The Powers That Be: Daily

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to explore a hypothetical where the NFL hands officiating over to A.I. as the league barrels toward a potential replacement-ref situation when its current C.B.A. expires. Then they discuss F.C.C. commissioner Brendan Carr’s argument that leagues should lose antitrust protections as they push more games behind streaming paywalls.

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to break down Republicans’ strategy to lock in funding for DHS and ICE through the remainder of Trump’s term—effectively boxing out any Democratic reforms. They also discuss the quiet jockeying to replace Mike Johnson as House speaker, and whether he’s ready to step aside from leadership altogether.

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to discuss the wide range of political responses to the growing public anxiety over A.I.—from Trump’s promise to hold down energy costs to Bernie Sanders and A.O.C.’s push for a construction moratorium, and more. They also discuss a new documentary on A.I.’s future—and whether it leaves more room for optimism or panic.

Abby Livingston joins Peter to break down the latest front in the redistricting wars. In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger is pushing a Democratic-friendly map overhaul modeled on California’s recent playbook. While the referendum is likely to pass, Abby explains it could carry unintended consequences for Democrats in future cycles—and previews how similar battles are unfolding in Maryland, Illinois, Florida, and beyond.

The besties Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby reunite to sermonize over the real value of Jim Bankoff’s podcast business and hypothesize about secondary sales opportunities for Vox. Then they discuss why Sora bombed and Bob Iger’s colleagues slow-walked its Disney partnership.

John Ourand joins Peter to unpack the promise—and persistent chaos—of watching Major League Baseball in 2026, from Netflix’s Opening Day splash to the still-messy hunt for local broadcasts. They also dive into March Madness’s historically big first-weekend ratings and the surprising role prediction markets may be playing in the sudden surge of interest in college hoops.

Abby Livingston joins Peter to break down a bit of primary election role reversal: in California, a crowded and underwhelming Democratic field risks splitting the vote and opening the door to an all-Republican general. And in Texas, an increasingly contentious and expensive G.O.P. Senate runoff—and Trump’s withheld endorsement—gives Democrats a sliver of hope they score a major upset come November.

Bill Cohan joins Peter to follow the money trail of the Iran war, as Trump’s off-the-cuff remarks send oil, Treasury yields, and commodities like gold on a rollercoaster. Bill argues this is hardly incidental—and merely the latest example of an administration that seems to move markets for its benefit with impunity.

Julia Ioffe joins Peter to confront the central question looming over the war in Iran: Is the U.S. actually winning? Despite the on-brand, overconfident rhetoric from Trump and Pete Hegseth, Julia argues the answer is far murkier—pointing to a lack of international support, myriad strategic missteps, and a conflict with no clear endgame.

Besties Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby reunite to pore over Bari Weiss’ latest RIFs and the subsequent agony. Then they turn their attention to Major League Baseball’s surprising WBC opportunity.