The Rise of Conspiracy Politics in Trump’s America (ft. Astead Herndon)
4/29/202639 min
After Trump imposed sweeping tariffs, tried to prevent the release of the Epstein files, and led the U.S. into another potential “forever” war, are the bonds that keep the MAGA coalition together starting to fall apart? Jessica Tarlov sits down with Vox’s Astead Herndon — political journalist and host of the new podcast “America, Actually” — to discuss these and other big-picture trends on both sides of the aisle. They also break down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony on Capitol Hill, as the 60-day clock on the Iran conflict winds down. Facing tough questions on strategy, civilian casualties, and rapidly depleting weapons stockpiles, one key question looms: is there any real clarity on how this ends? They also talk about the major ruling delivered by the Supreme Court on Louisiana’s congressional map, which many say further narrows the Voting Rights Act, intensifying the fight over redistricting. With Florida Republicans pushing an aggressive new map, which party is really winning the map wars? Plus: conspiracy theories explode online in the aftermath of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. But it’s not just Republicans who are holding conspiratorial beliefs. Jessica and Astead dig into the state of the electorate ahead of the midterms: which voters are being misunderstood, what storylines are overhyped, and what a post-Trump political landscape might actually look like. 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
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsMatt Buchel0:00
[upbeat music] Hey, I'm Matt Buchel, comedian, writer, and floating head you may or may not have seen on your FYP, and I'm starting a brand new podcast. Wait, don't swipe away. It's called That Sounds Like a Lot. You know that feeling when you check your phone, read a few headlines and think, "That sounds like a lot. I can't do this"? Well, I can, and I'm gonna get into it every Friday. You can watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm gonna start by breaking down whatever insanity is happening in the world, and then I'll sit down with a comedian or actor or writer or honestly anyone who responds to my DMs. This is not the place to get the news, but it is a place to feel a little bit better about it. That Sounds Like a Lot, coming May 1st, part of the Vox Media podcast network.
Rabah Arsolan0:36
[upbeat music] Burn your five-pound weights. I'm Rabah Arsolan, I'm an athlete and fitness instructor, and I am telling you, unless you have been limited to lighter weights by a medical professional, they're honestly inexcusable. You need to be lifting heavy. And I'm talking especially to the women out there. [beep] toned arms. What can your body do? This week on Project Swagger, what heavy means and rules to bring into your routine. Listen now.
Speaker 21:02
[gentle music] More and more Americans are finding themselves taking care of their kids and their parents at the same time. Well, you know, I s- I joke that th- there's a dark game, um, which I was playing, which family member will I disappoint today? How to care for others without burning out in the process. That's this week on Explain It To Me. Find new episodes Sundays wherever you get your podcasts.
Unknown speaker1:29
[upbeat music]