Matter of Opinion The New York Times
-
- News
-
Thoughts, aloud. Hosted by Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen. Every Friday, from New York Times Opinion.
Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
-
Thomas Friedman on Iran, Israel and Preventing a ‘Forever War’
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.
-
Abortion, Trump and Religion in Politics
This week, the hosts debate how religious voters will react to Donald Trump’s betrayal of anti-abortion positions, the evolution of Christianity as the domain of the right and whether religion is actually as powerful as it seems in modern U.S. politics.
Plus, Ross finds aliens, again. -
Are Smartphones Just a Scapegoat for Our Unhappy Children?
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. -
Finding the Line Between Celebrity and Politician With Tressie McMillan Cottom
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. -
Texts From the Swamp
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. -
Lydia Finds Hope in a Moment of Crisis
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.
Customer Reviews
Great concept, but more divergent views are required
I’m a leftist, and have been looking for podcasts that would challenge some of my thinking and navigate the perspectives of those more to the right/conservative. This podcast is good, but could be improved with more diametrical guests; having listened to a multitude of episodes now, the views are more often than not grounded in liberalism, and after some unpacking the guests find themselves fundamentally agreeing with each other.
They seem nice but I’m not sure what they are trying to say/do
I have kept listening to this as I used to enjoy the old episodes of the argument, but I am not quite sure what this show is trying to accomplish. It’s largely a group of people with exceptional (in the ‘not the norm’ sense of the word) lives and jobs talking, but not really bringing a lot beyond that. Their world views are largely shaped by where they have ended up, in highly desirable upper middle class jobs.
Bruni is off
Now this is a blow. Bruni is the vital buffer between Ross and Michelle. He’s also more measured, eloquent and rational than any other voice on this podcast - at least to this British bystander.