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

The second Trump inauguration was more than just a political spectacle—it was a clear signal of Silicon Valley’s growing entrenchment in American governance. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and other tech moguls sat front and center, ahead of cabinet secretaries, embodying a stark new reality: the marriage of big tech and the state is no longer subtle, it's explicit. This week’s Mid Atlantic dissects what this means for democracy, corporate power, and the growing rift within the American right.Host Roifield Brown is joined by an incisive panel: progressive strategist Aaron Fisher, political thinker Cory Bernard, campaign strategist Z Cohen Sanchez, and tech entrepreneur Michael Donoghue. Together, they explore whether this alignment is mere corporate pragmatism or a more sinister ideological shift. Fisher warns of the perils of unchecked billionaire influence, Sanchez underscores the Democratic Party’s failure to counteract these forces, and Bernard highlights the distinct differences between U.S. and U.K. political structures. Donoghue, speaking from the tech world itself, offers a bleak outlook: billionaires are playing with power like a passing fad, but the systemic consequences are anything but temporary.As Trump’s executive orders begin dismantling legal and regulatory frameworks at breakneck speed, the discussion pivots to how opposition forces—particularly the Democrats—should respond. Is it time to watch and wait for fractures in the new ruling class, or is immediate mobilization necessary? The panel is divided, but one thing is clear: the line between corporate control and state power has never been thinner.Five Notable Quotes from the Episode:"Billionaires have always owned America. The difference now is they aren’t even pretending otherwise." – Aram Fischer"The Democratic Party treats its movements like inconveniences, while the Republicans elevate theirs into power." – Z Cohen Sanchez"Trump’s second term isn’t just dangerous—it’s disciplined. That’s what makes it terrifying." – Cory Bernard"Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos—they’re not just donors, they’re shaping policy. That’s the death of democracy in real time." – Michael Donoghue"This isn’t the Gilded Age. It’s the Gilded Age on steroids, with an algorithmic propaganda machine to match." – Roifield Brown

Labour’s Tulip Siddiq has resigned as Economic Secretary to the Treasury amid corruption allegations, marking the first major scandal to hit Keir Starmer’s government. The panel dissects what this means for Labour’s credibility, with some suggesting it’s merely the growing pains of governance, while others argue it could be an easy attack line for opponents eager to undermine Starmer’s promise of clean politics.Meanwhile, Reform UK is shaking up the political landscape, overtaking the Conservatives in polls and edging closer to Labour. Nigel Farage’s populist movement is tapping into young, disillusioned voters—particularly young men—through an aggressive social media strategy. With Elon Musk openly engaging in British politics, the conversation turns to the wider implications of billionaire influence and whether the traditional party system is on the brink of collapse.In a lively discussion, the panel debates whether the Conservatives have any identity left, what Labour must do to win back young voters, and why British politics might just be a more chaotic version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?—except the final prize is government control, and the lifeline is TikTok.Notable Quotes:"Welcome to the NFL, Ricky—Labour’s now in government, and scandals are inevitable." – Olisa Jones"Reform UK is just saying what young voters want to hear—on the platforms where they actually listen." – Saffana Monajed"The Conservatives have no clear identity. If Jenrick leads, aren’t they just Reform Party Lite?" – Royfield Brown"We’ve always had billionaire influence in politics, but now it just feels more… blatant." – Tanye Altraide"Labour is doing the right things—but they’re terrible at telling people about it." – Olisa Jones

Justin Trudeau’s decade-long run as Canada’s Prime Minister is ending, marking a dramatic shift in Canadian politics. Once a symbol of progressive optimism, Trudeau is now grappling with plummeting popularity, a fractured Liberal Party, and mounting challenges from a surging Conservative opposition under Pierre Poilievre. In this episode, Roy Field Brown speaks with political commentators Laura Babcock and Adam Khan to dissect Trudeau’s legacy, his downfall, and the road ahead for Canada.From ambitious immigration targets and a housing crisis to economic stagnation and divisive COVID-19 policies, Trudeau’s missteps have alienated both the political center and his progressive base. Compounding this is an emboldened far-right influence in Canada, fueled by rhetoric spilling over from the United States. As Trump eyes Canada in his rhetoric, even suggesting a borderless North America, the stakes have never been higher. Can the Liberals regroup under new leadership like Mark Carney to fend off a Conservative majority, or will 2025 mark a seismic political realignment?Quotes from the Episode:“Trudeau thought his charm and the family name would carry him through, but hubris blinded him to the mounting political storm.” – Laura Babcock“Pierre Poilievre’s populism isn’t MAGA; it’s targeted, class-based, and resonates with both urban and rural Canadians.” – Adam Khan“Canada is in a perfect storm: post-pandemic anxiety, inflation, housing shortages, and a rising tide of right-wing extremism.” – Laura Babcock“If young people can’t afford homes, we’re facing a societal collapse—it’s not just an economic issue, it’s a moral one.” – Roy Field Brown“The left must reclaim its mantle of economic fairness before the right completely co-opts it with empty populist rhetoric.” – Roy Field BrownFurther Reading:Canada's Housing Crisis: Trudeau’s Biggest ChallengePoilievre’s Populism: A New Conservative BlueprintNAFTA and the Future of Canada-US RelationsTrump’s Neo-Manifest Destiny: What It Means for CanadaMark Carney’s Vision for Canada’s Economy

This week’s Mid Atlantic explores the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who lived to 100 and left an indelible mark on American politics and humanitarian work. The panel examines his role as a symbol of a bygone era, bridging the post-war optimism of the mid-20th century and the rise of Reagan-era conservatism. Michael Donohue, Zee Cohen Sanchez, and Olisa Jones discuss Carter’s moral leadership and contrast it with today’s more polarised landscape, where figures like Trump and Elon Musk dominate.The episode also tackles the growing fragmentation of Western politics, examining whether centrism still holds value as populism gains ground globally. From Biden’s tenuous legacy to Musk’s outsized influence, the conversation probes the future of governance in an age of spectacle and celebrity.Quotes from the Show:“Carter symbolized the end of the New Deal Democrats and the start of Reaganomics.” – Michael Donohue“Kamala’s campaign showed the limits of box-ticking without a bold economic message.” – Zee Cohn Sanchez“Populists thrive because they stand for something, even if it’s controversial.” – Alyssa Jones“Musk’s entry into government is a symptom of a broader celebrity-driven politics.” – Royfield Brown“The American electorate craves authenticity, not polished continuity candidates.” – Alyssa Jones

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)