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
30 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 31min
What Stops Democracy from Backsliding?
Larry Diamond, a Stanford democracy expert, dives into the alarming state of American democracy under Trump. He discusses the unsettling alignment of Republican lawmakers due to fear, reflecting on authoritarian practices taking root. The dialogue highlights the need for civic engagement to counter this backsliding, emphasizing the crucial roles of Congress and ordinary citizens. Diamond also addresses how concentrated wealth threatens democratic integrity and urges a bipartisan approach to reinvigorate democratic norms.
37 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 39min
Elon Musk’s A.I.-Driven Government Coup
Kyle Chayka, a Staff Writer for The New Yorker and author of "Elon Musk’s A.I.-Fuelled War on Human Agency," discusses the rise of techno-fascism linked to Elon Musk's influence in U.S. governance. He questions the reliability of AI in political decision-making, highlighting the risks of authoritarian outcomes. The conversation delves into the conservative shift in the tech industry and the evolving relationship between tech giants and political power, raising concerns about individual autonomy and the implications of advanced technology on society.
39 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 33min
The A.C.L.U. v. Trump 2.0
In this engaging discussion, Anthony Romero, the Executive Director of the ACLU and a veteran in civil rights advocacy, dives deep into the ongoing legal battles against the Trump administration. He reveals the ACLU's staggering number of lawsuits and the implications of potential executive overreach, including a looming constitutional crisis. Romero compares historical challenges faced by previous presidents and stresses the urgent need for public action if judicial orders are defied. He emphasizes the significance of unity in defending civil rights during turbulent political times.
78 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 38min
What Does It Mean to Resist Trump in 2025?
Brady Brickner-Wood, a freelance essayist and cultural critic, offers an incisive analysis of the evolving resistance to Trump’s presidency. He discusses the fatigue and resignation felt among liberals and critiques the Democratic Party's struggles to unify its message. The conversation also dives into Kendrick Lamar's politically charged Super Bowl halftime performance, showcasing how cultural resistance interplays with politics. Brickner-Wood emphasizes the need for grassroots movements and authentic engagement to overcome challenges in today's polarized landscape.
24 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 26min
Trump’s Boogeyman: D.E.I.
Jelani Cobb, a historian and dean at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, joins to critique the Trump administration's portrayal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) as a scapegoat for societal issues. Cobb discusses how D.E.I. is manipulated as a political tool, linking it to everything from academic concerns to media narratives. He draws parallels to historical boogeymen like the Red Scare, emphasizing the malleability of D.E.I. rhetoric and its implications for marginalized communities in today’s political climate.
62 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 30min
Why Trump Is Targeting Foreign Aid, with Atul Gawande
Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and former head of global health at USAID, discusses the alarming dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development by Trump and Musk. He highlights the dire consequences of cutting foreign aid and argues for the critical role of the agency in global health. Gawande reflects on the disconnect between elite expertise and populist sentiment, emphasizing the need for informed discourse in politics. He also explores the complex relationship between despair and hope in democracy, particularly in healthcare initiatives.
22 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 33min
Is Flying Actually Becoming Less Safe?
Matthew L. Wald, a seasoned transportation safety reporter, joins the discussion on the recent tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter. He analyzes the political fallout and the current state of aviation safety, emphasizing issues at the FAA and the impact of misguided blame on diversity initiatives. Wald highlights the significant decline in airline crashes due to tech advancements, while cautioning against the politicization of safety regulations and the importance of informed public perception in aviation.
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.
