The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Lawrence O'Donnell, MS NOW

2075 - Graham Platner says he’s withdrawing, denies allegations
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.
2075 - Graham Platner says he’s withdrawing, denies allegations
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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.

Résumé de l'épisode

Lawrence O'Donnell critiques Graham Plattner's decision to drop out of the Maine Senate race, accusing him of using a video statement to spread falsehoods and avoid accountability for sexual abuse allegations. The episode explores the Maine Democratic Party's path forward, featuring discussions on the upcoming nominating convention, the need for fundraising, and the party's commitment to a transparent process. The discussion also covers Congresswoman Shelley Pingree's critique of Plattner's lack of accountability and the party's efforts to organize new candidates. Finally, the program examines Donald Trump's erratic rhetoric regarding Iran and Japan, alongside Congressman Madeline Dean's critique of the President's lack of credibility and the impact of his undiplomatic language on international relations.

Chapitres

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Moments clés

Instead, Graham Plattender lied his way out of the Senate race in Maine tonight.

00:02:28 · The host introduces his primary argument regarding the nature of Plattner's exit from the political race.

The allegations that were brought against him were very real, and they were very credible.

00:16:28 · The executive director of the Maine Democratic Party provides a counter-perspective to Plattner's denials.

I was surprised to hear a politician not make any apologies, not take any personal responsibility for the things that have gone wrong.

00:30:31 · Congresswoman Pingree expresses her disappointment with Graham Plattner's reaction to his withdrawal.

The Islamic Republic of Japan. That is who Donald Trump actually thinks he is at war with.

00:38:57 · The host highlights a verbal blunder by Donald Trump where he referred to Iran as Japan.

This emperor has no clothes. He has no talent. He has no credibility. He has no taste.

00:43:19 · Madeline Dean uses strong language to describe the loss of international respect for the President's leadership.

Épisodes

2075-

Graham Platner says he’s withdrawing, denies allegations

Lawrence O'Donnell critiques Graham Plattner's decision to drop out of the Maine Senate race, accusing him of using a video statement to spread falsehoods and avoid accountability for sexual abuse allegations. The episode explores the Maine Democratic Party's path forward, featuring discussions on the upcoming nominating convention, the need for fundraising, and the party's commitment to a transparent process. The discussion also covers Congresswoman Shelley Pingree's critique of Plattner's lack of accountability and the party's efforts to organize new candidates. Finally, the program examines Donald Trump's erratic rhetoric regarding Iran and Japan, alongside Congressman Madeline Dean's critique of the President's lack of credibility and the impact of his undiplomatic language on international relations.

Thu, 9 Jul 2026 03:45:05 +0000
2074-

Lawrence on the lesson of the Platner campaign: Always wait for the vetting

Lawrence O'Donnell examines Donald Trump's recent behavior at the NATO summit, including the use of potentially AI-manipulated media, and discusses the escalation of conflict in the Middle East with Congressman Adam Smith. The episode also covers the collapse of Graham Plattner's Senate campaign in Maine amid misconduct allegations and the importance of candidate vetting. Additionally, the program explores political recruitment strategies and features an investigative report by Eric Lipton on the massive financial losses suffered by investors in a Trump-linked cryptocurrency.

Wed, 8 Jul 2026 03:25:41 +0000
2073-

Lawrence: JD Vance’s old accusation of Trump being ‘cultural heroin’ was on display this weekend

This episode examines the erosion of democratic norms and the rule of law, focusing on Donald Trump's use of the pardon power for political allies and the potential for government resources to be used in the intimidation of critics. The discussion covers the legal repercussions of the E. Jean Carroll verdict and the humanitarian impact of cutting USAID funding under Elon Musk's influence. Additionally, the episode explores election integrity controversies in Maricopa County, Arizona, featuring insights from Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. The program concludes with an investigative report into a $500 million no-bid contract awarded for the construction of an East Wing Ballroom, highlighting the bypass of standard federal procurement procedures.

Tue, 7 Jul 2026 03:29:05 +0000
2072-

Lawrence: Trump cannot survive a federal criminal justice system that works

This episode covers a range of pressing political and legal developments, including the success of Isabel Wilkerson's book, Jack Smith's resolve in the face of intimidation, and the ongoing legal battle regarding E. Jean Carroll's $5 million judgment. The program also examines Donald Trump's recent interview responses regarding housing and his views on presidential history, alongside an update on Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek's polling. Additionally, the episode features an investigative report by Eric Lipton on the Trump family's significant revenue from cryptocurrency and international deals. The episode concludes with an in-depth discussion with Professor Eddie Glaude Jr. regarding his new book on race and American anniversaries, as well as a critique of Donald Trump's use of no-bid contracts in domestic and foreign policy.

Fri, 3 Jul 2026 03:14:07 +0000
2071-

U.S.-Iran talks in Qatar end without breakthrough

This episode explores various political developments, including allegations of corruption regarding Donald Trump's acquisition of a Boeing 747 and his significant financial gains from cryptocurrency. The discussion covers the strategic consequences of Trump's policies regarding Iran and potential Congressional investigations into Trump family corruption. Additionally, the program features Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's critique of the Supreme Court's recent campaign finance ruling. The episode concludes with an interview with Isabel Wilkerson, discussing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's historical approach to judicial opinions and reflections on the concept of caste and the nation's shared history.

Thu, 2 Jul 2026 04:10:19 +0000