The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Ep. 506 — Doug Jones

Oct 6, 2022

Former Alabama Senator Doug Jones discusses the Democratic Party in Alabama, teaching America's flaws as progress, Biden's political accomplishments, and Trump's legal troubles. Reflects on serving as guide for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Senate confirmation and shares insights on his upbringing, historical comparisons between George Wallace and Trump, mentorship experiences, prosecuting Klan members, environmental advocacy, concerns about extremism and violence, and reflections on a political journey.

01:00:17

Creator website

Episode guests

Doug Jones

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Alabama's complex political dynamics shaped Doug Jones' career trajectory.

Jones emphasizes the importance of seeking justice for victims of hate crimes.

Representation and diversity are pivotal in shaping judicial history, as seen through Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination.

Deep dives

Doug Jones' Early Life and Family Background in a Steel Town

Doug Jones discusses his upbringing in a blue-collar steel town, highlighting his family's connection to the local steelworks and his father's role as a union representative. Despite the predominantly Democratic environment, Jones reflects on the complex political dynamics in Alabama during his youth, noting the shifting ideological landscape within the Democratic Party.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Growing Up in Birmingham and Political Influences

18min

Reflections on Meeting Joe Biden and His Ability to Find Common Ground

4min

Navigating the Future Path for a Seasoned Senate Veteran

2min

Reflections on Mentorship, Prosecuting Klan Members, and Environmental Advocacy

14min

Concerns about Extremism and Violence

2min

Reflections on a Political Journey

18min

A Conversation with Doug Jones and a Sponsored Message about Sleep Number Smart Bed

2min

While in law school, former Alabama Senator Doug Jones skipped class to watch the trial of Robert Chambliss, convicted in 1977 for his role in the deadly 1963 Birmingham church bombing, which killed four Black girls. Decades later, as a US attorney, Jones successfully prosecuted two others involved in the attack. Doug joined David to talk about the state of the Democratic Party and why Alabama voters have turned their backs on Democrats, why curriculum that teaches America’s flaws demonstrates progress rather than failure, his thoughts on Biden’s political accomplishments and Trump’s legal troubles, and serving as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s guide through her Senate confirmation.

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Ep. 506 — Doug Jones

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Doug Jones' Early Life and Family Background in a Steel Town

Reflections on Political Figures Like George Wallace and Joe Biden

Doug Jones' Role as a U.S. Attorney and Legal Cases

Jones' Senate Campaign & Reflections on Campaign Outcome

Involvement in Nominating Katanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts