Americast

BBC News
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Oct 27, 2025 • 33min

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Will Kamala Harris (and Donald Trump) run for president again?

Attention is shifting toward the 2028 presidential race, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump aiming for another run. Discussing Trump’s potential plans for a third term raises questions about legal boundaries, while the demolition of the East Wing for a new ballroom sparks debates on funding and presidential authority. The impact of Iowa's primaries on Harris's prospects takes center stage, as historical comebacks and the current weaknesses of the Democratic Party are examined. The hosts also ponder the implications of Biden's presidency on Harris's future.
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19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 39min

Inside Mamdani’s campaign to be mayor of New York City

Eric Lach, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected rise in the New York mayoral race. They discuss Mamdani's bold policies to tackle the cost of living, including proposals for increased housing and higher taxes on the wealthy. Lach sheds light on Mamdani's handling of past police comments and the potential fallout regarding his views on Israel and Gaza. With insights from his campaign trail, he assesses how Mamdani might navigate a possible clash with Donald Trump if elected.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 27min

Does Trump really want to invade Venezuela?

Donald Trump’s targeting of Venezuela raises serious questions about military operations in the Caribbean. The hosts dive into the U.S. justification for strikes, scrutinizing claims of drug trafficking and terrorism. Political motives are unmasked, revealing a mix of propaganda and immigration politics. They examine the implications of possible land invasions and regional reactions, particularly from Colombia. The discussion also critiques Trump’s narrative of peace amidst rising aggression. Intriguing insights into international relations unfold.
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18 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 34min

Americanswers… on 5 Live! How will Donald Trump respond to the ‘No Kings’ protests?

Millions protested against Trump’s expanding authority in major cities. The hosts analyze his initial response and the implications for future protests amidst concerns over safety and surveillance. Ukrainian President Zelensky's tense meeting at the White House highlights challenges in securing military support. Additionally, John Bolton's indictment raises questions about Trump's targeting of former officials. The episode ends with discussions on political artifacts that could define the future and a hot mic moment involving Trump and foreign leaders.
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30 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 36min

Can Trump silence the press?

James Rosen, Chief Washington correspondent for Newsmax and a seasoned journalist, discusses the Pentagon's controversial new press policy. He explains why Newsmax refused to sign the agreement that would restrict reporting to only authorized information. The conversation delves into the implications for press freedom and the chilling effects on investigative journalism, especially under the Trump administration’s broader media strategy. Rosen also recalls his experiences during the Obama-era investigation into his reporting, highlighting ongoing tensions between the press and government.
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4 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 38min

The battle for the soul of the Democratic Party

Democrats are re-evaluating their strategy following a tough loss, focusing on upcoming elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Centrist candidates like Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger prioritize local issues and affordability, while progressive voices such as Zohran Mamdani challenge the party's traditional approach. The discussion includes how these races will influence future party dynamics for 2026. Additionally, the need for a new populist energy within the party resonates throughout, highlighting tensions between grassroots enthusiasm and moderate appeals.
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Oct 13, 2025 • 28min

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Has Donald Trump delivered a “historic dawn of a new Middle East”?

The U.S. president has declared a "historic dawn of a new Middle East" following the return of hostages. The hosts explore how much credit Trump deserves for the peace initiative and examine his possible long-term plans for Gaza. They delve into Jared Kushner's behind-the-scenes influence and discuss media ownership’s role in coverage of the conflict. Questions arise about whether Biden could have achieved the same results and the implications for U.S.-Iran relations. The timing of Trump's peace efforts regarding the Nobel Peace Prize is also analyzed.
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Oct 10, 2025 • 39min

Trump's new plan for America's top universities

Inez Stepman, a Senior Policy and Legal Analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum, dives into the recent proposal from the Trump administration impacting U.S. universities. She critiques how federal grants could compromise academic freedom in exchange for conformity to new policies addressing elitism and racial bias. The conversation explores the need for merit-based admissions, the lack of true diversity in elite schools, and the influence of campus ideologies on broader society. Inez passionately advocates for reform, challenging the notion that government should dictate academic standards.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 20min

Can Trump turn a Gaza ceasefire into a lasting peace deal?

Tensions in the Middle East rise as Trump hints at a potential Gaza ceasefire after a dramatic note from Marco Rubio. The podcast dissects a phase one deal involving hostage releases and Israeli pullbacks. Trump's unusual approach combines aggression with leverage, raising questions about his effectiveness compared to past leaders. The conversation explores the critical roles of Gulf states in negotiations and the vagueness of the deal. Can this breakthrough boost Trump's Nobel ambitions and reshape U.S. foreign policy?
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48 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 29min

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is Chicago really a ‘war zone’?

Tensions rise as Texas deploys the National Guard to Chicago, sparking outrage from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The hosts dissect whether this move is legal and analyze Trump's motives. Meanwhile, the government shutdown looms with a standoff over spending plans. They question the significance of Trump selling '2028' merchandise: is it a hint at a future campaign or just a ploy for influence? The show also delves into the complexities of presidential power and disinformation’s role in shaping public opinion on military deployments.

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