What A Day
What A Day
If you’re looking for hype, fake outrage, and groupthink, kindly keep moving. Our mission at What a Day is simple: to be your guide to what truly matters each morning (and the fun stuff you might have missed) in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston brings you in-depth reporting and substantive analysis on the big stories shaping today and the creeping trends shaping tomorrow—and when she doesn’t know the answers, she asks someone even smarter to fill us all in. Radical, right? New episodes at 5:00 a.m. EST, Monday–Friday in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Being informed was never this easy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 29, 2024 • 52min
Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams: Plotting Our Way Forward by Looking Back at History
Stacey Abrams chats with Heather Cox Richardson, a renowned historian and author, about the valuable lessons from America's past. They delve into countering disinformation and the strategies Democratic leaders are employing to challenge federal overreach. Heather highlights parallels with the era after McKinley's presidency, advocating for unity against political manipulation. The conversation also emphasizes the urgency of grassroots involvement and the revival of local media to combat misinformation, urging listeners to engage with their communities and make a difference.
Nov 27, 2024 • 25min
Stacey Abrams on America's Food Insecurity Crisis
Stacey Abrams, a renowned politician and voting rights activist, passionately discusses America's escalating food insecurity crisis. She highlights that 14% of households now struggle to secure meals, emphasizing the importance of federal support for local food initiatives. Abrams shares personal stories of affected communities and advocates for universal school lunch programs. Additionally, Brian Tyler Cohen offers tips for navigating political discussions during family gatherings, ensuring conversations stay respectful and engaging.
Nov 26, 2024 • 22min
Trump's Cabinet, A Hodge-Podge Of Loyalists
Burgess Everett, the Congressional bureau chief for Semafor, dives into the intriguing mix of cabinet picks by President-elect Donald Trump. He highlights the complexities of uniting traditional Republicans, MAGA loyalists, and former Democrats under a shared agenda. The conversation explores how these differing ideologies might clash or cooperate in governance. They also touch on current controversies like bird flu in raw milk and the legal battles involving Drake, giving a lively context to political dynamics.
Nov 25, 2024 • 28min
Can Trump Deport Millions Of People?
Dara Lind, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, dives into the alarming plans surrounding mass deportation proposed by President-elect Trump. She highlights the potential fallout: the uprooting of 11 million lives and severe impact on families. Lind discusses enforcement challenges and the vital role of community advocacy in combating such policies. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of Trump's cabinet picks and the interplay between energy policy, AI, and climate change, shedding light on an urgent national debate.
Nov 23, 2024 • 37min
How Sexual Misconduct Became Part of the MAGA Cause
The discussion reveals a troubling trend of appointing political nominees with credible sexual misconduct allegations. Key figures like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth are scrutinized, raising questions about accountability and societal attitudes towards misogyny. The normalization of such behavior in the MAGA movement is explored, alongside shifting voter patterns among women and the impact of campaign messaging. Hypocrisy within the Republican party is dissected, emphasizing the complexities of political allegiance amidst serious allegations.
Nov 22, 2024 • 21min
Bye bye, Gaetz. Hello, Attorney General Pam Bondi
Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark and former Republican strategist, joins to analyze the surprising withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from the Attorney General candidacy. He discusses Pam Bondi's swift nomination as her replacement and what it signifies for Trump's other nominees. The conversation dives into the intricate dynamics of GOP nominations, revealing shifting alliances and potential impacts on political strategies. Miller also touches on international law dilemmas and the performative nature of Trump's leadership, drawing intriguing parallels to political theater.
Nov 21, 2024 • 19min
Can Trump Really Bypass Senate To Fill His Cabinet?
Casey Burgat, a political expert and director of the Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University, discusses the unconventional cabinet picks by President-elect Trump, such as Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. He explains the controversial concept of recess appointments, which could allow Trump to bypass Senate confirmation. The conversation also touches on the political ramifications of these appointments, along with current events involving Senator Bernie Sanders and the complexities of U.S. foreign arms sales during crises.
8 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 26min
1,000 Days of War In Ukraine
McKay Coppins, a senior staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the staggering 1,000 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He explores Europe's heightened military strategies, including Ukraine's use of long-range missiles and Russia's alarming nuclear threats. Coppins also delves into Europe's anxieties over a potential Trump presidency, offering insights into how leaders fear shifts in NATO support and rising populism. The podcast also touches on the political landscape in the U.S., including controversial resolutions and the fallout from recent hurricanes.
Nov 19, 2024 • 24min
Trump's Plan To Make Us Pay More
Stacey Vanek Smith, a Senior story editor at Bloomberg Audio with a sharp focus on economics, discusses the implications of Trump's proposed tariffs. She reveals how a 10% tariff on imports could hit American households hard, potentially adding $2,600 to yearly expenses. The conversation dives into the historical context of tariffs, balancing their benefits against costs for consumers. Additionally, they touch on the current political climate, from immigration policies to the influence of social media on news consumption.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 20min
ACLU Ready To Fight
AJ Hikes, ACLU’s Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Culture, shares insights on the organization’s fight for civil liberties amid a potentially tumultuous political landscape. He discusses how past resistance movements—like the Women’s March—have inspired current activism. Hikes emphasizes proactive legal strategies to combat threats such as mass deportation and abortion bans, highlighting the importance of community resilience and collective action. He also reflects on the need to reclaim optimism in the face of political fatigue and challenges.
