The Political Scene | The New Yorker
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
Join The New Yorker’s writers and editors for reporting, insight, and analysis of the most pressing political issues of our time. On Mondays, David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, presents conversations and feature stories about current events. On Wednesdays, the senior editor Tyler Foggatt goes deep on a consequential political story via far-reaching interviews with staff writers and outside experts. And, on Fridays, the staff writers Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the latest developments in Washington and beyond, offering an encompassing understanding of this moment in American politics.Please help us improve New Yorker podcasts by filling out our listener survey: https://panel2058.na2.panelpulse.com/c/a/661hs4tSRdw2yB2dvjFyyw
Episodes
Mentioned books
24 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 34min
Andrew Ross Sorkin on What 1929 Teaches Us About 2025
Veteran financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin shares insights on the looming economic risks reminiscent of 1929 and 2008. He discusses the bubble created by overinvestment in AI, drawing parallels with historical technological booms. Sorkin highlights the dangers of leveraged borrowing in various sectors and explains how private credit and shadow banking add to the uncertainty. He evaluates AI's current impact on profits while addressing economic inequality and suggesting tax reforms to counteract wealth gaps.
48 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 36min
Is the Epstein Scandal Trump’s Kryptonite?
Michael Isikoff, a seasoned investigative reporter known for uncovering major political scandals, joins the discussion on the recently released Epstein documents. He reveals how these communications could fracture Trump's base and impact GOP unity. The panel explores the risks of unverified DOJ files and debates whether scandals still effectively hold presidents accountable today. Isikoff also addresses Trump's resistance to disclosure, examines Epstein's influential ties, and considers the changing landscape of political accountability in America.
42 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 43min
How Zohran Mamdani Won, and What Comes Next
Eric Lach, a staff writer at The New Yorker covering NYC politics, discusses Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking mayoral victory. He highlights Mamdani's ambitious agenda, including plans for rent freezes and universal childcare, and the challenges he faces in delivering on these promises. Lach explores reactions from both parties, including concerns from business leaders and Trump's threats against the city. The conversation also delves into Mamdani's transition team choices, signaling a mix of new voices and established experience in navigating the political landscape.
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 26min
What Resistance Means to Governor J. B. Pritzker
In this engaging conversation, Peter Slevin, a veteran reporter covering Midwestern politics, interviews J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, about his staunch opposition to the Trump administration. Pritzker discusses the aggressive federal immigration enforcement in Chicago, likening the tactics to an invasion. He highlights community reactions like protests and calls for accountability. The governor also emphasizes the ineffectiveness of relocating federal agents to ICE, arguing it does little to reduce crime while creating chaos in local neighborhoods.
56 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 43min
The Washington Roundtable Answers Your Questions
As the 2026 election season heats up, the hosts tackle listener questions about key political dynamics. They delve into the implications of Zohran Mamdani's rise in NYC and the ongoing challenges of redistricting. The conversation touches on the landscape of congressional retirements and examines how they open doors for new candidates. Additionally, they reflect on Dick Cheney's complex legacy in light of his recent passing. The discussion highlights vital themes around election security and voting rights, painting a vivid picture of the political battleground ahead.
30 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 32min
Have the Democrats Figured Out How to Win Again?
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker focused on national politics, joins to dissect the Democrats' significant election wins and their implications. He highlights the surprising scope of victories, linking them to economic concerns and Trump’s declining support. Wallace-Wells discusses the importance of turnout in Zohran Mamdani's historic mayoral win and how generational changes within the party could steer future strategies. He also critiques Republican tactics in Virginia and identifies key figures poised for national influence.
22 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
Jon Stewart on the Perilous State of Late Night and Why America Fell for Donald Trump
Jon Stewart, the acclaimed comedian and former host of The Daily Show, shares insightful thoughts on the precarious state of late-night comedy and its relationship with media and politics. He critiques the loss of institutional credibility that led to Trump's rise and discusses the dangers comedians face today. Stewart highlights the challenges of addressing cultural issues in political messaging and reflects on the importance of integrity in a democracy. His keen observations on social media dynamics and the role of humor in activism make for a compelling conversation.
Oct 31, 2025 • 47min
From In the Dark: “Blood Relatives,” an investigative series
Heidi Blake, a New Yorker staff writer and investigative journalist, delves into the chilling Whitehouse Farm murders, where five family members were killed in 1985. She uncovers how the seemingly perfect Bamber family image masks deep-rooted issues, including mental health struggles and complex relationships. The podcast explores police investigations, initial assumptions of filicide-suicide, and how new evidence led to a renewed focus on the case. Blake’s gripping narration reveals that not everything is as it seems in this tragic story.
48 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
How Bad Is It?: Why an Antifascism Scholar Fled the Country
Mark Bray, a historian and author specializing in antifascism, shares his harrowing experience of receiving death threats and doxing that led him and his wife, Yesenia Barragan, a Latin American historian, to flee the U.S. The couple discusses the alarming rise of political violence, their choice to move to Spain, and the impact of conservative watchlists on academic freedom. Bray also explores the ethics of militant antifascism, the balance between free speech and public safety, and the chilling effects of threats on open discourse.
25 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
Zadie Smith on Politics, Turning Fifty, and Mind Control
Zadie Smith, acclaimed novelist and essayist known for works like *White Teeth* and *Dead and Alive*, dives deep into the intricate relationship between politics and personal reflection. She explores how digital platforms manipulate public discourse and admits that we are all impacted by this 'mind control.' Smith also contrasts youthful exuberance with her mature insights, discusses the role of essays in slowing down thought, and highlights class divides in screen exposure, advocating for regulatory measures to protect children's development.
