The Republican-run government has shut down, Trump is using misinformation to blame Democrats, and Erin and Alyssa explain what’s at stake. Then they dive into Ezra Klein’s recent bad takeapalooza, on everything from Charlie Kirk’s legacy to pro-life Democrats. And, of course, there’s the latest Epstein files news, some races to watch in Virginia, and a big week for creeps, overall. They wrap up in the Sanity Corner with a discussion about their excitement for Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning and a petty roast of Ivanka Trump’s Instagram.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Explaining the G.O.P.’s Misleading Talking Point on the Looming Shutdown (NYT 9/29)

Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines (NYT 9/28)

RFK Jr. launches FDA review of abortion pill (ABC News 9/24)

Musk, Thiel and Bannon named in Epstein docs released by Dems (Axios 9/26)

Elon Musk’s Father Accused of Child Sexual Abuse (NYT 9/25)

Money manager Howard Rubin detained in sex trafficking case after feds cite hitman threat (CNBC 9/26)

Ryan Walters steps down as Oklahoma schools chief to lead anti-teachers union group (The 19th News 9/26)

The State of Our Nation: Gauging Americans’ political opinions in 2025 (The 19th* 9/25)