The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
by Lawrence O'Donnell, MS NOW
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.
Episodes
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Lawrence: Decency won in Ohio when a ‘kid from Youngstown' Amy Acton beat Trump's candidate
Tonight on The Last Word: Ohio Gov.-elect Amy Acton beat her Trump-backed opponent by 8%. Also, House Democrats prepare their post-midterm agenda. Plus, the Wall Street Journal reports Donald Trump is mad about the lack of prosecution against his enemies. And Democrats vow to pursue an Epstein...
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Hakeem Jeffries officially launches House Speaker bid
Tonight on The Last Word: Congress returns after sweeping Democratic wins. Also, the Mississippi Senate race is still too close to call. Plus, Rachel Maddow’s new book details the history and the collapse of the Justice Department. And Democrats dominate Nevada’s 2026 midterm elections. Rep.…
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Black voters deliver in historic midterm after GOP attack on voting rights
Tonight on The Last Word: Decades of Black organizing reshape southern politics. Also, the GOP state senate in Texas vows to block Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa’s agenda. Plus, Democrats win big as North Carolina voters turn out. And Democrat Jake Johnson leads the Minnesota 1st District race by…
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Lawrence: Democrats tell Trump, ‘Enough is enough.' Trump sounds like he actually agrees with them.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats pledge to investigate the Trump administration after their midterm win. Also, some new senators-elect won’t support Sen. Chuck Schumer for Leader. And Dr. Annie Andrews flips a South Carolina Senate seat. Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Sen.-elect...
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Lawrence: ‘The bad guys lost’ in the midterm elections
Tonight on The Last Word: Sherrod Brown’s win in Ohio helps Democrats win a decisive Senate majority. Also, voters make history in midterm races across the country. And Democrats make big gains in races for governor nationwide. Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown, Sen. Cory Booker, and Gov.-elect Jocelyn...
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We The People 2026: MS NOW's special midterm elections coverage - Part 2
November 3, 2026; 10pm: Election night coverage tracks a major Democratic wave, with projected Senate and gubernatorial flips in Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and other states reshaping control of Congress and key governorships. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS...
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We The People 2026: MS NOW's special midterm elections coverage - Part 1
November 3, 2026; 9pm: Election night coverage tracks a major Democratic wave as MS NOW projects Democrats will take control of the U.S. House with a minimum of 235 seats, while Senate races in Texas, Ohio, South Carolina and Kansas move to lean Democratic. Key calls include Keisha Lance Bottoms...
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Lawrence: Trump ends midterms with filthy lies about Dems & downplaying his 'very little' Iran war
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump claims his 247-day Iran war is a “very little war.” Also, the Supreme Court rejects Trump’s attempt to segregate ballots in California. Plus, a federal judge dismisses the Trump lawsuit over the Alaska Senate race. And Democrats look to flip a northern…
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Four days out, Dems eye potential takeover of Congress
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats make Donald Trump’s corruption a central campaign issue. Also, polls show voters are furious over Trump’s economy. Plus, a Democrat in a key Minnesota race hits Trump and Republicans over the Epstein files. And a veteran regrets voting for Trump because of the...
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Lawrence: Trump boasts about passing the one test you're never supposed to boast about passing
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump cancels a red state rally in the final days before Election Day. Also, ADA champion Tom Harkin backs Josh Turek for his former Senate seat. And Trump’s tariffs and Iran war are devastating Nevada’s economy. Adam Hamilton, Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek, fmr.…
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Lawrence: Obama & other Dems make Trump's stupidity an issue in the campaign
Tonight on The Last Word: Former President Obama stumps in Georgia for Sen. Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms. Also, Donald Trump is back in Ohio again as Republicans try to hold the Senate. And a former Republican governor backs Dr. Annie Andrews for the South Carolina Senate race. Sen. Jon...
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Lawrence: Trump tried to crush Cassidy Hutchinson. He failed.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department fails to indict former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson. Also, Trump focuses on a GOP senator’s body instead of key issues. Plus, Rep. Mike Lawler campaigns with Speaker Johnson in New York. And Elon Musk pours nearly $500 million into...
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Lawrence: Trump's response to Obama’s criticism on the campaign trail is, 'I don't give a damn'
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats put Republicans on defense in deep red states. Also, the Trump Justice Department charges James Comey again after two failed attempts. Plus, House Judiciary Cmte. Democrats release a new report on Trump & Epstein. And the Justice Department sues to block Alaska...
