Jeff Greenfield remembers how Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush consoled the nation during crisis and trauma, and compares their actions to those of Donald Trump, whose response to a deadly plane crash was one of blame and nastiness.

Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio discusses the retirement of Sen. Gary Peters (D) and the battle in 2026 to succeed him — a battle that could include Pete Buttigieg.

And Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch talks of the pressures back home that may have forced Sen. Joni Ernst, a rape victim during college, to vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, despite the sexual assault allegations against him.

PLUS:  A look at the first two weeks of Trump.

Music in this episode:

It’s My Party by Lesley Gore

Mean Mr Mustard by The Beatles

America by Simon & Garfunkel

Under Pressure by Queen

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