
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

May 6, 2024 • 28min
Trump’s Vile New Threat to Unleash “Military” Has a Hidden, Darker Aim
Maria Teresa Kumar, President of Voto Latino, discusses Trump's dangerous rhetoric aiming to normalize authoritarian tactics like using the military for mass deportations. She highlights the need to educate Latino voters on the grave threat Trump poses to democracy and individual rights.

May 3, 2024 • 24min
Why Trump and His Aides Suddenly Seem So Alarmed About RFK Jr.
Matt Bennett, a co-founder of the Democratic group Third Way, discusses the unexpected rise of RFK Jr. in right-wing media and its potential impact on Trump and Biden's support base. They explore RFK's ideologies, conspiracy theories, and how MAGA media is boosting him. The conversation delves into the concerns of RFK drawing votes from Biden and the challenges of voter dynamics in the election.

May 2, 2024 • 29min
Trump’s Polling Suddenly Looks Scary. This Dem Has a Plan to Stop Him.
Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, discusses how defeating Trump in Wisconsin is crucial for Democrats to secure victory. Strategies include years of organizing, targeting swing votes, and emphasizing key issues like public schools and infrastructure. The episode explores the significance of Wisconsin in the election, voter demographics, and the strategic approach needed to win over the state.

May 1, 2024 • 21min
Trump Exposes the Truth About His “Leave It to the States” Scam
Discussion on Trump's support for extreme anti-choice measures in red states if re-elected, potential impact on state-level elections. Interview with Arizona state senator Eva Burch on reproductive rights. Exploring misconceptions around states' rights vs fundamental rights, importance of electing pro-choice candidates in state legislative races. Influence of abortion on state politics and voter engagement, highlighting the growing media attention on reproductive rights issues.

Apr 30, 2024 • 27min
Elon Musk’s Weird Obsession With “Low Birth Rates” Takes an Ugly Turn
Reporter Gaby Del Valle discusses Elon Musk's controversial comments on low birth rates and the far-right movement promoting higher birth rates at the Natal Conference. The conversation explores the political context behind Musk's statements and the societal implications of demographic anxieties.

Apr 29, 2024 • 29min
How Trump’s Insane Rant About “Gutless” Bill Barr Unmasks GOP and MAGA
Amanda Carpenter, a prominent Never Trumper and editor at Protect Democracy, discusses the viral CNN interview with former Attorney General Bill Barr endorsing Trump despite his unhinged rant. They delve into GOP's loyalty to MAGA, Barr's motivations, Trump's authoritarian tendencies, and the evolution of conservatism towards Trump's influence.

Apr 26, 2024 • 37min
Inside the Nasty Shadow War Between The New York Times and Team Biden
Media critic Brian Beutler discusses the tensions between The New York Times and Team Biden, highlighting flaws in political reporting. They explore biases in coverage, the importance of investigative journalism, and the need for journalistic introspection.

Apr 25, 2024 • 25min
MAGA Rage at Mike Johnson Suddenly Takes a Dark and Dangerous Turn
Now that the House has passed military aid to Ukraine, MAGA personalities like Donald Trump Jr. and Tucker Carlson have joined Marjorie Taylor Greene in attacking House Speaker Mike Johnson as a traitor to the cause. Yet this isn’t just typical right wing ranting. It reveals very specific expectations of what Donald Trump would do to our international alliances if he wins back the White House. We talked to A.B. Stoddard, columnist at The Bulwark and author of a new piece digging into these dynamics, about what this MAGA vision for the world really looks like—and why a second Trump term would be so dangerous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2024 • 24min
Don’t Be Fooled: Here’s How We Know RFK Jr. Is Tacitly Boosting Trump
Guest Joe Trippi, a veteran Democratic strategist, discusses the surprising support for RFK Jr.'s presidential run over Biden from polls. Trippi shares insights on the election dynamics, the potential impact of RFK Jr. on Trump's support among independents, and how Republicans are using a bait-and-switch tactic to divert attention.

Apr 23, 2024 • 30min
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Fury Is About to Get Worse for the GOP
Now that Mike Johnson allowed Ukraine aid to pass the House on a broad bipartisan basis, an enraged Marjorie Taylor Greene is ramping up her threats to oust the Speaker. But a funny thing has happened: For many reasons, Greene’s efforts could end up accomplishing little for the MAGA right, even as they do more to endanger GOP control of the House. We chatted with Democratic Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, a shrewd observer of all these dynamics, about the possibilities of more coalition governing, the future of MAGA in the House, and the threat posed by the ticking time bomb otherwise known as MTG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices