Chuck Todd opens with two issues he calls “dead rail” issues; issues that voters care about but don’t vote on… campaign finance reform and the national debt. He explains why both parties aren’t incentivized to address either issue, and provides a brief update on the latest developments for the upcoming midterm and presidential elections.

Then, he sits down with acclaimed television writer and producer Debora Cahn, the creative force behind both "The West Wing" and Netflix's hit series "The Diplomat." Cahn shares behind-the-scenes insights from her time in Aaron Sorkin's writers' room, revealing how the team worked to make "The West Wing" realistic and even infused elements of musical theater into the show. She discusses the origins and development of "The Diplomat," explaining how her experience working on "Homeland" prepared her for tackling international diplomacy, and how COVID-19 unexpectedly helped with the show's early development process.

They delve into how real-world events have shaped "The Diplomat's" narrative, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which completely changed the show's plot trajectory. Cahn explores the challenges of creating "news adjacent" content in today's rapidly changing political landscape, where she notes that satire feels off-limits for this decade. She also discusses her approach to writing strong but complex female characters, the differences between working with Shonda Rhimes versus Aaron Sorkin, and how she uses storytelling to give voice to government workers. The interview touches on everything from using real UK embassy locations for filming to incorporating recent political events and the casting of Michael McKean in a Biden-inspired role.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment, addressing topics like the best path to learning journalism, whether Kamala Harris could lose the California gubernatorial race and how to maximize black voter turnout in the south.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 The “third-rail” issues in American politics that are untouchable

01:45 Medicaid is a lifeline for more than just poor people

02:20 Dead rail issues are issues that you can ignore and voters don’t care

03:10 Voters agree on need for campaign finance reform, but don’t vote on it

05:00 Both parties only care about the national debt when they’re out of power

07:00 Voters don’t care about campaign finance or the debt until it affects them

09:00 The Republicans are more fiscally irresponsible than Democrats

10:30 New campaign ad rolls out with purely AI generated people

11:30 Senator Jeff Merkeley may step down

12:30 Senator Ed Markey may face primary challenge

13:00 Rahm Emmanuel attending Iowa event, could it regain 1st primary status?

14:30 Debora Cahn joins the Chuck ToddCast! 

15:45 How did she create "The Diplomat" and "West Wing"? 

17:00 How important was it to make the West Wing realistic? 

19:00 How did you infuse musical theater into West Wing? 

20:15 What was the writers' room like? 

22:30 How long has she been working on The Diplomat? 

25:15 How did working on Homeland prepare her for The Diplomat? 

28:30 The origin of The Diplomat 

30:00 Covid actually HELPED with early development 

31:00 Were the characters modeled off real people? 

33:45 Using a real embassy for the set 

36:30 Has the narrative arc changed from the original vision? 

38:45 Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed the show's entire plot 

40:45 Using the PM of the UK character to caricature Trump 

42:15 Satire is off the table for this decade 

43:30 Giving voice to government workers via storytelling 

47:00 Has the UK foreshadowed trends in US politics? 

48:15 The downside to being "news adjacent"? 

49:45 Writing about strong women but making it messy 

51:15 Working with Shonda Rhimes vs Aaron Sorkin 

53:30 Whose story would she like to tell? 

56:00 Traditional journalism vs. influencer culture 

56:45 The Newsroom wasn't an accurate portrayal of TV journalism 

58:00 What events from the past few months does she want to incorporate? 

59:45 Michael McKean is great as the Biden character

57:50 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Debora Cahn 

58:20 Ask Chuck 

58:40 Is college or an apprenticeship better for learning journalism? 

1:02:30 Could Kamala Harris lose in the primary for CA governor? 

1:06:05 What can Democrats do to maximize the black vote in the south? 

1:11:50 NBA playoffs reaction

Chuck Todd begins by examining whether Democrats have lost by enough to force meaningful change or if they're simply tinkering around the edges. He covers Trump's recent controversial moves, including hosting dinners for his memecoin buyers and politicizing his West Point commencement speech, while exploring how "whataboutism" and Trump creating a culture of fear have become pervasive in our political discourse. Chuck analyzes new polling data on potential Democratic matchups and discusses why being an incumbent may be a liability in upcoming elections.

Then, he’s joined by political analyst and author of “Where Have All The Democrats Gone”, Ruy Teixeira, who provides insights into America's ongoing political realignment and the challenges facing both major parties. They explore whether Democrats need to move toward the center to win back working-class voters, discuss the possibility of party collapse similar to what happened with the UK's Tories, and examine why neither party seems capable of forming a truly dominant coalition. The conversation covers everything from the Democrats' branding problems and communication failures to Trump's enduring influence on American politics and the potential for viable independent candidates in 2028.

