Branko Marcetic

Branko Marcetic, a keen writer for Jacobin, dives into the complexities of Trump’s proposed peace talks with Russia regarding Ukraine. He discusses how President Zelensky's grip on power weakened as public support for the war faltered, revealing a stark contrast to Western narratives. The conversation sheds light on NATO’s evolving role in the conflict, highlighting the hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy and the pressing need for meaningful peace negotiations amid rising social resistance in Ukraine.

Branko Marcetic, Jacobin staff writer and author of Yesterday's Man, delivers a critical farewell to Joe Biden, dissecting his presidency and public approval decline. He also critiques media figures like Joe Scarborough for influencing political discourse. Joining him, Santiago Perez, an economics professor at UC Davis, presents a revealing study on the unchanged socioeconomic dynamics in elite college admissions. Their conversation dives into the stark inequalities within higher education and the broader implications for society and democracy.

Branko Marcetic, a political analyst, returns to dissect the legacy of Joe Biden as he steps away from the presidency. The conversation navigates Biden's successes and failures, and how they reflect on the Democratic Party's future. They critically examine Biden's controversial Civil Rights anecdotes and the public's shifting perceptions of him. Marcetic also provides insights from the recent Republican National Convention, revealing the GOP's struggle with messaging. It's a candid reflection on the current political landscape and what lies ahead.

Branko Marcetic, a staff writer at Jacobin, delves into the political dynamics surrounding the lab leak theory and how labeling it as misinformation impacts discourse. Nicole M. Krause, a PhD candidate in science communication, discusses the challenges of defining misinformation, particularly in uncertain scientific contexts. Together, they explore how shifts in political narratives and media framing affect public understanding of science, and the risks of politicizing contested theories in the age of misinformation.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate, joins the discussion alongside Branko Marcetic, a staff writer at Jacobin. They dive into the Republican infighting over aid for East Palestine, dissecting how lobbying influences media coverage. Ramaswamy shares insights on his campaign as Trump gains momentum in the polls. The conversation also touches on recent insulin price cuts, the debunking of the Havana Syndrome, and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Ukraine, offering a critical lens on accountability and media narratives.