Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly civilized yet provocative confrontation over politics, policy and pop culture.
Are the Georgia runoffs a precursor to 2024?
After the recent win by Raphael Warnock in Georgia, Democrats will hang onto control of the Senate by a slightly larger margin. Warnock beat Republican Hershel Walker in Georgia’s runoff with a 51% to 49% lead…giving Democrats a 51-49 edge in the Senate. Though Democrats had already secured the Senate majority, this race may have bolstered the narrative that former President Donald Trump is losing influence on the right. Walker was yet another one of Trump’s hand-picked candidates to be defeated. But what actually decided the race? Was it candidate quality? And will Trump really be stripped of his sway in the Republican party? Plus, a significant percentage of Georgia voters split their ticket by voting for Republican Brian Kemp for governor but Warnock for Senate. Is Georgia truly turning purple, or was this race too close to make that assumption? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And, special guest Stephen Fowler, political reporter for Georgia Public Broadcast, weighs in on how the messaging from each side played with Georgian voters. Meanwhile, both Republicans and Democrats are doing some soul searching with the midterms officially over. What lessons are both sides taking away from this runoff? And how are they preparing for 2024? Also, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is trying to change which states cast their ballots first in a presidential primary election. Iowa is out, and the DNC is looking to move South Carolina to the first slot. Will this actually prioritize Black voters, as committee member Donna Brazile proclaimed. Or does this calendar give President Joe Biden and Democrats an advantage? And Brittney Griner is free. The WBNA star was convicted for carrying cannabis cartridges in her luggage and held in a Russian penal colony for most of the year. Now, she will return home in exchange for the U.S. releasing convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, nicknamed the Merchant of Death. Was this prisoner swap worth the risk for the Biden administration? And what can Americans read into this?
Can law enforcement be reformed from the inside?
Despite protests and promises of change, violent acts from police officers and scandals in law enforcement agencies seem to continuously dot the headlines. That’s according to Christy E. Lopez, columnist at the Washington Post, in her recent LA Times column, “A dismissal at Customs and Border Protection shows how hard law enforcement reform can be.” She joins as this week’s special guest to discuss U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus’ departure from his position last month after just a year on the job. Known as a reformer, the Biden administration hired Magnus to help address the corruption, racism, and violence among border patrol agents. But more than a dozen House Republicans wrote to the White House, asking for Magnus to go. Though he said he was leaving due to differences with leadership at Homeland Security. With Magnus gone, an agency that has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans needs new direction. What are the broader implications of his exit? And does his absence reveal the difficulties of reforming a law enforcement agency from the inside? Plus, antisemitic comments and hate crimes are rising in the United States. Even political leaders, like Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, and public figures, like the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, are making hateful statements. Why is antisemitism rearing its’ head again and how can we stop its’ spread? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And the World Cup is in full swing with exciting matches on the pitch and political drama behind the scenes. Should athletes focus on their sport or do they carry a responsibility to speak for or against their government? And how does a worldwide competition affect geopolitical relationships?
Is Russia’s war endangering democracy?
It’s been nine months since Russia invaded Ukraine, starting a war that has killed at least 200,000 military personnel and approximately 40,000 civilians, according to U.S. officials. Winter is fast approaching, and it seems like both sides might be gearing up to fight well into next year. At the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, world leaders issued a statement saying they “deplore in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” They demanded a “complete and unconditional” withdrawal from Ukraine. Thousands of Russian citizens have fled the country to avoid the draft, while others have been arrested for protesting their government’s actions. Are Russians responsible for President Vladimir Putin’s decisions? And could this be the moment a lasting empire falls in Russia? Plus, Russia is not the only democracy worldwide that has shifted in recent years. Leading up to the recent midterm elections, President Biden said repeatedly democracy itself was at risk, a sentiment shared by the majority of Americans. Is America’s democracy adjusting to current society or are we falling into authoritarianism? Host David Greene discusses with special guest Anne Applebaum, historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, about what’s at stake for the future of Russia and Ukraine, as well as her recent article, “The Russian Empire Must Die.” Plus, Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, joins on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right, weigh in on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s legacy after her announcement to not seek reelection to Democratic leadership. What made Pelosi special? How did she become an enemy for Republicans? And where will House Democrats go from here?
Dems make final push during lame duck session
The balance of power in the nation’s capital has finally been decided — Democrats will keep control of the Senate and Republicans grabbed the majority in the House, though by slim margins. And as both sides decide their party’s leaders, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced she would not seek reelection for Democratic leadership. But before a new Congress begins its work next year, the lame duck season has begun. The Democrats have already secured bipartisan support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect same-sex marriages if the Supreme Court decided to overturn that right. It earned 62 votes — enough to overcome a filibuster — so it may be on its way to becoming law. With all its technicalities, is this a good bill? What does it say about this moment in American culture that 12 Republicans supported it? And Democrats are also eager to move the needle on the DACA program that protects “Dreamers,” but why? How are Republicans responding with calls for more border security? What other legislation can we expect to see coming down the pipeline over the next two months? Plus, Donald Trump announced his presidential bid for 2024, despite being blamed for his hand-picked candidates losing. Are Republicans ready to move past Trump? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And special guests Jim Hobart, partner at Public Opinion, and Margie Omero, principal at GBAO Strategies, weigh in on exit poll trends and why certain issues deeply resonated with voters.
Republicans didn’t get a red wave. What does it mean for 2024?
Millions of people cast their ballots in the 2022 midterm elections this week — though votes are still being counted — and neither Democrats nor Republicans saw the results they expected. A sitting president’s party often takes a beating in a midterm election, so Democrats were preparing to lose their majorities in the House and Senate. Despite sky-high inflation and sinking approval ratings for President Biden, Republicans won far fewer seats in the House than anyone predicted. And some competitive Senate candidates, like Pennsylvania Republican candidate Mehmet Oz, underperformed. There’s still a chance, though much smaller than before, that Republicans could control both houses of Congress. Was this a repudiation from voters on both sides? Could this election be the start of a reckoning in both parties? The issue of abortion played a large role in this election, especially for Democrats. Plus, inflation and the economy were top of mind for most voters. But much of the conservative messaging focused on crime and immigration. Did Republicans misread their base? Did they suffer for promoting abortion bans, when the majority of the country doesn’t agree with that stance? And what did Democrats get right in their campaigns? Plus, a healthy portion of Republican candidates that questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and backed by former President Trump lost their bids. Meanwhile, more moderate conservatives won by significant margins. Did Trump’s handpicked candidates harm Republicans overall? Will this showing encourage the GOP to move past Trump’s hold on the party? And what does all of this mean for the 2024 presidential bid? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Jim Hobart, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, on the right. And special guest Molly Ball, national political correspondent at TIME Magazine, weighs in on how this election could reshape politics and discusses her cover piece for TIME Magazine, “How Democrats Defied History in the Midterms and What it Means for 2024.”
Crime, inflation, democracy: What will sway voters?
With only a few days before midterm elections, a number of key races across the country are heating up, putting the capital’s balance of power on the ballot. A recent NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist national poll shows the country has swung by six points in favor of Republican candidates, who are now more confident they can take control of the House. For Democrats, who are trying to hold onto their slim majority, a loss of control could bring their agenda to a standstill. But would this give President Biden more freedom to negotiate with less pressure to please his party? This week, Biden delivered a speech and said this election is specifically about our democracy, addressing the hundreds of election deniers running for office across the country. But many voters say the price of gas, inflation and the economy are their top issues this cycle. While it made sense for Biden to speak about preserving democracy, should he have addressed the economy or inflation? Will Democrats suffer at the ballot box for not laying out their vision for the economy? Plus, the issue of crime in Wisconsin has taken center stage in the Senate race between incumbent Republican Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes. Did progressive messaging around public safety and crime hurt Democrats? And another significant Senate race in Nevada has Senator Catherine Cortez Mastro fighting to hold onto her seat against Republican Adam Laxalt. Are Democrats wrongfully assuming they’ve locked down the Latino vote? And will Republicans be able to peel off that voting bloc? Host David Greene discusses with Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. Also, a man broke into Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s home in San Francisco last week with the intention of kidnapping her and breaking her kneecaps. While the Speaker was in D.C., the man attacked her husband, Paul, with a hammer and fractured his skull. How did Nancy Pelosi become a target for far-right extremists? And how can politicians ensure their words don’t lead to violence? Special guest Molly Ball, national political correspondent at Time Magazine, weighs in on the rise of political violence and discusses her bestselling biography about the Speaker called “Pelosi.”
Scaring voters — just in time for Halloween
Midterm elections are a week and a half away, which could alter the balance of power in the nation’s capital. Millions of people have already cast their ballots, and overall voter turnout is projected to be one of the highest ever for a midterm. The Senate race in Pennsylvania could be crucial for Democrats to pick up and hang onto control. The fight between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz is narrowing, and the candidates debated for the first and only time this week. Oz attempted to appease both sides on the abortion debate, but did he alienate everyone instead? And how will Fetterman’s ongoing recovery from a stroke this summer sit with voters? Plus, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are holding events throughout the country to advocate for their parties. Both are using scare tactics — just in time for Halloween — to persuade voters the other party has become too extreme. Is this argument more effective for Republicans or Democrats? And, is this actually a country full of political extremists? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And, special guest Kimberly Atkins Stohr, senior opinion writer at the Boston Globe, weighs in on the future of affirmative action in higher education. Atkins Stohr discusses how universities could uphold diversity if the Supreme Court strikes affirmative action down, and her recent column “Affirmative action in college admissions is at risk.” And finally, a Halloween treat of Sarah Isgur’s secret skill.
Republican-led Congress could tie up Biden agenda
With nearly three weeks until the midterm elections in November, Republicans may have a good shot at gaining the majority in both the House and Senate. Democrats saw boosted support over the summer after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but that enthusiasm may be waning. The tide may be turning for Republicans, despite trailing Democrats just one month ago. A New York Times-Siena College poll shows a bump in support for Republicans in recent weeks. Plus, President Biden’s approval ratings plunged over the summer to record lows because of high gas prices and inflation, and they still haven’t completely recovered. Nearly half of likely voters say they strongly disapprove of Biden’s job performance. Republicans only need to pick up five seats in Congress to gain the majority, and just one for control of the Senate. So, what would the first changes a Republican-controlled Congress would make? And how would a conservative legislative branch work with Biden on matters like abortion, Russia’s war against Ukraine, or a possible recession? Host David Greene discusses with Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. Plus, the new Supreme Court session is in full swing, but many Americans are questioning if the highest court has become too politicized. Special guest Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor at Slate and author of “Lady Justice: Women, The Law and the Battle to Save America,” weighs in on judicial gender parity, and why she’s worried about an uprising among those in the legal profession. Despite President Biden’s promise to unify the country, our politics seem more divisive than ever. Are universities to blame? And is an overrepresentation of liberals in higher education changing our political sphere?
Trump gets subpoenaed by Jan. 6 Committee. Too late?
This week, the January 6 House Committee voted unanimously to subpoena testimony from former President Donald Trump. In what could be the final televised hearing, the committee members recapped much of the evidence it’s been gathering for the last year. They presented proof that Trump wanted to join the violent mob that day, despite knowing he had lost the election. The committee also played never-before-seen footage of congressional leaders during the Jan. 6 attack, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer attempting to contact state and federal officials for help. After the hearing ended, Trump posted on his own social media platform, Truth Social, that the committee was a “bust,” and asked why they had waited for months to subpoena him. The former president has reportedly indicated he would appear before the committee if it televised live. What is Trump’s legal team weighing? And would live testimony give Trump the upper hand? While the decision to subpoena a former president is uncommon, the ability to prosecute sits with the Department of Justice. And the Jan. 6 Committee will dissolve after it delivers its final report. So, have the members performed their job well? What will they need to show in their report to have any lasting impact? Plus, Trump may run for president again. And nearly 300 candidates on the ballots for federal or state office next month deny that Trump lost the previous election. Could these hearings affect these candidates' chances of winning? Or does it fire up their supporters? Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. And special guest Evelyn Farkas, executive director at the McCain Institute, weighs in on Russia’s latest tactics in their war against Ukraine and how its consequences are playing out across the world.
High gas prices tower over elections. Will voters punish Democrats?
This week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Plus coalition, a crude oil group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, announced the biggest cut in oil production in two years. This means that Russia will make more money off its oil, which it can then use to fund its war against Ukraine. Americans are likely to see soaring gas prices at the pump again. This is a diplomatic problem for President Biden. He has invested a lot of capital in trying to talk the Saudis out of this move, including when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in July and initiated a controversial fist bump. Presidents are often blamed for economic trends, even if they don’t have much control over economic highs and lows. But is Biden, at least partially, at fault? And should the United States keep ties with this Saudi regime that is responsible for killing an American journalist? Rising gas and oil prices have also caused a political problem for Democrats. Inflation is often cited as one of the top issues for voters, and Biden’s party may suffer in the midterm elections for the economic hit. Plus, this week marked 100 days since the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to get an abortion by striking down Roe v. Wade. Biden said that decision has had frightening ripple effects across the country. The president announced some new guidelines and grants to help protect abortion rights — in part as a response to a new policy at the University of Idaho that threatened employees with felony convictions if they refer a student for the procedure, reported by the Washington Post. But at least 14 states have already enacted near-total bans on abortion, leaving nearly 30 million women without access in their states. Some reproductive health rights advocates and progressives want Biden to use executive powers to protect abortion rights nationally. But he maintains that the only way to codify abortions by law is to give Democrats a larger majority in Congress. Has Biden exercised everything in his control to reinstate abortion rights? And after Kansas residents overwhelmingly voted against removing abortion protections from their state constitution in August, Democrats are trying to build on that momentum. Should Republicans be worried Roe’s fall could cost them in the midterm elections? And how is the abortion debate playing out in key races like Georiga? Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Sarah Isgur, staff writer at The Dispatch, on the right. Plus special guest Bill Kristol weighs in on the differences between state and local Republican candidates, and how November’s midterm elections could strengthen America’s democracy.
DeSantis might run for president. His response to Hurricane Ian matters
This week, Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm and one of the strongest to make landfall in the U.S. Millions of people are without power and many homes are underwater. Natural disasters are often tests of state and federal leadership. The Biden administration was in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ahead of the storm to help support emergency response. But the stakes are high for DeSantis. The governor is seen as a frontrunner for the presidential bid in 2024, and handling this disaster could hurt or bolster his potential campaign. How is he doing so far? DeSantis made a point during the COVID-19 pandemic to refuse federal guidance. Will a disaster of this scale help government agencies work together? Or will political tensions block necessary coordination? Plus, Iranian protests, largely led by women, have lasted for nearly two weeks. They were triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was apprehended by the “morality police” for not wearing her head covering correctly. Iranian authorities are violently cracking down on protestors, which the Biden administration swiftly denounced. The White House is also getting communications equipment to protestors as the government shuts down internet access. Could this ignite a universal feminist movement? And will the protests force a change in U.S. policy toward Iran? Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Avik Roy, president at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, on the right. And special guest Renato Mariotti, former federal prosecutor and columnist at Politico, analyzes the upcoming consequential Supreme Court docket. What can we expect from the conservative majority court? And could cases on affirmative action, immigration policy, or voting rights drastically reshape our society?
Should Americans be scared of Putin’s nuclear threats?
