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
Aug 19, 2024 • 19min
The DNC Protests You Should Know About
Shawn Allee, a seasoned journalist from Chicago, dives into the fervent atmosphere surrounding the Democratic National Convention. He discusses the parallels between the looming protests and the chaotic 1968 DNC, particularly focusing on groups mobilizing over issues like the war in Gaza and social justice. Allee highlights the determination of activists to make their voices heard against a backdrop of rising tensions within the Democratic Party. His insights paint a vivid picture of how history may repeat itself amid a politically charged environment.
Aug 17, 2024 • 32min
Could Vance Sink Trump? History Says: Maybe!
J.D. Vance, Ohio senator and one of the most unpopular vice presidential picks, shares insights into his controversial alliance with Trump. He explores the historical context of past unpopular candidates, such as Sarah Palin and Thomas Eagleton, revealing how they shaped their tickets’ fates. The conversation also touches on the evolving Republican landscape and the challenges Vance faces in reshaping his public perception amid current political chaos. Expect a mix of political analysis and intriguing lessons from history!
Aug 16, 2024 • 18min
How Low Will Dems Go?
Vice President Kamala Harris, known for her bold political strategies, teams up with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, praised for his unique rhetorical flair. They discuss the Democrats' shift to match the personal attack style of their opponents, including Walz’s viral 'Weird' jibe. The conversation highlights their willingness to engage in barbs on social media as the election nears. Harris also touches on her upcoming economic policy speech and initiatives aimed at lowering grocery costs, showcasing a campaign strategy more confrontational than before.
Aug 15, 2024 • 18min
'The Squad' Wins Some, Loses Others
Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Representative, celebrates her recent primary victory, while Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush discuss their electoral challenges amid heavy pro-Israel spending. The trio delves into how AIPAC's influence shaped their races, highlighting the stark differences between well-funded opposition and grassroots movements. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications for progressivism in Congress and the ongoing struggle for political representation. Amid these themes, they also touch upon current economic developments and international issues.
Aug 14, 2024 • 18min
West Coast Cities Grapple With SCOTUS Grants Pass Decision
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Governor of California, elaborates on tough measures he's implementing against homelessness following a Supreme Court ruling. He discusses the controversial decision to potentially withhold state funding from cities that don't comply with his orders. Sydney Johnson, a reporter from KQED, joins to highlight local reactions and the struggle for effective long-term housing solutions. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics between state mandates and local governance in tackling homelessness.
Aug 13, 2024 • 17min
Iran Has (Allegedly) Entered The Chat
Sam Sabin, a cybersecurity reporter at Axios, delves into the alarming claims of Iranian hacking attempts targeting the Trump campaign. He discusses the potential for foreign interference in U.S. elections, drawing parallels to the 2016 Russian cyber activities. The conversation also touches on the escalating military tensions in the Middle East and the recent territorial gains by Ukraine against Russia. Sam emphasizes the need for robust defenses against evolving cyber threats as global tensions rise.
Aug 12, 2024 • 21min
How Black Voters Matter Is Organizing For Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris discusses her campaign’s strategy to regain support from Black voters, emphasizing the urgency of voter mobilization efforts. She highlights the grassroots energy from organizations like Black Voters Matter, which aims to educate voters in historically suppressed states. Additionally, the challenges of overcoming biases and addressing pressing global issues, such as the Gaza conflict, are essential for energizing her base. With ongoing threats of voter suppression, Harris and her allies are focused on ensuring every voice is heard.
Aug 10, 2024 • 28min
Tim Walz's Progressive Realism, Explained
Tim Walz, the pragmatic two-term governor of Minnesota, shares the stage with Vice President Kamala Harris as they discuss his unique position straddling the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party. Walz delves into his impactful policies, including protecting reproductive rights, advocating for free school lunches, and navigating the complex dynamics of family values. Their conversation also touches on his governance style, highlighting his pragmatic approach to achieve progressive reforms while addressing pressing issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Aug 9, 2024 • 16min
Trump Is Getting Nervous
On the tenth anniversary of Michael Brown Jr.'s tragic death, the podcast sheds light on his impact on social justice movements. Former President Donald Trump sticks to his trend of inflammatory comments, particularly towards Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to discussions about escalating political dynamics. Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, is also featured amidst this charged atmosphere. The conversation seamlessly ties current events to broader themes of activism and systemic reform, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder.
Aug 8, 2024 • 16min
Harris-Walz Centers Reproductive Choice
Vice President Kamala Harris, a fierce advocate for reproductive rights, highlights their pivotal role in the 2024 elections. She shares compelling personal stories from those affected by abortion bans, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. Meanwhile, reporter Abigail Tracy discusses the contrasting strategies of Democrats and Republicans as they gear up for the campaign. The conversation also touches on grassroots mobilization efforts and encourages listeners to engage in the electoral process to ensure reproductive freedoms are prioritized.
