Best D.C. Constant Podcasts (2025)

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Chuck’s Commentary - No Incentive For Congress To End Shutdown + Trump Wants A Violent Confrontation With Protestors 1:13:36

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24h ago1:13:36

1:13:36

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines the second week of the government shutdown, explaining why Republicans are taking most of the blame—but why it’s not an automatic win for Democrats. He breaks down the political incentives that keep both sides digging in, Trump’s efforts to punish his own voters in blue states, and the growing r…

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Full Episode - No Incentive For Congress To End Shutdown + Trump Wants A Violent Confrontation With Protestors + How America’s Mayors Stay Above The Political Fray 2:10:42

24h ago2:10:42

2:10:42

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck examines the second week of the government shutdown, explaining why Republicans are taking most of the blame—but why it’s not an automatic win for Democrats. He breaks down the political incentives that keep both sides digging in, Trump’s efforts to punish his own voters in blue states, and the growing r…

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Interview Only w/ OKC Mayor David Holt - How America’s Mayors Stay Above The Political Fray 53:10

24h ago53:10

53:10

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins Chuck to talk about why mayors often stand apart from the hyper-polarized world of national politics. With no partisan primaries to cater to, Holt argues that mayors are forced to be pragmatic and bipartisan—because when city leaders fail, the public notices quickly. He des…

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Chuck’s Commentary - How Long Will Shutdown Last + Dems Benefit From Being The “Adults In The Room” + Trump’s Crassness Has Infected America 1:10:44

5d ago1:10:44

1:10:44

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the absurdity of the U.S. government repeatedly grinding to a halt over government shutdowns. He explains why disruptions like TSA slowdowns and flight delays could force a faster resolution, why this standoff likely won’t last beyond a couple of weeks, and how Republicans may try to negotiat…

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Full Episode - How Long Will Shutdown Last + Dems Benefit From Being The “Adults In The Room” + Why Union Members Flipped On Democrats & Supported Trump 2:04:12

5d ago2:04:12

2:04:12

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down the absurdity of the U.S. government repeatedly grinding to a halt over government shutdowns. He explains why disruptions like TSA slowdowns and flight delays could force a faster resolution, why this standoff likely won’t last beyond a couple of weeks, and how Republicans may try to negotiat…

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Interview Only w/ Sean O’Brien - Why Union Members Flipped On Democrats & Supported Trump 51:37

5d ago51:37

51:37

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Teamsters president Sean O’Brien joins Chuck to talk about the future of organized labor in an era defined by Amazon, automation, and artificial intelligence. O’Brien warns that AI-driven job displacement could be the central issue of the 2028 campaign, and he argues that technology is being adopted without wo…

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Rapidly Moving the U.S. Toward a Police State, Trump Labels Critics ‘Domestic Terrorists’ 29:00

6d ago29:00

29:00

The Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead: Rapidly Moving the U.S. Toward a Police State, Trump Labels Critics ‘Domestic Terrorists’ Oxfam CEO Abby Maxman: Trump Closure of USAID Humanitarian Relief Programs Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands Documentary filmmaker Rick Goldsmith: Documentary ‘Stripped for Parts’ Examines Vulture Capit…

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Why Malala Yousafzai is a hero in the West but not back home 41:34

6d ago41:34

41:34

Why is Malala Yousafzai so revered in the West while being much less popular in her home country of Pakistan? On this week's Code Switch, we unpack how Pakistani skepticism of Malala extends from a suspicion of U.S. and other foreign interests. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Could A Government Shutdown Backfire On Democrats + Trump’s Outrageous Speech To Military Leaders 1:13:53

6d ago1:13:53

1:13:53

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks the latest government shutdown and the political brinkmanship that created it. He explores how shutdowns—once unthinkable—have become a partisan weapon, wasting money while allowing leaders like Donald Trump to punish opponents and play to their base. With Democrats at risk of shouldering equal o…

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Full Episode - Could A Government Shutdown Backfire On Democrats + Diagnosis Doesn’t Define You: Growing Up With Autism 2:07:55

6d ago2:07:55

2:07:55

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks the latest government shutdown and the political brinkmanship that created it. He explores how shutdowns—once unthinkable—have become a partisan weapon, wasting money while allowing leaders like Donald Trump to punish opponents and play to their base. With Democrats at risk of shouldering equal o…

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Interview Only w/ Leland Vittert - Diagnosis Doesn’t Define You: Growing Up With Autism 52:27

6d ago52:27

52:27

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, NewsNation host Leland Vittert opens up about his personal journey growing up on the autism spectrum, the struggles his family faced, and the lessons that shaped his outlook on life and journalism. From being misunderstood in school and learning to navigate social cues, to the pivotal role his mother played in…

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Interview Only w/ James Bennet - Will American Democracy Survive Trump’s Presidency? 1:04:57

8d ago1:04:57

1:04:57

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, veteran journalist for The Economist, James Bennet joins Chuck to break down Donald Trump’s scathing U.N. speech and what it reveals about his worldview: not isolationist, but relentlessly self-centered, with his personal interest framed as national interest. Bennet warns that Trump’s grip on power is existent…

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Full Episode - Congress Deliberately Created “Shutdown Politics” + Will American Democracy Survive Trump’s Presidency? 2:13:12

8d ago2:13:12

2:13:12

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck looks at new polling showing just how unsettled Americans feel heading into yet another potential government shutdown. With 93% of the country agreeing that political violence is a problem and a majority believing we’re in a full-blown political crisis, partisanship has hardened to the point where disagr…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Congress Deliberately Created “Shutdown Politics” + Americans Believe We’re In A “Political Crisis” 1:04:49

8d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck looks at new polling showing just how unsettled Americans feel heading into yet another potential government shutdown. With 93% of the country agreeing that political violence is a problem and a majority believing we’re in a full-blown political crisis, partisanship has hardened to the point where disagr…

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Full Episode - Trump Is Destroying Trust In Law Enforcement + America Is DANGEROUSLY Unprepared For The Next Pandemic 2:12:38

12d ago2:12:38

2:12:38

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks how Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has become a political weapon, from targeting perceived enemies like James Comey to sweeping bribery cases under the rug, all while eroding public trust in law enforcement. He explores how Trump’s strategy of framing his own criminal charges as political h…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Trump Is Destroying Trust In Law Enforcement + Democrats Need To Take A Position On Mamdani + Economic Warning Signs 1:10:02

12d ago1:10:02

1:10:02

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks how Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has become a political weapon, from targeting perceived enemies like James Comey to sweeping bribery cases under the rug, all while eroding public trust in law enforcement. He explores how Trump’s strategy of framing his own criminal charges as political h…

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Interview only w/ Dr. Michael Osterholm - America Is DANGEROUSLY Unprepared For The Next Pandemic 1:00:19

12d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Dr. Michael Osterholm, one of the nation’s foremost infectious disease experts, joins Chuck to confront the unsettling reality that Covid-19 was not “the big one.” From SARS and MERS as early warnings to the looming possibility of coronaviruses that are far more deadly than Covid, Osterholm argues that pandemi…

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Trump’s FCC Takes Action to Suppress Free Speech 29:00

13d ago29:00

29:00

Free Press General Counsel Matt Wood: Trump’s FCC Takes Action to Suppress Free Speech University of Arizona professor emerita epidemiologist Elizabeth Jacobs: RFK Jr.’s War Against Vaccinations and Science Reaches New Dangerous Phase Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit Co-Founder Armon Alex: Petrostate Tour of U.S. Capitol Shines Light on Fossil F…

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Full Episode - Voters Will Tire Of Trump’s Constant Chaos + Why We Need To “Trump-Proof” The Presidency 2:06:27

13d ago2:06:27

2:06:27

Chuck Todd unpacks the escalating chaos around Donald Trump’s second term, from his doom-and-gloom rhetoric to the brazen decisions that have left few guardrails in place. Voters may not reject Trump’s ideas outright, but his nonstop turbulence—from shaming pregnant women over Tylenol to undermining global allies—has created deep political vulnerab…

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Full interview w/ Rep. Chris Deluzio - Why We Need To “Trump-Proof” The Presidency 56:56

13d ago56:56

56:56

Congressman Chris Deluzio joins Chuck Todd to talk about the political transformation of Western Pennsylvania, the challenges of running as a Democrat in a swing district, and the lessons he’s learned since succeeding Conor Lamb. From the hollowing out of factory towns to the rare but pivotal swing voters who decide elections, Deluzio reflects on t…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Voters Will Tire Of Trump’s Constant Chaos + Takeaways From “107 Days” 1:07:16

13d ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Chuck Todd unpacks the escalating chaos around Donald Trump’s second term, from his doom-and-gloom rhetoric to the brazen decisions that have left few guardrails in place. Voters may not reject Trump’s ideas outright, but his nonstop turbulence—from shaming pregnant women over Tylenol to undermining global allies—has created deep political vulnerab…

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Is the American dream a scam? 33:10

13d ago33:10

33:10

This week on the pod: author Edgar Gomez talks about what it was like growing up poor, queer, and Nicaraguan Puerto Rican in Florida. His new memoir, Alligator Tears, chronicles his dreams of making it big, the various mini-scams he got into along the way, and his realization that a rich life might not ever come with bundles of money. Learn more ab…

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Full Episode - Trump's Actions Are Impeachable + Black Moses: The Failed Dream Of Building A “Black State” In Oklahoma 2:05:30

15d ago2:05:30

2:05:30

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck delves into the recent developments surrounding Donald Trump, beginning with his confrontational rhetoric against adversaries and the implications of his actions over the past week, which some argue could have driven impeachment efforts. He explores notable incidents such as Tom Homan’s controversial cas…

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Chuck's Commentary - Trump's Actions Are Impeachable + Ask Chuck 1:09:45

15d ago1:09:45

1:09:45

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck delves into the recent developments surrounding Donald Trump, beginning with his confrontational rhetoric against adversaries and the implications of his actions over the past week, which some argue could have driven impeachment efforts. He explores notable incidents such as Tom Homan’s controversial cas…

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Interview only w/ Caleb Gayle - Black Moses: The Failed Dream Of Building A “Black State” In Oklahoma 53:57

15d ago53:57

53:57

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, journalist and historian Caleb Gayle joins to discuss his new book which highlights the power of untold history and the forgotten story of Edward McCabe—known by some as “Black Moses.” Gayle traces McCabe’s ambitious but ultimately failed dream of building a “Black state” in Oklahoma, a vision that drew freedm…

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Special Episode - Jimmy Kimmel Pulled Off ABC Reaction: Trump Uses State Power To Silence Free Speech 28:38

19d ago28:38

28:38

On this special episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck reacts with alarm to ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air after FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued unconstitutional, mob boss–style threats. Though Kimmel’s comments weren’t in violation of FCC rules, Carr’s pressure—amplified by Trump’s threats and Nexstar’s influence—sparked a firestorm o…

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Full Episode - Lawmakers Afraid To Appear In Public After Kirk Shooting + Trump’s Plan To Corrupt The Federal Reserve Could WRECK The Economy 2:15:27

19d ago2:15:27

2:15:27

Chuck Todd unpacks the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it means for public displays of democracy, as lawmakers debate whether fear should keep them from showing up for their constituents. He also dives into explosive Senate testimony from former CDC director Dr. Monarez, who detailed political interference in vaccine policy under…

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Interview only w/ Rohit Chopra - Trump’s Plan To Corrupt The Federal Reserve Could WRECK The Economy 1:01:39

