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
121 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.
106 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.
18 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.
48 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 37min
Charlie Kirk and the Long Shadow of Political Violence
A right-wing activist's assassination sends shockwaves through American politics, raising alarms about escalating political violence. The discussion dives into the historical roots of this violence and the dangers of leaders exploiting chaos for personal gain. It highlights the role of rhetoric in inciting real-world actions and the responsibility of public figures to denounce such behavior. The panel also examines how personal relationships shape political movements and the impact of social media on polarization, emphasizing the need for collective action against violence.
53 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 43min
The New Yorker’s Head of Fact Checking on Our Post-Truth Era
Fergus McIntosh, the head research editor at The New Yorker, discusses fact-checking in the era of Trump and the challenges posed by disinformation. He delves into how deepfakes complicate the verification of facts and Trump's aggressive tactics against government data release. The conversation highlights the obstacles journalists face in assessing credibility and the ripple effects of misinformation on public trust. Fergus emphasizes the need for transparency and improved methodologies in navigating today's complex political narratives.
10 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 40min
Anna Wintour Embraces a New Era at Vogue
In a candid conversation with David Remnick, Anna Wintour, the iconic editor of Vogue since 1988, reflects on her decision to step back and appoint Chloe Malle as her successor. She discusses the evolving fashion landscape and the need for fresh perspectives. The duo dives into the significance of fashion as a political statement, highlighted by a memorable Met Ball moment. Wintour also shares insights from her storied career, touching on mentorship and the shifting priorities in luxury amidst the digital age.
