Left, Right & Center-logo

Left, Right & Center

KCRW

Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly civilized yet provocative confrontation over politics, policy and pop culture.

Location:

Santa Monica, CA

Networks:

KCRW

PRX

Description:

Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly civilized yet provocative confrontation over politics, policy and pop culture.

Language:

English

Contact:

1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-450-5183


Episodes

This election season, will media learn from past mistakes?

3/15/2024
An election rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump became official after the two clinched the nominations for their respective parties this week. Media outlets have experience reporting on the two of them, but the stakes seem higher this time around. Will covering 2024 like a traditional election create the same pitfalls journalists have fallen for in the past? Some of the flaws the media will have to confront were on full display following Special Counsel Robert Hur’s congressional testimony. The amount of focus on Hur’s assessment of Biden’s memory overshadowed coverage of the report and its accompanying transcripts. Our panel shares the issues they saw with the hearing. New York Governor Kathy Hocul proposed several new plans for addressing public safety in New York City’s massive transit system. One proposal included sending 1,000 National Guard members and state troopers into the subway to check passengers’ bags. Hocul said the decision wasn’t based on rising crime numbers, but on the perception that the subway had become unsafe for everyday riders. Is it a smart political move to rely on perception to create a policy? And how does it highlight the hypocrisy in responses to similar proposals in 2020?

Duration:00:50:30

Voters, not courts, to decide 2024 election

3/8/2024
In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court found that Colorado did not have the power to remove Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot. Though the justices had a difference of opinion on how the ruling was decided, their overall agreement was that individual states should not have the power to decide who would be eligible to run for president. That may be the best-case scenario for the 2024 election, according to panelist Mo Elleithee. “For anyone on the left, anyone who’s worried about Trump, [this election] has to be up to the voters. Trumpism has to be beat at the ballot box,” says Elleithee. As Trump’s candidacy moves forward, will the left shift its focus away from trying to beat Trump in the courtroom? Meanwhile, commitment to democracy across the globe remains strong, says a poll from the Pew Research Center. But a closer look reveals that satisfaction with the democratic process may be taking a hit. What’s at the root of a growing desire for stronger, singular leaders? Controversy over Google’s AI tool Gemini raises familiar questions about the trustworthiness of our institutions. Is it much ado about nothing, or a chance to deeply inspect our ideas about bias?

Duration:00:50:30

How Mitch McConnell changed the courts and US politics

3/1/2024
Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell announced that he would step down from his role as Senate minority leader this November, though he’ll still be a senator through the end of his term. McConnell had been the head of the Senate’s Republican members since 2006. What motivated the leadership exit? The 82-year-old pointed to personal concerns and the changing politics of his party. What should we remember about the longtime Republican figurehead, and what could the end of his time as a Senate leader look like? Immigration is among the most important issues for American voters. News stories and political messaging about a rise in border crossings play into that concern. But finger-pointing over the failure of the border security bill won’t lead to solutions, according to panelist Mo Elleithee. How can a shift in perspective resolve voters’ desires for a solution on immigration? Louisiana is the focus of our 50 States segment. The state’s governor, Jeff Landry, chose not to opt into a new federal initiative that would extend electronic benefit transfer (EBT) funds for families into summer. Several other states with Republican governors also opted out of the program for 2024. Why might states deny more federal dollars, even if they’re aimed at more nutrition for kids?

Duration:00:50:28

Will Navalny’s death motivate the US to act in Ukraine?

2/23/2024
Mourning continues after the death of Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and one of Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critics. Navalny, who returned to Russia in 2021 following an attempted poisoning, died in a remote prison last Friday. His widow Yulia vowed to take up his cause and urged the international community to join her as she seeks justice for her husband’s death. Will Putin tightening his hold on power in Russia motivate more direct support for Ukraine from the United States? Crime is trending back to pre-pandemic levels in most major U.S. cities, except for Washington, D.C. The district has seen troubling increases in youth offenders committing carjackings, thefts, and gun violence. For our 50 States series, we look at proposed solutions in the nation’s capital, including a controversial crime bill that could extend police powers throughout the city. The Senate is considering new legislation to regulate social media. Will the Kids Online Safety Act help protect children from the harmful impacts of being constantly online?

Duration:00:50:29

Are we failing to put Trump and Biden concerns into proper context?

2/16/2024
Donald Trump made waves with a speech at a campaign rally in South Carolina last week. The former president recalled an encounter with a leader of a NATO country, where he threatened to withhold U.S. protection from Russia if the country didn’t make adequate financial contributions to the alliance. Is it an example of the leading Republican candidate’s flair for the dramatic? Are there more serious concerns about the United States’ credibility with its allies? Special Counsel Robert Hur completed a report on President Biden’s handling of classified documents outside of the White House. The report found that Biden committed no wrongdoing, but included concerning statements on the president’s memory and mental sharpness. Democrats have pushed back on Hur’s analysis of the president’s cognition. Skepticism surrounding the age and ability of the president is nothing new. If his age isn’t the weakness critics claim it is, why is the party spending so much time defending it? For our 50 states series, we turn to Georgia, where a conservative civil rights group is suing a venture capital fund aimed at increasing women of color’s access to capital. This shifts the affirmative action debate from the classroom to the boardroom. Can we address the difficult realities of disadvantage without focusing on race?

Duration:00:50:28

Republicans’ horrible, no good, very bad week in Congress

2/9/2024
A tumultuous week in Congress centered around the failure of a comprehensive immigration and national security bill. Democrats in the Senate compromised on demands by Republicans for tighter border measures. The hope was that it would help secure more military assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. However, the legislation failed to make it past a procedural vote after pressure from Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson faced issues in his own chamber as well, with the failure of a separate funding bill for Israel and an unsuccessful impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Can Republicans save face after a series of embarrassing losses? Michigan is home to the largest population of Arab Americans and Muslims in the United States. It’s also a state that is vital to the hopes of any presidential candidate. President Biden relied on the support of these communities in 2020, but his handling of the conflict in Gaza has upset voters and community leaders who are advocating for a permanent cease-fire. His campaign’s efforts to reach out have been met with accusations of playing politics. How can Biden maneuver the political reality of such a deeply personal issue? There were mixed feelings when country star Luke Combs covered Tracy Chapman’s hit record “Fast Car” last summer. The pair came together for a moving duet of the smash song at last week’s Grammys. Our panel reflects on the moving lessons they took away from the performance amid a polarizing debate.

Duration:00:50:33

Who’s in charge at the border?

2/2/2024
A drone attack on a United States military base in Jordan killed three servicemembers. President Biden announced that a decision had been made on responding to the attack, though details weren’t shared. The White House did say Iranian-backed militias responsible for several other attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East can expect to be targeted. Will that be enough to deter the growing threat of a wider conflict with Iran? The United States sued for the right to take down a nearly three-mile stretch of fencing and razor wire that the Texas National Guard erected last month. The Supreme Court ruled the government had the right to tear down the barriers to access the border, but as of now, the state still has the right to put more up. Will the state’s obstruction of the government at the border push Congress to agree to increased measures on immigration? Conservative media had plenty of headlines about a possible Taylor Swift endorsement for President Biden. While it’s confusing on its surface, is there an underlying strategy to stir paranoia on the right?

Duration:00:50:29

How can Biden, Trump can get voters to believe in their visions?

1/26/2024
A rematch of the 2020 presidential election seems unavoidable. Most voters may be disappointed by the choice between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, whose victory in the New Hampshire Republican primary made his nomination a near certainty. President Biden and Donald Trump will have to craft clear messages about their visions for 2024. “It’s not really … a solution to an American problem that they’re trying to pitch to voters,” says Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch. She argues that winning voters will depend on Biden and Trump’s stances on issues that strike a “cultural nerve.” As part of our 50 States series, we discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case in Grants Pass, Oregon, that could determine how western states can address a growing homelessness problem.

Duration:00:50:29

What did Trump’s Iowa victory reveal about the political landscape?

1/19/2024
Donald Trump’s path to the GOP nomination kicked off with a win in the Iowa caucus this week, which some media outlets announced early. One key to his victory was outperforming among demographics he struggled with in the 2016 primary. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are looking to regroup before New Hampshire, but will they be able to overcome the trends that emerged from the decisive results we saw in Iowa? Israel’s war against Hamas passed the 100-day milestone. New dangers have emerged along the country’s border with Lebanon and in the Red Sea. The Israel Defense Forces say they are committed to fighting on all fronts, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is against the possibility of a Palestinian state post-war. How receptive are Israeli citizens to Netanyahu’s leadership as regional conflict becomes a greater threat? Haviv Rettig Gur, senior analyst at the Times of Israel, provides an Israeli perspective. The Supreme Court will hear a case out of Oregon that could change how local governments address homeless populations in the western United States. Is there a search for compassion in the arguments?

