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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

How Covid is reshaping telehealth

Virtual health care has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. Will it last? POLITICO's Mohana Ravindranath and Dan Diamond explain how the virus could change the future of medicine. Plus, more governors announce mask mandates. And Kansas Republicans kill a plan to delay the reopening of schools. Mohana Ravindranath is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive prod...

Jul 23, 202013 min

Inside the CDC's effort to address racial disparities

The CDC is deploying teams across the country to address racial disparities during the coronavirus pandemic. But the effort is running into a familiar problem: a lack of coordination from the highest levels of government. POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein explains why the deep and deadly problem can't be fixed without a dramatic shift in federal policy. Plus, Congress passes a defense bill requiring the removal of Confederate names from bases. And America's daily death toll tops 1,000 for the fi...

Jul 22, 202010 min

Another fight over Covid relief — with deeper divisions

Congress is back … and so is the battle over Covid relief that we've all come to know and love. POLITICO’s Marianne LeVine breaks down where lawmakers disagree — and why passing a sweeping, bi-partisan measure is going to be a lot tougher than it was at the start of the pandemic. Plus, Florida teachers sue over an emergency order to reopen their classrooms. And Democrats eye a voting rights package to honor John Lewis. Marianne LeVine covers Congress for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POL...

Jul 21, 20209 min

How Trump is trying to weaken Biden's support from minority voters

In 2016, the Trump campaign drove down turnout from Black voters in key battleground states by focusing on Hillary Clinton's past racist comments about "superpredators" and her support for legislation that led to increased incarceration, particularly among Black and Latino people. Now, they're trying to do the exact same thing with Biden. POLITICO's Holly Otterbein explains how Trump plans to weaken the former VP's support from minority voters. Plus, global Covid deaths top 600,000. And Trump do...

Jul 20, 202011 min

How much worse will it get?

The beginning of the summer looked good ... for, like, a minute. Then, states in the South and West started seeing new coronavirus surges. Now, the virus appears to be out of control in at least 18 states. POLITICO's Renu Rayasam explains why the worst has yet to come. Plus, Trump wants a payroll tax cut in the next relief bill. And the Supreme Court deals a blow to voting rights in Florida. Renuka Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITIC Nightly newsletter. Jeremy Sie...

Jul 17, 202011 min

The health department’s multi-million dollar face lift

Last year, POLITICO broke the story that a top Trump administration health official — CMS chief Seema Verma — was using tax dollars to hire GOP consultants to boost her image. Today, the health department's inspector general released a report confirming the story. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn and Dan Diamond explain why the controversy is relevant to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, Oklahoma’s governor tests positive for Covid. And American Airlines is telling 25,000 workers they cou...

Jul 16, 202013 min

The policy behind the nursing home problem

The nursing home industry has been pushing for looser regulations for years. And they got what they wanted at the start of the pandemic. But now, advocates say lax standards are fueling the virus' spread. POLITICO's Maggie Severns has the story. Plus, the CDC chief predicts late 2020 could be “one of the most difficult times we have experienced.” And the Trump administration reverses its international student policy. Maggie Severns covers politics and the coronavirus for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel ...

Jul 15, 202011 min

The toughest job in Washington

Mark Meadows came to the West Wing with big plans, hoping his friendship with President Trump would help him avoid turbulence. Then reality — and the coronavirus pandemic — hit. POLITICO’s Nancy Cook breaks down why it’s not so easy being chief of staff in Trump’s White House right now … or, really, ever. Plus, California rolls back reopening plans. And the IRS is cancelling uncashed stimulus checks sent to the dead. Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for ...

Jul 14, 202013 min

The politics of Medicaid in a pandemic

President Trump and Republicans have pushed to roll back Medicaid for years. But now, as more people seek government-run health assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic, those plans have hit a brick wall. POLITICO's Rachel Roubein explains how the politics of Medicaid are shifting. Plus, Democrats slam Trump's commutation of Roger Stone's prison sentence. And Florida shatters the single-day coronavirus case record. Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host ...

Jul 13, 202011 min

The fight over schools

President Trump is calling for schools to reopen this fall despite rising coronavirus cases. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar reports on how the push isn’t just about education — it’s about the economy and the election. Plus, the WHO acknowledges the potential for airborne coronavirus spread. And Dr. Fauci says states with surges should pause reopening. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executiv...

Jul 10, 202010 min

Half a year of Covid

It's been 6 months since the World Health Organization warned about an unknown virus circulating in Wuhan, China. Now, the US has more than 3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and there are more than 12 million globally. POLITICO's Dan Diamond breaks down how we got here — and what's next for the rest of 2020. Plus, the CDC is updating its guidelines for schools to reopen. And the Ivy League cancels fall sports. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for ...

Jul 09, 202013 min

A spike in families struggling to get enough food

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in families considered food insecure — and that’s true across demographic groups. But for Black and Hispanic families, the numbers are unprecedented. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich breaks down how the pandemic has intensified pre-existing disparities. Plus, Trump says he’ll pressure schools to reopen. And the US is formally withdrawing from the WHO. Helena Bottemiller Evich is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a...

Jul 08, 202011 min

Why November is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for Democrats

In 2010, Republicans won state houses across the country and redrew electoral maps to their advantage. Now, as President Trump trails in the polls, Democrats see an opportunity to take back power. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki explains why the party is starting to think bigger than just beating Trump — and what message Biden needs to send to help Dems in down-ballot races. Plus, America's coronavirus death toll tops 130,000. And the Supreme Court says states can punish "faithless" electors. Natasha...

Jul 07, 202011 min

Inside Operation Warp Speed

Yeah, it’s got a cool name. But what exactly is it? POLITICO’s Dan Diamond takes us inside the federal government’s $10 billion dollar effort to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine — and explains why it’s dangerous to bet on a vaccine that might never come. Plus, Trump changes his tune on face masks. And the House passes a massive infrastructure bill. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLIT...

Jul 02, 202013 min

The anti-mask movement

Last year, it was anti-vaxxers. Now, it’s anti-maskers. POLITICO’s Mackenzie Mays looks at how the same activists are once again turning a public health issue into a culture war — and why that’s a big problem for state lawmakers and school teachers. Plus, Oklahomans vote to expand Medicaid. And the Senate agrees to extend the small business rescue program. Mackenzie Mays is a reporter for POLITICO California. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer ...

Jul 01, 202011 min

The epidemic behind the pandemic

Remember the opioid epidemic? America’s other big health crisis? It’s still here. And getting worse. But as POLITICO’s Brianna Ehley reports, attention — and resources — are mostly going to the pandemic, as overdoses rise in its shadow. Plus, the WHO warns the pandemic is speeding up globally. And China passes a sweeping law giving it more power over Hong Kong. Brianna Ehley is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer ...

Jun 30, 202013 min

Trump’s church dilemma

A month ago, President Trump pushed governors to let churches reopen. Now, he’s got a problem on his hands with several coronavirus clusters tied to houses of worship across the country. POLITICO’s Gabby Orr explains why churches can be super-spreaders — and why Trump is in a bind as he tries to keep evangelical voters on his side. Plus, governors are reimposing coronavirus restrictions. And the number of global cases tops 10 million. Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Sieg...

Jun 29, 202011 min

Cases are surging. Where’s the White House?

Multiple states are seeing alarming spikes in coronavirus cases. But the White House has remained hands-off, attributing the surge to an increase in testing. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn explains how that’s left state officials overwhelmed — and why those claims about testing are misleading. Plus, the Trump administration calls for the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare. And the Health Department whistleblower claims he’s facing retaliation. Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jerem...

Jun 26, 202013 min

Trump’s 180 on China

First, he praised President Xi’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he’s blaming China (again). POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down Trump’s back and forth on China — and how John Bolton’s explosive memoir sheds new light on the White House’s response to the pandemic. Plus, the House is set to pass a sweeping police reform bill. And Democrats urge delegates to stay away from their party convention. Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLIT...

Jun 25, 202011 min

The coronavirus goes red

As the coronavirus surges in Texas, Florida and Arizona, it’s hitting counties that lean Republican more than Democrat-leaning ones. POLITICO’s Texas correspondent Renu Rayasam explains why. Plus, NY incumbent Elliot Engel’s time in the House appears to be over. And Dr. Fauci says he's still optimistic there will be a vaccine by the beginning of next year. Renu Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. ...

