The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Mehdi Hasan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Zeteo and a prominent political commentator, joins Jon for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive deep into the challenges of debating far-right ideologies and the need for Democrats to adopt bolder strategies. Hasan also critiques mainstream media biases, particularly contrasting the manipulative tactics of Fox News with the struggles of outlets like MSNBC. Their conversation touches on America’s global credibility crises, especially regarding the Gaza conflict, and the vital need for independent journalism to uphold democratic values.

Join former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and Dan Pfeiffer, a senior advisor to Barack Obama, as they delve into the pressures facing independent institutions today. They dissect how presidential power can coerce media and universities, the implications of politicized judicial appointments, and the historical context of political interference in the Justice Department. The conversation also raises crucial questions about the balance of power, the potential vulnerabilities a future Democratic administration might target, and the evolving political landscape in America.

Clara Mattei, an economist and author, and James Robinson, a leading public policy scholar, join Jon Stewart for a lively discussion. They tackle how the myth of free markets often hides governmental favoritism towards corporations. The conversation critiques austerity measures that exacerbate inequality and explores possibilities for a worker-focused economy. They also reflect on misconceptions about poverty and advocate for empowering workers through democratic economic practices. Plus, a humorous nod to Elmo adds a whimsical touch to the weighty topics!

Tony Gilroy, an Oscar-nominated writer and the mind behind "Andor," teams up with Mike Duncan, bestselling author and podcaster renowned for his historical insights. They dive into the complex psychology of historical leaders, questioning the motivations behind their actions. The conversation meanders through the unpredictable nature of revolutions, drawing parallels to current societal tensions and even the politics of Star Wars. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how stories shape our understanding of history and contemporary struggles.

Maziar Bahari, a seasoned journalist and author, delves into the realities facing Iranians under their current regime. He shares harrowing tales from his imprisonment during the Green Revolution and discusses the pervasive corruption in Iran. The conversation shifts to ordinary Iranians' yearnings for peace and political freedom, contrasting their aspirations with the regime's oppressive tactics. Bahari also touches on the impact of U.S. sanctions and the complex socio-political landscape that shapes daily life in Iran.

Christiane Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Anchor, and Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor, dive deep into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They dissect Trump's erratic responses and unravel the complexities of peace versus war in international relations. The duo critiques U.S. foreign policy, the implications of the Iran nuclear deal, and the tendency of political leaders to prefer military action over diplomacy. Their insights illuminate the urgent challenges in navigating the volatile geopolitics of the Middle East.

Jill Lepore, a Harvard history and law professor, and Kevin M. Kruse, a Princeton history expert, delve into the historical context of presidential emergency powers. They discuss the implications of military responses to protests, drawing parallels to significant events like Kent State. The conversation also touches on the evolving narrative of political feuds, particularly between Trump and Musk. With wit and insight, they explore how personal grievances and social media dynamics shape today's political landscape and threaten democracy.

Kaitlan Collins, CNN's Chief White House Correspondent, dives into the whirlwind of White House reporting with Jon. They share the chaotic yet humorous experiences of covering the Trump administration while contrasting it with Biden's approach. The duo discusses the intense pressure journalists face, the art of impactful questioning, and the challenges of navigating media transparency. They even touch on the lessons learned from unexpected sources like John Mulaney's antics. It's an engaging exploration of journalism's pivotal role in modern politics!

Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett, co-founders of Crooked Media and former speechwriters for President Obama, join to examine the challenges facing the Democratic Party. They discuss how transparency and accountability are crucial for leaders, especially amid Biden's presidency. The duo emphasizes the need for a bold narrative that resonates with voters and critiques the rise of disinformation in politics. With humor and insight, they explore the importance of genuine communication, especially regarding immigration policy and police reform.

Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and co-author of "The Divider," joins investigative reporter Eric Lipton from The New York Times to unpack the depths of presidential profiteering. They discuss Trump’s entangled business dealings, the erosion of ethical standards within U.S. governance, and the implications of the emoluments clause. Their insights extend to the intersection of politics and cryptocurrencies, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the future of democracy.