Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly civilized yet provocative confrontation over politics, policy and pop culture.
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Where does Brazil’s X ban leave free speech in US?
U.S. politicians have focused on China for the last few years, specifically data concerns with TikTok and A.I. Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans are working on several bills to counter Xi Jinping’s Communist Party. The legislation package received overwhelming bipartisan support. Did the House come together on this issue, or are Democrats trying to keep pace with the GOP’s “tough on China” image?Meanwhile, as Congress takes on TikTok, Brazil’s government banned X (formerly known as Twitter). Minister Alexandre De Moraes ordered CEO Elon Musk to bar accounts being investigated by the Brazilian justice system for misinformation. Musk refused and emphasized the importance of free speech. But when does free speech go too far? The Left, Right, and Center panel discuss the consequences of censorship. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a gas inventory to maintain low prices for California residents. But neighboring state legislators are not happy about it. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo wrote that the decision will spike their state prices, and possibly affect markets across the West. This week’s 50 states series looks at gas prices and the politics of appeasing constituents.
Do debates have winners — or just losers?
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met for the first time in Pennsylvania at the presidential debate on Tuesday. ABC moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, notably live fact-checked both candidates on topics of immigration, the economy, and foreign policy. Harris was pushed to address her shift on fracking and gun buybacks. Meanwhile, Trump was put on the spot about his plan to end the war in Ukraine. The Left, Right, and Center panel examines where the candidates stand in voter’s minds post-debate. Were either able to sway undecided voters?Justice is a foundational tenet of America — does anyone believe in it anymore? A judge pushed the date of Trump’s sentencing — for falsifying business records — from mid-September to November 26. Trump’s lawyers had argued that the earlier sentencing could interfere with the presidential election. Was this special treatment because of who Trump is? Does the justice system have different rules for a president versus everyone else?On Tuesday night, Trump reiterated unsubstantiated claims of migrant Haitian communities abducting pets in Springfield, Ohio. He similarly mentioned Venezuelan gangs taking over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado. Both stories have been debunked. The underlying concerns of gang violence in Colorado have always existed, but are now being used to spread racist rhetoric in the city. As part of our 50 states series, the panel asks: How can legislators respond to valid concerns without giving into dangerous disinformation?
How has ‘Make America Great Again’ evolved in Trump era?
The phrase “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) has grown more popular over the last decade thanks to Donald Trump’s campaign. But Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both used that messaging. How has the slogan’s meaning changed from its origin to now? This election, both parties are focusing on the fight against poverty. While Donald Trump championed his 2017 tax cuts as an economy-boosting tool, Kamala Harris wants the government to help Americans pay for food and housing. Which campaign is winning over the middle class?For the first time, Minnesota students are getting free lunches and breakfasts, thanks to a bill that Governor Tim Walz supported and the state passed in 2023. But those free on-campus meals could cost the state $400 million in 2024-25. This week’s 50 states series looks at anti-poverty measures in public schools.
Can Democrats' shift toward patriotism win them the election?
In Kamala Harris’ economic plan, which rolled out this month, she promises to fight price gouging, the idea that companies are charging whatever they want to maximize profits, especially when many families are struggling. Last weekend, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) defended legislation to ban the practice. States like Florida and Texas have laws to address the issue too. However, can lawmakers effectively stop price gouging? Some economists argue that intervening could cause harm.Since the Democratic National Convention, the rhetoric of “freedom” has been coming up frequently. The term has been central in the Republican Party’s messaging over the last few decades. But DNC speakers, including Kamala Harris, pushed the party’s commitment to restoring freedom, and in the process, tried to redefine patriotism. So does freedom have different meanings for Democrats and the GOP? Finally, the show this week is replaying a 2023 episode, when panelists looked at political freakouts on both sides of the aisle, following an article by political comedy writer Jeff Maurer. In it, he talked about the M&M sexualization scandal and the panic it caused Democrats and Republicans, while more important issues were happening. The panel also discussed the influence of comedy TV and the news media on politics. Are political freakouts more or less frequent now compared to last year, and is there room for self-reflection?
Are Democrats more unified after DNC?
Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination during the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The week-long event included speeches from former President Barack Obama, celebrities endorsing the Harris/Walz ticket, and even rumors of Beyonce and Taylor Swift appearances. The open convention ended with Harris’ speech focused on freedom, which is a shift from the gloomy narrative of the Biden and Trump race. Did the DNC boost the Harris/Walz ticket in the minds of voters? The Left, Right and Center panel discuss what’s next in the election. The Democratic Party has undergone a number of divisions, like disagreements on ceasefire deals in Gaza. And with Democratic politicians like Cori Bush and Jamal Bowman losing their primaries, is this a sign of a pushback on progressive policies? Conventions, to some level, are meant to unify the party, and Harris' policy shift to the center has opened the door for independent voters and even Republicans. But did this convention successfully mend some of the party divisions or create more? A ruling in Mississippi over the death of a 16-year-old poultry plant worker shines new light on child labor laws in the United States. There isn’t a consistent attitude across the county — labor laws for minors have become more lax in 13 states, while 16 states have added more rules for enforcement. How can legislators find the balance between providing more opportunities for young people to work and ensuring their safety? Can we have these conversations without the pearl-clutching that often accompanies “child labor?” KCRW discusses these questions in the week’s 50 states series.
Will a lack of detailed policy hurt Harris?
Kamala Harris is expected to reveal her campaign’s policy over the next week in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention. Questions from the media and GOP about a lack of detailed policy have been growing. Donald Trump is taking the opportunity to accuse Harris of flip-flopping on policy positions from her 2020 primary campaign, especially related to fracking and immigration. Is it important to hold candidates accountable for earlier positions, or should voters accept that people running for office have evolving views and mold their messages for the moment?Also, the contrasting personalities of Harris and Trump have started defining the “vibes” of this election. Do voters care more about character than policy, and does this apply to vice presidential nominees too? How do Americans feel about the importance of financial success when it comes to J.D Vance vs. Tim Walz?The names of schools and other buildings have come up more frequently over the years. As part of our 50 states series, KCRW discusses how one community in Massachusetts is grappling with a history of racism and is attempting to create more inclusion for students.
Is Tim Walz the right choice as Kamala Harris’ running mate?
With less than 90 days until November 5, leading Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Donald Trump got the VP opponent he wanted, and Republicans already began digging up dirt. The panel discusses what’s next as both tickets are complete: Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance. When Joe Biden was still campaigning, he painted Trump as a threat to democracy. At the same time, Trump and his supporters pushed an image of society collapsing under the Biden administration. What are the risks to America’s political discourse when elections escalate to a fight between good and evil?On social media, the term “tradwife” is drawing controversy. It describes a wife who is committed to homemaking, child-rearing, and traditional gender roles. The Times in the United Kingdom recently blasted content creator Hannah Neeleman, a beauty pageant competitor, former ballerina, wife, and mom of eight who broadcasts her Utah farm life. Our 50 states series this week looks at agency and motherhood.
Trump’s comment on Harris’ race: Calculated or ‘weird?’
Donald Trump made a visit to Chicago during the National Association for Black Journalists’ (NABJ) conference for a panel that included ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott. When asked about presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ credentials, Trump said she “happened to turn Black” for political gain. Harris, who is the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, called Trump’s remarks the “same old show,” emphasizing that the “American people deserve better.” The interaction brought headlines back to Trump when Harris’ campaign was gaining momentum. Was it “weird,” as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz put it, or was it the whole point? The panel discusses the culture of the 2024 presidential campaign. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Washington D.C. to address Congress about rising tensions in the Middle East. Harris didn’t attend, but met with Netanyahu privately. Speaking with reporters afterward, she reiterated her support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but noted her concern for human suffering in Gaza. In a meeting with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Netanyahu said Harris’ remarks could impact ceasefire talks. Following the meeting, a soccer field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was struck by Lebanese rockets, killing 12 people, mostly children. In the aftermath, Israel was accused of killing top Hezbollah and Hamas military leaders in Lebanon and Iran – stoking fears of a wider regional war. What is U.S. policy in the Middle East now, and how would it differ depending on who’s in the White House next year? Ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month, Republican Governor Greg Abbot warned the Windy City of the migrant surge Texas faced during the Republican National Convention. Illinois is preparing for border states like Texas to send asylum seekers their way, adding beds at city shelters and enforcing a 60-day stay limit. The panel discusses whether conversations around migrant busing are valid or a distraction from bipartisan efforts to cooperate. This week’s 50 states series tackles immigration in Illinois and the national response to migrant asylum seekers.
Despite lost time, can Kamala Harris gain ground on Trump?
Days after dropping out as the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, pledging his commitment to finishing his term and restating his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on the November ballot. A whirlwind of donations and support for Harris has re-energized Democrats — does that effort qualify as “grassroots?”Both Trump and Harris spoke following the candidate change. Trump called for Harris to be “fired,” while she cited her prosecutorial experience dealing with perpetrators who are “Trump’s type.” Though she inherited the Biden/Harris campaign operation, Trump will be up against a potentially new platform and may have to switch his strategy. The question on everybody's mind: How will Harris fare against Trump?Utah’s Senate Bill 287 attempts to regulate websites that distribute pornography by requiring age verification to protect minors from accessing the potentially harmful content. The Free Speech Coalition challenged the bill in court, raising concerns about privacy and more. The bill was upheld. The protection of minors is something The Left, Right, and Center panelists all agree on — but is age verification the answer?
Is Trump’s GOP departing from traditional conservatism?
At a Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, rally on July 13, former President Donald Trump narrowly dodged an assassination attempt. The moment left both parties reeling as they came to terms with a landscape that prioritizes extremes and is ripe for political violence. Just 48 hours later, the Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump, with a bandage over his ear, pushed for unity within his party and across the country. But did his speech on the last day of the convention reveal actual changes in his vision for the GOP?Earlier in the week, Trump announced his vice presidential nominee: Ohio Senator JD Vance. Their messages of isolationism, nativism, and a reinforcement of traditional masculinity were echoed by the convention’s speakers. With the demographics of the Republican and Democratic parties going through dramatic changes, will Trump and Vance’s vision appeal to women voters?
Did Biden’s NATO presser save his candidacy?
This past week, President Biden ended the NATO three-day summit with a solo press conference. Since the first presidential debate, Americans have questioned his ability to fulfill another term in the White House. Journalists brought up this issue again to Biden during today’s press conference — did he smooth over concerns?The Republican National Committee’s party platform hones in most on the “migrant invasion.” Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” opens the 20-item agenda, which is an attempt to distance the campaign from Project 2025. Noticeably less prevalent in the platform: abortion. The panel looks at what’s currently in the platform and whether the proposals will lead to policy.In 2022, the state of Alabama voted to ban slavery — including its use as punishment for a crime. This year, six incarcerated people are suing Governor Kay Ivey and the Department of Corrections for forced labor. The lawsuit is the first of its kind to prohibit involuntary servitude and protect the prisoners from retaliation. As part of Left, Right, and Center’s 50 states series, the panel looks at the rights of people behind bars in Alabama.
What’s the long-term impact of SCOTUS’ presidential immunity ruling?
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump’s actions during his presidency were within constitutional power. The prosecution of his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection will be delayed until after the election this November. The Left, Right, and Center panel discusses concerns about presidential power and what this would mean after the election. In Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters released a memo saying the Bible will be taught from grades 5 to 12. Walters said numerous Bible references are in political documents, therefore they are part of history. Similarly, Louisiana has made it the law to include the Ten Commandments in classrooms. School systems have become the battleground of church and state separation.This week’s installment of our 50 states series looks at anti-masking laws. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with leaders in North Carolina and New York, are looking to ban masks in light of protest clashes over the conflict in Gaza. Would these laws encroach upon the rights of demonstrators? What about medical concerns in light of the COVID pandemic?
No spinning this one: Analyzing Trump, Biden debate performances
This week in Atlanta, Georgia, a current and former president debated each other for the first time in U.S. history. But the highly anticipated clash between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump may have left many viewers with more questions than answers. Biden’s weak performance sparked panic among Democrats — will his campaign overcome this? Will the bluster and falsehoods of Donald Trump stick with voters? Plus, what impact did CNN’s moderators and a new set of debate rules have?U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently declared gun violence a public health crisis, and that young people are particularly likely to become targets. The announcement came after a school shooting occurred in one Seattle community, reigniting discussions about the role of on-campus law enforcement officers. Can those officers effectively keep kids safe?
Will presidential candidates fare better than what polling suggests?
How voters feel about the presidential candidates — and what issues are most important to them — are the focus of a new PBS/Marist poll. The economy is their top priority, and democracy comes in second. Hot-button subjects like abortion and foreign policy are noticeably absent. Meanwhile, how much impact will culture wars and tribalism have on winning over voters?In North Dakota this week, voters approved a ballot measure that set an age limit on the state’s members of Congress. It says that if a Senate or House candidate would be 80 or older at the end of their term, they would be ineligible to run for those positions. The Supreme Court may have to review the measure’s constitutionality. Joe Biden and Donald Trump will debate at CNN’s Atlanta studios next Thursday. Saying the wrong thing can sink campaigns and become tent poles for lasting narratives. KCRW reviews quips and blunders from past presidential debates, and previews what to expect from Biden and Trump now.
Are Trump’s claims for political revenge more than rhetoric?
Following his felony conviction, Donald Trump has spent the last week talking about revenge on his political enemies, such as throwing the president’s wife in jail. Some voters are concerned about the dramatics and inflammatory terminology, particularly Project 2025, the conservative playbook for realigning the federal government. How realistic are those ideas, and what are the safeguards to maintain the balance of prosecutorial power?Over the weekend, an IDF operation led to the rescue of four Israeli hostages and the reported deaths of over 200 Palestinian civilians. Journalist Abdullah Al-Jamal and his family were killed in the raid. Initial reports from Israel claimed that three of the hostages were in Al-Jamal’s home. The reporter was also linked to Al-Jazeera, an international media outlet that the Israeli government banned last month for alleged ties to Hamas. The Palestinian Chronicle, where Al-Jamal worked, is now disputing his connection to Al-Jazeera, as well as the initial reports on the hostage claims. The messy situation raises larger questions about the role of activism in journalism. Last year, a commonwealth judge in Pennsylvania ruled that the state’s public school system was unconstitutional. The verdict found that outdated textbooks, dilapidated facilities, and inadequate funding failed to produce fair academic opportunities for students in low-performing districts. Like in many other states, school choice advocates in Pennsylvania are promoting a new voucher program as a solution to their education system’s woes. The vouchers would give scholarships to students in the lowest-achieving schools, so they could transfer to private institutions. Results on voucher effectiveness are mixed. As part of our 50 states series, KCRW discusses the choices parents are weighing in the ongoing debate over vouchers and public school funding.