The Washington Roundtable Live: The Backlash Midterms

The Washington Roundtable Live: The Backlash Midterms

Author: The New Yorker June 6, 2026 Duration: 46:23
The Washington Roundtable discusses the 2026 midterm elections and the prospects of a comeback for the Democratic Party with The New Yorker’s editor, David Remnick. Recorded during a live show at the 92nd Street Y, in Manhattan, the group explores the President’s abysmal approval ratings, key Senate races in Maine and Texas, fights over redistricting, and how public anger over corruption and wealth inequality could shape the battle for control of Congress. “It’s a stress test that we’re looking at,” the staff writer Jane Mayer says. “That’s what this midterm is: Can this democracy survive it? And, if it doesn’t, then what?” They also examine recent upheavals at CBS News and “60 Minutes,” and consider what those changes might mean for the future of investigative journalism.  This week’s reading: “The Changing Face of ‘Authenticity’ in Politics,” by Jon Allsop “The Absurd Virtual Spectacle of Trump’s D.C.,” by Kyle Chayka “This Is What Trumpian Self-Dealing Looks Like,” by John Cassidy “The Strange Emptiness of the Crowded Governor’s Race in California,” by Nathan Heller The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine’s writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week.  Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts.

Each week, The Political Scene | The New Yorker brings the magazine’s signature depth and clarity directly to your ears. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s a sustained conversation with the people who spend their days investigating the forces shaping our world. You’ll hear from the publication’s own writers and editors, whose reporting and analysis provide essential context for understanding today’s complex political landscape. The rhythm of the week structures these discussions: Mondays feature editor David Remnick in thoughtful conversations and narratives about unfolding events. Then, on Wednesdays, senior editor Tyler Foggatt selects one consequential story and explores it thoroughly through interviews with both New Yorker staff and leading outside voices. Fridays round out the week with contributions from the magazine’s staff writers, offering their distinct perspectives. Tuning into this podcast means getting behind the scenes of the journalism itself, listening as sharp minds dissect power, policy, and the human stories at the heart of it all. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond the noise and find a more nuanced, informed take on American politics and global affairs.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Podcast Episodes
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