In the 2026 premier of Night Owls, John Ellis and Joe Klein recap Trump's first year of his second first term as president. The discussion begins with Trump's behavior at the recent Davos conference, which raised more concerns about the president's mental "capacity". They wonder when the "elite" news media is going to address the "mental capacity" issue directly. Moving right along, they consider the Republican and Democratic parties' challenges leading up to the 2026 elections, the importance of cultural issues and the Democratic Party's over-optimism about "the affordability crisis." The conversation also highlights education reforms in Mississippi, ongoing international conflicts, and the rise of AI technology. A lightning round closes the episode, with the hosts selecting their favorite books, movies, series, and sports moments of 2025.

Hosted by John Ellis and Joe Klein

Sanity Clause on Substack

News Items on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Night Owls, hosts John Ellis and Joe Klein discuss a range of political topics, focusing on Donald Trump's recent behavior, mental health, and the implications for the Republican Party. They explore the political landscape, including the dynamics of the upcoming elections, Trump's foreign policy regarding Ukraine, and the economic challenges facing the nation, such as healthcare and affordability. The conversation also touches on the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and concludes with year-end personal reflections on cultural issues and recommendations for books and movies.

Hosted by John Ellis and Joe Klein

Sanity Clause on Substack

News Items on Substack

In this episode of Night Owls, John Ellis and Joe Klein engage with Cade Metz, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, discussing the evolution and implications of artificial intelligence. They explore Metz's journey in AI journalism, the financial investments in AI development, the competition between the US and China in AI capabilities, and the philosophical questions surrounding AI consciousness. The conversation also touches on the political landscape of Silicon Valley, the challenges of regulating AI, and the environmental concerns associated with data centers. Metz provides insights into the advancements in robotics and the influence of the rationalist community on AI development, concluding with a discussion on the future of AI and its societal impact.