The Al Franken Podcast

Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics Podcast, dive into Trump's chaotic first 100 days back in office. They discuss underreported stories like cuts to FEMA and the implications of controversial proposals, including the abolition of birthright citizenship. The duo explores how Trump's policies affect mental health services and medical research funding, while also pondering how Democrats can improve messaging. It's a whirlwind of political drama and insights that captures the current landscape.

Every day we see this country inch closer to authoritarianism under Donald Trump. We're joined by Robert Reich, political economist, professor, author, and former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. We cover how Reich thinks Democrats should fight back against this era of oligarchy in America. He explains the power of protest and lays out the messaging that Democrats need to embrace to show solidarity for the coming midterms and beyond.Plus, Reich tells the story of being classmates with Clarence Thomas, Hillary Rodham, and Bill Clinton and how he introduced Bill and Hillary at law school. Listen to Reich's podcast, The Coffee Klatch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coffee-klatch-with-robert-reich/id1635446643Watch Reich's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RBReichSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of the profoundly disturbing book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” which was released before the 2024 election. In this interview, he explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their backs on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did The Evangelical Church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an Evangelical? How can those voters ever be won back?Read Tim's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/tim-alberta/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a compelling discussion, Atul Gawande, an American surgeon, author, and former senior official at USAID, dives into the impact of recent political decisions on U.S. foreign aid and the healthcare system. He highlights the devastating effects of funding cuts, particularly on vulnerable populations worldwide. Gawande explores the successes of the Affordable Care Act amidst challenges and the urgent need for systemic reforms in healthcare access. He also shares insights from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ripple effects on global health initiatives.

Catherine Rampell, an opinion columnist for The Washington Post and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, shares her insights on Trump's sweeping tariff plans and their potential repercussions for American families. She highlights the chaos surrounding Elon Musk's government efficiency efforts, critiquing the risks of privatization and ineffective management within key federal agencies. Rampell warns that history may repeat itself, leading to economic stagnation, as tariffs could trigger harmful trade wars and exacerbate existing government inefficiencies.

Jessica Yellin, an independent journalist and former senior White House correspondent, joins the conversation to tackle pressing topics in today's news landscape. She reveals the alarming SignalGate scandal involving sensitive military communications and the accountability, or lack thereof, of top officials. Yellin also discusses the Trump administration's controversial deportation policies, emphasizing their legal implications. Diving into her own journey, she explains her shift to independent journalism with her platform, News Not Noise, highlighting the need for clarity and empathy in reporting.

Political expert Norm Ornstein provides insightful commentary on the current turmoil in D.C. He discusses Trump's alarming executive order to dismantle the Department of Education and its dire implications for public education. The conversation dives into the fractures within the Democratic Party and criticizes Chuck Schumer's recent decisions. Ornstein also addresses America's shifting stance on Ukraine and the implications for global alliances. Get his take on the chaotic political landscape, and the urgent need for a cohesive Democratic strategy ahead of critical elections.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Trae Crowder, the viral comedian from Tennessee aka The Liberal Redneck. We talk about Trae's upbringing in a red state, why rednecks are Trumpies, and what happens to a community when the jobs leave. Listen to Trae’s take on Trump's appeal to voting rednecks, even though they might have seen him as a New York elite (from his TV show, The Apprentice) before he entered politics.Learn more about Trae Crowder, The Liberal Redneck: https://www.traecrowder.com/Watch Trae's brand new standup special, Trash Daddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VULUOEy-Ro8See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're joined by our friend Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic to break down a wild week in Washington D.C.! Donald Trump gave his address to Congress. It was the longest one ever and didn't seem to say much (except blame Joe Biden for all of the country's problems). We also take a look at America's deteriorating relationship with Ukraine and how Republicans who USED TO support Ukraine are turning their backs when our ally needs it the most. Plus, we discuss the ongoing drama around tariffs and why Trump can't seem to make up his mind on using them.Read Mark Leibovich in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/mark-leibovich/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tim Mak, a war correspondent and founder of The Counteroffensive, shares his gripping experiences from Kyiv since the war began. He discusses the heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians and unpacks Trump's controversial views on the conflict. The conversation reflects on President Zelensky's leadership and the psychological strain on those living under constant threat. Tim also stresses the importance of genuine international alliances and the complexities concerning negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, revealing the fragility of truth in political discourse.