The 2024 presidential race is officially in its identity politics stage. From “White Dudes for Harris,” to “D.E.I. candidate” accusations, the hosts debate how race and racism are being deployed in the second week of the Harris v. Trump election. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: “Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama “Rising Stare: The Making of Obama” by David J...
Aug 02, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vice President Kamala Harris has gone from being one of President Biden’s many problems to the hope of the Democratic Party. This week Ross, Lydia and Carlos dissect the seismic campaign vibe shift in both parties. Plus, Ross criticizes another self-indulgent addition to the modern era’s Western canon. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: Ross Douthat, David French, Michelle Goldberg, and Lydia Polgr...
Jul 26, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast The former president was expected to offer “unity” in his convention acceptance speech. But, after a wild week, the speech revealed the same old Donald Trump. In this episode, the hosts debate: Is Trump a “man of destiny”? (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: Donald Trump, Man of Destiny Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440. Unlock ...
Jul 19, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast “The dam is breaking!” Have the Democrats reached their “break glass in case of emergency” moment? This week, Michelle, Ross and Lydia dig into the Democratic Party fissures, consider what could happen if President Biden refuses to bow out, and debate just how much this moment mirrors the Republican scramble against Trump in 2016. (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: George Clooney: I Love Joe Biden....
Jul 12, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Matter of Opinion is off this week, but the news hasn’t stopped. So this week we’re bringing you something from columnists across New York Times Opinion. With President Biden’s candidacy in question, we asked them: Who would you like to see as the Democratic nominee? These are their answers. Lydia Polgreen on the case for Vice President Kamala Harris Nicholas Kristof on the case for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan Ross Douthat on the case for Senator Joe Manchin Pamela Paul on the case for Gov...
Jul 04, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ezra Klein joins Ross and Michelle to dissect the first presidential debate of 2024: “At some point Democrats have to decide if they want to try to win this election, or it is simply too uncomfortable for them to do anything but be on this train as it derails.” (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 ever...
Jun 28, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re getting ready for this week’s presidential debate. In the meantime, we wanted to share an audio essay from Michelle Cottle on a make-or-break vote for the MAGA warrior Lauren Boebert. The controversial lawmaker is facing a primary in Colorado that will determine her political future. Michelle visited a biker bar in Douglas County, Colo., to understand the ways Boebert is tweaking her image in a new district in hopes of winning over more traditional conservatives. Can she do it without losi...
Jun 25, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Populism, offered as a solution to economic and cultural woes, has gained ground in Europe following a slew of recent elections. Across the pond, the Ohio senator and potential Trump running mate J.D. Vance is championing an American version of populist politics that is also gaining traction. On this week’s episode, the hosts discuss Vance’s embrace of the ideology and consider why many voters find it so appealing. Plus, Ross shares a literary deep cut that not even Carlos has heard of. (A full ...
Jun 21, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amid politically charged flag flying, secret recordings, and eyebrow-raising financial disclosures, there’s something fishy about the behavior of the nation’s top judges. Are they ruining faith in the Supreme Court? Or is that the partisan reaction to the decisions coming from on high? Michelle, Carlos and Lydia are joined by the Times editorial board member Jesse Wegman to discuss just how low the bar has gotten for the justices, and what could be done to restore America’s faith in the court. P...
Jun 14, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former President Donald J. Trump’s appearance at a U.F.C. match this week seems to be part of a larger strategy to attract men — especially young men — to his cause. But what can President Biden do to change the narrative that “the left doesn’t like men”? This week, Michelle Cottle and Carlos Lozada are joined by their (male) Opinion colleagues Jamelle Bouie and David French to debate why men are becoming more conservative and whether Trump’s masculine appeal is about policy or his “manliness.” ...
Jun 07, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a special intercontinental episode, Lydia Polgreen reports from South Africa as the country challenges Israel for its attack on Rafah in southern Gaza. The post-apartheid nation has emerged as a critical leader and a moral voice in some (but not all) superpower struggles. Yet back at home, South Africa’s 30 years of multiracial democracy is undergoing major political upheaval. What does the nation’s recent election offer young nations hoping for postcolonialist democracy? Lydia opens her repo...
Jun 02, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast With Lydia in South Africa covering their election, Ross out on parental leave and Michelle reporting from a saloon in Colorado, Carlos turns the mic over to his Times Opinion colleagues to respond to the news about Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in the New York hush-money trial. The columnists Michelle Goldberg and David French — who calls himself “a recovering litigator” — join the deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, to discuss Trump’s 34 guilty counts and debate what they mean for the former...
May 31, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re taking a break to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and will be back next week. Until then, enjoy an audio essay from NYT Opinion’s other Michelle — Michelle Goldberg — on what Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign could mean for President Biden and Donald Trump. Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voice mail 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/po...
May 24, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the hosts debate what the latest Times/Siena poll reveals about Joe Biden’s weaknesses and mull over the question of whether Vice President Kamala Harris is one of them. Plus, Carlos on some advice that’s gold, Jerry, gold. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: “ Biden’s Polling Denial: Why He Doesn’t Believe He’s Behind ” by Hans Nichols and Alex Thompson in Axios “ An Interview With K...
May 17, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump is searching for a running mate, and his list of potential candidates is getting smaller and smaller. This week, the hosts discuss whether Trump is considering other qualities beyond loyalty, and they debate what his eventual choice could mean for the future of Trumpism in the Republican Party. Plus, Michelle wants to worm her way into candidate medical records. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended...
