Chuck Todd unpacks how Putin’s latest strikes reveal Trump was played in Alaska and why Labor Day marks a new stage in the political calendar. From looming government shutdowns and Supreme Court battles over tariffs to the total collapse of checks on Trump 2.0, the conversation digs into what—if anything—remains of the pre-Trump Republican Party. With GOP senators capitulating, RFK Jr. emboldened, and even Trump hesitant to cross him, the stakes for public health and American democracy have never been higher. Todd also explores how rumors about Trump’s health could spark a political feeding frenzy, why Kennedy should be forced to prove his vaccine claims, and whether any non-MAGA Republicans are willing to buck Trump to save their party.
Finally, he gives his reaction to the first weekend of college football and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.
Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Introduction
03:00 Putin’s latest strikes show Trump was played in Alaska
05:00 Labor day marks new stage in the political calendar
06:00 Potential for showdown over government shutdown
07:00 What is left of the pre-Trump Republican party?
08:00 The checks on Trump 1.0 are gone in Trump 2.0
09:15 Rubio and Bessent are the only two checks left on Trump
10:30 Supreme Court showdown looming over tariffs
11:30 Trump has no legal authority to impose tariffs
12:30 There will be a vote in Congress on tariffs
14:00 Pre-Trump GOP would have stopped RFK Jr.
16:30 GOP Senators have all capitulated to Trump
18:30 GOP Senators must grow a spine to build a post-Trump party
20:00 Kennedy is putting children and seniors at risk of dying
21:15 Even Trump seems to be afraid of crossing RFK Jr.
22:00 Former CDC directors write joint op-ed sounding alarm on CDC
24:00 Trumpworld only have themselves to blame for Trump health rumors
25:00 Trump’s health could become next “Epstein” frenzy
26:15 If Trump limits appearances it will trigger a feeding frenzy
27:30 Will non-MAGA Republicans buck Trump to save their seats?
30:30 Is there anything left of the Republican party?
31:45 People have forgotten the pre-vaccine era
33:45 Kennedy should have to prove vaccines DON’T work
35:30 Chuck's experience at Miami vs. Note Dame game
40:00 LSU had the best win of the weekend
41:45 Utah had most impressive win nobody is talking about
42:45 Ask Chuck
43:00 Will politicians make changes to college NIL via legislation?
46:00 Can the U.S. learn from other countries for constitutional reform?
51:15 Does Mike Duggan running as an independent give him an advantage?
56:30 Will America actually be able to bring back manufacturing?
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