THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Brian Beutler, political journalist and Substack writer (Off Message), breaks down why Trump’s “softer touch” line reveals political vulnerability. Conversation covers backlash to plans for massive migrant detention sites, surprising resistance in deep-red areas, and how images and polling have shifted public opinion. Short, sharp takes on why this fight could create opportunities for Democrats.

Ryan Enos, Harvard political scientist who studies political behavior and democracy, joins to unpack Harvard's showdown with Trump. He explains how Harvard resisted extortion-like demands. He outlines the threat to university research funding and why institutions standing firm matters. He examines internal campus tensions and how collective resistance could blunt authoritarian tactics.

Gillian Brockell, an investigative reporter who covers ICE, detention and deportation practices. She discusses Trump's threats to interfere with voting and how ICE could be used to intimidate voters. They explore practical limits on seizing elections. She also details growing cruelty in ICE deportation flights and the political risks of weaponizing enforcement.

Leah Parada, an immigration advocate who organizes communities affected by enforcement actions, recounts local backlash to ICE raids. She describes surprising bipartisan opposition, viral grassroots organizing, and how Democrats might craft messaging and policy alternatives. Short, sharp scenes of protest, polls showing broad disapproval, and talk of durable organizing drive the conversation.

Jennifer Rubin, editor-in-chief of The Contrarian and political commentator, analyzes the GOP’s turmoil over ICE and MAGA’s escalating rhetoric. She explores how brutal immigration actions shifted public opinion. She breaks down the split between violent far-right elements and wary Republicans. She outlines political tactics to widen those divides and calls for Democrats to seize the moment.

Virginia Heffernan, journalist and culture commentator at The New Republic, discusses the fallout around Kristi Noem. They cover how video and reviews undercut Noem’s account. They explore Trump’s furious attacks on GOP critics. They examine Stephen Miller’s role and how grassroots videos and civic mobilization reshaped the story.

Adam Serwer, Atlantic staff writer who reported from Minneapolis on community resistance to federal immigration enforcement. He breaks down rising tensions around Stephen Miller and internal splits in the Trump circle. He recounts on-the-ground scenes in Minneapolis, why MAGA miscalculated the politics there, and how multicultural solidarity challenged harsh enforcement tactics.

Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut lawmaker focused on foreign policy and civil liberties, speaks bluntly about federal immigration enforcement after the Minneapolis killing. He lays out proposed reforms to ICE and DHS. He discusses nationwide ICE practices and the political stakes for lawmakers. The conversation centers on whether Democrats will force real legislative limits or settle for superficial fixes.

Steve Benen, political journalist and commentator at MSNBC/Now, breaks down how Trump’s own rants have sabotaged his tariff case. He walks through public statements that reveal whimsical rationales. They discuss the weak legal footing, congressional abdication, and the political stakes if such powers go unchecked.

Alan Elrod, a political theorist and founder of the Pulaski Institution, joins to dissect Donald Trump's explosive reaction to recent polling that reveals major public disapproval on key issues like immigration. They delve into Trump’s belief in power over democratic norms and discuss how this backlash signifies shifting tides for Democrats. Can elections really constrain Trump? Elrod argues that significant public opposition is crucial for Republican leaders to act. The conversation also highlights the need for bold institutional reforms to counter Trumpism.