The Al Franken Podcast

Mark Leibovich, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insightful political commentary, joins the conversation to delve into the latest tumultuous happenings in Washington. He discusses the troubling allegations against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who reportedly ordered killings and endangered American troops. The pair also recap a chaotic Cabinet meeting where Marco Rubio fawned over Trump, who delivered a controversial rant about Somalis. Additionally, they unpack the implications of Trump’s pardons and explore the Republican Party's growing fractures.

David Kirkpatrick, a staff writer at The New Yorker and investigative journalist, discusses the astonishing ways the Trump family has profited during his presidency. He reveals the staggering $3.4 billion made through international deals, licensing, and cryptocurrency ventures. Kirkpatrick highlights ethical concerns and contrasts Trump's promises about foreign deals with the financial windfalls from Mar-a-Lago. He also explains the intricacies of NFTs and the influence of presidential endorsements in the crypto market, painting a vivid picture of modern profiteering.

Liz Oyer, former U.S. pardon attorney, sheds light on the controversial pardons from Trump's second term, revealing how many were driven by money and loyalty. She describes the blanket pardons for January 6th rioters and brands the pardon of cryptocurrency mogul Changpeng Zhao as potentially the most corrupt in U.S. history. Oyer critiques the current pardon attorney's extreme political stance and expresses concern about the lack of transparency and favoritism in the pardoning process, especially regarding high-profile cases.

Catherine Rampell, an opinion writer and economist for The Bulwark and MSNBC, dives into the recent government shutdown. She shares insights on how the Trump administration manipulated SNAP benefits during this crisis. Rampell discusses rising prices impacting Americans, contradicting Trump’s economic claims. She also critiques the idea of a 50-year mortgage for first-time homebuyers, emphasizing its potential dangers. Join them as they dissect tariffs and their chaotic consequences for consumers and businesses.

Molly Jong-Fast, an opinion writer for The New York Times and host of Fast Politics, dives into the recent off-season elections, highlighting Democratic wins and voter sentiment shifts. She discusses NYC's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and his ambitious focus on affordability. Molly also explores the implications of Trump’s influence, the impact of ICE raids on voter mobilization, and the ongoing government shutdown. With sharp insights into redistricting battles and the irony of Trump's recent lavish party, she offers a comprehensive look at the political landscape ahead.

Political reporter David Weigel from Semafor dives into the looming government shutdown and its implications. He discusses how the Trump administration seems out of touch with economic realities, all while indulging in extravagant spending, like a lavish ballroom. Weigel critiques Republican messaging towards SNAP, and highlights dissent within the Democratic party about leadership and image. He warns of the potential consequences of a prolonged shutdown, including harm to voters in red states and the risk of losing public trust.

Harry Litman, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General and host of Talking Feds, provides a deep dive into the weaponization of the justice system by Donald Trump. He discusses the politically charged prosecutions of figures like Comey and James, emphasizing their potential illegality. Litman also addresses the controversial deployment of the National Guard in Democratic cities and its constitutional implications. Additionally, he analyzes the Louisiana case that could threaten the Voting Rights Act, forecasting dire consequences for minority representation.

John Fugelsang, a comedian and bestselling author, contrasts Jesus' teachings with modern political rhetoric, exposing the disconnect between Christ's message of love and compassion versus right-wing agendas. He shares insights from his book, discussing how Evangelicals misuse scripture to justify oppressive policies. With anecdotes from his upbringing and experiences, Fugelsang emphasizes the importance of civil discourse in addressing inconsistencies in faith-based arguments, particularly on issues like immigration, gun violence, and social justice.

We're thrilled to welcome David Hogg to the podcast. Hogg is a co-founder of March For Our Lives and his PAC, Leaders We Deserve. He shares about how the tragedy in Parkland, FL launched him into the political fray. Hogg notoriously served as a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee for a brief time. He tells us about some of the inner workings of the DNC and then what happened when shit hit the fan. He argues that too many long-serving Democrats in Congress are "asleep at the wheel" and believes that backing younger primary challengers is the solution. We also lay out what kind of messaging Democrats need to focus on to win back young voters and improve their brand. Donald Trump and the Republicans are wildly unpopular, but the Democrats are often even less popular. The answer? Be the party who fights for affordable healthcare and lowering everyday costs.  LEARN more about David's Political Action Committee: https://leaderswedeserve.com/ 

This week features Norm Ornstein, a political scientist and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He dives into the chaos of a federal government shutdown and its implications for healthcare policy. Norm discusses Trump's controversial Gaza peace proposal and the complexities surrounding its implementation. He also critiques recent political maneuvers, including a high-cost military address and the broader implications of current policies on democracy and public health. Expect both insight and humor as he navigates today's turbulent political landscape.