George Packer

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Unwinding', discusses the intriguing political evolution of JD Vance, declaring him the most compelling figure within the Trump administration. Packer delves into Vance's complex background, tracing his journey from Appalachian poverty to political prominence. The conversation highlights Vance's shifting narratives on class and identity amid the political upheaval following Trump's election, revealing how personal beliefs shape broader political trends.

In this thought-provoking discussion, journalist Anne Applebaum, historian David Frum, and reporters Barton Gellman and George Packer examine the precarious state of American democracy. They dive into the impact of misinformation from the 2020 election and the Capitol attack on January 6th, 2021. The group highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms, the growing threats of extremism, and the role civic education plays in nurturing future democratic engagement. Their insights paint a vivid picture of democracy's crossroads and the power of informed discourse.

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of a profile on J.D. Vance, joins Melanie Stansbury, a Democratic Congresswoman from New Mexico. They delve into Vance's political transformation and how he navigates identity and ambition in a populist landscape. The conversation critiques moral inconsistencies in current politics, the tension between fiscal conservatism and Trump's influence, and the impact of rising authoritarianism. Stansbury shares insights from her unique political journey in a conservative region, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.

George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insightful political analysis, explores Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and its relevance to the 2024 election. He discusses Trump's controversial claims about immigration and how they contrast with the town's revitalization brought by Haitian immigrants. Packer highlights the complexities of local fears versus economic benefits, and the intersection of nativism, working-class decline, and corporate greed shaping political sentiments. This deep dive reveals how a small town mirrors national electoral trends.

Joining the discussion is George Packer, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, known for his insightful coverage of American society and foreign policy. They dive into J.D. Vance’s dramatic political shift from reflective memoirist to a figure of controversy. Packer questions whether Vance genuinely believes in his new rhetoric or if he's simply catering to power demands. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of political corruption and extortion, drawing parallels between Vance’s identity and loyalty within the current political landscape.

Author and journalist George Packer discusses the impact of George Floyd on American education. Topics include competitive elite pre-school admissions, rejection of nuance, teaching history and civics, cancel culture, and the culture wars influencing education.

George Packer, a Staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the changing political landscape prompted by Donald Trump. He discusses the disillusionment with democracy, urging the Democratic establishment to rethink their strategies. Packer contrasts past political ideologies, emphasizing the long-lasting influence of Ronald Reagan’s policies. He also highlights the challenge of addressing economic disenfranchisement and the complexities of political discourse that impact voter perceptions, all while navigating the potential return of authoritarianism.

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his sharp analysis of American politics, delves into the state of democracy in the face of the upcoming 2024 election. He discusses troubling trends in voter behavior and the implications for the Democratic Party. Packer raises concerns about the misuse of power in political investigations and ponders the chilling prospect of Trump targeting January 6 Committee members. The conversation also touches on the shifting identity of the Democratic Party and the dangers of reactionary politics.

George Packer, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses climate change, political division, and the durability of the American project with Preet Bharara. They delve into Phoenix, Arizona's representation of America's future, the challenges faced by the city, changing tones on immigration, Voter dynamics, and the challenges in integrating differing views on immigration among various communities.

George Packer is an Atlantic staff writer who has been one of the incisive observers of American culture and politics for over two decades. He joins Preet to discuss the potential impact of a Trump indictment on the 2024 presidential election, whether we should be optimistic about America’s future, and his recent Atlantic article criticizing “equity language.”Plus, why is it taking so long for the Manhattan DA to indict Donald Trump? Don’t miss the Insider bonus, where Preet and Packer talk about the rise of artificial intelligence, and what it could mean for the country’s political and economic stability. To listen, try the membership for just $1 for one month: cafe.com/insider.For show notes and a transcript of the episode head to: https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/are-we-a-dying-empire-with-george-packer/Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with the hashtag #AskPreet, email us your questions and comments at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail.Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices