Chuck Todd begins with analysis of the current travel chaos and President Trump's controversial comments on Alcatraz and movie tariffs. He highlights former Washington Governor Jay Inslee's successful tenure and discusses the evolving political landscape, including key Republican figures declining Senate runs and potential competitive races across the country that could reshape the balance of power.
Then, former Washington Governor Jay Inslee joins the podcast, where he discusses his climate policy achievements and the existential threat of climate change. Inslee offers sharp criticism of Trump's energy and trade policies, warning they could cede technological leadership to China and harm American businesses. The conversation expands to examine political courage, institutional challenges, and what Democrats should be doing now to prepare for future elections.
Finally, Chuck concludes with an "Ask Chuck" segment covering the promotion of moderate candidates, Glenn Youngkin's legacy, and papal politics
00:00 Introduction
01:15 The US travel situation is a mess
03:15 Trump’s alcatraz comment was a distraction
07:00 Reopening Alcatraz isn’t feasible
07:20 Jay Inslee was wildly successful as governor
09:20 Brian Kemp + Chris Sununu pass on senate run
11:45 The political landscape is terrible for Republicans
13:05 Senate map isn’t great for Democrats
15:45 If Ken Paxton beats Cornyn, Texas could be in play
19:15 4 states where Democrats could put senate seats in play
19:55 Joni Ernst in line to replace Pete Hegseth?
22:20 200 house districts within a 20 point margin
24:50 Jay Inslee joins the Chuck ToddCast
26:05 Do you feel less constrained outside of politics?
28:50 Inslee's biggest achievements achieved 60%+ support
31:10 What are the details of his Climate Commitment Act?
33:20 The potential of fusion power
35:50 Donald Trump's plan to kill clean energy makes no sense
37:50 Trump is ceding clean energy tech and production to China
38:50 Why aren't Americans in the streets en masse?
41:20 Americans will suffer under Trump's policies
42:35 A bad economy will wake up the public
43:50 We'll see empty shelves within weeks
45:50 Institutions capitulating to Trump only enables him
49:35 NAFTA created winners and losers
51:20 Trump is grossly incompetent
52:05 Trump gave away his leverage
53:20 Tariffs generally aren't productive for the economy
56:50 Flooding in WA a direct result of climate change
1:00:50 Americans don't truly understand climate change
1:02:50 The insurance industry will force the government's hand
1:04:50 People in power KNOW climate will be a problem
1:08:50 What should the Democrats be doing?
1:10:20 What can we learn from Canada when dealing with Trump?
1:12:05 Trump took ownership of the economy at his own peril
1:13:05 There's a lot of talent in the Democratic Party
1:13:50 Republicans will get wiped out in the midterms
1:16:20 Congress is now a country club
1:18:20 Voters on each side have self-segregated
1:20:05 We need a president who follows the law
1:22:00 Chuck's thoughts on Inslee interview
1:22:30 Ask Chuck
1:22:45 How can we promote more moderate candidates?
1:28:20 What will Glenn Youngkin's legacy be?
1:31:50 Thoughts on "Conclave" and papal politics?
The Chuck ToddCast