The Opinions

David French, a commentator known for measured political analysis, and Jamelle Bouie, a columnist focused on national politics and voting trends, dissect Trump’s rhetoric, economic messaging, and its clash with voters’ lived experience. They debate Texas’s Senate primary dynamics, Trump’s influence on GOP primaries, shifting Hispanic support, and whether national political tides will decide the outcome.

Emily Bazelon, a law professor and opinion writer, gives legal takeaways on the Supreme Court ruling. Binyamin Appelbaum, an opinion columnist focused on economics, breaks down trade and tariff fallout. They discuss limits on presidential tariff power, how the ruling reshapes U.S. leverage with partners, likely State of the Union moves, and the broader threat of automation and AI to jobs.

David French, a lawyer and NYT columnist offering legal and strategic perspective, and Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer-winning reporter on conflicts and human-rights abuses, discuss Iran’s risks and military limits. They also examine Jeffrey Epstein as a window into systemic sex-trafficking, institutional enablers, prosecution gaps, and reforms to protect vulnerable youths.

Sasha Cohen, former Olympic figure skater and silver medalist, brings technical and emotional insight. Kelly Corrigan, writer and podcaster, spotlights family moments and awe. Esau McCaulley, writer and theologian, probes sportsmanship, politics, and cultural meaning. They trade stories about comeback performances, medal grief, mental-health pressures, moments of pure athletic awe, and how the Games can feel like a restorative shared experience.

David French, conservative columnist known for Republican analysis, and Jamelle Bouie, NYT columnist focused on progressive politics, unpack Republican turmoil and intraparty wars. They discuss Pam Bondi’s combative hearing, DOJ politicization, corruption and incompetence in the administration, Texas primary fights, and anti-establishment energy reshaping both parties.

David Brooks, longtime NYT columnist reflecting on politics and his career; E.J. Dionne Jr., columnist and democracy commentator. They dissect Trump-era institutional shifts, threats to electoral integrity, the erosion of shared moral norms, concerns about authoritarian tendencies, and whether American institutions can hold. Short, reflective, and urgent conversation.

David Leonhardt, editorial director who shapes institutional views on public policy, and German Lopez, an opinion writer covering drugs and policy. They discuss how marijuana became more visible and widely used, growing health harms and addiction, the need for tougher regulation and taxes, medical marijuana standards, and risks from a booming corporate cannabis industry.

David French, a columnist focused on legal and political analysis, and Jamelle Bouie, a national politics writer expert on elections and federalism, debate whether and how federal power could reshape U.S. voting. They explore decentralized election administration, local takeover tactics, misinformation and legal remedies, and risks from radicalized networks and expanded MAGA infrastructure.

Maureen Dowd, sharp political columnist, and Carlos Lozada, culture and messaging analyst at The New York Times, dissect Amazon’s film Melania. They debate whether the movie is crafted propaganda, examine curated scenes and financial motives, note moments that seem unscripted, and contrast Melania’s immigrant narrative with political realities.

Michelle Cottle, a Times Opinion politics writer who reports on aging and long-term care, shares her personal caregiving story and broad reporting. She discusses watching a loved one decline, the emotional toll and coping, financing and policy gaps in U.S. long-term care, workforce shortages for paid caregivers, and why demographic shifts make this a growing national challenge.