We all know elections are won in the middle so why aren't politicians giving the people what they want? Bestselling author, professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway and political strategist and The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov are here to give those of us who reside somewhere between the center left and the center right their takes on the latest politics all through a centrist lens. New Episodes every Tuesday. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Congressman Greg Landsman joins Jessica to unpack the House’s massive budget bill—aka Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”—and the real-world consequences buried in its 1,100+ pages. Plus, how Democrats can win back working-class trust, what Landsman is learning from his own purple district, and why it might just be time for a '90s kid to take the lead. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Scott and Jessica sit down with Rahm Emanuel—former Chicago mayor, Obama Chief of Staff, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan—for an unfiltered conversation about the Democratic Party at a crossroads. They cover everything from Biden’s health and GOP tax cuts to rising antisemitism, the education crisis, and the growing struggles facing young men. Plus, Rahm weighs in on 2028—and whether he’s seriously considering a run. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging ...
Scott and Jessica are joined by political scientist Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. They talk about the biggest current threats to American democracy, and why talking up these threats to democracy doesn’t seem to be super effective messaging. Plus, Sabato consults his notorious “crystal ball” for early predictions about the 2026 midterm elections. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Modera...
Scott and Jessica break down President Biden’s aggressive cancer diagnosis, which comes just as a new book claims his team may have hidden signs of serious decline during the 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East trip makes waves as his domestic agenda stalls. To appease hardline conservatives, Republicans push changes to the megabill—including stricter Medicaid work requirements, cuts to green energy tax credits, and the removal of Medicaid access for undocumented immigrants. Then, form...
Jessica sits down with former Republican Congressman Charlie Dent—a lifelong conservative who broke with his party to back Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. They talk about what pushed him to cross the aisle, why he believes the GOP needs a reckoning, and what gives him hope for the future of American politics. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...
Scott is joined by The Bulwark’s Tim Miller to break down reports that Trump may accept a $400M jet from Qatar, a shaky tariff truce between the U.S. and China, and Trump’s plan to deport migrants to Libya. Plus, history is made with the election of the first American Pope—and they discuss what his leadership could mean for the future of the Church. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices....
Congressman Ro Khanna joins Jess to talk about reclaiming “Drain the Swamp” from the far right, why he thinks Democrats need to refocus on economic leadership, and what it means to be a “pro-growth progressive.” They get into his bipartisan strategy, his not-so-subtle ambitions, and what he’d do if he were at the top of the ticket. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway.Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
The economy’s on edge, Trump’s tariffs are targeting Hollywood, and there’s chaos in the West Wing as Mike Waltz is out—and Marco Rubio is somehow doing four jobs at once. Plus, Senator Chris Murphy joins to break down the GOP’s sweeping budget cuts, the Democratic response, and whether voters are finally starting to pay attention. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto joins Jessica to talk about leading the charge against political extremism as the new Honorary Chair of the ModSquad—a coalition of moderate Democrats focused on common sense and connection. They dive into the fallout from Trump’s first 100 days back in office, the real-world impact of tariff chaos and budget cuts in Nevada, and why the political center might just be the future of the Democratic Party. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @p...
Scott and Jessica break down the first 100 days of Trump’s second term — from mass deportations and trade wars to the arrest of judges and shaky Ukraine peace talks. Plus, they dig into the state of the press after a tense White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the rise of MAGA media. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jessica is joined by Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz for a candid, fiery, and unexpectedly funny conversation about the state of American politics—from legislative wins to messaging missteps. They dive into his bipartisan work with Rep. Byron Donalds to reform FEMA, efforts to expand the Child Tax Credit, and opposition to Pentagon research cuts. Moskowitz also reflects on the FSU shooting and how the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act became a national reform model. Then, Jess and Jared unload on...
Scott and Jessica unpack the Supreme Court’s decision to block Trump’s use of a centuries-old immigration law, the unraveling of Ukraine peace talks, and Pete Hegseth’s involvement in a second Signal chat sharing classified military plans. Plus, David Hogg sparks generational drama in the Democratic Party—does challenging seniority politics help or hurt the left? Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about yo...
Live from the 92nd Street Y, Scott and Jessica sit down with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. They cover Trump’s attacks on the rule of law, his latest trade grift, and dive into what it’ll really take to protect democracy, rebuild public trust, and give Democrats a fighting chance at the ballot box. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Scott and Jessica break down the chaos surrounding Trump’s economic and immigration agendas. First, they dive into Trump’s trade war U-turn: after rattling global markets, he’s hit pause on his “reciprocal” tariff strategy—everywhere but China. They unpack what this 90-day freeze actually means and whether there’s any real strategy behind the whiplash. Next, they turn to Congress, where Trump’s legislative priorities are moving forward—but not without serious drama. With deep Medicaid cuts, clea...
Scott and Jess sit down with Mark Cuban to break down the aftermath of Trump’s tariffs, take stock of the Democratic Party, and hear how he plans to shake things up. They dig into the broken media ecosystem, the growing crisis among young men, and why empathy seems to be in dangerously short supply across the political spectrum. And yes — they go there on the Luka Dončić trade. Plus, Scott makes his case for why Mark should run for president. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G,...
