Episode 92

Jen Psaki explains why the news of President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter should not distract you from the people who pose actual threats to our country's national security - like Donald Trump's top cabinet picks. Among them, Pete Hegseth was the subject of a jaw-dropping exposé in the New Yorker, revealing that he was often intoxicated on the job in his early career. Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder join Jen to discuss the importance of thorough FBI background checks in the confirmation process, from their experience as counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Next, Senator Alex Padilla joins the show to discuss his concerns about Trump's picks for top administration roles and the importance of "restoring norms" to protect our democracy. Jen is also joined by Former Romney Campaign Advisor Kevin Madden and NBC Capitol Hill Correspondent Ali Vitali to discuss what behind-the-scenes considerations might look like on Capitol Hill as Trump's cabinet picks meet with Senators. Later, following Trump's nomination of Charles Kushner to serve as Ambassador to France, Jen breaks down Kushner's "loathsome" criminal history and why it should be disqualifying. Finally, Jen is joined by Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin to discuss why he decided to join the race for DNC chair.