Republicans Confront the Epstein Files (ft. Rep. Don Bacon)

Jessica welcomes Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan — the fiery duo behind the hit podcast I’ve Had It. They join Raging Moderates to talk about the week’s biggest stories: Trump getting booed in D.C., fallout from Epstein’s infamous “birthday book,” and Kamala Harris finding her political edge. Jennifer and Angie open up about life as progressive women in deep-red Oklahoma, why they’ve embraced ridicule as a weapon against authoritarianism, and what it means to channel the rage and frustration of Democrats nationwide. Plus: why they think Democrats must grow a bigger tent, how they connect with younger voices online, and what really makes them rage. Note: this interview was taped before the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GOP-led House Oversight Committee released Epstein’s “birthday book” in full… and it’s real gross. Scott and Jessica unpack the shocking revelations, and advise the Democrats on how to use this to win some elections. Plus — a surprising new poll shows that the young men and women of Gen Z might be really far apart, on lots of things. And, Scott and Jessica celebrate their work anniversary — it’s been a whole year of Raging Moderates in your podcast feeds. Thanks so much for listening! Check us out on YouTube at youtube.com/@ragingmoderates. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RagingModerates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens to a Republican who publicly clashes with President Trump? Jessica sits down with Rep. Don Bacon, a five-term Congressman in a blue-leaning district, who announced that he won’t be seeking reelection next year. They discuss his positions on the Epstein files release, the war in Ukraine, Trump’s tariffs, and the growing crisis for Midwestern soybean farmers. Plus — a lot of people thought that Rep. Bacon’s opposition to cutting Medicaid meant that he’d vote “no” on budget reconciliation. So why, in the end, did he cave? Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a Scott-free August, Prof. Galloway himself is back! On his triumphant return to the show, Scott talks with Jessica about the misguided MAHA movement, and how the Trump administration is decimating America’s public health institutions. They also look ahead to Congress’s fall agenda, as both parties will try and negotiate around the possibility of a government shutdown — again.  Plus: why was Beijing the real winner of last month’s Trump-Putin summit? Scott and Jessica explain, with help from the new Prof G podcast China Watch, and discuss how the U.S. forced India right into Russia and China’s arms. 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 Rep. Marilyn Strickland to talk about Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, why she’s “all in” on retaliatory redistricting, and how her time as the mayor of Tacoma, Washington helped prepare her for on-the-ground politics in Congress. Plus — how both the Democrats and the media can cover Trump without losing their minds, and what we really mean when we talk about “identity politics.” 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 lawyer, journalist, and Substacker Aaron Parnas to talk through some alarmingly authoritarian news stories. Does Trump really intend to call in the military to police American cities? Does the administration ever intend to present evidence for deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, or are they just being stubborn? And what is going on with Trump’s hands? Plus — as a Gen. Z luminary, Aaron reveals the key to reaching younger voters. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do we still need to process what went on during the pandemic? Jessica sits down with FOX News's Greg Gutfeld, her co-host on The Five, to unpack the dense new film Eddington, written and directed by Ari Aster, which depicts a small town in the spring of 2020 being torn apart by mask mandates, social justice protests, and paranoia. They talk about how this film illustrates the social dangers and political obsessions that are still very present today, five years later. Plus — they also discuss Greg’s recent appearance on The Tonight Show, which has drawn backlash from liberals and conservatives alike. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway.Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom has emerged as a Democrat willing to fight dirty against Trump — but will he and the Democrats win? Jessica is joined by David Axelrod, CNN chief political analyst and former senior advisor to President Obama, to talk about their chances. They also discuss the Trump-Zelensky meeting in Washington, which comes on the heels of the disappointing Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. And David dishes about his recent meeting with Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway.Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jessica sits down for a wide-ranging conversation with Hillary Clinton to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. They explore how Donald Trump could attempt to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, how Democrats should navigate their relationship with Israel amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Trump's accelerating consolidation of power at home. Secretary Clinton shares her take on the perils of “dumb power” diplomacy, the fractures within the Democratic coalition, and the struggles facing young men in today’s economy. Plus, she also reflects on the stakes for democracy—and whether she believes America will ever be ready for a woman president. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jessica sits down with New York Times national political correspondent Shane Goldmacher to unpack President Trump’s unprecedented takeover of D.C.’s police force — even as crime hits a 30-year low — the redistricting battle in Texas that could reshape the House map, and the aggressive countermoves from blue states. They also explore why Democrats are betting on military veterans to win swing districts in 2026, and how Republicans are preparing for a post-Trump era. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices