The Blueprint with Jen Psaki

In a riveting conversation, Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, addresses Congress with bold claims about America’s recovery and controversial economic policies. Elissa Slotkin, Democratic Senator from Michigan, delivers a pointed response, highlighting discrepancies in Trump’s message, especially regarding cuts to essential services. They discuss a new 'gold card' immigration initiative aimed at wealthy investors and the contentious walkouts by Democrats during the address. The dialogue dives into pressing national security issues, from illegal immigration to the impact of tariffs on everyday Americans.

Former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, celebrated for his relatable approach to economic issues, joins Jen Psaki to discuss how Democrats can better connect with voters. They analyze the evolving political landscape in Ohio and the challenges of communicating about trade and job changes. Ryan critiques J.D. Vance's political authenticity while emphasizing the need for empathy in addressing working-class struggles. They also explore the impact of budget cuts on public services and the importance of having younger voices in politics.

Stacey Abrams, an influential politician and voting rights advocate, joins to discuss the path forward for Democrats in a challenging political climate. She emphasizes the importance of insisting on desired outcomes instead of merely resisting the current situation. The conversation dives into the complexities of voter suppression, the need for strategic activism, and the emotional toll of political engagement. Abrams also highlights the significance of resilience, hope, and moral clarity, especially when advocating for marginal communities.

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, a billionaire with deep activist roots, delves into the challenges facing Democrats today. He discusses the urgency of economic equality, advocating for raising the minimum wage and eliminating the grocery tax. Pritzker critiques the influence of wealthy individuals like Elon Musk on government and stresses the need for political messaging that resonates with working-class Americans. He reflects on his own journey into activism and emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic injustices while highlighting the impact of political decisions on everyday lives.

Jemele Hill, a renowned sports journalist and author, is celebrated for her fearless commentary on the intersection of sports and politics. She discusses the urgent need for accountability among elected officials and critiques the Democratic Party's current strategies. Hill highlights the evolving activism of Black athletes and stresses the importance of authentic voices in political discourse. The conversation delves into the complexities of cancel culture and public trust in journalism, urging a more honest and engaging approach to communication.

Don Lemon, a former CNN primetime anchor and independent journalist, shares his insights on the evolving media landscape. He discusses the pitfalls of outdated purity tests within the Democratic Party that hinder voter connection. Lemon emphasizes the importance of authenticity in political communication and the need for Democrats to engage with non-traditional media. He also reflects on the power of younger voices in politics, urging for a more genuine outreach to better resonate with diverse audiences.

In this engaging discussion, Rahm Emanuel, former Chief of Staff to President Obama and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, shares his unfiltered insights on the Democratic Party's future. He stresses the importance of relatable messengers and running candidates at all levels, from school boards to Congress. Emanuel critiques the dangers of litmus tests and emphasizes bold leadership echoing past Democrats like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The conversation navigates the need for clear communication strategies to connect with diverse voters in today's complex political landscape.

In this episode of “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki”, Jen sits down with social media darling and provocateur Jack Schlossberg to hone in on how conservatives have come to be the loudest voices online, while Democrats seem to have just ceded the ground. They talk about how to reach young voters – young men specifically – and why Dem’s reluctance to make mistakes has cost them. Want to listen to this show without ads?  Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

Welcome to “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki,” a new podcast from MSNBC looking to shed some light on the state of the Democratic party and how to win again. On this first episode, the conversation starts like many across the country– with football. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland is no stranger to the sport and his approach to the game often aligns with his approach to politics: be a team player, and if you see a play- be bold. Governor Moore talks about his life coming up in Maryland and what led him from the Robinhood Foundation to the Governor’s mansion. He and Jen also dig in to what it means to be a patriotic American, where the party can be bolder, and find optimism in authenticity as a winning factor. Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

As Democrats continue to dust themselves off after big losses in 2024, MSNBC’s Jen Psaki examines what’s next for the party. On “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki,” she dives into two crucial questions: where do Democrats stand in this moment? And how can they win again? With a format built for real conversations and necessary pushback, Jen sits down with some of the left’s biggest names to talk about confronting Trump 2.0 and how the party can shape the future they’d like to see. This is a space for edgy, honest discourse where Jen will go beyond political talking points to determine “the blueprint” for what lies ahead.