Pantsuit Politics

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give President Trump the authority to impose sweeping global tariffs. Sarah and Beth discuss how the tariff case is just one piece of a bigger and more troubling economic picture: a weakening dollar, a bond market under pressure, and a private credit sector showing signs of serious stress. Plus, Beth has finally watched The Pitt, and she and Sarah make the case that an emergency room drama might be exactly what America needs right now.

Topics Discussed:

• The Supreme Court says Trump’s Tariffs are Illegal

• Economic Indicators are Changing

• Outside of Politics: The Pitt

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There’s a theme in today’s episode of holding the breath, which is something I’ve been doing about unrest and possible US military action in Iran. Sarah and I discuss reporting that the administration seems increasingly likely to take what they term “kinetic” action (and what Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie and Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul would call acts of war). 

Then there’s the way that our guest and friend Natalia Terfa describes holding her breath in Minneapolis. Even as Operation Metro Surge “winds down,” there are still agents and agitators. There is still fear and tension. There is damage left to repair after “it’s over,” and a sense that it’s not really over yet. We’re grateful to Natalia for her leadership on the ground and her willingness to discuss it with us today. 

We often talk about outside of politics as an exhale, and we hope it is today. We talk about our very-non-sports-y Winter Olympics takes, with a special shout out to all of you who participated in the Spice Cabinet Opening Ceremonies. 

If you’ve listened for a long time, you know that I love yoga. One of my favorite parts of a yoga class is taking a collective breath. It reminds me that we’re here. We’re alive, right now, and that’s its own form of miracle. It reminds me that we’re not alone. I hope this episode gives you that sense, too. -Beth 

Topics Discussed:

• Unrest in Iran and Potential Military Action 
• On the Ground in Minneapolis with Natalia Terfa
• Outside of Politics: The Winter Olympics

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We’re sharing today’s good news brief with all of our followers. Join us every Thursday for more good news with Sarah. You can subscribe to PantsuitPoliticsShow.com

Good morning, friends. It’s Thursday, February 19th — the Good News Brief. And since we were hard on AI this week, I thought we should remind ourselves that AI is also quietly doing something extraordinary: remaking the future of human medicine. Today’s stories are a mix of awe and genuine hope.

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Today, we're discussing the latest instance of large companies pre-emptively caving to the Trump Administration: Stephen Colbert's blocked interview with Texas Senate candidate James Tallarico. With that backdrop, the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Sarah and Beth discuss why this is a conversation about voter suppression disguised as election integrity. Next, we discuss the standoff between Anthropic and the Department of Defense over the use of Claude in military operations and domestic surveillance. Outside of politics, Sarah and Beth answer a listener's question about astrology and what it means to hold those frameworks loosely in an age of data and critical thinking.

Topics Discussed

• The Save America Act
• Artificial Intelligence Overwhelm 
• Outside of Politics: Astrology and Tarot

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When every moment could become viral fodder, what's the cost of just living your life? Sarah and Beth examine several recent news stories that address this question of privacy and surveillance. Plus, First Ladies Abby Cox and Joanna Lydgate join to discuss political violence and the mental toll of public service. Plus, outside of politics, they express finding validation away from the obsequiousness of artificial intelligence. 

Topics Discussed

• The Glare of the Internet’s Spotlight
• First Ladies Abby Cox and Joanna Lydgate on Political Violence 
• Moment of Hope: Cecilia Giménez and the Monkey Jesus Fresco
• Outside of Politics: Alexa Updates

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With the proliferation of prediction markets, we're sharing this premium episode of More to Say from January with the full audience. We hope this helps you understand better what's happening in this industry and why it matters. 

If you enjoy this episode, we'd love for you to join us on Substack as a premium member. Go to pantsuitpoliticsshow.com for a written version of this episode (available for free) and to become a subscriber. 

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Sarah and Beth discuss President Trump's racist meme-posting and why it's landing differently this time. Next, we contrast that with Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, we discuss elite incompetence at institutions like the Washington Post, the latest Epstein file releases, Super Bowl ads, and a little football.

Topics Discussed

• President Trump Shares a Racist Meme

• Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

• The Washington Post layoffs and Bezos’s priorities

• The Epstein files illustrate a moral bankruptcy

• Outside of Politics: The Super Bowl commercials (and a little football)

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Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/pantsuit.

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Sarah and Beth dig into why China suddenly feels both harder to understand and more important to pay attention to — from Xi Jinping's latest purges of military leadership to what his consolidating power means for the U.S. They also sit down with veteran journalist Jane Perlez to discuss what Americans get wrong about China. Plus, they talk about where they would hypothetically set up Pantsuit Politics International.

Topics Discussed

• What We’re Missing On China

• Jane Perlez on Trade, President Xi, and the Future of China

• Outside of Politics: Pantsuit Politics International

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Today we're discussing rampant corruption and speculation in the Trump administration. From UAE interests investing in Trump companies days before his second inauguration, apparent payment for pardons, and Amazon's outsized investment and promotion in the Melania "documentary." We also discuss the ways that Federal Courts are pushing back on ICE enforcement throughout the US.

Tickets for our Minneapolis live show and first-ever Spice Conference go on sale soon! Details here

Topics Discussed

• UAE Corruption Scandal
• Bitcoin, Chips, and Pardons
• Federal Courts vs. ICE

• Outside of Politics: The Grammys

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We're delighted to be joined by Senator Andy Kim to discuss what Congress can and should be doing to respond to the nation's current crises. Plus, we discuss the need for accountability, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of corruption on our governmental systems. Outside of politics, you won't want to miss hearing about the Senator's many delightful hobbies. 

Topics Discussed

• Senator Andy Kim on the Role of Congress

• Outside of Politics: Movies, Music, and Bagels

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