Ben Wittes: Putin's Cheerleaders

The former senator from Minnesota recounts his early fandom for Tim Walz and how he won an unlikely congressional race in 2006. Plus, Kamala finding her footing, the cowardly Republicans who are shying away from endorsing her, a floundering Trump, and Franken's 70s-era comedy. Al Franken joins Tim Miller. show notes: The 1976 SNL episode featuring Al and Elliott Gould's skit; costs $1.99 to watch

22 Elo 202450min

Michelle Obama killed it last night, and did the job that every speaker at the Democratic convention should be doing: persuading the undecided to vote for Kamala. Plus, the inside scoop on her husband's big (... er small) moment, making sure young men know about the toxic crap in Project 2025, and embracing America's great, big, beautiful pluralism.  Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller. show notes: That big ( ... er small) moment Jon's book

21 Elo 202450min

Kamala's genuine smile and Walz's empathetic version of manhood is coming through loud and clear—and may explain the joy that is coursing through the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Vance remains a popularity sinkhole. Plus, the prospects for Texas ever turning blue, Cancun Cruz, Latino voters, getting the young to the polls, and staying in to fight the good fight. Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller. show notes: Beto's Texas voter registration group, "Powered by People" Beto wrote about visiting Ulysses, Kansas in 2018

20 Elo 202451min

Kamala's first month as a presidential candidate before the Democratic convention has gone exceedingly well—she's been controlling the narrative, infuriating people like Ben Shapiro, and Trump can't get her pretty face out of his head. Meanwhile, Putin talks a big game, but Ukraine has surprised everyone with its incursion into Russia. Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller. show notes: Dan Pfeiffer piece Tim mentioned A.B.'s piece Tim referenced Michael's stories at The Insider WSJ story referenced by Michael (for Journal subscribers)

19 Elo 202455min

Swapping out Biden for Kamala has been such a big mood boost that consumer confidence among Dems and independents is suddenly surging. Meanwhile, Trump keeps having Potemkin press conferences as a ploy to reclaim the narrative. Plus, Bond-style villains have made hating Project 2025 so easy, and the 'suckers and losers' guy again shows that he doesn't respect the troops.  Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Brian's piece on mass psychology Tim's playlist

16 Elo 202452min

Two Democratic members of Congress who called on Biden to pass the torch join Tim Miller today. Both Rep. Dean Phillips and Rep. Mikie Sherrill said it was voters who told them they wanted the party to turn the page.  Plus, more Tim Walz insights, and Vance's odd obsession with how females use their bodies throughout their lives.

15 Elo 202458min

The anti-MAGA world should keep going on right-wing media platforms, and maybe embarrass their hosts in the process—like Buttigieg on Fox, and Tim on Tomi Lahren's show. Plus, the direct line between Secret Service failures in Butler, PA and the Dallas book depository. And will the FBI ever be able to confirm if Trump took a $10 million bribe from Egypt? Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig join Tim Miller. show notes: Brian's new book, "Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy" Carol's reporting on the $10 mil cash withdrawal from Egypt Carol's book on the Secret Service, "Zero Fail" 8 Times Tim SCHOOLED Right-Wing Tomi Lahren on Her Own Show! Will Selber's piece on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims John Kerry campaign vets on how to respond to the Walz swiftboating Will Selber and Ben Parker video on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims

14 Elo 202446min

Trump may be holed up at Mar-a-Lago because he's afraid of another attempt on his life. Meanwhile, he keeps trying to take away Kamala's identity. Plus, the stunningly different way the media is handling hacked campaign docs in 2024, the threat from rando county clerks who may try to block the electoral vote count, and more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller. show notes: A.B.'s piece on Republican election officials refusing to certify a Harris win Tim's 2021 story on voting machine tampering coming from inside the MAGA house Tweet thread on Florida's smooth election process

13 Elo 202459min