The Al Franken Podcast

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.

Heather McGhee, an expert in economic and social policy and author of "The Sum of Us," joins the discussion on Trump's war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She explains how diversity strengthens America and details the chilling impact of ICE raids on immigrant communities, drawing parallels to historical segregationist actions. McGhee emphasizes the economic contributions of immigrants and the moral imperative for society to embrace inclusivity, highlighting the challenges and successes within DEI initiatives in corporate America.

David Pakman, a prominent political commentator and YouTube sensation with over 3 million subscribers, dives into pressing political issues. He tackles the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and its waning Republican support, along with Trump’s controversial travel ban, revealing its flawed rationale. Pakman shares shocking insights from Trump's second term and discusses strategies for Democrats to regain voter trust and improve their standing. The conversation is a blend of critical analysis and engaging commentary on current U.S. politics.

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.