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The Al Franken Podcast

The Al Franken Podcast

By: The Al Franken Podcast
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A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.

© 2019
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Rep. Madeleine Dean on POTUS Pardon Corruption
    Mar 29 2026

    Guest Host Norm Ornstein welcomes Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) to discuss legislation they're working on to curb the President's pardon power after the onslaught of blatantly corrupt pardons from the Trump administration. Rep. Dean was the former impeachment manager for Trump's second impeachment, so she also addresses how the blanket pardon of all January 6th insurrectionists especially grotesque.

    We also discuss the latest on the "stolen documents" case and what Trump might have intended for them. Plus, people are making LOTS of money on insider trading around the Iran War.

    Rep. Dean shares her thoughts on the ICE brutality her constituents in Pennsylvania and around the country are facing. And she shares her first hand account of the Dilley detention center, where ICE is mistreating detainees and neglecting children.

    LEARN more about Rep. Madeleine Dean: https://dean.house.gov/biography

    LISTEN to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970

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    38 mins
  • BEST OF: George Packer on JD Vance
    Mar 22 2026

    JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 41, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin."

    In this Best Of episode, we revisit our June 2025 conversation with The Atlantic’s George Packer. His piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition.

    We also look at the Democrats' path forward. Packer shares how they can respond to Trump's appeal to disengaged voters.

    Read Packer’s writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/george-packer/

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    33 mins
  • Brian Tyler Cohen on The Unpopular Iran War
    Mar 15 2026

    Trump can call it whatever he wants, but we are at war with Iran. Podcast host and YouTube star Brian Tyler Cohen joins us again to break down how Trump has dragged us into this wildly unpopular war. How long will we be there? What are our objectives? And who is behind the bombing of the Iranian girls' school that killed 175 people? Early investigations suggest America is responsible, but Trump blames... the Iranians?

    And the GOP attack on democracy continues as voters become disillusioned with the Trump agenda. Will John Thune and the Republicans blow up the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act?

    Plus, the gutting of ACA subsidies, Medicaid cuts, food assistance slashed, and how Trump's trade war has made good on absolutely none of his cost-of-living promises.

    SUBSCRIBE to Brian's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/briantylercohen

    LISTEN to Brian’s podcast, “No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-lie-with-brian-tyler-cohen/id1515399733

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    52 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Great, fun, but kinda scary conversation between Al, Harry, George and Mitch. You know, the usual.

Mitch McConnell

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Al and Dahlia shared a warm chemistry, which, added to the gentle method used to introduce each topic, was soothing to the listener. The recounting of the number of overturned precedents was impressive. They knew their facts, but it was no recitation. This was truly a worthwhile way to spend my time and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Well Done and Informative.

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Very entertaining and poignant subjects discussed intelligently and with Al's terrific humor. Excellent choice of interesting guests.

Simply fantastic

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i love Chris Rock. it was an excellent podcast as usual. i an a hige Al fan. loved him on the Daily show.

Chris Rock

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One of my favorite podcasts. Always interesting guests and topics. And great discussion of current events. Franken for President!

Al Franken

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