On with Kara Swisher

Zoë Schiffer, managing editor of Platformer, and Ryan Mac, tech reporter at The New York Times, dive into Twitter's transformation under Elon Musk. They discuss how the platform's shift from a global public square to a government-compliant entity affects its relevance. With Musk's controversial decisions, users feel disillusioned as censorship rises. The duo also explores the challenges facing Twitter's new ad chief, Linda Yaccarino, as she navigates a chaotic landscape while trying to balance advertiser relationships in a subscription-driven model.

Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission and a prominent figure in antitrust and AI regulation, dives into the complexities of governing big tech and AI innovations. She discusses the FTC's strategies to balance competition and consumer protection while tackling concerns about scams and fraud in AI. Khan also reflects on the evolving regulatory landscape and the implications of new leadership at companies like Twitter. Her insights highlight the urgent need for updated legislation to ensure market fairness and protect personal data.

Join Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and David Mandel, creators behind the HBO series "White House Plumbers," as they delve into the echoes of Watergate in today's political scandals. They discuss the surreal parallels between Nixon's blind loyalty and Trump’s controversies. The trio even imagines a future series chronicling Trump's scandals, humorously casting Timothée Chalamet as Rudy Giuliani. Their insights explore the absurdity of politics, the normalization of scandals, and how comedy can reveal truths about power and ambition.

Maggie Smith, the acclaimed poet and author of "You Could Make This Place Beautiful," delves into the complexities of relationships. She opens up about her own experiences with marriage and divorce, exploring when it’s time to commit or part ways. The conversation also touches on the challenges of single motherhood and balancing a writing career, reflecting on themes of hope and infidelity. Smith emphasizes the evolution of relationships and the need for self-acceptance, offering insights that resonate with modern love.

Roy Wood Jr., a sharp comedian and writer from 'The Daily Show', shares his experiences from the White House Correspondents' Dinner and the careful crafting of his jokes for President Biden. He delves into the impact of the Writers Guild strike on Hollywood, emphasizing the necessity of writer solidarity. Wood discusses navigating humor amid political sensitivities and the evolving landscape of comedy and journalism, advocating for engagement with diverse viewpoints. His unique take on the intersection of comedy and the current media landscape is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc. and visionary behind augmented reality, dives into the challenges of their AI chatbot and the transformative potential of AR glasses. He discusses how a TikTok ban might actually benefit Snap, alongside the impact of Apple’s privacy changes on advertising. Spiegel also explores the creative promise of AI, its ethical dilemmas, and the need for responsible regulation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With insights into AR's influence on fashion and user engagement, it's a captivating discussion on the future of social media.

Ron Klain, former Chief of Staff to President Biden, dives into the upcoming 2024 election dynamics. He emphasizes pivotal issues like abortion, gun control, and international relations with Ukraine and China. Klain discusses the potential rematch between Biden and Trump, exploring how voter sentiment is shaped more by real-world events than political advertising. He also reflects on the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the evolving landscape of political campaigning in a rapidly changing media environment.

Ben Smith, the founding editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and former media columnist for the New York Times, discusses major shifts in the media landscape. He reflects on the closure of BuzzFeed News and the ramifications for journalism. The conversation delves into the Fox News settlement with Dominion, highlighting challenges faced by media companies today. Smith shares insights about his new venture, Semafor, and touches on how figures like Elon Musk are reshaping journalism and the implications for independent reporting in the digital age.

Larry Summers, a renowned economist and former Treasury Secretary, dives into the complexities of inflation and the fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. He elaborates on the necessity of a politics of opportunity over envy, advocating for more visionary figures like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates in America. Summers stresses the importance of institutional learning in navigating economic challenges and the critical role of thoughtful regulation and industrial policy in fostering stability.

Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary and current host of MSNBC's 'Inside with Jen Psaki,' shares her insights on the upcoming 2024 presidential race. She discusses Biden's vulnerabilities and the potential implications of a Trump rematch. The conversation also covers the challenges of transitioning from government to journalism, emphasizing the need for credibility and relationship-building across party lines. Psaki highlights the significance of engaging voters, especially regarding abortion rights post-Dobbs, and reflects on the evolving media landscape.