
Americano
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 1, 2024 • 41min
Will America go to war with Iran?
Tensions are escalating in the Middle East with Israel's targeted raids in Lebanon and Hezbollah's readiness for conflict. The discussion dives into the implications of a potential U.S. and Iranian involvement. Military strategies and the complexities of asymmetric alliances are analyzed, especially between the U.S. and Israel. The podcast also critiques Israel's political and economic struggles amid ongoing conflict, alongside a look at Zelensky's challenges in U.S. politics. Overall, it unveils the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics at play.

Sep 29, 2024 • 31min
What happens if the American election is a tie?
Explore the chaos of a potential electoral tie in the American presidential election. Discover the ramifications of a 269 to 269 split in the Electoral College and the constitutional procedures that follow. Delve into the history behind the color red in politics and its symbolic weight. The discussion also reflects on America's crisis of legitimacy and civic engagement amidst deepening partisan divides. Lastly, uncover Nebraska's unique electoral complexities and the implications of split voting in urban versus rural districts.

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
Could Pennsylvania decide the US election?
Freddy Gray chats with Oliver Bateman, a historian and journalist from Pittsburgh, about Pennsylvania's pivotal role in the 2024 election. They dive into the state's complex political landscape, highlighting the tight races and contrasting urban-rural voting patterns. The duo also unpacks the significant influence of the abortion issue on political dynamics, especially in the Rust Belt. Bateman shares insights on mail-in voting's evolution since 2020 and its potential impact on future elections, painting a picture of a nail-biting contest ahead.

Sep 20, 2024 • 43min
Cenk Uygur on abortion, Israel-Gaza & Kamala's 'word salads'
Cenk Uygur, a prominent broadcaster and host of The Young Turks, dives into the chaotic landscape of the upcoming 2024 elections. He dissects Kamala Harris's convoluted language and her attempt to connect with pro-Palestine voters. The conversation explores the influence of corporate interests on Biden's policies and the moral complexities surrounding abortion. Uygur also examines the ethical dilemmas of U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing conflicts, highlighting how voter sentiment might shift due to international crises.

Sep 19, 2024 • 38min
Are Big Tech monopolies the biggest threat to democracy?
Barry Lynn, a journalist and antitrust expert, delves into the monopolistic grip of Big Tech on American society. He discusses a recent ruling against Google's monopoly power in online search, arguing that this concentration threatens democracy and economic stability. Lynn critiques the historical shift in antitrust laws and the rising economic inequalities stemming from corporate concentration. He highlights the Biden administration's efforts to combat these issues and warns about the political influence wielded by monopolies, urging for reforms to safeguard individual liberty.

Sep 16, 2024 • 23min
Are Democrats to blame for the repeated attempts to kill Trump?
In a lively discussion, commentator Kate Andrews delves into the recent assassination attempts on Donald Trump and their implications for the political landscape. She examines how political rhetoric influences mental health and can lead to violence, highlighting a specific case. Andrews also critiques the Secret Service's security measures and the chaos surrounding Trump's public perception. Lastly, she analyzes the current political race, noting Kamala Harris's stagnation and the rising role of social media in shaping voter sentiment.

Sep 11, 2024 • 24min
What did we learn from the Harris Trump debate?
In this insightful discussion, Sarah Elliott, spokeswoman for Republicans Overseas UK, shares her perspective on the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. She highlights how Harris exceeded expectations while Trump struggled to seize critical moments. The conversation dives into perceived bias in moderation and its impact on performance. They also explore candidates' abilities to resonate with voters on key issues like the economy and abortion, raising questions about Trump’s unpredictable style and Harris' campaign strategy moving forward.

Sep 9, 2024 • 28min
Has Trump lost his mojo? Andrew Neil & Piers Morgan on America's 2024 election
The Spectator's chairman Andrew Neil and journalist Piers Morgan join Freddy Gray, host of the Americano show, to analyse the presidential race so far. Piers reveals what Donald Trump told him after he was shot, and they both give their predictions on whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will win their first debate.

Sep 6, 2024 • 37min
Has everyone got election fatigue?
Bridget Phetasy, a sharp-witted comedian and columnist for Spectator World, joins the conversation. They dive into the pervasive election and Trump fatigue gripping the nation. Bridget predicts the upcoming presidential debate's entertainment value while dissecting voter disinterest and the rise of unusual alliances. The duo tackles how global powers like Putin create chaos, manipulating public perception. The chat unpacks shifting voter preferences and the cultural divides that shape our political landscape.

Sep 4, 2024 • 34min
Risk-takers, US election & the power of luck in politics – with Nate Silver
Nate Silver, a leading pollster and founder of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the art of predicting elections with Freddy Gray. He discusses the critical role of luck in politics and parallels with sports forecasting. Silver explores cultural mindsets shaping American identity, contrasting risk-taking in Silicon Valley with the East Coast's more cautious approach. He also analyzes the potential impacts of VP selections and political dynamics, pondering whether figures like JD Vance are wise choices for Trump as the election looms.