon Husted. This Ohio special election could reshape the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, and every Ohio voter needs to understand what's at stake.Radell breaks down where Brown and Husted stand on the issues that matter most to Ohioans: tariffs and their devastating impact on Ohio farmers and manufacturers, the economy, jobs, and taxes, healthcare and Medicaid work requirements, abortion and reproductive rights following Ohio's constitutional amendment, gun policy, immigration and the Springfield Haitian community's fight for Temporary Protected Status, foreign policy, voting rights, and campaign finance reform.This episode also covers the FirstEnergy corruption trial happening right now in Akron the largest corruption scandal in Ohio state history and Husted's connections to the key players involved. Plus, critical Ohio statehouse news including proposed sanctuary city crackdowns, ICE enforcement pushback from cities like Akron and Columbus, the Baby Olivia bill, mifepristone legislation, the intra-Republican power struggle over the state treasurer race, and questions about Ohio's manufacturing future amid tariffs and the incomplete Intel CHIPS Act facility.With the latest polling showing Husted leading Brown by just one point, this race is anyone's game. Radell gives you the facts, the context, and his honest take so you can make an informed decision at the ballot box.Whether you're a union worker weighing your endorsement, an independent voter looking for real analysis, or just an Ohioan who wants to understand how state and local politics shape your daily life this episode is for you. Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers. Your vote matters.Rate us five stars and follow Purple Political Breakdown wherever you listen to podcasts.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
Purple Political Breakdown with host Radell Lewis delivers your comprehensive guide to the 2026 Ohio midterm elections. This episode breaks down every position that mattersfrom the high-stakes Ohio governor race between Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy to the crucial Ohio Senate seat featuring Sherrod Brown vs Jon Husted.Radell covers the key Ohio House races in the 1st and 9th congressional districts, plus the often-overlooked positions that directly impact your life: Ohio Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Treasurer, and two Ohio Supreme Court seats. He also exposes a suspicious pattern in Republican strategywhy are so many incumbents switching positions instead of running for re-election?Whether you're in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, or anywhere across the Buckeye State, this is your essential Ohio voter guide for 2026. These midterms will determine how Ohio responds to the Trump administration over the next three yearsmake your vote count.New episodes weekly. Subscribe and share with every Ohio voter you know. Contact: thetrendgoldenfaith@gmail.com#OhioElections2026 #OhioMidterms #OhioPolitics #VivekRamaswamy #AmyActon #SherrodBrown #OhioVoterGuide #PurplePoliticalBreakdownStandard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens tariffs on eight European countries. Also, a federal judge limits ICE action against Minneapolis protesters. Plus, millions of Epstein documents remain unreleased by Trump's Justice Department. And Trump fails to deliver on his promise to lower health care costs. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Sherrod Brown join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As the country hurtles toward the 2026 midterms, Chuck Todd breaks down why winning in this moment may be more about margins than movements—and why messaging is about to get brutally hard. With a fragmented, exhausted electorate and a president acting emboldened despite weak political standing, Democrats face a defining choice: run as resistance to Donald Trump or position themselves as problem-solvers ready to turn the page. History suggests forward-looking messages work best, especially with independents who vote in self-interest and are tired of constant political warfare, even as Trump continues to dominate GOP primaries and sideline Congress. The conversation also looks at why Republicans’ razor-thin majority leaves them unable to govern, how Trump’s grip on the party could backfire in a general election, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about putting the Senate in play—with strong recruiting wins and favorable midterm math. New polling on the Renee Good shooting and ICE shows Trump-aligned tactics playing poorly outside the MAGA base, particularly with independents and women, underscoring just how volatile—and opportunity-rich—the political landscape could be heading into 2026. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 championship winning Miami Hurricanes football teams & answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 1:30 Messaging will be incredibly difficult in this political environment 2:00 If Dems only win house, it will be considered a partial rebuke of Trump 3:00 Trump is weak politically but acting like he has a ton of capital 3:45 Trump feels emboldened to play “Risk” with the world 4:30 Administration will likely back off investigation into Jay Powell 5:45 Talking to a fragmented and exhausted electorate will be tough 7:00 Elections are always won on the margins, not just by the base 8:15 Analysts project their preferences onto the electorate & swing voters 9:15 What is the most effective way to win elections in 2026? 