Episode's summary
November 2, 2026; 9pm: Rachel Maddow previews MS NOW election night coverage and argues that Trump administration efforts involving DOGE data, voter rolls, subpoenas, and ballot-seizure fears have been blocked or are being met by election officials and courts. David Remnick and Carol Lennig join to discuss authoritarian risk, institutional resistance, and what to watch after Election Day.
November 2, 2026; 9pm: Rachel Maddow previews MS NOW election night coverage and argues that Trump administration efforts involving DOGE data, voter rolls, subpoenas, and ballot-seizure fears have been blocked or are being met by election officials and courts. David Remnick and Carol Lennig join to discuss authoritarian risk, institutional resistance, and what to watch after Election Day.
Episodes
Maddow cracks DOGE mystery as Trump fails again on the eve of the election
ListenedNovember 2, 2026; 9pm: Rachel Maddow previews MS NOW election night coverage and argues that Trump administration efforts involving DOGE data, voter rolls, subpoenas, and ballot-seizure fears have been blocked or are being met by election officials and courts. David Remnick and Carol Lennig join to discuss authoritarian risk, institutional resistance, and what to watch after Election Day.
'Politically insane': Trump sets bad policy time bomb for after midterms
ListenedThe host examines a pattern of the Trump administration delaying controversial policies, such as abortion restrictions and student loan penalties, until after the midterm elections. The episode also covers the political impact of Medicaid changes in Nebraska and recent shifts in foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the discussion explores reports of potential election interference, including secret directives regarding voting machines and the use of unverified federal voter rolls to challenge state processes. The segment also highlights the 'No Kings' movement's efforts to drive early voting and concerns regarding Meta's suspension of a protest Instagram account.
Long Game: The Bernie Sanders Effect with Michele Norris (Pt. 2): The Progressive Playbook Reshaping Democrats
ListenedThis episode explores the political journey and enduring legacy of Bernie Sanders, tracing his trajectory from a socialist mayor in Burlington to a transformative figure in the Democratic Party. The discussion examines his strategies for mobilizing the working class, his critique of economic inequality, and his profound influence on a new generation of progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The conversation further delves into the cultural phenomenon surrounding Sanders' authentic persona and the tension between political accountability and addressing the material needs of the working class. The episode also highlights how his political groundwork has paved the way for emerging leaders such as Zoran Mamdani to compete in modern American politics.
Long Game: The Bernie Sanders Effect with Michele Norris (Pt. 1): AOC, Progressive Politics and the 2026 Midterms
ListenedThis episode features an in-depth discussion with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding the evolution of the progressive movement. The conversation explores Sanders' impact on the Democratic Party, his focus on Medicare for All and wealth inequality, and how economic hardship has shifted working-class loyalty. Additionally, the episode examines the necessity of building a multiracial, working-class coalition to counter political polarization. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses the tensions between progressives and the Democratic establishment, the importance of diverse representation, and the personal challenges faced by working-class individuals entering Congress.
Maddow: Desperation creeps in as Trump's polls turn catastrophic
ListenedThis episode examines shifting political dynamics in key US Senate races, beginning with a look at Kansas Senator Roger Marshall's controversial history regarding medical debt and unpaid bills. The discussion extends to broader trends of Democratic competitiveness in traditionally Republican strongholds like Nebraska, Ohio, and Kansas. The program also features interviews with Texas Democratic candidates Gina Hinojosa and Angie Nixon, covering critical issues such as public school funding, corporate tax breaks, and grassroots organizing. Finally, the episode concludes with commentary on Donald Trump's recent announcements regarding Russian diesel and its implications for US-Russia relations.