Next Question with Katie Couric

Vice presidential candidates can make or break a campaign. Remember Sarah Palin? So do Katie and Brian. That sets the stage for today's interview with Libertarian vice presidential candidate William 'Bill' Weld. He is one of the great characters in American politics. The former governor of Massachusetts discusses his long-shot race for the White House and his lengthy career -- which he began working alongside Hillary Rodham Clinton. Governor Weld also talks about the strengths of his running mate, Governor Gary Johnson, addresses the campaign's gaffes, and shares why he's not swayed by criticism that his ticket could swing the presidential election.

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Bob Woodward and Tina Brown are two living legends in the world of journalism. As an investigative journalist at The Washington Post, Woodward, alongside reporter Carl Bernstein, helped break the Watergate scandal that eventually sunk Richard Nixon. Tina Brown's career has been no less storied. She's edited Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, created The Daily Beast and written the best-selling book, The Diana Chronicles.They chat with Katie and Brian about this historic election cycle, if we're living in a post-factual political landscape, and if news outlets have been balanced when covering Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

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Under the cover of anonymity people feel emboldened to say hateful things online, which can be hurtful when you are the target. New York Times Deputy Washington Editor Jonathan Weisman explains why he quit Twitter over anti-Semitic bullying -- and why he returned. And Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, says that for every big win against hate speech there is inevitably a backlash. Plus, we ask folks in Times Square to tell us their stories of being bullied online.

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It's been a big season for women in politics - both in fictional worlds and real ones. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) talks about playing the fictional president Selina Meyer and Rebecca Traister (All the Single Ladies) digs into the moment and meaning of Hillary Clinton’s presidential nomination. Plus, Katie takes a field trip to Times Square to find out what a woman nominee, and potential president, means to everyday Americans.

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Bob Costas is THE voice of the Olympics — the legendary broadcaster has hosted more than a dozen of the games. Today he talks with Katie and Brian about how he prepares to preside over the Olympics, and how a childhood passion for sports turned into a love of sportscasting. He also explains conflicted feelings over Caitlyn Jenner’s 2015 Arthur Ashe award, and weighs in on our current political climate. Plus, we hear some of your favorite Olympics memories.

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You may not know his name, but you know his work and his words. Like "climate change" instead of "global warming," and "death tax" instead of "estate tax" -- he's really helped position policy for voters. But longtime Republican pollster and strategist Frank Luntz is not a happy camper right now, and he tells Katie and Brian why this election season is bringing him down. Let us know what you think: is our country in decline, or are you optimistic about the future? Leave a message: 929-224-4637

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Katie and Brian head to the Capitol to talk with Senator Al Franken about the current political campaign, the issues that are top on his mind, and the legacy and lessons of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Along the way they also hear from constituents with a lot on their minds, especially relating to recent gun violence.

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A sneak peek of "Katie Couric," coming to Earwolf on July 28th! Join us for candid unscripted conversations as Katie and her co-host Brian Goldsmith take a trip to the Capitol and visit with Senator Al Franken; talk with Bob Costas about why he loves the Olympics; and hear why Jonathan Weisman quit Twitter. Subscribe now and you won’t miss a thing. And don't be shy, leave us a voicemail at (929) 224-4637.

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