What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Caroline Kitchener, a national reporter for the Washington Post, dives into the complex intersection of abortion rights and the political landscape in this insightful discussion. She highlights how many pro-choice voters still supported Trump despite his ambiguous stance. The conversation addresses the implications of a potential Trump re-election on abortion access, ongoing legal battles over mifepristone, and the possible revival of historic regulations like the Comstock Act. Kitchener's analysis reveals the intricate dynamics shaping voter behavior and political strategies leading into 2024.

Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and senior advisor at the Brennan Center, dives into ways to brace for potential political upheaval. He discusses the need for proactive measures against authoritarianism, using tabletop simulations to strategize responses. Gellman emphasizes that democratic values can erode subtly, highlighting the critical roles of individuals and civil servants in maintaining integrity. This insightful discussion focuses on unity and mobilizing a pro-democracy coalition as essential strategies in these turbulent times.

Tatishe M. Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Poll, delves into the surprising dynamics of electoral polling. He explains how many misinterpret polls as predictive when they are actually descriptive snapshots of sentiment. Nteta discusses the shift to online polling methods and the challenges of reaching diverse demographics. He also tackles biases in exit polls and the importance of restoring trust in polling organizations, advocating for transparency and inclusivity to enhance public confidence.

Zoë Schiffer, the incoming director of business and industry at Wired and author of *Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter*, dives into Elon Musk's growing political influence, especially in relation to Donald Trump. They discuss Musk's impulsive management style at Twitter and its implications for government efficiency. The conversation also highlights the intertwining of technology and political discourse, questioning the consequences of Musk's decisions on public perception and right-wing media dynamics.

David A. Graham, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, breaks down the political evolution surrounding Donald Trump as he gears up for a potential second term. They discuss how Trump's relationships with the Republican establishment and changes in voter demographics, especially among younger men, are shaping his campaign strategies. Graham also touches on the challenges faced by female candidates in the Democratic Party and the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity. Expect an insightful look into the dynamics of the 2024 election.

David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and Slate contributor, dives into the stark political shifts in America. He examines why the Harris campaign struggled, revealing the growing support for down-ballot candidates tied to Trump. The conversation highlights troubling trends for Democrats, particularly among rural and Latino voters, and reflects on Trump's enduring influence and the potential for his return. Internal strife within the Democratic Party also poses questions about their future direction.

Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at the New Republic and columnist for The Guardian, dives into the peculiar dynamics of the ongoing election cycle. He discusses the absence of surprises, the repetitiveness of political narratives, and the candidates’ strategies on immigration. The conversation touches on voter disillusionment with traditional parties and the push for alternative voices like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nwanevu also emphasizes the need for a progressive vision to invigorate American democracy amidst fatigue and polarization.

Ari Berman, a voting rights reporter for Mother Jones, discusses legal challenges to voter access, while Kadia Goba, a political reporter from Semafor, analyzes election dynamics and voter turnout. Isaac Saul, founder of Tangle, provides data-driven insights on potential outcomes. They explore the impact of mail-in voting on election results, the challenges of counting ballots on election night, and the rise of misinformation surrounding voting. Together, they navigate the anxieties of election day and emphasize the importance of reliable news sources in understanding the electoral landscape.

Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor specializing in campaign strategies, dives into the evolving landscape of voter outreach. He discusses the surge of political text messaging and its questionable impact on mobilizing swing state voters. Neiheisel contrasts modern methods with traditional campaigns, emphasizing the tension between effective engagement and potential privacy invasions. The conversation also touches on the role of misinformation and the challenges in accurately influencing voter behavior, underscoring the complexities of contemporary campaigning.

Max Chafkin, a columnist at Bloomberg Businessweek and host of the podcast Citizen Elon, dives deep into Elon Musk’s surprising financial backing of Donald Trump. They explore Musk's strategic role in Trump's campaign and how their relationship is reshaping political dynamics. Chafkin discusses Musk's shifting political perspectives, revealing the tensions between his business ambitions and political entanglements. The conversation also examines potential implications for Musk’s companies under a Trump presidency, including regulatory challenges and partnerships with the government.