Politics Weekly America

David Smith, the Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, discusses the tragic shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and its unsettling implications for political violence in the U.S. The conversation highlights the emotional fallout across party lines and the growing concerns around escalating unrest. Smith also addresses the complicated relationship between youth activism, economic pressures, and political discourse, shedding light on the intertwining of gun culture and divisive rhetoric in contemporary America.

George Chidi, a US politics and democracy reporter for The Guardian, dives deep into Donald Trump's controversial proposals like mandatory voter ID and the ban on mail-in voting. Chidi discusses the potential motivations behind these measures, questioning whether they aim to ensure electoral integrity or manipulate the midterms in favor of the Republican Party. He highlights the impact of voter suppression tactics, especially on minority voters, and the chilling influence of recent changes in the Department of Justice. Chidi also speculates about the future of Republican presidential candidates amid these shifting dynamics.

Marisa Lagos, a KQED correspondent focused on California politics, joins Texas House Representative Nicole Collier, known for her activism against gerrymandering. They dive into Collier's remarkable 54-hour sleepover on the House floor, showcasing Democratic unity against redistricting efforts. The conversation shifts to California, where Governor Newsom is adopting aggressive strategies to combat GOP tactics, including trolling Trump. Together, they explore how these bold moves could reshape Democratic fortunes in the face of significant political challenges.

Gil Duran, journalist and author of 'The Nerd Reich', dives into the unsettling rise of tech billionaires in U.S. politics. He discusses how figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel blend Silicon Valley's clout with governance, challenging traditional democratic values. Duran critiques the mainstreaming of extremist ideologies and the concept of 'network states' that threaten democracy. He also reflects on the political landscape in California, particularly Gavin Newsom's ambitions and the ongoing struggle between state and federal authority.

This week, Andrew Roth, The Guardian's global affairs correspondent, dives into Trump’s recent interactions with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He discusses whether Trump is sacrificing his 'America First' mantra for a peacemaker role amidst the Ukraine crisis. The conversation explores Trump's evolving foreign policy, his need to navigate the complex dynamics of NATO, and the expectations of his MAGA base. Roth also highlights the challenges of offering security guarantees to Ukraine while maintaining strong ties with Eastern Europe.

In this engaging discussion, Susan Glasser, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and host of the Political Scene podcast, dives into the week’s developments concerning Donald Trump’s ‘strongman’ image. She analyzes Trump’s upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Glasser sheds light on the concerning militarization of American politics and the erosion of democracy in D.C., questioning the implications of these shifts. Through her insights, she illustrates the precarious balance between power and democratic values in contemporary America.

Amanda Marcotte, a senior politics writer at Salon, delves into the intersection of pop culture and politics, using the uproar over Sydney Sweeney's jeans ad as a lens. She discusses how the MAGA base shifts its focus amidst the Epstein investigation, using cultural controversies as distractions. The conversation explores the repercussions of woke advertising and the implications of celebrity influence on political narratives. Marcotte critiques the 'trad wife' concept and highlights the evolving responsibilities of brands in a politically charged landscape.

Eric Cortellessa, a Senior political correspondent for Time magazine, and Dan Adler, a Vanity Fair staff writer, delve into the ambitions of the Trump family in politics. They discuss whether Donald Trump Jr. will lead the GOP’s future and Barron Trump's emerging influence as a college student. The conversation explores the dynamics among Trump’s children, revealing potential rivalries and their unique strategies to engage younger audiences. They also touch on how celebrity ties impact political identities and ambitions within the family.

Heather Boushey, an economist and former adviser to Joe Biden, delves into the ongoing clash between the White House and the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. She highlights the Fed's recent decision to maintain rates despite pressure from Donald Trump. Boushey discusses the critical role of Fed independence amid political tensions, emphasizing the challenges Jerome Powell faces. The conversation also touches on the balance between inflation control and job stability, revealing the complexities of navigating economic policies in a politically charged environment.

In this engaging discussion, Rosie Gray, a keen observer of conservative politics, dives into the intricate dynamics of the Trump family. She highlights the absence of key figures like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and what that means for Trump's political aspirations. The conversation also unpacks the complexities of Melania Trump's public image and her desire for privacy. Additionally, they explore Donald Trump Jr.'s new hunting magazine and its subtle political messaging, all while navigating the family's legal troubles and business ventures.