The Political Scene | The New Yorker
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
35 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 32min
Bill Gates on His New Memoir and Dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation, shares insights from his memoir, "Source Code." He discusses the rise of conspiracy theories during the pandemic, attributing them to societal trends fueled by technology. Gates reflects on a dinner with Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for government support in global health initiatives. He also tackles the complexities of wealth distribution and the ethical responsibilities of billionaires, while contemplating the transformative impact of AI on society and politics.
41 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 36min
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on What Democrats Should Do Next
Sheldon Whitehouse, Democratic Senator from Rhode Island and a vocal critic of the Trump administration, discusses vital strategies for the Democratic party amidst political chaos. He emphasizes the need for organized messaging to connect failures of the current administration to real-world impacts on citizens. The conversation also tackles the disruptive tactics used by some right-wing factions and the importance of grassroots efforts to combat corruption. Whitehouse reflects on the necessity for the party to adapt and address public health issues in a shifting political landscape.
30 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 30min
How Trump’s Federal-Aid Fiasco Is Testing the Separation of Power
Join Harvard Law professor and New Yorker contributor Jeannie Suk Gersen as she dissects the recent turmoil surrounding Trump's federal funding memo. Gersen reveals how this directive has exposed tensions between the President and Congress, sparking a potential power struggle. She delves into the constitutional boundaries of executive authority, the significance of the 14th Amendment in Trump's policies, and the effects on budgetary control. The conversation offers a gripping look at the battle for power in Washington.
21 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 45min
A Spirit of Vengeance in Trump’s First Week
Explore the whirlwind of President Trump’s first week in office, where he made headlines by signing an unprecedented number of executive orders. The discussion dives into his sense of grievance and vengeful instincts, as well as the implications of his controversial immigration policies. Key moments from his inaugural address are unpacked, along with the influence of radical ideologies on governance. Additionally, the podcast examines shifting dynamics in U.S. foreign policy and the delicate balance between personal vendetta and political power.
18 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 35min
David Remnick on the Dawn of Trump’s Second Term
Donald Trump's second term kicks off with executive actions that shake the political landscape. His speeches reflect a bold confidence and a deepening influence over the Republican Party. The chaotic implications of his decisions, including a controversial stance on Ukraine, raise concerns about democracy. The discussion also underscores the intersection of performative politics and corporate interests, hinting at an inevitable chaos ahead. As storytelling and media evolve, the reflection on the past fuels anticipation for what lies ahead in this tumultuous era.
74 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 36min
Big Money and Trump’s New Cabinet
The discussion dives into the confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet, spotlighting potential military strategies in a second term. It critically examines Biden's stark warnings about emerging oligarchies amid the elite's key role in politics. Concerns about concentrated power and incompetence in governance are highlighted, alongside contrasting leadership styles from presidents like Biden and Carter. The evolving alliances between wealthy elites and Trump reveal a troubling shift towards prioritizing winning over ethics in contemporary political engagement.
43 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 30min
How the Blazes in L.A. Got Swept Into the Culture War
Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the chaos surrounding the devastating fires in Los Angeles. He discusses how these disasters have become a political battleground, with figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump deflecting blame. Kang highlights the implications for federal disaster relief in a politically charged climate, exploring criticisms of California’s leadership amidst rising dissatisfaction among residents. The conversation sheds light on the intersection of disaster response and cultural warfare shaping local perceptions and politics.
14 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 35min
Representative Ro Khanna on Elon Musk and the Tech Oligarchy
Ro Khanna, a progressive U.S. Representative from California's Silicon Valley, shares his insights on the risks of a tech oligarchy led by billionaires like Elon Musk. He believes this consolidation of power threatens democratic integrity and working-class trust. Khanna also discusses the need for Democrats to reconnect with these voters by advocating economic solutions that celebrate entrepreneurship while addressing social welfare. His vision of progressive capitalism seeks a balanced approach to innovation and equity.
19 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 33min
What the End of Meta’s Fact-Checking Program Means for the Future of Free Speech
Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to end Meta’s fact-checking program raises questions about misinformation in the digital age. The conversation dives into how this impacts truth and free speech, particularly as Trump returns to the political scene. There’s a critical look at the contradiction between conservative support for free speech and actions that threaten it. The challenges facing journalism against rising authoritarianism and how affluent demographics shape media’s future also take center stage, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
42 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 29min
Will Justin Trudeau’s Resignation Lead to the MAGA-fication of Canada?
Adam Gopnik, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the seismic shift in Canadian politics with the resignation of Justin Trudeau after nearly ten years in office. He analyzes the factors behind Trudeau's plummeting popularity, including housing crises and pandemic fallout. Gopnik discusses the rise of Pierre Poilievre and how his far-right rhetoric mirrors Trump's MAGA movement. They explore the implications for Canadian identity and the potential radical shift in the country's political landscape.
