From one the nation's most trusted public affairs radio hosts comes a new daily politics podcast that goes beyond the headlines and talking points. Through thoughtful conversations with leading journalists and key newsmakers, Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast, helps listeners make sense of the day's news, offering crucial context and a clear-eyed assessment of the stakes at hand. When news is made by the minute and information overload is the norm, Lehrer is a sane guide in a frenetic world. Join us. Produced by WNYC, home to other award-winning news podcasts including The Takeaway and New Yorker Radio Hour. The episodes of Impeachment: A Daily Podcast, that were formerly found at this feed are archived online, at impeachmentpodcast.org
Lawmakers Worry About Social Media's Impact On Kids. But What Can They Actually Do?
A hearing this week on kids' online safety became contentious and, at times, emotional as senators from both parties grilled tech CEOs.
On Today's Show:Will Oremus, technology reporter at The Washington Post, offers a recap and analysis.
2/2/2024 • 23 minutes, 25 seconds
Can Republicans Impeach The Homeland Security Secretary Over Policy Disagreements?
House Republicans have begun the process to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over border policy.
On Today's Show:Jacqueline Alemany, Congressional investigations reporter for The Washington Post, explains what Republicans are thinking, how they haven't actually presented any impeachable offenses and why Democrats say the GOP is abusing impeachment and using it as a political tool ahead of the 2024 election.
2/1/2024 • 19 minutes, 46 seconds
Joshua Green Compares Left and Right Populism in America Today
How will the modern political left impact the 2024 election season, and how has it evolved since its roots in the Occupy Wall Street movement after the 2008 financial crisis?
On Today's Show:Joshua Green, national correspondent for Bloomberg Businessweek and the author of The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics (Penguin Press, 2024), talks about the rise of the progressive wing of the Democratic party and where it goes from here.
1/31/2024 • 22 minutes, 48 seconds
We Have Troops In Jordan? Why Exactly Is That?
Three U.S. service members were killed in Jordan this week, and now some Republicans are proposing that the United States should attack Iran.
On Today's Show:Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), explains why we even have troops in Jordan and other places in the Middle East at all, and how this is all related to the Israel-Hamas war.
1/30/2024 • 21 minutes, 8 seconds
Biden Confronts Enthusiasm Gap Among Black Voters In South Carolina
South Carolina's Democratic Primary is Saturday, February 3rd, and the Republicans hold theirs on February 24th.
On Today's Show:Meg Kinnard, national politics reporter at The Associated Press, writer of their "Ground Game" newsletter and a South Carolina resident, shares her reporting and analysis on the politics of the Palmetto State—including the issues that voters there care most about, and whether President Biden will garner the enthusiasm from Black Democratic voters as in 2020.
1/29/2024 • 25 minutes, 5 seconds
Dean Jelani Cobb on Journalism School and the DuPont-Columbia Awards
Last night at Columbia University, they handed out this year’s DuPont-Columbia Awards for excellence in broadcast and digital journalism.
On Today's Show:The host of the ceremony, Jelani Cobb, dean of the Journalism School at Columbia University and a staff writer at The New Yorker, talks about some of the winners and the work of journalists today.
1/26/2024 • 21 minutes, 11 seconds
National Takeaways From The Special Election For George Santos's House Seat
Political observers have their eyes on the special election to replace George Santos in New York's 3rd Congressional district in case it serves as a bellwether for November's elections.
On Today's Show:Abby Livingston, Puck News reporter on political campaigns and Congress, talks about that and shares analysis of media buys and other spending by each candidate and their supporters.
1/25/2024 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
In A Way, It’s Day One For Nikki Haley, Plus Why You Should Watch A Trump Rally
A longtime GOP-beat politics reporter unpacks the New Hampshire primary results, and what it means for the Republican Party's ongoing nomination contest.
On Today's Show:McKay Coppins, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Romney: A Reckoning (Simon & Schuster, 2023), talks about the results from Tuesday's presidential primary in New Hampshire and its implications for the race for the presidency.
1/24/2024 • 24 minutes, 22 seconds
NJ Rep. Mikie Sherrill on AI Deepfakes in Porn and in Politics
This election season, artificial intelligence technology could pose consequences for the political disinformation landscape.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative (D, NJ-11) Mikie Sherrill talks about the latest issues at play in Congress, including aid for Israel and Ukraine, the southern border, the potential deal for an expanded child tax credit and more.
1/23/2024 • 22 minutes, 18 seconds
Who Are The Houthis and Why Is The U.S. At War With Them?
There are many conflicts happening in the Middle East right now besides the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
On Today's Show:Robin Wright, contributing writer and columnist for The New Yorker and distinguished fellow at Woodrow Wilson Center and U.S. Institute of Peace, offers analysis of the hostilities, how the United States is involved and what else could go wrong.
1/22/2024 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
Maybe: Trump Was Found By A Jury To Have Committed Sexual Assault. Who Cares and Who Doesn’t?
Writer E. Jean Carroll is taking former President Donald Trump back to court, this time focusing on what damages, if any, Trump must pay Carroll for defaming her.
On Today's Show: Andrea Bernstein, journalist reporting on Trump legal matters for NPR, host of "We Don't Talk About Leonard" podcast from ProPublica & On The Media (previous podcasts: Will be Wild and Trump, Inc) and the author of American Oligarchs: The Kushners, The Trumps and the Marriage of Money and Power (W. W. Norton & Company, 2020), breaks down the first two days of the trial and what comes next.
1/19/2024 • 22 minutes, 19 seconds
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Blames Iran and Hamas For Civilian War Deaths
New York State's junior senator takes calls from listeners on the business of Congress, and on the U.S.'s priorities in the Middle East.
On Today's Show:U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY), talks about her work in Washington, U.S. Middle East policy, funding negotiations, and more.
1/18/2024 • 0
With A Child Tax Credit Deal Near, Why The US Supports Families Less Than Other Countries
A bipartisan deal is in the works to expand the child tax credit in a way that would largely benefit low-income families.
On Today's Show:Dylan Matthews, senior correspondent and lead writer for Vox's "Future Perfect" section, talks about how it would work, how advocates say it would lift children out poverty, the corporate tax cuts that are part of the deal and whether it will pass the divided Congress.
1/17/2024 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
Republicans Overwhelmingly Agree With Trump About “Poisoning Our Blood”
As polls predicted, Trump has come out on top at the Iowa caucuses, and the candidates are now headed to New Hampshire.
On Today's Show:Amber Phillips, Washington Post political reporter and author of The 5-Minute Fix newsletter, breaks down the results of the Iowa caucuses and what they signal about how GOP voters are feeling and the election year ahead.
1/16/2024 • 22 minutes, 44 seconds
MLK Day Meets First Presidential Votes in Iowa
With extreme cold weather in Iowa on the day of their caucuses, listeners with ties to the state share their takes on the election, and the nomination system.
On Today's Show:Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, Moynihan Public Scholars fellow at City College, CUNY, host of the podcast FAQNYC, host of The Blackest Questions podcast on the Grio, previews the Iowa caucuses, plus discusses New York State's new task force to study reparations.
1/15/2024 • 23 minutes, 20 seconds
The Guardian’s World Affairs Editor on Genocide Claims and US Houthi Strikes
South Africa has brought a case to the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing a genocide against Palestinians living in the occupied territories.
On Today's Show:Julian Borger, world affairs editor at The Guardian, discusses the hearings at the ICJ and why Israel has decided to engage in the debate rather than ignore the accusations entirely.
1/12/2024 • 22 minutes, 22 seconds
Why Chris Christie Probably Didn’t Mind Losing
It's the week before the Iowa caucuses and Donald Trump is still skipping debates.
On Today's Show:Aaron Blake, author of "The Campaign Moment" Newsletter and senior political reporter for The Washington Post, recaps the latest debate between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, Trump's town hall and more campaign news ahead of a big few weeks for the candidates.
1/11/2024 • 21 minutes, 30 seconds
The NRA On Trial In New York. Will It Matter To Gun Laws?
A civil lawsuit is underway in New York which alleges misappropriation of funds on a grand scale by the National Rifle Association's leadership.
On Today's Show: Stephen Gutowski, founder of The Reload, an independent publication focused on firearms policy and politics, breaks down the details of the trial and its national implications.
1/10/2024 • 22 minutes, 47 seconds
Listening To The Case For Disruptive Direct Action For The Climate
On Today's Show:
Dana Fisher, director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity and a professor in the School of International Service at American University and the author of the forthcoming Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action (Columbia University Press, 2024), talks about the role of climate activists in the 2024 presidential race and in combatting climate change in general.
1/9/2024 • 17 minutes, 52 seconds
Why Trump’s Civil War Comments May Be Worse Than Nikki Haley’s and Other Monday Politics
On Today's Show:
Luke Broadwater, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, talks about Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the cause of the Civil War as well as House Democrats' report on Trump's violation of the Emoluments Clause.
1/8/2024 • 24 minutes, 11 seconds
What to Expect From Elections Around the World in 2024
Over 60 countries are set to vote in 2024, with many threatening to slide into "illiberal democracies."
On Today's Show:
Ishaan Tharoor, foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, and the author of the Today's WorldView newsletter and column, ticks through the list and what to expect from a global policy perspective in countries including Britain, India, South Africa, Mexico and the United States.
1/5/2024 • 23 minutes, 51 seconds
Paul Krugman On The Nation’s 34 Trillion Dollar Debt
The national debt has just surpassed $34 trillion for the first time.
On Today's Show:Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate in economics, New York Times columnist, distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center, and the author of (now in paperback) Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future (W. W. Norton & Company, 2020), explains how that happened and where inflation may be headed in 2024.
1/4/2024 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
'Hallucinating' For Michael Cohen and Other AI News
With a US presidential election coming up, and with issues related to AI generated content working their way through US courts, we look at how Europe is addressing AI policy concerns.
On Today's Show:Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post national technology policy reporter, talks about the European Union's AI Act, plus other news involving artificial intelligence.
1/3/2024 • 18 minutes, 6 seconds
The 2024 Election Year Begins: Insights From Astead Herndon's Family 'Focus Group'
It's January 2024 and both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary are coming right up.
On Today's Show: Astead Herndon, New York Times national politics reporter, host of their politics podcast "The Run-Up" and CNN political analyst, offers analysis of where things stand with the presidential election.
1/2/2024 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
End-Of-Year News Quiz: Have You Been Paying Attention In 2023?
How well did you pay attention to the news in 2023?
On Today's Show:Listeners call in to prove their national news chops on our annual end-of-the-year news quiz.
12/28/2023 • 12 minutes, 12 seconds
Susan Page on Nikki Haley's Chances, Liz Cheney's Future & Biden's Middle East Dilemma
A recent poll in New Hampshire showed Nikki Haley just three points behind Donald Trump -- in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.
On Today's Show:Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021), rounds up the latest news from the GOP primary campaigns, Liz Cheney's book tour, and Biden's Middle East policy.
12/27/2023 • 24 minutes, 6 seconds
Masha Gessen on Israel, Gaza and The “Politics of Memory” in Europe
New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen recently received a German literary prize, but the ceremony was delayed after the Russian-American writer compared Gaza to a Nazi-era ghetto.
On Today's Show:Gessen discusses how the memory of the Holocaust complicates calls for a cease-fire, support for Palestinians, Zionism and antisemitism.
12/22/2023 • 20 minutes, 22 seconds
Elie Mystal On Colorado’s Supreme Court Barring Trump From The Ballot
Earlier this week the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump cannot appear on the state's primary ballot, because of his role in inciting the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent and columnist for The Nation magazine and host of the new podcast, Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal, and author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution (New Press, 2022), offers legal analysis of the case, and how the Supreme Court of the United States will approach this, as it will now almost certainly intervene.
12/21/2023 • 19 minutes, 46 seconds
A Palestinian-American Journalist and Activist On So Many Deaths In So Little Time
How are some Palestinians thinking about the disparate treatment between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators receive?
On Today's Show:Hebh Jamal, a Palestinian-American advocate and journalist living in Germany, discusses her piece titled “A Letter to my Gazan Son,” her experiences of anti-Palestinian repression in Germany, and her latest analysis on the situation in Gaza.
12/20/2023 • 22 minutes, 27 seconds
Immigration Expert Busts Myths From Left and Right
Voters have a lot of thoughts on the consequences of human migration and immigration policies, but often, those ideas are based on false or mistaken assumptions.
On Today's Show:Hein de Haas, professor of sociology at the University of Amsterdam and founding member of the International Migration Institute at the University of Oxford and the author of How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics (Basic Books, 2023), corrects the record about certain immigration policies.
12/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 25 seconds
Biden’s 'Chill' Campaign vs. The Democrats' 'Effing Bed-Wetters'
Despite dismal poll numbers at this early stage, President Biden's reelection campaign is full of staffers who feel confident in his chances for 2024.
On Today's Show:Gabriel Debenedetti, national correspondent at New York Magazine and author of The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama (Henry Holt and Co., 2022), shares his latest reporting on the Democrats' plans for the coming presidential election cycle.
12/18/2023 • 19 minutes, 52 seconds
A Big Week At The Supreme Court Part Two: Why The January 6th Riot Might Not Count As Obstructing Congress
In its upcoming term, the Supreme Court will hear a case related to former President Trump's legal exposure for his behavior leading to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
On Today's Show:Elie Honig, senior legal analyst at CNN, host of the CAFE podcast "Up Against The Mob," former New Jersey and federal prosecutor and author of Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It (Harper, 2023), offers legal analysis of some cases the Supreme Court agreed to hear.
12/15/2023 • 21 minutes, 28 seconds
A Big Week At The Supreme Court Part One: SCOTUS Could Restrict Abortion Pills Nationwide
The Supreme Court accepted a case for the upcoming term related to the availability by mail of the abortion medicine mifepristone.
On Today's Show:Elie Honig, senior legal analyst at CNN, host of the CAFE podcast "Up Against The Mob," former New Jersey and federal prosecutor and author of Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It (Harper, 2023), offers legal analysis of some cases the Supreme Court agreed to hear.
12/14/2023 • 22 minutes, 13 seconds
Can The U.N. Protect Civilians In The Israel-Hamas War?
What does the global community of nations see as its role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, and what other options are key players on the international stage pursuing?
On Today's Show:Farnaz Fassihi, United Nations bureau chief for The New York Times, breaks down the role of the United Nations in the war between Israel and Hamas.
12/13/2023 • 21 minutes, 25 seconds
The Humanitarian Situation In Gaza, Per A Journalist And CARE International
With US officials reportedly saying that they expect Israel's offensive in Gaza to continue into the new year, we examine the needs of civilians caught in the middle.
On Today's Show:Miriam Berger, reporter on the Washington Post's foreign news desk, talks about the conditions on the ground in Gaza, and what U.S. and other officials are doing to urge Israel to change its strategy. Then, Deepmala Mahla, Chief Humanitarian Officer at CARE, discusses the acute humanitarian needs of Gazans, with whom CARE has been working since the late 1940s.
12/12/2023 • 21 minutes, 49 seconds
UPenn President Resigns Over “Genocide” Speech Controversy. We Discuss.
On Wednesday, the presidents of three top universities testified before Congress about antisemitism on campus, and their responses provoked severe backlash.
On Today's Show:Michelle Goldberg, New York Times Op-Ed columnist and co-host of "The Argument" podcast goes beyond the soundbites to give context on the line of questioning that led to their controversial responses.
12/11/2023 • 23 minutes, 14 seconds
The Politics and Economics of The “Frozen” Housing Market
Mortgage rates are high, and housing supply is low, which means buying a home is particularly unaffordable right now.
On Today's Show:Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Give People Money: How a Universal Basic Income Would End Poverty, Revolutionize Work, and Remake the World (Crown, 2018), explains why this is, and why it may not get better any time soon.
12/8/2023 • 20 minutes, 58 seconds
What Could Trump Do With “Dictator” Powers He Said He’d Use On Day One?
In a recent interview, former President Trump declined to say that he wouldn't use his presidential powers for "retribution."
On Today's Show:Joseph Zeballos-Roig, domestic policy and politics reporter at Semafor, talks about the latest national political news, including recent developments in Congress over border control, a Donald Trump interview with Sean Hannity, and last night's GOP primary debate.
12/7/2023 • 19 minutes, 36 seconds
Congress Debates War and Border Funding And If Colleges Should Allow Students To Advocate Genocide
Various question about the Israel-Hamas war have made their way to Congress, and to college campuses in recent weeks.
On Today's Show:Jake Sherman, co-founder of Punchbowl News and the co-host of the "Daily Punch" podcast by Punchbowl News, talks about recent Congressional news including foreign aid votes and conditions, and yesterday's hearing with the leaders of three prominent universities on antisemitism.
12/6/2023 • 19 minutes, 58 seconds
Why Is The Head Of An Oil Company Running The COP28 Climate Conference?
The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is underway in Dubai.
On Today's Show:Nina Lakhani, senior climate justice reporter at The Guardian U.S., breaks down the latest from conference, including a deep dive into the president of the U.N. climate talks, Sultan al-Jaber's, ties to the fossil fuel industry.
12/5/2023 • 23 minutes, 20 seconds
Is It Anti-Semitic To Equate Zionism With Colonialism?
With divisions on the American left over how to talk about Zionism, our guest discusses the history of Jews in the region, and cautions pro-Palestinian activists to avoid anti-Semitism.
On Today's Show:Alexis Grenell co-founder of Pythia Public, a political and public affairs firm, columnist for The Nation, explains her objections to how some on the left are approaching the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and where she thinks some criticism veers into anti-Semitism.
12/4/2023 • 19 minutes, 23 seconds
A Democratic Socialists of America Leader On Their Approach To Israel vs. Hamas
There's no shortage of discussion when it comes to the left's fissures on Israel.
On Today's Show:Jeremy Cohan, co-chair of NYC-DSA's steering committee, explains the Democratic Socialists of America's pro-Palestine stance and their involvement in a widely criticized Manhattan protest the day after the October 7th attacks. Plus: JC shares an inside look at how the organization decides upon their policy stances, how they work with endorsed elected officials, and their broader vision for our political future.
12/1/2023 • 21 minutes, 35 seconds
The Pros and Cons of Expelling George Santos
A looming vote could possibly remove George Santos from Congress over his numerous lies and now campaign fraud related indictments.
On Today's Show: Sarah Longwell, political strategist, founder of Republican Voters Against Trump and publisher of the "The Bulwark," talks about 2024 politics, including voter opinion heading into early GOP primaries, polarization across and within parties, and the effect of 3rd party candidates on the presidential contest.
11/30/2023 • 20 minutes, 43 seconds
Sen. Gillibrand on Freeing More Hostages, Protecting Palestinian Civilians
Updates and analysis from a New York lawmaker involved in some key foreign policy and military congressional committees.
On Today's Show:Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY), responds to questions about Israel's war in Gaza, healthcare, asylum seekers, and more.
11/28/2023 • 22 minutes, 2 seconds
Israel, Biden And The Domestic Politics Of US Foreign Policy In The Middle East
The ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war appears to be holding, as several rounds of prisoner/hostage swaps have been underway.
On Today's Show:Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal recaps the latest political news after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, including how the latest developments in the Middle East are impacting congressional and presidential politics here in the US.
11/27/2023 • 19 minutes, 5 seconds
What Do Trump And Argentina's New Anarcho Capitalist President Elect Really Have In Common?
Argentinians have taken a far-right turn in Sunday's presidential election, resulting in the victory of the self-described 'anarcho-capitalist' political newcomer, Javier Milei.
On Today's Show:Ana Lankes, Latin America correspondent for The Economist, describes the circumstances that led to Milei's victory, what she learned during her three-hour exclusive interview with him before the election, and what lessons we can gather from the results in Argentina a year ahead of 2024.
11/22/2023 • 20 minutes, 10 seconds
Open AI’s 'Weird Weekend' And The Future Of Us All
Why was an influential AI executive removed by his company's board, hired by Microsoft, and is now jockeying for his old job back?
On Today's Show:Sara Morrison, a senior Vox reporter who covers data privacy, antitrust, and Big Tech, talks about the firing and hiring of Sam Altman and government efforts to regulate AI.
11/21/2023 • 20 minutes, 59 seconds
Is the GOP Running Out of 'Patience Juice?'
A former GOP Congressman who served on the Jan. 6 Select Committee, provides analysis on recent right wing movements, from the Tea Party to Trump.
On Today's Show:Adam Kinzinger, former Illinois congressman (2011 to 2023), Air Force veteran, CNN commentator and the author (with Michael D'Antonio) of Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country (The Open Field, 2023), talks about his new book and the current state of the Republican Party.
11/17/2023 • 21 minutes, 20 seconds
Is the Economy Improving? Americans Say 'Yes' and 'No'
How can we explain the gap between some mostly positive economic indicators and how Americans perceive the state of the economy?
On Today's Show:James Surowiecki, a contributing writer for The Atlantic and the author of The Wisdom of Crowds, talks about the US economy, and what it means for the politics of today, and the 2024 election.
11/15/2023 • 22 minutes, 24 seconds
Ahead of COP28, A "Check-Up" on The Climate Promises Made
The United States announced it will join United Nations guidelines to set up a loss and damage fund due to climate change.
On Today's Show:
Bob Berwyn, science correspondent for Inside Climate News, breaks down what the U.S. will pledge going into the global COP28 climate talks in Dubai.
11/14/2023 • 21 minutes, 47 seconds
Presidential Politics & Polling
People are still reacting to last week's polls and election returns.
On Today's Show:
New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser, who writes their column on life in Biden's Washington and co-anchors a weekly roundtable discussion on "The Political Scene" podcast, and is co-author, with Peter Baker, of The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 (Doubleday, 2022), talks about the latest national political news after the long holiday weekend, including the end of Sen. Tim Scott's bid for the White House, the fallout of last week's 2024 polls, and the pending government shutdown.
11/13/2023 • 22 minutes, 58 seconds
Politics Potpourri: GOP Debate, Tlaib Censure Vote and More
On Today's Show:USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page rounds up the latest news from Washington, from the GOP debate to the House vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
11/10/2023 • 26 minutes, 38 seconds
Can We Increase Voter Participation and Trust In Election Results At The Same Time?
On Today's Show:Andrew Seligsohn, president of Public Agenda, talks about his group's project to ensure participation in voting and restore trust in democracy ahead of the 2024 elections.
11/9/2023 • 20 minutes, 30 seconds
'Compromise' Abortion Ban Bombs In Virginia
Some electoral races around the country yesterday were influenced by, and will impact questions of reproductive rights.
On Today's Show:Shefali Luthra, health reporter covering the intersection of gender and healthcare at the 19th, talks how the issue of abortion affected the outcomes of a few key election races around the country.
11/8/2023 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
New York State Republicans Want George Santos Out, And More Congressional News
It's been a busy week in Congress, with the new House Speaker, a failed attempt by some Republicans to remove Rep. George Santos from office, and more.
On Today's Show:Kadia Goba, political reporter at Semafor, reports, and brings her analysis.
11/3/2023 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Why Rep. Jim Himes Wants A "Pause" But Not A "Ceasefire" In Israel-Hamas War
A local congressman and House Intelligence committee Democrat lays out his opposition to a ceasefire in Gaza, and discusses the United States' role in the conflict.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D, CT-4) talks about the Israel-Hamas war.
11/2/2023 • 24 minutes, 8 seconds
Tensions On College Campuses Over Israel-Hamas War
Demonstrations, faculty letters and other on-campus politics around the conflict in the Middle East have sparked uncomfortable discussions and tensions for students and educators.
On Today's Show:Madina Touré, New York City education policy and politics reporter for POLITICO New York, breaks down the latest as pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian college students clash on campuses around the city and the country.
11/1/2023 • 23 minutes, 6 seconds
Trial Underway: Does The 14th Amendment Block Trump From Re-election?
The trial over whether former President Trump is eligible to be placed on the Colorado ballot under the 14th Amendment started Monday.
On Today's Show:Jena Griswold, Colorado Secretary of State and chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State, talks about the lawsuit seeking to bar him and how Colorado and other states are preparing for the 2024 election.
10/31/2023 • 12 minutes, 17 seconds
The New Yorker’s David Remnick On Going Beyond "Who Is More Wrong?" In The Middle East
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, how should journalists and members of the public think about how the historically entrenched and complex situation got to this point.
On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, reports on his recent trip to Israel and offers analysis of the Israel-Hamas war.
10/30/2023 • 21 minutes, 46 seconds
Understanding The New House Speaker’s Temperament and Christian Right Politics
How will Congress function with Rep. Mike Johnson, the new House Speaker whom Democrats view as a far-right extremist, at the helm?
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), formerly lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of Pres. Trump in 2019 and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of NY, discusses the new speaker of the House.
10/27/2023 • 18 minutes, 35 seconds
Donald Trump Plus Leonard Leo Equals… What We Have. Leonard Who?
A look at a man who has played a key role in the conservative takeover of America's courts: Leonard Leo.
On Today's Show:Ilya Marritz, fellow at the Nieman Foundation at Harvard, and Andrea Bernstein, author of American Oligarchs: The Kushners, The Trumps and the Marriage of Money and Power (W. W. Norton & Company, 2020), share the original reporting they did for their podcast We Don't Talk About Leonard from ProPublica and On The Media.
10/26/2023 • 18 minutes, 57 seconds
Cassidy Hutchinson on New Book, Mark Meadows’ Reported Immunity Deal
One of the key witnesses to President Trump's role in the Jan. 6 insurrection has a new book.
On Today's Show:Cassidy Hutchinson, a former special assistant to President Donald Trump and his chief of staff, Mark Meadows and the author of Enough (Simon & Schuster, 2023), talks about her new book and her testimony to the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.
10/25/2023 • 14 minutes, 29 seconds
The Origin, Decline and Potential Future of “The American Dream”
What made people believe the "American Dream" when the mythos around it came about, and where is that sentiment left in 2023 and beyond?'
On Today's Show:With the "dream" of an ever-brighter economic future now stymied, David Leonhardt, senior writer for The New York Times who writes The Morning, The Times’s flagship daily newsletter and author of Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream (Random House, 2023), traces its history and offers a path to reclaiming it for future generations.
10/24/2023 • 17 minutes
Support For Israel Meets “Old-Fashioned Legislative Log-Rolling”
We discuss how the conflict in the Middle East intersects with the GOP's fight over who the new Speaker of the House will be.
On Today's Show:Mara Liasson, NPR national political correspondent, talks about the latest national political news, including how President Biden is trying to influence Israel, the speaker situation in the House and the Republicans in disarray and more.
10/23/2023 • 16 minutes, 36 seconds
Hamas's Possible Plans For The Hostages In Gaza
Hamas is still holding an estimated 200+ people hostage after a large-scale offensive last week.
On Today's Show:Graeme Wood, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of The Way of the Strangers: Encounters With the Islamic State (Random House, 2016), talks about the current status of the hostages after Israeli officials provided him a document they claimed Hamas produced outlining how to navigate possible hostage situations.
10/20/2023 • 21 minutes, 23 seconds
After Biden’s Deal: Getting Medical Aid To Gazans
In the wake of the Hamas attacks, Israel has cut off the water, fuel and electricity that it normally supplies to Gaza.
On Today's Show:Avril Benoît, executive director of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in the United States, discusses how hospitals in Gaza are not able function without these critical supplies, like electricity to power hospital generators and clean water for infant formula.
10/19/2023 • 0
Peter Beinart On Biden’s Israel Speech And A Longer Term Vision For Peace
The the editor-at-large of Jewish Currents argues for Palestinian liberation through non-violence, taking lessons from the successes and failures of South African resistance movements.
On Today's Show:Peter Beinart, journalist, commentator and professor at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, shares his analysis of the Israel-Hamas war, and his hope - however distant it may feel right now - for peace. Plus, he reacts to President Biden's speech from his visit to Israel.
10/18/2023 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Sen. Gillibrand On The U.S. Role In The Israel-Hamas War
In today's installment of our monthly "Call Your Senator" discussion, NY's junior senator explained how she thought about the US's involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
On Today's Show:U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY) talks about her work in Washington, the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas war, and more.
10/17/2023 • 20 minutes, 16 seconds
Tahani Mustafa on Palestinian Politics
A Palestinian affairs analyst explains some of the long-standing internal politics of Gaza and the West Bank, including Hamas, Fatah and what has prevented a two-state solution.
On Today's Show:Tahani Mustafa, Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group, offers context from the Palestinian perspective to the Hamas attack and Israeli response.
10/16/2023 • 22 minutes, 58 seconds
Julia Ioffe on “Historical Illiteracy” Regarding The Jewish Experience
There's so much nuance and context behind the situation between Israel and Hamas, which often gets drowned out by emotionally charged discourse.
On Today's Show:Julia Ioffe, founding partner and Washington correspondent of Puck, a new media company, draws on her Russian-Jewish-American identity to discuss the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza.
10/13/2023 • 21 minutes, 43 seconds
Tough Choices Facing Biden In The Israel-Hamas War
In the days since Hamas stormed past Israeli security checkpoints and began the deadliest stretch of violence in the reason since 2014, questions have emerged about the US's role.
On Today's Show:Ishaan Tharoor, foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, and the author of the "Today's WorldView" newsletter and column, and Robin Wright, contributing writer and columnist for The New Yorker and Joint Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and the US Institute of Peace, discuss the United States' foreign policy options related to the Israel-Hamas war, and how they will affect Israelis, Palestinians and Americans.
10/11/2023 • 23 minutes
A Palestinian Journalist and Jewish-American Congressman On The Israel-Hamas War
Over the weekend, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel’s border with Gaza.
On Today's Show:Dan Goldman, US Representative (D, NY-10), formerly lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of former President Trump in 2019 and former assistant US attorney SDNY, discusses the latest news from the Middle East following his trip to Israel over the weekend, and breaks down how Congress is reacting to the attack and Israel’s consequent war in Gaza.
Then:Rami Khouri, Palestinian-American journalist and senior public policy fellow at the American University of Beirut, talks about the attack on Israel and the political context of the violence.
10/10/2023 • 43 minutes, 42 seconds
Hakeem Jeffries On Congress, The Israel-Hamas Conflict, And Whether He Could Become Speaker
What's Congress's role in the nation's foreign policy regarding the violence in Israel, particularly as the House is mired in a GOP leadership fight?
On Today's Show:Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative (D NY-8th, Brooklyn) and House minority leader, talks about the latest national political news as Republicans in the House try to figure out who the next speaker will be and Israel declares war.
10/9/2023 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
We Discuss Today’s Nobel Peace Prize Winner With Azar Nafisi and Summer Lopez
The jailed Iranian women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi, is this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
On Today's Show:Summer Lopez, chief program officer of Free Expression Programs at PEN America and Azar Nafisi, author of many books including Reading Lolita in Tehran and most recently Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times (Dey Street Books, 2022), discuss Mohammadi's work, and the importance, and difficulties of speaking truth to power.
10/6/2023 • 20 minutes, 12 seconds
Former NJ Congressman, Now In Ukraine, On US Aid, How Menendez May Have Compromised Egyptians’ Human Rights
How might the bribery indictment of a prominent Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee impact the foreign policy of the United States?
On Today's Show:Tom Malinowski, diplomat, McCain Institute senior fellow and former congressman representing NJ's 7th district, reflects on representing the 7th district, current New Jersey politics, and Senator Bob Menendez's impact on U.S. foreign policy.
10/5/2023 • 23 minutes, 39 seconds
Rep. Ritchie Torres On The Power-Sharing Deals McCarthy Wouldn’t Even Discuss
A few GOP congressmembers from the party's far-right have, with the help of their Democratic colleagues, ousted the now former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
On Today's Show:Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative (D-NY15) talks about the deal that avoided a government shutdown, the fallout for McCarthy and the GOP, and what it means for the House's ability to govern through another impending budget fight.
10/4/2023 • 22 minutes, 58 seconds
Do EV’s Really Cost American jobs? Do They Really Help The Climate?
What might the rise of electric vehicles mean for the U.S. autoworkers, the UAW strike and the climate?
On Today's Show:Robinson Meyer, founding executive editor of Heatmap, a new climate-focused media company, breaks down the latest in climate news headlines, and discusses the geopolitics and global economics of electric vehicles.
10/3/2023 • 23 minutes, 12 seconds
Should Democrats Help Kevin McCarthy Remain As Speaker After He Helped Them Keep The Government Open?
To stave off a government shutdown, Congress has passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, at least until November.
On Today's Show:Kadia Goba, politics reporter at Semafor, breaks down the politics at play with the brinksmanship over shutting down the federal government and what comes next for Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
10/2/2023 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds
Why Are Republicans Defending Dem. Sen. Menendez?
A big news day in national politics, as D.C. reckons with a looming shutdown, the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, and a NJ Democrat's federal indictment.
On Today's Show:Aaron Blake, senior political reporter, who writes The Fix at The Washington Post, talks about the politics at play in the shutdown, and how politicians and voters are feeling about Senator Menendez, a week after his federal indictment on bribery charges.
9/29/2023 • 18 minutes, 36 seconds
Republicans For President Bash “Union Bosses”, Not Actual Bosses, In UAW Strike
Last night, all but one of the GOP presidential frontrunners weighed in on the United Auto Workers strike from the debate stage, while Trump weighed in from a competing event with non-unionized workers.
On Today's Show:Jeff Stein, White House economics reporter for The Washington Post, talks about how the GOP presidential hopefuls address the issues raised by the UAW strike as they meet for a second debate.
9/28/2023 • 23 minutes, 46 seconds
New Yorker Editor David Remnick On The “Gerontocracy”
What does it mean for our government that so many key elected officials and candidates are significantly older than the median age of the country?
On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of "The New Yorker Radio Hour" talks about current politics, including his recent article called "The Washington Gerontocracy."
9/27/2023 • 20 minutes, 24 seconds
Former Bernie Sanders Adviser Has A New Book On Actually Ending Child Poverty
Last year, the child poverty rose more than it ever has since the Census started recording it in 2009, more than doubling from 5.2 percent in 2021 to 12.4 percent in 2022.
On Today's Show:Through the story of three North Philadelphia children and drawing on his research, Nikhil Goyal, sociologist and policymaker who served as senior policy advisor on education and children for Chairman Senator Bernie Sanders on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Committee on the Budget and the author of Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty (Metropolitan Books, 2023), shows how poverty limits the lives of U.S. children and offers policy solutions.
9/26/2023 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
Republicans Falter on Funding While Dems Call for Sen. Menendez to Step Down
On Today's Show:Susan Glasser, New Yorker staff writer, on the latest national political news, including the spending impasse in the House over funding to Ukraine and the Democratic response to New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez's indictment on corruption charges.
9/25/2023 • 23 minutes, 51 seconds
“**** Through A Goose”: Freedom Caucus vs. Problem Solvers Caucus On A Government Shutdown
With next weekend's looming government shutdown, the Republicans' more right-wing Freedom Caucus is seeking to reign in its more moderate Problem Solvers Caucus.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Andrew Garbarino (R, NY2) talks about his work in Congress, including as a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, as the House Republicans grapple with passing a plan to fund the government without the support of some extreme right members.
9/22/2023 • 25 minutes, 27 seconds
The Innovative Climate Lawsuits Taking Governments And Fossil Fuel Companies To Court
An al Jazeera podcast has been looking into stories of environmental activists using the courts in the US and abroad to hold their governments to their carbon emissions commitments.
On Today's Show:Amanda Burrell, executive producer and correspondent of Al Jazeera English’s series earthrise, explains how activists are turning to the legal system to achieve climate-related goals, and reflects on climate solutions more broadly.
9/21/2023 • 20 minutes, 42 seconds
Democrats and Republicans See The UAW Strike Very Differently
The United Auto Workers are striking for higher wages and job security measures as the industry transitions to include electric vehicles.
On Today's Show:Neal Boudette, Michigan-based New York Times reporter covering the auto industry talks about the economics of the auto industry and what's at stake in the strike.
9/20/2023 • 24 minutes, 58 seconds
Pre-2024 Voting Rights News On National Voter Registration Day
For National Voter Registration Day, we take a look at the state of voting rights and ballot access ahead of the 2024 presidential election season.
On Today's Show:Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org, talks about registering to vote and issues affecting voter access ahead of 2024 and Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the voting rights and elections program at the Brennan Center for Justice, talks about the voting rights nationally and in New York State.
9/19/2023 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Climate Marchers Target Biden While Oil Companies Target Climate Protesters
As the United Nations General Assembly meets this week at its NYC headquarters, we kick off Climate Week with a look at the aims of climate protesters, and their detractors.
On Today's Show:Mark Hertsgaard, executive director of the global media collaboration Covering Climate Now and environment correspondent for The Nation magazine, talks about related events in the city, including Sunday's climate march, plus introduces his group's journalism awards, which honor the best climate journalists and their work. Plus, Amy Westervelt, climate journalist and the executive editor of Drilled, a multimedia climate accountability reporting project and one of Covering Climate Now's climate journalists of the year, talks about her work and how it fits into climate coverage.
9/18/2023 • 23 minutes, 1 second
Refugees Are Told Where They Can Start Life In The U.S. How About Asylum Seekers?
With an influx of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from various countries continuing to arrive in the US, we explore the nuances of immigration law.
On Today's Show:Julia Preston, contributing writer for The Marshall Project, talks about why a possible work-permit solution isn't accessible to more asylum seekers, New York City officials' calls for a "decompression" strategy, and news that a federal judge has ruled DACA unconstitutional.
9/14/2023 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
Impeach Biden On, Um, What Exactly?
As Congress returns from summer recess, they face several important issues, including averting a budget-related shutdown, and whether the GOP can impeach Biden for his son's dealings.
On Today's Show:Annie Karni, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, discusses this development and other headlines in Congressional news.
9/13/2023 • 22 minutes, 18 seconds
'Personal Brand' Politics, And The Naomis Of The Left And Right
Naomi Klein, activist, professor of climate justice at the University of British Columbia, and the author of books including The Shock Doctrine and No Logo, is so often confused with conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolf that she's used this experience as the premise for a new book that explores the blurred identities and destabilizing meanings in our broader politics and culture.
On Today's Show:Klein speaks with us about her new book Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2023),
9/12/2023 • 20 minutes, 47 seconds
If Poland Can Welcome A Million Migrants With Open Arms, What About Us?
As the United States copes with new migrants and refugees from South and Central America, we look at how refugees from the war in Ukraine are being received around the world.
On Today's Show:David Miliband, president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee, talks about his recent trip to Ukraine and Poland and the refugee crisis that is a result of Russia's war in Ukraine.
9/11/2023 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds
Hot Labor Summer: UAW Aims to Set Four Day Work Week Precedent
Many of the current union strikes are leveraging their workplace power to get what they want in their contracts, including a possible shift to a four day work week for themselves — and potentially everyone else.
On Today's Show:
Jane McAlevey, organizer, senior policy fellow at the University of California at Berkeley’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, columnist at The Nation and co-author of Rules to Win By: Power and Participation in Union Negotiations (Oxford University Press, 2023), talks about labor news, including the latest on the WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes and the UAW negotiations, and the overall state of organized labor today.
→ Check out Jane's latest here: "The NLRB’s Recent Decisions Are Good News for Workers" (The Nation, 9/4/2023)
9/8/2023 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Our Listeners Want A National Education Debate About More Than Just “Parental Rights”
Education is a critical policy domain that's often left to local municipalities to navigate.
On Today's Show:Listeners call in to share their views on education, what sorts of federal policies they'd like to see, and what the role of politics should be in decisions about teaching our children.
9/7/2023 • 13 minutes, 56 seconds
Senator Gillibrand: Let Asylum Seekers Come And Work But Vet Their Claims Quickly
On today's show:U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) discusses her actions around the big influx of asylum seekers in New York and other cities, the prospect of a government shutdown at the end of this month, term limits in Congress and more.
9/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 13 seconds
How Biden’s Medicare Prescription Drug Price Announcement Puts Republicans On The Defensive For 2024
The Biden administration announced which drugs that will be part of its price negotiations for patients on Medicare.
On Today's Show: Jonathan Cohn, senior national reporter at HuffPost, lecturer at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the author of The Ten Year War: Obamacare and the Unfinished Crusade for Universal Coverage (St. Martin's Press, 2021), talks about how it will work, how it will affect out-of-pocket costs for patients and what could go wrong.
8/30/2023 • 23 minutes, 13 seconds
The Conversation That 'Rich Men North of Richmond' Is Starting
A new country song has captured the hearts of the right wing. But the message of the music suggests a more complicated political situation in terms of populism and elitism.
On Today's Show:Greg Sargent, Washington Post columnist, talks about why Republicans love the country singer Oliver Anthony's song "Rich Men North of Richmond," and how policy moves could actually address some of the indignities he sings about.
8/29/2023 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
The March On Washington At 60 and the Ways We Use The Word 'Freedom'
GOP candidates like to use the word "freedom" in their campaigns. On a key civil rights anniversary, we reflect on what 'freedom' means in 2023.
On Today's Show:Jonathan Lemire, host of “Way Too Early" on MSNBC, Politico White House bureau chief, and the author of The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron Books, 2022), discuses the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington, as well as the latest national political news, including the arrest and mug shot of former President Trump.
8/28/2023 • 22 minutes, 42 seconds
Recapping Last Night's Frontrunnerless GOP Debate
How did it change the dynamics of last night's GOP debate that Trump, who's leading in the polls, was not on the stage?
On Today's Show:Lisa Lerer, national political correspondent for The New York Times, talks about Wednesday night's debate among many of the Republicans running for president.
8/24/2023 • 23 minutes, 17 seconds
What Are Developing Nations Worth To Russia, China And Other Global Powers?
The BRICS summit is a meeting of major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and now including South Africa.
On Today's Show:Yinka Adegoke, editor of Semafor Africa, previews the summit and explains how Russia and China in particular are hoping to have a stronger influence on African countries.
8/22/2023 • 22 minutes, 25 seconds
Wednesday's GOP Debate Moves Forward Without Frontrunner
This week, some of the hopefuls in the race for the GOP nomination will face off on a debate stage, though former President Trump, who's leading in the polls, will not be among them.
On Today's Show:Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021), rounds up the latest news from Washington, including a look ahead to Wednesday's GOP debate in Milwaukee.
8/21/2023 • 24 minutes, 10 seconds
The 'Disaster Capitalism' Threat After Maui’s Wildfires
A multibillion-dollar recovery effort is underway in Hawaii following the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century.
On Today's Show:Kaniela Ing, a seventh-generation indigenous Hawaiian from Maui and the national director of climate justice organization Green New Deal Network, discusses how residents now worry that wealthy outsiders will stand to make a profit, and Alana Casanova-Burgess, co-creator, host and producer of the podcast La Brega, from WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, explains what Hawaii can learn from Puerto Rico’s recovery after Hurricane Maria.
8/17/2023 • 22 minutes, 9 seconds
Georgia: Trump Indictment Meets 2024 Swing State
Swing-state Georgia will be pivotal in the upcoming presidential election which means the legal process playing out over the outcome of the 2020 election could have a big political impact.
On Today's Show:Stephen Fowler, political reporter for Georgia Public Broadcasting and host of the podcast Battleground: Ballot Box, talks about the indictments of former President Trump and 18 others and how they are playing out in Georgia's political landscape.
8/16/2023 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
Why Mark Meadows - And The Grand Jurors - May Have Reason To Fear Trump’s Georgia Indictment
Indictments were announced overnight in Georgia against former President Trump and 18 others, including former NYC Mayor Giuliani.
On Today's Show:Elie Honig, senior legal analyst at CNN, host of the CAFE podcast "Up Against The Mob," former New Jersey and federal prosecutor and author of Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It (Harper, 2023), discusses the charges.
8/15/2023 • 20 minutes, 34 seconds
Why The DOJ Assigned A Special Counsel In The Hunter Biden Probe
Late last week, the Department of Justice named a special counsel to oversee investigations into the business conduct of presidential son Hunter Biden.
On Today's Show:Idrees Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, talks about the latest national political news.
8/14/2023 • 11 minutes, 47 seconds
A Southern Take (Not South Bronx) On Hip Hop’s 50th
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the 'Back To School Jam' in the Bronx that helped launch hip hop culture into global popularity.
On Today's Show:Joycelyn Wilson, assistant professor of hip-hop studies and digital media at Georgia Tech, explains the long relationship between hip hop, its artists, and politics.
8/11/2023 • 20 minutes, 34 seconds
The New Pill, and Some Needed Politics, To Deal With Post-Partum Depression
Last week, the FDA approved the first ever pill specifically intended to treat postpartum depression.
On Today's Show:Nicole Cirino, MD, reproductive psychiatrist, chief of division of reproductive psychiatry, professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and Postpartum Support International board member, provides an expert look at Zurzuvae, the new medication which could help the estimated 1 in 8 women in the United States experiencing symptoms of depression after giving birth.
8/10/2023 • 21 minutes, 30 seconds
Direct Democracy on Abortion, Trump’s Direct Threats Land In Court
Could more ballot measures be a remedy for partisan gerrymandering around the country? Plus, some legal analysis of former President Trump's direct threats.
On Today's Show:Kate Shaw, law professor at Cardozo Law School, ABC Supreme Court contributor and cohost of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, breaks down the latest legal investigations into Trump's business and political careers.
8/9/2023 • 19 minutes, 44 seconds
Ohio’s Abortion Rights Ballot Measure Read Out Loud and Explained
Voters go to the polls today in Ohio to decide whether future ballot initiatives will need a 60%, rather than a simple, majority, which could impact upcoming abortion protection measures.
On Today's Show:Rachel Cohen, senior policy reporter at Vox, and Haley BeMiller, state government and politics reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, explain what's at stake in Ohio and nationally.
8/8/2023 • 23 minutes, 57 seconds
Charlie Sykes on Trump’s 'I’m Coming After You' Threat and The Republican Primaries
With charges officially filed against former President Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, how are conservatives, including his voters, thinking about his 2024 campaign?
On Today's Show:Charlie Sykes, founder and editor-at-large and host of a podcast at The Bulwark, MSNBC contributor and author of How the Right Lost Its Mind (St. Martin's Press, 2017), discusses the politics of former President Donald Trump's latest indictment.
8/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment
Friday Special: We present longform readings of key excerpts from the Trump indictment, plus analysis from legal experts.
On Today's Show:Hear portions of the indictment read aloud by WNYC host Tiffany Hanssen, Kai Wright, host of WNYC's Notes from America, Micah Loewinger, correspondent for WNYC's On the Media, Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation and host of its new podcast Contempt of Court and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), and Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC legal analyst, former Watergate special prosecutor, co-host of the podcasts #Sistersinlaw and IGenPolitics and the author of The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President (Henry Holt and Co., 2020).
8/4/2023 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 4 seconds
Mainstream American Jewish Groups Grapple With Israel’s Controversial Courts Overhaul
How are Jewish interest groups in the United States responding to the unrest in Israel over Netanyahu's controversial attempts at court reform?
On Today's Show:Ron Kampeas, Washington bureau chief at the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a news organization, discusses how Jewish Americans are reacting to a controversial judicial overhaul by the right-wing Israeli government. The new law severely weakens the Israeli judicial branch, and American Jewish groups have been quick to respond.
8/3/2023 • 23 minutes, 38 seconds
Trump’s Jan. 6th Indictment, and the Government’s Burden of Proof, Explained
Yesterday, Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith released a 45-page, 4-count indictment against former President Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
On Today's Show:Andrew Weissmann, professor of criminal and national security law at NYU School of Law, lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel's Office and the author of Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation (Random House, 2020), offers legal analysis of the charges.
8/2/2023 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
Why The Coup In Niger Is Also About The U.S. And Russia
In Niger, a military general declared himself leader after a coup against the nation's first duly-elected president, who was an ally of the West in fighting terror in the region.
On Today's Show:Alexis Akwagyiram, managing editor at Semafor Africa, discusses the recent coup in Niger, Russia's presence in West Africa, and the wave of coups that have taken place in the region in the last few years.
8/1/2023 • 22 minutes, 6 seconds
Inside The Latest Legal Troubles For Trump And Hunter Biden
A number of headlines broke over the weekend related to the legal troubles of both former President Donald Trump, and the son of the current President, Hunter Biden.
On Today's Show:Jonathan Lemire, host of “Way Too Early" on MSNBC, Politico White House bureau chief, and the author of The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron Books, 2022), discuses the latest national political news.
7/31/2023 • 20 minutes, 59 seconds
An Insider's Take on the Downfall of Mid-Aughts Digital Media
If we're in one era of content that goes viral online, we're at the end of another.
On Today's Show:Ben Smith, editor in chief of Semafor, former media columnist for The New York Times, and the author of Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral (Penguin Press, 2023), traces the rise and fall of digital media upstarts like HuffPost, Gawker and BuzzFeed.
7/27/2023 • 23 minutes, 12 seconds
Best Economy Ever? Recession Still Coming? Both?
On Today's Show:
Peter Coy, New York Times opinion writer covering economics, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Give People Money: How a Universal Basic Income Would End Poverty, Revolutionize Work, and Remake the World (Crown, 2018), compare notes on whether a recession is coming, or whether the so-called "soft landing" the Fed was aiming for is happening, as the jobs numbers remain solid and the economy rolls.
7/26/2023 • 26 minutes, 3 seconds
Nuclear War Historian Fred Kaplan’s Take On “Oppenheimer”, And “Barbie” Too
On Today's Show:Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), draws on his expertise in nuclear history to assess the historical accuracy of Christopher Nolan's epic new film "Oppenheimer".
7/25/2023 • 20 minutes, 29 seconds
Maya Wiley on Misinformation, Disinformation and RFK, Jr.
Last week, the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government held a hearing at which Republicans chose RFK, Jr. as a primary witness on government censorship. The Democrats on the committee called Maya Wiley to counter his take.
On today's show, Maya Wiley, civil rights attorney and president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, debriefs her testimony and speaks about the dangers of ignoring misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
Friday morning, Judge Aileen Cannon set a May 2024 date for former President Trump's documents case -- before the election, contrary to the his defense attorneys' request, but later than the prosecutors asked.
On today's show, Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021), rounds up the latest news from Washington, including former President Trump's legal troubles, abortion politics and 2024 campaign, the Senate Democrats' bill on Supreme Court ethics, and more.
7/21/2023 • 23 minutes, 40 seconds
Alison Stewart Says Clarence Thomas Misused Her Book In Affirmative Action Decision
In his concurrence in the Supreme Court's recent decision that struck down race-based affirmative action, Justice Clarence Thomas cited Alison Stewart's book about the rigorous and formerly legally segregated public high school Dunbar.
On Today's Show:Alison Stewart, host of WNYC's All of It and the author of First Class: The Legacy of Dunbar, America’s First Black Public High School (Lawrence Hill Books, 2015), talks about what she thinks he got wrong and how he misinterpreted what she wrote to uphold his opinion.
7/20/2023 • 21 minutes, 47 seconds
UPS Strike Deadline Looms Over The Economy. Here’s Why.
The Teamsters union, which represents UPS workers, may go on strike if a deal is not reached by the end of this month.
On Today's Show:Jane McAlevey, organizer, senior policy fellow at the University of California at Berkeley’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, strikes correspondent at The Nation and co-author of Rules to Win By: Power and Participation in Union Negotiations (Oxford University Press, 2023), talks about what the union is looking for, and Jason Miller, associate professor of supply chain management and interim chair of the supply chain management department at Michigan State, explains what would happen to the package delivery business and the broader economy if the more than 300,000 workers go on strike.