10:15 Democrats will have to balance accountability vs. forward facing 12:00 “Would you work with Donald Trump?” a defining question for Dems 14:00 Dems have to decide whether they are resistance or problem solvers 15:45 History suggests forward looking messages are more effective 16:45 Most voters vote in self-interest, not for the greater good 17:30 After 10 years of Trump, the public is exhausted by politics 18:30 “Turn the page” messaging may appeal to independents 20:15 GOP primaries will be all about Trump, but cause problem in general 21:45 Trump can break ideological rules other Republicans can’t 22:45 GOP majority is so narrow they can’t really govern 23:30 Trump is increasingly uninterested in working with congress 25:00 “Vote GOP to stop impeachment” isn’t enough to woo swing voters 25:45 Growing number of R’s uncomfortable with Trump’s actions 26:30 Dems got a huge recruiting victory in Alaska with Mary Peltola 28:15 Peltola puts Alaska in play, making senate control more possible 29:30 Sherrod Brown has won in midterm years in Ohio 31:00 Democrats much further along in putting senate in play 32:15 Historically the party out of power picks up 4 seats, Dems need 4 34:15 Majority of Americans say Renee Good shooting not justified 35:00 Majority of independents & women say it was unjustified 36:00 82% of respondents were aware of the Renee Good shooting 37:00 57% disapprove of ICE 38:15 ICE + Minneapolis not playing well outside MAGA base 39:15 Kristi Noem is an easy scapegoat, could get dumped 47:00 ToddCast Top 5 Miami Hurricanes football teams if 25’ team wins title 49:45 #1 2001 51:45 #2 1987 53:15 #3 1993 54:45 #4 1983 55:45 #5 2025 59:15 Ask Chuck 59:30 In today’s climate would it benefit a candidate to avoid negative ads? 1:03:00 Are traditional Republicans missing a chance to push back on Trump? 1:10:00 Did Biden cater too much to the far left & hurt appeal with swing voters? 1:12:00 How is public media likely to continue on? 1:14:30 Can Democrats make Mississippi competitive? 1:20:15 Are we still capable of recognizing normalization of democratic collapse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the country hurtles toward the 2026 midterms, Chuck Todd breaks down why winning in this moment may be more about margins than movements—and why messaging is about to get brutally hard. With a fragmented, exhausted electorate and a president acting emboldened despite weak political standing, Democrats face a defining choice: run as resistance to Donald Trump or position themselves as problem-solvers ready to turn the page. History suggests forward-looking messages work best, especially with independents who vote in self-interest and are tired of constant political warfare, even as Trump continues to dominate GOP primaries and sideline Congress. The conversation also looks at why Republicans’ razor-thin majority leaves them unable to govern, how Trump’s grip on the party could backfire in a general election, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about putting the Senate in play—with strong recruiting wins and favorable midterm math. New polling on the Renee Good shooting and ICE shows Trump-aligned tactics playing poorly outside the MAGA base, particularly with independents and women, underscoring just how volatile—and opportunity-rich—the political landscape could be heading into 2026. Then, Jon Slavet, a tech entrepreneur and Republican candidate for California governor, joins the Chuck ToddCast to discuss why he's entering one of the nation's most challenging political races. Slavet argues that while national politics dominates headlines, state and local governance has far more impact on people's daily lives—yet California's local politics receives inadequate attention despite intense interest from outsiders. He advocates for radical transparency in government, criticizing the use of NDAs in taxpayer-funded projects and calling out the influence of union spending. Addressing his controversial pursuit of Trump's endorsement despite never voting for him, Slavet positions himself as someone who sees Trump as an effective disrupter but not a builder, and he aligns with the administration on housing policy, particularly prioritizing temporary shelter over California's $1 million-per-unit permanent housing approach. Running as a Republican in deep-blue California, Slavet believes the state's pleasant weather has masked serious problems affecting middle and lower-income residents while the wealthy thrive. He proposes declaring an "affordability emergency" on day one, scrapping the high-speed rail project, and using AI to root out the billions lost to waste and fraud in California's healthcare system. Slavet defends his decision to run as a Republican rather than an independent, arguing that party identification remains essential for effectiveness despite his moderate positions on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. He contends that polls show half of Californians would support the "right kind" of Republican, and he's betting his business success and willingness to challenge both parties' orthodoxies will resonate with voters frustrated by the state's affordability crisis and regulatory burdens on small businesses. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 championship winning Miami Hurricanes football teams & answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:45 Messaging will be incredibly difficult in this political environment 04:15 If Dems only win house, it will be considered a partial rebuke of Trump 05:15 Trump is weak politically but acting like he has a ton of capital 06:00 Trump feels emboldened to play “Risk” with the world 06:45 Administration will likely back off investigation into Jay Powell 08:00 Talking to a fragmented and exhausted electorate will be tough 09:15 Elections are always won on the margins, not just by the base 10:30 Analysts project their preferences onto the electorate & swing voters 11:30 What is the most effective way to win elections in 2026? 12:30 Democrats will have to balance accountability vs. forward facing 14:15 “Would you work with Donald Trump?” a defining question for Dems 16:15 Dems have to decide whether they are resistance or problem solvers 18:00 History suggests forward looking messages are more effective 19:00 Most voters vote in self-interest, not for the greater good 19:45 After 10 years of Trump, the public is exhausted by politics 20:45 "Turn the page” messaging may appeal to independents 22:30 GOP primaries will be all about Trump, but cause problem in general 24:00 Trump can break ideological rules other Republicans can’t 25:00 GOP majority is so narrow they can’t really govern 25:45 Trump is increasingly uninterested in working with congress 27:15 “Vote GOP to stop impeachment” isn’t enough to woo swing voters 28:00 Growing number of R’s uncomfortable with Trump’s actions 28:45 Dems got a huge recruiting victory in Alaska with Mary Peltola 30:30 Peltola puts Alaska in play, making senate control more possible 31:45 Sherrod Brown has won in midterm years in Ohio 33:15 Democrats much further along in putting senate in play 34:30 Historically the party out of power picks up 4 seats, Dems need 4 36:30 Majority of Americans say Renee Good shooting not justified 37:15 Majority of independents & women say it was unjustified 38:15 82% of respondents were aware of the Renee Good shooting 39:15 57% disapprove of ICE 40:30 ICE + Minneapolis not playing well outside MAGA base 41:30 Kristi Noem is an easy scapegoat, could get dumped 49:00 Jon Slavet joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:45 Why enter politics and run for governor of California? 52:30 It’s fraught & dangerous to run for office in this political climate 53:15 National politics get attention, state & local more impactful 54:45 Serious lack of attention to local politics in California 56:00 There’s a ton of interest in California from people outside it 57:15 NDA’s should not be allowed in taxpayer funded projects 58:45 Major government discussions need more transparency in CA 59:15 Unions raise $1B in CA and spend $300 on political donations 1:00:00 Why seek Trump’s endorsement after not voting for him 3x? 1:01:15 Trump is good as a disrupter but not as a builder 1:02:00 Where do you agree with Trump on policy? 1:02:30 HUD’s new policy prioritizes temporary, not permanent housing 1:03:30 Permanent housing for homeless costs $1M per unit in CA 1:05:00 The priority should be getting homeless into temp housing ASAP 1:06:00 Could you have been as successful in a state other than CA? 1:07:15 California’s great weather masks many of its problems 1:08:30 Tech doesn’t suffer from regulatory issues like other industries 1:09:15 Middle & lower income Californians are suffering, rich doing great 1:11:30 Half of California’s work for small businesses that are overtaxed 1:14:00 Where will you find the money to fund your proposals? 1:14:30 California should scrap the high speed rail to nowhere 1:15:30 Jon would declare an affordability emergency on day 1 1:17:00 California’s healthcare costs $160B, Medicare fraud is 10–15% 1:18:30 AI can be used to root out waste, fraud and abuse in state budget 1:20:00 Californians pay huge taxes on fuel & energy 1:21:30 Why run as a Republican and not an independent? 1:23:00 We should be way beyond the same-sex marriage debate 1:24:00 Abortion is settled law in California 1:25:30 Why Jon was against Prop 50 in California 1:26:30 Gerrymandering is terrible for democracy 1:28:15 Running as independent isn’t effective, people identify w/ parties 1:29:45 The race will be a Trump referendum, how does a Republican win? 1:31:30 Polls show half of CA will vote for the “right kind” of Republican 1:32:45 CA has had plenty of billionaires run & fail to win elections 1:35:00 Has Silicon Valley been regulated enough? 1:36:15 AI boom has been critical for San Francisco’s comeback 1:37:45 Would you ban social media for kids under 16? 1:39:30 Would you ban phones in schools? 1:40:15 How do you convince CA voters the wealth tax is a bad idea? 1:42:15 How would you work in a bipartisan manner with Dem state house? 1:45:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Jon Slavet 1:45:30 There’s a lack of star power in CA governor race 1:46:15 ToddCast Top 5 Miami Hurricanes football teams if ’25 team wins title 1:49:00 #1 2001 1:51:00 #2 1987 1:52:30 #3 1993 1:54:00 #4 1983 1:55:00 #5 2025 1:58:30 Ask Chuck 1:58:45 In today’s climate would it benefit a candidate to avoid negative ads? 2:02:15 Are traditional Republicans missing a chance to push back on Trump? 2:09:15 Did Biden cater too much to the far left & hurt appeal with swing voters? 2:11:15 How is public media likely to continue on? 2:13:45 Can Democrats make Mississippi competitive? 2:19:30 Are we still capable of recognizing normalization of democratic collapse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown joined the podcast to discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate, attacks against unions and the complexities of U.S. trade policy. Continuing the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025 series, we revisit the July 25 conversation with Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and April Goggans, President of NTEU Chapter 250, who discussed the challenges facing federal workers. They addressed proposed budget cuts, workforce reductions and the impact on critical services provided by agencies such as the IRS and Health and Human Services.
Tonight on The Last Word: Experts suggest that the boat strikes may be illegal under U.S. law. Also, a judge orders Trump to end the National Guard control in California. Plus, Trump hits an all-time low on economy approval according to an AP-NORC poll. Capt. Todd Huntley, Sen. Alex Padilla, Sherrod Brown, and Eric Gisler join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Jamie Raskin demands answers about Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly receiving preferential treatment in prison. Also, Republicans let Affordable Care Act subsidies lapse. Plus, Somalia's health systems are collapsing amid cuts to USAID. And Trump backs a bailout for Argentina while cutting aid to Africa. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sherrod Brown, Stephanie Nolen, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O'Donnell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says Donald Trump relies on the “impression of power.” Also, the government shutdown raises huge concerns for federal workers in Virginia. Plus, U.S. adversaries look to capitalize on Trump's chaos. And farmers and businesses struggle with the cost of Trump tariffs. Timothy Snyder, Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, Rep. Adam Smith, and Sherrod Brown join Ali Velshi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tonight on The Last Word: Oversight Cmte. Dem Rep. Garica says fmr. Trump AG Bill Barr says the DOJ can release the Epstein files now. Also, the Justice Department is investigating NY Atty. Gen. Letitia James, who previously prosecuted the Trump Org. Plus, Sherrod Brown is running in the Ohio special election to fill the remainder of JD Vance's term in the Senate. And Donald Trump's economic failures are costing Americans. Rep. Robert Garcia, Andrew Weissmann, and former Sen. Sherrod Brown join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025Today, Zelensky meets with Trump and other world leaders in DC as Trump calls for an end to mail in voting; the fifth IRS commissioner Bessent has ousted three top IRS executives so he can consolidate power; a federal judge blocks Trump's FTC retaliation against Media Matters; the Republican governor of Vermont has rejected Trump's request to send National Guard troops to DC; Newsmax settles with Dominion Voting for $67M for the lies it told about the 2020 election; Texas Democrats have ended their two week walkout to prevent a quorum; Sherrod Brown has officially launched his 2026 Senate campaign; a federal judge has granted a request by USAID workers to certify a class action lawsuit against Musk and DOGE; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, CoyuchiGet 15% off when you visit Coyuchi.com/dailybeansYou Can Nominate Dana Goldberg for this year's Out100!https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8429383/2025-Out100-Readers-ChoiceStoriesTrump Pledges Unconstitutional Order to Limit Mail-In Voting After Putin Chat | Rolling StoneTexas Democrats End Walkout Over Redistricting, Allowing Redrawn Map to Pass | The New York TimesBessent ousts 3 more IRS executives, asserting greater control | The Washington PostPhil Scott rejects second request to deploy Vermont National Guard, this time to Washington, D.C. | Vermont PublicGood Trouble Hey beans queens! Resistance Rangers again! Huge, unfortunate news for LGBTQ+ and first amendment rights for off duty civil servants and as everything trickles down… Eventually impacting everyone's first amendment rights and civil rights. Here is the press release we typed up about the ranger who flew the trans flag at Yosemite, they just got fired. Learn more at the link in the show notes NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FIRES EMPLOYEE FOR PRACTICING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT?Fellow climbers, allies, and community members are calling for SJ's immediate reinstatement, an independent investigation into Yosemite's discriminatory employment practices, and full transparency from the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior. They are encouraging everyone to email Yosemite's recent Acting Superintendent at raymond_mcpadden@nps.gov and recent Acting Deputy Superintendent danika_globokar@nps.gov to call for the same. This new leadership team, who made the decision to fire SJ, has only been in place in Yosemite since May. From The Good NewsNATIONAL PARK SERVICE FIRES EMPLOYEE FOR PRACTICING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTValles Caldera National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)Misty of Chincoteague - Misty's HeavenCongressional DishReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - DonateMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beansFederal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out more from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackShare your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good TroubleHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?The Daily Beans | SupercastThe Daily Beans & Mueller, She Wrote | PatreonThe Daily Beans | Apple Podcasts
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on red states like Ohio turning against Trump and MAGA and Meiselas interviews former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown on his announcement today that he's running again for Senate in Ohio. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices