Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic, discusses the aftermath of the VP debate, providing insights on Trump's dwindling public empathy. Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, dives into his new book, 'Tech Agnostic,' exploring technology's role as a modern religion. The conversation highlights the need for reevaluating our spiritual beliefs in the tech era and critiques the worship-like devotion to Silicon Valley leaders. The duo also addresses the ethical dilemmas posed by for-profit initiatives during societal crises.

Rick Wilson, a savvy political strategist, and John Leguizamo, a passionate actor and activist, dive into the latest vice presidential debate, critiquing candidate performances and media dynamics. They discuss the current political rhetoric impacting the Texas Senate race and the challenges of representation for Latino communities. Leguizamo highlights the intersection of culture and activism, stressing the need for greater visibility and grassroots efforts in politics. Their lively exchange not only educates but also inspires action in these turbulent times.

Rick Wilson, a political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, takes aim at the recent lows in American politics, specifically critiquing Trump's legal strategies. Douglas Rushkoff, an author and media theorist, discusses updates to his book on AI and its societal impact. They delve into Florida's absurd political maneuvers while grappling with the Republican Party's dependency on Trump. The conversation also stresses the need for a human approach as technology reshapes media dynamics and propagates misinformation in the political arena.

Tim Miller, a savvy political strategist, shares his insights on the chaos enveloping the presidential race, highlighting the reactions to Trump's latest controversial speech. David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, reflects on historical patterns in politics and the changing dynamics in Congress. They candidly discuss the nuances of polling practices, the challenges of engaging female voters, and the implications of Project 2025 amidst the upcoming elections. Expect a blend of political analysis and playful anecdotes about the current state of American governance.

Charlie Sykes, an MSNBC contributor known for his incisive political insights, and Dana Milbank, a Washington Post columnist with a new book on political mischief, dive into the chaos of current politics. They critique the absurdity of comparing Harris to Trump and dissect the troubling implications of the Supreme Court's decisions on women's rights. The duo also explores the frightening potential of Trump's re-election and the disarray within the Republican Party. Their lively conversation highlights the intelligence and absurdity infused in today's political landscape.

Sarah Longwell, a focus group expert, shares fascinating insights into shifting voter dynamics and the challenges facing Republicans today. She discusses themes of accountability and political maneuvering in light of recent scandals. Paola Ramos, an author, delves into her new book about the rise of the Latino Far Right, highlighting surprising voter support for Trump and the diverse political leanings within Latino communities. Their conversation unpacks the complexities of identity and misinformation in modern elections.

Rick Wilson, a sharp-minded political strategist, and Susanne Craig, an investigative journalist from The New York Times, dive into the financial myths behind Donald Trump's persona. They discuss Craig's book, revealing how Trump squandered his father's fortune while creating a false image of success. The conversation touches on the absurdities of current Trump politics, the loyalty dynamics in Republican nominations, and the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency. Their blend of serious insights and humor keeps the discussion engaging and thought-provoking.

Former Senator Al Franken shares sharp insights into Trump's political blunders. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker discusses navigating progressive leadership while being very wealthy, tackling issues like minimum wage and childhood hunger. Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn outlines his independent campaign, emphasizing how his success could aid Democrats. The trio delves into the challenges of modern political dynamics, the impacts of Trumpism, and strategies for energizing voter engagement across party lines.

Lawrence O'Donnell joins Representatives Jasmine Crockett, Becca Balint, and Maxwell Frost to discuss the implications of Trump's rhetoric on his presidential ambitions. Lindsay Owens sheds light on price gouging in the economy, highlighting recent efforts to combat it. Skye Perryman emphasizes the need to push back against Republican overreach. The conversation also touches on defending democracy and the importance of public education about Project 2025. Together, they explore the vital interplay of politics, economic justice, and civic engagement.

Rick Wilson, a sharp political strategist, critiques Trump's questionable alliances, including his ties to Laura Loomer. Kate Conger and Ryan Mac discuss their book highlighting the seismic changes at Twitter under Elon Musk's reign. Amanda Becker dives into her examination of post-Dobbs America, shedding light on the fight for abortion rights. Together, they dissect the chaotic landscape of modern politics, emphasizing the implications of leadership styles and the cultural impact of significant figures.