The Blueprint with Jen Psaki

Democrats are looking ahead as they close out the 2024 Democratic National Convention and gear up for the presidential election. The final night, titled“For Our Future,” focused on gun violence and promises for change. And all eyes were on the Vice President as she made history. The first Black woman and first Asian American person to accept a major party’s nomination for president, she delivered a momentous speech, introducing herself and promising to campaign for all American people. Listen to key moments of MSNBC’s special coverage led by Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Alex Wagner live from Chicago plus analysis from Rachel Maddow and the rest of the MSNBC team. Visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

The Obamas came out swinging Tuesday night, and the momentum continued on night three of the Democratic National Convention, aptly themed “A Fight for Our Freedoms.” The evening was also a chance for voters to get acquainted with vice presidential nominee, “Coach” Tim Walz, a relative unknown to many Americans. Speakers for the night included Oprah Winfrey, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and capped by the vice presidential nominee himself. Listen to key moments of MSNBC’s special coverage led by Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Alex Wagner live from Chicago plus analysis from Rachel Maddow and the rest of the MSNBC team. Visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

The Democratic National Convention continued in Chicago as delegates held a ceremonial roll call vote to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Night two focused on “A Bold Vision for America’s Future," with speeches from former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Listen to key moments of MSNBC’s special coverage led by Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Alex Wagner live from Chicago plus analysis from Rachel Maddow and the rest of the MSNBC team. Visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago Monday after delegates united behind Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential nominee in a formal virtual roll call earlier this month. Night one of the convention focused on President Biden’s “leadership and legacy" and featured remarks from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first lady Jill Biden, and culminated with a speech from the president himself. Listen to key moments of MSNBC’s special coverage led by Ari Melber, Joy Reid and Alex Wagner live from Chicago followed by analysis from Rachel Maddow and the rest of the MSNBC team. Visit msnbc.com for more coverage in the lead up to the election.

Despite a party-wide effort urging Trump to pivot to policy, he just can’t seem to muster the discipline to talk about any issues. And for two former Senators who know the focus it takes to win a competitive race, it’s wild to watch. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill’s Senate colleague Heidi Heitkamp joins her as guest-host. After weighing the latest musings from JD Vance’s audio vault, the two ‘post-menopausal grandmas' remind him that older women are still able to vote. Claire also asks Heidi to give some perspective on the unique opportunity the Harris-Walz team has to reach rural voters. Then, Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman stops by for a deep dive into the latest Harris-Trump polling, how to understand the margin-of-error in a given sample, and how the down-ballot races are shaping up after the shift to the vice president's candidacy. 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. 

After another compelling week for Democrats, Vice President Kamala Harris hit the road with her newly minted running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. To illuminate the upshot of the pick strategically, Former Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by guest co-host David Jolly, former Congressman of Florida’s 13th District. The pair analyze the shifting dynamics in the race, which had been Trump's to lose, and why Harris has been underestimated in the past. Then, they’re joined by Politico’s politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, who attended Walz’ debut in Philadelphia, to glean what he brings to the ticket and how the Trump campaign is responding. Also, a note to our listeners: Claire’s good friend and co-host here on 'How To Win', Jennifer Palmieri, has moved on from our MSNBC and podcast family to join the Harris-Walz campaign. She'll be taking her wisdom and expertise to literally sort out how to win this fall. We love you Jen, and we wish you all the best! 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. 

There is a lightness and an ease felt by Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri, as Vice President Kamala Harris continues to flip the script on Trump’s most tired tactics. From demurring on setting a debate, to questioning Harris’ racial identity, the vice president’s responses have been pitch-perfect. And as we dip below the 100-day mark, access to reproductive healthcare is on the minds of many-- especially for women in states with near or total abortion bans. President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Alexis McGill Johnson, joins Claire to lay out what the 2024 reproductive map looks like, where state ballot initiatives to codify Roe are happening this fall, and the real threat Trump’s Project 2025 poses to restricting care nationwide.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.And be sure to grab your tickets for Sept 7th: Join fellow fans and viewers for an in-person, interactive experience connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, Claire McCaskill and many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day. https://www.msnbc.com/Democracy2024

In a record-breaking week, Kamala Harris has united the Democratic party behind her, with significant momentum and grassroots support. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri liken it to the energy felt in the Obama campaign, especially as online support grows organically among younger voters. They also take a beat to reflect on President Biden’s heartfelt address to the nation Wednesday night, and the legacy he leaves after decades of public service. Then, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stops by, to chat veepstakes, explain the Democratic Convention rules, and highlight some important governors' races to watch in November. And lastly, Claire and Jen dispel the myth of the vice president as a ‘DEI’ candidate with a reality check: JD Vance is the candidate who’s been handed everything he has.Further reading: As promised, here is Governor Tim Walz’ winning hotdish recipe from the Minnesota Congressional Delegation’s Hotdish Off:  Turkey Trot Tater Tot Hotdish.

In President Biden’s first televised address since his historic decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, he came before the nation to reassure the American people of the administration’s accomplishments and the work still to be done. Listen to the Oval Office address here, along with reflections from MSNBC hosts Nicolle Wallace, Joy Reid, and Rachel Maddow. And be sure to visit MSNBC.com for continued coverage during this truly unprecedented election cycle.

A rocky few weeks for the Democrats culminated in Sunday’s extraordinary statement from President Joe Biden, announcing an end to his candidacy. As he did so, he made space for the next generation of Democratic leaders, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to head the ticket. As the dust settles, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri react to the president’s decision, and take stock of what’s next after Harris announced her intent to run and bring the party together to win.