What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Gina Kolata, a medical reporter for the New York Times, joins Deb Cromer, mother of Kendrick, the first recipient of commercially approved gene therapy for sickle cell anemia. They share Kendrick's journey through this groundbreaking treatment, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by families. The conversation reveals the hopes and fears surrounding this 'cure' and discusses access to innovative healthcare solutions. Deb reflects on her family's resilience, while Kolata emphasizes the importance of empathy in medical care.

Leah Nylen, an antitrust reporter for Bloomberg News, dives into the Department of Justice's drastic recommendations for Google's monopoly, particularly the potential separation of Chrome. She discusses how this could shake up Google's market dominance and advertising strategies amidst political changes. The conversation highlights Chrome's critical role in Google's ecosystem, implications for data sharing in search, and the possible impact on AI development. Nylen also reveals how the political landscape could alter antitrust enforcement against tech giants.

Molly O'Toole, an insightful reporter on immigration and security, dives deep into the controversial promise of mass deportation made by Donald Trump. She explores the chilling tactics, including aggressive raids in certain communities, that could be employed. O'Toole also addresses the complex realities faced by undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers, examining the emotional toll and ethical implications of these policies. The podcast unravels the crisis within immigration courts and the failures of past administrations, shedding light on a pressing societal issue.

David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, dives deep into the turbulent landscape of Donald Trump's cabinet choices. He reveals how figures like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth amplify the chaos, serving as distractions from pressing issues. Dayen argues that the real power may rest with White House czars rather than traditional cabinet members. He discusses the implications of centralizing authority in the Trump administration, suggesting upcoming appointments could reflect a strategically chaotic approach that prioritizes loyalty over governance.

Henry Grabar, a Slate staff writer, and Ron Kim, a New York State Assembly representative, dive into urban voting shifts as Donald Trump gains traction in cities traditionally supporting Democrats. They explore the surprising GOP appeal among Latino and Asian American voters, reflecting changing demographics. The discussion highlights low voter turnout during primaries, and contrasts progressive challenges with rising conservative sentiments. They also touch on social media's role in shaping young voters' political views and the complexities of catering to diverse community needs.

Jamie Raskin, a U.S. representative from Maryland and a key figure in Donald Trump's second impeachment, shares his insights on the current political climate. He discusses the importance of fighting back against authoritarianism and reflects on the implications of the 14th Amendment for future elections. Raskin emphasizes the need for unity among progressives and the urgency of democratic reforms. Despite challenges, he encourages listeners not to let fear dictate their actions in these turbulent times.

Nitish Pahwa, a Slate business writer, shares insights on the shift from Twitter to X under Elon Musk's leadership. He discusses the dramatic decline in user engagement and how political tensions have pushed many to seek alternatives. The conversation delves into the complexities of loyalty to a platform that now prioritizes misinformation and trolls. Pahwa highlights the emotional toll of leaving social media, encouraging listeners to consider healthier online spaces while remaining wary of the risks associated with continuing on X.

In this engaging discussion, Makena Kelly, a senior writer at Wired, delves into the fascinating intersection of technology and politics. She analyzes how Donald Trump's strategies, including engagement with the 'manosphere' and influential podcasters, shifted voter dynamics. Kelly highlights the hyper-masculinity that resonates with young male voters and contrasts Trump's grassroots tactics with Democrats' traditional approaches. The conversation reveals the evolving influence of social media in political campaigns and the challenges of modern political communication.

Sam Adams, a senior editor and writer for Slate, dives into the challenges faced by Saturday Night Live in the current political landscape. He questions whether the show can effectively satirize figures like Donald Trump, whose absurdity often surpasses parody. The discussion explores the history of political satire on SNL, the struggle to balance humor with serious discourse, and how the show might adapt in uncertain times. Adams also reflects on SNL's potential for innovation as it approaches its 50th season, emphasizing the vital role of comedic commentary.

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of "A Capital Calamity," dives into the potential fallout from a Trump reelection. He explores the anxiety among international leaders and the implications for U.S. foreign policy regarding wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Kaplan highlights Trump’s skeptical view of NATO and contrasts his approach to Israel with traditional diplomacy. The conversation also tackles Trump's controversial claims about resolving the Ukraine conflict and the shifting political dynamics surrounding U.S. military support.