The Opinions

Democrats Won Big. Now What?

<p>Democrats are celebrating one of their biggest midterm victories in decades. What does this overwhelming win mean for the party, for Republicans and for the country? The morning after the election, the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle, the columnist Carlos Lozada and the contributing writer E.J. Dionne Jr. gathered live on YouTube to discuss the biggest takeaways and what the final two years of President Trump’s term could bring.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Alison Bruzek. It was edited by Annie-Rose Strasser. Mixing by Isaac Jones. Video editing by Jan Kobal. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Vishakha Darbha and Jillian Weinberger.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

What We’re Watching For on Election Night

<p>With just days to go until the midterms, the Opinion contributor Robert Siegel joins the contributing writer E.J. Dionne Jr. and the columnist Jamelle Bouie to discuss potential outcomes, the polls and what the result might signal for the country moving forward.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a></p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live?Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Arpita Aneja and Mahdokht Mahmoudabadi. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Tax the Rich? Easier Said Than Done.

<p>Rising inequality is a big problem in America. But a ballot measure like California’s proposed billionaire tax is not the solution, argues the economist Natasha Sarin. By driving billionaires out of the state, it could cost California more revenue than it raises. Luckily, she offers other ways to make the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live? Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Emily Holzknecht. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Pat McCusker and Isaac Jones. Video editing by Jan Kobal, Dani Dillon and Steph Khoury. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker, Carole Sabouraud, Isaac Jones and Aman Sahota. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Dare We Dream of a Blue Wave?

<p>We’re less than two weeks out from Election Day. In their last conversation before Americans head to the midterm polls, the national politics writer Michelle Cottle joins the columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French to take stock. While Jamelle makes the case for cautious optimism about a possible blue wave, David worries about what could happen if Trump doesn’t like the results.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live? Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Annika Robbins and Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Is This Economy Trump’s Fault?

<p>One of the biggest issue driving the midterm elections? The economy. On “The Opinions,” the economist Natasha Sarin and the Bulwark editor Catherine Rampell examine the strange disconnect between how the economy is doing and how Americans feel about it. How much of the blame belongs to President Trump? And how much goes deeper?</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live?Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Emily Holzknecht. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Jan Kobal, Dani Dillion and Steph Khoury. Cinematography by Kyle I. Kelley and Marina King. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud and Aman Sahota. Fact-checking by Julie Beer, Mary Marge Locker, Michelle Harris and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Cringiest and Craftiest 2026 Midterm Ads

<p>Advertisers are projected to spend more money on political ads in the 2026 midterms than in any previous election cycle. What are campaigns selling — and what do they think voters want? The Opinion editor Steve Stromberg examines the ads shaping these elections with the Opinion columnist Carlos Lozada and Emily Keegin, a photo editor and creative consultant.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live?<br>Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Piktin. Mixing by Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee and Britt Shacham Bernstein. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

‘The United States Is Abdicating’

<p>Many of President Trump’s policies have brought changes to the international order that will last long after his second term ends.</p><p>On this episode of “The Opinions,” the columnist Lydia Polgreen speaks with the political scientist Rahmane Idrissa and the “Sinica Podcast” host Kaiser Kuo about how the United States and China view global leadership and what their evolving positions mean for smaller nations.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live?Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud and Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee and Britt Shacham Bernstein. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Daniel J. Wakin and Tim Schneider.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

B | How Democrats Beat the Republican Money Machine

<p>From the midterm elections to advances in artificial intelligence, there’s no dearth of political news this week. The Opinion contributor Robert Siegel joins the contributing writer E.J. Dionne Jr. and the columnist Carlos Lozada to discuss the role money plays in political campaigns, how the Democrats should proceed in November and whether A.I. has the ability to feel emotions.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>Want to catch “The Opinions” live? Join us at the Brooklyn Public Library on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. The Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French and the Opinion writer Michelle Cottle will unpack the midterm election results and look ahead to 2028. Register here: <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-york-times-opinion-central-library-dweck-20261105-0700pm</a></p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Steph Khoury and Mahdokht Mahmoudabadi. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Problem With Hegseth’s Pentagon

<p>What impact has the Iran war had on the U.S. military? As the conflict drags on, the Times Opinion columnist and Iraq war veteran David French speaks with the former Special Forces officer Mike Nelson about the way Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, has tried to remake the military in the midst of the war, and what the Democrats should do if they win control of Congress in January.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Kelsey Lannin, Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Cornell and the Age of Impunity

<p>Disturbing details from an investigation of a rape allegation at Cornell University continue to be revealed. In this week’s episode, the Times Opinion politics correspondent Michelle Cottle joins the columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French to talk about the cultural implications and the legal complexities surrounding the case. Then the trio discuss the people they’re keeping an eye on in the upcoming midterms.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Video editing by Steph Khoury and Mahdokht Mahmoudabadi. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

America Used to Be Cool. What Happened?

<p>Has America lost its monopoly on cool? The Opinion culture editor Nadja Spiegelman joins the American expats and authors W. David Marx and Euny Hong to discuss how the world views U.S. culture and whether its cultural exports still have the lasting impact they used to.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Dani Dillion and Steph Khoury. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Aman Sahota.. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The director of audio engineering is Isaac Jones. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

&apos;The MAGA Flag Is in Tatters&apos;

<p>The midterm elections are still six weeks away, but Republicans are already looking ahead to 2028. In this episode, the Opinion contributor Robert Siegel and the contributing writer E.J. Dionne Jr. are joined by Timothy P. Carney, a columnist for The Washington Examiner and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to talk about the week’s big news in American politics. The three discuss who will lead the G.O.P. in 2028, the challenges Republicans will face before then and how the news media reluctantly took center stage this week.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Kristen Williamson and Mahdokht Mahmoudabadi. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Wild West of A.I. Needs to End. Here’s How.

<p>It isn’t normal to see the people developing new technology “running around shouting that the sky is falling,” Binyamin Appelbaum argues. So how do we make A.I. safe? By regulating it. Appelbaum, the lead writer on economics and business for The Times’s editorial board, joins the Opinion science writer David Wallace-Wells to discuss.</p><p>(The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft claiming copyright infringement. The companies have denied those claims.)</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Kaari Piktin. Mixing by Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Kristen Williamson and Mahdokht Mahmoudabadi. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Trump’s Political Instincts ‘Are Clearly Fading’

<p>Three Opinion writers unpack the week in A.I. news and what President Trump's response means for the midterms.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee and Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski with help from Kristin Lin. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Why We Can’t Stop Arguing About S.S.R.I.s

<p>Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the MAHA movement are hoping to curtail the use of S.S.R.I.s — a class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety, depression and a host of other psychiatric issues. How should patients think about starting and staying on S.S.R.I.s today? In this episode, the Opinion writer David Wallace-Wells and the contributor Dr. Rachael Bedard talk with the psychiatrist and professor Dr. Anthony Rostain about what we know — and don’t know — about S.S.R.I.s and how doctors and patients should navigate the uncertainty.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee and Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Aman Sahota. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

His Act Is Getting Old

<p>From the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 to “Trumpapalooza,” on this week’s round table, the Opinion contributor Robert Siegel is joined by the contributing writer E.J. Dionne Jr. and the columnist Carlos Lozada to draw a direct line from the catastrophic terror attack that changed America forever to the strange state of our politics today.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Video editing by Julian Hackney. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Derek Arthur.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Roy Cohn: ‘The Evil Forrest Gump of the 20th Century’

<p>Before Donald Trump, there was the lawyer Roy Cohn. In “American Scoundrel,” the couathors Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark examine the life and legacy of Mr. Cohn, a driving force behind McCarthyism, a pop culture villain and a key influence in Mr. Trump’s approach to power and politics. The Opinion columnist Carlos Lozada, the Opinion political writer Michelle Cottle and the Vanderbilt history professor Nicole Hemmer discuss the new book and how, even though he died in the 1980s, Mr. Cohn’s influence continues to live with us in politics and pop culture today.</p><p>This episode contains strong language.</p><p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p><p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Gautam Srikishan. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Isaac Jones and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, Kristina Samulewski and Kristin Lin. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Best Of: Our Health Care System Isn’t Built for You to Get Old

<p>It’s the thing no one prepares you for: becoming a caregiver for your aging parents. This episode is one that still gets people talking. Earlier this year, the producer Vishakha Darbha spoke with the Times Opinion politics writer Michelle Cottle about the overwhelming audience response to her essay about caring for her ailing father, the political challenges of increasing available services and the burdens faced by caregivers.</p> <p>This episode originally aired Feb. 3, 2026. “The Opinions” returns next week from summer break with new programming.</p> <p>Here's the link to Michelle Cottle's essay: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/opinion/aging-caregiving-in-america.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/opinion/aging-caregiving-in-america.html</a></p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Daniel Ramirez. Original music by Isaac Jones and Sonia Herrero. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Best Of: The Aesthetic That Explains American Identity Now

<p>With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting an episode from our archives that explores an aesthetic the legendary country singer knew well: rural. Last year, the New York Times Opinion editor Meher Ahmad spoke with the columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom and the contributor Emily Keegin about why rural aesthetics are having a moment — and what their rise says about American politics and society at large.</p> <p>This episode originally aired Dec. 2, 2025.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original Music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Right Is Rethinking MAGA. The Left Is Rethinking ‘Woke.’

<p>What will the Republican Party become after President Trump? And how can the Democrats rehabilitate their toxic brand? On this episode of “The Opinions,” the Opinion political writer Michelle Cottle teams up with the columnists David French and Jamelle Bouie to dissect party strategy ahead of — and beyond — the midterm elections. Plus, Jamelle divulges the book that fills him with dread.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Video editing by Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Ali Baluch. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Aaron Retica.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

How Are the Democrats’ Midterm Dreams Shaping Up?

