It happened slowly, then all at once: a mature internet, in which a majority of Americans lived in some significant part online, reshaped our country in accordance with the malleable laws of the digital world. Some call this the “attention economy.” I call it the Clown World. In the context of democracy, the game is fundamentally changed, and the men and women who understand this — regardless of your personal feeling for them — are the most formidable voices in politics. Such figures include Donald Trump, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (with, to a lesser degree, the rest of the Squad), and now George Santos, the most scandalous politician America also just can’t seem to quit.

Last week, River Page profiled Congressman Santos in a great piece you should read in full if you haven’t already (The Indomitable Charm of George Santos). Today, Matthew Foldi guests with one of the most coveted things in politics and media: an exclusive interview with this near mythological public figure. The topic? His Oscar picks. But also: Hollywood, China, and a profile in contemporary populism.

The entire tech ecosystem may be burning down, but it's Oscar Sunday. Take a break and enjoy this surrealist work of art, which is also now reality (I did).