The Daily The Daily

The Most American Episode of The Daily, Ever.

Jul 5, 2026 · 43m

Summary

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, New York Times journalists share the most American thing on their beat. Contributors highlight diverse cultural touchstones, from Aaron Copland’s *Rodeo* and *Survivor* to M&Ms and *There Will Be Blood*. The episode explores how these works reflect national themes like competition, innovation, and complex social realities.

Topics discussed

Apple Card Sponsorship Introduction: The Most American Thing Challenge Classical Music: Aaron Copland's Rodeo Fashion: Leggings and Sports Bras Horror Movies: Jordan Peele's Get Out Technology: Amazon Prime Rollercoasters: The Beast at Kings Island TV: Survivor and American Society Productivity Culture Sports: Winter Olympics Nonfiction: Paved Paradise and Suburbs Science: Robert Goddard and Rocketry Internet Culture: Bama Rush Sponsorship Breaks Food: The History of M&Ms Literature: August Wilson's Century Cycle Film: There Will Be Blood Video Games: Grand Theft Auto Comedy: The Underdog Resentment Sponsorship Breaks Art: The Statue of Liberty Poetry: Walt Whitman's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Dance: Martha Graham and Jerome Robbins Pop Music: Forgiato Blow and American Identity Outro and Credits
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