Before we get started, I would like to bring your attention to the next Americano Live event.

The last one was a huge success, and we anticipate this one will be as big, if not bigger,

to get all Trumpy about it. It's Americano Live's Trump's first 100 days. I will be hosting it,

and I will be joined by the great Lionel Schreiber. We will be talking about

all things Trump. There's a hell of a lot to cover, but we'll do our best to cover the lot.

Do join us. It's at the Emanuel Centre on Wednesday the 30th of April and the discussion,

according to the blurb here. the discussion starts at 7.30pm

book your tickets

at spectator.com.

UK forward slash Shriver

which is spelled S-H-R-I-V-E-R

as I'm sure you already knew.

Please come.

The you. Please come. Hello and welcome to Spectator Out Loud. Each week we choose some of our favourite

articles from the magazine and ask their writers to read them aloud. I'm Patrick Gibbons

and on this week's podcast, reacting to the news for Marine Le Pen's

band from standing in elections, Gavin Mortimer looks at how the French right can still win.

Colin Freeman interviews the American soldiers who fought in Ukraine and feel betrayed by Trump.

Lawrence Osborne reads his diary from Bangkok, where the city is still reeling from an earthquake last week.

Inspired by her parents' almost too happy marriage, Lionel Shriver argues we should stick up for traditional monogamy against the world of dating apps and singledom.

And finally, Anthony Cummings examines media satire and settled scores as he reviews Natasha Brown's universality.

Up first, Gavin Mortimer.

...