Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the "both-sides" BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy.
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If the IRS goes ahead and gives in to Donald Trump's demands for a MAGA slush fund, it would be outright theft of the public's money and corruption on a scale that we've never even contemplated in this country. What would stop him from plundering even more from the American people? Plus, Kash's ghoulish snorkel at Pearl Harbor, the Supreme Court's VRA ruling gave permission to practice discrimination, MAGA loves the racism and sexism of the 1950s, and the penile implant expert managing the Hanta...
The Chinese have long envied America's power, influence, and market share. But after Trump's failed trade war, his attacks on allies, and the embarrassment in Iran, the view from Beijing has shifted: It now sees us as a nation in decline. Plus, inflation is creeping back up, the stock market is out of whack, new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is screwed, and the ag community is feeling the pain of Trump's policies. And for the view from the Democratic resistance, Rep. Garcia tells Tim that Dems are not f...
p’s recent insomnia-induced, Obama-obsessed posting spree showed a level of paranoia and delusion that should be raising real concerns about the mental health of our commander-in-chief. The new blotch on his neck to go with the giant bruises on his hands is not helping matters. Is the DOJ mulling a $10 billion IRS settlement with Trump to try to ease his emotional distress over his seeming loss in Iran? Plus, Gorka’s half-baked “official” counterterrorism strategy, Tim did ask Comey about the Hi...
Because Donald Trump has so thoroughly hijacked the Department of Justice, the public can no longer be confident that a criminal investigation or indictment is legitimate. The default assumption is that official DOJ actions are about servicing Trump's needs for validation, power, or retribution—like the latest seashell-related charges against Comey. Acting AG Todd Blanche acts like a mobster, wears his partisanship on his sleeve, and appears to be breaking the law himself. And at the FBI, Kash P...
Instead of doing the job Americans have been paying Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for—like trying to alleviate the high price of gas and air travel—he's been shirking his responsibilities on a seven-month-long family road trip paid for by industry lobbyists. And of course, Trump is also being looked after: His ghastly, 22-foot golden sculpture was unveiled, and Republicans promised a billion taxpayer dollars for what was supposed to be a donor-funded ballroom. POTUS needs a little bit of a...
Tennessee just completely disenfranchised its black voters after the Supreme Court gave red states the green light to rig the midterms by redistricting black majority districts out of existence—as long as lawmakers pretend they don’t see color when they’re doing it. And while partisan gerrymandering is A-OK with Alito & co., it apparently is not alright for Democratic voters in Virginia to do anything like that to Republicans. Sure sounds like the free speech rules of the Trump administratio...
Trump's corruption is so astonishing, extensive, and overwhelming that most people can't keep up with all the ways he's profiting off his presidency every single day. Isaac examined the reporting on the First Family's self-dealing in Trump's second term, and he's compiled the most exhaustive accounting of it so far. Just two examples: Trump's sons are doing business with a criminal syndicate that stole billions from Americans; and Trump last year branded a cellphone, had it certified by the FCC,...
The regime in Tehran is not as fractured as is commonly portrayed, and it is also pragmatic enough to see the economic opportunities that would follow from a deal with an eager-to-please-the-markets Donald Trump. But the contours of a potential agreement look like a win for Iran—not for the U.S., which has spent billions a day, lost military personnel and assets, and handed Iran new-found leverage over the global economy. Also, in this season of commencement, Jodi has advice for new college grad...
Our Constitution is about limited government and restraining the power of the state, but we've got a president asserting powers he lawfully doesn't have, a Supreme Court that largely helps him do so, and a Republican Congress that's just dozing through it all. Americans need a refresher on how our government is supposed to work under the Constitution. Plus, the mifepristone case has brought abortion politics roaring back in time for the midterms, Trump is creating his own libel rules and circumv...
Acting AG Tood Blanche announced over the weekend that basically everybody in America can use the expression "86 47" without fear of prosecution—except James Comey, who Trump yearns to see behind bars. Also, POTUS is still so steamed that NATO is not helping him with the Iran war that he's ordered thousands of U.S. troops withdrawn from Germany—even though the bases there are key to the war effort. Plus, the ceasefire looks to be in trouble, the Dems need to cool it on the 'burn the witch' cultu...
