Special Mailbag Episode: CBS News, Political Satire, Heritage Foundation Shakeup & More

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Jan 8, 2026

Listeners dive into a variety of topics as Chuck answers burning questions from his mailbag. He discusses CBS News's shift in neutrality amidst corporate pressure. There's insight on public figures embracing satire and the staff exodus from the Heritage Foundation. Chuck explores intriguing historical what-ifs, like if Russia never sold Alaska. He ponders presidential relevance and highlights Magic Johnson in the GOAT debate. Finally, he reflects on market consolidation in trading cards and shares reading recommendations.

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INSIGHT

Broadcast Networks Have Lost Their Central Role

Broadcast network news no longer drives where people get information, audiences have moved on to other sources.
Networks now function as brands and live-event hosts rather than primary news informers.

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INSIGHT

Market Forces Shape Newsroom Behavior

Corporate news divisions answer to shareholders and face regulatory and business pressures that can shape editorial choices.
That creates vulnerability to external coercion when companies seek favorable treatment from government.

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ADVICE

Embrace Satire, Don't Fight It Publicly

Embrace satire publicly even if it stings to defuse attacks and control the narrative.
If you react defensively, you amplify the joke and give opponents leverage.

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CBS News, neutrality and corporate pressure

02:56 • 9min

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Handling satire as a public figure

12:01 • 6min

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Heritage Foundation staff exodus explained

Prediction markets in political coverage

23:48 • 5min

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When does a presidency fade historically?

28:35 • 7min

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What if Biden pledged one term?

35:54 • 6min

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Counterfactual: If Russia kept Alaska

41:42 • 3min

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Public reaction to Garfield's assassination

44:18 • 4min

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LeBron, Magic and the GOAT conversation

48:39 • 3min

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Year ahead: cautiously optimistic

51:33 • 4min

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Trading card market and consolidation risk

55:26 • 4min

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Recommended reading on Roy Cohn

Miami's Cold War role and Covert City

01:03:40 • 2min

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Life as an independent journalist

01:05:31 • 1min

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Signs of cracks in the MAGA coalition

01:06:41 • 1min

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Andy Beshear as a 2028 prospect

01:07:48 • 5min

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How a Miami kid became a Packers fan

01:13:11 • 4min

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Mailbag wrap and future format plans

How to stand up for your rights and win

Roy Cohn

#1332

• Mentioned in 26 episodes

Destiny of the republic

A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

Candice Millard

This book by Candice Millard delves into the life and assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. It highlights the dramatic events surrounding his death, including the archaic medical treatments that ultimately led to his demise. The narrative also explores the broader context of the time, including the national mood post-Civil War, the political struggles within Garfield's administration, and the roles of key figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Vice President Chester Arthur. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research.

#5671

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Dark Horse

Achieving Success Through the Pursuit of Fulfillment

Ogi Ogas

Todd Rose

In 'Dark Horse', Todd Rose and Ogi Ogas explore the concept of the 'dark horse' – individuals who achieve impressive success despite not fitting the conventional mold. Through the Dark Horse Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, they studied women and men who succeeded in unique ways. The book outlines a mindset that empowers readers to make choices aligned with their unique interests, abilities, and circumstances, leading to a life of passion, purpose, and achievement. This approach rejects the 'Standardization Covenant' and promotes a personalized path to success in the Age of Personalization.

#17545

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Run to Daylight

Vince Lombardi

W. C. Heinz

In 'Run to Daylight! ', Vince Lombardi, with the help of sports journalist W.C. Heinz, provides a unique and intimate look at a week in his life as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s. The book takes readers through the entire week, from reviewing game films on Monday to the final game on Sunday, highlighting the planning, practice, and pain involved in building a winning team. Lombardi shares his views on life, the game, coaching, success, family, and the famous 'Lombardi Sweep. ' This anniversary edition includes a special foreword by David Maraniss.

#12115

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Death by Lightning

The Assassination of President James Garfield

Candace Millard

Candace Millard's "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President" delves into the life, presidency, and assassination of James A. Garfield. The book intricately details the political landscape of the late 19th century, highlighting the intense rivalries and corruption that plagued the era. Millard vividly portrays Garfield as a brilliant, reluctant politician who aspired to be a professor and writer. The narrative focuses on Garfield's tragic fate, from the gunshot wound inflicted by a disgruntled office seeker to the medical malpractice that ultimately led to his death. The story is a compelling blend of political intrigue, medical history, and personal tragedy, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

#48197

Instant replay

Jerry Kramer

Instant Replay provides a captivating player’s perspective on pro football during the 1967 season, detailing the team's journey from training camp to their dramatic victory in Super Bowl II. The book offers a rare and insightful view of the team’s legendary leader, Coach Vince Lombardi, and is known for its candid portrayal of the gritty world of professional football.

Chuck Todd is on vacation but the fresh content keeps coming! Chuck empties the 2025 mailbag and answers a variety of listeners’ questions regarding media, politics, history and sports.

If you’d like to ask Chuck a question, shoot us an email at AskChuck@thechucktoddcast.com

Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!

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Timeline:

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

01:45 As a network on public airwaves, shouldn’t CBS News be neutral?

09:00 How should public figures react to being the targets of satire?

15:00 Why is there a mass exodus of staff from the Heritage Foundation?

18:30 Thoughts on the infusion of prediction markets with political coverage?

23:15 How long does it take for a presidential term to become irrelevant?

30:30 What if Biden stuck with 1 term promise and reformed the presidency?

35:15 What if Russia never sold Alaska to the United States?

38:00 Was the country really united in grief over Garfield’s passing?

42:30 Thoughts on LeBron episode? Magic Johnson should be in GOAT debate

45:15 What one word would you use to describe the year ahead?

49:15 Why don’t we see monopoly concerns over the trading card market?

53:30 Any book recommendations to help understand Roy Cohn?

57:00 Miami’s connection to the cold war portrayed in “Covert City”?

58:30 How does it feel to be an independent journalist after years with NBC?

59:30 Are more people “seeing the light” as MAGA’s coalition cracks?

1:00:45 What are your takeaways from interviewing Andy Beshear?

1:06:00 How did you become a Packers fan after growing up in Miami?

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