Maria-view mirror: asking Venezuelans what they want now - The Intelligence from The Economist Recap

Podcast: The Intelligence from The Economist

Published: 2026-01-15

Duration: 21 minutes

Guests: Kinley Salmon

Summary

Venezuelans feel optimistic about a political transition following the U.S. raid that captured Maduro. Despite initial support for U.S. governance, they desire a quick return to democracy.

What Happened

The episode begins with a discussion about Venezuela's political future following the U.S. raid that captured Nicolas Maduro. Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition leader, is meeting with President Donald Trump, aiming to shape the future of Venezuela's governance. Exclusive polling reveals that Venezuelans are largely positive about the raid, with four out of five expecting political improvement within a year.

The polling conducted by Premis shows widespread disdain for Maduro, who is seen as responsible for torture, economic collapse, and election theft. Despite this, Venezuelans are divided on the role of U.S. governance, with nearly half supporting it temporarily, but most desiring a quick return to a democratic process.

Maria Corina Machado, although barred from the 2024 presidential election, remains a popular figure among Venezuelans. She aims to convince Trump of her capability to lead and to challenge the support for Delcy Rodriguez, who has taken over as interim president but lacks popular support.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of AI in children's lives, highlighting how it can personalize education but also potentially lead to loneliness. AI's influence is expanding rapidly in schools, especially in places like China, where AI tutors have become prevalent due to restrictions on human tutors.

Additionally, the episode explores the history and evolution of bagels, celebrating America's National Bagel Day. Bagels, once a niche Jewish product, have become a mainstream favorite, with New York and Montreal styles offering different textures and flavors.

The conversation underscores the importance of a democratic transition in Venezuela to ensure stability and economic investment. Maria Corina Machado's meeting with Trump is seen as critical in aligning U.S. interests with Venezuelan democratic aspirations.

Finally, the episode highlights the potential risks and rewards of AI in education, emphasizing the need for careful integration to avoid negative impacts on children's social development.

Key Insights