Biden Bets on South Carolina
South Carolina goes to the polls on Saturday. There are 54 delegates at stake and it’s the first state where black voters make up a majority of the electorate. More coronavirus updates: a whistleblower says more than a dozen federal employees in California weren’t given proper training or protective gear when they were assigned to interact with quarantined Americans who were evacuated from Wuha...
18m Feb 28, 2020
18m
Czar You There Mike Pence? It's Me, Coronavirus
President Donald Trump held a press conference yesterday in conjunction with the CDC to update the nation on the COVID-19 preparedness plan. That plan involves appointing Vice President Mike Pence to oversee the government's response to the epidemic—but importantly, he’s not really a coronavirus czar, so don’t call him one.  The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation that wo...
15m Feb 27, 2020
15m
Dems Debate In The Palmetto State
Last night seven democratic presidential candidates took the stage in Charleston, South Carolina for the tenth debate of this election cycle and the last one before Super Tuesday. Overall, this one was a mess. We’ll talk you through the big moments, and the ways the candidates tried to define themselves against frontrunner Bernie Sanders.  And in headlines: Bob Iger retires, Trump’s least favor...
18m Feb 26, 2020
18m
That's A Wrap On Harvey Weinstein
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted on two counts of felony sex crimes. The convictions are the culmination of a month-long trial and testimonies brought by six women.  The Supreme Court added a case to its docket on Monday, which will decide whether it was okay for city officials in Philadelphia to end a foster care contract with Catholic Social Services because the a...
14m Feb 25, 2020
14m
I Felt The Bern In Reno
Bernie Sanders had a dominating win in the Nevada caucus on Saturday. As of Sunday night, he had captured nearly 47.1 percent of county convention delegates, with former VP Joe Biden in a distant second, followed by Mayor Pete, Senator Warren, and Senator Klobuchar. We discuss the coalition that led Sanders to victory and what to look for in South Carolina. The Wuhan coronavirus is still spread...
16m Feb 24, 2020
16m
Betting On The Nevada Caucus
The Nevada caucuses are on Saturday. It’s the third contest in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and the first where voters of color will have a huge say in the outcome. We tell you everything you need to know about the “Big Bad Battle In The Desert.” Nine people are dead following a shooting at two hookah bars in Germany on Wednesday. It’s the latest in a tragic pattern of white suprema...
15m Feb 21, 2020
15m
Debate Night Las Vegas
Six presidential candidates took the stage in Las Vegas last night for the last debate before the Nevada Caucuses on Saturday. And folks: it was a street fight. We discuss how Bloomberg fared on his first time out (spoiler alert: not well) and some extremely tense moments between our beloved midwesterners.  And in headlines: hat birds are back, My Own Private Greater Idaho, and California to ap...
17m Feb 20, 2020
17m
Trump’s Eleven
President Trump went on a pardoning spree on Tuesday, giving commutations or pardon to 11 individuals convicted of white-collar crime. To make his picks, he took “recommendations” from Rudy Giuliani.  Employees at Kickstarter voted to unionize yesterday, making it the first large-scale union at a well-known tech company. We discuss the ‘state of the unions’ in the world of tech.  And in headlin...
14m Feb 19, 2020
14m
Bezos Gives Back
An extremely rich man wants to do a good thing: Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced a pledge of $10 billion to combat climate change. We discuss how he’s going to spend that money and reactions to the news. Over 73,000 people have been infected with coronavirus and the death toll is above 1,800. The latest on what the outbreak means for travelers and the global economy. And in headlines...
13m Feb 18, 2020
13m
Meme-Lord Mike Bloomberg
Major US newspaper publisher McClatchy, which owns The Miami Herald and dozens of other daily newspapers around the country, has filed for bankruptcy. We discuss what we’re missing out on when local journalism outfits bite the dust. Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been spending immense amounts of money to promote his presidential campaign and now, it’s brought him attention both g...
