Gail Collins and Bret Stephens begin their conversation by discussing the current political landscape, particularly focusing on President Biden’s re-election campaign. Biden is commended for his work on the environment, job creation, and workers’ rights. However, concerns about his mental acuity, high inflation rates, and border crisis persist. Stephens expresses his worries about these issues and asks Collins for concrete reasons not to be panicked.
Collins points out that Americans have better access to affordable healthcare and job numbers have increased during Biden’s first three years in office. Additionally, crime rates have decreased. Despite these accomplishments, Stephens remains apprehensive about the overall outlook. The discussion shifts to Trump’s legal battles, with Stephens predicting a hung jury in his case involving Stormy Daniels. Collins highlights the importance of shedding light on Trump’s business career for the country to see.
Moving on to Congress, Collins notes that the government did not shut down and several foreign aid bills were passed. While the overall functioning of Congress seems to have improved slightly, concerns about the lack of bipartisanship persist. The conversation then turns to the recent protests at Columbia University regarding Israeli policies. Stephens raises concerns about antisemitic rhetoric and the hatred directed towards Israeli students on campus.
As the conversation transitions to lighter topics, the pair discusses their springtime activities. Stephens mentions reading “New Cold Wars” by David Sanger and watching the HBO series “The Sympathizer,” while Collins recommends the show as well. They touch on the importance of cultural engagement and finding moments of enjoyment amidst current events. Reflecting on the current era, Stephens predicts that the erosion of democratic norms during the Trump administration and the impact of the pandemic on future generations will be remembered as defining aspects of this time period. They express hope for a brighter future without the turmoil of past generations.
