The Political Scene | The New Yorker

The New Yorker staff writers Dexter Filkins and Clare Malone join Tyler Foggatt to examine Donald Trump’s appointments of former congressman Matt Gaetz and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to his Cabinet.Gaetz, who has been nominated for Attorney General, is one of Trump’s most vociferous defenders and the former subject of a sex-trafficking investigation run by the Department of Justice. (Gaetz has denied all allegations.) Trump has chosen Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, giving one of the world’s most prominent anti-vaccine activists broad powers over public health. How would these men reshape the legal and medical infrastructures of our federal government? And will they even be confirmed?This week’s reading: “How Far Would Matt Gaetz Go?,” by Dexter Filkins “R.F.K., Jr.,’s Next Move,” by Clare Malone  “Why Is Elon Musk Really Embracing Donald Trump?,” By John Cassidy  “Trump’s Cabinet of Wonders,” by David Remnick “The Most Extreme Cabinet Ever,” by Susan B. Glasser To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Harvard political scientists and authors of "How Democracies Die," discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. They assert that it's not the voters' job to defend democracy, as they often prioritize personal concerns over abstract principles. Exploring the implications of Trump’s presidency, they highlight the dangers of minority-supported leaders and advocate for institutional reform to combat democratic backsliding. Both scholars emphasize that civic engagement and elite accountability are crucial to safeguarding democratic norms.

Join Chris Hayes, an insightful author and MSNBC host, as he dissects the shifting political landscape after Trump’s potential return. He discusses the alarming decline of support for Democrats among the working class and the impact of post-COVID inflation. Hayes also explores how the attention economy shapes modern political discourse and urges Democrats to adapt their strategies to resonate with diverse voters while confronting rising populism and authoritarianism in America.

A roundtable discussion reveals how Donald Trump's unexpected electoral success raises eyebrows amidst his legal troubles. The conversation dives into the Democratic Party's struggle to resonate with younger and Latino voters, influenced by economic inequality. With Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric looming, there are concerns about the impact on U.S. democracy and judicial appointments. The normalization of extremist views is alarming, as the political landscape continues to shift, highlighting the media's role in this turbulent era.

Clare Malone and Jay Caspian Kang, both staff writers at The New Yorker, dive into the implications of Donald Trump’s surprising return to the presidency. They discuss the significant demographic shifts that helped him secure victory, especially among Black and Latino voters. The duo critiques the Democratic Party's messaging and highlights Kamala Harris’s campaign challenges. They delve into the complexity of voter dynamics, particularly around abortion, and explore the uncertain future of the Democratic Party in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Liz Cheney, former Wyoming representative and a fierce critic of Donald Trump, discusses her political journey and the growing dissent against Trump among military leaders. She passionately defends Vice-President Kamala Harris as a stable option amid fears surrounding Trump's influence. Cheney highlights the chilling effect on endorsements, citing Jeff Bezos’ caution, and addresses the evolving political landscape in America. Reflecting on her own experiences, she emphasizes the need for integrity in politics and the importance of learning from past mistakes.

Michael Beschloss, a renowned presidential historian and NBC News contributor, discusses the crucial and perilous crossroad the U.S. faces leading into the 2024 election. He starkly compares it to historic turning points, warning that Donald Trump's rhetoric aligns with fascism. Beschloss emphasizes the fragility of democracy and the possibility of resistance through civic engagement and state autonomy, igniting an urgent conversation about the roles of character and leadership in safeguarding democratic values.

Geraldo Cadava, a contributing writer for The New Yorker focusing on Latino political dynamics, joins Tyler Foggatt to dissect the fallout from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s blatant remarks about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally. They explore how this controversy could affect Latino voter sentiment in key states like Pennsylvania, as well as the changing allegiances among Latino voters who are increasingly concerned about issues like crime and immigration. Cadava also analyzes the influence of celebrity endorsements in shaping political views ahead of the election.

In this lively discussion, Charlamagne tha God, co-host of The Breakfast Club, sheds light on Vice-President Kamala Harris's recent outreach to Black voters, particularly Black men, amidst challenges in polling support. He shares his personal experiences, including receiving serious death threats for engaging with Harris. Charlamagne argues that the narrative of her losing support is exaggerated and critiques the Democrats for shying away from honest discussions about pressing issues like immigration and the economy. He emphasizes the need for transparency and sincerity in political messaging.

The podcast delves into the surge of disinformation shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2024 election. A.I.-generated slander and rigged vote claims are discussed as contributors to this alarming trend. Insights highlight how misinformation threatens democracy and electoral integrity. Legal actions against figures like Rudy Giuliani illustrate the consequences of spreading falsehoods. The speakers emphasize the urgency of accountability in combating this tide of lies and the need for public awareness to safeguard democracy.