The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst, shares his insights on the historic indictment of James Comey by the Trump DOJ. He discusses the unique legal implications and critiques the politicization of the process. The conversation highlights Comey's bold challenge for a trial, Trump's deleted social media influence on the jury, and the unusual legal landscape surrounding the case. Weissmann also addresses prosecutorial strategies and the potential impact of public statements on the trial's outcome.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, dives into the challenges of negotiating with Trump, advocating for healthcare cuts cancellation. Ken Dilanian uncovers the Justice Department's stance on James Comey and discusses undercover recordings involving Tom Homan. Former Governor Roy Cooper highlights FEMA's responses to Hurricane Helene, critiquing GOP Senate candidate Michael Whatley's handling of recovery efforts. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of protecting health care and strategies for winning the Senate in the face of rising costs.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a prominent U.S. Senator and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, dives into the urgent need for transparency regarding the FBI's investigation into Tom Homan. She highlights the bipartisan implications of this oversight, calling for the release of crucial files. The discussion also touches on Donald Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine, with expert analysis on what this could mean for U.S. policy. Tune in for insights into accountability and the ongoing legal challenges facing Trump.

Rachel Maddow, renowned television host and political commentator, joins for an insightful discussion about her recent interview with Kamala Harris. She reveals Harris's reflections on her 2024 decisions and her thoughts on institutional critique from Maddow's new book. The conversation also touches on key campaign strategies and the tactical challenges Harris faces. Additionally, Maddow teases a documentary on Andrew Young, while exploring ongoing investigations into high-profile figures like Alex Acosta and Tom Homan, uncovering layers of political intrigue.

U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Oversight and Intelligence Committees, dives into the fallout from the Alex Acosta deposition regarding the Epstein case. He highlights Democrats' concerns about Acosta's evasiveness and the quest for more transparency. The discussion also touches on the Trump administration's chilling impact on free speech, alongside a troubling decline in public trust in health agencies. Krishnamoorthi provides insights into the split among moderate Democrats about the emerging candidacy of Zohran Mamdani.

Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and U.S. Representative, shares insights on energy costs and tariffs as she campaigns for New Jersey governor. She discusses the rising utility prices driven by tariffs and outlines her plan to declare an energy emergency. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of these issues on the governor's race. Sherrill invites listeners to support her campaign through volunteering and donations, emphasizing her commitment to tackling these crucial economic challenges.

Andrew Weissmann, a former senior federal prosecutor and legal analyst, joins the discussion on pressing legal issues. They dive into the contentious House Oversight Committee hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the Epstein case. Weissmann critiques the effectiveness of the Deputy AG's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, questioning the investigation's credibility. The conversation also touches on troubling allegations regarding Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's mortgage dealings and RFK Jr.'s controversial position on public health. A thought-provoking and timely dialogue!

The podcast delves into Donald Trump's absurd defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and its bizarre implications for American politics. It also examines troubling connections between Trump's financial dealings and foreign interests, raising questions about accountability. Additionally, there's a critical discussion on FBI integrity following recent oversight hearings, alongside insights into Epstein's financial investigations and document releases. The episode champions the importance of media freedom in democracy while humorously contrasting past and present professional dress codes.

Newly uncovered emails reveal shocking details about the Epstein-Maxwell partnership and their connection to political power dynamics. Donald Trump faces legal defeats, including a ruling against his attempt to remove a Federal Reserve official. Economic uncertainty is on the rise, affecting tourism and local businesses while exacerbating the struggles of everyday families. A heart-wrenching story unfolds as a deported mother and daughter share their emotional journey, highlighting the personal toll of harsh immigration policies.

Tonight on The Last Word: Lawmakers request more security after the Charlie Kirk killing. Also, NATO steps up its air defenses after Russian drones were shot down in Polish airspace. Plus, Donald Trump asks a federal appeals court to allow him to fire Lisa Cook ahead of Tuesday’s Federal Reserve meeting. And consumer prices rose at an annual rate of 2.9 percent in August. Marc Santia, Michael Feinberg, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (ret.), Barbara McQuade, and Betsey Stevenson join Ali Velshi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.