THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent

Paul Waldman, political columnist and commentator who writes The Cross Section, breaks down why Trump’s Iran war failed to gain public backing. He dissects a viral exchange where Trump admitted he lacked facts after blaming Iran for a school bombing. The conversation covers chaotic White House messaging, weak rallying effects, and a tougher press probing the administration.

Norman Ornstein, veteran congressional scholar known for expertise on Congress and elections, breaks down the SAVE Act’s voter suppression mechanics. He analyzes how Trump’s frantic demands clash with Republican midterm messaging. The conversation covers Senate math, filibuster pressure, risks to overseas and mail voting, and frightening scenarios for election subversion.

Amanda Marcotte, political journalist skilled at decoding right-wing politics. She dissects Caroline Leavitt's cultlike praise of Trump and what that signals about MAGA dynamics. Short takes explore claims about Iran surrender, shrinking war support, the party’s reliance on personal loyalty, and the political risks as Trump's standing falters.

Tori Otten, deputy editor at The New Republic who covers Trump-era messaging and MAGA politics, joins the conversation. She breaks down Karoline Leavitt’s furious pressroom outburst and why Republicans are skittish about the Iran conflict. They explore MAGA’s mix of fantasy and reality, sanitized war imagery, and the political risks of voter remorse.

Sawyer Hackett, a Democratic political strategist with deep Texas campaign experience, breaks down the chaotic Texas Senate primaries. He highlights James Tallarico’s religious progressive appeal and path to build a winning coalition. They discuss Trump’s fiery intervention, the Cornyn–Paxton runoff math, and turnout patterns across Latino, Black, suburban, and rural areas.

Asawin Suebsaeng, senior political correspondent at Zeteo who covers Trumpworld and MAGA politics. He breaks down Trump’s candid Iran remarks and confusion about post-strike leadership. He explores why MAGA figures are turning on Trump and debates whether the war appears to serve outside interests. He also outlines how MAGA’s antiwar posture clashes with its domestic brutality.

Mark Jacob, author of the Stop the Presses Substack and political commentator, breaks down chaotic decision-making on Iran. He highlights misleading claims about threats and distorted military advice. Conversation covers rising public backlash in polls and risks of expanding conflict. They also probe potential political fallout and misuse of wartime powers.

Matt Gertz, a senior fellow at Media Matters and right-wing media analyst. He breaks down how Fox is quietly contradicting Trump’s rosy economic claims. They discuss candid Fox Business coverage of weak growth, tensions over tariffs, and how these splits threaten GOP messaging and midterm prospects.

Ana Marie Cox, political writer and contributing editor who dissects right-wing elites and scandals. She walks through The New York Times revelations about missing Epstein files and why that coverage intensifies scrutiny of Trump. She explains how MAGA media is fracturing, why attempts to blame Clinton are backfiring, and how the story could splinter the movement.

Simon Rosenberg, Democratic strategist and political analyst who advises on electoral strategy, joins to dissect Trump's State of the Union and fallout. He calls the speech theatrical but lacking real course correction. They explore Trump’s racist tirade on Truth Social and why he clings to tariffs and mass deportations. They also examine GOP strains and hidden risks that could still hurt Democrats.