The Chuck ToddCast

• RFK Jr. Is Destroying The Public Health System + The Human Cost Of Mass Homelessness In America

  Chuck Todd begins with a scathing assessment of RFK Jr.'s dangerous tenure as health secretary, detailing how Kennedy has systematically dismantled America's public health infrastructure through lies, conspiracy theories, and decisions that will harm low-income children for decades to come. Todd chronicles Kennedy's destructive timeline from canceling $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts to funding the largest anti-vaccination organization while lying during his Senate confirmation hearings, culminating in his role in triggering a massive measles outbreak that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. The episode also covers Seattle's recent elections and Derek Dooley's Senate candidacy announcement in Georgia, while Todd warns that being an incumbent anywhere will be politically treacherous in the current climate. Throughout the discussion, Todd expresses frustration with Congress's silence on Kennedy's actions and the White House's nervousness about confronting what he calls "the least qualified person to lead public health," arguing that there needs to be far more public outrage over Kennedy's "menace" to American public health and the generational consequences of his anti-science agenda.Then, Dr. Terence Lester, an Atlanta-based community activist and educator, joins Chuck Todd to explore how America's growing inequality and resegregation are creating cycles of poverty that trap entire communities despite urban economic booms. Lester explains how Atlanta's prosperity has left many neighborhoods behind, with interstate highways deliberately used to segregate cities and redlining policies affecting not just housing but educational opportunities for generations. He argues that the resegregation of schools and society has contributed to America's current polarization, as many people never truly experienced integration and lack the diverse experiences necessary to build empathy across racial and economic lines. The conversation examines whether property taxes remain a viable method for funding schools, the critical role of impactful teachers in breaking cycles of poverty, and how top-down approaches often fail where community-stakeholder partnerships succeed.The discussion takes on urgent contemporary relevance as Lester warns that current affordability crises will create a "third era of mass homelessness" while communities increasingly criminalize rather than address the root causes of housing insecurity, which he argues violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. He emphasizes education as the pathway to empathy and highlights the crucial role faith communities can play in restoring local connections, while addressing how the dismantling of the Department of Education has strained public school systems that could serve as 24-hour community resource centers. Throughout the conversation, Lester advocates for grassroots solutions that combine public policy with community engagement, arguing that sustainable change requires both faith in humanity and practical action to ensure schools and nonprofits can provide the wraparound services that struggling families need to break generational cycles of poverty and homelessness.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction04:30 Elections held in Seattle06:30 Being an incumbent anywhere will be tough07:45 Derek Dooley announces senate candidacy in Georgia09:00 RFK Jr. is a menace to American public health10:00 Timeline of Kennedy dismantling American public health system12:30 RFK canceled $500 million in MRNA vaccine contracts13:45 RFK lied during senate confirmation hearings14:45 Kennedy funded largest anti-vax organization16:30 Kennedy is responsible for massive measles outbreak17:45 Low income children will pay the price for Kennedy’s decisions18:45 The consequences will last for decades19:30 Congress has been silent on Kennedy, WH is nervous22:15 There needs to be more public outrage over Kennedy25:30 Kennedy is the least qualified person to lead public health27:00 Dr. Terence Lester joins the Chuck ToddCast! 29:00 Dr. Lester's origin story 32:00 How did so many areas of Atlanta fall behind as the city boomed? 34:00 Poverty was hard to escape in Atlanta in the 80's 34:30 The interstates were used to segregate cities 36:30 The importance of diversity of experience 37:45 Kids suffering from poverty can't connect with diverse experiences 39:15 The school system has resegregated 40:00 Redlining didn't just affect housing, it affected schooling 41:45 The ressegregation of society has led to polarization 43:15 Many people didn't really experience desegregation 45:00 The feeling of progress is relative 48:30 Is property tax an outdated way of funding schools? 50:15 The stakeholder approach vs the top-down approach 52:30 The importance of an impactful teacher for struggling students 54:00 The need to provide students with work readiness 56:30 Is the solution to homelessness public policy, or the community 57:30 Affordability will create a third era of mass homelessness 59:00 The rise of criminalizing homelessness 1:00:30 Punishing homelessness is a violation of the 8th amendment 1:01:45 The two narratives surrounding homelessness 1:03:00 The lack of empathy for the homeless 1:04:45 Education is the pathway to empathy 1:06:00 The role of the faith community in restoring local communities 1:10:00 Faith in humanity vs faith in the divine 1:11:45 How much strain has dismantling the Department of Education caused? 1:15:30 The role of nonprofits and foundations in working with public schools 1:17:00 Schools can be a 24 hour resource and center of a community 1:18:00 How can viewers/listeners contribute if they want to help? 1:19:15 Which Atlanta sports team affects the mood of the city most?1:21:45 Chuck's thoughts on conversation with Dr. Lester 1:22:15 Ask Chuck 1:22:30 Should congress outlaw political parties and create a wealth tax? 1:24:15 Why don't we have a "Meet the Press" for sports? 1:29:30 When will Republicans stop clinging to Trump? 1:33:30 Did Trump flip on Epstein over a real estate deal? 1:37:45 Insights on Brady House?

  --------  

  1:39:51

  --------

  1:39:51
• Is Trump LOSING His Mind Or Is He Being Lied To? + Atomic Bowl: America Played FOOTBALL In Nagasaki After NUKING It

  Chuck Todd examines Trump's disastrous CNBC interview filled with demonstrable lies and errors, questioning whether the president is mentally declining or being fed bad information as he poisons government data and threatens economic stability by claiming false achievements like having the "highest vote total ever in Texas" when he actually ranked just 7th since World War II. He warns that Trump's calls for rigged elections in Texas to maintain power, combined with his corruption of federal statistics, represents a fundamental threat to democracy that even elected Republicans won't support—though the party remains largely silent as Trump advocates for systematic unfairness. The episode also covers emerging political developments including Arnold Schwarzenegger's vow to fight Gavin Newsom over redistricting, Democratic donor Steve Kloobeck launching TV ads in California focused on Trump's Epstein connections after Kamala Harris bows out, and the growing likelihood that Sherrod Brown will mount another Senate run in Ohio despite being positioned as Republicans' top 2028 target. He rounds out the discussion with updates on crowded Democratic primary fields in Iowa, potential presidential ambitions from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Jerry Demings' Florida political future, and the economic reality of shrinkflation hitting grocery stores as Americans face continued price increases.Then, nuclear weapons historian Greg Mitchell joins Chuck Todd to discuss his documentary "Atomic Bowl" and the largely forgotten story of a football game played in Nagasaki just four months after the atomic bombing, revealing how both American and Japanese governments worked to quickly turn the page on nuclear devastation. Mitchell explores why Nagasaki became the "forgotten city" compared to Hiroshima, despite the horrific targeting of civilian populations rather than military bases, and how the military-ordered football game featuring a Heisman Trophy winner was part of a broader effort to westernize Japan and normalize post-war relations. The conversation delves into the decades-long government cover-up of radiation health effects on American troops, the "downwinders" affected by nuclear testing, and how the true decision-making process behind the bombings remains buried by official narratives that claimed the bombs saved a million American lives.The discussion takes on contemporary urgency as Mitchell warns that nuclear weapons are being made "more useable" while the horror of their effects fades from living memory, with AI now integrated into nuclear protocols and the Trump administration proposing nuclear reactors on the moon. Todd and Mitchell examine how Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" brought renewed attention to nuclear issues, the ongoing radiation monitoring in Japanese cities, and whether there's a modern equivalent to muckraking journalists like Upton Sinclair who could expose nuclear truths today. The episode highlights the critical importance of remembering nuclear history as policymakers consider the role of nuclear power in clean energy transitions while the Pacific Theatre's lessons remain overshadowed by European World War II narratives, making the atomic bombings' anniversaries increasingly forgotten despite their lasting global implications.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction02:00 Trump’s crazy interview with CNBC was full of errors and lies03:15 Trump is either losing it or is being given bad information04:30 Trump is poisoning government data05:45 Corrupting data can destroy the economy06:15 Trump claims highest vote total ever in Texas… not true07:30 Trump had the 7th highest vote total in Texas just since WW208:45 Trump is calling for an unfair election in Texas to hold power09:45 Illinois is the most gerrymandered Democratic state10:45 Arnold Schwarzenegger vows to fight Newsom over redistricting13:15 Advocating for unfairness is terrible for the democracy14:45 Elected Republicans are not on board with manipulating BLS stats16:00 Steve Kloobeck running TV ads in CA after Harris bows out17:45 Kloobeck’s first ad is about Trump & Epstein19:15 Looking likely Sherrod Brown will run for senate in Ohio21:15 If Brown wins he’ll be the #1 target for Republicans in 28’23:15 Democrats now have 4 senate candidates in Iowa25:30 Democrats will have a hard time clearing the primary field26:45 Hawaii governor Josh Green might run for president28:00 Jerry Demings might run for governor or senate in Florida30:00 Shrinkflation is showing up at grocery stores as prices rise33:45 Greg Mitchell joins the Chuck ToddCast! 35:30 How Greg ended up on the nuclear weapons beat 37:00 Nagasaki is the "forgotten city" 38:00 Oppenheimer brought nukes back into public consciousness 39:15 The "atomic bowl" was played 4 months after Nagasaki bombing 40:30 The story of the game was swept under the rug 43:00 Why was Nagasaki bombed if Hiroshima "made the point"? 44:45 Why were Hiroshima and Nagasaki chosen for bombing? 46:00 Target wasn't military bases, it was the middle of the cities 47:00 Truman put a stop to use of additional nukes 48:30 Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is largely forgotten 50:00 U.S. troops sent in after bombing had health problems from radiation 51:30 Government took decades to deal with health fallout for troops 52:45 Oppenheimer brought attention to the "downwinders" of nuke tests 54:00 Both U.S. & Japanese governments wanted to turn page on WW2 56:00 The atomic bowl featured a Heisman trophy winner 57:30 Why was the game played? 58:45 Game was part of an effort to westernize Japan 1:01:15 Game was ordered by military command, not Washington 1:02:15 Participants didn't talk about playing in the game 1:03:45 There's been no feedback on the film from the Pentagon 1:05:15 Horror of nuclear weapons barely exists in living memory 1:07:00 Is there a robust community of historians in Japan for this topic? 1:08:15 Do the Japanese still monitor radiation fallout in these cities? 1:10:15 Justification narrative was saving a million American lives 1:11:30 The Pacific theatre receives far less attention than Europe 1:13:00 Decision making process has been buried by the government 1:14:00 Trump administration wants a nuclear reactor on the moon 1:15:15 The role of nuclear power in clean energy transition 1:16:30 AI is being used in our nuclear weapons protocols, but can't launch 1:17:30 J. Robert Oppenheimer's conversation with Truman 1:19:45 Thoughts on Nolan's portrayal of Oppenheimer? 1:22:45 American public perception on use of the bomb 1:23:45 Nukes are being made "more useable" 1:25:00 The taboo around using nukes 1:26:45 Is there someone in political culture today like Upton Sinclair? 1:30:45 How to watch "Atomic Bowl"1:31:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Greg Mitchell 1:33:45 Ask Chuck 1:34:00 What can Democrats do to reconnect with young men? 1:40:00 How will high housing prices and inequality shape young voters? 1:44:45 What is Dems 2032 path without turning Texas and Florida purple?

  --------  

  1:54:26

  --------

  1:54:26
• Trump Can’t Outspin A Bad Economy + Why Michigan Is The MOST IMPORTANT State In American Politics

  Chuck Todd begins with newly released data showing an economic slowdown and why it could potentially spell doom for Trump’s presidency. He compares it to Biden’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that permanently eroded Biden’s public support, and predicts that Trump’s presidency could end in major economic hardship.Then, political journalist Ron Fournier joins Chuck to explain why Michigan has emerged as America's ultimate political bellwether, driven by a populace that feels deeply let down by traditional politics and is hungry for alternatives to the two-party system. Fournier highlights Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's potential independent gubernatorial run as a test case for whether effective local governance can translate into statewide success, noting that even Trump voters are giving Duggan serious consideration due to his impressive record revitalizing Detroit's brand and economy. The conversation explores Michigan's uniquely competitive political landscape, featuring three viable gubernatorial candidates and the strategic advantages of running against the political duopoly in an era where voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo.The discussion delves into the broader implications for both parties, including whether Governor Gretchen Whitmer damaged her standing with the Democratic base by being cordial to Trump, and whether Democrats have lost by enough to engage in meaningful soul-searching or if they'll remain trapped in a cycle of swing elections that prevent real reform. They examine rising political stars like Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow, the possibility of Elissa Slotkin mounting a presidential campaign, and how Michigan's labor unions could shape future political outcomes. They also address the crisis facing journalism, from the collapse of traditional business models to the disconnect between national media and local communities, while celebrating Detroit's remarkable transformation through sports venues and urban development that mirrors the city's broader political and economic renaissance.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:00:00 Introduction03:30 Voters say they want independent candidates but don’t vote for them05:30 Michigan Democratic senate primary overview06:45 Do new troubles spell the beginning of the end for Trump?08:30 Bad economy could be Trump’s “Afghanistan withdrawal”11:45 Trump can’t “outspin” a bad reality 14:45 Voters wanted the Trump 1.0 economy, not the current one16:00 Presidents preside over the prior president’s economy18:15 Trump’s tariff authority could be overturned in court20:00 Data shows a slowing economy25:00 Politicizing health agencies and the fed are terrible ideas27:15 Trump has turned the GOP into a kleptocratic party29:00 Trump’s parallels with Nixon31:00 Fractures in GOP over trade policy?33:00 Protectionism doesn’t work in the modern economy35:00 Trump’s presidency will end in economic hardship36:45 Ron Fournier joins the Chuck ToddCast! 37:45 Michigan will be the bellwether for American politics 39:15 What makes Michigan the bellwether? 40:45 The people of Michigan feel let down by politics 42:15 Can Mike Duggan break through as an independent? 43:15 Trump voters are taking a serious look at Duggan 45:15 Duggan's effective record in Detroit means he could win 47:00 Detroit's brand has made a comeback 50:00 Michigan has three viable, qualified candidates for governor 52:00 Running against the duopoly is a strong strategy for Duggan 54:45 Is there a case to be made against Gretchen Witmer? 56:30 It's tough for Benson to run against Whitmer now, that could change 58:30 You have to run against the status quo in American politics 59:45 Whitmer hurt her standing with the base by being cordial to Trump 1:01:45 Whitmer may not want to run for president 1:03:15 Have the Democrats lost by enough to do any real soul searching? 1:06:00 We're stuck in a cycle of swing elections that prevent real reform 1:07:30 Democrats all trying to model themselves after Beshear and Shapiro 1:09:15 Abdul El-Sayed is a candidate to watch 1:10:45 Mallory McMorrow's prospects? 1:12:15 Will Michigan Republicans face tough primary races? 1:13:15 Elissa Slotkin gearing up to run for president? 1:15:45 If Duggan wins in Michigan, would his next move be a presidential run? 1:18:30 The vast majority of the public is dissatisfied with our current politics 1:20:00 Shocking but not surprising that media bosses aren't standing up for journalists? 1:22:15 The business model for news has been upended 1:24:45 Journalists need to provide a valuable service in order to build trust 1:27:45 Major news networks need local affiliate connection 1:29:15 "All the President's Men" created a disconnect for journalists 1:32:00 Feeling good about the Detroit Lions? 1:33:30 Stadiums transformed downtown Detroit 1:35:15 Which labor union will make the difference politically in Michigan?1:38:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Ron Fournier 1:38:45 More humiliation for the Washington Nationals 1:42:15 Nats ownership is completely incompetent 1:45:00 Advice for recent grads in a tough economy? 1:49:45 What 5 amendments would you make to the constitution? 1:54:30 Where is the public outcry over the gerrymandering battle?

