The Powers That Be: Daily

Kim Masters, a veteran entertainment journalist, dives into the heated bidding contest for Warner Bros. Discovery. She discusses why insiders back the Ellisons of Paramount Skydance, despite skepticism about their promises. Hollywood worries over consolidation, AI, and Ellison's track record. The conversation explores potential buyers like Comcast, Netflix, and Amazon, and the possibility of splitting Warner's assets. Masters also highlights the industry's mixed feelings toward the Ellisons, caught between excitement and wariness.

Political reporter Abby Livingston shares insights on recent election results and their implications for 2026. She discusses the surprising wins for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing that these victories don't guarantee future successes. Abby warns that relying on Trump's unpopularity could backfire. They also explore geographic shifts in voter behavior, including trends among Latino and young voters, while highlighting Gavin Newsom's rising profile and effective fundraising tactics in California.

Ian Krietzberg, an AI reporter for Puck, dives into OpenAI's transformation from an idealistic nonprofit to a profit-driven powerhouse under Sam Altman's leadership. He discusses how the company's shift to for-profit was crucial for securing investments. The episode reveals insights from a pivotal deposition about Altman’s removal attempt, alongside accusations of deceptive behavior. Krietzberg also argues that advertising could be OpenAI’s best strategy to achieve massive revenue, despite user trust concerns. A must-listen for AI enthusiasts!

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a political reporter and analyst, joins to unpack the significance of key state elections happening now. She highlights how New York’s mayoral race, particularly Zohran Mamdani's candidacy, could signal national Democratic trends. The discussion moves to California's Prop 50, which looks favorable for Gavin Newsom. Caldwell also analyzes how elections in Virginia and New Jersey may reflect broader voter sentiments and demographic shifts, including the influence of diverse communities on turnout.

Jon Kelly, Puck co-founder and New Jersey correspondent, teams up with Peter Hamby for a lively discussion. They dive into Bari Weiss's ambitions at CBS News, including recent layoffs and her potential talent vision. The conversation shifts to the Democratic Party's deep-rooted issues ahead of the 2024 election, advocating for a focus on affordability and public safety. They question whether trendy media appearances can truly resolve these issues for the Democrats, ultimately stressing the need for bold talent and fresh strategies in media.

Luca Solca, a senior luxury goods analyst at Bernstein, dives into the latest trends in luxury brands such as LVMH, Kering, and Prada. He discusses the modest recovery in demand driven by the US and China, highlighting risks in consumer confidence and real estate. Luca evaluates Jonathan Anderson’s commercial creativity at Dior and praises Kering's strategic shifts under Luca De Meo. He shares insights on potential M&A moves, the roles of luxury icons like Hermès, and expresses cautious optimism for market growth through 2026.

Media reporter Matt Belloni dives into the surprising news of Taylor Sheridan's departure from Paramount to rival NBCUniversal. He reveals that this move was driven by a desire for respect rather than financial gain, highlighting management issues under David Ellison. Belloni discusses Sheridan's impressive track record, the struggles around budget and talent management at Paramount, and NBCU's commitment to offering Sheridan creative freedom. He also delves into the wider implications for both networks and what keeps Paramount strong in Sheridan's absence.

Eriq Gardner, a legal journalist with insights into high-profile prosecutions, joins to unpack the DOJ's controversial cases against James Comey, Tish James, and John Bolton. He highlights the shaky grounds of Tish James's indictment, questions the authority of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, and reveals vulnerabilities in her approach. The conversation delves into allegations of political retribution, comparing the strength of the cases, and the implications of unorthodox ethics in legal proceedings.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned political reporter known for her insights into Capitol Hill, joins to dissect the impending government shutdown. She highlights key pressure points, including the looming Thanksgiving travel crunch and vulnerable federal programs like SNAP and military pay. Caldwell also explores how House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have surrendered power to Trump, raising concerns over congressional relevance and the long-term impacts of this shift on both parties.

Bill Cohan, a journalist and finance expert, joins to explore Tesla's precarious future without Elon Musk. They dive into whether a new leader could steer the electric car giant successfully. The conversation shifts to the wild resurgence of meme stocks, with Cohan shedding light on how cult-like followings fuel irrational market rallies. They even question the government's flirtation with quantum computing firms, highlighting the peculiar dynamics between politics and speculative interest.