Chuck concludes with upcoming Republican primary dynamics, including Senator John Cornyn's hiring of Trump's campaign manager and why it could be an UGLY campaign.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Have Democrats lost by enough to force them to change?

04:30 Democrats seem intent on tinkering rather than an overhaul

05:45 Trump hosts dinner for buyers of his memecoin

06:45 Mike Johnson defends corruption if it’s “done in the open” * (14:30)

08:30 Trump politicizes his West Point commencement speech

10:30 “Whataboustism” is plaguing our politics

12:00 Neither party has a monopoly on crazy or violence

12:45 Trump has created a culture of fear which mutes criticism

14:30 The public has become numb to Trump’s bad behavior

15:45 Corruption will eat away the credibility of the MAGA movement*

16:30 New poll released on AOC vs Schumer and Torres vs Hochul

18:30 Being an incumbent will be a negative in 2026 and 2028

22:10 Ruy Texeira joins the Chuck Toddcast 

23:40 What is the current state of America's political realignment? 

26:25 Do Democrats need to move to the center to win working class voters? 

28:10 Lower turnout benefits Democrats 

29:55 Democrats have only changed rhetoric, not their positions 

31:40 Neither party can form a dominant coalition 

32:40 Despite the chaos, Trump's approval rating isn't that bad 

34:25 Could we see one party collapse like the Tories in the UK? 

36:10 Could a third party replace one of our two parties 

37:55 Voters in the western world feel the system is broken 

38:40 Democrats are viewed as the status quo party 

41:10 What are some lessons Democrats can take from the early 90's? 

43:10 Neither party loses by enough to change 

46:40 The DNC doesn't grasp how bad the brand has become 

47:40 The problem is bigger than communications 

49:40 Trump is the towering figure of 21st century American politics 

51:10 What to make of Gavin Newsom's political maneuvering? 

52:30 Who could be the Democrats next Bill Clinton? 

54:40 What states should Democrats be targeting for future elections? 

57:10 Democrats made a mistake not having Iowa first in their primary calendar 

58:10 Why has Wisconsin stayed so competitive? 

1:00:10 What to make of the red shift in blue states where they didn't campaign? 

1:02:40 Party strategists are too out of step with the voters 

1:04:25 What will we learn from statewide elections in 2025? 

1:07:25 Will Joe Biden become a pariah like Jimmy Carter for the Democratic party? 

1:09:10 Being a cabinet member for Biden will tank Pete Buttigieg's presidential hopes 

1:10:10 The cover up of Biden's decline will haunt the Democrats for years 

1:11:25 Any positives for the Democrats? 

1:12:25 There could be a viable independent candidate in 2028

1:16:00 Chuck’s thoughts on the interview with Ruy Texeira

1:17:30 Senator John Cornyn has hired Trump’s campaign manager

1:19:00 We’re about to see new level of negativity in a Republican primary

1:20:45 The new traffic patterns out of Nationals games are annoying

Chuck begins with house Republicans struggling to pass their “Big Beautiful Bill” and reflecting on the president’s ability to influence the culture versus imposing on the culture.

Then, Chuck welcomes Spencer Kornhaber, staff writer at The Atlantic to discuss his piece on contemporary pop culture and its perceived decline in quality. They dive into the impact of streaming algorithms impacting music discovery, revealing that old music now earns three times the streams of new releases as algorithms trigger nostalgia rather than innovation. The conversation explores how the music industry has lost its traditional gatekeepers, leading to a landscape where new music often sounds "rehashed and doesn't move the ball forward," while examining whether rock music has stopped evolving and how country music is experiencing a resurgence. They also tackle the growing influence of AI on music production and debate whether algorithms, despite their flaws, are actually helping people discover music in different languages and cultures.

The discussion expands to examine whether television represents the one area where pop culture is genuinely "better than ever," with prestige TV becoming the cultural center and episodic storytelling reshaping moviemaking. They explore the "Barbenheimer summer" phenomenon as evidence that theatrical experiences still matter, before diving into literature's current state amid declining readership among younger generations. They debate whether high-resolution photography and AI are diminishing visual arts, speculate about experiences becoming the next major art form for Gen Z, and examine how competition with AI might actually make human artists more innovative. They conclude by discussing the enduring popularity of live elements in sports and music—with Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift reigning as pop royalty—while questioning who truly rules Hollywood and acknowledging the surprising innovations happening in live theater.

Finally he addresses listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment, weighing in on Europe’s race to rearm itself, his preferred voting method to incentivize legislative compromise and whether the questions surrounding Joe Biden’s decline will loom over the 2028 presidential race.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Republicans struggling to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill”

02:00 Partisan governance is bad governance

03:30 The bill will pass, it’s just a matter of when

05:45 We’re in a “culture cold war”

08:00 Should political leaders impose culture, or influence it?

09:45 Who we elect as president is reflective of the culture

11:45 If a president imposes on culture, they impose on speech

14:45 The public will want a president who doesn’t impose on culture

17:40 Spencer Kornhaber joins the Chuck ToddCast 

18:40 What inspired his piece on current pop culture being terrible? 

22:25 Algorithms are terrible at introducing new music 

23:10 Old music earns 3x the streams of new music 

24:40 Algorithms use music to trigger nostalgia 

26:10 New music sounds rehashed and doesn't move the ball forward 

28:10 The music industry lost its gatekeepers 

29:55 Algorithms help people discover music in a different language 

32:10 Has rock music stopped evolving? 

33:20 Country music is having a resurgence 

34:00 The impact of AI on music production 

35:40 Is television the one area of pop culture that's better than ever? 

36:55 Prestige TV has become the center of the culture 

38:25 How has episodic tv impacted moviemaking? 

40:40 "Barbenheimer summer" wasn't a fluke 

42:40 Are we also in a golden age of literature? 

45:25 Younger generations are reading less 

46:10 Do high resolution pictures + AI diminish the visual arts? 

48:55 Will experiences become the next big artform for Gen Z 

50:25 How well will his piece age? 

51:55 Will competition with AI make human artists more innovative? 

54:25 Will society decide to reinvest in the arts? 

55:25 Gaming and sports are more popular than ever 

57:10 Is the live element of sports and music driving popularity? 

58:10 Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift are the king and queen of pop 

59:10 Who rules Hollywood? 

1:02:25 We've seen major innovation in live theater

1:04:45 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Spencer Kornhaber 

1:05:00 Algorithms suck at making culture, humans are good at it 

1:05:15 Ask Chuck - Should we be concerned about Europe rearming? 

1:07:55 What is your preferred voting method to incentivize compromise? 

1:13:45 Will the Biden cognitive question loom over the 2028 election?

Chuck Todd begins the episode with an examination of the election landscape starting with the California gubernatorial race and a demographic breakdown that indicates Democrats could perform very well in both 2025 and 2026.

Then, is joined by businessman Stephen Cloobeck, who discusses his candidacy for California governor as the "only non-traditional candidate" in the race. Cloobeck offers sharp criticism of the Harris/Walz presidential campaign, which he characterizes as "tone deaf," while proposing concrete solutions for California's most pressing issues. 

Cloobeck outlines his vision for a new department of "performance and results" to increase government accountability and presents his approach to addressing California's homelessness crisis. Drawing on lessons learned from his adopted father, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Cloobeck positions himself as a Democrat who understands business concerns, directly addressing why corporate leaders are "tempted" to leave California while asserting that "you can't buy an election" and pledging not to self-fund his campaign.

Chuck presses Cloobeck on whether Democrats need their own version of "Donald Trump," and what the party should learn from Trump's political approach. He also offers insight into his success in the timeshare industry, explaining how Marriott ultimately copied his business model and addressing whether AirBnB has undermined the traditional timeshare market. Chuck challenges Cloobeck about potential competition from other business figures like Rick Caruso and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Chuck speculating that by 2026, voters might be "burned out on bravado" after Trump's presidency.

Finally, Chuck digs into the mailbag of listeners’ questions in Ask Chuck and responds to questions about six year presidential terms, quirky personal preferences that lead to political preferences and whether it’s harder for him to land interviews with Republicans.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 The importance of the California gubernatorial race

01:15 Kloobeck intro

02:30 Kamala Harris preparing to run for governor in California?

03:45 Younger and infrequent voters were Trump’s “secret sauce”

05:00 Can a Democratic woman win the presidency?

06:30 Higher turnout is better for Republicans

08:15 Trends favor Democrats in non-presidential elections

09:30 Democrats became the “rules” party

11:15 Jared Golden not running for must-win Maine senate seat

12:30 Republicans are already writing off Virginia

13:30 Could New Jersey become a swing state?

14:30 Can the Trump coalition succeed without Trump on the ballot?

15:45 Could Senator Bill Cassidy retire for LSU chancellor job?

17:15 Stephen Cloobeck joins the Chuck ToddCast! 

18:30 Why is he the only non-traditional candidate running for CA governor? 

23:05 Are California's issues a governor issue or does it run deeper? 

26:05 What should Gavin Newsom have done differently? 

29:00 The Harris/Walz campaign was tone deaf 

30:25 What did Gray Davis get right as governor? 

