

On with Kara Swisher
Vox Media
It's on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the heart of the story through no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond. So why do her guests show up? “Smart people,” says Kara, “like difficult questions.”Mondays and Thursdays from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 59min
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.

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
Rachel Maddow and Billy Corben on Mobsters, Russia, Trump and the 2020 Election
Rachel Maddow, host of "The Rachel Maddow Show," dives into the dubious connections of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian hustler entangled with Donald Trump. Joined by Emmy-winning filmmaker Billy Corben, they unravel how Parnas played a pivotal role in attempts to sabotage Hunter Biden and his father during the 2020 election. They discuss the implications of Parnas's access to power, the scandal that spearheaded Trump's impeachment, and the murky waters of corruption in politics, showcasing a captivating blend of intrigue and political theater.

25 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 53min
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman on AI “Friends”, OpenAI “Siblings” and Climate Change
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and a former co-founder of DeepMind, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI. He envisions AI agents as personalized companions, from teachers to doctors, moving beyond mere chatbots. During a discussion at the Lesbians Who Tech conference, he explains Microsoft's strategy for integrating AI into products, views OpenAI as a sibling rather than a rival, and highlights the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to power AI's future.

24 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 55min
Bill Gates on How to Tax the Rich, AI, Misinformation, & the Election
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, shares insights on global challenges in a live interview. He discusses the delicate balance of AI innovation and regulation, emphasizing its impact on healthcare and education. Gates tackles the epidemic of misinformation fueled by social media and the implications for public health. He advocates for equitable climate solutions, discusses innovative technologies, and highlights the urgency of addressing global health disparities, all while encouraging a new generation to take action.

Sep 26, 2024 • 44min
Pete Buttigieg Thinks Trumpism is in Its Last Season
Pete Buttigieg, the former presidential candidate and current Secretary of Transportation, dives into the dynamics of political strategy and communication. He discusses the effectiveness of Kamala Harris's campaign and his preparation for Minnesota's governor debate. Buttigieg analyzes the surprising allure of Trumpism among young men in tech and critiques the tech CEOs for their political choices. Their conversation also highlights the importance of engaging with conservative audiences and combating misinformation.

Sep 23, 2024 • 55min
From “Witch Hunt” to “Weaponization”: The Impact of Trump’s War on the DOJ with David Rohde
David Rohde, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and NBC News senior executive editor, dives into the ramifications of Donald Trump's war on the DOJ and FBI. He discusses how Trump's narrative of 'witch hunts' has eroded trust in these institutions, the challenges facing Attorney General Merrick Garland, and the implications of hyper-partisanship in American democracy. Rohde also explores the impact of conspiracy theories on public perception and the need for a nonpartisan approach to maintain the integrity of law enforcement in turbulent political times.

10 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 58min
Robert Reich on Trump, Harris, Musk and More
Robert Reich, a renowned economist and former Labor Secretary, shares his insightful critiques on America's rigged economic system. He discusses the stark differences in presidential candidates' visions for the future and calls out the powerful, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Reich emphasizes the economic disconnect felt by many Americans, the need for structural changes, and his unique ability to connect with younger generations through social media. His sharp analysis touches on topics like trade, campaign financing, and accountability in the tech industry.

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
Hillary Rodham Clinton Drops Truth Bombs
Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former First Lady and Secretary of State, shares her insights on women’s rights and gender disparities in the political arena. She discusses the recent Harris/Trump debate and analyzes campaign strategies, questioning whether voters are looking for more policy. Clinton also highlights the rising threat of misogyny in society and its implications if Trump were to be re-elected. Her passion for empowering women shines through as she reflects on the global struggles faced by women, particularly in Afghanistan.

Sep 12, 2024 • 60min
Useful Idiots? How Right-Wing Influencers Got $ to Spread Russian Propaganda
In this thought-provoking discussion, Julia Davis, an investigative journalist and creator of the Russian Media Monitor, joins experts Alex Stamos and Brandy Zadrozny to unravel how right-wing influencers are allegedly funded by the Kremlin to spread propaganda. They dissect recent indictments, detailing the financial connections between Russian operatives and American media figures. The trio critiques the impact of this disinformation on U.S. politics and underscores the alarming strategies employed to foster societal discord amid ongoing foreign influence campaigns.

Sep 9, 2024 • 52min
CNN's Dana Bash On Debate Drama, the Harris Interview & America’s Deadliest Election
Dana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent and author of "America's Deadliest Election," discusses the dramatic shifts in the current election landscape. She reflects on co-moderating the pivotal debate that influenced President Biden's decision to step back from the race. The conversation dives into her revealing interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and explores chilling parallels between the violent 1872 Louisiana gubernatorial race and today's political challenges. The nuances of debate dynamics and voter perception are also critical talking points.


