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
Dec 4, 2024 • 41min
George Conway & Heather Williams
The Atlantic’s George Conway shares his insights on President Biden pardoning his son, Hunter. DLCC’s Heather Williams details the Democrats' strategy in the years to come to reclaim a majority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 2, 2024 • 41min
Rick Wilson & Caroline Kitchener
Rick Wilson, founder of The Lincoln Project, shares sharp insights on the implications of Kash Patel's potential FBI directorship. Caroline Kitchener, a national reporter from The Washington Post, dives into the chilling realities of a post-Roe world, discussing the impact of new abortion bans on maternal mortality. They both explore the complexities of political patronage and the urgent need for strong advocacy in reproductive rights. Expect a compelling mix of political savvy and urgent social issues.
Nov 30, 2024 • 40min
Rep. Brendan Boyle & Thomas Zimmer
Congressman Brendan Boyle, representing Pennsylvania's 2nd District, discusses the dysfunction looming in Congress as it shifts into a new session. Historian Thomas Zimmer dives into Project 2025, revealing the radical transformation of American conservatism and its potential societal impacts. The pair analyze how economic policies could sway voter behavior, especially among working-class individuals, and examine the complexities of Pennsylvania's political landscape, particularly regarding gender dynamics and the challenges female candidates face.
Nov 28, 2024 • 46min
Jeet Heer & Rep. Becca Balint
Jeet Heer, a contributor to The Nation and host of The Time of Monsters podcast, shares his insights into the Democratic Party's rebuilding efforts. Congresswoman Becca Balint, Vermont's sole representative, discusses strategies for pushing back against Trump's agenda. They navigate the complexities of political intimidation and media portrayals of Trump while highlighting trade war myths and the implications of tariffs. The duo also reflects on the evolving political landscape, focusing on party dynamics and the essential need for integrity in today's political climate.
Nov 27, 2024 • 43min
Mary Trump & Ryan Broderick
Mary Trump, an insightful author and commentator on the Trump family, joins Ryan Broderick, editor of "Garbage Day" and internet culture expert. They dive into how politics are influenced by online trends and the evolving media landscape. Mary highlights the misunderstandings surrounding Trump-era tariffs, while Ryan dissects the chaotic relationship between corporate media and electoral perceptions. They explore the impact of social media on political discourse and the allure of charismatic figures in contemporary politics, all with a splash of humor.
Nov 25, 2024 • 45min
Rick Wilson & Roger McNamee
Rick Wilson, founder of The Lincoln Project, shares insights on the potential fallout of a Trump comeback, emphasizing the looming political chaos. Roger McNamee, author of Zucked, critiques how tech giants pursue dystopian goals that jeopardize democracy. They delve into the alarming normalization of toxic political behavior and how technology exacerbates disinformation in elections. The conversation reveals the dire need to prioritize user welfare over profit while navigating the profound implications of these interconnected crises.
Nov 23, 2024 • 46min
Charlie Sykes & Skye Perryman
Charlie Sykes, a political commentator and author, shares insights on maintaining sanity in today's chaotic news cycle. Skye Perryman, President of Democracy Forward, discusses the critical legal strategies needed to push back against Trump's agenda, emphasizing the role of the courts in protecting democracy. The duo explores the impact of Trump's deportation strategy on the economy and addresses the need for public vigilance against authoritarianism. They also highlight the importance of civic engagement in combating extremism within political discourse.
Nov 21, 2024 • 49min
Dana Milbank & Julia Davis
Dana Milbank, a Washington Post columnist and author, discusses the implications of Trump's nominations on future politics. Julia Davis, an expert on Russian media, highlights Russia's response to Trump's recent moves. They delve into how political appointments reflect deeper societal issues, the influence of Russian narratives on American perceptions, and the rising authoritarianism parallels in both nations. The conversation also touches on Trump’s immigration policies and the challenges facing American families within that context.
Nov 20, 2024 • 44min
Symone Sanders & Amanda Litman
Symone Sanders, MSNBC's The Weekend host and a savvy political strategist, joins the discussion to dissect the emerging blind spots in VP Harris's strategy. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, emphasizes the critical role of grassroots movements in reshaping the Democratic Party's future. The duo reflects on the lessons learned from the 2020 elections, underscoring the necessity for diverse candidates and effective communication. They also celebrate recent electoral successes, highlighting the importance of hope and new leadership in challenging political times.
Nov 18, 2024 • 45min
Rick Wilson & Katherine Ebright
Rick Wilson, founder of The Lincoln Project, offers sharp insights into Trump's chaotic cabinet appointments and the risky political landscape they create. Katherine Ebright, a counsel at the Brennan Center, dissects the controversial Alien Enemies Act of 1798, warning about its potential misuse against non-citizens today. They also address the internal turmoil within the MAGA movement and the challenges posed by misinformation, emphasizing the importance of political engagement over despair in these tumultuous times.
