This week, the hosts debate what the latest Times/Siena poll reveals about Joe Biden’s weaknesses and mull over the question of whether Vice President Kamala Harris is one of them. Plus, Carlos on some advice that’s gold, Jerry, gold. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: “Biden’s Polling Denial: Why He Doesn’t Believe He’s Behind” by Hans Nichols and Alex Thompson in Axios “An Interview With Kamala Harris on What’s at Stake in 2024” from “The Run-Up” “Kamala Harris Should Try to Be Really Popu ..read more

Donald Trump is searching for a running mate, and his list of potential candidates is getting smaller and smaller. This week, the hosts discuss whether Trump is considering other qualities beyond loyalty, and they debate what his eventual choice could mean for the future of Trumpism in the Republican Party. Plus, Michelle wants to worm her way into candidate medical records. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “How Trump Plans to Wield Power in 2025: What We Know” by Jonathan Swan, Maggie H ..read more

On this episode, the hosts get heated about the political divisions and contradictions revealed by the recent campus protests and ask why some in Washington seem so invested in perpetuating the demonstrations. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440 ..read more

How worried should we really be about the threat of political violence? On this week’s episode of “Matter of Opinion,” columnist Jamelle Bouie joins the hosts to set the record straight on whether we’re actually living through an unusually violent era, and they discuss whether the new movie, “Civil War,” could come true. Plus, Keanu Reeves in his most beautiful form yet. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning” by Liz Cheney “Johnny Mnemonic: In Black &am ..read more

Will Israel and Iran’s unprecedented attacks escalate into a wider mideast conflict? A “forever war”? This week, columnist Tom Friedman joins the hosts to unpack the latest developments, what it means for Gaza, and the implications for the region writ large. A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website. Mentioned in this episode: “How to Be Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israeli and Pro-Iranian” by Thomas L. Friedman “Iran Just Made a Big Mistake. Israel Shouldn’t Follow.” by Thomas L. Friedman “A Biden Doctrine for the Middle East Is Formi ..read more

It’s not just bad vibes — America’s kids are not OK. As study after study shows worsening youth mental health, a popular theory has emerged: The rise of smartphones and the addictive nature of social media is making young people miserable. But can it really be that simple? This week, the hosts debate the myriad possible factors contributing to teenagers’ unhappiness, and discuss how parents, schools and the government can protect kids without doing further harm. Plus, a sui generis Lozada family vacation. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication o ..read more

The sociologist and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom joins the hosts this week to discuss the role of celebrity in politics. Could Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, with their tens of millions of fans, sway the presidential election? And beyond brand-name pop stars, what role does celebrity play within the political system? Plus, Tressie goes a little “Dr. Oz” on us. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440 ..read more

It can often feel as if politicians use a lot of words without saying much of anything. So how do journalists and citizens make sense of what’s said (and unsaid) in the many congressional reports, court decisions and campaign memoirs that pour out of Washington? This week on “Matter of Opinion,” Carlos Lozada makes the case for reading the Capitol, and uses insights from his new book, “The Washington Book,” to help his co-hosts decode everyone from Donald Trump to Mike Pence to Barack Obama. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 48 hours of publication in the audio pl ..read more

We’re working on this week's episode. While you wait, listen to this audio essay from one of our hosts, Lydia Polgreen, on the situation unfolding in Haiti.  This audio essay was originally made for the NYT Audio App, free for Times subscribers in the Apple App Store ..read more

Many voters from both parties are less than enthusiastic about their likely options this November. This week the Opinion writer and editor Katherine Miller joins Michelle, Lydia and Carlos to talk about uncommitted voters, double haters and how they could affect the election, whether they turn out or not. Plus, Lydia makes a plea against the tyranny of clean lines and interior design monoculture. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)   Mentioned in this episode: “Black Pastors Pressure Biden to Call for a Cease-Fire ..read more