Duration:00:50:30

Democracy is on the ballot (and the docket) in 2024

1/12/2024
Donald Trump is appealing the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling that his role in the January 6 Capitol riots classifies as engaging in insurrection and thus disqualifies him from appearing on the state’s Republican primary ballot. The Colorado judges’ ruling relies on language in the 14th Amendment, which bars any public official engaging in insurrection from seeking public office. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next month. Will the nine justices rule against Trump, and what impact could that have on the legal legacy of January 6, 2021? The Capitol riot also played a significant role in President Joe Biden’s speech as he launched his 2024 campaign last week. The president centered his appeal to voters with a message of American democracy hanging in the balance with the upcoming election. One new report claims that the political tension in the United States could be the year’s biggest geopolitical risk. Can Biden convince the nation that he’s the best option to keep its democracy intact, or will he sound like a broken record? Social and emotional developmental gaps between boys and girls have become commonly accepted in society. However, recent data shows that boys are falling behind in educational performance as well. One option some parents in affluent communities have turned to is “redshirting” their boys, which means delaying their start of kindergarten by a year so they could have time to catch up developmentally. How effective is this strategy, and is it feasible on a large scale? Weighing in is Ioakim Boutakidis, a professor of Child and Adolescent Studies at California State University, Fullerton, and a member of the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on Boys in School.

Duration:00:50:34

Can Haley, Desantis keep the spotlight after Iowa?

1/5/2024
The Iowa caucus is two weeks — and one Republican debate — away. The crowded GOP field has narrowed down to three. Is there a miracle in store for Ron Desantis or Nikki Haley that would allow them to overcome Donald Trump’s commanding lead? Or are the two remaining contenders setting themselves up for a run in 2028? An approaching election means maps covered in red and blue should be popping up any day now. But is the makeup of modern parties more complex than the binary framework around our political ecosystem? A Connecticut lawsuit centered around the state’s policy on transgender athletes was revived this week. The plaintiffs are four former high school runners who claim that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports violated their Title IX rights. In another installment of our 50 States segment, we hear from the founder of an organization standing behind the students’ case.

Duration:00:50:32

What 2024 could mean for trust in the judiciary, journalism

12/29/2023
As 2023 comes to a close, speculation about what the government will look like this time next year is running wild. The nation will be readying for a second term of either Donald Trump or Joe Biden as president. But are the foundations of the nation’s democracy ready for whatever shake ups are on the horizon? David Greene, Sarah Isgur and Mo Elleithee examine the erosion of trust in the judiciary, police and journalism. Is the shift towards political extremes hurting citizens’ belief in these institutions? What reforms could reestablish the strong confidence they once held in the minds of Americans — no matter who wins in 2024?

Duration:00:50:34

Why Colorado court’s ruling (probably) won’t spell an end for Trump

12/22/2023
The Colorado Supreme Court determined, by a vote of 4-3, that Donald Trump was ineligible to be on the state’s ballots. The court found the former president engaged in insurrection against the United States — a charge he hasn’t been found guilty of in any other court. Now, the case rests in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. What could be the lasting impact of the court’s decision? For our 50 States segment, we turn to the state of Texas and the lawsuit of Kate Cox. Cox filed a lawsuit seeking emergency approval for an abortion due to medical difficulties. She was originally approved, but the state’s Supreme Court reversed the order. It seems like a win for pro-life proponents. But what could defenders of strict abortion laws be missing in the nationwide debate? A Georgia teacher was arrested for allegedly threatening a student who claimed they were offended by an Israeli flag flying in the teacher’s class. It’s a sad case of cultural misunderstanding and a lack of tolerance. As our political debates grow more tense, how can we mend the gap discussing our toughest issues?

Duration:00:50:34

Biden calls out Bibi

12/15/2023
President Biden’s steadfast support for Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack is looking less steadfast this week. At a donor event, Biden warned, “They’re starting to lose [international] support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place.” Our panel takes on the practical and philosophical questions around Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The 2024 presidential primaries are just a month away. The outcome is hardly a mystery in either party, even though voters are dissatisfied with having to choose between Donald Trump and Joe Biden once again. But maybe it doesn’t have to be this way. Author and professor Hans Noel argues in a recent New York Times op-ed to have party delegates pick their nominees at conventions as they did decades ago, instead of the relatively small number of voters who participate in primaries now. Plus, a novel legal case in Arizona: When a new law is challenged in court, do lawmakers have to explain, under oath, why they supported and passed it?

Duration:00:50:34

Why is the House focusing on antizionism while addressing antisemitism?

12/8/2023
A rise in antisemitism in the wake of Israel’s war with Hamas caught the attention of the House of Representatives this past week. Members of the House held a hearing with college presidents addressing antisemitic incidents on campuses. They also passed a resolution condemning antisemitism, including antizionism. The vote split Democrats, who raised questions about the choice to equate antizionism with antisemitism. Did Congress take advantage of a tense political moment to play a game of “gotcha?” And why did those presidents (and some members of Congress) choose to tap dance around legitimate questions about this worrying trend? The New Hampshire primary next month won’t feature President Biden on the ballot. We explore why, and look at the impact independent voters could have on the Republican side of the ballot. Two Florida school districts are facing lawsuits around the removal of books from public school libraries. The state’s position has raised some interesting legal questions about the right of districts to decide what content appears on the shelves and in the curriculum.

Duration:00:50:33

Will Biden’s leadership hold under pressure?

12/1/2023
A temporary pause on fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was agreed upon with the help of President Biden and the Qatari government. It’s a volatile situation, relying on the continued trade-off of hostages and prisoners between the two sides. There aren’t many on the left or the right who have been pleased with Biden’s handling of the situation, even with the desired outcome of released hostages. Will the president’s commitment to nuance continue to withstand the political pressures he faces? The Republican Party’s lack of leadership has left Speaker Mike Johnson — and the future of the GOP — hanging in the balance. Johnson’s position remains vulnerable to the appeasement of his colleagues. Donald Trump’s allegiance can’t be relied upon. Would a new face of the party provide some much-needed stability? Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died at the age of 100 this week. His outsized influence on U.S. foreign policy since the Nixon administration drew the admiration (and the ire) of many. In the wake of his passing, David Greene, Sarah Isgur and Mo Elleithee provide their thoughts on his complicated standing as one of America’s most legendary statesmen.

Duration:00:50:34

Reading the tea leaves of early polling

11/24/2023
With the primary season just around the corner, voters can expect an influx of polling data. Sorting through it all can be tricky. David Wasserman of the non-partisan Cook Political Report discusses what numbers we should be paying attention to, and explains why questions about poll reliability are valid. Joe Manchin's decision to not run for re-election in West Virginia has stoked suspicions around the senator’s possible third-party candidacy. Can the growing field of third-party candidates expect to make an impact relying on personality over issues? The Boston Tea Party’s 250th anniversary is just around the corner. Author Stacy Schiff discusses the importance of the event in the American Revolution and why it was more than just a riot.

Duration:00:50:30

Congress avoids a shutdown — and doesn’t seem thrilled about it

11/17/2023
Congress agreed to a new spending bill this week to avoid a government shutdown. The bill relies on the same type of structured deadlines that cost former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his party’s support and eventually his job. New Speaker Mike Johnson chose not to fight for the spending cuts and border funding that Republicans sought in order to get the bill through the House. Will his willingness to compromise lead him down the same path? Israel’s war against Hamas has strong backing from President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. There’s also been plenty of public support, as seen from a large rally in Washington, D.C. this week. But rising civilian deaths in Gaza have led to calls for a ceasefire from Democratic voters as well as members of the State Department. Can Biden successfully navigate the growing rift over the conflict on the left? Plus, reversing climate change will require forward-thinking solutions. The president of the Good Food Institute talks about his innovation to soften meat production’s impact on the planet.

Duration:00:50:34

Will Dems’ success this week boost Biden in 2024?

11/10/2023
It was Election Day in several states this week. Voters hit the polls to decide on abortion as a constitutional right in Ohio. Kentucky and Mississippi made their choice for governor. And every state legislative seat in Virginia was up for grabs. Democrats saw favorable results across the board. Do those results tell us more about Biden’s chances in 2024, or the struggles Republicans must overcome to get their message across? Democrats and Republicans remain at a standstill on immigration policy. The president has suggested additional funding and new strategies, but some in Congress are unsatisfied. Can they figure out a way forward without direct executive action? Alaska brings in thousands of workers from Ukraine to help keep its crucial seafood industry going. Can the same opportunities work at a larger scale for workers from other countries?

Duration:00:50:34

Regulating AI: What’s the government’s power?

11/3/2023
President Biden signed a sweeping order focused on reinforcing safety, security, and trust in artificial intelligence. It creates federal guardrails for the continuously evolving technology, while advocating for its development. The government was slow to address calls for regulating social media. Will an aggressive federal approach on AI pay off? The foreign influence behind TikTok remains a major concern for U.S. lawmakers. Some congressional members continue to seek a ban on the popular app. What steps should the government take as a new front emerges in the information war? A new segment aims to zoom in on all 50 states in the lead-up to the next presidential election, starting with a tight gubernatorial race in Mississippi.

Duration:00:50:30