The Al Franken Podcast

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.

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.