Listener Concern: Media's Response to Authoritarianism

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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