31:55 Creating a department of "performance and results" 

33:30 Solution to California's homelessness problem 

35:00 Schwarzenegger was an outsider that ran into the bureaucracy 

39:30 What makes him a democrat and not an independent? 

41:55 Why are business leaders "tempted" to leave California? 

44:35 What he learned from his adopted father, Harry Reid 

46:15 Do we need a "Donald Trump" in the democratic party? 

48:00 What should the democratic party learn from Trump? 

48:45 You can't buy an election. Won't self fund his campaign. 

51:00 Why couldn't Trump start a casino in Nevada? 

53:20 Should people be skeptical of the timeshare industry? 

54:35 Has AirBnB killed the timeshare industry? 

58:00 Marriott copied his timeshare model 

58:45 What would you say to Harris if she wanted help with the governor race? 

1:02:00 Are you ready for the arrows coming your way 

1:04:25 Did you have high expectations for Joe Biden? 

1:07:15 If Rick Caruso jumps in, will you cannibalize each other's candidacies 

1:10:35 Would Arnold Schwarzenegger be the front-runner if he ran? 

1:11:35 By 2026 could voters be burned out on bravado by Trump

1:13:30 Chuck's thoughts on Stephen Kloobeck interview 

1:14:45 Check out Chuck's interviews on Noosphere! 

1:16:20 Ask Chuck 

1:16:45 If congress was expanded, should the president get one 6 year term? 

1:19:50 What odd voter personal preferences indicate their political preferences? 

1:24:00 Do you find it harder to get interviews with Republicans?

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

Chuck Todd welcomes Congressman Ritchie Torres for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with a tour of New York's 15th district and the unique challenges of representing one of America's most diverse urban areas. Torres offers candid insights on governance, highlighting how term limits disadvantage legislators compared to lobbyists. The conversation shifts to the current political landscape, with Torres expressing deep concerns about President Trump's approach to his second term, arguing that Trump is "poisoning the well" for bipartisanship despite Biden's successful record of cross-party legislation. Torres delivers a stark warning that America is "planting the seed of its own decline" and characterizes the consequences of proposed GOP Medicaid cuts as "barbaric," particularly in light of the brewing long-term care crisis.

They weigh the merits of pragmatism versus idealism in American foreign policy and scrutinize Qatar's growing financial influence in American politics. Torres argues that "Republicans would impeach Joe Biden if he had accepted a plane" while addressing whether Democrats should adopt Trump's aggressive approach to wielding power. Torres acknowledges that Democrats "should have spoken out sooner about Biden's decline" and offers his vision for how the party can project strength moving forward.

They conclude with Torres addressing his political future—including speculation about mayoral and gubernatorial ambitions—before outlining his solutions for New York's housing crisis, crime concerns, and utility costs. 

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer

02:00 Was Biden’s decline covered up, or just willful ignorance?

03:00 Robert Hur recording has supercharged the Biden story

06:45 Joe Biden couldn’t assure voters he was up to the job

08:30 Chris Murphy says it’s the Democrats fault that Trump was re-elected

11:45 Democrats need to do soul searching like they did with Bill Clinton

13:30 Clinton had to run against the party and its prior leadership

15:00 Democrats misread the 2020 election result

18:00 Democrats will take some blame for problems Trump causes

19:00 Democrats need to reinvent themselves

21:00 Trump released the Hur tapes as a distraction 

23:00 Democrats should be angrier about Biden than Republicans

25:00 Mike Johnson needs Trump to pressure members of congress

26:00 Ritchie Torres joins the Chuck ToddCast 

26:30 Tour of the NY-15 district 

28:30 The enormity of the New York city council 

30:00 Would he support expanding the size of the house? 

32:00 Term limits disadvantage legislators compared to lobbyists 

33:00 Can any bipartisan agreement be reached with Trump 

34:30 Biden had multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation 

35:30 Trump is poisoning the well in his second term 

37:30 America is planting the seed of its own decline 

38:00 Medicaid cuts will be devastating 

40:00 Will the Medicaid cuts be delayed where a future congress could fix it? 

41:30 Medicaid work requirements don't work 

42:45 The consequences of the GOP budget will be barbaric 

44:45 How do we address the long-term care crisis? 

47:00 Should America's foreign policy be pragmatic or idealistic? 

49:45 How should we view Qatar's infusion of money into American politics? 

51:30 Republicans would impeach Joe Biden if he had accepted a plane 

54:15 Should Democrats wield power like Trump when they're in charge? 

55:50 Democrats should have spoken out sooner about Biden's decline 

1:00:00 How can the Democrats project strength as a party? 

