The Bunker – News without the nonsense

What’s the feeling been like in the White House since Biden dropped out of the race? And how is Harris juggling both distancing herself from Biden and running on his record? In a teaser for our sibling podcast American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, speak to the New York Times’ chief White House correspondent Peter Baker to discuss the feeling around the race, where it’s headed and much more. Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, you’ll find out everything you need to know, in plain English. Listen here.  • Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EBQbDcgPFEf9Bx5AJvvrX?si=a572a2d92dd24231  We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.    www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. AMERICAN FRICTION and the Bunker are Podmasters productions. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author focused on the GOP, dives deep into the tumultuous transformation of the Republican Party. He discusses the party's struggles post-Trump, exploring fears of alienation and the urgent need for courageous leadership. Coppins highlights the drastic shifts towards nationalism and populism, illuminating the identity crisis faced by long-standing members. He raises crucial questions about the party's future, its internal conflicts, and the potential for emerging leaders to reshape its path.

Gareth Dennis, a rail engineer and writer with an upcoming book on the British rail system, joins the conversation. He discusses the aftermath of COVID-19 on railways and Labour's re-nationalisation push. The complexities of the UK’s ticketing system and proposed reforms are explored. Dennis also delves into the contentious HS2 project, questioning ticket pricing strategies for accessibility. The podcast underscores the transformative potential of modern railways in tackling transportation and climate challenges.

Joe Conason, an insightful author known for his sharp critiques of grifters in politics, dives into the financial motivations behind Trump and his allies’ rise in the GOP. He connects the grifting culture to historical events dating back to the 1950s. The discussion also covers Mitt Romney's complicated legacy and the influence of the Heritage Foundation on modern conservatism. Conason warns of the uncertain future for the Republican Party post-Trump and the need for a strategic overhaul in the face of internal conflicts.

Colin Yeo, an immigration barrister and author of the Free Movement blog, teams up with host Ros Taylor to tackle the pressing small boat crisis. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding asylum claims and the evolving demographics of arrivals. Yeo challenges the effectiveness of deterrent policies, highlighting real motivations behind migration. They also delve into the intricacies of asylum processing in the UK and Europe, examining the ethical implications of immigration strategies and the influence of organized crime on this complex issue.

Keir Starmer, the first Labour Prime Minister at the conference, shares insights on the atmosphere in Liverpool amidst historic excitement and prevalent concerns about government strategy. Journalist Steve Richards provides a deep dive into the challenges of political communication, emphasizing the subdued mood compared to past conferences. They discuss the implications of winter fuel payment debates and the media's role in shaping narratives, while noting the Labour Party’s cohesion and the anticipation for key speeches, setting the stage for the event.

Alastair McLellan, a veteran journalist focused on the NHS, joins media professional Ros Taylor to dissect the alarming findings of the Lord Darzi review. They explore severe staffing shortages and the impact of past reforms, especially post-pandemic stress on healthcare workers. The discussion delves into the challenges of digital transformation within the NHS, highlighting both the potential of technology and the need for better resource management. Together, they examine pathways for positive change amidst the ongoing crisis.

Carol Vorderman, the former Countdown maths expert and outspoken political commentator, dives into her journey from TV star to political activist. She discusses the backlash she faces from right-wing circles and the challenges of navigating Twitter's hostile landscape. Vorderman shares insights from her new book, proposing ways to mend 'broken Britain' and critiquing media elitism. Amidst the chaos, she emphasizes women's mobilization for safety and rights, and acknowledges the power of grassroots activism in reshaping politics.

Wolfgang Munchau, an expert in European politics and director at Eurointelligence, joins Ros Taylor to dissect the nuanced UK-Germany relationship post-Brexit. They discuss the historical context and recent political shifts, highlighting challenges in Germany's coalition government. Munchau emphasizes the significance of youth exchanges over immigration and explores the complexities of the Ukraine conflict affecting ties. Additionally, the conversation addresses Germany's new border controls and the necessity of cultural exchange to foster better understanding between nations.

Daniel Levy, a former advisor to Israeli governments with extensive experience in peace negotiations, joins Gavin Esler to dissect the intricate dynamics of the ongoing Gaza conflict. They discuss what a potential ceasefire might look like amidst deep-rooted humanitarian crises. Levy critiques the political motivations of Israeli leadership and the role of Hamas within the context of Palestinian resistance. He also highlights the challenges of U.S. diplomatic efforts and examines the shifting international influence that complicates pathways to peace.