On this episode of The Chuck Toddcast, Congressman Greg Landsman joins Chuck for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk at an event on the Utah Valley University campus. The two dig into how political rhetoric has spiraled out of control, the role of social media algorithms in fueling polarization, and why platforms shouldn’t be shielded from accountability. Landsman argues that leaders who cross the line with their rhetoric must be called out and stresses the urgent need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people before the U.S. slips further into a dangerous cycle of political violence.

From there, the discussion shifts to governing—what Landsman learned on Cincinnati’s city council, why Congress has become dysfunctional since 9/11, and the frustrating reality that most bills are more about messaging than legislating. They also tackle foreign policy, including the stakes of defending Taiwan, the risks of Trump’s trade war with China, and whether an “Asian NATO” could prevent a wider conflict. Plus, Landsman reflects on Kamala Harris’s book, the pressures from party leadership, and the uncertainty of his own political future as redistricting looms.

(This conversation was recorded prior to the news of Charlie Kirk’s death)

Timeline:

00:00 Congressman Greg Landsman joins the Chuck Toddcast

00:15 Charlie Kirk shot at event on UVU campus

03:00 We need to turn down the temperature on political rhetoric

04:15 Social media algorithms have accelerated polarization

06:45 Being super online warps your brain

08:00 Political leadership that crosses the line needs to be called out

08:30 Social media companies shouldn’t be shielded from litigation

09:30 Algorithms turn social media platforms into publishers

11:00 Need to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people

12:30 We’re likely to slide into a “which side is more violent” debate

14:15 Why no committee investigation into Trump assassination attempt?

16:30 The country is a tinderbox, the president needs to calm the waters

19:15 Democrats have been chasing Trump for 10 years

20:15 Democrats need to offer solutions and not just opposition to Trump

22:15 What did Greg do before entering politics?

23:15 What was the experience like on the city council?

27:00 Local government teaches you the basics of governing

31:00 After 9/11, congressional leaders ruined congress

32:15 700 bills made it out of committee, 50 made it to the floor

33:15 Most bills on the floor are messaging bills

34:30 America is only united when we have a common external enemy

35:30 We could be in World War 3 within a couple years

36:30 U.S. needs to make clear that it will defend allies

37:45 How do you sell defending Taiwan to the American people?

38:45 Should we have an Asian NATO?

40:00 We have to increase the cost to China for messing with Taiwan

41:15 Trump’s trade war increases the likelihood of a hot war

43:35 Thoughts on the excerpts from Kamala Harris’s book?

45:00 Were you pressured by the administration into not saying anything?

47:30 Will your seat be redistricted?

Interview only w/ Congressman Greg Landsman - America Is A Political Tinderbox Ripe For Violence

The Chuck ToddCast