Start Making Sense

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Start Making Sense is The Nation’s flagship weekly podcast, hosted by contributing editor Jon Wiener, featuring the magazine’s writers and editors as well as activists who shape the week in news. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, for new episodes each Wednesday.

President Joe Biden participates in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia.

What Is to Be Done About Joe Biden? What Is to Be Done About Joe Biden?

On this episode of  Start Making Sense, Marc Cooper and Harold Meyerson argue the case for a new candidate and review the risks.

Jul 3, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Voters leaning over voting booths in front of an American flag mural.

White Voters and Joe Biden; Harriet Tubman and History White Voters and Joe Biden; Harriet Tubman and History

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Steve Phillips critiques Democratic campaign strategy, and Tiya Miles talks about her new book, Night Flyer.

Jun 26, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

How the 1960s Ended—and the Unending War in Gaza

How the 1960s Ended—and the Unending War in Gaza How the 1960s Ended—and the Unending War in Gaza

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Francine Prose talks about her memoir 1974, and Hussein Ibish explains why neither Hamas nor Israel want a cease-fire.

Jun 19, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

House Progressives vs. AIPAC, and State Constitutions Protecting Rights

House Progressives vs. AIPAC, and State Constitutions Protecting Rights House Progressives vs. AIPAC, and State Constitutions Protecting Rights

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Alan Minsky on the campaign to defeat Jamaal Bowman, and Eyal Press on state Constitutions expanding rights missing from the US constitution...

Jun 12, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Former president Donald Trump enters a news conference at Trump Tower following the verdict in his hush-money trial at Trump Tower, on May 31, 2024, in New York City.

The Trump Verdict and the Pundits—Plus, Trump and Women Now The Trump Verdict and the Pundits—Plus, Trump and Women Now

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Marc Cooper critiques the conventional wisdom, and Katha Pollitt comments on female voters.

Jun 5, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Holds Gather For Another Protest On University Of Texas Campus

Gaza Protest and Free Speech, Plus Biden’s Haiti Gala Gaza Protest and Free Speech, Plus Biden’s Haiti Gala

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Ben Wizner on campus arrests, and Amy Wilentz on the White House state dinner.

May 29, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Protesters hold a huge banner reading

The Abortion Pill Underground—Plus, Can Dems Hold the Senate? The Abortion Pill Underground—Plus, Can Dems Hold the Senate?

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Amy Littlefield on the post-Roe red states, and John Nichols on Senate races in swing states.

May 22, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Danzig-Polish fugitives, mostly Jews from the towns surrounding Warsaw, waiting in the quarantine station at Danzig for vessels sailing to the United States, in 1920.

American Origins of the Israel-Palestine Conflict—Plus, Climate Hope American Origins of the Israel-Palestine Conflict—Plus, Climate Hope

On this episode, Harold Meyerson talks about the immigration restriction act passed 100 years ago this month and Elizabeth Kolbert about her new climate change book, H Is for Hope...

May 15, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

The Mob Attack on UCLA’s Protest Encampment—Plus Israel, Hamas, and Sexual Violence

The Mob Attack on UCLA’s Protest Encampment—Plus Israel, Hamas, and Sexual Violence The Mob Attack on UCLA’s Protest Encampment—Plus Israel, Hamas, and Sexual Violence

On this episode of Start Making Sense, David Myers comments on protest at UCLA, and Azadeh Moaveni discusses sexual violence on October 7 and after.

May 8, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

President Joe Biden speaking at the Dutch Creek Farms as he kicked off his Rural Investment Tour on November 1, 2023.

How Dems Can Win Rural Voters, Plus “Who’s Afraid of Gender?” How Dems Can Win Rural Voters, Plus “Who’s Afraid of Gender?”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Anthony Flaccavento talks about a Rural New Deal, and Katha Pollitt critiques Judith Butler’s new book.

May 1, 2024 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

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