Episodes
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Chuck Todd speaks with legendary documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney about his newest project The Dark Money Game on HBO and the influence of legalized bribery in American politics.
First, Chuck gives his own thoughts on the corrupting influence of money in politics, why Donald Trumpâs memecoin is a bribery scheme in plain sight and why money has fueled distrust in politics from both sides of the aisle
Then, Chuck and Alex dive into the Ohio scandal at the center of The Dark Money Game, exploring why Americans have grown numb to the Citizens United rulingâand how it effectively legalized bribery in politics. They discuss how money has become a deeply corrosive force in American democracy.
Alex shares his process for selecting the story, what he uncovered during his investigation, and why the project ultimately became a two-part series.
The conversation also touches on the troubling alliance between organized religion and dark money, the Trump administrationâs open embrace of corruption, and, finally, Alex reveals the focus of his next big project: Elon Musk.
Finally, Chuck answers a listener question in the Ask Chuck segment!
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Citizen's United created the dark money era
1:45 Reform efforts have failed
3:00 Campaigns used to cost millions, not billions
5:00 Money has cut voters out of the equation
9:00 Trumpâs memecoin is a bribery scam in plain sight
10:30 We need strong disclosure laws
13:00 Public funding of elections is an all or nothing propositionv
14:30 Distrust in politics centers on money in the system
17:40 Alex Gibney joins the show!
18:40 Dark Money is the best attempt at telling the story of money corrupting politics
19:40 How hard is it to make this story accessible to the public?
20:40 Campaign finance should be rebranded as bribery
21:40 Ohio state legislature captured by special interests
24:10 Why did First Energy execs not end up in prison?
25:25 Huge money ensured GOP candidates in Ohio won, then were beholden
26:40 The bribe was a good investment
28:10 How did Alex access the wiretaps?
28:55 Investigators stumbled into the case
30:55 We've accepted money in politics and are numb to it
31:40 Citizens United opened the floodgates to corruption via PACs
33:40 Bribery is now legal
35:25 We're in a kleptocracy now
35:55 Reed Hoffman donated millions to Harris and wanted Lina Khan fired at FTC
37:40 Big money interests can just buy their own news coverage
40:10 Ohio whistleblower turned in his friend in service to his state
41:10 Florida gambling initiatives bought and sold petition signatures
42:40 Money in politics is like the mob bribing cops
45:10 Candidates don't run on an anti corruption/campaign finance platform
46:40 Billionaires shouldn't get define the world for the rest of us
47:55 Bernie/AOC turning out huge crowds tapping into anger against a rigged system
49:40 Dark money started as one film and became two because there was too much material 50:55 Evangelical grifters became fused with dark money in exchange for political influence 53:55 Corrupt Religious leaders "bless" political corruption to their followers
55:40 Society is driven by, and consumed by money
56:40 Law firms and universities have capitulated to Trump over their financial interests
59:10 Alex's advice for young documentarians
1:00:40 Lobbying is now corporation vs corporation
1:03:25 Elon Musk is Alex's next topic
1:04:25 Chuck's thoughts on conversation with Alex Gibney
1:05:25 Ask Chuck - How can voters in states with later primaries feel involved in choosing presidential candidates?
1:06:55 A rotating system for primaries based on region is a potential solution
1:09:55 There are ways to make the system fair, but the people in charge don't want a fair system.
1:12:55 Voters in early states take the process very seriously
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Chuck begins by weighing in on a new Pew Research poll showing a significant drop in President Donald Trumpâs approval rating since his inauguration. He highlights the erosion of support among non-voters as a potential warning sign for the president. Chuck also shares his concerns about the administrationâs apparent deference to Russia in the latest Ukraine peace agreement.
Next, heâs joined by Jon Tester and Maritsa Georgiou to discuss their new podcast, the underrepresentation of middle America in the media, and why members of Congress should spend more time outside the Washington, D.C. bubble.
They explore the loss of trust in national media due to the decline of strong local journalism, Congressâs tendency to cede power to the executive branch, the corrupting influence of dark money in politics, and the urgent need for campaign finance reform.
The conversation wraps with a discussion about the TV show Yellowstone and its impactâboth positive and negativeâon their home state of Montana.
Finally, Chuck closes out the show by answering a few listener questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
2:25 New Pew Research poll released on Trumpâs first 100 days
3:45 Not surprising Trumpâs approval has dropped
4:15 Non-voters souring on Trump quickly
6:15 Incompetency is defining his first 100 days
7:30 Erratic decision making doesnât inspire confidence
9:15 Low information voters are a good barometer
10:15 Republican party still has a higher favorability ratings than the Democratic party
14:00 Trump is tarnishing the countryâs reputation
16:15 Trump needs to make some trade deals and put points on the board
17:45 The United States government is taking Russiaâs side against Ukraine
20:40 Jon Tester and Maritsa Georgiou join the show!
21:10 Why start a podcast?
23:10 Most rewarding part?
25:25 Need more voices in media from all over the country, not just the coasts
27:55 The state of local news in Montana
29:10 "The middle" is underrepresented in media
30:40 Where the media is located can warp the perspective
33:10 If Congress convened in places other than DC, things would be very different
34:10 Politicians pit urban vs rural against one another
34:55 Journalists are pulled to the big markets
36:40 Local media was a character reference for the national media
37:55 Without local reporters, important stories can't reach the national media
39:10 There are no more local reporters telling communities what DC is doing for them
41:25 Why has Congress been willing to cede power to the executive?
43:40 Congress has rolled over in the 21st century due to campaign finance
44:40 Dark money's influence on Montana politics
47:05 Money has skewed the system*
48:40 Local news stations run on two year budgets due to election spending
49:40 Campaign finance reform efforts always result in loopholes
50:40 Campaign finance isn't a voting issue
53:10 Media has to be an educator
54:55 Voters of both parties are worried about money in politics
55:55 Congress needs a NASCAR rule for disclosing donors
56:55 Why is fixing campaign finance so hard?
57:40 Candidates have limits, donors do not
58:40 Most members of Congress have good motivations individually, collectively they become irrational
1:00:20 Senator Lisa Murkowski's comments about fear of retaliation
1:02:40 Founders would be appalled by what's happening in DC
1:03:55 Media needs to listen and rebuild trust
1:04:40 The media needs to stand with the AP
1:05:30 Montana's star turn in pop culture due to Taylor Sheridan
1:07:40 What is Sen. Tester watching on TV?
1:10:20 Montana has been "discovered" by the wealthy
1:10:50 Chuckâs thoughts on the interview
1:11:25 Ask Chuck
1:11:55 If you were in charge of the DNC, what changes would you like to see improve their brand?
1:13:30 The Democrats havenât tried to be a 50 state party, they need to go on a listening tour
1:17:25 If elections were held a week earlier in 1976 and 2016, would Ford and Clinton have won?
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Episodes manquant?
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Chuck Todd is joined by Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodyâs Analytics, to discuss the damaging effects of President Donald Trumpâs tariffs and trade war on the U.S. economy.
Chuck opens the episode by framing the nationâs economic struggles as entirely self-inflicted, warning against political pressure on the Federal Reserve, and explaining why the consequences of current policy decisions could take years to reverse.
Mark Zandi then joins to share his economic risk assessment, explore why markets failed to anticipate the trade war, and project the level of fallout the U.S. economy could face in the coming months and years.
They break down why Trumpâs push to reshore American manufacturing is unlikely to succeed, how China could emerge as the real winner of the trade war, and why troubling signals from the bond market spell concern for the broader economy.
Zandi also outlines the risks of firing Fed Chair Jay Powell, explains why the trade war is a lose-lose scenario, and discusses why government intervention may be far less effective in responding to a self-inflicted economic crisis.
Finally, Chuck wraps up with listener questions in the Ask Chuck segment.
Donât forget to like and subscribe to The Chuck ToddCast!
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Why Chuck wanted to have Mark Zandi on the show
1:30 We could have a man made economic disaster on our hands
3:00 Pressuring the fed to lower interest rates is a bad idea
5:15 Immigration has been a boon, not a negative for America
7:00 Trade has helped America have a higher standard of living than anywhere else
8:00 Rebuilding will take years
8:45 Trump administration has been a mess
11:55 Mark Zandi joins the show
12:55 What is Moody's Analytics?
15:55 How is a country's political system factored into economic risk assessments?
17:15 War gaming the trade war
19:10 Why didn't markets price in the trade war?
21:10 Tariffs in Trump 1.0 were more damaging than people realize due to pandemic.
22:55 When will the tariff impacts show up?
24:25 Are any companies reshoring manufacturing due to tariffs?
26:10 How many companies are going to do whatever it takes to get an exemption?
27:25 Consumers and corporations are already changing their spending decisions
28:25 Government cuts are self defeating
29:55 How will this affect China's economy?
32:55 Will the EU spurn the US in favor of China?
34:25 Nixing the TPP was a mistake
35:40 What does the health of the bond market tell us?
37:10 We're in a crisis
38:10 How does this affect financing our debt?
39:10 What would stabilize the market?
39:55 What would happen if he fired fed chair Jay Powell?
42:40 How similar is the current situation to the 1920's-30's?
45:25 US received more pushback from other countries in the 20's-30's
46:40 Which countries are most vulnerable to the trade war?
48:55 This is a lose-lose for everyone
49:55 In an emergency are the only choices inflation or recession? Which is preferable?
52:25 Government intervention will be less viable because government caused the crisis
53:25 Chuckâs thoughts on conversation with Mark Zandi
54:20 Ask Chuck - Will Trumpâs trade war become the new normal or just a phase?
55:55 Tariffs are a tool, and shouldnât be used for everything
57:30Trumpâs goal is to replace income taxes with tariff revenue
59:55 How can citizens not be part of the problem when it comes to hyperpartisan media?
1:00:30 Diversifying your media diet is important
1:04:45 If tariffs cause a severe recession, could Trump issue an EO to postpone the midterm elections?
1:07:00 Trump canât waive a magic wand and postpone elections
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Chuck Todd is joined by Benjamin Wittes, editor-in-chief of Lawfare, to break down the widespread legal violations committed by the Trump administration during Donald Trumpâs first three months in office.
Chuck opens the episode by underscoring the gravity of the moment and why Trump appears to show little respect for the law or the authority of the courts.
Ben Wittes then joins the conversation to discuss the constitutional amendments the administration may have violated, whether Trump is defying Supreme Court rulings, and what a potential legal showdown over his immigration policies could look like.
They examine the administrationâs targeting of law firms and universities, where institutional pressure could serve as a check on executive overreach, and whether lawsuits filed by state attorneys general stand a chance in court.
Finally, they unpack Trumpâs use of executive orders against his critics, why the U.S. is losing its reputation as a global âbeacon of freedom,â and Ben shares one reason he still holds onto a sense of optimism.
0:00 First 90 days of the Trump administration has been tumultuous
1:45 Congress is sitting on its hands
2:45 The administration is slowing down routine investigations
4:00 This is a dangerous moment for the country
5:30 Trump is âflooding the zoneâ
8:15 There are legal ways to handle deportations but Trump isnât interested
9:30 Theyâve violated amendments four through nine
11:30 Trump left Biden a legal quagmire over the border, but Biden didnât handle it well
12:30 Prices will rise in the next 60-90 days
14:00 Incompetence has defined Trumpâs administration thus far
15:00 Administration is trending toward monarchy
16:45 Lindsey Graham has gone radio silent
18:55 Benjamin Wittes joins the show!
21:10 Trump is violating multiple constitutional amendments
23:30 Is Trump violating the Supreme Court ruling?
25:55 Did the Supreme Court water down their ruling?
27:05 All 9 justices agreed on the premise
28:05 What would satisfy the court's order to "facilitate" the return of Abrego Garcia?
29:40 If Trump asked for the prisoner back, Bukele wouldn't say no
30:45 The White House is brazenly violating court orders
32:10 The administration is extorting law firms
36:45 How will Harvard's decision to fight back affect them?
38:35 Is the administration going out of their way to pick fights?
39:55 They're creating criminal impunity for allies
40:45 Administration is using civil litigation to target enemies
41:55 The government will pay more in damages than money saved by DOGE
45:00 John Roberts is issuing rulings meant to avoid confrontation with Trump
46:25 SCOTUS justices are aware Trump is flaunting their ruling
48:45 Trump is putting tremendous stress on his own party
49:25 Are Trump's actions uniting SCOTUS against him?
52:25 What to make of the three liberal justices putting out a press release?
54:55 How alarmed are the six conservative justices?
56:05 Expectations for California's tariff lawsuit?
58:55 The president has civil immunity from defamation lawsuits
1:01:15 Targeting Krebs and Taylor are two of the most egregious acts so far
1:05:25 Trump 2.0 is an entirely different proposition
1:06:55 What authoritarian model does Trump most emulate?
1:07:55 Ben projected "Trump and Vance betrayed the country" on the Washington monument
1:10:55 The beacon of freedom has been turned off
1:12:25 Ben's hammock studio
1:14:15 Administration is targeting people the public doesn't care much about
1:16:05 The goal is to stop it from getting worse
1:18:03 Showdown with SCOTUS looming?
