October Surprises and the Final Campaign Stretch

Jessica sits down with Texas Congressman Greg Casar, chair of the House Progressive Caucus, to talk about how the Democrats can win back the trust of working class voters. They discuss Rep. Casar’s past as a labor organizer on construction sites in Austin, what it’s like to go on tour with Bernie Sanders, and what the national party can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for NYC mayor. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott and Jessica talk through the aftermath of the weekend’s airstrikes in Iran — the lack of coordination in the lead-up, differing accounts of the damage, and confusion about a ceasefire. They’re joined by Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee, to discuss possible consequences for Iran’s regime, citizens, and nuclear capabilities. Plus: Trump publicly lashes out at Israel, Iran, and… one of the hosts of Raging Moderates. 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 Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization behind many legal challenges to Trump administration policies currently in the courts. Skye talks about what it’s like being a lawyer right now, the ongoing struggle to protect immigrants’ rights and reproductive freedom, and why a popular protest movement is so important to the fight against authoritarian regimes. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott and Jessica unpack the rapidly escalating war between Israel and Iran under Trump’s leadership. As civilian casualties rise and Trump teeters on the edge of deeper U.S. involvement, millions of Americans take to the streets in the historic “No Kings” protests—pushing back against what many see as his authoritarian power grab. Meanwhile, the NYC mayoral race is turning into a defining battle for the soul of the Democratic Party, with progressive rising star Zohran Mamdani facing off against political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo in a generational showdown that could reshape the party’s direction. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Representative Ritchie Torres joins Scott and Jessica to talk about the Democratic Party’s strategy, the L.A. protests, the budget bill, and more. He reflects on his political journey as a 25-year-old New York City Councilman and the first openly LGBTQ public official in the Bronx. The Congressman also gets personal, speaking candidly about the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health care for young men. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott and Jessica talk about the protests in California sparked by ICE raids, and the White House’s decision to deploy Marines and National Guard members in the city. They also get into what the Democrats’ message for the future should be, the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, the very public Musk/Trump breakup, and whether or not America will go out with a bang… or with a whimper. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Wesley Morris joins Jessica for a sharp, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about the intersection of politics and culture. They unpack the rise of right-wing aesthetics, why the left feels adrift, those weird rings that adult men suddenly started wearing, and how trans rights became a political flashpoint.  Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott and Jessica unpack the recent court rulings on the legality of Trump’s emergency tariff powers, and look ahead to the possible changes coming to the big, beautiful budget reconciliation bill in the Senate. Plus, they discuss the administration’s ongoing fight with elite universities, Elon Musk’s farewell to Washington, and whether or not we want to go back to 1993. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov Follow Prof G, @profgalloway Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices