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One of Donald Trump’s priorities when he returned to the White House was to target law firms that he felt had wronged him. While some immediately caved to his demands, others fought back… and won. We’re joined by Marc Elias, preeminent election lawyer and founder of Democracy Docket, to discuss Trump using his second term to settle personal scores, abuse his power, and put a strain on the judicial system in America. Marc and Al discuss the growing authoritarianism and how the recent Supreme Court decisions won’t slow it down. But with the unpopularity of Trump’s disgusting immigration policy to … Read More…

We are joined by CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt for her first time on the podcast! It’s a fun conversation covering her work and what inspired her to follow her passion for journalism. She discusses the early days of her career covering Obama, Congress, and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. We also talk about how much Congress and the information ecosystem has changed over the years. And Kasie, who was at The Capitol on January 6th, shares her thoughts about watching Donald Trump pardon the rioters on his first day back in office. Plus, immigration raids, tariffs … Read More…

We are joined by Molly Jong-Fast this week to discuss her new book, “How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir.” We’ve had Molly on the podcast many times, but you’ve never heard her like this! She discusses growing up in the shadow of her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong, and their relationship over the years. Molly shares stories of her mother’s affairs, alcoholism, and addiction to fame. We also discuss the latest news out of Washington and how the “Big, Beautiful, Bullshit Bill” will bring pain to so many Americans. Plus, with tensions rising in The Middle East, should … Read More…

The Trump administration is waging war on DEI. But what does that mean? We ask one of our favorite guests, Heather McGhee, to break down how and why DEI has become such a focus for Trump and his allies. Heather wrote the groundbreaking book “The Sum of Us” and is an expert in economic and social policy. She explains that diversity is the backbone of America and that it’s unquestionably better for everyone when we embrace more diverse voices. We also discuss the appalling ICE raids in Los Angeles and around the country and the economic and moral impact of … Read More…

First time guest David Pakman joins us for this week’s show! David is a political commentator and hosts one of the most watched independent progressive programs in the country. With over 3 million YouTube subscribers, David spreads truth and commentary on the devastating impact Donald Trump is having on our country. Al and David kick around news out of Washington including the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and its chances of survival now that some Republicans have expressed their opposition (and Elon Musk has torn it apart). Plus, we take a look at the new “travel ban” and how Trump’s arguments for … Read More…

JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 40, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as “America’s Hitler” and “cultural heroin.” We’re joined by The Atlantic’s George Packer. His most recent piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance’s political transformation and whether or not he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition. We also take a look … Read More…

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Al’s former Senate Communications Director, Ed Shelleby, to relive their time working together. Ed tells tales of him TRYING to manage Al’s comedic impulses in serious situations, but also talks about the great work they accomplished together. Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to “pivot” in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer. But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al’s time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated … Read More…

From the start of Donald Trump’s second term, he’s been eager to cut the federal workforce. So, Elon Musk headed the newly minted DOGE to begin slashing tens of thousands of jobs.   Our friend, Michael Lewis, author of “The Big Short” and, most recently, “Who is Government?,” joins us to share stories of public servants who not only improved this country but have saved countless lives. Those improvements and breakthroughs could only have happened through the power and effectiveness of a strong government.   Lewis warns of the long-term consequences of dismantling agencies like USAID and removing oversight mechanisms. The public … Read More…

As Donald Trump and his administration continue their attacks on our democracy, one American institution has placed boundaries on his power: The Courts. We’re joined by Dahlia Lithwick, award-winning journalist, author, and host of the Amicus podcast. Dahlia looks at the judicial pushback against the Trump administration, as the Courts have stood up to Trump’s policies on birthright citizenship and deportation. We also discuss Trump’s targeting of law firms. The Supreme Court notably ruled 9-0 that the administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, which it has ignored. Is this the Constitutional crisis we’ve been … Read More…

Trump’s first 100 days back in office have been a whirlwind filled with chaotic, confusing, and authoritarian behavior and very little thoughtful policy – the perfect opportunity to welcome back our friends, Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics Podcast. These 100 days have been filled with bizarre stories that we may have already forgotten about. So, we run through some of the under reported stories with Mark and Molly and get their opinions on some of the most damaging actions Trump and his administration have taken. Plus, we take a look at how … Read More…

Every day we see this country inch closer to authoritarianism under Donald Trump. We’re joined by Robert Reich, political economist, professor, author, and former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. We cover how Reich thinks Democrats should fight back against this era of oligarchy in America. He explains the power of protest and lays out the messaging that Democrats need to embrace to show solidarity for the coming midterms and beyond. Plus, Reich tells the story of being classmates with Clarence Thomas, Hillary Rodham, and Bill Clinton and how he introduced Bill and Hillary at law school. Listen to Reich’s … Read More…

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of the profoundly disturbing book “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” which was released before the 2024 election. In this interview, he explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their backs on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did The Evangelical Church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an Evangelical? How can those voters ever be won … Read More…