Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

Neera Tanden, President of the Center for American Progress, critiques Trump's early policies and discusses the Democratic response. Senator Martin Heinrich shares insights on political strategies and the urgency of addressing accountability in today's political landscape. Economist Justin Wolfers highlights why tariffs fail to solve economic issues, emphasizing a need for rational discussion around trade deficits. The conversation blends humor and deep analysis, making complex economic topics accessible to listeners.

Joyce Vance, an expert in constitutional law and co-host of Sisters in Law, dives into how the Constitution's checks and balances are confronting Trump's challenges. She teams up with Laura Gamboa, a professor focused on democratic backsliding, who shares insights from her Foreign Affairs article on preserving democracy. They discuss the implications of voter suppression tactics, the critical role of organized opposition against authoritarianism, and historical lessons from countries like Venezuela and Colombia in the fight for democratic integrity.

George Conway, a legal analyst for The Atlantic known for his insights on Trump's actions, joins Simon Rabinovitch, U.S. economics editor at The Economist, to dissect pressing political and economic issues. They delve into the implications of Trump's lawless behavior on institutions, comparing his tactics to those of a mob boss. Rabinovitch sheds light on how Trump's tariffs may impact the global economy and American competitiveness. Their candid discussion reveals the intertwined nature of legal battles and economic policies in today's political landscape.

Rick Wilson, a seasoned Republican strategist and founder of The Lincoln Project, teams up with Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for The New York Times and co-author of 'Mad House.' They dive into the chaotic aftermath of Signalghazi and dissect how Trump’s outrageous antics unraveled Congress. From Trump’s tariffs harming the GOP to the personal rivalries shaping legislation, their conversation reveals the dysfunctional dynamics of Washington and the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism.

Josh Marshall, Editor of Talking Points Memo, provides insightful analysis on Signalghazi's aftermath, dissecting its broader political implications. Meanwhile, Anthony Walton, a celebrated poet and writer, dives into his new work, 'The End of Respectability,' where he challenges perceptions of race and identity in America. Their conversation navigates the intersections of political narratives and personal experiences, illuminating how current events shape cultural dialogues around respect and representation.

Jeet Heer, a contributing writer for The Nation known for his sharp political analysis, discusses the repercussions of Signalgate and highlights the Republican struggle to move past it. Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow shares insights from her empowering book 'Hate Won't Win,' emphasizing the crucial role of civic engagement. They delve into the importance of grassroots activism, the impact of personal stories in countering division, and the need for a positive narrative to connect with younger voters disillusioned by current politics.

Charlie Sykes, an insightful political commentator and author, joins legal expert Stephen Vladeck, known for his work on a critical examination of the Supreme Court. They dive into Pete Hegseth's group chat controversies and explore how the Court's rulings impact Trump's legal battles. The duo also critiques the internal struggles of the legal profession, particularly regarding Trump's influence on representation and the justice system. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining judicial integrity in today's politically charged environment.

Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and sharp critic of Donald Trump, teams up with Michael S. Roth, President of Wesleyan University and an advocate for academic integrity. They discuss Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education and his bullying tactics affecting universities. The conversation delves into the broader implications for higher education under political pressure and highlights the need for vigilance in protecting academic freedom and marginalized voices. Their insights shed light on the tense relationship between politics and education.

Dahlia Lithwick, Senior editor at Slate and author of "Lady Justice," dives into the Supreme Court’s mixed messages. Paul Krugman, a distinguished economist, analyzes Trump’s market chaos and the implications of his economic policies. Tim Miller, host of the Bulwark Daily Podcast, shares strategies for Democrats to regain leadership. Together, they explore the current political landscape, address the constitutional crisis, and highlight the need for grassroots activism in protecting democracy.

The Al Franken Show’s Al Franken discusses how changing leadership in the Senate would play out and his role in Netflix’s The Residence, which is out now! Ettingermentum editor Josh Cohen details the Democrats’ future strategy to regain power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.