We’re giving more money than any nation to the global vaccination program. But doses are better than dollars — and critics say we’re not giving enough. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, a CDC panel endorses the use of Pfizer's vaccine in young teens. And Republicans draw a ‘red line’ on infrastructure. Erin Banco is a health 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 POL...
May 13, 2021•13 min
What happens when you get Washington's four most powerful lawmakers in the same room with the President? Not much. POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris breaks down why you shouldn’t expect any major movement on infrastructure negotiations at today’s White House meeting between Biden, Schumer, Pelosi, McConnell and McCarthy. Plus, former Trump officials testify about the Jan. 6 insurrection. And federal agencies move to boost gasoline availability after the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. Sarah Ferris is a con...
May 12, 2021•13 min
The Biden administration has de-emphasized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But tensions in the region are making it hard to ignore. POLITICO's Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, the FDA authorizes Pfizer's vaccine for kids 12 to 15 years old. And California has a staggering $75.7B budget surplus. Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs 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...
May 11, 2021•12 min
Earlier this year, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stood by Rep. Liz Cheney’s side as she faced an unsuccessful attempt to strip her of her leadership position after voting to impeach Trump. Now, months later, McCarthy and his allies say she’s gotta go. What changed? POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers reports. Plus, Biden plans to appoint former union official Thea Lee to a key Labor Department post. And the White House’s Covid response chief has no regrets on the Johnson & Johnson pause. Olivia...
May 10, 2021•12 min
White House reporters have access to the highest seat in the country — and they’re a small group. An even smaller group? Reporters of color. On Dispatch, we're featuring a special episode of Playbook Deep Dive. POLITICO's Eugene Daniels gets honest with fellow Black White House correspondents April Ryan (TheGrio) and Ayesha Rascoe (NPR) about everything from microaggressions to death threats. “Covering the White House from Bill Clinton to now, race touches everything,” says Ryan. “Everything.” P...
May 07, 2021•35 min
There’s an app for everything. There’s also data on everyone. POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath breaks down how companies are slyly buying and selling the information we share with health apps — and explains why that data isn’t protected like medical records. This episode originally aired January 28, 2021. Mohana Ravindranath is an eHealth 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 produc...
May 06, 2021•13 min
Catastrophic earthquakes. Solar flares that bring down the entire power grid. The global rise of white supremacy. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff breaks down the other looming threats after the coronavirus pandemic. This episode originally aired May 8, 2020. Garrett Graff is a journalist, director of cyber initiatives at The Aspen Institute, and author of multiple books, including The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Nogu...
May 05, 2021•12 min
By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states have unintentionally created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism. POLITICO's Mona Zhang reports. This episode is the second in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws. Mona Zhang is POLITICO's states 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 P...
May 04, 2021•12 min
Welcome to Ontario, Oregon, home of the tater tot — and now, a massive marijuana market for customers crossing the Idaho border. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how the tiny town border town of 11,000 people became one of America's cannabis capitals — and what it means for other towns as weed legalization spreads. This episode is the first in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws. Natalie Fertig is POLITICO's federal cannabis policy reporter. Jeremy S...
May 03, 2021•15 min
We’re sick of it, too. So on today’s show, we’re not looking back at the past couple months of the Biden presidency — we’re looking forward to the next 100 days with POLITICO’s Anita Kumar. Plus, cruise lines could start operating again as soon as mid-July. And de Blasio wants a “full reopening” for New York City on July 1. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITI...
Apr 30, 2021•12 min
It might feel like Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are the center of the vaccine world, but there’s a lot more out there. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down everything you need to know about different vaccines in use globally. Plus, Biden is expected to invite lawmakers to the White House next week to discuss his big spending packages. And the Feds raid Rudy Giuliani’s home. Sarah Owermohle is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Nogu...
Apr 29, 2021•15 min
Florida politics are complicated. So is the future of the GOP. POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez talks with Miami’s Republican mayor Francis Suarez about where Florida fits into that future — and the possibility of stepping onto the national stage in 2024. Plus, there will be no designated survivor for Biden’s joint address tonight. And the Capitol rioter who posed inside Pelosi’s office is released from D.C. jail. Sabrina Rodriguez is an immigration correspondent for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a hos...
Apr 28, 2021•13 min
It’s the most diverse freshman class in the history of Congress. It’s also a group of lawmakers whose time in Washington has been marked by insurrection and hyper-polarization. POLITICO’s Eugene Daniels walks through conversations he had with three representatives from across the aisle: Byron Donalds, Nikema Williams and Ritchie Torres. Plus, the process of redrawing America’s political maps has begun. And the Justice Department launches a probe over Breonna Taylor's death. Eugene Daniels is a W...
Apr 27, 2021•14 min
For more than a century the U.S. has not formally recognized the killing of more than a million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI as genocide. Over the weekend, that changed. POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian explains what it means for Armenian Americans. Plus, the U.S. pledges aid to India amid a Covid surge. And a group of Senators Biden to push for Medicare expansion. Charlie Mahtesian is the senior politics editor for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi...
Apr 26, 2021•14 min
“If we miss this opportunity, God help us.” Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski. Two moderate senators smack in the middle — and on either side — of a split 50-50 Senate. On the first episode of Playbook Deep Dive , a new POLITICO podcast, the two friends open up in a rare interview with POLITICO’s Burgess Everett. They get personal: about reconciliation, frustration over the Senate’s hurdles — even why Murkowski hogs the best fishing holes. And Manchin reveals a major endorsement, heard first on thi...
Apr 23, 2021•28 min
The NRA is decimated and the GOP is out of power. For Sen. Chris Murphy, it’s an opportunity to do what’s been undoable for the past two decades. But as POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu reports, partisan gridlock might be unavoidable when it comes to gun legislation. Plus, Senate Democrats reject Republicans’ counterproposal to Biden’s infrastructure package. And 200 million Americans now have received vaccinations. Nicholas Wu covers Congress for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. I...
Apr 22, 2021•12 min
Guilty on all three counts. But is it justice? POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down why activists say yesterday’s verdict is only the beginning. Plus, GOP senators float a $600-800 billion infrastructure counteroffer. And the U.S. considers more weapons shipments to Ukraine. Brakkton Booker is a national correspondent and author of The Recast newsletter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the sen...
Apr 21, 2021•14 min
For nearly two decades, U.S. presidents have followed the advice of top military leaders and kept troops in Afghanistan. But last week President Biden ovverode the brass and announced a complete withdrawal. POLITICO’s Lara Seligman gives the inside story of how Biden’s team "sidelined’’ the Pentagon. Plus, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cracks down on debt collectors evicting tenants. And Yellen’s pick for the Treasury’s climate czar sparks backlash on the left. Lara Seligman is a Pent...
Apr 20, 2021•13 min
Kids aren’t just months behind in their classes, they’ve also been cut off from a key support system during the pandemic. POLITICO’s Delece Smith-Barrow — who sat down with a group of education leaders from across the nation to talk about bold, new ideas for post-pandemic schooling — breaks down how we can get schoolkids back on track. Plus, half of U.S. adults have now received a Covid shot. And Biden’s national security adviser warns “there will be consequences” for Russia if Navalny dies. Thi...
Apr 19, 2021•13 min
With tattoos and the looks of a WWE body double, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman isn’t your average politician. He says that will help win over working class Trump voters in his bid to flip an open Senate seat in 2022, but he’s facing resistance from fellow Democrats who think the party should pick the most progressive candidate possible — not another white man with Rust Belt appeal. POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein reports on how the race has become an inflection point in the party. P...
Apr 16, 2021•15 min
Sure, vaccines are the talk of the town. But Covid testing will still play a massive role in the return to some semblance of normalcy. POLITICO's David Lim reports on what's next for Covid tests — in schools and at home. Plus, prosecutors will not charge the U.S. Capitol Police officer who fatally shot a rioter on Jan. 6. And the White House Correspondents' Association cancels its 2021 dinner. David Lim is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny ...
Apr 15, 2021•13 min
POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle is one of more than 6 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine before regulators pressed the pause button over fears of extremely rare blood clotting events. Owermohle joins Dispatch to break down regulators’ decision to halt the J&J shots — and what it could mean for vaccine hesitancy. Plus, new data shows that 80 percent of student loan borrowers would have their debt completely erased if Biden agrees to a progressive proposal. And HUD...
Apr 14, 2021•16 min
Who is “Kacey Montagu”? POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago tells the wild and weird story of how a fictitious correspondent rose from the depths of internet role playing to the White House briefing room. Plus, Biden plans to nominate Pentagon veteran Christine Wormuth to be the first female Army secretary. And Secretary of State Blinken names Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the department’s newly created chief diversity and inclusion officer. Christopher Cadelago is a White House reporter for POLITI...
Apr 13, 2021•14 min
Almost a year ago, the Navajo Nation had the worst Covid infection rate in America. Now, it's vaccinated more of its population than any state. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez talks with Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel about how the nation fought back against the virus. Plus, Secretary of State Blinken says China has been forthright on the virus. And some Republican leaders aren’t pleased with Trump’s fiery Mar-a-Lago speech over the weekend. Jonathan Nez is the President of the Navajo Nation. Jer...
Apr 12, 2021•19 min
In the aftermath of mass shootings in Georgia and Colorado, President Biden signed several executive orders on Thursday aimed at reducing gun violence. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar digs into what they really do — and why they’re set to face obstacles in the courts and in red states. Plus, Florida sues the Biden administration over cruise restrictions. And senators are set to question two top health nominees next week. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO. Jeremy...
Apr 09, 2021•11 min
15 million doses. Gone. All because a plant accidentally mixed ingredients. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle looks at how such a big mistake happened. Plus, Virginia’s legislature votes to speed up marijuana legalization. And a Cuomo accuser says the New York governor urged her to stay silent. Sarah Owermohle is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO au...
Apr 08, 2021•12 min
The nation is on trial. And race is front and center in the courtroom. POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down three key moments from the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer charged with murdering George Floyd. Plus, the State Department says it isn't considering a joint boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. And California aims to “fully reopen” its economy by June 15. Brakkton Booker is a national correspondent and author of The Recast newsletter for POLITICO. Jeremy Si...
Apr 07, 2021•12 min
From Coca Cola to the MLB to Delta, big companies are criticizing a Georgia law that advocates say infringes on voting rights. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down what’s in the legislation — and looks at what the corporate backlash could mean for Republican efforts to change voting rules in other states. Plus, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoes a ban on youth transgender care. And former Rep. Katie Hill says Rep. Matt Gaetz should resign if allegations of sexual misconduct prove true. Zach M...
Apr 06, 2021•12 min
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, joins Dispatch to discuss rising Covid cases, vaccine passports, the timeline for returning to normal and — not joking — Lord of the Rings. Plus, the Derek Chauvin trial enters its second week. And Buttigieg defends Biden’s infrastructure plan amid Republican criticism of the price tag. Dr. Anthony Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Ir...
Apr 05, 2021•16 min
Expanded rail systems. Funding for crumbling roads and bridges. A new fleet of electric vehicles.. There’s a lot in Biden’s new infrastructure proposal. There’s also a big price tag. POLITICO’s Sam Mintz and Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel hop aboard the ‘$2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan Express’ for a quick tour of Biden’s goals — and look at whether they have any chance of making it through Congress. Plus, Democrats are poised to reintroduce legislation that aims to reshape college sports. And a group...
Apr 02, 2021•11 min
