3 Reasons to Feel (Nauseously) Optimistic About the Election

Our latest episode of Political Rehab--the show that MAKES POLITICS FUN AGAIN--with a Democrat and Republican (both named Matt!) breaking down the week’s most pressing political stories. This week: we hit  the strange Supreme Court catch-22, fake news about fake news, a Democratic Tea Party?!? another Republican speaker meltdown, and an ugly, ugly Donald Trump political moment. Plus our fun segments ‘Up or Down’ and ‘That’s Bullshit,’ which this week hits the Republican “alternative” to ACA subsidies. And our weekly Dose A’ Hope covers SNL’s refreshing humor and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.00:00 Introduction00:57 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Critique01:39 Trump’s Rally and Biden Blame Game03:23 Economic Critique and Affordability Tour05:31 Trump’s Immigration Rant08:11 Republican Leadership and Dysfunction13:59 Democratic Tea Party Revolt16:53 Supreme Court Showdown19:47 Up or Down: Quick Takes on Current Events23:14 AI and Instacart: Price Manipulation23:54 Kevin Hassett: Potential Fed Chair24:54 Kamala Harris: Book Tour and Political Future26:11 Gavin Newsom: Rising Favorability27:12 The White House Ballroom: Trump’s Latest Project28:09 US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker29:44 That’s Bullshit! Affordable Care Act: Republican Alternatives40:46 Political Humor: SNL’s Pentagon Sketch42:57 US Men’s National Soccer Team: World Cup Hopes

Matt Robison sits down with Howard Monroe to discuss the decline of Donald Trump and his administration. They delve into the incompetence among Trump's cabinet members, the potential expansion of executive power by the Supreme Court, and the concerning signs regarding Trump's health, including his cognitive decline...and the painful saga of enduring Christmas music. 00:00 Introduction and Recent Activities04:54 Supreme Court and Trump's Power08:13 The Keystone Cabinet16:51 Trump's Health Concerns29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Legal Shocks and Rule of Law: A Deep Dive with Glenn Kirschner. Matt Robison hosts the 'Worth Knowing' livestream to discuss pivotal legal stories shaking US politics with expert guest Glenn Kirschner, a 30-year federal prosecutor and Army veteran. They explore the Trump administration’s contentious legal maneuvers, destructive evidence practices, and significant cases like birthright citizenship and presidential powers, all while questioning the endurance of the rule of law. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Theme03:25 Guest Introduction: Glenn Kirschner11:21 Contempt of Court Explained20:33 The Resignation of Alina Haba26:17 Broader Legal Implications30:06 Supreme Court's Stance on Nationwide Injunctions35:00 Military Evidence Destruction Controversy39:40 Trump Administration's Pattern of Evidence Destruction46:41 Birthright Citizenship Debate54:24 Expanding Executive Power and Supreme Court Concerns58:02 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

Political Rehab: Donny's Angels, Full Bungle!In this episode of Political Rehab, a Republican canary explodes in the coal mine, the Tim Walz Minnesota corruption mess, Trump Accounts get an infusion of right wing billionaire money, Bart Simpson running the Department of WAR! and pardon roulette! ALSO: Karoline Leavitt's two kinds of bullshit about Trump's cognitive health, Matt Robison's big new Newsweek article, and a Dose A' Hope about some actual bipartisan solutions happening. It's all the pressing political issues without the usual partisan hangover!00:00 Intro00:48 Trump Dump: Weekly Trump Outrage05:03 Tennessee Special Election Analysis07:53 Trump Accounts and Billionaire Funding10:50 Minnesota Fraud Scandal13:24 Pete Hegseth and Military Embarrassment16:22 Trump's Controversial Pardons19:19 New Segment: Hot Off the Presses--Trump's Self-Made Trap21:17 Government Dysfunction Under Trump28:21 Bullshit Watch: Trump's Health34:31 Weekly Dose of Hope

Matt Robison explores the transformative challenges facing the media industry alongside guest Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist and host of the longest running news podcast on Earth, The Gist. They discuss the effects of technological advancements, the rise of digital platforms, and the fragmentation of traditional news sources. They also tackle the persistent issues surrounding Donald Trump, the impact of digital trends on sports, and positive societal changes such as the decline in police violence. 00:00 Introduction and Overview03:20 Fragmentation of Mainstream Media05:54 Interview with Mike Pesca: Media Critique09:28 The Trump Dilemma in Media23:04 The Fragmented Media Landscape38:37 The HR-ification of the Democratic Party48:16 The Newt Gingrich Strategy and Media Ecosystem53:16 Positive Trends and Good News57:42 Interesting Author Interviews01:00:34 The Evolution of Sports

Political Rehab: Trump Dumps, GOP Chaos, and Vaccine Controversies.Join hosts Matt and Matt on this week's episode of Political Rehab as they dissect the latest political turmoil, including Donald Trump's controversial actions, Marjorie Taylor Greene's retirement, and the ongoing GOP internal conflicts. It all adds to up one big question: is this all a sign that the actual, long-promised GOP meltdown is here?They analyze key issues like the economy, healthcare, and the dubious changes to the CDC's stance on vaccines and autism. This episode also features viewer mailbag questions and a deep dive into the impact of mysterious 'secret plans,.'00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Trump Dump: Weekly Segment06:34 Doge Disbanded: A Disaster That Will Echo for Years09:29 Ukraine Peace Deal Controversy12:43 DOJ Incompetence and Legal Blunders15:25 Trump's Secret Healthcare Plan18:28 Economic Woes and Consumer Confidence20:36 Political Fallout from Trump's Policies21:37 Mailbag: Viewer Questions Answered27:31 That's Bullshit!: CDC's Controversial Vaccine Stance33:35 A Dose of Hope: Finding Positivity36:41 The Meme That Took Over: Six Seven

Trump’s Incompetence, Sedition Accusations, and Surprising Legislative MovesMatt Robison stars out today with a preview of his next Newsweek piece, tentatively titled “Trump Built His Own Trap—Now He’s Caught in It.” Then, Matt and Paul Hodes delve into how the Trump team's incompetence is crushing all his plans, from the collapse of key prosecutions to the convoluted Texas redistricting plan. They also address Trump's baseless accusations of sedition against Democrats, the supposed ACA replacement plan that never emerged, and the chaotic handling of the Ukraine peace deal. Matt Wylie joins for a preview of their upcoming political rehab show.00:00 Introduction and Show Overview02:32 New Article Sneak Peek04:47 Trump's Mirage and Trap10:15 Incompetence in Trump's Administration16:26 Legal Missteps and Prosecution Issues27:10 Texas Redistricting and Judicial Challenges32:27 Obamacare Vote and Political Sacrifice37:40 Trump's Sedition Accusations47:56 Trump's Incompetent Appointments51:10 Political Rehab Show Preview53:26 Viewer Questions and Fun Segments58:57 Thanksgiving Wishes and Conclusion

Political Rehab: Fixing Politics and Making It Fun In thispremiere episode of Political Rehab, hosts Matt Robison and Matt Wylie hit the horrible week that Trump never wanted, including the Epstein files release, Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent 180 degree turn, the giant "Wag the Dog" maneuver underway, and hit segments like "Trump Dump" and "That's Bullshit!" Our new show aims to make engaging with politicsenjoyable, informative, and awesome again. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and join the conversation on Substack.00:00 Introduction to Political Rehab03:20 Trump Dump: Weekly Grievances07:38 Epstein Files and Political Implications09:58 Marjorie Taylor Green's Political Strategy13:09 Trump's Wag the Dog Tactics16:09 Democratic Party Dynamics19:13 DOJ Controversies and Political Weaponization21:28 Republican Ideals and Political Hypocrisy22:28 Burning Questions with Matt GPT33:05 That's Bullshit: Affordability and Walmart Thanksgiving33:33 Dose of Hope: Positive Political Changes

***NEW SHOW COMING FRIDAY! Subscribe to this pod and https://worthknowing.substack.com/***Trump’s Epstein Files Debacle and the Brewing Democratic Divide. Matt Robison discusses the latest twists in the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. Matt also provides insights into the broader implications of this scandal on Trump's political decline. The episode further explores the infighting within the Democratic Party, featuring a conversation with Michaeleen Crowell, former chief of staff to Bernie Sanders, about the party's challenges and potential solutions. AND Matt announces an exciting new show, 'Politics Rehab,' aimed at re-engaging the politically exhausted and making politics fun again.01:01 The Epstein Files Debacle13:43 Trump's Political Decline15:57 New Show Announcement: Politics Rehab18:21 Interview with Michaeleen19:07 Challenges Within the Democratic Party30:13 Addressing the Disconnect in Politics35:30 Economic Challenges and Affordability39:07 Redistribution and Middle-Class Struggles50:11 Inflation and Economic Policies53:58 Democratic Party Unity and Future Strategies57:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today, I had 15 minutes, So I set out to tackle the one question that’s breaking the brains of Democrats right now: why did those eight Senate Democrats make THIS deal to end the government shut down? I wanted to answer three basic questions.What happened here (i.e., why did they do this)? Could they have actually done better? (and I know that one seems obvious but I want to put some shape to that with one suggestion). Where are we going from here? And I really want to get to this third part because it’s in our DNA as Democrats to get really dejected and down on ourselves…and I don’t think we should, because getting consumed by anger and depression and recriminations plays into the hands of the Trump MAGA authoritarians.00:00 Introduction and Unusual Format03:37 Perception Battle and Polling Insights08:00 Concerns and Reactions to the Deal12:11 Possible Alternatives and Final Thoughts14:45 Closing Remarks and Future Plans