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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

Vice Presidential Debate Recap

This vice presidential debate in New York City, hosted by CBS News, is the only time Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz face off before voting concludes next month. Here's what happened. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, campaign reporter Stephen Fowler, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and political correspondent Susan Davis. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is ...

Oct 02, 202419 min

Visions of masculinity: Walz, Vance prepare for debate

NPR's live special coverage of the CBS News Presidential Debate Simulcast begins Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern and is available on your local member station , on the NPR app and at www.npr.org . Two men from the Midwest face off in Tuesday night's vice presidential debate. Here's how Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance are preparing for the big night. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and campaign reporter Stephen Fowler. The pod...

Sep 30, 202413 min

Weekly Roundup: Latino Voters Could Be Key In PA, NV

Folks with Puerto Rican heritage represent a small but vital part of the electorate in Pennsylvania, where a little bit of outreach money could make difference with Latino residents across the state who have historically been somewhat unlikely to vote. And in Nevada, Latino workers make up more than half of the culinary union, which has a hyper-organized voter mobilization effort. And: the Secret Service could be headed for a total overhaul. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, cam...

Sep 27, 202423 min

So Who Are These Vice Presidential Picks Meant To Appeal To?

Kamala Harris' running mate Gov. Tim Walz has spent his time in the key mid-west states and is in many ways fulfilling the core obligation of a VP pick: do no harm. Sen. JD Vance, Trump's pick, has been campaigning across the battlegrounds and has often found himself driving the news cycle. They're both largely focused on appealing to men. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and campaign correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. The podcast ...

Sep 26, 202418 min

Israel, Ukraine And The Messes That Await The Next President

The most immediate challenge for the next president: the U.S. is both deeply involved in both of these wars but has pretty limited control of what is actually happening on the ground. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national security correspondent Greg Myre and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Po...

Sep 25, 202415 min

Will Mark Robinson's Racism & Porn Scandal Hurt Trump In NC?

Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson described himself, according to CNN reporting, as a "Black Nazi" and expressed support for slavery in posts on a porn forum. Robinson, who denies the allegations, has lost almost all of his campaign staff. Donald Trump hasn't revoked his endorsement even as other key groups withdraw funding and support. Will the scandal hurt turnout in that state, key to the presidential race? This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent S...

Sep 24, 202416 min

How Harris Incorporates Biography Into Her Election Pitch

Kamala Harris often quotes her mother on the campaign trail: "Don't let people tell you who you are. You tell them who you are." Though she would be the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to serve as president, she rarely explicitly talks about the historic nature of her candidacy. Instead, she weaves her identity and biography into her issue-focused campaign message. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, campaign ...

Sep 23, 202411 min

Weekly Roundup: Oprah, Harris, Trump, Undecided Voters

Vice President Harris sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a campaign event that was reminiscent of the televison icon's classic daytime talk show. And Donald Trump's week included a event with Jewish voters where he repeated criticisms of Jewish voters who vote for Democrats. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, campaign correspondent Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by ...

Sep 20, 202422 min

As Fed Makes Borrowing Easier, Candidates' Economic Pitches

It just got cheaper to borrow money in the United States; the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, signalling that it believes inflation is largely over with and the economy is generally strong. Here's how Vice President Harris and Donald Trump are talking about the state of the economy and their policy proposals. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, campaign correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon...

Sep 19, 202417 min

Reproductive Rights Fight Continues To Define Campaign

Donald Trump's rhetoric on abortion care and reproductive rights has been all over the map this year, but his record — and that of the Republican party — is clear: he has bragged about ending the nationwide right to abortion access. The Kamala Harris campaign is intent on driving that message home for voters, including in a new ad highlighting the story of Hadley Duvall, who, as a child, was raped by her step-father. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspon...

Sep 18, 202416 min

Election 101: How Voting Looks Different In 2024

Voting looks a little different in 2024 than it did during the last presidential election. We explore some of the changes & challenges as voting begins, alongside NPR's new voter registration guide . This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and voting correspondents Miles Parks & Hansi Lo Wang. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR...

Sep 17, 202415 min

A Conversation About Political Violence In The United States

Former president Donald Trump appears to have been the target of a second assassination effort Sunday. A man was arrested after the Secret Service spotted him with a gun on the golf course where Trump was playing. What do experts make of this moment of political violence, what is driving it and what can be done to address it? This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. Th...

Sep 16, 202414 min

Weekly Roundup: Swift Speaks, Congress Stalls

The influential pop star threw her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in an Instagram post Tuesday. What impact does her endorsement — or any endorsement — have on an election? Plus, Congress returns with a government shutdown on the horizon, and a TikTok sound becomes an earworm. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, political reporter Elena Moore, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcas...

Sep 13, 202423 min

Examining GOP False Claims Of Noncitizens Voting

It's an allegation that's centuries old, but is increasingly becoming prominent in political discourse — that noncitizens are voting en masse to influence American elections. Even though it isn't true, it is influencing policy discussions, and having an impact on registered voters. This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and correspondent Jude Joffe-Block. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric...

Sep 12, 202414 min

After Their Debate, Harris & Trump Head Back On The Trail

Following Tuesday's debate, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are hitting the campaign trail — and tweaking their strategies to court voters. What are they up to? Plus, a look at the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll . This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid & Franco Ordoñez, and senior political correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive ...

Sep 11, 202413 min

Harris, Trump Spar In First Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris went on the offensive against former President Donald Trump in the ABC News Presidential Debate, putting Trump on the defensive for most of the night. This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid & Deepa Shivaram, and political correspondents Susan Davis & Danielle Kurtzleben. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the...

Sep 11, 202419 min

How Harris, Trump Prep For Tuesday's Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have their first — and, so far, only — scheduled debate on Tuesday. What are the stakes, and what is each candidate doing to prepare? This episode: White House correspondents Asma Khalid & Franco Ordoñez, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to eve...

Sep 09, 202416 min

Looking The Other Way Part 2: On Tape & Under Oath

What happens when political ambition collides with a #MeToo allegation in the Democratic party? Episode 2 of our two-part investigation. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 07, 202443 min

Looking The Other Way, Pt. 1: A Powerful Democrat & A #MeToo Scandal

Did Eric Garcetti, a powerful Democrat, lie under oath about a #MeToo scandal in his office? That's the question at the center of a new investigation from NPR. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 07, 202441 min

Roundup: Trump N.Y. Sentencing Delayed Until After Election

It was a busy week in U.S. courtrooms. After being convicted of 34 felonies earlier this year in a New York state trial, former President Donald Trump will have to wait until after the presidential election to find out what punishment he may face. Meanwhile, in a federal courthouse in California, Hunter Biden unexpectedly pleaded guilty to tax charges. And, the Department of Justice returned indictments accusing Russian agents of trying to interfere in the 2024 presidential election through, amo...

Sep 06, 202425 min

Republicans Are In Good Position To Win The Senate

Republicans need to flip two seats to assure their control of the Senate, and with West Virginia's open seat a virtually guaranteed pick-up, all eyes are on Montana and Ohio. In the House, Democrats are in a strong position but whoever wins is expected to hold another slim majority. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, poltiical correspondent Susan Davis, and political reporter Ximena Bustillo. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is E...

Sep 05, 202414 min

Why Harris And Trump Are Dumping Cash, Time Into Pennsylvania

NPR tracked where the candidates are investing the most travel time and money. Unsurprisingly, the most competitive states are receiving the most attention — especially Pennsylvania, which is essential to both candidates' path to the White House. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and campaign correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our e...

Sep 04, 202414 min

Voting Is About To Begin. How Has The Electorate Changed?

There are fewer white people without college degrees, more Latino potential voters in key states and a rise in Asian American voters in Nevada. We have a detailed conversation about what that could mean as presidential election voting gets underway this week. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is E...

Sep 03, 202415 min

Breaking Down "No Tax On Tips"

By now, you've probably heard a lot from both presidential nominees about getting rid of taxes on tips. The idea may sound good on first go, but it has its detractors, namely economists and tax experts. Their fears include unfairness and people gaming the system. Our friends at The Indicator from Planet Money look at how to put in place guardrails for a policy that many economists believe is likely to go off the rails. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal ...

Sep 02, 202410 min

Roundup: Harris Pitches Hope; Trump's Military Cemetery Feud

In her first major interview of her presidential campaign, Vice President Harris pitched policy continuity with an attitude shift. She wants to continue the policies of the Biden administration while drawing a more optimistic contrast with the Trump campaign. And NPR's reporting on a physical altercation between Trump campaign workers and Arlington National Cemetery staff caused a controversy that has continued to escalate. The military prohibits political activity at the cemetery but the Trump ...

Aug 30, 202422 min

Experts Think Georgia Can Withstand Trump-Backed Conspiracies

Donald Trump unsuccessfully tried to pressure Georgia's political leadership to "find" him votes in the 2020 election, but election conspiracies he inspired and continues to encourage continue to play a big role this cycle. Experts are confident the law and courts are strong enough to avoid a catastrophic outcome in the face of the threats, but the Harris campaign is hoping to win big enough that Trump's conspiracies won't matter. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, voting co...

Aug 29, 202414 min

The Power Of Political Advertising

Ad spending in the 2024 presidential election is nearing $2 billion. With Vice President Kamala Harris' late entry to the race, we look at how her campaign and that of former President Donald Trump are trying to define Harris politically through advertising. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric Mc...

Aug 28, 202413 min

How Harris, Trump Are Angling For Votes

Each talks about patriotism. Each talks about their strengths as leaders. But, the visions of America Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are trying to bring to the country couldn't be more different. We look at how each is trying to win over undecided voters. This episode: White House correspondents Deepa Shivaram & Franco Ordoñez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is E...

Aug 27, 202416 min

Nervous Democrats: Internal Polling, Senate Map Are Worries

Kamala Harris has a number of paths to the 270 electoral votes she needs to secure the presidency, a change from the Biden campaign. But political operatives tell NPR that their internal polling shows a very tight race with Donald Trump. And despite new optimism from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrats' path to holding the Senate after Sen. Joe Manchin's retirement is precarious at best. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh...

Aug 26, 202415 min

RFK Jr. Endorses Donald Trump, Suspends Campaign

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., whose conspiracy-minded presidential campaign failed to gain traction with the American public, suspended his campaign Friday and endorse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. That could be a boon for Democrats who have centered their message on what they see as Trump's fringe beliefs. This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. The podcast is pr...

Aug 23, 202411 min
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