The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

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.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for the New York Times and CNN political analyst, teams up with Jill Lepore, a Harvard Professor of History and Law and New Yorker staff writer. They dive into the Democratic National Convention, questioning its relevance as a decision-making venue turned media spectacle. The conversation highlights the evolution of such gatherings, the media's shifting role, and the impact of social media on political campaigns. They also touch on the struggle to convey genuine political messaging amidst rising cynicism.

In this engaging discussion, Senator Amy Klobuchar, a prominent figure in American politics from Minnesota, shares her insights on the evolving Democratic landscape. She reflects on her experiences running against Vice President Harris and highlights the unique challenges women face in campaigns. The conversation explores the urban-rural divide, the importance of community support, and the intricacies of vetting vice presidential candidates. Klobuchar also emphasizes the urgent need for bipartisan efforts in addressing issues like veterans' health and women's rights.

Steven Greenhouse, a veteran labor reporter and author, joins Heather Cox Richardson, a political historian and author, to dissect the paradox of right-wing populism. They uncover how the GOP's promises to support workers fall flat, especially during Trump's presidency, where policies often undermined labor rights. The duo discusses the historical evolution of workers' rights and emphasizes the growing activism among youth and women fighting for economic justice. It's a compelling analysis of political rhetoric and its disconnect from the realities faced by the working class.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, joins to dissect the chaos of Biden’s recent political struggles. She highlights the media's mishandling of the election narrative and the historical parallels in leadership crises. The discussion dives into the evolution of political primaries, the impact of sensationalism in reporting, and the necessity for electoral reforms. Goodwin also sheds light on Kamala Harris’s unique challenges, emphasizing how these dynamics affect public perception in turbulent times.

Bill O'Reilly, anchor of No Spin News and author of Confronting the Presidents, joins the conversation to dissect the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump. He delves into how both sides of the political spectrum react in blame games and the challenges of meaningful debate. The discussion further explores complex topics like gun control, contrasting foreign policies of Trump and Biden, and the chaotic legacy of January 6th. O'Reilly offers a thought-provoking take on the implications of political rhetoric and media influence on society.

Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, co-founders of Crooked Media and hosts of Pod Save America, join CNN commentator Bakari Sellers for a gripping discussion on Biden's 2024 viability. They critique Biden's recent debate performance and the party's complacency, emphasizing the urgent need for clear communication and strategic unity ahead of the election. The trio navigates the complexities of current voter sentiments, highlighting the rising challenges posed by Trump and the essential role of transparency in restoring public trust in leadership.

Join Sam Rosenfeld, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Colgate University and co-author of "The Hollow Parties," as he dives into the challenges of the U.S. two-party system. Discover why third parties struggle to gain traction and how gerrymandering and restrictive electoral rules contribute to polarization. The conversation reflects on the founding fathers' vision versus today's political landscape, prompting listeners to consider whether a multi-party system could better represent diverse voter interests for a healthier democracy.

Melissa Murray, an NYU Law professor and constitutional law expert, and Jessica Valente, founder of AbortionEveryday.com and reproductive rights advocate, delve into the current state of abortion rights. They discuss the misinterpretation of a recent Supreme Court ruling on Mifepristone as a win. The duo emphasizes the emotional toll of restrictive laws, legal complexities faced by providers, and the need for collective political action to protect reproductive freedoms. Their insights highlight the disconnect between public support and the political landscape.

Bill Hartung, a Senior Research Fellow focused on military spending, and Roxana Tiron, a National Security Reporter at Bloomberg, dissect the complexities of the military-industrial complex. They question whether the U.S. arsenal truly protects democracy, especially amid current conflicts. Insights on the bloated defense budget reveal a glaring disconnect in prioritizing military spending over public services. The duo also examines the contradictions of arms sales and the challenges faced by investigative journalism in shielding national security issues from public scrutiny.