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Dem majority would focus on affordability, corruption
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats prepare for Donald Trump to defy the midterm results. Also, Trump’s coalition cracks as Democrats target Florida. Plus, Arizona water rights become a major issue in the 2026 midterms. And Democrats’ path to a House majority runs through Pennsylvania. Timothy...
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Lawrence: Elon Musk threatens Democrats in Congress saying, ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats ready investigations if they win control of the House. Also, a new book examines DOGE’s impact on the U.S. government. Plus, early voting is underway in the Iowa midterm elections. And a Nevada House seat never won by a Democrat is now in play. Rep. Jamie…
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Lawrence: Trump's envoy called Putin a 'humanitarian,' and Trump's spineless quislings stayed silent
Tonight on The Last Word: Voters are frustrated with Donald Trump's economy ahead of midterms. Also, Sherrod Brown is polling ahead of Jon Husted in the Ohio Senate race. And Democrats target the Senate seat in deep-red South Carolina. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Dr. Annie Andrews, and Sherrod Brown join...
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Lawrence: Trump & Hegseth 'not telling how much damage there really was' by Iran war to Navy base
Tonight on The Last Word: Families discuss the “chaotic” evacuation of a U.S. Navy base. Also, Donald Trump attacks Ukraine while waiving sanctions on Russia. And the cost of Trump’s economy is a key issue in the Maine Senate race. Priya Sridhar, Rep. Chris Deluzio, David Rothkopf, and Troy…
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Lawrence: Trump's case for a GOP candidate, 'I examined his ass,' is another example of his madness
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is forced to campaign in Kansas amid record low polls. Also, Elon Musk pours millions into Texas GOP races. Plus, Trump says, “Russia has been fine on Ukraine.” And South Carolina early voting begins in a key Senate Race. Adam Hamilton, Texas State Rep. Gina...
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Musk gives $158M+ trying to salvage GOP’s midterms chances
Tonight on The Last Word: Georgia breaks records for early midterm voting this week. Also, the “No Kings” rallies on Saturday will focus on mobilizing early voting. Plus, Republican House incumbents are fading in key swing districts. And a new Fox poll finds 54% of voters backing Democrats for...
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Lawrence: Trump says he has 'very severe problems.' One appears to be declining cognitive ability.
Tonight on The Last Word: Four are killed after an elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon. Also, a Fox poll finds 81% of GOP voters are “concerned” about inflation. Plus, Iowa’s rural hospitals struggle after Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts. And North Carolina begins early voting in a key Senate...
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Lawrence: Trump says leakers ‘should be shot.’ That would include his own Defense Secretary.
Tonight on The Last Word: A Trump-appointed judge rules against Donald Trump on the media ban. Also, House Democrats prepare for a potential majority after the midterms. And the Senate race in Alaska emerges as a key midterm battleground. Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Katherine Clark, and Mary Peltola...
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Lawrence: Every Trump White House press secretary has lied on their very first day at the podium
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s tariffs spark widespread economic pain in Detroit. Also, Trump and Republicans are losing voters over data centers. Plus, San Antonio sues to block a planned ICE detention center. And Leaders We Deserve targets 11 states with must-win races. Michigan...
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Lawrence: Trump is getting one thing right. If Republicans lose the midterms, they will blame him.
Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans pour huge amounts of campaign cash into Ohio. Also, Florida Democrats’ voter registration outpaces Republicans in September. Plus, the Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin diesel deal faces growing backlash. And The New York Times reports a Russia oil deal could…
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Together in Texas: Part 2
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the politics. With a few weeks left until the midterms, MS NOW anchors and fans gathered in Texas for a day of conversation and community. Now, we’re bringing the fun to you directly. Listen to a compilation special from Together In Texas: We the People...
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Together in Texas: Part 1
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the politics. With a few weeks left until the midterms, MS NOW anchors and fans gathered in Texas for a day of conversation and community. Now, we’re bringing the fun to you directly. Listen to a compilation special from Together In Texas: We the People...
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Democrats see potential path to retake Senate majority
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats push to flip GOP-held seats in ruby red Texas. Also, protests erupt after ICE shoots a man in New York City with a child in the car. Plus, Hurricane Isaias makes landfall, hitting Florida and Alabama. And House Democrats call for an Oversight hearing into...
