The Chuck ToddCast

• Interview Only w/ Nick Troiano - How To Fix America’s Broken Political System

  Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:15 How did you get started with Unite America 02:15 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 03:00 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 05:00 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 06:30 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 07:00 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 08:45 Runoff elections get a bad rap 10:30 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 11:30 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 13:30 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 14:45 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 16:00 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 17:00 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 17:30 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 18:45 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 19:45 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 22:00 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 23:45 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 24:15 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 26:45 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 29:00 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 30:45 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 32:00 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 34:00 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 35:15 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 36:15 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 38:30 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 39:15 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 40:15 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 42:00 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 43:15 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 44:15 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 46:00 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 48:30 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 49:30 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 51:00 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 52:30 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 53:15 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 54:00 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 54:45 Any itch to run for office again? 55:30 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 57:00 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Full Episode - U.S. Is Drifting Toward Competitive Authoritarianism +  How To Fix America’s Broken Political System

  In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck confronts the alarming rise of antisemitism following a mass shooting that targeted Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah, reflecting on how hatred now crosses traditional political lines and sharing his own family’s experiences. He argues that social media has become a primary accelerant—profiting from outrage, trapping people in media silos, and rewarding the most extreme voices—while insisting that free speech does not guarantee unlimited reach. The conversation widens to the urgent need for tech reform, growing support for restricting smartphones for kids, and public backlash to Donald Trump’s hands-off approach to regulating AI. Chuck also examines Trump’s foreign policy actions, economic excuses, and erosion of constitutional norms, warning that the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism.” Despite the dangers of normalization and resignation, the episode closes with a reminder that America still has the capacity to push back and reclaim democratic guardrails. Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America, joins the Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation about why America’s political system feels increasingly broken—and what reforms could actually fix it. Troiano explains how ranked-choice voting and primary reform can weaken the grip of the two-party system, produce more representative outcomes, and give voters in places like Alaska and Louisiana more meaningful choices. They unpack why partisan primaries reward conflict over problem-solving, how safe districts all but decide elections before voters reach the general, and why unaffiliated voters are often locked out of taxpayer-funded contests. The discussion expands to the broader reform landscape, from redistricting and campaign finance to unconventional ideas like compulsory representation and even randomly selected legislatures. Troiano argues that periods of political turmoil and inequality have historically led to democratic breakthroughs—and that today’s moment may demand the same. As power continues to consolidate and parties work to protect their advantage, this episode explores whether structural reform, rather than new personalities, is the only path to a healthier, more functional democracy. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the political and cultural impact of The Simpsons, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the latest in college football. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Mass shooting targets Jews in Australia on first night of Hanukkah 04:30 Antisemitism comes from both sides of the political aisle 06:00 Chuck’s family’s experience with antisemitism 07:15 Biggest culprit in rise in antisemitism is social media 09:45 Social media companies profit from destroying kids & country 11:00 People need to step out of their media silos 13:30 You have the right to speech but not to reach 16:00 Tech companies need to be the focal point for major reform 17:00 Trump’s “light touch” approach to regulating AI is very unpopular 18:45 Tech can get what they want by writing a check to Trump 20:15 Growing support for restricting smartphones for kids/teens 21:15 Most extreme content reaches the most online men* 22:30 Mark Warner says “double tap” strike was 40 mins later 23:30 Strike was indefensible, it’s why Pentagon won’t release video 25:30 Trump has no legal authority from congress for strikes 28:00 Trump basically admits Republicans will lose the midterms 29:00 Trump has begun the excuse making for a bad economy 30:15 Trump spent time working on DC’s golf courses 31:30 Foreign Affairs essay says USA is in competitive authoritarianism 34:30 Trump’s actions subvert rule of law & the constitution 35:15 Competitive authoritarians turn state power on enemies 37:45 Large swaths of the media have caved to the Trump administration 40:00 After Watergate, authoritarian abuse had disappeared… until Trump 41:00 America still has hope for turning away authoritarianism 41:30 Greatest danger is acceptance and resignation 49:15 Nick Troiano joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:30 How did you get started with Unite America 51:30 There’s been pushback to ranked choice voting in recent years 52:15 Ranked choice voting is a salve for partisan primaries 54:15 New York and Maine are only partially ranked choice system 55:45 There are good ways to present ranked choice results 56:15 The current non-ranked system favors the two major parties 58:00 Runoff elections get a bad rap 59:45 Louisiana has a more functional political system due to electoral reform 1:00:45 More Alaskan voters can cast a “meaningful” ballot due to ranked choice 1:02:45 Ranked choice seems to be more beneficial to center left than center right 1:04:00 Ranked choice opponents trying to repeal it in Alaska 1:05:15 The two party wants to protect their power & fight against ranked choice 1:06:15 The status quo is causing our current politics to unravel 1:06:45 What states do you expect to be on the ballot with primary reform? 1:08:00 There’s movement to allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primaries 1:09:00 Politics has become about fighting rather than solving problems 1:11:15 Why is it so hard to galvanize the centrist voters? 1:13:00 Without a representative congress, we’ll get terrible policies 1:13:30 Without competitive elections, we get bad career politicians 1:16:00 Is there an order democracy reforms will need to be passed? 1:18:15 There are multiple potential pathways to make democracy better 1:20:00 Periods of major turmoil & inequality historically lead to major reforms 1:21:15 Is it difficult to find wealthy donors to back nonpartisan reforms? 1:23:15 Strong executive leadership makes it easier for legislatures to follow 1:24:30 Redistricting reform had strong support & has gone in the opposite direction 1:25:30 Trump is weaponizing the primary system to force redistricting 1:27:45 90% of districts in the midterms will be decided before the general election 1:28:30 In safe districts you only can choose what type of Dem/GOP candidate 1:29:30 Should be able to vote on any candidate in taxpayer funded elections 1:31:15 It’s strange that government requires public party affiliation records 1:32:30 Parties shouldn’t be allowed to ask voters to sign party pledge 1:33:30 Campaign finance reform is a salient issue to most voters 1:35:15 We used to be far more engaged politically at the local level 1:37:45 What if we randomly selected legislatures like we do juries 1:38:45 Rural states might be open to compulsory representation 1:40:15 Thoughts on a constitutional convention? 1:41:45 The electoral college is working as intended, but needs updating 1:42:30 The bar is very high for ratification during a convention 1:43:15 If power continues to consolidate, a convention becomes more necessary 1:44:00 Any itch to run for office again? 1:44:45 What are the major issues running as an independent candidate? 1:46:15 There are fewer gatekeepers for getting attention as a candidate 1:48:15 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Nick Troiano 1:49:15 ToddCast Time Machine December 17th, 1989 1:49:30 Debut of The Simpsons 1:50:45 Simpsons has outlasted entire media eras 1:51:15 Simpsons is brilliant at parodying politics & culture 1:52:00 Burns runs for governor teaches lessons of campaigns 1:52:45 Monorail episode shows failures of debt financing infrastructure 1:53:45 Lisa goes to Washington a great explainer of how DC works 1:54:30 Sideshow Bob rigs an election and wins anyway 1:56:00 Simpsons has had cameos from major political voices 1:56:30 Simpsons spawned an entire industry for adult animation 1:57:30 South Park’s “Simpson’s Did It” was the perfect omage 1:58:15 The Simpsons made audiences smarter about how to consume politics 1:58:30 Ask Chuck 1:59:15 Did Adam Schiff hurt or help Mandella Barnes by endorsing him? 2:02:00 A “shave your head” bet between you and Cillizza over A&M vs Miami? 2:05:15 Why has the donor class become the priority over the public? 2:09:15 Why can companies absorb tariff costs, but can’t raise wages? 2:12:30 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Chuck’s Commentary - U.S. Is Drifting Toward Competitive Authoritarianism + Social Media Has Fueled Extremism

