Planet America
Season 2024
Campaign insiders, top reporters and pundits join the ABC's John Barron and The Chaser's Chas Licciardello on Planet America each week. Essential viewing for political junkies or those just trying to work out what on earth is going on in the US election.
Where to Watch Planet America • Season 2024
82 Episodes
- Donald Trump visits the Supreme Court to remain on the ballotE1
Donald Trump visits the Supreme Court to remain on the ballot Planet America returns for a huge year, with Donald Trump visiting the Supreme Court to remain on the ballot. Also, how do the Iowa caucuses work and why do they matter? Do they still matter? With insights from Iowa watchers Steve Deace and Kay Henderson as well as UVA legal expert Sai Prakesh. - Donald Trump and Nikki Haley last two standing in Republican primariesE3
Donald Trump and Nikki Haley last two standing in Republican primariesAnd then there were two: as Trump claims a second state in the New Hampshire primaries, Haley ponders the road ahead. Also, why Joe Biden’s best chance could be Donald Trump. And, is the US push for a two-state solution doomed to fail? - Court rules Trump has no right to immunity from January 6 riotsE6
Court rules Trump has no right to immunity from January 6 riotsCould Stormy’s hush money become Trump's first big trial? Also, dead on arrival: Biden blames Trump after border bill falters. And is America risking another Forever War in the Middle East? - Nikki Haley's last stand and the election conspiracies surrounding Taylor SwiftE11
Nikki Haley's last stand and the election conspiracies surrounding Taylor SwiftWill South Carolina be Nikki Haley’s last stand? Also, North Korea’s war talk and do Republicans really believe Taylor Swift is rigging the election? - Trump receives special treatment and could Gaza cost Biden the election?E13
Trump receives special treatment and could Gaza cost Biden the election?Justice delayed, or justice denied? Trump gets special treatment from the Supreme Court. Also, Mitch McConnell’s controversial legacy and could the ‘Uncommitted Vote’ over Gaza cost Biden the election? - Could the Sunshine State become a swing state again?E20
Could the Sunshine State become a swing state again?With abortion and marijuana on the ballot, could the Sunshine State become a swing state again? We ask Anna Hochkammer from the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition and political scientist Professor Aubrey Jewett. - Biden’s last Democratic presidential rival Marianne Williamson on the campaignE21
Biden’s last Democratic presidential rival Marianne Williamson on the campaignBiden’s last remaining Democratic presidential rival Marianne Williamson tells John and Chas why she’s still in the race. And we ask national security expert Mackenzie Eaglen what a breakdown in bipartisanship means for Ukraine and the future of American defence. - What happens next for Donald Trump's hush-money trial?E23
What happens next for Donald Trump's hush-money trial?Defendant in chief; with all 12 jurors seated, what’s next for Trump’s hush-money trial? We ask former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks. Also, the ‘Great Dechurching’ - why millions of Americans have stopped going to church. - US President Joe Biden makes big changes before time runs outE26
US President Joe Biden makes big changes before time runs outBiden makes some big changes before time runs out, but is he risking black lives because he wants black votes? And why puppy-slayer Kristi Noem is unlikely to be Trump’s running mate. - Gone to pot… will Biden’s marijuana-move save his campaign?E27
Gone to pot… will Biden’s marijuana-move save his campaign?Gone to pot… will Biden’s marijuana-move save his campaign? Also, RFK Jr’s “no spoiler” election plot, the racist rant that wasn’t and ….odour in the court: is Trump letting it rip during his trial? - Trump’s hush-money trial gets very StormyE28
Trump’s hush-money trial gets very StormyTrump’s hush-money trial gets very Stormy, while Kristi Noem remains in the doghouse. Also, are campus protests threatening Democrats’ re-election chances like 1968? We ask UVA’s chief political scientist Larry Sabato - Biden’s warning to a defiant NetanyahuE29
Biden’s warning to a defiant NetanyahuBiden’s warning to a defiant Netanyahu. Also, with six months to go, who is winning? Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman on the state of the Biden v Trump race. And … sex with the president. Criminal defense expert Anna Cominsky explains why Stormy’s testimony was dangerous for both sides - Untrustworthy? Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen takes the standE30
Untrustworthy? Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen takes the standUntrustworthy? Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen takes the stand, while Republicans show they stand with Trump. Also, gold bars, bribes, and favours for Egypt: the damning evidence in Senator Bob Menendez’s corruption trial. And battleground polls: are voters bailing on Biden? - A front row seat to Trump’s NY trial with journalist Jonathan AlterE31
A front row seat to Trump’s NY trial with journalist Jonathan AlterA front row seat to Trump’s NY trial with journalist Jonathan Alter. Also, why the Biden-Trump debate is risky for both sides. And as immigration remains a key election issue, we look at why the southern border is moving further south - Let the circus begin; which candidate holds the advantage heading into the debates?E32
Let the circus begin; which candidate holds the advantage heading into the debates?Let the circus begin; which candidate holds the advantage heading into the debates? Also, Congress erupts into chaos as MTG and AOC trade insults .. and the defense rests in the hush-money trial without Trump taking the stand. - Nikki Haley to vote for “unhinged” TrumpE33
Nikki Haley to vote for “unhinged” TrumpThis week on the Fireside Chat, Nikki Haley to vote for “unhinged” Trump, the truth about that “Reich” video and is waning US political support for Ukraine giving Russia the upper hand? We ask war journalist Alisa Sopova. - Donald Trump is now a convicted felon, what does that mean for the 2024 election?E35
Donald Trump is now a convicted felon, what does that mean for the 2024 election?Guilty! With Trump now a convicted felon, what does that mean for the 2024 election? John and Chas are joined by journalist and author Nick Bryant, US District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin and former Trump campaign advisor Sam Nunberg. - Will Trump be running his election campaign behind bars?E36
Will Trump be running his election campaign behind bars?Will Trump be running his election campaign behind bars? We ask a New York judge. Also, Hunter Biden makes history for all the wrong reasons and Republicans accuse Dr Fauci of a Covid coverup. - Trump steps up his VP search, so who made the short list?E37
Trump steps up his VP search, so who made the short list?Trump steps up his VP search, so who made the short list? Also, the backlash to Biden’s immigration policy and as the battle for Kharkiv continues, Biden draws parallels between Ukraine and WW2. With guest host David Lipson. - Did Hunter Biden go to trial because he is the president's son?E38
Did Hunter Biden go to trial because he is the president's son?Guilty as charged. But did Hunter Biden go to trial because he is the president’s son? We ask a former federal prosecutor. Also, the political fallout following Trump’s guilty verdict and Republicans’ field day at Biden’s D-Day - Is truth dead? We ask guest Jon Ronson what makes the conspiracy theorist tickE40
Is truth dead? We ask guest Jon Ronson what makes the conspiracy theorist tickIs truth dead? As Alex Jones is forced to liquidate his assets, we ask guest Jon Ronson what makes the conspiracy theorist tick. Also, Trump returns to the Hill and Chas debunks some viral Biden Malarkey! - Is Trump’s play for Latino voters working?E41
Is Trump’s play for Latino voters working?As Biden unveils his new immigration plan, we ask Lincoln Project co-founder Mike Madrid whether Trump’s play for Latino voters is working. Also, violent crime is down, but why don’t people believe it? And everything you need to know about the first Trump v Biden debate. - Face-off! Join Chas and John for a Biden-Trump debate speciaE43
Face-off! Join Chas and John for a Biden-Trump debate speciaFace-off! Join Chas and John for a Biden-Trump debate special as they unpack the good, the bad and the ugly with guests Republican strategist Liz Mair and former Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp. - Donald Trump's chances of winning and Kamala Harris's brat summerE46
Donald Trump's chances of winning and Kamala Harris's brat summer Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton on Kamala and why he has no regrets about calling on Biden to quit, while former DNC Chair Howard Dean tells Planet America this is a race Democrats “will win”. - Kamala-mentum! As election polls tighten, is Trump afraid to debate Kamala?E47
Kamala-mentum! As election polls tighten, is Trump afraid to debate Kamala?What does Biden dropping out mean for third parties? We ask rival presidential candidate Cornel West. Also, JD’s couch, border czar ‘failures’ and Kamala’s high-stakes veepstakes. - Tim Walz is Harris's VP pick. So who is the ‘nice guy’ going after Trump & Vance?E49
Tim Walz is Harris's VP pick. So who is the ‘nice guy’ going after Trump & Vance?“Let’s do this!” The Veep’s Veep is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. So, who is the ‘nice guy’ going after ‘weird’ Trump and Vance? Also, the historic prisoner swap, the polls scrambling the race and how a dead bear cub is the latest twist in RFK’s faltering campaign. - Harris v Trump debate showdown confirmedE50
Harris v Trump debate showdown confirmedWith a Harris v Trump debate showdown is confirmed, we look at what the polls say. Pollster and former Harris staffer Joshua Doss joins the show. Also, fact-checking Republican claims about Walz’s military record and the act of ‘political violence’ against Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden. - Harris surges in polls and Trump rambles with Musk. Where does Trump go from here?E51
Harris surges in polls and Trump rambles with Musk. Where does Trump go from here?Harris hits the road and surges in the polls, while Trump rambles with Elon and rages over crowd size. So where does Trump go from here? We ask a veteran political strategist whether Trump is just losing ground or losing the plot. - Should Kamala talk to the press? And should Trump talk less?E52
Should Kamala talk to the press? And should Trump talk less?We ask Semafor’s Washington Bureau Chief Benjy Sarlin and Republican strategist Ying Ma. Also, reading between the lines of ‘fake news’ and the sudden surge of enthusiasm for the 2024 race. - Highlights of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Kamala takes centre stageE54
Highlights of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Kamala takes centre stage“Not going back.” It was the most important speech of Kamala Harris’ career, so did she meet the moment? Plus, Oprah, the Obamas, the Clintons, and Lil Jon. To discuss the key moments, John and Chas are joined from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago by former California Governor Gray Davis. - RFK Jr endorses Trump while Kamala basks in post-DNC gloryE55
RFK Jr endorses Trump while Kamala basks in post-DNC gloryThe worm has turned – RFK Jr suspends his presidential run and endorses Trump. Also, as Kamala basks in post-DNC glory, we talk to a DNC delegate who isn’t happy. John and Julia are joined by Asma Mohammed, of the ‘Uncommitted Voter Movement’. - Kamala's first interview while Trump makes sexist remarksE56
Kamala's first interview while Trump makes sexist remarksKamala finally sits for her first interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, so how did she go? Meanwhile Trump promises to be a champion for women’s reproductive rights while he and JD Vance double down on sexist attacks. John and co-host Julia Baird are joined by Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and UVA’s Dr Larry Sabato. - Trump under fire for stunt at Arlington and unrelenting scrutiny of Tim Walz’s pastE57
Trump under fire for stunt at Arlington and unrelenting scrutiny of Tim Walz’s pastTrump under fire for stunt on sacred ground, but what really happened at Arlington? Also, the unrelenting scrutiny of Tim Walz’s past and could the Green Party help hand the election to Donald Trump? We ask presidential candidate Dr Jill Stein. - Trump and Harris prepare to face off in prime time TV debateE58
Trump and Harris prepare to face off in prime time TV debateIt’s prime time in the presidential race, as Trump and Harris prepare to face off in a TV debate that will be watched by millions. Also, the polls warning of another nail-biter election and the pro-Trump influencers being funded by Russia. - Trump's fake claim targeting immigrants and Taylor Swift's endorsement for HarrisE60
Trump's fake claim targeting immigrants and Taylor Swift's endorsement for Harris“They’re eating the pets!” How Trump’s fake claim targeting immigrants came back to bite him. Also, what a Taylor Swift endorsement means for Kamala Harris …. and could the debate decide the election? We ask political strategists Julie Roginsky and Ford O’Connell. - Another assassination attempt on Trump, is political violence America's new normal?E61
Another assassination attempt on Trump, is political violence America's new normal?Is political violence America’s new normal? After another assassination attempt on Trump and racist attacks on immigrants, Chas and John discuss conspiracy theories and violent revenge rhetoric with expert Katherine Keneally. - Prophet says "Harris will win" and Springfield resident tells Trump to stay awayE62
Prophet says "Harris will win" and Springfield resident tells Trump to stay away“Harris will win.” Why the prophet of American elections is ready to call the 2024 presidential race. Also, Springfield residents tell Trump to stay away after his baseless pet-eating claims lead to violence and why a ‘Nazi’ sex scandal could derail a crucial battleground state. - Will Trump be stumped by the 'Black Nazi' in North Carolina?E63
Will Trump be stumped by the 'Black Nazi' in North Carolina?Could a ‘Black Nazi’ candidate sabotage Trump’s chances in the battleground state of North Carolina? We ask special guest and civil rights legend Rev Al Sharpton. Also, why the Veep doesn’t really help run the country and tipping’s troubling history. - What do the polls reveal six weeks before the US Presidential Election?E64
What do the polls reveal six weeks before the US Presidential Election? What do polls reveal six weeks before the election? Also, what it takes to win the critical Tar Heel State, the ban on deep fakes and the mystery behind a sudden drop in overdose deaths. With Republican strategist Paul Shumaker and NYU drug epidemiologist Dr Joseph Palamar. - Vance-Walz face-off in vice presidential debate but do voters even care?E65
Vance-Walz face-off in vice presidential debate but do voters even care?VP face-off! The highlights and the lowlights of the Vance-Walz debate, but do voters even care? Also, Trump calls for a violent purge to end crime and Hurricane Helene’s devastation becomes a political flashpoint. - Jimmy Carter at 100 and the Senate races that will decide the next US PresidentE66
Jimmy Carter at 100 and the Senate races that will decide the next US PresidentJimmy Carter at 100: Why he was an easier person to admire than work for, according to his former White House speechwriter. Also, the Senate races that will decide what America’s next president can get done and why home-schooling has moved from the fringe to the mainstream. With guests James Fallows and Cook Political Report’s Jessica Taylor. - Trump teams up with Elon while misinformation surges in the presidential electionE67
Trump teams up with Elon while misinformation surges in the presidential electionAs hurricanes batter the United States, a perfect storm of misinformation is surging. Meanwhile Trump teams up with Elon, while Harris teams up with Call Her Daddy and Melina asks why everyone is talking about fracking! With guests Mike Rothschild and Brian Riedl. - Will a bombshell claim about Trump and Putin affect Trump’s election chances?E68
Will a bombshell claim about Trump and Putin affect Trump’s election chances?Will a bombshell claim about Trump and Putin affect Trump’s election chances? Also, a factcheck on Trump’s claim that Biden stole FEMA funds to pay illegal immigrants. And Call Her Daddy! Is Kamala’s alternative media strategy working? With Democratic strategist Tracy Sefl and Republican economist Brian Riedl. - Early voting begins as the US election gets underwayE70
Early voting begins as the US election gets underwayIt’s game on as early voting begins and the election gets underway. Join Chas and John as they dissect Harris and Trump’s closing statements and explore voting in the storm-ravaged battleground state of North Carolina. - Trump and Harris feel the heat as Elon hands out millions to swing state votersE71
Trump and Harris feel the heat as Elon hands out millions to swing state votersTrump and Harris feel the heat while Elon hands out millions to swing state voters. Meanwhile Democrats make the most of Taylor Swift’s endorsement and Lincoln Project co-founder Mike Madrid reveals the key to winning the election. - Former NSA director reveals insights into Trump, Obama, and HarrisE72
Former NSA director reveals insights into Trump, Obama, and HarrisAs his former Chief of Staff warns Trump is a fascist, his former NSA director reveals insights into Trump, Obama, and Harris. Will he also use the F-word? And what are the cyberthreats facing this election; will deep fakes change voters’ minds? - Will Biden’s garbage gaffe hurt Kamala’s campaign?E74
Will Biden’s garbage gaffe hurt Kamala’s campaign?Will Biden’s garbage gaffe hurt Kamala’s campaign? Also, the 1798 law Trump wants to use to carry out mass deportations and with the bro-vote crucial to Trump’s election hopes, we ask expert Rachel Kleinfeld why young men are drifting to the right. - Donald's in and Kamala's out. What happens next?E76
Donald's in and Kamala's out. What happens next?Donald’s in, Kamala’s out. So, what happens next? Join Chas and John as they unpack the fallout from a consequential election with Republican strategist Ford O’Connell and former Democratic Senator Carol Moseley-Braun. - Who's in Donald Trump's new cabinet and what went wrong for the Democrats?E77
Who's in Donald Trump's new cabinet and what went wrong for the Democrats?Team Trump Assemble! Who’s who in the new cabinet as loyalists reap their rewards. So, what went wrong for the Democrats? We ask strategist Julie Roginsky. And Chas busts some election malarkey on the 20 million ‘missing votes. - Will GOP senators reject Trump's controversial cabinet picks?E79
Will GOP senators reject Trump's controversial cabinet picks?Is Bobby Kennedy unfit for office? We ask former Department of Health boss Kathleen Sebelius. Also, Trump digs in as more sexual misconduct allegations haunt Gaetz and Hegseth. Will GOP senators reject the controversial cabinet picks? - Will Matt Gaetz's withdrawal impact Trump's other controversial picks?E80
Will Matt Gaetz's withdrawal impact Trump's other controversial picks?Matt Gaetz is out; will that impact Trump’s other controversial picks? We ask The Washington Post’s Liz Goodwin. And as Ukraine launches long-range missiles into Russia, we ask former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor if Putin is bluffing with his nukes. - Trump's team skips background checks, Elon and Vivek's plan to fix America's debtE81
Trump's team skips background checks, Elon and Vivek's plan to fix America's debtWill Trump’s team get confirmed without background checks? We ask former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi. Also, Elon and Vivek’s plan to fix America’s debt, and why being president could make Trump a whole lot richer. - A look back on an extraordinary year and a look ahead to Trump's second termE82
A look back on an extraordinary year and a look ahead to Trump's second termn this final Fireside Chat of 2024, John and Chas look back on an extraordinary year with Senator Heidi Heitkamp and look ahead to Trump’s second term with Governor Jim Gilmore. Also, the fight over fluoride ascends to the White House, but what do the scientists say? We ask USC’s Professor Howard Hu.