Jelani Cobb, a distinguished staff writer at The New Yorker and dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, dives into the political framing of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) under the Trump administration. He discusses how D.E.I. became a scapegoat for societal problems and the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action. Cobb also draws parallels to historical periods of fear, comparing anti-D.E.I. sentiment to the McCarthy era, while addressing the media's role in this contentious landscape.

Jelani Cobb, a historian and dean at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, joins to critique the Trump administration's portrayal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) as a scapegoat for societal issues. Cobb discusses how D.E.I. is manipulated as a political tool, linking it to everything from academic concerns to media narratives. He draws parallels to historical boogeymen like the Red Scare, emphasizing the malleability of D.E.I. rhetoric and its implications for marginalized communities in today’s political climate.

Jelani Cobb, the Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism and a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the shifting landscape of journalism influenced by social media. He examines how TikTok affects news consumption and public trust. The conversation also critiques educational shows like Sesame Street, questioning their impact on youth education. Cobb emphasizes the importance of real-life experiences in both journalism and learning, advocating for accountability and ethical standards in news reporting.

Jelani Cobb, Evan Osnos, and Jill Lepore discuss the fragility of American democracy, touching on the historical foundation of the country and the impact of politically biased interpretations of the past. They also explore the disengagement of citizens from the political system, reflecting on the Capitol insurrection and the challenges ahead for democracy. The conversation includes comparisons between different eras of American history, the undemendability of the Constitution, and the counter-majoritarian nature of American democracy.

Jelani Cobb and Steve Coll discuss the challenges of reporting on Donald Trump, focusing on his manipulation of facts and narratives. They explore the line between coverage and promotion, the role of news organizations in polarization, and dilemmas faced by journalists when reporting on Trump and his 2024 campaign.