What Next

David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and a contributing writer for Slate, analyzes the recent debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. He highlights their starkly different visions for government and America. The discussion covers their debate styles, with one candidate using personal anecdotes effectively, while the other struggled with critical issues like gun control. Faris also sheds light on how each candidate handled sensitive topics and the implications of their performances for public perception in a heightened political climate.

Tim Ryan, the former representative from Ohio who faced JD Vance in the 2022 Senate race, reflects on the intense debate experience. He reveals the mental challenges and preparation that come with such high-pressure situations. Tim discusses the importance of authenticity and emotional composure when facing aggressive opponents. He also shares strategies for effective debate tactics and the need for a compelling economic narrative from Democrats to resonate with voters, especially in light of recent electoral losses.

Ross Barkan, a journalist and essayist known for his sharp political insights, delves into the legal troubles and controversies surrounding New York Mayor Eric Adams. The conversation uncovers how these scandals might jeopardize the Democratic Party's standing, particularly the potential electoral fallout. Barkan highlights the urgent need for party cohesion and the historical context of New York's political landscape. He discusses the challenges the party faces, including dwindling approval ratings and the implications for upcoming elections.

David Zipper, a Senior Fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative, dives into America's highway dilemma. He explains how highway expansions fail to reduce traffic, perpetuating a costly cycle. Zipper discusses the detrimental social and health impacts on historically marginalized communities and critiques the historical reliance on cars, tracing back to the post-WWII era. He advocates for sustainable transport solutions and urban redesign to combat congestion and improve community livability, highlighting shifting priorities in places like Colorado and Minnesota.

A throwback week in politics finds New York’s Boss Tweed of Swagger in trouble, a Republican bucking the party line for his constituents and a name Democrats thought they were done with.Guest: Jim Newell, Slate’s senior politics writer, who writes the weekly newsletter The Surge.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of The Surge but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit  slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.