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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books.

They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation.

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 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast

03:00 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem

04:00 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media

05:00 Both left & right want get get smartphones out of classrooms

05:45 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable 

07:00 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby

09:00 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI

10:30 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation

12:30 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public

13:45 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco?

16:15 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers

17:45 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech

18:30 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t 

20:00 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books

21:30 MAMA’s mission and goals

23:00 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment

25:30 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it

26:30 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood

27:15 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race

28:30 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills

31:00 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study

32:30 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI?

34:00 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood

35:45 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers

37:30 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on?

40:00 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech

40:30 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation

42:00 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age

43:30 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive

46:00 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.