The Powers That Be: Daily

Abby Livingston, a political analyst, dissects the upcoming V.P. debate with Tim Walz, a progressive Midwest governor, and J.D. Vance, a Republican who embodies a contrasting vision. They explore the significance of this debate in a historical context, noting its potential to shift perspectives. Styles and strategies are scrutinized, focusing on social media's role in modern campaigns. They also discuss the unpredictable nature of politics and how candidates are working to engage voters on key issues like agriculture and Ukraine.

Jon Kelly, a commentator on political events and media scandals, joins to unpack the upcoming Vice Presidential debate and the Nuzzigate controversy. They delve into how debate performances could sway crucial undecided voters. The discussion also highlights Netflix's revolutionary shift to a performance-based pay structure, examining its implications for Hollywood's creative landscape. As they navigate these topics, the conversation is rich with insights into media's role in shaping political narratives.

Tara Palmeri, a political expert known for her insights on Trump's strategies, joins Corey Lewandowski, the campaign strategist who has reentered Trump's circle. They delve into Trump's obsession with media narratives and his legal threats against journalists. The discussion turns to the intricacies of his microtargeting campaign for 2024, as internal dynamics shift with Lewandowski's influence. With debates shaping the political landscape, both guests reveal how Trump's tactics are evolving amid growing competition and public perception.

Bill Cohan, a Wall Street expert, joins Peter Hamby to discuss the alarming working conditions faced by junior bankers, particularly following tragic incidents at BofA. They dive into the cultural pressures and lack of work-life balance that define the industry. The conversation also shifts to the ongoing legal saga of Sam Bankman-Fried, exploring how his mental health claims might influence his potential sentencing. The discussion highlights the intersection of high-stakes finance and the complexities of the judicial system.

Julia Ioffe, an astute journalist known for her sharp analysis of global politics, joins to discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah. They explore the broader implications of this conflict and examine the diverging strategies of the Israeli government and Hamas. Ioffe also sheds light on the Biden administration's approach to the United Nations General Assembly, addressing its challenges and the urgent global issues on the agenda, including climate change and geopolitical tensions.

Dylan Byers, a seasoned journalist, and Olivia Nuzzi, a political journalist entwined in a scandal, candidly explore the explosive fallout from her sexting controversy with R.F.K. Jr. They delve into why such scandals captivate media attention, unraveling the complex dynamics of gender and power. The discussion also highlights the unique challenges faced by women in journalism during controversies and the implications for their public perception. As they dissect the scandal's nuances, listeners gain insights into the ever-evolving media landscape.

Jon Kelly, a media and politics expert, and Olivia Nuzzi, a political reporter embroiled in a sexting scandal with R.F.K. Jr., delve into the fascinating interplay between sports and politics. They discuss how the tumultuous presidential race affects NFL viewership and explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding personal relationships in journalism. The conversation also touches on voter engagement in key battleground states and the implications of media scandals for journalistic integrity, revealing the complex dynamics at play in today's landscape.

Bill Cohan, a renowned financial journalist and author, joins to dissect the recent Federal Reserve rate cut and its implications on Wall Street. He delves into who might claim credit for a potential economic 'soft landing,' comparing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The discussion reveals why Wall Street dealmakers are holding back amid looming election uncertainties. Cohan also discusses the paradox of strong economic indicators against a backdrop of decreased mergers and acquisitions as the political landscape heats up.

Dylan Byers, a seasoned journalist, joins Adrian Wojnarowski, a renowned sports insider, and Mathias Döpfner, the CEO at the forefront of major media deals. They explore Wojnarowski's surprising shift from ESPN to St. Bonaventure University, revealing insights into the pressures of sports journalism. The conversation also dives into the strategic separation between KKR and Axl Springer, dissecting its implications for media dynamics and the evolving landscape of journalism itself.

Abby Livingston, a seasoned political journalist with deep insights into Capitol Hill, joins the conversation to discuss the impending Republican-led government shutdown and its implications on electoral dynamics. The talk delves into Texas's evolving political landscape, highlighting the intense Senate race between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred. Abby shares her perspective on the challenges Democrats face in Texas, including fundraising hurdles and shifting voter sentiments post-Dobbs decision.