The Blueprint with Jen Psaki
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.
Latest episodes
Dec 8, 2023 • 38min
Trump’s Second Term Threats with Dan Pfeiffer
In recent weeks, Donald Trump has made his plans for a second term clear: he wants to use the military on domestic soil, repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and increase deportation efforts – to name a few. Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Dan Pfeiffer, joins former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri to take a closer look at Trump’s second term threats. Plus, they shine a spotlight on the rising concerns at the US southern border.
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 1min
BONUS: Debate Wrap with Jen Psaki
With the Iowa caucuses fast approaching, Republican presidential candidates went toe to toe in their fourth debate on Wednesday, December 6th. The debate was hosted by NewsNation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie all making it to the stage. Like in earlier debates, the party frontrunner, former President Trump, was not present. After things wrapped, MSNBC’s Jen Psaki hosted a live YouTube special to analyze the night. She was joined by co-hosts of MSNBC's new show "The Weekend": Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders-Townsend and Michael Steele. Listen to the coverage here as a bonus podcast episode.
Dec 1, 2023 • 35min
What Young Voters Want
Younger voters have steadily backed the Democratic Party for years, but support for the Biden Administration has faltered. What are young people looking for in 2024? Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri are joined by North Carolina Democratic Party Chair, Anderson Clayton, to find out how Biden can win over voters in this key group. Plus, they shine a spotlight on The Affordable Care Act and new reporting by ABC News that reveals Senator Chuck Grassley almost replaced then Vice President Mike Pence in the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021. Grassley claims to have only learned of the scheme when they were "publicly reported many months later."
Nov 23, 2023 • 29min
The Third-Party Threat
Jennifer Palmieri and former Sen. Claire McCaskill discuss the rise of third-party candidates in elections and their impact on mainstream candidates. They delve into the influence of third-party candidates in the 2016 election, focusing on pivotal states and allegations of ties to Russia. The podcast also explores the five potential third-party candidates in the upcoming election and the potential consequences of their candidacy, highlighting financial support and the role of organizations like 'no labels'.
Nov 16, 2023 • 33min
The GOP's Culture of Violence
While Republicans were busy fighting each other in the House and inside Senate hearings this week, Democrats worked together to avert a government shutdown. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri explain what they see as the GOP's culture of violence and what Democrats need to do to keep control of the Senate in 2024. Plus, President Biden’s Deputy Campaign Manager, Rob Flaherty, joins to talk about the president’s digital campaign strategy.
Nov 9, 2023 • 29min
Big Wins and Small Debates
Donald Trump's rivals took aim at each other in the third GOP debate while the ex-president mocked them from afar. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri explain why they think the debate “means squat.” Plus, VA Sen. Tim Kaine joins us to discuss Democrats’ big wins on election night and what the party needs to do to win in 2024.
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 25min
BONUS: MSNBC’s GOP Debate Analysis
Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and the rest of the MSNBC team broke down the third Republican presidential debate live on TV. They discussed the best and worst moments from the night – including whether any candidate emerged as a viable challenger against former President Trump. Listen to the audio of the post-debate analysis here.
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 49min
BONUS: Listen to the Third GOP Debate
On Wednesday, five candidates faced off in the third GOP Presidential Debate, hosted by NBC News in Miami. They focused on issues of foreign policy, abortion, and the economy. Meanwhile, the front-runner, former president Donald Trump, counter-programmed with a rally nearby. Listen to the full audio of the debate here.
Nov 3, 2023 • 34min
How to West Win
In a special episode, Jennifer Palmieri and the West Wing’s Bradley Whitford break down this week’s 2024 winners and losers, including what Mike Pence’s exit from the race means for the GOP and why MN Rep. Dean Phillips’ long-shot primary challenge against President Biden could backfire. Plus, MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann joins us to dig into Donald Trump’s hellish legal week and what his growing legal woes could mean for 2024.
Oct 26, 2023 • 29min
Got Questions?
How can Democrats do a better job of messaging to voters? Which party is hurt more by Independent candidates? And are poll numbers as helpful as pundits claim? In this episode, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri answer your listener questions.
