Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

This episode of Mid Atlantic tackled the seismic aftermath of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination in Manhattan—a shocking act that's ignited a visceral debate around corporate greed, healthcare inequality, and public anger in the United States. Panelists Roifield Brown, Steve O’Neill, Mike Donahue, and first-time guest Jimmy the Giant dissected the complex implications of this event and its broader societal resonance.The conversation explored whether the act, dubbed a political assassination, was a rallying cry against systemic injustices or an alarming escalation of violence. Hashtags like #FreeLuigi underscore the public's anti-corporate sentiment, but as the panelists debated, this moment seems unlikely to translate into political action. They compared the U.S.'s profit-driven healthcare system with the NHS in the UK, noting the deep cultural attachment to universal care in Britain. Warnings of privatisation were raised, but the panel largely agreed that such moves in the UK would spark resistance.Ultimately, the discussion reflected on the growing unity across political lines in America against corporate overreach. Yet, skepticism loomed about whether this sentiment could coalesce into meaningful reform in a system dominated by money and lobbyists.Five Key Quotes:Steve O'Neill: “The NHS is a national institution that Britons hold dear—it's not just a service; it’s an identity.”Mike Donahue: “If a CEO profits while people die for lack of healthcare, it’s hard not to call that systemic evil.”Jimmy the Giant: “This isn’t one person’s greed; it’s a system designed to disconnect responsibility.”Royfield Brown: “For 40 years, neoliberalism has hurt working families; now it’s time for a new way of doing politics.”Jimmy the Giant: “If you want to privatize the NHS, you don’t attack it—you underfund it until the public gives up on it.”

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown sits down with Sangeeta Pillai, feminist changemaker and host of Masala Podcast, to tackle a troubling facet of artificial intelligence: its impact on body image. The conversation centers around AI-generated beauty standards and their capacity to amplify already damaging ideals perpetuated by social media and advertising.Sangeeta's recent article sparked the discussion, highlighting how AI beauty pageants reflect narrow, harmful notions of beauty—thin, white, and hypersexualized. They examine the role of AI in reinforcing societal biases, particularly its lack of diversity and the troubling implications for young people growing up surrounded by such unrealistic portrayals. With studies showing that children as young as six worry about their weight, the conversation paints a stark picture of the psychological toll these developments could take. They also delve into AI’s role in dating, the commercialisation of "perfect" bodies, and the urgent need for regulation in a fast-moving, ethically murky space.Roifield and Sangeeta leave listeners pondering whether humanity can reclaim authenticity in an era increasingly defined by artificial perfection. While the conversation highlights the downsides, it also underscores the importance of sparking debate now—before AI's effects on self-image spiral out of control.Notable Quotes:"Imagine if you take the worst ideas of beauty and let AI amplify them—that’s where we’re heading." – Sangeeta Pillai"A six-year-old child looking in the mirror thinking, 'I need to be thinner'? That’s insane." – Sangeeta Pillai"What AI does is strip out what makes us human: our imperfections, the very things that make us beautiful." – Sangeeta Pillai"When we don't ask ethical questions about AI now, it’s like letting the train leave the station—soon, it’ll be too late." – Roifield Brown"We’re not just addicted to technology; we’re replacing human connection with it—and it’s making us lonelier than ever." – Sangeeta PillaiFurther Reading:Sangeeta Pillai’s article on AI beauty pageants and body image issues: Soul SutrasStudies on AI and body image: The Bulimia ProjectEU's AI Act and its approach to regulating emerging technologies: European Commission AI ActFor a deep dive into these issues and more, subscribe to Masala Podcast or follow Sangeeta Pillai on Instagram.

In this episode of *MidAtlantic*, host Roifield Brown, joined by panelists from both sides of the Atlantic, unpacks the political reverberations of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election and shifts in British leadership. From the Democratic Party’s introspection post-Kamala Harris’s defeat to the implications of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, the discussion spans populist movements, neoliberal woes, and institutional complacency.**Kamala Harris’s Loss and Democratic Strategy**  The panel critiques the Democratic Party’s messaging failures, particularly its over-reliance on identity politics while neglecting the economic pain felt by working-class voters. Aram Fischer highlights the party’s inability to address economic discontent effectively, allowing Trump’s simplistic blame-game narratives to resonate more powerfully with voters. Michael Donahue underscores the challenge of combating right-wing populism in a political system dominated by neoliberal inertia and financial inequities.**Trump’s Cabinet: A Show of Loyalty or Competence?**  Donald Trump’s controversial appointments, including vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. and loyalists like Matt Gaetz, reflect his disdain for institutional norms and his consolidation of personal power. The panel speculates on the potential for internal Republican politics to shape national policy, while noting the absence of checks on Trump’s authority in this administration.**Across the Pond: Keir Starmer vs. Kemi Badenoch**  In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s early tenure as a “boring but competent” leader is juxtaposed with Kemi Badenoch’s shaky start as Leader of the Opposition. While Starmer’s steadiness may benefit Labour in the short term, some panelists express concern over his lack of transformative vision. Meanwhile, Badenoch faces skepticism over her political depth and readiness, though some Tories remain hopeful about her potential.**The Gaza Debate and Moral Responsibility in Politics**  The conversation takes an impassioned turn as the panel confronts the West’s complicity in the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Criticism is levied against Keir Starmer and other Western leaders for their silence or tepid responses to what some panelists describe as ethnic cleansing. This segment underscores the broader tension between geopolitical pragmatism and moral leadership.**Quotes to Reflect On**  1. **Aram Fischer**: "Trump says, ‘I see your pain, and it’s immigrants’ fault.’ Democrats say, ‘Things are getting better.’ Guess which resonates more?”  2. **Michael Donahue**: “Neoliberalism has squeezed people for decades; what they need is left economic populism, not status quo institutionalism.”  3. **Steve O’Neill**: “Starmer’s strength is in being a boring technocrat, but where’s the big, juicy policy to show things are changing?”  4. **Dave Smith**: “If we can’t call out ethnic cleansing in Gaza, what hope do we have of defending the rules-based international order anywhere?”  5. **Roifield Brown**: “Politics isn’t just management—it’s about inspiring people to believe change is possible.”**Further Reading**  - [The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781631494536)  - [Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781324001546)  - [The History of the World in 47 Maps by John Elledge](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781911393701)  - [Tides of History Podcast](https://wondery.com/shows/tides-of-history/)

In this episode, host Roifield Brown leads a riveting discussion on America’s political landscape after a historic and divisive election. Joined by political activist Zee Cohen Sanchez, tech entrepreneur Mike Donoghue, and author Jarett Kobek, the group dissects the surprising return of Donald Trump to the presidency and the ramifications for the Democratic Party, American democracy, and global stability. The analysis doesn’t just linger on Trump’s victory; it explores America’s ideological divides, the fading influence of character in politics, and how populism has now displaced traditional party structures.The discussion shifts focus to the Democratic Party’s future, asking if it's time for a bold recalibration to reconnect with working-class America or to address the stark gender, race, and education-based divides in voting trends. While some argue for a more economically inclusive platform that speaks directly to disenfranchised voters, others contend that the Democratic Party's alignment with elite technocrats has distanced it from grassroots support. Finally, the panel unpacks Trump’s alignment with global authoritarian figures and its possible threats to NATO, European security, and the already fragile international order. While some panelists remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for a tempered approach from Trump, others warn of a deeply uncertain period ahead. This episode serves as a wake-up call for anyone seeking to understand the shifting tectonic plates of American politics—and what lies ahead.Notable Quotes:1. Roifield Brown: “The middle ground in American politics is gone. We are witnessing a tectonic shift.”2. Zee Cohen Sanchez: “This wasn’t a red wave; it was a red bloodbath. The Democratic Party has lost touch with working-class America.”3. Mike Donoghue: “The irony is, Trump won by portraying himself as the populist, but he’s anything but.”4. Jarett Kobek: “Trump’s genius isn’t in governance—it’s in being a master marketer, aligning himself with those who feel ignored.”5. Roifield Brown: “This isn’t about America alone. This epoch shift threatens the entire world order.”Further Reading:- [The Atlantic on Populism and Democracy](https://www.theatlantic.com/)- [New York Times Analysis of Voter Demographics](https://www.nytimes.com/)- [Pew Research on the Political Divide](https://www.pewresearch.org/)- [Brookings: Future of NATO in Trump’s America](https://www.brookings.edu/).

In this episode of *Mid Atlantic*, host Roifield Brown assembles a dynamic panel to dissect two major political showdowns: the final week of the U.S. election and Labour’s landmark budget in the U.K. As Brown remarks, with tight swing-state races, all eyes are on pivotal battlegrounds where razor-thin margins could decide the outcome. Guests debate the atmospherics of campaign styles, contrasting Trump’s bombastic rallies with Kamala Harris’s grassroots approach, framed by the panel as a battle between populist grievance and Democratic pragmatism. Mike Donoghue provides the American perspective, calling the mood "squeaky bum time," while Dave Smith and Corey Bernard offer sharp critiques on both sides’ campaign strategies, debating whether Democrats risk losing due to overreliance on anti-Trump rhetoric.Shifting gears to Labour’s budget, which the Financial Times dubbed the largest tax increase in three decades, the conversation explores its potential to reshape Britain’s public spending, with core issues including public services, employer taxes, and social housing. While the budget signals a commitment to infrastructure and public welfare, Corey Bernard warns it might stifle small businesses, emphasizing the need for robust growth rather than short-term fixes. The panel touches on Britain's housing crisis, pointing to the lack of affordable options as a pressure point that could define Labour’s success in the next election.As the episode winds down, the panel makes predictions for Election Day, with most forecasting a win for Kamala Harris. A characteristically sardonic Brown urges America to "do the right thing" and avoid electing a "fascist," encapsulating the critical stakes of the election as seen from both sides of the Atlantic.Notable Quotes1. "It’s squeaky bum time here; we’re all pins and needles, no matter which side of the fence you're on." — Mike Donoghue2. "We’re at a place where racist jokes at rallies feel normalised. That’s how far down the rabbit hole we’ve gone." — Dave Smith3. "Asking voters to go out to vote with a spring in their step is all about Trumpism’s showbiz appeal." — Corey Bernard4. "Labour's budget tightrope walk is necessary, but tightrope walking doesn’t leave room for real change." — Corey Bernard5. "Housing touches every generation and wealth level—if Labour can’t deliver here, they’re going to face a reckoning." — Dave Smith ### Further Reading1. [Financial Times on Labour's Budget](https://www.ft.com)2. [U.S. Swing State Poll Tracker - FiveThirtyEight](https://fivethirtyeight.com)3. [The Guardian - Analysis of Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy](https://www.theguardian.com)4. [Office of Budget Responsibility: U.K. Budget Analysis](https://obr.uk)5. [NY Times - America’s Evolving Electoral Demographics](https://www.nytimes.com)

