Amanpour and Company

News and Public Affairs Series / 2 Seasons

Featuring conversations with global leaders and decision makers on the issues affecting the world today, Amanpour and Company adds to the long tradition of public affairs programming that has been a hallmark of public media for decades.

Watch: S2023 E6121

26m 46s

Reagan Insider Peggy Noonan on Trump, COVID-19 and Masculinity

18m 9s

Donald Trump's return to the White House comes at a divisive time in American society and politics. Back in the 1980s, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author Peggy Noonan was President Ronald Reagan's speechwriter. Noonan reflects on the nation's evolution in her new book, "A Certain Idea of America." She discusses all this with Walter Isaacson.

Should Biden Pardon Trump’s Critics? Former G.W. Bush Official Makes the Case

18m 12s

Trump is returning to the White House as the next president and has vowed to go after political enemies — potentially threatening individuals who have spoken out against him. In an article for The Atlantic, Rosensweig argues that President Biden has an obligation to protect these people from Trump's revenge. Rosensweig joins the show from Washington.

“How Ivy League Admissions Broke America:” David Brooks Explains

17m 59s

The U.S. election has highlighted a general distrust in American institutions. Many working-class voters opted to vote Republican due in part to a belief that the Democrats are the party of the educated elite. For The Atlantic's December cover story, contributing writer David Brooks argues that the nation's top schools are trapped in an outdated system of meritocracy that needs to be redefined.

Art, Science and the Human Experience: Ken Burns on Leonardo da Vinci

18m 24s

The renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci is known the world over as the painter of the Mona Lisa. Leonardo also was an influential inventor, scientist and philosopher. Now, da Vinci is the subject of a new documentary directed by the father-daughter duo Ken and Sarah Burns. It's a fascinating exploration of da Vinci's life and achievements. The pair join the show to discuss the making of the film.

Philosopher Michael Sandel on What Trump’s Win Says About American Society

17m 42s

To make sense of the election, we must first understand the discontent that gave Donald Trump the victory. This is the theory of Harvard professor and political philosopher Michael Sandel. He joins the show to discuss the polarization that fueled Trump's campaign, and the failure of the Democrats to present themselves as the party of change.

What Will Trump’s Economic Plan Mean for American Wallets?

17m 33s

The economy was a key issue for American voters. Trump has promised to make incomes “soar” and make the cost of living come down. But economists — like Financial Times columnist Rana Foroohar — aren't convinced. She says that Trump's plans for deregulation, tax cuts and tariffs will likely bring an economic downturn. She joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss the practicalities of the Trump agenda.

Trump’s Win: How a “Polluted Information Environment” Shaped the Election

18m 26s

Trump has identified certain media as the enemy, and has threatened reporters with imprisonment for coverage he doesn't like. Trump is also the first convicted felon to win the presidency and enter the White House. How did this happen? Oliver Darcy, founder of Status Media, cites the rise of non-traditional news outlets that can rapidly flood huge, targeted audiences with disinformation.

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis on Their New Concept Album “Warriors”

18m 33s

"The Warriors" is getting the musical treatment from "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and playwright Eisa Davis. "Warriors," is a concept album which brings together a star-studded roster of musicians from Lauryn Hill to Marc Anthony — all in honor of the 1979 thriller that follows an NYC gang on its journey from the Bronx to Coney Island. The creators join Hari to discuss the project.

The Male Vote: The Dems' “Fatal Miscalculation” and What Trump Got Right

18m 9s

Gender was a pivotal issue in the U.S. election. While Black women turned out in force for Democrats in last week's election, the Harris campaign was counting on more. Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, believes Democrats missed a huge opportunity to fight for young male votes. Reeves joins the show to discuss why Gen Z men swung towards Trump in record numbers.

What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean for the Rest of the World

17m 51s

Only months after President Biden hosted the 75th anniversary of the NATO alliance, the conversation turns to the effect of a second Trump administration on America's role in the world. In his latest piece for The New York Times, David Sanger writes about his view of the world order during a Trump second term. He joins the show to discuss.

What the Democratic Party Got Wrong

18m 2s

While the world is wondering what a second term under Trump will bring, many are falling back on their first-term memories of Trump the chaos agent. Jonathan Martin, co-author of "This Will Not Pass," has written all about that turbulent time. He joins Walter Isaacson to talk about the implications of Trump's re-election, and what went wrong for the Democrats.

How Donald Trump Flipped Key Swing States and Won the Election

18m 12s

Donald Trump is the first Republican candidate in 20 years to win both the Electoral College and the popular vote. What made him so successful, in the face of predictions of one of the closest races in U.S. history? Astead Herndon spent months traveling the country for The NYT, speaking with voters in key swing states. He’s the host of “The Run-Up” podcast and he joins Hari to break it all down.

“The Highest Calling:” David Rubenstein Reflects on the American Presidency

17m 34s

For his new book, renowned businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein interviewed some of the greatest living political thinkers -- from American presidents to top historians and journalists. Rubenstein joins the show to discuss the lives and legacies of those who occupied America's highest office.

“The Future Belongs to Democracy” Says Freed Russian Opposition Leader

18m 21s

In April 2022, Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza was one of many dissidents in Russia arrested for speaking out. After more than two years' imprisonment, he was released this summer in the same prisoner swap that freed American journalist Evan Gershkovich. Kara-Murza sat down with Walter to discuss his personal story and the importance of democracy.

New Survey Finds Significant Support for Political Violence Ahead of Election

17m 26s

The extremely tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is a nail-biter for Americans -- especially in memory of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Many fear the election outcome could lead to renewed political violence. University of Chicago professor Robert Pape is an expert on the topic. He joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss how future insurrections might be prevented.

No Early Voting, No Online Registration: Inside MS’s Voting Rights Battle

17m 57s

With the presidential candidates now barnstorming the swing states, voter turnout will be key. As Executive Director of the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable, Cassandra Welchlin is dedicated specifically to mobilizing Black women to exercise their right to vote. She tells Michel Martin all about it.

How the Democratic Party Lost Its Way and What It Means for This Election

18m 3s

One challenge facing Democrats is securing the working-class vote. The party is increasingly viewed as serving the interests of the educated and the elite. Author and historian Timothy Shenk addresses how this came to be in his new book "Left Adrift", which examines change in the Democratic Party over the past 50 years. The author speaks to Michel Martin about its impact on the upcoming election.

George Packer: Working Class Voters Are “Up for Grabs” This Election

18m 27s

Once a thriving community of mostly Democratic union workers, Charleroi, PA’s population has dwindled. The town was revitalized by an influx of Haitian immigrants. But, as special targets of Trump's attacks, the Haitians are now being blamed for the town's troubles. The Atlantic staff writer George Packer explores this in his recent piece "The Three Factors That Will Decide the Election.”

The Costs of Mass Deportation? Expert Breaks Down Trump’s Immigration Plan

17m 58s

Trump said, if elected, he'd "launch the largest deportation program in American history" on day one. But how much would it cost to enact such a plan? The American Immigration Council has been crunching the numbers. Senior Fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss its recent report.

John Grisham on “Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions”

17m 49s

Best-selling author John Grisham channels his real-life passion for justice through his legal thrillers. For his latest book, "Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions," Grisham teamed up with Centurion Ministries founder Jim McCloskey. Grisham joins the show to talk about the concept of a fair trial, the death penalty, and the flaws inherent in the interrogation process.

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