  --------  

  2:01:31

  --------

  2:01:31
• To Turn The Page On Epstein, Trump Should Intervene In Gaza + Can Democrats Compete In Media That’s DOMINATED By Republicans?

  Chuck Todd begins with how Trump continues to damage himself with tone-deaf comments about Jeffrey Epstein that reveal his complete lack of empathy for victims, viewing himself rather than trafficking survivors as the real victim in the scandal. He argues that if Trump truly wants to move past the Epstein controversy, he should pivot to something that could actually win him praise—intervening in Gaza to provide humanitarian aid, which could even earn him the Nobel Peace Prize he desperately wants while addressing voter discomfort with Israel's actions. He also explores emerging Democratic Party fractures over police funding that hint at presidential ambitions from figures like Cory Booker, Trump's concerning signals about abandoning Taiwan, and the troubling spectacle of MAGA influencers like Dan Bongino backtracking on Epstein file demands with McCarthy-esque conspiracy theories.Progressive media entrepreneur Tara McGowan joins Chuck to discuss her journey from Democratic operative to founder of Courier Newsroom, a values-driven journalism platform that openly rejects traditional notions of journalistic neutrality. McGowan argues that independent journalism freed from corporate ownership constraints can better serve democracy by being "offensively oriented" with good information rather than defensively trying to appear neutral while misinformation spreads unchecked. She traces how American media has returned to its openly partisan 19th-century roots after a brief mid-20th-century experiment with objectivity, explaining why Courier embraces progressive values while maintaining journalistic integrity and how the conservative media machine that emerged after Watergate has successfully won the information war by understanding that politics and media have always been intertwined.The conversation explores the structural challenges facing modern media, from the collapse of the newspaper "bundle" that once accidentally informed audiences to the dominance of big tech algorithms that can make or break media companies overnight. McGowan discusses why individual personalities now earn trust better than institutional brands, how right-wing podcasts excel at moving audiences while building relationships with them, and why Democrats lost their early dominance in new media due to a consultant culture that stifled adaptation to the modern media ecosystem. She argues that the future belongs to younger Democratic talent who are native to digital platforms and compares today's media landscape to the muckraking era of the early 20th century, while addressing how Trump's Epstein controversy represents more than just algorithmic manipulation and reflects his broader pattern of covering up damaging information.