Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Even police chiefs in Minnesota are calling out ICE tactics as race-based and out of line. This week, Alex focuses on what comes next — from conditions at ICE detention centers, to the long-term impacts this lawless use of force will have on communities. First Alex speaks to David Wilson, an immigration attorney in Minneapolis about the horrible treatment and lack of medical care his clients are facing. Then she’s joined by MS NOW Political and National Correspondent, Jacob Soboroff, to talk about what he’s seeing on the ground in Minneapolis, how Trump 2.0 immigration enforcement compares to the family separation policy he covered during the first term, and his new book “Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster”.

This week, the House and Senate voted nearly unanimously to release all of the files related to the investigation into sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, after President Trump pulled a complete 180 and signaled his support. So how and why did things change? Alex speaks to Marina Lacerda, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, about why the release is so important for both a sense of justice and her personal healing. Then, Alex is joined by attorney and political commentator George Conway to talk about what the bill in Congress requires, and how to read into the defections of MAGA politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene, which catalyzed the party’s great reversal on the issue.

Democrats and Republicans may seem worlds apart politically, but both parties are running into a similar problem – getting pushed into uncomfortable positions. Less than a week after election wins across the country, it only took 7 Democratic Senators and one Independent to wipe away the feeling of victory and instead cave to Trump and the GOP’s bullying on the government shutdown. Republicans, however, have their own problems as exposed by the rift over Tucker Carlson embracing far-right antagonist Nick Fuentes. This week, Alex is joined by Zohran Mamdani’s political strategist, Morris Katz, and twitch streamer and political commentator, Hasan Piker, to break down how politicians can find their backbone again.

Jon is joined by Democratic message guru Anat Shenker-Osorio and longtime political strategist Michael Podhorzer to talk about how swing voters are reacting to a Harris-Walz ticket and what message the campaign will need to win them over in November. They break down why Tim Walz has been a uniquely effective messenger, how Kamala Harris is reclaiming freedom from Republicans, and how Minnesota’s 2018 “Greater than Fear” campaign set the stage for this moment.

Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell to discuss how swing voters are reacting to Kamala Harris’ unexpected campaign for president. How did they react to Biden’s decision to withdraw? What concerns do they have about Kamala Harris’ chances against Trump? And is her candidacy reigniting their capacity for hope? Sarah shares new focus group tape from Kamala Harrs’ first week on the campaign trail to find the answers and talks to Jon about the Vice President’s path to the White House.

Jon is joined by pollster Terrance Woodbury and Lavora Barnes, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, to talk about the black voters who may cast their ballots for Trump this November. Who are they? Why are they leaving the Democratic Party? And how can we bring them back into the fold? Jon, Terrance, and Lavora dive into focus group tape, the Trump campaign’s strategy, and Biden’s recent speeches to find a message that works for these voters and then John Taylor, co-founder of Black Male Initiative Georgia, reminds us that the work of organizing should always begin with love.

Welcome back to The Wilderness. Jon talks about what it will take to rebuild 2020’s anti-Trump coalition with political analyst Ron Brownstein, political scientist Lynn Vavreck, Democratic strategist Addisu Demissie, Democratic strategist Jen Palmieri, and Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. They’ll talk about the risks of a second Trump term and how you can help prevent it. It may be a challenging road ahead, but by taking the time to persuade the persuadables in your life it’s possible to finally break Trump’s stranglehold on our politics.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not an undecided voter. But if you don’t want Donald Trump to become president again, between now and November you’ll need to convince as many as you can to cast their ballot for Joe Biden. With the help of some of the smartest strategists, pollsters, and organizers in politics today, host Jon Favreau explores the minds of voters who will decide the 2024 election, and gives you everything you need to persuade the persuadables in your life. Episodes 1 & 2 premiere May 26. New episodes every other Sunday.

Can Democrats keep Georgia blue? We hear from young Black voters in Atlanta about Stacey Abrams, Raphael Warnock, Joe Biden, voting rights, and the future of democracy. Organizer Nsé Ufot, political commentator and strategist Symone Sanders, and pollster Terrance Woodbury join Jon to discuss what they had to say. New episodes of The Wilderness drop every Monday. Subscribe to The Wilderness wherever you get your podcasts.

