Ben Mathis-Lilley

In this discussion, political reporter Greg Bluestein, known for his insights on Georgia politics, joins Slate's Ben Mathis-Lilley for a deep dive into public unrest. They explore heated town hall meetings across the country, where constituents are vocally opposing drastic government cuts that threaten local jobs. The conversation highlights the political struggle within the GOP, especially in Georgia, as lawmakers face backlash and are forced to moderate their stances. Amidst rising economic discontent, Trump's approval ratings are starting to take a hit.

Ben Mathis-Lilly, a senior writer at Slate and expert on Donald Trump's administration, delves into the dynamics of Trump's return to power. He discusses the complex leadership landscape, including tensions between old and new MAGA leaders. The conversation highlights the implications of 'MAGA 2.0' and the challenges Trump faces from Congress. They also explore shifting GOP economic policies, the ongoing influence of figures like Steve Bannon, and the intricate dance of navigating political loyalties within Trumpworld.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer at Slate and author of 'How Strategist Brain Took Over the Democratic Party', dives into the Democratic Party's flawed reliance on consultants and polling. He critiques the party’s outdated strategies, linking them to a decline in grassroots engagement since the 1968 Chicago convention. Mathis-Lilley discusses the impact of campaign finance on party identity and stresses the importance of authentic connections with voters, urging a shift towards genuine representation and economic concerns.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a frequent contributor to the TLDR newsletter and author of "Hot Seat," shares his insights on achieving financial success in 2025. The conversation covers the shifting investment trends in Canada, focusing on the growing appeal of stocks and renewable energy. They discuss practical tips for maximizing tax-advantaged savings accounts and explore light-hearted but effective strategies for managing personal finances. With a mix of humor and wisdom, Ben encourages listeners to align their spending with their values for a prosperous new year.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer at Slate and author of "How Strategist Brain Took Over the Democratic Party," discusses the Democratic Party's faltering electoral strategies. He critiques the reliance on consultants who prioritize polling over real voter needs. Mathis-Lilley highlights historical missteps, the shift from grassroots activism to financial backing, and the internal divide that complicates unity. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for the party to engage authentically with voters to rebuild its identity and effectiveness.

Greg Bluestein, a political reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, brings an insider's view of the growing unrest among constituents in Georgia. Joined by Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer for Slate, they delve into the public outrage over federal spending cuts, shaking every corner from town halls to Republican districts. Highlights include a representative's evolving stance on Dogecoin and the broader implications of political leaders avoiding direct engagement with their voters. The conversation unveils the rift between political actions and community sentiments, reshaping upcoming elections.

Ben Mathis-Lilly, a senior writer at Slate, offers keen insights into the new dynamics of Trumpworld. He discusses the surreal political landscape leading up to the inauguration and the emergence of MAGA 2.0, highlighting key figures and internal conflicts within Trump’s camp. The conversation delves into the complex leadership dynamics influenced by Susie Wiles and the tensions stirred by Steve Bannon. Mathis-Lilly also explores the rift in the GOP, examining how populism reshapes party power and social media's role in future political conflicts.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a Slate senior writer, delves into the chaos within the Michigan GOP, as the MAGA faction takes control, causing distrust, financial turmoil, and leadership conflicts. The podcast explores how the party's disunity stems from suspicions about the 2020 election, donor issues, and internal struggles, leading to a civil war scenario and implications for future elections.

Slate senior writer Ben Mathis-Lilley discusses how the MAGA wing of the Michigan GOP is causing chaos and infighting within the party. They've limited fundraising and leadership, distrust each other, and are grappling with post-election suspicions, leading to a state of civil war for control within the party.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, Slate senior writer, discusses the special prosecutor's report on Biden's memory and the implications for his presidential campaign. They analyze concerns about Biden's verbal miscues and memory lapses, exploring the impact on his political image. The podcast also delves into the age issue in the upcoming election, comparing and contrasting Trump and Biden, and discusses the expectations for their behavior and concerns about Biden's health.