We’re joined by Washington Post columnist and co-host of MSNBC's The Weekend, Catherine Rampell!
Catherine breaks down what the Big, Beautiful Bill means for Americans and why it's been so important for Trump and the Republicans to get it done. It will balloon our deficit and gut the social safety net. And for what? Tax breaks for the richest Americans.
We also discuss immigration and why immigrants are so important to the economy. Catherine delves into how Trump is rounding up immigrants with NO criminal record and, in many cases, disappearing them without a trace.
Plus, the latest on the inflationary damage of Trump’s tariffs.
READ Catherine's opinion pieces in The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/catherine-rampell/
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39:49
Dahlia Lithwick on The Godawful SCOTUS Term
Another devastating term of Trump's Supreme Court has come to a close. There's a lot to be angry about, so we're joined by Dahlia Lithwick, our authority on all things SCOTUS and host of Slate’s podcast, Amicus.
Dahlia explains how this Supreme Court is using the "shadow docket" to advance bad policy without full briefings or arguments and how the results of these decisions can lead to judicial chaos.
We also discuss many of the awful decisions handed down by The Court, including those on birthright citizenship, healthcare for trans children, and religious exemptions for parents who don’t want their kids reading books that feature LGBTQ+ characters. (YIKES!)
All in all, The Court is strengthening executive authority under Trump, which is leading us towards full-blown authoritarianism.
LISTEN to Dahlia's podcast, Amicus:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786
READ Dahlia in Slate:
https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwick
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Marc Elias on Trump’s Authoritarian Second Term
One of Donald Trump's priorities when he returned to the White House was to target law firms that he felt had wronged him. While some immediately caved to his demands, others fought back... and won. We're joined by Marc Elias, preeminent election lawyer and founder of Democracy Docket, to discuss Trump using his second term to settle personal scores, abuse his power, and put a strain on the judicial system in America.
Marc and Al discuss the growing authoritarianism and how the recent Supreme Court decisions won't slow it down. But with the unpopularity of Trump's disgusting immigration policy to his handling of the economy to The Big Beautiful Bill, we look with hope towards the midterms.
Check out Democracy Docket for the most important news on voting rights and election litigation:
https://www.democracydocket.com
Learn about my work with Midwest Values PAC: https://www.midwestvaluespac.org/
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CNN’s Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump II
We are joined by CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt for her first time on the podcast! It's a very fun conversation covering her work and what inspired her to follow her passion for journalism.
She discusses the early days of her career covering Obama, Congress, and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. We also talk about how much Congress and the information ecosystem has changed over the years. And Kasie shares her thoughts about watching Donald Trump pardon the rioters on his first day back in office after being present in the Capitol that day.
Plus, immigration raids, tariffs and the Big, Beautiful, Bill. Trump and the Republicans might actually pass the BBB, but at what cost to working Americans?
WATCH Kasie on CNN, weekdays at 4pm ET: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/kasie-hunt
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50:48
Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!
We are joined by Molly Jong-Fast this week to discuss her new book, “How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir.” We've had Molly on the podcast many times, but you've never heard her like this! She discusses growing up in the shadow of her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong, and their relationship over the years. Molly shares stories of her mother's affairs, alcoholism, and addiction to fame.
We also discuss the latest news out of Washington and how the "Big, Beautiful, Bullshit Bill" will bring pain to so many Americans. Plus, with tensions rising in The Middle East, should America get involved? Does anyone have faith in Donald Trump to guide us through this delicate conflict?
READ Molly's new book:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738849/how-to-lose-your-mother-by-molly-jong-fast/
READ Molly’s column in Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fast
LISTEN to Molly's podcast, Fast Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-politics-with-molly-jong-fast/id1645614328
In the monologue, Al discusses the recent political violence in Minnesota and how you can contribute.
Here is the GoFundMe to support the children of Mark and Melissa Hortman:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-colin-and-sophie-after-their-tragic-loss
Here is the GoFundMe to support Yvette and John Hoffman while they recover from their attempted assassinations:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yvette-and-john-hoffmans-recovery
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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