Congress avoids a government shutdown after Kevin McCarthy caves to Democrats at the last possible minute—and now Matt Gaetz is trying to strip McCarthy of the speakership as a result. Will Democrats bail McCarthy out? Donald Trump begins his fraud trial with the unique legal strategy of threatening the judge, Joe Biden frames the 2024 election as extremism vs. democracy, and Gavin Newsom appoints Laphonza Butler as California’s newest Senator. Later, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal joins the show to talk about House Democrats’ strategy as the Speaker drama unfolds.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Join the World-Wide Digital Experience “Pod Save America Live from DC” on October 19 at 8 PM ET with Co-host Symone Sanders and Special Guests Senator John Fetterman, Chef Jose Andres, and Jennifer Carroll Foy.

Tickets: https://www.moment.co/psa

Show Notes: 

CNN:  Congress passed a short-term funding bill averting a government shutdown on Saturday. Here’s what to know

USA Today: Congress dodged a government shutdown. Here are the winners and losers from a messy fight. 

CNN: Corporate America praises the ‘adults’ who averted a government shutdown 

CSPAN: Gaetz addresses the House floor for 5 minutes

Playbook: Inside the chess match between McCarthy, Jeffries and Gaetz

Politico: Matt Gaetz is reaching out to Dems about a McCarthy ouster

Punchbowl: Can McCarthy survive?

Playbook: A new senator, and a new showdown

Politico: Trump goes to trial in New York before a judge who just ruled he’s a fraud

CNN: Trump fraud trial begins in New York on Monday: What to know

NBC: New York AG’s office says Trump committed ‘persistent illegal acts’ as civil fraud trial begins

NYT: Live – Opening Statements Are Underway in Trump’s New York Fraud Case  

WSJ: Democrats Still Publicly Back Biden for 2024. Privately, Their Fears Are Growing.

NBC: Poll shows voters are not excited about a Biden-Trump rematch

NYT: Biden Issues a Blistering Attack on Trump

NYT: In Michigan, Biden and Trump Offer a Preview of 2024

ABC News: Trailblazing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein dies at 90 

CNN: California Gov. Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler to fill Feinstein’s Senate seat

The Hill: Lee wishes Butler well as California senator, stresses focus on winning Feinstein seat

CNN: Feinstein to lie in state at San Francisco City Hall ahead of Thursday funeral