Texting War Plans & How Democrats Get Their Shit Together with Matt Bennett

Tara is joined by Rahm Emanuel to look at what he feels are the past mistakes of the Democratic Party and what needs to change moving forward. They discuss Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, President Trump invoking antisemitism to defund universities, and Emanuel’s own political aspirations. For more of Tara’s independent journalism, subscribe to her newsletter The Red Letter here on Substack! Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Rahm Emanuel Producers: Mike Wargon and Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara Palmeri sits down with Maureen Dowd to talk about her latest release, Notorious. Their conversation covers everything from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to the shifting dynamics of American politics. Dowd reflects on her decades in journalism, offering a look at Washington’s current challenges and the media’s complicated relationship with figures like Trump. She also touches on her writing process, Gretchen Whitmer’s photo misstep, and the growing demand for political leaders who balance authenticity with a touch of showmanship. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Maureen Dowd Producer: Devon Renaldo Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara starts the pod with some inside reporting on RFK Jr.’s mismanagement of the Dept. of Health and Human Services. She’s then joined by Rikki Schlott from the New York Post to talk about Donald Trump’s standing with Gen Z. They discuss possible breaking points Trump may be testing with young men, shine a light on the current administration’s war on universities, and speculate on how the president's current actions will hurt the Republican Party politically going forward. For more of Tara’s independent journalism subscribe to her newsletter ‘The Red Letter’ here on Substack! Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Rikki Schlott Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by author and journalist Chris Whipple to discuss his latest book, 'Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History.’ During their conversation, they focus on the passages that talk about the inner workings of Team Biden during Joe's chaotic 2024 campaign and discuss how the influence of a certain Hollywood celebrity, in concert with Democratic top brass, ultimately pressured the former president out of his own reelection bid. For more of Tara’s independent journalism subscribe to her newsletter ‘The Red Letter’ here on Substack! Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Chris Whipple Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by NBC senior political analyst Jonathan Allen and senior political journalist for The Hill, Amie Parnes, to discuss their latest book, ‘Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,’ a behind-the-scenes account of the events surrounding Joe Biden stepping down in the presidential race through the end of Kamala Harris’s unprecedented campaign. They talk about the chaotic discussions that ensued within the Democrats' top brass after Biden’s announcement, shine a light on the efforts to hide Biden’s mental deficiencies, and highlight Harris and Tim Walz’s reactions after the election results came in. For more of Tara’s independent journalism subscribe to her newsletter ‘The Red Letter’ here on Substack! Host: Tara Palmeri Guests: Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ co-host Mark Cuban to talk about all the hot political topics currently burning up the Hill. During their wide-ranging conversation, they cover the possible negative effects of Donald Trump’s ambitious tariffs, Elon Musk’s role in the White House, Signalgate, AI, and much more. For more of Tara’s independent journalism subscribe to her newsletter ‘The Red Letter’ here on Substack! Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Mark Cuban Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara starts the pod with an update on the Department of Defense text chain scandal currently rocking Capitol Hill. She is then joined by Teddy Schleifer from The New York Times in front of a live audience at the Sine Institute to discuss Elon Musk’s rise to the forefront of the Trump administration and subsequent red-pilling of the tech industry. They examine Musk’s clandestine entry into the world of politics, highlight the moment when his support for Trump became public, and analyze how his presence at the White House is affecting federal policy. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Teddy Schleifer Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara begins the show by discussing Pete Hegseth accidentally sending war plans in a group chat that included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic; a preview of her newsletter, where she has the details to a secret AI conference; and more. Then she welcomes Matthew Bennett, and they discuss Axios’s Alex Thompson’s list on why the Democrats lost the election, the fights Republicans are picking, and how the Democrats can get their shit together. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Matt Bennett Producer: Brian H. Waters Production Supervision: Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by political reporter Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power.’ He shares his intel on Trump’s political moves, campaign strategy, and cabinet selections. They go over some of Trump’s quotes in the book, and he shares what the Republican campaign team was planning for after Joe Biden’s first 2024 debate. He breaks down Trump’s vice presidential choice and how JD Vance regained both Trump and the public’s support, becoming the potential heir to the MAGA following. Finally, they discuss Trump’s decision to have the Putin meeting regarding the war on Ukraine and the release of the JFK assassination files on the same day. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Alex Isenstadt Producer: Olivia Crerie Additional Production Supervision: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara is joined by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to discuss Donald Trump’s tariffs and government cuts. They break down the Republican budget resolution decision that the Democrats passed in December, which is now blindsiding them. She asks Gov. Armstrong about Trump and Musk’s DOGE sledgehammer to government agencies, tariffs and how that affects North Dakota’s soybean and fertilizer trade—two of their largest exports. Lastly, Gov. Armstrong talks about getting rid of the North Dakota property tax and what that would entail. Host: Tara Palmeri Guest: Gov. Kelly Armstrong Producer: Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices