The State of It: USA

Who was attacked by a rabbit on his summer holiday?
How many days a year does Donald Trump play golf?
And why was George W Bush so keen on cutting brush?
In this summer special episode, Katy and Gerry explore the political and cultural significance of the American summer.

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times
Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal

Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

Picture: Getty Images
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francesca Hong suffered a shock defeat in the Wisconsin primary, losing out to the Democrats’ more centrist candidate David Crowley despite holding a 10-15 point lead in the polls. Is this a sign that the Democratic establishment is finally pushing back against the party’s socialist insurgency? And, as AOC distances herself from the “woke 1” politics of yesteryear, is she quietly positioning herself for a 2028 leadership bid?

And why did Donald Trump hide from an Iranian assassination threat in a catering truck? Spare a thought for poor Marco Rubio, who was effectively used as a decoy.

And the backlash against America’s sprawling data-centre boom is becoming a genuinely bipartisan issue. From Democratic socialists to Republican governors, politicians are waking up to growing public anger over the energy demands and sheer scale of AI infrastructure. Is this the beginning of a wider revolt against Big Tech?

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times
Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal

Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Picture: Getty Images
Audio: Reuters
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best way of avoiding an Iranian assassination attempt? Turns out it's hiding out in a catering truck and using Air Force One as a decoy. Katy Balls takes us inside the clandestine operation.

Produced in partnership with Times Radio

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times
Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times Radio

Producers: Amelia Melvin

Picture: Getty Images

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of America's largest states is set to nominate left-wing candidate Abdul El-Sayed. His victory in the Democratic primary is the latest sign that the party is shifting decisively to the left. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Francesca Hong has defeated her opponent despite previously arguing that Thanksgiving should be cancelled. Is America on the verge of embracing democratic socialism after 250 years, or can MAGA prove it is still the true standard-bearer of the American spirit?

Plus, just how damaging has the war with Iran become for Donald Trump as US military stockpiles begin to run low? What does it mean for America's ability to project power abroad?
And why is Trump threatening a US attorney and an Olympic swimmer over a body of water?

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist at The Times and The Sunday Times
Gerard Baker, columnist at The Times and editor at large at The Wall Street Journal

Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson

Picture: Getty Images
Audio: Reuters, CNN
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a growing sense of blasé indifference within the MAGA movement over Trump's war with Iran. Could that complacency come back to haunt Republicans at the midterm elections?

There's also a growing rift between Donald Trump and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro after she dropped charges in a high-profile vandalism case, prompting fresh questions about loyalty and power inside the administration.

Finally, with democratic socialist candidates on the rise, Katy and Gerry ask whether the Democrats' leftward shift is the key to winning back power—or a gamble that could cost them the midterms.

Produced in partnership with Times Radio

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and Sunday Times
Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times Radio

Producers: Erin Carney

Picture: Getty Images
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.