The Chuck ToddCast

Chuck Todd sounds the alarm on how Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs and economic coercion could unintentionally push the U.S. and the world toward open conflict, drawing stark parallels to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs and the dangerous bloc-based thinking that preceded World War II. As Trump threatens NATO unity, wages economic war with Europe, and even uses tariffs as leverage in a pressure campaign over Greenland, the result isn’t strength but instability—risking retaliation, potentially weakening the dollar’s reserve status, and handing strategic advantages to China and Russia. Chuck argues that while Trump may not be trying to start a war, his isolationist instincts, economic bullying, and disregard for democratic norms are dismantling the postwar order America built and benefited from, creating a far more dangerous world. The episode also turns inward, examining Trump’s endorsement politics and fixation on retribution, even at the cost of GOP viability, as Senate Republicans quietly weigh whether stopping this madness—or walking away—is their last remaining option. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the evolving public perception of Muhammed Ali, answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment and preview the college football national championship between Indiana and his beloved Miami Hurricanes. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:30 Could Trump’s tariffs accidentally stumble the U.S. into a war? 03:45 Bad economic policy could drive the world into war 04:30 Destroying NATO & economic war w/ Europe will create GOP defections 05:15 What Trump is doing is incredibly alarming 05:45 When tariffs are used as leverage, they can create security problems 06:15 Smoot-Hawley tariffs created lasting damage 07:30 Retaliation followed after the Smoot-Hawley tariffs 08:00 Smoot-Hawley didn’t cause WW2, but had a huge impact in creating it 09:00 When the world starts thinking in blocs, wars become more likely 10:00 In blocs, countries start prioritizing resource security 10:30 Trump is using tariffs as leverage for economic bullying to acquire Greenland 11:15 Macron calls for EU use of an anti-coercion law against the U.S. 12:15 Trump’s Greenland posture threatens trade with Europe 12:45 Republicans in the senate need to stop this madness 13:30 We’re risking the dollar as the world’s reserve currency 14:30 Canada has struck trade agreements with China in response to Trump 15:15 China will gain increased leverage in North America 16:30 Trade disputes risk becoming security grievances 17:15 Trump is risking stumbling the U.S. into a war 18:00 The world is more dangerous now than any time since WW2 19:00 Americans are taking a safe and stable world for granted 19:30 Trump has created the dream scenario for the Chinese & Russians 20:15 The world order America built & benefitted from is being dismantled 20:45 Trump’s actions, if not stopped…could set us back generations 22:00 Trump has proven he doesn’t care about democracy in Venezuela 23:30 When the biggest country goes isolationist, everyone else does too 24:15 Trump isn’t trying to get us into war, but his actions are taking us closer to one 27:30 Trump endorses against Bill Cassidy despite Cassidy’s deference 29:00 Cassidy may consider retirement after reviewing polling in Louisiana 30:30 Cassidy could have a shot at winning as an independent 33:30 Trump cares about retribution more than viability of the GOP 37:30 ToddCast Time Machine - January 22nd, 1964 38:00 Cassius Clay announces conversion to Islam & name change 39:00 Heavyweight champion of the world carried huge symbolic weight 39:45 Muhammed Ali challenged the power structures 40:30 Ali exposed unspoken rule - You have to be deferential & assimilate 41:15 Press treated Ali as a problem to be managed 42:00 Ali refusing to be drafted turned him into a villain 42:45 Over time, Ali became vindicated by the public 43:45 Ali carried conviction at great personal cost 44:45 America changed its view of Ali, & speaks to America’s evolution 45:45 Ask Chuck 46:00 Thanks for the book recommendation for “The Barn” 47:00 Could any Republicans defect to hand over control of the House? 52:00 Packers/Bears rivalry goes way beyond football 53:30 Indiana vs. Miami National Championship thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

Mechele Dickerson, professor at the University of Texas School of Law & author of the new book “The Middle Class New Deal” joins Chuck Todd to make the case that rebuilding the American middle class requires something bold and familiar. Drawing on history, Dickerson explains how the original New Deal didn’t just regulate markets but actively created the first stable American middle class, a reminder that free markets alone don’t guarantee broad prosperity. As today’s economy shifts risk onto workers through independent contracting, weakened unions, and employer-based benefits that no longer fit modern labor markets, she argues that financial security—not wealth—is what most Americans are actually chasing, and it’s essential for economic and democratic stability. The conversation digs into healthcare, education, and labor power as the pillars of a functioning middle class, from why employer-based health insurance is a historical accident to how government-guaranteed healthcare could actually relieve businesses, and why underused public schools and outdated calendars are weakening the future workforce. Dickerson warns that the erosion of unions, the weaponization of cultural divisions, and rising economic nihilism—especially among younger Americans—mirror dangerous Gilded Age dynamics, where extreme inequality hollowed out democracy. The takeaway is stark but hopeful: upward mobility is deeply American, but without intentional policy choices that put workers and families first, an eroding middle class can become fertile ground for political instability and authoritarianism. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code Timeline: 00:00 Mechele Dickerson joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Both the left & right can learn from “The Middle Class New Deal” 03:00 What motivated you to put these ideas under a “New Deal” framework 04:00 The New Deal created the first American middle class 05:00 Free market economies don’t automatically create a middle class 06:30 Socialism & interfering with free markets created the middle class 07:00 A stable middle class is critical for stability 07:45 The uber wealthy can only consume so much & don’t drive spending 09:00 People struggling don’t want to be wealthy, just financially secure 10:45 Independent contractors don’t get same benefits as employees 12:15 Retirement security has been shifted from employers to employees 13:45 Big companies with lots of contractors have a ton of political leverage 15:00 Amazon’s delivery providers aren’t set up to have employees 17:00 CEO’s of big companies hate the cost of healthcare 18:30 Business could support a system where they aren’t responsible for healthcare 19:45 Employer based healthcare was born out of World War 2 wage controls 21:00 Government guaranteed health insurance has many upsides 23:15 The debate around government guaranteed education has stalled 24:00 What steps could be taken to make progress in public education? 25:15 In rural areas there is no “school choice”, just home school  26:00 Public school facilities are underutilized 26:30 Public school calendar revolves around an agrarian calendar 27:45 Without good public education, we’ll have a poor labor force 29:45 Schools should add a voluntary summer trimester  31:30 Workers will only get equal treatment through collective bargaining 32:00 How do you bring back labor unions? 33:15 Middle & lower class have suffered since labor unions were gutted 34:00 Union culture is merged with corporate culture in Europe 35:15 Race & ethnicity have been used as wedges to advance a class argument 37:15 The entire middle class is suffering economically 39:00 How do you prioritize anti-poverty programs to revive the middle class? 40:00 Upward mobility is wired into the DNA of Americans 41:30 Billionaires aren’t incentivized to create a healthy middle class 42:30 There are parallels between the current moment & the Gilded Age 43:30 Should corporations build communities the way Hershey did? 45:30 Politicians have to help constituents be ok, not just tell them they’re ok 46:00 2016 election of Trump was the white middle class primal scream 47:00 An eroding middle class can drive societies into autocracy 48:00 Trump administration keeps having “let them eat cake” moments 49:00 Middle class support tax cuts for rich, thinking they’ll become rich 49:45 Younger Americans suffer from a sense of economic nihilism 50:30 Bill Clinton’s strength was understanding middle class, he came from itSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

Chuck Todd sounds the alarm on how Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs and economic coercion could unintentionally push the U.S. and the world toward open conflict, drawing stark parallels to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs and the dangerous bloc-based thinking that preceded World War II. As Trump threatens NATO unity, wages economic war with Europe, and even uses tariffs as leverage in a pressure campaign over Greenland, the result isn’t strength but instability—risking retaliation, potentially weakening the dollar’s reserve status, and handing strategic advantages to China and Russia. Chuck argues that while Trump may not be trying to start a war, his isolationist instincts, economic bullying, and disregard for democratic norms are dismantling the postwar order America built and benefited from, creating a far more dangerous world. The episode also turns inward, examining Trump’s endorsement politics and fixation on retribution, even at the cost of GOP viability, as Senate Republicans quietly weigh whether stopping this madness—or walking away—is their last remaining option. Mechele Dickerson, professor at the University of Texas School of Law & author of the new book “The Middle Class New Deal” joins Chuck Todd to make the case that rebuilding the American middle class requires something bold and familiar. Drawing on history, Dickerson explains how the original New Deal didn’t just regulate markets but actively created the first stable American middle class, a reminder that free markets alone don’t guarantee broad prosperity. As today’s economy shifts risk onto workers through independent contracting, weakened unions, and employer-based benefits that no longer fit modern labor markets, she argues that financial security—not wealth—is what most Americans are actually chasing, and it’s essential for economic and democratic stability. The conversation digs into healthcare, education, and labor power as the pillars of a functioning middle class, from why employer-based health insurance is a historical accident to how government-guaranteed healthcare could actually relieve businesses, and why underused public schools and outdated calendars are weakening the future workforce. Dickerson warns that the erosion of unions, the weaponization of cultural divisions, and rising economic nihilism—especially among younger Americans—mirror dangerous Gilded Age dynamics, where extreme inequality hollowed out democracy. The takeaway is stark but hopeful: upward mobility is deeply American, but without intentional policy choices that put workers and families first, an eroding middle class can become fertile ground for political instability and authoritarianism. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the evolving public perception of Muhammed Ali, answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment and preview the college football national championship between Indiana and his beloved Miami Hurricanes. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:30 Could Trump’s tariffs accidentally stumble the U.S. into a war? 03:45 Bad economic policy could drive the world into war 04:30 Destroying NATO & economic war w/ Europe will create GOP defections 05:15 What Trump is doing is incredibly alarming 05:45 When tariffs are used as leverage, they can create security problems 06:15 Smoot-Hawley tariffs created lasting damage 07:30 Retaliation followed after the Smoot-Hawley tariffs 08:00 Smoot-Hawley didn’t cause WW2, but had a huge impact in creating it 09:00 When the world starts thinking in blocs, wars become more likely 10:00 In blocs, countries start prioritizing resource security 10:30 Trump is using tariffs as leverage for economic bullying to acquire Greenland 11:15 Macron calls for EU use of an anti-coercion law against the U.S. 12:15 Trump’s Greenland posture threatens trade with Europe 12:45 Republicans in the senate need to stop this madness 13:30 We’re risking the dollar as the world’s reserve currency 14:30 Canada has struck trade agreements with China in response to Trump 15:15 China will gain increased leverage in North America 16:30 Trade disputes risk becoming security grievances 17:15 Trump is risking stumbling the U.S. into a war 18:00 The world is more dangerous now than any time since WW2 19:00 Americans are taking a safe and stable world for granted 19:30 Trump has created the dream scenario for the Chinese & Russians 20:15 The world order America built & benefitted from is being dismantled 20:45 Trump’s actions, if not stopped…could set us back generations 22:00 Trump has proven he doesn’t care about democracy in Venezuela 23:30 When the biggest country goes isolationist, everyone else does too 24:15 Trump isn’t trying to get us into war, but his actions are taking us closer to one 27:30 Trump endorses against Bill Cassidy despite Cassidy’s deference 29:00 Cassidy may consider retirement after reviewing polling in Louisiana 30:30 Cassidy could have a shot at winning as an independent 33:30 Trump cares about retribution more than viability of the GOP 41:15 Mechele Dickerson joins the Chuck ToddCast 42:45 Both the left & right can learn from “The Middle Class New Deal” 44:15 What motivated you to put these ideas under a “New Deal” framework 45:15 The New Deal created the first American middle class 46:15 Free market economies don’t automatically create a middle class 47:45 Socialism & interfering with free markets created the middle class 48:15 A stable middle class is critical for stability 49:00 The uber wealthy can only consume so much & don’t drive spending 50:15 People struggling don’t want to be wealthy, just financially secure 52:00 Independent contractors don’t get same benefits as employees 53:30 Retirement security has been shifted from employers to employees 55:00 Big companies with lots of contractors have a ton of political leverage 56:15 Amazon’s delivery providers aren’t set up to have employees 58:15 CEO’s of big companies hate the cost of healthcare 59:45 Business could support a system where they aren’t responsible for healthcare 1:01:00 Employer based healthcare was born out of World War 2 wage controls 1:02:15 Government guaranteed health insurance has many upsides 1:04:30 The debate around government guaranteed education has stalled 1:05:15 What steps could be taken to make progress in public education? 1:06:30 In rural areas there is no “school choice”, just home school 1:07:15 Public school facilities are underutilized 1:07:45 Public school calendar revolves around an agrarian calendar 1:09:00 Without good public education, we’ll have a poor labor force 1:11:00 Schools should add a voluntary summer trimester 1:12:45 Workers will only get equal treatment through collective bargaining 1:13:15 How do you bring back labor unions? 1:14:30 Middle & lower class have suffered since labor unions were gutted 1:15:15 Union culture is merged with corporate culture in Europe 1:16:30 Race & ethnicity have been used as wedges to advance a class argument 1:18:30 The entire middle class is suffering economically 1:20:15 How do you prioritize anti-poverty programs to revive the middle class? 1:21:15 Upward mobility is wired into the DNA of Americans 1:22:45 Billionaires aren’t incentivized to create a healthy middle class 1:23:45 There are parallels between the current moment & the Gilded Age 1:24:45 Should corporations build communities the way Hershey did? 1:26:45 Politicians have to help constituents be ok, not just tell them they’re ok 1:27:15 2016 election of Trump was the white middle class primal scream 1:28:15 An eroding middle class can drive societies into autocracy 1:29:15 Trump administration keeps having “let them eat cake” moments 1:30:15 Middle class support tax cuts for rich, thinking they’ll become rich 1:31:00 Younger Americans suffer from a sense of economic nihilism 1:31:45 Bill Clinton’s strength was understanding middle class, he came from it 1:32:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Mechele Dickerson 1:33:15 ToddCast Time Machine - January 22nd, 1964 1:33:45 Cassius Clay announces conversion to Islam & name change 1:34:45 Heavyweight champion of the world carried huge symbolic weight 1:35:30 Muhammed Ali challenged the power structures 1:36:15 Ali exposed unspoken rule - You have to be deferential & assimilate 1:37:00 Press treated Ali as a problem to be managed 1:37:45 Ali refusing to be drafted turned him into a villain 1:38:30 Over time, Ali became vindicated by the public 1:39:30 Ali carried conviction at great personal cost 1:40:30 America changed its view of Ali, & speaks to America’s evolution 1:41:30 Ask Chuck 1:41:45 Thanks for the book recommendation for “The Barn” 1:42:45 Could any Republicans defect to hand over control of the House? 1:47:45 Packers/Bears rivalry goes way beyond football 1:49:15 Indiana vs. Miami National Championship thoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

Chuck Todd unpacks a moment of foreign-policy whiplash as Donald Trump appears to ease off threats against Iran while simultaneously escalating his pressure campaign on Greenland—doubling down after meetings with Danish officials and even floating the idea of holding NATO hostage to get his way. The episode examines why Trump is unlikely to move militarily against Greenland, why Greenlanders are growing more defiant, and how this approach risks a serious rupture with Europe. From there, the conversation widens to a bigger question: what is America’s role in the world now that consensus has collapsed? With China as a peer competitor, alliances under strain, free trade weaponized at home, and isolationism creating dangerous vacuums, the U.S. is operating without a coherent grand strategy even as allies quietly hedge their bets. The second half turns inward, focusing on immigration and the politics of ICE. Drawing lessons from past messaging failures like “defund the police,” Chuck argues Democrats shouldn’t fall into the “abolish ICE” trap but instead run on reform—rethinking leadership, recruiting, and training that’s been slashed from months to weeks. The takeaway is blunt: ICE isn’t going away, the agency will remain a political wedge, and the real question for both parties is who’s in charge of it—and what kind of power they’re willing to wield at home and abroad. Then, geopolitical expert and president of The Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging, clear-eyed look at a world entering genuinely uncharted territory—where old rules no longer apply and the United States itself has become a central source of global instability. From Venezuela and Mexico to Europe and Greenland, Bremmer explains how Trump’s transactional, coercive approach is reshaping alliances, undermining collective security, and forcing other countries to adapt fast. The conversation explores why regime change remains elusive in places like Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti; how Latin American elections are increasingly driven by domestic security; and why Europe, shaken by Trump’s unpredictability, is funding Ukraine and rethinking its own defense posture. The discussion then turns to the Middle East and beyond: the durability of the Iranian regime, the limits of U.S. military power, Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization, and what comes next for Israel once Netanyahu exits the stage. Bremmer also assesses Trump’s surprising effectiveness in Middle East dealmaking, the long-term damage to Israel’s global standing, Russia’s tightening economic squeeze amid continued political repression, and rising far-right momentum in Europe. The episode closes with a sobering look at China, Taiwan, and whether the next few years bring deterrence—or a historic rupture. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gets a few sports rants off his chest.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the cod Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Trump seemingly backing off threats to strike Iran 02:00 Trump meets with Danish & Greenland officials, then doubles down 03:30 Trump threatens to hold NATO hostage in exchange for Greenland 05:00 Greenlanders are more defiant in the face of Trump’s threats 05:30 Trump’s threats could risk severing U.S. ties with Europe 06:15 Unlikely Trump will take Greenland militarily 06:45 Everything Trump is doing now is bad politics 08:15 Latin American exiles in south Florida create a feedback loop for Trump 09:00 What should be America’s role in the world? 10:45 Trump is not and has never been a multilateralist 11:30 Trump doesn’t care about NATO or see Russia as a threat 12:15 Consensus on America’s role in the world has collapsed 13:15 Free trade has been weaponized domestically in America 14:15 Domestic exhaustion in America with leadership rule 15:30 America is operating without a grand foreign policy strategy 16:30 The “primacy” strategy doesn’t apply now that China is a peer competitor 17:30 The rules based order hasn’t tamed China, Russia or Iran 18:15 Isolationism creates security vacuums that rarely stay empty 19:00 Nationalism assumes you can separate from the rest of the world 19:15 Trumpism is a mix of all of the above, but up to Trump’s whims 21:15 China is a competitor & nothing the U.S. does can change that 22:15 Trump wants to remake Venezuelan, Iranian and Cuban society 23:15 U.S. still most powerful country and China couldn’t create global alliance 25:45 Free trade, security & innovation trump protectionism 27:45 The Indo-Pacific will be the theatre of great power competition 28:30 America doesn’t get to choose whether it shapes the world 29:15 U.S. allies are hedging 30:00 Presidential candidates need to lay out strategy for US role in the world 33:00 Memo argues Democrats shouldn't fall for the “Abolish ICE” messaging 34:30 ICE training has been reduced from 5 months to 6 weeks 35:15 Dems should run on plan to reform and retrain ICE 36:30 Democrats need to learn from the “defund the police” mistake 38:30 The issue isn’t ICE, it’s who’s in charge of it & their recruiting 40:00 If you get rid of ICE you’ll need a similar agency to replace it 40:45 ICE will become a wedge issue in primary elections 47:45 Ian Bremmer joins the Chuck ToddCast 49:00 Where we’re going… there are no roads 50:00 The middle east could be heading towards a better place 50:45 Trump gave a wake up call to Europe & others 51:30 America is the top risk to the world & center of instability 52:45 There hasn’t been regime change in Venezuela 54:00 The Venezuelan regime will behave while threatened 55:00 The Venezuelan regime has no interest in sharing power 56:30 National elections could be held in Venezuela in a year 58:00 How much will anti-Americanism affect Latin American elections? 59:15 Domestic security is the #1 voting issue in Latin America 1:02:45 Brazil’s election will be very close 1:04:15 Claudia Scheinbaum has been deft in dealing with Trump 1:05:15 Mexico has been cooperating effectively, negating potential strikes 1:06:15 Talk of strikes in Mexico has ramped up post-Venezuela 1:08:00 There’s been a huge number of political assassinations in Mexico 1:08:45 Trade relations would take a huge hit if America strikes militarily 1:09:45 There’s less urgency from Trump admin for regime change in Cuba 01:10:30 Venezuela and Mexico have been propping up the Cuban regime 1:13:00 Why haven’t we pushed harder for changes in Haiti? 1:14:15 Almost zero chance there are elections in Haiti this year 1:15:00 Chance of military invasion of Greenland is extremely low 1:15:45 A coercion campaign towards Greenland is much more likely 1:17:00 Denmark very open to negotiations addressing American concerns 1:18:15 It’d be very easy to ramp up military operation in Greenland 1:19:00 Trump is undermining the concept of collective security 1:19:45 Greenland is a legacy play for Trump 1:20:15 Trump is causing permanent damage to relationship with Europe 1:21:45 Will the Iranian regime survive the calendar year? 1:23:00 Iranian regime has large capacity to repress the population 1:23:45 Looks like the US military will target Iranian police & paramilitary 1:24:30 Nobody has ever targeted the Iranian judges that send people to die 1:25:15 Collapse of regime doesn’t feel imminent, but likely within a few years 1:26:45 Is the US military stretched thin right now? 1:27:15 What collapse of Iranian regime would mean for the region 1:28:45 Saudi Arabia is speed running a modernization & reform process 1:29:45 Any chance Bibi Netanyahu is out in Israel soon? 1:30:45 Normalization with Saudi Arabia is on the table once Bibi is out 1:31:45 The Israel/Gaza ceasefire was improbable win for Trump 1:32:15 Trump’s transactional negotiating works well in the middle east 1:34:15 Settlements expanding in west bank, that won’t be unwound 1:36:00 Nobody has done more damage to Israel’s reputation than Bibi 1:36:45 Russians giving Trump nothing in negotiations over Ukraine 1:37:15 Europeans are funding Ukraine after Trump cut them off 1:38:15 Europeans bought a veto over Trump selling out Ukraine 1:39:30 Still very little meaningful dissent inside Russia over the war 1:40:30 Russian economy is starting to take more of a hit 1:41:30 Giorgia Meloni is probably most secure leader in western Europe 1:42:45 Far right in Germany will do well in elections 1:43:15 Does China take Taiwan in 2027 & does Trump stand in the way? 1:46:15 Iran clears airspace, U.S. attack imminent? 1:47:45 Ask Chuck 1:48:00 Why do you think Mississippi could become politically competitive? 1:51:00 ICE’s actions in Minnesota don’t feel like training issues? 1:54:00 If Dems win both chambers what are the chances of martial law? 2:01:00 If Europe put a blockade around Greenland, would we still attack? 2:05:15 Why do Americans find the far-left more repugnant than the far-right? 2:09:45 Concerned the market shrugged at threats to Fed independence? 2:14:45 Sports updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2026

Geopolitical expert and president of The Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging, clear-eyed look at a world entering genuinely uncharted territory—where old rules no longer apply and the United States itself has become a central source of global instability. From Venezuela and Mexico to Europe and Greenland, Bremmer explains how Trump’s transactional, coercive approach is reshaping alliances, undermining collective security, and forcing other countries to adapt fast. The conversation explores why regime change remains elusive in places like Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti; how Latin American elections are increasingly driven by domestic security; and why Europe, shaken by Trump’s unpredictability, is funding Ukraine and rethinking its own defense posture. The discussion then turns to the Middle East and beyond: the durability of the Iranian regime, the limits of U.S. military power, Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization, and what comes next for Israel once Netanyahu exits the stage. Bremmer also assesses Trump’s surprising effectiveness in Middle East dealmaking, the long-term damage to Israel’s global standing, Russia’s tightening economic squeeze amid continued political repression, and rising far-right momentum in Europe. The episode closes with a sobering look at China, Taiwan, and whether the next few years bring deterrence—or a historic rupture. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the cod Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Ian Bremmer joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 Where we’re going… there are no roads 02:15 The middle east could be heading towards a better place 03:00 Trump gave a wake up call to Europe & others 03:45 America is the top risk to the world & center of instability 05:00 There hasn’t been regime change in Venezuela 06:15 The Venezuelan regime will behave while threatened 07:15 The Venezuelan regime has no interest in sharing power 08:45 National elections could be held in Venezuela in a year 10:15 How much will anti-Americanism affect Latin American elections? 11:30 Domestic security is the #1 voting issue in Latin America 15:00 Brazil’s election will be very close 16:30 Claudia Scheinbaum has been deft in dealing with Trump 17:30 Mexico has been cooperating effectively, negating potential strikes 18:30 Talk of strikes in Mexico has ramped up post-Venezuela 20:15 There’s been a huge number of political assassinations in Mexico 21:00 Trade relations would take a huge hit if America strikes militarily 22:00 There’s less urgency from Trump admin for regime change in Cuba 22:45 Venezuela and Mexico have been propping up the Cuban regime 25:15 Why haven’t we pushed harder for changes in Haiti? 26:30 Almost zero chance there are elections in Haiti this year 27:15 Chance of military invasion of Greenland is extremely low 28:00 A coercion campaign towards Greenland is much more likely 29:15 Denmark very open to negotiations addressing American concerns 30:30 It’d be very easy to ramp up military operation in Greenland 31:15 Trump is undermining the concept of collective security 32:00 Greenland is a legacy play for Trump 32:30 Trump is causing permanent damage to relationship with Europe 34:00 Will the Iranian regime survive the calendar year? 35:15 Iranian regime has large capacity to repress the population 36:00 Looks like the US military will target Iranian police & paramilitary 36:45 Nobody has ever targeted the Iranian judges that send people to die 37:30 Collapse of regime doesn’t feel imminent, but likely within a few years 39:00 Is the US military stretched thin right now? 39:30 What collapse of Iranian regime would mean for the region 41:00 Saudi Arabia is speed running a modernization & reform process 42:00 Any chance Bibi Netanyahu is out in Israel soon? 43:00 Normalization with Saudi Arabia is on the table once Bibi is out 44:00 The Israel/Gaza ceasefire was improbable win for Trump 44:30 Trump’s transactional negotiating works well in the middle east 46:30 Settlements expanding in west bank, that won’t be unwound 48:15 Nobody has done more damage to Israel’s reputation than Bibi 49:00 Russians giving Trump nothing in negotiations over Ukraine 49:30 Europeans are funding Ukraine after Trump cut them off 50:30 Europeans bought a veto over Trump selling out Ukraine 51:45 Still very little meaningful dissent inside Russia over the war 52:45 Russian economy is starting to take more of a hit 53:45 Giorgia Meloni is probably most secure leader in western Europe 55:00 Far right in Germany will do well in elections 55:30 Does China take Taiwan in 2027 & does Trump stand in the way?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2026

Chuck Todd unpacks a moment of foreign-policy whiplash as Donald Trump appears to ease off threats against Iran while simultaneously escalating his pressure campaign on Greenland—doubling down after meetings with Danish officials and even floating the idea of holding NATO hostage to get his way. The episode examines why Trump is unlikely to move militarily against Greenland, why Greenlanders are growing more defiant, and how this approach risks a serious rupture with Europe. From there, the conversation widens to a bigger question: what is America’s role in the world now that consensus has collapsed? With China as a peer competitor, alliances under strain, free trade weaponized at home, and isolationism creating dangerous vacuums, the U.S. is operating without a coherent grand strategy even as allies quietly hedge their bets. The second half turns inward, focusing on immigration and the politics of ICE. Drawing lessons from past messaging failures like “defund the police,” Chuck argues Democrats shouldn’t fall into the “abolish ICE” trap but instead run on reform—rethinking leadership, recruiting, and training that’s been slashed from months to weeks. The takeaway is blunt: ICE isn’t going away, the agency will remain a political wedge, and the real question for both parties is who’s in charge of it—and what kind of power they’re willing to wield at home and abroad. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gets a few sports rants off his chest.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the cod   Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Trump seemingly backing off threats to strike Iran 02:00 Trump meets with Danish & Greenland officials, then doubles down 03:30 Trump threatens to hold NATO hostage in exchange for Greenland 05:00 Greenlanders are more defiant in the face of Trump’s threats 05:30 Trump’s threats could risk severing U.S. ties with Europe 06:15 Unlikely Trump will take Greenland militarily 06:45 Everything Trump is doing now is bad politics 08:15 Latin American exiles in south Florida create a feedback loop for Trump 09:00 What should be America’s role in the world? 10:45 Trump is not and has never been a multilateralist 11:30 Trump doesn’t care about NATO or see Russia as a threat 12:15 Consensus on America’s role in the world has collapsed 13:15 Free trade has been weaponized domestically in America 14:15 Domestic exhaustion in America with leadership rule 15:30 America is operating without a grand foreign policy strategy 16:30 The “primacy” strategy doesn’t apply now that China is a peer competitor 17:30 The rules based order hasn’t tamed China, Russia or Iran 18:15 Isolationism creates security vacuums that rarely stay empty 19:00 Nationalism assumes you can separate from the rest of the world 19:15 Trumpism is a mix of all of the above, but up to Trump’s whims 21:15 China is a competitor & nothing the U.S. does can change that 22:15 Trump wants to remake Venezuelan, Iranian and Cuban society 23:15 U.S. still most powerful country and China couldn’t create global alliance 25:45 Free trade, security & innovation trump protectionism 27:45 The Indo-Pacific will be the theatre of great power competition 28:30 America doesn’t get to choose whether it shapes the world 29:15 U.S. allies are hedging 30:00 Presidential candidates need to lay out strategy for US role in the world 33:00 Memo argues Democrats shouldn't fall for the “Abolish ICE” messaging 34:30 ICE training has been reduced from 5 months to 6 weeks 35:15 Dems should run on plan to reform and retrain ICE 36:30 Democrats need to learn from the “defund the police” mistake 38:30 The issue isn’t ICE, it’s who’s in charge of it & their recruiting 40:00 If you get rid of ICE you’ll need a similar agency to replace it 40:45 ICE will become a wedge issue in primary elections 46:30 Iran clears airspace, U.S. attack imminent? 48:00 Ask Chuck 48:15 Why do you think Mississippi could become politically competitive? 51:45 ICE’s actions in Minnesota don’t feel like training issues? 54:15 If Dems win both chambers what are the chances of martial law? 1:01:15 If Europe put a blockade around Greenland, would we still attack? 1:05:30 Why do Americans find the far-left more repugnant than the far-right? 1:10:00 Concerned the market shrugged at threats to Fed independence? 1:15:00 Sports updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2026

As the country hurtles toward the 2026 midterms, Chuck Todd breaks down why winning in this moment may be more about margins than movements—and why messaging is about to get brutally hard. With a fragmented, exhausted electorate and a president acting emboldened despite weak political standing, Democrats face a defining choice: run as resistance to Donald Trump or position themselves as problem-solvers ready to turn the page. History suggests forward-looking messages work best, especially with independents who vote in self-interest and are tired of constant political warfare, even as Trump continues to dominate GOP primaries and sideline Congress. The conversation also looks at why Republicans’ razor-thin majority leaves them unable to govern, how Trump’s grip on the party could backfire in a general election, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about putting the Senate in play—with strong recruiting wins and favorable midterm math. New polling on the Renee Good shooting and ICE shows Trump-aligned tactics playing poorly outside the MAGA base, particularly with independents and women, underscoring just how volatile—and opportunity-rich—the political landscape could be heading into 2026. Then, Jon Slavet, a tech entrepreneur and Republican candidate for California governor, joins the Chuck ToddCast to discuss why he's entering one of the nation's most challenging political races. Slavet argues that while national politics dominates headlines, state and local governance has far more impact on people's daily lives—yet California's local politics receives inadequate attention despite intense interest from outsiders. He advocates for radical transparency in government, criticizing the use of NDAs in taxpayer-funded projects and calling out the influence of union spending. Addressing his controversial pursuit of Trump's endorsement despite never voting for him, Slavet positions himself as someone who sees Trump as an effective disrupter but not a builder, and he aligns with the administration on housing policy, particularly prioritizing temporary shelter over California's $1 million-per-unit permanent housing approach. Running as a Republican in deep-blue California, Slavet believes the state's pleasant weather has masked serious problems affecting middle and lower-income residents while the wealthy thrive. He proposes declaring an "affordability emergency" on day one, scrapping the high-speed rail project, and using AI to root out the billions lost to waste and fraud in California's healthcare system. Slavet defends his decision to run as a Republican rather than an independent, arguing that party identification remains essential for effectiveness despite his moderate positions on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. He contends that polls show half of Californians would support the "right kind" of Republican, and he's betting his business success and willingness to challenge both parties' orthodoxies will resonate with voters frustrated by the state's affordability crisis and regulatory burdens on small businesses. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 championship winning Miami Hurricanes football teams & answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:45 Messaging will be incredibly difficult in this political environment 04:15 If Dems only win house, it will be considered a partial rebuke of Trump 05:15 Trump is weak politically but acting like he has a ton of capital 06:00 Trump feels emboldened to play “Risk” with the world 06:45 Administration will likely back off investigation into Jay Powell 08:00 Talking to a fragmented and exhausted electorate will be tough 09:15 Elections are always won on the margins, not just by the base 10:30 Analysts project their preferences onto the electorate & swing voters 11:30 What is the most effective way to win elections in 2026? 12:30 Democrats will have to balance accountability vs. forward facing 14:15 “Would you work with Donald Trump?” a defining question for Dems 16:15 Dems have to decide whether they are resistance or problem solvers 18:00 History suggests forward looking messages are more effective 19:00 Most voters vote in self-interest, not for the greater good 19:45 After 10 years of Trump, the public is exhausted by politics 20:45 "Turn the page” messaging may appeal to independents 22:30 GOP primaries will be all about Trump, but cause problem in general 24:00 Trump can break ideological rules other Republicans can’t 25:00 GOP majority is so narrow they can’t really govern 25:45 Trump is increasingly uninterested in working with congress 27:15 “Vote GOP to stop impeachment” isn’t enough to woo swing voters 28:00 Growing number of R’s uncomfortable with Trump’s actions 28:45 Dems got a huge recruiting victory in Alaska with Mary Peltola 30:30 Peltola puts Alaska in play, making senate control more possible 31:45 Sherrod Brown has won in midterm years in Ohio 33:15 Democrats much further along in putting senate in play 34:30 Historically the party out of power picks up 4 seats, Dems need 4 36:30 Majority of Americans say Renee Good shooting not justified 37:15 Majority of independents & women say it was unjustified 38:15 82% of respondents were aware of the Renee Good shooting 39:15 57% disapprove of ICE 40:30 ICE + Minneapolis not playing well outside MAGA base 41:30 Kristi Noem is an easy scapegoat, could get dumped 49:00 Jon Slavet joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:45 Why enter politics and run for governor of California? 52:30 It’s fraught & dangerous to run for office in this political climate 53:15 National politics get attention, state & local more impactful 54:45 Serious lack of attention to local politics in California 56:00 There’s a ton of interest in California from people outside it 57:15 NDA’s should not be allowed in taxpayer funded projects 58:45 Major government discussions need more transparency in CA 59:15 Unions raise $1B in CA and spend $300 on political donations 1:00:00 Why seek Trump’s endorsement after not voting for him 3x? 1:01:15 Trump is good as a disrupter but not as a builder 1:02:00 Where do you agree with Trump on policy? 1:02:30 HUD’s new policy prioritizes temporary, not permanent housing 1:03:30 Permanent housing for homeless costs $1M per unit in CA 1:05:00 The priority should be getting homeless into temp housing ASAP 1:06:00 Could you have been as successful in a state other than CA? 1:07:15 California’s great weather masks many of its problems 1:08:30 Tech doesn’t suffer from regulatory issues like other industries 1:09:15 Middle & lower income Californians are suffering, rich doing great 1:11:30 Half of California’s work for small businesses that are overtaxed 1:14:00 Where will you find the money to fund your proposals? 1:14:30 California should scrap the high speed rail to nowhere 1:15:30 Jon would declare an affordability emergency on day 1 1:17:00 California’s healthcare costs $160B, Medicare fraud is 10–15% 1:18:30 AI can be used to root out waste, fraud and abuse in state budget 1:20:00 Californians pay huge taxes on fuel & energy 1:21:30 Why run as a Republican and not an independent? 1:23:00 We should be way beyond the same-sex marriage debate 1:24:00 Abortion is settled law in California 1:25:30 Why Jon was against Prop 50 in California 1:26:30 Gerrymandering is terrible for democracy 1:28:15 Running as independent isn’t effective, people identify w/ parties 1:29:45 The race will be a Trump referendum, how does a Republican win? 1:31:30 Polls show half of CA will vote for the “right kind” of Republican 1:32:45 CA has had plenty of billionaires run & fail to win elections 1:35:00 Has Silicon Valley been regulated enough? 1:36:15 AI boom has been critical for San Francisco’s comeback 1:37:45 Would you ban social media for kids under 16? 1:39:30 Would you ban phones in schools? 1:40:15 How do you convince CA voters the wealth tax is a bad idea? 1:42:15 How would you work in a bipartisan manner with Dem state house? 1:45:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Jon Slavet 1:45:30 There’s a lack of star power in CA governor race 1:46:15 ToddCast Top 5 Miami Hurricanes football teams if ’25 team wins title 1:49:00 #1 2001 1:51:00 #2 1987 1:52:30 #3 1993 1:54:00 #4 1983 1:55:00 #5 2025 1:58:30 Ask Chuck 1:58:45 In today’s climate would it benefit a candidate to avoid negative ads? 2:02:15 Are traditional Republicans missing a chance to push back on Trump? 2:09:15 Did Biden cater too much to the far left & hurt appeal with swing voters? 2:11:15 How is public media likely to continue on? 2:13:45 Can Democrats make Mississippi competitive? 2:19:30 Are we still capable of recognizing normalization of democratic collapse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

Jon Slavet, a tech entrepreneur and Republican candidate for California governor, joins the Chuck ToddCast to discuss why he's entering one of the nation's most challenging political races. Slavet argues that while national politics dominates headlines, state and local governance has far more impact on people's daily lives—yet California's local politics receives inadequate attention despite intense interest from outsiders. He advocates for radical transparency in government, criticizing the use of NDAs in taxpayer-funded projects and calling out the influence of union spending. Addressing his controversial pursuit of Trump's endorsement despite never voting for him, Slavet positions himself as someone who sees Trump as an effective disrupter but not a builder, and he aligns with the administration on housing policy, particularly prioritizing temporary shelter over California's $1 million-per-unit permanent housing approach. Running as a Republican in deep-blue California, Slavet believes the state's pleasant weather has masked serious problems affecting middle and lower-income residents while the wealthy thrive. He proposes declaring an "affordability emergency" on day one, scrapping the high-speed rail project, and using AI to root out the billions lost to waste and fraud in California's healthcare system. Slavet defends his decision to run as a Republican rather than an independent, arguing that party identification remains essential for effectiveness despite his moderate positions on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. He contends that polls show half of Californians would support the "right kind" of Republican, and he's betting his business success and willingness to challenge both parties' orthodoxies will resonate with voters frustrated by the state's affordability crisis and regulatory burdens on small businesses. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Jon Slavet joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:45 Why enter politics and run for governor of California? 03:30 It’s fraught & dangerous to run for office in this political climate 04:15 National politics get attention, state & local more impactful 05:45 Serious lack of attention to local politics in California 07:00 There’s a ton of interest in California from people outside it 08:15 NDA’s should not be allowed in taxpayer funded projects 09:45 Major government discussions need more transparency in CA 10:15 Unions raise $1B in CA and spend $300 on political donations 11:00 Why seek Trump’s endorsement after not voting for him 3x? 12:15 Trump is good as a disrupter but not as a builder 13:00 Where do you agree with Trump on policy? 13:30 HUD’s new policy prioritizes temporary, not permanent housing 14:30 Permanent housing for homeless costs $1M per unit in CA 16:00 The priority should be getting homeless into temp housing ASAP 17:00 Could you have been as successful in a state other than CA? 18:15 California’s great weather masks many of its problems  19:30 Tech doesn’t suffer from regulatory issues like other industries 20:15 Middle & lower income California’s are suffering, rich doing great 22:30 Half of California’s work for small businesses that are overtaxed 25:00 Where will you find the money to fund your proposals? 25:30 California should scrap the high speed rail to nowhere 26:30 Jon would declare an affordability emergency on day 1 28:00 California’s healthcare costs $160B, Medicare fraud is 10-15% 29:30 AI can be used to root out waste, fraud and abuse in state budget 31:00 Californians pay huge taxes on fuel & energy 32:30 Why run as a Republican and not an independent? 34:00 We should be way beyond the same-sex marriage debate 35:00 Abortion is settled law in California  36:30 Why Jon was against Prop 50 in California 37:30 Gerrymandering is terrible for democracy 39:15 Running as independent isn’t effective, people identify w/parties 40:45 The race will be a Trump referendum, how does a Republican win? 42:30 Polls show half of CA will vote for the “right kind” of Republican 43:45 CA has had plenty of billionaires run & fail to win elections 46:00 Has Silicon Valley been regulated enough? 47:15 AI boom has been critical for San Francisco’s comeback 48:45 Would you ban social media for kids under 16? 50:30 Would you ban phones in schools? 51:15 How do you convince CA voters the wealth tax is a bad idea? 53:15 How would you work in a bipartisan manner with Dem state house?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

As the country hurtles toward the 2026 midterms, Chuck Todd breaks down why winning in this moment may be more about margins than movements—and why messaging is about to get brutally hard. With a fragmented, exhausted electorate and a president acting emboldened despite weak political standing, Democrats face a defining choice: run as resistance to Donald Trump or position themselves as problem-solvers ready to turn the page. History suggests forward-looking messages work best, especially with independents who vote in self-interest and are tired of constant political warfare, even as Trump continues to dominate GOP primaries and sideline Congress. The conversation also looks at why Republicans’ razor-thin majority leaves them unable to govern, how Trump’s grip on the party could backfire in a general election, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about putting the Senate in play—with strong recruiting wins and favorable midterm math. New polling on the Renee Good shooting and ICE shows Trump-aligned tactics playing poorly outside the MAGA base, particularly with independents and women, underscoring just how volatile—and opportunity-rich—the political landscape could be heading into 2026. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 championship winning Miami Hurricanes football teams & answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 1:30 Messaging will be incredibly difficult in this political environment 2:00 If Dems only win house, it will be considered a partial rebuke of Trump 3:00 Trump is weak politically but acting like he has a ton of capital 3:45 Trump feels emboldened to play “Risk” with the world 4:30 Administration will likely back off investigation into Jay Powell 5:45 Talking to a fragmented and exhausted electorate will be tough 7:00 Elections are always won on the margins, not just by the base 8:15 Analysts project their preferences onto the electorate & swing voters 9:15 What is the most effective way to win elections in 2026? 10:15 Democrats will have to balance accountability vs. forward facing 12:00 “Would you work with Donald Trump?” a defining question for Dems 14:00 Dems have to decide whether they are resistance or problem solvers 15:45 History suggests forward looking messages are more effective 16:45 Most voters vote in self-interest, not for the greater good 17:30 After 10 years of Trump, the public is exhausted by politics 18:30 “Turn the page” messaging may appeal to independents 20:15 GOP primaries will be all about Trump, but cause problem in general 21:45 Trump can break ideological rules other Republicans can’t 22:45 GOP majority is so narrow they can’t really govern 23:30 Trump is increasingly uninterested in working with congress 25:00 “Vote GOP to stop impeachment” isn’t enough to woo swing voters 25:45 Growing number of R’s uncomfortable with Trump’s actions 26:30 Dems got a huge recruiting victory in Alaska with Mary Peltola 28:15 Peltola puts Alaska in play, making senate control more possible 29:30 Sherrod Brown has won in midterm years in Ohio 31:00 Democrats much further along in putting senate in play 32:15 Historically the party out of power picks up 4 seats, Dems need 4 34:15 Majority of Americans say Renee Good shooting not justified 35:00 Majority of independents & women say it was unjustified 36:00 82% of respondents were aware of the Renee Good shooting 37:00 57% disapprove of ICE 38:15 ICE + Minneapolis not playing well outside MAGA base 39:15 Kristi Noem is an easy scapegoat, could get dumped 47:00 ToddCast Top 5 Miami Hurricanes football teams if 25’ team wins title 49:45 #1 2001 51:45 #2 1987 53:15 #3 1993 54:45 #4 1983 55:45 #5 2025 59:15 Ask Chuck 59:30 In today’s climate would it benefit a candidate to avoid negative ads? 1:03:00 Are traditional Republicans missing a chance to push back on Trump? 1:10:00 Did Biden cater too much to the far left & hurt appeal with swing voters? 1:12:00 How is public media likely to continue on? 1:14:30 Can Democrats make Mississippi competitive? 1:20:15 Are we still capable of recognizing normalization of democratic collapse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi joins Chuck Todd to break down what the numbers actually say about the U.S. economy—and why the headline optimism may be masking deeper problems. Zandi explains how upcoming tax refunds and delayed tax cuts will temporarily juice growth, even as that stimulus is entirely deficit-financed. Interest rate cuts are likely coming, but cautiously, and while AI stocks are soaring, the broader market is barely treading water. Beneath the surface, job creation has stalled, manufacturing jobs are shrinking under tariffs, and deportations aren’t translating into more employment for native-born workers as many expected. The conversation widens to a fragile global outlook, with Trump-era protectionism accelerating deglobalization and reshaping trade, housing, and labor markets. Zandi details why college-educated workers are now seeing the sharpest rise in unemployment, how AI skills will define the next generation of jobs, and why renting often makes more sense than buying right now. Looking ahead to 2026, he warns of elevated geopolitical and financial-system risks, an AI-driven stock market that could be vulnerable to a correction, GDP growth likely under 3%, and a job market that may struggle to grow at all. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Mark Zandi joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 What do the numbers say about the state of the economy? 02:00 Big Beautiful Bill tax cuts about to start showing up 02:45 Tax refunds will add juice to the economy 03:30 All the “juice” is deficit financed and will only be temporary 04:30 Interest rates cuts likely to be cautious but will continue 05:45 AI stocks on fire, rest of the stocks are just up slightly 07:30 The economy isn’t creating any jobs despite investment 08:15 Job creation flatlined after “Liberation Day” 09:30 Manufacturing has been losing jobs due to tariffs 10:45 Are deportations creating more jobs for native born workers? 11:30 Jobs normally taken by foreign born workers aren’t being filled 12:45 Companies aren’t laying off, they’re just not hiring new employees 14:00 Trade deficit reportedly down, but is that actually a good thing? 14:45 Imports of pharmaceuticals have collapsed due to tariffs 15:30 Tariffs haven’t actually addressed the trade deficit 17:00 Tariff revenue shows the stated tariff rates aren’t holding true 18:15 Will the K-shaped economy continue through 2026? 19:45 Economy is affecting different income groups wildly different 21:00 Partisans believe economy is better depending on who is president 22:15 How do you price in Trump taking Greenland & ending NATO? 23:00 Economies around the world are in a similar, fragile place like the U.S. 24:00 The U.S. is rapidly pulling away from the rest of the world 25:00 Trump’s protectionism has been contagious to other countries 26:15 The world is preparing for a deglobalization 28:15 China hasn’t really taken advantage of U.S. global retreat 29:00 Countries that embrace immigration are the most successful 30:00 No country benefited more from globalization than China 31:45 USMCA has to be renegotiated, will probably remain status quo 34:00 Job market for new college graduates is very tough 34:45 Rise in unemployment is almost exclusively college educated 35:45 Proficiency in AI will be critical in future jobs 36:45 Classical higher education could make a comeback 38:45 Home ownership is unaffordable for many Americans 39:30 It’s better to rent than to buy in this market 40:30 There’s not a lot of buyers for prospective home sellers 41:15 Raising the capital gains exclusion could generate more sellers 43:45 There’s a chance the GOP could lose house majority before November 44:15 What risks that could upend the economy that concern you the most? 45:00 Geopolitical risk is very elevated 45:30 Stock market being buoyed by AI, could be ripe for correction 47:00 If there’s a major problem it will be in the financial system 47:30 If an AI company defaults, it could change the psychology of lenders 49:45 GDP growth will be under 3% in 2026 50:45 Will be tough to imagine positive job growth in 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

In this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd digs into a growing sense of unease shared across the political spectrum, as 2026 looms as a “year of living dangerously” at home and abroad. From mass migration, rising nationalism, and AI-driven economic fear to flashpoints in Venezuela, Iran, and beyond, the conversation explores why so many global and domestic headlines feel like potential tipping points. Chuck argues the world is less stable—and America more divided—under Donald Trump, whose administration he says views chaos and division as sources of power rather than problems to solve. The episode draws stark parallels between the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the Ruby Ridge standoff, examining how the rush to control narratives, the politicization of law enforcement, and the erosion of civil liberties can fracture public trust. The warning is sobering: America may ultimately be okay, but right now it’s a tinderbox—and a country that fails to protect the rights of its own citizens risks losing its moral authority everywhere else. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit Woodrow Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” speech that laid out the vision for the 20th century world order & warns that retreating from it could be devastating for both the United State & the world. He also answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment & previews the national championship between Indiana & Miami. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:30 People on both sides of the aisle worried if we’ll be ok 07:00 2026 will be the “year of living dangerously” 07:45 We are in uncharted waters and don’t know where it’s headed 09:30 Mass migration has led to rising nationalism in USA & Europe 10:00 Globalization caused a sense of displacement 11:00 AI will create even more fear than globalization 12:15 The political response to economic anxiety has failed 14:00 We still don’t know what will happen with Venezuela 14:30 Iranian regime likely will fall in 2026 15:45 It’s clear Trump has no plan for Venezuela 17:30 Latin America is deeply skeptical of American power 19:00 Every headline feels like a tipping point 20:00 Trump could take military action against many countries 20:30 The world is less safe because Donald Trump is president 21:45 Trump admin believes division bolsters their power 23:00 On social media, it feels like America is on the brink of civil war 24:00 America feels like a tinderbox 25:45 ICE is being trained to treat citizens as threats, not constituents 27:30 Law enforcement is supposed to be a deescalator  30:15 We’ve been living through a “vote against” political roller coaster 32:00 Voters don’t like chaos, & Trump is neither calm or stable 33:00 Elements of the American right have given up on democracy 34:15 America will eventually be ok, but is not ok in this moment 34:45 The sparks of military clash are burning around the world 37:00 Parallels between Ruby Ridge standoff & Minneapolis ICE shooting 39:15 A confrontation occurred between Weaver’s son & law enforcement 40:00 FBI sniper shot Weaver’s wife while holding her baby 40:30 Unlike Minneapolis, government held investigations after Ruby Ridge 41:30 Ruby Ridge led to militia formations & deep state conspiracies 42:15 Administration tried to solidify narrative before facts in Minneapolis 44:00 The left sees Renee Good as a victim, the right sees justification 45:00 The Trump administration has politicized the rule of law 46:00 If U.S. doesn’t respect rights of its citizens, it can’t take moral high ground 52:45 ToddCast Time Machine – January 8th, 1918 53:30 Woodrow Wilson lays out blueprint for 20th century world order 54:15 America tried to shape the world with ideas, not empire 55:30 Wilson’s Fourteen Points speech rejected premise that caused WW1 57:00 Wilson advances transparency, diplomacy & idealistic foreign policy 58:00 Wilson calls for economic interdependence & free trade 59:00 Wilson proposes self-determination over empires 1:00:15 Some American conservatives have rejected Wilsonianism for 100 years 1:01:45 Wilson wanted America’s role to be an arbiter, not a conqueror 1:02:45 In 1919, Wilson’s vision was confronted by power politics 1:03:30 The U.S. proposes the League of Nations but doesn’t join it 1:04:15 Every global geopolitical debate traces back to Wilson’s speech 1:05:30 The post WW2 world order benefitted America, & it’s falling apart 1:07:00 Ask Chuck 1:07:45 Reaction to the ICE shooting in Minneapolis? 1:09:15 Why hasn’t the US taken action to remove the leader of Haiti? 1:13:45 Could Rahm Emmanuel beat Gavin Newsom for Dem nomination? 1:17:00 Would an attack on Colombia be a mistake for the Trump administration? 1:23:00 Miami vs Indiana national championship previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

In this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck Todd digs into a growing sense of unease shared across the political spectrum, as 2026 looms as a “year of living dangerously” at home and abroad. From mass migration, rising nationalism, and AI-driven economic fear to flashpoints in Venezuela, Iran, and beyond, the conversation explores why so many global and domestic headlines feel like potential tipping points. Chuck argues the world is less stable—and America more divided—under Donald Trump, whose administration he says views chaos and division as sources of power rather than problems to solve. The episode draws stark parallels between the Minneapolis ICE shooting and the Ruby Ridge standoff, examining how the rush to control narratives, the politicization of law enforcement, and the erosion of civil liberties can fracture public trust. The warning is sobering: America may ultimately be okay, but right now it’s a tinderbox—and a country that fails to protect the rights of its own citizens risks losing its moral authority everywhere else. Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi joins Chuck Todd to break down what the numbers actually say about the U.S. economy—and why the headline optimism may be masking deeper problems. Zandi explains how upcoming tax refunds and delayed tax cuts will temporarily juice growth, even as that stimulus is entirely deficit-financed. Interest rate cuts are likely coming, but cautiously, and while AI stocks are soaring, the broader market is barely treading water. Beneath the surface, job creation has stalled, manufacturing jobs are shrinking under tariffs, and deportations aren’t translating into more employment for native-born workers as many expected. The conversation widens to a fragile global outlook, with Trump-era protectionism accelerating deglobalization and reshaping trade, housing, and labor markets. Zandi details why college-educated workers are now seeing the sharpest rise in unemployment, how AI skills will define the next generation of jobs, and why renting often makes more sense than buying right now. Looking ahead to 2026, he warns of elevated geopolitical and financial-system risks, an AI-driven stock market that could be vulnerable to a correction, GDP growth likely under 3%, and a job market that may struggle to grow at all. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit Woodrow Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” speech that laid out the vision for the 20th century world order & warns that retreating from it could be devastating for both the United State & the world. He also answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment & previews the national championship between Indiana & Miami. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:30 People on both sides of the aisle worried if we’ll be ok 07:00 2026 will be the “year of living dangerously” 07:45 We are in uncharted waters and don’t know where it’s headed 09:30 Mass migration has led to rising nationalism in USA & Europe 10:00 Globalization caused a sense of displacement 11:00 AI will create even more fear than globalization 12:15 The political response to economic anxiety has failed 14:00 We still don’t know what will happen with Venezuela 14:30 Iranian regime likely will fall in 2026 15:45 It’s clear Trump has no plan for Venezuela 17:30 Latin America is deeply skeptical of American power 19:00 Every headline feels like a tipping point 20:00 Trump could take military action against many countries 20:30 The world is less safe because Donald Trump is president 21:45 Trump admin believes division bolsters their power 23:00 On social media, it feels like America is on the brink of civil war 24:00 America feels like a tinderbox 25:45 ICE is being trained to treat citizens as threats, not constituents 27:30 Law enforcement is supposed to be a deescalator  30:15 We’ve been living through a “vote against” political roller coaster 32:00 Voters don’t like chaos, & Trump is neither calm or stable 33:00 Elements of the American right have given up on democracy 34:15 America will eventually be ok, but is not ok in this moment 34:45 The sparks of military clash are burning around the world 37:00 Parallels between Ruby Ridge standoff & Minneapolis ICE shooting 39:15 A confrontation occurred between Weaver’s son & law enforcement 40:00 FBI sniper shot Weaver’s wife while holding her baby 40:30 Unlike Minneapolis, government held investigations after Ruby Ridge 41:30 Ruby Ridge led to militia formations & deep state conspiracies 42:15 Administration tried to solidify narrative before facts in Minneapolis 44:00 The left sees Renee Good as a victim, the right sees justification 45:00 The Trump administration has politicized the rule of law 46:00 If U.S. doesn’t respect rights of its citizens, it can’t take moral high ground 53:15 Mark Zandi joins the Chuck ToddCast 54:30 What do the numbers say about the state of the economy? 55:15 Big Beautiful Bill tax cuts about to start showing up 56:00 Tax refunds will add juice to the economy 56:45 All the “juice” is deficit financed and will only be temporary 57:45 Interest rates cuts likely to be cautious but will continue 59:00 AI stocks on fire, rest of the stocks are just up slightly 1:00:45 The economy isn’t creating any jobs despite investment 1:01:30 Job creation flatlined after “Liberation Day” 1:02:45 Manufacturing has been losing jobs due to tariffs 1:04:00 Are deportations creating more jobs for native born workers? 1:04:45 Jobs normally taken by foreign born workers aren’t being filled 1:06:00 Companies aren’t laying off, they’re just not hiring new employees 1:07:15 Trade deficit reportedly down, but is that actually a good thing? 1:08:00 Imports of pharmaceuticals have collapsed due to tariffs 1:08:45 Tariffs haven’t actually addressed the trade deficit 1:10:15 Tariff revenue shows the stated tariff rates aren’t holding true 1:11:30 Will the K-shaped economy continue through 2026? 1:13:00 Economy is affecting different income groups wildly different 1:14:15 Partisans believe economy is better depending on who is president 1:15:30 How do you price in Trump taking Greenland & ending NATO? 1:16:15 Economies around the world are in a similar, fragile place like the U.S. 1:17:15 The U.S. is rapidly pulling away from the rest of the world 1:18:15 Trump’s protectionism has been contagious to other countries 1:19:30 The world is preparing for a deglobalization 1:21:30 China hasn’t really taken advantage of U.S. global retreat 1:22:15 Countries that embrace immigration are the most successful 1:23:15 No country benefited more from globalization than China 1:25:00 USMCA has to be renegotiated, will probably remain status quo 1:27:15 Job market for new college graduates is very tough 1:28:00 Rise in unemployment is almost exclusively college educated 1:29:00 Proficiency in AI will be critical in future jobs 1:30:00 Classical higher education could make a comeback 1:32:00 Home ownership is unaffordable for many Americans 1:32:45 It’s better to rent than to buy in this market 1:33:45 There’s not a lot of buyers for prospective home sellers 1:34:30 Raising the capital gains exclusion could generate more sellers 1:37:00 There’s a chance the GOP could lose house majority before November 1:37:30 What risks that could upend the economy that concern you the most? 1:38:15 Geopolitical risk is very elevated 1:38:45 Stock market being buoyed by AI, could be ripe for correction 1:40:15 If there’s a major problem it will be in the financial system 1:40:45 If an AI company defaults, it could change the psychology of lenders 1:43:00 GDP growth will be under 3% in 2026 1:44:00 Will be tough to imagine positive job growth in 2026 1:46:15 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Mark Zandi 1:47:00 ToddCast Time Machine – January 8th, 1918 1:47:45 Woodrow Wilson lays out blueprint for 20th century world order 1:48:30 America tried to shape the world with ideas, not empire 1:49:45 Wilson’s Fourteen Points speech rejected premise that caused WW1 1:51:15 Wilson advances transparency, diplomacy & idealistic foreign policy 1:52:15 Wilson calls for economic interdependence & free trade 1:53:15 Wilson proposes self-determination over empires 1:54:30 Some American conservatives have rejected Wilsonianism for 100 years 1:56:00 Wilson wanted America’s role to be an arbiter, not a conqueror 1:57:00 In 1919, Wilson’s vision was confronted by power politics 1:57:45 The U.S. proposes the League of Nations but doesn’t join it 1:58:30 Every global geopolitical debate traces back to Wilson’s speech 1:59:45 The post-WW2 world order benefitted America, & it’s falling apart 2:01:15 Ask Chuck 2:02:00 Reaction to the ICE shooting in Minneapolis? 2:03:30 Why hasn’t the US taken action to remove the leader of Haiti? 2:08:00 Could Rahm Emanuel beat Gavin Newsom for Dem nomination? 2:11:15 Would an attack on Colombia be a mistake for the Trump administration? 2:17:15 Miami vs Indiana national championship previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines the deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis and the political, moral, and institutional failures surrounding it. As the administration rushes to rationalize the killing rather than investigate it—despite video evidence and eyewitness accounts that contradict its narrative—Chuck unpacks how DHS rhetoric, recruitment tactics, and targeted ICE deployments appear designed to provoke confrontation and fuel fear. The conversation moves beyond partisan lines to ask what accountability should look like when federal power is used this way, why affected communities are unlikely to trust the investigation, and how the tragedy is being exploited as propaganda. Ultimately, Chuck argues this moment reveals both the fragility and resilience of American democracy, the political danger facing Republicans, and why “whataboutism” has become one of the most corrosive forces in our national discourse. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction on ICE shooting in Minneapolis 01:00 Nobody in administration wants to investigate ICE shooting 02:15 J.D. Vance just idly speculated that ICE was in the right 04:15 DHS recruiting has a militaristic undertone 06:00 DHS has used propaganda to fuel rage in ICE recruits 07:15 Administration is rationalizing the death rather than lamenting it 08:30 There’s an intentionality to which cities are targeted by ICE 09:45 Administration is trying to create confrontation in order to crack down 10:30 This isn’t about left vs. right, it’s about right vs. wrong 11:30 Video contradicts Kristi Noem’s version of events, Tom Homan backtracks 12:15 Police forces don’t normally jump to conclusions 14:15 Campaign to demonize Somalis in Minneapolis led to ICE deployment 15:30 Deployments are meant to maximize, not minimize exposure for raids 16:30 Feds taking control of investigation, community won’t believe outcome 18:00 Administration is using woman’s death as a piece of propaganda 19:00 Trump is acting like his time is running out & he can do what he wants 20:15 No eyewitness accounts match story admin is telling 22:15 Republicans are in huge trouble politically 23:15 American democracy is both fragile and strong 25:00 Admin doesn’t have credibility to provide trustworthy investigation 27:30 ICE needs new leadership and a better code of conduct 29:15 Government is looking to exploit the difficulty in trying to find truth 30:30 Public is supportive of some of Trump’s goals, but appalled by tactics 32:30 Trump doesn’t tolerate any disagreement from within the GOP 35:00 The worst virus in American politics is “Whataboutism”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2026

Chuck Todd is on vacation but the fresh content keeps coming! Chuck empties the 2025 mailbag and answers a variety of listeners’ questions regarding media, politics, history and sports.   If you’d like to ask Chuck a question, shoot us an email at AskChuck@thechucktoddcast.com   Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!   Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:45 As a network on public airwaves, shouldn’t CBS News be neutral? 09:00 How should public figures react to being the targets of satire? 15:00 Why is there a mass exodus of staff from the Heritage Foundation? 18:30 Thoughts on the infusion of prediction markets with political coverage? 23:15 How long does it take for a presidential term to become irrelevant? 30:30 What if Biden stuck with 1 term promise and reformed the presidency? 35:15 What if Russia never sold Alaska to the United States? 38:00 Was the country really united in grief over Garfield’s passing? 42:30 Thoughts on LeBron episode? Magic Johnson should be in GOAT debate 45:15 What one word would you use to describe the year ahead? 49:15 Why don’t we see monopoly concerns over the trading card market? 53:30 Any book recommendations to help understand Roy Cohn? 57:00 Miami’s connection to the cold war portrayed in “Covert City”? 58:30 How does it feel to be an independent journalist after years with NBC? 59:30 Are more people “seeing the light” as MAGA’s coalition cracks? 1:00:45 What are your takeaways from interviewing Andy Beshear? 1:06:00 How did you become a Packers fan after growing up in Miami?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2026

Chuck Todd is on vacation but the fresh content keeps coming! Chuck empties the 2025 mailbag and answers a variety of listeners’ questions focused on politics & policy, the future of Trump & MAGA, and naturally… one on his beloved Green Bay Packers.   If you’d like to ask Chuck a question, shoot us an email at AskChuck@thechucktoddcast.com Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:30 The need for real fiscal reform to try to tackle the national debt? 06:15 Anyone in MAGA that could reunite the two wings of the GOP? 13:30 Would the ACA receive the same blowback if Romney was president? 18:00 Sources to track the Talarico vs. Crockett race in Texas? 22:30 Will Republicans make trans rights a central issue in 2026? 26:30 Will flawed AI content moderation become a bigger issue? 32:15 How could the Trump administration try to rig the 2026 election? 36:30 Thoughts on proposed constitutional amendments? 44:00 Is it a zero-sum game between legacy & independent media? 52:30 Concerns with the Packers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

Jonathan Martin, the politics bureau chief and senior political columnist at POLITICO joins the Chuck ToddCast to walk through his bold predictions for the political landscape heading into 2026, starting with the idea that Donald Trump’s second term is less about governing and more about validation, legacy, and self-mythmaking. The conversation explores Trump as a pop-culture figure obsessed with monuments, family dynasty, and loyalty—rather than policy—along with why the country proved vulnerable to a political huckster in the first place. Martin breaks down why a Supreme Court vacancy could reshape the cycle, why GOP turnout may sag without Trump on the ballot, and which Senate races—from Nebraska to Florida to Ohio—could unexpectedly come into play. The episode also looks ahead to the fault lines inside both parties: potential Trump family bids, early jockeying for the post-Trump GOP, and Democratic candidates who may help—or hurt—their own chances. Martin weighs in on foreign policy flashpoints that could define the next two years, from Iran to Venezuela to Trump’s transactional approach with China, as well as internal administration instability and cabinet shakeups. Plus, sharp takes on approval ratings, California’s unsettled political bench, why political dynasties still matter, and—because it wouldn’t be a Chuck Todd conversation without it—a few college football predictions to close things out. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Jonathan Martin joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:15 Of his 16 predictions for 2026, which ones stood out the most? 03:00 Trump’s second term is a victory lap, more about validation 04:00 Trump is obsessed with building monuments to himself 05:30 Trump doesn’t take the job seriously 07:30 Trump will likely slap his name on the memorial bridge 08:00 Trump is most like Teddy Roosevelt 09:15 Trump is more a pop culture archetype than a political one 10:00 The country turned out to be vulnerable to a huckster 10:30 Prediction of a Supreme Court seat coming open in 2026 11:30 Alito more likely to retire than Thomas 12:45 By October, it will be clear that senate is in play 14:00 Nebraska Dems cleared field for Dan Osborne 15:00 Trump not being on ballot could really suppress GOP turnout 16:30 Rumors that Don Jr. could run in Wyoming? 18:30 Folks in Jackson Hole with money always exploring political runs 19:15 Potential SCOTUS nominees if there’s a retirement? 20:45 The senate appointees from FL & OH get no traction 22:00 Paxton vs. Crockett would be a fascinating race in TX 22:45 Dems have a much better shot of winning in OH than TX 25:00 Biden could have cut deals with McConnell if government was split 26:15 Predictions on next country Trump hits with air strikes? 26:45 Regime in Iran could collapse in 2026 28:30 Netanyahu could be seen as most unstable force in middle east 29:30 Venezuela could become a huge political problem for Trump 31:30 In 1st term, leaks were about Trump, now they’re about cabinet 32:15 Kash Patel, Kristi Noem most likely to get booted from administration 34:30 GOP has political liabilities in Florida, senate race could be interesting 36:45 Could Jared Moskowitz be the wild card in the FL senate race? 37:30 Trump could be at 30% approval by Labor Day 38:15 Dem candidates that could hurt their chances by writing a book? 39:00 Without Covid, Buttigieg is likely the nominee in 2020 40:30 Newsom is easy to create a caricature of 41:30 Buttigieg is too smart to win in electoral politics 42:30 CA governor’s race field still doesn’t feel set 45:15 Swalwell can raise money, has backing from Pelosi 47:15 "Former mayor of SF” is a title that will sink you nationally 48:45 Ro Khanna avoids being associated with California 49:30 Which Republicans most likely to challenge Vance? 50:45 A Trump will be a candidate, Donald obsessed with family name in politics 52:00 Trump won’t just hand off his coalition to Vance 53:15 Trump wants to create a political dynasty 55:30 Trump will get cozy with China, then claim he averted WW3 56:30 College football predictionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck tackles one of the most consequential counterfactuals in modern history: what if 9/11 never happened? He explores how the attacks fundamentally altered the American psyche, shattered a post–Cold War sense of security, and transformed how Americans consume news, driving the demand for instant information and accelerating the technologies that now dominate our lives. The conversation examines how U.S. politics, foreign policy, and polarization might have evolved without the War on Terror—no Patriot Act, no Department of Homeland Security, no Iraq War—and whether the political forces that produced figures like Trump and Obama would have emerged at all. From global relationships with Russia and China to the delayed reckoning over economic inequality and partisan division, this episode traces the ripple effects of an event that reshaped everything, and asks what might have filled the vacuum if it had never occurred. Then, Jonathan Martin, the politics bureau chief and senior political columnist at POLITICO joins the Chuck ToddCast to walk through his bold predictions for the political landscape heading into 2026, starting with the idea that Donald Trump’s second term is less about governing and more about validation, legacy, and self-mythmaking. The conversation explores Trump as a pop-culture figure obsessed with monuments, family dynasty, and loyalty—rather than policy—along with why the country proved vulnerable to a political huckster in the first place. Martin breaks down why a Supreme Court vacancy could reshape the cycle, why GOP turnout may sag without Trump on the ballot, and which Senate races—from Nebraska to Florida to Ohio—could unexpectedly come into play. The episode also looks ahead to the fault lines inside both parties: potential Trump family bids, early jockeying for the post-Trump GOP, and Democratic candidates who may help—or hurt—their own chances. Martin weighs in on foreign policy flashpoints that could define the next two years, from Iran to Venezuela to Trump’s transactional approach with China, as well as internal administration instability and cabinet shakeups. Plus, sharp takes on approval ratings, California’s unsettled political bench, why political dynasties still matter, and—because it wouldn’t be a Chuck Todd conversation without it—a few college football predictions to close things out. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 “What if” 9/11 never happened? 03:45 9/11 changed how Americans consumed information 04:30 9/11 was the first true “hit” on the homeland 05:30 9/11 create a new sense of vulnerability in America 06:45 The trauma from 9/11 changed the American psyche 08:45 Prior to 9/11, America was living in a post cold-war calm 09:30 In 2000, the west was trying to court Russia into joining them 10:15 Both parties will bullish on integrating China into the world 11:45 Bush would have been more western hemisphere focused 12:45 Without 9/11, Washington would have been more polarized 13:45 The Bush presidency essentially began on 9/11 15:30 9/11 triggered a “need” for immediate information 16:30 Social media is created to provide immediate info 17:15 There’s no Patriot Act, Iraq war, War on Terror without 9/11 18:30 There would be no Department of Homeland Security 19:45 Homeland Security eventually became an immigration agency 21:45 The isolationist strain of MAGA may not materialize 23:15 Some of the responses to 9/11 led to rise of MAGA politics 25:00 9/11 created a new sense of urgency for following the news 26:15 9/11 sped up the adoption of new information technologies 28:15 Do we not have Trump or Obama without hyper-engaged politics? 29:00 John Kerry probably isn’t the nominee in 2004 without 9/11 30:30 What replaces 9/11 if it never happened? 30:45 Financial crisis still happens anyways 31:45 9/11 delayed the “uniparty reckoning” 32:45 Occupy Wall Street would supplant Tea Party as driving force in 2010 34:00 Without Iraq War, there’s less distinction between Clinton & Obama 35:30 9/11 delayed polarization, economic issues by a few years 37:30 “If 9/11 never happened” final conclusions 40:30 “What Ifs” left on the cutting room floor 49:00 Jonathan Martin joins the Chuck ToddCast 51:15 Of his 16 predictions for 2026, which ones stood out the most? 52:00 Trump’s second term is a victory lap, more about validation 53:00 Trump is obsessed with building monuments to himself 54:30 Trump doesn’t take the job seriously 56:30 Trump will likely slap his name on the memorial bridge 57:00 Trump is most like Teddy Roosevelt 58:15 Trump is more a pop culture archetype than a political one 59:00 The country turned out to be vulnerable to a huckster 59:30 Prediction of a Supreme Court seat coming open in 2026 1:00:30 Alito more likely to retire than Thomas 1:01:45 By October, it will be clear that senate is in play 1:03:00 Nebraska Dems cleared field for Dan Osborne 1:04:00 Trump not being on ballot could really suppress GOP turnout 1:05:30 Rumors that Don Jr. could run in Wyoming? 1:07:30 Folks in Jackson Hole with money always exploring political runs 1:08:15 Potential SCOTUS nominees if there’s a retirement? 1:09:45 The senate appointees from FL & OH get no traction 1:11:00 Paxton vs. Crockett would be a fascinating race in TX 1:11:45 Dems have a much better shot of winning in OH than TX 1:14:00 Biden could have cut deals with McConnell if government was split 1:15:15 Predictions on next country Trump hits with air strikes? 1:15:45 Regime in Iran could collapse in 2026 1:17:30 Netanyahu could be seen as most unstable force in middle east 1:18:30 Venezuela could become a huge political problem for Trump 1:20:30 In 1st term, leaks were about Trump, now they’re about cabinet 1:21:15 Kash Patel, Kristi Noem most likely to get booted from administration 1:23:30 GOP has political liabilities in Florida, senate race could be interesting 1:25:45 Could Jared Moskowitz be the wild card in the FL senate race? 1:26:30 Trump could be at 30% approval by Labor Day 1:27:15 Dem candidates that could hurt their chances by writing a book? 1:28:00 Without Covid, Buttigieg is likely the nominee in 2020 1:29:30 Newsom is easy to create a caricature of 1:30:30 Buttigieg is too smart to win in electoral politics 1:31:30 CA governor’s race field still doesn’t feel set 1:34:15 Swalwell can raise money, has backing from Pelosi 1:36:15 "Former mayor of SF” is a title that will sink you nationally 1:37:45 Ro Khanna avoids being associated with California 1:38:30 Which Republicans are most likely to challenge Vance? 1:39:45 A Trump will be a candidate, Donald obsessed with family name in politics 1:41:00 Trump won’t just hand off his coalition to Vance 1:42:15 Trump wants to create a political dynasty 1:44:30 Trump will get cozy with China, then claim he averted WW3 1:45:30 College football predictions 1:59:00 Chuck’s college football playoff reactionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck tackles one of the most consequential counterfactuals in modern history: what if 9/11 never happened? He explores how the attacks fundamentally altered the American psyche, shattered a post–Cold War sense of security, and transformed how Americans consume news, driving the demand for instant information and accelerating the technologies that now dominate our lives. The conversation examines how U.S. politics, foreign policy, and polarization might have evolved without the War on Terror—no Patriot Act, no Department of Homeland Security, no Iraq War—and whether the political forces that produced figures like Trump and Obama would have emerged at all. From global relationships with Russia and China to the delayed reckoning over economic inequality and partisan division, this episode traces the ripple effects of an event that reshaped everything, and asks what might have filled the vacuum if it had never occurred. Finally, Chuck reacts to his Miami Hurricanes upsetting Ohio State in the college football playoff and makes his predictions for the upcoming games. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!  Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 “What if” 9/11 never happened? 03:45 9/11 changed how Americans consumed information 04:30 9/11 was the first true “hit” on the homeland 05:30 9/11 create a new sense of vulnerability in America 06:45 The trauma from 9/11 changed the American psyche 08:45 Prior to 9/11, America was living in a post cold-war calm 09:30 In 2000, the west was trying to court Russia into joining them 10:15 Both parties will bullish on integrating China into the world 11:45 Bush would have been more western hemisphere focused 12:45 Without 9/11, Washington would have been more polarized 13:45 The Bush presidency essentially began on 9/11 15:30 9/11 triggered a “need” for immediate information 16:30 Social media is created to provide immediate info 17:15 There’s no Patriot Act, Iraq war, War on Terror without 9/11 18:30 There would be no Department of Homeland Security 19:45 Homeland Security eventually became an immigration agency 21:45 The isolationist strain of MAGA may not materialize 23:15 Some of the responses to 9/11 led to rise of MAGA politics 25:00 9/11 created a new sense of urgency for following the news 26:15 9/11 sped up the adoption of new information technologies 28:15 Do we not have Trump or Obama without hyper-engaged politics? 29:00 John Kerry probably isn’t the nominee in 2004 without 9/11 30:30 What replaces 9/11 if it never happened? 30:45 Financial crisis still happens anyways 31:45 9/11 delayed the “uniparty reckoning” 32:45 Occupy Wall Street would supplant Tea Party as driving force in 2010 34:00 Without Iraq War, there’s less distinction between Clinton & Obama 35:30 9/11 delayed polarization, economic issues by a few years 37:30 “If 9/11 never happened” final conclusions 40:30 “What Ifs” left on the cutting room floor 49:15 Chuck’s college football playoff reactionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

Chuck Todd is on vacation, but the news never sleeps! Chuck gives his initial thoughts to the Trump administration's military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro, the motivations behind it, and why the success of the operation may emboldened Trump to take even riskier actions. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2026

Nuclear engineer & former Miss America, Grace Vanderhei joins Chuck Todd to break down the realities of nuclear energy—what’s safer than most people think, what genuinely needs fixing, and why public perception has lagged so far behind the science. From how she got into nuclear engineering to how disasters like Fukushima reshaped the industry’s momentum, Grace explains why rare accidents dominate the narrative, even as nuclear power remains one of the safest jobs in the country. The conversation explores America’s aging nuclear infrastructure, the challenges of upgrading decades-old plants, and why rising grid demand from AI is pushing utilities to restart and refurbish reactors instead of building new ones. Chuck and Grace also dig into the promise and limits of small modular reactors, the unresolved problem of nuclear waste storage, and how pop culture—from Homer Simpson to Hollywood—has warped the way we think about nuclear energy, all while pointing listeners to where they can follow Grace’s work and research. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 00:45 Why the ToddCast decided to do the “New Voices” series 01:45 Grace Vanderhei is a former Miss America, now promoting nuclear energy 02:30 Nuclear energy is generally safe, but when it’s not safe it’s catastrophic 03:30 Environmentalists are split on nuclear power 04:45 Demand for power is way up, nuclear power will be needed to meet it 8:15 Grace Vanderhei joins the Chuck ToddCast 9:30 How Grace got into nuclear engineering 13:00 Advances in the tools engineers use 14:30 Fukushima disaster set back momentum in nuclear industry 15:45 Every nuclear facility stores emergency backup parts close by 17:15 Disasters are rare, but capture the public perception of nuclear 18:45 Nuclear tends to be more associated with weapons than energy 20:45 How big of a concern is America’s aging nuclear infrastructure? 23:15 Difficulties with updating decades old nuclear pants? 24:45 Grid demand from AI has led to restarting old nuclear plants 25:30 Refurbishing vs. building new nuclear plants 26:45 The nuclear plant decommissioning process 28:45 Three mile island wasn’t far into decommissioning before refurbishment 30:45 The development of small, modular nuclear reactors 32:15 Small modular reactors are on submarines, not used commercially yet 33:45 Safe, workable SMR’s are still a few years away 35:30 Other countries have surpassed US’s ability to build nuclear power 36:15 Which popular misconceptions are easiest to debunk? 37:30 There are only 6 safer jobs than working at a nuclear plant 38:45 Environmental community has always been divided over nuclear 40:15 Challenges of storing nuclear waste 41:15 There aren’t great current options for storing commercial nuclear waste 43:45 Is Homer Simpson good or bad for perception of nuclear energy? 45:15 Where you can find Grace’s workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2026

In this special episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck continues his “What If” series, an exploration of how small decisions and turning points can radically reshape American history. Using the razor-thin 2000 election as a starting point, Chuck explains why counterfactuals are a powerful way to understand how we got here—and how different choices might have altered today’s polarized political landscape. The episode then dives into two alternate histories surrounding the 2020 election, examining the butterfly effects of outcomes that almost happened but didn’t. First, Chuck asks what America might look like if Donald Trump had lost in 2020 and accepted the result—no “stop the steal,” no January 6th, and a very different Biden presidency likely constrained by a Republican Senate and a weaker Democratic coalition. Then he flips the premise and explores a more provocative scenario: what if Trump had actually won in 2020? With stronger institutional guardrails, a less sycophantic cabinet, and immediate lame-duck pressures, Chuck argues the country may have experienced less chaos at home and abroad, even as major global questions—from Afghanistan to Ukraine—would still loom. The episode ultimately shows how January 6th became a hinge point that reshaped both Biden’s presidency and Trump’s second term, leaving open the unsettling possibility that American politics—and even the 2024 race—could look entirely different today. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Why Chuck launched the “What If” series 03:45 The 2000 election started the deep partisan divide in America 05:30 If Florida had a Dem sec of state the election result could be different 07:00 Gore’s decision to only recount certain counties was a mistake 08:15 “What If” examines butterfly effect of political events going differently 10:15 Alternative scenarios are a great way to teach history 11:30 Examining two alternate histories in this What If episode 14:30 What if Trump won in 2020, or accepted his loss in 2020? 16:15 November 2020, Trump was faced with three scenarios 17:00 PART ONE: What if Trump loses, but accepts the loss? 17:30 There’s no stop the steal, fake electors or January 6th 19:00 Trump wouldn’t have been deplatformed on social media 20:00 Trump would likely have faded away like Al Gore did in 2001 21:00 Trump’s grip over GOP tightened because he lost & didn’t accept it 22:30 What Biden presidency looks like if Trump accepted election result 23:15 Democrats may not win both Georgia runoffs & control congress 24:00 Biden’s entire presidency looks different without senate control 25:45 Biden would have been boxed into being a center-left president 27:45 Biden wouldn’t have gotten the “rally around the flag” effect from J6 30:15 Likely the midterms go worse for Dems without ghost of Trump 31:15 Biden likely still doesn’t win second term  32:45 Biden would likely have faced serious primary challenges 34:00 Border might have been handled better with GOP Senate 36:30 The big question would be how much power Trump retained over GOP 37:30 PART TWO: What if Trump had WON in 2020 with the same result as ‘24? 40:00 The GOP would likely have retained senate, Dems get the house 40:30 Mike Pence is still the vice president, staffing at WH would be very different 42:00 The chief of staff would have still put some guardrails around the WH 44:30 There wouldn’t be a cabinet full of Trump sycophants  45:30 There would be no weaponization of ICE after border surge 47:00 Vaccine rollout could have been more chaotic but w/ higher compliance 48:30 There would be early flood of GOP presidential candidates 51:00 Afghanistan withdrawal would fall at Trump’s feet 53:00 Trump’s lame duckness would have kicked in right away 54:30 Strong argument America would be better off if Trump won in 2020 55:45 There’s less tumult in the military, no Hegseth as SecDef 57:30 Trump may have had more ability to reign in Bibi Netanyahu 59:30 Would the Russia/Ukraine war have gone differently? Probably not 1:02:30 Putin may have taken Ukraine piecemeal, but no full scale invasion 1:04:00 Trump still hasn’t acknowledged that Russia is the invader 1:05:30 America may not have shared advance knowledge of invasion 1:09:00 Biden’s governance changed by J6, Trump’s 2nd term massively different 1:13:30 Pete Buttigieg might be president in 2024See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines Donald Trump’s holiday Truth Social spree as a revealing window into his worldview and leadership style. From angry, vaguely threatening posts tied to Epstein to Christmas messages laced with grievance and insults, Trump’s online behavior paints a picture of a lonely, aggrieved figure who often sounds less like a head of state and more like a mob boss issuing warnings. Chuck unpacks how Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, religion, and military force—sometimes delivered in the same breath as holiday greetings—reflects a transactional “Trump Doctrine” where identity and loyalty justify power, and sovereignty becomes negotiable. The conversation then widens to the global consequences of this approach. Chuck argues that Trump’s selective isolationism and deal-making have badly damaged America’s reputation, eroded trust with Europe, and risk pushing allies toward China in search of stability. By prioritizing short-term wins and performative toughness over alliances and norms, Trump may be trading momentary leverage for long-term strategic loss—reshaping the global order in ways that could haunt the United States for a generation. Then, Yaron Weitzman, author of “A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers”, joins Chuck to unpack the remarkable rise, impact, and legacy of LeBron James—on the court, in Los Angeles, and far beyond basketball. Drawing from his reporting and authorship, Weitzman explains how access-driven sports journalism shapes the stories we’re told, why LeBron was always more than just another superstar chasing rings, and how the Lakers–LeBron partnership became a mutually saving force for two global institutions. The conversation traces LeBron’s path from Miami to Cleveland to Los Angeles, the myths around his ambition and loyalty, and how “The Decision” reshaped the power dynamics between players and franchises. The episode also looks ahead to LeBron’s next chapter: his eventual role as an owner, the possibility of a farewell tour, how Bronny factors into his decisions, and what a post-LeBron Lakers era might look like. Weitzman and Todd explore LeBron’s business instincts, cultural influence, complicated relationship with fans and social media, and why—despite universal respect—he’s never been universally beloved. In the end, they ask the defining question of any icon: how history will remember LeBron James, and who gets to tell that story. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to the date Ellis Island closed its doors for immigrant processing and traces the messy history of immigration policy in the United States. He also answers listeners’ question in the “Ask Chuck” segment and does a roundup from the world of sports. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 In the 80’s many fans identified with NBA players over teams 05:00 LeBron will be one of the four most consequential millennials 08:15 What to make of Trump’s Truth Social posts over the holidays? 09:30 Trump makes angry, potentially threatening post over Epstein 11:00 Trump doesn’t have any true close friends/relationships 12:15 Trump spent Xmas behaving lonely on the internet 13:00 The “Trump Doctrine” was on display on his Truth Social feed 13:45 Trump sounded more like a mob boss than head of state 14:15 Trump added immigration rant into his NORAD Santa appearance 15:00 Trump wishes Merry Xmas to “radical left scum” 15:45 Trump announces military strikes in Nigeria to protect Christians 16:30 Trump uses identity as justification for military force 17:00 Trump’s posts about Venezuela through lens of ownership 18:30 Trump strikes different tone with Ukraine, sovereignty is collateral 19:30 Trump’s worldview looks incoherent, but it’s selectively transactional 20:45 Trump has damaged the US’s reputation for a generation 21:45 Europe doesn’t trust the United States anymore 23:00 If oil seizures become precedent, any country could be next 24:30 Allies could turn to China looking for a better deal 25:15 Trump is trading short term wins for long term damage & distrust 27:15 Trump views himself as a TV style mob boss 29:30 Isolationism will cause the EU to strengthen & compete with US 30:30 Trump picks on small countries & does deals with strong ones 37:15 Yaron Weitzman joins the Chuck ToddCast 39:45 How Yaron got started as an author 41:30 Sports journalists now have to trade accountability for access 42:30 Sports journalists don’t have a Freedom of Information Act 43:45 Yaron wasn’t dependent on the Lakers for a credential 45:45 Original LeBron pitch was for the Big 3 Heat, not the Lakers 48:45 LeBron is a cultural icon, not just a basketball icon 50:00 LeBron and the Lakers are both institutions 51:00 LeBron’s brand is even bigger than the Lakers brand 51:45 LeBron’s post basketball life was always going to be in SoCal 53:00 LeBron will be involved in an ownership group eventually 55:00 The Lakers/LeBron pairing was a win-win 56:15 Jerry Buss was not as rich as he portrayed himself to be 57:45 How accurate the Lakers TV shows portray real life 58:45 LeBron was a lifeline for a struggling Lakers franchise 01:00:15 Lakers are the team LeBron has spent most consecutive years 01:01:45 LeBron wasn’t a ring chaser despite his reputations 01:02:15 LeBron turned down the Warriors 01:03:30 LeBron offended Pat Riley during his time in Miami 01:04:45 LeBron’s return to Cleveland 01:06:45 Which franchises will be putting up LeBron statues? 01:07:30 Lakers fans were slow to warm to LeBron due to Kobe rivalry 01:08:30 Not all Kobe fans are Lakers fans 01:09:45 LeBron lived up to his sky high expectations and with no scandals 01:11:00 “The Decision” was the event that made LeBron polarizing 01:12:00 After The Decision fans started siding with players over franchises 01:13:00 LeBron showed that greatness and longevity require hard work 01:14:15 LeBron is universally respected but not universally beloved 01:15:15 Is this LeBron’s last year? 01:16:15 Farewell tour only makes sense with Lakers or Cavs 01:17:45 LeBron could remain a bench player for several more years 01:18:15 How Bronny will factor into his decision 01:20:15 Bronny is beloved by other players and the organization 01:22:00 LeBron’s relationship with Luka Dončić 01:23:45 Lakers began preparing for the post-LeBron era before Luka trade 01:25:45 Does Magic Johnson still have a relationship with the Lakers? 01:28:45 LeBron has mostly stayed away from politics 01:31:00 LeBron lets social media get under his skin from time to time 01:33:45 LeBron is reactive politically, not proactive 01:35:30 LeBron made smart business decisions starting at 20 years old 01:36:00 LeBron’s legacy 01:39:00 Lakers threatened to sue over the book 01:42:00 LeBron likely won’t ever run for office 01:43:30 LeBron will be doing his own documentary version of The Last Dance 01:47:30 ToddCast Time Machine – December 31st, 1954 01:48:30 Ellis Island closes its doors & becomes a museum 01:49:00 America has always argued about being a nation of immigrants 01:49:45 We romanticize Ellis Island, but it caused tension at the time 01:50:30 America has never experienced immigration surge without fear 01:51:15 Immigration quota with discriminatory qualifiers enacted 01:52:30 Ship based migration collapsed after quota 01:53:45 Cold War politics influenced immigration debate in the 1960’s 01:54:45 Immigration policy was sold as modest and non-transformational 01:56:00 Chain migration shifted where immigrants came from 01:57:00 The country relied on illegal immigrant labor & didn’t enforce law 01:57:45 Congress left immigration policy unfinished due to political constraints 01:59:30 Trump admin leans on enforcement, makes immigration a cultural fight 02:00:30 We are a reluctant nation of immigrants 02:02:00 The central question is “Who gets to be an American?” 02:02:45 Ask Chuck  02:03:00 Favorite political comedy? 02:05:00 Should Congress intervene on exorbitant live event prices? 02:12:30 How will midterms shape push for new congressional leaders? 02:15:15 Sports roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

Yaron Weitzman, author of “A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers”, joins the Chuck ToddCast to unpack the remarkable rise, impact, and legacy of LeBron James—on the court, in Los Angeles, and far beyond basketball. Drawing from his reporting and authorship, Weitzman explains how access-driven sports journalism shapes the stories we’re told, why LeBron was always more than just another superstar chasing rings, and how the Lakers–LeBron partnership became a mutually saving force for two global institutions. The conversation traces LeBron’s path from Miami to Cleveland to Los Angeles, the myths around his ambition and loyalty, and how “The Decision” reshaped the power dynamics between players and franchises. The episode also looks ahead to LeBron’s next chapter: his eventual role as an owner, the possibility of a farewell tour, how Bronny factors into his decisions, and what a post-LeBron Lakers era might look like. Weitzman and Todd explore LeBron’s business instincts, cultural influence, complicated relationship with fans and social media, and why—despite universal respect—he’s never been universally beloved. In the end, they ask the defining question of any icon: how history will remember LeBron James, and who gets to tell that story. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Yaron Weitzman joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:30 How Yaron got started as an author 04:15 Sports journalists now have to trade accountability for access 05:15 Sports journalists don’t have a Freedom of Information Act 06:30 Yaron wasn’t dependent on the Lakers for a credential 08:30 Original LeBron pitch was for the Big 3 Heat, not the Lakers 11:30 LeBron is a cultural icon, not just a basketball icon 12:45 LeBron and the Lakers are both institutions 13:45 LeBron’s brand is even bigger than the Lakers brand 14:30 LeBron’s post basketball life was always going to be in SoCal 15:45 LeBron will be involved in an ownership group eventually 17:45 The Lakers/LeBron pairing was a win-win 19:00 Jerry Buss was not as rich as he portrayed himself to be 20:30 How accurate the Lakers TV shows portray real life 21:30 LeBron was a lifeline for a struggling Lakers franchise 23:00 Lakers are the team LeBron has spent most consecutive years 24:30 LeBron wasn’t a ring chaser despite his reputations 25:00 LeBron turned down the Warriors 26:15 LeBron offended Pat Riley during his time in Miami 27:30 LeBron’s return to Cleveland 29:30 Which franchises will be putting up LeBron statues? 30:15 Lakers fans were slow to warm to LeBron due to Kobe rivalry 31:15 Not all Kobe fans are Lakers fans 32:30 LeBron lived up to his sky high expectations and with no scandals 33:45 “The Decision” was the event that made LeBron polarizing 34:45 After The Decision fans started siding with players over franchises 35:45 LeBron showed that greatness and longevity require hard work 37:00 LeBron is universally respected but not universally beloved 38:00 Is this LeBron’s last year? 39:00 Farewell tour only makes sense with Lakers or Cavs 40:30 LeBron could remain a bench player for several more years 41:00 How Bronny will factor into his decision 43:00 Bronny is beloved by other players and the organization 44:45 LeBron’s relationship with Luka Doncic 46:30 Lakers began preparing for the post-LeBron era before Luka trade 48:30 Does Magic Johnson still have a relationship with the Lakers? 51:30 LeBron has mostly stayed away from politics 53:45 LeBron lets social media get under his skin from time to time 56:30 LeBron is reactive politically, not proactive 58:15 LeBron made smart business decisions starting at 20 years old 58:45 LeBron’s legacy 1:01:45 Lakers threatened to sue over the book 1:04:45 LeBron likely won’t ever run for office 1:06:15 LeBron will be doing his own documentary version of The Last DanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines Donald Trump’s holiday Truth Social spree as a revealing window into his worldview and leadership style. From angry, vaguely threatening posts tied to Epstein to Christmas messages laced with grievance and insults, Trump’s online behavior paints a picture of a lonely, aggrieved figure who often sounds less like a head of state and more like a mob boss issuing warnings. Chuck unpacks how Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, religion, and military force—sometimes delivered in the same breath as holiday greetings—reflects a transactional “Trump Doctrine” where identity and loyalty justify power, and sovereignty becomes negotiable. The conversation then widens to the global consequences of this approach. Chuck argues that Trump’s selective isolationism and deal-making have badly damaged America’s reputation, eroded trust with Europe, and risk pushing allies toward China in search of stability. By prioritizing short-term wins and performative toughness over alliances and norms, Trump may be trading momentary leverage for long-term strategic loss—reshaping the global order in ways that could haunt the United States for a generation. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to the date Ellis Island closed its doors for immigrant processing and traces the messy history of immigration policy in the United States. He also answers listeners’ question in the “Ask Chuck” segment and does a roundup from the world of sports. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 1:00 What to make of Trump’s Truth Social posts over the holidays? 2:15 Trump makes angry, potentially threatening post over Epstein 3:45 Trump doesn’t have any true close friends/relationships 5:00 Trump spent Xmas behaving lonely on the internet 5:45 The “Trump Doctrine” was on display on his Truth Social feed 6:30 Trump sounded more like a mob boss than head of state 7:00 Trump added immigration rant into his NORAD Santa appearance 7:45 Trump wishes Merry Xmas to “radical left scum” 8:30 Trump announces military strikes in Nigeria to protect Christians 9:15 Trump uses identity as justification for military force 9:45 Trump’s posts about Venezuela through lens of ownership 11:15 Trump strikes different tone with Ukraine, sovereignty is collateral 12:15 Trump’s worldview looks incoherent, but it’s selectively transactional 13:30 Trump has damaged the US’s reputation for a generation 14:30 Europe doesn’t trust the United States anymore 15:45 If oil seizures become precedent, any country could be next 17:15 Allies could turn to China looking for a better deal 18:00 Trump is trading short term wins for long term damage & distrust 20:00 Trump views himself as a TV style mob boss 22:15 Isolationism will cause the EU to strengthen & compete with US 23:15 Trump picks on small countries & does deals with strong ones 28:30 ToddCast Time Machine - December 31st 1954 29:30 Ellis Island closes its doors & becomes a museum 30:00 America has always argued about being a nation of immigrants 30:45 We romanticize Ellis Island, but it caused tension at the time 31:30 America has never experienced immigration surge without fear 32:15 Immigration quota with discriminatory qualifiers enacted 33:30 Ship based migration collapsed after quota 34:45 Cold war politics influenced immigration debate in 1960’s 35:45 Immigration policy was sold as modest and non-transformational 37:00 Chain migration shifted where immigrants came from 38:00 The country relied on illegal immigrant labor & didn’t enforce law 38:45 Congress left immigration policy unfinished due to political constraints 40:30 Trump admin leans on enforcement, makes immigration a cultural fight 41:30 We are a reluctant nation of immigrations 43:00 The central question is “Who gets to be an American?” 43:45 Ask Chuck 44:00 Favorite political comedy? 46:00 Should congress intervene on exorbitant live event prices? 53:30 How will midterms shape push for new congressional leaders? 56:15 Sports roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

In a replay of an interview Chuck Todd hosted during the summer, he’s joined by a rising star in the Democratic party, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett. This interview was conducted prior to her announcement that she’ll be running for senate in Texas. 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. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:15 Crockett’s primary against Talarico will be fascinating 02:45 Democratic primaries will be a “fight vs unite” debate 04:30 A Paxton vs Crockett race would be illuminating 08:00 Dem primary in Texas is a coin flip  09:00 Texas senate race could be an all-timer 13:30 Jasmine Crockett joins the Chuck ToddCast! 13:30 Tour of TX-30 (Dallas) 17:00 TX-30 is a hub for aviation 19:50 Dallas is growing exponentially 21:45 How can St. Louis be revitalized? 25:20 Immigrants produce economic dynamism and we’re treating them horribly 27:50 How important are viral moments for political communications 31:30 The partisan circus in the oversight committee 32:45 We have people in government that don’t understand how it works 33:45 DOGE hearing became about trans people competing in fencing 35:30 Is it a generational divide or ideological divide in the Democratic party 36:30 Some members cling to the institutions while they’re burning around them 38:15 State of the Union displayed the differences of approach between members 39:30 How did Democrats end up in this situation? 41:20 Why did Trump win? 43:30 How much did racism and misogyny factor into Kamala Harris losing? 44:45 Did Harris’s background as a prosecutor help or hurt her? 47:15 Trump’s name being on buildings sold the public on his business acumen 49:10 Should Harris take another shot at the presidency? 50:30 Democratic voters don’t want “establishment” candidates 52:15 Democrats are fighting an uphill battle 53:15 Is Texas a 3 party state with two Republican wings? 54:15 If Ken Paxton beats John Cornyn, the Texas senate seat will be in play 56:45 Did Democrats miss the moment in Texas? 58:30 Will the Luka trade leave a lasting mark on Dallas? 59:15 Is she running for oversight chair? 59:40 Her advice for Hakeem JeffriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2025

Chuck Todd digs into the growing crisis of trust in American media and politics, sparked by CBS News pulling a 60 Minutes episode amid controversy and perceptions of corporate and political pressure. He examines how Bari Weiss’s handling of the situation exposed a lack of understanding of television news culture, why 60 Minutes has become the ultimate measure of CBS’s credibility, and how ownership, mergers, and appeasing power have once again put business interests ahead of journalism. The episode also explores troubling signals from the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related releases and what they reveal about political favoritism and eroding institutional independence. Chuck then widens the lens to the political fallout, arguing that Donald Trump squandered his political capital and failed to build a durable coalition, and lays out how cracks in Trump’s coalition are becoming chasms. Then, Mike Pesca, host of “The Gist” joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of media, technology, and trust at the end of 2025—and where things may be headed next. They dig into how legacy media is being reshaped by new owners, shrinking business models, and audience capture, with a close look at CBS, the Ellisons, and whether disruption is a threat or a lifeline for traditional news brands. Pesca also reflects on the rise of nonprofit journalism, the limits of AI in reporting, and why Congress has largely abdicated its role in regulating both media and tech. The discussion then turns to the growing unease around AI, gambling, and prediction markets, from bipartisan support for getting smartphones out of schools to fears that unregulated betting is distorting journalism, sports, and public life. Pesca and Todd explore why optimism around AI is collapsing, how insider information can be exploited in everything from sports gambling to political markets, and why many of today’s “innovations” feel eerily similar to past technological panics. The throughline: institutions are lagging behind rapid change, and the cost of that delay is showing up everywhere—from newsrooms to classrooms to democracy itself. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the biggest stories in the world of sports.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 04:00 CBS News embroiled with controversy after pulling 60 Minutes episode 04:30 Bari Weiss’s inexperience in TV news is on full display 05:30 Weiss’s made incorrect assumption that everyone saw NYT story 06:45 The perception is the administration leaned on Weiss to kill story 08:00 Too many news executives don’t understand the process 09:30 Trump has complained publicly about 60 Minutes 10:15 Ellison willing to appease Trump in order to get merger approval 11:00 CBS News will be judged entirely on 60 Minutes 12:30 Weiss has lost the trust of the journalists at CBS 13:15 Corporate owned media has once again let the public down 14:00 WaPo’s editorial board completely changed after Bezos bought it 15:00 This event will further erode the public trust in media 16:15 Journalism that’s tethered to popularity will be compromised 17:15 Trust is more important than popularity for journalists 18:45 Corporations won’t let their news divisions interfere with business  19:30 DOJ frontloaded Clinton/Epstein releases & Trump releases later 20:45 DOJ releases statement that sounds like they’re Trump’s defense attorney 22:45 It’s notable that DOJ only singled out Trump for a defensive statement 24:45 Trump blew his “honeymoon” period in less than a year 25:30 Both Biden & Trump burned their political capitol early 28:15 Trump blew the chance to build a GOP that outlasts him 29:30 Trump didn’t win the 2024 election - Biden/Harris lost it 31:15 Voters don’t like party in power, 2008 was last “Vote for” election 33:00 Biden misinterpreted 2022 results, lots of bad GOP candidates 34:00 Liberation Day destroyed Trump’s goodwill with the public 36:15 The cracks in Trump’s coalition are turning into chasms 38:00 The GOP has been too concerned with appeasing the online right 39:15 Democrats could be having their own “Tea Party” moment 46:45 Mike Pesca joins the Chuck ToddCast 48:15 Rundown of Mike’s many “hustles” 50:00 Is the information ecosystem better or worse at the end of 2025? 51:15 CBS News under Bari Weiss is now selling a different product 52:45 Legacy media could benefit from some disruption 53:30 Weiss gave up working for the Salzbergers to work for the Ellisons 54:15 There’s no money in producing network news 56:30 There was audience capture at the New York Times 57:45 A boring president will make the Ellisons care less about CBS 59:45 David Ellison isn’t ideologically MAGA or even a Republican 1:00:45 Silicon Valley is less ideological, just want less regulation 1:01:30 Ellisons are treating CBS as part of their lobbying budget 1:02:30 A huge part of 60 Minutes popularity is that it airs after football 1:03:15 CBS has brands that will survive even if the network doesn’t 1:04:30 We’re a few years away from local TV affiliates going a-la-carte 1:05:45 Channel numbers are meaningless to younger audiences 1:06:15 Non profits like ProPublica are doing some of the best journalism 1:07:30 AI can’t replace people in the journalism space 1:08:30 NOTUS is the only organization covering DC locally 1:09:00 Historically, American media has been partisan 1:09:45 Big newspapers should have two editorial sections 1:13:15 Imagine if Bezos built an “everything” newspaper like he did Amazon 1:14:45 AI transition will be painful, fear of AI displacement will dominate 1:15:30 New polling shows huge drop in optimism surrounding AI 1:17:00 Sam Altman shocked the world by saying “Please regulate me” 1:18:00 We need more visibility into how AI actually works 1:18:45 The regulators are always too old & removed from new tech 1:19:30 Congress has willingly abdicated their regulatory role 1:21:15 Employees at AI companies express worry it could go very wrong 1:22:15 Getting tech/smartphones out of schools has bipartisan agreement 1:24:00 There have always been panics about major tech change 1:25:00 Sports gambling without regulation has been a disaster 1:27:30 Athletes can easily fix a player prop to make money 1:29:00 Online casinos should have never been allowed to exist 1:31:00 Insider info can easily been cashed in on prediction markets 1:33:00 Will insider trading laws now affect copy editors at publications? 1:34:15 Betting has drastically affected coverage at ESPN 1:35:45 College football playoff selection is totally subjective 1:38:15 Potential fixes to college football playoff selection 1:41:45 Will prediction markets remain legal? 1:43:30 Pandemics make society do crazy things 1:44:30 Online casinos will likely become illegal in the coming years 1:46:45 The states didn’t roll out marijuana legalization the right way 1:54:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Mike Pesca 1:54:45 Trump floats leaving the presidency for “hosting” in social post 1:55:45 Is Trump soft launching stepping down from the presidency? 1:57:00 Ask Chuck 1:57:45 What wing of the party will the GOP lean towards in 2028? 2:04:00 What are the classes you teach like? 2:11:15 How would things be different if H.W. Bush won a second term? 2:16:00 How do we address the erosion of historical education? 2:20:45 Was the country really that united over Garfield’s death? 2:26:15 Sports roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Chuck Todd digs into the growing crisis of trust in American media and politics, sparked by CBS News pulling a 60 Minutes episode amid controversy and perceptions of corporate and political pressure. He examines how Bari Weiss’s handling of the situation exposed a lack of understanding of television news culture, why 60 Minutes has become the ultimate measure of CBS’s credibility, and how ownership, mergers, and appeasing power have once again put business interests ahead of journalism. The episode also explores troubling signals from the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related releases and what they reveal about political favoritism and eroding institutional independence. Chuck then widens the lens to the political fallout, arguing that Donald Trump squandered his political capital and failed to build a durable coalition, and lays out how cracks in Trump’s coalition are becoming chasms. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and breaks down the biggest stories in the world of sports.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:30 CBS News embroiled with controversy after pulling 60 Minutes episode 03:00 Bari Weiss’s inexperience in TV news is on full display 04:00 Weiss’s made incorrect assumption that everyone saw NYT story 05:15 The perception is the administration leaned on Weiss to kill story 06:30 Too many news executives don’t understand the process 08:00 Trump has complained publicly about 60 Minutes 08:45 Ellison willing to appease Trump in order to get merger approval 09:30 CBS News will be judged entirely on 60 Minutes 11:00 Weiss has lost the trust of the journalists at CBS 11:45 Corporate owned media has once again let the public down 12:30 WaPo’s editorial board completely changed after Bezos bought it 13:30 This event will further erode the public trust in media 14:45 Journalism that’s tethered to popularity will be compromised 15:45 Trust is more important than popularity for journalists 17:15 Corporations won’t let their news divisions interfere with business 18:00 DOJ frontloaded Clinton/Epstein releases & Trump releases later 19:15 DOJ releases statement that sounds like they’re Trump’s defense attorney 21:15 It’s notable that DOJ only singled out Trump for a defensive statement 23:15 Trump blew his “honeymoon” period in less than a year 24:00 Both Biden & Trump burned their political capitol early 26:45 Trump blew the chance to build a GOP that outlasts him 28:00 Trump didn’t win the 2024 election - Biden/Harris lost it 29:45 Voters don’t like party in power, 2008 was last “Vote for” election 31:30 Biden misinterpreted 2022 results, lots of bad GOP candidates 32:30 Liberation Day destroyed Trump’s goodwill with the public 34:45 The cracks in Trump’s coalition are turning into chasms 36:30 The GOP has been too concerned with appeasing the online right 37:45 Democrats could be having their own “Tea Party” moment 45:15 Trump floats leaving the presidency for “hosting” in social post 46:15 Is Trump soft launching stepping down from the presidency? 47:30 Ask Chuck 48:15 What wing of the party will the GOP lean towards in 2028? 54:30 What are the classes you teach like? 1:01:45 How would things be different if H.W. Bush won a second term? 1:06:30 How do we address the erosion of historical education? 1:11:15 Was the country really that united over Garfield’s death? 1:16:45 Sports roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Mike Pesca, host of “The Gist” joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of media, technology, and trust at the end of 2025—and where things may be headed next. They dig into how legacy media is being reshaped by new owners, shrinking business models, and audience capture, with a close look at CBS, the Ellisons, and whether disruption is a threat or a lifeline for traditional news brands. Pesca also reflects on the rise of nonprofit journalism, the limits of AI in reporting, and why Congress has largely abdicated its role in regulating both media and tech. The discussion then turns to the growing unease around AI, gambling, and prediction markets, from bipartisan support for getting smartphones out of schools to fears that unregulated betting is distorting journalism, sports, and public life. Pesca and Todd explore why optimism around AI is collapsing, how insider information can be exploited in everything from sports gambling to political markets, and why many of today’s “innovations” feel eerily similar to past technological panics. The throughline: institutions are lagging behind rapid change, and the cost of that delay is showing up everywhere—from newsrooms to classrooms to democracy itself. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Mike Pesca joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Rundown of Mike’s many “hustles” 03:15 Is the information ecosystem better or worse at the end of 2025? 04:30 CBS News under Bari Weiss is now selling a different product 06:00 Legacy media could benefit from some disruption 06:45 Weiss gave up working for the Salzbergers to work for the Ellisons 07:30 There’s no money in producing network news 09:45 There was audience capture at the New York Times 11:00 A boring president will make the Ellisons care less about CBS 13:00 David Ellison isn’t ideologically MAGA or even a Republican 14:00 Silicon Valley is less ideological, just want less regulation 14:45 Ellisons are treating CBS as part of their lobbying budget 15:45 A huge part of 60 Minutes popularity is that it airs after football 16:30 CBS has brands that will survive even if the network doesn’t 17:45 We’re a few years away from local TV affiliates going a-la-carte 19:00 Channel numbers are meaningless to younger audiences 19:30 Non profits like ProPublica are doing some of the best journalism 20:45 AI can’t replace people in the journalism space 21:45 NOTUS is the only organization covering DC locally 23:15 Historically, American media has been partisan 24:00 Big newspapers should have two editorial sections 26:30 Imagine if Bezos built an “everything” newspaper like he did Amazon 28:00 AI transition will be painful, fear of AI displacement will dominate 28:45 New polling shows huge drop in optimism surrounding AI 30:15 Sam Altman shocked the world by saying “Please regulate me” 31:15 We need more visibility into how AI actually works 32:00 The regulators are always too old & removed from new tech 32:45 Congress has willingly abdicated their regulatory role 34:30 Employees at AI companies express worry it could go very wrong 35:30 Getting tech/smartphones out of schools has bipartisan agreement 37:15 There have always been panics about major tech change 38:15 Sports gambling without regulation has been a disaster 40:45 Athletes can easily fix a player prop to make money 42:15 Online casinos should have never been allowed to exist 44:15 Insider info can easily been cashed in on prediction markets 46:15 Will insider trading laws now affect copy editors at publications? 47:30 Betting has drastically affected coverage at ESPN 49:00 College football playoff selection is totally subjective 51:30 Potential fixes to college football playoff selection 55:00 Will prediction markets remain legal? 56:45 Pandemics make society do crazy things 57:45 Online casinos will likely become illegal in the coming years 1:00:00 The states didn’t roll out marijuana legalization the right waySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Chuck Todd examines the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the uneven political fallout, and why some stories break through while others—often more consequential—don’t. The discussion then turns to public health, RFK Jr.’s corrosive influence on vaccine trust, and how misinformation is putting kids at risk just as measles cases surge. Todd closes by unpacking the growing civil war within MAGA world, where influencers—not elected officials—are driving the GOP agenda, competing for clicks with ever more extreme claims, and exposing deep cracks in Trump’s coalition. Then, chief Washington correspondent for Puck News, Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Chuck to unpack how Washington looks different when covered from outside the constraints of legacy media—and why independent journalism may be better suited to capture the dysfunction of Trump’s second term. Caldwell reflects on the groupthink and reaction-driven coverage that defined Trump’s first presidency, the erosion of Congress’s authority in Trump 2.0, and the deep personal animus now defining relationships on Capitol Hill. Together, she and Chuck examine how social media has shaped a younger generation of staffers, why Speaker Mike Johnson may be remembered as one of the weakest in history, and how Congress has willingly made itself irrelevant in the face of executive power. The conversation also digs into healthcare politics, looming shutdown risks, and why Republicans remain unable to act without Trump’s approval—even as he digs in against ACA subsidies out of lingering grievance toward Obama. Caldwell and Todd explore the brewing chaos inside the GOP, from mass retirements and redistricting fights to the staggering cost of House races and the nonstop fundraising grind. The episode closes with a candid assessment of party leadership heading into 2026, why a third Trump impeachment would be a mistake, and why covering Congress—rather than the White House—may now offer the clearest window into where American politics is headed. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to review the fallout from the dissolution of the Soviet Union and why that story’s ending hasn’t been written yet. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gives his college football roundup. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 04:45 We all know the broad strokes of the Epstein story 05:30 With enough money you can buy your way out of bad character 07:00 Justice department is slow walking the release of the Epstein files 07:30 Releases have a lot of Bill Clinton, very little Trump 08:15 DOJ will frontload releases that embarrass Democrats 09:30 People were willing to look the other way on Epstein 10:15 Character should matter & Epstein ties should be a demerit 12:00 Many people don’t know about or believe many of Trump’s outrages 12:45 The Epstein story breaks through, many consequential stories don’t 14:00 HHS touts accomplishments, but has done tremendous damage  15:15 2000 confirmed cases of measles, about to lose measles-free status 16:45 RFK Jr. is an incredibly low character individual 17:30 Removing food dyes is the only good work MAHA is doing 19:00 No scientific study links vaccines to autism  19:45 Covid vaccine was touted as a shield 20:45 People exploited poor Covid vaccine communication 21:15 MRNA vaccines are a technological marvel 21:45 Cutting funding for MRNA research is a terrible own goal 23:00 RFK Jr is causing less people to take vaccines, putting kids at risk 24:15 Massive infighting has begun amongst the MAGA influencers 25:45 GOP is captured by influencers the ways Dems were captured by “groups” 27:45 Some MAGA influencers have crazy beliefs and conspiracy theories 28:45 Republicans forced to entertain the crazy beliefs of their influencers 30:45 GOP politicians are taking their cues from their influencer base 31:45 Dems are starting to break free from influence of the groups 32:30 Biden’s poor handling of the border was to satiate the groups 33:00 MAGA influencers are conducting a circular firing squad 34:00 MAGA influencers try to out-crazy each other for clicks 36:30 The MAGA coalition is cracking  42:30 Leigh Ann Caldwell joins the Chuck ToddCast 44:00 Covering politics as independent media vs legacy media 47:15 There was little ability for original thought doing network news 48:15 Legacy media gets stuck in groupthink 50:00 People blame the Gingrich years for our current political dysfunction 51:30 Covering Trump’s 1st term was asking for reactions to Trump 52:00 Congress has handed away their authority in Trump 2.0 52:45 The personal animus between the two parties is very real 54:00 Young staffers had their politics formed by social media 56:00 Mike Johnson will go down as one of the weakest speakers ever 57:00 Johnson has willingly made congress irrelevant 58:45 Are we underplaying the chances of a January shutdown? 1:00:00 With premiums set to rise, why couldn’t Dems corner the GOP? 1:00:45 Dems know healthcare is good politics for them 1:01:45 Trump is digging in rather than caving on ACA subsidies 1:03:30 Trump doesn’t want to prop up the ACA because Obama passed it 1:04:30 Lots of Republicans have “Obama Derangement Syndrome” 1:06:00 The framework of the ACA came from the Heritage Foundation 1:06:30 Trump comes close to advocating for single payer healthcare 1:08:45 Republicans can’t do anything on healthcare without Trump 1:09:45 Trump is done with congress, thinks he can do everything via EO 1:11:45 Trump lied and claimed military bonuses came from tariff revenue 1:12:45 If SCOTUS takes tariff power from Trump, will he go to congress? 1:13:45 Congress unlikely to hand tariff authority to Trump 1:14:45 Republican bracing for another 20 retirement announcements 1:16:15 Texas & California members are mad about redistricting 1:18:00 House races will likely cost $60 million in 2026 1:19:30 Members of congress spend 50% of their time fundraising 1:22:00 Democrats would be stupid to try to impeach Trump a third time 1:23:30 Which congressional leaders will still be in place in 2027? 1:25:00 Johnson won’t be speaker in a new congress 1:26:00 Jim Jordan is the quiet favorite to be the house GOP leader 1:27:30 It’d be shocking if Chuck Schumer ran again 1:29:00 DSCC botched their oppo release on Graham Platner 1:31:15 There are doubts about Jeffries, but unlikely to be challenged 1:33:00 Schumer & Jeffries botched the NYC mayors race 1:34:45 Does John Thune have support in the senate? 1:37:30 Covering the hill is a better beat than the White House 1:42:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Leigh Ann Caldwell 1:42:30 ToddCast Time Machine - December 26, 1991 1:43:00 Soviet Union officially dissolves, ending the Cold War 1:43:45 Collapse of the Soviet Union is still unresolved 1:45:00 It felt like history had chosen a winner, but it was just the first act 1:45:30 The west felt like the liberal democrats had won 1:46:45 The US treated the Soviet Union like a failed state, not a fallen empire 1:48:00 Democracy hasn’t taken hold in many former Soviet states 1:49:15 Democracy has never landed in Russia due to structural reasons 1:50:15 Fall of the USSR created oligarchs, but not a middle class 1:51:15 The Russian people equated oligarchy with democracy 1:53:00 Russians lost a sense of identity, made them vulnerable to a dictator 1:53:45 Eastern Europe fears Russia & wanted in on NATO 1:55:15 Ukraine had the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal, gave it up 1:56:15 Ukraine should have received NATO membership for giving up nukes 1:57:00 We’re repeating the 1920’s & 30’s in the U.S. & in Europe 1:58:45 Russia becoming a democracy seems fanciful, but in time it’s possible 2:00:15 This period feels unstable, but could be bumps in the road 2:00:45 Ask Chuck 2:01:00 Why has the U.S. and Europe had a bond, & thoughts on losing it? 2:05:30 Do you think congress will try to limit the pardon power post-Trump? 2:11:30 What does the GOP look like if it loses in 2028? 2:15:00 What was it like working with Topps for your trading card? 2:26:00 College football roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Chuck Todd examines the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the uneven political fallout, and why some stories break through while others—often more consequential—don’t. The discussion then turns to public health, RFK Jr.’s corrosive influence on vaccine trust, and how misinformation is putting kids at risk just as measles cases surge. Todd closes by unpacking the growing civil war within MAGA world, where influencers—not elected officials—are driving the GOP agenda, competing for clicks with ever more extreme claims, and exposing deep cracks in Trump’s coalition. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to review the fallout from the dissolution of the Soviet Union and why that story’s ending hasn’t been written yet. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and gives his college football roundup. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 3:15 We all know the broad strokes of the Epstein story 4:00 With enough money you can buy your way out of bad character 5:30 Justice department is slow walking the release of the Epstein files 6:00 Releases have a lot of Bill Clinton, very little Trump 6:45 DOJ will frontload releases that embarrass Democrats 8:00 People were willing to look the other way on Epstein 8:45 Character should matter & Epstein ties should be a demerit 10:30 Many people don’t know about or believe many of Trump’s outrages 11:15 The Epstein story breaks through, many consequential stories don’t 12:30 HHS touts accomplishments, but has done tremendous damage 13:45 2000 confirmed cases of measles, about to lose measles-free status 15:15 RFK Jr. is an incredibly low character individual 16:00 Removing food dyes is the only good work MAHA is doing 17:30 No scientific study links vaccines to autism 18:15 Covid vaccine was touted as a shield 19:15 People exploited poor Covid vaccine communication 19:45 MRNA vaccines are a technological marvel 20:15 Cutting funding for MRNA research is a terrible own goal 21:30 RFK Jr is causing less people to take vaccines, putting kids at risk 22:45 Massive infighting has begun amongst the MAGA influencers 24:15 GOP is captured by influencers the ways Dems were captured by “groups” 26:15 Some MAGA influencers have crazy beliefs and conspiracy theories 27:15 Republicans forced to entertain the crazy beliefs of their influencers 29:15 GOP politicians are taking their cues from their influencer base 30:15 Dems are starting to break free from influence of the groups 31:00 Biden’s poor handling of the border was to satiate the groups 31:30 MAGA influencers are conducting a circular firing squad 32:30 MAGA influencers try to out-crazy each other for clicks 35:00 The MAGA coalition is cracking 41:00 ToddCast Time Machine – December 26, 1991 41:30 Soviet Union officially dissolves, ending the Cold War 42:15 Collapse of the Soviet Union is still unresolved 43:30 It felt like history had chosen a winner, but it was just the first act 44:00 The west felt like the liberal democrats had won 45:15 The US treated the Soviet Union like a failed state, not a fallen empire 46:30 Democracy hasn’t taken hold in many former Soviet states 47:45 Democracy has never landed in Russia due to structural reasons 48:45 Fall of the USSR created oligarchs, but not a middle class 49:45 The Russian people equated oligarchy with democracy 51:30 Russians lost a sense of identity, made them vulnerable to a dictator 52:15 Eastern Europe fears Russia & wanted in on NATO 53:45 Ukraine had the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal, gave it up 54:45 Ukraine should have received NATO membership for giving up nukes 55:30 We’re repeating the 1920’s & 30’s in the U.S. & in Europe 57:15 Russia becoming a democracy seems fanciful, but in time it’s possible 58:45 This period feels unstable, but could be bumps in the road 59:15 Ask Chuck 59:30 Why has the U.S. and Europe had a bond, & thoughts on losing it? 1:04:00 Do you think congress will try to limit the pardon power post-Trump? 1:10:00 What does the GOP look like if it loses in 2028? 1:13:30 What was it like working with Topps for your trading card? 1:24:30 College football roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Chief Washington correspondent for Puck News, Leigh Ann Caldwell joins the Chuck ToddCast to unpack how Washington looks different when covered from outside the constraints of legacy media—and why independent journalism may be better suited to capture the dysfunction of Trump’s second term. Caldwell reflects on the groupthink and reaction-driven coverage that defined Trump’s first presidency, the erosion of Congress’s authority in Trump 2.0, and the deep personal animus now defining relationships on Capitol Hill. Together, she and Chuck examine how social media has shaped a younger generation of staffers, why Speaker Mike Johnson may be remembered as one of the weakest in history, and how Congress has willingly made itself irrelevant in the face of executive power. The conversation also digs into healthcare politics, looming shutdown risks, and why Republicans remain unable to act without Trump’s approval—even as he digs in against ACA subsidies out of lingering grievance toward Obama. Caldwell and Todd explore the brewing chaos inside the GOP, from mass retirements and redistricting fights to the staggering cost of House races and the nonstop fundraising grind. The episode closes with a candid assessment of party leadership heading into 2026, why a third Trump impeachment would be a mistake, and why covering Congress—rather than the White House—may now offer the clearest window into where American politics is headed. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Leigh Ann Caldwell joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Covering politics as independent media vs legacy media 04:45 There was little ability for original thought doing network news 05:45 Legacy media gets stuck in groupthink 07:30 People blame the Gingrich years for our current political dysfunction 09:00 Covering Trump’s 1st term was asking for reactions to Trump 09:30 Congress has handed away their authority in Trump 2.0 10:15 The personal animus between the two parties is very real 11:30 Young staffers had their politics formed by social media 13:30 Mike Johnson will go down as one of the weakest speakers ever 14:30 Johnson has willingly made congress irrelevant 16:15 Are we underplaying the chances of a January shutdown? 17:30 With premiums set to rise, why couldn’t Dems corner the GOP? 18:15 Dems know healthcare is good politics for them 19:15 Trump is digging in rather than caving on ACA subsidies 21:00 Trump doesn’t want to prop up the ACA because Obama passed it 22:00 Lots of Republicans have “Obama Derangement Syndrome” 23:30 The framework of the ACA came from the Heritage Foundation 24:00 Trump comes close to advocating for single payer healthcare 26:15 Republicans can’t do anything on healthcare without Trump 27:15 Trump is done with congress, thinks he can do everything via EO 29:15 Trump lied and claimed military bonuses came from tariff revenue 30:15 If SCOTUS takes tariff power from Trump, will he go to congress? 31:15 Congress unlikely to hand tariff authority to Trump 32:15 Republican bracing for another 20 retirement announcements 33:45 Texas & California members are mad about redistricting 35:30 House races will likely cost $60 million in 2026 37:00 Members of congress spend 50% of their time fundraising 39:30 Democrats would be stupid to try to impeach Trump a third time 41:00 Which congressional leaders will still be in place in 2027? 42:30 Johnson won’t be speaker in a new congress 43:30 Jim Jordan is the quiet favorite to be the house GOP leader 45:00 It’d be shocking if Chuck Schumer ran again 46:30 DSCC botched their oppo release on Graham Platner 48:45 There are doubts about Jeffries, but unlikely to be challenged 50:30 Schumer & Jeffries botched the NYC mayors race 52:15 Does John Thune have support in the senate? 55:00 Covering the hill is a better beat than the White HouseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Businessman, venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership fatigue, the erosion of America’s rule of law, and the long-term consequences of the Trump era. Tusk argues that many of today’s institutional crises—from weakened economic pillars to America’s retreat from global leadership—are inseparable from Trump’s choices, and that “pay-to-play” politics may linger even after he’s gone. The discussion also explores capitalism’s successes and excesses, the growing public unease around AI, and why uneven, state-by-state regulation is both inefficient and, at times, a necessary laboratory for innovation. The conversation then turns to the future: how AI-driven inequality could spark massive political upheaval, why crypto only works with regulation, and whether mobile voting could dramatically reshape democracy by boosting participation and accountability. Tusk weighs the risks of low-information turnout, the challenges of selling reform in rural America, and why JD Vance may be the biggest wildcard in restoring the rule of law. The episode closes with reflections on missed turning points in presidential history, the changing nature of political communication, and what it will take for candidates in 2028 to be truly battle-tested for the moment ahead. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Bradley Tusk joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:00 Third terms don’t make sense, people wear out after several years 03:15 America’s rule of law issues will end when Trump ends 04:00 Trump has undermined the pillars of America’s economic strength 04:45 Trump has chosen to end America’s role as leader of the free world 05:45 Trump selling chips to China undermines security argument 07:00 Will business expect the Trump treatment from future presidents? 08:15 State by state regulation is wildly inefficient compared to federal 09:00 There is only state level regulation of autonomous vehicles 10:30 State level regulation allows for experimentation & learning 11:15 Americans have lower approval of AI compared to other nations 12:00 The political tsunami hasn’t hit yet, will by 2028 13:15 If AI makes trillionaires & 18% unemployment, it’ll cause revolution 15:00 Crypto only works due to having a level of regulation 16:15 Regulation is neither inherently good or bad 18:15 We haven’t found the politician to meet the current political moment 19:00 Capitalism has lifted 3 billion people out of poverty since WW2 19:30 Capitalism now has been taken to the extreme, leading to unhappiness 21:00 With less immigration, America would have better safety nets 23:00 The debate would surround when immigrants qualify for the safety net 24:00 Eric Adams decision to house & feed immigrants hurt other services 25:30 Someone willing to risk life to immigrate is willing to work hard 27:00 Will pay to play politics outlast Trump in the business community? 28:00 Different industries will support the party that’s best for their interests 29:30 The case for allowing voting on a mobile device 31:45 Online banking is incredibly secure, voting could be made that way 33:30 Mobile voting should start at the local level, then work its way up 34:00 How security would work for mobile elections 36:45 High turnout will create better incentive structures for politicians 39:15 Is a rise in low information voter turnout actually a good thing? 40:15 Unique challenges selling rural states on mobile voting? 42:00 JD Vance is the biggest variable on the potential return to rule of law 43:15 Vance will struggle to distance himself from Trump 45:00 How different would the world have looked if Gore beat Bush? 46:45 If Gore wins, Iraq never happens 47:45 The two most qualified of the last seven presidents only got 1 term 49:00 The Iowa caucuses force presidential candidates to meet the people 50:30 The DNC made a huge mistake removing Iowa as first in nation status 52:30 Communication is so much more important to success now 53:30 In business, narrative is more important than fundamentals 55:30 Is it better to be a public company or private company in 2026? 57:00 Tech companies stay private for too long 59:30 Any candidates that excite you for 2028? 1:02:30 Candidates need to be battle tested by the primary calendar 1:04:00 First mobile votes will happen in AnchorageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

