Episode Details

On this episode of The Chuck ToddCast, Chuck previews the Democratic prospects for the 2028 presidential election, highlighting why Gavin Newsom has shot to the top of the field and debates which candidate is most likely to win the “centrist” lane.

Then, at the Texas Tribune Festival, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership in the Trump era, the future of Democratic politics, and the policy challenges shaping the next decade. Moore reflects on governing a state uniquely positioned at the crossroads of America’s north and south — and uniquely impacted by Donald Trump’s presidency. He and Chuck dig into the shutdown’s political fallout, why the legal theory behind shutdowns has always been flimsy, and how Maryland worked to blunt its effects. Moore also lays out why kicking people off healthcare is an indefensible shutdown tactic, what Democrats got right and wrong in their approach, and how states can tackle crime without relying on the myths surrounding the National Guard.

The conversation turns toward the issues that will define 2026 and beyond, including skyrocketing electric bills, the urgent need to rapidly diversify energy production, and the responsibility tech companies bear as AI and data centers reshape local communities. Moore challenges Democrats to rethink their discomfort with Wall Street, argues that poverty is the result of deliberate policy design, and explains how racial wealth theft — from redlining to inequitable lending — continues to hold the economy back. Chuck also presses him on 2028 rumors, his vision for restoring bipartisanship in a polarized country, and why national service might help rebuild trust in American institutions. Packed with policy, perspective, and political strategy, it’s a candid look at how one of the party’s rising stars sees the road ahead.

Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.

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Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s Introduction

01:00 Big takeaways from interview with Wes Moore

03:15 Gavin Newsom has shot to the top of Dem presidential candidates

04:15 Gavin Newsom won 2025 on Dem side, Vance on GOP side

06:00 Dems need to win governor races in red states to have good midterm

07:15 Will Shapiro, Moore or Beshear win the centrist lane?

10:30 If Dems are successful in ‘26 they may not want a partisan warrior

14:45 Texas Tribune introduction

15:30 Chuck Todd is joined by Maryland Governor Wes Moore

17:45 Balancing optimism in pessimism in the current political climate

19:15 No state has felt the impact of Trump more than Maryland

21:15 Maryland is where America’s north and south blend & clash

22:00 Confronting Trump vs. preparing for a post-Trump world

25:45 Did the Democrats take the right approach to the shutdown?

26:30 Shutdowns are predicated on a legal theory, not the constitution

28:15 Maryland took steps to mitigate damage from the shutdown

29:30 Kicking people off healthcare is an indefensible position for shutdown

31:15 Does Donald Trump have a point about crime in major cities?

32:45 How Maryland was able to significantly low