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Bill Scher, Politics Editor for Washington Monthly, joins Patrick to talk about the fallout of the Signal war plans disclosure, JD Vance, and if Democrats are getting played by Republicans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did Sen. Chuck Schumer drop the ball by dodging a government shutdown fight with Donald Trump? On this episode of The DMZ, Bill Scher and Matt Lewis break down Schumer's punt on the funding bill, the growing backlash from Trump voters blindsided by ICE deportations and DOGE job cuts, and what it all means for Democrats' 2026 midterm comeback. From Elon Musk's wild influence to Medicaid cuts on the horizon, we're digging into the political mess. Is Schumer a shrug or a strategist? Can Dems turn Trump's chaos into House and Senate wins? Hit play and find out! Key Topics: -- Chuck Schumer's filibuster fail and government shutdown dodge -- Donald Trump's policies hitting his own voters—ICE, DOGE, tariffs -- 2026 midterms: Democrats' shot at the House and Senate -- Elon Musk's DOGE and the Medicaid cuts threat
Join Matt Lewis and Bill Scher in the DMZ as they dive into:-- Donald Trump's latest moves—tariffs, federal workforce cuts, and all-out economic chaos. -- Is there a method to the madness, or is Trump risking a recession with no plan? -- From West Virginia's vibe shift to Elon Musk's DOGE-fueled firings, we unpack the stakes—stagflation, cronyism, and a GOP rooting for the bad guys. -- Are Democrats fighting back effectively, or just flailing? -- Elon Musk Misunderstood the Film “Office Space.”-- Remembering blog legend Kevin Drum-- And MUCH more!
Join Matt Lewis and Bill Scher on DMZ as they dive into the latest political analysis. In this episode, Bill discusses his provocative Washington Monthly article, "Trump's Historically Bad First Month of Polls Should Terrify Republicans." With Trump's approval ratings dropping 7 points in just one month — starting stronger than his first term but already treading water — these early numbers could spell disaster for congressional Republicans facing the 2026 midterms. From unpopular tariffs and Elon Musk's growing unpopularity to potential economic missteps like inflation and job cuts, is Trump governing as advertised, or is he overreading his mandate? Matt challenges Bill's optimism, questioning voter expectations, poll reliability, and whether Republicans can break from Trump's grip. Are Democrats poised to capitalize, or will Trump's chaos reshape the political landscape? Watch now for expert insights on Trump's presidency, GOP strategy, and the road to 2026!
The United States has officially imposed broad tariffs on two of its largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, marking one of the most aggressive trade measures in recent history. With potential economic fallout looming, world leaders, economists, and businesses are scrambling to assess the impact of President Donald Trump's latest move.From Trade Deals to Trade Wars: How We Got HereDuring Trump's first term, his administration took a mixed approach to tariffs. While he aggressively targeted China with import duties — many of which remain under President Biden — his strategy with Canada and Mexico was more nuanced. Initial tariffs on specific industries such as lumber, steel, and aluminum eventually gave way to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a revised version of NAFTA that stabilized trade relations.However, with Trump back in the White House, he has revived concerns over trade imbalances, particularly with Canada and Mexico. On January 20th, Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order launching a review of USMCA, with findings due in April. But before that process could unfold, he moved forward with major tariff increases.On February 1st, Trump announced two executive orders imposing sweeping tariffs. Canadian imports now face a 25% tariff, with a lower 10% tariff on energy exports like oil and gas. Mexico has been hit with a flat 25% tariff on all imports. Though negotiations initially delayed the tariffs by 30 days, they have now gone into full effect, shaking up a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship.To justify the tariffs, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a legal framework typically used for sanctions. He linked the move to national security concerns, specifically citing fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.Sweeping Tariffs Hit North America HardThe response from Canada and Mexico has been swift and severe. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs as "absolutely unacceptable" and unveiled a $30 billion retaliatory tariff package, with plans for an additional $125 billion in tariffs within 21 days if the dispute is not resolved. Several Canadian provinces have announced bans on U.S. products, pulling American wine, beer, and liquor off store shelves.In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a sharp protest but has not yet outlined a formal retaliation. However, Mexican officials have signaled that they may target key U.S. industries, including soybeans, pork, and beef exports.Domestically, the tariff decision has sparked significant economic concern. Stock markets tumbled following the announcement, and major retailers like Target and Best Buy have warned that prices on imported goods will rise sharply, with businesses passing the cost onto consumers.Economists overwhelmingly predict inflationary pressure, warning that tariffs could lead to a U.S. recession and further damage trade relations. The automotive industry is expected to see major price hikes, as will sectors reliant on steel and aluminum, energy resources, agriculture, and consumer goods such as electronics, clothing, and household appliances.Trump's Endgame: Tough Negotiation or Economic Gamble?These tariffs will likely be felt most harshly by Canada and Mexico, as the United States is their largest export market. Seventy-five percent of Canadian exports go to the U.S., while for Mexico, that number is even higher at 80%. By limiting these exports, Trump is exerting maximum pressure on both countries, but the strategy raises significant questions.Is he using tariffs as leverage to renegotiate USMCA? Does he expect Canada and Mexico to cave under economic strain? Or is this a broader shift toward economic protectionism, despite warnings from economists?Trump's decision could make or break his administration. While his supporters may see the move as a strong stance against unfair trade practices, rising prices and economic downturns could alienate voters — especially those who supported him for his stance on inflation control. The coming months will reveal whether these tariffs are a negotiation tool or a long-term policy shift. For now, both the U.S. and its North American neighbors brace for an economic showdown.Chapters* 00:00:00 - Introduction* 00:02:39 - Ukraine Mineral Deal Fallout* 00:06:35 - The Impact of Tariffs on Trade Relations* 00:17:22 - Consequences of Tariffs on the Economy* 00:22:15 - Interview with Bill Scher* 00:58:09 - Update introduction* 01:00:13 - J.D. Vance's European Controversy* 01:03:02 - GOP Government Funding Bill* 01:04:48 - Democrats' Plans to Protest Trump's Speech* 01:08:00 - Interview with Katie Harbath* 01:45:25 - Outro This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
Trump's Politicization of the Military and the Firing Its Top Lawyers So That His Unlawful Orders Won't be Blocked | The Historical Plunge of Trump's Poll Numbers in Just One Month | Having Patel and Bongino Head the FBI Means Trump Will Go after His Enemies While He Can Break the Law With Impunity backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia
Bill Scher of Washington Monthly checks in on Springfield's Morning News to discuss the national profile of Governor JB Pritzker, the DOGE effect, and the U.S. abandoning Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What have Matt and Bill been up to? ... A Complete Unknown vs. Netflix ... Should we listen to more Joe Rogan? ... What does Mike Johnson's victory say about the GOP? ... Can Democrats recover? ...
What have Matt and Bill been up to? ... A Complete Unknown vs. Netflix ... Should we listen to more Joe Rogan? ... What does Mike Johnson's victory say about the GOP? ... Can Democrats recover? ...
What have Matt and Bill been up to? ... A Complete Unknown vs. Netflix ... Should we listen to more Joe Rogan? ... What does Mike Johnson's victory say about the GOP? ... Can Democrats recover? ...
What have Matt and Bill been up to? ... A Complete Unknown vs. Netflix ... Should we listen to more Joe Rogan? ... What does Mike Johnson's victory say about the GOP? ... Can Democrats recover? ...
I don't think Kamala Harris will ever be president. I don't think she has a connection with Americans beyond a core Democratic base who can be easily woo'd by another shiny object. I think she would do best in the one-party state she came from and run for governor of California where she might even pass for the centrist she positioned herself as nationally.But I may well be wrong. If I am Bill Scher will have told me otherwise. He believes she enters our four-year cycle to select the next president as the most well positioned Vice President loser in recent American history. Damning with faint praise? Maybe. We discuss 2028 and everything we got wrong about the election in this chat!Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview00:03:06 - Bill Scher on 2024 Election Insights00:15:01 - Trump's Continued Popularity00:40:02 - Trump's Lawsuit Against Iowa Pollsters00:45:02 - House GOP Budget Standoff00:46:47 - AOC's Leadership Challenge in Congress00:50:09 Handicapping 2028 Contenders This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
Washington Monthly Political Editor Bill Scher shares his analysis about Republican control of Congress, Trump's cabinet picks and other trending political news.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
