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Steve Benen

Political journalist and commentator known for work at MSNBC/Now and for writing about political and legal developments; provides analysis on the legality and politics of Trump's tariff actions in this episode.

Top 10 podcasts with Steve Benen

Ranked by the Snipd community
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8 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 21min

Trump Nixing of Dem State Disaster Aid Backfires, Screwing MAGA Voters

MSNBC writer Steve Benen joins to discuss Trump's controversial disaster aid decisions, revealing a pattern of politically motivated denials. They highlight how Trump's refusal to assist blue states like Maryland impacts his own supporters in Trump-leaning areas. The conversation explores the administration’s tactics to punish political dissenters and how this can backfire, ultimately damaging the very voters that support him. Beneath the politics, Benen critiques the broader implications of partisan governance on national unity.
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Sep 10, 2023 • 1h 39min

TRUMP THE DISQUALIFIED & BIDEN ABROAD

Ali Velshi is joined by NBC News’ Raf Sanchez, Janis Mackey Frayer, Kelly O’Donnell, Laurence Tribe, Charlie Dent, Joe Walsh, Steve Benen, A. Scott Bolden, Dave Jones, and a Law Professor. They discuss the devastating earthquake in Morocco, President Biden's trip to Vietnam, government funding and impeachment discussions, Republicans' actions, aftermath of a major earthquake, Alabama's AG power, the term 'banana republic,' and challenges of abortion access.
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Jan 26, 2026 • 23min

Trump Accidentally Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs in 3 Crazed Tirades

Steve Benen, political journalist and commentator at MSNBC/Now, breaks down how Trump’s own rants have sabotaged his tariff case. He walks through public statements that reveal whimsical rationales. They discuss the weak legal footing, congressional abdication, and the political stakes if such powers go unchecked.
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Jan 26, 2026 • 23min

The Daily Blast: Trump Accidentally Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs in 3 Crazed Tirades

Steve Benen, political commentator and MSNBC/MSNOW writer, breaks down how Trump’s tariff push is legally shaky. He traces a pattern of whimsical threats from Davos to Greenland. Short, punchy takes on trade deficits, congressional abdication, and what a Supreme Court green light could signal.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 21min

The Daily Blast: Trump Nixing of Dem State Disaster Aid Backfires, Screwing MAGA Voters

Joining the discussion is Steve Benen, a respected MSNBC writer and author of *Ministry of Truth*. He dives deep into the political machinations behind Trump's selective disaster aid decisions, emphasizing how they serve as rewards for supporters and punishments for opponents. Notably, Benen highlights the impact on rural Trump-voting counties in Maryland, revealing a disconnect that could backfire on GOP support. The conversation also probes into the broader implications of MAGA ideology and the potential backlash from disillusioned voters.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 23min

Trump Press Sec Seethes as Epstein Spin Falls Apart in Briefing Fiasco

In this engaging discussion, MSNBC's Steve Benen, author of *Ministry of Truth*, dives into the fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's 'Birthday Book,' which includes a damning signed note from Trump. As press secretary Karoline Leavitt fumbles with awkward spins, Benen critiques the absurdity and intensity of MAGA's disinformation strategies. The conversation also reveals the Republican party's troubling loyalty to Trump amidst scandal, questioning their integrity and the power of right-wing media in shaping narratives around accountability.
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Aug 23, 2024 • 58min

All Those Republicans Were at the DNC for a Reason

Steve Benen, an insightful author known for his sharp analysis of Republican tactics, dives into the fierce political landscape unfolding at the Democratic National Convention. He reveals how the GOP has been rewriting history, influencing narratives around critical events like the Trump-Russia investigation. The conversation also touches on the unexpected presence of moderate Republicans and the evolving dynamics of younger voters, highlighting the importance of combating misinformation in modern politics.
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Aug 19, 2024 • 48min

Rick Wilson, Ben LaBolt & Steve Benen

Rick Wilson, a sharp political strategist from The Lincoln Project, critiques Trump's ongoing decline and its repercussions. Ben LaBolt, the White House Communications Director, showcases Biden’s wins, including the Cancer Moonshot initiative aimed at advancing cancer treatment. Steve Benen discusses his book on democracy, shedding light on the Republican narrative and historical distortions. The trio also reflects on the shifting political dynamics, the necessity of effective campaigning, and the evolving landscape of journalism and its impact on democracy.
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Aug 14, 2024 • 21min

Trump’s Fox News Allies Suddenly Erupt in Panic as MAGA Lies Fail Him

Joining the discussion is Steve Benen, author of the insightful book Ministry of Truth, which dives deep into GOP narratives. He highlights the rising anxiety among Fox News personalities as they urge Trump to adopt a more disciplined tone amidst mounting backlash for his attacks on Kamala Harris. The conversation explores the dangerous intersection of misinformation and electoral strategies, revealing how Trump's reliance on falsehoods threatens both his campaign and democratic processes, showcasing the faltering grip of Republican propaganda.
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Aug 14, 2024 • 21min

The Daily Blast: Trump’s Fox News Allies Suddenly Erupt in Panic as MAGA Lies Fail Him

Join Steve Benen, an insightful author whose new book delves into the GOP, as he discusses the growing panic among Fox News personalities regarding Trump's controversial messaging. They fear his attacks on Kamala Harris are backfiring, prompting calls for a more 'civil tone.' The conversation explores the limits of Republican propaganda and how the MAGA movement's reliance on lies is threatening democracy. Benen also highlights the internal conflicts within the GOP and the challenges posed by changing voter perceptions.

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