Populism, offered as a solution to economic and cultural woes, has gained ground in Europe following a slew of recent elections. Across the pond, the Ohio senator and potential Trump running mate J.D. Vance is championing an American version of populist politics that is also gaining traction. On this week’s episode, the hosts discuss Vance’s embrace of the ideology and consider why many voters find it so appealing.

Plus, Ross shares a literary deep cut that not even Carlos has heard of.

(A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)

Recommended in this episode:

• “What J.D. Vance Believes (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/opinion/jd-vance-interview.html) ” by Ross Douthat in The Times
• “Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans,” “Fire and Blood: A History of Mexico” and “Comanches: The History of a People” by T.R. Fehrenbach
• “What Will Become of American Civilization? (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/07/phoenix-climate-drought-republican-politics/678494/) ” by George Packer in The Atlantic

Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.