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The Al Franken Podcast Profile

The Al Franken Podcast

English, Talk, 1 season, 306 episodes, 3 days, 13 hours, 17 minutes
About
A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.
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Laura Bassett of The Cut and Sarah Zhang of The Atlantic

This election could all come down to abortion. Laura Bassett from The Cut and Sarah Zhang from The Atlantic have both been writing about the issue and how it's playing into this election. Sarah's recent piece in The Atlantic examined how Idaho's draconian abortion laws have set the state's healthcare back for women. Laura has been writing about the issue for years and says that it poses a serious threat to Ted Cruz's reelection campaign in Texas. NYC! Come see a live taping of the Al Franken Podcast. We'll be joined by Jessica Taylor, Jeremy Peters and Mark Jong-Fast with Mark Leibovich. Get your tickets today! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesRead Laura's writing in The Cut: https://www.thecut.com/author/laura-bassett/Subscribe to Laura's Substack called Nightcap: https://www.laura-bassett.com/Read Sarah Zhang's incredible piece on Idaho abortion laws in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/10/abortion-ban-idaho-ob-gyn-maternity-care/679567/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/20/202440 minutes, 32 seconds
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Frank Foer and David Rothkopf on Israel’s Wars in Gaza and Lebanon…and Nobel Climate Scientist Michael Mann on the Hurricanes

It's been a year since the horrific attack in Israel that set off the current wars in the Middle East. Frank Foer from The Atlantic and David Rothkopf from The Daily Beast to talk about the painful year and what happens moving forward. If a ceasefire is worked out, what is the future of Gaza and how will it rebuild? What political price is America paying for its role in the wars? And does anyone actually think Donald Trump would be the best person to manage this crisis? Plus, Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist Michael Mann kicks off this week's show! Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused unprecedented damage to parts of the country. Unless we take action on climate, storms like this could be our new reality.NYC! Come see a live taping of the podcast at City Winery on October 28th. Get your tickets today! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesRead Franklin Foer in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/franklin-foer/Read David Rothkopf in The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/david-rothkopfMichael Mann's latest book, Our Fragile Moment, is out soon in paperback! https://michaelmann.net/books/our-fragile-momentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/13/202448 minutes, 59 seconds
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Tim Miller and Aaron Blake on the VP Debate and Jack Smith's Filing

It's been a wild week and we're lucky to have Tim Miller from The Bulwark and Aaron Blake from the Washington Post to help break it all down. Special counsel Jack Smith's case against Donald Trump was unsealed this week. We got the best look yet at Trump's behavior on January 6th. It's filled with criminal activity and contradicts many of Trump's previous defenses about that day. We also had the much-anticipated Vice Presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance. Will America buy the constant lying of the Trump/Vance ticket? Come join Al for a LIVE podcast in NYC! October 28th at City Winery: https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesRead Tim Miller for The Bulwark: https://www.thebulwark.com/Listen to The Bulwark Podcast: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/bulwarkpodcastSign up for Aaron Blake's "The Campaign Moment" newsletter! https://www.washingtonpost.com/newsletters/And check out Aaron's podcast for The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/the-campaign-moment/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/6/202437 minutes, 13 seconds
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Jamelle Bouie - Columnist for the New York Times

With so much happening on the campaign trail, we turn to Jamelle Bouie for his first visit to the podcast. We discuss Donald Trump and JD Vance's attacks on the truth with their harmful comments on Haitian immigrants and their lies about abortion. We look at different Senate races around the country and what they could mean for the next President. And we get into Project 2025 and examine just how far Republicans are willing to let Trump go should he become President again. Spoiler alert: it would be terrifying! Read Jamelle's latest in the NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/column/jamelle-bouieWatch Jamelle's TikTok channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamellebouie?lang=enWe are coming to St. Louis and NYC for LIVE podcasts! Get your tickets and be a part of the show! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/29/202441 minutes, 40 seconds
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Dems Top Election Lawyer Marc Elias on the Legal Battles Ahead

Trump and the GOP are working harder to disenfranchise voters NOW than they were in 2020. They are no longer a majoritarian party and want to disrupt our electoral process as much as they can. How will we preserve the integrity of this election? What are some of the ways that Trump and GOP lawyers will attempt to derail the will of the people? Our friend and top Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias from Democracy Docket joins us to break down some of the ways that our democracy is under attack and what we can do to fight it. Support Marc and Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/Join the excitement of our LIVE podcast taping in St. Louis on October 10. I'll be recording a live podcast with special guests Emily Wales, Jason Kander, and Diana Kander. Come join us! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/22/202444 minutes, 50 seconds
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NYT’s Jeremy Peters on Trump’s Bad Debate

Jeremy Peters from the NYT joins us to recap the wild debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. It was a complete meltdown for Trump while Harris delivered strong messages on abortion, democracy and Trump's crowd sizes. Trump rambled, made baseless allegations and looked terrible. Even Fox News had to admit that Trump lost the debate badly. So where do we go from here? How does Harris keep her momentum going and transition this energy into votes?We are taping a live podcast in St. Louis next month! Come be a part of the show! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesJeremy's book Insurgency: How Republicans Lost Their Party and Got Everything They Ever Wanted explains how the party ended up in this situation: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586398/insurgency-by-jeremy-w-peters/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/15/202435 minutes, 33 seconds
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Listen Now - Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD

At a time when we’re debating where policing is going, we’re going to tell you where the police came from. Guided by Peabody award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika, Empire City will provide the first accessible narrative history of the American police and its place in popular culture. Who are the police? And why were police departments created in the first place? To find answers, we’re going to tell the origin story of the largest police force in the world: The NYPD. We begin in the late 1800’s at a moment when the entire police force was on trial. It’s the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the NYPD, and it all plays out like a high stakes courtroom drama. What follows is the action-packed account of how the NYPD got to this point and what happened next. It involves Black abolitionists fighting slave patrols in the courts of Gotham; two rival police forces duking it out for power at City Hall; the origins of the true crime genre; and how the NYPD spread their tactics worldwide.Listen to Empire City wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/Empire_City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/10/20248 minutes, 17 seconds
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Author and Journalist Joe Conason

Joe Conason joins to discuss his new book "The Longest Con." In it, he lays out the rich and ugly history of right wing grifters. It's been happening for a long time. Joe goes back to the 1950s with the McCarthy era and takes us all the way through to one of the biggest grifters we've ever seen: Donald Trump. We discuss religious broadcasters and how some of them swindle their viewers regularly. Many of whom have abandoned their values all in the name of making a quick buck. And with Donald Trump on the ballot again this year, Conason explains how his second term will include a windfall of cash for the disgraced former President and his cronies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/8/202456 minutes, 23 seconds
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Martin Short: A “BEST OF”

As we enter the Fall season of the Presidential campaign, we are taking a break for Labor Day. So we're replaying this interview with comedian and actor Martin Short! The fourth season of Only Murderers in the Building just debuted on Hulu, and in this conversation from 2022, he discusses his role on the show and his 50+ years in showbiz. He also examines his relationship with his co-star Steve Martin and breaks down some of his classic characters from over the years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/1/202442 minutes, 8 seconds
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Molly Jong-Fast and Mark Leibovich on The Democratic Convention

We're joined once again by Mark Leibovich from The Atlantic and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics Podcast! The Democrats just wrapped up their National Convention and nominated Kamala Harris to be the nominee for President. Can she carry this momentum all the way to Election Day? Meanwhile, Republicans were caught flat-footed when Joe Biden dropped out and Donald Trump is spiraling out of control. There's still a long way to go before Election Day! Read Mark's writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/mark-leibovich/Watch Molly's YouTube video on the dangers of Project 2025: https://youtu.be/yUJSEvYIiy8?si=ZmiG6zibjMSDNJl6See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/25/202433 minutes
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YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen on his new book Shameless

Content creator Brian Tyler Cohen joins the podcast for the first time to talk about his new book Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy.  In the book, he discusses the many ways that the Republican Party uses confusion, artificial slogans and, of course, flat out lies to remain in power. We also discuss the myth of the liberal media and how so many of Donald Trump's lies are allowed to flourish in the right wing echo chamber. Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/briantylercohenSubscribe to Brian's podcast No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen: https://briantylercohen.com/podcast/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/18/202436 minutes, 44 seconds
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Scott Galloway - Professor, Podcast Host, Author

Professor Scott Galloway joins the podcast for the first time! He has thoughts on the current political climate and how extreme most of the Republican agenda is these days. He also speaks about how modern politics and policies have left our young people disaffected and feeling left out of the political process. From minimum wage to college admissions, Galloway shares policies and solutions that can help ease his declared "war on young people". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/11/202437 minutes, 45 seconds
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Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Anne Applebaum on Autocracies and Comedian Trae Crowder on JD Vance

Our friend Anne Applebaum has written a new book called Autocracy Inc. She chronicles the rise of authoritarianism around the world and how those autocracies work together to keep themselves in power. With Donald Trump running for President of the United States, could we be heading for a similar fate? We've seen other countries thwart autocracies in recent weeks. Is America ready to do the same? Plus, Donald Trump has one of the most disliked VP candidates in history. We talk to The Liberal Redneck, comedian Trae Crowder, about JD Vance and his "Hillbilly" roots. Read Anne's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/anne-applebaum/Check out Trae Crowder's YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTHsQd-vRXK1bp4vpifl6yASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/4/202452 minutes, 54 seconds
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The Atlantic's Frank Foer and Elaina Plott Calabro on Harris and Biden

This past week, we saw President Joe Biden drop out of the Presidential race and VP Kamala Harris emerge as the new nominee for the Democratic Party. The Atlantic's Frank Foer wrote the book "The Last Politician" about Joe Biden's consequential first term and Elaina Plott Calabro, also from The Atlantic, has interviewed Kamala Harris multiple times. We recap some of Biden's biggest accomplishments and examine the radically changed political landscape since Joe Biden withdrew from the race. How will the Trump campaign adjust to run against Kamala Harris? Can she sustain the excitement around her campaign all the way to November? PRead Elaina's latest on the Trump vs Harris campaign: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/kamala-harris-prosecutor-president/679226/Read Frank's latest on Biden's exit from the race: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/bidens-greatest-strengths-proved-his-undoing/679179/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/28/202439 minutes, 37 seconds
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Molly Jong-Fast and Mark Leibovich on the RNC

The Republican National Convention concluded last week. We heard from Trump's VP nominee, JD Vance, and we heard from Donald Trump for the first time since the assassination attempt. Trump pushed lie after lie during his speech. No surprise. The real question is whether or not Joe Biden can beat him. Mark Leibovich from The Atlantic and Molly Jong Fast from the Fast Politics Podcast join the podcast to lay out the plan forward to defeat Donald Trump. Plus, you've probably heard of Project 2025. What is it and how is it fueling the Republican Party's agenda?Read Mark's writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/mark-leibovich/Watch Molly's YouTube video on the dangers of Project 2025: https://youtu.be/yUJSEvYIiy8?si=ZmiG6zibjMSDNJl6See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/21/202443 minutes, 34 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on SCOTUS

The Supreme Court term has ended after a series of punishing decisions that break years of precedent. While there were many horrible decisions made in this term, two stand out: The cases on Presidential Immunity and the Chevron Doctrine. Why are these so important? We're joined by our Supreme Court expert and host of the Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick. Al and Dahlia lay out the devastating consequences ahead in the wake of these decisions and try to lay out a path forward.Listen to Dahlia's Amicus podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786Read Dahlia's great work in Slate:https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwickSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/14/202452 minutes, 12 seconds
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Best Of: Heather Cox Richardson on Our Democracy

One of my favorite episodes from this year (so far). The historian on her bestseller "Democracy Awakening" and how America's democracy is on a knife's edge. Perfect for July 4th weekend!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/7/202456 minutes, 13 seconds
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4th of July Special: Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson reflects on the glaring error he made 248 years ago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/4/20247 minutes, 1 second
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Norm Ornstein on The Debate & SCOTUS

Donald Trump lied over and over again at the debate. But it's been overshadowed by President Biden's terrible performance. Political scientist and an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute Norm Ornstein joins us to recap Thursday evening's debacle. Is there a plan forward for the Democratic Party if Biden drops out? How can Biden prove that the debate was an anomaly and win his party back? Plus, the latest round of Supreme Court decisions dropped on Friday. Norm breaks down the terrible decisions and what they say about the direction they are taking this country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/30/202442 minutes, 4 seconds
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Never-Trumpers Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller on the Presidential Debate

Bulwark Founder Sarah Longwell and former Republican operative and host of the Bulwark podcast Tim Miller are worried about a dangerous potential second term of Donald Trump. The first step for Joe Biden defeating Trump? Have a good showing in this week's coming debate. Tim has prepped Presidential candidates to face Trump and shares his insight. And what messages should President Biden hit on during the debate? Sarah hosts The Focus Group podcast and shares what voters are looking for this November. Joe Biden has a LOT of policies that poll extremely well. So how does he take that message to the American people?Listen to Tim and Sarah's podcast and read their great work at www.TheBulwark.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/23/202437 minutes, 26 seconds
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WaPo Op-Ed Columnist Catherine Rampell

One of the biggest issues in the coming election will be the economy. So how has President Biden done on that front? We talk to Catherine Rampell about Bidenomics and how the President should tout his economic record. His opponent, Donald Trump could be a disaster for the economy if his previous term is any indication. Catherine discusses what a second Trump term could look like and the difficulty even Republicans have with working with him. Read Catherine’s latest here:https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/catherine-rampell/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/16/202439 minutes, 12 seconds
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In Remembrance of Howard Fineman

My friend Howard Fineman died this week. He had a long career as one of Washington's most respected political reporters and began his career at the Louisville Courier Journal. There, he was able to witness the rise of Mitch McConnell and learn what kind of politician he was. In this episode from 2019, we discuss what makes McConnell tick and Howard's career. May his memory be a blessing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/14/202454 minutes, 3 seconds
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Frank Foer of The Atlantic and David Rothkopf of The Daily Beast

The war in the Middle East continues, but is a ceasefire in sight? The Biden administration has an outline of a plan. Two of our leading foreign policy experts join us to discuss. Plus, now that Donald Trump is a convicted felon, what could that mean for this election? And how does the Biden administration sell the undeniable success of the economy to the American people?Read Frank's latest work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/franklin-foer/Read David Rothkopf in The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/david-rothkopfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/9/202451 minutes, 44 seconds
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Dan Balz - Washington Post Chief Correspondent and Former US Attorney Harry Litman

Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 charges in his NYC hush money trial. What does that mean for his future? We get the latest from our legal expert Harry Litman. Plus, longtime political reporter Dan Balz from the Washington Post joins for a wide ranging political discussion! Will these convictions help or hurt Trump? We also discuss the state of the Presidential race and what President Biden's strengths and weaknesses are as election season ramps up. Read Harry's coverage of the Trump trial for the LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/people/harry-litmanRead Dan Balz' latest in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/dan-balz/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/2/202453 minutes, 1 second
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In Remembrance of My Friend Bill Walton

My friend, basketball legend Bill Walton died this week after a private battle with cancer, I wanted to share our interview with Bill from March of 2022, You will hear the unbounded life force of his generous spirit. RIP Bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/28/202440 minutes, 40 seconds
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Harry Litman on the Trump Trial

Former U.S. Attorney and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Harry Litman joins to discuss the Trump hush money trial. Both sides have rested. Harry has been in the courtroom watching the trial. With closing arguments coming next week, we break down what has transpired and all the possible outcomes Trump could expect as his verdict looms. Harry has been covering the trial for the Los Angeles Times. Read his reporting here: https://www.latimes.com/people/harry-litmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/26/202437 minutes, 43 seconds
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Comedian Trae Crowder – The Liberal Redneck

Trae Crowder, the viral Tennessean comedian joins to discuss his upbringing in a red state, why rednecks are Trumpies and what happens to a community when the jobs leave. Learn why he understands Trump's appeal to rednecks, and how and why they transitioned from not liking Trump to supporting his every move.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/19/202442 minutes, 47 seconds
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Judd Legum on How Elon Musk is Helping Trump

n the two years since Elon Musk bought Twitter, he's turned irt into a leading source of right wing propaganda. He spreads hateful rhetoric, platforms white nationalists and engages with unfounded conspiracy theories. He lies about President Biden, promotes racist ideology and pushes his own commentary onto X users whether they follow him or not. All of this is working to do get Donald Trump elected President again. Judd Legum from the very popular newletter Popular Information explains the damage Elon could be doing in this year's elections. Subscribe to Judd's newsletter, Popular Information! https://popular.info/Al has a brand new stand-up comedy tour! Check the dates to see if he's coming to your town! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/12/202441 minutes, 20 seconds
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Molly Jong Fast, Host of the Fast Politics Podcast

DESCRIPTION: Molly Jong-Fast, special correspondent for Vanity Fair and host of the Fast Politics podcast joins us for a wide ranging conversation covering Congress, abortion, the protests happening around the country and the Presidential election. She also discusses the ongoing Trump hush money scandal happening in NYC. She says the trial is "over-delivering," which could mean a guilty verdict for Trump. Read Molly's latest pieces for Vanity Fair! https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fastAl is on tour! Catch him in your city: https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/5/202445 minutes, 51 seconds
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Ari Berman on His New Book, Minority Rule

The GOP is undermining democracy all over the country. The will of the people is being subverted for a loud and active minority. In his new book, guest Ari Berman explains how and where this is happening in America. And, more importantly, what we can do to fight back. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/28/202453 minutes, 33 seconds
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Melissa Murray & Andrew Weissmann on the “Hush Money Trial”

The first criminal trial for Donald Trump is underway. The hush money trial over Stormy Daniels might be the first, but it won't be the last. But will we see the other trials before the election? And what are the consequences if Trump is found guilty? We talk to The Bestselling Authors on The Trump Indictments Andrew Weissmann and Melissa Murray! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/21/202444 minutes, 2 seconds
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Battleground States: Wisconsin: Ben Wikler – Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair

The Republican Party has spent years undoing the will of the people in the state of Wisconsin. With gerrymandered voting maps, they've been able to lose the popular vote and still have a huge majority in the state legislature. But things are changing thanks to Ben Wikler and the Wisconsin Democratic Party! In our first Battleground State episode, Ben explains the work that is being done to preserve democracy in this critical swing state and how they are organizing to secure a win for Joe Biden in November. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/14/202436 minutes, 1 second
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Listen Now: The Best One Yet

Feel brighter every day with The Best One Yet, a 20-minute pop-biz podcast that serves up the top 3 stories spanning pop culture & business news, every morning, with fresh takes you can pretend you came up with — Pairs perfectly with your morning ritual.Follow The Best One Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Best One Yet ad-free right now on Wondery plus. Wondery.fm/IP_TBOYFor more deep dive and daily business content listen to Wondery– the destination for business podcasts. With shows like How I Built This, Business Wars, The Best One Yet, Business Movers and many more, Wondery Means Business.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/8/20247 minutes, 37 seconds
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Democratic Strategists Rachel Bitecofer and Justin Barasky on Democratic Messaging

The 2024 election is less than 8 months away. How do Democrats defeat Trump? How do they retain the Senate? Our guests say that it all comes down to messaging. It's important to remind voters that on issues like abortion and the economy, the Democratic Party represents their interests. Al is on tour! Come see his NEW standuphttps://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/7/202448 minutes, 30 seconds
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Pulitzer Prize Winning Historian Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic

We begin our wide-ranging conversation by discussing the attack on a Moscow concert hall last week. What are the implications of that violence? And who is behind it? Then delve into the US's failure to fund the Ukrainian effort and the resulting loss of life. Will we help them? Or will Republicans continue to enable Putin? Anne also lays out the dangers of a second Trump term. With autocracy on the rise around the world, what would it look like here in America? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/31/202442 minutes, 43 seconds
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NPR's Senior Political Correspondent Domenico Montanaro

Domenico Mantanaro joins us to cover the political landscape! Trump trials, the general election, the Robert Hur report, and Congress. Plus, is Donald Trump taking over the RNC to help bail him out of his financial problems? And as a reporter, how does Domenico maintain objectivity vs neutrality? See all of Domenico's reporting here! https://www.npr.org/people/392602474/domenico-montanaroAl is going on tour! See if he's coming to your town and grab tickets today! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/24/202451 minutes, 26 seconds
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Tim Miller – New Host of The Bulwark Podcast

Former Republican operative Tim Miller joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics! We cover Biden's re-election strategy and react to his State of the Union speech. (Plus the GOP response from Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), With Congress as dysfunctional as it is, is there any chance of funding the effort in Ukraine? And does Tim still find common ground with his old Republican Party?See more of Tim's work at The BulwarkAl is going on tour! Get your tickets today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/17/202445 minutes, 55 seconds
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Frank Foer – The End of the Golden Age of American Jews

While anti-Semitism has run rampant among the far right, it has been growing among the political left. In Frank Foer's recent piece for The Atlantic, he explains how we got to this point. How have college campuses and schools become the center for anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic speech? How did college presidents mishandle the hate speech on their campuses? And what is the future of American Jews if Trump is elected again?Read Frank Foer's entire piece in The Atlantic:https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/04/us-anti-semitism-jewish-american-safety/677469/Al is going back on tour! Get your tickets now! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/10/202456 minutes, 34 seconds
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Mini Timmaraju, President & CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All

