The Rest Is Politics: US

Could the Super Bowl have lost Trump the Hispanic vote? Just how popular was Turning Point's alternative half time show? And, has Trump turned a Russia/Ukraine peace deal into a business opportunity? Katty Kay is joined by David McCloskey, former CIA analyst and host of The Rest is Classified to answer all of these questions and more Sign up to our free newsletter here Become a Founding Member: Go deeper into US politics every week with ad-free listening, members-only miniseries, early access to live show tickets and a bonus members-only Q&A podcast every week. Sign up at ⁠therestispoliticsus.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@RestPoliticsUS⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠@RestPoliticsUS⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠therestispoliticsus@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Sign up to our free newsletter here Producer: Fiona Douglas, India Dunkley Video Editor: Kieron Leslie  Social Producer: Charlie Johnson  Senior Producer: Callum Hill Head of Digital: Sam Oakley Exec Producer: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They debate whether moves on immigration enforcement are real policy shifts or political optics. They explore proposals to nationalize voting and the constitutional and strategic questions that raises. They examine new threads in the Epstein story and whether his network shows signs of foreign compromise. They also critique media economics and how newsroom decisions shape coverage.

A deep dive into the newly released Epstein documents and what they reveal about powerful figures. Debate over whether Trump is implicated or effectively insulated. Discussion of damaged survivors and failures to protect identities. Analysis of a surprising Democratic win in Texas and what it means for national politics. Scrutiny of Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial actions and possible motives.

Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway’s prime minister and former foreign minister, speaks on NATO, Greenland and rising defense spending. He recounts an unexpected Trump text and Norway’s diplomatic pushback. He discusses Europe’s firmer stance, hybrid threats from Russia, and concerns about sustained US support for Ukraine.

They dissect the Minnesota Border Patrol shooting and conflicting video vs official accounts. They debate whether Trump will recalibrate his immigration stance and who is pulling the levers in the White House. They explore ICE tactics, GOP and corporate backlash, and the political stakes for midterms. They also consider broader impacts on US global standing and local Somali community tensions.

Chris Coons, U.S. Senator from Delaware with expertise in foreign policy and national security. He recounts the Danish and Greenlandic alarm over U.S. moves, explains how Senate action might check presidential power, and explores whether Greenland could split Republicans from Trump. He warns about damage to alliances and discusses what Europe and the U.S. must do to rebuild trust.

Alastair Campbell, veteran British political strategist and former Tony Blair communications director, joins to dissect Trump's attacks on NATO and allied soldiers. They discuss why he targets veterans, the strain on transatlantic trust, and whether Western leaders should publicly rebuke him. Conversation covers political calculations, media reactions, and the future stability of NATO.

The hosts dive into Trump's muted speech at Davos, exploring the varied audience reactions. They tackle the controversial discussion about Greenland and whether military options are truly off the table. The debate heats up around Trump's potential conciliatory approach and the implications of his remarks on international relations. Concerns about NATO breaking up and unintended global security consequences add weight to the conversation. The audience's responses during the live event provide an engaging backdrop to this insightful political analysis.

Madeline Dean, a U.S. House member from Pennsylvania and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shares insights from her recent delegation to Denmark and Greenland. She discusses the implications of Trump's rhetoric on Greenland and emphasizes the importance of NATO relationships. Dean raises concerns about how public sentiments towards ICE tactics may influence political dynamics. Additionally, she highlights the Greenlandic perspective on security and the need for Congress to counterbalance presidential impulses, stressing the importance of international trust.

Stuart Stevens, a veteran Republican strategist and former chief strategist for Mitt Romney's campaign, joins Anthony Scaramucci to discuss Trump's changing relationship with working Americans. They analyze whether Trump's recent chaotic behavior signals a collapse or a calculated strategy. Stevens critiques the lack of a coherent modern conservative party and highlights the impact of Trump's actions on his blue-collar image. They also ponder if traditional Republicanism can survive and what the future holds for GOP dynamics in the upcoming elections.