19d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck is joined by former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rohit Chopra for a deep dive into the role of the agency and the broader fight to regulate powerful financial institutions. Chopra explains why the agency has struggled to gain footing in Washington, the skepticism the public feels …

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Chuck’s Commentary - Lawmakers Afraid To Appear In Public After Kirk Shooting + Big Trouble At HHS 1:12:30

19d ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Chuck Todd unpacks the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it means for public displays of democracy, as lawmakers debate whether fear should keep them from showing up for their constituents. He also dives into explosive Senate testimony from former CDC director Dr. Monarez, who detailed political interference in vaccine policy under…

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Trump Exploits Charlie Kirk’s Murder to Threaten Leftist Groups with Repression 29:00

20d ago29:00

29:00

Independent journalist Justin Glawe: Trump Exploits Charlie Kirk's Murder, Vowing to Investigate and Dismantle Progressive Left Groups Connecticut Visibility Brigade founder Katherine Hinds and defense attorney Margaret Donovan: Protest Leader Arrested for Exercising Free Speech Rights Youth climate activist and Fridays for Future Cape Cod lead org…

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Full Episode - Algorithms Are Destroying Our Brains… & Democracy + Can Independent Candidates Break The Two-Party Stranglehold On American Politics? 2:05:30

20d ago2:05:30

2:05:30

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores the frustrations of the “mainstream middle” in red states and why Democrats can’t seem to reach them, even as discontent with the country grows. From the poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes voters to the outsized influence of social media and big tech money in Washington, the conver…

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Interview only w/ Brian Bengs & Todd Achilles - Can Independent Candidates Win In Trump Era Of American Politics? 54:21

20d ago54:21

54:21

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck sits down with Brian Bengs, who challenged John Thune in South Dakota and is running for senate as an independent, and Todd Achilles, an independent from Idaho, to explore what it really means to run outside the two-party system. They open up about why they chose independence, the challenges of campaigni…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Algorithms Are Destroying Our Brains & Democracy + California’s Redistricting Fight Heats Up + Top 5 States That Could Elect An Independent Senator 1:06:04

20d ago1:06:04

1:06:04

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck explores the frustrations of the “mainstream middle” in red states and why Democrats can’t seem to reach them, even as discontent with the country grows. From the poisonous information ecosystem that radicalizes voters to the outsized influence of social media and big tech money in Washington, the conver…

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The stakes of calling Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide 43:50

20d ago43:50

43:50

This week: why the term "genocide" matters when talking about Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza. On Tuesday, a UN commission said it found that Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, as more people, groups and countries are alleging the same. We break down what the word genocide means on both a personal and geopolitical level,…

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Interview only w/ Frank Lavin - Is There Any “Reagan” Left In Trump’s Republican Party? 1:05:14

22d ago1:05:14

1:05:14

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, former U.S. Ambassador and Reagan White House veteran Frank Lavin joins to reflect on the state of American politics and what lessons might be drawn from Ronald Reagan’s presidency. From Reagan’s approach to bipartisanship and his handling of foreign policy, to Trump’s transactional style and fixation on defer…

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Full Episode - A Deeply Fractured & Dangerous Moment For America + Is There Any “Reagan” Left In Trump’s Republican Party? 2:26:14

22d ago2:26:14

2:26:14

Chuck Todd reflects on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it reveals about America’s dangerously fractured politics. He explores how social media algorithms, outrage media, and polarized incentive structures are fueling political violence, with 150 politically motivated attacks already in 2025. From the dangers of cancel culture…

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Chuck’s Commentary - A Deeply Fractured & Dangerous Moment For America + Why George Washington’s Farewell Address Resonates Today 1:20:33

22d ago1:20:33

1:20:33

Chuck Todd reflects on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it reveals about America’s dangerously fractured politics. He explores how social media algorithms, outrage media, and polarized incentive structures are fueling political violence, with 150 politically motivated attacks already in 2025. From the dangers of cancel culture…

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Chuck’s Commentary - Charlie Kirk Assassinated - America Needs Some Soul Searching + Kamala’s Book Excerpts Are Revealing 52:04

26d ago52:04

52:04

On this episode of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the tinderbox state of American politics. He explores how escalating rhetoric, dehumanization, and the amplification of fringe anger online have fueled a culture where violence replaces politics—and where children are left g…

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Interview only w/ Congressman Greg Landsman - America Is A Political Tinderbox Ripe For Violence 47:57

26d ago47:57

47:57

On this episode of The Chuck Toddcast, Congressman Greg Landsman joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk at an event on the Utah Valley University campus. The two dig into how political rhetoric has spiraled out of control, the role of social media algorithms in fueling polarization, and wh…

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Full Episode - Charlie Kirk Assassinated - America Needs Some Soul Searching + America Is A Political Tinderbox Ripe For Violence 1:42:38

26d ago1:42:38

1:42:38

On this episode of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the tinderbox state of American politics. He explores how escalating rhetoric, dehumanization, and the amplification of fringe anger online have fueled a culture where violence replaces politics—and where children are left g…

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New Guardrails Must Be Enacted to Defend Democracy Against a Future Trump-like Dictatorship 29:00

27d ago29:00

29:00

Stand Up America's Brett Edkins: New Guardrails Must Be Enacted to Defend Democracy Against a Future Trump-like Dictatorship National Immigration Law Center attorney Hilda Bonilla: Trump’s Cruel & Traumatizing Attempt to Deport Guatemalan Children Temporarily Blocked by Federal Judge Center for International Policy and former CIA analyst Melvin Goo…

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Interview only w/ Bruce Mehlman - Is Trump Driving U.S. Towards Economic Recession & Government Shutdown? 1:06:09

27d ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Political strategist and K-Street veteran Bruce Mehlman joins Chuck Todd to unpack how politics, media, and business have collided in the Trump era and beyond. From the days when three television networks shaped a shared national narrative to today’s fractured landscape of Substack newsletters, podcasts, and hyper-partisan social feeds, Mehlman and…

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Chuck’s Commentary - The Democrats Desperately Need A Rebrand + Top 5 States Each Party Should Target As Future Battlegrounds 1:04:56

27d ago1:04:56

1:04:56

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a whirlwind of economic, geopolitical, and political developments shaping America’s future. From Trump’s tariffs likely surviving a fast-tracked Supreme Court review to rising fears of stagflation fueled by deportations and trade headwinds, the economic outlook is looking grim. Abroad, Russia esc…

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Full Episode - The Democrats Desperately Need A Rebrand + Is Trump Driving U.S. Towards Economic Recession & Government Shutdown? 2:11:22

27d ago2:11:22

2:11:22

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck unpacks a whirlwind of economic, geopolitical, and political developments shaping America’s future. From Trump’s tariffs likely surviving a fast-tracked Supreme Court review to rising fears of stagflation fueled by deportations and trade headwinds, the economic outlook is looking grim. Abroad, Russia esc…

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How calls for mass deportations went mainstream 43:10

27d ago43:10

43:10

Calls to ban “third world immigration” in favor of “remigration” -- or, mass deportation -- went from fringe ideas in far right circles to ones pedaled by mainstream conservatives. Now, those ideas are mirrored in government policy. On this week's Code Switch, we track how these ideas got their start among white nationalists and neo-Nazis in the U.…

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Interview Only w/ Abdul El-Sayed - Why American Healthcare Is Broken & How To Fix It 1:08:56

29d ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Physician-turned-politician Abdul El-Sayed joins Chuck Todd to discuss why he left medicine for the rough-and-tumble of politics. From the challenges of running for office with a foreign name to centering his campaign on improving life for children, El-Sayed argues that healthcare isn’t just about access—it’s about fairness. He pulls back the curta…