1:01:15 Democrats need to let the cream rise to the top 

1:02:30 Campaigning makes candidates sharper 

1:03:30 Why aren't you running for NYC mayor? 

1:05:30 Andrew Cuomo is a great "builder" 

1:07:30 Will you run for governor in 2026? 

1:08:00 How would you address the housing crisis in New York? 

1:10:30 Addressing crime in New York 

1:13:00 New York's budget has increased, the quality of services hasn't 

1:14:45 Public ownership of utilities would lower costs for New Yorkers 

1:16:30 Progressives have overprioritized ideological purity over results

1:19:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Ritchie Torres 

1:20:00 If Torres faces Hochul 1 on 1 he could beat her 

1:21:00 Rumors that Kamala Harris could run for governor of California 

1:21:45 CA governor race will be tough for Harris 

1:25:15 If Harris loses governor race, her political career is over

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

Chuck Todd opens with a personal reflection on his father's connection to Vietnam before welcoming distinguished guests Ambassador John Negroponte and filmmaker Brian Knappenberger to discuss the new documentary series Turning Point and the lasting impacts of the Vietnam and Iraq wars on American politics and society. The conversation explores how Vietnam fundamentally shifted America's perception of itself, with Ambassador Negroponte sharing his firsthand experiences from the conflict. They examine how televised coverage transformed public perception of war, debate whether Vietnam was "worth it" in the context of the Cold War, and analyze why America ultimately lost the conflict. The discussion dives deep into how Vietnam became the Baby Boomers' defining generational experience, shattering trust in government institutions.

They explore the military's evolution into a predominantly Republican constituency, the long-term political fallout of pardoning draft dodgers, and the devastating impact of drug use among soldiers during the conflict. The guests offer a rare perspective on how the Vietnamese people recovered from the war's effects and draw striking parallels between the withdrawals from Saigon and Afghanistan. They reflect on how these historical conflicts continue to shape modern American politics, noting that despite multiple Vietnam veterans running for president, none have ever won the office. 

They conclude with a thought-provoking consideration of how future generations might commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of how America's past military engagements continue to influence its present and future.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Chuck’s personal connection to Vietnam was his dad

02:30 Vietnam + Iraq still haunt American politics

04:10 John Negroponte and Brian Knappenberger join the Chuck Toddcast! 

06:35 What do you hope people take away from Netflix's Turning Point?

08:55 Vietnam's shadow loomed over the Iraq wars 

10:55 We rarely talk about the war itself, mostly just the fallout 

12:40 Vietnam shifted America's perception of itself 

13:25 Ambassador Negroponte's experience of being in Vietnam 

16:55 Was Vietnam viewed as a proxy war at the time? 

20:00 The Iraq war has the same effect on our political psyche as Vietnam

23:00 How did daily press coverage affect the ability to control the narrative 

25:00 Vietnam being televised drastically changed the public's perception 

27:00 Embedded reporters caused new challenges for managing the narrative 

28:15 Was Vietnam worth it since we won the cold war? 

30:05 Why did we lose the war? 

32:45 Watergate ruined historians ability to document presidents 

34:15 Vietnam was the boomer's coming of age story, shook their trust in government 

35:30 Many January 6th rioters were Vietnam vets

37:40 The importance of equipping and training local forces 

39:10 Why did the military become a Republican constituency? 

40:40 Pardoning the draft dodgers had long term political impacts 

42:40 The horrible impact of drug use by soldiers in Vietnam 

47:40 The perspective from the side of the north? 

49:10 When did the Vietnamese recover from the effects of the war? 

52:25 No Vietnam vet has ever been president 

55:10 The military is America's only institution that has bipartisan support 

58:35 How similar/different were the withdrawals from Saigon and Afghanistan? 

59:25 What will the retrospective be on the 75th anniversary of the fall of Saigon

1:02:35 Chuck’s thoughts on the interview

Chuck Todd opens with a critical analysis of President Trump's approach to governance, suggesting that while his Middle East trip may yield positive results, his administration is missing crucial opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. He argues that Trump's executive order on prescription drugs lacks substance without legislative backing and that the president should "get caught trying" bipartisanship on issues where common ground exists. He also explores Putin's refusal of peace talks as a potential humiliation for Trump, and examines what recent political developments like the Omaha mayoral race might signal about Democratic prospects in upcoming elections.

Then, he’s joined by Congressman Ro Khanna, who delivers a candid assessment of the Democratic party's leadership crisis and brand damage. Khanna argues that Chuck Schumer has squandered his leadership position and addresses concerns about deportations in rural communities. The conversation delves into the economic realities facing the Midwest, and calls for Democrats to work more closely with business leaders. 