<p>With the midterm elections less than three months away, surprising primary results and polling misses are raising questions about the direction of American politics. Are Democrats moving left or becoming more focused on winning? Are both parties growing more extreme? The conservative pollster and Opinion contributing writer Kristen Soltis Anderson joins the Opinion contributors E.J. Dionne Jr. and Robert Siegel to discuss the week in politics.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Rochelle Widdowson. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Daniel Ramirez. Video editing by Arpita Aneja. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Cinematography by Marina King, Nathan Taylor and Valeria Verastegui. Original music by Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

A.I. Hype Is Running Into Reality

<p>Billions of dollars are flooding into — and out of — artificial intelligence, sparking concerns of a 2008-style economic bubble. The Opinion writer David Wallace-Wells is joined by the Yale economics professor and contributing Opinion writer Natasha Sarin to talk about whether the A.I. hype is exaggerated and if the fears of an impending economic crash-out are valid.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur and Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing and original music by Isaac Jones. Video editing by Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Fact-checking by Kim Freda and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Hello, Democrats? Are You Listening?

<p>Based on the Democratic primary results in Michigan, a big question looms over the party: Can it turn this enthusiasm into a midterm win? The national politics writer Michelle Cottle joins the columnist Jamelle Bouie and the Opinion politics editor Michael Duffy to debrief what happened in Michigan, what Democrats can learn from the tight race and what Abdul El-Sayed’s victory might mean for the midterms.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur and Rochelle Widdowson. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Isaac Jones. Video editing by Bradnon Belk-Yee. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Kim Freda and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Have We Turned Personality Into Diagnosis?

<p>Influencers on social media are sharing content that claims to help followers self-diagnose complex medical conditions ranging from A.D.H.D. to autism. And the data reveals that the effect of self-diagnosis is far-reaching. But what happens when large portions of the population believe they have a condition that medical data doesn’t back up? On “The Opinions,” the culture editor Nadja Spiegelman speaks with the columnist and sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom and the author Mary H.K. Choi — who has written about her own A.D.H.D. and autism — about the phenomenon of self diagnosis, the need for people to label themselves and whether such labels can help or limit us.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Annie Galvin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Steph Khoury and Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Working Class Is Fleeing Trump

<p>What have Democrats learned from this season of primaries so far? “Their voters are so much angrier than I think they realized,” says the Opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie in this week’s politics round table. He joins the Opinion contributors E.J. Dionne Jr. and Robert Siegel to discuss what the primaries portend for the 2026 midterms and beyond.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Efim Shapiro. Video editing by Julian Hackney and Reshma Kirpalani. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Annika Robbins and Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Silicon Valley Health Trend Making Doctors Nervous

<p>Americans have spent billions of dollars tracking themselves: their steps, their blood oxygen saturation, their sleep cycles, their glucose levels. Is any of this data making us healthier?</p> <p>That’s the question the Opinion writer David Wallace-Wells poses to Dr. Rachael Bedard, an Opinion contributor and primary care doctor. In this episode, they explore what tracking ourselves, versus the population at large, can teach us and our doctors, and whether artificial intelligence might one day make sense of all of this data.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Brandon Belk-Yee and Julian Hackney. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Isaac Jones. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The New Tactic Trump Thinks Will Rally Voters

<p>The Iran war isn’t going well for President Trump. The midterms are approaching. What’s a desperate president to do? Turn to Communism. This week the Opinion national politics correspondent Michelle Cottle speaks to the columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French on how conservatives — especially Trump — are using Red Scare tactics to their advantage against the Democrats.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Video editing by Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Annika Robbins and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Gen Z-ers Are Ditching Sex. They Might Be On to Something.

<p>Data shows that Gen Z is in a sex recession. Technology, #MeToo and a growing emphasis on platonic relationships are reshaping how many people think about sex. As anxiety grows over falling birthrates and changing behaviors, Nadja Spiegelman, a Times Opinion culture editor, speaks with the journalists and researchers Carter Sherman and Christine Emba about why this shift might not be such a bad thing.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin, Alison Bruzek and Annie Galvin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Video editing by Steph Khoury. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The ‘Devil’s Bargain’ at the Heart of American Politics Now

<p>This week, “The Opinions” politics round table wrestles with the art of political compromise. Did Lindsey Graham ingratiate himself with Donald Trump to protect Ukraine — and was it worth it? Should the Senate confirm Todd Blanche to safeguard the attorney general’s office against someone like Matt Gaetz? Should Democratic leadership compromise with progressive insurgents within the party? The Opinion columnist Bret Stephens discusses these questions with the contributors Robert Siegel and Molly Jong-Fast.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Derek Arthur. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Efim Shapiro. Video editing by Julian Hackney and Kristen Williamson. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Julie Beer, Michelle Harris and Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Is This the Fastest Opinion Shift in American Politics?

<p>Seventy-one percent of Americans say they don’t want an A.I. data center built close to where they live. Why? In this conversation, the Opinion writer David Wallace-Wells and the contributing writer Robinson Meyer parse the backlash and explore whether the Democratic Party can capitalize on it in the years to come.</p> <p>Thoughts? Email us at <a href="mailto:theopinions@nytimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">theopinions@nytimes.com</a>.</p> <p>This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Isaac Jones. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kelsey Lannin. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>