What A Day

Jacob Bogage, Congressional economics correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's significant budget bill, which threatens to cut essential safety nets for millions of Americans. They discuss the political maneuvering behind its passage and the devastating impact on Medicaid and food assistance programs. The episode also explores the bill's long-term implications for the national debt and middle-income households. Additionally, Jacob touches on the tragic flooding in Texas and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East, highlighting a chaotic political landscape.

Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and former mayoral candidate, joins the conversation after Zohran Mamdani's stunning primary win over Andrew Cuomo. Lander discusses how Mamdani's victory reflects a shift in national Democratic politics. They delve into the need for progressive policy reforms, like taxing high earners to support working-class communities, while navigating party dynamics. The chat touches on ethical concerns of political exploitation around cultural identity and addresses pressing current events, including major convictions and legal developments in reproductive rights.

Nicholas Wu, a Congressional reporter for Politico, dives into the recent turmoil surrounding President Trump's spending bill. He details the nail-biting Senate tie-breaker vote by Vice President J.D. Vance and the Republican Party's internal conflicts as the bill heads back to the House. Wu highlights the tension between party loyalty and political survival, amusingly contrasting absurd political comments with serious immigration debates. Plus, he discusses how Trump's tariffs are complicating Federal Reserve decisions. This episode is a wild ride through political drama!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Alex Dworak, Associate Medical Director at One World Community Health Centers, sheds light on the vital role of gender-affirming care for youth in Nebraska. He shares personal insights about navigating restrictive legislation and the implications for LGBTQ individuals. The conversation also touches on the Supreme Court's ruling on medical care for minors and the urgent need for advocacy. Meanwhile, the political landscape heats up as Senate Republicans scramble to pass a spending bill by the Fourth of July, intertwining healthcare and immigration controversies.

In this discussion, Elana Schor, Senior Washington editor for Semafor, breaks down the urgency surrounding the GOP's efforts to pass President Trump's controversial 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' She highlights the staggering potential $3 trillion addition to the national debt and what that means for party principles on spending. Elana navigates the legislative hurdles they face, seeks insights on TikTok's ties to national security, and unpacks the bill's implications for social safety nets and clean energy initiatives.

Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School, dives deep into recent Supreme Court decisions. She analyzes the ruling that allows states to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid, exploring its implications for reproductive rights. Levinson also discusses pivotal cases on voting rights and parental authority regarding LGBTQ themes in education. The conversation highlights the nexus between judicial decisions and their societal impacts, making complex legal topics accessible and engaging for listeners.

Sohrab Ahmari, U.S. editor for UnHerd and commentator on MAGA foreign policy, discusses fascinating insights on Trump's recent statements about Iran's nuclear program. He delves into the internal divisions within the MAGA movement regarding military intervention and highlights the complexities of U.S.-Israel relationships. Ahmari also addresses the resilience of the Iranian regime and shifting American attitudes toward foreign affairs. With headlines covering immigration debates and political shifts, the conversation is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Join Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, as she shares her insights on empathetic leadership amid crises like the Christchurch terror attack and COVID-19. She discusses the complexities of leading a diverse nation and emphasizes the need for collaboration to tackle pressing issues like climate change. Ardern also reflects on her new memoir, highlighting lessons learned from her time in office and the importance of resilience and understanding in effective governance.

Brian Stelter, chief media analyst for CNN, explores the complex media landscape surrounding escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. He discusses how both traditional networks and MAGA influencers shape narratives about military actions, contrasting current coverage with that during the Iraq War. Stelter highlights the impact of Trump's media consumption on foreign policy decisions and examines the intricate political communications at play. Additionally, he touches on legal challenges faced by a wrongfully deported man amid evolving immigration policies.

Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, weighs in on the recent U.S. military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. He discusses the confusion over the extent of the damage and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Warner emphasizes the need for clear congressional oversight amidst the chaotic messaging from the administration. The conversation touches on the unpredictable nature of U.S.-Iran relations and the urgency for diplomatic solutions to avoid further conflict in the Middle East.