Correspondents' dinner attacked, MAGA confronts midterms

Violence is a feature of American democracy.

On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis reflects on yet another appalling yet unsurprising act of political violence in the United States, before Mother Jones journalist James West joins the show to discuss the midterm elections and whether real fractures are emerging in the MAGAverse.

This episode was recorded on Thursday 23 April Australian time.

The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: James West, Executive Editor, Mother Jones // @jamespwest

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Shorter America: Madman theory, continued; Deeper derangement; International solidarity by Emma Shortis, The Point (April 2026)

No Kings Rallygoers in New York Share Their Biggest Fears—and Greatest Hopes by James West, Mother Jones (March 2026)

New poll: 55% support impeaching Trump, Strength in Numbers (April 2026)

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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