The Al Franken Podcast

Jimmy Kimmel, the acclaimed late-night host and comedian, shares insights from his lengthy career that began in radio and evolved dramatically into television. He candidly reflects on the early struggles of his show, humorously admitting it was once "genuinely terrible." A pivotal moment for him was his son's health crisis, which ignited his passion for advocating healthcare reforms and confronting political challenges. Kimmel also discusses the art of interviewing, the grind of a five-night show, and the balance between scripted and spontaneous comedy.

David A. Graham, a journalist at The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 is Shaping America," dives into the shocking implications of Project 2025. He reveals how its architects viewed Trump’s first term as a failure, prompting a shadow administration plan. Topics include immigration overhaul, education privatization, and radical healthcare reforms. Graham emphasizes Russell Vought’s strategy to centralize power and demoralize government employees, warning of the long-term risks for democracy and federal governance.

Join historian Anne Applebaum, known for her sharp insights on Eastern Europe, and Franklin Foer, a political journalist specializing in geopolitics, as they dive into Trump's first year back in office. They dissect eight conflicts Trump reportedly 'ended' while examining the tumultuous situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. Anne shares a poignant account of USAID cuts impacting global humanitarian efforts, while Franklin critiques the administration's handling of foreign relations and media influence. Their discussion unveils a complex, troubling landscape for democracy and diplomacy.

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.