The Argument

New York Times Opinion•www.nytimes.com

News

Society & Culture

Strongly held opinions. Open-minded debates. A weekly ideas show, hosted by Jane Coaston.

Last refreshed: August 16th, 2025 at 8:20 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Did Trump Lose The Midterms?

What do the Democratic gains in the House and Republican gains in the Senate mean for the country’s future? Ross Douthat dreams of a fantastic world of rainbows, child tax credits and a better president. David Leonhardt wishes racism was more decisively rejected in the midterms. Michelle Goldberg thinks women will save this country yet. And whether you’re elated or disappointed after election day, we have a suggestion: Go take a bath. For background reading on this episode, visit nytimes.com/the...

Nov 08, 2018•38 min

Who's to Blame for American Political Violence?

Do Republicans have an anger problem? The columnists debate whether Trump incited the recent targeted attacks. After Michelle Goldberg reports back from the campaign trail in Georgia, they all discuss the partisan battle of the sexes: has politics become polarized by gender? Is the Republican party the party of men, and the Democratic party the party of women? For background reading on this episode, visit nytimes.com/theargument . Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everyth...

Nov 01, 2018•34 min

How Screwed Up Is American Democracy?

How rotten has our democratic system has become, the columnists wonder, and what could fix it? David Leonhardt is furious about voter suppression in North Dakota and Georgia. Ross Douthat thinks NeverTrump Republicans should cast their midterm votes for House Democrats. And we learn what Michelle Goldberg would do if she had the “pee tape.” For background reading on this episode, visit nytimes.com/theargument . Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to...

Oct 25, 2018•32 min

Is Trump Destroying the World Order?

With the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, David Leonhardt asks guest Thomas Friedman about the strained future of U.S.-Saudi relations. Then, Michelle Goldberg, Ross Douthat and David debate whether Trump's foreign policy emboldens autocrats and threatens liberal democracy. No surprise: they disagree. But common ground is found over club soda. For background reading on this episode, visit nytimes.com/theargument . Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from po...

Oct 18, 2018•31 min

Is the Supreme Court Broken?

Did Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation break the Supreme Court? Michelle Goldberg feels the patriarchy’s boot on her neck. David Leonhardt cautions Democrats about running on the #MeToo movement in the midterms. And Ross Douthat sings. Seriously. For background reading on this episode, visit nytimes.com/theargument . Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify....

Oct 11, 2018•30 min

Introducing 'The Argument,' an Opinion podcast from The New York Times

Coming Thursday, October 11, a new Opinion podcast from The New York Times that answers the question, "How could they possibly think that?" Join Opinion columnists David Leonhardt, Michelle Goldberg and Ross Douthat every Thursday as they explain the range of arguments around the week's political debate. You'll learn the why's behind party decisions and doctrine, and discover new ways to make your argument appeal to people who see the world differently. For background reading on this episode, vi...

Oct 04, 2018•2 min

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android