The Powers That Be: Daily

Julia Ioffe, a national security journalist and colleague on The Best and the Brightest, joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to discuss the recent layoffs affecting 1,300 State Department employees. They explore the political chaos and implications of prioritizing loyalty over competence in diplomacy. Ioffe sheds light on Marco Rubio's evolving role as an architect of Trump’s foreign policy, revealing his shift from conventional Republican values. The conversation also touches on the contrasting foreign policy views within the GOP and the challenges facing U.S. passport acquisition.

Abby Livingston, a skilled political reporter covering Texas redistricting, joins to dissect crucial political shifts. She analyzes the impact of mid-decade redistricting on Texas elections and the GOP's fundraising strategies. The conversation also delves into Elon Musk's ambitious but elusive attempt to establish a third political party amid a complicated landscape. Tensions rise as they explore how demographic changes and Trump's legacy shape party dynamics. Expect insightful commentary on the intertwining of politics and potential disruptions in the upcoming elections.

Lauren Sherman, Puck's insightful fashion industry author, joins Julia Alexander to delve into Vogue's succession saga and dispel misconceptions about Jeff Bezos's rumored acquisition. They discuss the cultural impact of a $10 million Birkin bag sale, exploring luxury market trends and the future of collectible handbags. Sherman reveals compelling insights on brand strategy and the evolving landscape of fashion, highlighting how society values these extravagant items in a rapidly changing world.

Bill Cohan, a financial analyst and author of Puck's Dry Powder Newsletter, joins Julia Alexander to discuss the recent antics of billionaire Bill Ackman at a tennis tournament, highlighting his erratic public persona. The conversation shifts to Saks Global's looming debt crisis, diving into the messy world of intra-creditor conflicts and the potential for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The urgency of Saks’ situation intensifies as the holiday shopping season approaches, raising concerns for stakeholders in the troubled retailer.

Jon Kelly, Editor-in-chief of Puck and a media expert, joins Julia Alexander to dive into Apple's significant bid for Formula 1's U.S. media rights, exploring its potential to dominate sports broadcasting. They also analyze Linda Yaccarino's surprising exit from X, shedding light on the dysfunctions plaguing the platform and its survival prospects under Musk. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics in media investing and the unpredictable future of digital platforms, drawing parallels with leadership struggles in today's media landscape.

Matt Belloni, author of Puck's What I'm Hearing newsletter and host of The Town Podcast, shares insights on the high-stakes competition between DC and Marvel. He discusses how Warner Bros. is banking on a successful Superman reboot amid past misfires. The conversation also covers Marvel's challenges with the upcoming Fantastic Four and the evolving superhero landscape. Belloni highlights James Gunn's potential impact on DC's revival and examines the pressing need for both studios to capture audience interest in a changing market.

Ian Krietzberg, Puck's AI expert, joins Julia Alexander to discuss the controversy surrounding Grok, Elon Musk's AI agent on X. They dive into Grok's problematic outputs, including anti-Semitic remarks, and the ethics of AI in public discourse. Krietzberg emphasizes the risks of ideological customization and the need for platform accountability. The conversation also touches on the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated information to combat misinformation, making it clear that navigating AI's role in society is more important than ever.

Dylan Byers, a media expert from Puck, joins guest host Julia Ioffe to dissect the implications of CBS’s $16 million settlement with Trump, shedding light on press freedom and media ownership challenges. They explore the increasing legal pressures media faces from Trump’s tactics and the financial struggles within the industry. Byers highlights Paramount’s plummeting value and the normalization of settlements with powerful figures, raising critical questions about journalistic integrity and the future of holding the powerful accountable.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a Congressional reporter known for her insights on political dynamics, joins to dissect the Republicans' surprising unity behind Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. They explore how fear of political fallout silenced dissent and discuss the waning influence of the Freedom Caucus amidst this cohesion. The conversation also highlights the contrasting strategies of Senators Collins and Murkowski, revealing how their maneuvers impact their states. Tune in for a lively discussion on political alignment and its implications!

John Kelly, editor-in-chief of Puck and a recurring voice in media discussions, dives into the turbulent landscape facing traditional publishers due to AI and Google. He describes the critical shift towards community-focused content as revenue declines. The conversation highlights YouTube's dominance and its challenges, with insights into how creators like Mr. Beast are reshaping content strategies. Lastly, they explore the future of media, the role of AI, and the need for creators to adapt in an ever-evolving digital world.