Politix

In this podcast, they discuss the Supreme Court ruling granting immunity to presidents, creating two sets of rules: one for law-abiding presidents and one for Trump. They explore Biden's options and congressional responses to the ruling. Special guest Don Verrilli provides insights on the implications for future presidencies and decision-making processes.

The podcast discusses Biden's poor debate performance, concerns about his candidacy, and the possibility of him stepping aside for Kamala Harris or a new nominee. It analyzes his struggles against lies, potential campaign shakeup, and doubts about his cognitive abilities.

Discussion on the incoherence of Trump's foreign policy, Biden's challenges post-Trump, analysis of China's military goals, critique of JD Vance's stance, and reflections on Trump's impact on civic patriotism and global governance.

Discussing the challenges Biden faces in capitalizing on positive economic news. Exploring reasons for the 2020 crime surge and the extent to which Trump is to blame. Analyzing how Biden quickly addressed crime issues. Comparing Trump's economic legacy with Biden's response.

Matt and Brian delve into the support Trump receives from wealthy figures post-conviction, exploring their motives, potential gains, and Biden's response. They question if tech and finance elites truly believe in Trump or just seek tax benefits, while discussing the stakes for working-class Americans. Behind the paywall, they analyze the implications of billionaire endorsements on U.S. business and strategies for Biden to win over blue-collar voters.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmThis week, Matt and Brian discuss the solidifying Democratic response to Donald Trump’s felony convictions, and scratch their heads a bit: * Why are Democrats demurring when the facts are the ground are so advantageous to them?* How consistent is this with the party’s past practice of shrugging off Trump-accountability moments?* What if any role should data play in these kinds of rapid response moments, when Trump’s widespread unpopularity is so consistent?Then, behind the paywall, we break down the forces within the party that cut against a unified, vigorous response: Does taking it easy on Trump really help swing-state and swing-district Democrats? How do Democratic congressional leaders actually conceive of their jobs? Would progressive leaders rather talk about Trump’s status as a felony convict and rapist, or about their policy agendas? Plus, what do Matt and Brian think a savvy response to the convictions look like? 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 various tactics and strategies Democrats could deploy to keep reminders of Trump’s convictions above the fold.* Josh Marshall with an important reminder to Dems and the media not to let the GOP’s affected aggression in the wake of the verdict mind trick them into allowing Republicans to set the terms of the discourse. * A New York Times focus group suggests getting convicted of 34 felonies is not, in fact, good news for a presidential candidate.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmSPECIAL EDITION: A New York jury declared Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced, finding that he forged business records to cover up his illegal conduct in the 2016 election.Matt and Brian:* Review the case and the law and the controversy around it;* Discuss the relevance of the news—particularly to new voters who may have been too young to hear the Access Hollywood tape, or know that Trump paid hush money to a porn star;* Air out the many ways Democrats might and should talk about Trump’s new status as a felon, and the conduct he committed to earn that distinction.Then, behind the paywall, we review official reaction to the verdict in “real time,” discuss how this might snowball into greater interest in the trial Trump has successfully managed to delay, and examine the nexus of the hush-money case to his abortion bans, and his work to eliminate reproductive rights nationwide. 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 Alvin Bragg’s prosecution was righteous from the outset.* Former Manhattan prosecutor Rebecca Roiphe explained to Politix listeners why Bragg’s liberal critics were wrong.* Brian on why President Biden should lift his vow of silence and begin making political hay of Trump’s criminal exposure.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmThis week, with so many American liberals and leaders abroad worrying about what a second Trump term will mean for them, Matt and Brian examine the many political differences between fear and fearlessness. For instance:* If Trump’s threats have become more literal and less figurative, how can liberals most effectively oppose him without sounding like panicky wimps?* Have Trump-curious business elites taken leave of their senses, or do they really think Trump can’t possibly harm American capitalism more than huge corporate tax cuts will “help”?* Do progressives agree that Trump is an existential threat to democracy? And if so, are they receptive to muscular “bring it on” politics, or are crisis and doom the only appeals that speak to them. Then, behind the paywall, Brian and Matt take a look at global and domestic developments—from the Mexican election to diplomacy in the Middle East and the zombie border bill in Congress—to assess how actors with everything on the line are changing their behavior and contingency planning for a second Trump term. If they’re freaking out, why shouldn’t we be? If the situation is so dire, shouldn’t Biden entertain more drastic measures? Can U.S. leaders be simultaneously clear eyed in planning for the worst and resolute (rather than cowering) in their resistance?Answers to all those questions, 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 how Trump’s scams will only get worse in a second term. * Brian on why progressive activists should lay off murder-suicide threats as “leverage.”* Greg Sargent on the Trump movement’s many sadistic fantasies.* Jamelle Bouie on the people (immigrants) who will bear the brunt of this sadism.

Exploring the influence of Republican-appointed judges, Alito's controversial actions, and Democrats' lack of accountability. The podcast examines the failure of Democratic leaders to take the Supreme Court seriously, questions surrounding Sotomayor's retirement, and the connection to Trump's 'Unified Reich' aspiration.

Matt and Brian dissect the latest poll data showing Biden losing swing states. They explore reasons behind Biden's unpopularity like inflation, immigration, and crime. They debate whether Biden should step down for a younger candidate. The episode also delves into the dynamics of ticket splitting and the success of state-level Democrats.