The Briefing with Jen Psaki - podcast cover

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

MSNBC
Jen Psaki tackles the biggest issues of the week and features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers.
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Episodes

Crunch Time: Trump Labeled "Fascist to his Core" Three Weeks Out from Election Day

Jen Psaki breaks down the state of the extremely close presidential race, which is tied despite Donald Trump's torrent of lies and increasingly anti-democratic rhetoric. Veteran political strategist James Carville joins to discuss how Harris can take a more aggressive approach, urging Americans to believe General Mark Milley's warning that the ex-president is "fascist to his core" as Trump calls for militarizing the US election. Next, Jen is joined by former acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Ka...

Oct 13, 202442 minEp. 106

Listen to “Kamala: Next in Line”

Election Day is around the corner and Vice President Kamala Harris could become the first woman, first Black woman, and first South-Asian to sit in the Oval Office. In light of this moment, we’re resharing our 2020 series “Kamala: Next in Line,” from MSNBC and Wondery. Hosted by Joy Reid, "Next In Line" is an intimate and immersive look into what drives Harris, what her critics say about her, and how she arrived at this historic moment. This is a special program for our MSNBC Premium subscribers...

Oct 09, 202410 min

Storm Clouds: Trump Lies, Americans Suffer

As Trump exploits hurricane victims for political gain, Jen breaks down how his lies have wreaked havoc on the communities and institutions that make America strong. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas joins Jen to discuss Trump's dangerous rhetoric falsehoods, which force the rest of country to pick up the pieces rather than join in a common cause. Next, Congressman Dan Goldman joins to address why Republican leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson still choose to reject reality and ref...

Oct 08, 202442 minEp. 105

Past is Prologue: Trump & Allies Prep the Big Lie 2.0

After a high-stakes week that included a Vice Presidential debate, a dire warning from Liz Cheney and the unsealing of new evidence in the Special Counsel's case against Donald Trump, Jen Psaki breaks down why election denialism is not just a 2020 problem, but a 2024 problem too. Jen is joined by Officer Harry Dunn and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, to discuss how Trump and his allies will try to steal the 2024 election, should he lose. Legal experts Neal Katyal and Andrew Weissmann talk ...

Oct 06, 202441 minEp. 104

Stages of Desperation: Trump's Smears Get No Traction on Eve of VP Debate

Jen is joined by a roundtable of guests, George Conway, Ashley Parker, Eugene Daniels, and Adrienne Elrod to discuss how Donald Trump is increasingly resorting to baseless smears of Kamala Harris, as well as blatant lies about relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Later, fellow MSNBC anchor Joy Reid joins to talk about the racist dog whistle Trump is using when he talks about the vote in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. And in anticipation of tomorrow’s vice preside...

Oct 01, 202442 minEp. 103

Leaning In: Harris Lays Out Economic Agenda as Trump Runs From His Weaknesses

Jen Psaki breaks down Kamala Harris' efforts to close the gap in polling with Donald Trump as she leans into policy proposals including on the economy and immigration. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder joins Jen for a wide-ranging interview covering topics including the Harris campaign's targeted approach to making up ground on her weak spots, Trump dodging an October debate, and growing concerns about the GOP's voter suppression efforts. Next, Jen shares her one-on-one interview with Sec...

Sep 29, 202443 minEp. 102

Party Foul: GOP Reveals Cowardice in Refusal to Condemn Mark Robinson

Jen Psaki breaks down the GOP's attempts at deflecting questions regarding Mark Robinson's hateful rhetoric and why it reveals the party's lack of courage - and their deeply-held loyalty to Trump. Jen is joined by a panel of political analysts including Mark Leibovich, McKay Coppins, Gretchen Carlson, and Symone Sanders-Townsend to discuss how Robinson's comments will affect both the gubernatorial and presidential races in North Carolina and the likelihood of Trump committing to an October presi...

Sep 23, 202441 minEp. 101

Dazed and Confused: Increasingly Desperate Trump Seeks Attention as Harris Forges Ahead

Jen Psaki breaks down how Donald Trump is trying to distract voters with hateful rhetoric while Kamala Harris continues to rise in polls. Senator Raphael Warnock joins Jen for a wide-ranging conversation, covering Georgia's election board voting to require ballots to be hand-counted, as well as the not safe for work revelations about the Republican candidate for Governor in North Carolina, self-described "Black Nazi," Mark Robinson. Next, Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, joins to discuss her ne...

Sep 22, 202441 minEp. 100

Moments of Truth: When Two Things are True At Once

With just 50 days until the election, Jen Psaki addresses why political violence must be universally condemned while acknowledging that Donald Trump is baselessly blaming Democratic rhetoric for an apparent attempt on his life in West Palm Beach. Senator Elizabeth Warren joins to discuss the risk opportunistic finger-pointing amid heightened political tensions, as well as the alarming reason why Republicans aren’t being upfront about their healthcare plans. Later Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff joins...

Sep 17, 202442 minEp. 99

Losing It: Trump Combusts While Harris Connects with Voters

As Donald Trump recovers from his embarrassing debate performance, Jen Psaki breaks down how he is reverting to fear-mongering while Kamala Harris surges ahead in polls and connects with voters. Jen is joined by George Conway and Representative Jasmine Crockett to discuss the state of the race, including Trump's baseless claims that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating pets. Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown also joins Jen to react to the false narrative being spread by the GOP and the dangerous...

Sep 15, 202441 minEp. 98

Philly Special: Harris and Trump Set to Meet for the First Time At Debate

Ahead of the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Jen Psaki shares what she will be watching for on Tuesday night as the two candidates meet for the first time. Steve Kornacki joins from the big board, highlighting the stakes. Then, Kevin Madden and Neal Katyal discuss how Harris's background as a prosecutor may prepare Harris and how she should approach the crucial task of defining herself to voters. Next, Jen is joined by Representative Adam Schiff to discuss Trump's con...

Sep 10, 202442 minEp. 97

Stage Set: Kamala Harris Poised for Debate, DOJ Cracks Down on Russia

Two days out from the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Jen Psaki previews what we can expect from the candidates' performances. James Carville joins the show to discuss the state of the race, including what Harris must accomplish in the debate, how Liz Cheney's endorsement of Harris may appeal to voters, and more. Next, Michael Tyler, communications director for the Harris-Walz campaign, joins Jen to discuss the stark differences between Harris's agenda, namely t...

Sep 08, 202442 minEp. 96

65 Days Out: Kamala Harris Pulls Ahead in Battleground States

As Kamala Harris pulls ahead of Donald Trump in polls, Jen Psaki breaks down the stark choice voters have between a candidate who wants to take the country forward and the former president who aims to turn back the clock. 65 days out from the presidential election, Molly Jong-Fast, Tim Miller, and Maria Teresa Kumar join Jen to discuss the state of the race. Next, Jen is joined by Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, to break down JD Vance's latest bizarre comments...

Sep 01, 202441 minEp. 95

Debate and Switch: Trump Gets Cold Feet as Campaign Defends 'Mute Button'

As the Harris and Trump campaigns negotiate whether candidates will be muted during the upcoming presidential debate, Jen Psaki reflects on how the more people hear from Donald Trump, the less they like. Don Lemon joins Jen to discuss the state of the presidential race and his new book "I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America". Next, Ian Sams, senior advisor for the Harris-Walz campaign, joins the show to discuss topics including Trump's push for muted mics at the debate, the influx of Rep...

Aug 27, 202442 minEp. 94

The Majority View: Dems Put Diversity and Joy on Display at DNC

Jen Psaki outlines the stark contrast between the Republican and Democratic national conventions - and explains why the Democratic party's joyful vision is more representative of our country's majority view. Senator Cory Booker joins the show to reflect on the historic convention. Next, Jen is joined by New York Attorney General Letitia James to discuss the dire stakes of the upcoming election, as Trump continues to obfuscate his plans for a potential second term. Later, Dan Pfeiffer joins the s...

