Brendan Buck, a veteran Republican strategist, and Alan Bersin, former Border Czar under President Obama, join the discussion on immigration and election strategies. They examine the dramatic 80% drop in border crossings since last December and dissect the implications of past bipartisan efforts on immigration. Brendan highlights how Trump’s influence disrupts GOP messaging, especially regarding early voting. They also address the evolving demographics and strategies, including Governor Tim Walz's efforts to attract state college voters, reshaping the political landscape.

Kamala Harris, the current Vice President and former Senator, shares her inspiring journey to the political forefront. She talks about her early campaign struggles in San Francisco, showcasing innovative strategies like a memorable flyer. Harris candidly discusses her past relationship with Willie Brown and how she cleverly countered critics during her rise. The gripping atmosphere of her election night as District Attorney illustrates her resilience and determination. This engaging conversation delves deep into the nuances of navigating a challenging political landscape.

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. senator known for her bipartisan efforts, joins David Axelrod, a former chief strategist for President Obama, to dissect a recent Vice-presidential debate. They reflect on the debate's surprising civility and J.D. Vance's contrasting approaches. Axelrod emphasizes the Harris-Walz team's focus in the final campaign stretch. The duo also discusses how authenticity impacts voter engagement and the significance of navigating unpredictable political landscapes as November approaches.

Senator JD Vance, a rising political figure advocating for his running mate, and Governor Tim Walz, a champion of progressive values, engage in a lively vice-presidential debate. They tackle pressing issues like gun violence and accountability, highlighting personal stories and the need for practical solutions. The discussion delves into contrasting policies on immigration, healthcare, and economic strategies, underscoring the ramifications of the January 6th events. Ultimately, they both call for civic engagement and optimistically envision a more inclusive political landscape.

With 40 days to go and voters paying attention, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are vying for the upper hand when it comes to their plans for the economy and border security. Former Senator Claire McCaskill distills who has the winning arguments with her co-host this week, former chair of the RNC and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, Michael Steele. The duo then get some insights into the integrity of our election process and why we should all feel good about the safety and security of the vote, with Benjamin Hovland, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. And before wrapping up, Claire and Michael explain why late September is the season for opposition research dumps, with some notable examples in North Carolina, Maryland and Ohio.  Further reading: As Claire mentioned, here is a Harris-Walz campaign fact sheet on their economic plan.  Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh Wednesday night for an exclusive interview. It’s the VP’s first solo network interview since she became the Democratic nominee for president and comes just six weeks before election day. Listen to the full interview here and visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

After Sunday’s second apparent assassination attempt, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former Harris senior advisor Symone Sanders Townsend reflect on the volatility of the moment, and the importance of taking down the temperature, while not shying away from calling out incendiary comments intended to stoke the flames. Then, the co-founder of Men4Choice, Oren Jacobson, joins the dynamic duo to break down his mission to reframe reproductive choice from being a ‘women's issue’ to one that men fiercely advocate for as well. And lastly, as November inches closer and polls are dropping daily, a natural anxiety is ramping up among both campaigns. Claire and Symone dispense some wisdom on how to think about these snapshots that represent a moment in time.

On the fourth and final episode of our “The Threat of Project 2025” series, Chris Hayes speaks with Grist climate reporter Zoya Teirstein for her take on Project 2025’s impact on climate and the environment, especially in communities already suffering from climate-related catastrophes. Then, Dr. Vernon Morris, a professor of chemistry and atmospheric sciences at Arizona State University, shares his experience working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the important work at stake should NOAA be dismantled by this conservative agenda. Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

On the third episode of “The Threat of Project 2025,” Jen Psaki speaks with the ACLU’s Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, Chase Strangio, to discuss Project 2025’s specific language against LGBTQ+ people and how its policies aim to criminalize trans existence. Then, a look at the real-life consequences for trans people and their families who have been displaced due to restrictive bans on gender-affirming care as Jen speaks to Debi Jackson, a mom who’s been fighting for the safety of her child.Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

67.1 million people tuned in Tuesday night to see how Vice President Kamala Harris’ vision for America would contrast with former President Donald Trump’s. And, by all accounts, she met the moment. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by MSNBC political analyst Elise Jordan to talk about what the Cheney's and Taylor Swift have in common, and Harris’ need to get specific on her economic message to sway those still undecided voters. Then: Harris campaign senior advisor and spokesperson Adrienne Elrod shares the inside scoop on how the campaign team viewed the vice president’s debate performance and what they are focused on in this final sprint to November. Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.