
THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent
Every weekday, The New Republic’s Greg Sargent brings you a fresh way of thinking about the biggest political stories of the moment, offered up in an entertaining, information-packed conversation with a leading lawmaker, journalist, or newsmaker. We go deep into the stories behind the headlines leading TNR and other news outlets—while making it fun and fast.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2024 • 25min
How Supreme Court Shocker Could Give Trump Truly Terrifying New Powers
Legal expert Richard Hasen discusses the Supreme Court ruling on Trump's immunity from prosecution and the potential implications for his future if he regains the White House. The podcast delves into concerns over authoritarian tendencies, distinguishing official acts from personal ones, and the challenges in holding a former president accountable for actions while in office.

Jul 1, 2024 • 34min
Trump’s Ugly New Rants About Jan. 6 Pardons Suddenly Seem More Ominous
The podcast explores Trump's dangerous rhetoric on the January 6th rioters, his potential use of pardons, and the impact on legal proceedings. They discuss a Supreme Court ruling affecting cases against the attackers and concerns about Trump's threats to the rule of law. Additionally, the podcast delves into the MAGA movement's perception of citizenship and legitimacy, as well as parallels between the Mueller probe and the Capitol attack investigations.

Jun 28, 2024 • 28min
MAGA’s Eruptions of Rage at CNN Reveal Why Project 2025 Is So Ominous
MAGA supporters rage at CNN for fact-checking, hinting at Project 2025's propaganda plans. David Roberts warns of a second Trump term's impact on journalism and government. Discussion on loyalty to Trump, attacks on CNN, and power dynamics in shaping reality.

Jun 27, 2024 • 26min
Trump Allies Secretly Fear He Botched Debate Expectations for Biden
Veteran reporter Marc Caputo discusses Trump's debate prep targeting Biden's age. Trump allies fear setting low expectations for Biden. Contrasting debate prep styles, reality manipulation beliefs, and split dynamics within Trump's campaign are analyzed.

Jun 26, 2024 • 24min
Judge Cannon’s Pro-Trump Trickery Is About to Get Even More Shameless
Law professor Corey Brettschneider discusses Judge Cannon's rulings favoring Trump, enabling attacks on the rule of law. They explore Trump's manipulation of his base, the threat of delayed trials, and the implications on free speech and accountability. The podcast delves into the broader concern of preserving democracy in the face of such actions.

Jun 25, 2024 • 30min
Why Some GOPers Are Suddenly Admitting Trump Is Weaker Than He Looks
Never Trump conservative Mona Charen, editor/columnist at The Bulwark, discusses Republicans' secret doubts about Trump's strength and the perception of Biden's weaknesses. Topics include contradictions in the GOP, overselling Biden's flaws, Trump's coherence, corporate support, vulnerabilities of the MAGA movement, and political challenges for Republicans.

Jun 24, 2024 • 31min
Trump’s Dangerous New Rants About UFC Violence Should Wake Up Media
Brian Beutler discusses how Trump's dangerous rhetoric escalates demonization of migrants, calling for media to cover it as a major scandal. Trump's tactics of highlighting crimes by migrants for propaganda, promoting UFC matches between migrants and Americans, and pushing for mass deportations if re-elected are highlighted. The importance of exposing deceptive strategies in political propaganda and providing context in news coverage to counter misleading narratives is emphasized, along with the impact of biased reporting on public opinion towards immigrants.

Jun 21, 2024 • 33min
Trump’s Rage at Fox News for Crossing Him Hints at a Darker Story
Journalist Joe Conason discusses the history of grift and scams in American conservatism, focusing on Trump's strained relationship with Fox News. They delve into Trump's reaction to poll results, his reliance on loyalty, and the intricate web of misinformation between Trump and Fox. The podcast also explores the manipulation tactics used by figures like Roger Ailes, racial demagoguery in politics, and the dynamics among Fox News, Trump, and the Republican Party.

Jun 20, 2024 • 30min
MAGA Justices’ Shameless Pro-Trump Trickery Is About to Get Much Worse
Veteran labor strategist Michael Podhorzer discusses the potential impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's immunity, highlighting the interference in the election and the crisis it could lead to. The delay in Trump's trial timeline and the influence of MAGA-friendly justices are examined, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal system and the upcoming election. The chapter also explores the Republican strategy in shaping the Supreme Court and the importance of mobilizing civil society for democratic change.

Jun 19, 2024 • 28min
Weird New Hannity Rants and Doctored Biden Videos Drive MAGA Off Rails
Thom Hartmann discusses how Republicans are doctoring videos of Biden to spread misinformation, with Hannity leading the charge. The Sinclair media network amplifies these lies, raising concerns about the upcoming election. They explore the historical context of GOP tactics and the influence of right-wing media in shaping public opinion.