On the Media

Adam Bonica, a political scientist from Stanford University and author of the Substack newsletter On Data and Democracy, dives into the chaotic world of Democratic Party fundraising tactics. He reveals the overwhelming flood of insistent donation emails that utilize alarming language and celebrity names to compel giving. Bonica discusses the unethical tactics of urgency and deception, likening them to scams targeting seniors. He advocates for a shift towards treating donors as partners and highlights successful candidates embracing more respectful fundraising strategies.

May Mailman, a former senior policy strategist for the White House, dives into the controversial 'Trump compact' aimed at reshaping university relationships with the government. She discusses its implications for academic freedom, including tracking ideological views and alterations in admissions policies. Mailman also highlights how settlements with institutions like Columbia signal a shift in power dynamics, raising concerns about future abuses. Throughout, she defends civil rights enforcement as a pathway to elevate academic quality amidst political pressures.

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent for Vox, delves into the rising tensions within the Republican Party, sparked by Nick Fuentes' controversial interview with Tucker Carlson. He explains how Carlson's soft approach to Fuentes normalized extremist views, creating a rift among conservatives. Beauchamp also discusses the appeal of Fuentes to disaffected youth and the complex interplay between anti-cancellation norms and antisemitism in the GOP. Additionally, he highlights the unique role of Jewish and Christian Zionist influences on Republican attitudes toward Israel.

Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and former NIH director, alongside Camila Naksarova, a Harvard Medical School researcher, dive into the turmoil caused by frozen federal grants impacting vital research. They explore the dramatic conflict between Bhattacharya and Harvard's president, Alan Garber, who was once his mentor. Conversations reveal how COVID-19 reshaped their careers, the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, and the dire consequences for academia's future, urging a reevaluation of funding priorities and the implications for scientific progress.

Elliott Morris, a journalist and statistician behind the newsletter Strength in Numbers, dives into the electoral impacts of moderation in politics. He discusses the recent New York City mayoral win by Zohran Mamdani, emphasizing how divided party support reflects the broader debate on moderation. Morris critiques traditional analyses, arguing factors like incumbency and district dynamics are more pivotal than ideological centrist positions. He also highlights how group identity now supersedes policy preferences, reshaping electoral strategies for both parties.

Ryan Enos, a political scientist at Harvard, shares insights on campus politics and the faculty's fight against government pressures. Genetics professor Kamila Naxerova highlights the impact of federal funding cuts on her cancer research lab. Kit Parker, a bioengineering professor and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, discusses the challenges of academic freedom and the importance of conservative voices in campus debates. Together, they navigate the intricate dynamics between politics, funding, and educational integrity at Harvard.

Ryan Enos, a Harvard political scientist focusing on campus politics, discusses how faculty and students organized to resist administrative pressures. Kamila Naxerova, a genetics professor, shares her experiences with research funding disruptions amid political tensions. Kit Parker, a conservative professor, raises concerns about academic freedom and the impact of external pressures on university independence. Together, they navigate the complex landscape of academia during unprecedented political scrutiny.

Andy Kroll from ProPublica discusses Russell Vought, who is significantly impacting federal employment through mass layoffs and fiscal strategies that align with MAGA priorities. Ben Lorber analyzes the rise of Nick Fuentes, a Gen Z white nationalist influencer, and his ambitions to pull the Republican Party further right. Student journalist Gregorio Olivares Gutierrez shares insights into his experiences covering campus protests, highlighting clashes with administration and the launch of a new student paper after a contentious dispute.

LaFontaine E. Oliver, the President and CEO of New York Public Radio, discusses the significant impact of billion-dollar funding cuts to public media. He highlights new initiatives like offering national shows for free to struggling stations. Oliver shares how local journalism faces challenges and the importance of preserving community-focused reporting. He also details the innovative role of the Public Media Infrastructure Consortium in stabilizing operations amidst financial turmoil. The conversation centers on balancing national programming with local news needs.

Joseph Cox, an investigative reporter and co-founder of 404 Media, reveals how tech giants are removing apps documenting ICE activities, discussing the implications for future accountability. Mark Bray, a historian known for his work on Antifa, shares his harrowing experience of being doxxed, leading him to flee the country amidst a smear campaign. John J. Lennon, an editor and author from Sing Sing, critiques true crime narratives and their impact on public perception of incarcerated individuals, advocating for more nuanced storytelling.