Spencer Ackerman

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of a new Iron Man comic, joins Dave Gonzales, co-author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. They delve into how Iron Man became a symbol of military might with Pentagon influence in film. Ackerman discusses his critical take on the military-industrial complex through his comic series, reshaping the narrative of wealth and power. The conversation also touches on how pop culture, particularly post-9/11, intertwines with politics and the freedom of storytelling in comics versus film.

In this discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Spencer Ackerman delves into the grim realities of warfare in Gaza and the role of technology in these conflicts. He unpacks the chilling innovations in drone and surveillance tech and their implications for civilian safety. Highlighting the ethics of military advancements, he contrasts global responses to crises and sheds light on America’s involvement in shaping modern warfare. Ackerman also discusses the troubling links between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, questioning the future of tech in warfare.

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and writer of the Forever Wars newsletter, dives deep into the influence of Elon Musk within the political arena. They discuss how Musk's actions foreshadow a troubling future under Trump's administration. Ackerman highlights the potential shifts in U.S. Middle East policy and critiques the disconnect between billionaires and everyday Americans, while also reflecting on the evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party. Tensions between progressive voices and the establishment are explored, raising pressing questions about accountability and governance.

Join historian Stephen Wertheim, Arab American Institute's Maya Berry, and national security reporter Spencer Ackerman as they dissect the foreign policy visions of Trump and Harris ahead of the 2024 election. They delve into how recent events in Gaza are reshaping voter sentiments, particularly among Arab and Muslim Americans. The trio also examines the bipartisan consensus on military dominance, the electoral implications of U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting dynamics in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel and Palestine.

Spencer Ackerman, a political commentator and writer, joins Keith Boykin, a film producer and author, to discuss the urgent need for Biden to end the War on Terror. They analyze the intersection of race, gender, and political dynamics in light of Kamala Harris's rise as a nominee. The conversation also touches on the lasting impacts of surveillance practices, challenges women face in menopause, and the potential for a stronger Democratic representation amid the shifting political landscape.