Best of the Spectator

Lucy Powell, a prominent Labour politician and former Leader of the House of Commons, shares her journey from her challenging stint at Oxford to her passion for politics at King's College. She recounts her early campaign experiences and reflects on the changing dynamics within the Labour Party under different leaders. Powell also discusses the unique challenges women face in political leadership and her role in the Modernisation Committee, offering insights into the chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere of the recent election.

Freddy Gray, a political commentator, critiques the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, highlighting Trump's struggles against Harris's strategic performance. Kamala Harris, the Vice President, showcases her confidence while Trump’s failings may cost him the election. The conversation shifts to London Overwatch’s serious sting operations against online predators, contrasting their methods with American counterparts. Lastly, the ethics of eating from hotel breakfast buffets offers a humorous reflection on British dining habits and societal norms.

Join satirist and author Craig Brown as he discusses his new book, *A Voyage Round The Queen*. He shares the inspiration behind his fresh take on Elizabeth II's legacy and recounts his only career scoop. Delving into the Queen's unique public persona, Craig reflects on royal duties versus personal life, including candid moments where her disapproval was evident. The conversation also touches on how personal connections shape perceptions of royalty, revealing the complexities of monarchy and fame with humor and insight.

Andrew Neil, chairman of The Spectator, and journalist Piers Morgan dive deep into the race for the 2024 presidential election. Piers shares an eye-opening experience involving Donald Trump post-shooting, unveiling new layers of political resilience. They dissect Kamala Harris's challenges heading into the crucial debate with Trump and the intense electoral climate. The duo also explores how streaming media is revolutionizing political discourse, shifting attention from traditional to new platforms. Predictions are made about who might emerge victorious in the upcoming debates.

Simon Raymonde, famed for his work with the Cocteau Twins and co-founder of Bella Union Records, shares insights on his culinary upbringing rooted in Jewish heritage. He reminisces about his mother's cooking and family dinners, contrasting them with modern dining. Raymonde also discusses life on tour, his vegetarian journey, and his experiences in Brighton, highlighting the joy he finds in Dishoom's vibrant dishes. Plus, he opens up about his memoir set to release next year, offering a glimpse into his musical legacy.

In this lively discussion, Bridget Phetasy, a comedian and columnist for Spectator World, shares her sharp insights on election fatigue that seems to grip the nation. She humorously examines the current political landscape, highlighting the disinterest towards candidates like Trump and the chaotic trolling from global figures like Putin. Bridget also offers intriguing predictions for the upcoming presidential debate, tackling the evolving political identities and the need for a lighter take on the turbulent political discourse.

Dan Hitchens, a writer for The Spectator, discusses the potential fallout of Labour's proposed VAT on private schools, particularly its impact on affordable faith schools. He raises concerns over the financial sustainability of religious institutions amid rising costs. Raisel Freedman from the Partnerships for Jewish Schools shares insights on how this policy could endanger Jewish independent schools, especially as they serve as safe havens in a climate of increasing antisemitism. Together, they navigate the implications for diverse educational models.

Ian Thomson shares poignant memories of his childhood home amid the loss of his sister. Andrew Watts discusses the public's perception of MPs as accountable for everything, revealing the complexities of their responsibilities. Sam Leith explores the intriguing challenges of copyright in poetry. Helen Barrett reviews Croydonopolis, re-evaluating Croydon's reputation as a thriving cultural hub filled with potential. Catriona Olding reflects on the difficult transition from grief to new love, shedding light on the journey of moving forward.

Labor Day is a critical mile-marker on the road to the general election, now just two months away. Pollsters are busy processing data and making predictions, but nobody really knows whether America will end up with Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the White House. Nate Silver is one of America's most well-respected pollsters. The former poker player set up FiveThirtyEight, a polling company and now writes the Silver Bullet on Substack. Nate Silver's latest book On the Edge: the Art of Risking Everything takes a look at two mindsets: the River and the Village. Nate joins Freddy Gray on the Americano show to discuss probability in sport and politics, how luck is often undervalued in politics, whether VP picks are an key decision in general elections and why J.D. Vance may be a bad choice for Trump.

Ed Miliband, a key voice in Labour's energy policies, discusses his ambitious plan to decarbonize the electricity grid by 2030. Ross Clark critiques this vision, arguing that Miliband's claims ignore the grid's limitations. They explore how Miliband's scheme may lack substance, serving more as a financial funnel than a genuine energy initiative. Additionally, the conversation shifts to Zia Yusuf, the new chairman of Reform UK, presenting himself as a unique figure in British politics, seeking to reshape the party's identity.