Chuck Todd breaks down Donald Trump’s prime-time address to the nation, arguing that it functioned less as a governing update and more as a rapid-fire campaign rally designed to rehab Trump’s political image. Todd explains how the speech sidestepped real policy challenges, leaned heavily into grievance, and once again spoke almost exclusively to Trump’s base—underscoring what he sees as the former president’s biggest weakness: a profound lack of self-awareness. From healthcare and energy costs to AI and economic anxiety, the episode examines how Trump’s fixation on personal slights and image management continues to shape his priorities, even as frustration grows among Republicans and voters alike who are still waiting for results instead of rhetoric. Then, businessman, venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership fatigue, the erosion of America’s rule of law, and the long-term consequences of the Trump era. Tusk argues that many of today’s institutional crises—from weakened economic pillars to America’s retreat from global leadership—are inseparable from Trump’s choices, and that “pay-to-play” politics may linger even after he’s gone. The discussion also explores capitalism’s successes and excesses, the growing public unease around AI, and why uneven, state-by-state regulation is both inefficient and, at times, a necessary laboratory for innovation. The conversation then turns to the future: how AI-driven inequality could spark massive political upheaval, why crypto only works with regulation, and whether mobile voting could dramatically reshape democracy by boosting participation and accountability. Tusk weighs the risks of low-information turnout, the challenges of selling reform in rural America, and why JD Vance may be the biggest wildcard in restoring the rule of law. The episode closes with reflections on missed turning points in presidential history, the changing nature of political communication, and what it will take for candidates in 2028 to be truly battle-tested for the moment ahead. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming weekend in college football.  Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 04:30 Democrats will struggle to win business community over GOP 08:00 Trump addresses the nation in primetime speech 09:00 Trump doesn’t mention Venezuela in the speech 10:00 Purpose of speech was to fix his political image 10:45 It felt like a Trump rally speech on speed 12:45 Trump asked voters for more time, can’t admit things aren’t working yet 13:30 Trump only knows how to speak in the language of his base 14:15 Trump’s lack of self awareness is his achilles heel 15:30 Trump clearly has “Obama Derangement Syndrome” 17:30 Republicans had 16 years for ACA replacement, couldn’t do it 19:45 The option to buy into Medicare is incredibly popular 21:00 Trump is consumed with grievance, can’t get out of his own way 22:15 Trump will punish the public on healthcare over his grievance 24:15 Republicans at least acknowledged problem of high energy bills 25:15 Trump relationship with AI companies will be tethered to energy bills 26:45 Even Trump’s supporters weren’t happy with the speech 29:00 Trumpworld rallied around Susie Wiles after Vanity Fair piece 29:45 Susie Wiles was the first person to agree to work for him after J6 31:30 Marco Rubio has an ally in Wiles, does JD Vance have one? 32:00 Trump’s presidential walk of fame is a monument to his narcissism 33:00 We should demand better from our leaders 35:45 Trump is using taxpayer dollars on vanity projects 37:45 Trump is appealing to his own interests and not the voters’  45:00 Bradley Tusk joins the Chuck ToddCast 47:00 Third terms don’t make sense, people wear out after several years 48:15 America’s rule of law issues will end when Trump ends 49:00 Trump has undermined the pillars of America’s economic strength 49:45 Trump has chosen to end America’s role as leader of the free world 50:45 Trump selling chips to China undermines security argument 52:00 Will business expect the Trump treatment from future presidents? 53:15 State by state regulation is wildly inefficient compared to federal 54:00 There is only state level regulation of autonomous vehicles 55:30 State level regulation allows for experimentation & learning 56:15 Americans have lower approval of AI compared to other nations 57:00 The political tsunami hasn’t hit yet, will by 2028 58:15 If AI makes trillionaires & 18% unemployment, it’ll cause revolution 1:00:00 Crypto only works due to having a level of regulation 1:01:15 Regulation is neither inherently good or bad 1:03:15 We haven’t found the politician to meet the current political moment 1:04:00 Capitalism has lifted 3 billion people out of poverty since WW2 1:04:30 Capitalism now has been taken to the extreme, leading to unhappiness 1:06:00 With less immigration, America would have better safety nets 1:08:00 The debate would surround when immigrants qualify for the safety net 1:09:00 Eric Adams decision to house & feed immigrants hurt other services 1:10:30 Someone willing to risk life to immigrate is willing to work hard 1:12:00 Will pay to play politics outlast Trump in the business community? 1:13:00 Different industries will support the party that’s best for their interests 1:14:30 The case for allowing voting on a mobile device 1:16:45 Online banking is incredibly secure, voting could be made that way 1:18:30 Mobile voting should start at the local level, then work its way up 1:19:00 How security would work for mobile elections 1:21:45 High turnout will create better incentive structures for politicians 1:24:15 Is a rise in low information voter turnout actually a good thing? 1:25:15 Unique challenges selling rural states on mobile voting? 1:27:00 JD Vance is the biggest variable on the potential return to rule of law 1:28:15 Vance will struggle to distance himself from Trump 1:30:00 How different would the world have looked if Gore beat Bush? 1:31:45 If Gore wins, Iraq never happens 1:32:45 The two most qualified of the last seven presidents only got 1 term 1:34:00 The Iowa caucuses force presidential candidates to meet the people 1:35:30 The DNC made a huge mistake removing Iowa as first in nation status 1:37:30 Communication is so much more important to success now 1:38:30 In business, narrative is more important than fundamentals 1:40:30 Is it better to be a public company or private company in 2026? 1:42:00 Tech companies stay private for too long 1:44:30 Any candidates that excite you for 2028? 1:47:30 Candidates need to be battle tested by the primary calendar 1:49:00 First mobile votes will happen in Anchorage 1:51:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Bradley Tusk 1:52:00 It’s hard to speculate what Epstein revelation would change the discourse 1:52:45 The looming question is why is Trump soft on Ghislaine Maxwell 1:54:00 Ask Chuck 1:54:15 Concerns with political outcomes in prediction markets 1:57:45 Worries that prediction markets turn young people into gambling addicts? 2:02:15 Worries that prediction markets are replacing traditional investing 2:04:15 Civil rights is always a struggle, how can we trust the public? 2:08:00 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

Full Episode - Trump Is Exhibiting 25th Amendment Behavior + How To Get Money Out Of Politics For Good Chuck Todd takes a hard look at Donald Trump’s increasingly egregious behavior and the growing questions surrounding his cognitive fitness for the presidency, sparked by a recent post that crossed a line even for many on the right. He asks what would happen if any other public figure behaved this way, why similar concerns about Biden’s decline were openly discussed while Trump’s are often brushed aside, and whether the country is getting a straight story about the former president’s health. With no clear guardrails, no apparent filters, and staff either unable or unwilling to intervene, the episode raises uncomfortable but urgent questions about judgment, accountability, and risk. Then, Jeff Clements, CEO of American Promise joins Chuck for a deep dive into one of the most consequential—and misunderstood—threats to American democracy: money in politics. Clements argues that today’s campaign finance dysfunction isn’t a failure of legislation but a court-created crisis, tracing how Supreme Court rulings turned money into speech, opened massive loopholes, and shifted lawmaking power from Congress to the judiciary. From McCain-Feingold to super PACs, the conversation unpacks why courts have repeatedly blocked reform efforts and why the problem isn’t free speech itself, but the unchecked amplification that allows wealth to drown out everyone else. The discussion turns to whether a constitutional amendment is the only viable path forward, how such an amendment could reclaim authority from the courts, and what it would take to build support across 38 states. Drawing parallels to the Gilded Age and the founders’ obsession with corruption, Clements explains why Americans broadly understand the system is broken—even if it’s hard to make campaign finance a voting issue. In a moment of democratic crisis, he makes the case that meaningful reform is still possible, and that restoring political equality could become a rare point of unity in a deeply polarized era. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 book recommendations for political junkies and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Money in politics has gotten out of control 03:45 North Carolina senate race will likely cost a billion dollars 04:30 One outside group can spend more than both campaigns combined 05:00 An amendment is the only way get campaign finance past judiciary 05:45 The judiciary has legislated campaign finance from the bench 07:30 Does the latest outrage over Trump’s Reiner tweet mean anything? 08:30 Trump’s post was a bridge too far for even some on the right 09:00 If any of us posted that, it would cost us jobs, relationships & more 10:30 At what point is Trump’s behavior 25th amendment type alarming? 11:15 Either his staff said something & he ignored it, or nobody said anything 12:15 Biden’s mental decline was apparent 14:00 Judging Trump’s mental decline is harder due to erratic behavior 17:15 It’s possible Trump feared one of his supporters murdered Reiner 18:00 Having a president with no filter should concern every American 19:15 You have to wonder if Trump is all there, all the time 21:00 We aren’t getting a straight story about Trump’s health 22:30 Concerns people on the right had about Biden, are happening w/Trump 23:45 Trump’s behavior is bad for the country & the Republican party 25:00 Voters will punish the GOP if they feel Trump’s decline was covered up 26:45 This story is only going to get worse as time goes on 28:30 New polling out on voters opinions & thoughts on corruption 29:15 What voters think corruption actually means 32:15 The voters are more sophisticated on corruption than politicians are 33:30 Large majorities thought government serves the rich & businesses 35:00 There’s an appetite for government & democracy reform 36:15 Majority of independents saw corruption in both Trump & Biden admins 37:30 Framing issues through lens of corruption could resonate 38:45 Connecting affordability to corruption could be very effective 46:00 Jeff Clements joins the Chuck ToddCast 47:15 Constitutional amendment the only way to get money out of politics? 48:30 Campaign finance problems are a “court created crisis” 50:00 The Supreme Court created all the campaign finance loopholes 50:45 If money wasn’t speech, is McCain-Feingold good legislation? 51:30 Money will always “find a way” in politics 54:45 Courts have stood in the way of campaign finance reform 55:15 How to word an amendment to take this power away from judiciary 59:00 Is there a first amendment argument against amplification? 1:00:00 Money in politics isn’t a free speech issue, it’s an amplification issue 1:04:30 Maine had a $5000 limit on PACs, was knocked down by courts 1:05:15 Courts ruled that money can’t corrupt when it’s clear they can 1:06:45 Court could rule that limits apply to PACs & campaigns, or rule no limits 1:07:45 The court has created many contradictions in campaign finance 1:08:45 A court ruling won’t fix the problem, an amendment would 1:09:15 Most campaign finance law has been written by judiciary 1:11:00 It’s difficult to make campaign finance a voting issue 1:13:15 The American people understand that the system is corrupted 1:17:15 There are many similarities between the Gilded Age & now 1:18:45 We’ll should see see several amendments in the next decade 1:20:15 Need 38 states for amendment, what’s the biggest hurdle? 1:21:30 A states rights argument would be very persuasive to legislatures 1:23:00 Free speech doesn’t mean you get to drown out everyone else 1:26:00 Money equaling speech has made money equal power 1:29:00 The founders were obsessed with corruption, led to the revolution 1:30:00 Limiting campaign finance is perceived to help the left over the right 1:33:15 Could a presidential candidate galvanize the debate? 1:33:45 The president & governors have no constitutional role in the process 1:36:00 The goal is to leave a well-informed electorate & building support 1:37:15 Are there any super wealthy donors who support these reforms? 1:39:15 This is a crisis for our democracy but could create an opportunity 1:41:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Jeff Clements 1:42:30 ToddCast Top 5 books for your reading list 1:43:00 #5 The Drift by Kevin Hassett 1:46:30 #4 Mark Twain by Ron Chernow 1:48:30 #3 The Barn by Wright Thompson 1:50:00 #2 107 Days by Kamala Harris 1:52:30 #1 Fateful Hours by Volker Ullrich 1:55:00 Ask Chuck 1:55:15 Appreciation for the quick reaction videos/pods 1:58:15 Omission of “Citizen Kang” from Simpsons time machine segment 2:00:00 Could a Democrat win the Florida senate race?  2:04:00 Why don’t reporters challenge Trump to his face about his behavior? 2:10:45 Why haven’t Democrats leaned into breaking up big monopolies? 2:15:45 How has interview prep changed from MTP to now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Jeff Clements,CEO of American Promise joins Chuck Todd for a deep dive into one of the most consequential—and misunderstood—threats to American democracy: money in politics. Clements argues that today’s campaign finance dysfunction isn’t a failure of legislation but a court-created crisis, tracing how Supreme Court rulings turned money into speech, opened massive loopholes, and shifted lawmaking power from Congress to the judiciary. From McCain-Feingold to super PACs, the conversation unpacks why courts have repeatedly blocked reform efforts and why the problem isn’t free speech itself, but the unchecked amplification that allows wealth to drown out everyone else. The discussion turns to whether a constitutional amendment is the only viable path forward, how such an amendment could reclaim authority from the courts, and what it would take to build support across 38 states. Drawing parallels to the Gilded Age and the founders’ obsession with corruption, Clements explains why Americans broadly understand the system is broken—even if it’s hard to make campaign finance a voting issue. In a moment of democratic crisis, he makes the case that meaningful reform is still possible, and that restoring political equality could become a rare point of unity in a deeply polarized era. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Jeff Clements joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 Constitutional amendment the only way to get money out of politics? 02:30 Campaign finance problems are a “court created crisis” 04:00 The Supreme Court created all the campaign finance loopholes 04:45 If money wasn’t speech, is McCain-Feingold good legislation? 05:30 Money will always “find a way” in politics 08:45 Courts have stood in the way of campaign finance reform 09:15 How to word an amendment to take this power away from judiciary 13:00 Is there a first amendment argument against amplification? 14:00 Money in politics isn’t a free speech issue, it’s an amplification issue 18:30 Maine had a $5000 limit on PACs, was knocked down by courts 19:15 Courts ruled that money can’t corrupt when it’s clear they can 20:45 Court could rule that limits apply to PACs & campaigns, or rule no limits 21:45 The court has created many contradictions in campaign finance 22:45 A court ruling won’t fix the problem, an amendment would 23:15 Most campaign finance law has been written by judiciary 25:00 It’s difficult to make campaign finance a voting issue 27:15 The American people understand that the system is corrupted 31:15 There are many similarities between the Gilded Age & now 32:45 We’ll should see see several amendments in the next decade 34:15 Need 38 states for amendment, what’s the biggest hurdle? 35:30 A states rights argument would be very persuasive to legislatures 37:00 Free speech doesn’t mean you get to drown out everyone else 40:00 Money equaling speech has made money equal power 43:00 The founders were obsessed with corruption, led to the revolution 44:00 Limiting campaign finance is perceived to help the left over the right 47:15 Could a presidential candidate galvanize the debate? 47:45 The president & governors have no constitutional role in the process 50:00 The goal is to leave a well-informed electorate & building support 51:15 Are there any super wealthy donors who support these reforms? 53:15 This is a crisis for our democracy but could create an opportunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Chuck Todd takes a hard look at Donald Trump’s increasingly egregious behavior and the growing questions surrounding his cognitive fitness for the presidency, sparked by a recent post that crossed a line even for many on the right. He asks what would happen if any other public figure behaved this way, why similar concerns about Biden’s decline were openly discussed while Trump’s are often brushed aside, and whether the country is getting a straight story about the former president’s health. With no clear guardrails, no apparent filters, and staff either unable or unwilling to intervene, the episode raises uncomfortable but urgent questions about judgment, accountability, and risk. He also examines recent polling on the issue of corruption, and why it could be a potent electoral issue if messaged correctly. Finally, Chuck gives his ToddCast Top 5 book recommendations for political junkies and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.   Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Money in politics has gotten out of control 03:45 North Carolina senate race will likely cost a billion dollars 04:30 One outside group can spend more than both campaigns combined 05:00 An amendment is the only way get campaign finance past judiciary 05:45 The judiciary has legislated campaign finance from the bench 07:30 Does the latest outrage over Trump’s Reiner tweet mean anything? 08:30 Trump’s post was a bridge too far for even some on the right 09:00 If any of us posted that, it would cost us jobs, relationships & more 10:30 At what point is Trump’s behavior 25th amendment type alarming? 11:15 Either his staff said something & he ignored it, or nobody said anything 12:15 Biden’s mental decline was apparent 14:00 Judging Trump’s mental decline is harder due to erratic behavior 17:15 It’s possible Trump feared one of his supporters murdered Reiner 18:00 Having a president with no filter should concern every American 19:15 You have to wonder if Trump is all there, all the time 21:00 We aren’t getting a straight story about Trump’s health 22:30 Concerns people on the right had about Biden, are happening w/Trump 23:45 Trump’s behavior is bad for the country & the Republican party 25:00 Voters will punish the GOP if they feel Trump’s decline was covered up 26:45 This story is only going to get worse as time goes on 28:30 New polling out on voters opinions & thoughts on corruption 29:15 What voters think corruption actually means 32:15 The voters are more sophisticated on corruption than politicians are 33:30 Large majorities thought government serves the rich & businesses 35:00 There’s an appetite for government & democracy reform 36:15 Majority of independents saw corruption in both Trump & Biden admins 37:30 Framing issues through lens of corruption could resonate 38:45 Connecting affordability to corruption could be very effective 45:45 ToddCast Top 5 books for your reading list 46:15 #5 The Drift by Kevin Hassett 49:45 #4 Mark Twain by Ron Chernow 51:45 #3 The Barn by Wright Thompson 53:15 #2 107 Days by Kamala Harris 55:45 #1 Fateful Hours by Volker Ullrich 58:15 Ask Chuck 58:30 Appreciation for the quick reaction videos/pods 1:01:30 Omission of “Citizen Kang” from Simpsons time machine segment 1:03:15 Could a Democrat win the Florida senate race?  1:07:15 Why don’t reporters challenge Trump to his face about his behavior? 1:14:00 Why haven’t Democrats leaned into breaking up big monopolies? 1:19:00 How has interview prep changed from MTP to now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Chuck Todd blasts Donald Trump for his despicable post about Rob Reiner where he attributed the murder to politics and made it about himself. He argues that Trump only knows how to “go low” and that the post is a red flag that something is seriously wrong with the president’s mental state. Timeline: 00:00 Rob Reiner & his wife found murdered in their home 00:30 So much grief from Brown & Australia shootings & now Reiner… 02:15 Trump’s post about Reiner’s death was beyond despicable 03:45 Trump implied that Reiner’s political disagreements got him murdered 04:45 Trump’s lack of empathy during Covid contributed to election loss 06:00 Reiner should be celebrated for his art, not attacked for his politics 07:45 Trump is a virus of polarization & exploitive of any situation 08:30 Trump represents America, and his post was classless & embarrassing 10:00 Trump is leaving a terrible legacy 10:45 Trump is the most successful failure in American history 12:45 We want a president who knows how to “go high”, Trump only goes low 13:45 Nobody in Trump’s inner circle stays there for long 14:30 You can’t chase every Trump outrage, but this one stood out 15:30 Trump’s behavior will accelerate perception that he’s losing it 16:45 This is a red flag that something is seriously wrong with TrumpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck confronts the alarming rise of antisemitism following a mass shooting that targeted Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah, reflecting on how hatred now crosses traditional political lines and sharing his own family’s experiences. He argues that social media has become a primary accelerant—profiting from outrage, trapping people in media silos, and rewarding the most extreme voices—while insisting that free speech does not guarantee unlimited reach. The conversation widens to the urgent need for tech reform, growing support for restricting smartphones for kids, and public backlash to Donald Trump’s hands-off approach to regulating AI. Chuck also examines Trump’s foreign policy actions, economic excuses, and erosion of constitutional norms, warning that the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism.” Despite the dangers of normalization and resignation, the episode closes with a reminder that America still has the capacity to push back and reclaim democratic guardrails. Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the political and cultural impact of The Simpsons, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the latest in college football. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Mass shooting targets Jews in Australia on first night of Hanukkah 04:30 Antisemitism comes from both sides of the political aisle 06:00 Chuck’s family’s experience with antisemitism 07:15 Biggest culprit in rise in antisemitism is social media 09:45 Social media companies profit from destroying kids & country 11:00 People need to step out of their media silos 13:30 You have the right to speech but not to reach 16:00 Tech companies need to be the focal point for major reform 17:00 Trump’s “light touch” approach to regulating AI is very unpopular 18:45 Tech can get what they want by writing a check to Trump 20:15 Growing support for restricting smartphones for kids/teens 21:15 Most extreme content reaches the most online men* 22:30 Mark Warner says “double tap” strike was 40 mins later 23:30 Strike was indefensible, it’s why Pentagon won’t release video 25:30 Trump has no legal authority from congress for strikes 28:00 Trump basically admits Republicans will lose the midterms 29:00 Trump has begun the excuse making for a bad economy 30:15 Trump spent time working on DC’s golf courses 31:30 Foreign Affairs essay says USA is in competitive authoritarianism 34:30 Trump’s actions subvert rule of law & the constitution 35:15 Competitive authoritarians turn state power on enemies 37:45 Large swaths of the media have caved to the Trump administration 40:00 After Watergate, authoritarian abuse had disappeared… until Trump 41:00 America still has hope for turning away authoritarianism 41:30 Greatest danger is acceptance and resignation 49:15 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:30 How did you get started with Unite America 51:30 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 52:15 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 54:15 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 55:45 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 56:15 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 58:00 Runoff elections get a bad rap 59:45 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 1:00:45 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 1:02:45 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 1:04:00 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 1:05:15 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 1:06:15 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 1:06:45 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 1:08:00 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 1:09:00 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 1:11:15 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 1:13:00 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 1:13:30 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 1:16:00 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 1:18:15 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 1:20:00 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 1:21:15 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 1:23:15 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 1:24:30 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 1:25:30 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 1:27:45 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 1:28:30 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 1:29:30 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 1:31:15 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 1:32:30 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 1:33:30 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 1:35:15 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 1:37:45 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 1:38:45 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 1:40:15 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 1:41:45 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 1:42:30 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 1:43:15 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 1:44:00 Any itch to run for office again? 1:44:45 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 1:46:15 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidate 1:48:15 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Nick Troiano 1:49:15 ToddCast Time Machine December 17th, 1989 1:49:30 Debut of The Simpsons 1:50:45 Simpsons has outlasted entire media eras 1:51:15 Simpsons is brilliant at parodying politics & culture 1:52:00 Burns runs for governor teaches lessons of campaigns 1:52:45 Monorail episode shows failures of debt financing infrastructure 1:53:45 Lisa goes to Washington a great explainer of how DC works 1:54:30 Sideshow Bob rigs an election and wins anyway 1:56:00 Simpsons has had cameos from major political voices 1:56:30 Simpsons spawned an entire industry for adult animation 1:57:30 South Park’s “Simpson’s Did It” was the perfect omage 1:58:15 The Simpsons made audiences smarter about how to consume politics 1:58:30 Ask Chuck 1:59:15 Did Adam Schiff hurt or help Mandella Barnes by endorsing him? 2:02:00 A “shave your head” bet between you and Cillizza over A&M vs Miami? 2:05:15 Why has the donor class become the priority over the public? 2:09:15 Why can companies absorb tariff costs, but can’t raise wages? 2:12:30 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 How did you get started with Unite America 02:15 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 03:00 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 05:00 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 06:30 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 07:00 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 08:45 Runoff elections get a bad rap 10:30 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 11:30 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 13:30 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 14:45 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 16:00 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 17:00 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 17:30 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 18:45 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 19:45 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 22:00 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 23:45 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 24:15 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 26:45 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 29:00 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 30:45 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 32:00 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 34:00 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 35:15 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 36:15 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 38:30 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 39:15 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 40:15 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 42:00 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 43:15 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 44:15 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 46:00 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 48:30 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 49:30 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 51:00 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 52:30 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 53:15 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 54:00 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 54:45 Any itch to run for office again? 55:30 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 57:00 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck confronts the alarming rise of antisemitism following a mass shooting that targeted Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah, reflecting on how hatred now crosses traditional political lines and sharing his own family’s experiences. He argues that social media has become a primary accelerant—profiting from outrage, trapping people in media silos, and rewarding the most extreme voices—while insisting that free speech does not guarantee unlimited reach. The conversation widens to the urgent need for tech reform, growing support for restricting smartphones for kids, and public backlash to Donald Trump’s hands-off approach to regulating AI. Chuck also examines Trump’s foreign policy actions, economic excuses, and erosion of constitutional norms, warning that the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism.” Despite the dangers of normalization and resignation, the episode closes with a reminder that America still has the capacity to push back and reclaim democratic guardrails. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the political and cultural impact of The Simpsons, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the latest in college football. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 2:00 Mass shooting targets Jews in Australia on first night of Hanukkah 3:30 Antisemitism comes from both sides of the political aisle 5:00 Chuck’s family’s experience with antisemitism 6:15 Biggest culprit in rise in antisemitism is social media 8:45 Social media companies profit from destroying kids & country 10:00 People need to step out of their media silos 12:30 You have the right to speech but not to reach 15:00 Tech companies need to be the focal point for major reform 16:00 Trump’s “light touch” approach to regulating AI is very unpopular 17:45 Tech can get what they want by writing a check to Trump 19:15 Growing support for restricting smartphones for kids/teens 20:15 Most extreme content reaches the most online men* 21:30 Mark Warner says “double tap” strike was 40 mins later 22:30 Strike was indefensible, it’s why Pentagon won’t release video 24:30 Trump has no legal authority from congress for strikes 27:00 Trump basically admits Republicans will lose the midterms 28:00 Trump has begun the excuse making for a bad economy 29:15 Trump spent time working on DC’s golf courses 30:30 Foreign Affairs essay says USA is in competitive authoritarianism 33:30 Trump’s actions subvert rule of law & the constitution 34:15 Competitive authoritarians turn state power on enemies 36:45 Large swaths of the media have caved to the Trump administration 39:00 After Watergate, authoritarian abuse had disappeared… until Trump 40:00 America still has hope for turning away authoritarianism 40:30 Greatest danger is acceptance and resignation 47:30 ToddCast Time Machine December 17th, 1989 47:45 Debut of The Simpsons 49:00 Simpsons has outlasted entire media eras 49:30 Simpsons is brilliant at parodying politics & culture 50:15 Burns runs for governor teaches lessons of campaigns 51:00 Monorail episode shows failures of debt financing infrastructure 52:00 Lisa goes to Washington a great explainer of how DC works 52:45 Sideshow Bob rigs an election and wins anyway 54:15 Simpsons has had cameos from major political voices 54:45 Simpsons spawned an entire industry for adult animation 55:45 South Park’s “Simpson’s Did It” was the perfect omage 56:30 The Simpsons made audiences smarter about how to consume politics 56:45 Ask Chuck 57:30 Did Adam Schiff hurt or help Mandella Barnes by endorsing him? 1:00:15 A “shave your head” bet between you and Cillizza over A&M vs Miami? 1:03:30 Why has the donor class become the priority over the public? 1:07:30 Why can companies absorb tariff costs, but can’t raise wages? 1:10:45 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

In this special Friday episode, Chuck Todd breaks down a striking turn inside the Republican Party as Indiana Republicans openly rebuke Donald Trump’s demand to redraw their congressional maps—an early sign that his once-iron grip on the GOP may be loosening. With voters frustrated by a shaky economy, Trump’s political coalition is showing new cracks.  Chuck also explores the Heritage Foundation’s hollow threat against Indiana lawmakers and why Trump’s executive order banning states from regulating AI is unpopular and almost certainly unconstitutional. Taken together, these shifts suggest a pivotal moment: the first real indications that the Trump era may finally be entering its twilight. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Indiana Republicans rebuke Trump’s redistricting demand 03:00 Voters don’t like the economy and it’s weakening Trump’s grip on GOP 04:30 Trump is not a true conservative 07:15 Heritage Foundation made an empty threat against Indiana 08:00 Trump’s EO banning state AI regulation is unconstitutional 09:30 Trump’s coalition is beginning to fray 10:45 This feels like the beginning of the end of the Trump era  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

In this episode, Chuck Todd explores the growing bipartisan momentum to rein in Big Tech, noting that while social media’s unintended consequences have already eroded truth and public trust, AI could amplify those failures without strong guardrails. He breaks down why Americans overwhelmingly support protecting kids from tech harms—and why a public revolt is inevitable once people feel they’ve lost control. Chuck also looks at how massive AI investment is masking broader economic weakness before turning to Donald Trump’s botched economic message in Pennsylvania, a “let them eat cake” tone that echoes the same political trap Biden once fell into. With surprising Democratic wins in Miami and Georgia and a demoralizing trend inside the GOP base, the political landscape is shifting fast, especially as ACA subsidies near expiration and no healthcare compromise is in sight. Chuck then pivots to the rise of prediction markets—how they move on insider information, how they could be manipulated by political actors, and why the “casinofication” of news threatens to reduce all political coverage to a risky, easily gamed horse race. Then, journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins  Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books. They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming college football slate. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 There is bipartisan support for pushing back on tech 05:00 AI regulation to protect kids has massive support 06:15 The public will revolt over tech when they feel they lose control 08:00 Social media came with unintended consequences, AI could be similar 08:45 Social media has destroyed truth 09:30 AI needs guardrails that have been missing from social media 10:45 AI investment is masking a recession for much of the country 12:30 Trump botches economic message at PA rally 13:15 Trump has a tone deaf, let them eat cake mindset 14:45 The Trump WH walking into the same trap Biden did on economy 15:30 Elections in Miami and Georgia showed GOP is in real trouble 17:30 First time a Democrat won Miami mayor in nearly 30 years 18:15 Democratic voters are fired up & more reliable 19:45 The base of the Republican party is becoming demoralized 21:00 ACA credits set to expire, no compromise healthcare deal yet 22:15 Question for audience: Do you follow and participate in prediction markets? 24:00 Prediction markets move when they get insider info 25:45 Prediction markets seemed to know fed interest rate cut was coming 27:00 Is it wise to allow people to bet on basically everything? 28:45 Gambling is highly regulated, prediction markets are not 29:30 Certain people will know outcomes in advance and can game the system 30:45 Trump allies could game the system on predictions of his actions 32:15 Predictions that can be manipulated should be outlawed 34:00 Prediction markets could make all political coverage “horse race” style 35:15 The “casinofication” of news comes with risks 40:45 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast 43:45 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem 44:45 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media 45:45 Both left & right want to get smartphones out of classrooms 46:30 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable 47:45 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby 49:45 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI 51:15 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation 53:15 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public 54:30 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco? 57:00 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers 58:30 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech 59:15 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t 1:00:45 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books 1:02:15 MAMA’s mission and goals 1:03:45 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment 1:06:15 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it 1:07:15 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood 1:08:00 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race 1:09:15 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills 1:11:45 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study 1:13:15 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI? 1:14:45 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood 1:16:30 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers 1:18:15 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on? 1:20:45 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech 1:21:15 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation 1:22:45 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age 1:24:15 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive 1:26:45 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthy 1:32:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Julie Scelfo 1:34:30 Thoughts on a limited TV series on the constitutional convention? 1:38:00 Favorite movies & Ken Burns doc? 1:43:30 Outlook on the primary races in Texas and Montana? 1:52:00 What if archduke Franz Ferdinand's driver took a different turn? 1:57:00 College football previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

In this episode, Chuck Todd explores the growing bipartisan momentum to rein in Big Tech, noting that while social media’s unintended consequences have already eroded truth and public trust, AI could amplify those failures without strong guardrails. He breaks down why Americans overwhelmingly support protecting kids from tech harms—and why a public revolt is inevitable once people feel they’ve lost control. Chuck also looks at how massive AI investment is masking broader economic weakness before turning to Donald Trump’s botched economic message in Pennsylvania, a “let them eat cake” tone that echoes the same political trap Biden once fell into. With surprising Democratic wins in Miami and Georgia and a demoralizing trend inside the GOP base, the political landscape is shifting fast, especially as ACA subsidies near expiration and no healthcare compromise is in sight. Chuck then pivots to the rise of prediction markets—how they move on insider information, how they could be manipulated by political actors, and why the “casinofication” of news threatens to reduce all political coverage to a risky, easily gamed horse race. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming college football slate. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 There is bipartisan support for pushing back on tech 05:00 AI regulation to protect kids has massive support 06:15 The public will revolt over tech when they feel they lose control 08:00 Social media came with unintended consequences, AI could be similar 08:45 Social media has destroyed truth 09:30 AI needs guardrails that have been missing from social media 10:45 AI investment is masking a recession for much of the country 12:30 Trump botches economic message at PA rally 13:15 Trump has a tone deaf, let them eat cake mindset 14:45 The Trump WH walking into the same trap Biden did on economy 15:30 Elections in Miami and Georgia showed GOP is in real trouble 17:30 First time a Democrat won Miami mayor in nearly 30 years 18:15 Democratic voters are fired up & more reliable 19:45 The base of the Republican party is becoming demoralized 21:00 ACA credits set to expire, no compromise healthcare deal yet 22:15 Question for audience: Do you follow and participate in prediction markets? 24:00 Prediction markets move when they get insider info 25:45 Prediction markets seemed to know fed interest rate cut was coming 27:00 Is it wise to allow people to bet on basically everything? 28:45 Gambling is highly regulated, prediction markets are not 29:30 Certain people will know outcomes in advance and can game the system 30:45 Trump allies could game the system on predictions of his actions 32:15 Predictions that can be manipulated should be outlawed 34:00 Prediction markets could make all political coverage “horse race” style 35:15 The “casinofication” of news comes with risks 40:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Julie Scelfo 43:00 Thoughts on a limited TV series on the constitutional convention? 46:30 Favorite movies & Ken Burns doc? 52:00 Outlook on the primary races in Texas and Montana? 1:00:30 What if archduke Franz Ferdinand's driver took a different turn? 1:05:30 College football previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

Journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books. They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline:  (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast 03:00 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem 04:00 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media 05:00 Both left & right want get get smartphones out of classrooms 05:45 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable  07:00 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby 09:00 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI 10:30 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation 12:30 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public 13:45 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco? 16:15 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers 17:45 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech 18:30 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t  20:00 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books 21:30 MAMA’s mission and goals 23:00 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment 25:30 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it 26:30 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood 27:15 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race 28:30 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills 31:00 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study 32:30 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI? 34:00 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood 35:45 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers 37:30 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on? 40:00 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech 40:30 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation 42:00 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age 43:30 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive 46:00 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

On today’s ToddCast, Chuck Todd breaks down Donald Trump’s sudden decision to fully engage on the economy—and why his proposals reveal both political vulnerability and economic incoherence. From promising $2.6 trillion in tariff revenue when only a fraction has ever been collected, to floating the idea of replacing income taxes with wildly regressive consumption taxes that would spike prices severalfold, Trump appears more focused on short-term optics than long-term consequences. Chuck also digs into Congress’ scramble to extend ACA subsidies—an issue so politically toxic for Republicans that even Trump may be forced to back the plan—and how the 2026 economic mood will shape the midterms. Plus, he examines the rise of Democratic “fighters” like Jasmine Crockett, the visibility boost for Gavin Newsom and Mark Kelly after their clashes with Trump, and why a politics obsessed with combat over substance leaves both parties drifting away from meaningful policy debates. Then, Chuck sits down with Reese Gorman and Kate Nocera of NOTUS for a deep dive into what it means to build a truly nonpartisan newsroom in today’s hyperpolarized media landscape. Reese and Kate explain how NOTUS approaches journalism without playing to partisan expectations—or to social media algorithms—and why being outside the legacy-media universe gives their reporters a unique advantage. They discuss Washington’s shifting culture, from the decline in local DC reporting to the increasingly strained relationship between the press and Congress, where competition for scoops is fierce, norms have evaporated in Trump’s second term, and newer members often lack any memory of a functional legislature. The conversation then turns to the political tensions shaping Capitol Hill, including Steve Scalise’s quiet maneuvering for the speakership, Trump’s latest approval dip, and the surprising lack of Trump fatigue among GOP lawmakers. Reese and Kate also outline the Democratic Party’s mix of opportunity and dysfunction heading into the midterms: strong messaging on affordability and bullish vibes contrasted with an inability to clear primary fields and a continued failure to operate as a true national party. From the dire mood on the Hill to which unknown members could soon be household names, this episode offers a sharp, insider look at journalism, politics, and power in Washington today. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and give his ToddCast Top 5 non-playoff college bowl games that should be played NEXT season.   Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 NOTUS has filled a gap left by the Washington Post 03:00 The Washington Post has given up covering DC locally 06:00 Donald Trump finally engaging on the economy 06:30 Trump doesn’t accept the premise that the economy isn’t great 07:30 Trump blames Biden for all negative economic news 08:15 Majority of voters blame Trump for the bad economy 09:30 Trump proposes spending $2.6T in tariff revenue, only collected $250B 10:00 If Trump replaces income tax with tariffs, prices will go up 2-5x 10:45 Replacing income tax with consumption tax is incredibly regressive 12:00 Trump proposes farm bailout and cutting checks to taxpayers 13:00 Trump knows the economy is bad and wants to throw money at problem 13:45 The perception of economy in summer ‘26 will be perception for midterms 15:45 Trump worries short term, willing to push all problems off to his successor 16:30 Congress looking to extend ACA subsidies for ACA by two years 17:15 Healthcare is such a bad issue for GOP they are looking for off-ramp 18:30 Trump will have to endorse ACA subsidy extension for it to pass 19:30 Bill will likely have to pass the senate before the house 20:30 Gavin Newsom & Mark Kelly’s fight with Trump boosted their visibility 23:30 Mark Kelly’s bio has more charisma than he does  26:00 Hegseth threatening Kelly gave Kelly some juice 26:30 Jasmine Crockett announces run for senate, is very savvy candidate 27:15 Crockett’s announcement video is grounded in fight with Trump 28:00 The fastest way to get traction is Democratic politics is to be a fighter 29:00 Being a fighter helps centrists avoid the progressive litmus test* 30:15 Republicans don’t run on policy ideas, they run on “owning the libs” 31:15 If you only run on fighting, you don’t stand for anything 32:30 Major policy debates become more about the fight and lose substance 34:15 There will be “issue” candidates for Democrats, but they likely won’t do well 34:45 Crockett vs Talarico will be “fight vs unite” 35:45 Nancy Mace writes op-ed saying Dems ram through their agenda 36:30 Dems also think Republicans ram through their agenda 37:30 GOP willing to take hard votes to fulfill promises, Dems less so 43:45 Reese Gorman & Kate Nocera of NOTUS join the Chuck ToddCast 45:15 What is NOTUS & how did you end up working there? 47:45 How do you execute being a truly nonpartisan newsroom? 49:15 You can’t balance the truth based on partisan affiliation 52:15 Is NOTUS the only incubator for young journalists in DC? 54:30 How Reese ended up at NOTUS? 57:45 Do you have to play to the algorithms when posting stories? 1:00:15 Being part of the non-legacy media is an advantage 1:02:45 The Washington Post has stopped covering local DC politics 1:04:45 Changes at the Kennedy Center aren’t being covered 1:07:15 Has Trump changed the culture of DC in his second term? 1:09:00 The relationship between the press and congress is more strained 1:11:00 The culture on the hill is very “cliquey” 1:12:00 There’s a lot more competition for scoops on the hill 1:13:00 What’s the mission of your podcast? 1:15:00 How does Steve Scalise continue to maneuver in the Republican party? 1:16:15 Scalise wants the speaker role currently held by Mike Johnson 1:18:00 Trump’s recent approval dip seems different than prior ones 1:19:00 There were still norms in Trump’s first term, there aren’t in 2.0 1:20:30 No sense of Trump fatigue from Republican members of congress 1:21:30 Can you tell which members are too trapped in an information bubble? 1:22:00 Pre-Trump members have a better sense of reality 1:23:45 New members don’t remember a time when congress was functional 1:25:45 How much of a problem could congressional leadership be for Dems? 1:28:15 Democrats could perform well running on affordability message 1:28:45 Democrats feel bullish headed into the midterms 1:30:00 The Dem establishment hasn’t been able to clear primary fields 1:31:45 Democrats aren’t a national party, can’t compete in 1/3rd of the country 1:33:45 The vibes and mood on the hill are terrible right now 1:34:15 If Dems win the TN-07 special, you could see wave of retirements 1:36:45 If you have DSCC questions, do you go to Schumer or Gillibrand? 1:39:00 A joint fundraising committee for Graham Platner is unlikely 1:40:00 Haley Stevens seems like a nervous candidate 1:40:30 Which unknown members could be household names in a year? 1:45:45 Where you can find Reese and Kate’s work 1:49:30 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with NOTUS 1:50:15 Ask Chuck 1:50:30 Will Trump’s policy tank support with latinos & put FL & TX in play? 1:56:00 Will you and Cillizza have a bet on the A&M vs Miami game? 1:58:00 Thoughts on electing the Attorney General independently? 2:04:45 Does Bernie Moreno’s bill ending dual citizenship pass legal muster? 2:07:30 ToddCast Top 5 bowl games that would be better played next season 2:08:30 Multiple schools have bowed out of playing non playoff bowl games 2:13:15 #1 Citrus Bowl - Texas vs. Michigan 2:14:00 #2 Pop Tarts Bowl - BYU vs. Notre Dame 2:14:45 #3 Pinstripe Bowl - Penn State vs. Clemson 2:15:30 #4 Sun Bowl - Arizona vs. Duke 2:16:00 #5 Hawaii Bowl - Cal vs. HawaiiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

On today’s ToddCast, Chuck Todd breaks down Donald Trump’s sudden decision to fully engage on the economy—and why his proposals reveal both political vulnerability and economic incoherence. From promising $2.6 trillion in tariff revenue when only a fraction has ever been collected, to floating the idea of replacing income taxes with wildly regressive consumption taxes that would spike prices severalfold, Trump appears more focused on short-term optics than long-term consequences. Chuck also digs into Congress’ scramble to extend ACA subsidies—an issue so politically toxic for Republicans that even Trump may be forced to back the plan—and how the 2026 economic mood will shape the midterms. Plus, he examines the rise of Democratic “fighters” like Jasmine Crockett, the visibility boost for Gavin Newsom and Mark Kelly after their clashes with Trump, and why a politics obsessed with combat over substance leaves both parties drifting away from meaningful policy debates. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and give his ToddCast Top 5 non-playoff college bowl games that should be played NEXT season.   Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Donald Trump finally engaging on the economy 01:30 Trump doesn’t accept the premise that the economy isn’t great 02:30 Trump blames Biden for all negative economic news 03:15 Majority of voters blame Trump for the bad economy 04:30 Trump proposes spending $2.6T in tariff revenue, only collected $250B 05:00 If Trump replaces income tax with tariffs, prices will go up 2–5x 05:45 Replacing income tax with consumption tax is incredibly regressive 07:00 Trump proposes farm bailout and cutting checks to taxpayers 08:00 Trump knows the economy is bad and wants to throw money at problem 08:45 The perception of economy in summer ‘26 will be perception for midterms 10:45 Trump worries short term, willing to push all problems off to his successor 11:30 Congress looking to extend ACA subsidies for ACA by two years 12:15 Healthcare is such a bad issue for GOP they are looking for off-ramp 13:30 Trump will have to endorse ACA subsidy extension for it to pass 14:30 Bill will likely have to pass the senate before the house 15:30 Gavin Newsom & Mark Kelly’s fight with Trump boosted their visibility 18:30 Mark Kelly’s bio has more charisma than he does 21:00 Hegseth threatening Kelly gave Kelly some juice 21:30 Jasmine Crockett announces run for senate, is very savvy candidate 22:15 Crockett’s announcement video is grounded in fight with Trump 23:00 The fastest way to get traction is Democratic politics is to be a fighter 24:00 Being a fighter helps centrists avoid the progressive litmus test* 25:15 Republicans don’t run on policy ideas, they run on “owning the libs” 26:15 If you only run on fighting, you don’t stand for anything 27:30 Major policy debates become more about the fight and lose substance 29:15 There will be “issue” candidates for Democrats, but they likely won’t do well 29:45 Crockett vs Talarico will be “fight vs unite” 30:45 Nancy Mace writes op-ed saying Dems ram through their agenda 31:30 Dems also think Republicans ram through their agenda 32:30 GOP willing to take hard votes to fulfill promises, Dems less so 38:15 Ask Chuck 38:30 Will Trump’s policy tank support with latinos & put FL & TX in play? 44:00 Will you and Cillizza have a bet on the A&M vs Miami game? 46:00 Thoughts on electing the Attorney General independently? 52:45 Does Bernie Moreno’s bill ending dual citizenship pass legal muster? 55:30 ToddCast Top 5 bowl games that would be better played next season 56:30 Multiple schools have bowed out of playing non playoff bowl games 1:01:15 #1 Citrus Bowl - Texas vs. Michigan 1:02:00 #2 Pop Tarts Bowl - BYU vs. Notre Dame 1:02:45 #3 Pinstripe Bowl - Penn State vs. Clemson 1:03:30 #4 Sun Bowl - Arizona vs. Duke 1:04:00 #5 Hawaii Bowl - Cal vs. HawaiiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Reese Gorman and Kate Nocera of NOTUS for a deep dive into what it means to build a truly nonpartisan newsroom in today’s hyperpolarized media landscape. Reese and Kate explain how NOTUS approaches journalism without playing to partisan expectations—or to social media algorithms—and why being outside the legacy-media universe gives their reporters a unique advantage. They discuss Washington’s shifting culture, from the decline in local DC reporting to the increasingly strained relationship between the press and Congress, where competition for scoops is fierce, norms have evaporated in Trump’s second term, and newer members often lack any memory of a functional legislature. The conversation then turns to the political tensions shaping Capitol Hill, including Steve Scalise’s quiet maneuvering for the speakership, Trump’s latest approval dip, and the surprising lack of Trump fatigue among GOP lawmakers. Reese and Kate also outline the Democratic Party’s mix of opportunity and dysfunction heading into the midterms: strong messaging on affordability and bullish vibes contrasted with an inability to clear primary fields and a continued failure to operate as a true national party. From the dire mood on the Hill to which unknown members could soon be household names, this episode offers a sharp, insider look at journalism, politics, and power in Washington today. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements 00:00 Reese Gorman & Kate Nocera of NOTUS join the Chuck ToddCast 01:30 What is NOTUS & how did you end up working there? 04:00 How do you execute being a truly nonpartisan newsroom? 05:30 You can’t balance the truth based on partisan affiliation 08:30 Is NOTUS the only incubator for young journalists in DC? 10:45 How Reese ended up at NOTUS? 14:00 Do you have to play to the algorithms when posting stories? 16:30 Being part of the non-legacy media is an advantage  19:00 The Washington Post has stopped covering local DC politics 21:00 Changes at the Kennedy Center aren’t being covered 23:30 Has Trump changed the culture of DC in his second term? 25:15 The relationship between the press and congress is more strained 27:15 The culture on the hill is very “cliquey”  28:15 There’s a lot more competition for scoops on the hill 29:15 What’s the mission of your podcast? 31:15 How does Steve Scalise continue to maneuver in the Republican party? 32:30 Scalise wants the speaker role currently held by Mike Johnson 34:15 Trump’s recent approval dip seems different than prior ones 35:15 There were still norms in Trump’s first term, there aren’t in 2.0 36:45 No sense of Trump fatigue from Republican members of congress 37:45 Can you tell which members are too trapped in an information bubble? 38:15 Pre-Trump members have a better sense of reality 40:00 New members don’t remember a time when congress was functional 42:00 How much of a problem could congressional leadership be for Dems? 44:30 Democrats could perform well running on affordability message 45:00 Democrats feel bullish headed into the midterms 46:15 The Dem establishment hasn’t been able to clear primary fields 48:00 Democrats aren’t a national party, can’t compete in 1/3rd of the country 50:00 The vibes and mood on the hill are terrible right now 50:30 If Dems win the TN-07 special, you could see wave of retirements 53:00 If you have DSCC questions, do you go to Schumer or Gillibrand? 55:15 A joint fundraising committee for Graham Platner is unlikely 56:15 Haley Stevens seems like a nervous candidate 56:45 Which unknown members could be household names in a year? 1:02:00 Where you can find Reese and Kate’s workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Jared Bernstein — veteran economic adviser to both the Obama and Clinton administrations — for a sweeping, candid breakdown of the American economy, why the data and national mood feel so misaligned, and how technological change is reshaping the labor market. Bernstein explains how the White House approached economic tradeoffs, from inflation and tariffs to the stubborn low-hire, low-fire job market. He and Chuck dig into the uncertainty surrounding AI-driven job displacement, why Americans are more skeptical of AI than peers abroad, and how policymakers failed to build guardrails around the harms of social media. Bernstein argues that a federal jobs guarantee would be far more effective than universal basic income, and that political candidates will increasingly need to get tough on tech as the power of the “Magnificent Seven” distorts markets and discourages regulation. The conversation then turns to the structural failures of America’s healthcare system — from inelastic demand to weak cost controls — and why “Medicare for more” could be a practical starting point for reform. Bernstein outlines the entrenched inefficiencies of employer-based coverage, the rise of contract work, and the political salience but poor targeting of policies like “no tax on tips.” He also discusses the missed opportunity to protect the expanded child tax credit, the flaws in Trump’s proposed baby bond program, and the broader need for progressive taxation rather than philanthropy by billionaires. Finally, Chuck and Jared confront the realities of the national debt in an era of higher interest rates, the feasibility of reviving a robust child tax credit, and whether new supports — like credits for childcare or elder care — could help families navigate an affordability crisis that shows no sign of easing. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary.   Timeline: 00:00 Jared Bernstein joins the Chuck ToddCast 00:30 Jared worked for both the Obama & Clinton administrations 02:15 Drafting economic policy that has the most upside, least downside 03:15 The economic data doesn’t match the vibe of the country 04:15 The Biden WH talked past the electorate but didn’t lie about economy 05:45 Biden thought the job market was most important economic indicator 08:30 Inflation has been stubborn, how long did you assume we’d have it? 10:15 Tariffs have contributed to about half a point of inflation 11:00 Inflation during Covid was a combo of low supply & high demand 12:45 Should the fed be focusing on inflation or the jobs market? 14:30 AI isn’t causing mass layoffs yet, but it has frozen hiring 15:30 We’re stuck in a low hire, low fire jobs market 16:45 Technology displaces the most workers during economic downturns 18:45 How can we avoid job displacement destruction from AI? 20:15 Americans are far more negative on AI than other western nations 21:30 Politicians failed to create guardrails for the harms of social media 22:15 We don’t know the extent of how AI will displace jobs 23:15 Government should offer a federal jobs guarantee for AI displaced jobs 24:30 Universal basic income pales in comparison to a jobs guarantee 26:15 Getting tough on tech will be critical to successful political candidates 27:30 Tech companies threaten regulators with exiting the country 28:30 Breaking up tech’s power has appeal on both sides of the aisle 29:00 Market cap of the magnificent 7 is 22 trillion dollars 31:00 The S&P 500 minus the magnificent 7 is basically flat 32:45 Non-profit hospital systems make more money than for profit ones 33:30 Leaving healthcare to the free market doesn’t work well & is expensive 34:15 Healthcare isn’t shoppable and demand is inelastic 35:45 The only healthcare solution from congress is subsidizing insurance  36:30 The ACA did a lot to control healthcare spending, but not enough 37:15 We have very few cost controls in our healthcare system 38:00 “Medicare for more” would be a great place to start fixing the system 39:15 Competition in the health insurance market has been insufficient 41:00 Health insurers don’t want to compete with government, will fight hard 42:00 Medicare won’t be free but considerably cheaper than private market 42:45 Will a shorter work week be realized in the age of AI? 43:45 Social welfare is too often correlated to GDP 44:30 A shorter work week isn’t feasible during an affordability crisis 46:15 Employer based healthcare system is deeply rooted, but inefficient 47:30 Companies have pivoted to contract work to avoid paying benefits 48:30 The salience of the “No Tax On Tips” policy 50:45 No tax on tips is poorly targeted and inefficient, but will be hard to repeal 51:30 Biden should have “died on the hill”  protecting the child tax credit 53:30 Trump’s baby bond program is poorly targeted & exacerbates inequality 55:30 Government shouldn’t rely on philanthropy by billionaires & tax progressively 57:15 Raising the corporate tax was always a nonstarter in administration meetings 58:15 We’re at a dangerously unsustainable level of national debt 59:15 Higher interest rates are making the debt much harder to sustain 1:00:00 A child tax credit is feasible, but needs a pay for 1:01:00 The childcare industry is very responsive to demand 1:01:45 Could we see a “home care” credit for both kids or seniorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines the sweeping global and domestic implications of Trump’s increasingly personal, transactional approach to foreign policy. He breaks down how the administration has abandoned the post–Cold War order, embraced nationalist movements, sidelined democracy promotion, and even signaled security guarantees in exchange for favors — all while crafting a national security strategy full of dangerous gaps and warmly received by the Kremlin. Chuck then turns to the explosive revelations around Trump’s pattern of selling pardons for loyalty, spotlighting the Henry Cuellar episode as a case study in this mob-style political culture. The conversation also touches on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent media tirades and her emerging position as a potential “true MAGA” contender in 2028, before wrapping with a look at the historically low approval of all four congressional leaders and why a dramatic leadership reshuffling by 2029 wouldn’t be surprising. Then, Chuck sits down with Jared Bernstein — veteran economic adviser to both the Obama and Clinton administrations — for a sweeping, candid breakdown of the American economy, why the data and national mood feel so misaligned, and how technological change is reshaping the labor market. Bernstein explains how the White House approached economic tradeoffs, from inflation and tariffs to the stubborn low-hire, low-fire job market. He and Chuck dig into the uncertainty surrounding AI-driven job displacement, why Americans are more skeptical of AI than peers abroad, and how policymakers failed to build guardrails around the harms of social media. Bernstein argues that a federal jobs guarantee would be far more effective than universal basic income, and that political candidates will increasingly need to get tough on tech as the power of the “Magnificent Seven” distorts markets and discourages regulation. The conversation then turns to the structural failures of America’s healthcare system — from inelastic demand to weak cost controls — and why “Medicare for more” could be a practical starting point for reform. Bernstein outlines the entrenched inefficiencies of employer-based coverage, the rise of contract work, and the political salience but poor targeting of policies like “no tax on tips.” He also discusses the missed opportunity to protect the expanded child tax credit, the flaws in Trump’s proposed baby bond program, and the broader need for progressive taxation rather than philanthropy by billionaires. Finally, Chuck and Jared confront the realities of the national debt in an era of higher interest rates, the feasibility of reviving a robust child tax credit, and whether new supports — like credits for childcare or elder care — could help families navigate an affordability crisis that shows no sign of easing. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the history of the United States relationship with China and the unintended consequences that came with it. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the college football playoff selection. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:00 Trump doesn’t want the U.S. to be the leader of the free world 06:15 Administration rejects post cold war world order 07:30 Foreign policy will be subjective based on Trump’s personal relationships 08:15 There is no more value judgement on who the US does business with 09:15 Administration is proving to be very anti-EU 10:00 Administration signals support for other nationalist movements 12:30 Trump has never believed U.S. should promote democracy 13:30 There are plenty of holes in the national security strategy 14:15 Qatari plane bribe led to NATO like security guarantee 15:30 American presidents should believe in democracy 16:45 Trump’s retreat from the world will create generational damage 17:45 The new security memo was loved by the Kremlin 18:30 Trump mad at Henry Cueller for not changing parties after pardon 19:15 Trump is clearly selling pardons in exchange for money or support 21:15 Trump’s primary complaint with Cueller was “lack of loyalty” 23:00 Trump seemingly thought pardon was in exchange for something 25:30 There should be far more outrage over the weekly sale of pardons 26:30 Marjorie Taylor-Greene blasts GOP lawmakers in 60 minutes interview 27:30 MTG believed the BS & is now finally realizing it’s BS 28:30 MTG could become the “true MAGA” candidate in 2028 29:00 All 4 congressional leaders are incredibly unpopular 30:30 Congressional GOP could use a leadership shakeup 31:15 Schumer & Jeffries are looking over their shoulders 33:15 It wouldn’t be surprising if all four leaders are gone by 2029 41:00 Jared Bernstein joins the Chuck ToddCast 41:30 Jared worked for both the Obama & Clinton administrations 43:15 Drafting economic policy that has the most upside, least downside 44:15 The economic data doesn’t match the vibe of the country 45:15 The Biden WH talked past the electorate but didn’t lie about economy 46:45 Biden thought the job market was most important economic indicator 49:30 Inflation has been stubborn, how long did you assume we’d have it? 51:15 Tariffs have contributed to about half a point of inflation 52:00 Inflation during Covid was a combo of low supply & high demand 53:45 Should the fed be focusing on inflation or the jobs market? 55:30 AI isn’t causing mass layoffs yet, but it has frozen hiring 56:30 We’re stuck in a low hire, low fire jobs market 57:45 Technology displaces the most workers during economic downturns 59:45 How can we avoid job displacement destruction from AI? 1:01:15 Americans are far more negative on AI than other western nations 1:02:30 Politicians failed to create guardrails for the harms of social media 1:03:15 We don’t know the extent of how AI will displace jobs 1:04:15 Government should offer a federal jobs guarantee for AI displaced jobs 1:05:30 Universal basic income pales in comparison to a jobs guarantee 1:07:15 Getting tough on tech will be critical to successful political candidates 1:08:30 Tech companies threaten regulators with exiting the country 1:09:30 Breaking up tech’s power has appeal on both sides of the aisle 1:10:00 Market cap of the magnificent 7 is 22 trillion dollars 1:12:00 The S&P 500 minus the magnificent 7 is basically flat 1:13:45 Non-profit hospital systems make more money than for profit ones 1:14:30 Leaving healthcare to the free market doesn’t work well & is expensive 1:15:15 Healthcare isn’t shoppable and demand is inelastic 1:16:45 The only healthcare solution from congress is subsidizing insurance 1:17:30 The ACA did a lot to control healthcare spending, but not enough 1:18:15 We have very few cost controls in our healthcare system 1:19:00 “Medicare for more” would be a great place to start fixing the system 1:20:15 Competition in the health insurance market has been insufficient 1:21:00 Health insurers don’t want to compete with government, will fight hard 1:22:00 Medicare won’t be free but considerably cheaper than private market 1:22:45 Will a shorter work week be realized in the age of AI? 1:23:45 Social welfare is too often correlated to GDP 1:24:30 A shorter work week isn’t feasible during an affordability crisis 1:26:15 Employer based healthcare system is deeply rooted, but inefficient 1:27:30 Companies have pivoted to contract work to avoid paying benefits 1:28:30 The salience of the “No Tax On Tips” policy 1:30:45 No tax on tips is poorly targeted and inefficient, but will be hard to repeal 1:31:30 Biden should have “died on the hill” protecting the child tax credit 1:33:30 Trump’s baby bond program is poorly targeted & exacerbates inequality 1:35:30 Government shouldn’t rely on philanthropy by billionaires & tax progressively 1:37:15 Raising the corporate tax was always a nonstarter in administration meetings 1:38:15 We’re at a dangerously unsustainable level of national debt 1:39:15 Higher interest rates are making the debt much harder to sustain 1:40:00 A child tax credit is feasible, but needs a pay for 1:41:00 The childcare industry is very responsive to demand 1:41:45 Could we see a “home care” credit for both kids or seniors 1:45:45 ToddCast Time Machine December 1978, 2001, 2025 1:46:30 Jimmy Carter announce normalization of relations with China 1:47:30 Kissinger praised bringing Beijing closer, Goldwater was furious 1:48:15 Business community was ecstatic 1:49:30 In 2001, China joins the WTO: hinge moment of globalization 1:50:30 Democrats & Republicans agreed on China in 2001 1:52:15 Consumers & business loved cheaper good from China 1:53:00 Bush & Gore both had the same view of China 1:53:45 Populists warned of job losses and economic pain 1:54:30 What if US had blocked China’s entry to the WTO? 1:56:15 China is now viewed as a permanent strategic rival 1:57:30 US made a bet they could promote reform in Beijing and failed 1:58:15 Bets on China reshaped the U.S. more than China 1:59:00 Ask Chuck 1:59:15 Why don’t national democrats want to be in Iowa? 2:02:15 How did Obama hurt the DNC beyond endorsing Hillary? 2:06:30 Which member of each branch would be better in another branch? 2:12:00 Could lack of a primary in 2024 lead to broader election reforms? 2:14:30 College football roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines the sweeping global and domestic implications of Trump’s increasingly personal, transactional approach to foreign policy. He breaks down how the administration has abandoned the post–Cold War order, embraced nationalist movements, sidelined democracy promotion, and even signaled security guarantees in exchange for favors — all while crafting a national security strategy full of dangerous gaps and warmly received by the Kremlin. Chuck then turns to the explosive revelations around Trump’s pattern of selling pardons for loyalty, spotlighting the Henry Cuellar episode as a case study in this mob-style political culture. The conversation also touches on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent media tirades and her emerging position as a potential “true MAGA” contender in 2028, before wrapping with a look at the historically low approval of all four congressional leaders and why a dramatic leadership reshuffling by 2029 wouldn’t be surprising. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the history of the United States relationship with China and the unintended consequences that came with it. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the college football playoff selection. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 04:00 Trump doesn’t want the U.S. to be the leader of the free world 05:15 Administration rejects post cold war world order 06:30 Foreign policy will be subjective based on Trump’s personal relationships 07:15 There is no more value judgement on who the US does business with 08:15 Administration is proving to be very anti-EU 09:00 Administration signals support for other nationalist movements 11:30 Trump has never believed U.S. should promote democracy 12:30 There are plenty of holes in the national security strategy 13:15 Qatari plane bribe led to NATO like security guarantee 14:30 American presidents should believe in democracy 15:45 Trump’s retreat from the world will create generational damage 16:45 The new security memo was loved by the Kremlin 17:30 Trump mad at Henry Cueller for not changing parties after pardon 18:15 Trump is clearly selling pardons in exchange for money or support 20:15 Trump’s primary complaint with Cueller was “lack of loyalty” 22:00 Trump seemingly thought pardon was in exchange for something 24:30 There should be far more outrage over the weekly sale of pardons 25:30 Marjorie Taylor-Greene blasts GOP lawmakers in 60 minutes interview 26:30 MTG believed the BS & is now finally realizing it’s BS 27:30 MTG could become the “true MAGA” candidate in 2028 28:00 All 4 congressional leaders are incredibly unpopular 29:30 Congressional GOP could use a leadership shakeup 30:15 Schumer & Jeffries are looking over their shoulders 32:15 It wouldn’t be surprising if all four leaders are gone by 2029 38:45 ToddCast Time Machine December 1978, 2001, 2025 39:30 Jimmy Carter announce normalization of relations with China 40:30 Kissinger praised bringing Beijing closer, Goldwater was furious 41:15 Business community was ecstatic 42:30 In 2001, China joins the WTO: hinge moment of globalization 43:30 Democrats & Republicans agreed on China in 2001 45:15 Consumers & business loved cheaper good from China 46:00 Bush & Gore both had the same view of China 46:45 Populists warned of job losses and economic pain 47:30 What if US had blocked China’s entry to the WTO? 49:15 China is now viewed as a permanent strategic rival 50:30 US made a bet they could promote reform in Beijing and failed 51:15 Bets on China reshaped the U.S. more than China 52:00 Ask Chuck 52:15 Why don’t national democrats want to be in Iowa? 55:15 How did Obama hurt the DNC beyond endorsing Hillary? 59:30 Which member of each branch would be better in another branch? 1:05:00 Could lack of a primary in 2024 lead to broader election reforms? 1:07:30 College football roundupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025