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
Nov 23, 2024 • 37min
How Sexual Misconduct Became Part of the MAGA Cause
The discussion reveals a troubling trend of appointing political nominees with credible sexual misconduct allegations. Key figures like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth are scrutinized, raising questions about accountability and societal attitudes towards misogyny. The normalization of such behavior in the MAGA movement is explored, alongside shifting voter patterns among women and the impact of campaign messaging. Hypocrisy within the Republican party is dissected, emphasizing the complexities of political allegiance amidst serious allegations.
Nov 22, 2024 • 21min
Bye bye, Gaetz. Hello, Attorney General Pam Bondi
Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark and former Republican strategist, joins to analyze the surprising withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from the Attorney General candidacy. He discusses Pam Bondi's swift nomination as her replacement and what it signifies for Trump's other nominees. The conversation dives into the intricate dynamics of GOP nominations, revealing shifting alliances and potential impacts on political strategies. Miller also touches on international law dilemmas and the performative nature of Trump's leadership, drawing intriguing parallels to political theater.
Nov 21, 2024 • 19min
Can Trump Really Bypass Senate To Fill His Cabinet?
Casey Burgat, a political expert and director of the Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University, discusses the unconventional cabinet picks by President-elect Trump, such as Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. He explains the controversial concept of recess appointments, which could allow Trump to bypass Senate confirmation. The conversation also touches on the political ramifications of these appointments, along with current events involving Senator Bernie Sanders and the complexities of U.S. foreign arms sales during crises.
8 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 26min
1,000 Days of War In Ukraine
McKay Coppins, a senior staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the staggering 1,000 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He explores Europe's heightened military strategies, including Ukraine's use of long-range missiles and Russia's alarming nuclear threats. Coppins also delves into Europe's anxieties over a potential Trump presidency, offering insights into how leaders fear shifts in NATO support and rising populism. The podcast also touches on the political landscape in the U.S., including controversial resolutions and the fallout from recent hurricanes.
Nov 19, 2024 • 24min
Trump's Plan To Make Us Pay More
Stacey Vanek Smith, a Senior story editor at Bloomberg Audio with a sharp focus on economics, discusses the implications of Trump's proposed tariffs. She reveals how a 10% tariff on imports could hit American households hard, potentially adding $2,600 to yearly expenses. The conversation dives into the historical context of tariffs, balancing their benefits against costs for consumers. Additionally, they touch on the current political climate, from immigration policies to the influence of social media on news consumption.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 20min
ACLU Ready To Fight
AJ Hikes, ACLU’s Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Culture, shares insights on the organization’s fight for civil liberties amid a potentially tumultuous political landscape. He discusses how past resistance movements—like the Women’s March—have inspired current activism. Hikes emphasizes proactive legal strategies to combat threats such as mass deportation and abortion bans, highlighting the importance of community resilience and collective action. He also reflects on the need to reclaim optimism in the face of political fatigue and challenges.
Nov 16, 2024 • 30min
What Are the Symptoms of a Dictatorship?
Tom Pepinsky, a political scientist from Cornell and an expert on authoritarianism, dives into the threats posed by potential autocrats like Trump. He discusses the subtle signs of democracy eroding, drawing parallels with countries such as Hungary and Malaysia. Pepinsky also highlights how authoritarian tactics impact education and local governance. With a mix of serious analysis and humor, he reflects on the absurdities of Trump's rhetoric, showcasing the necessity for vigilance against shifts towards authoritarian rule.
9 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 24min
Trump’s Dr. Brainworm
Brianna Tucker, deputy campaign editor for The Washington Post, sheds light on the political landscape post-election and the implications for the 2024 race. She reveals surprising voter support for Trump among working-class communities. The discussion touches on the challenges for Democrats as they navigate their new minority status. Tucker also highlights the controversies surrounding Trump's potential health appointee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., tying it to broader concerns about public health policy and accountability in governance.
8 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 21min
Matt Gaetz, Future AG?
Ken White, a former federal prosecutor and the mind behind the Popehat newsletter, dives into the controversial nomination of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. He explores Gaetz's lack of qualifications and what his potential appointment means for the Justice Department's credibility. Skepticism from Republican senators adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding drama. The discussion also touches on the awkward meeting between President Biden and Trump, and the auction of Alex Jones's Infowars, highlighting the political chaos that fuels public concern.
Nov 13, 2024 • 19min
Tech Bros Tasked With Gutting Government
Erica Meltzer, national editor at Chalkbeat, dives deep into the looming possibility of eliminating the Department of Education under President-elect Trump. She discusses the challenges ahead, such as the transfer of educational responsibilities to individual states and its implications for civil rights and funding. The conversation also touches on ongoing debates surrounding religion in public education and the complex nature of political promises versus actual governance. Meltzer sheds light on what this could mean for the future of education in America.