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown dives into the Conservative Party leadership race, breaking down the key moments from their recent conference in Birmingham. Joined by regular contributor Cory Bernard, they explore everything from James Cleverley’s rising momentum to Kemi Badenoch’s gaffes, Robert Jenrick’s Thatcher references, and the broader question of where the party goes from here.But that’s not all—we start the show with a voice notes from Steve O’Neil, who attended the Conservative conference and Lib Dem conferences. Steve gives us his take on the optimistic yet mellow mood at the Lib Dem gathering and how they’re positioning themselves for the future.Key Highlights:Lib Dem Conference Recap (Steve O’Neil):Optimism about the party’s rising profile, thanks to new select committee roles in Defra and Health.Emerging tensions around housing policy and Brexit, with some calling for a more pro-EU stance.The party’s identity crisis: will they align with Labour or attack them from the left?Conservative Leadership Race Analysis (Roifield & Cory):James Cleverley’s strong performance and his appeal to MPs and the public.Kemi Badenoch’s struggle with gaffes and reliance on culture wars rhetoric.Robert Jenrick’s "new Conservative" messaging, though lacking concrete substance.The broader question of whether the Conservatives can rebuild from their historic defeat, and the uncertain direction of their economic strategy.

In this episode, host Roifield Brown leads a lively panel discussion on the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The panel, featuring Denise Hamilton, Logan Phillips, Aram Fischer, Michael Donahue, Dave Smith, and Tonye Altrade, analyzes Harris’s strong performance, which many viewed as a decisive victory that left Trump on the defensive. Despite Harris's commanding presence, the polls haven't shifted dramatically, leading to a deeper conversation on the reliability of early polling and the enduring stability of Trump’s base.The group dissects Harris’s strategy of contrasting substantive policy points with sharp jabs at Trump, which effectively kept him off-balance throughout the debate. They also explore the broader implications of the debate for key swing states like Pennsylvania, where viewership was notably high. Despite some skepticism from panelist Logan Phillips, who cautions that Trump's support remains more resilient than expected, others argue that Harris's poised approach might gradually erode Trump’s appeal, particularly among undecided voters and key demographics.Quotes from the Episode:1. "Kamala’s basic pattern was, say something substantive about policy, then close with a jab that made Trump want to punch her." — Aram Fischer2. "I want a leader that does their homework, that cares enough about me to prepare." — Denise Hamilton3. "Kamala just got lucky enough that it came up on the debate stage. He's been saying some wild stuff." — Logan Phillips4. "We have got to get out of this post-truth season of how we interact with each other in America." — Denise Hamilton5. "For whatever reason, Trump does not have the same effect on people. And I don't think you're going to see his supporters running for the hills after that debate performance." — Logan Phillips

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and his panel of experts delve into the latest political developments on both sides of the Atlantic. On the UK front, the Conservative Party leadership race heats up as Robert Jenrick takes the lead, with Priti Patel bowing out. The discussion centers on the ideological divides within the Tory party and what Jenrick’s lead might mean for the future of the Conservatives. The panel questions whether the party has learned anything from its recent defeats or if it remains stuck in its old ways.Across the Atlantic, the focus shifts to the U.S. election, where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to face off in a pivotal debate. The conversation explores Harris’s polling numbers, fundraising efforts, and her centrist appeal that seems to resonate despite the lack of a primary campaign. With disinformation playing a significant role, the panel also considers the broader implications of fake news, the power of social media, and the challenges of regulating these platforms in a democratic context.Key QuotesLogan Phillips: “Kamala Harris’s campaign is trying to show she’s empathetic, that she’s tough, and that she means business now. Could the lack of policy focus hurt her? Only because the media is so obsessed with it.”Jane Mote: “The Conservative Party is struggling to find its place in politics, but we can’t just discount them as odd. They still command a large part of the vote.”Cory Bernard: “Kamala feels like a change candidate, but she’s an insider. She’s all things to everybody, which might be an advantage.”Roifield Brown: “We’re getting politicians who are all veneer with no policy substance, and it’s utterly bad for both sides of the pond.”Cory Bernard: “The Tory party is in shock and disarray. There’s no energy, it’s just going to be status quo until the next reckoning.”Further ReadingThe Guardian: Tory Leadership RaceThe New York Times: Kamala Harris’s Campaign StrategyBBC News: Disinformation in the US Elections