

THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 7, 2024 • 24min
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 • 28min
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 • 24min
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.

5 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 23min
GOP Fury At Trump Verdict Just Got Scarier. This Dem Sees An Opening.
Republicans are furious over Trump's conviction, talking about defunding prosecutions. Democrats are divided on how to proceed. Veteran Democratic strategist suggests ways for the party to unify. Discussion on GOP response, character contrasts, and Democrat strategy in prosecuting Trump. Internal struggles within the GOP highlighted, focusing on countering narrative and mobilizing voters. Strategies for engaging young and minority voters, including discussions on the economy and abortion rights.

Jun 3, 2024 • 36min
“You’re Lying”: Why George Conway Erupted at a Pro-Trump GOPer on CNN
Prominent Never Trump lawyer George Conway calls out a GOPer for lying on CNN about Trump. He discusses media's handling of pro-Trump propaganda, challenges journalists face in countering misinformation, and unfair media portrayal of Trump and Biden.

May 31, 2024 • 31min
The Alito Flag Scandal Just Got Worse. What’s the Next Move for Dems?
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discusses the Alito flag scandal and the lack of transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court. Whitehouse criticizes the 'omerta' code among right-wing justices and calls for hearings into the Alito mess. The podcast explores strategies for enforcing ethics in the Supreme Court and delves into a congressional inquiry into Trump's alleged billion-dollar solicitation from big oil companies.

May 30, 2024 • 26min
Inside Trump-MAGA’s Secretive Plot to Come After Your Birth Control
Donald Trump recently said he’s “looking at” imposing restrictions on contraception if he is elected president, and even promised a concrete policy. Then he quickly walked it back. But certain constituencies on the right have not given up—far from it. We chatted with Politico reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein, co-author of a great new piece detailing the blueprint that Trump’s MAGA allies are developing for him to restrict birth control through executive action, about how far this could get if he regains the White House. It isn’t pretty. Listen to this episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2024 • 30min
Yet Again, Shady Judge Cannon Does Trump’s Bidding—But It May Backfire
On Tuesday, Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily denied special counsel Jack Smith’s latest request for a gag order on Donald Trump’s lie that the FBI was set to use lethal force on Trump at Mar-a-Lago. In keeping with a shady pattern of favoritism to Trump, Cannon said No, but she may feel pressure to grant the gag order later, lest Smith seek her removal. We talked to legal scholar Matthew Seligman, who has done great work road-mapping Trump’s legal travails, about why Cannon’s move may not help Trump in the long run—and why it’s premature to assume he won’t face a federal criminal trial before the election. Listen to this episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2024 • 25min
How Fox News Fabricated a Toxic Lie for Trump—and Why It’s So Alarming
Brian Stelter joins to discuss how Fox News fabricated a false narrative about the FBI planning to use lethal force at Mar-a-Lago under Biden. They explore the dangerous consequences of pro-Trump propaganda in a hypothetical second term, media vulnerabilities to government pressure, and the risk of disengagement from critical news coverage.

May 24, 2024 • 29min
Trump’s Ugly Eruption: Putin Will Only Free Jailed Reporter “For Me”
Nicholas Grossman, an expert in international relations, discusses Trump's Putinist tendencies and how he may be compromising US foreign policy for personal gain. The podcast delves into Trump's relationships with autocratic leaders, his transactional behavior in foreign relations, and his undisclosed connections with Saudi Arabia, highlighting concerns over conflicts of interest and weak congressional oversight.