Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

Andy Levy, a political commentator and host of As the World Churns, and Rahm Emanuel, former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff, dive into pressing political topics. They debate the lack of Democratic support for Kristi Noem's impeachment and explore strategies for the DNC's success, especially in education reform. Rahm emphasizes the need for a strong, transparent strategy to regain trust with voters while addressing economic inequality and healthcare messaging. Their insights spotlight the intersection of policy and practicality in modern politics.

Marc Elias, a renowned voting rights attorney and founder of Democracy Docket, discusses the threats to election integrity posed by Trump's comments and the potential misuse of federal forces. He warns of a politicized Justice Department and weakened congressional checks on authoritarianism. Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna elaborates on efforts to release the Epstein files, highlighting the importance of transparency and the implications for powerful co-conspirators. Khanna also addresses reforms to ICE and the impact of redistricting on future elections.

Rick Wilson, a sharp political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, digs into Kristi Noem's misleading claims, highlighting her media missteps and the urgent need for accountability. Meanwhile, Anne Caprara, Chief of Staff to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, emphasizes proactive Democratic strategies to counter Trump’s tactics. Their conversation covers local activism against ICE in Chicago, the internal rifts within the GOP, and how personal loyalty shapes political dynamics. Expect insights that blend humor with hard-hitting political analysis!

Justin Wolfers, an economist from the University of Michigan, reveals the troubling economic signals under the Trump administration. He discusses issues like the credibility of job reports and how tariffs and uncertainty are stalling growth. Meanwhile, journalist Jacob Soboroff shares insights from his book 'Firestorm', detailing the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. He highlights the dangers of climate change, misinformation, and failing infrastructure while reflecting on the human impact and challenges faced in recovery. Their conversation uncovers deep connections between economy and environmental crises.

Anne Applebaum, a historian at The Atlantic specializing in authoritarianism, discusses the alarming fascist tendencies of the Trump administration. She shares insights on Europe's growing concerns about U.S. actions in Venezuela and its impacts on NATO. Meanwhile, journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro connects with Miami's exile communities celebrating Maduro's capture, while also highlighting the historical distrust of U.S. intervention. They both emphasize the potential repercussions of U.S. actions on the global stage and the chaotic aftermath in Venezuela.

George Conway, an attorney and political commentator running for Congress, shares his motivations for entering politics, emphasizing the need for non-career politicians to protect democratic institutions. Ian Bremmer, a leading political scientist, discusses the global destabilization caused by U.S. actions, particularly the implications of U.S. policies in Venezuela. They both highlight the dangers of Trump's assertive foreign policy and its potential to escalate conflicts, revealing the intricate connection between domestic politics and international stability.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines Trump’s insane takeover of Venezuela.Then author Brad Meltzer details his new book The Viper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of Texas School of Law professor Mechele Dickerson details her new book The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream.Then The Associated Press’ Mary Clare Jalonick examines her new book Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St. John’s College President J. Walter Sterling examines how to educate in the age of AI.But first, Volts newsletter author David Roberts details the latest developments in climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Rohatyn details his documentary Drop Dead City, an extraordinary portrait of New York City’s fiscal crisis in the 1970s.The Groundwork Collective’s Lindsay Owens examines their blockbuster reporting on Instacart’s use of dynamic pricing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.