Chuck Todd unpacks the escalating chaos around Donald Trump’s second term, from his doom-and-gloom rhetoric to the brazen decisions that have left few guardrails in place. Voters may not reject Trump’s ideas outright, but his nonstop turbulence—from shaming pregnant women over Tylenol to undermining global allies—has created deep political vulnerabilities. Todd explores how small businesses, foreign policy, and even health guidance have been rattled by Trump’s need for instability, while noting that divided government historically forces presidents to govern more broadly. The monologue also turns to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose new book reveals her frustrations with the 2020 ticket and her uneasy positioning for the future, raising tough questions about her political style and prospects.

Finally, he gives his “ToddCast Top 5” football coaches on the hot-seat and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

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Timeline:

(Timestamps vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Trump speeches create heightened sense of doom & gloom

01:30 Trump's actions the past few weeks have been brazen

02:30 Far fewer people standing up to Trump in his second term

04:15 Voters don't reject Trump's ideas, they disapprove of the chaos

06:30 Trump's political prospects are deflating every day

08:30 The last 3-4 elections have been "vote against" elections

10:15 Divided government forces presidents to govern broadly

12:00 The goal of bringing order to chaos is popular

12:30 Trump has brought nothing but chaos to health & vaccine policy

13:30 Trump & team shamed pregnant women & blamed Tylenol for autism

15:00 Trump showed no evidence to support Tylenol recommendation

16:00 Trump only tries to please his base

16:30 Trump trashes Europe and UN in speech to the UN

17:45 Trump wants constant instability & chaos

19:30 The lack of certainty is upending small businesses

20:45 Trump is incapable of preaching a message of unity

23:30 The constant chaos is Trump's biggest political vulnerability

24:45 Voters wanted Trump 1.0, a Trump with guardrails

25:30 A voters lived experience will Trump perception

27:30 Trump's post on Ukraine didn't sound like it was written by Trump

28:30 Trump's post cancelling meeting with Schumer had a Trump tone

30:00 Marco Rubio is clear eyed about the threat from Russia

32:00 Trump cancels meeting with Democrats, headed for gov't shutdown

33:15 Trump is not interested in negotiating with Democrats

34:30 Kamala Harris reveals her true feelings in new book

36:00 Harris admits she settled for Tim Walz, Buttigieg was her first choice

37:30 The book makes it harder for her to win the presidency is the future

39:00 Harris's style doesn't match the mood of the voters

40:00 Harris was put in a near impossible situation

41:45 ToddCast Top 5 football coach hot seats

42:15 Mike Gundy fired by Oklahoma State

44:45 #1 Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins

45:45 #2 Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans

46:45 #3 Luke Fickell of Wisconsin

48:30 #4 Dabo Swinney of Clemson

51:30 #5 Billy Napier of Florida + Honorable mentions

55:15 Ask Chuck

55:30 Why has the term "writ large" become used so much in news & podcasts?

1:02:15 Are journalists who stay silent in face of authoritarianism showing cowardice?

1:06:15 Shrinkflation showing up now at Costco

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