"The endless babble of nothingness"

"The endless babble of nothingness". This is a good example of accurate one-liners in the podcast "The Rest Is Politics". The podcast was launched in 2022 and has become one of the leading political podcasts in the United Kingdom. It's hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. Campbell is a journalist and political strategist known for his work as communications chief for Tony Blair (labour). Stewart is an academic, author, former diplomat and politician and has served as secretary and minister under Theresa May (conservative). Their aim is to "disagreeing agreeably". The quality of the podcast is outstanding. Despite their political differences they often agree in their analysis. They are also extremely harsh judges of character. If someone is talented, average or a tent revival clown, they say so. All delivered in a mix of eloquence and clarity. "The Rest Is Politics" is educating and entertaining. In fact, at times it's hilarious. I laugh right out loud when I listen to the podcast in my headphones. I'm ambivalent when it comes to politics in general and to Swedish politics in particular. I like the game, but can't stand the players. The bar for entry in politics is low. If you just hang around, it will eventually be your turn. Politics seems to attract a particular type of person (student council president). They are advised not to be themselves and speak their mind. It could be to their disadvantage. At the same time, many politicians are too media trained to be truly relatable. The political debates are just unbearable. It's sand-box-level where representatives of various political parties are speaking at the same time and deliberately choose to misinterpret each other. I reach for the remote control to change channel or turn off the TV. However, I like Swedish political podcasts. Or more correctly, I used to like them. The podcasts started out with high energy and a fresh take on politics, but now they have all deteriorated. The preparations and current shape vary and there's no consistent quality. In comparison, the Swedish podcasts lack the political and analytical edge. With a few exceptions, it's amateur hour with all that implies. Recently, they have begun to cross-reference and recycle each others content: "As podcast X discussed bla bla", "This issue was also covered by podcast Y bla bla", "This question was highlighted by podcast Z bla bla". This must be the lowest form of political journalism. I don't think I can go back to Swedish political podcasts again.