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” by Ross DouthatThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 considers what that may reveal about her candidacy. Listen and subscribe to "The Opinions" on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Thoughts about Matter of Opinion? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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.
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 transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)Recommended in this episode:“Red Families vs. Blue Families: Legal Polarization and the Creation of the Culture” by Naomi Cahn and June Carbone“The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind” by Melissa S. Kearney“The Party of Julia” by Ross Douthat“Welcome to Bama Confidential,” Anne Helen Peterson’s essay series on her Culture Study newsletterThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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. The Kamalanomenon Is Real. by Michelle GoldbergThe Focus Group Podcast episode “Kamala Needs a DEI Pick (Straight White Dude)” with Sarah LongwellSunny from Apple TV+Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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. Garrow“Barack Obama: The Story” by David Maraniss“The Olympic Flame Isn’t a Flame at All” by Andrew KehThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 Polgreen: Is It a Mistake for Democrats to Go All In on Harris? Four Columnists on the Party’s Moves.Harris’s Michigan event on abortionHarris’s first presidential rally in Milwaukee speechThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 DestinyThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
“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. But We Need a New Nominee.The Case for Joe Biden by Ross DouthatEzra Klein: A Path to Defeat from “The Bulwark Podcast”Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 HarrisNicholas Kristof on the case for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of MichiganRoss Douthat on the case for Senator Joe ManchinPamela Paul on the case for Gov. Wes Moore of MarylandDavid French on the case for Gov. Josh Shapiro of PennsylvaniaCharles Blow on the case for President Biden(A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)If your opinion has changed on President Biden since the debate, we want to hear from you, too. What do you hope to see happen before the Democratic convention? Leave us a voice mail at 212-556-7440 or email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.comThis audio essay was originally made for the NYT Audio App, free for Times subscribers in the Apple App Store.
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.
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 losing hard-core Trump fans?This audio essay was originally made for the NYT Audio app, free for Times subscribers in the Apple App Store.
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 transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)Recommended in this episode:“What J.D. Vance Believes” by Ross Douthat in The Times“Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans,” “Fire and Blood: A History of Mexico” and “Comanches: The History of a People” by T.R. Fehrenbach“What Will Become of American Civilization?” by George Packer in The AtlanticThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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.Plus, Michelle weighs in on the beef of the summer.(A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)Recommended in this episode:“Not Like Us” by Kendrick LamarEmail us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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.”(A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)“Audience of One: Trump, Television and the Fracturing of America” by James Poniewozik“American Sniper” directed by Clint EastwoodMay 2024 Times/Siena poll of the presidential battlegroundsThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 reporter’s notebook and explores these questions with the South African journalist William Shoki and her editor, Max Strasser.A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times websiteMentioned in this episode:“Many voters are hooked on their abusive rulers” by William Gumede in the Sunday Times“South African election turns populist as parties play anti-foreigner card” by David Pilling and Monica Mark in the Financial Times“Neither Settler Nor Native” by Mahmoud MamdaniThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440
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 president, whether he’ll face jail time and how it will affect the 2024 presidential race.
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.
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 Kamala Harris on What’s at Stake in 2024” from “The Run-Up”“Kamala Harris Should Try to Be Really Popular” by Matthew Yglesias on his blog, Slow Boring“What Happened” by Hillary Rodham Clinton“Did the President Call?” mash-up from HBO’s television series “Veep”“The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future” by Franklin Foer“Democrats Have a Better Option Than Biden” from “The Ezra Klein Show”“This New Book About ‘Seinfeld’ Is Worth Double-Dipping” by Carlos Lozada in The Washington PostJerry Seinfeld’s 2024 Commencement Address at Duke University“Why Conservatives Give Better Commencement Speeches Than Liberals” by Carlos Lozada in The Washington PostThoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
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 in this episode:“How Trump Plans to Wield Power in 2025: What We Know” by Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman and Charlie Savage in The Times Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.
Andi-Roo Libecap
Michelle takes no shit, brooks no nonsense, and will have none of it. She is my gd hero.
Emily Becker
The discussion on sibling bonds is so touching. Thank you, Carlos!
L D
Sounds like 3/5 personhood to me
rom
Shame on all of you. Shame on every single one of you. You know, one thing these two weeks revealed to me, is how deceptive, and filled with propaganda the western media is. Eventually, the truth prevails and I’ll tell you one thing, history won’t forget, it won’t forget your support of colonialism, of massacres and for the continuation of lies. When Palestine is freed, people will look back to these recordings as examples of how the American media completely failed.
rom
Lydia, it’s terrifying for you? How self absorbed can a person be? Thousands of Palestinians are losing their lives in this minute and you’re the one terrified?