The Rest Is Politics

11 Sep 2025

448. Question Time: Mandelson’s Epstein Disgrace, Kirk’s Assassination, and Trump’s Illegal Boat Strike

Why did Peter Mandelson become so mesmerised by the rich and famous? What does Charlie Kirk’s assassination mean for the future of American politics? Is Trump trying to start a fake war with Venezuela?

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

Leading

8 Sep 2025

152. “A War on Children”: A Generation in Gaza at Risk (James Elder)

Why is the humanitarian situation in Gaza the worst that James Elder has ever seen? What does the process of rebuilding Gaza look like? How do the people working on the ground not lose hope? 

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

Latest

337. Trump Returns: What Now?

Did Trump win it or did the Democrats blow it? What are the implications of a second Trump presidency for America and the rest of the world? Has rightwing populism delivered a fatal blow to l... Continue

336. 8am: TRUMP WINS

Head to The Rest is Politics Youtube channel now for live coverage of the final twists and turns of the US presidential election, between 8pm-midnight GMT on Tue 5th Nov, again from 5am-9am G... Continue

335. 6am: Trump On The Brink

Head to The Rest is Politics Youtube channel now for live coverage of the final twists and turns of the US presidential election, between 8pm-midnight GMT on Tue 5th Nov, again from 5am-9am G... Continue

334. 11pm: US Election Countdown Begins

Head to The Rest is Politics Youtube channel now for live coverage of the final twists and turns of the US presidential election, between 8pm-midnight GMT on Tue 5th Nov, again from 5am-9am G... Continue

LIVE NOW: US Election 2024

Head to Youtube now for live coverage of the election, from 8pm-midnight UK time and then again from 5am. Search for ‘The Rest Is Politics’ on YouTube or go toyoutube.com/watch?v=sAmC9FDX... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: I think Trump will lose, but I know he won’t concede

Fuelled by lies and Elon Musk mania, Trump would turn a straightforward democratic event into a legal marathon... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: President Trump. It doesn’t bear thinking about

Historians will analyse this election, and the phenomenon of Trump, for the rest of time... Continue

106. Michael Lewis: Donald Trump, Sam Bankman-Fried, and the future of the USA

What do Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Washington DC all have in common? Why has Donald Trump made the impact he has in the US? What was Sam Bankman-Fried really like to work alongside? Ror... Continue