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Trump donor accuses Guilfoyle of quid pro quo
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump and his allies face scrutiny over personal enrichment. Also, the Trump Justice Department seeks the indictment of Cassidy Hutchinson. Plus, former President Obama makes midterm endorsements in key governor’s races. And the USS Lincoln returns home after a...
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Lawrence: There is no bigger story than, is Trump, who has the nuclear codes, ‘losing his mind’?
Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Raphael Warnock says voters feel “betrayed” by “crushing prices.” Also, Democrats seek to flip the GOP-held Kansas Senate seat. And Spy Magazine is resurfacing vintage Trump articles. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Adam Hamilton, Susan Morrison, and Kurt Andersen join…
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Lawrence: Trump's nuclear attack comments are why the 25th Amendment exists
Tonight on The Last Word: A new poll finds Democratic voters are way more fired up to vote than GOP voters. Also, Democrat Josh Turek is vying to flip a Senate seat for Iowa. And MS NOW’s Ken Dilanian looks at Trump’s pardon for a Nevada GOP politician nicknamed “Lady Trump.” Marni von Wilpert,...
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Lawrence: Trump thinks he's a cult leader who can order followers to vote for Republicans they hate
Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans are worried as polls show Donald Trump’s drag on key races. Also, the Trump family faces self-enrichment and corruption claims. Plus, the Trump administration plans to deploy 1,000 election monitors. Justice Alito says he’s considered retirement. And Trump...
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Trump gives himself A+ on everything despite dismal polls
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump dismisses the affordability issue as Americans struggle. Also, Trump and Republicans continue to sow doubt in the outcome of midterms. Plus, Democrats expand the House battlefield into red districts. And the White House reportedly told the Justice Department...
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Lawrence: Trump called Americans 'enemies of ours.' In 33 days, they will get to vote.
Tonight on The Last Word: A recent poll finds a majority of Ohio voters are skeptical of data centers. Also, the Democratic Senate candidate leads in North Carolina while Trump is underwater. And a federal judge demands answers from Trump on boat strikes. Sherrod Brown and Roy Cooper join…
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Lawrence: Jon Ossoff says GOP will keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing
Tonight on The Last Word: The Georgia campaign could prove crucial to determining Senate control. Also, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to debate Gina Hinojosa before the election. And Sen. Cory Booker calls the Jack Smith Senate hearing a “farce.” Sen. Jon Ossoff, Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa,...
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Lawrence: ‘Stupidest Senator of the Day’ Schmitt falsely accused Jack Smith of perjury
Tonight on The Last Word: A GOP senator’s perjury claims against Jack Smith fall apart. Also, Michigan has the highest per-household tariff cost in America. And a poll finds Democrat Chris Pappas with a five-point lead in the New Hampshire Senate race. Andrew Weissmann, Secretary Jocelyn Benson,...
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Lawrence: Trump is the first wartime president to care about golf more than his war.
Tonight on The Last Word: Voters rejects Donald Trump’s war and economy ahead of midterms. Also, Trump uses taxpayer dollars for a campaign-style ad. And a new documentary revisits a newspaper’s fight for justice. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Rachel Maddow join Lawrence…
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GOP worried Trump will drag party down in midterms
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fights the press and hosts Xi Jinping as the nation struggles. Also, the Supreme Court approves of Trump using a citizenship tool on a voter databases. Plus, Americans are feeling the impact of rising gas and diesel prices. And Democrats look to retake the...
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Lawrence: Trump decides to put the nation in a constitutional crisis as Xi Jinping visits
Tonight on The Last Word: MS NOW and CNN are blocked from a White House event. Also, a Trump loyalist scrubs Donald Trump from his Florida governor campaign website. And ProPublica responds to Sen. Susan Collins calling their report a “hit job.” Laurence Tribe, David Jolly, and Avi Asher-Schapiro...
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Lawrence: Trump is the 'lead witness' for media companies suing over his White House ban
Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge could rule in the Trump media ban case at any time. Also, Sen. Susan Collins calls the bribery allegations a “partisan hit job.” Plus, Democrats introduce a bill to protect farmers from Donald Trump’s economy. And Republicans start to break with Trump on...
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Lawrence: Loyal to Trump, Ossoff's GOP rival is campaigning in the stupidest & most fraudulent way
Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Jon Ossoff leads in Georgia as his GOP opponent deploys fake AI ads. Also, Donald Trump’s Iran war and diesel costs loom in the Iowa Senate race. And Sen. Susan Collins denies allegations of a bribery scheme made in a new ProPublica report. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Iowa…
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Lawrence: Trump’s perverse jealousy of JFK is driving his destruction of the Kennedy Center
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says his Washington, D.C. arch will house drones and snipers. Also, Democrat Sherrod Brown looks to win back his Ohio U.S. Senate seat. And GOP Rep. Mike Lawler fails to distance himself from Trump. Sen. Mark Kelly, Sherrod Brown, and Cait Conley join…
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46 days out, Trump & Republicans face brutal poll numbers in state after state
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s tariffs put Republicans on defense with voters. Also, a Trump photo sparks fears of the Kennedy Center demolition. Plus, Oversight Democrats are preparing for Trump administration investigations. And voters sour on Trump’s economy ahead of midterm…
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Lawrence: Trump never tells the truth, except about protecting billionaires
Tonight on The Last Word: The cost of living it a top issue for voters amid rising prices. Also, Democrats prepare for possible legal action on Trump’s election attacks. Plus, David Crowley makes the cost of living central to his gubernatorial campaign in Wisconsin. And seven House Republicans…
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Lawrence: Whether on interest rates or the Iran war, Trump proves he’s a ‘pathological liar’
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump runs to North Carolina as polls show Democrat Roy Cooper leading in the Senate race. Also, Sen. Cory Booker calls FBI Director Kash Patel a “thug” in a Senate hearing. Plus, Trump tells Republicans to “cheat like hell” in the midterms. And polls show David...
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Lawrence: Only Trump could deliver Kash Patel’s bestiality madness into a Senate hearing room
Tonight on The Last Word: FBI Director Kash Patel defends the amended FBI bestiality hiring rule. Also, Patel won’t rule out FBI agents at the polls in November. And Donald Trump and Republicans push AI in spite of safety concerns. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Gil Durán join Lawrence O’Donnell. To...
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Lawrence: Trump worst person to be in White House when AI could do what nuclear weapons haven’t
Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Jon Ossoff slams Donald Trump and Congress for failing to regulate AI. Also, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s attack on mail voting. And a new book takes a critical look at those capitulating to Trump. Sen. Jon Ossoff, J. Michael Luttig, and Jacob Weisberg join...
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'REALLY WEIRD': Trump getting supporters to pledge to 'cheat like hell' in election raises alarms
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump makes supporters pledge to 'cheat like hell.' Plus, Trump's Iran war and tariffs send prices soaring. Also, Trump tries to co-opt 9/11 tragedy for political gain. And the GOP seeks to ban access to abortion pills. Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Suhas...
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Lawrence: Not one person who heard Trump's $5,000 election offer believes he means it
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump promises $5000 payments if the GOP wins midterms. Plus, Helena Foulkes wins the Democratic primary in Rhode Island. Also, Texas GOP candidate Brandon Herrera faces scrutiny for past derogatory comments. And Nepal's flood recovery is set back by Trump's aid cuts.…
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Lawrence: Republicans boycott Trump’s pretend convention as Democratic campaigns find new strength
Tonight on The Last Word: Mary Peltola leads incumbent GOP Sullivan in key Alaska Senate race. Plus, Trump looks to make midterms a referendum on his presidency. And Trump gave White House aides $45,000 cash gifts. Mary Peltola, Rep. Chris Pappas, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Andrew Weissman join…
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Lawrence: What are Donald Trump's deranged social media posts if not evidence of insanity?
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump's Iran war continues to make life unaffordable for Americans. Plus, Trump threatens to stop the sale of Canadian Bombardier jets in the U.S. And the DOJ charges ICE officer Christian Castro for lying to FBI about Minnesota shooting. Sen. Peter Welch, Adam Hamilton,...
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Trump’s Iran war drags on with 60 days until midterms (Pt. 2)
Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Iran has grown more confident after six months of war. Also, a federal judge extends the block on Donald Trump’s attack on mail voting. Plus, diesel hits a record high in the U.S. as energy costs surge. Trump ramps up his effort to destroy the...
About this show
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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Lawrence O'Donnell, MS NOW
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