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction03:30 Trump keeps digging his own grave when talking about Epstein04:30 Trump’s “poaching employees” comment shows no empathy for victims07:15 Trump underestimates the passion in his base for Epstein victims09:15 Trump doesn’t see the victims, he sees himself as a victim10:15 If Trump wants to turn the page, he needs to intervene in Gaza* 12:45 Feeding Gaza could win Trump the Nobel peace prize he covets15:15 Voters on both sides are uncomfortable with what Israel is doing17:45 It would be in Trump’s, Israel’s, and America’s interest to intervene in Gaza19:00 Democratic party infighting breaks out over bill for police funding21:15 Cory Booker is showing his presidential ambitions 23:15 Elected Democrats haven’t figured out how to challenge Trump26:00 Foreshadowing for Democrats internal civil war?28:15 Trump only governs for his supporters, Democrats can’t do the same30:15 The most talented politicians serve all voters and their base simultaneously31:00 Trump denies Taiwanese president visit to New York32:00 Trump sends message he wouldn’t intervene on behalf of Taiwan33:15 MAGA influencers are backtracking on Epstein files34:15 Dan Bongino puts out McCarthy-esque tweet over files36:00 Bongino says he found something “shocking”, but can't say what it is?38:30 Bongino is terrified his audience will think he’s a turncoat41:00 Bongino is doing terrible damage to the rule of law42:00 Tara McGowan joins the Chuck ToddCast! 43:30 Tara's political origin story 46:00 Founding Courier Newsroom 46:45 Why lean against journalistic neutrality? 47:45 Independent journalism isn't beholden to corporate owners 50:00 Courier isn't partisan, but has values they won't compromise 51:15 Media was openly partisan in the 19th century, becoming so again 52:30 Do you worry about reporting being tainted by bias? 53:45 The antidote to misinformation is offensively oriented good information 55:15 Media is currently operating out of fear and favor under Trump 57:30 The newspaper used to be a bundle that accidentally informed people 59:15 Watergate created the modern conservative media machine 1:00:30 What does the right wing media do well that you want to emulate? 1:01:45 The right understands the importance of winning the information war 1:03:45 There's always been a convergence of politics and media 1:05:15 Media companies get put into a "box" based on their perceived leanings 1:06:15 Right wing podcasts are moving their audiences and moving with them 1:07:00 Do you struggle finding conservative voices to platform? 1:08:30 Individual personalities earn trust better than brands 1:09:30 Downsides to the influencer media model? 1:12:30 There's value in aggregating good journalism 1:13:15 All the persuasion will be targeted at millennials 1:14:00 Distribution of media is at the mercy of big tech algorithms 1:15:30 Epstein isn't purely an algorithm creation, Trump is covering up something 1:18:30 Young people don't trust either party but really don't like Trump 1:19:30 Facebook changed algorithm and decimated Daily Caller and Buzzfeed 1:21:00 MAGA doesn't like consolidated power, and big tech has amassed it 1:23:00 How to adjust strategy when the algorithm changes 1:25:30 How did Democrats go from dominating new media to losing it? 1:28:30 Democrats' consultant culture strangled adaptation 1:30:00 The younger Democrat talent is native to the modern media ecosystem 1:32:00 Modern media is looking like the muckrakers of the early 20th century1:32:30 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Tara McGowan 1:34:00 Ask Chuck 1:34:15 What to make of Trump denying disaster aid to blue states? 1:38:30 How should the Democrats schedule their primary calendar? 1:44:00 Miami vs UF football + Pro wrestling 1:46:00 Can Democrats be competitive in Ohio in 26' and 28'?

  --------  

  1:52:49

  --------

  1:52:49
• Did Democrats Learn Their Lesson Or Will They Keep Losing? + The Electoral Landscape After Six Months Of Trump

  Chuck Todd begins by surveying the electoral landscape for the midterms after six months of Trump’s presidency. He argues that gerrymandering could potentially backfire on both parties, highlights the advantages each party has heading into the midterms and why Democrats may not find a coherent message until the presidential primary produces a candidate.Semafor reporter Dave Weigel joins Chuck for a comprehensive analysis of how dramatically American politics has shifted since Trump's first term, revealing a Democratic Party still searching for its identity after its first failed presidency since Carter. Weigel argues that both parties have fundamentally transformed over the past eight years, with Democrats struggling to move beyond the failed Obama coalition strategy while grappling with divisive issues like trans rights and immigration that have left them "walking on eggshells" and lacking coherent, united positions. The conversation explores how the country has moved rightward as a backlash to Biden, why Republicans are acting like a party that believes it can't lose, and whether Democrats' overreaction to Trump prevented them from developing substantive policy frameworks on key issues voters actually care about.The discussion dives deep into the strategic challenges facing both parties, from the left's perceived "softness" on cultural issues to the sustainability of Trump's gains with Latino voters in states like Nevada and Texas. Weigel examines why the fight for trans rights has proven more politically costly than the gay marriage battle, how urban voters' flirtation with socialism doesn't translate beyond coastal cities, and whether rising stars like Michigan's Mike Duggan can bridge the gap between metro Detroit and rural areas. Looking ahead to 2026 and 2028, they analyze the emerging Republican primary landscape with potential matchups between J.D. Vance and Rand Paul, why so many Democrats are eyeing Iowa's Senate race despite the party's broader retreat from the state, and how the changing media landscape—from podcasts to new campaign infrastructure—will reshape how candidates connect with voters in an increasingly fragmented political environment.Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction02:45 Taking the pulse of the midterm elections after 6 months of Trump04:15 There are only 25-30 seats up for grabs in the house05:00 Gerrymandering could backfire for both parties05:45 Democrats’ advantages in a midterm election07:30 The “out” party is more motivated to vote in midterms09:00 The Republican party is more unified than past midterms in Trump era11:00 House Republicans are outraising Dems in most vulnerable districts12:45 Far less unity in the Democratic party now compared to 201714:15 Since 90’, Democrats winning the midterms led to winning the presidency16:30 The presidential primary may help the Democrats cohere 19:30 Dave Weigel joins the Chuck ToddCast! 21:30 Similarities/differences in political landscape between 2017 & 2025? 22:45 The parties are very different compared to 8 years ago 24:15 Democrats had their first failed presidency since Carter 26:45 Democrats could learn the wrong lessons from a successful midterm 29:00 Democrats tried to replicate the Obama coalition and failed 31:00 The media and campaign infrastructure are completely different now 32:30 Battle over trans rights has Democrats flailing 34:30 Democrats are walking on eggshells over immigration 35:30 Democrats don't have clear, united positions on major issues 38:00 Voters want tight border security, but not mass deportations 40:30 Democrats believed they could make Trump "never happen again" 43:00 Dems overreacted to Trump, didn't have coherent immigration policy 44:00 The country has moved right as a backlash to Biden 45:30 Republicans acting like a party that thinks they can't lose 48:00 The left is seen as soft, is trans rights the issue creating that perception? 50:00 Trump has forced the conversation on immigration 52:00 The fight for gay marriage vs fight for trans rights 53:45 Why hasn't the gender rights fight been punted to states? 55:15 Trump endorsed gay marriage before Hilary Clinton 57:15 Both parties demonstrated hubris on gay marriage/gender rights 58:30 Voters care more about immigration than trans rights 1:00:30 Urban voters are more willing to flirt with socialism, not transferrable 1:01:30 Will Democrats distance themselves from Mamdani? 1:02:45 Dem socialists get dinged for cultural issues, not economics 1:04:00 Cost of living is biggest issue in big coastal cities, not as salient in other places 1:05:45 Michigan will be a bellwether for Democratic politics 1:07:15 Nevada and Texas will show whether Latino swing toward Trump sustains 1:11:00 How many Bernie voters would have come out in Michigan? 1:14:00 Will Mike Duggan work outside of the metro Detroit area? 1:16:30 When Trump isn't on the ballot, Democrats sweep Michigan 1:17:45 Will lack of Republican infighting boost the party in midterms? 1:21:00 Republicans haven't found "sweet spot" candidates in some races 1:22:30 Ability to appear on podcasts will matter for candidates 1:23:45 Any R's on 2028 trail besides Paul and Youngkin? 1:25:30 A tight primary race between Vance & Paul wouldn't be surprising 1:27:15 Why are so many Democrats interested in running for Iowa senate? 1:30:00 Kim Reynolds not running after DeSantis endorsement 1:31:30 Democrats surrendered Iowa and Florida 1:33:00 Favorite state fair food?1:36:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Dave Weigel 1:37:30 Ask Chuck 1:37:45 How were so many people duped by Trump? 1:45:45 Why does the US give such unconditional support to Israel? 1:54:25 Why doesn't Virginia produce politicians with a large national profile? 2:01:15 Why can states call a redistricting session on a whim? 2:04:45 Why wouldn't a constitutional convention be incredibly risky?

  --------  

  2:08:27

  --------

  2:08:27

More Government podcasts

Trending Government podcasts

About The Chuck ToddCast

The Chuck ToddCast: Podcasts in Family