Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Episode: Epstein Files Trigger Total Chaos Inside MAGA World
Date: February 6, 2026
(Vox Media Podcast Network)

Overview

In this episode, Jessica Tarlov and guest co-host Erin Parnas tackle the chaos generated by the release of the Epstein files and its ripple effects through MAGA circles and U.S. politics. They discuss Trump’s reportedly strained relationship with his longtime advisor Stephen Miller, implications of the SAVE Act on voter registration and democracy, the continued fallout of the Epstein revelations for both parties, and how Kamala Harris and others are plotting for the political future. The conversation is brisk, witty, often darkly humorous, and always anchored in a centrist but deeply skeptical tone about the extremes of American political life.

Key Discussion Points

1. Are Trump and Stephen Miller Heading for a Break?

Timestamps: 01:41–07:44

• Jessica introduces the rumor (via the Wall Street Journal and The New Republic) that Trump is growing uncomfortable with Stephen Miller's hardline immigration tactics, citing concerns from business leaders and resistance to mass detention camps even in red states.
  • Jessica: "His ruthless approach, marked by aggressive tactics and a disregard for the truth, appear to be on the outs with Trump." (01:44)
• Erin speculates that internal polling is influencing Trump to dial back Miller's power, but notes it's not easy to undo Miller's influence; immigration enforcement has become an entrenched operation.
  • Erin: "Kind of gave the keys to the kingdom to Miller in a way... It's very hard to unring that bell once you kind of go down this path." (02:56)
• Discussion of Miller’s outsize and controversial influence, with Jessica referencing a notorious school-bus video from Miller’s teenage years as an omen of his character.
  • Jessica: “That’s the stuff I think, as a parent, rings alarm bells... I think every serial killer has killed an animal in their youth.” (04:13)
• Erin forecasts possible staff shake-ups, including Kristi Noem and speculation on Glenn Youngkin versus Ron DeSantis for Homeland Security. Jessica notes DeSantis’ surprising popularity among some Florida liberals.
  • Jessica: "That's what I have been hearing. Where, where are you seeing this Youngkin stuff? I'm interested in that." (06:17)
• Both are skeptical that Miller will ever be truly ousted; he might just get sidelined, but his influence isn’t easily erased.

2. ICE Raids and Immigrant Enforcement: Tone Shifts, Real Change?

Timestamps: 07:44–12:53

• Jessica and Erin analyze the decision by Tom Holman (Immigration Enforcement) to scale back ICE operations in Minneapolis—from a surge of 3,000 down to 2,300, still far above the pre-crackdown level of 150.
  • Jessica: “Do you think that Homan scaling back the 700 ICE agents is actually a big deal?” (07:55)
  • Erin: “Now, I disagree that this is stable and normal to the extent that, like... He is a stable figure. He doesn’t feel like a loose cannon..." (08:55)
• Both agree the administration is eager to “claim victory,” such as reporting 4,000 ‘criminal’ arrests, but are deeply skeptical about its veracity.
  • Jessica: “Everyone wants to claim victory all the time. And I am willing, for the sake of peace, to kind of give some victory that I don’t think is legitimate.” (10:34)
• Vance, the current VP, is critiqued for his lack of likability and being “sidelined” in the administration.
  • Jessica: “He seems... there isn’t a lightness in him at all.” (12:32)
  • Erin: “That’s what you have here. I mean, he called Trump Hitler ten years ago, and now he’s his VP.” (12:45)

3. Epstein Files Fallout: Chaos, Accountability, & Media Apathy

Timestamps: 14:45–21:24

• Jessica expresses deep disappointment with the media’s waning interest in the Epstein files, despite their magnitude and importance.
  • Jessica: “It is so overwhelming what’s going on and the lack of interest by most people... Even mainstream outlets that had been doing a good job on it, it feels like they've kind of hit a wall.” (14:54)
• Erin counters that the “dam is breaking”—citing high-profile resignations (Brad Karp, Peter Mandelson audit/apology, Slovakia national security advisor), and the Clintons’ willingness to testify publicly.
  • Erin: “Brad Karp stepping down as one of the most powerful lawyers... Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister... The Clintons calling Comers bluff... that's a big deal.” (16:19)
• Discussion of the House GOP (Comer) and whether they will actually follow through with public hearings, predicting Comer will “have to go for it”—with the Clintons capable of turning the hearing on its head.
  • Erin: “He can’t walk this back... they are going to name every name, 100%.” (17:04)
• Erin highlights bombshells in the files, including proof that Prince Andrew’s notorious photo is real, vindicating survivors like Virginia Giuffre.
  • Erin: “Last night we found a document where Ghislaine Maxwell admitted that photo was real.” (18:27)
• Jessica remains pessimistic about the overall impact in the U.S., citing numbness and cynicism, quoting a friend:
  • Jessica: “Reality is such nightmare fuel that if you try to talk about current events with someone who is blissfully uninformed, it is quite literally impossible not to sound delusional, conspiracy pilled, and wildly schizophrenic.” (19:47)
• Looking ahead: Pam Bondi testimony (Feb 11), possible State of the Union disruptions, and calls for keeping Epstein central in public debate.

