Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast
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Join noted author & pundit Molly Jong-Fast for irreverent humor that cuts right to the heart of our politics today as she discusses the top political headlines with some of today’s best minds. Known for being one of the few interviewers in politics to cut through the talking points, Molly reveals the personalities and issues tearing the country apart. She asks the questions no one else does, and gets the answers even her guests didn’t expect to give – and exactly what you want to know. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday & Friday for the funniest yet serious look at what’s ailing America.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 46min
Ali Vitali & AG Dana Nessel
Join NBC News correspondent Ali Vitali, author of 'Electable,' and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel as they dive into the state of democracy and the Democratic landscape. Vitali shares insights on how immigration policies are shaped and the political fallout surrounding Trump. Nessel discusses the critical role of state attorneys general in resisting federal overreach, emphasizing litigation's power. Together, they urge collective action among Democrats to counter rising authoritarianism and protect social services.
9 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 52min
Anne Applebaum, David Sirota & Darryl Silver
Anne Applebaum, a noted author and Atlantic staff writer, shares her insights on the rapid rise of authoritarianism and kleptocracy in today’s world. Daryl Silver, known for producing The Apprentice, discusses his experiences with Trump and the construction of his public persona. David Sirota dives into the implications of Trump's tariffs and the evolving strategies of the Democratic Party. Together, they explore the intersection of politics, media, and the challenges ahead in safeguarding democratic principles.
Apr 16, 2025 • 40min
Kurt Andersen & Alex Gibney
Kurt Andersen, author of *Evil Geniuses*, critiques Trump's unprecedented disregard for the law while highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by law firms caught in this political storm. Acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney sheds light on his new work, *The Dark Money Game*, revealing how dark money manipulates political landscapes. Together, they explore the urgent need for reform to combat corruption, contrasting the fight against autocracy with the ethical challenges of Congressional stock trading and the implications of judicial corruption on democracy.
Apr 14, 2025 • 39min
Rick Wilson & Sen. Chuck Schumer
Rick Wilson, founder of The Lincoln Project, shares his insights on Trump's diminishing trust in his 'Make America Great Again' narrative. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer discusses the Democratic strategy to combat the SAVE Act and offers a view on current legislative challenges. They delve into the chaotic effects of Trump's policies on American families and examine the broader implications of tariffs. With a mix of sharp political analysis and personal anecdotes, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating today's tumultuous political landscape.
Apr 12, 2025 • 45min
Charlie Sykes & Thomas Zimmer
Charlie Sykes, a political analyst and author, joins historian Thomas Zimmer to dive into the troubling shift towards authoritarianism in the U.S. They unpack Trump's retaliations against election challengers, revealing a crisis of the rule of law. The duo discusses the surprising divisions among Supreme Court Justices regarding Trump, signaling a rift in Republican unity. They also reflect on recent protests as a sign of political engagement and resilience, urging collective action to safeguard democratic values amidst rising threats.
Apr 10, 2025 • 39min
Andy Levy & Rep. Gregory Meeks
Join Andy Levy, co-host of The New Abnormal and known for his sharp political commentary, alongside Rep. Gregory Meeks, who represents New York's 5th District. They dive into the chaos of Trump's tariff policies and their dire market implications, bringing humor to the financial turbulence. Meeks outlines congressional strategies to curb these economic disruptions, while both guests stress the importance of bipartisan action and public activism to combat authoritarian moves. Their insightful banter highlights the urgent need for accountability in today's political landscape.
Apr 9, 2025 • 46min
Dan Nathan, Jon Allen & Amie Parnes
Dan Nathan, a CNBC contributor and co-host of Risk Reversal, discusses the business world's mixed reactions to Trump's tariffs and how they impact market volatility. Jon Allen, a senior national political reporter at NBC and co-author of the book 'Fight', sheds light on the political turbulence in the White House and the fierce rivalry between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The conversation dives into the complex dynamics of election strategies, internal party struggles, and the implications of ongoing trade tensions in a chaotic political landscape.
Apr 7, 2025 • 43min
Rick Wilson & Kat Abughazaleh
Rick Wilson, a fierce political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, takes aim at Trump's economic failures while shedding light on the chaos in American politics. Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th District, shares her vision for active representation and critiques the Democratic Party's complacency. The discussion dives deep into the impact of recent Trump tariffs on the economy, the generational divide in Congress, and the necessity for innovative political strategies to address urgent issues.
Apr 5, 2025 • 54min
Neera Tanden, Justin Wolfers & Sen Martin Heinrich
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.
10 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 49min
Joyce Vance & Laura Gamboa
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.
