The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

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.

In a thought-provoking discussion, investigative journalist Jane Mayer and ethics advocate Noah Bookbinder tackle the subtle erosion of democracy. They delve into the corrosive influence of dark money, revealing how it has twisted political representation and public trust. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory reforms and citizen engagement to combat corruption and restore accountability. With insights into the historical context of these issues, they call for greater transparency in government spending and a reimagined political landscape.

Dive into engaging conversations that tackle some of today's most complex issues. The host brings in special guests to discuss a range of topics, from politics to the art of sandwich making. Alongside heartfelt chats, producers and friends offer insights on current headlines. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues every Thursday!