Jun 24, 202014 min

A crisis for mental health providers

Demand for mental health and addiction services has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. But providers are strapped for cash and say they aren’t getting the help they need. POLITICO’s Rachel Roubein explains the two-fold crisis — and why providers shouldn’t count on a quick fix from Congress. Plus, Dr. Fauci’s headed to the Capitol. And Senate Democrats threaten to block the GOP’s police bill. Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch...

Jun 23, 202013 min

Why Tuesday could be another election disaster

Chaos. Confusion. Hours-long lines. That’s what we saw in Georgia’s primary election — and likely what we’ll see in New York and Kentucky this week. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro explains why. Plus, Biden outraises Trump. And Trump plans to extend his executive order restricting foreign workers. Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenn...

Jun 22, 202013 min

What the US can learn from Europe’s coronavirus response

Countrywide lockdowns. Closed borders. Coordination between nations. The EU’s unified response to the coronavirus has squashed a spike, while a number of states in the US have seen a surge. POLITICO’s Sarah Wheaton breaks down what America can learn from Europe — and what both regions can learn from the resurgence in China. Plus, Facebook removes Trump ads that have symbols used by Nazis. And Trump wants more debates with Biden. Sarah Wheaton is a senior health reporter for POLITICO Europe. Jere...

Jun 19, 202012 min

The problem with a coronavirus vaccine

The Trump Administration is rushing the production of a coronavirus vaccine. But it probably won’t be widely available until next spring or summer — and that’s if it even works. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle and Dan Diamond give the hard truths about a coronavirus vaccine. Plus, John Bolton claims Trump asked China for help getting reelected. And Senate Democrats are split on what to do with the GOP police reform bill. Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO. Dan Diamond is health policy re...

Jun 18, 202013 min

Can Congress save the economy?

Sure, the economy’s shown some positive signs recently, with a spike in retail and lower-than-expected unemployment. But that good news may be fueled by the government’s massive coronavirus relief measures — some of which are set to expire soon. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why Congress might need to take more sweeping action to keep the economy afloat. Plus, Sen. Tim Scott plans to introduce his police reform bill. And a judge allows Trump’s Tulsa rally to go on as planned. Victoria Gu...

Jun 17, 202012 min

The complicated case of Covid in Florida

When images of packed Florida beaches flashed across TV screens, critics grimly predicted overrun hospitals. But that didn’t happen. Now as Florida prepares to host the GOP convention, cases are spiking. POLITICO’s Marc Caputo breaks down how concerned Governor Ron DeSantis — and his political ally President Trump — should be. Plus, Trump prepares to unveil his executive order on policing. And surprise! The GOP largely backs Gorsuch’s LGBTQ decision. Marc Caputo covers Florida and the 2020 elect...

Jun 16, 202013 min

Will contact-tracing apps save the day?

Health experts say contact tracing is essential while we wait for a coronavirus vaccine. But tracing the virus’ spread requires a lot of work … and a lot of people. POLITICO’s Steven Overly explains how apps could save the day — and why a lack of coordination between states could spell trouble. Plus, the police killing of a black man in Atlanta sparks more unrest. And Europe’s borders reopen. Steven Overly covers technology policy for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Iren...

Jun 15, 202014 min

Inside the city that disbanded its police department

Camden, New Jersey, was once known as the most dangerous city in the country. Now, it's being held up as an example of policing reform. POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan explains the complicated history of how Camden dismantled and rebuilt its police department — and what other cities can learn. Plus, Trump says he’s working on an executive order on policing. And Wall Street is looking gloomy. Katherine Landergan is a New Jersey reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. ...

Jun 12, 202012 min

The White House's growing silence on coronavirus

States are lifting restrictions. The masks are coming off. But coronavirus is still here. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond explains why the White House has gone quiet on the crisis even as cases spike — and looks at how public health experts are struggling to find a unified message on protesting during the pandemic. Plus, confirmed cases in the US top 2 million. And Trump is headed to Oklahoma for one of his signature rallies. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host f...

Jun 11, 202013 min

How drug policy fueled racism in policing

“America’s public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse.” With that statement in 1971, President Richard Nixon’s war on drugs began — and policies that target black and brown communities became embedded in America’s criminal justice system. POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig explains how decades of drug policy have fueled the crisis in policing that’s unfolding today. Plus, George Floyd is laid to rest. And the WHO walks back confusing claims about asymptomatic spread of coronavirus. Natali...

Jun 10, 202014 min
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