THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Timothy Noah, a staff writer at The New Republic, dives into the troubling decline of President Trump's approval ratings amidst rising inflation and tariffs. He critiques Trump's denial about economic hardships and his bizarre rants against the Fed. Noah explains the potential repercussions of a recession and how Trump's refusal to acknowledge mistakes may alienate voters further. They also discuss how fear within Trump's administration stifles honest governance, potentially setting the stage for a political downward spiral.

Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and a seasoned advocate for state legislative battles, dives into the turmoil surrounding Trump's 2026 midterm plans. Discussing recent judicial setbacks for GOP gerrymandering in Texas, she reveals how Trump's frustrations are growing. Williams highlights the shifting dynamics in Indiana's Republican caucus and the strategic importance of state legislative races. She emphasizes that voter engagement at the state level is critical, as the political landscape remains fluid leading up to 2026.

Zack Beauchamp, a Vox journalist and author, dives into the escalating civil war within the MAGA movement, spurred by Donald Trump's controversial support for neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes. He explores Fuentes's growing influence among young conservatives and the pressures facing JD Vance as he navigates extremist factions. Beauchamp highlights the ideological flexibility of MAGA and predicts potential future fractures or re-unification in the movement post-Trump, emphasizing the complexities of today's political landscape.

Michael Cohen, political analyst and author of the Truth and Consequences Substack, joins to unpack Trump's turbulent political landscape. Anxiety is palpable among Trump’s allies as reports suggest he's losing touch with key voter segments. Cohen discusses how Trump's obsession with the Epstein scandal is alienating his base and distracting from pressing economic issues. He also examines shifting voter dynamics, especially among young and working-class demographics, and the potential midterm repercussions for the GOP.

Yassamin Ansari, a Democratic member of Congress from Arizona, dives into the explosive developments surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. She discusses the surprising predictions from Marjorie Taylor Greene regarding Republican defections and the potential implications for Trump. Ansari shares her personal experiences with Epstein’s victims and highlights evidence of a significant cover-up. The conversation also explores Democrats' strategies to keep pressure on GOP members and the accountability process moving forward.

Nicole Hemmer, a historian and modern American right expert, joins to dissect the politicalquake caused by newly released Epstein emails linking Trump and the sex trafficker. She reveals how the White House is pressuring Republicans, signaling Trump's growing anxiety. Hemmer explores the MAGA factionalism ignited by these revelations, with figures like Lauren Boebert and Nick Fuentes vying for influence amid Trump's waning power. The conversation plunges into the future of the right and the dangers of potential authoritarian moves stemming from this scandal.

Join trade policy expert Alex Jacquez, who served as an adviser in the Biden administration, as he unpacks the chaos surrounding Trump's tariff claims. Alex highlights how Trump's inflated revenue figures from $2 trillion to $3 trillion undermine his legal case. He delves into the skepticism from the Supreme Court justices and the broader economic impact of these tariffs, which have spurred uncertainty and hampered investment. Get insights on potential outcomes if the tariffs are struck down and the political maneuvers that could follow.

Brian Beutler, a political journalist known for his sharp insights, discusses the ongoing government shutdown and recent rants by Trump. He highlights how Trump’s bizarre outbursts reveal his political weakness amid the shutdown fallout. Beutler delves into the varied motives behind Democratic decisions and critiques their strategy. He argues that Democrats misread Trump’s tactics and could have negotiated more effectively. The conversation also touches on the human costs of the shutdown and potential strategies for Democrats to regain leverage.

Joe Perticone, a Congress reporter for The Bulwark, dives into the chaotic aftermath of recent GOP losses and Trump’s fiery response to media questioning. They discuss the misleading claims about inflation and how Trump's anger when confronted with facts reflects deeper issues within the GOP. Perticone reveals how Democrats are gaining traction among working-class and Hispanic voters, showcasing the fragility of the MAGA coalition. The conversation also explores how new media and influencers are reshaping voter perceptions, complicating Republican messaging.

In this intriguing discussion, Jessica Post, a Democratic operative and campaign consultant with deep expertise in state-level races, delves into Trump's controversial call to end the filibuster to enable voter restrictions. She analyzes how his comments reveal a strategy to entrench GOP power and the potential consequences of aggressive gerrymandering. Jessica highlights both risks for Republicans and opportunities for Democrats, shedding light on the battle for House control as they strategize for the 2026 midterms.