Chuck begins with house Republicans struggling to pass their “Big Beautiful Bill” and reflecting on the president’s ability to influence the culture versus imposing on the culture.

Then, Chuck welcomes Spencer Kornhaber, staff writer at The Atlantic to discuss his piece on contemporary pop culture and its perceived decline in quality. They dive into the impact of streaming algorithms impacting music discovery, revealing that old music now earns three times the streams of new releases as algorithms trigger nostalgia rather than innovation. The conversation explores how the music industry has lost its traditional gatekeepers, leading to a landscape where new music often sounds "rehashed and doesn't move the ball forward," while examining whether rock music has stopped evolving and how country music is experiencing a resurgence. They also tackle the growing influence of AI on music production and debate whether algorithms, despite their flaws, are actually helping people discover music in different languages and cultures.

The discussion expands to examine whether television represents the one area where pop culture is genuinely "better than ever," with prestige TV becoming the cultural center and episodic storytelling reshaping moviemaking. They explore the "Barbenheimer summer" phenomenon as evidence that theatrical experiences still matter, before diving into literature's current state amid declining readership among younger generations. They debate whether high-resolution photography and AI are diminishing visual arts, speculate about experiences becoming the next major art form for Gen Z, and examine how competition with AI might actually make human artists more innovative. They conclude by discussing the enduring popularity of live elements in sports and music—with Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift reigning as pop royalty—while questioning who truly rules Hollywood and acknowledging the surprising innovations happening in live theater.

Finally he addresses listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment, weighing in on Europe’s race to rearm itself, his preferred voting method to incentivize legislative compromise and whether the questions surrounding Joe Biden’s decline will loom over the 2028 presidential race.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Republicans struggling to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill”

02:00 Partisan governance is bad governance

03:30 The bill will pass, it’s just a matter of when

05:45 We’re in a “culture cold war”

08:00 Should political leaders impose culture, or influence it?

09:45 Who we elect as president is reflective of the culture

11:45 If a president imposes on culture, they impose on speech

14:45 The public will want a president who doesn’t impose on culture

17:40 Spencer Kornhaber joins the Chuck ToddCast

18:40 What inspired his piece on current pop culture being terrible?

22:25 Algorithms are terrible at introducing new music

23:10 Old music earns 3x the streams of new music

24:40 Algorithms use music to trigger nostalgia

26:10 New music sounds rehashed and doesn't move the ball forward

28:10 The music industry lost its gatekeepers

29:55 Algorithms help people discover music in a different language

32:10 Has rock music stopped evolving?

33:20 Country music is having a resurgence

34:00 The impact of AI on music production

35:40 Is television the one area of pop culture that's better than ever?

36:55 Prestige TV has become the center of the culture

38:25 How has episodic tv impacted moviemaking?

40:40 "Barbenheimer summer" wasn't a fluke

42:40 Are we also in a golden age of literature?

45:25 Younger generations are reading less

46:10 Do high resolution pictures + AI diminish the visual arts?

48:55 Will experiences become the next big artform for Gen Z

50:25 How well will his piece age?

51:55 Will competition with AI make human artists more innovative?

54:25 Will society decide to reinvest in the arts?

55:25 Gaming and sports are more popular than ever

57:10 Is the live element of sports and music driving popularity?

58:10 Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift are the king and queen of pop

59:10 Who rules Hollywood?

1:02:25 We've seen major innovation in live theater

1:04:45 Chuck's thoughts on the interview with Spencer Kornhaber

1:05:00 Algorithms suck at making culture, humans are good at it

1:05:15 Ask Chuck - Should we be concerned about Europe rearming?

1:07:55 What is your preferred voting method to incentivize compromise?

1:13:45 Will the Biden cognitive question loom over the 2028 election?

Chuck Todd begins the episode with an examination of the election landscape starting with the California gubernatorial race and a demographic breakdown that indicates Democrats could perform very well in both 2025 and 2026.

Then, is joined by businessman Stephen Cloobeck, who discusses his candidacy for California governor as the "only non-traditional candidate" in the race. Cloobeck offers sharp criticism of the Harris/Walz presidential campaign, which he characterizes as "tone deaf," while proposing concrete solutions for California's most pressing issues.

Cloobeck outlines his vision for a new department of "performance and results" to increase government accountability and presents his approach to addressing California's homelessness crisis. Drawing on lessons learned from his adopted father, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Cloobeck positions himself as a Democrat who understands business concerns, directly addressing why corporate leaders are "tempted" to leave California while asserting that "you can't buy an election" and pledging not to self-fund his campaign.