Fox News wouldn't shut up about Hunter and Burisma, but its viewers aren't likely to hear any criticism of Eric and Don Jr. raking it in through government contracts approved by the Trump administration. Unlike in Hunter's case, the U.S. government is paying millions of dollars to the president's sons. Plus, Trump is losing the information war on Iran, Bibi is oddly chummy with Putin—given his alliance with Israel's enemy Iran, the nation's debt is larger than our GDP, the governor of Louisiana ...
The bombshell voting rights ruling from the Supreme Court may have been years in the making, but Ossoff sees a tie-in to Trump's sore-loserdom and his inability to accept that black voters in Georgia were responsible for his 2020 defeat. And the senator expects a full-court press to get Alito and Thomas to retire so Trump can nominate MAGA fanatics to the court—and impose his most durable legacy on the country. Ossoff also discussed potential limits on aid to Israel, the geopolitical malpractice...
At home, POTUS shows how much he wants to be like an Arab despot, plastering his mug all over the place and deploying the Justice Department to fatuously claim that Comey’s use of seashell art can rise to a crime. But on Iran, he seems to have backed off his promise of a short war, and he’s making pretty wimpy threats against the regime. Plus, Disney’s new CEO is standing by Kimmel, Barney Frank has a warning for Democrats, and recent polling data is not backing up the Dems’ midterms bullishness...
This episode delves into the weaponization of the Justice Department under Trump, with Carol Leonnig reporting on political firings and the targeting of perceived enemies, alongside internal disdain for figures like Cash Patel. Will Sommer then explores the chaotic "podcastistan wars" within the MAGA movement, revealing how infighting and unexpected criticisms of Trump are reshaping the right-wing media landscape, even affecting figures like Clavicular and his shocking new associations.
This episode features Bill Kristol and Tim Miller dissecting several pressing political issues. They criticize the White House Correspondents' Dinner for legitimizing a president hostile to the press and vehemently reject false flag theories surrounding a recent security incident. The discussion then shifts to Trump's Iran policy, which they argue is heading for a humiliating defeat, damaging US credibility and the global economy. Finally, they highlight Zelensky's emergence as a strong liberal leader and analyze the intricate landscape of the upcoming Senate midterm elections, noting Trump's declining political standing and its potential impact on key races.
This episode features Nicholas Kristof, who sharply critiques the Iran war, highlighting its failure to achieve stated goals and its devastating global consequences. He discusses the heightened risk of Iran developing nuclear weapons, the severe depletion of US military resources impacting Taiwan's defense, and the escalating humanitarian and economic crises worldwide. Kristof also delves into the political opportunities for Democrats to realign with working-class voters by focusing on domestic issues and ethical governance.
Tim Miller and Sarah Matthews discuss the Trump administration's disarray, from its confusing Iran policy and unqualified appointments to Kash Patel's abuse of power and Trump's anti-conservative stances on government intervention. Later, Ben McKenzie joins to reveal the extensive fraud within the cryptocurrency industry, detailing how figures like SBF and Alex Mashinsky operated Ponzi schemes, the questionable origins and efficiency of blockchain technology, and Jeffrey Epstein's early funding of Bitcoin. The episode culminates in a critical look at how Donald Trump has embraced crypto for personal enrichment, accumulating billions through branded scams, and the urgent need for stringent regulation to combat this widespread corruption.
The podcast dissects former President Trump's tumultuous Iran strategy, highlighting its economic impact and the failure of his "madman theory" against a resolute adversary. It celebrates the Virginia Democrats' surprising and aggressive redistricting victory, showcasing their willingness to play hardball. Additionally, the hosts critically examine Kevin Warsh's alarming Fed Chair confirmation hearing, questioning his independence, and lament the media's sparse coverage of a tragic mass shooting in Shreveport.
This episode explores the global economic shocks from recent geopolitical events, including oil and fertilizer market disruptions, and analyzes the unusual market reactions influenced by political rhetoric. It also delves into the challenges facing modern American men, examining themes of masculinity, community, and economic changes through personal stories and societal trends. The discussion highlights the interplay between individual lives and broader economic and cultural forces.
Just hang tight: Trump is super close to a deal with an enemy that he handed all the leverage to. Absolutely do not read his steady supply of hollow threats as him begging Iran for a face-saving off-ramp. Meanwhile, back in reality, Iran too can see how desperate Trump is, the war is helping China feel emboldened, and some of our closest post-WWII allies think Beijing is more dependable than the U.S. under Trump. Plus, Hegseth has chosen an ideal time to pick a fight with the secretary of the Ar...
