Left, Right & Center

A recent gathering with Trump and meme coin investors raises eyebrows over the intertwining of politics and profit. Discussions about corruption reveal a troubling tolerance for unethical behavior in Washington. Meanwhile, Trump's conversation with Putin about peace in Ukraine prompts questions about potential political fallout. The podcast further explores the impact of societal temptations like fast food and cannabis, debating individual freedom versus regulation. Lastly, a tragic incident in D.C. highlights the urgent need for understanding in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Antonia Ferrier, a seasoned communications strategist for Republican leaders, joins Mo Elleithee, a former DNC communications director, and host Molly Ball to tackle the GOP's internal struggles over a major tax bill. They dive into the battles between fiscal conservatives and moderates, shedding light on the complexities of Medicaid reform. The group also discusses Trump's recent Middle East state visit, balancing business interests against diplomatic ties while raising ethical concerns over foreign policy.

The White House's budget proposal sparked a heated discussion on presidential power and its implications for Congress. Significant funding cuts threaten essential services, raising questions about the administration's agenda. The podcast dives into the administration's efforts to tackle declining birth rates with financial incentives and the contrasting family values within political parties. Plus, there's a look at the impact of AI tools in education and how they challenge traditional learning methods. It's a captivating exploration of politics, society, and technology.

Mark Carney's impressive comeback in Canada sparks a discussion on how Trump’s antics can influence foreign elections. The podcast dives into the inconsistencies in Trump's foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine, raising questions about his potential role as a mediator. Comedian Larry David's satirical take on dining with Trump provokes thought on the value of political humor. The conversation also touches on the dynamics between the U.S., China, and Russia, exploring the complexities of international politics in the Trump era.

Daily operations at the Department of Defense have been described as “total chaos” by a former department spokesperson. In a Politico op-ed,  recently fired John Ullyot questioned  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s leadership and capability. President Trump defended Hegseth, but reports say the White House might be replacing him.  Several of Trump’s cabinet leaders have come under fire for focusing on the more forward-facing aspects of their jobs. Should the day-to-day management of key departments be a concern right now?Leaders worldwide are expected to gather in Rome this weekend for the funeral of Pope Francis. His leadership of the Catholic Church was regarded as a progressive shift from several of his predecessors, especially around the acceptance of LGBTQ worshippers and the treatment of migrants. He had recently clashed with Vice President JD Vance over Vance’s use of Catholic theology to defend the Trump administration’s immigration policy. KCRW discusses the political legacy of Francis and how the next pope could impact American politics.How much does the language we use around issues like immigration influence policy? Plus, we answer a listener question on viewpoint diversity.