Impromptu

America has lost faith in experts, and it’s certainly showing in some of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks. Beyond a lack of qualifications, there are concerns over character problems with several nominees too. But do either really matter in American politics anymore? Deputy Opinions Editor David Von Drehle talks with columnists Ruth Marcus and Dana Milbank about what, if anything, can sink a nominee in today’s political culture.

Donald Trump is promising Mexico a lot of deported migrants with a side of trade war. How will Mexico and its new president handle a neighbor like Trump? Opinions assignment editor Damir Marusic talks to columnists León Krauze and Eduardo Porter about the view from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Subscribe to The Washington Post https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subshere [https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subs].

As many head off for Thanksgiving after a disorienting month, our columnists tried to find anything in the world — in news and politics and their lives — to be grateful for. They had to dig deep, but they found gratitude for traditions forcing them toward normalcy, for the systems that work and for Matt Gaetz making Cameos instead of being the next attorney general. Subscribe to The Washington Post https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subshere [https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subs].

As potential deep cuts to federal agencies dominate headlines, it’s more important than ever to understand the people who make the government run. In the final installment of our “Who is Government” series, comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell delves into the antitrust division of the Justice Department and learns about the surprising ways it can help America live up to its promise. Watch Bell’s video or read his column here: The Rookie [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/rookie/?itid=sr_1_89fac876-2125-47ea-afe7-a992bf338b50&utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu] And be sure to check out the rest of the “Who is government?” series. The Canary [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/michael-lewis-chris-marks-the-canary-who-is-government/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by Michael Lewis The Sentinel [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/casey-cep-ronald-walters-the-sentinel-who-is-government/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by Casey Cep The Searchers [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/dave-eggers-jet-propulsion-laboratory-nasa-who-is-government/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by Dave Eggers The Number [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/john-lanchester-consumer-price-index-who-is-government/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by John Lanchester The Cyber Sleuth [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/cyber-sleuth/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by Geraldine Brooks The Equalizer [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/sarah-vowell-national-archives-digitization-records-smartphones/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu], by Sarah Vowell

People are justifiably alarmed at the prospect of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being in charge of U.S. health policy. He amplifies conspiracy theories, is anti-vaccine and makes bizarre health claims that aren't backed up by evidence. But underneath his rhetoric, Kennedy has floated some interesting ideas, like limiting processed foods or banning pharmaceutical ads. Deputy Opinions editor Charles Lane talks with physician and columnist Leana Wen and editor Rob Gebelhoff about separating fact from fiction and what we should actually do to make America healthier. Read more from Leana Wen about Kennedy’s positions: “RFK Jr.’s views on fluoride aren’t as crazy as you might think”  [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/12/fluoride-water-rfk-jr-trump-public-health/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu] “The main reason RFK Jr. is unqualified to serve as HHS secretary [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/15/rfk-jr-kennedy-nomination-hhs-trump/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=impromptu]” Subscribe to The Washington Post https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subshere [https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/acquisition/?s_l=OFFSITE_PODCAST&p=s_v&s_dt=yearly&utm[%E2%80%A6]e-podcast&utm_medium=acq-nat&utm_campaign=podcast-subs].