How did Keir Starmer allow the row over Diane Abbott to swamp the early days of his election campaign? What is the upside? And had Abbott been mistreated to the point where the Labour leadership looks petty and vindictive? The Matts weigh in on the big campaign trail talking point. Also – in part two – the brilliant Alan Edwards, author of I Was There, tells all about life with Bowie, The Stones, The Spice Girls … and a whole A-Z of rock’s rich and famous. It’s an absolute treat of an interview… enjoy!
Latest in The Two Matts
The Anne Applebaum Interview
This week, the Matts talk to Pulitzer-winning author and journalist Anne Applebaum about her terrific new book on modern autocracy – and how different it is to the 20th century totalitarian blocs. How complicit is the West in these new networks of corruption and repression? And – with the UN at a low ebb – […]
You blew it, Biden
As the rest of Podcastistan celebrates the dignity of President Biden’s departure from the race to beat Donald Trump, the Matts are fuming and wonder how events might have unfolded had Joe seen sense six months ago. As it is, the contest is between a Black female Californian and an orange lunatic. Can the Democrats […]
Q&A: Could the EU join the UK? Plus Trump conspiracy theories
The Two Matts discuss Europe’s shift towards right-wing populism and its implications for the UK rejoining the EU, how media brevity has impacted political understanding and debate, the Trump shooting conspiracy theories and the public’s diminished joy in politics and sport over the years. The intrepid podcasters also dive into how soundbite culture has reshaped […]
Has Starmer done enough?
The King’s Speech was packed with plans, putting to bed the theory that Keir Starmer’s Labour government had no plan. But will it be enough to instigate the national renewal they have promised? The Matts discuss. Also – what does J. D. Vance mean for Donald Trump and for Britain? And why is David Lammy […]
The shot heard round the world
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump does not sanctify a man who has thrived on particularly violent rhetoric his whole political career. As Nigel Farage blames the media and MAGA Republican Senator J.D. Vance blames Joe Biden and the Democrats, the Matts look at the unfolding shift in how Trump and his supporters are reacting […]