Jane Mayer and Noah Bookbinder discuss threats to democracy including dark money, tax transparency, and dysfunctional institutions. They explore corruption, government inefficiencies, and combating big money influence. Topics include the impact of inequality, promoting transparency in government spending, and reforming systems for accountability.

Republican strategist Sarah Longwell discusses persuading Republican voters to switch from Trump to Biden, analyzing the impact of Trump's felony conviction. Insights into messaging tactics, targeting disillusioned GOP voters, and Biden's campaign strategy to win swing states and undecided voters.

Political journalists Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss Biden's debate flubs, Trump's lies, and the future of the Democratic Party. They examine Biden's debate performance, potential campaign repercussions, and calls for him to withdraw. The conversation delves into Democratic Party blame, decision-making, and the impact on future elections.

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.

The podcast discusses voter dissatisfaction in the Michigan primary, Supreme Court's delay of Trump's trial, potential impact on democracy, Biden's challenges in Michigan, and implications of the war in Gaza on US politics.

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 podcast covers a range of political books, from America's history with foreign dictators to the rise of authoritarian rule worldwide. They discuss economic inequality, insights into political figures like The Netanyahu family and Saddam Hussein, and the impact of algorithms on culture. The hosts explore evangelical Christianity in politics, challenges of writing biographies, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.

Political analysts Susan B. Glasser and Jane Mayer, along with journalist Evan Osnos, discuss the struggles President Biden faces in retaining voter confidence amidst Democratic turmoil. They delve into Trump's campaign strategy and the narrative shift from Biden to Trump's threat to democracy.

Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss Trump's unorthodox tactics in the 2024 campaign, his family's increasing power, historical parallels in extreme political actions, and the threat Trump poses to the justice system. They contrast Republican loyalty between Trump and Nixon, explore his controversial merchandise, and highlight the erosion of shame in media and institutions.

Join Susan B. Glasser, expert political analyst; Jane Mayer, renowned investigative journalist; Evan Osnos, skilled political writer; and Jennifer Lawless, UVA's politics chair, as they dissect the fierce 2024 advertising wars. They explore the contrasting strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, highlighting how negativity is expected to dominate. Lawless discusses the evolving role of memes and social media in energizing campaigns, especially for female candidates, while emphasizing the importance of positivity in a landscape filled with attack ads.