Gone are the days of pussy hats and massive protests. Where is the resistance to Donald Trump’s second term? Lydia Polgreen and David French join this week to talk about the muted outcry to Trump and Musk’s plans to upend the federal government and where the most effective forms of resistance may show up. Recommended in this episode: “ Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter ” by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicema...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Ross Douthat talks to Steve Bannon, the chief strategist from Donald Trump’s first term and part of the original MAGA movement. Despite his clashes with new factions emerging in the Republican Party, Bannon argues that Trump is still central to advancing a populist agenda. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock full access to New York Times po...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are we living through “American Carnage” the sequel, or Donald Trump’s “Golden Age”? This week, Ross and Carlos welcome back Lydia to take stock of the president’s first days in office and debate what his many norm-bending actions reveal about how he plans to govern. Plus, Lydia starts an adventure in mediocrity. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ What I Learned When I Read 887 Pages of Project...
Jan 24, 2025•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast The tech investor Marc Andreessen and his fellow Silicon Valley giant Elon Musk weren’t always the Donald Trump supporters they are today. In this episode, Ross asks Andreessen, a founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, about what led to Silicon Valley’s rightward shift and the new agenda of the tech-right faction. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) ...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is Joe Biden more of a Jimmy Carter or a James Buchanan? It may be years before the outgoing president’s legacy is truly understood, but that didn’t stop the hosts from debating how Biden’s term in office will be remembered. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. ...
Jan 10, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ll be back next week with a new episode, but in the meantime we’re kicking off 2025 with a great conversation from our friends at “The Opinions.” In this episode, the New York Times Opinion columnist David French, a lifelong evangelical, speaks to Jonathan Rauch, an atheist and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about the crisis of Christianity in the United States and how faith might be the only way to redeem democracy. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times ...
Jan 03, 2025•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this special year-end conversation, Carlos and his columnist colleague Pamela Paul each share one book that can help us understand and define our current moment. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. 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...
Dec 27, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy holidays! Our gift to you is full access to a recent subscribers-only bonus episode. After a “stranger than fiction” presidential race, the hosts take a deep dive into the messy movie and television plots that actually put this election to shame. Enjoy! (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everyt...
Dec 20, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast While we are off this week, we wanted to share a great piece from our colleagues. President Biden has only a few weeks left in office. Here’s what he could do to optimize that remaining time — and improve his legacy. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscrib...
Dec 13, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is Donald Trump the chicken or the egg? On the cusp of his second administration, the hosts of dissect whether the president-elect is a cause or symptom of trends in popular culture. Plus, Michelle brings all the nostalgia to the Christmas party. (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ The Shape of Water ” directed by Guillermo del Toro “ Yellowstone ” created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson “ White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for ...
Dec 06, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are off for Thanksgiving. But we have a special treat for you from “The Opinions,” a fellow New York Times Opinion podcast. After our own Carlos Lozada immigrated to the U.S. from Peru as a child, he never felt being an immigrant was his overriding identity. But after years of hearing Donald Trump talk about immigration, his feelings have changed. If you enjoyed this, subscribe to "The Opinions" wherever you get your podcasts. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everythi...
Nov 29, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast After a “stranger than fiction” presidential race, the hosts take a deep dive into the messy movie and television plots that actually put this election to shame. Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. 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....
Nov 26, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode, Ross is joined by his good friend Reihan Salam, a former housemate and co-author and the president of the Manhattan Institute. As young conservatives, the two teamed up in the waning days of the George W. Bush era to write “ Grand New Party: How Republicans Can Win the Working Class and Save the American Dream .” After Donald Trump’s second election victory, the two look back at their prescriptions and debate what they got right and wrong about building a durable Republican majo...
Nov 22, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast As nominees roll in, the reality of Donald Trump’s second administration is rapidly coming into focus. This week, Ross is joined by Opinion columnist David French to discuss the surprising picks and what they signal about the incoming president’s policy shifts this time around. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ There Will Always Be a Trump. That’s Only Part of the Problem. ,” by David French “...
Nov 15, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Democratic Party needs to take a look in the mirror, and fast. This week, our old friend Lydia Polgreen joins the hosts to dissect what went wrong for Democrats, and what kind of leadership the party needs to win back voters in Trump’s America. Plus, something to do other than doomscrolling. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ A Party of Prigs and Pontificators Suffers a Humiliating Defeat ”...
Nov 08, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this special post-election episode, the hosts take stock of Donald Trump’s triumphant night and what a return of his right-wing populism says about America. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.co...
Nov 06, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is this really the most consequential election of our lifetimes? On this last episode of “Matter of Opinion” before the election, the hosts reflect on some defining moments of the campaign (other than President Biden dropping out), from Donald Trump’s indictments to Project 2025 to Ron Desantis’s lack of charisma. Plus, a visit from the ghosts of election nights past. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this ep...
