Checks and Balance from The Economist

Within hours of Joe Biden announcing he would not run again, Kamala Harris emerged as the Democrat’s presumptive nominee. But despite decades in the public eye, Vice President Harris is still a mystery. What sort of presidential candidate will she be in 2024? And can she win?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s visiting senior editor Steve Coll and political data scientist Owen Winter.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Despite the horrific assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the mood at the Republican National Convention has been joyous and triumphant. Trump’s takeover of the party is complete: the platform sounds like him, former rivals have kissed the ring and his choice for vice-president preaches to the converted. What does the Republican Party stand for now? And where would it take America?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Kevin Roberts, the President of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Despite calls that he is unfit to serve, Joe Biden is determined to stay in the race for president. He's not the only politician reluctant to let go. America's legislators are the oldest in the OECD, a club of mostly rich countries. What's behind their staying power at the top of politics? And what impact have they had on the country?Charlotte Howard hosts with John Prideaux and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute and Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The Supreme Court ended its term this week, with rulings on abortion, administrative law, January 6th and presidential immunity. But controversies over impartiality continued to undermine the court's reputation. How is the Supreme Court changing America? And what will recent rulings mean for November’s election? Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet and Idrees Kahloon. Professor Jennifer Nou, from the University of Chicago Law School, and The Economist’s Steven Mazie also contribute. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

How did two old, unpopular men end up running for the world's most demanding job? It’s the question John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, gets asked the most. And the answer lies in the peculiar politics of the baby boomers. Since 1992, every American president bar one has been a white man born in the 1940s. That run looks likely to span 36 years - not far off the age of the median American. This cohort was born with aces in their pockets. Their parents defeated Nazism and won the cold war. They hit the jobs market at an unmatched period of wealth creation. They have benefitted from giant leaps in technology, and in racial and gender equality. And yet, their last act in politics sees the two main parties accusing each other of wrecking American democracy. As the boomers near the end of their political journey, John Prideaux sets out to make sense of their inheritance and their legacy. Launching July 2024.To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

On Thursday in Atlanta, Joe Biden and Donald Trump squared off in the first presidential debate of the year. Mr Biden, who appeared frail and muddled, gave a performance that was such an unmitigated disaster that it has called his candidacy into question. Was the debate a turning point in the race? And could Mr Biden be replaced as the Democratic candidate?Charlotte Howard hosts with Adam O’Neal and Idrees Kahloon. John Sides and The Economist’s James Bennet also contribute.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Republicans are expected to retake control of the Senate in January. There are big questions on the table, from the extension of Trump’s tax cuts to American foreign aid and the possible confirmation of new Supreme Court justices. Who will replace Mitch McConnell as leader? And what could a Republican Senate do? Charlotte Howard hosts with Adam O’Neal and Idrees Kahloon. Paul Winfree of the Economic Policy Innovation Center and The Economist’s James Bennet also contribute.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The Economist’s new election forecast says Donald Trump is slightly favoured to beat Joe Biden. The race is a rematch, with voters knowing more about the candidates than in any election in generations. But after slip-ups in recent years, how reliable are the polls? With five months to go, what can we say with confidence about the likely outcome of the election?John Prideaux hosts with Jon Fasman and Adam O’Neal. The Economist’s Dan Rosenheck and Owen Winter also contribute.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

In four of the past six presidential elections, Wisconsin has been won by a single percentage point. As Donald Trump's lead in the Sunbelt widens, Wisconsin's importance for Joe Biden has grown. What does the Badger State tell us about the forces that will decide this election in Wisconsin, and other swing states?Charlotte Howard hosts with Jon Fasman and Idrees Kahloon. Charles Franklin of Marquette University Law School and The Economist’s Daniella Raz also contribute.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsGet a world of insights—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.