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Talking Feds: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Harry Litman
Talking Feds is a roundtable discussion that brings together prominent former government officials, journalists, and special guests for a dynamic and in-depth analysis of the most pressing questions in law and politics.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago52 min
Schmitt's Creek
What were Republicans thinking going after Jack Smith again? Kyle Cheney, Conor Lamb, and Mimi Rocah join Harry to discuss that and the week’s cascade of big legal news. Will the Department of Justice actually pursue perjury charges against Smith? Will Judge Williams and Judge Boasberg get to push ahead toward contempt proceedings against Trump and the administration? And will Trump come to regret the acceleration of his deportation drive—boosted this week by SCOTUS—when midterm votes are tallied? Mentioned in this episode:Kyle’s reporting.Conor’s Substack.Mimi’s Substack.Mimi’s forthcoming book.Harry’s column about the latest in Judge Williams’s slush fund case.The New Yorker’s reporting about the hard choices facing DOJ attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago33 min
Andy Beshear Explains His Why
Governor Andy Beshear discusses his three-part approach to governing as a Democrat in deeply red Kentucky—and what he’s learned along the way. He talks with Harry about how his faith shapes his policies, his vision for fixing a broken government, and why a post-Trump government can’t just restore the past but needs to become more efficient and effective. Plus, the stakes of the 2026 gubernatorial races, their impact on holding fair elections in the 2028 presidential election, and what comes next for Beshear. Mentioned in this episode: Governor Beshear’s new book, Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago53 min
Trump Goes Dark
Asha Rangappa, Stuart Stevens, and Jasmine Wright join Harry to break down cratering Republican poll numbers, Trump’s quixotic media ban, Susan Collin’s quid-pro-quo scandal, and the news out of the UN General Assembly. Are polls showing a lopsided Democratic advantage to be believed? How is the allegation of a pay-to-play donation scheme changing the Maine Senate race? And hasn’t Trump’s move to ban a trio of outlets from the White House just cost him the attention he craves and requires? Mentioned in this episode:Asha’s Substack.Stuart’s Lincoln Square.Stuart’s Substack.Jasmine’s reporting.Harry’s column about the press ban.ProPublica’s reporting about Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding.ProPublica’s reporting about Susan Collins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago52 min
The Cost of Capitulation
When Donald Trump retook the White House, many of the most powerful Americans—including many who resisted him in his first term—hurried to bend a knee. Jacob Weisberg wanted to understand why. He joins Harry for a conversation about his study of that capitulation: Profiles in Cowardice. Jacob breaks down the often confounding reasons these people knowingly betrayed their principles. After digging into some of the worst offenders, like Mitch McConnell, George W. Bush, and John Roberts, the pair turn to the tactics needed to counter what Jacob calls the “contagion of cowardice.” Mentioned in this episode:Jacob's book.Harry's column about a story of small-scale resistance succeeding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago54 min
Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor Trump
For the latest Contrarian episode, Norm Eisen, Rep. Tom Malinowski, and Jen Rubin join Harry to stake out their cautious optimism about Trump’s declining strength. The panel takes stock of the administration’s vital Supreme Court defeat in the mail-in ballots case before looking at the ways the wheels are falling off the DOJ's opaque "grand conspiracy" investigation. Finally, with rising gas prices lifting Democrats' midterm hopes, the group assess what actions Democrats need to take if they regain the House or Senate come November. Mentioned in this episode:The Contrarian.Harry’s column about the mail-in ruling.Harry’s Substack Live with Steve Vladeck about the mail-in ruling. Jen’s column about how Democrats should use the power of the purse.Tom’s article about what Democrats should do with a majority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago37 min
The Midterms Seen from Michigan
The Michigan Senate race may make or break Democrats' hopes of wresting control of the Senate from Donald Trump. It also produced one of the party’s hardest primary fights, with three candidates representing different camps within it. State Senator Mallory McMorrow had better than a front-row seat. Having withdrawn late in the race, she’s now thrown her full support behind nominee Abdul El-Sayed. She fills Harry in on why she thinks the primary was ultimately good for the party, where Democrats are heading long-term, and the issues that will decide the winner in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago57 min
Donald Trump's Quest for Eternal Life
Emily Bazelon, Erin Burnett, and Susan Glasser join Harry to try to decipher whether Trump would rather win the midterms or steal them. Time and again, the president has bewildered Republicans with politically damaging moves and comments. But if the Supreme Court lets Trump have his way with mail-in ballots, a stacked deck might more than compensate for his self-sabotage. Could Trump's postal voting overhaul turn the midterms? Will the Republicans rue their big convention in Texas? And what the hell is going on with Pete Hegseth? Mentioned in this episode:Emily’s reporting.Emily’s podcast.Erin’s show.Susan’s column and podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago26 min
Molly Mashup: “Trump Makes Nixon Look Like Lincoln”
In their newest mashup, Harry and Molly Jong-Fast trade questions about corruption, accountability, and Trump’s legal schemes. Molly asks how Trump officials and members of his family might ever face justice, even if Trump pardons them, and what the heck is going on with Trump’s Supreme Court fight over mail-in ballots. Harry wants to know what the Dems need to do to unite around a cohesive message heading into the midterms, and why celebrities and other famous figures have largely stayed out of the political fray in Trump 2.0 Mentioned in this episode: Molly’s podcast. Molly’s Substack. Harry’s Substack on the ballroom ruling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About Talking Feds
Talking Feds is a roundtable discussion that brings together prominent former government officials, journalists, and special guests for a dynamic and in-depth analysis of the most pressing questions in law and politics.
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