7/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 37 seconds
The Little-Understood Enormity of Food Waste To Controlling Climate Change
On Today's Show:Oliver Franklin-Wallis, author of Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters (Hachette Books, 2023) and features editor for British GQ magazine, outlines the cost to the environment of everything we discard, as well as efforts to address the crisis.
7/18/2023 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Should Citizens Have A 'Bill Of Obligations' Alongside Their Rights?
The former head of the Council on Foreign Relations argues that domestic threats, related to civic participation, are more dangerous to American democracy than global threats.
On Today's Show:Richard Haass, American diplomat, former longtime president of the Council on Foreign Relations (now president emeritus) and the author of The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens (Penguin Press, 2023), reflects on his time leading CFR, and talks about his analysis that the current biggest threat to the United States is not from Russia or China, but from within.
7/17/2023 • 22 minutes, 2 seconds
What To Do Now About Your Student Loans: Listeners’ Questions Answered
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced plans for a new income-driven repayment plan called the Saving on a Valuable Education — or SAVE.
On Today's Show:Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, national higher education reporter at The Washington Post, explains what's in the plan and what legal and political challenges it may face.
7/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 36 seconds
Rep. Ritchie Torres On Banning Legacy Admissions And Other SCOTUS Ruling Thoughts
After an eventful Supreme Court term, in which the conservative majority ruled on affirmative action and other issues, a Democratic congressman weighs in.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY15) discusses the Supreme Court.
7/10/2023 • 22 minutes, 15 seconds
Why Control Of Congress In 2024 Will Run Through The New York Suburbs
After playing a significant role in the Democrats' loss of their House majority, New York Dems are taking steps to regain their party's control of Congress.
On Today's Show:Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN senior reporter covering Democratic politics and campaigns across the country, and the author of Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats' Campaigns to Defeat Trump (Viking, 2021), talks about his reporting on the efforts of Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, to win back House seats from the GOP in New York.
7/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 5 seconds
The “Class Inversion In American Politics” Explained and Challenged
Where do race and class intersect in today's American politics?
On today's show, David Leonhardt, senior writer for The New York Times, who writes The Morning, The Times’s flagship daily newsletter, talks about race and class and explains what he calls the "class inversion" -- how college-educated Americans are increasingly likely to vote for Democrats while those without college degrees are increasingly likely to vote for Republicans.
7/6/2023 • 26 minutes, 49 seconds
Your Rights and 2024 Politics After the “The Backlash Court”
"Our republic is founded on the principle that it will continue only as long as the people keep democracy alive," said Benjamin Franklin. So is the Supreme Court doing that?
On Today's Show:Susan Glasser, staff writer for The New Yorker, unpacks the end of a momentous Supreme Court term.
7/5/2023 • 19 minutes, 10 seconds
SCOTUS Ends Term with LGBTQ+ Discrimination, Kills Student Loan Forgiveness
Today, the Supreme Court ruled on religious freedom and LGBTQ+ discrimination, and struck down Pres. Biden's student loan forgiveness program.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, host of its new podcast Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022) now in paperback, talks about the final opinions on the last day of this Supreme Court term.
6/30/2023 • 19 minutes, 27 seconds
Author Of “A Black Guy’s Guide To The Constitution” Reacts To SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling
The Supreme Court's latest opinion ends affirmative action in college admissions.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, host of its new podcast Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), discusses.
6/29/2023 • 20 minutes, 2 seconds
Giggly Smoking Gun: We Play And Discuss Trump’s Classified Document Tape
How has the case against former President Trump related to classified documents changed now that a relevant voice recording has been made public?
On Today's Show:Quinta Jurecic, fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, senior editor at Lawfare and contributing writer at The Atlantic, offers legal analysis of the indictment of former President Trump.
6/28/2023 • 19 minutes, 43 seconds
How Today’s Big Supreme Court Decision Makes A Trump-Style Coup Harder
Today's opinions from the Supreme Court include one case on “independent state legislatures” and another on what constitutes a “true threat.”
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, host of its new podcast Contempt of Court with Elie Mystal, and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022) now in paperback, talks about today's rulings.
6/27/2023 • 17 minutes, 28 seconds
Biden vs. The Smugglers’ PR Machine And Other Migrant Issues Explained
The complexities of US immigration policy mean that messaging around safety and border security plays a very real role in the asylum system's ability to function.
On Today's Show:Julia Preston, contributing writer for The Marshall Project, traces the crisis at the southern border to its roots in America's broken asylum system.
6/26/2023 • 20 minutes, 9 seconds
A Year After Dobbs, Abortion Numbers and Changing Politics on the Left and Right
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade one year ago tomorrow, bringing an end to federally protected abortion rights.
On Today's Show:Alice Miranda Ollstein, health care reporter for POLITICO, talks about the effects of the Dobbs decision on individuals, as well as on electoral politics, one year since it was handed down.
6/23/2023 • 19 minutes, 58 seconds
On Being A “Pregnant Person”
The term "pregnant people," while more accurate and inclusive, has received pushback, claiming that the phrase is overly "woke" and erases women.
On Today's Show: For Pride month, Krys Malcolm Belc, writer and author of the memoir The Natural Mother of the Child: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood (Counterpoint, 2021), talks about his experience and challenges as a non-binary, transmasculine parent, and how parenting and gender intersect.
6/22/2023 • 23 minutes, 4 seconds
Legal Troubles For Some People Named 'Trump' And 'Biden'
With President Biden's son and former president Trump both navigating legal troubles, what does it mean for the 2024 election season?
On Today's Show:Philip Bump, national columnist for The Washington Post and the author of The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America, talks about the latest national political news.
6/21/2023 • 22 minutes, 12 seconds
The Democrats’ Plan For Going Around Kevin McCarthy On Gun Reform
Can Democrats, who are currently in the minority in Congress, push through gun control legislation, despite House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's reluctance to bring it to the floor?
On Today's Show:US Rep. Pat Ryan (D, NY-18), talks about Democrats' longshot attempts to pass gun control legislation besides broad opposition from Republicans in the House - and other national political news.
6/20/2023 • 21 minutes, 59 seconds
We Know What Happened On “Juneteenth” 1865. What Happened On June 20th?
To mark Juneteenth today, a look at the history of the holiday, and what it means for America's story to have two federally recognized Independence Days.
On Today's Show:Annette Gordon-Reed, Harvard University professor and the author of The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family and On Juneteenth (Liveright, 2021), talks about the history of Juneteenth and how it has evolved since becoming a federal holiday.
6/19/2023 • 22 minutes, 4 seconds
Pro Golf, Human Rights, And The PGA/Saudi Merger
The PGA announced it would merge with its Saudi-backed rival, LIV golf.
On Today's Show:Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), founded by Jamal Khashoggi, talks about the moral and ethical compromises at play in professional golf.
6/16/2023 • 19 minutes, 27 seconds
Why One Lefty SCOTUS Watcher Isn't Actually Having Such A Bad Decision Month
In a 7-2 ruling, the Court dismissed challenges to the Indian Child Welfare Act, allowing preferences for Native American parents in adoptions to remain in place.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022) now in paperback, talks about today's opinions from the Supreme Court as they work through the remaining cases from this term.
6/15/2023 • 17 minutes, 40 seconds
Olympic Track Star Dies In Childbirth: The Issues That Raises For Us All
The death of track star Tori Bowie has called attention to persistent racial health disparities in pregnancy and childbirth.
On Today's Show:Linda Villarosa, writer at the New York Times Magazine and contributor to the bestselling 1619 Project and the author of Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation (Anchor, 2023), talks about why these disparities endure.
6/14/2023 • 21 minutes, 30 seconds
The Rising Global Issue Of '21st Century Fires'
After a blanket of orange smog covered the northeast from wildfires in Canada, how might climate change impact the frequency and intensity of wildfires?
On Today's Show:John Vaillant, journalist and author of Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World (Knopf, 2023), looks at the links between climate change and increasing number of wildfires through the lens of a devastating fire at an oil industry hub in Canada in 2016.
6/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 35 seconds
How Trump Didn’t Just Take, But Allegedly Shared, A Still-Classified Document With A Writer
Former President Trump removed classified documents from the White House. But the indictment hinges on what he did when he found out he shouldn't have them.
On Today's Show:U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), who formerly led counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Trump in 2019 and is a former assistant US attorney SDNY, discusses the former president's second indictment, this time on federal charges related to classified documents.
6/12/2023 • 21 minutes, 12 seconds
SCOTUS Rules: Voting Rights Act 'Lives To Fight Another Day'
A surprise 5-4 Supreme Court decision means the Voting Rights Act will "live to fight another day," after ruling that Alabama's election map under-counted Black voters.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), breaks down the latest Supreme Court decision impacting voting rights
6/8/2023 • 9 minutes, 53 seconds
We Ask The Army Secretary About China, Gender Pronouns, More
Today an official from the US Armed Forces discussed the state of the country's military readiness, and its role in the conflict in Ukraine, and tensions with China.
On Today's Show:Christine Wormuth, secretary of the U.S. Army, talks about recruiting and readiness challenges within the army, her professional role in the Defense Department, and the military's role in conflicts around the globe.
6/7/2023 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds
The Climate Implications Of The Debt Ceiling Deal
In order to reach an agreement to avoid a US government default, negotiations included some measures that could have an impact on the federal government's climate policy.
On Today's Show:Mark Hertsgaard, executive director of the global media collaboration Covering Climate Now and environment correspondent for The Nation magazine, offers a look at what the debt ceiling agreement means for key climate measures and how climate-related policy is shaping up as an election issue.
6/6/2023 • 20 minutes, 3 seconds
How the "God Gap" Could Decide the 2024 Election
The number of Americans who are part of any organized religion has been dropping for decades, and over the past ten years, dropped by about 11 points.
On Today's Show:
Ryan Burge, associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, research director for Faith Counts, and the author of The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going (Fortress Press, 2021), digs into the patterns around the country and explains how the trend might affect presidential politics in 2024 and beyond.
6/5/2023 • 20 minutes, 21 seconds
The Writers Strike At One Month: Actors May Be Next
It's been one month since the Writers' Guild Of America's strike began.
On Today's Show:Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, vice president of film/television/streaming for Writers Guild of America East, talks about the strike, how it's affecting productions and more related news.
6/2/2023 • 21 minutes, 43 seconds
Experiencing “Gender Euphoria” and Trans Masculinity and Femininity
Happy Pride Month! We kick off our conversations about LGBTQIA+ lives by exploring how to think about how masculinity and femininity can instill a feeling of "gender euphoria."
On Today's Show:Tuck Woodstock, journalist, educator and host of the Gender Reveal podcast, and Imara Jones, journalist, and founder and creator of Translash Media, and callers that identify as transgender shed light on what it's like to live as a trans person, what gives them gender euphoria, and answer most commonly asked questions about being trans.
6/1/2023 • 22 minutes, 23 seconds
Maria Hinojosa’s Take on Uvalde and Guns One Year Later
Last May, a gunman opened fire in an elementary school in Uvalde, TX. A year later, we look at how the community has changed, and how the nation's thinking on gun control has evolved.
On Today's Show:Maria Hinojosa, founder of Futuro Media and president of Futuro Investigates, anchor and executive producer of Latino USA, and the author of the Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America (Simon and Schuster, 2020), examines the tragedy at Robb Elementary School and where we go from here.
5/31/2023 • 19 minutes, 50 seconds
Post-Memorial Day Idea: Let’s Not Go To War With China
Where does the US stand on the international stage now, when it comes to current conflicts as in Ukraine, and potential conflicts, as with China's and Taiwan?
On Today's Show:Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), shares his analysis of why it's a good thing that tensions between the U.S. and China are apparently thawing somewhat, plus the latest news on Russia's war in Ukraine.
5/30/2023 • 20 minutes, 35 seconds
So You Married An Insurrectionist: Talking With Stewart Rhodes' Ex-Wife
We talk about the systemic issues that lead to right wing radicalization, and about some of the personal factors that contributed to an influential insurrectionist's life trajectory.
On Today's Show:Anna Sale, creator and host of the WNYC podcast Death, Sex & Money, and Micah Loewinger, correspondent for WNYC's On the Media, discuss their interview with the ex-wife of Oath Keepers founder, Stewart Rhodes, who was just sentenced to 18 years in prison in his seditious conspiracy case.
5/26/2023 • 22 minutes, 25 seconds
How We All Might Be Affected If The Government Defaults
The US government's 'debt ceiling' negotiations continue, but the complexities of the national debt and the global economy obfuscate what the real impact might be if we surpass it.
On Today's Show:Jeff Stein, White House economics reporter for The Washington Post, explains what will actually happen in the U.S. if the government hits the debt ceiling, and shares his analysis of how the negotiations to prevent that are going.
5/25/2023 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds
No, Marjorie Taylor Green, Wind Power Is Not Killing Whales
A number of whales have recently beached themselves on NY and NJ's shorelines.
On Today's Show:Andy Read, professor of marine biology and the director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory, talks about why so many beached whales are turning up on the New York and New Jersey coastlines, and why claims from some groups that surveying for wind farms is causing the deaths are untrue.
5/23/2023 • 11 minutes, 29 seconds
Putin vs. Kimmel and Colbert; Countdown to Default
With a deadline looming, Congress and President Biden appear to remain at a stalemate when it comes to extending the US's debt ceiling.
On Today's Show:Catie Edmondson, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the "tricky politics" of the negotiations, where Republicans are holding out for steep spending cuts and changes to social safety net programs in exchange for raising the limit, which some Democrats won't accept.
5/22/2023 • 18 minutes, 28 seconds
Culture War Escalates in Florida; People Consider Moving
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a slate of bills this week targeting what teachers can—or cannot—teach in school. On today's show: Sommer Brugal, K-12 education reporter for the Miami Herald, reports on the new legislation—and the investigation of a Florida teacher who showed her class a Disney film that features two gay characters.
5/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 36 seconds
A 'More Perfect' Look At Justice Clarence Thomas And Race
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas knows that often, his legal philosophies put him at odds with wide swaths of Black political thought.
On Today's Show:Julia Longoria, host of WNYC's More Perfect, talks about the new season of More Perfect, which examines history to help us understand how the Supreme Court of today came to be, including this week's episode on Clarence Thomas.
5/18/2023 • 16 minutes, 12 seconds
How NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly Does The News, And Family Life
In a new memoir, the longtime host of NPR's daily news show talks about journalism, public radio and work-life balance.
On Today's Show:Mary Louise Kelly, a host of NPR's All Things Considered discusses her new book It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs (Henry Holt and Co., 2023), about the trade-offs between work and family.
5/17/2023 • 14 minutes, 34 seconds
Roy Wood Jr. On His Daily Show and White House Correspondents Dinner Comedy
One of entertainment's celebrated political satirists talks about what it means to poke fun at today's serious news.
On Today's Show:Comedian and "Daily Show" correspondent Roy Wood Jr. talks about hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner, his family connection to journalism and working on "The Daily Show."
5/16/2023 • 11 minutes, 8 seconds
New York City vs. Some Of Its Suburbs On Resettling Asylum Seekers
As border states continue to send asylum-seekers to urban metro-areas, NYC and its suburbs are at odds about how to address the needs of these newcomers.
On Today's Show:Murad Awawdeh, executive director at the New York Immigration Coalition, discusses how the city is responding to migrants making their way here, the dispute with the northern suburbs over housing them and what NYIC believes can be done by both federal and local governments to handle the new arrivals.
5/15/2023 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds
NY Subway Choker Of Homeless Person Charged. Here Are The Legal Issues In Play
The Manhattan D.A. is charging Daniel Penny with manslaughter in the second degree for the chokehold killing of Jordan Neely on the subway earlier this month.
On Today's Show:Catherine Christian, former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, explains the legal reasoning behind the charge and why it took as long as it did.
5/12/2023 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
How Might California Pay For Reparations, And Who Would Benefit?
A task force in California that had been exploring possibilities for racial justice reparations recently released its recommendations.
On Today's Show:Emmanuel Felton, race and ethnicity reporter on the America desk at The Washington Post, breaks down the latest on a new bill that aims to provide reparations for Black residents of California.
5/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 9 seconds
Why The Jury Found Trump Liable For Sexual Abuse and Defamation
A legal analyst unpacks the outcome of E. Jean Carroll's case against former President Trump.
On Today's Show:Jane Manning, director, Women's Equal Justice Project and former sex crimes prosecutor, talks about the verdict, and why the jury found the former president liable for sexual abuse and defamation but not rape.
5/10/2023 • 21 minutes, 39 seconds
The One Pandemic Rule Republicans Want To Keep (Hint: It’s About Immigrants)
As COVID-era border restrictions are set to expire, a look at what it means for asylum seekers, immigration rhetoric in the US, and the politics on both sides of the border.
On Today's Show:Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News immigration reporter, talks about the surge of migrants border officials are expecting, and other ways the end of Title 42 might affect immigration patterns and our civic discourse.
5/9/2023 • 22 minutes, 13 seconds
The Legal Case For And Against Subway Choker Daniel Penny
A local journalist weighs in on what the law says about the subway killing of Jordan Neely by a fellow rider.
On Today's Show:Errol Louis, political anchor of Spectrum NY1 News, host of Inside City Hall, New York Magazine columnist and host of the podcast You Decide, offers analysis of the legal aspects of Jordan Neely's killing.
5/8/2023 • 21 minutes, 48 seconds
Making the House Of Representatives More Representative
As originally designed, the number of seats in the House of Representatives is supposed to grow along with the US population. Why hasn't it, and what are the consequences for democracy?
On Today's Show:Danielle Allen, Washington Post contributing columnist, a political theorist at Harvard University, where she is James Bryant Conant University Professor and director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics and the author of Justice by Means of Democracy (University of Chicago Press, 2023), proposes expanding the number of members of the House of Representatives, currently capped at 435.
5/5/2023 • 15 minutes, 58 seconds
Elie Mystal on The New York Subway “Vigilante” Killing, Proud Boys, E. Jean Carroll vs. Trump
A legal expert's take on the social climate that led to one subway rider fatally strangling another in the midst of a mental health episode, and other legal headlines.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), discusses the death of Jordan Neely, and discusses the responses from the legal system and the public. Plus, his analysis of E. Jean Carroll's rape suit against Donald Trump, and the news (which broke during the live show) that four of the five Proud Boys defendants charged with 'seditious conspiracy' have been convicted.
5/4/2023 • 23 minutes, 44 seconds
Five Proud Boys Now Face A Jury's Verdict. Who They Are And What's At Stake
An update on the trial of several Proud Boy leaders who have been charged with 'seditious conspiracy' over their roles in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
On Today's Show:Marcy Wheeler, independent journalist writing about national security and civil liberties for her site, Empty Wheel, talks about the latest from the trial, and why this attempt at accountability is different from the previous ones that focused on participants.
5/3/2023 • 21 minutes, 48 seconds
Un-Deported: One Man’s Story Of Coming Home And Who Gets Kicked Out
After Lorenzo Charles was deported in 2003, he fought to overturn his deportation, and won, allowing him to return to his life in Brooklyn.
On Today's Show:Matt Katz, WNYC Public Safety correspondent, and Lindsay Nash, associate professor of law and co-director of the Immigration Justice Clinic at Cardozo Law School, discuss Charles's case, what it means for other deportees, and for the US's immigration policy.
5/2/2023 • 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Some Headlines (And Punchlines) From This Year's White House Correspondents Dinner
After the gathering of the White House Press Corps for its annual, jovial dinner party, we look at some of the weekend's political news, and some of the event's funnier moments.
On Today's Show:Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021) and a forthcoming biography of Barbara Walters, rounds up the latest news from Washington, including the House debt ceiling bill, plus news from Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner.
5/1/2023 • 22 minutes, 35 seconds
The Republican Presidential Hopefuls Not Named Trump or DeSantis
While former President Trump and Florida governor Ron DeSantis seem to be the early front-runners for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, several others have announced their candidacies, or are "exploring" the option.
On Today's Show:
Amanda Carpenter, columnist at The Bulwark and the author of Gaslighting America: Why We Love It When Trump Lies to Us (Broadside Books, 2018), reviews the ideas animating the campaigns of Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchinson, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
4/28/2023 • 22 minutes, 1 second
Biden Addresses The Age Issue
Earlier this week President Biden announced he's officially running in 2024. Gabriel Debenedetti, national correspondent at New York Magazine and author of The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama (Henry Holt and Co., 2022), talks about how Biden may campaign, specifically taking into consideration the issue of his age.
4/27/2023 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds
E. Jean Carroll vs. Donald J. Trump: Day One
A case in court this week that alleges that former President Trump sexually assaulted E. Jean Carroll, who was only able to file because of the Adult Survivors Act.
On Today's Show:Jane Manning, director of the Women's Equal Justice Project and former sex crimes prosecutor, offers legal analysis of the case, and the New York's Adult Survivors Act -- which opened up a one-year "lookback" window for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits.
4/26/2023 • 24 minutes, 42 seconds
Joan Walsh's Experiences With Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon and Sexism On Cable News
A look at the Monday morning departures of two influential cable news personalities, and about Biden's official 2024 re-election campaign announcement.
On Today's Show:Joan Walsh, The Nation's national affairs correspondent, talks about the latest national political news, including President Biden's announcement he'll run again, former President Trump's civil rape trial that's starting in New York and the churn in cable media as both Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon are out at Fox and CNN, respectively.
4/25/2023 • 21 minutes, 39 seconds
Change Is Coming To Schools With Native 'Mascots' and Team Names
Many school districts across the country choose to represent themselves using mascots that dehumanize native cultures and derive pride from harmful stereotypes about them.
On Today's Show:John Kane, Mohawk activist, member of the New York State Indigenous Mascot Advisory Council, and host of the shows Let's Talk Native and Resistance Radio with John Kane, discusses the New York State Board of Regents decision to ban school team names and mascots that reference indigenous people.
Update: Officials from the New York State Education Department reached out after hearing the segment and shared the information below:
"Additional guidance from the Department is forthcoming but that guidance will mirror the language in the regulation. Each district will need to review the history and current potential of its team name, mascot, or imagery on a case-by-case basis. The Department can provide assistance to any school or district that have questions. The Department’s position is that any team names, logos, or mascots that contain vestiges of prohibited team names, logos, or mascots will not be considered acceptable."
4/24/2023 • 22 minutes, 34 seconds
The “Right-Wing Rabbit Hole” And The Shooting Of Ralph Yarl
After two separate shootings of young people, a Black man in Missouri and a white woman in New York, we explore 'stand your ground' laws, media fearmongering and race.
On Today's Show:Imani Perry, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and the author of books including South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation (Ecco, 2022) and Breathe: A Letter to My Sons (Beacon, 2019), reflects on the shootings of Ralph Yarl and Kaylin Gillis. Yarl, a Black teenager, was shot in the head and arm after ringing the doorbell of a white homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri. Gillis, a white 20-year-old, was killed after turning into the wrong driveway in Hebron, New York.
4/21/2023 • 24 minutes, 4 seconds
Sen. Gillibrand Has Thoughts About Our Food System And How To Restore Abortion Rights
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) discusses the latest from Congress on the fiscal cliff, the farm bill, mifepristone and more.
4/20/2023 • 25 minutes, 34 seconds
Legendary First Amendment Lawyer Floyd Abrams On The Fox-Dominion Settlement
After Dominion's settlement over Fox News's false claims in its coverage of the 2020 election and the company's voting machines, we look at the limits of a free press.
On Today's Show:Floyd Abrams, first amendment lawyer, senior counsel at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, author of The Soul of the First Amendment (Yale University Press, 2017), discusses the historic settlement ($785 million) Fox News has reached with Dominion Voting Systems and its first amendment implications.
4/19/2023 • 21 minutes, 26 seconds
Crime in Alvin Bragg's Backyard and Crime In Jim Jordan's
After the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on crime in Manhattan, a local representative explains the underlying politics.
On Today's Show:House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-8th, Brooklyn) shares his thoughts on the committee's hearing on Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and other political news of the day.
4/18/2023 • 22 minutes, 47 seconds
Emily Bazelon On Clarence Thomas’ Ethics And The SCOTUS Abortion Pill Test
As the news develops on the mifepristone court cases, and on Justice Clarence Thomas's financial involvement with an influential GOP donor, a court watcher breaks down the stories.
On Today's Show:Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing, and law at Yale Law School, and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019), talks about the latest national legal news.
4/17/2023 • 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Abortion Rights Update: Mifepristone In Court, And Florida's New 6-Week Ban
In the wake of SCOTUS's Dobbs decision, new questions about legislative and judicial barriers to abortion access have recently come to the forefront of our national conversation.
On Today's Show:Jessica Valenti, writer and feminist, author of the substack newsletter Abortion, Every Day, author of multiple books on women and politics and co-editor of Believe Me: How Trusting Women Can Change the World (Seal Press, 2020), talks about the latest on the rulings over mifepristone, in state legislatures and for individuals.
4/14/2023 • 21 minutes, 57 seconds
Gun Safety Youth Movement Wins A Few In Tennessee
In the wake of a school shooting in Nashville, and the news that firearms are now the number one cause of death among children, we look at the political, legal and moral issues involved in gun control policy.
On Today's Show:Jonathan Metzl, professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University and director of its Department of Medicine, Health, and Society and the author of Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland (Basic Books, 2019), talks about the sharp resistance to gun control measures in red states, while at the same time guns are now the leading cause of death for children in the United States.
4/13/2023 • 22 minutes, 25 seconds
The Courage Of American Journalist Evan Gershkovich, Arrested In Russia
What does Vladimir Putin hope to gain by arresting Americans like Brittney Griner, and now a Wall Street Journal reporter, and what can US officials do about it?
On Today's Show:Julia Ioffe, founding partner and Washington correspondent of Puck, a new media company, talks about Putin's motivations after The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia. Plus, Julia weighs in on what the leaked classified documents reveal about Russia's war in Ukraine.
4/12/2023 • 19 minutes, 43 seconds
A Doctor And A Reproductive Rights Lawyer On Mifepristone and Misoprostol
As the nation watches for two federal courts' divergent rulings on medication abortion drugs, we explore the medicine, and the law underlying the cases.
On Today's Show:Nancy Northup, President & CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, explains what's on the horizon legally for mifepristone, and Dr. Kristyn Brandi, MD, OB/GYN, and abortion provider in New Jersey and Board Chair with Physicians for Reproductive Health, covers the medical ramifications of the rulings for those in need of the drug.
4/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 20 seconds
Mifepristone On Trial: Elie Mystal On The New Abortion Access Emergency In The Courts
With the medication abortion drug mifepristone currently going through a pair of legal challenges, we explore the courts' role in regulating medicine.
On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, consultant for Radiolab, and the author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), offers analysis of recent political headlines, including the abortion drug rulings, the expulsion of two young Black lawmakers from the Tennessee House of Representatives, and new reporting on previously undisclosed luxury gifts accepted by Justice Clarence Thomas.
4/10/2023 • 24 minutes, 38 seconds
Tennessee House Expels Two Black Lawmakers
On Today's Show:
After days of protests for more gun control laws after a school shooting last month, two Black lawmakers in Tennessee's House were expelled for their roles in the protests. Blaise Gainey, political reporter for WPLN, reports on what happened and what might happen with both gun laws and the lawmakers in the coming days.
4/7/2023 • 19 minutes, 59 seconds
Republicans Support Parental Rights (Unless Your Kid Is Trans)
On Today's Show:Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School’s Cyberlaw Clinic and former staff attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and the LGBTQ Law Project at New York Legal Assistance Group, discusses the human rights and legal implications of anti-trans legislation in a number of states.
4/6/2023 • 19 minutes, 48 seconds
Andrea Bernstein On Being In The Bragg vs. Trump Courtroom
After Trump's arraignment yesterday in Manhattan, we wanted to hear what it looked like from someone who was reporting from inside the courtroom.
On Today's Show:Andrea Bernstein, investigative journalist covering democracy for ProPublica, "Will Be Wild" podcast co-host and the author of American Oligarchs: The Kushners, the Trumps, and the Marriage of Money and Power (W.W. Norton and Co, 2020), talks about the arraignment of the former president in the Manhattan Criminal Court and what this means for his run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
4/5/2023 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds
Emily Bazelon Previews Trump's Arraignment
Former President Trump is scheduled to be arraigned today over hush-money payments that might be construed as campaign finance violations.
On Today's Show:Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing and law at Yale Law School, and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019), offers political analysis of President Donald Trump's scheduled arraignment on Tuesday in Manhattan and what comes next.
NOTE: This conversation was recorded at 10 AM, Tuesday morning. Some information in the podcast may become obsolete as this story develops.
4/4/2023 • 30 minutes, 46 seconds
Your Legal And Political Questions On The Trump Indictment, Answered
Former President Trump is expected reportedly expected to report to a Manhattan criminal courthouse following a grand jury indictment last week.
On Today's Show:Melissa Murray, NYU law professor and co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny, breaks down the legal analysis of Trump's indictment and what comes next. Plus, Jonathan Lemire, host of “Way Too Early" on MSNBC, Politico White House bureau chief, and the author of The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron Books, 2022), talks about the political considerations for Donald Trump and his rivals as Trump prepares to be arraigned.
4/3/2023 • 18 minutes, 48 seconds
Trump Indictment Special Edition
Amid the news that former President Trump has been served a 34-charge indictment, we explore the legal landscape with a former NY judge, and the politics with a local journalist.
On Today's Show:Zachary Carter, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and most recently, corporation counsel for the City of New York, draws on his deep experience prosecuting high profile and white collar crimes to discuss the charges Donald Trump will be facing in Manhattan. Then, Errol Louis, political anchor of Spectrum NY1 News, host of Inside City Hall, New York Magazine columnist and host of the podcast You Decide, shares his political analysis of former President Trump's indictment by a Manhattan grand jury.
3/31/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 36 seconds
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Trained To Be “Loyal” To Human Values?
An open letter, signed by several of Big Tech's key players, calls for a 6-month pause on AI development.
On Today's Show:Sigal Samuel, senior reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect and co-host of the Future Perfect podcast, talks about why hundreds of these in-the-know leaders are worried, and what could happen if AI development continues full steam ahead.
3/30/2023 • 21 minutes, 53 seconds
Trump’s Indictment Fundraising Dud, Democrats Lukewarm On A Hush Money Charge
Why some Democrats aren't excited about Trump's possible indictment on hush-money campaign contributions, and more on how the landscape of the 2024 election is taking shape.
On Today's Show:Tara Palmeri, partner and senior political correspondent at Puck News and Peter Hamby, partner at Puck News and host of Snapchat's Good Luck America, talk about the latest national political news, including how Democrats feel about Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's investigation into Trump, and rumblings that Florida Gov. DeSantis may drop his White House bid.
3/29/2023 • 22 minutes, 21 seconds
Israel’s Massive Protests And The US Role Explained
Israelis surged into the streets to protest Prime Minister Netanyahu's now delayed plan to weaken the judiciary.
On Today's Show:Daniel Estrin, international correspondent for NPR based in Jerusalem, reports on why Israelis are protesting and what the prime minister's moves mean for the future of democracy in Israel.
3/28/2023 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
Florida County Bans 20+ Jodi Picoult Books. Here's What She Thinks About That
A book about a Holocaust survivor's granddaughter is one of about 20 books by author Jodi Picoult banned by a particular county in Florida.
On Today's Show:Jodi Picoult and Suzanne Nossel, PEN America chief executive officer, explain what's at stake as states and local governments continue to ban books.
3/27/2023 • 21 minutes, 31 seconds
Rep. Jamaal Bowman Says Republicans Are Scapegoating TikTok. Agree?
Congress grilled TikTok's CEO at a hearing on Thursday over the tech company's relationship with China's government, and the app's impact on teen mental health.
On Today's Show:Louise Matsakis, tech reporter for Semafor, recaps the hearing and talks about why members of Congress are so concerned about the wildly popular app.
3/24/2023 • 19 minutes, 5 seconds
A Former Cop Argues Police Reform Is Possible
During the midterms, crime rates and public safety were a hot-button issue, even as discourse around police reform and anti-Black violence continues.
On Today's Show: Neil Gross, sociology professor at Colby College in Maine, former police officer, and author of Walk the Walk: How Three Police Chiefs Defied the Odds and Changed Cop Culture (Metropolitan Books, 2023), argues police culture can become more humane and effective using the examples of three departments whose chiefs made it happen—in Stockton, California; Longmont, Colorado; and LaGrange, Georgia.
3/23/2023 • 22 minutes, 17 seconds
What To Know If Trump's Indicted Today
With the Manhattan DA poised to announce an indictment (or not) of former President Trump, here's some background, and what to expect from the possible charges.
On Today's Show:Andrew Weissmann, professor of criminal and national security law at NYU School of Law, lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel's Office, and the author of Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation (Random House, 2020), shares his legal analysis of the case and what may happen next.
3/21/2023 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Does The Government Have To Choose Between Saving The Banks And Saving Us From Inflation?
Amid questions about how to tackle inflation, and how to mitigate ripple effects from issues in the banking sector, a member of the House Financial Services committee has updates.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D, CT-4) brings us the latest from the Fed on inflation, congressional regulators on banks, and national security related headlines from Ukraine to Jan. 6.
3/20/2023 • 19 minutes, 29 seconds
The History (And Present) Of Food Stamps
A COVID-era food security expansion of SNAP benefits has expired, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
On Today's Show: Janet Poppendieck, professor emerita of sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York, a co-founder of the New York City Food Policy Center at Hunter College and a senior fellow at the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, discusses the history of SNAP, benefits that used to be known as "food stamps," which first began back in the 1930s.
3/17/2023 • 22 minutes, 49 seconds
How A Texas Judge Could Rule On Abortion Access Nationwide
A federal judge in Texas could rule soon on the FDA's approval of an abortion drugs that could impact access around the country.
On Today's Show:Sarah McCammon, national correspondent for NPR, reports on the hearing and what's at stake for reproductive rights.
3/16/2023 • 21 minutes, 9 seconds
Measuring The 'Glass Ceiling' For Working Women Around The World
Balancing work and family is often seen as a choice that primarily affects women. But many countries have policies that mean that women don't have to choose one over the other.
On Today's Show:The Economist has released its annual Glass Ceiling Index, a report on the role and influence of women in the workforce across developed nations. Lizzy Peet, lead data researcher for The Economist's Glass Ceiling Index, shares some of the findings.
3/15/2023 • 21 minutes, 42 seconds
The Politics of Bailing Out Banks
The latest economic news includes proposed government spending in Biden's federal budget proposal, and a run on a Big Tech bank that some argue needs government intervention.
On Today's Show:Molly Ball, national political correspondent for TIME and the author of Pelosi (Henry Holt and Co., 2020), talks about the deal to protect banking in the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank's failure, plus Pres. Biden's budget plan, and other national political news.
3/13/2023 • 22 minutes, 42 seconds
A Cold Bank Failure Meets A Hot Job Market
A look at some recent economic data and headlines, including February's jobs report, and Biden's proposed federal budget.
On Today's Show:Felix Salmon, chief financial correspondent for Axios, host of the Slate Money Podcast, and author of the forthcoming The Phoenix Economy: Work, Life, and Money in the New Not Normal (Harper Business, 2023), talks about today's February jobs report and what it signifies for future interest rates and inflation, plus President Biden's budget plan.
3/10/2023 • 20 minutes, 15 seconds
Something To Avoid: The U.S.-China New Cold (And Maybe Hot) War
China's geopolitical military posturing has some international observers, and some members of congress, concerned about the future of China-US relations.
On Today's Show:Susan Shirk, research professor and chair of the 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego and the author of Overreach: How China Derailed its Peaceful Rise (Oxford University Press, 2022), shares her analysis of what some are calling a new cold war between the US and China, as officials in both countries trade barbs.
3/9/2023 • 20 minutes, 14 seconds
Persuasion Is Still Possible: MSNBC’s Mehdi Hasan on Winning Political Arguments
A lot has changed about our political discourse over the past decade.
On Today's Show:Mehdi Hasan, journalist and host of The Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC and Peacock and the author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking (Henry Holt and Co., 2023), offers pointers for persuading people with winning arguments.
3/8/2023 • 18 minutes, 53 seconds
Ron DeSantis And The Campaign To 'Eradicate' Transgenderism
With a recent escalation of legislative and rhetorical attacks targeting trans people, we explore the human ramifications, as well as the politics.
On Today's Show:After the alarming anti-trans rhetoric coming out of the Conservative Political Action Conference, which included a call to "eradicate" trans people from "public life", Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter at the 19th*, focusing on transgender rights, incarceration, politics and public policy, explains how these sentiments are present in state laws throughout the United States.
3/7/2023 • 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Rep. Pat Ryan On Crime, Retirement Funds, and Pres. Biden’s Veto Pen
A local representative brings his updates and analysis on the latest issues of national policy.
On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) talks about the latest national political news and his priorities including rail safety standards, the SALT tax and more.
3/7/2023 • 10 minutes, 55 seconds
Weekend Special: President Jimmy Carter on Religion, Gender Equality and Foreign Policy
For a weekend special, here are some conversations that Brian has had with former president Jimmy Carter over the years.
On Today's Show:Just over a week ago, the Carter Center announced that former President Jimmy Carter had entered hospice care. Carter has joined The Brian Lehrer Show a few times since leaving office, and in these excerpts from our archives, he reflects on his faith, on gender equality, and on the role of the United States as a moral leader on the international stage.
3/4/2023 • 36 minutes, 23 seconds
How The 13th Amendment Could Restore Abortion Rights
Several headlines in the realm of legal news could have national implications, including federal judges of various political persuasions who could unilaterally set national policy.
On Today's Show:Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer at Slate covering courts and the law, has reported that a single federal judge in Texas could outlaw abortion pills nationwide. And, in other legal news, Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch testified that some of his network hosts endorsed the stolen election lie. Mark joins us to provide an update on these and other headlines in legal affairs.
3/3/2023 • 10 minutes, 44 seconds
Rep. Ritchie Torres On U.S.- China Relations
A local representative brings us updates and analysis on some of the latest politics from Congress.
On Today's Show:Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative (D-NY15), talks about Tuesday's committee hearing on U.S./China relations and other Congressional news.
3/2/2023 • 15 minutes, 41 seconds
Is The House Of Representatives Too Small For Democracy?
The House of Representatives was designed to scale up with the population of the country. How does the current cap at 435 impact democracy?
On Today's Show:As part of a year-long series on ways of improving U.S. democracy, Danielle Allen, Washington Post contributing columnist, a political theorist at Harvard University, where she is James Bryant Conant University Professor and director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics and the author of Democracy in the Time of Coronavirus (University of Chicago Press, 2022) and the forthcoming Justice by Means of Democracy (University of Chicago Press, 2023), proposes expanding the number of members of the House of Representatives.
3/1/2023 • 16 minutes
Why Is Bill McKibben Getting 50 Rocking Chairs Ready For A Climate Protest?
A look at the latest in climate action targeting banks and other influential economic actors, plus, the first notable snowfall in the Northeast so far this year.
On Today's Show:Bill McKibben, environmental activist, founder of Third Act, and author of many books, most recently: The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened (Henry Holt and Co., 2022), joins to talk about how a rapidly warming climate in the Northeast has altered this year's snow economy, and more on the latest climate news.
2/28/2023 • 16 minutes, 31 seconds
How Having A Record Number Of Women In Congress Changes The Policy Agenda
Why is it important, in terms of policy, that women play a role as legislators in Congress?
On Today's Show:Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021) and a forthcoming biography of Barbara Walters, rounds up the latest news from Washington.
2/27/2023 • 15 minutes, 46 seconds
Who Would Benefit From A 4-Day Workweek?
A new study in the UK tested the impacts of reducing the workweek to four days. Could that be a workable business model to attract workers in the "Great Resignation" economy?
On Today's Show:Niamh Bridson Hubbard, PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Cambridge, and Vanessa Fuhrmans, deputy bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal's careers and workplaces team, discuss the details of the study and what it would take for the US to update it's work culture.
2/24/2023 • 20 minutes, 42 seconds
Back From Ukraine, Biden Reportedly Deploys Troops To Taiwan
One year since Russia invaded Ukraine, how much has U.S. military aid made a difference in the fighting, and in pushing both parties to negotiate for peace?
On Today's Show:Ishaan Tharoor, foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, joins to discuss President Biden's trip to Ukraine, how it's seen in the West and the latest polling data which gauges Americans' support of how involved the United States should or shouldn't be.
2/23/2023 • 22 minutes, 38 seconds
How Ending Economic Racism Could Help White People Too
Would the impacts of racism be easier to communicate if we focused on the ways that bias and inequality are bad for everyone?
On Today's Show:Heather McGhee, chair of Color of Change board of directors and the author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together (One World, 2021) and the new edition for young readers, The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone (Delacorte Press, 2023) talks about teaching young readers about the issues of equity and racism and building a future that benefits everyone.
2/22/2023 • 21 minutes, 30 seconds
Trans Contributors To The NY Times Protest Coverage
It's been a week since hundreds of current and former contributors to the New York Times signed a letter criticizing the paper's coverage of issues affecting transgender people.
On Today's Show:Jo Livingstone, critic, contributor to The New York Times and an organizer of NYTLetter.com, and Sabrina Imbler, staff writer at Defector, a worker-owned site, and former fellow for The New York Times, discuss the latest on the open letter to the New York Times, in which over 1,000 contributors have accused the paper of biased coverage of transgender issues.
2/22/2023 • 21 minutes, 31 seconds
Jimmy Carter Biographer And Appearances On Our Show
On Presidents Day, we explore Jimmy Carter's political legacy, and hear excerpts from conversations he's had with Brian since leaving the White House.
On Today's Show:Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, CNN political analyst, NPR contributor, and author of several books and co-author with Kevin Kruse of Myth America: Historians Take On the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past (Basic Books, 2023), talks about presidential history and where it connects to today's news.
2/20/2023 • 21 minutes, 20 seconds
Buttigieg Shrugs, The Right Benefits?
After a train derailment in Ohio caused a dangerous chemical spill, what are the political optics at play for the Biden administration?
On Today's Show:Jeet Heer, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation magazine and host of their weekly podcast, The Time of Monsters, talks about the federal government's response to the Ohio train derailment that resulted in the release of toxic chemicals.
2/17/2023 • 0
What Would End The War In Ukraine? And Other Questions A Year After Russia's Invasion
It's almost been a full year since Russia launched it's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
On Today's Show:Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), offers analysis of where things stand militarily.
2/16/2023 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
What Was Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Like As A Governor?
Yesterday, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who served as Trump's U.N. Ambassador, announced her presidential campaign.
On Today's Show:Andy Shain, a managing editor at The Post and Courier in South Carolina, discusses Nikki Haley's time as South Carolina governor between 2011 and 2017. He also explains how her decisions and politics during her time as governor might shape her presidential run.
2/15/2023 • 22 minutes, 54 seconds
Are We Being Invaded By Mysterious Balloons? (Not Exactly But…)
What should we make of the recent headlines about possible spy balloons hovering over US airspace?
On Today's Show:Jeff Wise, science journalist, explains why the military has been shooting down high-altitude balloons over the United States and how these objects got there in the first place.
2/14/2023 • 23 minutes, 26 seconds
New York City Progressives Divided Over How To Achieve Public Safety
A local legislator discusses the progressive approach to criminal justice, and how to enhance public safety without mass incarceration.
On Today's Show:Tiffany Cabán, NYC Council Member serving parts of Queens, talks about the progressive caucus's hopes to reduce the "size and scope of the NYPD" and other public safety priorities.
2/13/2023 • 20 minutes, 26 seconds
What Rick Scott and Mike Lee Really Said About Social Security
As the week of Biden's State Of The Union comes to a close, we explore the politics of one of the more viral moments from the speech.
On Today's Show:Toluse Olorunnipa, Washington Post White House bureau chief and the co-author of His Name is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice (Viking, 2022) talks about how President Biden's performance in the State of the Union speech is landing politically, including his live clash with Republicans over Social Security and Medicare, plus the latest on where federal police reform stands.
2/10/2023 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds
Why Civil Rights And Fair Housing Haven't Fixed The Racial Wealth Gap (And What Could)
With almost 60 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, why does the racial wealth gap persist?
On Today's Show:Kyle Moore, economist with the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy discusses the Black-white wealth gap which is still evident despite civil rights and fair housing legislation.
2/9/2023 • 20 minutes, 41 seconds
How Biden And Huckabee Sanders Talked Differently About Cancer Says A Lot
After yesterday's State Of The Union, a look at what President Biden said, how he said it, what the response has been so far, and what it means for politics.
On Today's Show:Andrew J. Seligsohn, political scientist and president of Public Agenda, and Errin Haines, editor-at-large at The 19th, offer analysis of President Biden's State of the Union address and what the remarks reveal about the White House agenda for 2023.
2/8/2023 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Bidenomics Formula: Climate + Semiconductors = Good Jobs Revival
The morning before President Biden delivers the State Of The Union address, we check in on his economic approaches.
On Today's Show:Idrees Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, talks about how President Biden hopes to transform the economy, and how it's going so far.
2/7/2023 • 21 minutes, 37 seconds
Tell Ron DeSantis: It’s AP African-American Studies, Not Just African-America History. Why The Distinction Matters
After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis banned the new AP African American studies course from the state, the College Board released a revised version of the course that many are saying is missing key elements of history.
On Today's Show:Noliwe Rooks, department chair and professor of Africana studies at Brown University, reflects on what's in, and what students will be missing from the course as it now is.
2/6/2023 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds
The Public Grief That Follows Police Violence
When police kill innocent Black people, victims' families are often thrust into a public mourning that's partially an tragic spectacle, and partially a motivator of change.
On Today's Show:Charles Blow, New York Times opinion columnist, author and MSNBC political analyst, shares his thoughts on how family members of Black men and boys murdered by police officers are forced to mourn in public, and reflects on the week since the video was released.
2/3/2023 • 21 minutes, 28 seconds
Rep. Daniel Goldman On Santos, And The Democrats' House Minority
A freshman House Democrat from New York brings the latest news from Congress, plus his analysis on George Santos, investigations into Trump, and more.
On Today's Show:Rep. Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), former lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Trump in 2019, and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District NY, talks about the latest news from Congress.
2/2/2023 • 21 minutes
If 500 COVID Deaths A Day Is No Longer An 'Emergency,' What Is It?
What are we to call this phase of living with COVID-19, as a new variant dubbed "the Kraken" emerges, and as federal emergency measures are set to expire soon?
On Today's Show:Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, infectious disease physician with a PhD in molecular medicine, researcher at Columbia, Optum chief of the division of Infectious Disease, president of Parasites Without Borders and co-host of the podcast "This Week in Virology", talks about what it means that President Biden plans to end the COVID emergency in May, planning for future boosters, and what we know about the "kraken" subvariant.
2/1/2023 • 20 minutes, 15 seconds
Elie Honig On Prosecuting Trump And The Accused Memphis Cops
What's similar, and what's different, about the way the justice system treats the rich (like Trump), the powerful (like police officers), and average Americans?
On Today's Show:Elie Honig, senior legal analyst at CNN, author of Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It (Harper, 2023), and former New Jersey and federal prosecutor, talks about the way the criminal justice system works differently for those with wealth and power, as well as weighing in on the prosecution of the police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols.
1/31/2023 • 23 minutes, 46 seconds
One Rogue Cop Is A Bad Apple, Five Is A System
Amid the outrage over the killing of Tyre Nichols by police, we take stock of the discussion about whether the issue is individual cops, or the structure and culture of policing.
On Today's Show:Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the Legal Defense Fund, talks about the murder charges for the former Memphis police officers in the death of Tyre Nichols, the release of the videotape of the encounter, and the federal civil rights investigation into the incident.
1/30/2023 • 22 minutes, 4 seconds
Steve Kornacki and Nicole Hemmer on the ‘90s Roots of Today's Radical Right
The year 1993 saw the inauguration of a Democratic U.S. president and a Republican mayor of New York. We're exploring the dynamics that took root when Bill Clinton and Rudy Giuliani rose to the height of their political power—and their impact on the world in 2023.On Today's Show:How today's hyper-partisanship got its start in the 1990s. Guests: Nicole Hemmer, political historian and founding director of the Rogers Center for the American Presidency at Vanderbilt University, co-host of the podcasts This Day in Esoteric Political History and Past Present and the author of Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries who Remade American Politics in the 1990s (Basic Books, 2022) and Steve Kornacki, national political correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC and the author of The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism (Ecco, 2018).
1/27/2023 • 22 minutes, 43 seconds
Is Legal Online Sports Betting Creating More Gambling Addicts?
Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, talks about the problem with gambling addiction in New Jersey, which has been on the rise since sports betting was legalized a few years ago.
If you are in New Jersey and you or your loved one is struggling with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
1/27/2023 • 0
Fentanyl Business Model Includes Killing Customers
The powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl is responsible for a continued rise in overdose deaths in New York City and across the country.
On Today's Show:Sam Quinones, independent journalist and the author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic and The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth, and Courtney McKnight, clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at NYU's School of Global Public Health, talk about the drug and what makes it so life-threatening and resistant to efforts to stem its abuse.
1/25/2023 • 27 minutes, 38 seconds
What Will Be the Legacy of the Baby Boom Generation?
On today's show:Philip Bump, national columnist for The Washington Post and the author of The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America (Viking, 2023), talks about his new book that digs into the data on the baby boom generation and what to expect as its influence wanes.
1/24/2023 • 0
Will No-Abortion States Start Imprisoning Women?
On Today's Show:Shefali Luthra, a healthcare reporter at the 19th, discusses new FDA rules allowing pharmacies to distribute abortion pills, how red states are responding to underground pill movements, and how abortion access has changed in the 50 years since the Roe v. Wade decision.
1/23/2023 • 18 minutes, 41 seconds
How Bill Clinton's Political Moment Shaped Ours
On the 30th anniversary of Pres. Bill Clinton's inauguration, we explore the the short- and long-term impacts of his tenure.
On Today's Show: Eleanor Clift, columnist for The Daily Beast, and David Maraniss, associate editor at The Washington Post, Pulitizer Prize-winning reporter, and the author of several books and biographies, including First in His Class: A Biography Of Bill Clinton (Simon & Schuster, 1995) and his latest, Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe (Simon & Schuster, 2022), discuss the Clinton campaign and the factors leading to his victory.
1/20/2023 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds
Colette Coleman and Callers on 'Selling Houses While Black'
Thanks to redlining, we know that historically, Black people have faced historical barriers to purchasing property. What about trying to *sell* property as a Black real estate agent?
On Today's Show:Colette Coleman, a writer focused on race and equity, discusses her New York Times article "Selling Houses While Black" about the challenges faced, and strategies adopted, by Black real estate agents, who are underrepresented in the profession and earn less than their white counterparts.
1/19/2023 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
We Hit The Debt Ceiling Tomorrow! Should We Care?
With a key fiscal deadline looming over the federal government, we explore how important the national debt actually is.
On Today's Show:John Cassidy, staff writer at The New Yorker, explains the economics -- and politics -- of the approaching "debt ceiling".
1/18/2023 • 21 minutes, 5 seconds
To Ban Gas Stoves, Or To Ban Bans On Gas Stoves: That Is The (GOP's) Question
Gas stoves, versus electric stoves, have sparked some health and safety questions. What's the environmental impact of these appliances, and what are the politics of regulating them?
On Today's Show:Somini Sengupta, international climate reporter for The New York Times and lead writer for the Climate Forward newsletter, explains why gas stoves have recently become a political flashpoint, and digs into what the science says about risks they may pose to our health and to the environment.