What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Jim Newell, a senior politics writer for Slate, dives into the intriguing world of New York politics, highlighting Mayor Eric Adams' indictment over alleged collusion with the Turkish government. The discussion also features a Republican defying party norms to support his constituents, illustrating the shifting political landscape. Listeners are treated to a vivid metaphor, comparing New York's complexities to Istanbul's, enriching the narrative around power dynamics and accountability in local governance.

Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, has been at the forefront of regulating Big Tech in Europe. She reflects on key legal battles against giants like Apple and Google over tax evasion and unfair practices. The discussion highlights the Digital Markets Act, emphasizing consumer choice and competition. Vestager also contrasts Europe’s AI regulations with the U.S. landscape and addresses the challenges women face in leadership. Overall, her insights shed light on the evolving landscape of tech regulation and competition.

Michael Bitzer, a politics and history professor at Catawba College, dives deep into North Carolina's crucial role as a battleground state. He discusses how a strong ground game and recent Republican controversies could influence Kamala Harris's presidential ambitions. Bitzer highlights the complexities of voter turnout, especially among Black citizens, and contrasts Democratic and GOP strategies. The conversation also covers the political fallout from provocative comments made by Mark Robinson, underscoring the shifting voter landscape.

Cameron McWhirter, a national affairs reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of "American Gun: the True Story of the AR-15," discusses a notable shift in gun ownership among Democrats. He explores how safety concerns during the pandemic have led many liberals, especially women and people of color, to become first-time gun buyers. The conversation delves into the implications for public safety, evolving political identities, and the potential for dialogue between newfound liberal gun owners and traditional gun control advocates.

Sophie Hurwitz, a politics and social movements reporter at Mother Jones, joins Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, to dissect the evolving landscape of campus protests. They delve into universities' attempts to manage student activism amid rising tensions over free speech. Key discussions include the fear of surveillance that deters student protests, the emotional complexities surrounding issues like the situation in Gaza, and the vital role of youth engagement in shaping future electoral processes.

Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter at the Washington Post, discusses Israel's striking military tactic of destroying Hezbollah’s communication devices. He delves into the psychological warfare implications and the messages being sent to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese population. The conversation also covers the ethical and legal ramifications of military actions, the risks of civilian harm, and how these tensions may affect U.S. foreign policy amid upcoming elections. A deep dive into complex regional dynamics ensues.

Ken Bensinger, a New York Times politics reporter, delves into the puzzling rise of Laura Loomer within the Trump campaign. He discusses how she transitioned from a provocateur known for outrageous statements to an influential figure on Trump Force One. The conversation also highlights the role of memes in shaping political discourse and the complex loyalties within the GOP, particularly involving figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lindsey Graham. This exploration uncovers the dynamics of modern political strategies and their impact on election tactics.

In this discussion, Jim Newell, a senior politics writer at Slate known for his insightful takes on political trends, shares his amusing newsletter, The Surge. He highlights the unpredictable nature of the polls as election day approaches. The conversation dives into the art of ranking political figures with humor, revealing how they assess candidates gaining traction. Surprising revelations pop up as they analyze the key players in the race, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.

Natasha Singer, a tech reporter for the New York Times, dives into Instagram's latest privacy updates aimed at teens. She discusses the implications of default private accounts and the signals these changes send to parents and lawmakers. The conversation raises eyebrows about the effectiveness of these measures considering past failures. Singer also highlights ongoing legal battles and new initiatives like the Kids Online Safety Act aimed at improving child safety online, revealing the complex balance between engagement and well-being for young users.

Maya Rosen, an Israel/Palestine Fellow at Jewish Currents, discusses the rise of solidarity tours in Israel after the October 7th attacks. She highlights how these journeys serve as emotional witness points, but also critiques their narrow focus on Israeli suffering, sidelining the Gaza crisis. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas of 'dark tourism' and the psychological effects on visitors. Rosen draws eerie parallels to Holocaust pilgrimages, emphasizing the complexity of identity and belonging amid ongoing trauma.