Left, Right & Center

Bashar al-Assad’s reign over Syria ended this week after 13 years of contentious civil war. Rebel forces captured the capital city of Damascus, freed prisoners from detention facilities, and ousted Assad from his palace. As Syrian citizens celebrate the end of Assad’s regime, President Biden has reaffirmed the need for a “Syrian-led” political transition. What’s next for Syria? Should the United States get involved to uphold international democracy?Political violence struck in New York City last week when a gunman killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. Americans across the political spectrum, many of whom are upset about the state of health care in the U.S., have shared support for the shooter’s actions. Their anger isn’t new, but have these frustrations crossed a line? As the NFL ramps up for its two Christmas Day marquee games, the Left, Right, and Center panel examines how modern sports culture mirrors politics. Both fields evoke a strong personal connection. Are sports as much of an identity as politics? Plus, how has gambling, ever more popular, affect the way we watch? 

President-elect Donald Trump has long spoken about his plan to put America first instead of acting as the world’s policeman. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law this week, but the nation’s parliament quickly overturned it. Syrian rebel forces entered the city of Aleppo for the first time in nearly a decade. President Biden is funneling additional resources into Ukraine. All the while, the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah hangs delicately in the balance. What kind of shift is the global community preparing for when it comes to U.S. foreign policy?Meanwhile on U.S. soil, current President Joe Biden is in hot water after issuing a blanket pardon on his son Hunter Biden. The younger Biden son was facing sentencing for two criminal cases involving gun ownership and tax charges. President Biden repeatedly claimed that he would not pardon his son if found guilty in order to restore faith in the justice system. Democrats and Republicans alike are fuming at the walking back of the decision. What are the implications of this pardon as America transitions presidents? As Biden bends the meaning of “justice,” KCRW continues to analyze what justice will mean in the next White House administration. President-elect Donald Trump wants to make big changes to American justice, national security, and intelligence proceedings — including with his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel. Patel has been outspoken with his desires to “go after” critical members of the media. Will fealty to the president take second place to national security? 

“Morning Joe” co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski are facing significant pushback for a recent visit to Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate. The MSNBC commentators told their audience they wanted to hear from Trump directly as he prepares for his second presidential term. Was the meeting good reporting, or simply self-serving? United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy believes America is experiencing a “loneliness epidemic,” which hits young people especially hard. He talks about ways to feel more connected and fulfilled, and how parents can care for their mental health.

Georgetown University released their annual “Battleground Civility Poll” this week, which found that voters believe national polarization decreased following Trump’s win. Voters gave polarization a 66.5 out of 100, the lowest score since 2019. While Kamala Harris scored higher on likability and hope for the future, Donald Trump scored higher on who could inspire results. Republicans won full control of Congress, but voters anticipate across-the-aisle compromise. Are people settling into Trump 2.0? One of Trump’s loftiest promises this campaign cycle was to “end all wars.” What does that mean for the United States’ relationships with Israel, Ukraine, and China? Plus, controversy is surrounding Trump’s Cabinet picks, which so far include Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Elon Musk for the self-designated “first buddy.” As the Republican Party preps for their future, the Democratic Party is reimagining theirs. Some congressional Democrats have spoken out against the party’s continued support of LGBTQ+ issues and the far left, claiming Democrats left everyday Americans by the wayside. In response, notable Democrats like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have pushed back against the idea of scapegoating progressives and the LGBTQ+ community. Is it possible for the Democrats to strike a balance?