The Powers That Be: Daily

Leanne Caldwell, an expert journalist at Puck, lends her sharp political insight as she discusses Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's rising influence within the Democratic Party. They explore the implications of Ocasio-Cortez’s potential candidacy for Schumer’s seat and even the presidency in 2028. Caldwell highlights the complex dynamics of her reputation, navigating support among progressives while facing broader electoral challenges. The conversation delves into AOC's strategic maneuvers and the evolution of her role since 2018, painting a vivid picture of today’s political landscape.

The hosts dive into the glamour of a recent D.C. gala celebrating influential journalism. They shed light on the evolution of relationships in media and the pressing challenges faced by the industry. In a fascinating twist, they discuss Peyton Manning's impressive $800 million investment in Omaha Productions, dissecting its brand power and the hurdles for Endeavor. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics in media production, highlighting new partnerships and the importance of audience engagement through social media.

Dylan Byers, a seasoned journalist and author of "In the Room," joins to dissect big media topics. He delves into how The Atlantic has boosted its standing among elites with powerful scoops, particularly regarding military operations. The discussion shifts to CNN's attempts at revitalization after the debacle of CNN Plus, highlighting key staffing changes and strategic pivots aimed at regaining relevance. Byers emphasizes the importance of credible journalism amid fierce competition and evolving dynamics in the media landscape.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, an expert journalist, provides a gripping look into the Signal group chat scandal that unfolded among Trump administration officials. She reveals how senior officials accidentally included The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in sensitive discussions about war plans. The fallout has sparked a range of reactions from Republican leaders, revealing a divide between Trump loyalists and those raising alarm bells over national security risks. The reliability of encrypted messaging tools is also highlighted amid ongoing cybersecurity concerns.

Julia Alexander, a media and entertainment analyst at Puck, joins the discussion to unpack the flops of recent Hollywood films like ‘Snow White’ and ‘The Electric State.’ They explore the disconnect between high-budget investments and audience engagement. Julia highlights how shifting expectations and marketing miscalculations are reshaping the industry. As Disney faces critique over its remakes and Netflix shifts its strategy, the conversation raises questions about the future of film in a changing landscape.

Eriq Gardner, an expert journalist at Puck, dives into Donald Trump’s contentious relationship with high-profile law firms. He reveals how Paul Weiss agreed to a staggering $40 million in pro bono work, highlighting a climate of fear within the legal community. Eriq explains the chilling effect this has, leading firms to shy away from meritorious cases against the government. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for legal representation as firms grapple with the intersection of law and politics amid Trump’s unpredictable influence.

Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby dive into The New York Times' complicated dance with artificial intelligence, exploring legal battles against OpenAI while weighing the tech's potential benefits. They also scrutinize DraftKings' failed attempt to create a content ecosystem for sports betting, facing harsh market realities. The duo discusses the balance between AI efficiency and journalistic integrity, emphasizing the evolving landscape of media jobs. Expect insights on how passion drives success against the backdrop of a shifting media industry.

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and author of "Dry Powder," joins to tackle Wall Street's bewildering reaction to President Trump’s economic policies. They discuss the chaos sown by protectionism, questioning the absence of major power players. Cohan also reflects on the potential of Scott Bessent as a stabilizing force in these turbulent times. The dialogue reveals the stark disconnect between Wall Street and everyday consumers, while also shedding light on broader market implications amid the political landscape.

Lauren Sherman joins Peter for an inside look at the ongoing LVMH succession saga. With père Arnault pushing to immortality, Lauren and Peter speculate about which heir will take the reins—and whether any of them even want to. Then Lauren breaks down how Trump’s tariffs will impact the price of popular European alcohol brands in the U.S. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Streaming guru Julia Alexander joins Peter for a rollicking conversation about the wild state of the industry war in 2025: Netflix’s enduring dominance, Apple TV’s strategic nod to the HBO playbook, and why the Peacocks of the world exist merely as consolidation bait. Then Julia dives deep into how YouTube is flying under the radar as potentially the most dominant streamer in the game… and why Hollywood ignores it at its peril. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices