The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Drawing upon his experience as a former chief of staff on the Senate Finance Committee and as an Emmy-winning executive producer and writer of ‘The West Wing,’ Lawrence O’Donnell examines the compelling and impactful political stories of the day. Join him every weeknight.
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Episode's summary

This episode features discussions from MSNOW Live in Texas regarding political strategies, focusing on Republican spending patterns and election vulnerabilities in states like Texas and Georgia. The program includes an interview with Tejano singer Bobby Pulido about his congressional run in South Texas and how he utilizes his musical career to connect with working-class voters. The episode also features Stacey Abrams discussing her strategy for long-term engagement in Georgia and addressing voter suppression tactics. Finally, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell reflect on the importance of endurance in democracy and the journalistic responsibility to cover political truth and community struggles.

Chapters

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Highlights

And they have a problem in Texas because they listened to Donald Trump and nominated a person who could not translate with Texans.

00:02:51 · A political expert explains why the Republican Party is facing challenges in maintaining their base in Texas.

There's not a building in the Rio Grande Valley that was built without immigrant hands. Not one.

00:16:48 · The speaker emphasizes the essential role immigrants have played in the physical development of the region.

We are now in shaving margins. We're going to use sports terminology. They're trying to shave points.

00:28:01 · Abrams explains how modern voter suppression works by targeting specific populations to incrementally reduce turnout.

Frederick Douglass wrote, the limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.

00:33:14 · Rachel Maddow recalls a powerful quote used by Lawrence O'Donnell during his coverage of the post-election period.

if you can shine a respectful, honest, thorough spotlight on the best of your fellow citizens doing the hardest work of citizenship, you'll move more people than you could ever imagine

00:43:56 · Rachel Maddow offers advice to a journalist on how to effectively cover community activism through responsible reporting.

Episodes

2141-

Together in Texas: Part 2

This episode features discussions from MSNOW Live in Texas regarding political strategies, focusing on Republican spending patterns and election vulnerabilities in states like Texas and Georgia. The program includes an interview with Tejano singer Bobby Pulido about his congressional run in South Texas and how he utilizes his musical career to connect with working-class voters. The episode also features Stacey Abrams discussing her strategy for long-term engagement in Georgia and addressing voter suppression tactics. Finally, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell reflect on the importance of endurance in democracy and the journalistic responsibility to cover political truth and community struggles.

11 Oct 2026
2140-

Together in Texas: Part 1

This MSNOW live event in Texas begins with a membership announcement by Nicole Wallace, followed by Ari Melber's keynote on voting rights, the impact of Texas redistricting, and the necessity of ensuring every vote is counted. The program explores themes of political division, economic fragility, and the influence of money in politics through discussions with Stephanie Ruhle. The episode continues with an interview with Reverend Al Sharpton regarding social change, leadership, and community engagement. The event concludes with a Q&A session featuring Rachel Maddow and Jen Psaki, where Psaki reflects on activism and expresses hope in the American people's inherent resistance to authoritarianism.

11 Oct 2026
2139-

Democrats see potential path to retake Senate majority

This episode examines various political developments and breaking news, beginning with controversies within the Trump administration and shifts in Texas politics. The program features interviews with Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa regarding her campaign against Greg Abbott, and Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson discussing his platform for the Attorney General race. The episode also covers a report on an ICE shooting in New York City and the impact of Hurricane Isaias on the Gulf Coast and Alabama. Additionally, the discussion explores Donald Trump's legal and political actions, including investigations into various figures and allegations of corruption.

10 Oct 2026
2138-

Trump donor accuses Guilfoyle of quid pro quo

This episode examines allegations of corruption and 'pay to play' politics within the Trump administration, specifically focusing on reports regarding Kimberly Guilfoyle seeking debt repayment from a donor and Donald Trump's financial interests in cryptocurrency. The discussion also covers potential DOJ investigations into Cassidy Hutchinson and legal battles regarding press access at the White House. The episode further explores political developments including campaign coverage for gubernatorial races in Georgia and Wisconsin, featuring endorsements from Barack Obama and interviews with candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and David Crowley. Additional segments cover the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew and an analysis of political rhetoric concerning American cities and military executions.

Fri, 9 Oct 2026 03:39:42 +0000
2137-

Lawrence: There is no bigger story than, is Trump, who has the nuclear codes, ‘losing his mind’?

This episode explores the political landscape through an analysis of Donald Trump's cognitive decline and his enduring influence on Republican Senate candidates in Texas and Michigan. The discussion examines how trade policies and tariffs are being perceived as economic betrayals by voters. Featuring interviews with Senators Raphael Warnock and Adam Hamilton, the program covers the impact of immigration enforcement and the loss of SNAP benefits for children in Kansas. The episode concludes with a look back at the 40th anniversary of Spy Magazine, reflecting on how Donald Trump's character has remained consistent from his time as a satirical subject to his presidency.

Thu, 8 Oct 2026 04:03:31 +0000