  In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck confronts the alarming rise of antisemitism following a mass shooting that targeted Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah, reflecting on how hatred now crosses traditional political lines and sharing his own family’s experiences. He argues that social media has become a primary accelerant—profiting from outrage, trapping people in media silos, and rewarding the most extreme voices—while insisting that free speech does not guarantee unlimited reach. The conversation widens to the urgent need for tech reform, growing support for restricting smartphones for kids, and public backlash to Donald Trump’s hands-off approach to regulating AI. Chuck also examines Trump’s foreign policy actions, economic excuses, and erosion of constitutional norms, warning that the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism.” Despite the dangers of normalization and resignation, the episode closes with a reminder that America still has the capacity to push back and reclaim democratic guardrails. Finally, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit the political and cultural impact of The Simpsons, answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and recaps the latest in college football. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 2:00 Mass shooting targets Jews in Australia on first night of Hanukkah 3:30 Antisemitism comes from both sides of the political aisle 5:00 Chuck’s family’s experience with antisemitism 6:15 Biggest culprit in rise in antisemitism is social media 8:45 Social media companies profit from destroying kids & country 10:00 People need to step out of their media silos 12:30 You have the right to speech but not to reach 15:00 Tech companies need to be the focal point for major reform 16:00 Trump’s “light touch” approach to regulating AI is very unpopular 17:45 Tech can get what they want by writing a check to Trump 19:15 Growing support for restricting smartphones for kids/teens 20:15 Most extreme content reaches the most online men* 21:30 Mark Warner says “double tap” strike was 40 mins later 22:30 Strike was indefensible, it’s why Pentagon won’t release video 24:30 Trump has no legal authority from congress for strikes 27:00 Trump basically admits Republicans will lose the midterms 28:00 Trump has begun the excuse making for a bad economy 29:15 Trump spent time working on DC’s golf courses 30:30 Foreign Affairs essay says USA is in competitive authoritarianism 33:30 Trump’s actions subvert rule of law & the constitution 34:15 Competitive authoritarians turn state power on enemies 36:45 Large swaths of the media have caved to the Trump administration 39:00 After Watergate, authoritarian abuse had disappeared… until Trump 40:00 America still has hope for turning away authoritarianism 40:30 Greatest danger is acceptance and resignation 47:30 ToddCast Time Machine December 17th, 1989 47:45 Debut of The Simpsons 49:00 Simpsons has outlasted entire media eras 49:30 Simpsons is brilliant at parodying politics & culture 50:15 Burns runs for governor teaches lessons of campaigns 51:00 Monorail episode shows failures of debt financing infrastructure 52:00 Lisa goes to Washington a great explainer of how DC works 52:45 Sideshow Bob rigs an election and wins anyway 54:15 Simpsons has had cameos from major political voices 54:45 Simpsons spawned an entire industry for adult animation 55:45 South Park’s “Simpson’s Did It” was the perfect omage 56:30 The Simpsons made audiences smarter about how to consume politics 56:45 Ask Chuck 57:30 Did Adam Schiff hurt or help Mandella Barnes by endorsing him? 1:00:15 A “shave your head” bet between you and Cillizza over A&M vs Miami? 1:03:30 Why has the donor class become the priority over the public? 1:07:30 Why can companies absorb tariff costs, but can’t raise wages? 1:10:45 College football updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Bonus Friday Episode - Indiana GOP REBUKES Trump: Is The Trump Era Finally Ending?

  In this special Friday episode, Chuck Todd breaks down a striking turn inside the Republican Party as Indiana Republicans openly rebuke Donald Trump’s demand to redraw their congressional maps—an early sign that his once-iron grip on the GOP may be loosening. With voters frustrated by a shaky economy, Trump’s political coalition is showing new cracks. Chuck also explores the Heritage Foundation’s hollow threat against Indiana lawmakers and why Trump’s executive order banning states from regulating AI is unpopular and almost certainly unconstitutional. Taken together, these shifts suggest a pivotal moment: the first real indications that the Trump era may finally be entering its twilight. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Indiana Republicans rebuke Trump’s redistricting demand 03:00 Voters don’t like the economy and it’s weakening Trump’s grip on GOP 04:30 Trump is not a true conservative 07:15 Heritage Foundation made an empty threat against Indiana 08:00 Trump’s EO banning state AI regulation is unconstitutional 09:30 Trump’s coalition is beginning to fray 10:45 This feels like the beginning of the end of the Trump era See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Full Episode - Trump Fails On Economic Messaging At PA Rally + Inside the Movement To Save Childhood From Big Tech

  In this episode, Chuck Todd explores the growing bipartisan momentum to rein in Big Tech, noting that while social media’s unintended consequences have already eroded truth and public trust, AI could amplify those failures without strong guardrails. He breaks down why Americans overwhelmingly support protecting kids from tech harms—and why a public revolt is inevitable once people feel they’ve lost control. Chuck also looks at how massive AI investment is masking broader economic weakness before turning to Donald Trump’s botched economic message in Pennsylvania, a “let them eat cake” tone that echoes the same political trap Biden once fell into. With surprising Democratic wins in Miami and Georgia and a demoralizing trend inside the GOP base, the political landscape is shifting fast, especially as ACA subsidies near expiration and no healthcare compromise is in sight. Chuck then pivots to the rise of prediction markets—how they move on insider information, how they could be manipulated by political actors, and why the “casinofication” of news threatens to reduce all political coverage to a risky, easily gamed horse race. Then, journalist and founder of MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), Julie Scelfo, joins Chuck ToddCast for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most urgent issues facing American families: the collapse of trust in media, the rise of unregulated tech, and its profound impact on children’s mental health. Scelfo explains how the explosion of social media and smartphones—coupled with virtually nonexistent regulation—has left kids exposed to harmful algorithms, addictive design, and misinformation at formative ages. With both the left and right now pushing to get smartphones out of classrooms, she argues that we’re long past due for meaningful guardrails, especially as Big Tech’s lobbying power grows and federal leaders threaten to block states from regulating AI. Chuck and Julie compare today’s fight with Big Tech to the battle against Big Tobacco, explore why recommendation systems effectively make platforms publishers, and discuss the growing bipartisan appetite for banning iPads in schools and returning to books. They also dig into MAMA’s mission to protect children in a digital world—emphasizing that kids under two should not be exposed to screens, that early childhood development depends on real-world interaction, and that “tech nannies” have emerged because childcare is unaffordable. Scelfo calls for mandatory data transparency from tech companies, stronger child-safety legislation in the states, and a culture shift that prioritizes healthy offline development over the race to dominate AI. With future jobs uncertain and social skills declining, she argues that society must resist sacrificing sensible regulation in the name of innovation—and recognize that too much time online isn’t just unhealthy, it’s shaping a generation. Finally, Chuck answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment and previews the upcoming college football slate. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 There is bipartisan support for pushing back on tech 05:00 AI regulation to protect kids has massive support 06:15 The public will revolt over tech when they feel they lose control 08:00 Social media came with unintended consequences, AI could be similar 08:45 Social media has destroyed truth 09:30 AI needs guardrails that have been missing from social media 10:45 AI investment is masking a recession for much of the country 12:30 Trump botches economic message at PA rally 13:15 Trump has a tone deaf, let them eat cake mindset 14:45 The Trump WH walking into the same trap Biden did on economy 15:30 Elections in Miami and Georgia showed GOP is in real trouble 17:30 First time a Democrat won Miami mayor in nearly 30 years 18:15 Democratic voters are fired up & more reliable 19:45 The base of the Republican party is becoming demoralized 21:00 ACA credits set to expire, no compromise healthcare deal yet 22:15 Question for audience: Do you follow and participate in prediction markets? 24:00 Prediction markets move when they get insider info 25:45 Prediction markets seemed to know fed interest rate cut was coming 27:00 Is it wise to allow people to bet on basically everything? 28:45 Gambling is highly regulated, prediction markets are not 29:30 Certain people will know outcomes in advance and can game the system 30:45 Trump allies could game the system on predictions of his actions 32:15 Predictions that can be manipulated should be outlawed 34:00 Prediction markets could make all political coverage “horse race” style 35:15 The “casinofication” of news comes with risks 40:45 Julie Scelfo joins the Chuck ToddCast 43:45 Erosion of trust in media & news is a massive problem 44:45 Mental health decline in youth correlated with rise of social media 45:45 Both left & right want to get smartphones out of classrooms 46:30 Lack of social media regulation leaves kids vulnerable 47:45 Regulation is difficult when big tech has unlimited money to lobby 49:45 Threats from Congress & Trump to prevent states from regulating AI 51:15 Executive order from Trump may be last gasp to avoid AI regulation 53:15 AI has been positive for shareholders & owners, not for the public 54:30 What lessons can be learned from the fight against big tobacco? 57:00 Recommendation algorithms turn platforms into publishers 58:30 Advertiser supported speech is different than first amendment speech 59:15 Broadcast networks are liable for misleading ads, social platforms aren’t 1:00:45 Momentum building to ban ipads in schools and make kids use books 1:02:15 MAMA’s mission and goals 1:03:45 Children under 2 shouldn’t be exposed to screens for entertainment 1:06:15 Kids know how to find information, but must be taught to filter it 1:07:15 Most educational building blocks are built during early childhood 1:08:00 We can’t sacrifice sensible regulation in order to win AI race 1:09:15 Tech leaders all have very inept and awkward social skills 1:11:45 Tech must be required to release data for researchers to study 1:13:15 How to prepare kids for future jobs that may be replaced by AI? 1:14:45 Real life interactions are critical for a healthy childhood 1:16:30 We will always need trades, skilled labor and care workers 1:18:15 What are some near-term activities MAMA is working on? 1:20:45 States are introducing quality child safety legislation on tech 1:21:15 There is bipartisan support in congress for regulation 1:22:45 There hasn’t been one study worldwide on tech at a young age 1:24:15 We have “tech nannies” because childcare is so expensive 1:26:45 Too much time online is incredibly unhealthy 1:32:00 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Julie Scelfo 1:34:30 Thoughts on a limited TV series on the constitutional convention? 1:38:00 Favorite movies & Ken Burns doc? 1:43:30 Outlook on the primary races in Texas and Montana? 1:52:00 What if archduke Franz Ferdinand's driver took a different turn? 1:57:00 College football previewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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