Japan’s Political Shift and GOP Speaker Showdown

Explore the surprising rise of Japan's Democratic Party for the People and its impact on the political landscape, as well as the internal divisions facing the Republican Party in the upcoming House speaker election. Delve into the challenges for seasoned Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio and the themes set to define global politics in 2025, including Donald Trump's return to the presidency. This episode offers a comprehensive look at political dynamics and their implications for policy and governance.

Sources:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/e9744afedbb9-focus-outlook-for-japans-politics-set-to-hinge-on-small-opposition-party.html
https://www.vox.com/politics/393091/house-republican-speaker-drama-mike-johnson
https://www.vindy.com/opinion/david-skolnick/2025/01/skolnick-on-politics-rough-political-road-ahead-for-sherrod-brown/
https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/2025-preview-politics/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:38) FOCUS: Outlook for Japan's politics set to hinge on small opposition party
(00:03:59) Republicans are once again staring down House speaker drama. Here’s what’s at stake.
(00:06:33) SKOLNICK ON POLITICS: Rough political road ahead for Sherrod Brown
(00:09:43) The Themes That Will Define Global Politics in 2025