
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

Jun 18, 2024 • 28min
Shocker Poll: Trump Verdict Actually Does Matter to Voters—Big Time
Ankush Khardori from Politico Magazine discusses a surprising poll showing decreasing support for Trump post-conviction. Impact on independents significant. Analyzes GOP dynamics, challenges Republicans face in supporting Trump. Explores implications on voter turnout.

6 snips
Jun 17, 2024 • 38min
Krugman: Trump's Mental State Is Visibly Getting Much More Dangerous
Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist, discusses the dangers of a second Trump term, focusing on Trump's mental state and the impact of his actions on the economy. They analyze the influence of the media on public opinion and explore the potential link between Trump's actions and the spike in violent crime in 2020, emphasizing the importance of addressing Trump's deteriorating personality for the future.

Jun 14, 2024 • 31min
Trump’s Bizarre Rants At Private GOP Meeting Are a Break-Glass Moment
Expert political analyst A.B. Stoddard discusses Trump's authoritarian behavior at a private GOP meeting, where he criticized the Justice Department and spun wild tales. Stoddard highlights the dangers of this behavior and the implications for the GOP. The podcast delves into Trump's influence on the Republican Party, showcasing loyalty to Trump over party ideals. It also discusses the importance of informing the public about authoritarian threats and navigating the online information war.

Jun 13, 2024 • 30min
In Texas, Right Wing Rage Takes a Dark Turn: “War On White America”
Sarah Posner, author focusing on the religious right, sheds light on True Texas Project's promotion of Christian nationalism and racist 'Great Replacement' theory. Texas GOP officials like Ted Cruz and Ken Paxton are linked to this extremist group, showcasing the mainstreaming of far-right ideologies in Republican power.

Jun 12, 2024 • 33min
How Trump’s Ugliest Authoritarian Threats May Soon Blow Up In His Face
Dahlia Lithwick discusses Trump's open authoritarian threats and Biden campaign's strategy. They explore Trump's promise of authoritarianism, the phenomenon of 'coding' extreme behaviors, and the shift towards authoritarianism in his allies. The discussion delves into the potential consequences of Trump's confidence backfiring and the importance of addressing these challenges to resist his authoritarian tendencies.

Jun 11, 2024 • 22min
Mike Johnson’s Sleazy New Scheme to Protect Trump Should Fire Up Dems
California Representative Eric Swalwell discusses GOP's efforts to shield Trump after conviction, Democrats' strategy to hold Republicans accountable, targeting GOP incumbents who support Trump, restricting funds for special counsels prosecuting presidents, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in upcoming elections.

Jun 10, 2024 • 30min
Why Trump’s Spiraling Obsession with Verdict Has Unnerved Some GOPers
The podcast delves into Trump's relentless obsession with his criminal conviction, causing concern among some Republicans who fear it may alienate swing voters. It explores the MAGA movement's inability to acknowledge potential unpopularity, delving into its deep-rooted pathologies. The discussion also touches on Republican efforts to appeal to disenchanted voters and the concept of total victory within the MAGA movement.

Jun 7, 2024 • 25min
Why MAGA’s Eruption of Rage at Bannon’s Jail Sentence Is So Alarming
Eric Columbus, a lawyer representing the Jan. 6th committee, discusses the alarming repercussions of Steve Bannon's jail sentence for defying subpoenas. The podcast delves into the dangers of Bannon's influence on the MAGA movement, including calls to jail Democrats without cause. The guest highlights the perils of a potential second Trump presidency and the urgent need to address the escalating political climate.

Jun 6, 2024 • 29min
Dems Brutally Shred Shady Wall Street Journal Hit Piece on Biden's Age
Democratic lawmakers call out biased reporting on Biden's age by The Wall Street Journal. Media influence on public perception of Biden's capabilities discussed. Challenges of holding news outlets accountable for misrepresentation of facts.

Jun 5, 2024 • 25min
Striking New Polls on Trump Verdict Wreck One of MAGA’s Dumbest Scams
Discussing recent polls on Trump's verdict, Danielle Deiseroth from Data for Progress reveals majority support for the conviction, even among swing voters. The conversation delves into the discrepancies between public opinion and political claims, shedding light on the evolving political landscape.