THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Matthew Seligman, an election law expert at Stanford and author of How to Steal a Presidential Election, discusses Trump's furious backlash against Fox News for its election coverage. He highlights the troubling implications of right-wing media in shaping voter confidence and amplifying misinformation. Seligman explores the potential chaos arising from plans for fake elector schemes and concerns over non-citizen voting narratives. He warns of the risk posed to fair elections as Trump's rhetoric escalates, underlining the urgent need for electoral safeguards.

David Austin Walsh, a historian and author of Taking America Back, dives into the disturbing trend of 'fascist' rhetoric in modern politics. He discusses how Trump’s unhinged claims about Democrats mirror fascist strategies, while also examining historical ties between the American right and fascism. Walsh highlights the dangers of political violence normalizing in today's discourse and sheds light on Project 2025’s agenda to install loyalists, raising alarms about threats to democracy and civil institutions.

Brian Beutler, a sharp political writer known for his critical analysis in Off Message, joins the discussion on media coverage of Donald Trump's mental fitness. They explore how the media is finally capturing Trump's troubling statements, including threats to unleash military force. Beutler highlights CNN’s tough questioning of Trump’s surrogates and Kamala Harris's direct comments on his mental state. The conversation dives into the implications of this coverage and its significance for the political landscape as the election approaches.

Politico reporter Myah Ward shines a light on Donald Trump's alarming rhetoric during his recent Fox News appearances. Despite J.D. Vance's claims, Trump openly threatens to use military power against his political foes. The discussion delves into how Trump's divisive language mirrors authoritarian propaganda and raises concerns about the implications for democracy. Ward highlights the evolving dynamics within the GOP, showcasing the challenges of party loyalty amidst Trump's aggressive tactics and the broader impact on voter mobilization and political polarization.

Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, dives into Trump's escalating attacks on CBS News regarding Kamala Harris's interview. He warns that Trump's threats to revoke broadcasting licenses signal a chilling authoritarian shift. Sozan discusses Project 2025 and its implications for government independence. The conversation also sheds light on troubling parallels between U.S. media dynamics and authoritarian regimes abroad, raising alarms about the potential erosion of democratic norms under a second Trump term.

Marc Caputo, a seasoned reporter for The Bulwark, dives into the shifting dynamics of Republican support as many voters who backed Nikki Haley may be turning towards Kamala Harris. He reveals surprising polling that could spell trouble for Trump's campaign. Caputo discusses the changing behaviors of Republican and independent women, the strategic use of GOP surrogates against Trump, and how discontent among voters is pushing them towards more centrist options. The implications for Trump's re-election prospects are significant and thought-provoking.

Nicholas Grossman, a professor of international relations and contributor to Bulwark, shares insights on Trump’s troubling interactions with Putin during the pandemic, including sending COVID tests to Russia. He discusses Kamala Harris's cutting remarks on Trump’s authoritarian aspirations, linking them to a broader pattern of global autocrats. The conversation delves into how misinformation supports these leaders and the urgent need to defend democracy against rising authoritarianism, especially as U.S. political tensions escalate.

Susan Milligan, a keen political analyst from The New Republic, delves into Donald Trump's recent misogynistic tirade against Kamala Harris. She discusses the alarming normalization of derogatory language in politics and Trump's manipulative strategies against female candidates. The conversation explores how these tactics shape voter perceptions, especially among women, and underscores the urgent need for political accountability. Milligan also highlights changing voter dynamics, emphasizing how women's rights and issues like abortion are becoming pivotal in upcoming elections.

Maria Cardona, a savvy Democratic strategist and political commentator, dives into the alarming revelations about Donald Trump's mental decline highlighted by The New York Times. She discusses his troubling fabrications, especially regarding Hurricane Helene, and how Democrats can strategically use this to galvanize voters. With a spotlight on the consequences of misinformation during crises, Cardona highlights the importance of effective messaging while advocating for a voter-centric approach as a means to counter Trump's divisive tactics. The political landscape is shifting!

Olivia Troye, a former senior Homeland Security official under Donald Trump, shares her insights on the politicization of disaster relief during his presidency. She reveals how Trump initially withheld aid for California after devastating wildfires due to its Democratic leanings. The discussion highlights the chaos within the administration, particularly how political affiliations influenced federal responses to crises. Troye also warns about the implications of a second Trump term and the potential appointments of loyalists in key positions, raising serious concerns for national security.