The Chuck ToddCast

Latest Episodes:

Is American Pop Culture The WORST It’s Ever Been? May 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

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

02:00 Partisan governance is bad governance

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

05:45 We’re in a “culture cold war”

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

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

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

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

17:40 Spencer Kornhaber joins the Chuck ToddCast

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

22:25 Algorithms are terrible at introducing new music

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

24:40 Algorithms use music to trigger nostalgia

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

28:10 The music industry lost its gatekeepers

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

32:10 Has rock music stopped evolving?

33:20 Country music is having a resurgence

34:00 The impact of AI on music production

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

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

38:25 How has episodic tv impacted moviemaking?

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

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

45:25 Younger generations are reading less

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

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

50:25 How well will his piece age?

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

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

55:25 Gaming and sports are more popular than ever

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

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

59:10 Who rules Hollywood?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Meet The Democratic "Donald Trump" Running For Governor Of California May 21, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 The importance of the California gubernatorial race

01:15 Kloobeck intro

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

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

05:00 Can a Democratic woman win the presidency?

06:30 Higher turnout is better for Republicans

08:15 Trends favor Democrats in non-presidential elections

09:30 Democrats became the “rules” party

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

12:30 Republicans are already writing off Virginia

13:30 Could New Jersey become a swing state?

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

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

17:15 Stephen Cloobeck joins the Chuck ToddCast!

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

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

26:05 What should Gavin Newsom have done differently?

29:00 The Harris/Walz campaign was tone deaf

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

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

33:30 Solution to California's homelessness problem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

54:35 Has AirBnB killed the timeshare industry?

58:00 Marriott copied his timeshare model

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:16:20 Ask Chuck

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

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

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

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Trump Is "POISONING The Well" In Congress + Devastating Medicaid Cuts w/Ritchie Torres May 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer

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

03:00 Robert Hur recording has supercharged the Biden story

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

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

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

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

15:00 Democrats misread the 2020 election result

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

19:00 Democrats need to reinvent themselves

21:00 Trump released the Hur tapes as a distraction

23:00 Democrats should be angrier about Biden than Republicans

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

26:00 Ritchie Torres joins the Chuck ToddCast

26:30 Tour of the NY-15 district

28:30 The enormity of the New York city council

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

32:00 Term limits disadvantage legislators compared to lobbyists

33:00 Can any bipartisan agreement be reached with Trump

34:30 Biden had multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation

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

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

38:00 Medicaid cuts will be devastating

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

41:30 Medicaid work requirements don't work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:02:30 Campaigning makes candidates sharper

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

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

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

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

1:10:30 Addressing crime in New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Vietnam Still HAUNTS American Politics: Inside Netflix’s 'Turning Point' | Chuck Todd May 16, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

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

02:30 Vietnam + Iraq still haunt American politics

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

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

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

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

12:40 Vietnam shifted America's perception of itself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30:05 Why did we lose the war?

32:45 Watergate ruined historians ability to document presidents

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

35:30 Many January 6th rioters were Vietnam vets

37:40 The importance of equipping and training local forces

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

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

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

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

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

52:25 No Vietnam vet has ever been president

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

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

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

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

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Ro Khanna On Biden's Big Failure, Trump Damaging America's Reputation, Democrats Leadership Crisis May 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

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

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

04:15 Bipartisanship has become toxic

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

07:45 Congress has been useless

08:30 Trump should “get caught trying” bipartisanship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26:15 Ro Khanna joins the Chuck Toddcast!

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

28:45 Chuck Schumer has squandered his leadership position

31:30 Rural communities are highly concerned about deportations

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

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

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

40:30 NAFTA benefitted the south and hurt the midwest

43:15 Republicans have become the big government party

45:45 Democrats need to work with business leaders

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

48:30 Deplatforming Trump was a huge mistake

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:03:45 Will he debate JD Vance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:16:15 Ask Chuck

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

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

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

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Have Democrats Found Their Red State SAVIOR To Beat Republicans? w/ Rob Sand May 14, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

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

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

04:30 Interparty splits and the potential for independents?

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

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

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

12:30 Both parties brands are broken

14:30 The Bidens have been selfish

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

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

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

21:10 The DNC drama surrounding David Hogg

23:55 The DNC looks ridiculous right now

26:15 Rob Sand joins the Chuck ToddCast

26:45 Why run for governor of Iowa?

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

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

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

36:45 Rob would appoint a bipartisan cabinet

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

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

41:15 Iowa's public schools are falling behind

43:00 Private schools can turn away disabled students

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

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

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

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

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

56:30 Pete Buttigieg broke through in Iowa

59:00 Lottery scam in Iowa

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

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

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

1:06:30 Ask Chuck

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

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

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

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

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Jasmine Crockett Interview: Why Trump Won, Fixing The Democratic Party May 12, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

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

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

04:50 Most corrupt bargain a president has ever made

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

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

09:15 Trump believes he’s untouchable

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

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

14:30 Trump views personal enrichment as a commission

16:00 The gulf states are openly bribing American politicians

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

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

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

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

25:25 Jasmine Crockett joins the Chuck ToddCast!

25:25 Tour of TX-30 (Dallas)

28:55 TX-30 is a hub for aviation

31:45 Dallas is growing exponentially

33:40 How can St. Louis be revitalized?

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

39:45 How important are viral moments for political communications

43:25 The partisan circus in the oversight committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

53:15 Why did Trump win?

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

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

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

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

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

1:04:10 Democrats are fighting an uphill battle

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

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

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

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

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

1:11:35 Her advice for Hakeem Jeffries

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

1:13:15 Ask Chuck

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

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

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John Kasich On Trump's Disastrous Tariffs And Biden's Failure May 08, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Armed conflict between India and Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

16:45 Democrat loss was 10 years in the making

21:45 John Kasich joins the Chuck Toddcast!

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

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

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

29:05 Faith in democracy?

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

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

33:55 Advice for 2028 candidates?

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

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

37:30 Ohio isn't ruby red

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

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

43:30 The healthcare system is broken

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

48:30 Healthcare stakeholders need to be forced to compromise

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

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

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

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

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

1:02:00 We need a spiritual renewal

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

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

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

1:08:30 The education industrial complex resists reform

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

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

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

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

1:21:50 Ask Chuck

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

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

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

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Jay Inslee On Why Trump’s INCOMPETENCE Will Hurt Americans May 07, 2025

Show notes

Chuck Todd begins with analysis of the current travel chaos and President Trump's controversial comments on Alcatraz and movie tariffs. He highlights former Washington Governor Jay Inslee's successful tenure and discusses the evolving political landscape, including key Republican figures declining Senate runs and potential competitive races across the country that could reshape the balance of power.

Then, former Washington Governor Jay Inslee joins the podcast, where he discusses his climate policy achievements and the existential threat of climate change. Inslee offers sharp criticism of Trump's energy and trade policies, warning they could cede technological leadership to China and harm American businesses. The conversation expands to examine political courage, institutional challenges, and what Democrats should be doing now to prepare for future elections.

Finally, Chuck concludes with an "Ask Chuck" segment covering the promotion of moderate candidates, Glenn Youngkin's legacy, and papal politics

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The US travel situation is a mess

03:15 Trump’s alcatraz comment was a distraction

07:00 Reopening Alcatraz isn’t feasible

07:20 Jay Inslee was wildly successful as governor

09:20 Brian Kemp + Chris Sununu pass on senate run

11:45 The political landscape is terrible for Republicans

13:05 Senate map isn’t great for Democrats

15:45 If Ken Paxton beats Cornyn, Texas could be in play

19:15 4 states where Democrats could put senate seats in play

19:55 Joni Ernst in line to replace Pete Hegseth?

22:20 200 house districts within a 20 point margin

24:50 Jay Inslee joins the Chuck ToddCast

26:05 Do you feel less constrained outside of politics?

28:50 Inslee's biggest achievements achieved 60%+ support

31:10 What are the details of his Climate Commitment Act?

33:20 The potential of fusion power

35:50 Donald Trump's plan to kill clean energy makes no sense

37:50 Trump is ceding clean energy tech and production to China

38:50 Why aren't Americans in the streets en masse?

41:20 Americans will suffer under Trump's policies

42:35 A bad economy will wake up the public

43:50 We'll see empty shelves within weeks

45:50 Institutions capitulating to Trump only enables him

49:35 NAFTA created winners and losers

51:20 Trump is grossly incompetent

52:05 Trump gave away his leverage

53:20 Tariffs generally aren't productive for the economy

56:50 Flooding in WA a direct result of climate change

1:00:50 Americans don't truly understand climate change

1:02:50 The insurance industry will force the government's hand

1:04:50 People in power KNOW climate will be a problem

1:08:50 What should the Democrats be doing?

1:10:20 What can we learn from Canada when dealing with Trump?

1:12:05 Trump took ownership of the economy at his own peril

1:13:05 There's a lot of talent in the Democratic Party

1:13:50 Republicans will get wiped out in the midterms

1:16:20 Congress is now a country club

1:18:20 Voters on each side have self-segregated

1:20:05 We need a president who follows the law

1:22:00 Chuck's thoughts on Inslee interview

1:22:30 Ask Chuck

1:22:45 How can we promote more moderate candidates?

1:28:20 What will Glenn Youngkin's legacy be?

1:31:50 Thoughts on "Conclave" and papal politics?

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Tariffs Gone Wrong? - Trump's Trade War Backfire May 05, 2025

Show notes

Chuck begins with analysis of the Trump administration's tariff implementation and personnel changes, including Mike Waltz's removal as national security advisor and Marco Rubio's expanding role within the administration.

Then, he’s joined by Oren Cass, a leading conservative economic thinker, on America's trade policy and the challenges of reindustrialization. Cass argues that while tariffs and reindustrialization may be sound concepts, the Trump administration's implementation has been completely counter-productive. They discuss how traditional right-of-center thinking on free trade has evolved, questions whether China's integration into global markets has delivered promised benefits, and explores the regional winners and losers of trade agreements like NAFTA.

Cass tackles questions about America's trade deficit, consumer willingness to pay more for domestic products, and whether reshoring manufacturing is practical for the American economy. The conversation examines the national security implications of trade agreements, the potential for losing allies to China's influence, and what realistic reindustrialization might look like in today's economy.

Finally, Chuck answers listener questions on the executive branch's guardrails, expectations for "Resistance 2.0," potential federal intervention in college sports, and whether media scrutiny of public officials' backgrounds has gone too far.

00:00 Introduction

02:00 If tariffs actually are a good idea, the way they’ve been implemented hasn’t given it a chance to succeed

03:30 The administration is only interested in communicating to their base

07:30 What should we take away from Mike Waltz being removed as national security advisor?

08:55 Marco Rubio is now holding four jobs in the administration

09:45 Rubio has earned Trump’s trust

13:15 Is the new model to move staff to new roles rather than fire them?

15:15 Abigail Spanberger may have had the best 100 days of any Democrat

17:55 Wes Moore announces he won’t run in 2028

20:35 Oren Cass joins the Chuck ToddCast!

22:35 Tools for achieving re-industrialization

23:35 Tariffs and reindustrialization is a good idea, Trump's rollout has been disastrous

25:35 The U.S. needs credible and sustainable trade policy

27:20 Right of center thinking for 40 years was simply "Free trade is good"

29:05 Has free and open trade been a net positive worldwide?

30:35 Does trade policy of the early 20th century make sense in the 21st century

32:20 Bringing China into the world market didn't lead to liberalization

33:50 Will we be forced to cut an unfavorable trade deal with China?

36:35 Wouldn't it make sense that the US had a trade deficit based on our consumption?

38:35 If we aren't selling other countries goods we produce, they buy our assets and debt

40:50 NAFTA produced winners and losers regionally in the United States

41:50 What could we have done differently to minimize the negative impacts of NAFTA?

44:35 Production has shifted from country to country based on lower costs

46:05 Will American consumers actually be willing to pay more for American made products? 48:50 How can we unwind globalization without severely damaging the U.S. economy?

50:50 The Toyota Camry has more American made parts than the Detroit built cars

52:35 Does reshoring low-cost manufacturing make sense for consumers and American businesses?

53:50 Will poor implementation of policy hurt the goal of reshoring manufacturing?

56:35 How do you weigh the benefits of national security provided by trade agreements? 1:01:05 Does America risk losing allies to China's sphere of influence?

1:02:05 Should our allies get a better deal than those that are unaligned or adversarial?

1:04:15 Does more trade equal less war?

1:07:05 What type of reindustrialization is realistic and what isn't?

1:10:05 Lack of competition has led to problems with Boeing

1:12:35 How long will it take to reindustrialize?

1:13:35 Would TPP have furthered the goal of isolating China?

1:16:35 Chuck's thoughts on the interview Oren Cass

1:17:27 Ask Chuck

1:17:35 Were the guardrails on the executive branch always this frail?

1:20:35 What do you expect out of Resistance 2.0?

1:21:30 Will the federal government intervene in college sports?

1:22:50 Does the media go too deep into the background of public officials prior to their public service?