Ben Rhodes breaks down the 'absurdity' of Donald Trump's Iran deal, arguing it bolsters the regime and undermines US standing, unlike the Obama-era JCPOA. He discusses the hypocrisy of right-wing hawks, Israel's misaligned war objectives, and Trump's eroding international influence. The conversation extends to Cuba policy, the role of moral leadership, and a critical analysis of JD Vance's 'blood and soil' definition of American identity.
From Trump's sacrilegious use of Jesus, to his massively corrupt pardon scheme, and his desire to plaster his name on every federal building and institution, this country has never had such a bad president. The Dems need to plan now how they will do oversight and also keep his loyalists from helping him cheat in the midterms. Plus, Hegseth really doesn't know his Scripture, Trump is turning America's 250th birthday into a party for himself, and RFK has really got a thing about dead animals. Aman...
Alastair Campbell joins Tim Miller to dissect the widespread European anger and economic fallout stemming from Trump's Iran war, contrasting his chaotic approach with historical diplomatic efforts. They explore the illusion of American omnipotence, China's strategic gains, and the perplexing unpopularity of European leaders, questioning the future of democratic politics and the capacity for European self-reliance amidst global instability.
The Iranian regime may be wounded, but it’s likely to seek revenge for the war at some point, maybe even through sleeper cells in the United States. And with a second round of peace negotiations potentially in the works, Iran could rake in billions in return for pausing its nuclear program. On the more uplifting side, the election news out of Hungary has feel-good shades of 1989, and is a reminder that reality and facts can get in the way of a stubborn authoritarian. Plus, Tim on Trump's Jesus p...
Orbán’s loss in Hungary was so overwhelming he couldn’t cheat his way out of it. But the decisive defeat for both Putin and authoritarianism may also suggest that the vibes they are a changin’. For instance, at home, Trump had to take down his Jesus post because of the backlash from across the political spectrum. People can see he’s flailing on the war and the economy. Plus, Vance has the stink of a loser, Dems can learn some campaigning tricks from Peter Magyar, the Melania-Epstein mystery cont...
No one was really asking about Melania’s ties to Epstein. But after her surprise White House statement to the press on Thursday, the questions are flowing—particularly because a former Brazilian model who moved in both Trump and Epstein circles is posting threats against the First Lady on social media. Tim and Jane break it all down. Plus, Melania does not speak or read English very well, Trump is furious about Tucker & co.’s opposition to the Iran war, Vance’s motives for converting to Cath...
Anne Applebaum dissects Hungary's election, where a new challenger confronts Viktor Orbán's corrupt, post-reality campaign built on disinformation and anti-Ukraine sentiment. The discussion extends to JD Vance's misrepresentation of Orbán and his ignorant stance on the Ukraine war, revealing a profound misunderstanding of global conflicts. Furthermore, the episode critically examines the Trump administration's erratic foreign policy, highlighting astonishing threats against the Vatican and NATO, and the failure of its "madman theory" in the ill-conceived Iran conflict, ultimately leaving a trail of instability and unmet objectives.
Trump showed that he is completely unequipped to be a war leader. He threatened crimes against humanity, and not only let a foe prove it could take our punches, but also inflict economic pain on the global economy as well. Indeed, with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran looks to have emerged from the war with a stronger hand. We also don't know how much Trump's financial ties to Gulf countries are influencing his wild and erratic handling of the war. And if this military operation was jus...
Tim Miller hosts Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz to discuss their New Yorker piece on Sam Altman, detailing his journey from founding an AI safety nonprofit to his current, profit-driven leadership. The conversation highlights Altman's alleged serial deception, his shifting views on AI's existential threats, and the significant political and economic implications of his actions and Silicon Valley's influence. It also touches on Trump's dangerous rhetoric regarding Iran and the need for a coherent Democratic strategy.
Hosts Tim Miller and Bill Kristol analyze President Trump's escalating and chaotic threats against Iran, which include targeting civilian infrastructure and are detached from original war objectives. They discuss growing bipartisan criticism of Trump's conduct, the impressive professionalism of the military contrasting with the administration's rhetoric, and concerns over the Pentagon's lack of transparency. The conversation also delves into calls for impeachment, allegations of Trump family war profiteering, his attacks on the Supreme Court, and disturbing instances of overt racism and family separation impacting military personnel.
