The Al Franken Podcast

Covering the Trump trials, general election, Robert Hur report, RNC's financial woes, and the challenges of maintaining objectivity as a reporter. Analysis of Trump's denial of election loss, Hush Money trial, and the importance of verifiable truths in reporting. Insights into Ohio election results, party dynamics, and the controversy surrounding legal battles. Exploring the political landscape, third-party dynamics, and upholding democratic values amidst the autocracy threat.

Former Republican operative Tim Miller discusses Biden's re-election strategy and reacts to the State of the Union speech. Is there hope for funding efforts in Ukraine? Does Tim still find common ground with the GOP?

While anti-Semitism has run rampant among the far right, it has been growing among the political left. In Frank Foer's recent piece for The Atlantic, he explains how we got to this point. How have college campuses and schools become the center for anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic speech? How did college presidents mishandle the hate speech on their campuses? And what is the future of American Jews if Trump is elected again?Read Frank Foer's entire piece in The Atlantic:https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/04/us-anti-semitism-jewish-american-safety/677469/Al is going back on tour! Get your tickets now! https://www.alfranken.com/appearances

The podcast discusses the attack on reproductive rights, challenges faced by advocacy organizations, political strategies surrounding reproductive rights, personal experiences with adoption and parenting, and the importance of the upcoming election in protecting abortion access.

Author Tim Alberta discusses how evangelicals became a political tool for the Republican Party, his personal journey within the evangelical church, and the challenges of winning back evangelical voters. The podcast explores the influence of media on evangelical views in politics and the ideological divides within American society.

David Frum from The Atlantic Monthly discusses the chaos that Donald Trump would bring in a second term - from border issues, foreign aid, to Trump's attempt to pardon his crimes. Can we withstand another Trump term?

Olivia Nuzzi, Washington Correspondent for New York Magazine, talks with Al Franken about the political landscape, controversies surrounding anti-vaxxers, frustrations with a special counsel's report and Supreme Court arguments, confusion over primary and caucus processes, Nikki Haley's campaign, 'energy vampires' at MAGA rallies, challenges of following a speaker and focus on past elections, covering misinformation and conspiracy theories, and podcast recommendations.

The podcast discusses the potential delay and impact of the Trump trials on the election, the debate on removing Trump from the ballot, the anticipation of Supreme Court involvement, the president's powers and defamation cases, a disruptive behavior in the trial, the danger of alternative facts, and the importance of law and democracy.

Former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and former chair of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, discusses concerns about Trump's influence and the current state of the Republican party. Trump's recent actions on the border and the Affordable Care Act are also discussed. The podcast touches on the advantages of using the Babel language learning app and Mint Mobile's affordable wireless service. The political career of Michael Steele, working across the aisle, and the influence of television on Trump's political career are explored. The role of communication and acting skills in politics is also discussed. Two sponsors - Liquid IV and Shipstation - are briefly mentioned. Trump's shift to the right and engagement in the 'big lie' are analyzed. The podcast wraps up with mentions of the producer, ad-free options, and promotion of another podcast.

Jim Downey, SNL writer and producer, talks about writing sketches and impersonations. They discuss creating caricatures of Al Gore during his presidential campaign and contrasting portrayals of George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump. They also share a long-running practical joke and their experience writing an ad for a change bank.