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
36 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 32min
Have the Democrats Figured Out How to Win Again?
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker focused on national politics, joins to dissect the Democrats' significant election wins and their implications. He highlights the surprising scope of victories, linking them to economic concerns and Trump’s declining support. Wallace-Wells discusses the importance of turnout in Zohran Mamdani's historic mayoral win and how generational changes within the party could steer future strategies. He also critiques Republican tactics in Virginia and identifies key figures poised for national influence.
22 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
Jon Stewart on the Perilous State of Late Night and Why America Fell for Donald Trump
Jon Stewart, the acclaimed comedian and former host of The Daily Show, shares insightful thoughts on the precarious state of late-night comedy and its relationship with media and politics. He critiques the loss of institutional credibility that led to Trump's rise and discusses the dangers comedians face today. Stewart highlights the challenges of addressing cultural issues in political messaging and reflects on the importance of integrity in a democracy. His keen observations on social media dynamics and the role of humor in activism make for a compelling conversation.
Oct 31, 2025 • 47min
From In the Dark: “Blood Relatives,” an investigative series
Heidi Blake, a New Yorker staff writer and investigative journalist, delves into the chilling Whitehouse Farm murders, where five family members were killed in 1985. She uncovers how the seemingly perfect Bamber family image masks deep-rooted issues, including mental health struggles and complex relationships. The podcast explores police investigations, initial assumptions of filicide-suicide, and how new evidence led to a renewed focus on the case. Blake’s gripping narration reveals that not everything is as it seems in this tragic story.
48 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
How Bad Is It?: Why an Antifascism Scholar Fled the Country
Mark Bray, a historian and author specializing in antifascism, shares his harrowing experience of receiving death threats and doxing that led him and his wife, Yesenia Barragan, a Latin American historian, to flee the U.S. The couple discusses the alarming rise of political violence, their choice to move to Spain, and the impact of conservative watchlists on academic freedom. Bray also explores the ethics of militant antifascism, the balance between free speech and public safety, and the chilling effects of threats on open discourse.
25 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
Zadie Smith on Politics, Turning Fifty, and Mind Control
Zadie Smith, acclaimed novelist and essayist known for works like *White Teeth* and *Dead and Alive*, dives deep into the intricate relationship between politics and personal reflection. She explores how digital platforms manipulate public discourse and admits that we are all impacted by this 'mind control.' Smith also contrasts youthful exuberance with her mature insights, discusses the role of essays in slowing down thought, and highlights class divides in screen exposure, advocating for regulatory measures to protect children's development.
Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
How the Trump Administration Made Higher Education a Target
Emma Green, a staff writer for The New Yorker known for her in-depth political reporting, explores the Trump administration's aggressive higher-education agenda. She discusses how the administration has targeted elite institutions like Harvard and the implications of federal funding in academia. Green reveals insights from figures in the conservative movement, including Mae Mailman, about their views on academic freedom and the motivations behind their actions. The conversation highlights the political landscape that emerged around issues of campus culture and funding.
21 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 39min
The Ceasefire and the Business of Trump’s Diplomacy
The podcast delves into the delicate Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the Trump family's financial ties influencing American foreign policy. Panelists scrutinize Trump's transactional diplomacy, highlighting how personal profit mingles with global negotiations. Discussions reveal Qatar and U.A.E.'s roles and their complex relationships with the Trump family. Ethical concerns arise over conflicts of interest in diplomacy, questioning the long-term implications of mixing state matters with business gains. It’s a vivid exploration of geopolitics and commerce.
4 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 41min
How Much More Can Federal Workers Take?
E. Tammy Kim, a staff writer at The New Yorker focused on politics and labor, dives into the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers. She discusses the emotional toll on civil servants facing furloughs and layoffs while working without pay. Kim highlights the administration's mass layoffs as a tactic to shrink federal agencies and the subsequent threats to public services and democracy. She also raises concerns about financial hardships and the loss of institutional knowledge, warning that this crisis could fundamentally reshape the federal workforce.
47 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 48min
Zohran Mamdani Says He's Ready for Donald Trump
Zohran Mamdani, a rising Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, shares insights into his unexpected mayoral campaign. He discusses his ambitious affordability agenda, including a rent freeze and taxing the wealthiest, while navigating potential federal pushback from Donald Trump. Mamdani reveals his strategies to connect with diverse communities and reflects on the challenges of building trust among voters. He emphasizes the need for dignity in housing and public services, while preparing for inevitable political confrontations.
38 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 41min
What Does Donald Trump’s “War from Within” Mean in Practice?
Kori Schake, a foreign-and-defense-policy scholar and director at the American Enterprise Institute, explores the alarming implications of Donald Trump’s militarization of politics. She discusses how Trump’s rhetoric has transformed the military's role, pressuring soldiers to pledge personal loyalty and bypassing senior leadership. Schake warns of the dangers posed by the Insurrection Act, highlighting legal pathways for military deployment and the risks of politicizing the armed forces. The conversation spotlights the urgent need for lawful limits and the significance of institutional checks.
