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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
A Conservative Professor on How to Fix Campus Culture
In this engaging discussion, Robert P. George, a Princeton professor and influential political philosopher, delves into the current state of campus culture. He critiques the secularism and leftist dominance in academia, arguing it stifles real debate. George emphasizes the importance of civil discourse, encouraging students to engage with differing viewpoints. He discusses the emotional climate shaping truth and warns against the pitfalls of self-censorship. Finally, he explores the need for merit-based evaluations while acknowledging the complexities of diversity in academia.
46 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 36min
How Russell Vought Broke the U.S. Government
The discussion delves into Russell Vought's pivotal role during the government shutdown. Vought, known for his Christian nationalist views, threatens to lay off federal workers and withhold funds from Democratic states. The panel explores how his background as an architect of Project 2025 informs his aggressive tactics. They also examine the implications of using budgetary power as a political weapon, leading to what they term 'partitioning' America. The conversation raises questions about the potential political ramifications of these divisive strategies.
20 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 47min
Will the Supreme Court Hand Trump Another Slate of Victories?
Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law professor and contributing writer, discusses the Supreme Court’s new term and its implications for executive power and civil rights. She delves into the challenges to presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the ongoing disputes over voting rights connected to gerrymandering. Gersen sheds light on trans rights in sports, critiques the Court's use of its emergency docket, and reflects on Chief Justice John Roberts' impact on the conservative legal landscape.
107 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 50min
Ezra Klein’s Big-Tent Vision of the Democratic Party
Ezra Klein, a journalist and New York Times columnist, shares insights on Democratic Party strategy and the complexities of political polarization. He discusses balancing praise for political opponents with personal convictions, fears of democratic rupture amplified by Trump, and the necessity of a big-tent approach that includes leftist voices. Klein emphasizes the need for Democrats to connect with voters on a personal level, run competitively in red areas, and reclaim Obama's unifying rhetoric. With humor, he reflects on his role as a journalist navigating these challenges.
46 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 44min
Jimmy Kimmel and the Power of Public Pressure
Hardy Merriman, a former president of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, joins to discuss the role of public pressure in combating democratic backsliding. He highlights how nonviolent resistance, through tactics like boycotts and protests, can drive change effectively. Merriman emphasizes the importance of mass participation over high-risk actions and how movements can organically create leaders. He also warns against authoritarian encroachments on civil society and the power of economic grievances to mobilize the public.
9 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 38min
How MAHA Is Sowing Vaccine Confusion
Dhruv Khullar, a contributing writer at The New Yorker and a practicing physician, dives into the chaotic landscape of vaccine policy in the U.S. under Donald Trump's second term. The discussion focuses on the politicization of vaccines, the role of newly appointed skeptics in federal health agencies, and how states are stepping up to fill the void left by the federal government. Khullar highlights the complexities of vaccine access, the impact of shifting guidelines on public trust, and the surprising pro-vaccine stance of some red states like West Virginia.
91 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 37min
Is The 2026 Election Already in Danger?
Mark Elias, a veteran election lawyer known for defending the 2020 results, discusses the looming threats to the integrity of the upcoming elections. He highlights Trump's call for a national ban on mail-in voting and the Justice Department's dubious requests for voter data. Elias expresses concern over 're-gerrymandering' in Texas and the need for Democrats to match the tactics. He warns that upcoming congressional elections may not reflect the public's true voting preferences, urging vigilance against potential rollbacks of democratic norms.
53 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 46min
Hillary Clinton on the Psychology of Autocrats
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, and Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean of Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, delve into the psychology of authoritarian leaders like Trump and Putin. They emphasize the importance of understanding leader psychology in navigating global crises and decision-making. Clinton criticizes the media's pressure tactics and discusses contemporary politics, including Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan. Their insights are drawn from their new book, shedding light on the complexities of crisis response and political dynamics.
9 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 47min
How Bad Is It?: Political Violence in the U.S., and What We Can Learn from Brazil
Petra Costa, a Brazilian filmmaker famed for her insightful documentaries on political turmoil, joins to discuss parallels between Brazil and the U.S. She reflects on her work and the alarming rise of authoritarianism. Costa delves into Jair Bolsonaro's recent conviction and the chilling implications of political violence, especially following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The conversation also explores the fragility of democracy, the responsibilities of free speech, and the importance of understanding our political landscape to avoid a similar fate.
13 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 38min
How the “Dangerous Gimmick” of the Two-State Solution Ended in Disaster
Hussein Agha, a veteran negotiator for Palestine, and Robert Malley, a former U.S. diplomat, reflect on their roles in failed peace efforts between Israel and Palestine. They argue that decades-long pursuit of a two-state solution was a fruitless endeavor, leaving both sides in a worse position. Agha emphasizes the crucial need to address historical emotions, not just rational discussions, while Malley critiques how U.S. involvement escalated tensions. Their new book unveils the illusion of progress and the fragmented realities of both communities.
