Economist Podcasts — “A Keir-death experience: PM clings on”
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Rosie Blore
Guests/Correspondents: Sasha Nauta, Stevie Hertz, Aaron Braun
Episode Overview
This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist covers three distinctive stories:
- The escalating crisis surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership in the wake of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal.
- The spread of assisted dying legislation across the United States, with a focus on New York’s recent bill.
- The quirky rise of skijoring—a winter sport where skiers are pulled by horses—in America’s Mountain West.
The episode delivers both high-stakes political drama and lighter, offbeat reporting while maintaining The Economist’s analytical tone.
1. British Politics in Crisis: Keir Starmer’s Precarious Hold on Power
Background & Context
[01:28–02:32]
- Keir Starmer, less than two years into his Premiership and after a landslide victory, faces mounting internal rebellion.
- The immediate crisis is triggered by revelations from unsealed Jeffrey Epstein files implicating Labour grandee Peter Mandelson in not only maintaining friendship with Epstein post-conviction but also leaking government secrets.
The Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
[02:32–03:31] Rosie Blore & Sasha Nauta
- Scottish Labour’s Anna Sawa holds a press conference, calling for Starmer’s resignation:
“The distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing street has to change.” — Anna Sawa (as reported by Sasha Nauta) [02:32]
- Ministers initially waver but ultimately rally behind Starmer, averting an outright coup—at least temporarily.
Analysis: How Did Starmer Get Here?
[04:02–05:22] Sasha Nauta
- Starmer now “the most unpopular Prime Minister since records began.”
- His government is described as rudderless, defined by U-turns and factions:
“Half of the party who voted for Keir Starmer in 2024 say they would now vote for a different party.” — Sasha Nauta [04:24]
- The core of Starmer’s 2024 mandate—ending chaos and sleaze—seems undermined.
The Scandal’s Fallout & the Rot Beneath
[07:10–08:11] Rosie Blore & Sasha Nauta
- Mandelson’s leaking of “Cabinet minutes to his billionaire pedophile friend” triggers outrage.
- While Starmer survives for now, the government’s credibility and ability to handle Britain’s challenges is severely questioned:
“It’s a frustration with very little visible showing of Labour delivering the sort of things they promised... the Epstein thing is just the latest... that can sort of tip things over the edge.” — Sasha Nauta [07:23]
Starmer’s Response and the Road Ahead
[08:13–09:04] Sasha Nauta
- Starmer gives a late-night speech, apologizing to his party and promising to be more inclusive, signaling a weakened position forced to “give the party more of what they want”—likened to “ice cream for breakfast” politics.
Leadership Contenders
[09:04–10:05] Rosie Blore & Sasha Nauta
- Angela Rayner (former deputy PM), Wes Treating (a Blairite with Mandelson ties), a blocked Andy Burnham, and Ed Miliband are all floated as successors, each with “asterisks” by their names—none a consensus pick.
Is Starmer Finished?
[10:05–10:36]
- Starmer isn’t “toast this week,” but survival prospects are grim:
“British politics, I think, is going to get worse before it gets better. And the big problems this country has will not be the priority of the labor government for the coming period, I’m afraid.” — Sasha Nauta [10:09]
Memorable Segment:
- The shocked reaction in Parliament when Starmer admitted he knew of Mandelson’s ongoing friendship with Epstein:
“There was a big, big gasp in PMQ’s...” — Sasha Nauta [06:11]
2. Assisted Dying in America: New York’s Historic Law
Human Story & Legislative Milestone
[12:02–13:12] Stevie Hertz & Rosie Blore
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s personal story—losing her mother to ALS—sets the emotional tone:
“My mom didn’t get a chance to see me become a member of Congress... ALS robbed her of everything, including her own voice.” — Kathy Hochul (quoted by Congresswoman) [12:24]
- New York becomes the 13th state to legalize assisted dying.
National Trends & Public Opinion
[13:12–13:50] Stevie Hertz
- Over 30% of Americans now live in states where doctors can assist terminally ill patients to die.
- Majority of public supports assisted dying, with support climbing among those dealing with unalleviable pain.
Differences with International Models
[14:01–15:06]
- The US model (originating in Oregon) is much more restrictive than Canada or the Netherlands:
- Requires terminal illness with less than six months to live, confirmed by two doctors.
- Patient must be mentally competent, self-administrate the medication.
- Assisted deaths remain rare—less than 1% of deaths in legal states.
New York’s Extra Safeguards
[15:11–15:44]
- New York adds more layers: mandatory psychological evaluation (1 of 2 states), video documentation, strict witness rules (no beneficiaries).
Political Obstacles & Advocacy
[15:52–17:09]
- Bills long delayed due to religious and ethical opposition.
- Democrats now embrace as an individual rights issue, pairing with reproductive and labor rights.
Looking Ahead
[17:13–17:38]
- More states likely to consider such legislation, but progress will be slow.
“Campaigning for assisted dying requires patience and persistence, but... terminally ill patients do not have that luxury of time.” — Stevie Hertz [17:35]
3. America’s Strangest New Sport? Skijoring in the Mountain West
What is Skijoring?
[17:56–18:51] Aaron Braun
- A blend of “rodeo and Winter Olympics,” where horse-mounted riders pull skiers at speed through a slalom race full of jumps and ring-catching.
Cultural and Historical Origins
[18:21–18:51]
- Despite its American-Mountain-West flavor, skijoring originated in Scandinavia, originally with reindeer and later showcased in the 1928 St. Moritz Olympics.
Diverting and Dangerous
[19:55–20:51]
- The learning curve is steep; athletes compare it to wakeboarding and snowmobiling, but it’s unique:
“Not having a handle and the horse being galloping with an inconsistent type pull and having to make your gates, it makes it very exciting because... this is a lot harder than you think it is.” — Skijoring Athlete [20:30]
Community and Culture
[21:32–22:22]
- Events attract massive, varied crowds, from ranchers to ski enthusiasts to casual spectators watching the NFL playoffs beside the live action.
- Team names reflect the whimsical spirit:
“Fifty Shades of Haze...” “Two dudes and a stud...” “Blazing Saddles with a z at the end...” “Two idiots and a rope.” — Aaron Braun & Sasha Nauta [22:13–22:22]
Growing Popularity
[18:51, 21:12–22:45]
- From 1,500 spectators in 2017 to 10,000 expected this year in Utah.
- Hopes to feature in the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Britain’s Political Crisis: 01:28–10:36
- Assisted Dying in America: 12:02–17:40
- Skijoring Feature: 17:56–22:45
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Starmer’s position:
“He’s not toast this week, but it’s very hard to see how he survives for another three years.” — Sasha Nauta [10:09]
- On assisted dying laws:
“Law and lawmakers finally catching up with public opinion.” — Stevie Hertz [13:33]
- On skijoring’s challenge:
“Nothing can really compare to being pulled behind a horse at 40 miles per hour.” — Aaron Braun quoting athlete [20:51]
Summary
This episode masterfully combines the gravitas of British political scandal, the nuanced debate over death with dignity in America, and the joyful absurdity of a cowboy ski sport. Listeners are offered insight into the forces shaping public life, from Westminster intrigue to the intimate dilemmas of medical ethics, as well as a window into communities forging new traditions in the snow-laden American West.