The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Graham Platner, Maine Democratic Senate candidate and former Marine, addresses controversies surrounding his past online comments and a contentious tattoo. He discusses navigating these challenges in his campaign against incumbent Susan Collins. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley shares insights on the implications of the government shutdown, SNAP benefits, and rising authoritarianism, emphasizing the Senate's responsibility. Their conversation unveils the complexities of political survival while staying true to one's values amid scrutiny.

James Carville, a veteran Democratic strategist, emphasizes the urgent need for voter mobilization to combat potential intimidation tactics. He discusses the significance of large Democratic margins in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Rick Hasen, a law professor at UCLA, sheds light on the DOJ's election-monitoring efforts, labeling them a potential 'test run' for more disruptive tactics in future elections, specifically pointing out significant counties targeted by the DOJ. Both guests highlight the grave implications of these strategies for American democracy.

This week, Jen Psaki talks with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who shares insights on engaging voters in red districts by focusing on everyday economic concerns. Former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann discusses the merits of Jack Smith's decision to testify publicly, emphasizing transparency. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna argues against the corruption of Trump's Binance pardon, linking it to family interests, and outlines potential oversight actions. Together, they explore the impact of these issues on governance and accountability.

Join constitutional law expert Jamie Raskin as he delves into Trump’s controversial plans to demolish the White House East Wing for a private ballroom. Raskin explains the legal implications of Trump's $230 million demand from the DOJ and the constitutional limits on a president's compensation. The conversation also covers grassroots pushback against authoritarianism and the critical need for Democrats to combat gerrymandering in the upcoming midterms. With rising public activism, the discussion emphasizes safeguarding democracy.

Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, joins to discuss the monumental success of the 'No Kings' protests. He delves into how to maintain momentum with the launch of the No Kings Alliance, aimed at rapid response activism. Levin shares strategic insights on converting protests into real change, stressing the importance of local organization and upcoming elections. He also highlights the Alliance's goals to counter authoritarian pressures and ensure civic engagement remains vibrant and impactful.

Rachel Maddow, a renowned television host and producer, discusses her documentary on civil rights and its relevance today, linking past activism to current protests against Trump. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker shares insights on pursuing legal action against federal agents for misconduct and the significance of recent court victories. Zohran Mamdani, the NYC mayoral nominee, outlines his plans to protect the city from federal abuses and discusses the importance of community outreach amidst political challenges.

Jen Psaki looks at ways Republicans are trying to avoid accountability for Donald Trump's failures by rigging the election system to take power away from voters who would reject them.As the federal government shutdown drags on, House Speaker Mike Johnson does not appear motivated to use his uniquely powerful position to resolve the crisis. Nor does he seem inclined to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva who recently won a special election. Grijalva and Rep. Robert Garcia talk with Jen Psaki about how Mike Johnson's political games are hurting Grijalva's constituents in Arizona and why the only real reason for Johnson's delay is to hold off a vote on a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the Epstein investigation files.Federal workers are unbowed in their resistance to Donald Trump even as Trump has devoted his second term to making their lives miserable. Senator Andy Kim tells Jen Psaki that federal workers he has talked to tell him that Donald Trump's attempt to use the federal government shutdown as an excuse to fire more federal workers is plainly false because they've lived through Trump gunning for them since his second term began. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki dives into the pressing question of who the Democratic Party should represent, with Texas Congressman Greg Casar arguing for a focus on the working class against the billionaire elite. They discuss the importance of relatable language in policy discussions, drawing from Casar's labor-organizing background. Together, they explore strategies to communicate effectively with voters and connect with their everyday struggles, setting the stage for a transformative season ahead.

Nancy Pelosi, the Former Speaker of the U.S. House, shares her insights on political strategy and upcoming elections. She highlights the importance of Prop 50 for California's redistricting, aiming to counter Republican efforts to influence congressional control. Pelosi firmly defends the Affordable Care Act and criticizes the GOP's tax strategies. With optimism, she predicts a significant Democratic win in the midterms, connecting economic issues to voter motivation and the broader fight for democracy.

Join Congressman Jamie Raskin, known for his dedication to rule-of-law issues, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who brings his expertise from the Senate Judiciary Committee, as they discuss the surprising indictment situation involving Pam Bondi. The conversation touches on Bondi's potential fall from political grace and the implications of Trump's shifting loyalties. They also delve into the importance of maintaining oversight in the Justice Department amid partisan tensions and examine the recent protests against Trump's policies that have rallied public interest.