FAST READS with Molly Jong-Fast 04/04/2025
Welcome to FAST READS with Molly Jong-Fast.
Please check out my latest Vanity Fair article:Donald Trump’s Honeymoon Is Over. You can find an archive of my Vanity Fair pieces.
On FASTPOLITICS –
Video episodes: Representative Maxwell Frost stop by for an in-depth discussion on current political events and legislative battles. Representative Frost offers his candid insights into the recent tensions within Congress, particularly highlighting the contentious issues that led Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to abruptly send everyone home for the week. We dive into the bipartisan efforts to allow new parents in Congress to vote remotely, a move facing severe opposition despite substantial support. Representative Frost breaks down the tactics used by GOP leaders to derail this initiative and stresses the importance of modernizing policies to accommodate working families in Congress. Additionally, we address the controversial actions of President Trump and their far-reaching impacts on the American economy. Representative Frost provides a sharp critique of the administration's trade policies, billionaire tax breaks, and the broader legislative strategy, or lack thereof, from the Republican Party. The Bulwark's Jonathan Last joins us to dive deep into the current state of American politics and explore what effective opposition should look like.
Audio podcast: Civil Discourse Substack author Joyce Vance examines the Constitution's checks and balances keeping Trump in check.
Professor Laura Gamboa examines her article for Foreign Affairs, "How to Save a Democracy," and the lessons from other countries' authoritarian crises. The Atlantic’s George Conway examines Trump’s lawlessness and how our institutions hold up to it.The Economist’s Simon Rabinovitch details how Trump’s tariffs will actually affect the global economy. The Lincoln Project's Rick Wilsondissects Signalghazi’s continued fallout.The New York Times' Annie Karni details her new book Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress. Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall surveys the fallout of Signalghazi.
Poet and writer Anthony Walton details his new book The End of Respectability: Notes of a Black American, His Life, and His Nation.
My Recommended Reads For The Week:
- Wired.com - Trump Tariffs Hit Antarctic Islands Inhabited by Zero Humans and Many Penguins. By Caroline Haskins
- Politico.com - Adams to skip New York City’s Democratic primary, run for reelection on nonpartisan line. By SALLY GOLDENBERG
- Talkingpointsmemo.com - Schiff Will Place Hold On Ed Martin Nom Citing ‘Demolished’ Firewalls Between WH And DOJ. By Khaya Himmelman
- Democracydocket.com - Democrats Sue to Block Trump Bid to Control Elections. By Jacob Knutson
- Foreignaffairs.com - How to Save a Democracy. By Laura Gamboa
Thanks for reading!
-Molly-