Chuck presses Cloobeck on whether Democrats need their own version of "Donald Trump," and what the party should learn from Trump's political approach. He also offers insight into his success in the timeshare industry, explaining how Marriott ultimately copied his business model and addressing whether AirBnB has undermined the traditional timeshare market. Chuck challenges Cloobeck about potential competition from other business figures like Rick Caruso and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Chuck speculating that by 2026, voters might be "burned out on bravado" after Trump's presidency.

Finally, Chuck digs into the mailbag of listeners’ questions in Ask Chuck and responds to questions about six year presidential terms, quirky personal preferences that lead to political preferences and whether it’s harder for him to land interviews with Republicans.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 The importance of the California gubernatorial race

01:15 Kloobeck intro

02:30 Kamala Harris preparing to run for governor in California?

03:45 Younger and infrequent voters were Trump’s “secret sauce”

05:00 Can a Democratic woman win the presidency?

06:30 Higher turnout is better for Republicans

08:15 Trends favor Democrats in non-presidential elections

09:30 Democrats became the “rules” party

11:15 Jared Golden not running for must-win Maine senate seat

12:30 Republicans are already writing off Virginia

13:30 Could New Jersey become a swing state?

14:30 Can the Trump coalition succeed without Trump on the ballot?

15:45 Could Senator Bill Cassidy retire for LSU chancellor job?

17:15 Stephen Cloobeck joins the Chuck ToddCast!

18:30 Why is he the only non-traditional candidate running for CA governor?

23:05 Are California's issues a governor issue or does it run deeper?

26:05 What should Gavin Newsom have done differently?

29:00 The Harris/Walz campaign was tone deaf

30:25 What did Gray Davis get right as governor?

31:55 Creating a department of "performance and results"

33:30 Solution to California's homelessness problem

35:00 Schwarzenegger was an outsider that ran into the bureaucracy

39:30 What makes him a democrat and not an independent?

41:55 Why are business leaders "tempted" to leave California?

44:35 What he learned from his adopted father, Harry Reid

46:15 Do we need a "Donald Trump" in the democratic party?

48:00 What should the democratic party learn from Trump?

48:45 You can't buy an election. Won't self fund his campaign.

51:00 Why couldn't Trump start a casino in Nevada?

53:20 Should people be skeptical of the timeshare industry?

54:35 Has AirBnB killed the timeshare industry?

58:00 Marriott copied his timeshare model

58:45 What would you say to Harris if she wanted help with the governor race?

1:02:00 Are you ready for the arrows coming your way

1:04:25 Did you have high expectations for Joe Biden?

1:07:15 If Rick Caruso jumps in, will you cannibalize each other's candidacies

1:10:35 Would Arnold Schwarzenegger be the front-runner if he ran?

1:11:35 By 2026 could voters be burned out on bravado by Trump

1:13:30 Chuck's thoughts on Stephen Kloobeck interview

1:14:45 Check out Chuck's interviews on Noosphere!

1:16:20 Ask Chuck

1:16:45 If congress was expanded, should the president get one 6 year term?

1:19:50 What odd voter personal preferences indicate their political preferences?

1:24:00 Do you find it harder to get interviews with Republicans?

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As a bonus for Chuck ToddCast listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of Kamala: Next in Line, a six-part podcast from MSNBC and Wondery that goes inside the cross-cultural journey that led Senator Kamala Harris from her humble roots to become the first African-American woman to be the Vice Presidential nominee for a major party. From Oakland to Howard University, and California to Washington DC, experience her story as it has never been told before. Hosted by MSNBC's Joy Reid, the show features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, painting a picture of a woman who has fought her way to the top at every turn. Listen to the first episode, and subscribe to the series now: https://link.chtbl.com/description-kamala

Silvio Berlusconi was a charismatic multi-millionaire real-estate mogul who upended the Italian political order and hypnotized an entire nation. He was the longest-serving prime minister of one of the world’s wealthiest countries, until he was brought down by three powerful women - and two words: “Bunga Bunga.” From Wondery, the makers of Dirty John and The Shrink Next Door, and hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, “Bunga Bunga” is an eight part series on the incredible true story of the rise and fall of Silvio Berlusconi, told with Whitney’s signature wit and style. 

Subscribe today: Wondery.fm/BungaBunga_NBCTC

Chuck Todd welcomes Congressman Ritchie Torres for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with a tour of New York's 15th district and the unique challenges of representing one of America's most diverse urban areas. Torres offers candid insights on governance, highlighting how term limits disadvantage legislators compared to lobbyists. The conversation shifts to the current political landscape, with Torres expressing deep concerns about President Trump's approach to his second term, arguing that Trump is "poisoning the well" for bipartisanship despite Biden's successful record of cross-party legislation. Torres delivers a stark warning that America is "planting the seed of its own decline" and characterizes the consequences of proposed GOP Medicaid cuts as "barbaric," particularly in light of the brewing long-term care crisis.

They weigh the merits of pragmatism versus idealism in American foreign policy and scrutinize Qatar's growing financial influence in American politics. Torres argues that "Republicans would impeach Joe Biden if he had accepted a plane" while addressing whether Democrats should adopt Trump's aggressive approach to wielding power. Torres acknowledges that Democrats "should have spoken out sooner about Biden's decline" and offers his vision for how the party can project strength moving forward.

They conclude with Torres addressing his political future—including speculation about mayoral and gubernatorial ambitions—before outlining his solutions for New York's housing crisis, crime concerns, and utility costs.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer

02:00 Was Biden’s decline covered up, or just willful ignorance?

03:00 Robert Hur recording has supercharged the Biden story

06:45 Joe Biden couldn’t assure voters he was up to the job

08:30 Chris Murphy says it’s the Democrats fault that Trump was re-elected

11:45 Democrats need to do soul searching like they did with Bill Clinton

13:30 Clinton had to run against the party and its prior leadership

15:00 Democrats misread the 2020 election result

18:00 Democrats will take some blame for problems Trump causes

19:00 Democrats need to reinvent themselves

21:00 Trump released the Hur tapes as a distraction

23:00 Democrats should be angrier about Biden than Republicans

25:00 Mike Johnson needs Trump to pressure members of congress

26:00 Ritchie Torres joins the Chuck ToddCast

26:30 Tour of the NY-15 district

28:30 The enormity of the New York city council

30:00 Would he support expanding the size of the house?

32:00 Term limits disadvantage legislators compared to lobbyists

33:00 Can any bipartisan agreement be reached with Trump

34:30 Biden had multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation

35:30 Trump is poisoning the well in his second term

37:30 America is planting the seed of its own decline

38:00 Medicaid cuts will be devastating

40:00 Will the Medicaid cuts be delayed where a future congress could fix it?

41:30 Medicaid work requirements don't work

42:45 The consequences of the GOP budget will be barbaric

44:45 How do we address the long-term care crisis?

47:00 Should America's foreign policy be pragmatic or idealistic?

49:45 How should we view Qatar's infusion of money into American politics?

51:30 Republicans would impeach Joe Biden if he had accepted a plane

54:15 Should Democrats wield power like Trump when they're in charge?

55:50 Democrats should have spoken out sooner about Biden's decline

1:00:00 How can the Democrats project strength as a party?

1:01:15 Democrats need to let the cream rise to the top

1:02:30 Campaigning makes candidates sharper

1:03:30 Why aren't you running for NYC mayor?

1:05:30 Andrew Cuomo is a great "builder"

1:07:30 Will you run for governor in 2026?

1:08:00 How would you address the housing crisis in New York?

1:10:30 Addressing crime in New York

1:13:00 New York's budget has increased, the quality of services hasn't

1:14:45 Public ownership of utilities would lower costs for New Yorkers

1:16:30 Progressives have overprioritized ideological purity over results

1:19:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Ritchie Torres

1:20:00 If Torres faces Hochul 1 on 1 he could beat her

1:21:00 Rumors that Kamala Harris could run for governor of California

1:21:45 CA governor race will be tough for Harris

1:25:15 If Harris loses governor race, her political career is over

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Chuck Todd opens with a personal reflection on his father's connection to Vietnam before welcoming distinguished guests Ambassador John Negroponte and filmmaker Brian Knappenberger to discuss the new documentary series Turning Point and the lasting impacts of the Vietnam and Iraq wars on American politics and society. The conversation explores how Vietnam fundamentally shifted America's perception of itself, with Ambassador Negroponte sharing his firsthand experiences from the conflict. They examine how televised coverage transformed public perception of war, debate whether Vietnam was "worth it" in the context of the Cold War, and analyze why America ultimately lost the conflict. The discussion dives deep into how Vietnam became the Baby Boomers' defining generational experience, shattering trust in government institutions.

They explore the military's evolution into a predominantly Republican constituency, the long-term political fallout of pardoning draft dodgers, and the devastating impact of drug use among soldiers during the conflict. The guests offer a rare perspective on how the Vietnamese people recovered from the war's effects and draw striking parallels between the withdrawals from Saigon and Afghanistan. They reflect on how these historical conflicts continue to shape modern American politics, noting that despite multiple Vietnam veterans running for president, none have ever won the office.

They conclude with a thought-provoking consideration of how future generations might commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of how America's past military engagements continue to influence its present and future.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Chuck’s personal connection to Vietnam was his dad

02:30 Vietnam + Iraq still haunt American politics

04:10 John Negroponte and Brian Knappenberger join the Chuck Toddcast!

06:35 What do you hope people take away from Netflix's Turning Point?

08:55 Vietnam's shadow loomed over the Iraq wars

10:55 We rarely talk about the war itself, mostly just the fallout

12:40 Vietnam shifted America's perception of itself

13:25 Ambassador Negroponte's experience of being in Vietnam

16:55 Was Vietnam viewed as a proxy war at the time?

20:00 The Iraq war has the same effect on our political psyche as Vietnam

23:00 How did daily press coverage affect the ability to control the narrative

25:00 Vietnam being televised drastically changed the public's perception

27:00 Embedded reporters caused new challenges for managing the narrative

28:15 Was Vietnam worth it since we won the cold war?

30:05 Why did we lose the war?

32:45 Watergate ruined historians ability to document presidents

34:15 Vietnam was the boomer's coming of age story, shook their trust in government

35:30 Many January 6th rioters were Vietnam vets

37:40 The importance of equipping and training local forces

39:10 Why did the military become a Republican constituency?

40:40 Pardoning the draft dodgers had long term political impacts

42:40 The horrible impact of drug use by soldiers in Vietnam

47:40 The perspective from the side of the north?

49:10 When did the Vietnamese recover from the effects of the war?

52:25 No Vietnam vet has ever been president

55:10 The military is America's only institution that has bipartisan support

58:35 How similar/different were the withdrawals from Saigon and Afghanistan?

59:25 What will the retrospective be on the 75th anniversary of the fall of Saigon

1:02:35 Chuck’s thoughts on the interview

Chuck Todd opens with a critical analysis of President Trump's approach to governance, suggesting that while his Middle East trip may yield positive results, his administration is missing crucial opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. He argues that Trump's executive order on prescription drugs lacks substance without legislative backing and that the president should "get caught trying" bipartisanship on issues where common ground exists. He also explores Putin's refusal of peace talks as a potential humiliation for Trump, and examines what recent political developments like the Omaha mayoral race might signal about Democratic prospects in upcoming elections.

Then, he’s joined by Congressman Ro Khanna, who delivers a candid assessment of the Democratic party's leadership crisis and brand damage. Khanna argues that Chuck Schumer has squandered his leadership position and addresses concerns about deportations in rural communities. The conversation delves into the economic realities facing the Midwest, and calls for Democrats to work more closely with business leaders.

Khanna argues that deplatforming Trump after January 6th was "a huge mistake" and discusses the rightward shift among tech leaders. They conclude with Khanna's perspectives on America's global retreat, the timeline for presidential campaigns, and Gen Z's trust issues with politics.

The episode wraps with "Ask Chuck," where Todd addresses questions about media coverage of Trump, potential Republican party fractures, and Chuck gives his thoughts on Pete Rose's posthumous Hall of Fame eligibility.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Trump’s middle east trip may net some positive results

02:30 Trump won’t work with Democrats on issues they agree on

04:15 Bipartisanship has become toxic

06:30 Trump’s executive order on prescription drugs is meaningless without legislation

07:45 Congress has been useless

08:30 Trump should “get caught trying” bipartisanship

10:00 There are multiple issues where Trump could make bipartisan deals

12:15 Trump made some great points in his middle east speech

13:45 Trump has been pragmatic with his middle east policy

16:30 Trump can’t pick and choose who to be pragmatic with

18:00 The ball is in Trump’s court after Putin turned down peace talks

19:15 Putin is humiliating Trump… will he sit back and take it?

19:50 Does the Omaha mayoral race show a blue wave building?

21:00 Pete Buttigieg admits Joe Biden is political baggage in Iowa town hall

23:30 Chuck Schumer punting on the Biden question was cowardly

25:30 Donald Trump is unpopular and the Democratic brand is still worse

26:15 Ro Khanna joins the Chuck Toddcast!

27:45 Who is the leader of the Democratic party?

28:45 Chuck Schumer has squandered his leadership position

31:30 Rural communities are highly concerned about deportations

32:15 Is Hakeem Jeffries stuck in Nancy Pelosi's shadow?

34:00 How damaged is the Democratic brand and how to fix it?

37:15 Do midwestern voters want to work multigenerational factory jobs?

40:30 NAFTA benefitted the south and hurt the midwest

43:15 Republicans have become the big government party

45:45 Democrats need to work with business leaders

46:45 What caused the rightward shift of the tech leaders?

48:30 Deplatforming Trump was a huge mistake

50:30 Should Kamala Harris be the next governor of California?

53:30 What characteristics will voters be looking for in 2028

55:15 Will Democratic voters want a "celebrity" president?

58:25 What's the lesson learned from Biden's communications failure?

1:00:15 How do Democrats win over independent voters?

1:03:00 One issue he'd work with Trump on?

1:03:45 Will he debate JD Vance?

1:05:45 America's retreat is making the world more dangerous

1:07:15 Rubio needs to step up and assert America globally

1:10:00 It will take a generation to repair America's reputation

1:10:45 When is it appropriate to begin a run for president?

1:12:15 Kamala Harris and her team were too cautious in 24

1:13:45 Gen Z has trust issues with politics

1:15:45 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Ro Khanna

1:16:15 Ask Chuck

1:16:55 Why are reporters not more combative with Trump?

1:19:05 If the Republican party fractures, who would be in the traditional wing?

1:21:45 Pete Rose finally eligible for Hall of Fame posthumously

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Chuck Todd opens with a blistering analysis of America's current political landscape, arguing that both major parties are fundamentally weak and surviving only through their duopoly of ballot access. He examines the potential for political realignment, questioning whether MAGA and establishment Republicans might fracture and if figures like Senator John Cornyn would fare better as independents. Chuck doesn't hold back on the Biden administration either, calling out what he sees as selfishness from the Bidens and criticizing aides who failed to report the President's decline sooner, suggesting cabinet secretaries will need to answer for what he terms a "cover up."

Then he’s joined by Rob Sand, Democratic candidate for governor of Iowa, who discusses his record of uncovering government waste and his vision for the state. Sand outlines his bipartisan approach to governance and delivers a sharp critique of Iowa's school voucher program, arguing it lacks transparency and has allowed private schools to raise tuition while turning away disabled students. The conversation covers Iowa's political shift, education policy, and whether Democrats should restore Iowa's first-in-the-nation primary status.

The episode concludes with "Ask Chuck," where Todd answers listener questions on topics ranging from the theoretical "Limbaugh effect" in Obama's election to the practicality of expanding the House of Representatives, and even touches on the NBA draft lottery's impact on Texas basketball teams.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Both the Republican and Democratic parties are very weak

03:00 Without the duopoly of ballot access, one of the two parties would have disappeared

04:30 Interparty splits and the potential for independents?

06:00 Could MAGA vs establishment factions fracture in the GOP?

07:30 Would John Cornyn be better served running as an independent in Texas?

11:10 Republicans have too many crowded primaries in Senate races

12:30 Both parties brands are broken

14:30 The Bidens have been selfish

16:30 Shame on the anonymous aides who didn’t report Biden’s decline sooner

17:45 Biden’s aides pushed back publicly and privately before he stepped down

18:20 Biden’s cabinet secretaries will have to answer for the cover up

21:10 The DNC drama surrounding David Hogg

23:55 The DNC looks ridiculous right now

26:15 Rob Sand joins the Chuck ToddCast

26:45 Why run for governor of Iowa?

29:30 Rob found a record amount of waste and abuse in Iowa government

30:15 Did you think about running as an independent?

34:35 If you win, is it a victory for Democrats or for independents?

36:45 Rob would appoint a bipartisan cabinet

37:30 The school voucher program in Iowa isn't transparent

38:45 The public school vouchers can be audited, the private ones can't

41:15 Iowa's public schools are falling behind

43:00 Private schools can turn away disabled students

44:15 Private schools just raised tuition after voucher program rollout

45:30 What's the plan to improve public schools in Iowa?

49:10 What are some Kim Reynolds policies he would keep?

51:05 Has Iowa shifted right, or is it a Trump phenomenon?

53:15 Should Democrats make Iowa their first primary state again?

56:30 Pete Buttigieg broke through in Iowa

59:00 Lottery scam in Iowa

1:03:00 What hurts Iowa more; tariffs or the USAID contracts being terminated?

1:05:15 Does he expect a primary challenger?

1:06:05 Chuck's thoughts on Rob Sand interview

1:06:30 Ask Chuck

1:06:35 Has there ever been a study on the "Limbaugh effect", encouraging Democrats to vote for Obama?

1:11:35 If you doubled the size of the House, would there be physical space constraints?

1:14:15 Would a third party like the forward party focused on a singular issue be effective?

1:17:05 The NBA draft lottery ensured that all three Texas teams will be great

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