May 10, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode, the hosts get heated about the political divisions and contradictions revealed by the recent campus protests and ask why some in Washington seem so invested in perpetuating the demonstrations. (A full transcript of this audio essay 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 ...
May 03, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast How worried should we really be about the threat of political violence? On this week’s episode of “Matter of Opinion,” columnist Jamelle Bouie joins the hosts to set the record straight on whether we’re actually living through an unusually violent era, and they discuss whether the new movie, “Civil War,” could come true. Plus, Keanu Reeves in his most beautiful form yet. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in ...
Apr 26, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Will Israel and Iran’s unprecedented attacks escalate into a wider mideast conflict? A “forever war”? This week, columnist Tom Friedman joins the hosts to unpack the latest developments, what it means for Gaza, and the implications for the region writ large. A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website. Mentioned in this episode: “ How to Be Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israeli and Pro-Iranian ” by Thomas L. Friedman “ Iran Just Made a Big M...
Apr 19, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, the hosts debate how religious voters will react to Donald Trump’s betrayal of anti-abortion positions, the evolution of Christianity as the domain of the right and whether religion is actually as powerful as it seems in modern U.S. politics. Plus, Ross finds aliens, again. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website .) Mentioned in this episode: “ This Is Probably Not the Deal the Pro-Life Movement Bargained for With Tr...
Apr 12, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s not just bad vibes — America’s kids are not OK. As study after study shows worsening youth mental health, a popular theory has emerged: The rise of smartphones and the addictive nature of social media is making young people miserable. But can it really be that simple? This week, the hosts debate the myriad possible factors contributing to teenagers’ unhappiness, and discuss how parents, schools and the government can protect kids without doing further harm. Plus, a sui generis Lozada family...
Apr 05, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The sociologist and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom joins the hosts this week to discuss the role of celebrity in politics. Could Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, with their tens of millions of fans, sway the presidential election? And beyond brand-name pop stars, what role does celebrity play within the political system? Plus, Tressie goes a little “Dr. Oz” on us. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.) Though...
Mar 29, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast It can often feel as if politicians use a lot of words without saying much of anything. So how do journalists and citizens make sense of what’s said (and unsaid) in the many congressional reports, court decisions and campaign memoirs that pour out of Washington? This week, Carlos makes the case for reading the Capitol, and uses insights from his new book, “ The Washington Book ,” to help his co-hosts decode everyone from Donald Trump to Mike Pence to Barack Obama. (A full transcript of this audi...
Mar 22, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re working on this week's episode. While you wait, listen to this audio essay from one of our hosts, Lydia Polgreen, on the situation unfolding in Haiti. This audio essay was originally made for the NYT Audio App, free for Times subscribers in the Apple App Store. 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....
Mar 18, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many voters from both parties are less than enthusiastic about their likely options this November. This week the Opinion writer and editor Katherine Miller joins Michelle, Lydia and Carlos to talk about uncommitted voters, double haters and how they could affect the election, whether they turn out or not. Plus, Lydia makes a plea against the tyranny of clean lines and interior design monoculture. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times...
Mar 15, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Could Donald Trump’s promise to be a dictator on day one come true? On this episode of “Matter of Opinion,” the hosts debate which policies could be most consequential in a potential second Trump term and whether a proposal set out by conservative allies could provide the tools to execute his vision. And Michelle Cottle shares her passion for a trend that can only be achieved with lots of volume. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times...
Mar 08, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the Republican Party declared victory. But the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision last month that frozen embryos are considered “extrauterine children,” which prompted hospitals to suspend I.V.F. procedures, has complicated that victory. Given Americans’ overwhelming support for in vitro fertilization, conservative politicians have tried to distance themselves from the ruling. The hosts discuss that political scramble and ask whether the Repub...
Mar 01, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Why does the economy look so good to economists but feel so bad to voters? The Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman joins the hosts to discuss why inflation, interest rates and wages aren’t in line with voters’ perception of the economy. Then, they debate with Paul how big of an influence the economy will be on the 2024 presidential election, and which of the two presumed candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, it could benefit. Plus, Ross's lessons on aging, through Michael Caine impressions. ...
Feb 23, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Who’s your ideal American president? A strategic thinker who is calm in a crisis? A charmer with boundless aplomb? Perhaps a principled leader with an unwavering moral compass? This week, the hosts discuss what voters expect from “America’s daddy” and whether concerns about President Biden’s and Donald Trump’s fitness are overblown, given the history of the office they each hope to keep or retake. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Time...
Feb 16, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast What do Princess Diana’s wedding, the “Survivor” first season finale and Prince’s 2007 Super Bowl halftime show all have in common? They were huge cultural moments that brought millions of Americans together. In an era of streaming, social media bubbles and sharp political divides, are unifying events like these becoming relics of the past? On today’s episode, the hosts make a case for the secular ritual of the Super Bowl and ask whether we need more mass cultural events to bring Americans toget...
Feb 09, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Around the world, the youngest cohort of voters are dividing themselves politically along gendered lines. What’s behind this “great gender divergence”? This week, the hosts debate the causes and consequences of a gender-divided world. Plus, Ross has some timing advice should you choose to improve the national birthrate. (A full transcript of this episode can be found at the top of the episode page on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: “ A New Global Gender Divide Is Emerging ,” by Jo...
Feb 02, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
