

The Briefing with Jen Psaki
MSNBC
Jen Psaki tackles the biggest issues of the week and features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 23, 2024 • 41min
Party Foul: GOP Reveals Cowardice in Refusal to Condemn Mark Robinson
Jen Psaki breaks down the GOP's attempts at deflecting questions regarding Mark Robinson's hateful rhetoric and why it reveals the party's lack of courage - and their deeply-held loyalty to Trump. Jen is joined by a panel of political analysts including Mark Leibovich, McKay Coppins, Gretchen Carlson, and Symone Sanders-Townsend to discuss how Robinson's comments will affect both the gubernatorial and presidential races in North Carolina and the likelihood of Trump committing to an October presidential debate, among other topics. Next, Jen is joined by Democracy Docket Founder Marc Elias to discuss Trump and his allies' continued attempts at voter suppression heading into November. Later, Jen discusses the latest reporting from the New York Times on Trump's attempts to jail his enemies during his presidency. Jen is joined by Representative Jamie Raskin to discuss Trump's weaponization of the Justice Department and how it serves as a blueprint for a second term in which he'll likely go much further. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 22, 2024 • 41min
Dazed and Confused: Increasingly Desperate Trump Seeks Attention as Harris Forges Ahead
Jen Psaki breaks down how Donald Trump is trying to distract voters with hateful rhetoric while Kamala Harris continues to rise in polls. Senator Raphael Warnock joins Jen for a wide-ranging conversation, covering Georgia's election board voting to require ballots to be hand-counted, as well as the not safe for work revelations about the Republican candidate for Governor in North Carolina, self-described "Black Nazi," Mark Robinson. Next, Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, joins to discuss her new book, her uncle's apparent mental decline and his misogynistic comments about Kamala Harris. Later, in light of Mark Robinson's racist comments on a porn site, Jen explores his history of bigoted rhetoric and explains why this type of scandal is par for the course in the GOP. Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, also joins the show to discuss how Robinson's scandal may affect both the presidential race and down-ballot races in the state. Finally, Jen is joined by Quentin Fulks, Harris-Walz campaign principal deputy campaign manager, to discuss the likelihood of a second debate between Trump and Harris, voter suppression, and more. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 17, 2024 • 42min
Moments of Truth: When Two Things are True At Once
With just 50 days until the election, Jen Psaki addresses why political violence must be universally condemned while acknowledging that Donald Trump is baselessly blaming Democratic rhetoric for an apparent attempt on his life in West Palm Beach. Senator Elizabeth Warren joins to discuss the risk opportunistic finger-pointing amid heightened political tensions, as well as the alarming reason why Republicans aren’t being upfront about their healthcare plans. Later Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff joins Jen to talk about the serious effects overturning Roe has had on the women in his state including the death of single mother Amber Thurman. Later, Jen discusses Trump’s latest business venture, a cryptocurrency project called, “World Liberty Financial” that Trump introduced via livestream on X. The 11TH Hour host, Stephanie Ruhle listened in on the event and joins Jen to break it all down. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 15, 2024 • 41min
Losing It: Trump Combusts While Harris Connects with Voters
As Donald Trump recovers from his embarrassing debate performance, Jen Psaki breaks down how he is reverting to fear-mongering while Kamala Harris surges ahead in polls and connects with voters. Jen is joined by George Conway and Representative Jasmine Crockett to discuss the state of the race, including Trump's baseless claims that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating pets. Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown also joins Jen to react to the false narrative being spread by the GOP and the dangerous impact it is having on the Springfield community. Next, Jen talks about Trump's increasingly close relationship with far-right, racist activist Laura Loomer. Former Trump White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Matthews joins Jen to discuss Loomer's influence and the type of people Trump would pick to staff a potential second administration. Later, Jen is joined by Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, to discuss the dangers of AI and why tech companies should be held accountable by lawmakers.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 10, 2024 • 42min
Philly Special: Harris and Trump Set to Meet for the First Time At Debate
Ahead of the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Jen Psaki shares what she will be watching for on Tuesday night as the two candidates meet for the first time. Steve Kornacki joins from the big board, highlighting the stakes. Then, Kevin Madden and Neal Katyal discuss how Harris's background as a prosecutor may prepare Harris and how she should approach the crucial task of defining herself to voters. Next, Jen is joined by Representative Adam Schiff to discuss Trump's continued threats against his political opponents and its implications for the election. Later, Jen is joined by Dana Bash to discuss her new book "America's Deadliest Election" focused on the violent 1872 gubernatorial race in Louisiana and its parallels to today. Jen also breaks down the baseless, xenophobic GOP conspiracy theory that migrants in the US are eating pets - and explains why it should reinforce the perception that Trump and the rest of his party are just plain weird. Finally, Jen is joined by Jim Messina, former White House deputy chief of staff for President Obama, to discuss his work with Democracy Defenders, a new PAC aimed at combatting Trump's election lies. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 8, 2024 • 42min
Stage Set: Kamala Harris Poised for Debate, DOJ Cracks Down on Russia
Two days out from the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Jen Psaki previews what we can expect from the candidates' performances. James Carville joins the show to discuss the state of the race, including what Harris must accomplish in the debate, how Liz Cheney's endorsement of Harris may appeal to voters, and more. Next, Michael Tyler, communications director for the Harris-Walz campaign, joins Jen to discuss the stark differences between Harris's agenda, namely their vision for affordable childcare. Later, legal expert Andrew Weissmann joins Jen to discuss the postponement of Trump's sentencing in connection with his conviction in New York. Finally, in the wake of the DOJ's crackdown, Jen analyzes the Kremlin's latest election interference campaign, including the news that several prominent right-wing pundits ended up as paid messengers for Russian propaganda. Representative Dan Goldman joins to discuss the scope of Russia's influence efforts and the impact it may already be having on voters.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Sep 1, 2024 • 41min
65 Days Out: Kamala Harris Pulls Ahead in Battleground States
As Kamala Harris pulls ahead of Donald Trump in polls, Jen Psaki breaks down the stark choice voters have between a candidate who wants to take the country forward and the former president who aims to turn back the clock. 65 days out from the presidential election, Molly Jong-Fast, Tim Miller, and Maria Teresa Kumar join Jen to discuss the state of the race. Next, Jen is joined by Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, to break down JD Vance's latest bizarre comments on childless women, this time targeting teachers who don't have kids of their own. Later, Jen interviews activist and content creator John Russell, who was a breakout star from this year's Democratic national convention. Finally, Jen shares her conversation with Team USA Paralympians McKenzie Coan and Oksana Masters.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Aug 27, 2024 • 42min
Debate and Switch: Trump Gets Cold Feet as Campaign Defends 'Mute Button'
As the Harris and Trump campaigns negotiate whether candidates will be muted during the upcoming presidential debate, Jen Psaki reflects on how the more people hear from Donald Trump, the less they like. Don Lemon joins Jen to discuss the state of the presidential race and his new book "I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America". Next, Ian Sams, senior advisor for the Harris-Walz campaign, joins the show to discuss topics including Trump's push for muted mics at the debate, the influx of Republicans endorsing Kamala Harris, and Trump's continued legal troubles. Later, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins Jen to discuss Kamala Harris' ambitious affordable housing plan and the Trump-Vance campaign's efforts to conceal their plans to ban abortion, among other topics. Finally, Jen breaks down the GOP's bizarre and baseless conspiracy theory about Tim Walz's dog.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Aug 25, 2024 • 41min
The Majority View: Dems Put Diversity and Joy on Display at DNC
Jen Psaki outlines the stark contrast between the Republican and Democratic national conventions - and explains why the Democratic party's joyful vision is more representative of our country's majority view. Senator Cory Booker joins the show to reflect on the historic convention. Next, Jen is joined by New York Attorney General Letitia James to discuss the dire stakes of the upcoming election, as Trump continues to obfuscate his plans for a potential second term. Later, Dan Pfeiffer joins the show to discuss how Democrats can maintain their momentum through November. Finally, Jen shares some thoughts on RFK Jr. dropping out of the race and endorsing Donald Trump. Kerry Kennedy joins Jen to discuss why her family has so vehemently spoken out against RFK Jr's conspiracy-driven campaign.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Aug 18, 2024 • 43min
New Show in Town: Donald Trump Loses the Battle for Attention
Jen Psaki breaks down how Kamala Harris is beating Donald Trump at his own game, as she heads into the biggest week of her campaign yet - with a bus tour across Pennsylvania and the Democratic National Convention. Senator Amy Klobuchar joins the show to discuss the Harris campaign's accomplishments in just under a month, the Democratic party's recent messaging shift, and more. Next, Jen offers a sneak preview of this week's convention, featuring conversations with some of the event's top organizers, including Governor JB Pritzker. Rep. Dan Goldman also joins the show to discuss newly released tapes that undercut Trump’s claims that he has nothing to do with Project 2025. Later, Jen explains how Kamala Harris and the Democratic party are reclaiming patriotism. Finally, Jen sits down with "West Wing" stars Martin Sheen and Mary McCormack to discuss the state of the presidential race, the legacy of the show, and a new book that offers behind-the-scene insight from cast and crew.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki