The Al Franken Podcast

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-Ro8

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/

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.

Join Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, as she dives into voter reactions to Trump's early presidency. Fresh from his reelection, many are surprisingly pleased he’s taking action. Longwell offers sharp insights on how former Democratic voters are shifting their views amidst contentious issues like immigration and foreign policy. She also critiques Democratic messaging strategies and underscores the complexities of public sentiment, especially concerning personal impacts of policies.

Peter Ogburn, Executive Producer of Saturday Night Live, interviews comedian Al Franken, shedding light on their journey with the iconic show. They reveal the intense behind-the-scenes energy leading up to a live performance. Al reminisces about his first season and the hilarious evolution of sketches, including the creation of his beloved character Stuart Smalley. The conversation captures the essence of SNL's impact on comedy, discussing memorable moments and the unique collaborations that forged its legacy across 50 remarkable years.

Molly O'Toole, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of the upcoming book "The Route," dives deep into the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. She discusses the harsh realities faced by hundreds of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, amidst recent policy shifts and the revocation of Temporary Protected Status. The conversation critiques Trump's immigration rhetoric versus actual deportation practices, revealing the systemic challenges and fears that hinder the asylum process. O'Toole's insights shed light on the human experience behind immigration statistics.

Peter Beinart, Editor-at-large for Jewish Currents and MSNBC analyst, discusses urgent topics surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. He examines the aftermath of the October 7th attack, the implications of Netanyahu's leadership, and the complexities of Jewish identity in this turbulent landscape. Beinart critiques the Israeli military's responses and the systemic inequalities faced by Palestinians, while also reflecting on the ethical dimensions of American support. His insights offer a thought-provoking perspective on the need for genuine dialogue and a re-evaluation of current policies.

Molly Jong-Fast, a political commentator and contributor to the Fast Politics podcast, joins to dissect Trump's tumultuous first week in power. They delve into his inaugural address's highlights and the implications of his controversial executive orders. Discussions touch on Cabinet nominees and the seeming reluctance of Republican Senators to challenge Trump. Despite the chaos, Molly provides a glimmer of hope for the future. With humor, they also tackle the absurdities of Trump's Greenland ambitions alongside serious political dynamics.

Ian Bassin, Co-founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy, dives into the vital issues facing American democracy. He discusses the impending threats of a second Trump term and how to defend against them. The conversation highlights mistakes Democrats made last election and emphasizes the urgent need for effective responses. Bassin also draws global parallels between Trump’s tactics and those of authoritarian leaders, stressing the importance of protecting impartial governance in a polarized political landscape.