The Opinions

Songs from Luciano Pavarotti, Sinead O’Connor and “Cats” may not strike you as typical campaign music, but they’re on repeat at Donald Trump’s political rallies. The staff editor Katherine Miller has spent a lot of time at Trump rallies, and in this episode, she takes listeners on a tour of the unusual — and often subversive — soundtrack the former president curates for his campaign events. Thoughts? Questions? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

Thomas L. Friedman, an Opinion columnist renowned for his insights on global diplomacy, discusses Netanyahu’s quest for power and its implications for Israel’s reputation and U.S. politics. He posits that Netanyahu’s maneuvers may be more about self-preservation than national interest. Friedman explores the rising extremism in the Middle East and advocates for a two-state solution as a way to overcome ongoing violence. Additionally, he suggests that Netanyahu might secretly favor a Trump victory to further his agendas.

Erin Brockovich, renowned environmental activist, passionately argues for stricter regulations on PFAS, the harmful chemicals infiltrating our water and food supply. She highlights alarming health risks linked to these substances, including fertility issues and developmental delays in children. Brockovich also addresses the inadequacy of lawsuits against corporations like 3M and DuPont, emphasizing the urgent need for robust regulatory measures. Her insights reveal the importance of public awareness and proactive action to combat this pervasive environmental crisis.

Listen in on this focus group with young undecided voters — a group that could determine the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. The New York Times deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, spoke with some Gen Z voters to better understand the issues they’re focused on and how they’re feeling about Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.In this episode, he argues that while many young undecided voters don’t trust Harris, there are clear ways for her to win their support.

Anchovies can help make plant-forward eating more delicious and appealing, argues Christopher Beckman, an archaeologist-turned-anchovy-lover. He is the author of “A Twist in the Tail: How the Humble Anchovy Flavored Western Cuisine,” and he makes the case for why we should all embrace the small, oily fish.Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor and current Vice President, discusses her evolving perspectives on criminal justice. Joined by Carlos Lozada, a Times Opinion columnist, they explore the contrasting narratives in her two memoirs. The conversation highlights her shift from a law enforcement supporter to a more critical viewpoint, shaped by societal changes regarding race and justice. They also delve into her political reinvention, comparing her strategies to those of Donald Trump, while examining the complexities of political adaptation.

Curtis Sittenfeld, a beloved fiction writer known for her engaging narratives, joins Susannah Meadows, the Opinion editor, for a lively discussion on creativity in the age of AI. They explore a playful competition between Sittenfeld's human-authored story and one generated by ChatGPT, inviting listeners to decide which tale resonates more. The conversation dives into themes of nostalgia, emotional depth, and the essence of traditional storytelling versus AI capabilities, ultimately reflecting on the enduring power of human creativity.

The Democratic Party’s recent position — or lack of position — on Gaza “feels like gaslighting to a lot of Democratic voters,” Farah Stockman of the editorial board argues in this audio essay. The party claims to value social justice and human rights, but when it comes to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, she says, Kamala Harris “needs to do more, and she can do more, to assure people she’s going to have a more evenhanded approach when she becomes president.”Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

Kamala Harris was flying high last week, but Donald Trump is poised to bring her back down to earth.

Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and New York Times Opinion columnist, delves into Kamala Harris’s groundbreaking candidacy. She argues that identity should not overshadow the electorate's yearning for political normalcy. The discussion navigates the challenges of racial and gender stereotypes, especially against Trump’s campaign tactics. Cottom reflects on historic milestones in American politics, expressing pride in the evolution of leadership diversity while urging voters to reconsider the significance of a candidate's background during pivotal moments.