The Al Franken Podcast

Author Tim Alberta discusses how evangelicals became a political tool for the Republican Party, his personal journey within the evangelical church, and the challenges of winning back evangelical voters. The podcast explores the influence of media on evangelical views in politics and the ideological divides within American society.

David Frum from The Atlantic Monthly discusses the chaos that Donald Trump would bring in a second term - from border issues, foreign aid, to Trump's attempt to pardon his crimes. Can we withstand another Trump term?

Olivia Nuzzi, Washington Correspondent for New York Magazine, talks with Al Franken about the political landscape, controversies surrounding anti-vaxxers, frustrations with a special counsel's report and Supreme Court arguments, confusion over primary and caucus processes, Nikki Haley's campaign, 'energy vampires' at MAGA rallies, challenges of following a speaker and focus on past elections, covering misinformation and conspiracy theories, and podcast recommendations.

The podcast discusses the potential delay and impact of the Trump trials on the election, the debate on removing Trump from the ballot, the anticipation of Supreme Court involvement, the president's powers and defamation cases, a disruptive behavior in the trial, the danger of alternative facts, and the importance of law and democracy.

Former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and former chair of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, discusses concerns about Trump's influence and the current state of the Republican party. Trump's recent actions on the border and the Affordable Care Act are also discussed. The podcast touches on the advantages of using the Babel language learning app and Mint Mobile's affordable wireless service. The political career of Michael Steele, working across the aisle, and the influence of television on Trump's political career are explored. The role of communication and acting skills in politics is also discussed. Two sponsors - Liquid IV and Shipstation - are briefly mentioned. Trump's shift to the right and engagement in the 'big lie' are analyzed. The podcast wraps up with mentions of the producer, ad-free options, and promotion of another podcast.

Jim Downey, SNL writer and producer, talks about writing sketches and impersonations. They discuss creating caricatures of Al Gore during his presidential campaign and contrasting portrayals of George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump. They also share a long-running practical joke and their experience writing an ad for a change bank.

Adam Serwer of The Atlantic and The Federalist Society discuss the potential impact of a second term under President Trump on the courts, the influence of conservative legal movement on judicial appointments, Trump's potential use of the Insurrection Act, his actions on immigration and views on racial diversity, Christian nationalism, and his relationship with the press.

Heather says that Trumpers have bought into an alternative reality and that we are, at this moment, on a knife’s edge. She’s an historian and not a clairvoyant. But she’s also an activist, doing all she can to spread the word through historical analysis. Beat that, Trump!

Really great!

Jim Gaffigan, comedian and actor, talks about comedy, his decision to come out against Trump, the impact on his fans, pandemic's effect on podcast listening habits, exploring nonsensical elements in comedy, observations about comedy clubs and news, reflection on speaking up and connecting with the Midwest, frustration with false claims and hypocrisy, the history of margarine and acting, and promoting upcoming comedy show 'Comedy Monster' on Netflix.