What Next | Daily News and Analysis Bonus: What It’s Going to Take
Jan 2, 2026
Mary Harris shares her journey through nearly eight years of journalism amidst political fatigue. She candidly discusses the tension between neutrality and personal beliefs in reporting. Highlighting the need for honesty about values, she emphasizes that journalists should actively lean into the arc of justice. By introducing principles to guide her work, she encourages a 'look for the helpers' mindset. Harris advocates for making news feel more localized and participatory, fostering a community of engaged listeners.
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Joining Resistance Theater
- Mary Harris was invited to read at a "resistance theater" event at Symphony Space and almost declined the invitation.
- She describes the event as one-act plays followed by speeches and a song, which drew her in as a theater-loving New Yorker.
Reluctance Rooted In Journalistic Training
- Mary explains she almost said no because journalists are trained toward neutrality and she felt unsure.
- She recounts hosting What Next? for nearly eight years across different administrations, which shaped her hesitation.
Neutrality Is Not Value-Free
- Mary says absolute neutrality is nearly impossible because journalists are people who think in the world.
- She anchors her values in the belief that "the arc of the moral universe...bends toward justice" but requires people to lean on it.