review
Reviews of the political world and its leaders that run the gamut from hot-button issues to laws, from films to press-coverage.
4 Political Podcasts to Get You Through 2018
Slate's Political Gabfest: Three more delightful hosts couldn't be found in David Plotz, Emily Bazelon, and John Dickerson. Their podcast features intelligent banter and at times heated debates over the politics of today. Even better than the chemistry between these three is their credibility. Plotz is the current CEO of Atlas Obscura, which produces a guidebook to bizarre and unusual sites all over the world. He previously was an editor for Slate and has years of experience covering politics. Bazelon is a staff writer for the The New York Times Magazine when she is not appearing on the podcast; she also served as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. Her presence on Gabfest allows for some of the muddy waters regarding the legality of certain government actions to be parted. Dickerson is renowned for his utterly professional and statesman-like qualities when interviewing guests on CBS' program Face the Nation. In addition to Gabfest, Dickerson conducts his own podcast Whistlestop, which revives presidential campaigns of the past with fresh rhetoric and imbues American history with a new sense of vitality. A formidable trio indeed, but the beauty of Gabfest lies in its hosts' ability to dissect tumultuous and even boring political events in a way that a listener, who has never dived into these waters, can obtain knowledge of what is happening in the White House and understand why it is so. NPR Politics Podcast: A platfrom that is inviting yet still devoid of any political siding and allows its listeners to gather information without feeling swayed towards one way or another of the political aisle has been perfected in NPR's Politics Podcast. The show is manned by NPR's political reporters, congressional reporter Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and congressional correspondent Susan Davis. These hosts do what they do best: report. Mind that these are no dry or monotone accounts of America's twisting, surprising, and complex inner workings. Detrow, Keith, and Davis share a camaraderie that alleviates any dead weight off the subject at hand; they grant their listeners the opportunity to truly engage in national debates by drawing them in with their lively discussions that serve as conduits for political facts. Their clear explanations and upbeat energy transform political minutia into easily digestible pieces of knowledge for the average listener. KCRW's Left Right and Center: Diversity is what makes America great; the same can be said for this podcast hosted by Josh Barro, senior editor for Business Insider. Moderates, liberals, and conservatives are all welcome and encouraged to share their opinions on a show that strives for polite, in depth, and illuminating discussions regarding the American political theater. Like Slate's Gabfest, heated arguments can be heard from time to time, but Barro is an excellent moderator and the guests always treat their ideological opposites with respect. The result of such communication is a window for listeners to view a dazzling spectrum of political attitudes. Regular guests on the show include Keli Goff, an excellent writer for the Daily Beast, Rich Lowry, the editor for the National Review, and Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation. Their repartee is essential to any and all who wish to fully indulge themselves in the wide expanse of American politics. The Editors: Rich Lowry appears once again in this article in the role of host for the National Review's podcast. He is joined regularly by Reihan Salam, Charles C. W. Cooke, and Michael Brendan Dougherty, all accomplished writers with a long history of political commentary. Well-spoken and precise, the four hosts are less shocked by the many strange events occurring in Washington on a daily basis than their compatriots and take them in stride. While not quaking in their boots over every political misstep, the show's hosts are unafraid to critique the blunders of the Republican party. Listeners who enjoy more left leaning shows will benefit from adding this podcast to their diet. The fact that these hosts do not lose their composure over every new Trump tweet or wild development of some sort is to their credit. The listener can then truly appreciate the moments when these hosts do concede concern or alarm over particular actions.
Laura DiNovis BerryPublished 6 years ago in The SwampRCMP Pay Increase Exposed
RCMP PAY INCREASE: Baffling claims of staff shortages amidst a recession may finally make sense. The RCMP say they are making a "hard recruitment push" every few years, and the story is always the same. “Not enough qualified candidates are applying” recently however there was a new twist. Claims were made by the organization stating they couldn’t attract new candidates because the pay was too low, officers were being worked until they quit and the rate at which officers were graduating depot didn’t match the rate at which previously hired police were retiring or leaving.
Terrance A. PhillipsPublished 7 years ago in The SwampMust See Movies About Politics
Often when we look at the political theater, it almost seems like the political maneuvers senators and generals pull are facelifted from the latest cinematic political thriller, almost as though real life is following a movie script. Still, Hollywood can't be beaten when it comes to entertaining political madness (as opposed to real life's soul crushing political madness). Cinematic politicians speak with unmatched eloquence, dressed to impress, and don't look like melted ice cream sundaes stuffed into a suit. Politicians in the movies may be sometimes corrupt, but oftentimes they fight for the American ideal. Or other times, we see the man--normal people, outside the political theater--fighting for the American way. That’s what audiences long for: a movie that can be at once thrilling, exciting, and inspiring. The very best political movies leave us breathless, leave us inspired, and leave us with an impression about what this country could be if only the cards fell just into place.
Anthony GramugliaPublished 7 years ago in The Swamp