I would say our politics is currently less apocalyptic than yours.

Well, I'm happy for you.

That's good news.

Well, if the apocalypse comes, you can say we were complacent.

Hello and welcome to the 538 Politics Podcast. I'm Galen Drick.

We largely stick to American politics on this podcast, but every so often,

we've called up our friends at the UK-based podcast Talking Politics to help explain

British politics, particularly relating to Brexit.

Comparing the two countries has, at times, helped us better understand what's going on here in the states.

Brexit is largely behind us, but in recent months, British politics have hit another uncertain period.

News reports revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended parties in government buildings while Britain was in strict

COVID lockdown in 2020.

His approval rating has now sunk to a mere 22% and it's unclear if he'll hang on to his leadership position.

That news comes amid other big news out of the UK.

After covering an eventful six years in British and American politics,

the Talking Politics Podcast is winding down.

Before they close up shop, I wanted to catch up with them to discuss this latest scandal

and also reflect on how the US and UK have navigated a turbulent handful of years.

So, here with me from the Talking Politics Podcast and the University of Cambridge are

Professor of Political Economy, Helen Thompson and Professor of Politics, David Runsman.

Welcome to the show.

Pleasure to be back, Galen.

...