The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Sarah Smarsh, author of 'Bone of the Bone: Essays on America by a Daughter of the Working Class,' dives deep into why Democrats have lost touch with working-class voters. She discusses the emotional disconnect in political messaging and the impact of neoliberal policies on labor rights. Smarsh emphasizes the dignity workers find in their jobs, despite economic challenges, and highlights the need for more genuine representation of working-class voices in politics. The conversation also touches on intersectionality and the significance of inclusive politics.

In this enlightening discussion, Heather Cox Richardson, a prominent historian and author of “Democracy Awakening,” delves into the implications of Trump's recent victory. She emphasizes the resilience of democratic institutions, drawing on historical examples that inspire hope and action. The conversation explores the complex dynamics of American politics, including voter behavior influenced by disinformation, the fragility of democracy, and the ideological shifts shaping current governance. Richardson also addresses the media's role in fostering informed citizenship.

Mona Charen, a conservative policy editor at The Bulwark, and Harvard's Laurence H. Tribe, a constitutional law expert, discuss the contradictions of patriotism within the MAGA movement. They analyze how symbols of revolution are used to support an increasingly authoritarian leader. The conversation digs into the manipulation of patriotism and the judicial impacts of political polarization. They emphasize the importance of accountability, the need for trust in institutions, and the nuanced relationship Americans have with their national identity.

Teddy Schleifer and Ken Vogel, both New York Times reporters, dive into the alarming influence of billionaires on American elections. They explore how mega-donors are reshaping democracy, emphasizing the secrecy of political donations and the opacity of dark money. The duo discusses the implications of wealthy philanthropists influencing policy, particularly around social issues like reproductive rights. They also reflect on the intertwining of corporate funding and political power, raising crucial questions about transparency and the future of electoral integrity.

Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, advocates for a populist approach to Republican policies, focusing on labor rights and economic equity. Zachary Carter, author of "The Price of Peace," dives into Keynesian insights, challenging traditional conservative ideologies. They discuss the contradictions in the GOP's pro-worker rhetoric, the impacts of tariffs, and the evolving dynamics of immigration policy. The conversation highlights the need for a modern economic framework that prioritizes workers amidst the complexities of contemporary politics.

Stacey Abrams, a renowned voting rights activist and author, teams up with Matt Masterson, Microsoft’s Democracy Forward Program Director and election security expert. They tackle the pressing issues of election integrity and access, dissecting myths surrounding voting safeguards. The duo emphasizes the crucial need for transparency, bipartisanship, and auditable paper trails to ensure fair elections, while also addressing the challenges posed by strict ID laws and voter suppression tactics across the country.

Ezra Klein, an opinion columnist for The New York Times and author of "Why We're Polarized," joins Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, to dissect how algorithms and financial influences skew public discourse. They explore the rise of populism and its disconnect from actual government policies, emphasizing how social media fuels fragmentation and conspiracy theories. The conversation sheds light on the challenges posed by technology to democracy and proposes systemic changes for healthier public engagement.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan discusses the intertwining challenges of the UK and US elections, focusing on misinformation, populism, and the responsibilities of media and politicians. He emphasizes the importance of informed discussions around immigration. Stephanie Kelton, an economics professor, challenges conventional notions about government spending and deficits, advocating for a fresh perspective on fiscal policy. Together, they explore the impact of deepfake technology on democracy and the need for critical thinking in navigating these tumultuous times.

Kitty Richards, a Senior Fellow at Groundwork Collaborative and former Treasury Official, joins Jason Furman, an Aetna Professor of Economic Policy at Harvard, for a deep dive into the current inflation landscape. They discuss the disconnect between easing inflation rates and public sentiment, exploring corporate greed's role in price surges and the need for policy reforms. The conversation also tackles the Federal Reserve's strategies and the debate over demand-side versus supply-side stimulus, all while unpacking the complexities of economic challenges facing Americans today.

Ashley Parker, a Senior National Political Correspondent for The Washington Post, and David Graham, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic, dissect the critical first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They delve into the debate's impact on voter sentiment, the clash of campaign strategies, and how debate formats can limit genuine messaging. The conversation highlights the disconnect between politicians and voters post-pandemic and discusses the media's role in shaping political discourse as the election season heats up.