Mitch McConnell Finally Appeared in a Photo. Kara and Scott Aren’t Buying It | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss Lindsey Graham's legacy, the conspiracy theories around Mitch McConnell's new photo, and whether the Democrats can still pull off a victory in Maine. Then, Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft, marking the company's latest setback. Plus, Kara sits down with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to unpack his multistate lawsuit challenging the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
00:00 Intro 05:11 Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 11:18 Mitch McConnell Conspiracy Theories 16:37 Graham Platner Withdraws Candidacy 25:40 Apple Sues OpenAI 35:55 California AG on Paramount-WBD Lawsuit 57:14 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Hosts discuss Lindsey Graham's death, Mitch McConnell's health, and the need for younger political leaders.
Key points
- The World Cup Experience. Scott shares his emotional experience at the World Cup, describing it as a joyful gathering of fans.
- Mitch McConnell's Health Speculations. Speculations arise around Mitch McConnell's health following a photo release amid conspiracy theories.
- Age and Leadership. A discussion on the implications of aging leaders in politics and the need for renewal.
- Democratic Candidates' Dilemma. Democratic candidates are struggling to connect with an angry base, focusing on the wrong issues.
- OpenAI's Legal Troubles. Apple is suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing trade secrets, complicating the tech landscape.
- California AG Files Lawsuit Against Paramount. California Attorney General Rob Bont leads a lawsuit to block Paramount's merger with Warner Brothers, citing concerns over competition and content quality.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- The World Cup ExperienceScott shares his emotional experience at the World Cup, describing it as a joyful gathering of fans.“It's like all of the goodwill that is resident in the world appears to be bubbling up in the World Cup.”2:31Jul 14, 2026
- Mitch McConnell's Health SpeculationsSpeculations arise around Mitch McConnell's health following a photo release amid conspiracy theories.“A lot of people don't think that photo is real; they think it's AI.”6:10Jul 14, 2026
- Age and LeadershipA discussion on the implications of aging leaders in politics and the need for renewal.“We reward incumbency, celebrity, and fundraising over renewal.”15:44Jul 14, 2026
- Democratic Candidates' DilemmaDemocratic candidates are struggling to connect with an angry base, focusing on the wrong issues.“The Democratic base is furious. They're angry at the economy, Trump, and their party.”18:09Jul 14, 2026
- OpenAI's Legal TroublesApple is suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing trade secrets, complicating the tech landscape.“Apple is suing OpenAI, accusing them of stealing trade secrets to develop hardware.”25:39Jul 14, 2026
- California AG Files Lawsuit Against ParamountCalifornia Attorney General Rob Bont leads a lawsuit to block Paramount's merger with Warner Brothers, citing concerns over competition and content quality.“This merger will create higher prices, less content.”36:01Jul 14, 2026
- Concerns Over Job LossesAG Bont warns that the merger could lead to significant job losses in the creative sector.“I think tens of thousands of creative jobs are going to go away.”38:20Jul 14, 2026
- Paramount's Response to LawsuitParamount argues that the lawsuit shields dominant streaming platforms from competition, claiming it is a misguided attack.“The practical effect of this lawsuit is to shield those dominant streaming platforms.”42:51Jul 14, 2026
