THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.