The Daily

Jennifer Medina, a national correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the notorious college admissions bribery scandal that entangled numerous wealthy parents and their celebrity kids. She discusses the shocking $25 million operation exposing the inequities in admissions. Medina reveals the tactics employed by affluent families, including bribery and manipulation of the system. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of independent journalism in uncovering such hidden truths and the broader implications of privilege in education.

Margot Sanger-Katz, health care policy reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of 'Medicare for All'. She discusses its historical roots, tracing attempts at universal healthcare back to the New Deal and Truman, and highlights public sentiment shifting in favor of a more accessible system. The conversation explores the political hurdles such initiatives face and the cultural shifts needed to embrace healthcare as a right. Key challenges, including recent budget cuts and political scandals, underscore the urgency of this vital issue.

Representative Jerry Nadler, the Democratic head of the House Judiciary Committee, discusses the monumental challenges facing Congress after the release of the Mueller report. He delves into the complexities of impeachment, emphasizing the need for solid evidence amid political turmoil. Nadler also highlights the distinction between impeachable offenses and mere crimes. Transparency and accountability take center stage as he stresses the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of potential obstruction of justice.

Michael S. Schmidt, a New York Times reporter specializing in the Mueller investigation, shares critical insights on its legal and political ramifications. He discusses the potential paths the special counsel could take, each affecting Congress differently. The conversation dives into the implications for impeachment discussions among Democrats and highlights the unique challenges special counsels face when investigating a sitting president. Schmidt emphasizes the vital role of investigative journalism in uncovering truths and maintaining public interest during such turbulent times.

Wesley Morris, a culture critic at large for The New York Times and host of 'Still Processing,' delves into the complexities of Michael Jackson’s legacy. He reflects on the childhood admiration for Jackson and the impact of the 'Thriller' album. Morris explores the emotional conflict sparked by the documentary 'Leaving Neverland' and the difficult balance between celebrating Jackson's music and grappling with the darker aspects of his life. The discussion highlights the evolving understanding of celebrity in the context of broader societal change.

Coral Davenport, an energy and environment reporter for The New York Times, dives into the Green New Deal's impact on climate change and political dynamics. She discusses how this sweeping initiative has polarized Democrats and provided Republicans with political ammunition. The conversation explores the ambitious proposals and the backlash from various political factions, highlighting the generational divides in climate advocacy. Davenport also addresses the challenges of vague planning and personal stories that underscore the stakes of climate policy.

Kevin Roose, a technology columnist for The New York Times, delves into the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and the U.S. military. He discusses the ethical dilemmas tech firms face, particularly highlighted by Microsoft's HoloLens' transition from gaming to military use. Roose recounts the corporate ethics challenges stemming from decisions like Dow Chemical's role in Vietnam, reflecting on employee backlash against military contracts. He also emphasizes the shifting moral responsibilities of tech companies in balancing profit and ethics amid growing public scrutiny.

Two years ago, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called Donald Trump a “kook,” a “bigot,” “crazy” and “unfit for office.” Now he lavishes praise on the president at every turn. What’s going on? Guest: Mark Leibovich, who interviewed the senator for The New York Times Magazine. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

There have only been a handful of investigations into possible criminal conduct by a sitting president of the United States. Each time, an outside investigator has been appointed under a set of rules to ensure independence and accountability — and those rules have changed with each inquiry. Now, the latest set of rules is being tested as the special counsel, Robert Mueller, prepares to release his report. Guest: Neal Katyal, a lawyer who drafted the regulations that govern the special counsel investigation. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

President Trump was so confident thahe would reach a nuclear pact with North Korea that he scheduled a signing ceremony before an agreement had even been struck. Here’s how it all unraveled. Guest: David E. Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times and the author of “The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age.” For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.