Balance of Power

Join Jeanne Shanzano, a Harvard politics expert, William Taylor, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, and Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, as they tackle the effects of the government shutdown on air travel. Shanzano analyzes political dynamics, while Taylor discusses U.S. credibility in foreign policy. Sununu shares insights on operational challenges within the airline industry, emphasizing the economic fallout of flight cancellations. They also explore how disruptions might pressure lawmakers to resolve the shutdown.

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a Democratic Senate candidate from Michigan, passionately discusses how extending ACA subsidies could end the government shutdown and its impact on low-income families. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas highlights safety concerns in aviation amidst staffing shortages exacerbated by the shutdown. Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri emphasizes the need for a clean continuing resolution to swiftly reopen government and argues for timely compensation for essential air traffic controllers. Together, they provide insights into urgent negotiations and the pressing need for bipartisanship.

Nick LaLota, a Republican congressman from New York, discusses the impacts of election results and the looming federal shutdown on his district. Marc Short, former chief of staff to VP Pence, shares insights on Republican strategies in response to the shifting political landscape. Jeanne Sheehan Zaino, a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, analyzes the effectiveness of Democratic campaign messages and their appeal in local victories. Together, they delve into the implications for party dynamics and the future of voter coalitions.

Cliff Young, Chair of Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs, shares insights on how voter concerns about affordability are shaping election outcomes nationwide. Jeanne Shanzano, a Democratic analyst, discusses the tensions within the Democratic Party as they approach the New York mayoral race. Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe weighs in on how the federal shutdown may help Democrats in his state, while casting doubt on the Republican ticket's quality. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the political landscape leading into critical elections.

Mike Lawler, Republican Congressman from New York, shares insights on the ongoing government shutdown and critiques Senate Democrats for blocking funding solutions like SNAP. Bill Hoagland, from the Bipartisan Policy Center, discusses the institutional changes during shutdowns and the importance of the filibuster for compromise. Caroline Hyde analyzes significant tech developments, including a major AWS-OpenAI partnership and the implications of AI spending in the market. Together, they tackle the intersection of politics, economic pressure, and technology.

The podcast dives into the pressing issue of the US government shutdown, discussing potential resolutions and the looming Thanksgiving travel chaos. Insights into the impact of SNAP benefit lapses on major retailers like Walmart and Kroger are also explored. Additionally, the legality of President Trump's reciprocal tariffs is analyzed ahead of Supreme Court oral arguments, with implications for refunds and operational challenges looming. The episode emphasizes the intersection of politics and policy as lawmakers strive to avert disruption.

Laura Davison, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief at Bloomberg, shares insights on the political fallout from a potential government shutdown. Retired General Wesley Clark discusses U.S. military strategies concerning Venezuela, highlighting the complexities of military presence and objectives. Republican strategist Rick Davis analyzes implications for upcoming gubernatorial races amid shutdown tensions. Meanwhile, national security reporter Tony Capaccio questions military readiness and regulatory issues, even touching on the Pentagon's controversial assessments of missile defense.

Mary Lovely, a Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, discusses the implications of the recent tariff truce between Trump and Xi, including rare earths and soybean purchases. U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss shares insights on the government shutdown and its effects on the FAA, stressing the importance of airport staffing. The conversation also touches on energy policy, highlighting the need for a diverse clean energy mix to support growth while managing security risks around AI chip exports.

Shelley Moore Capito, a U.S. Senator from West Virginia, discusses the critical role of SNAP benefits in the looming government shutdown and supports new funding measures. Chuck Fleischmann, a Congressman from Tennessee, highlights the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and essential services. Both guests explore the contentious energy policies, including the potential of nuclear energy and SMRs to address data center energy needs. Their insights reveal the complexities of bipartisan negotiations in a time of urgency.

Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former acting U.S. Attorney General, weighs in on defense spending and NATO's future amidst global tensions. He highlights the U.S.-Japan alliance and the push for allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Congressman Greg Murphy shares insights on the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing the impact on federal workers and the debates around health care costs. Both guests stress the importance of bipartisan cooperation to address pressing economic and security challenges.