Why the Government Shut Down—and How Democrats Claim Victory

How will MAGA Republicans find their way out of the government shutdown? Jessica Tarlov is joined by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to talk about some possibilities, and some fissures in Trumpworld that might signal the standoff’s end. Plus — how American farmers are grappling with the devastating effects of both tariffs and the Argentina bailout, how the Democratic Party can manage both its moderate and progressive wings, and the terrifying lines being crossed by the administration’s strikes in the Caribbean. 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

On the heels of the No Kings protests that drew an estimated seven million Americans, there seems to be a strong coalition to take on Trump and the GOP. But, what will the Democrats’ message be? Jessica Tarlov and guest host David Frum of The Atlantic discuss the Democratic Party’s predicament — and the value of tacking to the center. Plus: is there a justifiable rationale for the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean? And, Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s insurgent campaign was set back last week by years of past internet comments coming to light. He has taken responsibility for his remarks — but, in a primary against Gov. Janet Mills, will it matter? 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

Virginia voters will elect its new governor in less than a month — and the race has big national implications. Jessica is joined by Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, to talk through what’s at stake. They also discuss the rhetoric of political violence, why Democrats are standing their ground in government shutdown negotiations, and how we can start saying the Emperor has no clothes. Plus — Don Scott’s unconventional road to elected office includes serving seven years in federal prison. Should the Democrats recruit more “damaged goods” candidates? 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

Two weeks into the government shutdown, the pain is starting to show — from closed museums to unpaid workers. Scott and Jessica break down who’s getting blamed, how long it could drag on, and Trump’s move to keep troops funded. Then, they dig into Project 2025 — the far-right blueprint that’s already halfway implemented — and what it means for democracy and Democrats heading into 2026. Plus, the No Kings protests return as millions gear up to march against authoritarianism. 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

Are American voters really as polarized as politicians are? Jessica sits down with Republican pollster and New York Times contributing Opinion writer Kristin Soltis Anderson to unpack what Americans really think — and why voters are far less ideologically divided than we often assume. They explore surprising polling on moderates, shifts in party priorities under Trump, and what it all means for the midterms and 2028.  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

Scott and Jessica break down Trump’s controversial move to deploy National Guard troops to Democrat-led cities — and the lawsuits calling it an “illegal takeover.” Then, they unpack the latest on Gaza ceasefire talks and whether Trump’s proposed deal could actually stick. Plus, the manosphere’s breakup with Trump — from Adin Ross to Joe Rogan, why the influencers who once helped him rise are now stepping back. 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

Jessica sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We’re In Charge, to talk about the next generation of political leaders. From breaking “bad Boomer leadership” to running for office in Trump 2.0, Amanda shares practical advice for young people stepping into power—and how to lead without burning out. 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

Scott and Jessica break down who really wins from a government shutdown, Trump’s surprising new peace plan in Gaza, and why MAGA is melting down over the NFL tapping Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show.  Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RagingModerates  Jessica is moderating an important and timely conversation on the future of transgender athletes in sports on October 23rd at the 92nd St Y in NYC. Get your tickets here: https://www.92ny.org/event/fair-play  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jessica sits down with New Jersey Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill to discuss Trump’s push to prosecute his political rivals, the MAHA health debates and vaccine trust crisis, and the challenges of running a moderate campaign in a state that’s increasingly leaning toward Trump. 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

Scott and Jessica break down Jimmy Kimmel’s return after a suspension that drew bipartisan backlash, Hollywood outrage, and pushback from TV affiliates. What does it mean for free speech—and the future of late-night as ratings slide? They also tackle Trump’s unproven claim linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism, as the FDA issues warnings despite inconclusive science. Plus, Trump’s White House remodeling—from gold ceilings to a massive new ballroom. What message does it send when the “people’s house” starts looking more like Mar-a-Lago? 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