The News Agents 2026 Q&A: Unlikely comebacks, the future of democracy, and Jon's acting debut
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Jan 1, 2026 The hosts dive into the potential of unlikely comebacks in 2026, bringing humor to public figure predictions. They analyze the rise of far-right factions and the implications for democracy across Europe. The discussion shifts to leadership resilience, spotlighting Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch's political survival. They also explore Netanyahu's future influence and Trump's role in U.S. policy. Adding a personal touch, John shares a funny story about his unexpected TV acting debut. A mix of politics and anecdotes keeps it engaging!
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Unpredictable Political Comebacks
- Political comebacks are often unpredictable and can include figures long written off, like George Santos or aging leaders staging returns.
- Jon Sopel warns charisma and opportunism can revive careers despite scandals or imprisonment.
Centre's Weakness Fuels Extremes
- The rise of far-right parties is real but uneven across countries and driven by multiple factors like immigration and MAGA influence.
- Lewis Goodall notes social media and tribal politics amplify extremes while the centre struggles to speak passionately.
Far-Right Is A Global, Not Just Local, Phenomenon
- Global factors, not just local economic decline, push voters toward extremes; Germany shows manufacturing loss isn't the sole cause.
- Jon Sopel argues similar social fractures appear across different democracies, creating fertile ground for radical parties.
