Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

Rick Wilson, a sharp political strategist and Lincoln Project co-founder, dissects corruption within the Trump administration and its foreign policy fiascos. He exposes the shady financial dealings of Kushner and allies while lamenting the stark incompetence in leadership. Kate Compton Barr, a Democratic candidate in North Carolina’s 14th district, shares her unique grassroots approach to winning in a gerrymandered primary. She outlines her strategy to mobilize voters and combat voter suppression, aiming to inspire change where it's most needed.

Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and former USAID leader, reveals the dire consequences of dismantling USAID, claiming it could lead to 600,000 deaths due to halted foreign assistance. He also discusses his documentary, Rovina's Choice, highlighting the human cost of these cuts. Laura K. Field unpacks her book, Furious Minds, detailing the intellectual roots of the MAGA movement, including its connections to influential thinkers and the radical shifts within conservative institutions like the Heritage Foundation. A fascinating exploration of health policy and political ideology!

James Carville, a legendary Democratic strategist, joins Jared Abbott, director of the Center for Working Class Politics. They delve into the importance of economic populism for Democrats, arguing that intervening in inequality is crucial for maintaining capitalism. Abbott introduces the 'Democratic penalty,' revealing how labeling candidates as Democrats impacts their appeal, especially in rural areas. They discuss the pivotal role of Southern Black voters and emphasize the need for populist candidates to resonate with the working class, ultimately envisioning a hopeful political shift.

Andy Levy, a political commentator and host of 'As the World Churns,' dives into the tumultuous infighting within Democratic leadership, emphasizing the party's need for aggressive leaders. Jacob Rubashkin, an analyst at Inside Elections, provides expert insights on the shifting congressional and Senate maps, discussing the unexpected competitiveness of the Tennessee seat and the implications of redistricting on future elections. Their candid discussions reveal the intricate dynamics at play as Democrats prepare for the pivotal 2026 elections.

Delve into the fascinating world of consumer signals with a discussion on how breakfast staples like bacon, egg, and cheese can indicate inflation trends. Explore Elon Musk's strategic shift back towards business, and discover the implications of his messaging. Dive into the contrasting perspectives of the CPI and PCE, shedding light on how these metrics inform the Federal Reserve's understanding of consumer costs. This engaging exploration offers insights into the forces shaping global economies.

The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson examines the disbanding of DOGE.Then American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten details Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kurt Andersen, an insightful author and commentator known for his critical works like "Evil Geniuses," delves into the alarming implications of Trump's recent rhetoric, including a call for Democrats to be hanged. Aftyn Behn, a dynamic state representative and Democratic congressional candidate from Tennessee, shares her grassroots strategy to close a significant electoral gap, focusing on affordability issues and community organizing. Together, they highlight the risks of militarized political rhetoric and the importance of informed citizen engagement.

Meredith Shiner, a Contributing Editor at The New Republic, dives into grassroots resistance against ICE in Chicago, highlighting powerful community tactics and human stories that inspire activism. Will Sommer from The Bulwark discusses the fracturing of the MAGA movement, detailing personal grievances within the ranks and the implications of the Epstein files on Trump. Together, they explore the interplay of local politics and national dynamics, offering a fascinating look at how everyday people and political infighting shape our landscape.

Join journalist Mehdi Hasan, known for his incisive political commentary, as he dissects Trump’s maneuvers to suppress the Epstein files, revealing intricate political dynamics. Alongside him is Vanessa Williamson, a senior fellow at Brookings, who challenges conventional views on taxation. She reinterprets the Boston Tea Party and advocates for progressive taxation as a tool for empowering democracy. The conversation dives into how tariffs can undermine democratic structures and ultimately reshape American governance.

Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, dives deep into the internal rivalries within MAGA, focusing on Susie Wiles' controversial position and the chaotic dynamics of Trump's inner circle. He emphasizes how inflation is eroding MAGA support more than scandals. Michael Steinberger, a journalist and author, explains Palantir's data integration technology and its dual focus on national security and commercial clients. He also discusses Alex Karp's evolution from leftist views to aligning with Trump, showcasing the complex interplay of tech and politics.