Khanna argues that deplatforming Trump after January 6th was "a huge mistake" and discusses the rightward shift among tech leaders. They conclude with Khanna's perspectives on America's global retreat, the timeline for presidential campaigns, and Gen Z's trust issues with politics. 

The episode wraps with "Ask Chuck," where Todd addresses questions about media coverage of Trump, potential Republican party fractures, and Chuck gives his thoughts on Pete Rose's posthumous Hall of Fame eligibility.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Trump’s middle east trip may net some positive results

02:30 Trump won’t work with Democrats on issues they agree on

04:15 Bipartisanship has become toxic

06:30 Trump’s executive order on prescription drugs is meaningless without legislation

07:45 Congress has been useless

08:30 Trump should “get caught trying” bipartisanship

10:00 There are multiple issues where Trump could make bipartisan deals

12:15 Trump made some great points in his middle east speech

13:45 Trump has been pragmatic with his middle east policy 

16:30 Trump can’t pick and choose who to be pragmatic with

18:00 The ball is in Trump’s court after Putin turned down peace talks

19:15 Putin is humiliating Trump… will he sit back and take it?

19:50 Does the Omaha mayoral race show a blue wave building? 

21:00 Pete Buttigieg admits Joe Biden is political baggage in Iowa town hall

23:30 Chuck Schumer punting on the Biden question was cowardly

25:30 Donald Trump is unpopular and the Democratic brand is still worse

26:15 Ro Khanna joins the Chuck Toddcast! 

27:45 Who is the leader of the Democratic party? 

28:45 Chuck Schumer has squandered his leadership position 

31:30 Rural communities are highly concerned about deportations 

32:15 Is Hakeem Jeffries stuck in Nancy Pelosi's shadow? 

34:00 How damaged is the Democratic brand and how to fix it? 

37:15 Do midwestern voters want to work multigenerational factory jobs? 

40:30 NAFTA benefitted the south and hurt the midwest 

43:15 Republicans have become the big government party 

45:45 Democrats need to work with business leaders 

46:45 What caused the rightward shift of the tech leaders? 

48:30 Deplatforming Trump was a huge mistake 

50:30 Should Kamala Harris be the next governor of California? 

53:30 What characteristics will voters be looking for in 2028 

55:15 Will Democratic voters want a "celebrity" president? 

58:25 What's the lesson learned from Biden's communications failure? 

1:00:15 How do Democrats win over independent voters? 

1:03:00 One issue he'd work with Trump on? 

1:03:45 Will he debate JD Vance? 

1:05:45 America's retreat is making the world more dangerous 

1:07:15 Rubio needs to step up and assert America globally 

1:10:00 It will take a generation to repair America's reputation 

1:10:45 When is it appropriate to begin a run for president? 

1:12:15 Kamala Harris and her team were too cautious in 24 

1:13:45 Gen Z has trust issues with politics

1:15:45 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Ro Khanna

1:16:15 Ask Chuck

1:16:55 Why are reporters not more combative with Trump?

1:19:05 If the Republican party fractures, who would be in the traditional wing?

1:21:45 Pete Rose finally eligible for Hall of Fame posthumously

(Timestamps vary based on advertisements)

Chuck Todd opens with a blistering analysis of America's current political landscape, arguing that both major parties are fundamentally weak and surviving only through their duopoly of ballot access. He examines the potential for political realignment, questioning whether MAGA and establishment Republicans might fracture and if figures like Senator John Cornyn would fare better as independents. Chuck doesn't hold back on the Biden administration either, calling out what he sees as selfishness from the Bidens and criticizing aides who failed to report the President's decline sooner, suggesting cabinet secretaries will need to answer for what he terms a "cover up."

Then he’s joined by Rob Sand, Democratic candidate for governor of Iowa, who discusses his record of uncovering government waste and his vision for the state. Sand outlines his bipartisan approach to governance and delivers a sharp critique of Iowa's school voucher program, arguing it lacks transparency and has allowed private schools to raise tuition while turning away disabled students. The conversation covers Iowa's political shift, education policy, and whether Democrats should restore Iowa's first-in-the-nation primary status. 

The episode concludes with "Ask Chuck," where Todd answers listener questions on topics ranging from the theoretical "Limbaugh effect" in Obama's election to the practicality of expanding the House of Representatives, and even touches on the NBA draft lottery's impact on Texas basketball teams.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Both the Republican and Democratic parties are very weak

03:00 Without the duopoly of ballot access, one of the two parties would have disappeared

04:30 Interparty splits and the potential for independents?

06:00 Could MAGA vs establishment factions fracture in the GOP?

07:30 Would John Cornyn be better served running as an independent in Texas?

11:10 Republicans have too many crowded primaries in Senate races

12:30 Both parties brands are broken

14:30 The Bidens have been selfish

16:30 Shame on the anonymous aides who didn’t report Biden’s decline sooner

17:45 Biden’s aides pushed back publicly and privately before he stepped down

18:20 Biden’s cabinet secretaries will have to answer for the cover up

21:10 The DNC drama surrounding David Hogg

23:55 The DNC looks ridiculous right now

26:15 Rob Sand joins the Chuck ToddCast 

26:45 Why run for governor of Iowa? 

29:30 Rob found a record amount of waste and abuse in Iowa government 

30:15 Did you think about running as an independent? 

34:35 If you win, is it a victory for Democrats or for independents? 

36:45 Rob would appoint a bipartisan cabinet 

37:30 The school voucher program in Iowa isn't transparent 

38:45 The public school vouchers can be audited, the private ones can't 

41:15 Iowa's public schools are falling behind 

43:00 Private schools can turn away disabled students 

44:15 Private schools just raised tuition after voucher program rollout 

45:30 What's the plan to improve public schools in Iowa? 

49:10 What are some Kim Reynolds policies he would keep? 

51:05 Has Iowa shifted right, or is it a Trump phenomenon? 

53:15 Should Democrats make Iowa their first primary state again? 

56:30 Pete Buttigieg broke through in Iowa 

59:00 Lottery scam in Iowa 

1:03:00 What hurts Iowa more; tariffs or the USAID contracts being terminated? 

1:05:15 Does he expect a primary challenger?

1:06:05 Chuck's thoughts on Rob Sand interview 

1:06:30 Ask Chuck 

1:06:35 Has there ever been a study on the "Limbaugh effect", encouraging Democrats to vote for Obama? 

1:11:35 If you doubled the size of the House, would there be physical space constraints? 

1:14:15 Would a third party like the forward party focused on a singular issue be effective? 

1:17:05 The NBA draft lottery ensured that all three Texas teams will be great

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Chuck opens with an analysis of President Trump's controversial upcoming Middle East trip, focusing on reports that Trump will receive a luxury Boeing airplane as a gift from Qatar. He characterizes this as potentially "the most corrupt bargain a president has ever made," questioning the ethics and legality of such an arrangement while examining Trump's pattern of personal enrichment in office. The discussion extends to Trump's cryptocurrency ventures, the growing influence of Gulf states in American politics, and the administration's unorthodox approaches to foreign policy and homeland security.

Then he’s joined by a rising star in the Democratic party, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett. She provides insights into her rapidly growing Dallas district and discusses the economic benefits of immigration that contrast sharply with current policies. Crockett, known for her viral moments in congressional hearings, offers a candid assessment of the partisan circus in the House Oversight Committee and the ideological divide within the Democratic Party. The conversation delves into factors behind Trump's victory, whether racism and misogyny impacted Kamala Harris's campaign, and the complex political landscape in Texas, including potential opportunities for Democrats if Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in a future primary.

Finally, the episode concludes with an "Ask Chuck" segment addressing why abortion has faded from national discourse despite its continued importance.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:55 Trump’s first planned overseas trip is to the middle east

02:50 Trump to receive a luxury Boeing airplane as a gift from Qatar

04:50 Most corrupt bargain a president has ever made

07:10 Whether it’s illegal or not, it’s a terrible look

08:20 Trump didn’t want to wait to get a new Air Force One

09:15 Trump believes he’s untouchable

10:30 Trump’s crypto token is purely a bribery scam

12:30 Will any elected Republicans stand up to Trump?

14:30 Trump views personal enrichment as a commission 

16:00 The gulf states are openly bribing American politicians

17:45 It was good that Rubio and Vance intervened in India/Pakistan conflict

19:50 Homeland security is running campaign ads with taxpayer dollars

22:30 Trump’s Iran deal won’t get done until after his middle east trip

24:30 Taking a plane as a gift feels like a bad movie plot

25:25 Jasmine Crockett joins the Chuck ToddCast! 

25:25 Tour of TX-30 (Dallas) 

28:55 TX-30 is a hub for aviation 

31:45 Dallas is growing exponentially 

33:40 How can St. Louis be revitalized? 

37:15 Immigrants produce economic dynamism and we're treating them horribly 

39:45 How important are viral moments for political communications 

43:25 The partisan circus in the oversight committee 

44:40 We have people in government that don't understand how it works* 

45:40 DOGE hearing became about trans people competing in fencing 

47:25 Is it a generational divide or ideological divide in the Democratic party 

48:25 Some members cling to the institutions while they're burning around them* 

50:10 State of the Union displayed the differences of approach between members 

51:25 How did Democrats end up in this situation? 

