Chuck Todd breaks down the political fallout as the government shutdown begins disrupting air travel—and both parties claim they’re “winning.” He argues that when politicians are upending people’s lives, no one is really winning. The conversation turns to Israel, where Prime Minister Netanyahu faces deepening domestic backlash and a loss of international allies. With 66% of Israelis wanting the war in Gaza to end and growing calls for Bibi’s ouster, Israel’s reliance on the U.S. has never been greater—or more politically divisive.
Chuck also examines how the Israel issue is surfacing in U.S. campaign politics, from Democratic primaries to GOP power plays. With Republicans clearing primary fields and Democrats facing scandals like Jay Jones’ in Virginia, both parties are wrestling with internal fractures—and the risks of clinging to power at any cost.
Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 governor’s seats most likely to flip parties, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.
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Timeline:
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)
00:00 Introduction
02:30 Government shutdown begins affecting air travel
04:15 Both sides think they are winning the shutdown
05:30 Congress created the conditions for regular shutdowns
06:30 When you're disrupting people's lives, you aren't "winning"
07:30 Israel's public support is eroding in the United States
08:30 Under Bibi, Israel has never been more powerful and alone
09:30 Israel alienated allies, incredibly reliant on the United States
11:15 Partisan split between R's and D's over support for Israel
12:15 Growing skepticism for Israel's actions in Gaza
14:00 66% of Israelis want to end the war in Gaza
15:30 Majority of Israelis want Netayahu gone after war is over
17:00 Most Israelis goal is the getting hostages home, not eliminating Hamas
18:15 Bibi is clinging to power to avoid accountability
19:15 New ad in New Hampshire targeting Andy Beshear over support for Israel
20:45 Tough to know how salient Israel issue will be in a Democratic primary
22:45 Republicans are clearing primary fields across the country
23:30 If Ken Paxton is nominee in Texas, the senate could flip
25:30 Susan Collins is the only Republican that can win in Maine
27:15 Dem voters tired of establishment that isn't winning
28:30 MAGA gave Republicans most power they've had in decades
29:30 If Jay Jones allegations in VA surfaced a month ago, he'd be replaced
31:00 If elected, Jay Jones should resign and let assembly choose replacement
34:00 Democrats playing with political fire with Jay Jones
36:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Adam Bonica
38:00 Toddcast Top 5 - Governor's seats most likely to flip parties
38:30 #1 Virginia
41:00 #2 Kansas
42:45 #3 Wisconsin, #4 Michigan
45:00 #5 Iowa
49:00 Ask Chuck
49:15 Will there ever be amendments to prevent corruption in government?
52:00 Does Trump think the public will believe misinformation about the economy?
57:00 Should Democrats offer a "Project 2029" to offer a clear vision for change?
59:30 How would you handle bad faith Republican arguments over shutdown?
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The Chuck ToddCast