Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - podcast cover

Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

WNYC Studioswww.wnycstudios.org
Daily thoughtful conversation about the latest news and politics.
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Episodes

A 'schism' in the Democratic Party?

On today's show: Lisa Kashinsky , national political reporter at POLITICO, talks about the Democratic Party's infighting and its broader implications for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race as establishment Democrats sweat over some key primary election wins by progressives in New York. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jun 26, 202623 minEp. 526

U.S. monopolies vs. workers, consumers

One of the key economic levers the government can manipulate are in pursuit of anti-trust policy. On Today's Show: Alvaro Bedoya , senior advisor at the American Economic Liberties Project and former FTC commissioner, offers his opinion on how the Paramount - Warner Brothers Discovery mega merger will affect everyday people and their jobs, and more on what he calls the pervasiveness of monopolies and their effects in the US today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...

Jun 22, 202623 minEp. 525

Sen. and Rev. Raphael Warnock on Isaiah in our times

Politics often involves matters of conscience, especially on consequential issues like gun violence, voter suppression and climate change. On Today's Show: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D GA), senior pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the author of (Penguin Press, 2026) draws on the book of Isaiah to offer a sermon on the moral crises facing America, and how to address them spiritually and politically. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informatio...

Jun 19, 202623 minEp. 524

Iran deal draft, annotated with David Sanger

An agreement has been reached between the United States and Iran to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Today's Show: David Sanger , White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times and the author of New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West (Crown, 2024), discusses the details of the deal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

Jun 18, 202623 minEp. 523

What to know about July student loan changes

On July 1, there will be changes to the student loan repayment system that change the situation for new and old borrowers alike. On Today's Show: Cory Turner , NPR education correspondent and senior editor, shares what's changing, and how those impacted can navigate the changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jun 15, 202621 minEp. 522

Trump redesigns America’s birthday party

As the country gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the plans that President Trump has in mind are raising eyebrows. On Today's Show: Michael Scherer , staff writer at The Atlantic , talks about his reporting on the conflicts over the 250th anniversary celebration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jun 12, 202623 minEp. 521

What the World Cup means at a time of global conflict

As top athletes from around the world gather for the World Cup, many are representing nations embroiled in military conflict. On Today's Show: Franklin Foer, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Harper Perennial, new edition 2026), talks about the new edition of his book and looks ahead to the start of World Cup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use ...

Jun 11, 202621 minEp. 520

Where science, politics and improv theater collide

As trust in science and institutions has eroded, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science is teaching scientists how to better communicate their work to lay people. On Today's Show: Laura Lindenfeld , PhD, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and professor of communication at Stony Brook University, explains how improv can help bridge the science gap, and how science communication intersects with politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...

Jun 10, 202621 minEp. 519

Bill Bradley talks NBA finals and politics

With basketball fresh on everyone's mind, someone with his feet in both the sports world, and the political world, discusses. On Today's Show: Bill Bradley , two-time NBA champion with the Knicks and former U.S. senator (D NJ), host of American Voices on Sirius XM and featured in the autobiographical documentary "Rolling Along: Bill Bradley" talks about this year's NBA finals, his take on national politics, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

Jun 09, 202622 minEp. 518

Ben Rhodes on America’s defining speeches

Speeches have an important history in the United States, not only for their historical impact, but for their role in shaping a national identity. On Today's Show: Ben Rhodes , contributor to MS NOW, the co-chair of National Security Action and an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts throug...

Jun 08, 202623 minEp. 517

What happened this week between Congress and the President

It's been a consequential week in D.C., as some issues, like war powers, have driven a wedge between President Trump and members of Congress, including some Republicans. On Today's Show: Elana Schor , senior Washington editor at Semafor, talks about the news out of Washington this week, including how some Republican senators are standing up to President Trump on war powers, the $1.8 billion dollar payout fund and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information...

Jun 05, 202623 minEp. 516

Martha Raddatz on heroes she has known and the Iran War stalemate

As the Trump administration continues to use the US military for geopolitical leverage, a look at the work of boots-on-the-ground service members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 04, 202622 minEp. 515

David Remnick on the Democratic Party’s “identity crisis”

Ahead of the midterms, a look at some key races. On Today's Show: David Remnick , editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, talks about the latest national political news, including the latest regarding the midterm elections, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jun 03, 202620 minEp. 514

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani takes listener questions

The far-left politics of NYC's new(ish) mayor have drawn national attention, and raised questions about the future of Democratic politics. On Today's Show: New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani takes questions from listeners and talks about this week's news in the city, and other issues important to New Yorkers, including childcare, trans healthcare and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Jun 02, 202622 minEp. 513

Trump wants many green card applicants to leave the country

The Trump administration announced that those seeking green cards would need to apply from their home countries, not within the U.S. as many had been able to do. On Today's Show: Allan Wernick , legal advisor to CUNY Citizenship Now!, CUNY's free immigration law service program, offers the latest guidance on who will be affected by the change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 29, 202618 minEp. 511

The case for getting involved in state politics

A recent Supreme Court decision weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. On Today's Show: Daniel Squadron , co-founder of The States Project, former New York State senator and author of the forthcoming book The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union (Zando, 2026), talks about the interplay between state legislatures and the redistricting fights happening now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

