The Al Franken Podcast

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of the profoundly disturbing book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” which was released before the 2024 election. In this interview, he explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their backs on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did The Evangelical Church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an Evangelical? How can those voters ever be won back? Read Tim's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/tim-alberta/

In a compelling discussion, Atul Gawande, an American surgeon, author, and former senior official at USAID, dives into the impact of recent political decisions on U.S. foreign aid and the healthcare system. He highlights the devastating effects of funding cuts, particularly on vulnerable populations worldwide. Gawande explores the successes of the Affordable Care Act amidst challenges and the urgent need for systemic reforms in healthcare access. He also shares insights from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ripple effects on global health initiatives.

Catherine Rampell, an opinion columnist for The Washington Post and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, shares her insights on Trump's sweeping tariff plans and their potential repercussions for American families. She highlights the chaos surrounding Elon Musk's government efficiency efforts, critiquing the risks of privatization and ineffective management within key federal agencies. Rampell warns that history may repeat itself, leading to economic stagnation, as tariffs could trigger harmful trade wars and exacerbate existing government inefficiencies.

Jessica Yellin, an independent journalist and former senior White House correspondent, joins the conversation to tackle pressing topics in today's news landscape. She reveals the alarming SignalGate scandal involving sensitive military communications and the accountability, or lack thereof, of top officials. Yellin also discusses the Trump administration's controversial deportation policies, emphasizing their legal implications. Diving into her own journey, she explains her shift to independent journalism with her platform, News Not Noise, highlighting the need for clarity and empathy in reporting.

Political expert Norm Ornstein provides insightful commentary on the current turmoil in D.C. He discusses Trump's alarming executive order to dismantle the Department of Education and its dire implications for public education. The conversation dives into the fractures within the Democratic Party and criticizes Chuck Schumer's recent decisions. Ornstein also addresses America's shifting stance on Ukraine and the implications for global alliances. Get his take on the chaotic political landscape, and the urgent need for a cohesive Democratic strategy ahead of critical elections.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Trae Crowder, the viral comedian from Tennessee aka The Liberal Redneck. We talk about Trae's upbringing in a red state, why rednecks are Trumpies, and what happens to a community when the jobs leave. Listen to Trae’s take on Trump's appeal to voting rednecks, even though they might have seen him as a New York elite (from his TV show, The Apprentice) before he entered politics.Learn more about Trae Crowder, The Liberal Redneck: https://www.traecrowder.com/Watch Trae's brand new standup special, Trash Daddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VULUOEy-Ro8

We're joined by our friend Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic to break down a wild week in Washington D.C.! Donald Trump gave his address to Congress. It was the longest one ever and didn't seem to say much (except blame Joe Biden for all of the country's problems). We also take a look at America's deteriorating relationship with Ukraine and how Republicans who USED TO support Ukraine are turning their backs when our ally needs it the most. Plus, we discuss the ongoing drama around tariffs and why Trump can't seem to make up his mind on using them.Read Mark Leibovich in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/mark-leibovich/

Tim Mak, a war correspondent and founder of The Counteroffensive, shares his gripping experiences from Kyiv since the war began. He discusses the heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians and unpacks Trump's controversial views on the conflict. The conversation reflects on President Zelensky's leadership and the psychological strain on those living under constant threat. Tim also stresses the importance of genuine international alliances and the complexities concerning negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, revealing the fragility of truth in political discourse.

Join Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, as she dives into voter reactions to Trump's early presidency. Fresh from his reelection, many are surprisingly pleased he’s taking action. Longwell offers sharp insights on how former Democratic voters are shifting their views amidst contentious issues like immigration and foreign policy. She also critiques Democratic messaging strategies and underscores the complexities of public sentiment, especially concerning personal impacts of policies.

Peter Ogburn, Executive Producer of Saturday Night Live, interviews comedian Al Franken, shedding light on their journey with the iconic show. They reveal the intense behind-the-scenes energy leading up to a live performance. Al reminisces about his first season and the hilarious evolution of sketches, including the creation of his beloved character Stuart Smalley. The conversation captures the essence of SNL's impact on comedy, discussing memorable moments and the unique collaborations that forged its legacy across 50 remarkable years.