1:19:30 Chuckâs Nats rant - Fix the bullpen!
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Chuck Todd takes a deep dive into the JFK assassination conspiracy and the latest document release with Jeff Morley, founder of JFK Facts.
He opens the episode by exploring how the governmentâs lack of transparency and honesty has fueled public distrustâand why that environment often breeds conspiratorial thinking.
Chuck and Jeff then examine the government's decades-long effort to keep a tight lid on records related to President John F. Kennedyâs assassination, and how skepticism from high-ranking officials at the time continues to cast doubt on the CIAâs official account.
They break down the most recent document releases, discuss why both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden delayed their full release, and analyze what the timing and redactions might suggest about what the government could still be hiding.
The conversation takes a closer look at Lee Harvey Oswald, his potential ties to the CIA, and why the agency has remained evasive about those connections.
Finally, they review the key findings from the newly released documents, assess whether any revelations have truly been groundbreaking, and preview what might come next in the ongoing evolution of this historic conspiracy theory.
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Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
02:00 What led to massive distrust of the U.S. government
04:00 Chuckâs big questions about the JFK assassination
8:40 How did Jeff Morley become JFKfacts?
10:10 Oliver Stoneâs movie led to congress passing the JFK records act in 1992
11:40 Released CIA records were a reporting gold mine
14:55 Until the internet, the government kept a closed fist on the records
15:55 Oswald denied the killing, case was never adjudicated
19:10 Chuck welcoming his son to the conspiracy
21:50 The books that informed Jeffâs thinking on the assassination
24:45 Bobby Kennedy never believed the official story
25:55 How did Oswald not end up in jail after going to Russia?
28:45 Oswald was a known quantity to CIA officials before the assassination
29:55 Robert Kennedy asked the CIA director directly about CIA involvement
32:10 CIAâs fear was their awful operations being brought to light
33:40 Lyndon Johnson didnât believe the Warren commission
34:50 Why did the CIA cover up its affiliation with Oswald?
35:40 What did Trump hold off on releasing?
37:30 Trump and Biden both punted on releasing files
40:40 Trump got back on board after RFK Jr. joined the campaign
43:10 The timeline for redactions shows what the government prioritized protecting
45:10 Hoover sanctioned FBI agents for their handling of Oswald
45:55 Why did the FBI + CIA remove Oswald from the watch list?
47:40 Oswald clearly was a CIA asset
48:40 Oswald did 5 things that should have landed him in trouble
49:55 Oswald goes public with the Fair Play for Cuba Committee
51:50 4 people confronting Oswald in the courtroom had CIA connections
54:20 Bay of Pigs is the root of Cuban-American support for Republicans
59:00 Did we learn anything from old Soviet files?
1:01:00 Soviets surveilled Oswald while he was in Minsk
1:03:45 Tulsi Gabbard implied new files had been found
1:05:30 CIA hasnât produced new records that arenât at the national archives
1:06:00 What are we missing on Jack Ruby?
1:08:10 CIA motivations for cover up?
1:10:15 What if Oswald did it and was part of a conspiracy?
1:10:40 Thereâs no smoking gun proof Oswald did it?
1:11:10 Compelling evidence that shots came from in front of Kennedy
1:13:10 Investigators botched the chain of possession for evidence
1:17:25 Jeffâs experience testifying in front of congress
1:18:55 Trumpâs motive for declassifying the records
1:21:40 Where to find Jeffâs work
1:23:10 The CIA was a rogue agency in the 50s
1:24:55 Chuckâs closing thoughts
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Chuck Todd is joined by geopolitical expert and Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer to unpack the global implications of President Donald Trumpâs efforts to reshape the international order.
Chuck opens the episode by examining how Trumpâs use of tariffs and his zero-sum approach to foreign policy are dismantling decades of established U.S. trade and diplomatic norms.
Ian then joins the conversation to assess the ripple effects of Trumpâs tariffs on global trade, how key U.S. allies and rivals are likely to respond, and whether China stands to benefit in the long run.
He explains how Trumpâs policies may be inadvertently strengthening Xi Jinping, why the U.S. is ill-equipped to operate in a âlaw of the jungleâ environment, and what kind of economic damage could be on the horizon.
The discussion turns to the rise of anti-American sentiment abroad, the erosion of the rule of law at home, and why the economic fallout may disproportionately affect red states.
They then take a global tour of hotspots: debating the prospects for a renewed nuclear deal with Iran, whether Turkey has fully slipped into autocracy, and the likelihood of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in 2025.
To wrap up the episode, Chuck answers listener questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment.
Timeline
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Trump is creating a new world order
2:00 Trump has a zero-sum view of foreign policy
4:00 Could Trump break with Putin over lack of ceasefire?
6:00 Trump 2.0 and Trump 1.0 are completely different
9:00 Ian Bremmer joins the show
10:00 Has Trump broken the world economic order, or temporarily disrupted it?
11:15 Countries will begin to de-risk away from the US
13:30 Trump using emergency powers to unilaterally break international agreements
18:00 China will become dominant in the old architecture built by the U.S.
21:15 People voting for a second âTrump 1.0â and are getting something vastly different
22:30 Instability will force unity on the EU
23:30 Americans donât understand how good we have it*
24:30 The future of power seems to lie with the autocracies and not the democracies
25:30 Is Trump throwing a lifeline to Xi Jinping?
29:30 The U.S. doesnât have the right political system to operate in the âlaw of the jungleâ
32:00 Chinaâs surveillance state will check any type of middle class uprising
34:30 How different would things look if we had the TPP?
38:00 How should companies navigate the uncertainty Trump is creating?
39:30 Products from China are already becoming unavailable
41:00 Companies are all lobbying for exemptions
42:00 The hit to the US economy is going to be massive
44:20 The rise of anti-American sentiment
45:45 The first amendment only applies to citizens now?
46:45 The hit to American tourism will be substantial
48:00 Economic damage will hit red states the hardest
49:30 Mexican government has been willing to cooperate
51:45 Trump wants to cut a deal with Iran, even if it makes Israel unhappy
54:20 Will Erdogan get away with smashing democracy in Turkey?
56:15 What to make of the political turmoil in South Korea?
58:00 Will Bolsanaro/Le Pen have their charges stick, or could they win office in the future?
1:00:30 Biggest risks to the world? Is Trump at the top of that list?
1:02:30 Will the Ukraine/Russia war achieve a ceasefire this year?
1:06:20 Ask Chuck
1:06:40 What books do you assign your class to best understand this political moment?
1:12:00 Are we in a competitive autocracy similar to Erdoganâs Turkey?
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First, Chuck reacts to President Trumpâs announcement that smartphones, computers, and other electronics will be exempt from tariffs. He also previews what we can expect this week in political news, and breaks down what all these developments mean for our democracy as a whole.
Then, Chuck is joined by The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins to discuss his latest story, âGrowing Up Murdoch,â which delves into the Succession-style drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch, his children, and the future of their media empire.
They examine Fox Newsâ enormous influence on American politics, how the network evolved during the Trump era, and how it could undergo major changes once Murdochâs children take the reins.
The conversation explores striking parallels between the Murdoch family and the Roys from HBOâs Succession, including a looming legal battle over the family trust and what it could mean for the companyâs direction.
McKay explains how Fox News shifted after the departure of longtime CEO Roger Ailes, while Chuck highlights how the potential loss of NFL broadcasting rights could pose an existential threat to the network.
Finally, they turn to the Trump family and discuss why its own brewing succession drama might ultimately eclipse that of the Murdochs.
Timeline:
00:00 Intro
02:58 Reaction to Trumpâs tariff exemption of smartphones and computers
07:45 Are we entering a kleptocracy?
14:05 McKay Coppins joins Chuck
16:47 Any discussion about making Mckayâs Murdoch article into a book?
18:17 Fate of the Murdoch empire impacts the fate of American politics
19:32 Murdoch outlets impacted Trumpism, Brexit and other major events
22:47 Murdoch used to make the weather, now Trump does
26:32 Itâs easier to pick a side in media rather than be a neutral observer
29:02 Did Succession have an insider account or were the Murdochs that predictable?
30:47 The Murdochs are a normal, wealthy dysfunctional family
32:17 Status of the Murdoch lawsuit?
34:47 Was Rupert Murdoch âhoneypottedâ by the Chinese government?
36:32 Will James and Lachlan reconcile after Rupert dies?
38:17 Rupert has pitted his kids against each other
39:32 Without Brexit and Trump, would James and Lachlan have worked better together?
41:17 James canât stomach what Fox News became in the Trump era
42:17 Fox News went off the rails after Roger Ailes left
43:47 Ailes ruled Fox News with an iron fist
44:32 The inmates are running the asylum at Fox
46:02 If James gets his way after Rupert dies, Fox will change drastically
47:17 Fox can never go as far as Newsmax or OAN
48:32 The Fox empire was built on its current audience
50:32 James is building his own empire
52:02 Sisters are embarrassed by Fox News
52:17 NFL rights are existential for Fox and big tech can outspend them
54:17 Murdoch kids have shielded their kids from the press
55:47 WSJ + NY Post will still needle Trump
57:32 James has more interest in the media business than Lachlan
58:02 The Murdochs and Trumps have similar dynamics
59:17 Don Jr. understood the Trump base better than his father
1:00:17 Succession style drama is coming for the Trump family
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On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd is joined by Marc Caputo, Senior White House Reporter for Axios.
Chuck begins by breaking down how the personnel guardrails that existed during Donald Trumpâs first term are now goneâand why a potential second Trump administration would look dramatically different from the first.
He and Marc then explore which Trump official is most likely to take the blame for the administrationâs disastrous tariff rollout, and outline three key factors that led Trump to temporarily reverse course with a 90-day delay.
They also explain why Trump can no longer credibly pin economic challenges on President Biden, and why his plan to boost domestic manufacturing may fall short. The conversation turns to Trumpâs use of executive orders to target whistleblowers and critics, and who might be managing his so-called âenemies list.â
Finally, they assess which members of Trumpâs inner circle are gaining or losing favor with the president, and preview a looming controversy that could shake up the Florida governorâs race.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Trump 1.0 was NOT a blueprint for Trump 2.0
4:40 This is a brand new style of governing
6:22 Was there insider trading based on Trumpâs tweet?
8:28 The market and rich people are serving as a guardrail
10:00 Anti-american sentiment will affect American businesses
11:30 Marc Caputo joins the show
12:55 The âdear leaderâ quality to the administration
17:37 Howard Lutnick the likely fall guy for tariffs?
18:36 Three factors caused Trump to change course on tariffs
23:07 Trump 1.0 was completely different compared to Trump 2.0
27:50 Does the administration regret that they didnât pass the tax cut first?
29:22 Trump gave up the ability to blame Biden for the economy
30:00 Manufacturing plants take years to build
31:15 Trump working through an âenemies listâ?
35:05 Revenge agenda is a slippery slope
37:00 Is RJK Jr. being reeled in by the White House?
39:56 Trump changes his mind constantly
43:31 What is Elon Muskâs current standing within the administration?
45:46 Is Rubioâs stock rising or falling?
48:09 The administration is using AI to monitor social media feeds
50:30 Scandal looming over the Florida governorâs race
52:55 Chuckâs final thoughts
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On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck reacts to President Donald Trumpâs decision to pause his sweeping tariff regime â and explains why it reveals his continued responsiveness to the wealthy political donor class.
He also reflects on how the O.J. Simpson trial forever changed the news media landscape, incentivizing networks to prioritize profits and ratings over journalistic value.
Finally, Chuck answers listener questions in another edition of Ask Chuck.
0:00 Trump rescinds the tariffs
0:45 Trump blinked
2:15 First term personnel guardrails are gone
4:00 Congress feeling heat from donor class
6:15 Trump still cares what rich people think
8:45 Trump should have passed tax cuts before tariffs
10:15 If tariffs come back, theyâll be more methodical
11:30 Business leaders are preparing for worst case scenarios
12:45 The OJ trial changed the media
15:00 CNN chased ratings and changed TV journalism
19:30 Trump tariffs could fracture GOP
20:00 Colin Allred could beat Ken Paxton in Texas, Senate in play?
22:12 Ask Chuck
22:45 What can news consumers do to be the solution to partisanship?
25:40 Did Obama not going after banks in 2008 lead to Trump?
27:40 Do you think Bernie would have beaten Trump?
30:30 Have voters shown they wonât elect a woman for president?
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On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck dives into the new waters heâs swimming inâthe world of independent media and journalism.
He shares his concerns about attacks on the free press by the Donald Trump administration and the lack of a unified pushback from the media. He explains how the erosion of local news sowed the seeds of public distrust, and he expresses his goal to help rebuild media from the ground up.
Later, heâs joined by independent journalist Tara Palmeri to dissect the new media landscape.
Tara describes her journey into independent media and why authenticity resonates more than polish with digital news consumers. They discuss bias in journalism, why the WHCA made a mistake in selecting comedian Amber Ruffin to host the Correspondentsâ Dinner, and why the Trump administrationâs adversarial stance toward the media is a façade.
Finally, Chuck explains his theories behind the âSignalGateâ scandal, asks Tara how her relatives in Poland are processing the threat of the Ukraine war on their border, and discusses why both of them find the American right's embrace of Russia deeply disturbing.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 Kicking AP out of press briefings is unconstitutional
4:00 Traditional media has capitulated, lost trust
7:00 Appeal of independent media
11:00 OJ trial + Craigslist changed everything
12:00 Loss of local news broke trust
16:15 Local media was a character reference for national media
19:00 Need to rebuild local media
21:57 Tara Palmeri joins the show
22:57 Going independent as a journalist
27:56 Lack of trust in mainstream media
30:52 Authenticity resonates on social media
34:32 All journalism is affected by bias
37:17 Is mainstream media pulling punches?
41:36 Mistake picking Amber Ruffin for WH correspondents dinner
45:26 Trump administration officials court the media
50:07 Anchors were drinking before reporting Bin Laden was killed
52:15 Where Tara gets her news
57:11 Is there more to âSignalGateâ
59:25 Trump DOESNâT like to fire people
1:02:41 Taraâs Polish citizenship/How are Poles feeling about the Ukraine war?
1:08:30 American rightâs embrace of Russia
1:10:47 Where to find Taraâs work
1:13:16 Chuckâs closing thoughts
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On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores why America is undergoing a major political realignment, and why President Donald Trumpâs approval rating may never recover following the disastrous rollout of sweeping tariffs.
Later, Republican Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joins the show to discuss the impact of those tariffs on his constituents in Omaha and whether Congress could move to limit the presidentâs tariff powers. They also talk about the need for moral clarity from the U.S. in the Russia-Ukraine war and why abandoning the global order that has benefited America for the past 80 years is a mistake.
Rep. Bacon shares his deep concerns about the recent firing of top military and intelligence officials, and they debate whether oneâor bothâof America's political parties could be headed for a split.
Finally, in the âAsk Chuckâ segment, Chuck responds to a listener question about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outpolling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in New Yorkâand whether Democrats should rethink their strategy as a result.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
3:15 Weâre in the middle of a political realignment
6:00 What if America was a 4 party system?
10:30 Tariffs are Trumpâs Afghanistan withdrawal - He wonât recover from it*
16:15 Could the turbulence from the tariff destruction fracture the R party?
17:04 Rep. Don Bacon joins the show!
19:42 How will tariffs negatively impact
21:38 Did the White House notify congress before imposing the tariffs?
22:45 What is the goal of the tariffs?
26:11 Will congress take its tariff power back from Trump?
31:42 We need moral clarity in the Russia/Ukraine war
34:11 Does Trump have a mobster mentality when it comes to geopolitics?
36:27 The last 80 years have been great for America. Why do people think otherwise?
38:30 Lack of official US government response to the crisis of democracy in Turkey
41:28 Does Rep. Bacon consult with his wealthiest constituent, Warren Buffet?
44:02 Concern about firing top military leaders and Laura Loomerâs influence
48:59 Could we see a fracture in one or both political parties?
55:00 Chuckâs thoughts on interview with Rep. Bacon and potential cracks in both of Americaâs political parties
57:30 âAsk Chuckâ - Does the latest poll showing AOC beating Chuck Schumer by 19 points could cause a change in direction or strategy for the Democrats?
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
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Chuck Todd analyzes the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, discussing their historic impact. He argues that free trade has made America safer and more prosperous and predicts significant political backlash for Trump and Republicans. He outlines key political developments to watch in the coming months, highlighting an opportunity for Democrats to regain control in Washington. He also examines how Trumpâs promised tax cuts are now at risk, and why his presidency will be even more challenging.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
3:20 America has benefitted massively from global trade
4:20 The last time we had a similar tariff regime, it led to WW2
5:48 What political fallout will come from the tariffs?
6:32 Could congress take tariff authority back?
8:25 What to watch for the next 3-6 months
9:18 Trump faces huge blowback from older voters
10:18 The tariffs will tank Trumpâs approval rating
11:52 Elected Republicans will be vulnerable
13:36 Trump has no guardrails
15:13 Alienating allies and partners will be incredibly damaging
16:39 The Republican party is courting disaster
19:46 Trumpâs tax cuts are in jeopardy
21:05 Getting rid of the tariffs wonât solve the problem
21:50 If Democrats win the house, congress will take the tariffs keys away from the mad king
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On episode 2 of the brand-new Chuck Toddcast, Chuck is joined by Jake Sherman, founder of Punchbowl News and one of the most well-connected reporters on Capitol Hill.
But first, Chuck reflects on the results of the special elections in Florida and the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which showed that the base of the out-of-power party is fired up. He explains why this suggests voters are more inclined to vote against a party rather than for one. He also discusses why the party in question is in desperate need of soul-searching and possible realignment to build a winning coalition.
Then, Jake Sherman joins the conversation to discuss the latest from D.C. They begin by examining Speaker Mike Johnsonâs decision to send the House home for the week after a dispute over proxy voting for members of Congressâand why Johnsonâs power is tied directly to President Donald Trump. They also explore the revenge-driven mindset that has shaped decision-making on Capitol Hill and the lack of Republican pushback against Trumpâs sweeping tariffs.
They dive into how the dynamics of the current Congress differ from those of years past and why some Republicans might view their loss in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race through rose-colored glassesâthanks in part to Elon Musk.
They wrap up by discussing whether Democrats could see a shake-up in leadership and the timeline for passing a tax cut and a debt ceiling extension.
Finally, Chuck wraps up with a listener question in the âAsk Chuckâ segment by giving his take on whether the debate around a Trump third term was a smokescreen to knock âSignalgateâ out of the news cycle.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Voters are telling us what they DONâT like
5:00 Democrats need to do some soul searching
9:45 Democrats canât just be âanti-Trumpâ
11:17 Jake Sherman joins the show
15:50 Mike Johnson sends the house home
20:30 Is Johnson powerless without Trump?
23:10 Revenge is the mindset of Republicans
25:50 Any appetite in Congress to take back authority from the executive branch?
28:15 Will economic downturn/tariffs scare elected Republicans
31:20 Lack of experience in Trumpâs cabinet
38:00 Could we see a deluge of Republican retirements from Congress
41:25 Members of Congress are different now
43:28 Republicans secretly happy they can blame Elon Musk for the Wisconsin loss?
46:28 Would Chuck Schumer win a leadership vote in the Senate?
49:05 Timeline for passing tax cuts/debt ceiling extension?
56:05 Ask Chuck: Was the âTrump third termâ debate a smokescreen to knock âSignalgateâ out of the newsâ
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
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On the debut episode of the newly relaunched Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman.
But first, Chuck reacts to the special election results for US Congress in Florida that saw Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine beat out Democrats Gay Valimont and Josh Weil for the seats vacated by Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz. He also discusses the hotly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where liberal judge Susan Crawford won her race against Brad Schimel, who had millions of dollars of support from Elon Musk.
Then, he and Sen. Fetterman discuss a wide range of important issues, beginning with his message to Democrats who are alarmed by the actions of Donald Trumpâs administration. He shares his reaction to the âSignalgateâ scandal and his assessment of what went wrong for Democrats in the 2024 election. Fetterman gives his take on Elon Musk and Doge performing massive cuts across the federal government, as well as the looming tariffs that President Trump is threatening to impose on Americaâs top trading partners. They also try to make sense of the administrationâs 180-degree turn on longstanding U.S. foreign policy and the presidentâs fixation on Greenland. Finally, they discuss the current lack of a true leader for the Democratic Party, the role of billionaires in politics, and whether Senator Fetterman is considering a run for president in 2028.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
2:30 Special elections in Florida
8:42 Wisconsin Supreme Court race
14:48 Start of John Fetterman interview
18:00 Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers?
19:00 Message to Democrats that are freaking out
23:44 Reaction to âSignalgateâ
27:10 What happened in 2024?
30:44 Elon Musk and DOGE
35:22 Americaâs 180-degree turn on foreign policy
40:38 President Trumpâs fixation on Greenland
44:28 Fettermanâs Mar-A-Lago visit
46:45 Whoâs the leader of the Democratic party?
51:04 Influence of billionaires in politics
54:08 Will Fetterman run for president in 2028?
56:09 Do Democrats need to move to the center?
1:01:09 Chuckâs final thoughts on the interview with John Fetterman
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The Chuck Toddcast is back! If you’re looking for smart, no-nonsense political conversations, you’ve come to the right place. The Chuck Toddcast goes beyond the headlines—talking with top reporters, insiders, and newsmakers from D.C. to the heartland. No scripts, no spin—just real conversations about what’s shaping our politics and why it matters.
