Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

In this engaging discussion, national security reporter Nancy Youssef reveals the challenges of covering defense without Pentagon access. U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin shares insights into the political dilemmas facing service members and the chilling effects of unlawful orders. Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes critiques the reputational damage of current Pentagon leadership, highlighting the risks of authoritarianism. Together, they explore the intersection of military oversight, political loyalty, and the urgent need for transparency.

Joy Reid, a prominent television host and political commentator, joins to discuss the implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies. They dissect how recent violence is being leveraged as a pretext to fuel an ethno-nationalist agenda. Joy argues these policies echo exclusionary trends from the 1920s and connect to a coalition seeking mass deportation. The dangers of cultural erasure and economic decline due to immigrant exclusion are highlighted, with warnings about the long-term consequences for American society.

Marina Lacerda, a brave survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, passionately discusses the importance of releasing the investigative files for survivor healing and accountability. She shares insights into her journey, emphasizing the need for transparency. Joining her is George Conway, who provides legal analysis of the recent congressional bill, detailing potential pitfalls of redaction and the political implications of Trump's sudden support. They explore the fractures within the Republican party and the broader impacts on justice for survivors.

Morris Katz, a political strategist advising progressive campaigns, joins Hasan Piker, a passionate Twitch streamer known for his left-wing commentary. They tackle the Democrats' struggles under political bullying and the concerning rise of fascist tendencies in the GOP. Katz emphasizes the need for authentic leadership and rallying voters, while Piker links today's right-wing movements to historical fascism. Both stress creating a clear, progressive vision to combat extremism and reclaim the political narrative for a healthier democracy.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's All In and a noted political commentator, shares insights on recent Democratic wins, discussing their implications for future strategies as the government shutdown drags on. He delves into the concept of 'thermostatic public opinion' and the importance of clear messaging in securing victories. Hayes also contemplates the risks of leveraging ACA subsidies amid the shutdown and whether removing the filibuster could restore legislative accountability. Their dynamic exchange captures the urgency and stakes of current political battles.

David Plouffe, a veteran Democratic strategist, discusses threats to democratic institutions and the necessity for Democrats to adopt aggressive tactics against GOP redistricting. Richard von Glahn, grassroots organizer from Missouri, shares insights about mobilizing efforts to collect signatures against mid-decade gerrymandering. They examine California's Prop 50 as a strategic countermeasure and highlight the urgency of addressing partisan redistricting plans that threaten electoral fairness. Both guests emphasize the need for proactive responses to safeguard democracy.

Anam Raman Petit, a former immigration judge, shares her eye-opening experience of being fired and the alarming erosion of due process in U.S. immigration courts. She discusses the chilling effects of masked ICE agents in courtrooms and the emotional toll of judicial removals. Andrew Weissmann, a former lead prosecutor, reveals insights into the assaults on the DOJ under Trump and the personal risks facing legal officials. Together, they explore the bleak reality of legal processes and the future of rule of law in America.

Being an American right now is a wild ride. Every day brings a new controversy, breathless media narratives, and the same loud voices rushing in to score political points. Then another Truth Social post drops and the circus moves on. But all that noise is drowning out the actual story. On her new podcast Runaway Country, veteran journalist Alex Wagner talks to the voices at the center of the headlines: from the fringes of the resistance, to the marrow of MAGA, to the many people who’ve found themselves smack-dab in the crosshairs of a fight they never asked for. Because if you want to understand our unreal times, you’ve got to talk to the very real people who are experiencing it all first-hand. Join Alex as she brings together the stories of everyday Americans trapped in our national car with no brakes, alongside conversations with some of the smartest thinkers in politics. Buckle up, this road could lead anywhere. New episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts, and @RunawayCountryWithAlexWagner on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey everyone, Jon Favreau here with a special announcement. From now on, new episodes of The Wilderness will appear on the Pod Save America feed, and we’ll have some updates soon about when that’s coming! In the meantime, this feed will now be home to Crooked’s brand new show Runaway Country with Alex Wagner. Think of Runaway Country as a cousin to The Wilderness with Alex talking to voters on the ground and sharing real perspectives of people experiencing this political moment first-hand, paired with conversations with some of the smartest minds in politics to put it all in context. We think you’re going to love it. You can hear the trailer for Runaway Country with Alex Wagner right here tomorrow, with new episodes starting October 23rd. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join political scientist Lynn Vavreck from UCLA and senior Harris campaign advisor David Plouffe as they dissect the current election landscape. Lynn analyzes the 'calcified' electorate and why voter engagement is pivotal. David shares strategies for Kamala Harris to mobilize young and diverse supporters against Trump. They emphasize the importance of grassroots communication, effective messaging, and addressing critical issues like women's healthcare to energize undecided voters. A fresh perspective on navigating today's polarized politics!