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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.

Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics

Episodes

More Election Stakes: AI Weapons And North Korean Cybercrime

Amid a frenetic campaign newscycle, we take a look at some of the very real challenges that the next president will have to tackle during their four-year term including AI-guided weaponry and a complex web of North Korean cybercrime. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, cybersecurity correspondent Jenna McClaughlin, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our edi...

Jul 08, 202417 min

Roundup: Dems Ask, Is Biden's Time Up? DOJ Post-SCOTUS Fears

With Congress returning to Washington next week and more lawmakers raising the possibility that President Biden should step down from the ticket, the president's ABC interview and weekend events will be closely watched by Democrats looking for a clear path forward. And after the Supreme Court ruled that presidents cannot be prosecuted for the work that makes up the core responsibilities of the office, some Department of Justice staff are worried that presidents could order them to do unethical o...

Jul 05, 202421 min

Trading Stock, Congressional Style

Our friends at the Indicator from Planet Money caught up with congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh to talk about her reporting on how members of Congress and their families trade stock. Then, in classic style, the Indicator team tried their hands at doing so themselves. We will be back in your feeds Friday with the weekly roundup. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 04, 202410 min

Biden Struggles With Dems; Trump Fundraising Hits Highs

As President Joe Biden continued to face fallout from his poor performance at the CNN Presidential Debate — including calls from fellow Democrats to drop out of the race — former President Donald Trump raised a lot of money, had his New York criminal sentencing delayed & won an immunity case at the U.S. Supreme Court. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Li...

Jul 03, 202414 min

Supreme Court Shifts Regulatory Power From Experts To Judges

In our wrap of the Supreme Court term, we reflect on the huge number of consequential rulings and explain some of the cases we initially did not have time to cover — including three that will dramatically reshape how financial, environmental and all other regulations work in the United States going forward. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is pro...

Jul 02, 202414 min

Supreme Court Grants Trump Broad Immunity From Prosecution

What the ruling means for the charges against Donald Trump, the power of the presidency and the movement to reform the Supreme Court. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of ...

Jul 01, 202417 min

Roundup: Supreme Court Abortion Ruling, Robert F. Kennedy

The Supreme Court largely punted on abortion access and curtailed a law the Department of Justice has been using to prosecute accused Jan. 6 insurrectionists. And NPR spoke with independent candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about why he is running a race he almost certainly cannot win. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, reproductive rights and abortion correspondent Elissa Nadworny, and All Things Considered host Scott Detr...

Jun 28, 202424 min

Biden Struggled, Trump Often Lied, CNN Didn't Fact-Check

President Biden fumbled in the CNN Presidential Debate, offering often rambling answers in a hoarse and quiet voice. Donald Trump, who also rambled, painted a characteristically dark vision of the country and repeatedly lied about his and Biden's records — which went largely unchallenged by CNN's moderators. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, campaign reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli...

Jun 28, 202412 min

Ahead of Presidential Debate, Voters Head To The Pools

Many folks have tuned out the news, unenthused about the rematch between historical unpopular presidential candidates. Ahead of Thursday's debate in Georgia, when some folks could be engaging with the campaign for the first time, WABE's Sam Gringlas sought out checked-out voters at a swimming pool outside of Atlanta. NOTE: In an earlier version of this podcast, a recording of Deanna McKay was played instead of a recording of Kerry Webster. The audio has been updated to include the correct record...

Jun 26, 202411 min

Julian Assange, Who Twice Upended Politics, Accepts Plea Deal

Julian Assange, who has long been imprisoned in the United Kingdom, has agreed to plead guilty to a U.S. felony and will return to his native Australia. His WikiLeaks organization's 2010 publication of military secrets helped to reshape public understanding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group later released private Democratic National Committee emails that the U.S. government says were obtained via a Russian cyberattack, as part of that government's effort to tilt the 2016 election to...

Jun 25, 202410 min

OTHER: The Independent Voters Who Dominate Arizona

Independent voters aren't necessarily swing voters. Most usually vote with one party. But in Arizona, they now represent the single largest group of voters in a state that is essential for both the presidency and control of the Senate. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. O...

Jun 24, 202413 min

Weekly Roundup: Debate Prep; Masculinity In Politics

Like two heavyweights looking for a rematch, President Biden and former President Trump have their first of two scheduled debates next week. But, this debate will look and feel different than others before — how are the candidates preparing? Plus, a look at the intersection between masculinity and politics, and Can't Let It Go. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. The podcast is produced by Jeon...

Jun 21, 202424 min

Talking About Abortion On The Campaign Trail

Nearly two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has been playing a large role in campaign messaging. We explore how both Democratic and Republican candidates are using the issue to shape their pitches to voters. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our ed...

Jun 20, 202413 min

Interview: Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J.

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., didn't expect to run for the Senate. But when Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted on corruption allegations, he decided to act. In a wide-ranging interview with NPR's Susan Davis, Kim talks about his decision, his political career, and his hopes for the future of American politics. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of...

Jun 19, 202417 min

White House Announces Immigration Action To Take Effect This Summer

In an executive action released today, President Biden announced plans to offer protection against deportation to an estimated half a million undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, and noncitizen minors & stepchildren of American citizens. It would also allow eligible immigrants to apply for legal permanent status. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and political correspondent Ashley Lopez. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Ca...

Jun 18, 202412 min

Trump Courts Young Voters

Young voters historically vote for Democrats. But, former President Trump's style and rhetoric are drawing attention among some casting their first ballots. We went to a conservative convention in Detroit to learn more. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, campaign reporter Elena Moore, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our execu...

Jun 17, 202413 min

Weekly Roundup: Trump on the Hill, older voters in Florida

Donald Trump returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since his supporters disrupted the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6, 2021. The event was a clear demonstration of how the party has coalesced entirely behind him. And voters over 50 are an essential part of both candidates' strategies. We traveled to Florida to speak with them about the issues they care about most. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, campaign correspondent Franco Ordoñez, congressional correspondent De...

Jun 14, 202422 min

Abortion Status Quo Remains For Now After Supreme Court Punt

In a unanimous decision, the justices ruled that the litigants did not have standing to bring the case. But there will more challenges to abortion access ahead, including another pending case this term. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, health policy correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin, and national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executi...

Jun 13, 202412 min

Dueling Arizona Ballot Measures Could Juice Voter Turnout

As abortion access advocates canvas the state gathering signatures to get a ballot initiative in front of voters, Republican lawmakers in Arizona advanced an immigration enforcement referendum of their own. Both are likely to drive turnout in November's election, though figuring out exactly who that benefits is complicated. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, politics reporter Ben Giles, and national political correspondent Sarah McCammon. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Ha...

Jun 12, 202415 min

Trump Calls DOJ Rigged. It Just Convicted Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden, the president's son, has been convicted on three felony charges tied to his purchase of a firearm while addicted to illegal drugs. President Biden says he will not pardon his son. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive pro...

Jun 11, 202410 min

Biden Makes A Longshot Play For Nikki Haley Voters

The Biden campaign has hired a former Republican congressional chief-of-staff to lead its outreach to Republican voters, but interviews and polling suggest that, even despite Donald Trump's felony convictions, Nikki Haley's supporters are likely to back the former president come November. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, ...

Jun 10, 202413 min

Politics Roundup: Hunter Biden Trial, Congressional Races

The president's son is being tried on federal firearm charges for allegedly lying about his drug use when he bought a gun in 2018. And as presidential primary season concludes, we turn our attention to the congressional races likely to determine control of the House and Senate. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales. The podcast is produced ...

Jun 07, 202419 min

Additional Trump Charges Likely Won't Be Decided By Election

The state charges in Georgia are on ice as Donald Trump and his team pursue an appeal, with initial arguments set for October. In the near term, Trump will need to select a vice presidential candidate and Sen. Tim Scott is making his case with a $14 million dollar effort to persuade Black voters. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, campaign correspondent Franco Ordoñez, campaign reporter Stephen Fowler and campaign reporter Elena Moore, The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Ca...

Jun 06, 202414 min

Money, Democracy, China: Understand the US-Taiwan Alliance

In the landmark bipartisan foreign aid package that passed earlier this year, there was money for two allies in ongoing military conflicts: Israel and Ukraine. But there was also money for the Indo-Pacific region. So why is the U.S. interested in the region and how is Taiwan involved? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, defense correspondent Tom Bowman, and foreign correspondent Emily Feng. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is B...

Jun 05, 202412 min

Biden Will Temporarily Bar Most Asylum Seekers At US Border

Following several record-high months for migrants crossings at the U.S. southern border last year, President Biden is taking executive action to swiftly deport would-be asylum seekers when the seven-day average of unauthorized crossings exceeds 2,500. It echoes past Trump administration policies and, pending expected court challenges, implements provisions laid out in a doomed bipartisan reform proposal negotiated earlier this year. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior natio...

Jun 04, 202413 min

Not Mad, Just Disappointed: Hear From Unenthused Voters

A huge portion of the American public doesn't like its choices this presidential cycle. So what will those voters do when they get to the ballot box? NPR partnered with Rich Thau of Engagious and Sago to put together focus groups and hear from them directly. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Susan Davis, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Lexie Schapi...

Jun 03, 202418 min

Weekly Roundup: Democracy and the Courts

Donald Trump, convicted yesterday of 34 felonies, held an event this morning where he continued his attacks on the judge who oversaw his case and the legal system as a whole. His allegations of a "rigged" process and politically-motivated judiciary have been echoed by Republican lawmakers of all stripes, in a major erosion of democratic norms. And Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is refusing to recuse himself from any cases after New York Times reporting revealed that flags associated with ele...

May 31, 202423 min

Donald Trump Guilty On All Counts In New York Criminal Trial

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election, a historic verdict as Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, campaigns again for the White House. This is the first time a former or sitting U.S. president has been convicted on criminal charges. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. The podcast was produce...

May 31, 202414 min

Democrats Haven't Won North Carolina Since 2008. Can Biden?

North Carolina is a purple state with a Democratic governor and a closely-divided, Republican-controlled statehouse. But Democrats have struggled to win presidential elections in that state since Barack Obama won there in 2008. That hasn't stopped the Biden campaign from investing there. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han...

May 29, 202415 min

Does Biden Have A "Red Line" On His Support For Israel?

President Biden's steadfast commitment to Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas hasn't changed, even as the civilian death toll tops 35,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. That is in contrast to many of his fellow world leaders — and to many of his own voters. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and national security correspondent Greg Myre. This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Ou...

May 28, 202414 min
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