The Pepperoni Pizza Of Politics: With Jen Psaki, Don Calloway, and Tim Miller

The GOP Debate has left a lot of unsolved questions about the 2024 election, Trump's future, and what it all means for the Republican party. We're joined by Jen Psaki, political analysist and former government official, Don Calloway, attorney and politician, and Tim Miller, political consultant, for an insightful lineup.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or tell a friend!
Follow Jen Psaki @jrpsaki
Follow Don Calloway @dcstlagain
Follow Tim Miller @Timodc
Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele
Follow the podcast @steele_podcast

[@TinyScorpion]

Michael, you are one of the few Republicans I love. You are real, honest and unbiased. Carry on Sir!

[@UBETUBEME]

Who’s side are you on ? Democracy or Fascism Who’s side are you on ? Time to choose citizens Choose wisely

[@leighsweet6846]

I deeply appreciate who you are, what you represent, and the vocality of where your former party is going. Your honesty comes from a deep place of respectful faith. You speak with intention, listen wholly, and ask the questions that need answers. Always look forward to ANY content you're part of. This was absolutely delightful and informative!

[@liviadix1433]

I knew who Joe Biden was in 2020 , I wasn’t exited , but I voted for him. and I was pleasantly surprised. Excitement is not what I need. I need peace of mind and being able to sleep at night.

[@SaddleInTheRain]

Same feelings here.

[@crazycatmama2098]

Normalcy. Empathy. Lack of chaos, division, hatred and name calling. I will vote for Joe again GLADLY.

[@junebug5390]

@@crazycatmama2098 agree, I will vote for Joe Biden and Harris. Voting Blue 💙🇺🇲🌊🌊🇺🇲🌊🌊🇺🇲

[@oceanecastelnau9821]

I need authentic American democracy. I need it for America forever.🇺🇲🦅

[@denisehall4818]

.....and good policy.

[@joanneb3935]

Wow, you four together are a true delight for the senses! I love hearing these intelligent, thoughtful discussions. Thank you!

[@maryellenhill4420]

As a white boomer woman I want to hear a lot more about Kamala. I was disappointed that she really hasn’t had many opportunities to show her leadership abilities. I’d love to know more from her.

[@denisehall4818]

Me Too.

[@brieclearwater9508]

"they" need to get her out there so people can become familiar with her and trust her.

[@ritamary72]

Kamala was Attorney General of California and one of California's senators, along with Senator Feinstein.

[@elizabethfarkas6468]

I really appreciate all of your and the great guests' opinions, analyses, and truthfully frank conversations. Please dive deeper into the whys and what do we do beyond voting to preserve our democracy and stop all the crazies that make up the current Republican party. No, no no no, the former guy cannot win again.

[@oceanecastelnau9821]

I want the America these guys represent. Awesome insightful talk.

[@thames-brooks5355]

Thank you Michael, I really enjoy these Barber Shop/ Beauty Shop conversations.

[@notthis888]

I think BIDEN has a lot more support than you give him credit for. He is an old guy, but he has lots of wisdom and he knows how to get things done. Have you seen his record? AMAZING. Remember, it’s about DEMOCRACY. I don’t have that many years ahead of me, but if the republicans wins, you are going to need more than prayers and wishes.

[@gabrielanavarro9499]

Great conversation loved the panel👏👏👏

[@thunderbiltstormcrow9542]

first of all, y'all great. but i'd like to hear more of that Don. his perspective, manner, and delivery is clean and clear. encourage him to get more busy on this circuit.

[@lindadorman2869]

Nikki Haley bashing Kamala Harris is rich. Haley is a female person of color too. Every time she knocks Harris, she's basically saying "don't vote for me either".

[@jodiebasye9798]

Gender and race is 100% irrelevant.

[@Gretabpooh]

​@@jodiebasye9798it should be, but that isn't the reality of our country at this time.

[@jannichi6431]

Yes, and Women are their worst enemies often. Guess it's the competition thing, but politics is not a sport like volleyball or soccer.

[@jodiebasye9798]

@@Gretabpooh actually it is. At least in real life.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Haley is busy "passing", as we say in the South. Kamala is the real deal, no apologies !

[@trubus1085]

You all ROCK!!!!!!!!

[@liamcullen3035]

Spectacular conversation. I sincerely hope that Donald Trump goes down, and the Republican party returns to sanity. American democracy is in major danger right now.

[@lindabruce4899]

Great discussion!

