Post Reports

Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have made vastly different proposals to address the housing shortage. Harris says that her administration will provide incentives to get millions of homes built while helping first-time homebuyers with their down payments. Trump says that deporting large numbers of undocumented immigrants will free up more housing for Americans, an idea that has been widely debunked by economists.Host Elahe Izadi speaks with housing reporter Rachel Siegel about why housing has become such a hot topic this election season, and whether either candidate's plans are feasible. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson, with help from Bishop Sand. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Peter Bresnan, with help from Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Sam Fortier and Mike Madden.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Michelle Krowl, a Civil War and Reconstruction Specialist at the Library of Congress, dives into the intriguing history of former presidents seeking to reclaim the White House. She unpacks the comeback attempts of figures like Grover Cleveland, highlighting the unique challenges they faced. The discussion draws compelling parallels between past and present, particularly regarding Donald Trump's current quest for reelection. Krowl also explores themes of political ambition, honesty in leadership, and the evolving landscape as we approach the 2024 election.

Trisha Thadani, a technology reporter at The Washington Post covering Elon Musk, and Michael Schur, a national political reporter, dive into Musk's significant role in Trump's campaign. They discuss Musk's million-dollar voter incentive and the legal implications behind it. The duo explores the dynamics of super PACs and grassroots campaigning while unraveling how Musk’s social media influence is shaping political messaging. They also analyze the intertwining of wealth and politics, raising questions about accountability in a billionaire-driven campaign landscape.

In this discussion, Patrick Marley, a voting and democracy reporter for The Washington Post, dives into Trump's strategies for the 2024 election. He highlights how Trump's tactics mirror those from 2020, raising concerns of misinformation and legal battles. Marley reflects on the chaos of January 6th and the crucial certification process that could be threatened again. With Trump claiming potential election fraud, the conversation underscores the importance of voter awareness and the implications for the democratic process.

Lauren Kaori Gurley, a labor reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the intriguing shift in union politics at a Ford plant in Michigan. She highlights how union members are increasingly torn between supporting candidates like Trump and Harris, reflecting a broader political realignment since 2016. Gurley reveals the diverse media consumption of workers and their mixed feelings about endorsements. With unions traditionally backing Democrats, she discusses the implications of this newfound independence on upcoming elections and voter behavior.

Geoffrey Fowler, a technology columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the rapid evolution of AI audio technology. He discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by voice cloning, particularly in journalism where accuracy is essential. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to create misinformation, especially through deepfakes involving public figures. Fowler also considers what makes a voice relatable and how AI falls short of human nuances, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance in this new digital era.

Steve Hendrix, Jerusalem bureau chief for The Washington Post, provides expert insights into the life and legacy of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's recently killed leader. They discuss the dramatic last moments captured in Israeli military footage and how his controversial strategies shaped modern Hamas. The conversation shifts to the aftermath of Sinwar's death, exploring mixed reactions in Israel and Palestinian territories, and speculating on the potential impact on ceasefire negotiations and the future of the ongoing conflict.

Marianne LeVine, a national political reporter for The Washington Post, shares her firsthand insights from the Trump campaign trail. Expect bizarre moments, like a rally where medical emergencies shift the atmosphere and Trump turns to music to lighten the mood. LeVine discusses Trump's evolving strategies as elections near and highlights Kamala Harris's tactical engagement with moderate Republicans during a tense interview. The conversation delves into the implications of heated political rhetoric and how it shapes voter perceptions ahead of the election.

Liz Goodwin, a Washington Post reporter specializing in Congress, shares insights on the crucial Senate race in Montana. She discusses the challenges faced by Jon Tester, a Democratic incumbent in a traditionally red state, and his efforts to connect with voters through his local roots and bipartisan appeal. The conversation also covers the rise of Republican challenger Tim Sheehy, a military veteran aligning closely with Trump, and the evolving political landscape that could determine Tester's fate. The narratives of long-time residents versus newcomers add layers to this riveting political showdown.

Rebecca Tan, Southeast Asia Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, dives into the intense struggle over Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested fishing ground. She shares firsthand accounts from a Filipino flotilla determined to reach the shoal while facing threats from Chinese vessels. The conversation covers the deep emotional stakes for local fishermen, the Philippines' territorial claims, and the escalating military tensions in the South China Sea. Tan highlights the crew's courage amidst adversity and the broader implications of their journey on regional geopolitics.