The Rest Is Politics

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549. Mamdani’s Wrecking Ball and the Rise of Anti-Migrant Vigilantes

Explore episode Jul 1, 2026
Society & Culture
South Africa's Vigilante Pogrom: A Global Warning Sign

549. Mamdani’s Wrecking Ball and the Rise of Anti-Migrant V… · Jul 1, 2026 Society & Culture

Vigilante groups Operation Dudula and March and March issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, with no legal standing whatsoever. Tens of thousands have been displaced. Rory Stewart compared it to the Brownshirts of the 1930s — and noted that one of the campaigns may be backed by pro-Russian interests seeking to expand Russian energy into South Africa.

Where this was said

Murdoch's Presidential Talent Contest and Ad Break

At 24:50 · chapter starts 21:50

Alastair Campbell references the new book 'Regime Change' by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, recounting a startling anecdote: Trump invites Rupert Murdoch in for a conversation, with Rubio and Vance both present, and asks Murdoch directly which one he thinks is better. Murdoch rates Rubio as pretty good and Vance as having potential — a scene Campbell compares to putting them through some kind of Murdoch talent-show audition. 'I thought we were through the Murdoch era,' he observes drily, 'but clearly not.' The segment transitions to an ad break covering Carvana (7-day return policy) and Sally.com (college funding guidance).

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