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

Lawrence O'Donnell examines the shifting political landscapes in Texas and Georgia, highlighting recent controversies involving Republican senators and candidates. The episode covers Senator Eric Schmidt's failed attempt to target Jack Smith, criticisms of Mike Johnson's legislative agenda, and heated campaign attacks regarding healthcare access. The program also features interviews with Senator John Ossoff and Gina Hinojosa, focusing on economic impacts and political leadership in Texas. Additionally, Senator Cory Booker discusses the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, expressing frustration with party loyalty over constituent needs and the importance of using righteous anger for political mobilization.

Chapters

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Highlights

the Republican plan to attack former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith backfired more spectacularly than we could possibly have anticipated and showered one Republican senator and his staff in stupidity and permanent disgrace.

00:01:07 · The host describes the fallout from a failed attempt by Senator Eric Schmidt to set a perjury trap during a committee hearing.

This is a five alarm fire. This is one of the most perilous moments in the modern history of our Republic.

00:18:29 · Senator Ossoff describes the severity of the current political situation regarding voting rights and election integrity.

After 12 years of Greg Abbott, we have the most uninsured Texans, the most uninsured children, the most people being disconnected from their electricity because they can't afford to pay their bills in this state.

00:29:01 · Gina Hinojosa critiques the economic impact of Governor Abbott's long tenure in Texas.

Anger is constructive. If it doesn't consume you, it can motivate you.

00:39:53 · Senator Booker explains how he views righteous anger as a potential driver for political action and social change.

The road to hell is is being led not by Donald Trump, but by the people that are willing to follow him and not the will of the American people.

00:41:23 · Senator Booker places the responsibility for political decline on those who enable authoritarianism rather than on the leader himself.

Episodes

2132-

Lawrence: Jon Ossoff says GOP will keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing

Lawrence O'Donnell examines the shifting political landscapes in Texas and Georgia, highlighting recent controversies involving Republican senators and candidates. The episode covers Senator Eric Schmidt's failed attempt to target Jack Smith, criticisms of Mike Johnson's legislative agenda, and heated campaign attacks regarding healthcare access. The program also features interviews with Senator John Ossoff and Gina Hinojosa, focusing on economic impacts and political leadership in Texas. Additionally, Senator Cory Booker discusses the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, expressing frustration with party loyalty over constituent needs and the importance of using righteous anger for political mobilization.

Thu, 1 Oct 2026 03:37:03 +0000
2131-

Lawrence: ‘Stupidest Senator of the Day’ Schmitt falsely accused Jack Smith of perjury

This episode examines the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring Special Counsel Jack Smith, highlighting Republican efforts to challenge his investigation and Senator Cory Booker's critique of committee members prioritizing political loyalty over the Constitution. The program also features analysis from Andrew Weissman on the political strategies used against Smith. Additionally, the episode explores the economic consequences of Donald Trump's tariff policies through interviews with Democratic candidates Jocelyn Benson and Chris Pappas. The discussion covers the impact of these tariffs on households in Michigan and New Hampshire and the broader political implications for upcoming Senate and gubernatorial races.

30 Sep 2026
2130-

Lawrence: Trump is the first wartime president to care about golf more than his war.

This episode critiques Donald Trump's administration, focusing on his preference for personal interests like golf over critical issues such as the war in Iran and international trade stability. The discussion examines the economic impact of tariffs on American families and explores allegations regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds for political campaign advertisements. The program also features an in-depth look at the documentary 'Killberry Print,' which investigates the escalating retaliation and physical threats faced by local journalists in Oklahoma as they attempt to hold powerful officials accountable.

29 Sep 2026
2129-

GOP worried Trump will drag party down in midterms

This episode examines the political and economic challenges facing the Republican party ahead of the midterms, focusing on Donald Trump's declining approval ratings, internal party friction, and controversial foreign policy approaches toward China and Iran. The discussion also covers significant legal and electoral developments, including Supreme Court decisions regarding voter rolls and concerns over election integrity. The episode further explores the economic impact of current policies, noting rising gas prices linked to international conflict alongside discussions on inflation and tariffs. Finally, an interview with Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, highlights critical issues surrounding healthcare access and the rising cost of living.

26 Sep 2026
2128-

Lawrence: Trump decides to put the nation in a constitutional crisis as Xi Jinping visits

This episode explores a developing constitutional crisis regarding Donald Trump's defiance of federal court orders to restore press credentials for major news organizations. Featuring insights from Professor Lawrence Tribe, the discussion covers potential legal remedies like contempt charges and the broader implications for press freedom. The program also examines shifting political landscapes in Florida, including changes in Republican endorsements and healthcare affordability concerns discussed with David Jolly. Additionally, we delve into a ProPublica investigation regarding allegations of bribery involving Senator Susan Collins and the alleged interference of the Trump administration in an FBI anti-corruption probe.

25 Sep 2026