
Norman Ornstein
Political scholar and longtime expert on Congress who provides analysis and interpretation of the shutdown, institutional breakdowns, and related political developments.
Top 10 podcasts with Norman Ornstein
Ranked by the Snipd community

12 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 21min
Trump Rages at Mitch McConnell in Crazed Rants—Showing How He Cows GOP
Norm Ornstein, a veteran congressional observer, provides keen insights on the turbulent dynamics within the GOP. He discusses Trump's explosive rants against Mitch McConnell, revealing how Trump's toxic influence continues to terrorize the Republican Party. The conversation highlights McConnell's stand against vaccine misinformation and the growing rift between party leadership and Trump. Ornstein warns that this internal conflict jeopardizes the GOP's ability to uphold democratic integrity, raising alarms about the future of political accountability.

Jan 7, 2025 • 25min
Trump Is Already Showing Us Exactly How He’ll Screw Over Mike Johnson
Norman Ornstein, a renowned congressional scholar, shares expert insights into the complexities facing House Speaker Mike Johnson amidst Trump's unpredictable tactics. He discusses how Trump’s ambitious demands for legislation risk fracturing Republican unity. Ornstein also delves into the added pressure from Elon Musk’s proposed spending cuts, hinting at potential political turmoil for Johnson. The conversation unveils the internal GOP conflicts and the broader implications of Trump's maneuvers on the party's future.

Oct 3, 2025 • 38min
Words Matter: Welcome to a Government Shutdown Only A Mussolini Could Love
In this riveting discussion, political scholar Norm Ornstein breaks down the unprecedented government shutdown, labeling it both illegal and indecent. He analyzes how Trump’s approach targets blue states and critical projects, while Republican leaders remain complicit. Ornstein highlights the Supreme Court's role in enabling abuses and raises alarms about voter suppression tactics. Emphasizing the importance of government services and public education, he warns of the threats to free elections. Tune in for an insightful look at these critical issues.

Oct 3, 2025 • 38min
Welcome to a Government Shutdown Only A Mussolini Could Love
Norm Ornstein, a political scholar and congressional expert, shares his insights on the unprecedented government shutdown. He discusses how Trump weaponizes the shutdown against blue states and infrastructure, along with the legal and moral violations involved. Ornstein critiques GOP leadership's complicity and highlights disturbing tactics used by ICE and the FBI. He examines the erosion of democratic norms and the urgent need for public education on government roles. Norm argues that a solid Democratic stance could sway public opinion in their favor.

Sep 25, 2025 • 36min
Words Matter: “Budgets? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Budgets!”
Norm Ornstein, a renowned congressional scholar, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the looming government shutdown influenced by the Trump administration. They explore the implications of the OMB firing memo and debate whether Democrats will effectively counter GOP maneuvers. Ornstein highlights the erosion of Congress's budget authority, defining the situation as a constitutional crisis. They also discuss the media's failure to cover corruption and the dangers of national security decisions intertwined with political profit motives, amplifying the urgent need for accountability.

Aug 14, 2025 • 32min
Words Matter: From Arby’s to Subway - a Week in Review
In this engaging discussion, Norm Ornstein, a prominent political scientist known for his insights into American politics, joins host David Rothkopf. They dive deep into the politically charged deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., questioning the motivations behind it. The duo compares the treatment of a Subway protester to those from January 6th and explores the bizarre saga involving Laura Loomer and Arby’s. With a blend of absurdity and seriousness, they tackle rising authoritarianism while sprinkling in humor from the quirks of current events.

Feb 14, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump Rages at Mitch McConnell in Crazed Rants—Showing How He Cows GOP
Norm Ornstein, a veteran congressional observer, shares insights into the heated feud between Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell. The duo explores McConnell's bold stance against anti-vaccine rhetoric following RFK Jr.'s appointment and examines the fallout from Trump's savage criticisms. Ornstein explains how this rift reveals Trump's grip on the GOP, highlighting the internal conflicts and the troubling shift in values within the party. Dive into the implications of this power struggle and what it means for the future of Republican integrity.

May 5, 2024 • 25min
Americano: Is Donald Trump really going to be a dictator?
Freddy chats with Norman Ornstein, a political scientist and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss the worrying prospect of Donald Trump potentially stepping into a dictatorial role if re-elected. The conversation also dives into Trump’s contentious style of governance, the implications of his past actions during protests and riots, and the stark comparisons between his classified document indictments and those of Biden and Pence. Legal intricacies surrounding Trump’s cases are scrutinized, raising crucial questions about justice and accountability.

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 23min
Democracy on the Ballot
Discussion on lack of progress and unity within the House Republican Conference. Israeli Prime Minister talks about potential hostage release and election results. Exploring the future of the Israel-Hamas war and Gaza's governance after the war. Lack of outrage and government dysfunction. Negotiations for release of hostages and calls for ceasefire. The rise of a third political party in the United States. Importance of voting and understanding the significance of every vote. The power of abortion as an issue and its potential impact on the election.

Nov 5, 2023 • 1h 27min
Blinken Meets with Palestinian President
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Majed Bamya, former federal judge Michael Luttig, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party David Pepper, former Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes, Washington Post Opinion Writer Jennifer Rubin, Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, NBC’s Josh Lederman, NBC’s Aaron Gilchrist & NBC”s Erin McLaughlin discuss US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to the occupied West Bank, challenges to Donald Trump's eligibility, efforts to undermine abortion rights in Ohio, and the ongoing electricity crisis in Gaza.