The Opinions

Curtis Sittenfeld, a beloved fiction writer known for her engaging narratives, joins Susannah Meadows, the Opinion editor, for a lively discussion on creativity in the age of AI. They explore a playful competition between Sittenfeld's human-authored story and one generated by ChatGPT, inviting listeners to decide which tale resonates more. The conversation dives into themes of nostalgia, emotional depth, and the essence of traditional storytelling versus AI capabilities, ultimately reflecting on the enduring power of human creativity.

The Democratic Party’s recent position — or lack of position — on Gaza “feels like gaslighting to a lot of Democratic voters,” Farah Stockman of the editorial board argues in this audio essay. The party claims to value social justice and human rights, but when it comes to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, she says, Kamala Harris “needs to do more, and she can do more, to assure people she’s going to have a more evenhanded approach when she becomes president.”Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kamala Harris was flying high last week, but Donald Trump is poised to bring her back down to earth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and New York Times Opinion columnist, delves into Kamala Harris’s groundbreaking candidacy. She argues that identity should not overshadow the electorate's yearning for political normalcy. The discussion navigates the challenges of racial and gender stereotypes, especially against Trump’s campaign tactics. Cottom reflects on historic milestones in American politics, expressing pride in the evolution of leadership diversity while urging voters to reconsider the significance of a candidate's background during pivotal moments.

Dr. Deborah Heaney was enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean when she was struck with a sudden, debilitating illness. It took her days, a flight home and some luck before she was finally diagnosed with dengue fever.As temperatures rise globally, mosquito-borne tropical illnesses are spreading, and our medical systems are failing to keep up. In this episode, Dr. Heaney argues that the medical community must do a better job of incorporating education on diseases like dengue into their practice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Carville, a renowned political strategist known for the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid,” shares crucial insights on winning voters' hearts. He emphasizes the cost of living as a primary concern and urges Vice President Kamala Harris to humanize her campaign by highlighting her life experiences. Carville advocates for addressing price gouging and supporting a $6,000 child care credit, framing these actions as empathetic responses to family struggles. He encourages a forward-looking economic message to resonate with voters.

David French, an Opinion columnist, is an evangelical, pro-life conservative. For the first time in his life, he plans to vote for a Democratic presidential candidate: Kamala Harris.He says he will vote against Donald Trump “precisely because I’m conservative.” In this audio essay, David explains how he arrived at his decision and argues for other conservatives to join him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicholas Kristof is an Oregonian and, he is quick to point out, a liberal. But in this audio essay, Kristof takes liberals to task for their governing of cities on the West Coast. It’s an election year, and so he asks the question he believes many Americans are thinking: “Why put liberals in charge nationally when the places around the country where liberals have the greatest control are plagued by homelessness, crime and dysfunction?”Thoughts? Questions? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Pride Month, the Opinion columnist Charles Blow dove into the stories of people who embraced fluid sexual identities later in life. He argues that despite the increasing number of people who come out as queer during adolescence, some don’t recognize or reveal an attraction to the same sex until their 40s or 50s. In this audio essay he shares their stories and his own.Thoughts? Questions? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democrats tend to do well in cities; Republicans tend to do well in rural areas. But winning back at least some rural voters is essential for Democrats to succeed in statewide elections. Farah Stockman, a member of the New York Times editorial board, found one Democrat who is trying out a new message in rural Ohio.Thoughts? Questions? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.