On with Kara Swisher cover image

On with Kara Swisher

Latest episodes

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Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 4min

Trump’s Second Term: How He Did It & What to Expect

Abby Phillip, CNN anchor, and Isaac Arnsdorf, political reporter, join Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster, and Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, to discuss Trump's potential second term. They analyze the factors behind his electoral success, especially among Latino voters and the youth. The panel debates the role of social media in political engagement, the disconnect between Democrats and key voter demographics, and the implications of a shifting political landscape for the future of American democracy.
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Nov 7, 2024 • 59min

Trump vs Democracy: Two Historians’ Perspectives

Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, and Timothy Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, dive into the potential implications of Trump's reelection on American democracy. They discuss historical parallels between past leaders and Trump's authoritarian tendencies, the fragility of democratic institutions, and the dangers of unchecked power. The conversation also highlights the need for accountability and the importance of media literacy in navigating today's political landscape.
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Nov 4, 2024 • 56min

The “Elon Election”: What It Means For America and Musk

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, becomes a central figure in the upcoming U.S. election, acting as a top surrogate for Trump. Zoë Schiffer, from Wired, discusses Musk's control over narratives at X, while Eva Dou from The Washington Post sheds light on the tech policies surrounding Musk's ventures. They dive into Musk's political influence, the conservative shift on Twitter, and the pros and cons of corporate cost-cutting strategies in governance, revealing how Musk's ambitions intertwine with his business interests.
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Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 5min

Timothy Snyder and Bill Adair on the War on Truth & The Fight for Freedom

Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor known for his works on freedom and tyranny, teams up with Bill Adair, a Duke journalism professor focused on political deception. They dive into the erosion of truth in politics, highlighting how social media amplifies lies. Snyder critiques The Washington Post's non-endorsement decision as a sign of 'anticipatory obedience' to tyranny. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in journalism and warns of the psychological impact of misinformation on democracy.
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Oct 28, 2024 • 38min

Reid Hoffman on Trump, Elon, Peter Thiel and Lina Khan

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and renowned Democratic mega-donor, shares his insights on navigating the complex intersection of technology and politics. He discusses his opposition to Trump and his evolving relationships with figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. Hoffman emphasizes the need for effective AI governance, urging collaboration for responsible regulations. He also highlights the critical role of tech companies in combating misinformation and fostering voter engagement, all while stressing the importance of maintaining democratic values in an increasingly polarized climate.
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Oct 24, 2024 • 58min

Seth Meyers on Parenting, Podcasting & Late Night

Seth Meyers, a veteran of SNL and host of NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, dives into the challenges and transformations of late-night comedy. He explores whether political humor and business models are hitting a wall, and shares insights from his stand-up special, 'Dad Man Walking', weaving personal parenting stories into his routines. The conversation touches on the evolution of content creation in a streaming-driven world and the significance of diversity in comedy. Seth also reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment and the intimate connections fostered in podcasting.
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Oct 21, 2024 • 59min

Robert Downey Jr., Ayad Akhtar and Bartlett Sher on “Truthful Lies” in AI, Art and Politics

In this captivating discussion, Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. reflects on his Broadway debut in 'McNeil' and examines AI's impact on storytelling and identity. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher join him, delving into the challenges of truth and authenticity in an AI-driven world. They explore the evolving social contract around technology, the tension between creativity and AI, and Downey's unique perspective on his iconic roles, bringing a fresh lens to the intersection of art and the human experience.
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Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 7min

Signal’s Meredith Whittaker on Surveillance Capitalism, Text Privacy and AI

Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation and former Google employee, champions data privacy in a world rife with surveillance capitalism. She highlights how Signal's end-to-end encryption distinguishes it from competitors, making it a crucial tool for various users, including journalists and politicians. The conversation dives into ethical challenges within tech giants, the risks posed by AI, and the implications of centralized power on privacy. Whittaker also underscores the need for nonprofits in this landscape, advocating for a more privacy-focused digital future.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 3min

Yuval Noah Harari on AI & the Future of Information

Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian and philosopher renowned for his bestsellers like 'Sapiens,' delves into the evolution of information networks and their societal impact. He argues that humanity's challenges stem from our information trade, not our nature. Harari discusses the historical manipulation of information, likening today's social media dynamics to past propagandas. He raises alarms about AI's influence on democracy, the importance of credible information sources, and the urgent need for effective AI regulation as society grapples with rapid technological changes.
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Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 3min

Chris Wallace Explains How JFK (Possibly) Stole the 1960 Election

Chris Wallace, a veteran journalist and author of "Countdown 1960," dives into the contentious 1960 election between Kennedy and Nixon. He argues that massive fraud in Illinois and Texas may have skewed the results in favor of JFK. Wallace and Kara discuss the parallels to today's electoral challenges and how Nixon's decision to concede sets a critical precedent. They also explore the impact of television on public perception and the intricate campaign strategies that defined this pivotal moment in American politics.

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