Isaac Stanley-Becker

Dan Petrella, a political reporter for the Chicago Tribune, and Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dive deep into the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago and Portland. They unravel rising tensions in Chicago due to confrontations with federal agents and Trump's contentious tweets targeting local leaders. Meanwhile, in Portland, they fact-check claims of the city being a 'war zone' amidst protest activity and discuss the implications of Antifa's presence. Legal challenges grip both cities, leaving the federal government's motives under scrutiny.

Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, shares insights on the contrasts between President Trump's rhetoric and the reality of protests in Portland. He highlights the diverse makeup of demonstrators and their focus on supporting migrants. Elizabeth Lopatto from The Verge delves into how media narratives shape perceptions of the protests and discusses the implications of labeling groups like Antifa as domestic extremists. Both guests examine the impact of federal interventions and the evolving local tactics in response to ongoing tensions.

Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the rise of Steve Witkoff, a former real estate mogul turned U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. The conversation delves into Witkoff's unexpected role in negotiating complex international conflicts, including the war in Gaza and potential nuclear deals with Iran. Stanley-Becker also highlights the intricacies of U.S.-Russia relations and how personal motivations influence high-stakes diplomacy. The episode sheds light on Witkoff’s journey from businessman to key geopolitical figure.