Checks and Balance
“Checks and Balance”—our weekly podcast on American politics
A global view on democracy in America
AMERICA IS beginning a new chapter. A once-in-a-century pandemic and a once-in-a-generation racial reckoning are raising questions about domestic harmony and global hegemony.
“Checks and Balance” unlocks American politics by taking a big theme each week and digging into the data, the ideas, and the history shaping the country at this dramatic moment.
You can subscribe and listen to “Checks and Balance” on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.
Each episode draws on the rigour and expertise of The Economist’s journalists. Our US Editor John Prideaux hosts, together with Charlotte Howard, New York bureau chief, and Washington correspondent Jon Fasman. Every Friday, editors and correspondents from across the US and the rest of the world plus expert guests—politicians, pollsters, professors—join them for in-depth reporting and discussion.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | TuneIn
On the latest episode: Republicans and Democrats haven’t agreed on much lately, but in Facebook they’ve found a common enemy. When whistleblower Frances Haugen told a congressional hearing the company knew its products damaged the mental health of its young users, senators rushed to proclaim they would get something done. How harmful is Facebook? And will politicians take action?
The Economist’s Hal Hodson tells us we need more evidence to understand social media’s impact on wellbeing. We go back to when video games caused panic on Capitol Hill. And The Economist’s Alexandra Suich Bass explains why this scandal is politically potent.
John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.
The podcast is complemented by our “Checks and Balance” newsletter, and in this package we aim to give our readers and listeners fair-minded analysis in what will be an emotionally charged media environment. Sign up for our Checks and Balance newsletter on American politics here.
And to dig deeper:
Explore our guide to the US 2020 electionsFor full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe here: economist.com/USpod