On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Jesse Jackson Jr., former Congressman, son of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and author of “A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rights” and “The Finger of God.” In 2013, Jesse was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for violating campaign finance laws, and like me, he hoped for a pardon from President Biden. Jesse reflects on his father’s legacy and his own efforts to uphold those values in Congress. We discuss the challenges of public life as the child of a prominent figure, the need for ethical leadership in today’s polarized climate, and the urgency of systemic reform to create fairness and opportunity for all. Jesse also shares his views on mass pardons, criminal justice reform, and the impact of socioeconomic inequality.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I welcomed back Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of Talking Feds, to discuss Trump’s first week in office. We critique Trump’s authoritarian agenda, including mass deportation plans, the creation of controversial new departments, and executive orders that undermine democratic institutions. Harry emphasizes the dangers of Trump’s disregard for constitutional norms and explores legal avenues to challenge these actions. We also discussed Trump’s use of pardons for January 6th rioters, raising concerns about future political violence and the erosion of justice. Check out Harry's substack here: https://harrylitman.substack.com

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Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Malcolm Nance, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, New York Times bestselling author, and leading expert on terrorism, extremism, and insurgency. With Donald Trump’s inauguration taking place today, Malcolm and I delve into what lies ahead for our nation. Drawing from his extensive experience in the Middle East, Malcolm offers insights into the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We also analyze Trump’s cabinet picks and their confirmation hearings, focusing on the potential threats they pose to national security. As the next chapter of our country begins, we underscore the urgency of resisting autocratic policies, safeguarding democratic values, and combating disinformation through strategic, independent media efforts.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Brian Karem, journalist, political commentator, White House correspondent, and host of the Just Ask The Question podcast. After a whirlwind week in politics, there’s no shortage of critical topics to tackle. With Trump’s controversial cabinet picks beginning their confirmation hearings, Brian and I delve into nominees like Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Pam Bondi. We also break down Volume 1 of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s involvement in January 6th. Drawing from Brian’s extensive experience as a White House correspondent, we analyze the media’s role in enabling Trump’s narrative and discuss the challenges facing the press as we prepare for Trump’s return to office on Monday.

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In this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, co-host of LegalAF and MissTrial, lawyer for Luigi Mangione, and former Chief Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA’s office. KFA shares her legal insights on Judge Merchan’s decision in the Manhattan DA hush-money case, unpacking its impact on Trump’s narrative and his status as a convicted felon. We discuss Trump’s alarming promises to pardon January 6th rioters, his ongoing assaults on democratic norms, and the erosion of trust in institutions under his influence. As wildfires rage in Los Angeles, we also delve into how Trump’s rhetoric continues to fuel division and mistrust, further destabilizing public discourse.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Harry Dunn, former Capitol Police officer who bravely defended the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, and later testified before Congress alongside his colleagues. Harry is also the author of a powerful book and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden. Together, we reflect on the four-year anniversary of January 6th, examining the lingering trauma and challenges stemming from that day. Harry shares his frustration with the lack of accountability for those responsible, including Donald Trump, who continues to downplay the attack and pledges to pardon the January 6th insurrectionists. We underscore the urgent need to combat misinformation, resist historical revisionism, and push for systemic reforms in policing and governance.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, Michael is joined by Michael Smerconish, the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Michael is also the host of CNN’s “Smerconish”, which airs Saturdays, and the author of seven books including his latest book titled: Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns. The two discuss Trump’s election win and both their individual experiences with the previous Trump campaign, while giving insight into the threats we face with the incoming Trump administration. This and more on a new episode of Mea Culpa.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, I welcome back Glenn Kirschner, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, NBC and MSNBC legal analyst, and host of the podcast Justice Matters. We reflect on the humanitarian legacy of Jimmy Carter, contrasting it with Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Glenn and I discuss the ethical decisions President Biden faces as his term concludes, particularly regarding presidential pardons. We also examine the role of Senate Republicans in confirming Trump’s controversial cabinet picks and their potential—or failure—to act as a moderating influence. Glenn powerfully warns of Trump’s intent to erode public confidence in American institutions and emphasizes the urgent need to fight for our democracy.

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As we approach the new year, I want to replay a Best of Mea Culpa episode. On January 7th, 2021—the day after the insurrection—I sat down with the incredible actor Ben Stiller. At the time, Biden was about to take office, but with a new Trump term on the horizon, many of the topics we discussed remain strikingly relevant. We delved into conspiracy theories, the regulation of misinformation on social media, Trump’s divisiveness, and my personal insights from working with him. Of course, having a comedic legend on the podcast, we also touched on lighter topics like Stiller portraying me on SNL, his love for The Beatles, and the art of ad-libbing in films.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend George Conway, a lawyer, activist, founding member of the Lincoln Project, and one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. Drawing on our deep insights into Trump’s behavior, we analyze his narcissistic and impulsive tactics that continue to shape his political strategy. With less than a month until Trump takes office, George and I discuss President Biden’s recent pardons and how they compare historically. We also examine the Matt Gaetz ethics report, the far-reaching impacts of Trump’s authoritarian policies on countries like Panama and Greenland, and Elon Musk’s growing influence on the next administration.

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Anand Giridharadas joins me today on Mea Culpa to discuss the threats to democracy posed by Trump’s authoritarian agenda and the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Anand, a bestselling author of Winners Take All and The Persuaders, is also an MSNBC analyst and a former foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times. Following last week’s scare of a government shutdown, we examine how figures like Musk use their power to shape public discourse and policy, often undermining democratic norms. Anand underscores the urgent need for a pro-democracy movement that fosters connection, inclusion, and hope to reclaim the American democratic experiment.

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