Are demographics destiny? We talk to working-class Latino voters in Las Vegas about what issues matter most to them and whether they’ll vote for Democrats this fall. Political scientist Ruy Teixeira, former Bernie Sanders presidential campaign manager Faiz Shakir, and Carlos Odio of EquisLabs join to discuss. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Culinary Union 226: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/ https://www.culinaryunion226.org/

Are young voters the key to the midterms? We hear from disillusioned Gen-Z voters in Orange County, California as well as their Member of Congress, Katie Porter. Then Data For Progress’ Evangel Penumaka, organizer and former Texas Democratic Senate candidate Cristina Tzintzún-Ramirez, and John Della Volpe of Harvard Kennedy School join Jon to dig into what the voters had to say. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Next Gen America: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/ https://nextgenamerica.org/

How can Democrats reach disconnected voters? We talk to Biden voters in Pittsburgh who are fed up with national politics. Jon breaks down their responses with Pennsylvania Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, data expert Dan Wagner, and John Fetterman senior campaign strategist Rebecca Katz. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Pennsylvania United: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/ https://www.mobilize.us/paunited/event/493306/

Why would Biden voters support Republicans? We hear from party switchers in Loudoun County who turned Virginia red in 2021 by voting for Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. Communications expert Anat Shenker Osorio, organizer Tram Nguyen, and Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark join Jon to discuss. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and New Virginia Majority: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/ https://www.newvirginiamajority.org/

What’s the winning message in 2020? We talk about how to overcome Trump’s massive media advantage and deliver a message that resonates everywhere with the smartest people we know. Jon Favreau sits down to answer some of questions about The Wilderness Season 2, the democratic primary, and what democrats need to do to win the general election. You can subscribe to Crooked's YouTube channel and watch it here: https://youtu.be/2kbOgJvznUU  For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can Democrats beat Trump’s divisive politics? We spend time with Obama-Trump voters in Milwaukee, and sit down with political leaders and strategists who know how to win in the Midwest. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can Democrats turn out new voters? We talk about expanding the electorate with Stacey Abrams and spend time with organizers and occasional voters in Florida. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

Are the Sunbelt’s suburbs key to victory in November? We talk to Romney-Clinton voters in Arizona and follow a candidate who’s trying to flip her changing district. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can grassroots organizers flip a red state? We talk to women who are trying to turn Pennsylvania blue and defeat Susan Collins, and sit down with a focus group of disaffected Democrats outside of Philadelphia. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

What can the 2018 midterms teach us about 2020? A deep dive into how the Blue Wave shapes the race against Donald Trump and the path to 270. For a transcript of this show, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

In the series finale, Barack Obama and Jon Favreau have a conversation on the story we need to tell about America. What should the Democratic Party’s message be in 2018? Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can we recruit a new generation of winning candidates? Three young, recently-elected Democrats talk about what it’s like to run for office. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How democratic should the Democratic Party be? The evolving relationship between party leaders and grassroots organizers. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can Democrats break through in today’s media environment? A strategy for rethinking the way we communicate with the public. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can Democrats avoid conventional thinking on foreign policy? A discussion about what a new era of American leadership might look like. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

What does a bold, progressive economic agenda look like? Policy experts talk about the big ideas that can shape the Democratic Party’s platform. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

Why do we have an historic level of inequality in this country? The economic transformations and political decisions that have diminished the American Dream. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

What’s the best way to fight for a humane immigration policy? Immigration advocates talk about the decisions that shaped the debate and where we go from here. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How can Democrats build a multiracial coalition that adds up to an electoral majority? A discussion about whether it’s necessary or possible to win back voters we’ve lost. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How do we fight for justice and equality in the face of racism? The struggle to break the cycle of progress and backlash that defines race and politics in America. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this show, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How do we fix what’s wrong with the Democratic Party? Focus groups of Democratic voters in Texas and Michigan, along with thousands of callers, offer their views.  Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness. For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

What is Barack Obama’s legacy? A closer look at how an historic presidency shaped the party and the country. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.

How did we get here? The history of the Democratic Party, from its birth in the 1820s through the election of Barack Obama. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/thewilderness.