Stay Tuned with Preet

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer dive into the complexities of MBS's White House visit, revealing the strategic gains for Saudi Arabia. They dissect a corruption scandal in Ukraine that jeopardizes U.S. peace plans while assessing the impact of reallocating national-security resources to immigration enforcement. Tensions between Japan and China, along with the emergence of Marburg virus, are flagged as rising concerns. The hosts explore the delicate balance of supporting Ukraine amidst corruption, offering insights on geopolitical maneuvers and their consequences.

Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor, and Jon Finer, former Deputy National Security Advisor, dive into the escalating tensions in Venezuela, discussing the Trump administration's military options and the domestic political implications. They also analyze the ongoing situation in Gaza and the evolving role of AI in warfare. The conversation reveals how U.S. foreign policy is influenced by political motives and historical precedents, while highlighting the risks of military posturing leading to unintended escalations.

The discussion explores the political implications of the Epstein files and how they might signal a shift for MAGA. Tension rises as Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly splits from Trump over document transparency. They examine Trump's dual strategy of supporting disclosure while undermining it through investigations. The hosts analyze potential DOJ misconduct in the Comey prosecution and debate whether protective actions for Trump reflect a deeper consciousness of guilt. This mix of intrigue and tension keeps the conversation both engaging and insightful.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned New York Times financial columnist and author, dives deep into the 1929 stock market crash. He discusses the slow-build nature of the collapse, key figures involved, and President Hoover's complicated role. Sorkin highlights lessons learned about market regulation and the importance of investor protection. He draws parallels between past and modern financial crises, including today's tech booms. The conversation also touches on the public's sentiment toward wealth and the ongoing debate between speculation and conservative investing.

The discussion dives into the Supreme Court's potential expansion of presidential powers regarding tariffs and the implications of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The hosts analyze the legal arguments surrounding presidential authority, examining the law's lack of explicit tariff provisions and the challenges to its broad interpretation. They also explore the administration's claims of emergency powers, questioning whether courts can challenge such determinations. It’s a fascinating look at the balance of power in U.S. governance.

In a riveting conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis dissect the turmoil within the Justice Department during the Trump era. They delve into how the DOJ was politicized, the struggles of career staff against weaponization, and the challenges of public trust. Discussing their book, they explore the rhetoric surrounding these issues, shedding light on the complex narratives about accountability and integrity. With insights from their investigative work, they share thoughts on restoring the DOJ's independence and the brave officials resisting political pressures.

The discussion delves into the legality of President Biden’s autopen pardons and their potential invalidation. The hosts explore Trump’s appeals surrounding his criminal convictions, referencing presidential immunity. They also highlight the implications of ongoing National Guard cases headed to the Supreme Court. Concerns about the strategic use of legal processes to create pressure on defendants are discussed. Finally, the conversation touches on a broader strategy of political retribution that may be at play.

Astead Herndon, former national politics reporter for The New York Times and now with Vox, dives into the political landscape. He discusses the rise of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and his grassroots strategies, including free buses and childcare. Astead highlights the stark contrasts in contemporary political campaigning and how kitchen-table issues resonate with voters. They also explore potential clashes with Trump and the implications of Mamdani's Palestinian advocacy on local dynamics. Plus, Preet tackles listener questions on political protocol and presidential immunity.

In this discussion, Barb McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney and law professor, dives into the controversial U.S. airstrikes targeting drug traffickers. She raises critical concerns about the legality of these strikes, suggesting they may constitute extrajudicial killings lacking clear authority. McQuade also critiques the role of the Office of Legal Counsel and its secret opinions, questioning their credibility. The conversation highlights the risks of erroneous lethal decisions and the uncertain factual basis guiding these military actions.

Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney and law professor, discusses her new book, emphasizing that giving up on democracy is unforgivable. She explores the dangers of concentrated presidential power, the importance of discussing democracy in political discourse, and provides practical guidelines for civic action. Joyce also tackles news fatigue and the need to engage with opposing views to understand differing arguments. They touch on the impact of selective prosecution and reflect on hope amidst political challenges.