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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

Weekly Roundup: May 14th

Escalating Israeli-Palestinian violence presents a new hurdle for an administration that has tried to stay laser-focused on its own legislative agenda. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has once again updated their guidance: vaccinated people may stop wearing masks in most indoor settings. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, international correspondent Daniel Estrin, and congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell. Connect:...

May 14, 202128 min

Fuel Squeeze And Inflation Marker Could Create Trouble For Biden—If They Last

The president said the country's fuel supply will return to normal soon and that there was no cause for a run on gas stations. And a consumer goods price spike could give Republicans an easy-to-explain reason to oppose the president's high-dollar infrastructure bill. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@np...

May 13, 202115 min

House Republicans Oust Liz Cheney After Persistent Criticism of Donald Trump

She served as the Republican Conference Chair, the third-ranking leadership position among Republicans in the House. She intends to remain in Congress and says her criticism of Trump will continue. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, and senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to...

May 12, 202115 min

Biden Wants $10 Billion To Put Young People To Work On Environmental Projects

The president's Civilian Climate Corps proposal is a reboot of a New Deal era program that employed young men to build trails, parks, and other nature projects. While it is hard to say what will get through Congress, the initiative appears popular with a diverse set of voters. SEE PHOTOS OF NATE'S TRIP This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Scott Detrow, and national correspondent Nate Rott. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the ...

May 11, 202114 min

At Florida's Retirement Xanadu, GOP Firebrands Lead Their Own Trump Rally

House Republican bomb throwers Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz threw a rally at The Villages retirement community in Florida this weekend. It showcased how the Republican Party's base has dropped its ideological core to define itself by loyalty to Trump, even after his defeat. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, demographics and culture reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Em...

May 10, 202115 min

Weekly Roundup: May 7th

Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney currently sits as the third highest ranking Republican in the House, but that may not last long. She's at odds with her party over one thing: that former President did in fact lose the election. A rising star and Trump loyalist is now poised to take her position. Plus, as Biden punts on immigration reform, activists worry that no substantial change will come during his term. This episode: political reporter Juana Summers, congressional correspondent Susan Davis,...

May 07, 202125 min

Patents Are Just One Piece Of The Global Vaccine Manufacturing Problem

Technical expertise and supply chains shortages will pose huge challenges for global manufactures hoping to manufacture coronavirus vaccines, despite President Biden's support in waiving patents. Plus, how to convince more Americans to get vaccinated. This episode: political correspondent Juana Summers, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and pharmaceutical correspondent Sydney Lupkin. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Po...

May 06, 202115 min

Trump's Facebook Ban Remains, For Now

Facebook's moderation board has upheld the company's decision to suspend Donald Trump's account because of posts expressing support for rioters, though the board says Facebook should determine whether or not the ban is permanent within six months. This episode: political correspondent Juana Summers, tech correspondent Shannon Bond, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the...

May 05, 202114 min

Dems To Justice Breyer: Retire From Supreme Court While We Control Senate

Reeling from the political fallout after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, some liberal groups are pushing for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to retire from the high court while Democrats control the nomination and confirmation process. This episode: political correspondent Juana Summers, demographics and culture reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, and legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join t...

May 04, 202114 min

How Much Is Biden Willing To Compromise On His Infrastructure Plan?

President Biden has touted his desire to bring transformational change to American society, but his pursuit of compromise might curb what's possible on infrastructure. This episode: political correspondent Juana Summers, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily W...

May 03, 202112 min

Weekly Roundup: April 30th

This week, California's secretary of state confirmed that there are enough valid signatures to trigger a recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat. Newsom was praised last spring for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, so how did the tides turn against him? Also, federal investigators raided Rudy Giuliani's apartment this week as part of a probe into the former New York city mayor's activities involving Ukraine. This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, White ...

Apr 30, 202129 min

Census: More Seats For Texas, Fewer For California and New York

The first round of Census numbers out this week will help to determine each community's electoral clout and share of federal resources. An ongoing audit will help to determine if groups were correctly counted and the margin of error. This episode: demographics and culture reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, and Census correspondent Hansi Lo Wang. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics P...

Apr 29, 202115 min

Biden's Pitch to Congress: Make Government Great Again

In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Biden detailed how he says his two multi-trillion dollar legislative proposals will reshape American society. READ OUR COVERAGE This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, and political correspondent Juana Summers. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebo...

Apr 29, 202117 min

The Docket: "Mean Girls" Meets The Supreme Court

The Docket is a new ongoing series from The NPR Politics Podcast where we examine the major legal questions of our time. Where does a law come from, and how does it impact daily life? This year the Supreme Court will decide whether or not a student cussing out her school on Snapchat is free speech. The decision could have wide-reaching implications for students across the country. This episode: legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg and congressional correspondent Susan Davis. Connect: Subsc...

Apr 27, 202116 min

The Pandemic And Biden's First 100 Days

As President Biden nears his 100th day in office, how much credit is he due for curbing the pandemic and what challenges remain? This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and health correspondent Allison Aubrey. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout . Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter...

Apr 26, 202114 min

Weekly Roundup: April 23rd

In a 94-to-1 vote, the Senate passed a bill aimed at reducing hate crimes directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. And more than half of American adults have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine; reaching the rest will be harder. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and congressional reporter Claudia Grisales. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR ...

Apr 23, 202128 min

World Leaders Convene (Virtually) For White House Climate Summit

Ahead of the meeting, the US announced its goal to halve emissions from 2005 levels by the end of this decade. It was one of a number of pledges announced by world leaders at Thursday's Earth Day summit. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, White House correspondent Scott Detrow, and science correspondent Lauren Sommer. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to our playlis...

Apr 22, 202114 min

DOJ Announces Minneapolis Police Investigation; Biden Governs With An Eye On History

One day after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on murder charges, the U.S. Justice Department launched an investigation into possible patterns of discrimination and excessive force among the police department there. President Biden, the oldest man to occupy the nation's highest office, is conspicuously concerned with how history will remember him. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, national correspondent Cheryl Corley, national justice correspo...

Apr 21, 202115 min

George Floyd's Family, White House Push For Police Reform Law After Guilty Verdict

The jury has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all the counts he faced over the death of George Floyd. After the verdict, President Biden and Vice President Harris joined Floyd's family in calling on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, political correspondent Juana Summers, and national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the ...

Apr 21, 202115 min

White House Climate Adviser Gina McCarthy On Summit

How will the US slash emissions by 2030? White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy talks to NPR's Scott Detrow ahead of this week's climate summit with world leaders. This episode: White House correspondents Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Detrow. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout . Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter . Find and support your ...

Apr 20, 202117 min

Biden Holds Bipartisan Infrastructure Talks At White House

Members of the House and Senate, all former governors and mayors, attended a meeting at the White House today to talk infrastructure priorities with the president. A second infrastructure plan, in addition to the current $2 trillion plan under consideration, will focus on paid leave and childcare issues. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, and congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here ....

Apr 19, 202115 min

Weekly Roundup: April 16th

Testimony ended Thursday in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, facing charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd's death. After the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was halted in the United States, conspiracy theorists leveraged news articles to spread disinformation online. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, national correspondent Adrian Florido, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson,...

Apr 16, 202130 min

Americans Support An Expanded View Of "Infrastructure" But Not How To Pay For It

A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found that Americans generally support making things like broadband part of infrastructure, but they don't agree on how to pay for it. Plus, Republicans shift away from corporations to shore up their support from the white working class. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, and senior editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprp...

Apr 15, 202115 min

After Almost Two Decades Of War, Biden To Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan

President Biden says that U.S. troops will be out of Afghanistan by September 11th, 2021. The president said in an address Wednesday that after nearly two decades of conflict, there was no reason to continue to wait for an ideal time to leave. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving, and Justice correspondent Ryan Lucas. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show ...

Apr 14, 202115 min

White House Says It Will Meet Vaccine Goals Despite Pause In Johnson & Johnson Use

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommended pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six rare cases of blood clotting. The White House is emphasizing the condition is extremely uncommon, and it still plans to meet its goal of 200 million doses in President Biden's first 100 days in office. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and health reporter Selena Simmons-Duffin. Connect...

Apr 13, 202114 min

John Boehner Thinks The Republican Party Has Changed. Has It?

In a new memoir, the former Republican House Speaker says that even Ronald Reagan couldn't get elected in today's GOP. He decries obstructionist tactics used by Republicans, while acknowledging his role in pioneering them. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook ...

Apr 12, 202115 min

Weekly Roundup: April 9th

As lawmakers and security officials brainstorm security reforms for the U.S. Capitol complex, investigators have yet to disclose any evidence that extremist groups came to DC on January 6th specifically intending to raid the building. And President Biden's steady rollout of sweeping policy proposals has drawn plaudits, and surprise, from Democratic activists. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Claudia Grisales, Justice Department correspondent Ryan Lucas...

Apr 09, 202127 min

Biden Announces Gun Safety Agenda

President Biden announced a series of policy actions on Thursday aimed at curbing gun violence. Congressional action remains unlikely unless Democrats reform or eliminate the filibuster. This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, political reporter Juana Summers, and White House reporter Tamara Keith. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily ...

Apr 08, 202114 min

Activists Stoke Corporate Backlash To Voting Restrictions

States are facing pressure from corporations to dial back legislation that makes it harder to vote. Major League Baseball announced on Friday that it is relocating the All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to a new state law. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, KUT reporter Ashley Lopez, and WABE reporter Emil Moffatt. Connect: Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here . Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org Join t...

Apr 07, 202114 min

Top Biden Labor Economist: Boosting Black Women Benefits Everyone

Black people, in particular Black women, are historically among the last to recover from economic downturns. Janelle Jones, the first Black woman to serve as the top economist for the Labor Department, has a policy approach she calls "Black Women Best" that she hopes will rectify that. What can be achieved over Republican objections remains to be seen. This episode: congressional correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, and political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben. Conne...

Apr 06, 202115 min