This Is Not Normal

Discussing the relevance of violent right-wing rhetoric to the Tucson tragedy, how will affect the race for president, why did the GOP feel compelled to postpone the health reform repeal vote, and how much the media can get wrong when covering mass shootings by mentally ill people.

Republicans waste no time breaking their own budget rules and bluffing about the debt ceiling. Traci Olsen rings in the new year with the Stabby Five. And we anxiously await Santorum '12.

Listener feedback from our previous show defending the tax cut deal. Do you need Joe Liebermans and John McCains to pass Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal and the START treaty? And the final Stabby Five of 2010.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen make the case for the Obama-GOP tax compromise, and launch the podcast war against Sam Seder.

David Rees joins us to discuss Afghanistan and his new installment of Get Your War On for New York magazine. Plus, Bill Scher and Traci Olsen analyze Obama's negotiation strategy during the lame duck congressional session and his reaction the deficit commission's final report.

Traci Olsen brings back the Stabby Five. Bill Scher still waiting for one Republican jobs idea. Senate Dems refuse to point the finger at themselves. And what next for the squabbling deficit commission?

Where does President Obama go on the Bush tax cuts and deficit reduction? Traci leaves her stabbiness on the masseuse table. Plus, an interview with David Bollier, activist for reclaiming the commons and subject of the new documentary "This Land Is Our Land."

How Democrats can win Tuesday. Why you need to vote to make it happen, and how it can get you a cookie from Traci Olsen. How Jon Stewart got it wrong in his interview with President Obama. Which Democrats are succeeding by standing their ground. And the weekly Stabby Five.

Tea Party candidates cracking under the pressure. Why we're better off today than two years ago. The President's unprecedented "It Gets Better" video. The future of Krystal Ball, and the weekly Stabby Five.

The scapegoating of public employees, Meg Whitman's double standards, President Obama's record-breaking number of town halls. Special celebrity edition of the weekly Stabby Five. And an interview with "Whisper of Light" author Jennifer DeLucy.

Politics Daily's conservative commentator Matt Lewis returns to assess the midterm elections. Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the health care ad wars, and the climate bill blame game. Plus, which Senate candidate tops this week's Stabby Five?

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the Rahm departure, the Dem tax cut strategy, the midterm elections and the innovative marketing campaign behind the upcoming novel "Nightshade." Plus, the weekly Stabby Five.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the pointless Glenn Beck rally, the looming tax cut battle, Alan Simpson has a milk cow and Traci is not feeling so fresh about Summer's Eve.

John Hodgman makes his annual pilgrimage from the Internetless Hills, and has a few words for Robert Gibbs.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the week's primaries, conservative attacks on public servants, the hypocrisy of Rep. Paul Ryan, the ramifications of the new border security bill, and why Washington is a broken city.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the Prop 8 ruling, the future of Supreme Court noms, the conservative attack on the 14th Amendment, the conservative hatred of teachers and making sense of Lady Gaga.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the AZ anti-immigrant law ruling and the shelving of the climate bill. Plus, our Parent Roundtable with Sarah Buttenwieser on resisting gender stereotyping.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen the passage of the Wall Street reform bill, the prospects for a carbon cap this summer, the debate over whether liberals are winning, the new This American Life movie and Bill's irrational hatred of Ira Glass.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss the week ahead in jobs and climate, if the Tea Party will die out, and the new Liz Phair download-only album. Plus, Sen. Scott Brown meets Traci's daughter.

Bill Scher and Traci Olsen discuss Michael Steele's latest idiocy, and the congressional failure to create jobs and heed science on climate change. Plus, Traci finally sees Eclipse, should Steve Carrell leave The Office, and should anyone see The Last Airbender.