DeepSummary
The episode discusses the influence of foreign policy issues like the TikTok ban, the Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas conflict on the 2024 US presidential election. It explores the contrasting positions of Joe Biden and Donald Trump on these matters, and how various political and business interests shape their stances.
The panelists analyze how the proposed TikTok ban, due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership, has become a partisan issue. While Biden is caught in a contradictory position, Trump's stance seems influenced by advisors with vested interests in TikTok. The discussion also covers the divide between Republicans and Democrats on continued aid to Ukraine.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, the panel dissects Biden's incoherent policy caught between traditional US support for Israel and growing criticism of Netanyahu's actions. They contrast it with Trump's relative silence, likely driven by his personal grudge against Netanyahu. Overall, the conversation highlights how foreign policy could significantly impact the 2024 election.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The proposed TikTok ban due to its Chinese ownership has become a partisan issue, with Biden caught in a contradictory position while Trump's stance seems influenced by advisors with business interests in TikTok.
- There is a stark divide between Republicans and Democrats on continuing aid to Ukraine against Russian aggression, with Republicans obstructing Biden's efforts under Trump's influence.
- Biden's policy on the Israel-Hamas conflict has been incoherent, torn between traditional US support for Israel and growing criticism of Netanyahu's actions, while Trump has remained largely silent, likely due to a personal grudge.
- Foreign policy issues like the TikTok ban, Ukraine war aid, and the Israel-Hamas conflict are emerging as significant factors that could shape the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
- The divergent stances of Biden and Trump on these foreign policy matters highlight their contrasting worldviews and America's role on the global stage.
- Various political and business interests, including those of advisors and donors, seem to be influencing the candidates' positions on these issues.
- There are concerns about the US's credibility and ability to shape global events due to its internal divisions and wavering commitments, which could have broader geopolitical implications.
- The episode underscores the high stakes involved in the 2024 election for America's foreign policy and its standing in the world.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “And what I hear from my friends and sources on the ground in Israel is that it is actually a war that is broadly supported by the israeli population. They experienced a shock akin to 911 here in the United States.“ by Susan Glasser
- “I think that unfortunately, we're not calling a spade a spade in this way. It is the Republicans who are blocking the United States from supporting Ukraine.“ by Evan Osnos
- “And the bottom line is that when the United States says, we're here for you, Ukraine, as long as it takes, that may or may not be true. And that's a crisis not only for America, it's a crisis for the rest of the world.“ by Susan Glasser
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Episode Information
The Political Scene | The New Yorker
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker (audio_production@condenast.com)
3/15/24
The Washington Roundtable: Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss how foreign policy is shaping the 2024 campaign, such as a possible ban on Chinese-owned TikTok and the wars in Europe and the Middle East. The panel also considers Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s sharply conflicting views of America’s role in the world.
This week’s reading:
- “I Listened to Trump’s Rambling, Unhinged, Vituperative Georgia Rally—and So Should You,” by Susan B. Glasser
To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback about this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com with “The Political Scene” in the subject line.