

Americano
The Spectator
The next chapter in American politics has begun, but is it going to be any less crazy? The Spectator's Americano podcast delivers in-depth discussions with the best American pundits to keep you in the loop. Presented by Freddy Gray.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 19, 2025 • 28min
Was 'free trade' really working?
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of think-tank American Compass, sits down with Freddy Gray at the ARC conference in London. They react to the announcement by President Trump over the weekend of reciprocal tariffs: the decision by the US to match import duties levied by other countries. What's the strategy behind Trump's decision? And what could the consequences be for American companies and for global trade? They also discuss the broad political consensus behind free trade in the US since the 1990s. Given the 'lived reality' that faced many American investors and companies - for example competing with Chinese Electric Vehicles - was the free trade really working anyway?Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
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Feb 18, 2025 • 15min
Vance criticises Britain: is this a new era for free speech?
In this conversation, Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, sheds light on the recent criticism of free speech in the UK sparked by J.D. Vance's remarks. They discuss the troubling case of Adam Smith-Connor, arrested for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Coleman raises alarms about new buffer zone laws that curtail peaceful expressions of belief. The discussion also tackles the widening censorship landscape in Europe and its implications for American values, signaling a potential shift in the free speech narrative.

Feb 17, 2025 • 36min
Rob Henderson on Musk, monogamy & meritocracy
Political commentator, and author of Troubled, Rob Henderson joins Freddy Gray from the ARC conference in London. They discuss the political reaction to the news that Elon Musk has allegedly had his 13th child – are there signs of a new, more permissive conservatism? They also discuss Trump’s administration so far – particularly his flurry of executive orders – with critics decrying them as the tactics of a populist, yet supporters approving of the speed of activity. What’s the psychology underpins these political viewpoints? Vice-President J.D. Vance’s speech in Munich over the weekend has also left many European leaders reeling – but should they really have been surprised?Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
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Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
Does Trump’s foreign policy make any sense? Professor John Mearsheimer
Professor John Mearsheimer comes back on the Americano show with Freddy Gray to discuss how seriously we should take Trump's foreign policy. They cover the President's plans to rebuild Gaza, why Netanyahu and Trump won't agree on what to do with Iran and whether Trump can strike a deal with Putin.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 2025 • 25min
Could Trump target Britain with tariffs?
Angus Hanton, author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain, joins Freddy Gray to talk about the economic relationship between Britain and America. As the world adjusts to the new US administration, every day seems to bring news of new potential tariffs. Is the UK a prime target for Trump? What could the impact of tariffs be? And what are the long-term questions facing British politicians about both the economic and political relationship with the US?Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
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Feb 5, 2025 • 20min
Will Trump make Gaza great again?
Eylon Levy, former spokesperson for the Israeli government, shares his insights on the unfolding Gaza conflict. He discusses Trump's controversial idea of resettling Gaza's residents, sparking international backlash. Levy highlights the challenges of Hamas's governance and the importance of local Palestinian leadership for peace. He also delves into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations, shaped by the recent violence and growing skepticism about the two-state solution, while considering shifting alliances with Arab nations post-Abraham Accords.

Feb 3, 2025 • 34min
Are Trump's tariffs really that bad?
Kate Andrews, economics editor at The Spectator, joins William Clouston, leader of the Social Democratic Party, to dissect Trump's tariff policies. They discuss whether the tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are strategic negotiation tactics or indicative of a deeper political philosophy. The duo explores economic repercussions for American consumers, trade dynamics, and the call for re-industrialization. They also delve into the complexities of Britain's trade relationship with the U.S., weighing the implications on local economies and industry.

Jan 31, 2025 • 36min
Are the Democrats paralysed?
Damon Linker, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the Notes from the Middle Ground substack, shares insightful perspectives on the Democratic Party's current challenges under Trump. He discusses how the overwhelming executive orders have left the party disoriented yet hints at signs of resilience. Linker examines the strongman dilemma in governance, the complex influence of media on political dynamics, and how economic factors are reshaping voter sentiment and strategies.

Jan 29, 2025 • 22min
Is AI the new arms race?
Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast and finance expert, dives into the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-made AI model that has shaken US markets and tech valuations. He discusses how DeepSeek's low-cost development raises tensions in US-China relations. The conversation explores AI's evolution, the economic implications of this tech arms race, and the challenges of internet censorship that affect AI reasoning. Weisenthal highlights the significant energy demands of AI, adding another layer to the geopolitical landscape.

Jan 27, 2025 • 32min
How is round one of Trump’s deportations plan going?
Todd Bensman, a Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies and author of 'Overrun', dives into the complexities of Trump's deportation plan and its impact on Colombia. He discusses the diplomatic tensions and the challenges of deportation flights that led Colombia to accept military aircraft carrying deported migrants. Bensman also highlights Trump's vision for Latin America and examines the implications of deportation strategies on both international relations and local migrant treatment.


