THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Nicole Hemmer, a historian and modern American right expert, joins to dissect the politicalquake caused by newly released Epstein emails linking Trump and the sex trafficker. She reveals how the White House is pressuring Republicans, signaling Trump's growing anxiety. Hemmer explores the MAGA factionalism ignited by these revelations, with figures like Lauren Boebert and Nick Fuentes vying for influence amid Trump's waning power. The conversation plunges into the future of the right and the dangers of potential authoritarian moves stemming from this scandal.

Join trade policy expert Alex Jacquez, who served as an adviser in the Biden administration, as he unpacks the chaos surrounding Trump's tariff claims. Alex highlights how Trump's inflated revenue figures from $2 trillion to $3 trillion undermine his legal case. He delves into the skepticism from the Supreme Court justices and the broader economic impact of these tariffs, which have spurred uncertainty and hampered investment. Get insights on potential outcomes if the tariffs are struck down and the political maneuvers that could follow.

Brian Beutler, a political journalist known for his sharp insights, discusses the ongoing government shutdown and recent rants by Trump. He highlights how Trump’s bizarre outbursts reveal his political weakness amid the shutdown fallout. Beutler delves into the varied motives behind Democratic decisions and critiques their strategy. He argues that Democrats misread Trump’s tactics and could have negotiated more effectively. The conversation also touches on the human costs of the shutdown and potential strategies for Democrats to regain leverage.

Joe Perticone, a Congress reporter for The Bulwark, dives into the chaotic aftermath of recent GOP losses and Trump’s fiery response to media questioning. They discuss the misleading claims about inflation and how Trump's anger when confronted with facts reflects deeper issues within the GOP. Perticone reveals how Democrats are gaining traction among working-class and Hispanic voters, showcasing the fragility of the MAGA coalition. The conversation also explores how new media and influencers are reshaping voter perceptions, complicating Republican messaging.

In this intriguing discussion, Jessica Post, a Democratic operative and campaign consultant with deep expertise in state-level races, delves into Trump's controversial call to end the filibuster to enable voter restrictions. She analyzes how his comments reveal a strategy to entrench GOP power and the potential consequences of aggressive gerrymandering. Jessica highlights both risks for Republicans and opportunities for Democrats, shedding light on the battle for House control as they strategize for the 2026 midterms.

Alex Shephard, Senior Editor at The New Republic, joins to discuss the Democrats' stunning electoral victories and the implications for Trump's GOP. He explores the shift of working-class voters to the Democratic side, highlighting the volatility of Trump's coalition. Shephard also analyzes Trump’s frustrated reactions to the losses and his calls for drastic measures like nuking the filibuster. The discussion delves into how effective messaging focused on affordability can unify voters, and the challenges faced by Republicans moving forward.

David Dayen, executive editor at The American Prospect and renowned policy journalist, joins the discussion to dissect Trump's explosive SNAP threats amidst a looming government shutdown. They delve into the clash between Trump's directives and judicial orders, revealing how such antics have exposed his political vulnerabilities. Dayen highlights the dangerous optics of denying food assistance while urging Democrats to seize the moment to engage more robustly. The conversation also touches on broader issues of democracy and the necessity for accountability.

In this engaging discussion, David Austin Walsh, an author and analyst specializing in the conservative movement, dives into the fallout from Tucker Carlson's controversial interview with Nick Fuentes, a known white nationalist. He explains the implications of this backlash within MAGA circles, revealing the movement's struggle to contain extremist views. Walsh also explores the Groypers' role, how this moment highlights rifts over Israel, and the challenges future GOP leaders will face in managing the white nationalist factions embedded in their coalition.

Maura Quint, an organizer with Fair Share America, joins the discussion to unpack President Trump's recent explosive rants demanding that Republicans end the filibuster to reopen the government. She highlights how his all-caps tirades undermine GOP messaging and expose their reluctance to negotiate. Maura also addresses Trump's criticism of rising healthcare premiums and the refusal of Republicans to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Lastly, she explores the potential for Democrats to engage with working-class voters amidst Trump's dominance in information spaces.

Dave Karpf, a professor of media and public affairs, discusses the chaotic scene in Chicago as ICE agents disrupted a children's Halloween parade, evoking terror among families. Karpf highlights Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's alarming warning about the impact on children and his challenge to the Trump administration to pause raids. The conversation dives into the importance of effective messaging for Democrats, the need for a strong media infrastructure to counter misinformation, and learning from historical protest strategies to engage inattentive voters.