4. The SAVE Act: Voter Registration, Suppression, and Dem Party Strategy

Timestamps: 21:24–26:55

• Jessica explains public confusion over the SAVE Act, clarifying it’s not just a voter ID bill, but a strict voter registration bill requiring proof of citizenship—likely impacting students, women, and others lacking paperwork.
  • Jessica: “No one seems to know what the SAVE act actually is, that it's not a voter ID bill, that it's a voter registration bill that would demand that people had proof of citizenship.” (21:24)
• Erin calls the bill “an attempt to undermine elections,” with federal overreach (access to all state voter rolls), and predicts court challenges.
  • Erin: “I think it's unconstitutional... just an effort to make it harder for certain people to vote.” (23:14)
• Jessica is frustrated at Democrats for failing to communicate these consequences effectively, and notes even some Republicans in red states use mail-in voting.
  • Jessica: “I have been frustrated and rage texting people in our party... Democrats need to own this issue better.” (24:12)
• Both agree: Most Americans are fine with some ID requirement, but the GOP proposals are needlessly burdensome, with the House bill unlikely to become law.
  • Erin: “To me, it’s like, well, okay, make it easier to obtain certain identification that you’re going to require and make it." (25:58)

5. Kamala Harris, Online Image, and Viral Political Stunts

Timestamps: 26:55–29:48

• Jessica and Erin discuss the resurrection of “Kamala HQ” social accounts, meant to be a Gen Z content machine.
  • Jessica: “Kamala HQ accounts... alive late Wednesday night, Thursday morning announcement, Kamala with a video...a Gen Z content machine. What do you think she's trying to accomplish here?” (27:05)
• Erin sees Kamala attempting to compete with Gavin Newsom, not against the move, but wishes it had come sooner.
  • Erin: “I am totally in favor of the vice president coming out and having a platform and using that platform... this should have happened a year ago.” (27:43)
• Side discussion of Polymarket “oddsmaking” on her presidential prospects, and viral stunts targeting NYC politicians like "Mom Donnie."
  • Jessica: “Polymarket odds were 30% that she announced that she's running for president by July.” (28:39)
  • Erin: “I actually think they're helping him [Mom Donnie]... If it works, Mom Donnie will just be like, okay, let's do it again.” (29:05)

6. Pop Culture, Politics & Lighthearted Closer

Timestamps: 29:48–32:31

• Riffing on the Super Bowl and alternative halftime shows, both dismiss conservative-sponsored "alternative" events.
  • Erin: “I'm watching the Super Bowl... I just don't want to listen to Kid Rock. Respectfully.” (31:05)
• Discussion of the “Melania documentary” as a PR-driven “best seller” and a passing reference to Brett Ratner’s mention in the Epstein files.
• Ending with what they're “raging” (bad snow removal; pineapple pizza shaming) and what to “calm down about.”
  • Jessica: “What should we calm down about?” (32:14)
  • Erin: “Yeah, the fact that I like pineapple pizza. I got a lot of shit for that. Calm down about it.” (32:17)

Memorable Quotes

• "Kind of gave the keys to the kingdom to Miller in a way... It's very hard to unring that bell once you kind of go down this path."
  — Erin Parnas, on how Trump can't simply ditch Stephen Miller’s legacy (02:56)

• "How would you even sum up this moment as it relates to the Epstein files to someone... taking a nap for a year?"
  — Jessica Tarlov, articulating the impossible madness of ongoing scandals (19:47)

• "If you can be hillbilly elegy and now you can be this—you. Like, nothing is scarier than someone with no ideology and a lust for power at that level."
  — Jessica Tarlov, on Vance's malleability (12:33)

• "Brad Karp stepping down as one of the most powerful lawyers... Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister... The Clintons calling Comers bluff... that's a big deal."
  — Erin Parnas, on the international impact of Epstein fallout (16:19)

• "I think, like most Americans, would agree that showing some form of identification is not a problem. To me, it's like, well, okay, make it easier to obtain certain identification that you're going to require and make it."
  — Erin Parnas, on the balance between election security and access (25:58)

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• Jessica’s parent/citizen serial killer analogy re: Stephen Miller (04:13)
• Erin’s take on how ICE still outnumbers Minneapolis Police 4-to-1 (09:10)
• Jessica’s frustration with Dems’ poor messaging on SAVE Act (24:12)
• Jessica quoting her friend’s ‘nightmare fuel’ tweet about political reality (19:47)
• Erin’s push for the Epstein files to become part of the State of the Union (21:11)

Conclusion

This episode showcases both hosts’ deep frustration with the political moment, from the normalization of extreme policies to the fecklessness of institutions handling massive scandals. Their centrist critique cuts across parties and highlights how large parts of the media and political class are failing on issues ranging from immigration to elite criminality to election access. The tone is both exasperated and incisive, with barbed humor and memorable analogies. For listeners wanting sharp, up-to-the-minute centrist commentary, this episode delivers a comprehensive, candid take on the major political currents of early 2026.