The Al Franken Podcast

In this fascinating discussion, George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the political metamorphosis of JD Vance, who shifted from vocally criticizing Trump to becoming his vice president. Packer examines whether Vance's change is genuine belief or political ambition. The conversation also touches on class divides, the evolution of political rhetoric, and how Democrats can effectively engage disenchanted voters. Packer's insights shed light on the complexities of modern American politics and the influence of cultural divides.

In this enlightening chat, Ed Shelleby, former Senate Communications Director and Deputy Chief of Staff to Al Franken, shares hilarious tales of managing Al's comedic instincts during serious moments. He recounts the memorable challenges of interview preparation and the origin of the term 'The Dehumorizer.' Ed reflects on the effectiveness of Al's actions in the Senate and how their office felt like family, blending humor with meaningful political work. Their camaraderie shines through in anecdotes that illustrate the unique intersection of comedy and public service.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of bestsellers like "The Big Short" and "Who is Government?", highlights the often-overlooked heroes of public service. He shares inspiring stories of government workers whose contributions save lives and improve society. Lewis warns of the dangers of dismantling agencies like NOAA, emphasizing how privatization could undermine crucial services. He also tackles the reality of rare diseases in the healthcare system, stressing the importance of meaningful government involvement in public health.

Join Dahlia Lithwick, an award-winning journalist and host of Amicus, as she dives into the judiciary's courageous stand against Trump-era policies. She sheds light on the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia and discusses the implications of Trump's targeting of law firms. The conversation also explores looming fetal personhood bills heading to the Supreme Court and raises questions about the ongoing constitutional crisis. Lithwick's insights reveal the vital intersection of law and society in today's climate.

Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics Podcast, dive into Trump's chaotic first 100 days back in office. They discuss underreported stories like cuts to FEMA and the implications of controversial proposals, including the abolition of birthright citizenship. The duo explores how Trump's policies affect mental health services and medical research funding, while also pondering how Democrats can improve messaging. It's a whirlwind of political drama and insights that captures the current landscape.

Every day we see this country inch closer to authoritarianism under Donald Trump. We're joined by Robert Reich, political economist, professor, author, and former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. We cover how Reich thinks Democrats should fight back against this era of oligarchy in America. He explains the power of protest and lays out the messaging that Democrats need to embrace to show solidarity for the coming midterms and beyond. Plus, Reich tells the story of being classmates with Clarence Thomas, Hillary Rodham, and Bill Clinton and how he introduced Bill and Hillary at law school.  Listen to Reich's podcast, The Coffee Klatch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coffee-klatch-with-robert-reich/id1635446643 Watch Reich's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RBReich

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of the profoundly disturbing book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” which was released before the 2024 election. In this interview, he explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their backs on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did The Evangelical Church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an Evangelical? How can those voters ever be won back? Read Tim's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/tim-alberta/

In a compelling discussion, Atul Gawande, an American surgeon, author, and former senior official at USAID, dives into the impact of recent political decisions on U.S. foreign aid and the healthcare system. He highlights the devastating effects of funding cuts, particularly on vulnerable populations worldwide. Gawande explores the successes of the Affordable Care Act amidst challenges and the urgent need for systemic reforms in healthcare access. He also shares insights from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ripple effects on global health initiatives.

Catherine Rampell, an opinion columnist for The Washington Post and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, shares her insights on Trump's sweeping tariff plans and their potential repercussions for American families. She highlights the chaos surrounding Elon Musk's government efficiency efforts, critiquing the risks of privatization and ineffective management within key federal agencies. Rampell warns that history may repeat itself, leading to economic stagnation, as tariffs could trigger harmful trade wars and exacerbate existing government inefficiencies.

Jessica Yellin, an independent journalist and former senior White House correspondent, joins the conversation to tackle pressing topics in today's news landscape. She reveals the alarming SignalGate scandal involving sensitive military communications and the accountability, or lack thereof, of top officials. Yellin also discusses the Trump administration's controversial deportation policies, emphasizing their legal implications. Diving into her own journey, she explains her shift to independent journalism with her platform, News Not Noise, highlighting the need for clarity and empathy in reporting.