What A Day
Crooked Media
If you’re looking for hype, fake outrage, and groupthink, kindly keep moving. Our mission at What a Day is simple: to be your guide to what truly matters each morning (and the fun stuff you might have missed) in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston brings you in-depth reporting and substantive analysis on the big stories shaping today and the creeping trends shaping tomorrow—and when she doesn’t know the answers, she asks someone even smarter to fill us all in. Radical, right? New episodes at 5:00 a.m. EST, Monday–Friday in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Being informed was never this easy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 22min
Trump Is Losing With Ladies
In this conversation, Erin Ryan, host of Crooked’s Hysteria, dives into the waning support for Donald Trump among women. She discusses the surprising polls revealing Vice President Kamala Harris's strong lead and Trump's desperate attempt to appeal by claiming to be the 'father of IVF.' The chat also highlights key political moments, including Colin Allred's fierce debate performance against Ted Cruz and notes on the ongoing struggles around reproductive rights in Florida. Erin's insightful commentary offers a fresh take on these pivotal issues.
14 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 27min
Latinos Are "Defecting" From Democratic Party feat. Paola Ramos
Paola Ramos, a dynamic journalist and author of "Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What it Means for America," dives into the alarming political shift among Latino voters toward the far right. She explores reasons behind their surprising support for figures like Donald Trump, emphasizing personal experiences and cultural complexities. Ramos also discusses the challenges Democrats face in maintaining these crucial votes, shedding light on the evolving Latino political identity amidst historical traumas and contemporary media dynamics.
Oct 15, 2024 • 19min
Harris's Working Class Messaging Finds Union Support
April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union, advocates for nearly two million service workers. She discusses the critical political landscape as unions navigate endorsements for Kamala Harris and the unexpected support for Trump. Verrett highlights the driving forces behind divisions in unions and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in representing the modern working class. The conversation also touches on the implications of grassroots efforts in mobilizing voters amidst misinformation challenges.
5 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 19min
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin Says She And Dems Can Win The 'Blue Wall'
Tammy Baldwin, a two-term Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, dives into the dynamics of her competitive Senate race. She emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and national funding in pivotal battleground states. Baldwin highlights the need to address economic issues like price gouging and the implications of Wisconsin's abortion ban on healthcare. She also discusses strategies for mobilizing diverse demographics and generating excitement to ensure Democrats can reclaim the Blue Wall. Tune in for her insights on political resilience!
Oct 12, 2024 • 34min
Why is Jill Stein Trying to Get Trump Elected?
Jill Stein, Green Party candidate, discusses her controversial political history and influence on elections. She argues that her campaign could swing vital states like Michigan into Trump's favor. Stein's ties to Trump lawyers raise eyebrows about her intentions. The podcast highlights her unconventional strategies from 2016, questioning her impact on left-wing politics. Critics delve into her clarity on issues and the larger implications of third-party candidates, especially in a polarized political landscape.
Oct 11, 2024 • 25min
Politicians Are Fighting Weather Conspiracies
Todd Zwillich, a seasoned D.C. reporter, discusses the pervasiveness of disinformation within the MAGA movement and its influence on public perceptions during crises like Hurricane Milton. Shaniqua McClendon, head of Vote Save America, emphasizes the importance of focusing on down-ballot races and civic engagement in the upcoming elections. The conversation sheds light on how conspiracy theories are impacting voter behavior and the significance of local races as the 2024 election approaches.
Oct 10, 2024 • 23min
Dispatches From Hurricane Milton Evacuees
Josie Duffy Rice, a contributor who reported on Hurricane Milton's aftermath in Western Florida, shares gripping evacuation stories from those who faced the storm. Abrahm Lustgarten, a climate reporter and author, discusses how climate change is not only intensifying weather events but also reshaping migration patterns in the U.S. The conversation highlights the urgency of proactive measures for disaster preparedness and examines how urban infrastructure needs to adapt to these escalating challenges.
Oct 9, 2024 • 23min
Hurricane Milton Set To Make Landfall
Dave Weigel, a Semafor politics reporter, delves into the fiercely competitive Texas Senate race, highlighting how Ted Cruz is relying on controversial anti-trans messaging to secure his seat against Colin Allred. Grace Panetta, a political reporter for The 19th, discusses the challenges posed by voter ID laws for transgender voters, revealing how these regulations exacerbate existing barriers to voting. The conversation underscores the tension between campaigning strategies and the rights of marginalized communities in the electoral process.
Oct 8, 2024 • 15min
Supreme Court To Take Up Trans Rights, Ghost Guns in New Term
Melissa Murray, co-host of Crooked's 'Strict Scrutiny,' dives into the Supreme Court's new term, highlighting its decision to sidestep key reproductive rights cases. She discusses looming challenges on trans rights and regulations surrounding ghost guns. As we brace for election implications, she breaks down critical legal battles, including cases on sex-based discrimination. Murray also touches on the impact of recent legal rulings on vulnerable populations, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving legal landscape.
Oct 7, 2024 • 21min
Trump, Musk Go “Dark MAGA” During Rally at Site of First Assassination Attempt
Guests Yonatan Zagan, the son of an Israeli peace activist killed by Hamas, and Nivine Sandouka, a Palestinian regional director for the Alliance for Middle East Peace, share their insights on the urgent need for peace in a turbulent region. They discuss the profound personal impact of the recent violence, juxtaposing tragedy with hope. Both advocate for dialogue and collaboration despite the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the critical importance of international solidarity in pursuing a peaceful future.