[@donaldsweeney784]

Michael just found your podcast So happy for you. You're a great guy i wish for you all the success you deserve. God bless

[@tunajune2382]

Why can't the greatest country handle a woman leader or universal health coverage?

[@serraangel7465]

Because black ppl would get it too. It's better to ask for Universal Healthcare as reparations for blacks then everyone would get it.

[@Pollytics4]

Love your podcasts, you rock Michael!

[@Tony-dk1bp]

This is a great group.

[@bobbyhicks1836]

Great show ty

[@csmiller5221]

So, vote the younger Dems into Congress and your state legislatures to get some real world experience. Biden has experience, knows how navigate Congress, and needs a viable VP back-up.

[@chrishagins3309]

I enjoy hearing Michael Steele cuss lol

[@eliwebber6292]

great podcast ,have them back every week, and add a special guest .

[@EtherealSheBe]

Excellent in every way. Thank you

[@LaSmoocherina]

I wish Michael would run. I’m a liberal, but I wish he’d run.

[@user-st4fj2ii2h]

Great podcast, thank you

[@amberbouvia4178]

If you can’t run with honesty and integrity, don’t run for office. People are not voting for the best lies. It’s not a part for an acting job. Get money out of politics so we can have people running who are there for the right reasons.

[@bobbyhicks1836]

I'm a 65 white m from Ohio. Fani Willis is doing a great job she knows what she doing. Trump ass should be worried she don't play

[@kellymoedl3130]

Personally, I do not want a US like Fl. The cases of malaria are rising in Fl and the woke stuff is tiring

[@bridgetcollins7969]

I love the pepperoni pizza idea.

[@carolaltman1107]

Exactly why We need Biden

[@barbclerke5771]

Not the Vicious Ravaswarmy😅😅

[@dianethulin1700]

Yea I was wondering how Casey DeSantis let Ron leave the house in those white boots

[@maryellenhill4420]

Great discussion today!

[@Law_And_Society]

Great show, Michael. Great guests. Would be very interested in collaborating. I know I'm punching above my weight-class. But we're in it together.

[@jannichi6431]

Kamala is more than okay now and #1 fundraiser. She's busy. Hope she speaks on more than and abortion or 'womens issues'. She was articulate on Constitutional Republic. GO HARRIS GO🤑💚💙💖

[@katemcbride8715]

Now point out the Kamala Harris argument applied just as much to Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin

[@LaSmoocherina]

I want to see Kamala more. She has to show that she’s not afraid to fail. But I believe she’ll succeed. It’d be good to see Oval profiles showing the working together.

[@floydblandston108]

The only VP pick you can make in 2024 that would really make a difference would be....cross party. If Biden *really* wants 'anti-Trump' votes, he would nominate the most centrist GOP pol he got along with, and promote Kamala to Secretary of State. If he made Chris Christie his VP they'd pull 60% of the electorate.

[@eliwebber6292]

Great Panel MIke

[@bobbolan4672]

Vote Blue

[@snosister]

She is not perceived as his peer. People know that she was accomplished and qualified on her own ... but, her appointment at running mate was perceived as a "gift". I feel.

[@dogeared100]

Yes, it was the party's pick not the voters.

[@thunderbiltstormcrow9542]

Cheney/Harrison comparison not fair. Cheney had his hand on the wheel from the get go.

[@lafayettemckinnie6908]

@jen psaki... 🇺🇸

[@2012Cheetah]

I can’t believe that the three of you have blue painted interiors! That’s not very common.😎

[@wegder]

Are there only 4 swing States this time?

[@KELLYKEITH3372]

You missed the cue. For sure 😂😂😂

[@jannichi6431]

Michael, can you comment next time on PAC Project 2025? 1.000 page Playbook for Far Right wanna be Oligarchs. We called out CPAC last year! ❌

[@jovialbivouacker99]

Don is right. Democrats are a “big tent” party and most of us aren’t as hyper-focused on the election right now.(I’m obviously an exception, watching you guys right now) On that note, the majority of Americans do side with Democratic values and will show up on election day. The Electoral College is a whole different animal that needs to be addressed! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_presidential_elections_by_popular_vote_margin

[@garypetrini1137]

Not interested i the haircut discussion. Already lost 3 minutes of my life by having to wait through ads. Sorry. Chechking out due to boredome. 😢

[@bridgetcollins7969]

So, I'm someone who understands that the VP takes over in case something happens to the president. Which is why I voted for Obama over McCain - because I trusted Joe Biden more than Sarah Palin. What I don't see why I would want Nikki Haley - who's been way too eager to be a bootlicker - over Kamala Harris.

[@dogeared100]

They are similar.

[@bridgetcollins7969]

@@dogeared100 Hardly. Kamala Harris called Joe Biden out on the debate stage -- standing 4 feet away from him. When Nikki is in the same state as Trump, she grovels.

[@judykinsman3258]

Let’s please remember that they are not indicting Trump in the middle of a campaign. He’s campaigning in the middle of their indictments.

[@SaddleInTheRain]

Exactly!

[@jodiebasye9798]

Like they didn't wait this long for the election. At least be honest about it.

[@jannichi6431]

So bad for the country to start campaigning and announcing SOooo early! Turmoil in any country. Voters Rights Act didn't address shortening election cycle or public funding of elections. Just.what was needed GOP, more.division. Kavanagh invited house guest got legislative action from McCulty Congressional House. Because one of their own, so tribal and immature. Reactionary Party is every sense. Vote Progressive, just move from 1830👉

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

​@@jodiebasye9798 What?

[@jodiebasye9798]

No, they only started the indictments after he mentioned he was running. Are you just that ignorant or a liar?

[@ravipeiris4388]

Great discussion 😊

[@SandyMaciazka-xp4yp]

I appreciate you Mr.Steele. I’m a lifelong democrat & I miss my sane republican friends. Most lost their damn minds!

[@jodiebasye9798]

Really how is that? because in reality it is the democrats who have lost their minds.

[@Ravyne]

I've enjoyed the slow, steady calm of the Biden Administration. After the 4 years of chaos of Trump, I needed some soft calm in my life.

[@deborahb6294]

I totally enjoyed this interivew and the conversation- esp. the parts about kamala Harris-- and the expectations for her which are impossible for anyone to meet-- great job

[@jaye8872]

Bottom line if America decides to re elect trump democracy here will be gone. That is the choice for the country.

[@curtisdush5686]

This was such a great conversation! Thank you for putting the barber shop and beauty shop together for us. 💕💕🌟🌟

[@carolbulmer8253]

Thanks, Michael, Jen, Don, and Tim for this great discussion👏👏👏👏👏

[@tammielynn8273]

My opinion about Kamala is that she's brilliant and being mentored by a masterful president.

[@bobbolan4672]

I also have the same opinion on the VP. Strong and very intelligent.

[@floodgatestudios1825]

Umm...lifelong Democrat here, brother of 6 sisters, .I prefer female doctors , have had many excellent female supervisors in my 61 years of life....Kamala doesn't strike me as ...lol. Anything special....sorry

[@floydblandston108]

I do too, but 'black' 'woman' and 'President' in most of our (admit it now....) gently fascist/openly racist nation is a MadLibs anagram of 'pedophile' 'clown' 'teacher'.

[@judymawhorter7301]

Good answer and that's so satisfying. I'd like to see more of her because she comes out swinging when need be. I love her

[@willgetbettereventually124]

Exactly

[@arizonasgotheat]

Excellent discussion. I am more solidly in the middle than ever. I think focusing on the candidate who is focusing on Democracy is the way to go. So far, that eliminates almost every Republican candidate running for office.

[@eldoraolson8246]

Idea…if Biden passes, Vice President Hillary Clinton!! Winwin

[@buckingham750]

This was an excellent program: substanitive and fun at the same time. Thank you all!!

[@catbb1000]

Man that hour+ flew by. I could of listened to Michael and his guests for another hour.😅 Great show.

[@Ldnred]

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is an American historian and cultural critic. She is a scholar on fascism and authoritarian leaders. Ben-Ghiat is professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. WAKE UP AMERICANS!

[@ggbythesea9231]

Dang, Y'all.. much needed conversation.. 🔥💙✌🏼💙✊🏼 LIKE & SHARE!

[@katboss4886]

I was going to save this for Tuesday,but you are helping me clean the bathroom. Love your podcast Michael

[@judymawhorter7301]

Been there done that. You go girl. Hahs

[@SaddleInTheRain]

This podcast is consistently good, with thought-provoking and nuanced conversations. Keep up the good work, Michael Steele.

[@denisehall4818]

YES

[@judymawhorter7301]

I love to hear all the comic relief as ne the relief it gives. The good times ministry is a good thing for the heart and mind and certainly the Nerves. Thank you everyone and keep up ,keeping up. Love

[@SaddleInTheRain]

@@judymawhorter7301 I feel the same way!

[@mw354]

As a person that has voted both sides, I always ask myself: “would I be comfortable if this person had the nuclear code? Does this person display the appropriate emotional disposition to handle that type of situation?”

[@judymawhorter7301]

It is the talk that the generals and others kept or removed things from Trump that could hurt the U.S.

[@DeeDee-tq4cg]

Awesome Panel!!! Thank you Michael Steele!

[@LiberalPatriot24]

Best guests and show ever Michael. Thanks ❤

[@lauren_kawakami]

Thank you for an excellent range of topics thoughtfully covered, Michael. More Jen, Don and Tim, please!🎉

[@lindadorman2869]

If Vivek Ramaswamy wants to be President, he can run for local or state office and spend the next decade learning how to do the job. I'm sick of millennials thinking they can do everything better just because they have more energy. Come back when you've lost everything and gotten your teeth kicked in by life. Right now, you don't know what you're talking about. Learn the basics, put in the time and run when you're 50+ and maybe I'll take you seriously. PS I adored Barack Obama and voted for him twice, but my main objection was his age too. The difference is he worked his way up in community organizing and local government to earn the position.

[@jannichi6431]

Republican Party, they want hedge fund managers. Just political evil at every turn. Read Project 2025 from Heritage and PACs. Very scary for democracy, like CPAC is.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

THIS. Obama made his worst mistakes when he refused to listen to Joe Biden. Why? Because even then, Biden knew Washington and global politics like few others - that is precisely why the greenhorn Obama needed & chose him for his VP. Do you know why the GQP truly hates and fears Biden so much? Because he & the Dems are changing the country for the better. And once We the People get a blue House AND Senate again, the GQP sees just how doomed they are for years to come -- years that WE MUST NOT WASTE , or we really are through, along with the rest of this roasting planet.

[@louannkyle602]

I agree Americans need to come to an understanding that the presidency is our highest office in charge of the biggest military on the planet candidates should have occupied local state and national offices so they learn how to govern it’s expected of every other profession and it’s doubly so for our WH it’s nonsense that any yahoo can sit in that chair we can’t do it legally but we can get the message out for people to expect this I think especially starting with Obama the right had demonized the office instead of showing respect no matter which party is holding the office. I can’t even imagine the danger we were in for four years as trump watched tv played golf and held rallies while his son in law played acting president and neither of them could pass a security clearance and both are loose with the nations secrets we need to expect more

[@TRTGCbyjroed]

Good Afternoon Michael and everyone on this panel. AWESOME panel. Hey Jen 🖐🏾I see ya girl hanging out with the fells. I’m having lunch watching this podcast so Let’s Go😊

[@fullermodularhomes3623]

You, four we’re so comfortable, funny and entertaining! Frankly, exact opposite of what you get rom the right. You know an angry collaboration focused on hate, bigotry and owning the Libs.

[@marylhere]

You know who has a bit of time on his hands….Al Franken

[@alfrede.newman1838]

We're watching Trump and the GOP bench have a public food fight right now, and maybe it's really a bit early to project who will win 2024 from either party. Maybe it is time to start making people aware of who might be on the DEM bench in the future? Give people an idea what type of pizza they could enjoy after we get over the pepperoni?

[@jannichi6431]

Hakeem Jeffries is organizing local "districts" in every state. Please check your's out💙🗣️

[@alfrede.newman1838]

@@jannichi6431 I didn't know, not being affiliated with either party but I'll have a look. TBH sounds like a grassroots effort? I guess I'm suggesting, who may be on the shortlist for DEM presidential running someday soon, as in the vein of succession planning.

[@oceanecastelnau9821]

​@@alfrede.newman1838There are a lot of vocal Democratic stars in Congress, many with deep experience, who are holding the line as far as legally possible against fascism currently running the House. Reasonable GOP members have proven incapable. Names to put on a future chief executive list? In no order, Dan Goldman, Jamie Raskin, Jasmine Crockett are just a few. There are many many more. Biden has an astonishing record in life changing legislation for the American people and has pulled us back from an actual fascist dictatorship followed by economic collapse in a bipartisan way. He walks the walk. Kamala just needs to focus on her authentic voice and keeping it real with people. When a woman tries to tailor her image to what a man wants, we all recognize it as duplicitous. When a woman stands in her own beauty and truth and speaks her real voice, we trust that she is what she is, and she has tremendous power. Kamala needs to just keep herself real and she'll be fine.

[@marylhere]

Trump is the anchovies….that taste can’t be picked off.

[@txnmia8613]

Too salty

[@actualkarenokboomer3158]

Haley said on Face the Nation that if we elect Harris we will never get the country back. My comment was, does Haley think Harris will be so good that no one will ever vote for another Republican?

[@SaddleInTheRain]

I thought the same thing. She told the truth without meaning to.

[@dogeared100]

What does that even mean

[@bentenilsen1526]

Usa need to learn that women are human beings with good brains. Camala Harris is a human being you should be proud of. History tells us that whatever we women do it is not as important as what men do. We need to think in a human Way. Thank you , very interesting what you are talking about, and you are good people, grounded in democracy. Good luck!

[@jannichi6431]

😀

[@sleuthjill7653]

Great collaboration - thank you!!

[@eulondajohnson2281]

loved the discussion

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Ali V had Aunt Goldie a Black woman, very sharp. She's voting for KAMALA.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

Our only hope is Biden. I wish he was younger. I'm 77, I wish I was younger! BUT --- Every morning I get up, the only challenge to my gut getting twisted by the next MAGA drumbeat of hate and discontent.

[@TRTGCbyjroed]

I loved this show Michael. Everyone offered such helpful insights to all the political craziness going on out there.👈🏾 Be Blessed and please Stay Safe out there my Brother.

[@VirginiaBronson]

Excellent episode and guests. Thank you!

[@terrilyndel]

What an AWESOME, podcast Michael, you are an incredible host and I loved everyone.

[@lindalb9519]

Yes...stop paying attention to where the polls are - that's all insignificant today. A whole lot will happen between today and NOV. 2024.

[@ritamary72]

What a great conversation! Those four people are so knowledgeable and insightful. They should have their own talk show every week.

[@mattjames7272]

I think there is a Republican leaning attraction to leaders that spurn the idea of government process and consensus. This is a feature, not a bug to them.

[@OdyTypeR]

It's an enviably easy way to "govern": 1) complain that the Federal government is broken. 2) get elected. 3) proceed to do everything possible to further break the government. 4) repeat steps 1-3 while translating your power and connections into 5) profit

[@jannichi6431]

Project 2025 playbook is more manefesto, Heritage website 'coffee table's book😯

[@dogeared100]

Yup

[@oceanecastelnau9821]

AKA fascism.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Aunt Goldie on Ali V. is voting for KAMALA.

[@esmerelda6003]

I do not need to be excited about Biden - let's face it he is just stable - and that is what we need now - stability, so we can sleep at night and know someone who has my best interest at heart is in the White House.

[@happytraveller8953]

Hope you all are having a great Labor Day. Watching your show from Scotland; wonderful panel!!!

[@THATBOISHAD]

Same to you!

[@aliceanneacts6164]

Great Group! Love the pepperoni pizza metaphor!

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Once again Black women will save democracy. Don't forget Kamala was CA AG.

[@sandraspidle5972]

Love hearing truth about people. Truth about the bs that people say or do not say. I didn't know about Nikki's heritage, but it doesn't matter, out of all the Republicans, she is the wisest. This podcast is interesting and provides different points of view. You speak openly, honestly, and I like it the way you make us think. Thanks.

[@EmmettHenderson-hf1zm]

One thing i see is she needs to raise her voice put on her fighting clothes revive her prosecurltorial skills and experience she displayed in the Kavanagh hearings!!!!

[@dcrom]

Jen I think you miss the fact that Trump's best shot to secure the nomination is more indictments, more trials, more guilty verdicts. His campaign thrives on his victimization.

[@borneoman8574]

True so far. Is there a tipping point? I think there will be.

[@chelabuford7106]

The counterpoint is that it should be used to motivate and spurn all those, regardless of party to get out and VOTE!!!!!!!💯💯💯 It is CRITICALLY important for this administration and any political cohorts and voters - real believers of Democracy - to be out there EVERY SINGLE TIME, stop being scared to confront the gaslighting and LIES and make the case that this would be a COMPLETE DISASTER for our country to put ANY one of these GOP candidates in office!!! FULL STOP🇺🇸

[@Gretabpooh]

Cold four day old pepperoni pizza is great for breakfast if it's been wrapped properly.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

We want Joe Biden not an authoritarian con man🧐

[@dariusslade4953]

Mr. Steele, this is your format...love it.