Patrick Gaspard

Andrew Weissmann, a professor at NYU Law and former lead prosecutor for Bob Mueller, joins Patrick Gaspard, a distinguished fellow at the Center for American Progress and former U.S. ambassador to South Africa. They dive into Trump’s recent executive orders that target former officials, raising serious concerns about intimidation and government transparency. The duo also explores Trump's complicated obsession with South Africa and its impact on U.S. politics. Lastly, they discuss the ongoing challenges for the Democratic Party in addressing immigration reform amid grassroots pressures.

Sarah Longwell, a political analysis expert and publisher at The Bulwark, joins Patrick Gaspard, former U.S. ambassador to South Africa and senior fellow at CAP. They dissect Trump’s press conference with Macron, exploring the evolving U.S. views on foreign policy amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The duo analyzes Trump's influence on public sentiment, the complex relationship between tech figures like Elon Musk and politics, and the Republican Party's challenges in navigating the current political landscape. Expect sharp insights and witty commentary!

Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and U.S. Representative, offers insights on U.S. involvement in Iran and the fractures in the Republican Party over foreign policy. Former U.S. Ambassador Patrick Gaspard shares his expertise on New York City's political landscape, including the generational clash in the mayoral race and the significance of ranked choice voting. Both guests discuss how authenticity is reshaping political communications and the challenges the Democratic Party faces in uniting diverse voter interests in a rapidly changing environment.

This week, Patrick Gaspard, former Obama political director and U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, shares insights on Trump's waning persuasive power regarding affordability. He highlights the political shift toward an insider versus outsider dynamic, noting the lessons Democrats can learn from Zoran Mamdani's authenticity in messaging. Gaspard argues for deeper community engagement and coalition building, while also advocating for a revival of foreign aid programs like PEPFAR and focusing on the nuances of policy debates over mere rhetoric.

Patrick Gaspard, Obama’s 2008 national political director and former ambassador to South Africa, shines a light on Trump’s alarming power grabs, including the firing of economic leaders like Lisa Cook. The conversation dives into the erosion of checks and balances in American politics and examines how Democratic governors are countering this trend. They also tackle the potential for authoritarianism in the U.S. and the dynamics of the New York mayoral race, showcasing the urgency for change amid rising societal frustrations.