This is a panel discussion.The participants are:Stephen Pimpare is Professor of Public Policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School. He is the author of four books, including "A Peoples History of Poverty' and, most recently, 'Politics for Social Workers: A Practical Guide to Effecting Change'Susan Milligan is a political writer and former White House and congressional correspondent for the Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, and the New York Daily News.Lincoln Mitchell teaches political science and public policy at Columbia University. He is the author of eight books and his writings have appeared at CNN, Reuters, the New York Times, NBC, the San Francisco Examiner and numerous other media platforms. For more of Lincolns work you can subscribe to his Substack "Kibitzing with Lincoln" at /lincolnmitchell.substack.com/.Bill Scher is the politics editor of the Washington Monthly. He is the host of the history podcast When America Worked and the cohost of the bipartisan online show and podcast The DMZtopics:We discuss the Trump appointments of cabinet and other Positions. It would appear that this administration will be a "performance" regime. Everything all for show. It will also be a fascist regime, with the goal of breaking the Senate.Part 2:WE start the discussion with the problem of the many threats of physical harm to government officials and other, prominent persons. There have been early departures of civil servants. We discuss some measures that liberals in government can take. WNHNFM.ORG productionMusic: David Rovics, "Time to Act", for Will Von Sproson
Washington Monthly Political Editor Bill Scher gives his take on the election results, Democratic governors vowing to protect their states from Trump policies and other trending political news.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
11/11/24: Coolidge Museum's Julie Bartlett Nelson & Bill Scher w/ UMass profs Rebecca Hamlin & Raz Sibii: immigration -- 1924-2024 and now Trump. UMass Afro-Am Profs Amilcar Shabazz & Toussant Losier: indigenous people & decolonization. Michael Klare: wars & peace & Trump. Veterans for Peace activist Eric Wasileski: Armistice Day
11/11/24: Coolidge Museum's Julie Bartlett Nelson & Bill Scher w/ UMass profs Rebecca Hamlin & Raz Sibii: immigration -- 1924-2024 and now Trump. UMass Afro-Am Profs Amilcar Shabazz & Toussant Losier: indigenous people & decolonization. Michael Klare: wars & peace & Trump. Veterans for Peace activist Eric Wasileski: Armistice Day
11/11/24: Coolidge Museum's Julie Bartlett Nelson & Bill Scher w/ UMass profs Rebecca Hamlin & Raz Sibii: immigration -- 1924-2024 and now Trump. UMass Afro-Am Profs Amilcar Shabazz & Toussant Losier: indigenous people & decolonization. Michael Klare: wars & peace & Trump. Veterans for Peace activist Eric Wasileski: Armistice Day
11/11/24: Coolidge Museum's Julie Bartlett Nelson & Bill Scher w/ UMass profs Rebecca Hamlin & Raz Sibii: immigration -- 1924-2024 and now Trump. UMass Afro-Am Profs Amilcar Shabazz & Toussant Losier: indigenous people & decolonization. Michael Klare: wars & peace & Trump. Veterans for Peace activist Eric Wasileski: Armistice Day
Harris's interviews? ... Focus on "fascism"? ... Positions from 2019? ... Sexism? ... Too much of a politician? ... Biden? ... Inflation? ...
Harris's interviews? ... Focus on "fascism"? ... Positions from 2019? ... Sexism? ... Too much of a politician? ... Biden? ... Inflation? ...
The Selzer poll and the weighting debate ... Will Bill and Matt change their predictions? ...
The Selzer poll and the weighting debate ... Will Bill and Matt change their predictions? ...
Who would get more accomplished: Harris or Trump? ... Does Trump know more about wielding power than during his first term? ... Trump's past failed record on mass deportations ... How will "garbage" impact the race? ... Predictions! ... Who will Matt vote for? ...
Who would get more accomplished: Harris or Trump? ... Does Trump know more about wielding power than during his first term? ... Trump's past failed record on mass deportations ... How will "garbage" impact the race? ... Predictions! ... Who will Matt vote for? ...
On this week's DMZ, Bill Scher and Matt Lewis make their 2024 presidential and U.S. Senate predictions. They also discuss...-- Which candidate would get more done as president-- Whether Senate Republicans would blow up the filibuster-- Donald Trump's lousy record on deporting illegal immigrants-- Why Joe Biden's stupid "garbage" gaffe hurts Kamala Harris, and changes the subject from the Puerto Rico controversy-- Who Matt's voting for in 2024-- The Dodgers beat the Yankees!-- And MUCH more
Don't take early numbers too seriously. It's the first chapter of a book. You might think you know where it goes, but each story is different. Early votes are not linear, they are often jumbled by different start times or counting processes. So don't take them seriously.Okay? Did you read that? Are you not going to take them seriously?Fine. Let's torture ourselves with early voting data. * VoteHub* Jon Ralston Early Voting Blog* UMichVoterAlso…The great Bill Scher (Washington Monthly) joins to discuss where Kamala Harris is and how she wins the election. Andrew Heaton tells us of all the political signage he's seen during his road trip from Texas to Washington DC. Chapters2:56 Early Vote13:21 Bill Scher1:00:13 UPDATE (Obama and Kamala, $28 million Polymarket Bet, Trump Legal Strategy)1:09:50 Andrew Heaton This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
How did Harris do at the CNN Town Hall? ... Is sexism hurting Harris? ... Should Harris go after Trump as a fascist? ... Is Harris' campaign better run than past Democratic campaigns? ... What is up with Tucker Carlson's creepy spanking speech? ... Trump's ahistorical argument for ending the income tax ...
How did Harris do at the CNN Town Hall? ... Is sexism hurting Harris? ... Should Harris go after Trump as a fascist? ... Is Harris' campaign better run than past Democratic campaigns? ... What is up with Tucker Carlson's creepy spanking speech? ... Trump's ahistorical argument for ending the income tax ...
Should we brace for a Trump victory? ... Or does Harris have the edge? ... Trump is now the candidate who sees voters as deplorable ... Why aren't conservative smear attempts working? ...
Should we brace for a Trump victory? ... Or does Harris have the edge? ... Trump is now the candidate who sees voters as deplorable ... Why aren't conservative smear attempts working? ...
With the Fateful Election 3 Weeks Away, an Update on Polls and Predictions | Is America Itself on Trial in This Election and Could it Soon Descend Into Darkness Like Germany in the 1930's? | The Political Violence Spilling Out of Red States in Our Vigilante Nation backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia facebook.com/ianmastersmedia
Did Kamala's media blitz help or hurt? ... Has Kamala lost momentum, or are pollsters using a flawed methodology? ... Why are conservatives sticking with Trump? ... Trump's bizarre answer to Ben Shapiro's ground game question ... Have YouTube and podcasters supplanted the mainstream media? ...
Did Kamala's media blitz help or hurt? ... Has Kamala lost momentum, or are pollsters using a flawed methodology? ... Why are conservatives sticking with Trump? ... Trump's bizarre answer to Ben Shapiro's ground game question ... Have YouTube and podcasters supplanted the mainstream media? ...
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Are Democrats smart to spend in Texas and Florida? ... Is Trump smart to tell women he will protect them? ... Does Trump have a ground game? ...
Are Democrats smart to spend in Texas and Florida? ... Is Trump smart to tell women he will protect them? ... Does Trump have a ground game? ...
Would Kamala Harris have been worse off if Biden resigned? ... Why is Matt losing conservative friends? ... Should politicians fact check constituent stories? ...
Would Kamala Harris have been worse off if Biden resigned? ... Why is Matt losing conservative friends? ... Should politicians fact check constituent stories? ...
What Kamala got right ... What Trump got wrong ... Why undecided voters are the worst ... Why probabilistic forecasts are stupid ... Do the Swift and Cheney endorsements matter? ...
What Kamala got right ... What Trump got wrong ... Why undecided voters are the worst ... Why probabilistic forecasts are stupid ... Do the Swift and Cheney endorsements matter? ...
Is Biden-Harris foreign policy neoconservative or Reagan conservative? ... How much are Trump and Biden alike on foreign policy? ... Matt warns up to Walz ... How should Harris approach next week's debate? ...
What's wrong with Walz joining Harris for her first interview? ... Should Harris have gone local for her first interview? ... Why is Trump embracing RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard? ...
A Review of Last Night's Democratic National Convention and a Preview of Tonight's | The Generational Change Underway in the Harris/Walz Democratic Party | China Sues Stanford For Mao's Secretary's Diaries With an Inside Look at the CCP From 1935 to 2018 backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia facebook.com/ianmastersmedia
Are too many former Democratic presidents speaking at the convention? ... Does Kamala Harris need to win the national popular vote by a lot to win the Electoral College? ... Does Tim Walz need a better response to attacks on his military service? ... Does Donald Trump need a campaign shake up? ...
Are too many former Democratic presidents speaking at the convention? ... Does Kamala Harris need to win the national popular vote by a lot to win the Electoral College? ... Does Tim Walz need a better response to attacks on his military service? ... Does Donald Trump need a campaign shake up? ...
Donald Trump's Twitter Spaces interview with Elon Musk gave us a lot of talking. But one bizarre quote does explain the difference Donald would like to draw between he and Kamala on foreign policy.Bill Scher (Washington Monthly) joins the show to discuss the rollout and rapid rise of Kalama Harris.Chapters00:00 Analyzing the Trump-Musk Twitter Spaces Conversation08:28 Contrasting Trump's Foreign Policy Approach with Kamala Harris'20:38 FBI Investigating Hacking Incident Targeting Trump Campaign23:10 Challenges Faced by Special Counsel Jack Smith25:12 President Biden to Address DNC Opening Night?33:07 Bill Scher Analyzing the Successful Rollout of Kamala Harris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TIMESTAMPS: Intro (0:00) White Dudes for Harris (1:50) Interview with John Ziegler (34:55) Interview with Bill Scher (59:35) Outro (1:30:57) - - - Watch full episodes on Rumble, streamed LIVE 7pm ET. Become part of our Locals community - - - Follow Glenn: Twitter Instagram Follow System Update: Twitter Instagram TikTok Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices