Impromptu

Democratic socialism has notched another victory. Zohran Mamdani’s win over the establishment is just the latest in a line of self-proclaimed socialist candidates who’ve been invading the Democratic Party for the past decade. See: Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But are people actually drawn to the policies and ideology of socialism, or is it about something else? Molly Roberts, Drew Goins and Philip Bump discuss what Mamdani’s victory tells us about the power of young voters.Read more from our columnists:Philip Bump: The Democrats’ generational rift just got harder to ignoreSubscribe to The Washington Post here.

After much hemming and hawing, President Trump joined the Israeli attack on Iran over the weekend. He’s now declared a ceasefire, but it’s off to a shaky start. So was the U.S. bombing a success and what’s next in the Middle East? Can the current leaders in Iran and Israel ever actually come together? Columnist Dana Milbank talks with Jason Rezaian, former Tehran correspondent at the Post, and Emily Harding from the Center of Strategic and International Studies about what’s going on in the Middle East. Read more from our columnists:Dana Milbank: War with Iran? Let’s run it up the flagpole!Emily Harding: The Iran strike was probably the right move. We may need to do it again.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

AI has become the one-stop solution to most of the problems we face. But can it truly substitute for human relationships? Drew Goins is joined by Post Opinions editor at large Bina Venkataraman and inclusion strategist Charlotte Marian Pearson to discuss the rise of AI companionship and what could be lost as more and more people get closer to this new technology.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

With Israel’s relentless attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites and top military leaders, the country is on the verge of catastrophe and major change. But what are Israel’s end goals, and does it need the United States to achieve them? Dana Milbank is joined by Jason Rezaian and Keith Richburg to talk through what’s happening in the Middle East and how the politics are playing out in an interesting way back in the U.S. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Theodore R. Johnson, a Navy veteran and contributing columnist, joins the discussion on the politicization of the military. He tackles the use of troops in domestic protests and immigration enforcement, raising ethical concerns for service members. The conversation digs into the financial and political ramifications of military parades and their true purpose in shaping public perception of patriotism. Johnson also challenges the evolving identity of the military, urging a reassessment of its role in national identity and foreign policy.

León Krauze, a columnist at The Washington Post, and James Hohmann, a member of its editorial board, dive into the surge of immigration protests sparked by ICE raids in Los Angeles. They discuss the implications of Trump's immigration policies and his controversial decision to involve military forces. The conversation touches on the balance between authority and public dissent, historical parallels with past protests, and questions surrounding democracy's resilience against authoritarianism. Their insights reveal the rising community energy and potential for peaceful protest.

John Paul Brammer, a writer known for his insightful commentary on LGBTQ+ issues, joins the conversation to explore the complexities of this year’s Pride Month. He discusses the commercialization of Pride and how corporate sponsorship is overshadowing genuine activism. The conversation also delves into the political landscape that challenges LGBTQ+ rights, particularly against anti-trans movements. Brammer reflects on the evolving significance of Pride celebrations and the importance of solidarity amidst growing hostility and legislative setbacks.

In this engaging discussion, Catherine Rampell, a columnist at The Washington Post, and Jim Geraghty, a senior political correspondent for National Review, dissect Trump’s foreign policy strategies. They explore Wall Street's skepticism about Trump's tariff threats, coining the term TACO. The duo analyzes his muddled approach to pressing global issues like Ukraine and Iran, highlighting the challenges of making meaningful political deals amidst his unpredictable tactics. Their insights reveal a complex landscape of national security and economic implications.

Will Leitch, a contributing columnist known for his insights on movies and cultural trends, joins the conversation to dissect Hollywood's relentless embrace of remakes. The discussion reveals the challenges of originality amid a sea of nostalgia, spotlighting successes like the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' versus flops such as 'Snow White.' Leitch emphasizes the importance of communal movie experiences and critiques the industry's shift toward profit-driven storytelling, raising questions about the future of creativity in film.

Catherine Rampell, a columnist at The Washington Post focused on economics and education, joins fellow columnist Jason Willick, who covers law and politics, to dissect President Trump's combative stance on universities. They explore the implications of potential funding cuts aimed at higher education, particularly for international students who are vital to university finances. The conversation also unveils the political tensions in academia and discusses the looming tax increases on university endowments and their potential impact on accessibility for all students.