53:15 Why did Trump win? 

55:25 How much did racism and misogyny factor into Kamala Harris losing? 

56:40 Did Harris's background as a prosecutor help or hurt her? 

59:10 Trump's name being on buildings sold the public on his business acumen 

1:01:05 Should Harris take another shot at the presidency?* 

1:02:25 Democratic voters don't want "establishment" candidates 

1:04:10 Democrats are fighting an uphill battle 

1:05:10 Is Texas a 3 party state with two Republican wings? 

1:06:10 If Ken Paxton beats John Cornyn, the Texas senate seat will be in play 

1:08:40 Did Democrats miss the moment in Texas? 

1:10:25 Will the Luka trade leave a lasting mark on Dallas? 

1:11:10 Is she running for oversight chair? 

1:11:35 Her advice for Hakeem Jeffries

1:12:45 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Jasmine Crockett 

1:13:15 Ask Chuck 

1:13:30 Why has abortion disappeared from the national discourse? 

1:16:30 Please let the Wizards get the #1 pick and Cooper Flagg

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Chuck opens with an analysis of growing global tensions, including armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and the power vacuum created by America's retreat from its traditional leadership role. He discusses Joe Biden's recent BBC comments on foreign affairs and the potential for Vladimir Putin to test NATO's Article 5 commitment in the Baltics, suggesting that increased global conflict may be on the horizon as China and Russia fill the void left by the United States.

Then he’s joined by the author of the new book "Heaven Help Us" and former Ohio Governor John Kasich, who offers candid insights on the lost art of political compromise and consensus-building. Kasich discusses the toxic partisanship exemplified by the Obama/Christie hug controversy, shares his perspective on healthcare reform, and explores how faith can inform governance without violating church-state separation. 

The conversation covers the prospects for the 2026 and 2028 elections, Ohio's political landscape, and the need for spiritual renewal in American culture. Kasich offers sharp criticism of both Trump's approach to tariffs and Biden's presidency, which he characterizes as a failure due to insulation from contrarian views.

Finally Chuck responds to listeners’ questions in the "Ask Chuck" segment, addressing questions about increasing the size of the House of Representatives, how organizations earn the "non-partisan" label, and whether the national debt will trigger economic catastrophe.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Armed conflict between India and Pakistan

07:30 We see more conflict when the U.S. is in retreat

09:00 If America doesn’t play the role of world police, Russia and China will

11:00 We’re likely to see more conflict around the world

13:35 Joe Biden weighs in on foreign affairs on BBC

14:45 Putin likely to test article 5 in the Baltics

16:45 Democrat loss was 10 years in the making

21:45 John Kasich joins the Chuck Toddcast! 

23:15 Why have we lost the art of politics and compromise? 

25:45 The Obama/Chris Christie hug shouldn't have been a controversy 

27:00 Government never finds a way to get money out of politics 

29:05 Faith in democracy? 

31:35 The next president has the opposite traits of the prior president 

33:05 What will the country look for in the next president? 

33:55 Advice for 2028 candidates? 

35:15 Could the MAGA candidates become toxic in the primaries by 2026? 

36:15 Vivek Ramaswamy's prospects in the Ohio governor's race? 

37:30 Ohio isn't ruby red 

39:45 Voters care less about issues and more about personal connection 

41:00 The issues John Kasich would focus most on addressing 

43:30 The healthcare system is broken 

46:15 For profit hospitals are less profitable than non-profits 

48:30 Healthcare stakeholders need to be forced to compromise 

49:55 We need politicians that can build consensus, not just offer a plan 

53:05 Integrating faith into governance without violating separation of church and state? 

56:15 The social gospel changed the culture from an "I" environment to a "we" society 

57:15 Local journalism is service journalism, national journalism is civics journalism 

1:00:30 How do we move America past its "I" culture? 

1:02:00 We need a spiritual renewal 

1:02:45 Pope Francis could be remembered as the most important of the century 

1:04:15 Trump's tariff implementation shows his inability to listen and win people over 

1:06:45 We've never updated the design for our public education system 

1:08:30 The education industrial complex resists reform 

1:11:00 Biden's staff kept him insulated from hearing contrarian views 

1:11:45 Biden's presidency was a failure 

1:16:15 College football has been turned into the minor leagues

1:20:20 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with John Kasich 

1:21:50 Ask Chuck 

1:22:00 How would increasing the size of the house of representatives work? 

1:24:40 How do entities/organizations earn the label "non-partisan"? 

1:29:00 Will the national debt cause economic catastrophe?

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