Tommy and Ben dig into a week of an “almost” deal, a sweeping AI warning, and a terrifying Ebola outbreak.

First up, the Iran deal that was supposedly days away somehow produced new US airstrikes instead, and the guys break down why the path to a permanent ceasefire remains littered with obstacles from Netanyahu wanting to escalate in Lebanon, to Trump suggesting Iran join the Abraham Accords. Then they bid a fond farewell to Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned as Director of National Intelligence under circumstances that depend entirely on who you ask. Pope Leo XIV dropped a 42,000-word encyclical on artificial intelligence that urges leaders to grapple with the impacts it will have on war, democracy, and the future of humanity. Trump’s Taiwan sellout is now official, with the administration quietly pausing a $14 billion arms sale just in case they need the munitions to fight Iran. The guys also give a sobering update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a man raises awareness for prostate cancer and bullying in schools by putting his manhood on the line. And finally, Tommy sits down with Ben about his brand-new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, out now.

Buy Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches and subscribe to his Substack here.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Tommy and Ben dig into a week dominated by ominous signs of regime change, nuclear standoffs, and a “historic” summit that left almost everyone disappointed.

First they cover the signs pointing to American intervention in Cuba, including reports of Cuban drones, a possible indictment of 94-year-old Raúl Castro, a visit by CIA director John Ratcliffe, and a full blockade that has left the island in a state of humanitarian catastrophe. Then they look to Bolivia, where supporters of former President Evo Morales have blockaded roads and clashes with police are escalating. When it comes to the war in Iran, the global economy remains paralyzed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump vacillates on whether to restart the war or engage in real talks. The guys also recap Trump's China trip, which turned out to be a dud by almost every measure — no trade deal, no help on Iran, and some deeply alarming comments about Taiwan. And finally, Tommy and Ben are subjected to the sounds of Eurovision. Then Tommy is joined by Pod Save the UK host Nish Kumar to discuss the fate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, and the troubling rise of the right-wing Reform UK party. Check out Nish’s special, Don’t Kill My Vibe.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

For Friends of the Pod, the boys answer questions about multi-party systems and Obama’s pivot to Asia.

Preorder Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches and subscribe to his Substack here.

Tommy and Ben survey the wreckage of another week in global politics. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clings to power after Labour was crushed in local elections. Tommy and Ben debate whether Starmer should step aside or stay and fight. Then they run through the latest with Iran, from the short-lived “Project Freedom” to why Trump says the ceasefire is on “life support.” They recap Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s softball interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, including Netanyahu’s claim that Israel is ready to wean itself off US military support and that social media is to blame for Israel’s tattered image. They preview Trump’s visit to Beijing for his long-delayed summit with Xi Jinping, mock some recent fawning coverage of Marco Rubio, and recap FBI Director Kash Patel’s grilling about his drinking habits by the US Senate. Finally, Ben talks with journalist Suzy Hansen about her new book, From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdogan.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

For Friends of the Pod, Tommy and Ben answer questions from Discord about how the US can repair its relationship with Canada, and give insight on their favorite rappers and wines.

Preorder Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, subscribe to his Substack, and reserve a spot for his virtual book launch event on May 18 here.