Taking Long View
Personal memories, history and a changing world. travels, current affairs, social and political change as well as the environmental challenge. And! .... my travels and the wonderful people I have met. A reflection on the world around us. Exploring the people, places and events that have shaped our world — past and present.
Welcome to a space where the past meets the present, and where I try to use my experience and travel to bring history to life. These podcasts are my way of sharing stories, thoughts, some serious and some I hope you will find humorous. I invite you to join me in these conversations across time and place; past and present.
I'm a lifelong observer of the human story. From growing up in the 1950s to witnessing the rapid transformations of the 21st century in ways we never would have imagined. Hopefully you will find my commentary thoughtful and interesting.
Travel has been a big part of my life too. I’ve written about the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met along the way. I love exploring how culture, history, and everyday life all mix together. You'll hear those stories here too – sometimes reflective, sometimes funny, always honest.
I draw on my passion for both ancient and modern history – exploring how the echoes of the past inform our present and I delve into current affairs from time to time.
Enjoy!
Victor S Ient
https://ient.me.uk/podcasts/
Taking Long View
The American Midterms: Why Should We Care in Britain?
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Welcome to my podcast channel.
In this podcast, we are exploring some ‘what-ifs’ in advance of the US midterm elections. I'm very pleased to be accompanied by my good friend, Norman Baker, the Rt Hon Norman Baker. Since the end of his parliamentary career, he has become a commentator on a number of fronts, and it's not just the royal family. He now comments on a wide range of national and international affairs in the national press and on TV.
Elections Day in the USA is Nov 3, 2026, in just a few days time. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the US Senate are being contested. US Senate elections are staggered over six-year terms. About one third are elected every 2 years.
Norman and I have already touched on some international affairs in a previous podcast entitled ‘USA - Democracy to Dictatorship Under Trump’. This was first recorded in April 2026 just a few months after Trump started a war with Iran. As we all know the effect of Trump's War has had a massive effect on fuel prices with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continuing and out of his control.
Now Trump's actions on the international stage and the war against Iran are to be tested in the midterm elections in the United States. Will Trump's Republican Party win, with them staying in power in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, or will the Democrats win? It's a big question.
Currently, the Republicans have 53 seats in the Senate, with a majority of 6 seats. In the House of Representatives, they have 218 seats with a majority of 4 seats. There is 1 independent and there are 2 vacancies.
Anything could happen in the world of Trump. For now, sit back and take in this interesting podcast with Norman Baker, giving us an insight into the world of Trump and elections in the US!
Visit my website for more podcasts and articles - a space where the past meets the present, and where I try to use my experience and travels to bring history, places to life. Enjoy my travels by train and bicycle on trips through England, France and beyond. Check out my thoughts on current affairs and climate change, - some serious and some I hope you will find informative. Join me in these conversations across time and place; past and present.
