meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep50: David French: Character Counts For Less

The Focus Group Podcast

The Bulwark

News, Politics, Society & Culture

4.82.6K Ratings

🗓️ 18 July 2026

⏱️ 60 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

American politics and politicians are decidedly lower-character than they used to be. So, how did we get here? And why have voters seemingly lowered their expectations?

The New York Times’ David French joins the show to discuss Americans’ relationship with low-character politicians like Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, and how our major political parties have handled candidates like Ken Paxton and Graham Platner in 2026.

Show notes:
David French: The Platner Trap

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Starting a health journey can feel overwhelming, but MedExpress offers a simple and supportive way to explore weight management treatment from home.

0:07.7

Begin with our short online consultation, reviewed by our UK registered clinicians, to see if you're eligible for options to help you manage your weight with confidence.

0:16.1

There's no pressure and no in-person appointments. Everything happens online at your pace. If eligible, treatment is delivered discreetly to your door,

0:23.7

and you'll have access to ongoing personalised support from our clinical team throughout.

0:28.1

MedExpress has helped more than 1.5 million UK customers since 2013,

0:32.8

providing clinically backed care designed to help you feel more confident in your health choices.

0:38.0

When you're ready to take that first step, visit medexpress.com.ukuk slash podcast to learn more.

0:44.1

Hi, it's Zoe and Joe from Digit. And this week, we're sponsored by Sainsbury's Taste the

0:49.1

difference. Now, I've been thinking a lot about this recently. The meals that actually feel the

0:53.0

the most summary are the ones that really need the least effort, which is great. Exactly. It's more about what

0:59.0

you're using rather than how long you spend on it. My kind of meal. And this is where Sainsbridge's

1:04.1

taste of difference really comes in, like their Jersey Royal New Potatoes, Nutty, creamy, and

1:09.8

grown on the island of Jersey. A bit of butter and some herbs,

1:12.8

and you are done. Then for something lighter, the Saintsbury's taste the difference Italian barata

1:18.0

is crafted in Italy to an authentic recipe, that gorgeous mix of cream and mozzarella encased in a delicate shell.

1:27.2

Delicious. With some olive oil and bread, it feels completely restaurant worthy and you've barely done anything.

1:32.3

And to finish, the Sainsbury's Taste the Different Strawberries are hands selected to be perfectly ripe, sweet and juicy.

1:40.3

The perfect summer spread. One ingredient from the Taste the Difference range can instantly lift the whole meal.

1:45.8

With Sainsbury's Taste the Difference, you can always taste the difference.

1:50.1

Available in selected stores and online.

1:52.8

One of the things I really hate is when people are saying like I have no regrets.

1:56.0

And I'm like, well, how can you go through life with not having regrets?

...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 19 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Bulwark, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of The Bulwark and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.