17m Feb 14, 2020
17m
The Barr Has Been Lowered
The sentencing recommendation for former Trump campaign advisor Roger Stone got shortened by the DOJ and it all feels awfully corrupt. We discuss what might've happened and how lawmakers are reacting to a possible overreach by President Trump. The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party is resigning amid calls for a partial re-canvass and a large union in Nevada is calling out candidates that sup...
16m Feb 13, 2020
16m
Mr. Sanders Wins New Hampshire
Senator Bernie Sanders won the New Hampshire primary Tuesday night with around 26 percent of the vote, followed by Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Biden. We talk to Sanders voters at his victory event and give the view on the ground from 2020's first primary. And in headlines: Roger Stone’s lighter sentence, beautiful dogs gather in New York City, and T-Mobile and Sprin...
13m Feb 12, 2020
13m
Trump’s 4.8 Trillion Dollar Wish List
Today is the day of the New Hampshire primary, which will hopefully be the first totally worry-free candidate selecting event of the 2020 season. We’re on the ground in NH finding out what’s motivating voters.  The Trump administration announced their 2021 budget proposal yesterday, and it included big cuts to social programs like Medicare and Medicaid and more money for defense and the all-imp...
16m Feb 11, 2020
16m
Vote Free Or Die
The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday and we’re on-the-ground describing what the 2020 candidates are doing there. We’ll also talk you through a new law passed by the state’s Republican controlled legislature that is causing confusion amongst young voters.  The death toll of Wuhan’s coronavirus continues to rise in China. We talk you through the actions that the Chinese government is taking t...
15m Feb 10, 2020
15m
Iowa Wish I Could Quit You
The Iowa caucuses took place on Monday night and more full results have finally started to come in. 100 percent of precincts have been reported, but most news outlets has yet to declare a winner. Bernie Sanders leads in vote totals and he and Pete Buttigieg differ by just .1 percent in Standard Delegate Equivalents.  Following the recent string of deaths in Mississippi prisons, the Justice Depa...
16m Feb 07, 2020
16m
Requiem For A Mango Vape Pod
Yesterday afternoon the Senate voted to acquit President Trump of two articles of impeachment. Senator Mitt Romney had his “Mitt savior” moment when he voted to convict, drawing the ire of Trump and GOP loyalists.  A nationwide partial vape ban goes into effect today, as a result of an earlier decision by the Trump administration to go after e-flavored cigarettes.  And in headlines: end of NYC ...
15m Feb 06, 2020
15m
Adiós Impeachment!
We are on to day three of the never-ending PTA meeting also known as the Iowa caucus and as of yet there is still no declared winner and the state’s Democratic party has not released 100 percent of the vote totals. We do a post-mortem on the event and look ahead to New Hampshire.  Today is the final day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump. We discuss the mental gymnastics Republican...
18m Feb 05, 2020
18m
Iowait The Results Of The Caucuses
The Iowa caucuses were a joyous affair, filled with high hopes, hard work, and spirited neighborly debate. Attempts to report the results of the caucuses were an unmitigated disaster. We talk you through the multiple “victory” speeches, the arguments against letting Iowa kick off the primary season, and more. And in headlines: YouTube doesn’t want your deepfakes, at-risk fireflies, and Boris Jo...
15m Feb 04, 2020
15m
Iowa: That’s What’s Happening with Tommy Vietor
Tonight is the night of the Iowa Caucuses, so if you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your opportunity to catch up. From a tasteful three-star hotel room in the heart of Des Moines, we discuss how caucusing works and where things stand among the 2020 candidates. Plus, we’re joined by Pod Save America’s lead Iowa enthusiast, Tommy Vietor, who lends a caucus veteran's perspective.  And in he...
25m Feb 03, 2020
25m
News Kids On The Medicaid Block Grant
The Trump administration unveiled a new Medicaid plan, which gives states the opportunity to convert part of the public insurance system into block grants. This so called “Healthy Adult Opportunity” could end up reducing health care benefits. Unless the 51 GOP senators get swapped for other, better senators, today is the day that the impeachment will either draw to a close, or get pretty close...
23m Jan 31, 2020
23m
The Cure For Coronavirus Panic
As of Wednesday night, there are more than 7,700 coronavirus cases in at least 20 countries, including 5 cases in the U.S. Still, it’s not time for you to freak out. We discuss how the media has historically reacted to would-be epidemics and why the CDC says the risk of a stateside coronavirus outbreak is low. The Guardian announced that it would no longer accept advertising from fossil fuel ex...
21m Jan 30, 2020
21m
The Argument For Still Caring About Impeachment
President Trump’s impeachment defense has rested its case before the Senate. This after they only used 12 of 24 allotted hours to argue against the president’s removal, and after many experts pointed out that their defense of the president is extraordinarily weak-sauce. We discuss what's next and why we should continue to care. There was a special election in Texas on Tuesday, where Republican ...
21m Jan 29, 2020
21m
Don’t Buy Bolton’s Book
President Trump’s legal team presented their defense in the Senate impeachment trial, charging on despite reports that Security Advisor John Bolton may have dropped bombshells in his upcoming book. We discuss which Republican Senators might break with their party to call Bolton to the stand.  The Supreme Court lifted an injunction blocking a Trump administration rule that restricts visas and g...
19m Jan 28, 2020
19m
’Twas The Week Before Iowa
There’s just one week until the Iowa caucuses, where voters will get their first chance to pick the candidate they’d like to see go up against Trump. We discuss the state of affairs and ask Pat Rynard, founding and managing editor of Iowa Starting Line, about his thoughts on the race.  NBA All-Star and MVP Kobe Byrant passed away yesterday, in a helicopter crash that also killed his daughter G...
17m Jan 27, 2020
17m
Trump Vs. Social Security
President Trump mentioned taking a look at cuts to Social Security. We discuss the implications and how the issue of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are showing up in the presidential race. Trump’s White House is also rolling out a new rule to limit so-called “birth tourism.” We discuss what this could mean for literally any woman applying for a visitor visa.  And in headlines: pharma...
18m Jan 24, 2020
18m
The Little Travel Ban That Could
Impeachment continued on Wednesday with House managers beginning to lay out their case for why President Trump should be convicted and removed from office. We discuss highlights and re-introduce you to the key Republican Senators who might be feeling the heat. Trump confirmed his intention to widen his infamous travel ban, potentially doubling its scope by adding a bunch of new countries like ...
15m Jan 23, 2020
15m
Milking Impeachment For All It’s Worth
The Senate impeachment trial for President Trump began on Tuesday, featuring debates over the rules, furrowed brows, at least one Senator who fell asleep, and no liquids besides water or milk. We discuss other highlights from a long day in court. Cases of a new strain of coronavirus have been detected in China, plus nearby nations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, along with one case in t...
16m Jan 22, 2020
16m
Trump’s Stellar Legal Team
The impeachment trial for President Trump officially kicks off today in the Senate. We’ll see if it goes exactly the way Mitch McConnell wants it to or if justice can find a way. At yesterday’s Brown and Black Forum in Iowa, an impressively direct group of moderators asked the Democratic candidates some questions of concern to the black community. We discuss the event’s history and some of the...
17m Jan 21, 2020
17m
The Florida Voter Suppression Project
Florida’s Supreme Court passed a ruling that will restrict voting rights for people who have been convicted of a crime, which effectively instates a poll tax. Crooked Media’s editor-in-chief Brian Beutler joins us for an impeachment update: the Senators got sworn in on Thursday, Chief Justice John Roberts got sworn in to preside, and we want to talk about it. And in headlines: USCMA passes, b...
16m Jan 17, 2020
16m
Lev Parnas Alone!
The House of Representatives turned in the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, kicking off the next phase of the trial of President DJT. That, plus a bombshell MSNBC interview with Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, will give you twice your daily dose of Ukrainegate.  Virginia has voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, helping it cross the threshold of three-quarters of s...
17m Jan 16, 2020
17m
Dems Debate In Des Moines
Last night was the seventh democratic debate featuring the smallest candidate pool yet. Just six candidates took the stage: Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer. We discuss this somewhat uneventful night, along with the new Tom Steyer sports team that we as Americans are all apparently members of.  And in headlines: Lev’s paper trail, Bond’s new type of Bad Guy, and Boris J...
20m Jan 15, 2020
20m
The Apple Of Bill Barr’s Eye
Attorney General Bill Barr wants Apple’s help unlocking the iPhone of a Saudi Arabian shooter who opened fire on a naval base last month. We discuss what Apple’s response means for data privacy.  In this week's 2020 update, Senator Cory Booker dropped out, supporters of Warren and Sanders are beefing, and there’s a debate tonight where the top six candidates will go head-to-head.  And in headli...
18m Jan 14, 2020
18m
Define “Imminent Threat From Soleimani”
In the days since the Trump administration killed Qasem Soleimani, there’s been little consensus on why the drone strike was necessary. We discuss Congress’ continuing response to this likely case of Presidential impulsivity.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now barring refugees from settling in Texas, empowered by a Trump executive order. We discuss whether the law will stand.  And in headline...
16m Jan 13, 2020
16m
The Hitchhiker's Guide To Impeachment
US and Canadian officials think the plane that crashed in Iran was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Further investigation will require lots of countries and agencies working together, and the current circumstances aren’t perfect for a group project.  Reports say Nancy Pelosi could send the articles of impeachment to Mitch McConnell by the end of the week. We discuss what comes after that.  ...
20m Jan 10, 2020
20m
Avoiding War In Iran And Cancer In America
President Trump announced economic sanctions on Iran following Tuesday’s missile strikes, but he didn’t call for escalation. Congress is taking steps to block military action in the off chance he changes his mind.  A new report from the American Cancer Society says the cancer death rate in the US dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017. That’s the largest decline ever reported in the span of ...
16m Jan 09, 2020
16m
Between Iraq And An Earth Quake
Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq that house US troops. Stay tuned today for the White House’s official response.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to more forward with impeachment without hearing witnesses. We discuss what might happen as we roll on towards the bottom of impeachment valley.  Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez filed a st...
15m Jan 08, 2020
15m
Confessions Of A Dangerous Bolton
Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton said that if he’s subpoenaed by the Senate, he’d be willing to give up the goods. We discuss the GOP reaction and what else is new in Trump’s impeachment.  Film producer and accused rapist Harvey Weinstein went to trial in New York yesterday. At the same time, he was indicted for similar crimes in Los Angeles. Things are not looking good...
15m Jan 07, 2020
15m
New Year, New War?
The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassim Suleimani via drone strike last Friday. We discuss the repercussions and talk with California congressman Ro Khanna about the legislation he’s introducing to block funds being used for military actions without congressional authorization.  Wildfires have ravaged Australia for the past few weeks, killing 24 people and destroying thousands of home...
16m Jan 06, 2020
16m
Last Debate of the Decade
The last Democratic debate of 2019 was last night, featuring impeachment, wine caves, and some of the biggest out-and-out brawls we’ve seen so far. We discuss what stood out in this newly-narrowed field. And in headlines: Wakanda found, Christians against Trump, and Hogwarts is bad at gender studies. Plus, we’re joined by What A Day head writer Jon Millstein.  It’s our last show until the New...
20m Dec 20, 2019
20m
A Big Beautiful Impeachment
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Pelosi isn’t giving up the articles just yet. We discuss what went down yesterday and where we go from here.  We ask the Crooked team about their personal political highlights and lowlights of the past ten years, in a segment we call “Shoutouts and Strikeouts Of The 2010s.”  And in h...
24m Dec 19, 2019
24m
Impeachment Vote And New Findings From The Tulsa Massacre
Today House Democrats are expected to formally vote to impeach Donald Trump. He now joins Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton on the Mt. Rushmore of impeached presidents.  Two mass graves have been found in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which are believed to hold the remains of African-American victims of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. We discuss this heinous act of racial violence with a WaPo reporter who’s covered...
19m Dec 18, 2019
19m
The (Voter) Purge: Election Day
Boeing announced it will stop making 737 Max Jetliners next month. We talk about what it means for the economy, jobs and the whole shabang.  Wisconsin is purging hundreds of thousands of people from its voter rolls. Georgia could be next. Stacey Abrams is fighting against this form of voter suppression. Help her fight at votesaveamerica.com/fairfight.   And in headlines: Protests in India, Co...
17m Dec 17, 2019
17m
My Fair Juror (Starring Lindsey Graham)
The location of Thursday’s Democratic presidential primary is in question because food service workers at Loyola Marymount are striking. We discuss who will be on the stage (if there is one! We don’t really know!).  Trump will probably be impeached this week in the House. You're making history, dude! From there, it’s on to the Big Bad Senate. And in headlines: Hallmark’s wild weekend, Purdue ...
18m Dec 16, 2019
18m
The FTC Won’t Let FB Be
The FTC is reportedly considering a court order to block Facebook from integrating WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger into a giant, terrifying “Facebook Megazord.” We discuss that, along with FB’s plans for a content supreme court.  The Judiciary Committee is expected to approve two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, making him the fourth president ever to face impeachment....
16m Dec 13, 2019
16m
Boris Battles For Britain
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends his title today as the nation holds general elections. He’ll be facing threats from all sides, including UK Bernie Jeremy Corbyn.  Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers announced that they’ve come to a tentative agreement with his accusers. If we learned anything about rich men in power, we should've guessed that Weinstein’s offer wouldn't be good.  And in he...
18m Dec 12, 2019
18m
Born In The USMCA
House Democrats have reached a deal with Trump on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which will replace the artist formerly known as NAFTA. We discuss what that means.  A new report shows that Greenland’s ice sheets are melting fast. To get technical, they’re now melting in dog years.  And in headlines: Spygate 2, SATs, and Trump appoints himself President Of Judaism.
16m Dec 11, 2019
16m
Special Report-a-thon: Russia and Afghanistan
A report from the Inspector General has revealed Trump’s claim that the FBI spied on him in 2016 to be false. We talk about what else we learned from this scorching hot doc. Report two is from the Washington Post, about how American officials repeatedly lied and hid evidence that the conflict there was unwinnable. We discuss.  And in headlines: Golden Globe noms, the case of Cannon v. Shady, ...
15m Dec 10, 2019
15m
Warren Peace
On Saturday, the House Judiciary Committee released their impeachment report, which is essentially the legal roadmap they’ll be following from here on out. We tell you what’s coming as we begin… the final countdown. In 2020 updates, Warren and Buttigieg have bad blood, Bloomberg sounds off on his employee’s salaries, and more.  And in headlines: a shooting in Pensacola, protests in Hong Kong,...
18m Dec 09, 2019
18m
The Ghost of America’s Health Care Future
A multi-million-dollar lobbying group is running ads in early primary voting states against Medicare For All and the public option. In our “We Have Issues 2020” segment, we talk to congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about where the candidates stand on healthcare coverage, and how Medicare For All works as a campaign issue. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will instruct ...
20m Dec 06, 2019
20m
Trump’s “Screw Everyone That Isn’t Us” Mandate
The USDA released a new food stamp rule that would kick an estimated 755,000 people off food benefits. We discuss with US Senator from Michigan Debbie Stabenow and senior Urban Institute fellow Elaine Waxman. A flock of law professors descended on the House Judiciary Committee to offer their expert opinions as to whether President Donald Trump’s dealings in Ukraine justify impeachment. 3 out 4...
20m Dec 05, 2019
20m