Checks and Balance from The Economist

While America’s focus has been on the presidential election, the race for Congress is even more volatile. With razor-thin majorities in the House and the Senate, both chambers might flip in November. What does that mean for governing? And how will the outcomes of these elections shape the next presidency?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Aryn Braun and Jessica Taylor from The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Exploring the strong American economy under Biden, surprises in low inflation, labor market resilience, US economy benefits from legal migration, power dynamics between Federal Reserve and presidency, impact of high inflation on voter sentiment, complexities shaping Biden's approval rating beyond the economy

Exploring the history and tensions between America and Iran, the strategic targeting decisions of General Frank McKenzie, the evolving capabilities of Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East, the delicate balance of alliances in the region, and the complexities of diplomatic efforts to broker peace in the Middle East.

Joe Biden’s chances against Donald Trump in November do not look good. He is unpopular and his age puts many Americans off. How did it come to this? And what can the Democrats do about it?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Congressman Dean Phillips, who is primarying Mr Biden, and The Economist’s Edward Carr.Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

John Sides from Vanderbilt University and Ed Carr from The Economist join host John Prideaux to discuss the upcoming 2024 presidential election, analyzing early polls and predicting voter perceptions. They also explore Barack Obama's surprising re-election victory and the divisions within the democratic coalition. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding voter concerns in swing states for future elections.

The podcast explores the Republican Party's transition from internationalism to isolationism and discusses President Biden's approach to isolationism. It also explores the changing stance of the Republican Party on economic policies and alliances, and discusses how the growing isolationism is perceived from abroad.

US editor John Prideaux and his colleagues from across the US and around the world go beyond the headlines and the horserace to delve deeper into the race for the White House—and why it matters so much.