THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Amanda Marcotte, a staff writer at Salon known for her political insights, joins the discussion to analyze President Trump’s declining approval ratings amid rising tensions with the media. They dive into Joy Behar's biting critique of Trump’s envy towards Barack Obama, revealing how this insecurity fuels his rhetoric. The conversation also touches on the dangerous implications of Trump's escalating threats against media freedom and how the backlash reflects a cultural shift against authoritarianism in America.

Tara McGowan, the Publisher of Courier Newsroom and a media strategist dedicated to pro-democracy efforts, joins to unfold the turmoil surrounding Trump amid the Epstein scandal. They discuss how this situation reveals Trump's vulnerability and his struggle to manage media narratives. McGowan emphasizes the need for Democrats to tackle this scandal directly, framing it as a crucial moment to rally voters against political corruption. The conversation highlights internal tensions within Trump's administration and the disillusionment brewing among his supporters.

Ryan Enos, a Harvard Government Professor specializing in authoritarianism, dives into President Trump's escalating rhetoric against Barack Obama and political opponents. He highlights the troubling manipulation of the bureaucracy for political prosecutions. Enos articulates how Trump's aggressive strategies mirror global authoritarian threats, arguing that we must either actively combat this shift or risk accepting it as America’s new normal. The conversation underscores the urgent need for accountability and public engagement to preserve democratic values.

G. Elliott Morris, a data analyst and author of the Strength in Numbers Substack, dives into the tumultuous landscape surrounding Donald Trump and the Epstein scandal. He reveals how Trump's approval ratings have plummeted amid rising voter skepticism. Morris discusses Karoline Leavitt's attempts to shift blame to the FBI and examines the public's perception of transparency around the Epstein files. The conversation highlights the scandal's potential to undermine Trump's political strength and the growing unrest among Republican supporters.

Michael Sozan, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, dives into the unsettling implications of CBS's cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show following a hefty $16 million settlement with Trump. He discusses Trump’s alarming tactics of media intimidation and how this reflects a broader trend of authoritarian influence. Sozan critiques the ethical dilemmas of the settlement and emphasizes the need for resilience in media against political pressures. He urges listeners to actively challenge this troubling dynamic in order to uphold press freedom.

Mark Jacob, author of Stop the Presses Subtack, dives deep into the chaotic dynamics surrounding Trump as he faces mounting troubles, including backlash from the Epstein files. Jacob critiques White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for her hostile responses to media inquiries about Trump's mental state and bizarre statements. They discuss how the sycophantic behavior of Trump-aligned officials escalates during crises and ponder the threat of these loyalties to democratic values. Insightful and engaging, this conversation illuminates a critical moment in political communication.

Asawin Suebsaeng, a Rolling Stone writer known for exposing political intrigues, joins to discuss Trump's furious attempts to quell MAGA chatter about Jeff Epstein. The conversation reveals Trump's escalating frustration, bizarre rants, and a disconnect with his supporters, highlighted by recent polling showing dissatisfaction. Suebsaeng dives into the complex dynamics of conspiracy theories within the MAGA movement and how Trump's efforts to control the narrative are backfiring, exposing a troubling contempt for his own followers.

Kathryn Edwards, an economist and expert on Trumponomics, joins to dissect the rising inflation and its implications for Trump's economic policies. She reveals how his tariffs are fueling price hikes and explains Trump's frantic response to the bad news. The conversation explores the dissonance between Trump's claims of a strong economy and the struggles faced by working families. Edwards also emphasizes the urgent need for Democrats to craft bold economic policies to address pressing issues like childcare and paid family leave.

In this discussion, historian Nicole Hemmer, known for her insights into the American right, dives into the MAGA movement's furious reaction after the DOJ dismissed Epstein conspiracy theories. She reveals how Tucker Carlson's unexpected criticism of Trump amplifies the internal conflict within MAGA supporters. Hemmer explores the emotional resonance of the Epstein narrative and the historical roots of far-right conspiracy theories, illustrating their impact on loyalty to Trump and the rifts forming among his base.

David Kurtz, Editor-at-large at Talking Points Memo, analyzes the alarming rise of Trump’s authoritarian tactics amid dwindling approval ratings. He discusses the criminal investigations into James Comey and John Brennan as retaliatory measures that blur the line between justice and political coercion. Kurtz reveals how Trump's intimidation strategies are backfiring, notably regarding immigration policies. The conversation highlights a significant public backlash against such authoritarianism, hinting at a potential shift in political dynamics.