The Political Scene | The New Yorker
The New Yorker
Delve into the intricacies of American politics with "The Political Scene," a compelling podcast presented by The New Yorker. Each week, join leading New Yorker writers and guests as they dissect the most significant political stories, from urgent policy debates to the broader impacts of political decisions on society. With its rich blend of thorough analysis and engaging storytelling, "The Political Scene" transforms complex political landscapes into clear, insightful discussions. Whether you're a political aficionado or a curious observer, this podcast offers a deep dive into the nuances that shape the political sphere, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the forces driving today’s headlines.
Episodes
The Great Democratic Party Freakout of 2024
"The Great Democratic Party Freakout of 2024" from The New Yorker explores the intense debate and anxiety within the Democratic Party concerning President Joe Biden's re-election bid amidst his advancing age and perceived public gaffes. The episode highlights a series of candid discussions about whether Biden should continue his candidacy, with insights from veteran political operatives and leading Democratic figures expressing both deep support and significant concern. As Biden insists on staying in the race, the episode paints a picture of a party caught between loyalty to a sitting president and the strategic need to present a viable candidate against Donald Trump, who is depicted as a direct threat to democratic norms.
The Case for Using the Twenty-fifth Amendment on Biden
In this thought-provoking episode, The New Yorker's Tyler Foggatt and legal scholar Jeannie Suk Gersen explore the implications and possible necessity of invoking the 25th Amendment for President Biden, following a lackluster debate performance that highlighted his cognitive struggles. The conversation delves into the historical context of the amendment, its rare use, and the political and ethical ramifications of such a move. They discuss how Biden's cabinet and Vice President might play roles in this process and the broader implications for American democracy and governance.
John Fetterman's Move to the Right on Israel
In this insightful episode, host David Remnick and reporter Benjamin Wallace-Wells discuss the unexpected political shift of John Fetterman regarding Israel's conflict in Gaza. Known for his progressive credentials, Fetterman's new alignment with more conservative views on Israel stands out, especially after the events of October 7. The episode delves into the implications of his stance for the Democratic Party and his influence on the upcoming presidential elections, considering his significant role in rallying Pennsylvania voters. The discussion also touches on Fetterman's health challenges following a stroke and severe depression, which have shaped his recent political engagements and public appearances.
From "Inside the Hive": How Steve Bannon's Prison Sentence Could Help Trump Win
In this episode of "Inside the Hive" from Vanity Fair, hosts Bryan Stalter, Isaac Arnsdorf, and Tina Nguyen delve into the implications of Steve Bannon's imminent prison sentence. Bannon, a pivotal figure in the MAGA movement, faces incarceration for contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating January 6. The discussion explores Bannon's influence through his podcast, "War Room," where he has mobilized Trump supporters and perpetuated far-right narratives. The hosts analyze how Bannon's narrative of persecution might galvanize his audience and impact the upcoming elections, portraying his imprisonment as a martyr-like sacrifice for the cause. The episode also touches on the broader consequences of Bannon's actions and rhetoric, reflecting on the blurring lines between political and media operations within the GOP.
The New Yorker's Political Writers Answer Your Election Questions
Hosted by David Remnick, this episode dives into the bewildering aspects of current American politics, fueled by listener inquiries about electoral processes, political affiliations, and media challenges. The episode features a series of discussions with New Yorker's political writers like Susan Glasser, Andrew Marantz, and Jill Lepore, who dissect the reasons behind Trump’s sustained support and the media’s role in political polarization. They also explore broader issues such as the viability of a third-party candidate and the implications of political misinformation.
What Does Biden's Disastrous Debate Mean for Democrats?
In a pivotal episode, hosts Susan Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos dissect President Biden's lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which has raised significant concerns about his fitness for office given his age and capacity. The hosts discuss Biden's inability to effectively counter Trump's remarks, his confusing statements, and moments of apparent cognitive struggles. They draw parallels to historical debates, speculate on the political fallout, and consider the strategic missteps of the Biden campaign. The conversation also touches upon Trump's forceful yet misleading assertions, setting a stark contrast that underscores the gravity of Biden's debate failures.
What You Need to Know About 2024's Most Significant Supreme Court Decisions
The episode focuses on the Supreme Court's decisions on several high-profile cases, including those related to presidential immunity, gun rights, and abortion. Host Tyler Foggatt and guest Amy Davidson Sorkin discuss the implications of these decisions, particularly how they intersect with political and societal issues. They emphasize the unprecedented nature of this term's cases, discussing specific cases like the Colorado ballot case involving Donald Trump, and the broader implications of the court's rulings on the 2024 elections. The discussion also touches on how the Supreme Court's decisions reflect on its role and influence in current American politics.
Kevin Costner on "Yellowstone," "Horizon," and Why the Western Endures
In this richly detailed conversation, Kevin Costner delves into his longstanding relationship with the Western genre, highlighted by his pivotal roles and ambitious projects like "Yellowstone" and "Horizon." The discussion encompasses his motivations, the challenges of filmmaking, and his unique take on the enduring appeal of Westerns. Costner shares insights into the creation and funding of his films, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity and storytelling. He reflects on the impact of Westerns on American culture, describing them as America’s Shakespeare, and discusses the significant personal and financial investments he has made in bringing these stories to life.
What to Expect from the Biden-Trump Debate, with the Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin
In this episode of The New Yorker's political podcast, hosts and guests including historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discuss the high stakes and historical context of the upcoming Biden-Trump debate. They reflect on past debates and presidential styles, predicting how these elements might influence the forthcoming event. The discussion touches on both candidates' strategies and public perceptions, exploring how the debate could sway voters in a closely contested race. Insights into the evolution of debates from the 1960s to the present offer a deep dive into how television and media have transformed political discourse, emphasizing the impact of visual media and public presence in shaping public opinion.
Could the 2024 Election Be Decided by Memes?
In a deep dive into the evolving media landscape, "The New Yorker" staff writer Claire Malone discusses the memeification of politics, focusing on the age and media portrayal of presidential candidates like Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The episode highlights how memes, often humorous or derogatory, are shaping public perceptions in an era where traditional news consumption is declining. Notably, Malone explores the targeted use of edited videos and the strategic spread of these memes across social platforms to amplify certain narratives, raising questions about their role in political discourse and voter influence.
Is Being a Politician the Worst Job in the World?
In a revealing conversation with David Remnick on The New Yorker Radio Hour, Rory Stewart delves into the challenges of being a politician, reflecting on his own career and broader political dynamics in the UK. Stewart discusses the recent political climate, including unexpected elections and the consequences of Brexit. He shares his personal struggles with the role's demands and the impact on his mental and emotional well-being. The episode provides an insider's view on the disillusionment that can accompany political life, emphasizing the often unspoken difficulties that politicians face, including intense scrutiny, moral compromises, and the inherent pressures of leadership.
Trump's "Bonkers" Immunity Claim, with Neal Katyal
In this critical episode, the hosts, joined by legal expert Neal Katyal, delve into a pivotal Supreme Court case where former President Donald Trump asserts total immunity from prosecution for any presidential acts. The discussion centers on the legal and political ramifications of this claim, questioning its potential to upend traditional checks and balances within U.S. governance. The episode insightfully covers the Supreme Court's reactions and the broader implications for American democracy, especially the unique and challenging situation posed by Trump's argument, which essentially equates presidential power with monarchical immunity.