Pete Hegseth is a Fox News anchor now hoping to lead the US military. He’s Donald Trump pick to be Secretary of Defence. Leaving aside the allegations of sexual assault and work place drunkenness - which he denies - and the profound lack of experience, does he have what it takes? And will he get through his senate confirmation? Later, a life long friend of Joe Biden tells us why the President still thinks he could have beat Trump in 2024. How will Joe Biden be remembered? The legacy starts now.Editor: Tom HughesExecutive Producer: Louis DegenhardtProducers: Natalie Indge & Rory SymonDigital Editor: Michaela WaltersSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellVideo Production: Rory Symon, Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalDigital Journalist: Michael BaggsYou can watch Lewis's special report on the abortion crisis in America here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5BCL0ocFEDon’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents USA now have merch! Click here to buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-news-agents-usaYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Doug High, a veteran Republican strategist and Trump skeptic, breaks down the chaos from Trump's recent press conference. He discusses Trump's influence, raising eyebrows with unexpected mentions of Greenland and the Panama Canal, while leaving key issues like cost of living unaddressed. The conversation highlights the fractured Republican Party, with insights on the MAGA and WTF wings. High unpacks Trump's strategic rhetoric and its implications for U.S. politics and foreign relations, reflecting on the evolving political landscape.

James Carville, the legendary Democratic strategist behind Bill Clinton's campaigns, shares insights on Biden's challenges and the evolving media landscape. He emphasizes the need for accountability in the wake of a $15 million defamation settlement involving Trump. Mark Landler, the New York Times' London Bureau Chief, discusses the delicate balance of media freedom amid political pressures. Together, they explore the role of charm in politics, the pitfalls of identity politics, and the essential need for relatable communication in modern political discourse.

This week features Nellie Bowles, author of 'The Morning After the Revolution', who dives into Trump's recent media strategy and his controversial proposal to end birthright citizenship. The talk shifts to the internal struggles of the Democratic Party, questioning whether ideology is hindering electoral success. Bowles also reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism and the importance of rational discourse amidst extreme political narratives. With a touch of humor, she highlights the need for moderate voices in today’s charged atmosphere.

Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Congresswoman and national co-chair for the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign, discusses the fallout from President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter. She delves into the potential impact on the Democratic Party's image and the accusations of hypocrisy against Biden. Meanwhile, Republican strategist Mike Murphy analyzes Trump’s ongoing influence and the challenges facing Democrats, particularly in branding and navigating an increasingly polarized political landscape as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

Steve Israel, a former eight-term New York congressman and ally of Nancy Pelosi, shares valuable insights on the Democratic Party's recent challenges. He discusses the struggle to engage diverse voters and the unexpected appeal of Donald Trump among young women. The conversation touches on the need for a unifying candidate to bridge generational divides and re-evaluate messaging strategies. Israel emphasizes the importance of addressing both economic and social issues to rebuild trust and reconnect with voters moving forward.

James Orr, an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge University and close adviser to J.D. Vance, joins to discuss the surprising connections between wrestling and Donald Trump's cabinet appointments. He highlights Linda McMahon's controversial educational policies and the troubling histories of other appointees, particularly regarding sexual misconduct allegations. Orr also dives into the ethical dilemmas senators face in challenging nominations, illustrating how personal ethics often clash with political expediency in Trump's unconventional administration.

Donald Trump's surprising picks for Defense and Homeland Security stir intrigue, linking a Fox News anchor to military strategy. The podcast delves into controversial military leadership and the battle against 'wokeness.' It highlights the complex dynamics between executive and legislative powers, showcasing how appointments during recess can shift political landscapes. Insightful discussions on immigration policy reflect loyalty's role in politics, while bold healthcare reforms raise eyebrows, especially with influence from tech moguls like Elon Musk.

The hosts tackle Kamala Harris's future in politics post-electoral loss and the hurdles she faces. They discuss the Democratic Party's struggles in contrasting past election strategies with current challenges, particularly the influence of youth votes. The conversation highlights the surprising shift among Gen Z voters towards Trump. There's a deep dive into the role of money and celebrity endorsements in elections, scrutinizing their effectiveness and potential impacts on party dynamics and foreign policy.

The podcast uncovers the implications of a potential Trump presidency for both the U.S. and UK. It dives into the Democratic Party's struggles and the challenges posed by Trump's policies. The dynamic between Keir Starmer and Trump is explored, highlighting ideological clashes and their effects on British politics. Additionally, the influence of Elon Musk on U.S. politics and its reverberations in the UK post-Brexit are discussed, painting a vivid picture of a complex geopolitical landscape.