Scott and Jessica break down Trump’s sweeping new trade war that’s tanking the markets, Elon Musk’s rumored White House exit after a rocky tenure as Trump’s government efficiency czar, and a fiery 25-hour speech from Senator Cory Booker that’s lighting a fire under Democrats — and may signal a new chapter in the resistance. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jessica Tarlov sits down with Senator Brian Schatz to discuss how Democrats are pushing back against Trump’s dismantling of USAID and leading the fight to protect Social Security. They also dive into his unexpected bipartisan work with Ted Cruz on the Kids Off Social Media Act and why he believes AI could be a game-changer in tackling climate change. Plus, they talk about the impact of Cory Booker’s marathon Senate speech calling out the dangers of the Trump administration. Follow Jessica Tarlov...
Jessica is joined by former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway to break down the latest chaos inside the administration. They dive into the fallout from Signalgate—and the possible repercussions of Trump’s Liberation Day tariff threats. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to weigh in on Trump’s most aggressive immigration policies. And finally, looking ahead: What does a post-Trump world look like for both parties, and how seriously should we take the possibility of a third Trump term? Follow Jessica Tar...
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego joins Jessica to break down the leaked war planning Signal chat—calling for Secretary Hegseth’s resignation. He also discusses the growing Democratic infighting over party leadership and shares what he’s hearing on the ground at town halls across Arizona, where he’s warning voters about potential cuts to Medicaid and veterans’ benefits. Plus, what Democrats need to do to win back male voters and why his Putting Veterans First Act is crucial for protecting those who ...
Jessica and Scott dive into the chaos at the Social Security Administration after its chief threatened to shut it down—only to backtrack when a federal judge shut him down. They break down the latest threats to Social Security, Trump’s push to dismantle the Department of Education, and what cuts to special education and civil rights protections could mean for students. Plus, the 2024 election autopsy is in. Why did key voter groups swing toward Trump? And what do Democrats need to do to win them...
In this episode, Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov analyze Chuck Schumer's controversial vote on the spending bill, Trump's defiance of court orders on deportations, and the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia ceasefire talks. They dissect the political fallout, the implications for constitutional checks and balances, and the impact on America's role in global affairs. They also discuss higher education issues and potential shifts in the political landscape.
Attorney Marc Elias joins Jessica to break down the biggest legal battles shaping democracy today. From taking on restrictive voting laws to clashing with Elon Musk, Marc has been at the center of the fight for fair elections. We get his take on Trump’s latest power grabs, the Supreme Court’s role in checking executive overreach, and the future of campaign finance. Plus, what happens if a president just ignores a court ruling. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Marc Elias, @marceelias...
Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down Trump’s tariff whiplash and the chaos it’s causing for businesses. Then, they dig into Rep. Al Green’s censure after protesting Trump’s Joint Address and what it says about divisions within the Democratic Party. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom stirs controversy over transgender athletes, and James Carville urges Democrats to sit back and let Republicans self-destruct. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Learn more about yo...
Jessica is joined by the hilarious and razor-sharp Daily Show host Desi Lydic. Jessica and Desi dive into what it’s like to create The Daily Show in today’s political climate, the challenges (and perks) of stepping into a lead hosting role, and how the show balances humor with the heavy reality of the news. They also break down whether satire is helping or hurting the national discourse, which party is more fun to roast, and how Desi approaches the unique chaos of covering Trump this time around...
Jessica Tarlov gets the inside scoop from Anthony Scaramucci—the man who lasted 11 wild days in the Trump White House—on where Trump fumbled in his meeting with Zelensky, what really went down during his short but chaotic tenure, and why Elon Musk’s growing influence in government should have all of us paying attention. Then, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joins the conversation to break down the creeping authoritarianism in the GOP and make the case for why Democrats need to get back to basics—l...
Trump is pivoting toward Russia, GOP fractures are deepening, and Mitch McConnell is calling it quits. One month into his second term, Trump is slashing budgets, cozying up to Putin, and pushing a questionable $5,000 rebate plan with Elon Musk. Meanwhile, McConnell’s retirement raises big questions about the future of the GOP. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jessica and Tim Miller break down the biggest political moves of the week. Trump is making waves on the world stage, claiming a breakthrough in Ukraine talks with Putin—so what’s his real endgame? Back at home, he’s throwing a legal lifeline to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, but is that “help” actually a political liability? Plus, where do Anti-Trump Republicans stand in a party still dominated by him? Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Tim Miller, @Timodc. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
Jessica sits down with Congressman Pat Ryan, the Hudson Valley native representing New York’s 18th District. They discuss everything from his recent viral moment calling Elon Musk a "villain" to how the Democratic Party can better connect with young men and working-class voters. Congressman Ryan shares his thoughts on national service, what Democrats need to focus on to win in the future, and why leadership matters more than ever. Plus, find out what makes him want to rage—and what he thinks we ...
Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break down Elon Musk’s growing influence in the government and the legal battles piling up against him and DOGE. They dive into Trump’s latest federal worker buyout plan, his controversial comments on Gaza, and the Democrats’ strategy to push back. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov. Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s at it again—chaos, confusion, and a whole lot of head-scratching. This week, Scott and Jessica dig into the latest mess: a gutted federal government, Trump blaming DEI for a deadly plane crash, and new attacks on schools, trans kids, and immigrants. Plus, just as inflation was easing up, he launched a short-lived trade war with tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. And what does Ken Martin’s win as DNC chair mean for the future of the Democratic Party? Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarl...