Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

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Oct 22, 2025 • 41min

Charlie Sykes & Anna Bower

Charlie Sykes, a conservative commentator and author, sheds light on Trump’s vandalism of the White House, delving into the political ramifications of his renovations. Anna Bower, a senior editor at Lawfare, shares her intriguing text exchanges with prosecutor Lindsay Halligan, highlighting atypical outreach regarding grand jury issues. They also discuss the potential legal implications of Halligan's unorthodox communications and the unexpected viral moment surrounding her statements, revealing insight into prosecutorial conduct.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 41min

Rick Wilson & Adam Liptak

This week features Rick Wilson, a political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, known for his sharp insights on Trump-era politics. He discusses how Trump's unpopularity is reflected in rising consumer costs due to tariffs. Joined by Adam Liptak, a Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times, who unpacks the complex topic of originalism. They explore its implications on recent Supreme Court decisions, the Voting Rights Act, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, illuminating the enduring influence of the conservative legal movement.
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Oct 18, 2025 • 54min

Elie Mystal & Sen. Brian Schatz

Elie Mystal, Justice correspondent at The Nation, shares insights on the Supreme Court's chaotic decisions, emphasizing how recent rulings threaten voting rights and racial equity. He critiques the Court's reasoning on anti-racism and highlights dangers to LGBTQ+ protections. Sen. Brian Schatz, Hawaii's Senior U.S. Senator, discusses how Democrats are strategizing to counteract Republican maneuvers, focusing on concrete legislative wins and the importance of clear messaging. Together, they explore the future of the Senate and why expanding the Court could be crucial.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 47min

Alex Wagner & Rep. Brendan Boyle

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.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 51min

George Conway & Indivisible

George Conway, a prominent lawyer and political commentator, joins grassroots organizers Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, who co-founded Indivisible. They dive into Trump’s alarming behavior, discussing the implications of unchecked power and the enabling forces around him. The trio also explores Indivisible's grassroots efforts, detailing the inspiring growth of local groups and the impactful No Kings rallies. Greenberg and Levin share strategies for collective action, emphasizing the importance of protests and civic engagement in the current political climate.
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10 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 43min

Rick Wilson & Andrew Ross Sorkin

Rick Wilson, a strategist with The Lincoln Project, shares his insights on Trump’s alarming hints at invoking the Insurrection Act and discusses the internal dynamics of the White House. Andrew Ross Sorkin, a financial journalist and author, dives into his new book about the 1929 market crash, examining the cultural shifts that led to economic collapse. He draws parallels between the past and today's market risks, including the influence of tech booms and the evolving landscape of investor choices like gold and Bitcoin.
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Oct 11, 2025 • 49min

Ali Vitali & Daniel Nichanian

Ali Vitali, MSNBC journalist and host of Way Too Early, shares insights on the chaos in Congress as the government shutdown continues. She discusses Republican strategies, highlighting her interview with Speaker Mike Johnson. Daniel Nichanian, editor at Bolts Magazine, emphasizes the importance of local races, analyzing key contests like New Jersey’s gubernatorial vote and its implications for Democrats. They highlight how school board elections and sheriff races reflect broader political dynamics and shape the national landscape.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 43min

Jeet Heer & AG Raúl Torrez

Jeet Heer, a contributor to The Nation and host of The Time of Monsters, provides sharp insights into the political strategies surrounding the government shutdown and Trump's vulnerabilities. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez highlights the state-level legal battles against federal policies and the need for targeted messaging to Latino voters. They discuss the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings, immigration issues, and how localized resistance to Trumpism is shaping political dynamics.
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9 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 46min

Jennifer Welch & Lisa Graves

Jennifer Welch, host of the podcast I've Had It, shares her perspectives on how Republican state policies, especially in Oklahoma, have negatively impacted education and social services. She discusses the celebration of political villains and how the GOP's messaging has shifted from immigration concerns to crime. Lisa Graves, former chief counsel of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of Without Precedent, reveals how the Roberts Court has undermined constitutional rights, including its involvement in partisan gerrymandering and executive overreach.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 47min

Rick Wilson & Sen. Chris Murphy

Rick Wilson dissects Stephen Miller's narrative of casting Democrats as terrorists, highlighting how visual evidence undermines that rhetoric. He discusses the influence of key figures in Trump's administration and the internal rivalries within the MAGA movement. Senator Chris Murphy warns of the threats to democracy posed by Trump’s potential second term, linking economic issues to democratic rights. He suggests strategic state-level tactics and emphasizes the importance of mobilizing voters on healthcare and democracy to regain public faith.

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