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The Chuck ToddCast is back! If you're looking for smart, no-nonsense political conversation, you've come to the right place. The Chuck ToddCast goes beyond the headlines, featuring conversations with top reporters, insiders, and newsmakers from D.C. to the heartland. No scripts, no spin—just real discussions about what’s shaping our politics and why it matters.

The Chuck ToddCast

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview Only w/ Bradley Tusk - Voting On Your Phone Could Be The Future Of Democracy

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Episode - Trump Suffers From “Obama Derangement Syndrome” + Voting On Your Phone Could Be The Future Of Democracy

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview Only w/ Jeff Clements - How To Get Money Out Of Politics For Good

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Episode - Trump Is Exhibiting 25th Amendment Behavior + How To Get Money Out Of Politics For Good

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck’s Commentary - Trump Is Exhibiting 25th Amendment Behavior + Why Anti-Corruption Could Be A Powerful Electoral Issue

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus Episode: Trump’s Response To Rob Reiner’s Murder Was DESPICABLE

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview Only w/ Nick Troiano - How To Fix America’s Broken Political System

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Episode - U.S. Is Drifting Toward Competitive Authoritarianism + How To Fix America’s Broken Political System

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck’s Commentary - U.S. Is Drifting Toward Competitive Authoritarianism + Social Media Has Fueled Extremism

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus Episode: Trump’s Response To Rob Reiner’s Murder Was DESPICABLE

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

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