About this episode
Recently, the president threatened the post office — and with it, the November elections. On this week's On The Media, a look at how decades of cuts to the mail system led to this emergency. Plus, the “birther” lie reared its ugly head once more — but this time, journalists were ready for it. And, the so-called "rising stars" of the Republican Party. 1. Alex Shephard [ @alex_shephard ], staff writer at the New Republic , on the conservative tropes often employed by journalists covering the public sector — including the USPS. Listen. 2. Charlie Warzel [ @cwarzel ], opinion writer-at-large at the New York Times , on the deluge of information and misinformation unleashed by the post office scandal. Listen. 3. Mark Joseph Stern [ @mjs_DC ], staff writer at Slate, on the “ think tank ” behind the Kamala Harris "birther" lie. Listen. 4. Eugene Scott [ @Eugene_Scott ], political reporter at the Washington Post , on how journalists have covered the latest unfounded “ birther ” conspiracy, compared with the original one nearly a decade ago. Listen. 5. Alex Pareene [ @pareene ], staff writer at the New Republic , on far-right fringe candidates finding a serious foothold in the Republican Party. Listen. Music from this week's show: Passing Time - John Renbourn Cellar Door - Michael Andrews Turnaround - Ornette Colema Shoot the Piano Player Player - Georges Delarue Sleep Talking - Ornette Coleman Mysterioso - Thelonius Monk/Kronos Quartet Middlesex Times - Michael Andrews On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today ( https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm ). Follow our show on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.