On with Kara Swisher

Rachel Maddow, host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" and a best-selling author, dives deep into America's turbulent political landscape. She discusses the urgent calls for President Biden's resignation and the looming Trump threat. Maddow highlights her latest podcast, "Ultra," which uncovers far-right extremism and its historical roots. The conversation draws parallels between the past and present, emphasizing the need to safeguard democracy against authoritarianism and conspiracy theories, offering a thought-provoking perspective on America’s current crises.

Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan and author of "True Gretch," shares insights into her candid leadership style and the challenges she faces as a rising star in the Democratic Party. She humorously addresses pressing political issues, including the foiled kidnapping plot against her. The discussion also highlights Michigan’s pivotal role in upcoming elections, the importance of addressing reproductive rights, and the state’s shift towards electric vehicles. Whitmer emphasizes empathy and transparency as key to connecting with voters during turbulent times.

Julianne Smith, U.S. Ambassador to NATO and expert in national security, delves into NATO's critical role at its 75th anniversary. She discusses the alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and the evolving strategy of military aid. Smith highlights the importance of cybersecurity and climate challenges, plus expanding partnerships in Asia and Africa. With a nod to the impact of U.S. domestic politics and former President Trump’s controversial statements, she outlines how NATO adapts to maintain relevance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Heather Cox Richardson, a Boston College history professor and author of "Democracy Awakening," shares her insights on the current state of American democracy. She dives into the implications of recent political events, including Trump's legal troubles and Supreme Court rulings. Richardson discusses why changing candidates mid-race could harm Democratic chances and reflects on the significance of historical context in today's political climate. Her optimism about democracy still shines through, urging for inclusivity and a focus on future generations.

Craig Peters, CEO of Getty Images, dives into the intersection of AI and visual content. He discusses the challenges of generative AI, highlighting the need for authenticity in visual storytelling. Peters promises users 'uncapped indemnity' with Getty’s AI tool, while questioning the ethics of licensing agreements with AI companies. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of deep fakes on the upcoming elections and emphasizes the urgent need for clear standards in content authenticity to protect creators and maintain trust in the industry.

Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s "The 11th Hour," joins Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief at the Washington Free Beacon, and Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, to analyze the high-stakes showdown between Biden and Trump. They discuss pivotal polling dynamics, the impact of economic issues on voter sentiment, and the crucial need for each candidate to connect with independent voters. The trio also delves into how policy articulation and personal narratives will shape the electoral landscape as they prepare for the first debate.

Griffin Dunne, actor, director, and author of "The Friday Afternoon Club," shares insights from his Hollywood upbringing, marked by both fame and tragedy. He reflects on the impact of his sister Dominique's murder on his family and his decision to recount these painful moments in his memoir. Dunne discusses the legacy of storytelling in his family, exploring how personal narratives shape identity and the challenges of writing about loss. He delves into the complexities of memory and the art of preserving family stories amidst public scrutiny.

Nancy Gertner, a retired U.S. District Court judge and Harvard Law lecturer, joins Kedric Payne, ethics expert at the Campaign Legal Center, and David Tatel, a retired D.C. Circuit judge and author, to dissect the Supreme Court's current controversies. They explore ethical lapses among justices, the implications of Trump’s immunity case, and the urgent need for an enforceable code of ethics. The discussion highlights the intersection of judicial integrity and political accountability, revealing the challenges facing the Court amid rising public skepticism.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the iconic Emmy-winning actress from 'Seinfeld' and 'Veep,' dives into the depths of comedy and drama, discussing her latest film that tackles grief and death. She shares how her podcast, 'Wiser Than Me,' has transformed her perspective through candid conversations with older women. Julia expresses concerns about the commodification of art films and reflects on the current landscape of comedy, emphasizing its risks and resilience despite challenges. The dialogue is infused with humor and insights into navigating life's complexities.

Laurene Powell Jobs, a businesswoman and entrepreneur committed to social causes, engages with Kara Swisher, a renowned tech journalist. They delve into the powerful influence of tech CEOs and the urgent need for regulation in the industry. The conversation touches on the complexities of tech culture, including love, disillusionment, and the menace of misinformation. They discuss the ethical dilemmas of AI and emphasize the importance of protective regulations to ensure diverse representation in tech. Lively banter about personal tech preferences adds a humorous touch.