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The NPR Politics Podcast

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

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Episodes

Abortion Is On Ohio Ballots — What You Need To Know

Voters will decide whether to codify reproductive rights in the state's constitution this Election Day, continuing a trend of state referenda on abortion access after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. Ohio's current abortion ban, prohibiting the procedure after six weeks, is currently on hold due to a legal injunction. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Sarah McCammon, and Ohio Statehouse News Bureau political reporter Jo Ingles. The podcast is...

Nov 06, 202314 min

Weekly Roundup: New Speaker, Same Challenges

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) has a lot on his agenda — aid to Israel and Ukraine, a looming government shutdown & more. He'll need bipartisan support to get things done, but how doable that is remains to be seen. And, polls in New Hampshire are tightening ahead of January's primaries — even with a major candidate off the ballot entirely. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior political editor and correspondent Domen...

Nov 03, 202324 min

Republicans Turn On Tuberville Over Military Blockade

Senate colleagues are frustrated with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who continues to block appointments to the military chain of command as a form of protest over policy allowing servicemembers to reproductive care. And, efforts to castigate three House members fell short. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, political correspondent Susan Davis, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman, and congressional reporter Eric McDaniel. The podcast is edited by Casey Morell. It is produced by Elen...

Nov 02, 202317 min

Democrats Divided Over Israel

President Biden has offered strong support for Israel in its war against Hamas, even traveling to the country to show the United States' commitment to Israel's defense. But that stance has some Democrats sharply critical of the Biden administration for not focusing enough on the war's impacts on Palestinians — something that might be a problem as the president campaigns for reelection. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and White House c...

Nov 01, 202315 min

How A Colorado Trial Could Force Trump Off The Ballot

A suit filed in the state alleges the former president is ineligible to seek public office based on a provision in the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. What does the suit claim, and what could happen next? This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, Colorado Public Radio public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is edited & produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock acce...

Oct 31, 202312 min

Term Limits Won't Fix Congress — Here's What Might

The idea of term limiting congressional representatives tends to poll well, but — in practice — the idea probably wouldn't reduce extreme partisanship or curb outside influence. But there are some ideas, like multi-member districts and reforms to primary elections, that could make a big difference. This episode: congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, voting correspondent Ashley Lopez and senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Mo...

Oct 30, 202318 min

Roundup: GOP Boosts Power By Gerrymandering North Carolina

Drawing congressional and statehouse districts in a way that solidifies a party's political power is a primary driver of the country's extreme, hyper-partisan political environment. Here's how the fight over new maps in Georgia and North Carolina is expected to reshape national politics. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, Georgia Public Broadcasting reporter Stephen Fowler, voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving. The podcast ...

Oct 27, 202322 min

Trump Allies Take Plea Deals In Georgia — How That Changes The Case

Trump-aligned lawyers Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Jenna Ellis have agreed to plea deals in a Georgia case related to Trump's effort to overturn Biden's election win in the state. That might help prosecutors there build a strong case against Donald Trump himself. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, WABE Sam Gringlas, and justice correspondent Ryan Lucas. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni...

Oct 26, 202313 min

Meet Mike Johnson, The Republican Just Elected Speaker Of The House

The Louisiana Republican is known as an easy friend among his colleagues, a devout Christian and fervent social conservative who joined the majority of his Republican peers who voted against certifying Joe Biden's presidential election win. He won unanimous party support in a vote before the full House — and now faces the tough job of leading the Republican conference and keeping the government open. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, political correspondent Susan Davis, and co...

Oct 25, 202318 min

Trump And Allies Doom Latest GOP Speaker Nominee, GOP Regroups

"I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them," Donald Trump said in a post on his platform Truth Social. Emmer, a Minnesota Republican and former head of the House GOP's campaign arm, withdrew from the race soon thereafter after failing to garner support roughly 20 firm detractors. The conference will now regroup in an effort to find a new path forward. This episode: campaign corre...

Oct 24, 202312 min

Can GOP Remake Election Data System Undermined By Conspiracies?

The Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) helps member states keep their voter rolls up-to-date, which prevents voter fraud. But after a slew of GOP-led states stopped participating in the compact under pressure from voters swayed by conspiracy theories about the group, Republican election officials are now struggling to come up with adequate alternatives. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and national political correspondent Mara ...

Oct 23, 202313 min

Who Wants To Be Speaker Of The House Of Representatives?

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed to win a majority of votes in the House on his third attempt to become speaker. The Republican conference then decided Jordan will not be their nominee for the role going forward, bringing the chamber back to a now familiar impasse. How will Congress move forward, and will it do so in time to act on President Biden's Oval Office request for more military funding for wars in Israel and Ukraine? This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political ...

Oct 20, 202322 min

Republican Chaos: Still No Clear Path To Speaker

After wavering and backing a temporary leader, Rep. Jim Jordan says he will push ahead with another round of voting in his bid to become Speaker of the House. Meanwhile, President Biden is set to address the nation from the Oval Office to pressure Congress to pass aid for Israel and Ukraine. This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and ...

Oct 19, 202314 min

In Israel, Biden Affirms Support, Warns Against Acting Out Of Rage

The president delivered the remarks during his trip to Israel. An additional stop in Jordan to meet with Egypt's leader and the head of the Palestinian Authority was cancelled. Majorities of both parties in the U.S. favor American support for Israel. And, despite an ascendant isolationist inclination within the Republican Party, the deeply rooted pro-Israel sentiment among the party's white evangelical base has remained steadfast. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, campaign cor...

Oct 18, 202311 min

If Republicans Don't Solve Their Spat, Congress Can't Pass Laws

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio was opposed by twenty of his fellow Republicans in a vote before the full House today, leaving him far short of the support he needs to become Speaker of the House. He's called for another vote tomorrow. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi...

