On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, the conversation turns to the political battles shaping 2025. From the issues Democrats should lean into—and the ones they should avoid—to Trump’s trolling of Chicago and his administration’s push for a showdown over crime and “terrorism,” the stakes are high. Chuck dives into how the White House is setting the stage for possible military action against cartels and even Venezuela, with flimsy constitutional justifications that have sparked pushback from voices like Rand Paul.

Finally, Chuck gives a history lesson on Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and its impact on modern politics, recaps the weekend in college football, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 The issues Democrats should run on, and issues they should avoid

01:15 Trump's trolling of Chicago got the reaction he wanted

02:30 The administration wants a showdown over Chicago

04:30 The administration's aggressive application of the term "terrorism"

06:15 The Democratic base wants fight, government shutdown likely

08:15 Trump administration setting the stage for war with Venezuela

09:30 Administration needs to justify designating cartels terrorists

12:45 Trump's justification to congress for military action against cartels

15:00 Trump's justification was lacking, and didn't mention Venezuela

16:15 Trump ignoring the constitution in rationalizing action against cartels

17:45 Vance says fighting cartels is best use of military

19:15 JD gets into back and forth with Rand Paul on X

20:45 Venezuela story should be consuming Washington

22:15 Rand Paul has been willing to be combative with administration

25:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Abdul El-Sayed

26:45 This week in history - Chuck's history lesson

27:45 Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon on September 8th,

1974 29:30 The case for pardoning Nixon

31:45 The case against pardoning Nixon

34:30 Ford's decision implied the country couldn't handle a trial

35:45 A majority of the country thought the pardon was wrong

37:30 Nixon never got his due process

38:45 Pardon was a stain on presidential decision making

39:15 College football update

43:15 Ask Chuck

43:45 Why Putin won't grant Trump a ceasefire

46:45 Why do Epstein victims face dehumanization when Trump doesn't?

50:30 Thoughts on the political salience of this season of South Park?

Chuck’s Commentary - Is Trump Prepping The U.S. For War With Venezuela? + This Week In History + Ask Chuck

The Chuck ToddCast