Advertise on podcast: Checks and Balance from The Economist

“America doesn’t have to constantly police every region of the world,” J.D. Vance said on the 2024 campaign trail. A war with Iran seemed to him a particularly bad idea. Donald Trump attacked Tehran anyway. How much influence does J.D. Vance, and his ideas, have over Donald Trump’s presidency? Guests and hosts: John Prideaux, US editor Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief James Bennet, Lexington columnist Oren Cass, founder of American Compass Joel K. Goldstein, scholar of the vice presidency Topics covered: J.D. Vance’s ideology The history of the vice presidency Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Donald Trump announced a two-week pause to the war with Iran on Tuesday evening. Days later, the agreement seems shaky at best. Where does this leave the president and the rest of America? Guests and hosts: John Prideaux, US editor and host of “Checks and Balance” Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief and executive editor James Bennet, Lexington columnist Topics covered: Iran war ceasefire Israel Donald Trump Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

“Liberal” has become an epithet in American politics. The left wing of the Democratic Party now prefers “progressive”. But author and columnist Adrian Wooldridge argues that classical liberalism—beliefs in individualism, checks on power, and open debate—needs to be tweaked, not abandoned. Guests and hosts: John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor and host of “Checks and Balance” Adrian Wooldridge, author of “Centrists of the World Unite!” Topics covered: Liberalism Political polarisation Big tech Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The relationship between America and Israel has always been close, but seldom easy. Even before the joint attacks on Iran, many Americans were souring on the alliance. Could the war do lasting damage to the US-Israeli bond? Guests and hosts: Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent, former Washington correspondent James Bennet, Lexington columnist Rebecca Jackson, US correspondent Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Topics covered: Divides over Israel within the Democratic and Republican parties Binyamin Netanyahu’s influence on America The view from Israel Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

As a net exporter of energy America should be better placed to weather an oil shock than most. But the Iran war comes at a time when consumer confidence is already languishing at record lows. How will the war affect America’s economy, and Americans’ perception of it? Guests and hosts: Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief and executive editor James Bennet, Lexington columnist Archie Hall, US economics editor Joshua Blank, Research Director of the Texas Politics Project Ajay Rajadhyaksha, Global Chairman of Research at Barclays Topics covered: American petro-states How energy crises hurt incumbents The wider US economy

There’s often a rally-round-the-flag effect when a president takes a country to war. But not for Donald Trump: his approval rating is stalling at near 40%. That’s almost identical to the percentage of Americans who support the attacks on Iran. What are the political consequences of the war? Guests and hosts: Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief and executive editor James Bennet, Lexington columnist Robert Guest, deputy editor Sam Beal, Washington correspondent Adam Smith, Democratic congressman Topics covered: MAGA support for the war Why Iran is less popular than previous conflicts How Democrats should respond Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

America and Israel are dominating their war with Iran. It’s a stunning operational success, but strategically the picture is more mixed. Although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, the regime remains; conflict has spread beyond Iran’s borders and Americans, mostly, aren’t on board. Does Donald Trump have a plan? And what would a US victory look like? Guests and hosts: Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief and executive editor James Bennet, Lexington columnist Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent, former Washington correspondent Ed Carr, deputy editor Robert Malley, former US Special Envoy for Iran Topics covered: The progress of the war Donald Trump’s history with Iran The response at home and abroad Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The isolationist-in-chief has sent two aircraft carriers to waters near Iran. The moves may intimidate Iranian leadership to make concessions on its nuclear program. But is there a diplomatic off ramp? Trump hasn’t told America his goals; are he and the country ready for another war? Guests and hosts: Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief, host of ‘Checks and Balance” James Bennet, Lexington columnist Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent, former Washington correspondent Shashank Joshi, defence editor Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Topics covered: America’s military buildup near Iran Iran nuclear deal 12 day Israel-Iran war Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

America’s legislature is ineffective, and unsatisfying for the people serving in it. A record number of lawmakers will leave and never return at the end of this term. Congressional leadership has taken over the writing of bills. And fundraising consumes the rank and file’s time. So who still wants the job? And what can make Congress effective again? Guests and hosts: - Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent, former Washington correspondent - James Bennet, Lexington columnist, co-host of Checks and Balance - Samuel Beal, Washington correspondent - Paul Begala, former adviser to President Bill Clinton Topics covered: - Congress - Tax Reform Act of 1986 - Political polarisation Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been in office for one year. He’s introduced a double-dose of scientific skepticism, but has he made America healthy again? He promised in his confirmation hearing to do just that. What’s the long term prognosis for trust in American health institutions? Guests and hosts: Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief, co-host of Checks and Balance James Bennet, Lexington columnist, co-host of Checks and Balance Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Larry Levitt, executive vice president KFF Daniella Raz, US correspondent Topics covered: What’s changed in RFK’s first year Rising insurance premiums and vaccine skepticism The political effect of RFK’s health policies Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Americans will bet upwards of an estimated $2 billion on the Super Bowl. It’s the biggest betting day of the year, but since the Supreme Court authorised sports betting in 2018, Americans have taken to gambling year round. And now, on prediction markets, they’re wagering on politics too. Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet and Dan Rosenheck. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The White House has shaken up its immigration ranks in Minnesota. But whatever the outcome there, ICE has become a gargantuan operation that operates with scant oversight (not unlike the FBI long ago). We ask how the events in Minneapolis have shifted popular perception of the administration’s agenda, and whether other branches of government might at last act to constrain it. Charlotte Howard hosts with Steve Coll and James Bennet. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. The Economist’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI. Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people reckon Minnesota’s immigrant population is smaller than Texas’s or Florida’s. But those two states, which voted for Donald Trump in 2024, have been spared the large-scale immigration crackdown that’s fallen on Minnesota. Weeks after an ICE agent killed a demonstrator, tensions remain high. Will the White House de-escalate? Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

President Trump has called affordability a hoax. Democrats are planning to hammer the theme ahead of the midterm elections. But the data show the problem is not as real as people think. Which party can gain the advantage in a fight over perceptions? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.