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
12 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 23min
Harris Delivers Closing Argument in Washington, D.C.
Stef Kight, a political reporter for Axios, analyzes Vice President Kamala Harris's compelling closing arguments aimed at uniting voters in her presidential campaign. She highlights Harris’s strategic focus on economic issues and contrasts her vision with Donald Trump's. Maurice Moe Green, a Democratic candidate for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Education, advocates for reforms to enhance the lives of students and teachers, emphasizing the significant impact of local elections on educational policies.
10 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 25min
Trump’s MSG Fallout + A Conversation with a Ga. Poll Worker
In this engaging discussion, Poll manager Ashlyn Earnest shares her firsthand experiences from the polls in Georgia, illuminating the vital role of poll workers in our democracy. Mandy Steele, a Pennsylvania State House Representative, dives into the significance of civic engagement as Election Day approaches. Environmentalist Bill McKibben emphasizes the crucial impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on climate action, linking it to ongoing grassroots movements. Together, they navigate the complex political landscape as tensions rise in this pivotal election season.
Oct 28, 2024 • 24min
Harris' A-List Surrogates Take Center Stage
Wes Moore, Maryland's Democratic Governor and key surrogate for VP Kamala Harris, shares insights on the crucial role of campaign surrogates in mobilizing support. He discusses strategies for engaging voters and the importance of focusing on reproductive rights and working-class issues. Meanwhile, Leah Littman, a legal expert and co-host of Crooked's Strict Scrutiny, delves into the impact of a Mississippi voting law on elections, emphasizing the stakes for voter rights and future legal battles. Tune in for a blend of politics and advocacy!
Oct 26, 2024 • 34min
Are The Polls Wrong...Again?
In this discussion, Dan Pfeiffer, a Crooked Media contributor and expert on election polling, breaks down the current state of polls ahead of the elections. He highlights the conflicting results, noting how Trump and Harris each have their moments of leading. Pfeiffer reflects on the pitfalls of past polling, especially from 2016, and explains how demographic shifts and communication changes complicate accuracy. He emphasizes the need for personal voter outreach and the unpredictable nature of upcoming elections, urging listeners to engage actively.
Oct 25, 2024 • 28min
Trump Could Lose, But Still Be In Power
Kyle Cheney, a senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, discusses Trump’s strategies to undermine electoral results if he loses. Joe Saunders, a Democratic candidate, shares his fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida against oppressive policies. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, highlights progress in clean energy initiatives, emphasizing their economic benefits and urgency for climate action. The conversation uncovers the complexities of election integrity, community mobilization, and the pressing need for sustainability in today’s political landscape.
Oct 24, 2024 • 21min
VP Harris Says She Thinks Trump's A Fascist
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, a key player in the state’s Senate race, shares insights on Democratic strategies vital for winning in Pennsylvania. He discusses the implications of Vice President Kamala Harris calling Trump a fascist, and the tough conversations over rising grocery prices. Casey emphasizes the importance of voter mobilization and the need for active participation in democracy, especially as the race heats up in this pivotal swing state. Tune in for a lively discussion on navigating political complexities and the urgency of the upcoming election.
5 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 21min
Harris Campaign Ready For Post-Election Legal Battles
Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic who focuses on tech and media, dives into the chaotic landscape of the current election. With 20 million votes already cast, he discusses how misinformation is being weaponized, specifically through debunked FEMA conspiracies. Warzel highlights the dangers this poses for democracy and emphasizes the need for vigilance against these tactics post-Trump. He also touches on political optimism and the ramifications of recent legal battles involving figures like Rudy Giuliani, adding depth to the ongoing election narrative.
8 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 22min
Elon Musk's Pay-To-Play Scheme To Get Trump Elected
This discussion features Sarah McCammon, an NPR National Correspondent and author focusing on White Evangelical voters, and Nicole Sidman, a Democratic candidate advocating for reproductive rights in North Carolina. They dive into Elon Musk's controversial $1 million incentive for swing state voters linked to Republican support, sparking legal debate. Sarah reveals shifts in evangelical voting post-Roe v. Wade, while Nicole highlights critical local issues like education and community advocacy in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Oct 21, 2024 • 21min
Trump Serves Up Fries And Lies At McDonald’s
Manuel Santamaria, the Nevada state director for Mi Familia Vota, discusses the crucial dynamics as early voting ignites in Nevada. He highlights the statistical dead heat between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on the impact of Latino and union voters. Santamaria emphasizes efforts to mobilize these communities, especially in off-election years, and the importance of trust in increasing voter participation. The conversation also touches on the provocative exchanges between candidates amid global turmoil, including economic concerns that resonate with local voters.
Oct 19, 2024 • 27min
How Hurricanes Blow Home Prices Through the Roof
Mark Friedlander, a national spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, shares his insights on the daunting intersection of climate change and housing. He discusses how rising hurricane intensity leads to skyrocketing insurance costs, especially in Florida. Buyers face immense challenges in securing affordable homes due to unpredictable premiums. The conversation also delves into the sustainability of rebuilding in disaster-prone areas, highlighting the urgent need for strategic policies and community awareness to tackle looming environmental crises.
