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
Sep 30, 2024 • 20min
Young Donald Trump, Roy Cohn, and the Dark Arts of Power
In this engaging discussion, Sebastian Stan shares insights on portraying a young Donald Trump, moving away from comedic caricature to a serious narrative. Jeremy Strong discusses embodying the influential, morally ambiguous lawyer Roy Cohn, revealing their turbulent mentor-protégé relationship. Gabriel Sherman, the film's executive producer, emphasizes its humanist approach and the controversial challenges faced in its production, including legal threats from Trump himself. The film dives deep into ambition and power brokering in New York's complex political landscape.
Sep 28, 2024 • 40min
The Election Dividing Husbands and Wives Across America
Celinda Lake, a seasoned Democratic pollster and founder of Lake Research Partners, dives into the stark gender divide shaping the 2024 elections. She reveals that the division between male and female voters is more pronounced than in 2016, driven by factors beyond just abortion. Lake discusses strategies to connect Kamala Harris with blue-collar women leaning toward Trump and examines the complex dynamics of marital relationships affected by political polarization. Intriguingly, she also highlights the shifting perceptions of women in leadership roles.
Sep 25, 2024 • 29min
From “Inside the Hive”: Behind Donald Trump's “Bro Podcast” Binge
Helen Lewis, a staff writer for The Atlantic, and Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter, dive into Donald Trump's savvy strategy to charm the young male demographic via 'bro podcasts.' Comedian Theo Von and Twitch streamer Adin Ross are called out for their roles in creating viral moments for Trump's 2024 campaign. The discussion highlights the risks of such informal media engagements, emphasizing how the candid nature of these platforms can potentially backfire for politicians. Expect surprising insights about the changing landscape of political communication!
Sep 24, 2024 • 20min
Timothy Snyder on Why Ukraine Can Still Win the War
Timothy Snyder, a renowned historian and author of influential works like "Bloodlands," shares his insights after extensive travels in Ukraine. He discusses the unwavering Ukrainian belief in victory and the historical patterns that support this optimism. Snyder highlights the concept of freedom as an active pursuit, not merely the absence of oppression. He emphasizes the need for sustained international support and critiques misconceptions about freedom, advocating for a positive, inclusive understanding that fosters individual and societal well-being.
Sep 18, 2024 • 31min
Is Eric Adams Impervious to Scandal?
In this engaging discussion, Eric Lach, a staff writer for The New Yorker, dissects the controversies surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. They delve into the recent resignations amid corruption probes and how these scandals might impact Adams' reelection prospects. Lach emphasizes the insular nature of NYC's political landscape and the challenges inherent in public perceptions. The conversation also touches on the complexities of candidate engagement in mayoral elections and the resilience required to navigate ongoing scrutiny.
Sep 16, 2024 • 26min
Josh Shapiro on How Kamala Harris Can Win Pennsylvania
Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania who won by a significant margin in 2022, shares his insights on the critical 2024 election. He emphasizes the importance of appealing to Independents and Republicans to secure victory in the purple state. Shapiro discusses the high stakes of Pennsylvania's electoral votes and the necessity of personal engagement in politics. He also dives into the dynamics of vice presidential nominations and the impact of faith and beliefs on political discourse, particularly regarding current issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Sep 14, 2024 • 42min
How to Get Under a Strongman’s Skin, with George Conway
George Conway dives deep into the psychological tactics used to unsettle Donald Trump, reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of Kamala Harris's debate strategies. The discussion explores how custom attack ads have affected Trump’s psyche, triggering his insecurities and making him react publicly. Insights into Trump's personality and the exploiting of familial ties reveal the darker side of political campaigning. Humorous takes on political dynamics highlight the urgency and complexity of engaging undecided voters in an increasingly polarized landscape.
Sep 11, 2024 • 27min
Will Kamala Harris’s Debate Win Be Enough to Move the Needle?
Clare Malone and Vinson Cunningham, staff writers for The New Yorker, unpack Kamala Harris's standout debate performance against Donald Trump. They discuss Harris's strong stances on critical issues like abortion and the January 6th insurrection, juxtaposed with Trump's reliance on conspiracy theories. The conversation delves into the implications of a surprise Taylor Swift endorsement and how cultural touchstones can sway undecided voters as the election nears. Will Harris's debate win shift public perception in her favor?
Sep 9, 2024 • 27min
Preparing For Trump’s Next “Big Lie,” with the Election Lawyer Marc Elias
Marc Elias, a prominent election lawyer celebrated for his victories against Trump's 2020 lawsuits, shares insights as he now aids Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign. He discusses the looming challenges of the 2024 election, warning that Trump's tactics may be more organized and desperate due to his legal troubles. Elias highlights the dangers posed by election-denying officials gaining power in swing states, fearing that Trump's inevitable claim of winning will undermine democratic processes once again.
Sep 7, 2024 • 41min
Will Harris Get Trump to Self-Destruct at the Debate?
The discussion dives into the contrasting styles of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump ahead of their pivotal debate. Insights reveal how Trump's aggressive tactics could inadvertently bolster Harris's position. Fundraising strategies are examined, highlighting the different approaches candidates take as Election Day approaches. The impact of dark money in politics is also addressed, shedding light on how it affects both candidates and voters. Analyzing past debates, the conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional connections for electoral success.
