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POLITICO Tech

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The POLITICO Tech podcast is your download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. New episodes on Thursdays.
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Episodes

Where vaccinations are lagging and why

More than 60 percent of adults in the U.S. have gotten at least one vaccine dose, but when you look at the demographic breakdown, things don’t look too good. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, the FDA plans to add a warning about rare heart inflammation to Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines. And House Democrats propose a 14 percent funding budget boost for the IRS. Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive pr...

Jun 24, 202113 min

The cases for and against the filibuster

You hate it when you’re in charge, you love it when you’re not. POLITICO’s Rachael Bade reports on how the decades-old debate over the Senate procedure requiring 60 votes for most legislation to pass — and why it’s coming to a head. Plus, Sen. Warren stalls Biden’s pick to be the No. 3 official at the Education Department. And Biden taps a Russia expert to be the Pentagon's international security chief. Rachael Bade is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispa...

Jun 23, 202112 min

The Democratic shift on Israel

Netanyahu is out and the latest round of violence with Hamas is over, but progressives’ willingness to criticize Israel is here to stay. POLITICO’s Andrew Desiderio looks at the generational divide forming within the Democratic caucus. Plus, the U.S. imposes new sanctions on Belarus. And it’s Election Day in New York City. Andrew Desiderio is a congressional reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Amen...

Jun 22, 202112 min

The end of Big Tech’s glory days

There’s a new sheriff in town. Lina Khan, a staunch critic of Silicon Valley giants, has taken the reins at the FTC. POLITICO’s Leah Nylen looks at what Kahn’s ascension — and a new package of antitrust bills — could mean for Big Tech. Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders won’t back an infrastructure deal with more gas taxes or electric vehicle fees. And nearly two-third of Iowans are ready for Sen. Chuck Grassley to go. Leah Nylen covers antitrust for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatc...

Jun 21, 202113 min

How the Mormon Church learned to love medical marijuana

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent years opposing new cannabis laws in Utah. But in 2018, everything changed. POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig tells the unlikely story of how the Mormon Church helped broker a deal for medical cannabis legalization in Utah. Natalie Fertig is POLITICO's federal cannabis policy reporter. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Raghu Ma...

Jun 18, 202112 min

The year that broke America’s mayors

Covid, economic collapse, mass protests and unrest. 2020 was tough — especially for city leaders. POLITICO’s Lisa Kashensky explains why mayors across the country are calling it quits after a year like no other. Plus, Schumer says the Senate will vote to repeal the nearly two-decade-old authorization for the use of military force in Iraq. And the Justice Department watchdog says the U.S. Marshals Service has ‘inadequate’ resources to protect judges. Lisa Kashinsky is the author of POLITICO's Mas...

Jun 17, 202112 min

The mainstreamification of anti-vaxxers

Before the pandemic, anti-vaxxers were mostly fringe groups, falsely claiming that shots could cause autism in children. Now, Covid culture wars and red state laws to restrict vaccine mandates are reinvigorating the anti-vaccine movement nationwide — and that's a problem for ending the pandemic. POLITICO's Lauren Gardner reports. Plus, Biden nominates nine ambassadors. And progressive tech critic Lina Kahn is set to chair the FTC. Lauren Gardner is an FDA reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is ...

Jun 16, 202112 min

Biden, Putin and the ‘airing of grievances’

The state of U.S.-Russia relations isn’t great. And Biden and Putin have a whole platter of issues to scold one another about. But as POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi reports, you shouldn’t expect much more than sharp words to come out of tomorrow's summit. Plus, McConnell says he’d block a Biden Supreme Court nominee in 2024. And Eric Adams tops a new poll of New York mayoral candidates. Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi i...

Jun 15, 202112 min

A Biden-Macron bromance? And other takeaways from the G-7 summit

The Trump drama is out, but are world leaders ready for America to completely return to its leadership role? It’s a little more complicated than the photo-ops might suggest. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar reports. Plus, Pelosi calls for Barr and Sessions to testify over seized data records of prominent Democrats. And voting begins in the New York City primary election. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguc...

Jun 14, 202113 min

Where Trump, Covid and armed militias collide

The Idaho State Capitol has become a reflection of GOP infighting in the age of Trump and Covid. POLITICO’s Ximena Bustillo reports on a messy gubernatorial race where a Republican governor is being challenged by his own lieutenant governor — and an anti-government militant. Plus, the Labor Department says new workplace safety rules apply to healthcare settings but aren't required for most other industries. And most colleges plan to offer in-person learning for international students this fall. ...

Jun 11, 202113 min

Bernie: "Are you stoned now?" (Bonus mini episode)

That one time Sen. Bernie Sanders asked POLITICO's cannabis reporter if she was stoned. Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Listen to POLITICO Dispatch's two-part series "The edge of legalization": The edge of legalization, part one: Border weed The edge of legalization, part two: Ripe for corruption Learn more abou...

Jun 10, 20211 min

Hot vax summer, but who's invited?

Covid is receding in the U.S. But globally the pandemic is on track to be worse this year than in 2020 — and world health leaders are calling on wealthy nations to step up their game. POLITICO’s Carmen Paun looks at whether anything could come out of this week’s G7 summit. Plus, a new study says the top 1 percent will bear the brunt of Biden’s proposed tax hikes. And the White House plans new sanctions on Belarus. Carmen Paun is a global health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for ...

Jun 10, 202111 min

Can Boris and Biden put Brexit behind them?

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Biden are hoping to reaffirm their transatlantic alliance when they meet in Britain tomorrow. But as POLITICO Europe’s Esther Webber reports, lingering disagreements over Brexit could haunt them. Plus, Schumer says Democrats are somewhat open to changes on their sweeping elections bill. And the IRS opens an investigation into a report saying ultra-rich Americans paid little-to-no taxes. Esther Webber is the senior U.K. correspondent for POLITICO Eu...

Jun 09, 202114 min

You’ve been Manchined.

Sen. Joe Manchin’s name has become synonymous with the act of upending Democrats’ ambitious legislative goals. His latest victim? A massive bill aimed at combating voter suppression. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down what exactly is in the measure — and why the moderate Democrat decided to tank it. Plus, federal investigators recover more than half of Colonial Pipeline’s ransom payment. And 51 percent of Americans support Facebook’s decision to ban Trump for two years. Zach Montellaro cover...

Jun 08, 202114 min

Why the N.Y.C. mayor’s race is a hot mess

Eight candidates. A handful of scandals. And a new, complicated way of tallying votes. POLITICO’s Erin Durkin breaks down everything you need to know about the messy, confusing race to become mayor of America’s biggest city. Plus, the White House briefing room is returning to full capacity. And Sen. Joe Manchin says he has “all the confidence in the world” that there will be a bipartisan infrastructure deal. Erin Durkin is a reporter for POLITICO New York. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Di...

Jun 07, 202113 min

Will the GOP lose this Texas stronghold?

Fort Worth is one of the few major cities run by the GOP. But that could change this weekend. POLITICO’s Maya King reports on the mayoral race that has Republicans on the edge of their seats. Plus, the Biden administration announces where it's donating vaccines. And the DOJ is investigating Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over campaign contributions from his former employees. Maya King covers race and politics for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the execu...

Jun 04, 202113 min

Are to-go margaritas here to stay?

The pandemic sucked. But to-go cocktails? Not too bad. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg looks at whether pandemic perks, from liquor laws to telehealth regulations, will stick around after emergency orders are lifted. Plus, Senate Democrats call on Google to conduct a racial equity audit. And the White House announces new incentives to bump up vaccination rates. Dan Goldberg is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO au...

Jun 03, 202112 min

Biden’s big bet on a bipartisan infrastructure deal

Democrats and Republicans remain worlds apart on infrastructure. But Biden is holding out hope for a breakthrough in negotiations, even as Senate Democrats pave the way to pass legislation along party lines. POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago breaks down why Biden is betting big on bipartisanship (or at least the appearance of it). Plus, the White House announces new housing and business programs to tackle the racial wealth gap. And the ransomware attack on the world’s largest meat processing compa...

Jun 02, 202113 min

Can Bitcoin go legit?

It's big. But Wall Street wants it to be even bigger. POLITICO's Kellie Mejdrich reports on an effort to open up access to Bitcoin investment — and explains why its facing opposition in Washington. Plus, the TSA reports its highest number of travelers since the pandemic hit. And Biden visits Oklahoma to remember the Tulsa race massacre. Kellie Mejdrich is a financial services reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO...

Jun 01, 202114 min

Why the lab leak theory is unlikely

A lab leak can’t be ruled out yet, but experts still say Covid most likely came from an animal. POLITICO’s Lauren Morello explains why. Plus, California is handing out $116.5 million in vaccine incentives. And Senate Democrats pan Republicans’ latest infrastructure counteroffer. Lauren Morello is a deputy health care editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. ...

May 28, 202114 min

How to make transit more equitable and efficient

When the country shut down, transit ridership plummeted. Now, as things go back to normal, transit officials have an opportunity to reshape their systems to be more efficient and equitable. POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder reports. Plus, Facebook lifts its ban on posts claiming Covid-19 was man-made as Biden orders a closer review of the virus’ origins. And the ACLU sues West Virginia over its new transgender sports law. Tanya Snyder is a transportation reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for ...

May 27, 202112 min

Inside Lukashenko’s ‘state-sponsored hijacking’

Ryanair 4978 started like any flight. But everything changed when the plane was forced to land in Minsk at the behest of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to arrest a dissident journalist. POLITICO Europe’s David M. Herszenhorn gives an inside look at the flight that shook the world — and breaks down why the EU and the US might have to rethink their responses to the incident. Plus, McCarthy condemns Rep. Greene's Holocaust rhetoric as "appalling." And Senate Republicans plan to present t...

May 26, 202112 min

Where Prince lived and George Floyd died: One year later

A year ago, Minneapolis councilwoman Andrea Jenkins — the first African American openly trans woman elected to office in the U.S. — called for defunding the police in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Now, activists occupying the intersection where Floyd was killed are calling her a traitor. POLITICO’s Renu Rayasam talks with Jenkins about the tightrope of reforming law enforcement and protecting residents — and why George Floyd Square has become a source of heartbreak for her. Plus, Nation...

May 25, 202114 min

A legal shield for nursing homes

Families of people who died in nursing homes during the pandemic are filing lawsuits across the country. But nursing homes are using Trump-era liability protections to fight them. POLITICO’s Susannah Luthi reports. Plus, the U.S. condemns Belarus for forcing down a plane to arrest a dissident. And Sen. Susan Collins says she supports a commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection. Susannah Luthi is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny Ament i...

May 24, 202113 min

Microchips are becoming a macro-problem

They're in basically every piece of technology you use. And they're in short supply. POLITICO's Steven Overly breaks down why a microchip shortage is causing headaches in the auto industry and beyond. Plus, Biden signs anti-Asian hate crimes legislation into law. And the White House proposes doubling the size of the IRS. Steven Overly covers global trade, economics and technology for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Ir...

May 21, 202112 min

Will free beer and a chance at $1M save us from Covid?

Probably not, but it certainly won’t hurt. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg breaks down the state of vaccinations across the country — and some of the creative ways states are trying to curb sinking vaccination rates. Plus, the U.K. launches a new study on vaccine boosters. And the EU is set to allow vaccinated travelers to return. Dan Goldberg is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the execu...

May 20, 202112 min

Another GOP loyalty test

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is urging his party to oppose a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection. But a rebellion within his party is growing ahead of today’s vote. POLITICO’s Melanie Zanona reports on how the commission has become another litmus test for loyalty to former President Trump. Plus, Democrats abandon a push to delay the Biden administration’s latest arms sale to Israel. And TikTok refuses to appear before Congress. Melanie Zanona is a Congress rep...

May 19, 202113 min

Inside the GOP strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade

This moment has been decades in the making. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein reports on how Republican lawmakers have been intentionally passing strict abortion laws for years that will spark lawsuits in an effort to get a case challenging Roe v. Wade before the high court. Plus, the U.S. will send 20 million more vaccine doses abroad. And the Education Department plans to launch a Title IX hearing in June. Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health feporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for PO...

May 18, 202112 min

How to not wear a mask (but also maybe still wear a mask?)

The CDC says you don’t need a mask in most situations if you’re fully vaccinated. But some states — and businesses — aren’t fully onboard yet. POLITICO’s Adam Canryn looks at the sticky situations arising in the aftermath of the new guidance. Plus, Cheney continues to question the future of the GOP. And a group of Senators tout their effort to combat sexual assault in military as a template for bipartisanship. Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLIT...

May 17, 202112 min

Don’t freak out about inflation … yet.

Sure, prices are up. But it makes sense, given all the excitement about reopening. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why you shouldn’t worry too much about inflation — at least not yet. Plus, masks are off at the White House. And a government watchdog says HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge violated the Hatch Act earlier this year. Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament ...

May 14, 202112 min
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