Purposely Negative
Summary
Hosts Emily Bazelon and John Judis, joined by guest Juliet Kyam, analyze Trump’s ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW, noting the press’s rare solidarity and the administration’s pretextual national security justifications. Jane Perlez discusses the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, arguing that China views the U.S. as a declining power and is unlikely to accept AI controls or pressure regarding Iran. The panel also explores the 2026 midterm election dynamics, highlighting how distrust and foreign policy failures, particularly the Iran war, are driving voter sentiment and causing early Republican defec…
Topics discussed
Show intro, live event announcement, and Slate Plus promo
Agenda overview and Planned Parenthood sponsorship
White House press ban, court order, and media solidarity
Trump's 'cocooning' strategy and risk avoidance behavior
Future of press access and the role of judicial enforcement
Legal battles over press access and First Amendment limits
Sponsorships: Upwork and HomeServe
Trump-Xi summit: AI, trade, and election interference
Sponsorships: NPR Politics and Quince
Election analysis: Distrust, generic ballot, and Senate odds
Iran war as political proxy and Republican defections
Trump's declining approval ratings and voter disillusionment
Cocktail Chatter: Wine preferences and Ulysses S. Grant
Cocktail Chatter: Ecclesiastes and Jimmy Carter's coolness
Slate Plus promo and Planned Parenthood sponsorship
Kohler smart toilet sponsorship
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