Politics Weekly America

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the politicization of the U.S. Supreme Court. She discusses the influence of ideologically aligned clerks and argues that reverence for the court should be reexamined. Leah highlights upcoming pivotal cases, revealing how the court's rulings may threaten voting rights, LGBTQ protections, and executive power. She also addresses Congress's ability to restore legitimacy and the implications of the shadow docket's misuse.

Marianna Sotomayor, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the U.S. government shutdown. She explains the implications of a partial shutdown on social programs and national parks. The discussion covers Republican demands for a short-term funding extension and the Democrats' staunch defense of health care subsidies. The political blame game is analyzed, revealing how each party is framing the narrative for voters. Marianna also touches on the potential duration of the shutdown and the chaotic dynamics in Washington.

Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter at Guardian US, dives into the political intersection of autism and public health messaging. They discuss the alarming claims by Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking Tylenol to autism, shocking the public due to the drug's widespread use. Sherman critiques the administration's dismissal of scientific authority, the stigma created by 'curing' rhetoric, and the risks posed to families. With a focus on the government's influence over women's health choices, the conversation highlights a troubling political trend.

In this engaging discussion, Bhaskar Sunkara, President of The Nation magazine, dives deep into the complexities of free speech under Trump's presidency. He analyzes Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times and explores its potential to intimidate press freedom. The conversation also touches on the implications of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension for regulatory influence on media. Sunkara emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and supporting independent media as a counteraction to Trump’s narrative, shedding light on how democracy can be defended in today's climate.

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.