May 28, 202622 minEp. 510

Dem divides on display in our Goldman-Lander primary forum

On our radio show, we're kicking off a series of forums for candidates running for Congress in consequential, local races. On Today's Show: Dan Goldman , US representative (D, NY-10), and Brad Lander , former NYC comptroller and former mayoral candidate, discuss key issues as they campaign in the June primary election to be the Democratic nominee for Congress for New York's 10th congressional district. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

May 27, 202621 minEp. 509

Sen. Chris Murphy on solving our 'crisis of the common good'

On today's show: U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn., talks about his new book, Crisis of the Common Good: The Fight for Meaning and Connection in a Broken America (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2026), and the underlying crises that have resulted in our current politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 26, 202622 minEp. 508

The Trump Administration's Military Options 'On the Table' for Cuba

As the Trump administration ramps up its pressure campaign against Cuba, a look at what it means for the geopolitics of the region. On Today's Show: Nahal Toosi , Politico’s senior foreign affairs correspondent and columnist, discusses her latest reporting on how President Donald Trump and his aides have grown frustrated that their posture towards Cuba doesn't seem to be working, and what sort of military action might be on the table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

May 22, 202620 minEp. 507

Barney Frank's argument for incrementalism

Remembering Barney Frank and his recent advice for Democrats. On Today's Show: Hear excerpts from our 2015 interview with the former Massachusetts Congressman, followed by Jonathan Lemire , co-host of Morning Joe on MSNOW; writer for MSNOW and staff writer for The Atlantic , who talks about the late Barney Frank's advice for Democrats, including his defense of incremental change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

May 21, 202625 minEp. 506

Andrew Weissman on Trump’s $1.8 billion settlement with himself

A legal expert weighs in on the ways President Trump has used the legal system to evade accountability and enrich himself. On Today's Show: Andrew Weissmann , professor of practice at NYU School of Law, co-host of the podcast Main Justice and author of Liar’s Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America (Little, Brown, 2026), talks about the changes to the legal system needed to preserve US democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

May 20, 202619 minEp. 505

Goodbye Late Show with Stephen Colbert (and CBS itself?)

CBS has canceled "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." On Today's Show: As the final episodes air Bill Carter , editor at large for LateNighter.com, discusses what its loss says about today's media landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 19, 202619 minEp. 504

Trump asked Black voters “what do you have to lose?” Now they know.

President Trump and some of his administration officials have made recent 'gaffes' that could impact the GOP's prospects for the midterms in November. On Today's Show: David Graham , staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic daily newsletter, plus author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2025), offers analysis of FBI director Kash Patel's performance during Congressional testimony, plus how he says President Trump's recent gaff...

May 18, 202614 minEp. 503

Elon vs. Sam; Plus fighting “competitive authoritarianism”

A New Yorker journalist has been reporting on the AI dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, as well as developments around the new PM of Hungary. On Today's Show: Andrew Marantz , staff writer at The New Yorker and author of Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation (Viking Press, 2019), talks about his recent reporting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal da...

May 15, 202619 minEp. 502

Getting to yes vs. getting to no nukes in Iran

President Trump has claimed that the US will sign a nuclear deal with Iran, but there are major obstacles standing in the way. On Today's Show: Nate Swanson , former director for Iran at the National Security Council between 2022 and 2025 and current director of the Iran strategy project for the Atlantic Council, offers analysis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 14, 202617 minEp. 501

Why stocks shrug off inflation and the war

Between the impact of AI on the job market, and geopolitics on the energy market, the current economic situation is a lot to make sense of. On Today's Show: Kai Ryssdal , host and senior editor of Marketplace, talks about the latest economic news, including recent data on inflation, jobs and productivity, the effects of President Trump's tariffs and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 13, 202615 minEp. 500

Why Democrats could get more midterm votes but lose the House anyway

As the November midterms start ramping up, a look at some recent polling, and some redistricting battles that could impact the outcomes. On Today's Show: Mara Liasson , NPR national political correspondent, talks about the latest national political news, including what's happening in foreign policy as President Trump travels to China and a deal to end the Iran war is still not happening. Plus, she discusses the redistricting wars and what a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll found about the president's ...

May 12, 202614 minEp. 499

She named 'critical race theory' and 'intersectionality' and would like to explain

As academic terms like "critical race theory" have been reshaped by their use in political spheres, a conversation with someone who helped originate those ideas. On Today's Show: Civil rights scholar Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw , co-founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, founder and executive director of the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School, distinguished professor and Promise Institute chair for human rights at UCLA Law S...

May 11, 202622 minEp. 498

Now what? Janai Nelson after arguing the SCOTUS voting rights case

Today, SCOTUS released a decision in a gerrymandering case in Virginia, blocking Democrats from an election map with 4 more likely blue districts. On Today's Show: Janai Nelson , president-director counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, talks about the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Callais v. Louisiana, which they say gutted the Voting Rights Act. Plus, her reaction to the news that the Virginia Supreme Court overturned the voter-approved redistricting ballot measure that wou...

May 08, 202620 minEp. 497

Abortion pill rights, voting rights and the constitution according to Melissa Murray

Yesterday, the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be prescribed via telemedicine. On Today's Show: Melissa Murray , NYU law professor, co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny, MSNOW commentator and the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader (Simon & Schuster, 2026), explains the Constitution and how all the problems inherent in the founding are contained in it, ...

May 05, 202622 minEp. 496
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