Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast Alex Wagner & Rep. Brendan Boyle
Oct 16, 2025
In this discussion, Alex Wagner, a Senior Political Analyst at MSNBC and host of the Runaway Country podcast, talks about the political fallout from Trump's immigration policies and how they resonate with different audiences. Congressman Brendan Boyle, representing Pennsylvania, sheds light on the Republican-led government shutdown and the misuse of rescissions that threaten congressional power. They also delve into the disappearance of moderate Republicans and the impact of gerrymandering on democracy, painting a vivid picture of today's political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporting On The Ground For Runaway Country
- Alex Wagner describes traveling to report and connect with people across the country for her new podcast.
- She highlights meeting local journalists and recurring characters who reveal deeper national stories.
Backlash Accelerated Into Institutional Rollback
- Wagner links modern conservative regression to long-term projects aiming to rewind civil rights gains.
- She frames current moves as accelerated backlash converging on courts and institutions.
Private Extremism Signals Party Tolerance
- Wagner and Molly note explicit racist and anti-Semitic private messages reveal deeper GOP tolerance for extremism.
- They argue party leaders' tolerance signals broader normalization rather than isolated misconduct.
