Tensions rise as Democrats ponder their strategy against a looming government shutdown while facing a chaotic Republican party. Key discussions revolve around using the filibuster to strip contentious funding provisions. The impact of economic decline adds pressure, as Democrats question whether to leverage their position against a clean funding bill. They also explore the challenges posed by a billion-dollar budget cut affecting local governance. With influential figures like Trump and Musk in the spotlight, the path forward becomes increasingly fraught.

The podcast delves into Trump's confrontational State of the Union address, highlighting its aggressive style and divisive rhetoric. It questions the effectiveness of this approach on public trust and popularity. The discussion also critiques misleading statements about Social Security, exploring the repercussions of misinformation on policy. Additionally, it examines the economic consequences of tariff policies and the ethical concerns surrounding potential insider trading linked to political decisions.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmEven in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans thought Donald Trump was a good steward of the economy. This misplaced faith has been key to his political durability. But after just one month of indiscriminately firing federal workers, illegally reneging on federal spending commitments, and making erratic threats to tariff the bejesus out of our trading partners, his economic approval has fallen under water. So what’s going on?In this episode, Matt and Brian discuss:* Are people really just annoyed that Trump has ignored the price of eggs and other staple goods?* Is it that by mistreating people and crippling important services, he’s created an unflattering news environment that has soured people on him generally?* Or might he have actually tipped the economy into recession at lightning speed?Then, behind the paywall, why does the explanation matter? Did Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries happen to land on exactly the right strategy to oppose Trump in his second term? If people are actually mad about the cruelty and lawlessness, does it suggest Democrats should shift their focus from egg trolling to forcing Trump back into regular order?And to that end, are Democrats prepared to force a confrontation over the rule of law as the deadline to fund the government approaches?All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed. Further reading:* Brian on why losing popularity so quickly puts a big dent in Trump’s plan to become an autocrat. * Matt on how foreign leaders on the receiving end of Trump’s tariff’s threats can exploit this weakness by calling his bluff. * The perils of the Trump-GOP plan to cut Medicaid.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmExplaining the GOP’s rapid slide into authoritarianism is complicated, but you can’t tell the story if you don’t understand that Republicans have been unwilling to abandon huge, unpopular tax cuts for the rich as an organizing principle. In their view of things, if popular majorities don’t support regressive tax cuts, then democracy has to go. So it’s no surprise that last week House Republicans published its blueprint for special legislation that would cut taxes by many trillions of dollars, and partially make up the cost through enormous cuts to Medicaid. In this episode, Matt and Brian (who used the wrong mic like an asshole) discuss:* Why Democrats are so eager for Republicans to shift emphasis from attacking the civil service and the rule of law to advancing huge tax cuts for the rich.* Can Republicans, with their small Senate majority and tiny House majority, actually pass anything significant* Have they convinced themselves that there’s never a big political downside to cutting rich people’s taxes?Then, behind the paywall, why that assumption is more likely than usual to blow up in their face. How many people would lose their health insurance if Republicans cut $2 trillion from Medicaid? How dramatically would trillions of dollars in (mostly deficit-financed tax cuts increase inflation? If Republicans have doomed themselves no matter what (either they cause economic harm, or they abandon their legislative agenda), why don’t Democrats train more of their focus on the unfolding constitutional crisis, before Republicans succeed at wiping out constitutional government.All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed. Further reading:* Matt on the disconnect between Donald Trump’s aggressive power-grabbing and his party’s legislative incompetence.* Real-world consequences of the Trump-Musk assault on the work force are really bad. * The famous George H.W. Bush-Bill Clinton exchange on the real world impact of federal debt. * We’re rationing eggs now.

Explore how Donald Trump and Elon Musk might defy court orders, igniting a discussion on the legitimacy of American democracy. Delve into Kendrick Lamar's potential to disrupt the MAGA coalition amid evolving cultural and political dynamics. The complexities of executive governance and public perception are examined, alongside the tensions between judicial authority and executive actions. Unpack historical examples of constitutional challenges and consider the implications of a lawless presidency on society and political compliance.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmPrior to the election, Elon Musk warned non-billionaire Americans to brace for “temporary hardship” (approving) in the event of a second Donald Trump presidency. Over the weekend, after insisting he’d impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports, Trump also acknowledged (perhaps for the first time) that his economic policies will cause “pain.” By Monday, he’d backed down from the tariffs, but Musk is still on a rampage through the federal bureaucracy and Trump continues his efforts to purge the Justice Department and remake the government dictatorially.In this episode, Matt and Brian discuss:* Why did Trump (again) chicken out of his tariff threats?* Does it tell us anything meaningful about his real views, his political calculations, or what he may do in the future?* Why didn’t Trump exempt China, and what does that mean for the U.S. economy (and for Musk, who conducts tons of business in China)?Then, behind the paywall, a through line connecting Trump’s economic policy bluster with his very real effort to mount an authoritarian takeover. What are Trump, Musk, and his technogoons doing behind the scenes at the Treasury Department? Why are they also fixated on USAID? And how should Democrats, including nervous moderates, be prepared to respond?All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed. Further reading:* Brian’s 18 thoughts on the omnicrisis, what Trump thinks he’s doing, and how to sort his volleys and outrages to focus on what matters most.* Matt makes the case that beleaguered civil servants shouldn’t quit their jobs. * What Musk’s techdork mafia appears to be doing at the Treasury Department.* Did Russians sneak a bug into the Oval Office during Trump’s first presidency?

The podcast delves into Donald Trump's recent controversial actions, including the dismissal of federal watchdogs and the focus on impoundment strategies. The discussion covers the crucial role of inspectors general in maintaining government oversight. Additionally, the speakers analyze the partisan dynamics surrounding budget negotiations, the impact of Trump's decisions on Republican unity, and the evolving relationship between Trump and GOP leaders. A closer look reveals the implications for democracy and accountability amidst political maneuvering.

The discussion kicks off with Donald Trump's controversial executive actions, especially his attempts to alter birthright citizenship. The hosts analyze the implications of pardoning January 6 insurrectionists and question Trump’s adherence to the law. They dive into the historical and legal complexities of the 14th Amendment and critique both Trump's and Biden's immigration policies. The conversation highlights how political rhetoric shapes public perception and the potential future crises in immigration.

The discussion opens with a critique of Biden's presidency and its perceived failures amid a supposedly positive macroeconomic landscape. The hosts wrestle with how Biden's self-image and policy approach contributed to his unpopularity. They ponder if a younger leader could have fared better under similar circumstances. The conversation also touches on the impact of past policies on current challenges like crime and inflation, while exploring the political strategies Democrats might learn from Biden's struggles.

The podcast dives into Elon Musk's surprising influence over the GOP and Donald Trump's administration. It questions whether Musk is too powerful for Republicans to control or if Trump's leadership is faltering. The discussion also touches on the tension between tech billionaires and grassroots nativists within the MAGA coalition. Legislative challenges loom large, especially with a fragile House majority, raising concerns about meaningful policy-making. Plus, the hosts critique media coverage of these fast-moving political dynamics.