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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

Mass Shootings And Extremism Are Top White House Concerns

Vice President Harris is in California after a number of mass shootings in the state. The US Secret Service is out with a report documenting trends in attacks resulting in mass violence. And details on how one Nazi extremist group is recruiting new members in Florida. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, politics reporter Deepa Shivaram, and domestic extremism correspondent Sergio Olmos. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. O...

Jan 26, 202314 min

United States And Its Allies To Provide Tanks To Ukraine

The move, announced by President Biden in a speech from the Roosevelt Room of the White House, is the latest in a continued escalation of military equipment headed to the country from the U.S. and its allies. It comes as somewhat of a surprise: as recently as last week, top Pentagon officials were insisting that they would not send tanks. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. This episode was produced b...

Jan 25, 202312 min

Dems Don't Love 2024 Senate Maps Like The GOP Does

Democrats head into the 2024 elections needing to defend far more seats in the Senate than their Republican counterparts. With potentially vulnerable incumbents in Montana & West Virginia — and a potential three-way race in Arizona — the GOP seeks to capitalize. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and political correspondent Susan Davis. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our execu...

Jan 24, 202317 min

FBI Searches Biden's Home; Harris Speaks Out For Abortion Rights

The White House said FBI agents searched President Biden's Delaware home on Friday, finding more items with classified markings. The search took place voluntarily, and without a search warrant. Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Florida on Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Her speech came alongside new announcements in White House policy concerning reproductive rights. This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, politics reporter Deepa Shivaram, and...

Jan 23, 202313 min

Ruminations On Supreme Court Leaks, Classified Documents & Preferred Fonts

Documents were at the heart of Washington news this week. A Supreme Court investigation into who leaked a draft opinion of the decision overturning Roe v. Wade failed to identify who was responsible; the White House's communications strategy in handling the president's classified document dilemma has left much to be desired; and, a State Department decision to change fonts has our cast thinking. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, pol...

Jan 20, 202326 min

PPP Loans Provided Lots Of Cash Assistance With Few Questions Asked

The Payroll Protection Program was enacted during the pandemic to provide financial assistance to businesses that were closed, or operating at a reduced capacity. An NPR investigation finds the program was rife with fraud and most of the loans have been forgiven. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, investigative correspondent Sacha Pfeiffer, and political correspondent Susan Davis. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our exe...

Jan 19, 202318 min

Much Ado About Debt

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Congress the United States would reach the statutory debt limit — commonly known as the debt ceiling — on Jan. 19. As Congress & the Treasury work to find ways to avoid financial chaos, what potential solutions are available? This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and political correspondents Danielle Kurtzleben & Susan Davis. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is M...

Jan 18, 202318 min

Proud Boys Members Face Seditious Conspiracy Charges

In Washington, D.C., members of the Proud Boys are on trial related to their alleged actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. It is the second major seditious conspiracy trial related to the insurrection following one late last year involving members of the Oath Keepers. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and, political correspondent Susan Davis. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It wa...

Jan 17, 202317 min

The Fight To Keep Climate Change Off The Back Burner

The world faces key deadlines for climate action in coming decades. But most of us are more focused on the short term — today, tomorrow, maybe next year. So what do we do about that? The NPR podcast Consider This takes a closer look. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Connect: Email the show at [email protected] Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group . Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newslet...

Jan 16, 202312 min

A New Congress Takes Shape; Stefanik's Stock Rises; 'Spare' Sparks Drama

With a narrow majority in the House, Republicans will need to find ways to work with Democrats — who still control the Senate and the White House. What battles may loom large for the new Congress? As those battles are waged, one person will be on the front lines: New York Republican Elise Stefanik, who chairs the Republican conference. Her rise from a bipartisan member of Congress to a staunch defender of Donald Trump has drawn attention. And, among the things we can't let go of this week? A cer...

Jan 13, 202331 min

Garland Appoints Special Counsel To Investigate Biden Document Storage

After President Biden announced a second set of classified documents had been improperly stored at his Wilmington, Del., residence, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday he was appointing Robert Hur, the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland who now serves in private practice, as a special counsel to examine the issue. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and politics correspondent Susan Davis. This episode was p...

Jan 12, 202314 min

Document Drama Differs Between Biden & Trump

Both the president and his predecessor are facing investigations from the Department of Justice over the potential mishandling of classified documents. But the two cases have strong differences between them, both in terms of scale and practice. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our...

Jan 11, 202313 min

Democrats' 2024 Primary Plans Get More Complicated

The Democratic National Committee announced South Carolina would supplant Iowa and New Hampshire as the first state in the party's 2024 nominating contests, but not everyone in the DNC is convinced it's a good idea. Meanwhile, New Hampshire and Georgia missed a DNC-imposed deadline on aligning their primaries with the party's proposed timelines. How will things shake out before the next presidential campaigns start in earnest? This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, political report...

Jan 10, 202315 min

Border, Drugs, Economy On Agenda As North American Leaders Meet

President Biden heads to Mexico City this week for two days of meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Biden's trip comes after he made his first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border as president, and the three are set to talk about issues affecting all of their countries, including immigration. This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid and Tamara Keith, and Mexico City correspondent Eyder Peralta. This episode was produced by...

Jan 09, 202314 min

McCarthy Prevails, Becomes Speaker In Late-Night House Vote

After 15 rounds of balloting, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was elected Speaker of the House. The series of votes were contentious at times, and McCarthy made several concessions to secure the office. What can be expected from his tenure? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our executiv...

Jan 07, 202319 min

Is Kevin McCarthy On The Brink?

The California Republican was able to win over some of his detractors today as balloting for the Speaker of the House entered a fourth day. However, neither he — nor any other candidate — has won enough votes to take the position, leaving the House in continued limbo. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. In the event a speaker is elect...

Jan 07, 202327 min

House Impasse Continues

After more votes, the House of Representatives is no closer to electing a new Speaker. Republicans voted for other candidates as more House members offered up longshot alternatives to Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mu...

Jan 06, 202314 min

Six Ballots — None The Speaker

Following three more votes on Wednesday, Republicans in the House remain divided on who should be the chamber's speaker. Support for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) remains high among Republicans, but he has not obtained the support of an overall majority of representatives. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was e...

Jan 05, 202316 min

House Deadlocks In Vote For New Speaker

The 118th Congress began its work today, and the first order of business for the House was to select a new speaker. However, after multiple rounds of voting, no candidate achieved a clear majority of voting members — meaning the House can't conduct any official business. California Republican Kevin McCarthy, widely expected to accede to the position, faced notable opposition from members of his own party. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Deirdre Wals...

Jan 04, 202318 min

The Push To Redefine 'Black' And End Anti-Racist Voter Protections

In this episode of Code Switch , NPR's Hansi Lo Wang reports on the effort by Republican officials in Louisiana to change how Black people are counted in voting maps. If their plan is successful, it could shrink the power of Black voters across the country — and further gut the Voting Rights Act. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Connect: Email the show at [email protected] Join the NPR Politic...

Jan 02, 202336 min

"Can't Let It Go" Holiday Spectacular 2022

The NPR Politics crew shares the things that they just can't let go of this year, politics and otherwise. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, political reporter Deepa Shivaram, political reporter Ximena Bustillo, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, Weekend Edition host Ayesha Rascoe, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and political reporter Barbara Sprunt. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is...

Dec 30, 202228 min

After Roe, The Supreme Court Seems Poised to Undo More Major Precedents

Affirmative action, indigenous rights and election integrity could all be radically reshaped by the far-right court this term, as Chief Justice John Roberts continues to insist the political battlefield is a non-partisan institution. Here are the cases you should be watching. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg This episode was produced by Lexie Schapitl. It was edited by K...

Dec 29, 202215 min

After Months Of Inflation, Where Is The Economy Heading?

A huge number of voters indicated that the economy was their top concern in the midterm election — something that likely helped Republicans take control of the House of Representatives. But President Biden's party fared far better than expected given how persistent rising costs have been. So what's going on with the economy right now, and what could be coming down the road? This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and chief economics correspondent...

Dec 28, 202218 min

2022 Reshaped the U.S. Relationship With Russia, China

The U.S. has dispatched billions in military aid to Ukraine to support its territorial defense after Russia invaded at the beginning of the year and joined with allies to issue stringent sanctions against Vladimir Putin's government. And a dust-up over U.S. support for Taiwan, an independent democracy which China considers part of its territory, was a recent point of tension with China — though Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently met for several hours of diplomatic talks. This episode: ...

Dec 27, 202218 min

Belonging, Money, Duty? Inside Account Of Why GOP Pros Backed Trump

Tim Miller spent years working as a Republican political operative for candidates like Jeb Bush and Jon Huntsman, before breaking with his party over Donald Trump. In the latest NPR Politics book club chat, Danielle Kurtzleben talks to Miller about Why We Did It — his attempt to explain why professional Republicans chose to back Trump.This episode: political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive...

Dec 26, 202221 min

Road To Partition

What happens when a nation splits apart? It's a question many of us are asking ourselves today. It happened 75 years ago with Partition, when India and Pakistan became independent nations, divided by a somewhat arbitrary line that separated neighbors, families, and communities. 15 million people were displaced, leaving a trail of chaos and violence that in some ways has never ended. In today's special episode of the NPR Politics Podcast, from our friends at Throughline , Asma Khalid takes us bac...

Dec 23, 202252 min

A Love Affair: American Politics And Country Music

Politicians have long relied on country music stars to burnish their rural reputations — and country stars have long been political agitators. From Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Charley Pride and The Chicks, we do a deep-dive into the relationship between country music and U.S. politics. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving, national political correspondent Don Gonyea, and national correspondent Debbie Elliott. This episode...

Dec 22, 202223 min

In Legal Limbo, Biden Has No Clear Path To An Immigration Fix

Title 42, implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the pandemic, has been used by the Trump and Biden administrations to expel millions of asylum seekers from the country. Mired in legal battles from both ends of the political spectrum over the policy, the Biden administration acknowledges that changes have to be made to the nation's immigration system — but reform appears to still be politically impossible. This episode: politics correspondent Susan Davis, White Hous...

Dec 21, 202214 min

Interview: Vice President Kamala Harris

Her life is about to change: with Democrats expanding their control in the Senate, Vice President Harris tells NPR's Asma Khalid that she won't need to stay as close to Washington as she has in the administration's first two years — when she was her party's tie-breaking vote in the chamber. Harris says she will expand her travel in support of activists and organizers working to advance abortion access and voting rights. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid. This episode was produc...

Dec 20, 202214 min

Jan. 6 "Ringleader": Lawmakers Advise Criminal Charges For Trump

Lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack advised four criminal charges be filed against former President Donald Trump over his role in the riot. One member noted that the U.S. does not have "a system of justice where foot soldiers go to jail and the masterminds and ringleaders get a free pass." The Department of Justice, entirely independent from Congress, may or may not choose to follow through on the group's referrals. This episode: politics correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional c...

Dec 19, 202214 min