Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway & Jessica Tarlov

Episode: What the Clintons’ Depositions Mean for the Epstein Investigation
Date: February 27, 2026
Podcast Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, particularly the newly scheduled depositions of Hillary and Bill Clinton. Hosts Jessica Tarlov and guest co-host Aaron Parnas examine what to expect from these depositions, the political motivations behind the House Oversight Committee's ongoing probe, and the broader implications for accountability among political elites. The conversation also touches on current domestic issues (J.D. Vance’s “war on fraud,” State of the Union fallout), and foreign policy (potential US military action against Iran), as well as speculation about the 2028 presidential race.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Clintons and the Epstein Investigation

[01:20-07:35]

• Closed-Door Depositions:

  • Hillary and Bill Clinton are set to testify privately under subpoena regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision for closed sessions was made by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer; only committee attorneys will question them.
  • "It's not going to be that kind of spectacle that people want...it's going to be an attorney for oversight that's going to be questioning her." — Aaron Parnas [02:09]

• Hillary’s Role and Public Perception:

  • Hillary Clinton is minimally mentioned substantively in the investigation, primarily regarding fleeting associations with Maxwell and none (per her claims) with Epstein. Aaron suggests the focus on Hillary seems more about politics than substance.
  • "This is once again Hillary Clinton being put in a position to have to defend her husband...It's a very uncomfortable and unfair position." — Aaron Parnas [03:34]
  • Jessica reflects on the recurring double standard: "It's crazy how she has to answer for these things when it should be as simple as, 'These were the two or three times that I was in a room with Ghislaine Maxwell.'" [06:05]

• Bill Clinton’s Testimony:

  • Bill’s connections are more substantial (photos with Epstein, international travel), and his deposition is expected to yield more detail. Both hosts stress that, while there’s no proof of criminal misconduct by Bill, the public deserves transparency.
  • "If they have something, information to give, they should give it." — Aaron Parnas [04:36]

• Investigative Double Standards:

  • Both note the political motivation in prioritizing Hillary’s presence, questioning why figures like Donald or Melania Trump aren’t similarly scrutinized, especially given Melania’s documented connections to Maxwell.
  • "If you're going to haul in Hillary and you're not going to haul in Trump, that's a problem." — Aaron Parnas [07:05]

2. Epstein Investigation Fallout: Accountability & Next Steps

[07:35–09:37]

• Resignations and Reputational Damage:

  • High-profile global resignations continue (e.g., CEO of World Economic Forum), often due to associations with Epstein. Most are not charged with crimes but suffer reputational consequences.
  • "Even kind of having been friendly with him, Peter Attia is now not going to be a CBS contributor." — Jessica Tarlov [07:46]

• Future of the Investigation:

  • Despite some momentum, Aaron worries about "losing the news cycle" unless the Oversight Committee maintains public pressure and subpoenas more relevant figures.
  • "I worry that today's gonna happen...and then, come Monday, people are gonna move on because there's no next benchmark." — Aaron Parnas [08:52]

3. J.D. Vance’s “War on Fraud” and Medicaid Suspension

[09:37–13:06]

• Policy Announcements:

  • J.D. Vance suspends $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota over fraud investigations, an aggressive move raising both legal and political concerns, and risks backlash for Vance’s national ambitions.
  • "This Minnesota fraud situation is going to blow up in their faces at some point." — Aaron Parnas [10:56]

• Political Motives and Intrigue:

  • Jessica frames the assignment as possibly setting up Vance to fail, similar to Kamala Harris being put in charge of border issues.
  • "I think this is Trump doing to Vance what Biden did to Kamala...setting him up for failure." — Aaron Parnas [10:56]

4. Immigration and Political Messaging

[13:06–16:31]

• State of the Union “Gotcha” Moments:

  • Trump’s effort to create a viral moment on immigration is discussed, but Aaron believes these tactics are losing resonance with voters and won’t be a deciding factor in upcoming elections.
  • "I really think Americans are kind of tired of the immigration beat down..." — Aaron Parnas [14:03]
  • "Immigration was not going to change anyone's minds at this point. It was not the electoral issue." — Jessica Tarlov [15:16]

• GOP Strategy:

  • Both hosts see the Republican focus on immigration as out of sync with voter priorities, with affordability/economy as the issues that will matter most in 2026.

5. Trump’s “Retribution Campaign” & the Cash Patel Controversy

[18:59–22:09]

• FBI Personnel Changes and Scandals:

  • Cash Patel, Trump’s new FBI Director, is firing employees involved in Trump’s prior legal investigations and drawing attention for inappropriate behavior (e.g., drinking with Team USA hockey). Both hosts see this as classic Trumpian loyalist purging and distraction tactics.
  • "Cash Patel wants his own people in there...and wants to get anyone out who remotely the president might think is against them." — Aaron Parnas [19:37]

• Perceptions of Cabinet Professionalism:

  • Jessica criticizes the lack of professionalism, remarking on the contrast between Trump’s personal sober lifestyle and his willingness to tolerate “rowdy” public optics from senior staff.

6. Escalating Tensions with Iran

[22:09–27:28]

• Likelihood and Scope of Military Action:

  • Aaron predicts a US strike on Iran is imminent, citing the unprecedented military build-up in the region.
  • "We haven't had this type of power in the Middle East since 9/11...it would be just a complete waste at this point [if we don’t strike]." — Aaron Parnas [22:58]

• Impact and Effectiveness:

  • Both hosts doubt limited airstrikes can significantly affect the regime or assist popular protesters; they agree the window for effective US support may have closed.
  • "It has to be a people driven movement. And you had an opportunity [during the mass protests]." — Aaron Parnas [25:25]

• Policy Recyclings:

  • The administration is criticized for resurrecting Obama/Biden-era policies but branding them as new, especially regarding the Iran nuclear deal.
  • "[They're] about to get the exact same one...that's what's on the table." — Aaron Parnas [24:08]

7. 2028 Democratic Presidential Prospects: Kamala Harris & Gavin Newsom

[27:45–30:09]

• Kamala Harris:

  • Fresh from a podcast interview, Kamala avoids answering if she’ll run in 2028, but Aaron confidently predicts she will announce by year’s end and is already informally campaigning in the South.
  • "I think she'll run and personally I think she'll announce by the end of the year." — Aaron Parnas [28:12]

• Newsom vs. Harris:

  • If Harris doesn’t run, Newsom is seen as the likely frontrunner. Both are described as “rested and ready,” but Jessica dreads the prospect of a two-year, all-California slugfest.

8. Lighthearted Segment: Rages and Calm-Downs

[30:09–31:22]

• Rages:
  • Aaron rails against food poisoning and more New York City snow; Jessica bemoans the ordeal of snow disposal.
• Calm Down:
  • Both agree that people should relax about the supposed impact of the State of the Union—"didn't do anything, basically forgotten." — Jessica & Aaron [31:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is once again Hillary Clinton being put in a position to have to defend her husband... It’s a very uncomfortable and unfair position.” — Aaron Parnas [03:34]
• “If you're going to haul in Hillary and you're not going to haul in Trump, that's a problem.” — Aaron Parnas [07:05]
• “I really think Americans are kind of tired of the immigration beat down…” — Aaron Parnas [14:03]
• “We haven't had this type of power in the Middle East since 9/11 and we've never not struck with this much power in the region.” — Aaron Parnas [22:58]
• “I think she'll run and personally I think she'll announce by the end of the year.” — Aaron Parnas [28:12]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Clintons & Epstein Depositions: 01:20–07:35
• State of the Investigation & Political Motivations: 07:35–09:37
• Vance's ‘War on Fraud’/Medicaid Discussion: 09:37–13:06
• GOP Immigration Messaging, Election Impact: 13:06–16:31
• FBI Purge / Cash Patel Scandal: 18:59–22:09
• Iran Strike Analysis: 22:09–27:28
• 2028 Election Speculation: 27:45–30:09
• Rage & Calm Down (Wrap-up): 30:09–31:22

Summary

This episode serves up a centrist, pragmatic analysis of unfolding political scandals and power plays, with a special focus on the ongoing search for true accountability in the Epstein case. The hosts highlight the political theater behind high-profile depositions, raise questions about selective investigations, dissect new domestic and foreign policy maneuvers, and look ahead to the next great Democratic primary battle—always with a balance of candor, skepticism, and wit.