Reproductive rights are under attack all over the country and will be one of the most important issues in the election this November. Abortion bans and limits on reproductive help are extremely unpopular and could be bad news for the Republicans enacting them. This is a must listen for reproductive rights!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/3/202447 minutes, 19 seconds
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Tim Alberta on Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

The author of the profoundly disturbing book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory" explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of the Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their back on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did the evangelical church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an evangelical? How can those voters ever be won back?Al is going on tour! See if he's coming to your town and grab tickets today! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/25/202457 minutes, 55 seconds
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The Atlantic’s David Frum on GOP Dysfunction

David Frum from The Atlantic Monthly discusses the chaos that Donald Trump would bring if he were elected to a second term. From the border to foreign aid to Trump's attempt to pardon his crimes... Can we withstand another Trump term?Read more from David in The Atlantic:https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-frum/Al is going on tour! See if he's coming to your town and grab tickets today! https://www.alfranken.com/appearancesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/18/202439 minutes, 56 seconds
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Olivia Nuzzi - Washington Correspondent for New York Magazine

Tales from the Campaign TrailSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/11/202438 minutes, 10 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on the Trump Trials

Will the Jan. 6th Trial happen in time? Or will it just be the Stormy Daniels Case?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/4/202446 minutes, 14 seconds
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Michael Steele

On MAGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/28/202444 minutes, 12 seconds
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Saturday Night Live Writer & Producer Jim Downey

Al & Jim On How They Tried to Reward the Audience for Knowing Stuff but Not Punish Them for NotSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/21/20241 hour, 9 minutes, 37 seconds
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Adam Serwer of The Atlantic on What Trump Would Do the The Courts in a Second Term

The Federalist Society’s Got the Worst Ones All Lined UpSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/14/202440 minutes, 38 seconds
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Heather Cox Richardson on Her Book Democracy Awakening

Heather says that Trumpers have bought into an alternative reality and that we are, at this moment, on a knife’s edge. She’s an historian and not a clairvoyant. But she’s also an activist, doing all she can to spread the word through historical analysis. Beat that, Trump!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/7/202457 minutes, 45 seconds
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Best Of: Patton Oswalt is Great!

Really great! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/31/202354 minutes, 42 seconds
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Best Of: Jim Gaffigan, The Master!

Jim talks about comedy and his decision to come out against Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/24/202358 minutes, 51 seconds
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Year in Review: Molly Jong-Fast & Mark Leibovich Look Back at the Year in Politics

A Tour of the Big Political Events of 2023See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/17/202345 minutes, 33 seconds
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Year in Review: Anne Applebaum & Frank Foer on Foreign Affairs

A tour of Ukraine, Russia, China, Israel, and GazaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/10/202347 minutes, 21 seconds
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In Remembrance of My Friend Norman Lear

My friend Norman Lear passed on this week at 101. A great man, who created legendary TVSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/6/202346 minutes, 24 seconds
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Year in Review: Joyce Vance and Barbara McQuade Review ALL the Cases Against Trump

Where they’ve been and where they’re goingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/3/202344 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ian Bassin On The Steps Trump Would Take to Unravel Our Democracy

Protect Democracy's Executive Director on Our NightmareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/26/202346 minutes, 59 seconds
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David Fahrenthold on The Trump Organization’s Long History of Corruption

The New York Times Reporter Puts the Current Trial Into PerspectiveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/19/202327 minutes, 52 seconds
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David Axelrod

On the 2024 Election! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/12/202342 minutes, 55 seconds
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Norm Ornstein on the Israel-Hamas War

Israel’s No-Win SituationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/5/202336 minutes, 57 seconds
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WaPo Columnist Dana Milbank on the Super-MAGA House

How A Far-Right Zealot Got to be 2 nd in Line for POTUSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/29/202331 minutes, 20 seconds
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Aaron David Miller on the Israel-Hamas War

An Analysis from the Middle East ScholarSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/22/202341 minutes, 43 seconds
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BEST OF! QAnon – Weirder Than You Know!!! Author Will Sommer

And 15% of Americans Believe this Stuff!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/15/202352 minutes, 47 seconds
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Climatologist Michael Mann on How to Talk to Climate Deniers

The Climate Has Always Changed – Just Not This Fast!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/8/202349 minutes, 39 seconds
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Norm Ornstein on the Shutdown

And what it says about our politicsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/1/202352 minutes, 28 seconds
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Harry Litman and George Conway!

The Trump trials and the ug-ug-ugly Garland hearingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/24/202347 minutes, 58 seconds
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Anne Applebaum on the War in Ukraine

The Atlantic writer on where it stands and where it’s going.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/17/202347 minutes, 18 seconds
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Franklin Foer’s New Book on Biden: The Last Politician

The Atlantic Writer on Biden’s Presidency (So Far)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/10/202348 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Case for Universal Voting. Like in Australia!

WaPo’s E.J. Dionne & Harvard’s Miles Rapoport on making everyone vote!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/3/202343 minutes, 49 seconds
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Molly Jong-Fast and Mark Leibovich on the GOP Debate

The Highlights and LowlightsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/27/202338 minutes, 11 seconds
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Tim Miller and Charlie Cook on the First GOP Debate

The bloodbath in Milwaukee!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/20/202350 minutes, 51 seconds
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Stuart Stevens is Ashamed

Of his party and himselfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/13/202348 minutes, 37 seconds
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Neal Katyal on Jack Smith’s Very Smart Case

And Donald J. Tump’s Very Weak OneSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/6/202336 minutes, 19 seconds
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Best Of: Sarah Silverman!

Because she's the best! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/30/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 38 seconds
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Inside the Race to Go Viral with Ben Smith

Former Editor in Chief of Buzzfeed News and NYT Columnist on his new book TRAFFICSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/23/202345 minutes, 32 seconds
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Marc Elias and Ari Berman

Fighting the GOP Attack on Democracy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/16/20231 hour, 17 minutes, 56 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on the Awful SCOTUS Term

And what it portends...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/9/202340 minutes, 56 seconds
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Best Of: John Mayer on Playing with The Dead

Deadheads were skeptical – Not anymore!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/2/202337 minutes, 13 seconds
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Comedian Alex Edelman on Heading to Broadway!

“Just for Us” a Jew goes to a neo-Nazi event - laughs o’plentySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/25/202347 minutes, 44 seconds
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Ukraine Update with The Atlantic’s Frank Foer

It’s bloody, complicated!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/18/202339 minutes, 37 seconds
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Listen Now: Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

From Wondery and Bloomberg, the makers of The Shrink Next Door, comes a new story of incredible wealth, betrayal, and what happens when “doing good” goes really, really bad.When nerdy gamer Sam Bankman-Fried rocketed to fame as the world’s richest 29-year-old, he pledged to donate his billions to good causes. But when Sam's crypto exchange FTX collapsed, billions of dollars went missing, and Sam was in handcuffs, those who knew him were left wondering — who was Sam really? A well-meaning billionaire who made a mistake? Or a calculated con man?Listen to Spellcaster: Wondery.fm/SC_AFSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/12/20234 minutes, 51 seconds
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Mark Leibovich on the Documents Indictment

And How it Plays with RepublicansSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/11/202348 minutes, 6 seconds
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Our Immigration System: It's Broken!

Pulitzer Prize winner Molly O'Toole and former ICE Investigator Jerry Robinette on our Southern Border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/4/202348 minutes, 22 seconds
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QAnon – Weirder Than You Know!!! Author Will Sommer

And 15% of Americans Believe this Stuff!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/28/202354 minutes, 5 seconds
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Molly Jong-Fast and Al Discuss The Week’s Events

A fun one, for a change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/21/202342 minutes, 19 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick is BACK!

Our SCOTUS Expert Knocks It Out of the ParkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/14/202356 minutes, 57 seconds
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Wondery Presents - Flipping The Bird: Elon vs Twitter

When Elon Musk posted a video of himself arriving at Twitter HQ carrying a white sink along with the message “let that sink in!” It marked the end of a dramatic takeover. Musk had gone from Twitter critic to “Chief Twit” in the space of just a few months but his arrival didn’t put an end to questions about his motives. Musk had earned a reputation as a business maverick. From PayPal to Tesla to SpaceX, his name was synonymous with big, earth-shattering ideas. So, what did he want with a social media platform? And was this all really in the name of free speech...or was this all in the name of Elon Musk? From Wondery, the makers of WeCrashed and In God We Lust, comes the wild story of how the richest man alive took charge of the world’s “digital public square.”Listen to Flipping The Bird: Wondery.fm/FTB_AFSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/8/20234 minutes, 56 seconds
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NYT Columnist Paul Krugman on The Debt Ceiling

His Strategies to Thwart the GOP’s Financial TerrorismSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/7/202350 minutes, 22 seconds
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Dan Balz, WaPo’s Chief Correspondent, Explains It All!

The Dean of DC Political Correspondents meets his Jerry!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/30/202341 minutes, 53 seconds
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Rep. Katie Porter - On Her New Book & Jeremy Peters On Dominion

Porter discusses I Swear: Politics Is Messier than My Minivan and also swears a bit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/23/202354 minutes
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Heather McGhee - My Favorite Is Back

On Racism as Greed, Book Banning & Other Fun TopicsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/16/202347 minutes, 52 seconds
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Harry Litman – A Panorama of Trump’s Massive Legal Problems

Manhattan, Georgia, Documents, Jan. 6, & the Civil Cases!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/9/202350 minutes, 42 seconds
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Israel Expert Aaron David Miller on Netanyahu’s Anti-democratic Judicial “Reforms”

Oy Yoy Yoy Yoy Yoy Yoy Yoy!!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/2/202355 minutes, 39 seconds
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Adam Schiff on Lots of Stuff!

Why He Got Kicked Off Intel, Trump, etc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/26/202342 minutes, 41 seconds
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WaPo Economics Columnist Catherine Rampell

Discusses the SVB meltdown and the economy writ largeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/19/20231 hour, 15 minutes, 35 seconds
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Best Of: Chris Rock

In this 2019 conversation, Chris discusses his early struggles in comedy. Until he met me!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/12/202354 minutes, 24 seconds
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Andy Slavitt & Laurie Garrett on “The End of the Covid Emergency?”

Where we are nowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/5/202345 minutes, 26 seconds
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NYT’s Jeremy Peters on Dominion v. FOX

Looks bad for FOXSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/26/202342 minutes, 1 second
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Shoshana Zuboff & Roger McNamee on Surveillance Capitalism

The Existential Threat of Big Tech’s Predatory Business ModelsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/19/202346 minutes, 8 seconds
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Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse on The Right’s 50-Year Scheme to Capture SCOTUS

Hint: It involves a lot of dark money.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/12/202354 minutes, 17 seconds
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Julia Ioffe - Update on The War in Ukraine

As the Brutal War Enters its 2nd YearSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/5/202349 minutes, 39 seconds
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Joyce Vance & Barbara McQuade on The Latest from Fulton County

INDICTMENTS? HOW MANY? TRUMP?!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/29/202355 minutes, 45 seconds
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WaPo’s Dana Milbank On How Only 2/3 of GOP House Members Are Crazy

And why that won't help much...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/22/202343 minutes, 10 seconds
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Norm Ornstein on The Radical Right Takeover of the House

And the Dangers AheadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/15/202343 minutes, 18 seconds
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Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report

The Political Analyst Analyzes PoliticsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/8/202353 minutes, 7 seconds
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BEST OF - Neal Katyal On How Trump Would Be Prosecuted

The documents? January 6th? The Raffensperger call?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/1/202338 minutes, 42 seconds
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BEST OF: The Day the President Laughed!

The Trump Kids Offer a Prize to Whoever Can Make Their Father Laugh See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/25/202236 minutes, 46 seconds
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BEST OF: Anne Nelson on the Right Wing Shadow Network

The journalist/author discusses the secret hub of the radical rightSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/18/202249 minutes, 16 seconds
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Alexander Vindman on Ukraine

The former NSC Director of Eastern Europe Affairs on The WarSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/11/202247 minutes, 39 seconds
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Rob Delaney – On the Loss of His 2-Year-Old, Henry

And his heartbreaking, raw, and, yes, funny book, A Heart That WorksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/4/202255 minutes, 28 seconds
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Jeremy Peters Traces the GOP’s Descent to Trump

The NYT journalist on How the Nutcase Right Took Over the GOPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/27/202253 minutes, 8 seconds
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Sen. Heidi Heitkamp on The Midterms

A Fun One – For a Change!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/20/20221 hour, 34 seconds
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BONUS EPISODE: My Genius Hearing Parody on WHAT THE HACK!

Me as Bernie, Grassley, Sherrod, Collins, and McConnellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/18/202221 minutes, 27 seconds
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Norm Ornstein on The Wave That Didn’t Happen

And what it means.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/13/202250 minutes, 36 seconds
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Cecile Richards and David Axelrod on The Midterms

Our first one recorded in front of a live audience! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/6/20221 hour, 10 minutes, 19 seconds
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Laboratories of Autocracy – David Pepper – It’s the States, Stupid!

The former Ohio Democratic State Chair on how state legislatures are dismantling democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/30/202255 minutes, 32 seconds
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MI Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson and Journalist Ari Berman

Our Democracy Under ThreatSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/23/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 15 seconds
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Author Will Bunch – The Cost of College as The Source of Our Division

The GI Bill & Free College United Us. Today’s Steep Cost Has Created Deep ResentmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/16/202254 minutes, 17 seconds
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Tim Miller, Former GOP Operative, on Why His Cohorts Caved To Trump

In his book, Why We Did It, Miller tells why they did it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/9/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 33 seconds
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Sarah Silverman – AGAIN!!!

She's great! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/2/20221 hour, 20 minutes
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Dahlia Lithwick On Her Inspiring New Book – LADY JUSTICE

Lithwick profiles heroic women attorneys who stepped up to fight injustice and won!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/25/202259 minutes, 34 seconds
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NY Times Columnist Paul Krugman

On the economySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/18/202256 minutes, 55 seconds
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Neal Katyal – Does Garland Indict Trump?

And On What Charges?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/11/202244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Sandy Hook Mom Nicole Hockley and Former NRA Big-Wig Ryan Busse

A Great One!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/4/202255 minutes, 24 seconds
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Cecile Richards on Dobbs and the Midterms!

Richards Discusses Roe-vemberSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/28/202248 minutes, 46 seconds
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THE MIDTERMS - John Anzalone and D. Taylor

Biden’s Pollster, John Anzalone, and Hospitality Workers Union President, D. TaylorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/21/20221 hour, 5 minutes, 3 seconds
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The Authors of "His Name is George Floyd" - Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa

Heartbreaking Bio of a Loving Son & Friend & Systemic RacismSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/14/202250 minutes, 29 seconds
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Mark Leibovich on his #1 NYT bestseller, Thank You For Your Servitude

Leibovich eviscerates the GOP politicians who caved to Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/7/202256 minutes, 59 seconds
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Russia-Born Journalist Julia Ioffe Gives an Update on Ukraine

It’s depressing....See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/31/202243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Jason Kander On His Battle With PTSD

Jason and Al discuss his stunning NYT bestseller, Invisible StormSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/24/202240 minutes, 39 seconds
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Malcolm Nance on The Coming Civil War

His new book, They Want to Kill Americans, on the clear & present threat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/17/202239 minutes, 20 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on The Horrible SCOTUS Term

Could Not be Worse. Except Maybe Next Term!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/10/202259 minutes, 37 seconds
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MARTIN SHORT!!!

MARTIN SHORT!!! Plus Al Commentary on SCOTUS & Jan. 6.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/3/202251 minutes, 48 seconds
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Daniel Goldman, Legal Analyst, on the Jan. 6th Hearings

Chief Counsel for the House Managers in (the 1st) Trump Impeachment Weighs In.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/26/202243 minutes, 52 seconds
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Author Anne Nelson on the 60-year history of the vast right-wing shadow network

Nelson lays out how this all brought us to January 6th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/19/202247 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ali Noorani on Immigration

Former director of the National Immigration Forum on The Border, DACA, Great Replacement Theory, Ukraine and Afghan RefugeesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/12/202252 minutes, 33 seconds
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Carol Leonnig of WaPo and Ryan Reilly of NBC Preview this Week’s January 6th Hearings

Leonnig and Reilly on what to expect and possible gamechangersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/5/202252 minutes, 23 seconds
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Patton Oswalt!

On Comedy – Seriously – But More FunnilySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/29/20221 hour, 1 minute, 23 seconds
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Steve Schmidt Sounds the Alarm!

The Former GOP Operative & Lincoln Project Founder Warns of Coming FascismSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/22/202253 minutes, 48 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick and Joyce Vance on the Alito Draft

Why we should all be alarmed!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/15/202258 minutes, 25 seconds
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The Atlantic Monthly’s Anne Applebaum and Arms Expert Joe Cirincione on Ukraine

What We Know and What We Don’t KnowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/8/202252 minutes, 19 seconds
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Former Firearms Exec & NRA Member, Ryan Busse, Exposes the Dark Underbelly of the Gun Industry

This Best-Of Repeat is ChillingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/1/202247 minutes, 13 seconds
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Michael Lewis on why U.S. COVID response was so…CRAPPY. (My word)

His latest book, Premonition - a riveting story of genius & dedication against a backdrop of institutional dysfunction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/24/202259 minutes, 25 seconds
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Bob Odenkirk talks about Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, and Drama

My old SNL colleague talks about his weird, amazing career arc!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/17/202252 minutes, 24 seconds
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Amy Klobuchar on Anti-Trust

A Repeat Episode (It was That Good!) with the Chair of the Anti-Trust SubcommitteeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/10/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
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Bill Walton on Basketball, The Grateful Dead, and Life

The NBA Hall of Famer & Emmy-winning broadcaster has opinionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/3/202242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on the Insane Republican Awfulness in the Jackson SCOTUS Hearings

Wow, They’re Awful!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/27/202244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Marc Lamont Hill, Anchor of Black News Tonight, Explains Basic Concepts Like Race as a Social Construct

America is built on bias. And why we care more about Ukraine than we did about Syria. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/20/202242 minutes, 33 seconds
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Atlantic Monthly’s Franklin Foer Covers Lots of Ground on Ukraine

From Manafort to Zelensky, Foer has been covering Ukraine for yearsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/13/202251 minutes, 30 seconds
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Journalist/Author Michael Weiss on Putin's Grave Miscalculation

How Biden, Western Unity, and Zelensky Have Isolated PutinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/6/202240 minutes, 25 seconds
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The NYT’s Jeremy Peters on How the GOP Went Batshit Crazy

HINT: They Always WereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/27/202255 minutes, 13 seconds
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Economist Austan Goolsbee on Guess What? The Economy

Historic Growth, High Inflation, & Strained Supply Chains. Oh, My! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/20/20221 hour, 3 minutes, 41 seconds
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Heather McGhee on Critical Race Theory & Other Stuff

My favorite guest - (sorry, other guests)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/13/20221 hour, 11 seconds
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Jamie Raskin

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) talks about his son Tommy; being lead manager in the impeachment trial & the Jan. 6th Select Committee See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/6/20221 hour, 8 seconds
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Max Bergmann Covers Europe, Ukraine, and Russia for The Center for American Progress

Guess why we have him on.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/30/202256 minutes, 29 seconds
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Marc Elias & Ari Berman on the GOP’s Assault on Democracy

From voter suppression to the capture of the electoral administration & certification. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/23/202248 minutes, 25 seconds
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Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance Discusses Trump's Myriad Civil & Criminal Vulnerabilities

Federal Pridon? Rikers? NY State Prison? Georgia State Prison? Perjury?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/16/202257 minutes, 13 seconds
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Andy Slavitt and Laurie Garrett Discuss Disturbing New COVID Realities

Turns Out This is Harder Than We Thought!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/9/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 28 seconds
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Michael Harriot, Acerbic (Funny, Biting, and Funny) Black Writer Talks About (Yikes!) Race

We’re repeating this one because you should hear what Michael has to saySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/2/202251 minutes, 36 seconds
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David Letterman! Top Ten Reasons We’re Repeating This One: #1 – WE CAN!!!

Dave and Al discuss everything!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/26/20211 hour, 9 minutes, 53 seconds
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Jim Gaffigan and Al Discuss Stand-up & Netflix’s Release of his 9th Hour Special, Comedy Monster

The comic, who makes Trumpers AND Liberals laugh, discusses his decision to speak out in 2020 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/19/202159 minutes, 43 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick & Sarah Stoesz, CEO of Planned Parenthood in the Upper Midwest, on Abortion.

Dahlia on SCOTUS – Sarah on the reality on the ground. And the Future. Not pretty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/12/20211 hour, 10 minutes, 23 seconds
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David Cay Johnston on His New Book – The Big Cheat. Who’s it about? Take a guess!

A one-stop romp through the crimes of Trump and his grifter family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/5/202153 minutes, 55 seconds
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Al Laugh About Her Getting Blowed Up!

We only repeat the best ones!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/28/202143 minutes, 34 seconds
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Atlantic Monthly Writer Frank Foer Tears Facebook a New One

A friggin’ brilliant excoriation of Facebook and Mark ZuckerbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/21/202147 minutes
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Norm and Al look Past Build Back Better to Saving Our Democracy

 Infrastructure & Build Back Better Will Transform our Nation. Can The Freedom to Vote Act Save  It?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/14/20211 hour, 8 minutes, 4 seconds
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Our Climate Guy – Nobel Prize Recipient Michael Mann on COP-26

What to look for coming out of COP -26 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/7/202151 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ryan Busse, Once an NRA Hero, Gives us the Dirt

Former gun exec & author of Gunfight on how the NRA turned from teaching gun safety into a pernicious threat to public safety & democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/31/202153 minutes, 53 seconds
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Adam Schiff on The Curious Case of Donald Trump and His Goons

Ripping Yarns of Collusion, Mendacity, and Treason from the Chairman’s New Bestseller: Midnight in Washington.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/24/202145 minutes, 47 seconds
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Economist Austan Goolsbee on Build Back Better

Goolsbee breaks down BBB into its incredibly popular provisions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/17/20211 hour, 6 minutes, 15 seconds
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Author Jackie Calmes Did the Investigation on Brett Kavanaugh the FBI Should Have Done

The FBI sent the tips from the Kavanaugh Tip Line to White House Counsel Don McGahn, who tossed them in the waste basket. Calmes tracked them down. Not pretty!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/10/202148 minutes, 46 seconds
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The Brilliant Dahlia Lithwick – Slate’s (and Al’s) Expert on SCOTUS

Lithwick brings her depth and breadth of knowledge, plus her wit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/3/20211 hour, 1 minute
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Lead Dem Election Lawyer Marc Elias on the Epic Battle for Our Democracy

Democrats have a limited time to prevent America from becoming an authoritarian state.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/26/202152 minutes, 55 seconds
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Alex Gibney Talks Opioids & His Doc “The Crime of the Century”

Gibney traces the opioid epidemic & the criminal culpability of bad actors like Purdue Pharma, federal regulators, & doctors. It’s ugly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/19/202153 minutes, 37 seconds
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R.I. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on the Corporate Capture of the Courts

A great discussion on how the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence isn’t conservative. It’s corporatist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/12/20211 hour, 4 minutes, 11 seconds
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Author Michael Wolff Discusses Trump’s Disastrous Last Year as POTUS

The chilling, yet hilarious saga of a deeply insane President See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/5/202148 minutes, 45 seconds
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Ben Rhodes, Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor, on Afghanistan & Our Foreign Policy Reset

How our 20 Year War on Terror Distracted Us from Climate, China, Social Media, and DemocracySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/29/202147 minutes, 24 seconds
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Laurie Garrett and Andy Slavitt – Where We Are NOW on COVID-19

The Pulitzer-Winner (Garrett) and Biden Covid Advisor (Slavitt) take a deep dive.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/22/20211 hour, 8 minutes, 1 second
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Atlantic Monthly’s Adam Serwer on his book about the Trump Administration: The Cruelty is the Point

Separating kids from their parents at the border? Mocking a disabled journalist? Cutting food stamps? The Cruelty is the Point!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/15/202155 minutes, 22 seconds
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Bryan Fogel, Producer of The Dissident, on the Brutal Murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Mohammed bin Salman made the Washington Post columnist pay in the worst way possible for his dedication to reform in his home country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/8/202144 minutes, 39 seconds
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Atlantic Monthly Journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere's Fascinating New Book, 'Battle For The Soul’, Chronicles the Democrats Fight for the 2020 Nomination.

This one is pure candy. If you're at all a political junkie - do not miss this one!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/1/202154 minutes, 5 seconds
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Norman Lear Discusses His 99-Years on the Planet

The legendary creator of groundbreaking TV sit coms - All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Sons, The Jeffersons, et al, on flying 50 bombing missions in WWII, the joy of comedy and, dare I say, satire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/25/202147 minutes, 12 seconds
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Heather McGhee - An Encore of My Best Podcast Ever!

McGhee discusses her powerful book, The Sum of Us, about how white people have been told that anything that benefits people of color hurts them - i.e. a zero-sum game. It ain't true! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/18/202157 minutes, 23 seconds
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Al Solo!

I just had to get some things off my chest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/11/202146 minutes, 36 seconds
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Andy Slavitt On His New COVID Book - Preventable

Slavitt Explains How Trump’s Refusal to Hold Himself Accountable Caused Untold Death and SufferingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/4/202154 minutes, 51 seconds
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Thomas Jefferson Explains Inconsistencies in the Declaration of Independence

Al interviews our third President on the 4th of July.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/2/20217 minutes, 13 seconds
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George Packer on How It Got So Bad in America & How it Could Get Slightly Better

Packer dissects the 4 Americas: The Rich Right-Wing Bastards, The Smug Liberal Elites, The Pissed-Off Not-so-Bright Tea Partiers, and The Woke Social Justice Police.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/27/202155 minutes, 5 seconds
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Michael Harriot: Senior Writer for TheRoot.com, the Nation’s Largest Black Online Newspaper

Is America Racist? HmmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/20/202153 minutes, 21 seconds
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Norm Ornstein & Tom Mann - Who Called the GOP a Sham Years Ago!

In 2012 Ornstein & Mann wrote It’s Even Worse Than It Looks. And, man, were they right!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/13/20211 hour, 5 minutes, 57 seconds
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Ed Shelleby - My Communications Director–On Working for a Different Kind of Senator. Plus, a Rant on Voting Rights

Al Talks with His Senate Communications Director on Why the Franken Office was a Blast & Got Stuff Done! & Al on Democracy. Hitler didn’t end it. The Confederacy didn’t end it. Let’s not let Senate Republicans!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/6/20211 hour, 4 minutes
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Louis King – The Real Deal

For 25 yrs. Louis has provided job training for thousands of folks from the Northside of Minneapolis. He walks a good walk. And talks a good talk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/30/202153 minutes, 3 seconds
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Amy Klobuchar & Al Discuss Anti-Trust & The Ted "Carnival" Cruz Joke

The Chair of the Anti-Trust Subcommittee discusses her new book, Anti-Trust. From Facebook & Amazon & Google to Coffins & Sunglasses & Diapers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/23/20211 hour, 3 minutes, 35 seconds
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Howard Fineman on Republican Nihilism

The Republican Party has entered new territory. And it’s ugly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/16/20211 hour, 8 minutes, 51 seconds
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth Tells Her Story

Sen. Duckworth tells about growing up in Thailand, joining the Army, and being grievously wounded in combat. Gruesome, harrowing, and…very funny!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/9/202146 minutes, 42 seconds
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Neo-Con Bill Kristol on How Trump Made Him Do Some Re-Thinking

Kristol discusses disgust with today’s Republican PartySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/2/202157 minutes, 51 seconds
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Replay of My Conversation with Judge Steve Leifman and Norm Ornstein

Judge Leifman has pioneered the widespread use of crisis intervention teams in Miami, saving lots of lives and moneySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/29/202138 minutes, 15 seconds
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Malcolm Nance on Russia and Jan. 6th

The former intel analyst calls Putin “a Mafia don w/nukes” & updates us on the investigation into Jan. 6See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/25/202159 minutes, 4 seconds
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Replay of My Conversation with Vice President Walter Mondale

We recorded this in August of 2019 in his office in Minneapolis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/20/202151 minutes, 25 seconds
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Marc Elias and Ari Berman on Georgia and Worse

Super Election-Lawyer & Mother Jones Voting Rights Writer Stoke Al’s Worse Fears About Republican LegislaturesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/18/202153 minutes, 21 seconds
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Mini-Podcast: Peter Bergen on Afghanistan and Bin Laden

An Excerpt from Al's conversation with Bergen on his book, Trump and His GeneralsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/14/202114 minutes, 28 seconds
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Uncle Sam (Roger McNamee) & Auntie Trust (Zephyr Teachout) Talk Facebook, Google, Amazon & Democracy

Early Facebook Investor McNamee & Anti-Trust Lawyer Teachout Discuss Dangers Posed by Data BehemothsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/11/20211 hour, 14 minutes, 18 seconds
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Our Southern Border - National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani

Al and Ali discuss what brought us here, where we are, and what we need to do going forward.A list of organizations that humanely helps immigrants at the Southern Border:El Paso:The Annunciation HouseLas Americas Immigrant Advocacy CenterMcAllen:Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleyArizonaKino Border InitiativeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/4/20211 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds
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David Letterman!

A thoroughly enjoyable one. For a change.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/28/20211 hour, 16 minutes, 18 seconds
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Andy Slavitt (Again!) But Now He’s a Big Shot!

Senior Advisor on the President’s Coronavirus Task Force explains it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/21/202156 minutes, 58 seconds
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Heather McGhee – On What Racism Costs Everyone

Her new book, The Sum of Us explains how we can all prosper together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/14/20211 hour, 2 minutes, 52 seconds
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WaPo Columnist Catherine Rampell Wonks Out w/Al on Economics, Race, Healthcare – You Name It!

A wide-ranging conversation on a wide range of issues. It’s wide-ranging!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/7/20211 hour, 4 seconds
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Nobel Climate Scientist Michael Mann on Denier Tactics and Idiocy

Mann Discusses his new book The New Climate War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/28/20211 hour, 4 minutes, 32 seconds
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Dr. Anthony Fauci Answers the Questions You’ve Been Wanting to Ask

When will we be back to normal? Will we be able to find a vaccine for a contagious variant? Now that I’ve been vaccinated, can I see my grandchildren?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/21/202142 minutes, 37 seconds
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Al Recreates McConnell’s Post-Acquittal Impeachment Speech

In case you missed the original!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/17/20219 minutes, 33 seconds
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3 Heroes in the DC Public Schools (One’s My Daughter)

Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, Jackie Iloh, and Thomasin Franken on addressing the enormous challenges facing students in DCPS as a result of the pandemic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/14/202145 minutes
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Al Gives His Closing Argument for the Impeachment Trial

Any intellectually honest Republican Senator would vote to convict after hearing this. Unfortunately, that’s not near enough.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/9/202117 minutes, 22 seconds
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Adam Schiff on (You Guessed It) Impeachment

The lead manager of Impeachment #1 discusses Impeachment #2.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/7/202156 minutes, 26 seconds
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Super Bowl Edition: Journalist/Author Reid Forgrave on Football and Concussions

Forgrave tells the heartbreaking story of 24-year-old Zac Easter who committed suicide after struggling for years with traumatic brain injury. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/31/202142 minutes, 26 seconds
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Norm Ornstein & Al (Again!)

Norm & Al on the Biden Agenda, a 50-50 Senate, and Fox’s Bizarre Objection to the Mere Mention of Racism in the InauguralSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/24/202151 minutes, 29 seconds
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Former U.S. Attorneys Joyce Vance and Preet Bharara Discuss Legal Problems Ahead for Trump, the Rioters, and Cruz and Hawley

A Blow-by-Blow Assessment for Two of our Greatest Legal Minds (Not Al)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/17/202158 minutes, 52 seconds
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Rick Wilson, Co-Founder of The Lincoln Project

A wide-ranging conversation and Al’s opening monologue on this week’s events See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/10/20211 hour, 53 seconds
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Al Explains the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to Tommy

How we can move to a national popular vote without amending the Constitution?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/6/20216 minutes, 14 seconds
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Top Dem. Election Lawyer Marc Elias Reviews Trump Legal Team's 59 Post-Election Losses

EPIC!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/3/202148 minutes, 11 seconds
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A Holiday Repeat of Conan O'Brien with a Brand New Timely Intro!

One of my very favorites!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/27/202047 minutes, 8 seconds
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The Ground Game in Georgia!

D. Taylor – President of UNITE HERE – reports on what their 600+ canvassers are hearing at the doors. (Good News – no one’s pulled a gun on them like they did in NV and AZ during the general.)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/20/202035 minutes, 57 seconds
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Maria Teresa Kumar of Voto Latino on the Key Role Latinos Played in Electing Joe Biden

Al and Maria Teresa survey the expanding role of Latinos voters in American politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/13/202054 minutes, 16 seconds
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Joe Biden’s Closest Ally in the Senate, Chris Coons

 Al and Sen. Coons discuss foreign policy, a COVID relief package, and fondly recall a Coons-led trip to Africa where Coons got violently ill from food poisoning,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/6/202047 minutes, 33 seconds
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Fmr. Facebook Exec Tim Kendall on How Social Media is Destroying the World

One of the Silicon Valley Guilty Parties who stars in Netflix’s Most-Watched Documentary Ever explains why humanity is doomed unless we do something.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/29/202052 minutes, 26 seconds
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Laurie Garrett & Andy Slavitt on the Covid Spike, the Vaccines, & Trump's Negligent Homicide

The Good News: The Vaccines. The Bad News: Covid Surge & Trump Blocking Coordination Between His Team & Biden'sSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/22/20201 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds
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Al On The Election & Lincoln Project’s Stuart Stevens On What The GOP Has Become

Al heaps scorn & ridicule upon Trump & his team. And former GOP political operative Stuart Stevens on his mea culpa – It Was All A Lie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/15/202046 minutes, 32 seconds
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SuperPundit Norm Ornstein on the Election

Our SuperElection Podcast!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/8/202051 minutes, 37 seconds
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Dick Gephardt and Ian Bassin – Can Trump Steal this Election?

The Fmr. House Majority Leader and the Founder of Protect Democracy discuss the perils of the 2020 election and Its immediate aftermathSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/1/202054 minutes, 13 seconds
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Montana Sen. Jon Tester on How Dems Win Back Rural America

Tester discusses his new book, Grounded. Covering everything from how he lost three fingers in a meat grinder at 9 to the meat grinder in DC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/25/202054 minutes, 1 second
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A Preview of the Final Trump-Biden Debate

President Donald Trump (Anthony Atamanuik) and Vice President Joe Biden (Dana Carvey) face off in a preview of the final debate of 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/21/20209 minutes, 26 seconds
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Al Rails About Coney Barrett Hearing w/ Brian Fallon of Demand Justice

Fallon & Al weren’t happy with any part of the damn thing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/18/202046 minutes, 51 seconds
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Al’s Questions for Amy Coney Barrett

Al wishes he was still there. Here's what he would have asked if he still was.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/13/202023 minutes, 20 seconds
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Maria Teresa Kumar of Voto Latino and Marc Elias, Dems' Election Lawyer, on Voter Suppression

Voto Latino is on its way to registering 500,000 new voters this cycle. Elias is fighting to make sure their votes will be counted.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/11/20201 hour, 2 minutes, 48 seconds
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Norm Ornstein on the Sh*tsh*w in Cleveland. Franklin Foer and Natasha Bertrand on Russian Interference.

Norm was at the debate in Cleveland and gives us all the dirt. Frank and Natasha tell us all the dirt in the 900+ page Senate Intel Report. Hint: LOTS of collusion!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/4/20201 hour, 15 minutes, 59 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick and The Day the President Laughed

The great Dahlia Lithwick discusses RBG, SCOTUS, and the Election. Depressing? Yes. But then the exciting world premiere of The Day the President Laughed!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/27/202053 minutes, 38 seconds
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Debate Prep Vets James Carville and Phillipe Reines on the Upcoming Debate

Carville and Reines (who played Trump in Hillary's debate prep) game out the Most Important Event in the History of the World. And Al on RBG. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/20/202059 minutes, 14 seconds
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Laurie Garrett, Pulitzer Prize Winner for her Writing on Pandemics and Andy Slavitt, Obama's Head of Medicare and Medicaid on the (Most Likely) Premature Introduction of a Coronavirus Vaccine

Garrett and Slavitt examine the erosion of trust in our public health institutions - The Federal Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Department of Health and Human Services under Donald Trump. And the tragic consequences now and in the future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/13/202055 minutes, 2 seconds
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Douglas Boin, Author of Alaric the Goth – An Outsider’s History of the Fall of Rome, Discusses the Uncanny Parallels Between Trump’s America and 410 AD Rome,

Hatred of immigrants, religious intolerance, systemic racism. Asshole emperor. Sound familiar? Al and Douglas Boin tells the story of Alaric, the Goth who led the sacking of Rome. Also, Al establishes once and for all that the Romans killed Christ, not the Jews! Plus, Sen.Tammy Duckworth discusses Trump's particular aversion to amputeesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/6/202054 minutes, 3 seconds
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David Axelrod on the Election. Spoiler Alert: He's for Biden

The political consultant who consulted Barack Obama all the way to the White House discusses how we get Biden there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/30/202053 minutes, 11 seconds
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Repeating My Conversation with Chris Rock Because It's So Damn Great!

Chris discusses being a comedian, being black, being a black comedian, being bussed for nine years as a kid, and a whole bunch of other stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/23/202050 minutes, 54 seconds
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Author Susan Nieman on Germans/Holocaust vs. Americans/Slavery – Germans Win

Nieman contrasts how Germans have come to terms with The Third Reich and how Americans have processed slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, lynching, and systemic racism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/16/202050 minutes, 54 seconds
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Paul Begala on How to Beat Trump

The stable half of the consultant team that elected Bill Clinton tells us how to beat this psychopath – on the podcast and in his new book, You’re Fired.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/9/202054 minutes, 23 seconds
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Andrew Yang and Al Discuss Each Other

Yang and Al Discuss, Among Other Things – Yang’s Past, the Future of Work, and the Present.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/2/202054 minutes, 54 seconds
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Fmr. DC and Philly Police Chief Charles Ramsey Talks Police Reform

Al in conversation with the co-chair of Obama’s police reform commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/26/202054 minutes, 4 seconds
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Dahlia Lithwick on SCOTUS 2019-20 Term and Trump's Commutation of Roger Stone's 40-Month Sentence

Al and Dahlia discuss the Court's top decisions, including Bostock, which held that federal law prohibits employment discrimination agains LGBT workers, and whether Alito's dissent in that case was "very gay."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/19/202055 minutes, 59 seconds
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Epidemiologist Abdul El-Sayed Blames the Latest Covid Spikes on Guess Who?

Al and Former Detroit Public Health Commissioner on the Mistakes Trump Keeps Making.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/12/202056 minutes, 36 seconds
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Democratic Election Lawyer Marc Elias Talks to Two Texas Teenagers About Winning Them the Right to Vote By Mail in November

Recent high school graduate Rajit Gulhati contacted Al for guidance on how he and his friends could vote by mail. So, Al brought in Democratic super lawyer Marc Elias.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/5/202056 minutes, 9 seconds
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A Fourth of July Conversation with Thomas Jefferson

Al sits down with the author of the Declaration of Independence on the anniversary of our nation's birthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/4/20207 minutes, 16 seconds
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Melvin Carter Talks About Being St. Paul’s First Black Mayor and the Son of a Cop

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter Discusses the Aftermath of George Floyd’s MurderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/28/202054 minutes, 6 seconds
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Frm. Obama Speechwriter David Litt Explains How the GOP Has Systematically Undermined Democracy.

In his new book: Democracy: In One Book or Less fmr. Obama speechwriter and NY Times bestselling author brings fascinating and often startling detail to all the ways the GOP thwarts democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/21/202053 minutes, 16 seconds
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Atlantic Writer George Packer on How the Pandemic and George Floyd’s Murder have Laid Bare America’s Weaknesses

Packer and Al discuss the how a corrupt political class, a heartless economy, systemic racism, and Donald Trump have led to the failures Americans have been witness to and the victims of these last several months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/14/202054 minutes, 29 seconds
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Donna Edwards and Al Discuss Race, Cops, and Photo Ops

Former Congresswoman Edwards talks about being the mother of a young black man and whether George Floyd's murder has finally brought us to an inflection point.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/7/202054 minutes, 27 seconds
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NEA President Lily Eskelsen García on Teaching During a Pandemic and a DeVos

The host (and former member of the Senate Education Committee) and the president of the National Education Association talks about an important subject: how awful Betsy DeVos is. But also, education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/31/202052 minutes, 27 seconds
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COVID-19 Trailer

This COVID-19 pandemic is arguably the greatest global crisis since World War II. Since the coronavirus hit, Al has been talking with guests about the various aspects of this horrible scourge. To date, guests include:Andy Slavitt, former head of Medicare/Medicaid;Austan Goolsbee, former Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisors;Dr. Leana Wen, former president of Planned Parenthood; andMichael Lewis, author of the Fifth Risk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/27/20205 minutes, 41 seconds
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Paul Krugman on Arguing with Republican Zombies

The NYT columnist and Nobel Prize winner discusses how Republicans operate in bad faith on issues like climate, tax cuts, deficits, income and wealth inequality, and now, the pandemic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/24/202053 minutes, 19 seconds
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Steve Schmidt Tears Trump and the Republican Party A New One

The former GOP strategist trashes Trump and his enablers. And gives a surprisingly personal explanation of why it took him so long to leave his old party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/17/202055 minutes, 11 seconds
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Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant on Where We Go From Here

From 1973-76, Dr. Larry Brilliant was part of the World Health Organization team that eradicated smallpox and is Chairman of the Board of Ending Pandemics. He discusses how we go forward on Covid-19 after blowing it in the first six months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/10/202053 minutes, 6 seconds
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Chief Democratic Election Lawyer Marc Elias Talks Elections During A Pandemic

Democrats want every eligible American to vote. Republicans don’t. Nationally renowned election lawyer Marc Elias discusses the battles ahead from now until November.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/3/202059 minutes, 24 seconds
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Billy and Debbie Shore, Founders of No Kid Hungry, on Hunger in America During this Pandemic

The brother and sister team who have been doing this work for 35 years talk about how the pandemic has shined a light on childhood hunger and what we can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/26/202047 minutes, 59 seconds
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Michael Lewis On How Trump’s Handling of Covid-19 Has Proven His Book, The Fifth Risk, Tragically Prophetic.

