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Obsession-Worthy Stories: A Washington Summer Roundtable

Aug 1, 2026 · 46m

Summary

Jane Mayer, Evan Osnos, and Susan Glasser discuss the personalization of power in Washington, highlighted by Lindsey Graham’s funeral and Trump’s fundraising tactics. They analyze the shifting global order, noting China’s rising influence as US soft power declines. The hosts also cover the politicized hearings against Anthony Fauci and a legal challenge to Super PACs, concluding with summer book recommendations on populism and governance.

Topics discussed

Sponsor reads for Bilt, Quince, and Gusto Seersucker suits and the John Birch Society in DC Lindsey Graham's funeral and the shift in DC power Sponsor reads for Cup of Justice, PolicyGenius, and Wayfair China's rising global influence and US policy incoherence Trump's contradictory views on China and admiration for Putin Sponsor reads for Cup of Justice, PolicyGenius, and Wayfair The political weaponization of Dr. Anthony Fauci Legal challenges to Citizens United and super PACs Summer book recommendations on politics and history Outro and sponsor reads for Blinds.com and Mint Mobile
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