The Powers That Be: Daily

Bill Cohan, author of 'Dry Powder' and financial expert, joins to dissect the explosive feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. They dive into Musk's audacious $97 billion bid for OpenAI and Altman's resolute response. The conversation reveals how these former allies are now fierce competitors vying for influence, even within political circles. Cohan also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of AI leadership and the broader implications of Musk's relationship with powerful entities, underscoring the tension in this high-stakes rivalry.

John Ourand, a seasoned journalist covering the sports business, joins to discuss the NFL's impressive Super Bowl ratings, even with a lackluster game. He analyzes ESPN's potential acquisition of NFL's media assets and why they're pursuing more traditional assets despite declining values. The conversation also touches on the allure of celebrity culture, evident in Tom Brady's extravagant watch, and highlights evolving viewing habits and strategies in the competitive landscape of sports media.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, an expert journalist at Puck, dives into the complex paralysis facing Democrats as they grapple with Donald Trump's influence. She analyzes their struggle to strategize effectively amid legislative challenges. The discussion also sheds light on Mitch McConnell's unexpected role as a major obstacle in his Senate twilight, amid health concerns and internal party tensions. Caldwell offers keen insights into the shifting dynamics of power and defense spending, painting a vivid picture of the current political landscape.

The podcast dives into the NFL's intriguing proposition of an 18-game season, discussing its potential impact on player health and fan engagement. They also explore the ramifications of major streaming services becoming players in this expansion. Shifting gears, the hosts scrutinize the Trump administration's decision to cut subscriptions to various D.C. publications, pondering its financial consequences on the media landscape. The interplay between politics and journalism adds a juicy layer to the conversation.

Eriq Gardner, a seasoned journalist specializing in legal insights, joins to unpack the tumultuous landscape shaped by Trump's controversial executive orders. He delves into the potential legal ramifications and ongoing lawsuits, including a notable one against CBS News that could impact media regulations. The conversation shifts to Shari Redstone's challenging bid to sell Paramount to Skydance, exploring the complexities of regulatory scrutiny in this major merger. They also share a lighter moment predicting the outcome of an upcoming football game.

Kim Masters, a legendary Hollywood journalist and contributor to Puck, joins for a lively discussion on the PR crisis surrounding the Oscar-nominated film 'Emilia Pérez.' She reveals how social media magnifies past controversies in shaping public perception. The conversation also turns to the tangled legal battles between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, emphasizing the complexities and pitfalls of high-profile disputes. Masters shares her insights on the shifting dynamics in Hollywood, highlighting the delicate balance of reputation management in today's entertainment industry.

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and Wall Street expert, joins to dissect Trump's tariff strategies against Mexico, Canada, and China. He argues these threats serve more as political theater than genuine economic measures, raising concerns about market volatility. The discussion delves into the inflationary risks and potential harm to U.S. relations with allies. Cohan also highlights the historical context and warns of the negative impacts on domestic manufacturing and everyday consumer prices.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned journalist focused on confirmation battles, delves into the high-stakes nominations of Tulsi Gabbard and R.F.K. Jr. She breaks down the intense dynamics surrounding Gabbard's candidacy for Director of National Intelligence, including her performance and the polarized reactions. Caldwell also unveils the contentious exchanges during R.F.K. Jr.'s hearings for Secretary of Health and Human Services, highlighting the critical senators to watch and the political calculations that could sway their fates.

The podcast delves into the muted media response to Trump's new term, contrasting it with the previous frenzy. Discussion shifts to Paramount's potential lawsuit settlement with CBS, raising intriguing questions about accountability. The hosts unravel NBCUniversal's Peacock's struggles, spotlighting stagnant subscriber growth and mounting financial losses. They analyze the evolving media landscape, emphasizing how corporate challenges are reshaping public trust and scrutinizing the competitive streaming environment against giants like Netflix.

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and expert on Wall Street, joins to dissect the chaos caused by the AI startup DeepSeek, which resulted in a staggering $600 billion loss for Nvidia. He discusses the market's jittery reaction to emerging tech and compares Silicon Valley's innovative spirit with Washington's traditional approach. They also delve into Elon Musk’s ambitious but unlikely efforts to reshape politics through a startup mindset, highlighting the challenges of merging corporate aggression with government bureaucracy.