The Powers That Be: Daily

Abby Livingston, Capitol Hill and state politics reporter, unpacks Minnesota’s ICE enforcement furor and the push by Senate Democrats to tie DHS funding to reforms. She also walks through Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger’s early maneuvers, the backlash she faces, and the high-stakes redistricting debates playing out in Richmond.

Julia Ioffe, journalist and foreign policy commentator, dissects rising backlash to ICE and shifting U.S. public opinion. She examines how viral videos changed perceptions and why even Republicans are rethinking deportation tactics. She also unpacks Trump's Greenland gambit, its diplomatic fallout, and what it meant for allies and global rivals.

A lively dive into CBS newsroom turmoil, leaks about on‑air talent, and leadership missteps causing cultural clashes. A heated look at the fallout from internal screenings and agent-driven tensions. Then a break to debate Amazon’s big-money Melania film, its costs, box office prospects, and what the deal signals for media power and creator options.

Charlie Baker, former Massachusetts governor and NCAA president, offers a concise mini bio and perspective on college sports governance. He unpacks transfer portal chaos and proposed transfer/eligibility fixes. He talks media rights, March Madness expansion, NIL issues, and why Congress might need to step in. Brief, topical, and focused on the biggest policy flashpoints.

Ian Kreitzberg, a journalist and AI expert, dives into the troubling controversies surrounding X’s AI assistant Grok. He discusses the allegations of Grok generating non-consensual sexualized images, highlighting the potential for numerous lawsuits against Elon Musk’s ventures. The talk shifts to the rise of Anthropic's Claude Code, a new coding tool, and its implications for software engineers. Ian argues that while basic coding jobs may be at risk, experienced developers will find their roles augmented rather than replaced.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned political reporter, joins to unpack a surprising moment of GOP relief as Trump considers a diplomatic exit from the Greenland controversy. They delve into the Republican fears surrounding his erratic threats and discuss the implications of potential impeachment for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem due to her management of ICE. Caldwell highlights the mixed reactions within the party and explores how Noem's visibility and controversial decisions might backfire politically, revealing a complex web of current political maneuvering.

Dylan Byers, a seasoned media reporter and analyst, teams up with Peter to dissect the challenges facing Bari Weiss at CBS News. They explore the tension between Weiss’s bold ambitions and her lack of broadcast experience, pinning down internal frustrations. Transitioning to Politico, Byers anticipates a leadership shakeup, suggesting Axel Springer might seek an external candidate to rejuvenate its influence and reporting vitality. The duo shines a light on Politico's profitable strategy while discussing its potential for growth in a competitive landscape.

Abby Livingston, a savvy political reporter known for her insights into Minnesota's political scene, joins for a deep dive into the state's current turmoil. They cover the fallout from Tim Walz’s departure and Amy Klobuchar’s potential run for governor, analyzing how her leadership could unify Minnesota Democrats. The discussion highlights the influence of immigration issues on the hotly contested Senate primary between Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan. A reckoning in both parties is brewing as Minnesota's political landscape takes center stage once again.

Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck, returns with insightful commentary on recent shifts in the media landscape. He unpacks the leadership change at Politico, discussing how Axel Springer’s ambitions may be reshaping the company. Jon highlights controversies around Playbook's redesign and staffing missteps that raised eyebrows. Additionally, they delve into the turmoil at CBS News under Bari Weiss, exploring how rapid changes are impacting ratings and internal culture, and critique the network's strategy for capturing viral moments.

Jessica Testa, an investigative reporter at The New York Times known for her media and culture insights, and Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times reporter with a historical perspective on Condé Nast, dive into the recent upheavals at the company. They dissect Will Welch's surprising exit from GQ and the implications for its future leadership. The duo also evaluates Mark Guiducci's early tenure at Vanity Fair, praising his blend of hard-hitting journalism and cultural flair, while reflecting on the nostalgia for past media eras.