The Powers That Be: Daily

Kim Masters, a Hollywood insider and journalist, dives into CBS's surprising cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She discusses how this move might be more about appeasing political interests than cost-cutting. Masters also explores the potential arrival of a 'Trumpier' Paramount under new leadership, revealing fears about late-night television's decline and Hollywood’s ethical dilemmas. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics in media and how corporate decisions influence programming and public discourse.

House Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to recess Congress highlights the GOP's struggle with Jeffrey Epstein's scandal. The pressure mounts on Trump as party members clash over accountability. Intricate connections between Epstein and political figures reveal a shifting landscape in the Republican Party. Amid internal tensions, Johnson's strategic sidestepping raises questions about their legislative priorities. Meanwhile, a discussion on credibility in digital media sheds light on the broader implications of political influences.

Eriq Gardner, a legal expert in media and entertainment, joins Julia Ioffe to dissect Trump’s $10 million defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. They explore the flimsy nature of the lawsuit, sparked by an alleged birthday card for Jeffrey Epstein. Eriq highlights Trump's potential aim for a settlement instead of a courtroom showdown. The conversation sheds light on anti-SLAPP laws and the implications of lawsuits on media narratives, revealing the complex dance between Trump and influential media figures.

Ian Krietzberg, an author at Puck covering AI, joins Julia Ioffe to discuss the class-action lawsuit against Anthropic and the implications it holds for content creators. They dive into Trump's controversial 'anti-woke A.I.' action plan, linking it to broader economic policies regarding public lands. The conversation touches on the balance between copyright enforcement and AI innovation, as well as the environmental challenges posed by AI infrastructure. The duo also reflects on how political pressures could affect technology companies and free speech.

The podcast dives into Substack's staggering billion-dollar valuation, transitioning from a simple newsletter platform to a multimedia powerhouse. It explores the implications of a potential acquisition bid by David Ellison involving Bari Weiss and CBS News. The intriguing shift of Substack embracing advertising as growth strategy shakes up its identity. The discussion also touches on challenges of integrating new media with traditional outlets, raising important questions about the direction of modern journalism and the future of subscription-based media.

Angie Craig, a Minnesota Congresswoman and the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, discusses her journey toward running for the Senate. She candidly addresses the crypto conflicts impacting the White House and critiques the administration’s rural agenda, which is distancing farmers. Craig shares insights into her initiative, Majority Democrats, aimed at revitalizing party strategy and leadership. With an eye on the Farm Bill and its implications for nutrition assistance, she emphasizes the urgent need for bipartisan support to stabilize rural economies.

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.