THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

In this discussion, Jonathan Cohn, a Senior reporter for HuffPost, dives into Donald Trump's recent stunt at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania. Cohn critiques Trump's evasion of minimum wage questions, shedding light on the disconnect between his public approval and lack of substantial economic policies for working-class Americans. He contrasts this with Kamala Harris's authentic background and detailed economic agenda, emphasizing the importance of genuine relatability in political narratives and its impact on voter trust ahead of the upcoming election.

Michael Podhorzer, a veteran political strategist and analyst, discusses the alarming implications of Barack Obama’s recent remarks at a Nevada rally, which serve as a stark warning against Trump’s autocratic threats. He emphasizes the danger of a segment of voters who underestimate this peril. Podhorzer critiques the media for not adequately raising awareness about these authoritarian risks and explores strategies to mobilize younger voters and disenfranchised groups to counteract Trump’s influence in the upcoming election.

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.