The Breakdown

The Breakdown

By Alberto fo shoNewsPolitics
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  • Typical duration

    49 min

    per episode

  • If it hooks

    45%

    finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Breakdown episodes

  • THROWBACK: April 22, 2022 ｜The Home Front
    The Circus tracks the dramatic developments out of the House committee investigating the forces behind the violent January 6 insurrection. Jennifer Palmieri and Mark McKinnon speak with members of the committee after voting to hold two of former President Donald Trump's aides in contempt; Alex Wagner talks with Bob Woodward and Robert Costa on their bombshell reporting about the White House call log from the day of the Capitol attack; and John Heilemann examines the growing pressure on the Justice Department to investigate Trump’s activities.
    29 min
  • THROWBACK: October 17, 2021 ｜Coup Part 2
    The Circus examines the threat to American democracy posed by Trump's ‘Big Lie’ as it fuels election audits, changes to state voting laws and an attempted party purge of disloyal Republicans. John Heilemann interviews Rep. Adam Schiff, a member of the committee investigating the January 6 insurrection; Alex Wagner sits down with foreign affairs specialist Fiona Hill to discuss the threats to America; Jen Palmieri speaks with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; and Mark McKinnon talks with Philadelphia city commissioner Al Schmidt.
    29 min
  • THROWBACK: February 14, 2021 ｜Persona Non Grata
    The Circus focuses on the historic second impeachment trial of Donald Trump as the Senate faces a decisive moment and questions the former President’s culpability in the January 6th Capitol siege. Still outraged by the violence, Sen. Michael Bennett joins John Heilemann for a look at preparation for the trial and Alex Wagner speaks with an attorney planning to use Trump’s incitement in defense of his insurrectionist client. Elsewhere, the hosts take a glimpse at Mar-a-Lago, where locals are at odds about Trump’s presence in their community.
    29 min
  • THROWBACK: February 7, 2021 ｜Dysfunction Junction
    In a chaotic week, The Circus takes the pulse of a Republican Party at war with itself. Still dominated by the postures of its predecessor, the hosts speak with both ends of the GOP spectrum, zeroing in on a party in the post-Trump era facing incessantly erratic claims from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green. John Heilemann sits down with Rep. Adam Kinzinger, one of few Republicans backing the impeachment of Donald Trump, while Jenn Palmieri addresses growing fears for personal safety on the Hill with Green's fellow Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams.
    28 min
  • THROWBACK: January 24, 2021 ｜President Biden
    As a new administration takes center stage committed to national unity, The Circus captures the magnitude of an era that has until recently been engulfed in divisiveness. With Joe Biden officially sworn in as 46th President of the United States, the hosts break down the most prominent moments as the country undergoes a transition of power. While Trump departs the White House for the final time as President, former press secretary Hogan Gidley joins Alex Wagner to examine how Trump’s legacy will be evaluated moving forward.
    29 min
  • THROWBACK: January 17, 2021 ｜ Clear and Present Danger
    At the brink of an historic second impeachment, The Circus delves into the last week in office of a furious, de-platformed President Trump. With last week’s Capitol violence ever relevant, the question remains: will this be a decisive moment for our nation? Alongside social media bans, the hosts explore efforts hindering the rhetoric of Trump and his supporters. John Heilemann speaks with Neil Katyal about the legal implications impeachment brings and Mark McKinnon provides an eye-opening account with Texans still indoctrinated with conspiracy.
    30 min
  • THROWBACK: January 10, 2021 ｜ Raining Chaos
    The Circus attempts to make sense of a country reeling from the grave implications of a Capitol siege. Incensed by the final blow of a Democratic controlled Senate, President Trump continues to stoke the political fire as his supporters riot to halt the now-certified Electoral Vote count. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Alex Wagner and Jenn Palmieri bring their perspective to the unfolding news, exploring the fallout of a turbulent week and the energy surging from the results of the Georgia run-off.
    53 min
  • THROWBACK: November 8, 2020 ｜ Who The F*** Are We?
    As election night passes with many a ballot remaining uncounted, The Circus wraps up an unhinged election season with a special one-hour look at how the 2020 race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has evolved. With results permeating into the days following, the hosts are on the ground in every key battleground state offering a unique perspective of how the Presidential race is playing out.
    59 min
  • THROWBACK: November 1, 2020 ｜ Landslide?
    As the moment draws closer to election night, President Trump is struggling to contend with Biden in swing states. Biden takes a stand in Georgia, hoping to boost voter enthusiasm in competitive red-state Senate races. The Circus covers debate prep with SC Democratic nominee Jamie Harrison as he threatens incumbent Senator Lindsay Graham's seat. With both presidential candidates using new Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to fuel their supporters, the hosts speak with NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg about the impact of her appointment.
    29 min
  • THROWBACK: October 25, 2020 ｜ End Games
    In the week leading up to the last Presidential Debate, The Circus takes stock of the 2020 race as Joe Biden and President Donald Trump play out their campaign endgames. With rising COVID-19 cases causing alarm, Barack Obama stumps in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania while Biden hunkers down to prioritize his health and debate prep. Former CDC head Tom Frieden gives his outlook on the virus and Cook Political Report editor David Wasserman provides a data-driven glimpse at the current state of the race.
    29 min

About The Breakdown

From the publisher's feed

The Lincoln Project's "The Breakdown" is a weekly political commentary show hosted by Rick Wilson and Maya May. The show features analysis of current events, interviews with political figures, and…

Best of The Breakdown

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

  1. Number 1: Trump’s “Human Printer” Natalie Harp Triggers White House Media Blackout
    43 min
  2. Number 2: Rick Wilson
    21 min
  3. Number 3: In the Home Stretch, Republicans Have No Message
    35 min