Elon's Exit from Trump Administration + Amanda Litman on Recruiting the Next Democratic Leaders

Chuck Todd reacts to Elon Musk leaving the Trump Administration and discusses the valuable lessons to be learned from Elon’s tenure. Chuck also reacts to the recent pardons by Donald Trump and explains why they are bad for the country. Then he discusses the problems with the “big, beautiful bill”.

Then, Chuck is joined by Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run For Something, to discuss the future of Democratic leadership and the urgent need to recruit a new generation of candidates. They examine how Republicans, following the lead of Newt Gingrich’s GoPAC, have outpaced Democrats in preparing talent for public office — and why the Democratic bench remains so thin.

Litman shares insights into the challenges young progressives face, from lack of institutional support to financial and family pressures. They discuss the messy but well-intentioned efforts like David Hogg’s DNC initiative, the communication gap with younger voters, and why the information ecosystem is reshaping political engagement.

Together, they explore the mechanics of candidate recruitment, debates over ideological litmus tests, and how Run For Something navigates hot-button issues like trans rights and independent candidacies. From socioeconomic diversity in elected office to the underrepresentation of renters and working-class Americans, this conversation is a candid look at how Democrats can rebuild from the ground up — and what success might look like in the 2026 midterms.

Finally, in “Ask Chuck,” Chuck digs into the mailbag to answer one of the biggest questions about the state of politics.

00:00 - Chuck recaps his weekend

06:26 - Elon’s Exit from Trump Administration

14:43 - Reaction to Trump’s pardons

21:49 – Amanda Litman joins the Chuck Toddcast!

22:19 – What is “Run For Something”?

24:19 – Newt Gingrich started GoPAC to prep candidates on the right

25:19 – The DNC dropped the ball on prepping candidates

27:34 – Emily’s List was good for candidate training, but only for women

29:04 – There are very few young elected Democrats

30:04 – David Hogg’s DNC effort is a noble one, but messy for the DNC

32:19 – The generational divide in the Democratic party

33:49 – Democrats need younger leaders to speak to younger voters

34:49 – The Republican party changed drastically in ten years

35:49 – Voters under 35 have seen a lot of government failure

37:49 – Voters receive their information so differently now

39:04 – What is the process for recruiting and training candidates?

42:49 – Is there an ideological litmus test for prospective candidates?

44:04 – Trans issues have been very challenging for progressives

45:49 – What if a candidate's passion issue isn’t a voting issue?

47:04 – Will “Run For Something” recruit and run independent candidates?

49:49 – Could we see a lot of former federal employees run for office?

51:49 – Will Run For Something get involved in debates about updating the democracy

53:19 – Legislators should be paid more

55:19 – Lack of money and kids are a huge impediment to candidates under 40

57:19 – We need more socioeconomic diversity in elected office*

59:19 – Renters aren’t represented in Congress*

61:04 – The Democrats have become the “presidency or bust” party*

63:04 – If you want to improve the Democratic brand, you have to change the politicians

65:19 – What does success look like in 2026 midterms?

67:22 – “Ask Chuck”