Jane Mayer

In a thought-provoking discussion, investigative journalist Jane Mayer and ethics advocate Noah Bookbinder tackle the subtle erosion of democracy. They delve into the corrosive influence of dark money, revealing how it has twisted political representation and public trust. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory reforms and citizen engagement to combat corruption and restore accountability. With insights into the historical context of these issues, they call for greater transparency in government spending and a reimagined political landscape.

A star-studded panel features Jane Mayer, an investigative reporter known for her insights into dark money, Pam Karlan, a Stanford law professor with a knack for Supreme Court intricacies, and Jill Abramson, the first female executive editor of The New York Times. They grapple with predictions for Trump's return and the future of the economy. Tensions between media integrity and corporate influence are explored, alongside the odd political bromance between Trump and Elon Musk. Listeners are urged to engage with the looming challenges of 2025.

Jane Mayer, a renowned investigative journalist for The New Yorker, dives into the controversial nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. She uncovers alarming allegations against him, including claims of excessive alcohol use and a hostile workplace. Mayer discusses the significant implications of these concerns, stressing the need for accountability in a military leadership role. The conversation highlights the critical factors that should be considered when evaluating his suitability amidst current global challenges.

The cascade of revelations published by ProPublica concerning Justice Clarence Thomas—the island-hopping yachting adventures underwritten by a right-wing billionaire patron, the undisclosed real estate transactions—raises questions about his proximity to power and money. “I think it stretches common sense,” Jane Mayer tells David Remnick, “to think that a judge could be independent when he takes that much money from one person.” Mayer notes that other Justices, including the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have accepted large gifts from politically connected donors. A deepening public distrust in the integrity of the Supreme Court, Mayer thinks, is dangerous for democracy. “The glue that holds us together is the rule of law in this country,” she says. “People have to believe when they go in front of a court, and in particular the Supreme Court, . . . that it’s justice that’s going to prevail.”

Join Susan Glasser, a political staff writer for The New Yorker, Jane Mayer, renowned for her investigative insights, and Evan Osnos, who covers both politics and culture, as they unpack the implications of Donald Trump's reëlection. They discuss Biden's challenges with voter dissatisfaction and the dangers posed by Trump's authoritarian rhetoric. The trio highlights how shifts in the American electorate could redefine power dynamics, along with the looming threat to democracy and the significance of the press in holding authority accountable.