The Al Franken Podcast

In his second term, Donald Trump has upended many American institutions, but perhaps none more than the Department of Justice. He's filled the DOJ with lackeys, like AG Pam Bondi, who are corrupting our system of justice in ways never seen before.  We're joined by two veterans of the DOJ: Barbara McQuade, professor at University of Michigan Law School, and Daniel Richman, professor at Columbia Law School. We discuss the disturbing tendencies of Trump's Justice Department: from emphasizing immigration enforcement, to investigating Trump’s political rivals, to firing agents en masse for prosecuting the Jan 6th cases, and so on. The damage being done will take years, if not decades, to undo. Plus, the Epstein Files continue to impact Trump’s presidency. Why is Ghislane Maxwell being treated so well? It’s almost as if Trump hopes she’ll exonerate him in exchange for a sweetheart deal. READ Barbara's book “Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America”: https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4577-attack-from-within READ Daniel’s recent opinion piece in NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/opinion/trump-is-discovering-the-downside-of-a-justice-department-with-no-credibility.html Get 20% off your first order of low carb, keto-friendly bread from our newest sponsor, Royo! Use promo code FRANKEN at www.eatroyo.com

With Donald Trump and the Republican Party low in the polls, Texas is resorting to one of their favorite ways to win voters: cheating. They’ve drawn new maps to implement unprecedented gerrymandering, taking away five Democratic-held seats - all done at Trump’s insistence, of course. We're joined by Ari Berman, national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones, to walk us through Texas Governor Abbott’s scheme. Democrats are attempting to fight back in Texas and across the country… even if it is a fight they are likely to lose. We discuss how the Supreme Court continues to erode voting rights and how Chief Justice John Roberts is NOT the moderate that he'd like us to think that he is.  If history is any indication, Democrats SHOULD have a successful midterm election. But history may not be enough to overcome this gerrymandering lollapalooza and the attacks on voting rights. READ Ari's work in Mother Jones: https://www.motherjones.com/author/ari-berman/ 

Franklin Foer, a writer for The Atlantic with expertise in anti-Semitism, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He argues that Israel's policies are driving mass starvation, calling for urgent food aid. Foer delves into the nuances of recent campus protests, warning against anti-Semitism while acknowledging valid criticisms of Netanyahu. He also addresses the broader implications for free speech and political pressures on universities like Harvard and Columbia amidst these complex issues.

Join journalist and best-selling author Jonathan Alter as he discusses the alarming rise of authoritarianism in Trump’s America. He reveals how recent funding for ICE could create a police state and critiques the redistricting efforts in Texas. Despite the grim landscape, Alter promotes hope in citizen activism and believes Democrats can reclaim the House in the upcoming midterms. He also touches on the ethical dilemmas surrounding immigration policies and the political pressures faced by universities and law firms.

Kevin Nealon, a celebrated comedian and actor known for his time on Saturday Night Live and his role in "Weeds," shares a treasure trove of stories with Al Franken. They reminisce about unforgettable SNL moments, including the creation of classic bits like Mr. Subliminal and Hans and Franz. Kevin opens up about his journey from sketch comedy to stand-up and his hiking show, offering insights into the pressures of live performance and the evolution of comedy. Their humorous banter highlights the camaraderie forged during their comedic adventures.

Catherine Rampell, a Washington Post columnist specializing in economics, dives deep into Trump's economic policies. She explains how the Big, Beautiful Bill threatens to expand the deficit while benefiting the wealthiest Americans. Rampell emphasizes the vital role of immigrants in the economy, highlighting the troubling issue of innocent individuals being rounded up and disappearing. The conversation also addresses the inflationary effects of Trump's tariffs and critiques the disproportionate benefits of recent tax cuts, painting a sobering picture of current economic strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Dahlia Lithwick, an authority on the Supreme Court and host of Slate’s Amicus, dives deep into the alarming rulings from the Court. She reveals how the shadow docket enables the Court to make pivotal decisions with minimal scrutiny, impacting birthright citizenship and healthcare for trans children. Dahlia also tackles the censorship of LGBTQ+ storybooks in schools and the troubling increase in executive power under Trump. The conversation paints a dire picture of the trajectory the Court is taking toward authoritarianism.

Marc Elias, a leading election lawyer and founder of Democracy Docket, shares his insights on Trump's potential second term and his pursuit of retribution against law firms. He highlights the risks of authoritarianism, discusses troubling Supreme Court decisions, and critiques recent immigration policies. The conversation underscores the escalating political tensions, the erosion of democratic principles, and the concerning misuse of judicial powers. Elias emphasizes the importance of protecting voting rights amid these looming threats.

Kasie Hunt, CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst, shares her journey through journalism, inspired by her early experiences covering Obama and the Affordable Care Act. She reflects on the dramatic changes in Congress and the media landscape influenced by Trump. Kasie gives a personal account of the January 6th Capitol riots and discusses the challenges of covering misinformation in today's political climate. She also addresses the implications of Trump's potential policy decisions on working Americans and the evolving dynamics of public trust.

Molly Jong-Fast, an accomplished author and political commentator for Vanity Fair, dives into her new memoir, shedding light on her complex relationship with her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong. She candidly shares tales of familial struggles with addiction and fame. The conversation takes a political turn as they critique a recent controversial bill affecting social programs. They also tackle pressing issues in the Middle East and question Donald Trump's influence on foreign affairs, blending personal stories with sharp political insights.