The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

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.

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.