Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri

Rahm Emanuel, former ambassador to Japan and chief of staff to President Obama, shares his insights on the Democratic Party's challenges. He discusses Joe Biden's reelection prospects, questioning his fitness for another term. Emanuel also addresses the misuse of antisemitism in politics, particularly during Trump’s tenure. He emphasizes the need for younger candidates in the party and critiques current messaging strategies. The conversation reflects on owning past mistakes and the necessity of economic reforms to regain voter trust.

Maureen Dowd, a renowned New York Times columnist and author of Notorious, shares her sharp insights on the current political landscape. She examines the complexities of figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, highlighting Musk's controversial transformation. Dowd discusses the unwavering loyalty of Trump supporters, the disconnect in the Democratic Party, and the rising demand for authenticity in politics. She also reflects on the media's struggles covering controversial figures and weaves in literary references to enrich the conversation.

In this riveting discussion, Rikki Schlott, a columnist at the New York Post and a keen observer of Gen Z cultural issues, delves into the evolving relationship between young voters and Donald Trump. They explore potential breaking points that may affect his support among young men and analyze the consequences of the current administration's stance on universities. Schlott highlights how the pandemic has shifted political sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role social media plays in shaping Gen Z’s future political engagement.

Chris Whipple, an insightful author and journalist, joins the discussion to unravel the chaotic dynamics of Joe Biden's 2024 campaign. He highlights the dramatic influence of George Clooney’s op-ed that shaped celebrity involvement in politics. The episode also dives into Biden’s family tensions during pivotal debates and the internal doubts regarding his mental health. Whipple provides a candid look at the strategic maneuverings within Team Biden, bringing light to the political power games and the emotional toll on those close to him.

Jonathan Allen, an NBC senior political analyst, and Amie Parnes, a senior journalist for The Hill, delve into the chaotic final days of Joe Biden's campaign. They reveal intense internal discussions among Democratic leaders and candidly address efforts to manage Biden's image amidst concerns about his cognitive health. The duo shares insights from their book, detailing the pivotal moment when Biden's withdrawal was decided and Kamala Harris's strategic role in the aftermath, highlighting the tensions and complexities of the political landscape.

Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and co-host of 'Shark Tank,' shares his take on today's pressing political issues. He discusses the repercussions of Donald Trump's tariffs, suggesting they might negatively impact rural economies. Cuban critiques Elon Musk's influence in the White House and addresses the complexities of managing legacy systems in organizations. The conversation also highlights the importance of ethical practices in politics and healthcare, underscoring the need for transparency and innovation to bridge gaps in public trust.

Teddy Schleifer, a journalist from The New York Times, dives into Elon Musk's surprising political evolution. He discusses Musk's transition from a humanitarian tech leader to a key player in the Trump administration, revealing the tension within Silicon Valley's political landscape. Highlights include Musk's initial reluctance to endorse Trump, the unexpected partnership that developed during the 2016 election, and how Musk's influence is reshaping federal policy. The conversation also touches on shifting loyalties among tech titans and the cultural dynamics shaping political narratives.

Matt Bennett, a Democratic strategist from the center-left group Third Way, joins to dissect the recent challenges faced by the Democratic Party after their election losses. They delve into how internal debates and the need for unity can better connect with voters amid rising right-wing populism. Additionally, Bennett discusses the ramifications of a security breach linked to sensitive national data shared in a group chat, highlighting the urgent need for better communication strategies. Together, they navigate the complex political landscape and the implications for future elections.

Tara is joined by political reporter Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power.’ He shares his intel on Trump’s political moves, campaign strategy, and cabinet selections. They go over some of Trump’s quotes in the book, and he shares what the Republican campaign team was planning for after Joe Biden’s first 2024 debate. He breaks down Trump’s vice presidential choice and how JD Vance regained both Trump and the public’s support, becoming the potential heir to the MAGA following. Finally, they discuss Trump’s decision to have the Putin meeting regarding the war on Ukraine and the release of the JFK assassination files on the same day.Host: Tara PalmeriGuest: Alex IsenstadtProducer: Olivia CrerieAdditional Production Supervision: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to discuss Donald Trump’s tariffs and government cuts. They break down the Republican budget resolution decision that the Democrats passed in December, which is now blindsiding them. She asks Gov. Armstrong about Trump and Musk’s DOGE sledgehammer to government agencies, tariffs and how that affects North Dakota’s soybean and fertilizer trade—two of their largest exports. Lastly, Gov. Armstrong talks about getting rid of the North Dakota property tax and what that would entail.Host: Tara PalmeriGuest: Gov. Kelly ArmstrongProducer: Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices