On episode 2 of the brand-new Chuck Toddcast, Chuck is joined by Jake Sherman, founder of Punchbowl News and one of the most well-connected reporters on Capitol Hill.

But first, Chuck reflects on the results of the special elections in Florida and the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which showed that the base of the out-of-power party is fired up. He explains why this suggests voters are more inclined to vote against a party rather than for one. He also discusses why the party in question is in desperate need of soul-searching and possible realignment to build a winning coalition.

Then, Jake Sherman joins the conversation to discuss the latest from D.C. They begin by examining Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to send the House home for the week after a dispute over proxy voting for members of Congress—and why Johnson’s power is tied directly to President Donald Trump. They also explore the revenge-driven mindset that has shaped decision-making on Capitol Hill and the lack of Republican pushback against Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

They dive into how the dynamics of the current Congress differ from those of years past and why some Republicans might view their loss in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race through rose-colored glasses—thanks in part to Elon Musk.

They wrap up by discussing whether Democrats could see a shake-up in leadership and the timeline for passing a tax cut and a debt ceiling extension.

Finally, Chuck wraps up with a listener question in the “Ask Chuck” segment by giving his take on whether the debate around a Trump third term was a smokescreen to knock “Signalgate” out of the news cycle.

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction

2:00 Voters are telling us what they DON’T like

5:00 Democrats need to do some soul searching

9:45 Democrats can’t just be “anti-Trump”

11:17 Jake Sherman joins the show

15:50 Mike Johnson sends the house home

20:30 Is Johnson powerless without Trump?

23:10 Revenge is the mindset of Republicans

25:50 Any appetite in Congress to take back authority from the executive branch?

28:15 Will economic downturn/tariffs scare elected Republicans

31:20 Lack of experience in Trump’s cabinet

38:00 Could we see a deluge of Republican retirements from Congress

41:25 Members of Congress are different now

43:28 Republicans secretly happy they can blame Elon Musk for the Wisconsin loss?

46:28 Would Chuck Schumer win a leadership vote in the Senate?

49:05 Timeline for passing tax cuts/debt ceiling extension?

56:05 Ask Chuck: Was the “Trump third term” debate a smokescreen to knock “Signalgate” out of the news”

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)