This week, a look at all of the momentous cultural decisions that have come down, and a question: is this just a fluke, or a signal that the tide has officially turned in the so-called “culture wars?” Plus, sifting through the responses made by our leading presidential candidates from the GOP. It’s been a colorful variety of back-pedaling re-positioning and digging in. Come to this podcast for the deep political intrigue. Stay for an extended digression about how Chris Christie’s presidential aspirations relate to Lionel Richie’s iconic hit “Hello.”
 
Your hosts are and Mark Leibovich, national correspondent for New York Times Magazine, Annie Lowrey of New York Magazine, and special guest host Jim Rutenberg, political correspondent for the New York Times.
 
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Is Rand Paul Straight Talky?

A new show from Panoply about the human feeding frenzy that is Washington during a presidential campaign cycle, with Alex Wagner, host of MSNBC's "Now with Alex Wagner," Mark Leibovich, New York Times Magazine's national correspondent and author of "This Town," and Annie Lowrey, contributing editor at New York Magazine.

News

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner talk about the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. Who will moderate Republicans back if the race becomes a Trump vs. Cruz contest? And could Bernie Sanders upset Hillary Clinton early on?

Our Hosts Gaze Into The Future

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and The Gist’s Mike Pesca discuss the most recent Democratic debate, remember Lindsey Graham’s presidential run, and talk about how Ted Cruz is cozying up to Donald Trump.

Not watching the Democratic debates?

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner try to interpret Ted Cruz’ appeal to GOP primary voters in Iowa, while Donald Trump’s doctor has issued the candidate a flawless bill of health. We also express our sympathy for the Obamas, who will spend hours shaking hands with well-wishers this Christmas season.
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To Whom My Concern

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, Alex Wagner and The Washington Post’s David Weigel discuss Donald Trump’s xenophobia and how other GOP candidates are, or could respond. Also, they talk about how President Obama addressed terror last weekend.
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#HugAMuslim

New York magazine’s Rebecca Traister joins hosts Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner to talk about GOP silence on the Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado. Also: can Trump top himself yet again? And Ted Cruz rhapsodizes about The Princess Bride.
Have you heard "The Message"? An original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes.

Is Rand Paul Straight Talky?

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