

Politix
Politix
Politix is a weekly podcast about the 2024 election from Brian Beutler, Matthew Yglesias, and some occasional guests. We’ll have some good-faith disagreement, some points of consensus, and an overall effort to focus on what’s really at stake in November. Subscribe for new episodes each Wednesday and listen wherever you get your podcasts. www.politix.fm
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 35min
Greenland, With Envy
The hosts dive into the madness surrounding Donald Trump's obsession with Greenland, exploring his past attempts to buy the territory and the global reactions to his antics. They discuss the significance of Trump's recent ramblings and the impact on international diplomacy. Vaccination policies, particularly flu shots, also come under scrutiny as they connect to broader governance issues. With concerns about Congress and the potential for an independent caucus, the discussion highlights the precarious state of U.S. politics.

7 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 42min
Powell Obstruction
The discussion dives into Trump's recent brash tactics, likening them to a speed-chess game where aggression overshadows strategy. They scrutinize his flawed attempts to intimidate Fed Chairman Jay Powell and the mixed responses from his elite supporters. Questions arise about the lasting impacts of Trump's chaos on the GOP and the future of institutions like the Fed. The hosts highlight the dangers of normalizing power abuse and the potential need for Democrats to recalibrate for a post-Trump landscape.

20 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 40min
Venezuela, Vidi, Vici?
The hosts dive into Trump's controversial military actions in Venezuela, highlighting the confusion surrounding Maduro's arrest and global destabilization concerns. They question if it was a distraction tactic and explore the varied reactions from Latin leaders. The discussion touches on how domestic politics were reset, the role of conservative media, and implications for U.S. allies like Taiwan. They also examine political responses by Democrats and the implications of U.S. oil policy, all while revealing how this operation overshadowed major issues like the Epstein files.

32 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 44min
Politix Christmas Mailbag
Tune in for a delightful mailbag chat as hosts dive into Gavin Newsom's political fate and the need for taxing the wealthy. They ponder how long campaign cycles impact frontrunners and the baffling dynamics of Trumpism in modern politics. The duo skillfully balances humor and insight while speculating about the Biden administration's handling of Epstein files. Plus, they explore the intersection of AI and public revenue. Don’t miss this festive blend of analysis and banter!

28 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 38min
Strike Wiles The Iron Is Hot
The podcast dives into the growing fractures within the GOP, sparked by Susie Wiles's candid remarks on the Trump administration. Discussion revolves around the challenges of transferring Trump's loyal base to JD Vance and whether that allegiance is sustainable. The hosts analyze the fallout from Trump's controversial comments about Rob Reiner, questioning MAGA's unity in the face of internal criticism. Health care emerges as a crucial fault line for the party, further complicating the Republican landscape.

10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 42min
All Tapped Out
Discover the scandalous implications of an alleged no-survivors order and its ties to Trump's foreign policy. The hosts delve into the chilling details of potential war crimes and examine the political fallout—can the so-called Seditious Six Democrats manipulate the situation to their advantage? Plus, they discuss recent electoral outcomes in Tennessee, questioning whether leftist strategies helped or hurt the Democrats. With tensions over a possible regime change in Venezuela brewing, it’s a captivating blend of politics and morality.

21 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 39min
Who wins? Who loses? And why?
Lakshya Jain, a political analyst known for his innovative 'wins above replacement' model, joins to discuss the nuances of candidate performance in politics. They delve into the concept of 'down-ballot lag,' highlighting how voters react differently at various levels. Jain reveals that popular politicians like AOC often underperform, while lesser-known candidates can excel. The conversation also explores why electoral success can be misleading and the importance of evaluating candidates beyond mere visibility.

16 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 32min
Trump Can't Handle The Truth
The discussion kicks off with Trump's plummeting poll numbers, combining both schadenfreude and potential risks to democracy. Marjorie Taylor Greene's unexpected resignation raises questions about her political strategy and Trump's grip on the GOP. The hosts analyze the fallout from Zohar Mamdani's White House meeting and how Trump reacts to internal party conflicts. Lastly, they delve into the consequences of Trump's threats against political opponents, highlighting the ongoing turmoil within the MAGA movement and the implications for the Democratic response.

25 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 34min
Wet Hot American Summers
Recent disclosures from Jeffrey Epstein's estate have unearthed emails implicating Donald Trump and other elites, sparking political fallout. The hosts discuss Trump's efforts to block the release of Epstein files and why Larry Summers' involvement raises eyebrows. As names like Bill Clinton quickly deny wrongdoing, questions arise about whether Summers' actions were merely embarrassing or potentially criminal. The episode delves into the implications for the Democratic Party and forecasts how Trump might navigate the storm ahead.

25 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 36min
Quick Cave By The Bad Seeds
Senate Democrats recently faced a political conundrum, surrendering to reopen the government without ensuring health insurance or curbing Trump. The hosts dissect the questionable decisions behind this move, exploring if better strategies were possible. They analyze internal dynamics and leverage considerations that could have altered the outcome. The conversation takes a critical turn towards the implications for future political battles and whether blame attribution can be wielded as a tool in shutdowns. Can Democrats learn from this cave before the next looming deadline?


