All In with Chris Hayes

Amy Klobuchar, a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, confronts Pam Bondi over allegations of politicizing the DOJ. The discussion reveals Bondi's evasive tactics and questionable ethics in handling sensitive information, including her ties to the Epstein case. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson voices strong opposition to federal deployments and ICE actions in his city, labeling them as dangerous and illegal. He discusses local efforts to protect residents from federal overreach, adding a layer of urgency to the debate about civil rights and law enforcement.

Senator Tim Kaine dives into the political ramifications of the government shutdown and Project 2025, emphasizing its unsettling impact on Virginians. Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva reveals her plans to sign a discharge petition to unlock the Epstein files amid procedural delays. Alex Wagner raises concerns about the media landscape as MAGA billionaires take over legacy outlets, warning of authoritarian trends in ownership and the erosion of journalistic integrity. A compelling discussion connecting policy, power, and information unfolds!

Bernie Sanders, a long-serving U.S. Senator and progressive leader, dives deep into the critical issues surrounding the government shutdown. He addresses the urgency of extending health subsidies, warning of dire consequences like millions losing coverage and increased mortality rates. Sanders also discusses the political stakes for Democrats in this high-pressure climate. Additionally, the podcast highlights alarming ICE raids in Chicago and the implications of Trump's controversial policies, including reactions from world leaders caught laughing at him.

Claire McCaskill, former U.S. Senator from Missouri and political commentator, joins to dissect the GOP's narrative blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. She and Chris Hayes explore the implications of unilateral executive actions taken during the shutdown, particularly regarding health care subsidies. They also dive into the political maneuvering behind failed Senate votes and the ongoing tensions over Affordable Care Act benefits. The discussion is laced with insights on the risks of legislative strategies amid a divided Congress.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive U.S. Representative from New York, dives into the Democratic strategy as a government shutdown looms. She emphasizes the fight to protect healthcare access, framing it as a life-or-death issue for millions. AOC also highlights the dangers of rescissions and the importance of legal safeguards. She addresses recent abuses of power, cautioning against the erosion of democratic norms. Throughout the conversation, she calls for direct negotiation to prevent political maneuvers that could harm constituents.

Donald Trump's aggressive tactics are under scrutiny as former officials face potential indictments. Experts discuss the risks of malicious prosecution and the troubling politicization of the Justice Department. Senator Tim Kaine weighs in on the implications of recent firings. There's concern about the rapid advance toward authoritarianism, drawing parallels to historical leaders. Finally, the backlash that successfully restored Jimmy Kimmel to air highlights public resistance against media manipulation.

Nicolle Wallace, a savvy political commentator and host of Deadline, joins Anna Bauer, a senior editor at Lawfare, to dissect the dramatic indictment of James Comey. They delve into the implications of politicization in the justice system, analyzing the public's reaction and Comey’s own statement. Bauer offers insight into the complexities of the legal charges, potential defenses, and the prosecution's ethical dilemmas. Together, they explore the broader consequences for democracy and how lawmakers and citizens might respond to perceived political trials.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii joins to tackle pressing issues like the politicization of the DOJ and the potential indictment of James Comey. He warns that this situation echoes multiple Watergates, urging for bipartisan resistance to these abuses of power. The conversation turns to the Dallas ICE facility shooting, emphasizing the need for dignified discourse amidst tragedy. Schatz also critiques attempts to undermine free speech, discussing the significant public backlash against censorship.

Senator Mark Kelly, a U.S. Senator from Arizona and a member of the Armed Services Committee, joins to discuss critical foreign policy issues. He dives into the U.S. stance on aid for Ukraine and Gaza, exploring challenges around military support and sanctions. The episode also highlights the broader implications of recent political pressures, including the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and Trump's alarming demands for prosecuting political rivals, raising concerns about the integrity of the justice system.

David Remnick, Editor-in-chief of The New Yorker and a seasoned journalist, joins the conversation to examine the unsettling trends in press freedom. They explore the FCC's intimidation tactics against Disney and how these actions threaten editorial independence. Remnick draws parallels between today’s media environment and historical authoritarianism, highlighting the alarming erosion of free speech. The discussion also touches on the alarming precedence set by political pressures on law enforcement and its implications for democracy.