Impromptu

In this discussion, Dana Milbank, a seasoned political columnist; Jennifer Rubin, a sharp voice on policy; Jonathan Capehart, a keen political journalist; and Jim Geraghty, a Republican-focused commentator, delve into the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore the implications of Kamala Harris stepping into the spotlight, the absence of gender discourse in the campaign, and the party's struggle with working-class identity amid inflation. The conversation mixes insights with humor, comparing the DNC's excitement to the Olympics.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and advocate for free speech, shares his harrowing experience of surviving imprisonment in Russia. He discusses the emotional challenges of returning to normal life after the gulag and the ongoing fight for political prisoners. Kara-Murza reflects on how his faith, historical knowledge, and admiration for dissidents fueled his resilience during captivity. He also describes the oppressive realities of life in Omsk and the surreal moment of receiving the Pulitzer Prize while in solitary confinement.

Tim Walz, the rapid-rising Midwestern governor turned Democratic vice-presidential candidate, joins a discussion with Charles Lane, Molly Roberts, and Matt Bai. They analyze Walz's potential to unify the ticket alongside Kamala Harris. The conversation digs into the strategic advantages of Walz's candidacy, touches on the 'weird' messaging strategy, and explores how these choices might affect voter perceptions and campaign dynamics. They also reflect on the historical significance of vice-presidential picks and their lasting political consequences.

In this discussion, Charles Lane, an expert in aviation economics, Catherine Rampell, a keen commentator on customer behavior, and journalist Marc Fisher delve into the frustrating dynamics of airline travel. They explore how customer decisions fuel a race to the bottom for service quality. The conversation highlights recent shifts like Southwest's new boarding policies and the challenges of market consolidation. The trio humorously reflects on the chaos of traveling with toddlers, capturing the charm and trials faced by families in airports.

Sports reporter Ava Wallace from The Washington Post covers the Summer Games in France, sharing personal victories and exclusive moments. Learn about The 7 podcast for quick news updates.

Debates around Vice President Harris as the new nominee, potential running mates, and her chances as a woman of color in 2024. Discussions on diversity on the ticket, challenges of a two-woman ticket, and a humorous take on President Biden's decision to step down.

After a truly wild few weeks in politics, our columnists huddle up at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They discuss the mood on the ground in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, how the unity message seems to be fraying and what recent events mean for the presidential campaign – and the country – going forward. Plus, humorist Alexandra Petri serves up an imagined J.D. Vance infomercial using his own words about Trump.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

With falling poll numbers and President Biden's public appearances doing little to reassure voters he’s still got what it takes to win, Democrats are faced with a difficult decision about how to proceed. Biden has dug in, pledging to the public that he isn’t going anywhere. Charles Lane, Karen Tumulty and Perry Bacon Jr. talk through whether Biden can salvage his campaign, how possible it really is to change course now and who else could step up.Read more from our columnists:“Kamala Harris walks into the storm — and keeps her footing”“What if Biden steps aside from the Democratic nomination?”“If not Biden, who? Five columnists weigh in.”

It’s the week of the Fourth of July and the word patriotism is as divisive as the rest of American politics. Theodore Johnson, Karen Attiah and Jason Rezaian discuss the good and the bad about the United States, and how to reconcile its shortcomings while pushing for a better future. Read more from some of our columnists —Ted Johnson: “American democracy is fine. It's the republic that's in trouble.”“Buck up, America. Help is on the way.”Karen Attiah: “How to reckon with the cult of the gun”

President Biden’s debate performance has Democrats in a panic and Donald Trump supporters gleeful. Columnists Karen Tumulty, Dana Milbank and Jim Geraghty process how things feel the morning after, whether the president should step aside and how the truth was the night’s biggest loser. Read more from our columnists about the debate:Karen Tumulty: “The Great Democratic Freakout is upon us”Dana Milbank: “If America is failing, that debate showed why”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.