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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The Chuck ToddCast 
