

PBS News Hour - Brooks and Capehart
PBS News
Listen to David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart analyze the political news of the week. Posted each Friday by 9 p.m., the Brooks and Capehart podcast includes the full audio of every on-air segment. Is this not what you're looking for? Don't miss our other podcasts for our full shows, individual segments, Politics Monday, Brief but Spectacular, and more. Find them in iTunes or in your favorite podcasting app. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2026 • 12min
Brooks and Capehart on Trump forcing allies to reevaluate ties with U.S.
David Brooks, New York Times columnist known for political and cultural analysis, and Jonathan Capehart, MSNBC commentator and journalist, break down how recent presidential actions have Western leaders rethinking ties with the U.S. They discuss transatlantic ruptures, spectacle-driven governance, ad hoc coalitions versus institutions, and controversial immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

7 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 10min
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's threats against Minnesota and Greenland
Join political analysts Jonathan Capehart, an MSNBC commentator known for his incisive critiques, and David Brooks, a New York Times columnist renowned for his analytical prowess, as they delve into critical political issues. They discuss Trump's threats to invoke the Insurrection Act amid protests in Minnesota, expressing concerns about federal overreach. The duo also critiques Trump's foreign policy moves, specifically his meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and his bizarre claims about Greenland, highlighting the transactional nature of his engagement.

Jan 9, 2026 • 11min
Brooks and Capehart on the response to the Minnesota ICE shooting
Jonathan Capehart, an MSNBC host and Washington Post columnist, and David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, dive into the recent fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by ICE agents. Capehart decries the tragedy, highlighting the fear it instills in communities. Brooks discusses how social media distorts narratives and can fuel division. Both emphasize the importance of accountability through bystander videos. They also critique Trump's foreign policy approach, warning against relying on personal morality and the potential chaos from abandoning international norms.

Jan 2, 2026 • 12min
Brooks and Capehart on chances of Ukraine-Russia talks leading to peace in 2026
David Brooks, a New York Times columnist known for his insightful political commentary, and Jonathan Capehart, an MSNBC journalist and political analyst, share their thoughts on the 2026 landscape. They discuss the potential outcomes of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with Brooks expressing skepticism about a peace deal. Capehart raises concerns over European support for Ukraine amid U.S. uncertainties. The duo also delves into Trump's recent vetoes and their political implications, offering bold predictions for the coming years.

7 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 12min
Brooks and Atkins Stohr on Trump's return and its impact on the country
Join David Brooks, a New York Times columnist known for his keen political insights, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr, an opinion columnist for The Boston Globe, as they dissect the implications of Trump's return to power. They discuss the populist currents driving his resurgence and the troubling erosion of the rule of law. Brooks emphasizes the need for new civic institutions to combat authoritarianism, while Atkins Stohr highlights the Democrats' crucial role in maintaining election integrity. It's a lively exploration of the current political landscape!

Dec 19, 2025 • 11min
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's approval ratings and mental acuity
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump's attempts to address his sinking approval ratings on the economy, the Department of Justice begins to release the Epstein files and the renaming of the Kennedy Center. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Dec 12, 2025 • 10min
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's recent series of setbacks
David Brooks, a New York Times opinion columnist, and Jonathan Capehart, an MSNBC host, dive into Trump’s recent political struggles. They discuss Trump's dwindling approval ratings and the economic anxiety facing voters. The duo highlights Indiana GOP lawmakers defying Trump’s redistricting wishes as a bold stand. They also explore how White House intimidation has backfired and examine racial rhetoric's role in distracting from key economic issues. Additionally, they address the looming healthcare crisis as ACA subsidies face expiration.

Dec 5, 2025 • 10min
Brooks and Capehart on the political fallout over Trump's boat strikes
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including the fallout over the Trump administration's controversial boat strikes, a Pentagon watchdog report on Defense Secretary Hegseth's use of Signal and Dan Bongino's comments on promoting false claims. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Nov 28, 2025 • 11min
Capehart and Wehner on Trump's reaction to the National Guard shooting
Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW and Peter Wehner, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum, join John Yang to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump's push for an even tougher crackdown on immigration in the days following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national on the streets of Washington. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Nov 21, 2025 • 12min
Capehart and Continetti on Trump's warm welcome of Mamdani
Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW and Matthew Continetti of the American Enterprise Institute join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump playing nice with Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office but calling six other Democrats traitors and saying the video they posted could be punishable by death and the president hosting the Saudi crown prince at the White House. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy


