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Roberta from Bangor, Maine writes:  
Susan Collins must live a charmed political life. For a moment, it looked like Democrats finally had a challenger who could seriously threaten her seat, and then, this past week, he’s out after yet another allegation of past sexual misconduct.  
Democrats knew Platner was a flawed candidate, but they backed him anyway, and now they’re scrambling. It’s hard to feel sympathy when the crisis is one they walked straight into.  Unless Democrats regroup quickly and find someone who can speak to Platner’s base without carrying his baggage, it’s starting to look like Collins may glide back into office yet again.  
And I have to say, I’m struck by the hypocrisy of some of my Republican friends who criticize Democrats for supporting a candidate with so much baggage, while conveniently ignoring the baggage their own President carries. 
So here’s my question for the panel: Is there a viable Democratic candidate who could step in at this point? Should the party look for someone who appeals to Platner’s supporters, or pivot to a more generic, “safe” candidate who historically doesn’t win here? And realistically, is Maine now a lost opportunity for Democrats this cycle?  
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
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Keneth from Lexington, Kentucky writes:
Maybe the panel can shed some light on this, because honestly, folks here aren’t sure anymore: Is Mitch McConnell still alive? I know that sounds strange, but the uncertainty has become a running joke, and not a very comforting one. 
A lot of Kentuckians, even lifelong conservatives, are starting to think that age limits and term limits might not be such a bad idea. That’s a conversation for another day, though.
Right now, the real issue is transparency. What can actually be done when a sitting U.S. Senator disappears from public view for weeks at a time? Who has the authority to demand answers, the Governor? The Republican Party? Does Trump have any power here? Or is the public simply left in the dark until someone decides to speak?
It’s unsettling to think that a member of Congress can effectively go missing and there’s no mechanism to force clarity. 
I’d really like to hear the panel’s thoughts on what accountability looks like in a situation like this, and what, if anything, ordinary citizens can do to get straight information.
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Barry from Johannesburg, South Africa writes 
Since South Africa has been eliminated from the World Cup, I’ve finally had time to catch up on your episodes. And I have to say, binge‑listening gives a very different kind of clarity. I’ve actually started sorting the downloaded episodes into themes so I can evaluate whether there’s a consistent position across your discussions. So far, my little research project suggests that each of you is remarkably consistent in tone and outlook, no matter the topic.
But here’s what I’m really curious about: you’ve talked at length about American politics after Trump, and you’ve talked about American foreign policy after Trump. What you haven’t done, at least as far as I can tell,  is bring those two conversations together.
So, here’s my question: What does each of you see as the most likely shape of American democracy in the post‑Trump era? And how does that emerging framework fit into the broader landscape of international relations?
In the interest of full disclosure, I am an Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Johannesburg.
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Tennison from Olympia, Washington writes:  
I listen to every episode, and sometimes I wonder why.  Some of the panel are back at it again: the sky is falling; the sky is falling. 
Honestly, if Brooklynn didn’t have Trump to worry over, a fresh QAnon conspiracy to dissect, or some imaginary apocalyptic disaster looming in our future, I’m not sure what she’d talk about.  
A framework for peace has been agreed to. Yes, there are glitches, pauses, and restarts, but show me one international agreement that hasn’t had those. Oil is moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel appears to be keeping things contained. And oil prices are down to about $107 a barrel; I checked today. Gas prices are down too, yet somehow the panel is still complaining.  It feels like nothing makes you all happy. Yes, we’re drawing from the reserves, but that’s hardly unprecedented. 
So why the panic over hypothetical outcomes with no evidence to back them up? Let me guess: “I heard it somewhere, but I can’t remember where.”  Come on, guys, can’t you be happy that things seem to be moving forward?  
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Brian from Denver, Colorado writes:
It feels like the Supreme Court may have rediscovered its backbone. This past week delivered several significant setbacks for Donald Trump’s legal agenda. The Court overturned his attempt to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, reaffirming the limits on the president's removal power. 
More consequentially, the justices upheld birthright citizenship, a principle written plainly into the 14th Amendment.
But I’ll admit, I’m puzzled. The decision was 6–3. I’m not a lawyer, but birthright citizenship isn’t exactly an interpretive puzzle; it’s spelled out in the Constitution in clear, unmistakable language. So how do three members of the country's highest court read the same text and arrive at completely different conclusions? 
I’d really like to hear how the panel makes sense of that divide.
Support the show
The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page
Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page.

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Email us your Questions
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