Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, who represents New York's 15th congressional district, shares his evolving views on Israel in light of the Gaza crisis. He discusses the impact of proposed Republican policies on healthcare and food assistance in one of the nation’s poorest districts. Torres addresses the political landscape of NYC, including his decision not to endorse the party's nominee. He engages in a nuanced dialogue about the changing relationship between the Democratic Party and Israel, reflecting on the humanitarian concerns and local implications.

As new information and reporting into the human trafficking scandal around Jeffrey Epstein continues to come to light, we explore how we know what we know about the case.  On Today's Show:Epstein experts Vicky Ward, an investigative journalist and author of books including Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump (St. Martin's Press, 2019), and Jacob Shamsian, legal correspondent at Business Insider, comb through the extensive history of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes, information about his associates, and recent news involving the Trump administration.

Radley Horton, a climate professor at Columbia University, highlights the alarming connections between extreme weather, air quality, and Canadian wildfires. He discusses the significant impact of rising temperatures in urban areas, emphasizing the necessity for cities to adapt to climate threats. Horton examines historical temperature trends in Central Park and their implications for public health. He also addresses skepticism about climate change, advocating for public awareness and immediate action towards renewable energy solutions.

David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker and host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, shares insights from his recent reporting in Israel, delving into the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the stark contrast between military achievements and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The conversation highlights media narratives that often overlook Palestinian suffering, the denialism surrounding the conflict, and the crucial role of Israeli writers in shaping public consciousness and moral discourse amidst ongoing crises.

Avril Benoît, the Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders in the U.S., shares harrowing insights into the medical crises in Gaza. She highlights the alarming malnutrition rates among children and pregnant women, stressing the urgent need for international aid. Benoît details the challenges faced by aid workers as they navigate chaotic food distribution efforts, advocating for safer methods. The conversation underscores the critical impact of ongoing conflict on access to basic necessities, calling for immediate humanitarian intervention.

Alexandra Svokos, digital managing editor of Kiplinger, dives into the financial ramifications of tariffs on the auto industry. She reveals how General Motors is absorbing a staggering $1.1 billion loss yet choosing not to raise prices. The discussion also touches on the complexities of trade negotiations and their ripple effects on other sectors, like beauty products. Svokos analyzes the new U.S.-EU tariff deal and what it means for future pricing and manufacturing strategies, highlighting the delicate balance in global trade.

Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for The New York Times and co-author of "Mad House," dives into the political upheaval stemming from the Epstein scandal. She discusses how the controversy is unsettling Republicans while energizing Democrats, framing the upcoming midterms in a new light. The podcast explores the pressure on Congress around Epstein files and the split within GOP ranks over transparency. Additionally, listeners raise questions about Ghislaine Maxwell's interview and its potential fallout on the political landscape.

In this discussion, Mehdi Hasan, a prominent journalist and former MSNBC host, shares insights from his high-profile debate against 20 far-right conservatives. He reflects on the challenges of addressing extremist rhetoric and the polarization of American political discourse. The conversation delves into the impact of these debates on immigrant identity and the troubling normalization of radical ideologies. Hasan also emphasizes the importance of empathy in fostering constructive dialogue amidst heated political tensions.

Matthew Choi, co-writer of The Washington Post's Early Brief politics newsletter, dives into the ongoing redistricting efforts in Texas influenced by President Trump. He discusses the special legislative session aimed at bolstering GOP power, the challenges posed by Democrats like Gavin Newsom, and the complexities of gerrymandering. Choi highlights the urgency for Texas to reshape its congressional maps, revealing how political maneuvering could reshape the state’s electoral landscape and impact urban areas leaning Democratic.

Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst and author of Network of Lies, dives into gripping topics shaping today's media landscape. He discusses the precarious funding situation for public media and its implications for local news, especially in rural areas. The conversation also covers the intertwining narratives of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, exploring MAGA media's reactions. Additionally, Stelter critiques the rapid-fire nature of media today, which challenges accountability while highlighting a hilarious viral moment that encapsulates modern culture.