Oct 18, 202312 min

Voters Have Complicated Views Of Biden's Climate Action

The White House describes the $369 billion of spending inside the Inflation Reduction Act as the biggest investment in combating climate change in the history of the world — but climate-minded voters remains frustrated about concessions he's made to allow fossil fuel extraction as the country continues to face extreme temperatures and billion-dollar disasters. This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and climate correspondent Nate Rott. The podca...

Oct 16, 202316 min

Roundup: Congress Still Stalled, Republicans Can't Agree On Leader

With a massive humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, dwindling funds for Ukraine and a rapidly approaching budget deadline, Republicans selected Jim Jordan as their latest nominee for speaker — though, with a number of Republicans still openly opposing him, he still needs to work to get to the 217 vote threshold. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by...

Oct 14, 202318 min

Trump Visits Early States As Crowded Field Stymies Rivals

Donald Trump has visited Iowa and New Hampshire more frequently in recent months, though skipping the retail politicking that has historically defined the campaign culture of the early states. It hasn't seemed to impact his standing in the polls though — his rivals continue to stagnate with no clear way to resolve their collective action problem. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, campaign correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national political correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The ...

Oct 12, 202312 min

Can Republicans Unite Behind Steve Scalise As Speaker?

The conservative Louisiana Republican has now been backed by his primary rival in the race for Speaker, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. But it is not yet clear if Scalise can martial the support of the full GOP conference and win the Speaker's gavel. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, political correspondent Susan Davis, and congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni...

Oct 11, 202313 min

Congress Can't Pass Israel Aid Until House Republicans Find Consensus

Republicans must pick a Speaker of the House before Congress can pass any legislation — and are facing new pressure to move quickly in order to respond to a war in Israel that has left hundreds of civilians dead, including at least 14 Americans. This episode: campaign correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and political correspondent Susan Davis. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni ...

Oct 10, 202314 min

SCOTUS Banned Affirmative Action — Except At Military Service Academies

This summer, the Supreme Court overturned the legality of race-based affirmative action at higher education institutions everywhere, with one glaring exception: military service academies. Members of the conservative-leaning court like Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice John Roberts have long been staunch opponents of affirmative action initiatives, but in the case of service academies, the majority opinion cited that diversity in the officer ranks of the military was a "battlefield issue." Tod...

Oct 09, 202337 min

Roundup: Abortion Could Soon Be Back Before Supreme Court

And U.S. officials are likely to show up empty-handed to a international meeting coordinating aid to Ukraine as House Republicans block additional funds. Some lawmakers say they want to understand an end game for the conflict before authorizing spending, as analysts say the conflict has evolved into a grinding war of attrition. We want to hear from you about the show: npr.org/politicssurvey This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman, senior political e...

Oct 06, 202323 min

Most Trump-Leaning Independents: He Shouldn't Be POTUS If Convicted

According to the latest NPR/ PBS NewsHour /Marist poll, 49% of Americans believe he has done something illegal and an additional 26 percent believe he has done something unethical but not illegal. Still, half of all independents prefer Trump to Biden — just 42% support the sitting president. We want to hear from you about the show: npr.org/politicssurvey This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and national political correspondent Mara Liass...

Oct 05, 202317 min

This GOP Fight Could Devastate George W. Bush's Global Health Win

Concern from some Republicans over abortion — and resurgent skepticism of foreign aid — could severely curb the effectiveness of the AIDS prevention program PEPFAR. Also known as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR is credited with saving more than 25 million lives since it began in 2003. We want to hear from you about the show: npr.org/politicssurvey This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, global health correspondent Nurith Aizenman, and senior political editor and...

Oct 04, 202314 min

Speaker McCarthy Fired By Hardliners As GOP Coalition Collapses

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was joined by seven other Republicans and the Democratic party in a first-of-its-kind maneuver. There is no plan for what comes next. We want to hear from you about the show: npr.org/politicssurvey This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Susan Davis, and congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock acces...

Oct 04, 202315 min

McCarthy Fails To Unite GOP, Turns To Dems To Keep Government Open

Speaker McCarthy, unable to marshal his conference, relied on Democrats to fund the federal government for another 45 days. The deal puts his job in jeopardy and kicks the can down the road as House Republicans will still need to reach party consensus on government spending and aid to Ukraine in order to pass comprehensive government funding bills next month. This episode: White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Susan Davis, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson....

Oct 02, 202313 min

Roundup: Feinstein's Legacy, Shutdown, Biden And Democracy

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, is dead at 90. The government is about to shutdown over intra-GOP disagreements. And Biden gave a speech warning about the continuing threats to American Democracy. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House reporter Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive ...

Sep 29, 202329 min

House Republicans, In Search Of A Crime, Launch Biden Impeachment

The hearing focused on the business practices of his son's efforts and insinuations that, while serving as vice president, Biden used his office to enrich himself or his family. So far, the Republicans have no substantive evidence to support that claim. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and political correspondent Susan Davis. The podcast is was produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive produce...

Sep 28, 202315 min

Candidates Debated. But They Probably Still Can't Beat Trump

Seven Republican primary candidates not named Donald Trump debated Wednesday night in the Reagan Library in California. There were some interesting policy questions, plenty of infighting and basically no signs that any of these folks can surge to overtake the former president and win the primary. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea. The pod...

Sep 28, 202317 min

Growing Public Support For Unions Helped Push Biden To Picket Line

In what is likely a first, the sitting president of the United States joined a picket line. Biden made a brief stop in Michigan wearing a ball cap and quarter-zip to address picketing auto workers through a megaphone. Trump will campaign with auto workers tomorrow. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and national political correspondent Don Gonyea. The podcast is was produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Ou...

Sep 26, 202316 min
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