The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Jon Allsop, a contributor to The New Yorker who focuses on politics and conspiracy theories, joins Tyler Foggatt to explore the ripple effects of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal on American politics. They discuss President Trump’s handling of the Epstein files and how it has fragmented his base. The conversation delves into the Democrats' weaponization of conspiracy theories and the growing influence of conspiratorial thinking in political discourse. Allsop also highlights public dissatisfaction and the deep-seated paranoia that shapes contemporary narratives.

Michael Wolff, a journalist and author known for his in-depth examinations of Donald Trump, discusses his extensive interviews with Jeffrey Epstein and the political fallout from Epstein's death. He explores how MAGA supporters perceive Epstein's demise as a conspiracy while overlooking Trump's deeper ties to Epstein. Their friendship, marred by real estate disputes, raises questions about alliances in power dynamics. The conversation delves into the implications of Epstein's legacy on Trump and the MAGA movement, highlighting the challenges of media engagement with controversial figures.

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the intricate relationship between Trump’s administration and the Supreme Court. She analyzes how political influences shape judicial decisions, revealing the dissenting justices' dynamics and the impact of dark money. Litman discusses critical issues like voting rights and the Court's handling of abortion cases, stressing the importance of public understanding in maintaining democracy. Her insights provide a compelling look at the challenges faced by America’s highest court.

In conservative economics, cuts to social services are often seen as necessary to shrink the expanding deficit. Donald Trump’s budget bill is something altogether different: it cuts Medicaid while slashing tax rates for the wealthiest Americans, adding $6 trillion to the national debt, according to the Cato Institute. Janet Yellen, a former Treasury Secretary and former chair of the Federal Reserve, sees severe impacts in store for average Americans: “What this is going to do is to raise interest rates even more. And so housing will become less affordable, car loans less affordable,” she tells David Remnick. “This bill also contains changes that raise the burdens of anyone who has already taken on student debt. And with higher interest rates, further education—college [and] professional school—becomes less affordable. It may also curtail investment spending, which has a negative impact on growth.” This, she believes, is why the President is desperate to lower interest rates; he has spoken of firing his appointed chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, whom he has called a “numbskull” and a “stupid person,” and installing a more compliant chair. But lowering interest rates to further political goals, Yellen says, “are the words one expects from the head of a banana republic that is about to start printing money to fund fiscal deficits. … And then you get very high inflation or hyperinflation.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fiona Hill, a renowned Russia expert and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, discusses the intricate connections between Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime and Donald Trump's presidency. Hill highlights alarming parallels between the political climates in Russia and the U.S., especially regarding the erosion of democratic institutions. She also reflects on Trump’s impact on American governance and the military dynamics that threaten global security. With keen insights, she warns against the troubling shift towards authoritarianism in American politics.

Andy Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky, shares insights on winning back voters for the Democratic Party while maintaining a strong stance on social issues like abortion and trans rights. He discusses the repercussions of Trump’s policies on rural America, especially in healthcare and local economies. Beshear emphasizes the need for relatable communication and practical achievements to rebuild trust and strategize electoral success. He also touches on the importance of younger leadership and a broad coalition to unify the party for future elections.

The New Yorker staff writer Rivka Galchen joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss a class at the University of Chicago with a tantalizingly dark title: Are We Doomed? It’s in the interdisciplinary field of existential risk, which studies the threats posed by climate change, nuclear warfare, and artificial intelligence. Galchen, who spent a semester observing the course and its students, considers how to contend with this bleak future, and how to understand the young people who may inherit it.This episode originally aired June 5, 2024This week’s reading: “Donald Trump, Zohran Mamdani, and Posting as Politics” by Kyle Chayka “Do We Need Another Green Revolution?,” by Elizabeth Kolbert “What Therapists Treating Immigrants Hear,” by Geraldo Cadava Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor of Special Report on Fox News, shares insights from nearly three decades in journalism. He discusses Trump's intricate relationship with Fox, revealing how the network influences the former president's agenda and communication style. Baier highlights the unique challenges of maintaining impartiality while navigating a polarized media landscape. He also reflects on interviewing Trump, contrasting his dynamic press interactions with Biden's more reserved approach, and calls for a more balanced media environment.

Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker focusing on media, technology, and politics, delves into the serious implications of Trump's military actions in Iran. He discusses whether these strikes jeopardize his support from the 'America First' coalition, portraying a shift towards authoritarianism. The conversation also questions the legitimacy of using the National Guard during protests, highlighting tensions between democracy and authority. Marantz emphasizes the importance of independent judgment in evaluating the balance of power amid rising partisanship.

Yossi Klein Halevi, a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, sheds light on the Israeli-Iranian tension. He discusses Iran's apocalyptic theology and its implications for nuclear ambitions. Halevi argues that Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial strike on Iran may have been necessary despite political motivations. The conversation also covers the historical context of Iran's threats and the psychological impact on Israel, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these existential challenges.