The "blue wave"

Is it "the economy, stupid"?

Venezuela: how cynical should people be?

What next?

In New York City, California, New Jersey and Virginia, American voters sent Trump and Republicans a clear message.

On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Angus Blackman to discuss the results of last week’s sweeping election victories. They discuss what it all means for the Democratic Party, how the MAGA-verse is responding, and the impact of the longest federal government shutdown in American history.

This discussion was recorded on Monday 10 November.

Follow Emma’s work at The Point, where she publishes a column on the week in American politics every Monday.

Join Emma and Don Watson in conversation in Carlton on Saturday 15 November.

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis 

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB 

Show notes:

Democrats' 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania by Stephen Fowler, NPR (November 2025)

Dems Won. Cue the Far-Right Crash-Out by Kiera Butler, Mother Jones (November 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

In New York City, California, New Jersey and Virginia, American voters sent Trump and Republicans a clear message.
On this episode of&nbsp;After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Angus Blackman to discuss the results of last week&rsquo;s sweeping election victories. They discuss what it all means for the Democratic Party, how the MAGA-verse is responding, and the impact of the longest federal government shutdown in American history.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 10 November.
Follow Emma&rsquo;s work at&nbsp;<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/251110-shorter-america-this-week-hope-is-alive-the-reactionary-far-right-culture-matters">The Point</a>, where she publishes a column on the week in American politics every Monday.
Join&nbsp;Emma and&nbsp;Don Watson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readings.com.au/events/the-usa-has-it-ruined-democracy-forever">in conversation</a> in Carlton on Saturday 15 November.
Host:&nbsp;Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute //&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>&nbsp;
Host:&nbsp;Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute //&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/angusrb.bsky.social">@AngusRB</a>&nbsp;
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5599185/2025-election-results-georgia-pennsylvania-democrats-win">Democrats' 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;by Stephen Fowler,&nbsp;NPR&nbsp;(November 2025)
<a href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/11/dems-won-cue-the-far-right-crash-out/">Dems Won. Cue the Far-Right Crash-Out</a>&nbsp;by Kiera Butler,&nbsp;Mother Jones&nbsp;(November 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d&nbsp;love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions,&nbsp;comments&nbsp;or suggestions for future episodes to&nbsp;<a href="https://theausinstitute-my.sharepoint.com/qnap-nas-tai.tai.local/NAS_Media&amp;Marketing/Podcast/After%20America/Episode%20descriptions/podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>.

The United States we thought we knew is gone. And it isn’t coming back. 

Every week on After America, Dr Emma Shortis examines the second Trump presidency, what’s happening in global politics, and how Australia can help shape our rapidly changing world for the better. 

Presented by the Australia Institute.

The United States we thought we knew is gone. And it isn&rsquo;t coming back.&nbsp;
Every week on After America, Dr Emma Shortis examines the second Trump presidency, what&rsquo;s happening in global politics, and how Australia can help shape our rapidly changing world for the better.&nbsp;
Presented by the Australia Institute.

After America

In New York City, California, New Jersey and Virginia, American voters sent Trump and Republicans a clear message. 

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