Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for the New York Times and CNN political analyst, teams up with Jill Lepore, a Harvard Professor of History and Law and New Yorker staff writer. They dive into the Democratic National Convention, questioning its relevance as a decision-making venue turned media spectacle. The conversation highlights the evolution of such gatherings, the media's shifting role, and the impact of social media on political campaigns. They also touch on the struggle to convey genuine political messaging amidst rising cynicism.

Sean Illing talks with historian Jill Lepore about her new podcast: The Evening Rocket explores Elon Musk and the new form of extravagant, extreme capitalism — which Lepore dubs "Muskism" — that he has ushered in. They discuss the formative role played by science fiction stories, why the super-wealthy are drawn to space travel, and why, according to Lepore, Elon Musk is not much of a futurist after all.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, VoxGuest: Jill Lepore, podcast host; professor, Harvard UniversityReferences:  Elon Musk: The Evening Rocket by Jill Lepore (Pushkin/BBC; Nov. 2021) Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World, dir. Werner Herzog (2016) The Mars Trilogy (Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars) by Kim Stanley Robinson (Del Ray; 1992, 1993, 1996; re-issue 2021) Technocracy Digest issues on the Internet Archive "Science Fiction and Mrs. Brown" by Ursula K. Le Guin (1976) Elon Musk on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Sept. 10, 2015) Elon Musk's Neuralink demonstration (Aug. 28, 2020) "Newt Gingrich trying to sell Trump on a cheap moon plan" by Bryan Bender (Politico; Aug. 19, 2019) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Vox Audio Fellow: Victoria Dominguez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Political writers at The New Yorker dissect the ongoing confusion in US politics post-January 6th. They analyze Trump's appeal, far-right ideology, challenges in interviewing him, and the evolution of the MAGA movement. Exploring electoral certification challenges and the need for a peaceful transfer of power, they provide valuable insights into the current political landscape.

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.

Jill Lepore, a Harvard history professor and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the intriguing history of American voting. She highlights the chaotic origins of public voting, from raucous town square gatherings to the secluded privacy of today’s ballots. Lepore discusses how the Founding Fathers overlooked voting logistics, debates over electoral integrity, and the significant role of historical events like Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in shaping our democratic processes. The transformation from communal to secret ballots illustrates the ongoing struggle for voting rights.

Jill Lepore untangles the strange sci-fi roots of Silicon Valley's extreme capitalism - with its extravagant, existential and extra-terrestrial plans to save humanity. In this world, stock prices can be driven partly by fantasies found in blockbuster superhero movies, but that come from science fiction, some of it a century old. If anyone personifies this phenomenon, it's Elon Musk, the richest or second-richest person in the world on any given day. "The bare facts of Musk’s life, the way they’re usually told, make him sound like a fictional character, a comic-book superhero," says Lepore. He says he hopes to colonize Mars, create brain-hacking implants and avert an AI apocalypse. He even has a baby named X. In this first of five episodes Lepore looks at the early origins of ‘Muskism’, and explores how the science fiction stories that today’s techno-billionaires grew up on have shaped Silicon Valley’s vision of the future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian and essayist Jill Lepore discusses gun rights as a matter of principle, the appeal of insurrection, and the possibility of another civil war in America. She examines the historical context of gun ownership and the NRA's transformation, as well as the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Lepore explores the rise of the carceral state, the strain on political representation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting. She also explores scenarios for change, including LGBTQ visibility and revolution in the Republican party.

Harvard Professor Jill Lepore discusses the failed prosecution of Jefferson Davis and the potential legal consequences for Ginni Thomas. They also explore scenarios where Trump is convicted, re-elected, and attempts to overturn his conviction. Topics include historical parallels, accountability, and the revival of Barnes & Noble. They address concerns about political violence, the importance of local reporting, and a lawsuit challenging Montana's environmental policy.

Jill Lepore, a historian at the forefront of blending history with contemporary politics, delves deep into the turbulent intersections of past and present. She explores the fascinating Iron Mountain hoax from the 1960s and its surprisingly relevant link to the January 6th Capitol insurrection. The conversation reveals how misinformation shapes extremist ideologies and the crisis of trust plaguing democracy today. Lepore also ties historical narratives to the challenges of modern governance, ultimately prompting listeners to reflect on the truth in our society.

Jill Lepore, an esteemed American historian, delves into the dark humor of Stanley Kubrick's 'Dr. Strangelove' and the chilling gravity of Sidney Lumet's 'Fail Safe.' She explores the absurdity of political authority during the Cold War and critiques the cultural dynamics portrayed in these films. The conversation highlights the tension between military protocol and moral choices in a nuclear crisis. Lepore also discusses how these classics resonate with today's technological challenges, emphasizing the need for thoughtful storytelling in modern politics.