Aug 25, 202441 minEp. 93

New Show in Town: Donald Trump Loses the Battle for Attention

Jen Psaki breaks down how Kamala Harris is beating Donald Trump at his own game, as she heads into the biggest week of her campaign yet - with a bus tour across Pennsylvania and the Democratic National Convention. Senator Amy Klobuchar joins the show to discuss the Harris campaign's accomplishments in just under a month, the Democratic party's recent messaging shift, and more. Next, Jen offers a sneak preview of this week's convention, featuring conversations with some of the event's top organiz...

Aug 18, 202443 minEp. 92

Crowding Him Out: Harris Momentum Builds as Trump Struggles

Guest anchor Michael Steele breaks down state of the presidential race with Molly Jong-Fast and Matthew Dowd as Kamala Harris and Tim Walz draw energetic crowds while Donald Trump melts down. Plus, Jen Psaki's wide-ranging interview with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi about the new Democratic ticket, her relationship with President Biden after his decision to withdraw from the race, and her new book "The Art of Power". Later, Michael fact-checks JD Vance's attacks on Tim Walz's military reco...

Aug 11, 202441 minEp. 91

Speed of Light: Harris Poised to Announce Vice Presidential Running Mate

Jen Psaki breaks down the final steps for Kamala Harris before she announces a running mate. Jim Messina and Claire McCaskill join Jen to discuss what the inner-workings of Harris's high-stakes decision-making process looks like. Next, Jen outlines Trump's plans to rid the Republican party of everyone who isn't sufficiently obedient amid the announcement of a new group called "Republicans for Harris," which includes over two dozen former GOP elected officials. Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh jo...

Aug 06, 202442 minEp. 90

Veep Veep: Kamala Harris's search for a running mate nears the finish line

Jen Psaki explains why Trump's increasingly unhinged behavior reveals that he is running scared as Kamala Harris continues to gain momentum with voters. James Carville and Rev. Al Sharpton join Jen to reflect on the state of the race, including Harris's veepstakes and Donald Trump backing out of a presidential debate that he already agreed to. Next, Jen fact-checks JD Vance and the GOP's pro-family agenda with a reminder for voters to "watch what they do, not what they say." Rep. Elissa Slotkin ...

Aug 04, 202441 minEp. 89

Vibe Shift: Excitement Builds Around Kamala Harris in Leadup to Convention

Jen Psaki reflects on the shift in momentum in the presidential race as Democrats rally around Kamala Harris. Governor Tim Walz joins Jen to discuss the state of the race and why the simple messaging tactic labeling MAGA Republicans as "weird" is gaining so much traction with voters. Next, Senator Brian Schatz joins Jen to discuss JD Vance doubling down on his indefensible "childless cat lady" comments, highlighting the stark contrast between MAGA Republicans and Democrats. Later, Jen discusses ...

Jul 30, 202441 minEp. 88

100 Days Out: Kamala Harris Unites Democrats

100 days out from the presidential election, Jen Psaki examines how Kamala Harris is meeting the moment with a forward-looking vision just one week into her campaign, while Donald Trump and Project 2025 are proposing to take the country backward. Pete Buttigieg joins Jen for a wide-ranging interview, discussing the evolution of the Democratic party's messaging, the veepstakes, JD Vance and how having kids has informed how he thinks about policy. Next, Jen breaks down JD Vance's deeply weird comm...

Jul 28, 202442 minEp. 87

Lessons of a Historic Week: Trump is Beatable (and Major Breaking News)

In a two-hour show that concludes with the breaking news of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, Jen Psaki outlines the latest updates in the ever-changing campaign, explaining why Donald Trump winning in November is not inevitable. To discuss Biden's path forward amid growing calls from Democrats to drop out of the race, Jen is joined by Senator Gary Peters and Governor Jared Polis. And later, Biden-Harris Senior Campaign Adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms joins to discuss Republican mess...

Jul 21, 20241 hr 32 minEp. 86

Biden's Path Forward: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

Jen Psaki explains why defiance alone is not enough for President Biden to win in November, as he faces increasing pressure to assure voters that his debate performance was an anomaly. Senator Chris Murphy joins Jen to express his concerns, given the stakes for the November election. Next, Senator John Fetterman joins the show to explain why he remains a staunch supporter of Joe Biden in the face of his colleagues' growing critiques of the President. Later, Jen explains why Trump's greatest liab...

Jul 09, 202443 minEp. 85

Biden Time: The President Seeks to Regain Footing 10 Days After Debate Debacle

Jen Psaki breaks down the current state of play within the Democratic party, as President Joe Biden digs in against growing pressure to withdraw from the race. Jen is joined by political reporters Peter Baker and Mark Leibovich to discuss Biden's path forward and whether more lawmakers might call on him to drop out as they return to Capitol Hill this week. Next, Jen is joined by Quentin Fulks, Biden-Harris 2024 principal deputy campaign manager, to reflect on inner-circle conversations among don...

Jul 07, 202442 minEp. 84

What's Next: Democrats Circle the Wagons After Biden's Bad Debate

Jen Psaki addresses President Biden's bad debate night and the resulting fallout amid the frenzied speculation on what comes next for the Democratic party. David Plouffe, former campaign manager for Barack Obama, joins Jen to discuss how Biden can save his campaign and win a second term. Next, Jen questions Molly Murphy, pollster to the Biden-Harris campaign, about what the internal data shows and possible silver linings for the Democratic ticket. Later, Jen explains how the Supreme Court has al...

Jun 30, 202442 minEp. 83

"Foreseeable Danger": A Dangerous Distortion and a Skeptical MAGA Judge

Guest host Alicia Menendez breaks down how prosecutors confronted one of Donald Trump's most dangerous lies in a hearing overseen by MAGA-sympathetic Judge, Aileen Cannon. Legal experts Kristy Greenberg, Mary McCord, and Katie Phang discuss the tensions that flared in court as Jack Smith's team tried to revise the terms of Trump's release. Next, Alicia previews the first presidential debate with political analysts Tim Miller and Claire McCaskill, including Biden's recent bump in the polls, how b...

Jun 25, 202441 minEp. 82

Home Court Advantage: SCOTUS and Judge Cannon Help Trump Evade Justice

Guest host Michael Steele examines how Justices on the Supreme Court, as well as Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon, have delayed Trump's federal trials indefinitely. Michael speaks to Andrew Weissmann and Lisa Rubin about how unusual their behavior has been, given the stakes for the election and the country. In preparation for the debate between President Joe Biden and Trump, Jennifer Palmieri and Molly Jong-Fast join to talk about how each is preparing and what hot button topics they may addr...

Jun 23, 202443 minEp. 81

Reinventing the Steal: Trump and Allies Use Darker Version of 2020 Playbook

Jen Psaki outlines Donald Trump's Big Lie 2.0 as he revives his 'stop the steal' playbook ahead of the presidential election and signals he'll pardon supporters who commit crimes on his behalf. Rep. Adam Schiff joins the show to reflect on Trump's increasingly dark proposals and their implications for November, as well as Speaker Mike Johnson's allegiance to the former president. Next, Jen is joined by Quentin Fulks, Biden-Harris 2024 principal deputy campaign manager, to discuss the campaign's ...

Jun 18, 202441 minEp. 80

Party's Over: Senator Cory Booker on Trump's Many Enablers

Jen Psaki breaks down how willingly the GOP enables Trump's worst instincts, including his plan to weaponize the legal system in a possible second term. In a wide-ranging interview, Senator Cory Booker talks to Jen about what we learned from Trump's first visit to Capitol Hill since January 6th, as well as the impact of his legal troubles, the need for SCOTUS ethics reform, and protecting IVF access. Next, Jen explains why President Joe Biden's decision not to pardon his son Hunter Biden reveals...

Jun 16, 202441 minEp. 79

Just-ish: The Supreme Court’s Credibility Crisis Deepens

Jen Psaki breaks down Justice Samuel Alito's latest scandal, involving partisan remarks secretly recorded by an undercover progressive activist. Civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill joins Jen to discuss Alito's "alarming" comments and why they call the Supreme Court's impartiality even further into question. Next, Jen is joined by legal analyst Kristy Greenberg to recap Trump's meeting with his probation officer ahead of his sentencing for conviction on 34 criminal counts. Later, Jen explains w...

Jun 11, 202442 minEp. 78
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