The Rest Is Politics

261
News #222Politics #79

Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart break down current affairs in the UK and abroad.The Rest Is Politics, analyses the latest international news, provides debate on global issues, and reveals secrets from Westminster, whilst bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. With insider perspectives and expert analysis, The Rest Is Politics is the go-to podcast for anyone seeking intelligent, engaging discussions on British and global politics.The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes and live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.

Recent Episodes
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  • 386. Trump's 'Bomb Yemen' Group Chat
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  • 384. Labour’s War on Welfare, Trump’s Tariff Secret, and Britain’s Fight for Farming
    Mar 19, 2025 – 01:00:37
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    Mar 13, 2025 – 57:09
  • 382. Revenge on the West: Putin and Xi’s Plan For Trump
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  • 381. Question Time: Starmer’s Dilemma
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  • 380. JD Vance vs. the UK
    Mar 6, 2025 – 47:44
  • 379. The Four Outcomes For Ukraine
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  • 378. TRUMP VS. ZELENSKY: OVAL OFFICE SHOWDOWN
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  • 377. Question Time: How will Europe defend itself?
    Feb 28, 2025 – 52:53
  • 376. Aid vs Defence: A Livestream Special
    Feb 26, 2025 – 34:53
  • 375. Germany's Fight Against the Far Right
    Feb 26, 2025 – 58:18
  • 374. Question Time: Why The US Needs A Leader Of The Opposition
    Feb 20, 2025 – 46:38
  • 373. Europe vs. America: Crisis in the West
    Feb 19, 2025 – 01:00:25
  • 372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East
    Feb 15, 2025 – 01:08:41
  • 371. Question Time: Buying Gaza, Macron’s AI Stunt, and Europe on a Knife’s Edge
    Feb 13, 2025 – 38:48
  • 370. Starmer’s Silver Bullet and Trump’s War on the Poor
    Feb 12, 2025 – 01:03:36
  • 369. Question Time: China’s DeepSeek, Ambassador Mandelson, and misogyny in politics
    Feb 7, 2025 – 48:13
  • 368. Trump's Plan for Gaza
    Feb 6, 2025 – 01:00:51
  • 367. Rory vs JD Vance, recording from Damascus, and Trump’s tariffs
    Feb 5, 2025 – 01:07:49
  • 366. Question Time: Why do dictators bother with sham elections?
    Jan 30, 2025 – 52:14
  • 365. Trump's Mafia World Order
    Jan 29, 2025 – 55:09
  • 364. Question Time: America’s waning power, Alastair vs. Meta, and the existential threat of depopulation
    Jan 23, 2025 – 39:54
  • 363. The Return of Donald J. Trump
    Jan 22, 2025 – 01:02:51
  • 362. Question Time: Labour’s education error and Blair’s mistake on mental health
    Jan 16, 2025 – 46:11
  • 361. Gaza, Israel, and Ceasefire
    Jan 15, 2025 – 01:03:05
  • 360. Question Time: Assad’s People - Syria, Torture, and Justice
    Jan 9, 2025 – 43:03
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    Jan 8, 2025 – 01:01:36
  • 358. Question Time: Political translators, Boris Johnson, and politicians to watch in 2025
    Jan 2, 2025 – 39:25
  • 357. Political New Year's resolutions, Elon Musk, and what happens next in Taiwan?
    Jan 1, 2025 – 57:36
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    Dec 27, 2024 – 51:27
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    Dec 26, 2024 – 46:37
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    Dec 25, 2024 – 40:21
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    Dec 19, 2024 – 39:32
  • 352. How to solve the small boats crisis
    Dec 18, 2024 – 01:01:06
  • 351. Question Time: Geopolitics in Crisis
    Dec 12, 2024 – 48:06
  • 350. Assad in Moscow, Trump meets Zelensky, and Farage’s secret strategy
    Dec 11, 2024 – 01:01:40
  • 349. The Fall of Assad: What's next for Syria?
    Dec 8, 2024 – 53:15
  • 348. Syria, Afghanistan, and The Rest Is Classified
    Dec 6, 2024 – 16:33
  • 347. Question Time: Biden’s Pardon is Unforgivable
    Dec 5, 2024 – 44:11
Recent Reviews
  • Scot2944
    Mooch
    BORING!!!!! Please PLEASE!!!!! Get some new talking points about the orange man.
  • historyteacher07
    Best Political Podcast
    This is by far my favorite weekly podcast. I’m an American and I love to hear the global/international perspective on events happening in my country. This show has also become one of my main sources of information for international news. I’m a history teacher and have even used world events and historical topics discussed on this show in my own lessons- things I never would’ve thought to teach or focus on before. Only complaint- Alastair should learn to love American football!
  • CyclingJames
    Save your time and just watch the news.
    this show was pitched to me by a family member who claimed it was balanced, and had good debate. It’s not that at all - it’s 2 out of touch left wing guys who are obsessed with American politics and particularly Trump/vance/Musk. (Massive fan boys- if there was a fan club for hating them.) It’s easy to get ratings off bashing people…. So I get it - but that doesn’t take any intelligence, just anger. Regarding content: They are basically just parroting left wing news sources and media, Nothing creative from two men who agree with each other on everything, and aren’t curious or interested in learning. Try “the all in podcast if you want some actual debate and deeper insight into the other side of American politics that’s not just repeated directly from another media source - filtered by some narrow focused guys who are partially informed, and biased. If you’re interested in being challenged in your education or worldview in politics - this isn’t the best source.
  • Keen__Listener
    Show has devolved into a partisan echo chamber
    I’ve tuned into this show for a couple of years now, and leading up to and post the America presidential election the hosts seemed to have merged/melded in their views/positions… rarely do they steel man opposing positions or assume those they disagree with are acting in good faith. And their analysis, when it comes to American politics, is fairly superficial and lacking nuance. Enjoyed the show initially but finding it’s not worth my time. Also, it is quite funny to listen to Rory try to couch himself as a conservative.
  • morriburger
    Liberal claptrap
    TDS from the uk.
  • Longman Longman
    SOS
    SOS
  • lisalfarin
    Outsiders perspective is great
    Trumps tariffs are a part of his brand, but the economic designs is a mix up of different ideologies, depending on who has his ear. Might want to dig in a bit on the ideas of Oren Cass, in his interviews he says some pretty unorthodox things that align with the protectionist, ethno-nationalist, rebuild American manufacturing ethos. But with a weird bent on changing American behaviors for conspicuous consumption by making imports unaffordable.
  • Josh from Cape May
    TDS
    It’s a bummer, but it very predictably turned into a Trump-bashing show. Still great international coverage though.
  • saperlo
    So Ignorant of US politics
    They should stick to what they know about and stop projecting their biased opinions onto US politics. Really, they know and understand very little but talk loudly (like all liberals do). If you want a laugh though, listen to their shows leading up to the election. The TDS is strong.
  • bsalbro
    Where’s the journalism part?
    There’s no agreeing disagreeable with these 2 on the American side as there’s nothing fair and balanced in the reporting. I thought KK was a journalist. Where’s the digging into the outrageous conduct of the democrats? It’s more than about Trump. How come nothing was mentioned about Biden’s conduct? Talk about partisan, you have become irrelevant. Nice to know you.
  • FBG007
    Somewhat of a disappointment.
    A British friend of mine recommended this and I have been listening to it for several months. There is little debate between the two and no real analysis of issues from different perspectives. They seem to agree on quite a bit, especially their dislike of Trump. I am hoping that as the election moves more into the rear view mirror Rory will show more resolve and take up conservative positions around immigration and tax policy in Europe. Otherwise this just becomes another echo chamber in the podcast sphere and will ultimately drop it. I already listen to NPR Politics and get my fill of left leaning views. I was hoping for a good old fashioned debate format where the hosts can disagree without being disagreeable.
  • SA Jack D
    Anti Semites in Ireland
    I have to disagree with your position on Israel closing its Irish embassy. The feckless World Court’s treatment of Israel’s PM, along with the support of much of the is a disgrace. Equating Israel and Hamas is no different than equating the IRA with the British PM. Sadly, the UN and World Court’s treatment have failed to live up to the to their founding aspirations. If the world had held the Allied Nations to the standards demanded of Israel, we would all be bi-lingual today; speaking both German and Japanese.
  • apprenticeYM
    The Rest is Piffle
    Broad ranging topics with current appeal are covered and analyzed in multidimensional space with humor and gusto. Solid teams though KK is not the best in prediction game. Leading interviews are phenomenal lately!
  • Hadassah Irit
    Schilling for Google?
    Do you seriously believe that you can accept advertising revenue from Google and promote Google without putting a dent in your reputations? We’ve all accepted that you are opining rather than reporting. But selling? Please rethink this quickly.
  • Gustav jones
    Mostly adverts… the rest is politics
    Unfortunately has become a shameless hawking of random products… A few adverts are fine but this has become unlistenable Sad as it was great a few years ago
  • pandasrdumb
    LAZY
    If you want to hear preconceived conclusions that were malformed twenty years ago, this is your podcast. “We put in zero work and it shows.” Truly a zenith of cliched lazy boomer thinking.
  • JoeMac7345
    Not to be taken seriously
    I was happy to see you were streaming coverage of the U.S. election. Then I saw you actually hired Anthony Scaramucci as an analyst. Are you just making fun of Americans? Or did you somehow mistake “the Mooch” as a person worthy of respect? What an embarrassing blunder., and so easily avoidable.
  • Good B Darklight
    UK? Yes! US! Oh please stop
    The UK version? Amazing! Five stars. The hosts are fantastic and the show is both engaging and interesting to listen to. The US version? Let’s hire the lifelong financial guy who got into politics two minutes ago and got immediately fired. He’s not engaging or interesting to listen to. Great! And pair him with someone who is not from the US? What could go right? One star. Please god stop cluttering my feed by slipping them in and then please god just stop cluttering up the scene by just stopping that podcast or re-casting the hosts.
  • European loving America
    What a superb political show!
    One of the best, most informed and elegantly delivered political shows in the world. Fantastic complementary insights for the U.K., US (great too!!) and globally. Thank you all four & keep it coming.
  • Dana :D
    US version is self-serving mumbling
    Just a lot of yes, but. I don’t want it on my feed anymore. Separate it from the British version.
  • echolocution
    Undercutting a great show
    Really love the show but shame on them for hiring Scaramucci, a moron blowhard who sought to be the mouthpiece for a demagog, then sees the light once he’s fired, who mansplains to the hapless Kay and condescends to the UK audience like he were a peace corps volunteer teaching Burundi bushmen the wonders of modern Tupperware. Shame.
  • Edithbx
    Brits yes, Americans, we know what you’ve done.
    I appreciate hearing the British side talk about British politics. I learn things and I appreciate the cross party camaraderie. But Scaramucci is not okay, constantly talking about being fired, framing things in an uninteresting post-Trump way. When he went on about needing affirmative action for all the white man privilege he received without being aware, I couldn’t keep listening. Get over yourself and go learn something.
  • Glacier1975
    Check your facts better.
    Katy and Anthony. You two fall into h th e trap of the false info being released -that is you should have details of accusations far more at your do neg serious. You do not. Study things better. Do your homework. So far. Meh Further. Anthony. You didn’t know white guys have an advantage. Bull.
  • BostonIrishRules
    Smart and funny
    LOVE all the hosts. Even Scaramucci. Didn’t know that someone who would associate with Trump could be so smart interesting and hilarious.
  • W. Greg Webb
    Very Partisan
    I’ve changed my mind about this podcast. It is not about understanding political issues. It is about promoting class struggle and Marxist ideology without ever trying to critically think about the issues and cut through the partisan political propaganda. Their knowledge about USA politics is poor at best and they have a related US podcast that is more politically partisan than they are. They hate Donald Trump now, but loved him when he supported corrupt democrats like Hillary Clinton.
  • Fume Patrol Forrest
    uneven
    While Rory Stewart seems every bit the evenhanded, authentic analyst, Alastaor Campbell is a hardcore tribalist parading as someone capapble of unbiased critique, which leaves the listener with next to zero criticism of Labour and a caricature of conservatives that borders on propoganda.
  • hizffff
    Sub’ed for an unbiased report but this is like all others
    When they talk about the election or Dem vs. Rep parties, I wish they gave both sides the same amount of scrutiny. Just report the facts and policies.
  • Puréed Grammy
    Texas woman
    I’m a 69yo Texas woman who follows politics closely. I find the more objective coverage of American politics in this podcast to be excellent. I look forward to every podcast.
  • Visc@B@rc@1
    The US Version is the Problem
    The US version cannot hold a candle to what Rory and Alastair provide. The conversation on the Republican Party was so ignorant and lacking in good faith that it was based on fantasy. The Republicans are not a serious party and do not deserve to be treated as one. Their lack of deficit reduction has less to do with their spending and everything to do with the giant tax cuts they give the rich. That wasn’t mentioned, and that’s pathetic.
  • Digdadig
    Rest is Politics USA
    I would prefer Katy Kay bring less the supposed objective journalist energy to this podcast. Hallmark of Rest is Politics is to “Disagree Agreeably”. The journalistic perspective is not why I listen to the podcast. I am interested in smart takes that will give me insight and allow me to prosecute my own point of view. I have many news sources. My advice is be more Anthony Scaramucci, who I very much enjoy hearing, more personal, anecdotal and less reportage. That is also why I listen to the original Rest is Politics podcast.
  • do' not have one
    good show
    give this show a chance i’m glad i did it’s really pretty good i look forward to it
  • UnderstandaBella
    An excellent deep dive into the crazy world of US politics
    The Rest Is Politics US podcast offers a clear and insightful look into American politics. Katty Kay’s journalistic precision contrasts effectively with Anthony Scaramucci’s lived-in perspectives. This combination provides a balanced and comprehensive view, making it a must-listen for understanding the complexities of the political landscape.
  • CatB8899
    US version is a joke
    Who thought giving the Mooch a platform was a good idea. He lost his credibility a long time ago.
  • JGLevi
    Stop it with Katty and Mooch UPDATED
    This was a five-star podcast until you added this duo. I’m a regular listener from the U.S. and too familiar with both Katty K and Mooch to listen to them, but made the mistake of listening to the episode on Trump’s conviction. Katty K. does nothing but parrot the DC Beltway savvy consensus that too often borders on nihilism. Mooch is a joke, a second-rate New York money man who aspired to be a Trump and decided to change his tune to be acceptable to mainstream Manhattanites. People who listen to your politics are tired of the nihilism and the flash. Bring on Americans of substance. Update: and the latest is that Biden must step down. I’m done. What a complete lack of understanding of America, which is not defined by the New York Times editorial page. No more listens.
  • TTTSDoc
    The US version brings the brand down
    KK has no real independent political credibility. As a journalist she listens and reports, but her analysis will always be as an inside-outsider (Brit inside the beltway) so not very profound. I like Mooch but he is a clown and his political opinions are unworthy of more than the occasional wry grin. I would suggest you find US commentators of similar gravitas and conviviality as yourselves. There are many many out there and more by the day as senators and others bow out of our toxic politics.
  • Not2late*
    Boring and Predictable
    The American version is pretty lame. Nothing compelling or insightful and predictable one sided views. Many better political podcasts.
  • Jbr1111
    Inferior to Political Currency to Ed Balls and George Osborne
    This podcast is ok but if you check out it’s peer - Political Currency - you will switch to that one whose hosts are simply higher quality commentators and entertainers.
  • UlpianFulwell
    Scaramucci needs a fact checker
    Anthony Scaramucci has to stop saying that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is an amendment to the Constitution. **It is not.**
  • pedrobmalo
    Lose the mooch!
    I enjoy the show, but Scaramucci is awful. You do know what a mooch is, right?
  • hillmacmagill
    I will not listen to Anthony Scaramucci
    He is a Republican hack. If he's pretending to see the light about his former czar, just wait until he gets a better opportunity.
  • Norman1995Pit
    Good but predictable
    The show is very insightful into UK politics. I wish Rory would take a harder line sometimes but his commentary is always thoughtful. Alister is great but he can’t get over Brexit. I’m American so I don’t know, but aren’t he and TB responsible for not placing immigration controls on inflow during the early 00s? I wish he would address that instead describing the Uk as suckers who got duped by some bad actors, it’s seems more complicated than that.
  • A happy customer worldwide
    Scarramucci??
    Somehow you picked one of the only people who both sides of the political aisle in America consider an absolute joke?
  • Tim 1159
    The Mooch
    Hey look Scaramucci has lasted longer on this podcast than he did as WH Comms Director! Yikes, if he’s what you guys think is a credible commentator on US politics I question your credibility on other matters outside the UK. Was this Rory’s idea? So much for his “explainers”…
  • Ajeter
    Hate the U.S. version.
    Please remove them from this feed. There are a million US politics podcasts. I’d subscribe to them if that’s what I wanted to hear.
  • Georgielew
    Scaramucci drags down otherwise
    The erudite banter between Campbell and Stewart is terrific. I just plead with them to dump Scaramucci, a limited blowhard who is dragging down the content.
  • Clew37281
    The US episodes are cringe
    Please move them to their own podcast
  • TomReviewsAnApp
    The Rest is Self-Parody
    What a crime to co-brand Alaister Campbell and Rory Stewart, class acts who have created that rarest of jewels — a podcast consistently worth listening to — with the unserious and unsettling Anthony Scaramucci.
  • mad overlord
    Not sure what is happening with this Podcast
    Katty Kay is amazing, but the Mooch? Seriously, this is the Joe’s Apartment of political insiders. I second the notion of separating the “US” podcast from the main one.
  • Just a Guy 24
    The "US" series is awful
    I love the main show, but the US series is a totally different show and now you can't subscribe to the main show without also getting the annoying US one. Can you please make the US thing a separate show so I can not receive it?
  • Archibald_D
    Be honest, Rory. No mistakes - really?
    As an American, I enjoy this podcast due to my interest in international politics, as well as for the balance it provides for my own political viewpoints. However, @Rory, don’t downplay the SOTU and Joe Biden’s lack of mistakes. Specifically, his gaffe of calling a young, aspiring American woman named Laken Riley killed by an illegal Venezuelan, Lincoln Riley. Be honest with the global listeners whether you like Biden’s opposition or not. Lincoln Riley is the football coach at USC. She should not have been murdered by the aforementioned illegal, and deserves to be spoken of properly.
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