This week, global political leaders met in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. U.S. and European officials slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for further escalating the war against Ukraine, calling up 300,000 reservists, and threatening to use nuclear weapons. Should Americans be worried about Putin’s nuclear threat? And how should the United Nations respond to Russia’s invasion and alleged human rights violations? During the assembly, President Biden said Russia is violating the core tenets of membership in the U.N. and trying to extinguish Ukraine’s right to exist. Is Biden rising to meet the moment, and will this standoff define his presidency? Host David Greene discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Avik Roy, president at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, on the right. And special guest Evelyn Farkas, executive director at the McCain Institute, analyzes Putin’s strategy and how Russian citizens are responding. Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent two planes of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard last week as a political stunt. DeSantis, along with other governors from Republican-led states, are looking to show that the country’s immigration challenges are a burden that shouldn’t only fall on border states. Do Republican governors have a point? Could this force Biden to take action on immigration policy? But officials deceived families about where they were going, and some Democrats are calling the stunt outrageous and cruel. A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of the migrants against DeSantis, claiming the incident was fraudulent and illegal. Do the migrants have a legit case against DeSantis? And can there be any bipartisan agreement on immigration policy? And, President Biden said on an interview with “60 Minutes” that the pandemic is over. People in both political parties expressed outrage at this declaration, and even his own staff seemed surprised.
Where’s the middle ground on abortion?
Abortion policy continues to develop and change nationwide, leaving little room for voters in the middle. This week, Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham introduced national legislation that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The bill includes narrow exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother, and also prevents states from allowing abortions later in pregnancy. While Graham describes his bill as moderate, members of his party seem to be distancing themselves from the legislation. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believes most Republicans prefer states handle the issue. (And Graham said the same thing after Roe v. Wade fell in June.) Meanwhile, states are still grappling with the aftermath of Roe’s fall. West Virginia passed a bill prohibiting nearly all abortions this week, making it the 14th state to fully ban the procedure. Do voters want a near-total ban, or is there a middle ground? And the World Health Organization director-general said that COVID-related deaths are waning, and the end of the pandemic could be in sight. As many people return “back to normal,” a new poll found that people believe Democrats handled the pandemic better than Republicans. But COVID seems to be a nonissue in the midterms. Do voters just want to move on? Plus a report from the LANCET COVID-19 Commission blamed the World Health Organization and governments worldwide for a “massive global failure.” It said misinformation, neglect, and low public trust potentially caused millions of preventable deaths. How can government agencies gain back the public’s trust? Can Americans create a better “normal” after the pandemic? Guest host Molly Ball discusses with Jill Filipovic, columnist at CNN.com, on the left; and Tim Carney, columnist at the Washington Examiner, on the right. And special guest Margie Omero, Democratic pollster, weighs in on what voters actually think of these divisive issues. And the January 6 Committee is back at work. They’ve recently sent out a number of requests to high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Mike Pence and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. The committee has three months to release its report with final recommendations on how Congress should prevent another attack on the Capitol or what crimes former President Trump and others should potentially be charged with. Will any of the Committee’s revelations effect the midterms?
Could Roe’s fall secure Democrats’ Senate majority?
It’s the week after Labor Day, which marks the unofficial final push of midterm election campaigning. Democrats are optimistic thanks to an unexpected bounce in President Biden’s approval rating. It tanked at 37% in July but recently landed at 42%, reports FiveThirtyEight. Will Democratic candidates hold on to this momentum? Plus, since the Supree Court overturned Roe v. Wade, women are out-registering men and voting in historic numbers to protect abortion rights. And a bill to protect same-sex marriage is on Congress’ fall agenda. How will all this play out in elections? Guest host Molly Ball discusses with Zac Petkanas, Democratic strategist, on the left; and Tim Carney, columnist at the Washington Examiner, on the right. And special guest Tara Palmeri, senior political correspondent at Puck, weighs in on how voters are feeling before November.
Does Biden have nothing to lose?
This week, President Biden gave several campaign-style speeches, emphasizing the “soul of the nation.” On Thursday, he argued that “MAGA forces” are putting fair elections, privacy, personal rights and economic security at risk. Biden is a first-term president with low approval ratings, which historically means Democrats will get throttled during the midterms. What rebuttal might Republicans or former President Trump give? Meanwhile on Tuesday, the world mourned the death of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who was a main player in ending the Cold War. How has American politics changed since December 1991? Host David Greene discusses with Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, on the left; and Tim Carney, columnist at the Washington Examiner, on the right. Plus, special guest Danielle Allen, professor at Harvard University and director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics, argues that social media has undermined our constitutional democracy.