65: Ron Brownstein

James and Al blast the state of journalism, call out Scott Jennings for his toxic coverage, and explain Trump’s recent political struggles and declining popularity, centering on the disastrous war with Iran and the complications involved in resolving it. Then they welcome sports ... Show More

James and Al skewer Trump’s approach to warfare and military strategy, draw historical parallels to the current conduct of the war, and game out ways to preempt possible election interference by Trump and the SCOTUS. Then, they welcome polling wizard G. Elliot Morris to discuss t ... Show More

James and Al welcome Council on Foreign Relations President Emeritus Richard Haass to analyze the effects of the Iran war and Trump’s wider policy decisions, looking at the roles of Russia, the GCC, and China, the challenges of negotiating with Iran, and the consequences for our ... Show More

Just days before the final round of France's snap parliamentary elections, we discuss possible scenarios for what could emerge from the messy political situation in Paris: shiny new leaders, a shaky new government, rocky cohabitation — or even more chaos. Host Sarah Wheaton talks ... Show More

<p>Joe Biden’s Democrats look set to lose control of Congress in this month's elections. But many of the Republicans poised to take office support Donald Trump's claim that the last presidential election was stolen. Gideon discusses his prospects for a return to the White House w ... Show More

<p>As votes from Election Day 2023 were tallied up this week, wins for Democrats may have given a preview into next year’s presidential election. But new polls seem to point towards a rocky road to re-election for President Joe Biden. </p><p>It’s not all good news for Trump, thou ... Show More

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off next week in the first presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election season. Questions are swirling about how prepared both candidates are before they meet each other at the podium once again. Sarah and Justin sit down with Mike Murphy, a ... Show More

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have made plans for two televised election debates. But who benefits? And, crucially, who has more to lose? Justin Webb, Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring look into the drama behind the announcement, and the strategy of holding the first debate in jus ... Show More

While Former President Donald Trump was defeated in November, his movement appears to be more durable than its leader. David Chalian explains how the fight among Congressional GOP leadership and the jockeying of potential presidential candidates demonstrates the former president’ ... Show More

<p>Gideon talks to FT colleague Ed Luce and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker about Donald Trump’s campaign to be the Republican nominee in next year’s US presidential election. Is his success all but assured and, if so, what does this mean for Joe Biden’s chances of re-election? L ... Show More

Fifteen states voted on super Tuesday to decide who the nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties will be. Donald Trump didn’t quite get the clean sweep he hoped for, but will Nikki Haley’s Vermont win be enough to keep her in the race?The Americast team discuss the issu ... Show More

After last week’s presidential debate, Justin and Marianna discuss whether President Biden is likely to step down – or be forced to stand down – as the Democratic nominee. Who might replace him? Or if he stays, what are his chances of winning the election against Donald Trump? Ju ... Show More

A slew of new books reveal the chaotic final months of former President Trump's administration, and how top military leaders feared he might  stage a coup t stay in power. But top Republicans are choosing to ignore the details as Trump remains the leader of their party. Plus, D ... Show More