Nov 01, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast There’s a whole world of 2024 elections that don’t involve Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. These races will be key to determining America’s future. As we inch closer to Election Day, the hosts zoom in on the congressional races that reveal something deeper — and stranger — about our politics. Plus, Ross has a new Vice. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ The Hard Truth About Montana and Jon Teste...
Oct 25, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been neck and neck in the polls for weeks. But past elections have proved the polls wrong. Can we trust them this time? This week, the hosts are joined by Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster and Times Opinion contributor, to talk through what polls can — and can’t — tell us about how voting day will go. Plus, a taste for All Hallow’s Eve. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recom...
Oct 18, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Michelle loves Halloween. Ross watches horror movies against his will. And Carlos is making textual comparisons across satanic franchises. It’s a very MoO Halloween bonus ep, y’all! Share your favorite horror recs with us by emailing matterofopinion@nytimes.com or calling 212-556-7440. And tell us what we should chat about next time so Ross doesn’t have to read “Return of the King” to us. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe...
Oct 16, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Democrats coalesced around Kamala Harris this summer, they set their differences aside in the interest of preventing a second Trump presidency. But at what cost? On this episode, Lydia is joined by her fellow Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and Michelle Goldberg to discuss whether this temporary unity is good or bad for the future of the Democratic Party. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: ...
Oct 11, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week the hosts discuss what was obscured by the civility of the V.P. debate, and consider what JD Vance and Tim Walz really offer their running mates and their parties’ futures. Plus, Michelle won’t be washing away her stresses any time soon. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: ‘There’s a Trap Here’: Four Columnists Brace for the Vance-Walz Debate by David Brooks, Ross Douthat, Tressie McMill...
Oct 04, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we're taking a break from the election and turn our attention to the allegations against Sean Combs: Where has #MeToo succeeded or fallen short? And what happens when the lines blur between rumor mill and conspiracy theory? The Opinion columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom and the Opinion writer Jessica Grose join the conversation. Plus, Jessica has a recommendation for Plath-heads. (A full transcript of this episode will be available on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ W...
Sep 27, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump and JD Vance have sparked panic over immigration in Springfield, Ohio. This week, the hosts talk about why our country’s immigration debate is now focused on a distraction instead of the core of the issue. Plus, Ross is hot and cold about a particular pet obsession. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: " Trump Has Crossed a Truly Unacceptable Line " by Lydia Polgreen " What JD Vance Be...
Sep 20, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kamala Harris may have won the debate by baiting Donald Trump. But is it enough to sway undecided voters? This week on “Matter of Opinion,” the Opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie joins our hosts to talk about how each campaign should reconsider its nominee’s visibility in the next seven weeks to win the White House. Plus, Michelle wants to be seen less. Want to see the Valentine's Day card for C-SPAN that Carlos's kids made him? Click here Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytime...
Sep 13, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Opinion columnist David French is voting for Kamala Harris to save conservatism. Ross is… skeptical. On this very special episode, the two Christian conservatives debate how to chart the right’s course out of Trumpism and to the future. (A full transcript of this episode will be available on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “ To Save Conservatism From Itself, I Am Voting for Harris ” by David French “ This Is Probably Not the Deal the Pro-Life Movement Bargained for With Trump ” ...
Sep 06, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast While we take a quick summer break, we wanted to recommend a new show: “The Opinions.” Four times a week, in ten minutes or less, you’ll hear one of our columnists — Matter of Opinion hosts included — walk you through their take on an issue or idea you might not have considered. It’s like the Opinion pages come to life. In this episode, our very own Carlos shares what he learned reading Kamala Harris’s two memoirs. He reflects on how her criminal justice message has changed over time, and consid...
Aug 30, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The hosts react to Kamala Harris’s convention speech in this special late-night edition of “Matter of Opinion”. Lydia, Ross and Carlos unpack how Harris had a “deft threading of a number of tricky needles” as she accepted her party’s nomination, and look at what the entire week revealed about the Democratic Party. (A full transcript of this episode will be available on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unl...
Aug 23, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you believe JD Vance, the American family is in crisis. But are attacks on “childless cat ladies” and pitches for enfranchising kids actual policy platforms or merely culture war cudgels? This week on “Matter of Opinion,” Jessica Grose joins Michelle, Ross and Carlos to debate the weird ways gender and family are showing up in the election and share their own roads to parenthood. Plus, Jessica suggests a deep dive into a culture of “tin pot dictators wearing LoveShackFancy.” (A full transcrip...
Aug 16, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the show, Michelle Goldberg joins Michelle and Ross to debate the gambles or gains Kamala Harris has made by picking Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. They also discuss the ways the Trump-Vance ticket could recalibrate to regain their lead. Plus, Goldberg is sunny on a new show you probably haven’t heard of. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: Don’t Listen to the Right. ...
Aug 09, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
