American politics is fast moving and caught up in social media and the 24 hour news cycle. This political podcast cuts through the noise and focuses on what matters, the nuts and bolts of policy, how Congress works, and how elections are won. Justin and John sit down every Tuesday and Thursday to discuss what is happening in Washington, D.C. and international affairs with leading Democrats and Republicans from Congress, members of the media, and think tanks. If you want to know what’s going ...
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Politics + Media 101


1
How Has the Media Reshaped Politics? Part 1 with Beyond Politics
1:04:56
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In a special crossover episode, Justin and John sit down for a wide-ranging conversation with the hosts of Beyond Politics, Paul Hodes and Matt Robison. Paul is a former U.S. Congressman who represented Justin and John's home district in New Hampshire. Matt is a senior political strategist who served as Paul's chief of staff. Together, the group ta…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Diplomat Aaron David Miller: What Comes Next for Israel and Gaza?
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A month into the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, Justin and John sit down with diplomat and analyst Aaron David Miller. An expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Aaron spent 25 years at the U.S. State Department advising Republican and Democratic secretaries of state on Middle East policy. Aaron describes how the horrific terror atta…
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Politics + Media 101


1
WSJ's Sadanand Dhume: Does a Feud with Canada Spoil India's Western Ties?
58:43
58:43
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India and Canada are engaged in a heated diplomatic dispute after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of planning the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, near Vancouver. Indian officials deny the allegation and accuse Canada of harboring terrorists affiliated with the secessionist Khalistan movement…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Will Saudi Arabia and Israel Normalize Relations?
1:06:28
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Justin and John discuss the efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The two countries have been moving steadily towards strategic convergence, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested major concessions from the United States before formally establishing ties. John explains the Saudi approach and the reasons t…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Will Matt Gaetz Force a Government Shutdown?
1:09:52
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Justin and John discuss the drama on Capitol Hill over government funding, as Speaker Kevin McCarthy works to avoid a government shutdown. McCarthy faces intransigence from renegade members in his own Republican caucus, including media lightning rod Matt Gaetz. Justin Higgins, a veteran of GOP congressional offices, explains the dysfunction engulfi…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Should There Be an Age Limit for Powerful Politicians?
1:04:22
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After recent health scares for Senator Mitch McConnell, Justin and John discuss the difficult issues of age and health in political leaders. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Grassley are often criticized for delaying retirement, as is President Joe Biden. Justin recalls his experiences working with the office of Senator Thad Cochran, a powerful …
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Politics + Media 101


1
GOP Debate: How do Justin and John Rank the Candidates?
1:12:30
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After the first Republican primary debate, Justin and John try ranking the candidates according to their performances. Burgum, Christie, DeSantis, Haley, Hutchinson, Pence, Ramaswamy, and Scott are each evaluated, with Donald Trump looming outside the field.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
The Athletic's Evan Drellich: Has Baseball Become Popular Again?
1:03:53
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Justin and John sit with Evan Drellich, senior writer at The Athletic. The group discuss baseball's major changes to game rules, assessing whether the sport can regain its place as the most popular pastime in American culture. Despite momentum with attendance and ratings, baseball faces challenges in a fragmented media system. Evan is the author of…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Evan Ellis: Does China's Presence in Cuba Threaten the United States?
1:01:30
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A recent Wall Street Journal article reports that China and Cuba are working to establish a spy facility 100 miles from Florida. To understand this development, John sits down with Dr. Evan Ellis, a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College and a Senior Associate at CSIS. Dr. Ellis describes China's activities in Lat…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Katie Notopoulos: Can Zuckerberg's Threads Overtake Musk's Twitter?
53:10
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Justin and John sit down with technology reporter Katie Notopolous to discuss the new app Threads, launched in July by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. The app seeks to supplant Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk, as the leading platform for microblogging and text-based social media. Katie gives her assessment of the new app's strengths and weaknesses, address…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Will China Invade Taiwan by 2027? With Tingting Liu of TVBS
54:33
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Justin discusses China’s military ambitions and 2027 timeline, and how Taiwan and the US are responding with Tingting Liu of TVBS. This is the second part of their discussion on Taiwan.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
The Daily Beast's Matt Lewis on Filthy Rich Politicians and Legalized Political Corruption
57:20
57:20
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The Daily Beast's Matt Lewis sits down with John and Justin to discuss his new book, Filthy Rich Politicians. Matt explains how politicians get rich through leveraging their position as elected officials -- legalized corruptions of sorts, including book deals and stock trading. Matt examines Marjorie Taylor Greene, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and man…
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Politics + Media 101


1
The End of Marjorie Taylor Greene and the House Freedom Caucus?
1:06:46
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Justin and John discuss the recent discord in the House Freedom Caucus, as members move to punish Marjorie Taylor Greene for embracing GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The Republican conference may move to oust McCarthy from leadership before the end of the year. The pair then discuss the differences in leadership style between Republicans and Democrats…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Election and Me Too Movement with Tingting Liu of TVBS
44:20
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Justin sits down with Tingting Liu, News Anchor, Foreign affairs and military correspondent for TVBS to discuss Taiwan's domestic politics ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. Tingting provides analysis on how the three leading political parties approach the cross-straight relations (Taiwan - China), the ongoing Me Too movement on the island, a…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Greg Poling of CSIS: Is the US or China Winning the Argument on Asia-Pacific Defense?
44:27
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Justin and John sit down with Gregory B. Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Greg recently returned from the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense forum held in Singapore and attended by the United States, China, and other key players in the Asia-Pa…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Meg James of LA Times: What's Behind the Chaos at CNN?
1:00:55
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After an explosive expose, CNN's CEO Chris Licht was fired by his bosses at Warner Bros Discovery. This came after a year of disappointing ratings and head-scratching programming decisions. Justin and John sit down with Meg James, senior entertainment industry writer for the Los Angeles Times. Meg helps explain the crisis at CNN, based on her own r…
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Politics + Media 101


1
What Does the PGA-LIV Deal Say About U.S.-Saudi Relations?
52:16
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Justin and John discuss the surprise deal reached between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), who had backed the upstart rival LIV Tour. John draws on his experience working on public investment projects in the Arab Gulf States.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
Was Ron DeSantis Smart to Launch his Campaign on Twitter Spaces?
1:06:30
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Justin and John discuss Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign launch, which was held on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk and David Sacks. The PM101 hosts draw on their extensive experience in social audio to critique the unusual launch event.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
The CNN Town Hall -- How The Media Covers Trump
1:05:43
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In this episode, John and Justin breakdown former President Trump's recent CNN townhall, how the media approaches Trump and more.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
Trump's Indictment, Budweiser Controversy: Do Public Figures Need to Respond?
1:07:47
1:07:47
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Justin and John address two media controversies that unfolded in previous weeks, Donald Trump's indictment on 34 criminal counts by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the social media boycott of beer brand Bud Lite. They discuss how public figures have responded to these stories and whether wading in these controversies is truly necessary.…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Brookings Institution's Aaron Klein: Why Did Silicon Valley Bank Fail?
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54:54
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In this episode John and Justin discuss Silicon Valley Bank and the state of the US banking system with Aaron Klein, the Brookings Institution's Miriam K. Carliner Chair and senior fellow in Economic Studies. This discussion also gets into the Biden Administration's response and what policymakers and regulators must do in the future to ensure a str…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Amir Tibon of Haaretz: Why Are Israelis Protesting Netanyahu's Government?
59:26
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Justin and John sit down with Amir Tibon, a journalist at Israel's Haaretz newspaper. Amir explains the controversial proposals for judicial reform that have sparked the largest protest movement in recent Israeli history. With Israeli democracy in a precarious position, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces unprecedented international criticism, …
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Politics + Media 101


1
Shadi Hamid: What Happens When Democracy Produces Illiberal Outcomes?
1:01:00
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Justin and John sit down with Shadi Hamid, author of The Problem of Democracy. Shadi's book explores the "democracy dilemma," the challenge of accepting democratic outcomes that may be illiberal or alarming but win public support. He explains how the experience of the Egyptian Revolution informs his concern that elites are often unwilling to allow …
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Politics + Media 101


1
Catrina Doxsee of CSIS: How Dangerous is Russia's Wagner Group?
55:27
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With the deadly mercenary organization Wagner Group playing a key role in the Ukraine war, Justin and John sit down with Catrina Doxsee, associate director and associate fellow for the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Catrina explains Wagner's opaque structure and murky dealings in countrie…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Jen Brick Murtazashvili: Are Central Asian Countries Shifting Away From Russia?
53:23
53:23
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After U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Justin and John sit down with Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and an expert on Central Asia. Jen describes Central Asia's rich history and dynamic politics, noting the efforts of regional leaders to move beyond the Soviet le…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Why is Nikki Haley Running for President, and Can She Win?
1:03:29
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Justin and John discuss the newly-announced candidacy of Nikki Haley for U.S. President. The former governor of South Carolina, Haley enters the Republican Party primary with little support and record of conflicting statements on key issues. Still, her successful record in electoral politics and unique biographical narrative are assets in a competi…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE): How Much Support Should the U.S. Provide to Ukraine?
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As we approach the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Justin sits down with Congressman Don Bacon, a decorated Air Force veteran who represents Nebraska's 2nd District in the U.S. House. Congressman Bacon makes a case for robust U.S. support for Ukraine. He comments on divisions within the Republican Party on this topi…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Diplomat Aaron David Miller: Are Israel and Palestine on the Brink of Another War?
1:02:55
1:02:55
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Justin and John sit down with Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who served for 24 years as a U.S. diplomat. The group discuss the twin crises unfolding as Israel inaugurates a new right-wing government: heightening tensions over West Bank settlements and a controversial proposal for judicial refor…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Will Attacks on Medicare and Social Security Doom the GOP?
1:08:37
1:08:37
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Justin and John discuss the recent controversies over the Republican positions towards popular entitlement programs. New debates around Medicare and Social Security, longstanding fault lines in American politics, were sparked by a dispute at President Biden's State of the Union address and comments from Senator Rick Scott. The two also discuss the …
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Politics + Media 101


1
Max Bergmann of CSIS: What Risks Does the West Face from Escalation in Ukraine?
1:03:47
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Justin and John sit down with Max Bergmann, director of the Europe Program at CSIS. Max joins after weeks of controversy over German and American provision of tanks to Ukraine. The group discuss whether arms provisions will continue, whether Russia considers this an "escalation," and what the consequences of that could be. They also address Turkey'…
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Politics + Media 101


1
USA Today's Nancy Armour: Why is the NFL So Important to Americans?
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Ahead of the Super Bowl, Sports columnist Nancy Armour joins Justin and John to discuss the irreplaceable role of the NFL in American life. Football may be the only universally popular cultural product remaining, but it is not without controversies. The group address player advocacy, ownership responsibility, and the differences between the NFL and…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Noah Smith on the Tech Industry Bubble and U.S.-China Competition
1:06:04
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Columnist Noah Smith joins Justin and John to discuss major issues in the global economy. They address the current challenges in the technology sector, which Noah characterizes as a popping bubble. Noah also advocates for a strong distrust of China in a new phase of U.S. strategic competition. Read Noah's work at noahpinion.substack.com.…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Elie Honig of CNN: How Trump and Other Powerful People Get Away with Crimes
47:23
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Elie Honig joins Justin and John to discuss developments in criminal probes of Donald Trump, as well as his new book Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It. Elie draws on two decades of experience as a prosecutor, offering personal insight into prominent culprits and their approach to the legal system. In the discussion, Elie details how…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Will a U.S. Debt Default Have Catastrophic Consequences? With AEI's Michael R. Strain
56:59
56:59
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Justin and John sit down with Michael R. Strain, director of Economic Policy Studies and the Arthur F. Burns Scholar in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute. Michael assesses the COVID stimulus packages and their impact on inflation, addressing the direct cash payments and criticizing the popular concept of UBI. He explains why th…
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Politics + Media 101


1
The Week in News: Mass Shootings, Tanks to Ukraine, Oscar Nominations
1:15:33
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Justin and John sit down to discuss the week's headlines. Topics include the string of high-profile shootings in the United States and Germany's move to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine. The hosts also take time to discuss the Academy Award nominations, drawing on John's professional and academic connections to the entertainment industry. Subscribe, r…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Is Right-Wing Media Poisoning the GOP? With Matt K. Lewis of The Daily Beast
1:09:50
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Justin and John sit down with conservative columnist Matt K. Lewis of The Daily Beast. Matt shares stories of his encounters with right-wing media figures over the years, from Ben Shapiro to Tucker Carlson to Alex Jones. The group discuss the impact those personalities have on the Republican Party, and whether the American right can be fairly descr…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Chaos in Aviation and Buttigieg Response: Politico's Oriana Pawlyk
54:05
54:05
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Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk joins Justin and John to discuss recent disruptions for U.S. airlines, including mass flight cancellations and an emergency grounding by the FAA. What are the major challenges facing airlines and travellers, and has Secretary Pete Buttigieg adequately responded to transportation crisis? Read more from Oriana…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Chavez, Maduro, and Venezuela's Crisis, with William Neuman
1:26:43
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Justin and John are joined by William Neuman, the former Andes Region Bureau Chief for The New York Times. Reporting for years from Caracas, William witnessed Venezuela descend from an economic powerhouse into one of the world's poorest countries. He explains the causes of this crisis and the opportunity to change course, as the U.S. considers endi…
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Politics + Media 101


1
The Hill's Emily Brooks: Kevin McCarthy’s Victory and What to Expect in the Next Congress
58:42
58:42
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With a chaotic leadership fight finally concluded, Justin and John sit down with reporter Emily Brooks to discuss the Congressional term ahead. Will Kevin McCarthy and the Republicans force a U.S. default over the debt ceiling? Will they focus on investigations, or are there areas for new bipartisan legislation? Listen to find out. Read Emily's wor…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Speakership Deadlock: Is the GOP House Ungovernable?
1:19:15
1:19:15
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Justin and John discuss the congressional standoff over Kevin McCarthy's bid to become House Speaker. They assess the motives and tactics of key members, drawing on Justin's experience working for a right-wing Republican congressman. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversation.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
Kevin McCarthy and the House Speakership Battle
1:10:15
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Justin and John discuss the political fight in the Republican House Conference as members attempt to select the next House Speaker. Drawing on Justin's experiences working for a right-wing congressman, they assess the current state of the GOP caucus and its characters, including Kevin McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Steve Scalise.…
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After John returns from attending the World Cup in Qatar, he joins Justin to discuss the country and its role in global affairs. Labour issues, tournament controversies, and diplomatic strategy are among the topics of conversation. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversation.By Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
Parker Molloy: What Do the Media Get Right and Wrong?
1:26:44
1:26:44
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Justin hosts writer Parker Molloy for a conversation about the American news media. They discuss the state of cable news, print outlets, and digital distribution platforms. Should we listen to columnists and commentators for any reason at all? What is 'bothsidesism'? Read Parker here: https://www.readtpa.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjo…
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Politics + Media 101


1
Elon Musk's Purchase of Twitter with Andrew Lawrence of Media Matters
1:17:13
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Andrew Lawrence (Twitter Account) of Media Matters joins Justin to discuss Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, how the platform has changed, and whether or not it will survive. Please remember to rate and subscribe to the show! Check out our website here: pm101.liveBy Justin Higgins and John Gunnison
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Politics + Media 101


1
Chris Stirewalt: How Should the Media Talk About Elections?
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Justin and John are joined by Chris Stirewalt, former Fox News political commentator and current editor at NewsNation and The Dispatch. Chris offers his election analysis, discusses media approaches to political discourse, and describes his experience testifying for the January 6th Committee. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversat…
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1
Will Donald Trump Be the 2024 Republican Nominee? Justin and John Debate
1:16:41
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As Donald Trump announces a presidential campaign in the wake of insurrection and electoral defeat, Justin and John debate whether Trump can effectively stage a comeback. Justin believes that Trump's cultish support is strong enough to dominate a GOP primary, while John believes that exhaustion and institutional factors will limit his potential. Su…
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1
Has China's Global Power Already Peaked?
1:07:39
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Justin and John host Scott Kennedy, senior adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. They discuss an isolated China beset by domestic challenges and a confronted by a rejuvenated Western alliance. Topics include the Chinese Communist Party Congress, zero-COVID policies, semico…
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1
ELECTION REACTION: Democrats Overperform in House, Senate Races
1:23:26
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Justin and John discuss the 2022 election results, noting the success of Democratic candidates in key races. They address the struggle of many Republican candidates to connect with ordinary voters and the bleak political outlook for the MAGA movement. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversation.…
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Politics + Media 101


1
ELECTION SPECIAL: AJC's Greg Bluestein Explains Georgia
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Justin and John are joined by Greg Bluestein of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Greg is a leading expert on politics in the state of Georgia, even serving as moderator for the governor debate. Just in time for election day, Greg breaks down that race between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, along with the U.S. Senate race between Herschel Walker and…
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1
Top Dem Strategist Lis Smith Talks 2022 Elections, Democrats' Chances
52:09
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Justin and John are joined by Lis Smith, senior advisor to Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign. She offers her take on Tim Ryan, John Fetterman, Kathy Hochul, Andrew Yang, and more, discussing what Democrats are doing right and wrong. Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversation. Purchase Lis’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/An…
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