The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Jon welcomes Allen C. Guelzo, a Civil War-era historian, and Joanne Freeman, a Yale historian specializing in early American culture. They delve into the loaded term 'heritage American', examining its implications and the role of immigrants in shaping American identity. The discussion highlights how definitions of citizenship have evolved, tracing shifts in nativism through history. They connect contemporary rhetoric to these themes, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the national identity and how past sacrifices continue to resonate in today's America.

Mikie Sherrill, former U.S. Representative and a Navy veteran, and Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and U.S. Representative, join to discuss their recent gubernatorial victories. They share insights on transitioning from Congress to state leadership, expressing frustration over legislative gridlock and their desire for tangible results. The duo also reflects on the impact of negative campaign ads on families and outlines priorities for New Jersey and Virginia, tackling issues like healthcare and local concerns versus national narratives.

Lina Khan, former Chair of the FTC and co-chair of Zohran Mamdani's transition team, dives deep into the interplay of federal and local economic policies. She discusses essential tools for supporting small businesses and consumer protection in NYC. Khan also tackles the critical issues of housing affordability and price discrimination affecting small enterprises. Additionally, she calls for embracing public options in essential markets, warns against unchecked corporate power, and emphasizes the need for economic reforms that prioritize working people.

Chris Hayes, an MSNBC host and author, teams up with David Plouffe, former Obama campaign manager, to break down the recent Democratic election victories. They explore why Democrats outperformed expectations, emphasizing authentic campaigning over mere political consulting. The duo delves into the importance of messaging, candidate quality, and how Republicans' ties to Trump can be leveraged. They also discuss the need for bold governance and utilizing modern platforms effectively, warning against the pitfalls of overly analytical campaign strategies.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, a 2024 presidential candidate and author of "107 Days," joins Jon Stewart to discuss her experience on the campaign trail. She delves into the importance of addressing misinformation, modernizing voter outreach, and prioritizing the care economy. Kamala emphasizes the need for Democrats to regain trust through tangible results and define a positive agenda. Reflecting on her past campaign, she shares insights on emotional challenges and the complexity of political loyalty, all while advocating for meaningful change.

In this discussion, Nancy Youssef, an Atlantic staff writer renowned for her military reporting, David Lapan, a retired Marine Corps Colonel with deep Pentagon experience, and Thomas Brennan, founder of The War Horse, tackle the Pentagon's new press restrictions. They explore the implications of tightening press access, the erosion of trust, and how it affects military journalism. They also highlight the dangers of operating in a culture of fear, and the role of independent reporting in maintaining accountability and transparency in a massive institution.

Jon Stewart chats with Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator, and Zaha Hassan, a senior fellow with deep roots in Palestinian rights. They dissect the recent ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting its humanitarian importance yet acknowledging its limitations. The guests argue that transitional plans risk maintaining control without true sovereignty for Palestinians. They also explore the impact of regional dynamics on the peace process, the viability of a two-state solution, and the need for grassroots movements to drive meaningful changes. Amidst skepticism, there's a glimmer of hope for progress.

Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI' and a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, joins Jon Stewart to dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. They discuss how modern AI differs from traditional systems and explore the risks posed by advancements in technology. Hinton highlights concerns over AI's potential misuse, including election interference and weaponization. He emphasizes the urgent need for regulation and reflects on the uncertain future of AI as it approaches superintelligence.

Tim Miller, a political commentator and former Jeb Bush communications director, joins David Faris, a political science professor and writer, to dissect Democratic strategies amidst the government shutdown. They discuss how Democrats can leverage this crisis for healthcare funding, tackle the PR battle against Trump, and consider adopting aggressive tactics reminiscent of GOP playbooks. Miller highlights the need for stronger communications, while Faris emphasizes a bold approach to regain voter trust and address grievances effectively.

Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee and seasoned Democratic organizer, joins Jon Stewart to discuss the future of the party. They delve into bridging the divides within the party, emphasizing the need for a kitchen-table economic message to connect with everyday voters. Martin reflects on the importance of specific policies to regain trust, the challenge of balancing old and new voices within the party, and the threats to democratic norms. Tune in for insights on rebuilding party infrastructure and how to transform political strategies for lasting impact.