The Opinions

Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist with decades of work on love and intimacy, explores how AI creates a safe, frictionless mimicry of connection. She discusses AI’s patterned voice, the loss of embodied otherness, ethical accountability, and how bots reshape our longings and expectations. Short, provocative reflections on what real intimacy requires.

Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times columnist known for Middle East reporting and writings on globalization. He reflects on pain watching Minneapolis unrest and draws parallels with Gaza. He discusses how politicians exploit crises for votes. He outlines border-control plus legal pathways and warns that division can weaken democracy. He ends on cautious optimism about younger, diverse generations.

David French, a lawyer and NYT opinion writer on constitutional law, and Emily Bazelon, a lawyer and NYT opinion writer focused on courts and civil rights, discuss how presidential power is being reshaped. They trace who really holds influence in the administration. They examine strategies that target marginalized groups, clashes between MAGA legal theory and classical conservatism, and the limits of courts versus elections.

Ross Douthat, an opinion columnist known for his deep dives into politics, teams up with historian and commentator Jamelle Bouie to explore Trump's second term. They dive into Trump's expansion of executive power, with Douthat likening it to FDR's era. Bouie contrasts the Monroe Doctrine with Trump's self-serving foreign policy maneuvers, including the infamous Greenland interest. They also dissect the implications of aggressive immigration policies and Congress's failure to check the president's authority, setting the stage for potential political and electoral ramifications.

As the midterms approach, a critical shift in political control is being discussed. The panel examines how a Democratic victory could reshape Republican strategies regarding Trump. They debate the importance of localizing campaign messages and addressing voter priorities. The role of accountability in messaging is key, along with the risks of backlash from extreme tactics. They also explore the consequences of Trump's declining approval and its impact on MAGA sentiments, while addressing fears about election integrity.

Francisco Rodríguez, a Venezuelan economist and former chief economist for the Congressional Budget Office, discusses the fragile state of Venezuela's opposition. He examines María Corina Machado's strategy to leverage support from Trump, highlighting the risks of external intervention. Rodríguez critiques the reliance on Trump, suggesting it jeopardizes Machado's future. He warns of the consequences of politicized oil revenues on governance and explores potential outcomes, from democratic transitions to authoritarian control under U.S. influence.

Tressie McMillan Cottom, a prominent columnist and scholar, joins creative consultant Emily Keegan to dive into the world of AI-generated content. They discuss the emotional fallout from being fooled by AI, questioning public trust and how media literacy may not be enough. The conversation explores the role of legacy media in verification, the appeal of AI imagery, and what defines art. Both highlight a growing demand for genuine human expression and offer tips on spotting dubious content while pondering a cultural shift back to authenticity.

David French, a Conservative columnist known for his insights on law and politics, joins Carlos Lozada, an opinion columnist focused on foreign affairs, to unravel the implications of recent events. They dive into the controversial ICE shooting in Minneapolis and debate the potential backfire on the administration’s narrative. The discussion shifts to Trump's aggressive foreign policy in Venezuela, questioning America's role in the hemisphere and the motivations behind military interventions. Both provide critical context on nationalism, militarism, and the complexities of recent strategies.

Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and insightful New York Times columnist, teams up with Jessica Grose, an opinion writer focusing on culture and personal life. They dive into the surge of cosmetic procedures, exploring how reality TV and social norms have shifted public perceptions. Discussion highlights include the democratization of Botox, the pressures of modern aesthetics on all genders, and the potential for beauty practices to impact long-term happiness. They celebrate aging naturally as a rebellion against beauty standards.

Masha Gessen, a renowned writer and expert on authoritarianism, joins David French, a former JAG officer and political columnist, to dissect the controversial U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro. They explore whether this act qualifies as law enforcement or war, scrutinize its legal ramifications, and connect it to historical military precedents. Gessen warns of the implications for global order, while French analyzes how such actions resonate with MAGA politics, ultimately questioning the meaning of 'America First' in this new context.