In The Fifth Risk, Lewis portrayed Donald Trump as a man totally ignorant of and disinterested in the actually functioning of the federal government. The book’s title refers to the potential catastrophe that an administration fails to plan for and prevent.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/19/202053 minutes, 2 seconds
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Mental Health and Criminal Justice

Miami Dade County Judge Steve Leifman and Norm Ornstein on Judge Leifman’s remarkably successful Jail Diversion Program, which saves lives and big bucks. An inspiring, feel-good story about changing the lives of our society’s most vulnerable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/12/202053 minutes, 5 seconds
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Dr. Leana Wen Discusses the Tortuous and High Stakes Path that Dr.'s Fauci and Birx Must Navigate

Dr. Wen is an emergency room physician, professor at GW School of Public Health, and fmr. Public Health Commissioner for Baltimore under two mayors. The second, who was recently sentenced to 3 years in prison, is arguably crazy, giving her unique insight into the dilemma that Fauci and Birx face in dealing with an inarguably crazy president.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4/5/202055 minutes, 4 seconds
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Austan Goolsbee on Virus Economics

The former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama speaks with clarity and common sense about how virus economics are different than normal economics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/29/20201 hour, 12 minutes, 6 seconds
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Andy Slavitt, Former Medicare/Medicaid Head Discusses the Pandemic

One of the earliest and most outspoken critics of Trump's mishandling of the pandemic, Slavitt reviews its tragic consequences and where we go from here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/22/202053 minutes
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MSNBC's Andrew Zimmern Talks About Food, Immigration, Climate and Addiction

Turns out food is important. Andrew Zimmern, host and producer of MSNBC’s new series, “What’s Eating America” talks about the intersection of food and health, immigration, climate, and addiction – including his own harrowing journey to sobriety and grace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/15/202057 minutes, 35 seconds
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Documentarian Alex Gibney Tells the Cautionary Tale of the Oligarch Who Defied Putin

Russia’s transition from a brutal dictatorship to a fledgling capitalist democracy and back to a brutal dictatorship. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/8/202054 minutes, 55 seconds
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Pulitzer Prize Winner Dave Fahrenthold Catches Us Up on Trump’s Corruption

In a time of an international health and economic crises, it’s good to have a POTUS who can be trusted by the world community. Instead, we have a grifter with an entire family of money-grubbing, lying grifters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3/1/202055 minutes, 17 seconds
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Is Democracy in Danger? Legal Experts Dahlia Lithwick and Ian Bassin On Trump, Barr and The Abuse of the Criminal Justice System

Dahlia Lithwick of Slate and Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy discuss Trump's sickening lurch toward autocracy post-impeachment with the cooperation of Bill Barr.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/23/202058 minutes, 22 seconds
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Intelligence Expert Malcolm Nance Makes the Convincing Case that Trump is a Russian Asset

The author, commentator, and career intelligence officer lays out Donald Trump's decades-long relationship with Putin, the KGB, and Rusky Oligarchs. With a cast of unsavory characters like convicted Russian stooges Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, Nance leaves little doubt that the President of the United States has been and continues to be in cahoots with corrupt money-launderers and murderers. A fun show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/16/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 2 seconds
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A Conversation with Jimmy Kimmel

Al and Jimmy discuss his radio days, Jimmy Kimmel Live’s rough start, then success, bad guests, his emotional appearance after his son’s birth, and his passionate support of universal health care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/9/202053 minutes, 21 seconds
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John Mayer on Playing Guitar and Singing at the Same Time

John Mayer talks about how he transitioned from pop star/tabloid fodder (recurrent Sexiest Man Alive) to the impossible challenge of filling Jerry Garcia’s gigantic shoes with Dead and Company, the current iteration of the Grateful Dead. (If you guessed Al is a big Dead Head, you might be right).Plus, an angry Al vents about the week's impeachment news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2/2/202052 minutes, 32 seconds
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How We Got Here. Norm Ornstein on the Erosion of Norms from Gingrich to McConnell to Trump

Veteran Washington observer Norm Ornstein tracks the erosion of norms that once allowed Washington to work. From Newt Gingrich instructing Republicans to demonize Democrats as “sick, corrupt, traitors” to Mitch McConnell denying Merrick Garland a hearing.  The abandonment of fact-based evidence, shutting down the government, using the filibuster to grind the Senate to a halt, to a pathological President attacking the media as “enemies of the people.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/26/202052 minutes, 19 seconds
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Paul Tough on How the College Admissions System Preserves Our Nation’s Economic and Social Disparities

The Felicity Huffman/Lori Loughlin scandal pales in comparison to the scandal of our higher education admissions system, which protects the privileged and leaves everyone else behind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/19/202051 minutes, 43 seconds
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MSNBC's Second Most Popular Host, Lawrence O'Donnell, Is Guest

Lawrence O’Donnell - Son of Dorchester, West Wing writer, Moynihan Senate Staff director - tears Trump and CNN a new one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/12/202055 minutes, 52 seconds
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Al and Conan O’Brien

Al and Conan discuss their time together at SNL, including Tina Fey’s shameless theft of Al’s Fart Doctor sketch and the time Al scared the bejeezus out of George Harrison. Very little public policy discussed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
1/5/202050 minutes, 7 seconds
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Sara Silverman and Al Talk About Comedy and Politics

A replay of one of our favorite shows from early in 2019. Al and Sara discuss the risky comedy, politics and much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/29/201953 minutes, 17 seconds
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Al Solo! - Al Rants on Impeachment, Trump, McConnell, and GOP Bad Faith.

I rant about the dishonesty (and/or stupidity) of House Republicans during the impeachment debate. Also, about the shameless bad faith exhibited by Mitch McConnell. And the unraveling of Donald Trump’s mind – to the extent it was ever raveled. Plus, my frustration with the Democratic presidential debate our candidates failing to lay a glove on Trump. And with the Democratic candidates, who beat up each other, but failed to lay a glove on Trump.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/22/201952 minutes, 50 seconds
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Guilty! Al Discusses Impeachment with Harvard Law Professor, Nancy Gertner and Max Bergmann, Not a Harvard Law Professor

Al concludes that Trump is guilty, yes,guilty!, of high crimes and misdemeanors and so is AG Bill Barr after discussing facts with Harvard Law Professor Nancy Gertner and Max Bergman, director of the Moscow Project. They make the case that assuming Trump will be acquitted in the Senate is a mistake. Al concludes that "When you assume, you 'Make an Ass out of Uma Thurman.'" Uma discusses Pulp Fiction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/15/201956 minutes, 26 seconds
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Obama National Security Advisor Susan Rice Talks Foreign Policy Successes and Failures

Al and Rice discuss how immensely consequential decisions are made in real time. Sometimes you get it right. Sometimes you don't. And how you deal with tragic mistakes but have to keep on going.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/8/201955 minutes, 3 seconds
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Immigration, Child Separation and Voter Suppression with Maria Teresa Kumar

A repeat of our first show with the President of Voto Latino, Maria Teresa Kumar with a new timely intro. Al finally took a week off. Okay?!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12/1/201936 minutes, 53 seconds
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Al talks to Ambassador Peter Galbraith About Trump's Tragic Betrayal of the Kurds, and Al weighs in on the Impeachment Hearings.

Foreign service veteran Peter Galbraith talks about his 35 year history with the Kurds and how Trump's rash decision to sell them out in Syria will undermine America's standing and security in the world for years to come.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/24/201954 minutes, 42 seconds
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Al Talks To Executive Director of Foster America Sherry Lachman About The State of Foster Care And Al Gets Verklempt

Al talks to his former senior education counsel Sherry Lachman about her great organization, Foster America. She helped with a piece of legislation that is one of Al's greatest achievements as Senator. In the process of getting it passed, Sherry broke a cardinal rule of the Senate and got in a heated conversation with a sitting Senator, much to Al's delight. Plus, Al has some thoughts on the first day of the impeachment hearings. It turns out that the Republicans are acting as protectors for Donald Trump!Learn more about Foster America at www.foster-america.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/17/201951 minutes, 24 seconds
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Whoever Wins the Popular Vote Should Be President. The New Yorker's Hendrik Hertzberg and Al Discuss Why

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is a compact to award member states' electors to the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide It will take effect when states with 270 electors adopt it.So far, 14 states and DC (representing 187 electoral votes) have compact. Colorado's legislature and governor have approved it (9 more electors) and nervous Conservatives have put it on the ballot as a Referendum in 2020. Hertzberg explains it all and why it's good for every American except Donald Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/10/201949 minutes, 57 seconds
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Where There's Fire, There's Fire." Jeffrey Toobin and Dahlia Lithwick Discuss The Legal Issues Ahead in the Impeachment of Donald Trump

Jeffrey Toobin and Dahlia Lithwick examine the potential legal issues that may take center stage between now and the day the Senate decides whether Trump is guilty or not guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11/3/201954 minutes, 57 seconds
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Judd Apatow Discusses Comedy, Mental Health and Politics

Writer, director, producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The Larry Sanders Show, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Girls, Anchorman, Trainwreck) discusses comedy, mental health and politics. Al laughs and gets depressed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/27/201950 minutes, 25 seconds
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Al Talks with one of his Heroes, Harlem Children's Zone Founder Geoffrey Canada

One of Al's heroes, Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone, talks about transforming the lives of some of our poorest, most disadvantaged kids and how we can replicate that across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/20/201953 minutes, 2 seconds
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Journalist Elizabeth Drew Explains Impeachment to Al

Al talks impeachment with Elizabeth Drew, veteran journalist and author of Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixon's Downfall. Her heralded dissection of the Nixon and Clinton sagas makes her the go-to on the pending Trump impeachment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/13/201951 minutes, 11 seconds
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A Conversation with Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Al travels to Leader Reid’s home in Henderson, Nevada, to discuss his life and career, with a special focus on their relationship during the years he and Al overlapped in Senate.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10/6/20191 hour, 12 seconds
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A Conversation with Chris Rock

Mr. Rock is a well-regarded comedian, writer, and actor who is a friend of the host. They discuss a whole bunch of stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/29/201949 minutes, 18 seconds
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Rising Democratic Star and Afghanistan Vet Jason Kander Discusses Putting The Brakes On His Political Career To Treat His PTSD

Afghan vet and Dem Rising Star Jason Kander discusses his decision to put aside politics to treat his PTSD and his work meeting the housing and treatment needs of vets suffering from the psychological wounds of war.Learn more at VeteransCommunityProject.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/24/201945 minutes, 52 seconds
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Renaissance Man Bob Kerrey Talks to Man Al Franken

A great show for a change with Bob Kerrey, Medal of Honor recipient, Governor of Nebraska, two-term US Senator, 9/11 Commissioner, and University President, on why he can’t keep a job.  Also, China, trade, Trump and 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/17/201947 minutes, 9 seconds
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How Corrupt is Trump? Veteran DC Watchdog Melanie Sloan Discusses the Trump Culture of Corruption in Washington

The least surprising episode of The Al Franken Podcast.  Veteran DC watchdog Melanie Sloan tells us Trump is very corrupt. Also Ivanka and Jared. And Don Jr. and Eric. Plus the EPA, Interior, and Commerce.  And, finally this week, the National Weather Service! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/10/201941 minutes, 18 seconds
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Obama Chief Economist Austan Goolsbee Explains the Unexplainable: What The Hell Trump is Doing On Trade

Austan Goolsbee, former Obama chief economist, explains that "in a crisis, the president's credibility is all he has." So, someday soon, The New York Times headline may read, "World in Crisis, Turns Its Eyes to Donald Trump." And other scary stuff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/3/201945 minutes, 35 seconds
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A Conversation with Vice President Walter Mondale

Vice President Walter Mondale explains to Al why things have gotten so bad. And Trump is only part of it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/27/201950 minutes, 55 seconds
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A Conversation with Joe Cirincione

Nuke expert and President of the Ploughshares Fund Joe Cirincione explains why we’re now in a nuclear arms race with Russia and China. A very dark, but hilarious episode of The Al Franken Podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/20/201953 minutes, 44 seconds
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A Conversation with Heidi Heitkamp

The Founding Members of the Senate’s now defunct “Oh Ya! Caucus,” Former ND Sen. Heidi Heitkamp and Al discuss Heidi’s new organization, One Country. How do Democrats get more votes in rural America? 1 – show up. 2 – listen. 3 – keep coming back. 4- listen to the podcast. Heidi lost her re-elect in a state that has turned solidly red over the past ten years. Al won both of his races in a purplish-blue state by winning big in the Twin Cities and Duluth.  But he did better all-around and in rural Minnesota in his second race (2014, a bad year for Dems) because he showed up, listened, and kept coming back. Turns out rural Americans care about what other Americans care about: health care; their kids’ education; keeping their kids close to them. Which means jobs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/13/201954 minutes, 37 seconds
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A Conversation with Andy Slavitt

Andy Slavitt returns to discuss the health care proposals of the Democratic candidates for POTUS.  Al and Andy agree that it’s important for every contender to lay out their plans to get to universal coverage, but exhort them not to squander the enormous advantage we have over Trump and Republicans on an issue of such importance to every American.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8/6/201954 minutes, 2 seconds
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A Conversation With Howard Fineman

How awful do you think Mitch McConnell is? Well. He’s worse than that. Howard Fineman, who began his career at the Louisville Courier Journal, has been covering McConnell for decades. Fineman’s McConnell relishes being a big prick. When coal miners with black lung disease travel from KY to ask Congress to restore the tiny tax on coal that funds their treatment, McConnell gives them all of 30 seconds. Fineman explains. Hell – the miners aren’t going to vote for him; the coal companies have always supported him with tons of campaign funds; and these black lung miners came to D.C. just to embarrass him. Well, screw you, coal miners with black lung disease – you’re all going to die soon anyway. Al tells a lighter story about presiding over the Senate during the debate over Elena Kagan’s confirmation to SCOTUS. Mitch gave the most condescending, sexist speech, typified by the following: “No one has any doubt that Ms. Kagan is bright and personable and easy to get along with. But the Supreme Court is not a social club. If getting along in polite society were enough reason to put someone on the Supreme Court, then we wouldn’t need a confirmation process at all.” Al breaks up and gets a nasty case of church laughter, as McConnell grows more and more infuriated. Find out how it ends in this fun, if somewhat dark episode.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/30/201956 minutes, 32 seconds
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A Conversation with Secretary Ernest Moniz

Former Sec. of Energy Ernest Moniz and Al discuss putting pragmatic meat on the bones of the Green New Deal. Al coins a new Kennedy-esque slogan, “We choose to go to zero-carbon not because it is easy, but because otherwise WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!” Moniz, who was the chairman of MIT’s physics department, negotiated the technical nuclear parts of the Iran Deal with his Iranian counterpart. Because Trump has repeatedly called the US negotiators of the Iran Nuclear Deal “very stupid people,” Al tries to determine throughout just how stupid Moniz is. Not very, it turns out. And Al opens with a monologue about a high school commencement in Willmar, Minnesota, explaining that Trump has no understanding of what America is. The valedictorian was a girl born in Ecuador, the class-speaker, a Somali-American girl, and the class president, a boy of Minnesota Norwegian/German stock. They’re all Americans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/23/20191 hour, 9 minutes, 39 seconds
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A Conversation With Franklin Foer

In the monologue, Al talks about the appointment of Pat Pizzella as the acting Secretary of Labor. If you agree that the House should hold hearings on Pizzella’s past, check out Al’s petition here: https://alfranken.com/read/petitionThis week, author and Atlantic Monthly staff writer, Franklin Foer joins me to discuss Big Tech. Are filter bubbles dividing us? Is Facebook deliberately keeping us angry and upset? Is everyone's attention span dwindling? Is Google selling records of all your searches? Is the Big One coming? You know - the day everyone who's ever watched pornography will be revealed to everyone else who's ever watched pornography? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/16/20191 hour, 5 minutes, 18 seconds
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A Conversation with Dana Carvey

Al and Dana discuss political comedy and how some of the greatest moments in SNL’s political satire were created. Al promised Dana to blow smoke up his ass during this interview, and, indeed, smoke is blown. Al opens with a monologue in which he assesses the relative talents of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. Hint: Reagan could read a speech.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/9/20191 hour, 4 minutes, 30 seconds
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A Conversation with David Mandel

Veep show runner, David Mandel discusses Veep and what the hell it is that a show runner does. Why Trump’s election made a dark, cynical show even darker and more cynical. Also, how David owes his entire career to Al – a career that includes writing and producing for Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Veep, all shows that Al had nothing to do with. In his opening monologue Al calls the 2020 presidential election “the second most important election in our lifetime.”  The most important being last one.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
7/2/201948 minutes, 23 seconds
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A Conversation with Michael Mann

Al talks to Michael Mann, Nobel Prize-winning climatologist for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  We cover a lot of ground. How to talk about climate change to your crazy right-wing climate-denying uncle. “Uncle Hal, sea level is rising. For two reasons. Ice is melting.  And water expands when it gets warmer.” If Uncle Hal insists sea level is rising because of all the rocks falling into the ocean, then just give up. We talk about how climate used to be a bipartisan issue, but since Citizens United, the Koch Brothers have threatened to primary any Republican who acknowledges the science.  Addressing climate change has become a victim of our tribal politics. The answer right now? Win. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/25/201948 minutes, 4 seconds
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A Conversation with Andy Slavitt

The guy who pulled the HealthCare.Gov baby out of a burning building and then headed up Medicare and Medicaid in the Obama Administration discusses healthcare with Al. How Obamacare got so popular. (Republicans won, and their plan to repeal and replace sucked tail-pipe.)  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/18/20191 hour, 14 minutes, 40 seconds
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A Conversation with Jeffrey Toobin and Nancy Gertner

An in-depth, but somewhat snarky, look at the Trump administration’s success in packing the courts with right-wing, Federalist Society judges. Gertner, a Harvard Law professor, and Toobin, CNN chief legal analyst, discuss some of the most cynical, activist decisions by the Roberts Court. Al calls Justice Scalia’s dissent in marriage equality, “Very gay.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/11/201943 minutes, 17 seconds
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A Conversation with Michael Lewis

Al and Michael Lewis discuss his latest bestseller, The Fifth Risk, which Al calls the best book about the Trump Administration, in no small part because there’s very little focus on Trump himself. Instead, Lewis takes us inside of three Cabinet agencies – Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy – and the incompetent, venal, and/or corrupt appointees who find their way into crucial positions within the federal government. The head of science at the Agriculture Department is replaced by a right-wing talk radio host whose only qualification is that he endorsed Trump early in Iowa. Trump appoints the CEO of AccuWeather to head up the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, which includes the Weather Service. The CEO’s mission? To stop making Weather Service data publicly available to force Americans to get their weather forecasts from … AccuWeather! And, of course, there’s Rick Perry. At turns hilarious, insane, and just plain sad, this is a fascinating look into what happens to our federal government when the President of the United States has absolutely no understanding or interest in what the government does.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6/4/201948 minutes, 34 seconds
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A Conversation With Sarah Silverman

Al and Sarah discuss her evolution as a comedian, the hazards of using irony in comedy (the viral death-threat against Sarah from a Florida preacher’s sermon), and the importance of growing as an artist and a person. Alternately edgy and warm and fuzzy, you’ll leave this one smiling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/28/201951 minutes, 42 seconds
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A Conversation with Dahlia Lithwick and Matt Miller

Dahlia Lithwick, brilliant writer for Slate on all things jurisprudential, and Matt Miller, former spokesman for Attorney General Eric Holder, have a lively discussion with an impassioned Al who argues that it’s time for the House to go to an impeachment inquiry or get off the pot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/21/201944 minutes, 51 seconds
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A Conversation With Maria Teresa Kumar

The president of Voto Latino, discusses voter suppression, the Wall, and immigration. At turns funny, then tragic, and angry. A fun and moving interview. To help support the organizations mentioned in this episode, visit:https://annunciationhouse.org/https://www.raicestexas.org/?rd=anpSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/14/201934 minutes, 8 seconds
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Al Franken Has A Podcast

In this trailer episode to The Al Franken Podcast, Al sits down with Amazon's Alexa (Siri had other commitments) to review highlights of the upcoming episodes featuring:Maria Theresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino,Nancy Gertner, Harvard Law School professor and former U.S federal judge,Jeffrey Toobin, legal analyst for CNN and The New Yorker,Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short and Moneyball,Andy Slavitt, former Acting Administrator of Medicare and Medicaid,Dana Carvey, actor, comedian, and Saturday Night Live alum, andDavid Frum, staff writer at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for George W. Bush.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5/1/20196 minutes, 30 seconds