Gail Collins and Bret Stephens discuss their nominees for April Fools’ Day political nominees, including Kari Lake and James Comer. They discuss Lake’s defamation lawsuit and Comer’s attempts to impeach Joe Biden. The conversation highlights the cynical nature of political investigations and the impact on voters’ perceptions. They also reflect on the passing of Joe Lieberman and his political legacy, despite their differing opinions of him.
The conversation then shifts to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign and his choice of running mate, Nicole Shanahan. They discuss the potential impact of Kennedy’s candidacy on the election, particularly in drawing disaffected Democrats away from Biden. They also address the efforts to win over Nikki Haley voters and the importance of appealing to independent-minded voters.
Bret suggests that Biden should focus on infrastructure as a key issue to appeal to middle-of-the-road voters. He proposes an infrastructural equivalent of Operation Warp Speed, combining big spending on projects with major deregulation. Gail acknowledges the importance of infrastructure but raises concerns about deregulation and balancing public services like education and healthcare.
They also discuss the proposed California legislation that would give employees the right to ignore communication from their employers during off hours. While recognizing the value of the discussion it generates, they acknowledge the need for flexibility for jobs that require off-hours contact. Overall, they emphasize the importance of productive discussions and the value of their own weekly conversations.
