The Political Scene | The New Yorker

The conversation delves into Joe Biden's declining health and the media's struggle to report on age-related challenges. It contrasts this with Donald Trump's long-standing incoherence, questioning how aging factors into his narrative. Journalists explore the ethical dilemmas and complexities of covering aging political figures, especially surrounding the 25th Amendment. The discussion highlights the need for nuanced media strategies while ensuring accountability in presidential decision-making, emphasizing the importance of connecting policies with real American experiences.

Clare Malone, a staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses the seismic shifts at The Washington Post since Jeff Bezos's acquisition in 2013. They dive into Bezos's motivations for purchasing the paper and how his editorial influence has led to staff departures and dwindling subscriptions. The conversation explores the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and business pressures, particularly regarding the decision to avoid presidential endorsements. Malone also highlights the changing focus of the opinion section towards libertarian views, raising questions about media independence.

Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic Senator from Michigan known for her economic focus and bipartisanship, discusses her unique position in a Trump-voting state. She advocates for Democrats to project 'alpha energy' and abandon identity politics. Slotkin emphasizes the importance of practical economic dialogue with constituents and urges a return to collegial collaboration in Congress. She questions the use of terms like 'oligarchy' within her party, pushing for clearer communication while highlighting the need for incremental immigration reform.

Join Katy Waldman, a staff writer for The New Yorker, as she delves into Donald Trump's intriguing fascination with A.I.-generated memes. They explore how these digital creations help him craft a cultural narrative and amplify the MAGA aesthetic in today's A.I. era. The pair discuss the dangerous effects of superficial A.I. content on political discourse and its toll on mental health. Waldman also touches on how Trump's online persona has evolved, utilizing wild imagery and social media as powerful political tools.

John Cassidy, a seasoned economics writer for The New Yorker, discusses the tumultuous evolution of capitalism influenced by Donald Trump's protectionist policies. Cassidy highlights the departure from traditional free-trade ideologies and the chaos caused by chaotic tariffs. He sheds light on the generational shift in views toward capitalism, especially among young people prioritizing environmentalism and accountability. Cassidy's insights from his book, 'Capitalism and Its Critics,' provide a historical backdrop to today's economic dilemmas, advocating for informed discussions on capitalism's future.

The podcast dives into the alarming levels of corruption within the U.S. government, spotlighting financial conflicts tied to Trump's family and cryptocurrency schemes. It critiques the rise of oligarchy and how elite privilege is reshaping American politics. The discussion highlights the influence of wealthy donors, like those in the poultry industry, on political governance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of public awareness and press accountability in combating systemic corruption and restoring trust in democracy.

In a new recurring series on The Political Scene, the staff writer Andrew Marantz joins Tyler Foggatt to assess the status of American democracy. How does one distinguish—in the blizzard of federal workforce cuts, deportations, and executive orders that have defined the first hundred days of Donald Trump’s second term—actions that are offensive to some, but fundamentally within the power of the executive, from moves which threaten the integrity of our system of government? Marantz applies the lens of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary to analyze where we may be in a potential slide toward autocracy, exploring ways in which Trump has even gone beyond the “Orbán playbook.” Marantz and Foggatt also discuss what it would take to reverse democratic backsliding.This week’s reading: “Is It Happening Here?,” by Andrew Marantz  “One Hundred Days of Ineptitude,” by David Remnick “The Bureaucratic Nightmares of Being Trans Under Trump,” by Grace Byron 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

Cory Booker, the Senator from New Jersey known for his activism on poverty and justice, delivers a powerful message about America’s need for moral leadership. He details his record-breaking Senate speech aimed at resisting authoritarianism, urging both parties to prioritize accountability over partisanship. Booker dives into the current immigration crisis and the struggles faced by communities, advocating for bipartisan compassion. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and the role of emerging leaders in shaping a just future.

The Washington Roundtable discusses the first hundred days of President Trump’s second Administration, and the fear, pain, and outrage reverberating through U.S. politics. The clinical psychologist and longtime Department of Justice official Alix McLearen is helping distressed government workers connect with service providers during this time. She joins the roundtable to discuss how a politics of fear is shaping the lives of federal employees and ordinary citizens alike, and strategies for coping when psychological forces like fear and trauma become governing principles. This week’s reading: “Waiting for Trump’s Big, Beautiful Deals,” by Susan B. Glasser “The Conservative Lawyer Defending a Firm from Donald Trump,” by Ruth Marcus “The Immigrant Families Jailed in Texas,” by Jack Herrera “The Cost of Defunding Harvard,” by Atul Gawande “Donald Trump’s Deportation Obsession,” by Jonathan Blitzer “The Guerrilla Marketing Campaign Against Elon Musk,” by Anna Russell “The Supreme Court Finally Takes On Trump,” by Ruth Marcus To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send in feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com with “The Political Scene” in the subject line. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Paul Elie, a writer for The New Yorker and author of 'The Last Supper,' dives into Pope Francis's impactful legacy and his complex relationships with traditionalists and right-wing leaders. Elie highlights the unique leadership style of Francis, emphasizing humility and vulnerability. The conversation also explores the impending papal conclave, the deepening divide between traditionalist and progressive views, and the future dynamics of the papacy shaped by diverse cardinal electorates.