Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Almost immediately after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, videos were circulating on social media, and many people saw the gruesome crime without meaning to just by logging on.On Today's Show:Adam Clark Estes, senior technology correspondent at Vox, talks about how little content moderation big tech companies are doing these days, how the algorithm fed off people pausing to watch the video, and how content like this may traumatize vast swaths of people. 

Democrats in the Senate are debating whether to allow the government to shut down when it runs out of funding later this month.On Today's Show:Zack Beauchamp, senior correspondent at Vox and the author of The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World (PublicAffairs, 2024), talks about what's at stake in the debate over whether to go along with the Republican plan to fund the government or withhold their votes in protest.

On today's show: Kelly Drane, research director at Giffords Law Center, Ned Parker, investigative reporter at Thomson Reuters, and McKay Coppins, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Romney: A Reckoning (Simon & Schuster, 2023), talk about guns and the state of political violence in America, after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event on a Utah college campus.

Ben Casselman, the chief economics correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the latest troubling job statistics, revealing 911,000 fewer jobs created prior to March 2025. He discusses the reliability of unemployment data amid political pressures and budget issues at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Personal stories from listeners shed light on the job market challenges, including the impact of AI on employment, and the influence of tariffs on inflation. Casselman also contrasts the fiscal strategies of past and current administrations.

Lindsay Nash, an Associate and Clinical Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law, guides listeners through the chilling implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling that permits racial profiling by ICE in immigration enforcement. She highlights the ruling's threat to constitutional protections and discusses the alarm among activists about legitimized discrimination. Nash emphasizes the inconsistency between judicial reasoning and the real experiences of affected communities, particularly among Hispanics, shedding light on the potential for increased racial profiling and its impact on civil liberties.

Cristian Farias, a legal journalist for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, dives into the myriad legal challenges facing the Trump administration. He discusses authoritarian tendencies in Trump's rhetoric and their implications for the 2026 elections. The conversation highlights how the lines between military and police forces are blurring, especially with proposals for deploying troops in urban areas. Farias also unpacks the complexities of executive powers, particularly regarding emergency actions and judicial oversight, creating a compelling dialogue on modern governance.

Jane Arraf, an NPR international correspondent and former New York Times bureau chief in Baghdad, delves into the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, detailing the devastating impact on civilians and healthcare facilities. She discusses the tightening restrictions on foreign volunteers and aid organizations, complicating efforts to alleviate suffering. Arraf also reflects on shifting alliances in the region, particularly Syria's new approach towards Israel, while emphasizing the challenges journalists face in reporting under such dangerous conditions.

Jacob Shamsian, a legal correspondent at Business Insider, dives deep into the Epstein saga, revealing the survivors’ urgent calls for justice. They advocate for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, pushing Congress to unseal vital documents. The discussion touches on the political challenges of naming other alleged abusers, especially as the 2024 elections approach. Additionally, Shamsian delves into the controversial missing minute of footage from Epstein's death, stirring debates and conspiracy theories. The quest for truth continues amidst layers of secrecy and political tension.

Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and author of 'Traffic,' dives into the dynamic relationship between Trump and social media influencers. He reveals how these influencers shape political narratives and policies, impacting government norms. Smith also discusses Trump's strategy against bureaucratic institutions, raising questions about democracy's future. The conversation further addresses the financial struggles of journalism in the influencer era and the critical need for transparency and truthfulness in reporting.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim, a former Pentagon and State Department official, shares insights from his recent trip to Asia, highlighting the vital alliances with South Korea and Japan. He discusses the evolving global leadership landscape, focusing on the growing ties between India, Russia, and China. Kim also addresses the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party on foreign relations, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. Additionally, he navigates the potential government shutdown and the importance of a united budgeting vision amidst political challenges.