He’s the fifth member of the Kennedy clan to run for the American presidency. But, notably, the only one to have dumped a bear in Central Park, as a prank. Even so, Robert F Kennedy Jr was, for months, a thorn in the side of Joe Biden and Donald Trump and, more recently, Kamala Harris. All feared that he could siphon votes from them. And ruin their bid for the White House.

Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what power RFK Jr has to sway the election, now that he’s suspended his presidential bid, and thrown his weight behind Donald Trump. And just how much damage he’s doing to the Kennedy family legacy.

He’s the fifth member of the Kennedy clan to run for the American presidency. But, notably, the only one to have dumped a bear in Central Park, as a prank. Even so, Robert F Kennedy Jr was, for months, a thorn in the side of Joe Biden and Donald Trump and, more recently, Kamala Harris. All feared that he could siphon votes from them. And ruin their bid for the White House. Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what power RFK Jr has to sway the election, now that he’s suspended his presidential bid, and thrown his weight behind Donald Trump. And just how much damage he’s doing to the Kennedy family legacy.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series. 

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series.&nbsp;

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The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/387edb4e-0959-42c0-8b1d-b1da00622fea/transcript

Kazem Hamad rose rapidly to become one of the nation’s most powerful organised crime players. The syndicate he is accused of heading waged a relentless turf war for control of Australia’s multibillion-dollar illicit tobacco trade, which has seen firebombings around the country. But Hamad’s arrest last week was unexpected, because it happened not in Australia, but thousands of kilometres away in Iraq. Today, senior reporter Chris Vedelago on the capture of one of Australia’s most wanted accused criminals.

Kazem Hamad rose rapidly to become one of the nation&rsquo;s most powerful organised crime players. The syndicate he is accused of heading waged a relentless turf war for control of Australia&rsquo;s multibillion-dollar illicit tobacco trade, which has seen firebombings around the country. But Hamad&rsquo;s arrest last week was unexpected, because it happened not in Australia, but thousands of kilometres away in Iraq. Today, senior reporter Chris Vedelago on the capture of one of Australia&rsquo;s most wanted accused criminals.

The rise and fall of one of Australia’s most powerful criminals

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/b6d1ed05-97ce-49ce-b822-b3d70056bbfb/transcript

When Australian Open stars, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, hit the courts this week, they’ll do so with the support of screaming fans, massive sponsorship deals, and a shot at a record-breaking prize haul. But what of those who aren’t even close to being world No.1?

For them, the journey to the Open is often a juggle to make ends meet – one of scrimping and saving – sometimes without a paid coach, let alone a sponsor.

Today, sports reporter Marc McGowan on whether Australian Open competitors get paid enough. And the gruelling journey to the Australian Open for the tennis players you've probably never heard of.

When Australian Open stars, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, hit the courts this week, they&rsquo;ll do so with the support of screaming fans, massive sponsorship deals, and a shot at a record-breaking prize haul. But what of those who aren&rsquo;t even close to being world No.1? For them, the journey to the Open is often a juggle to make ends meet &ndash; one of scrimping and saving &ndash; sometimes without a paid coach, let alone a sponsor. Today, sports reporter Marc McGowan on whether Australian Open competitors get paid enough. And the gruelling journey to the Australian Open for the tennis players you've probably never heard of.

Aus Open prize money is at an all-time high. But are players being paid enough?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/ea0989a8-8eae-4dc0-bbd5-b3d400438dff/transcript

Inside Politics is still on a break, but we’re set to return in two weeks.  

Today, we return to an episode released just after Anthony Albanese’s successful meeting with Donald Trump, and one in which we had a special guest -  former Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten.

Bill also has some advice for the opposition, and its leader Sussan Ley, before a slight diversion to discussing the dress sense of our chief political correspondent, Paul Sakkal.

Inside Politics is still on a break, but we&rsquo;re set to return in two weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Today, we return to an episode released just after Anthony Albanese&rsquo;s successful meeting with Donald Trump, and one in which we had a special guest -&nbsp; former Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten.
Bill also has some advice for the opposition, and its leader Sussan Ley, before a slight diversion to discussing the dress sense of our chief political correspondent, Paul Sakkal.

Best of 2025: Bill Shorten on Albanese's Trump triumph, and the opposition's next move

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/e0e873cb-fe03-40de-9bfd-b3b800514ca0/transcript

Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr?

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