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Every episode
The NPR Politics Podcast
30 episodes
Two planes, a president and a catering truck
Aug 14, 2026 · 28 min
When President Trump left the NATO summit in Turkey last month, he covertly switched planes because the government had received reports of an Iranian threat on Trump’s life. We discuss the significance of the president’s maneuver, which left the traveling White House press corps out of the loop. And we discuss how the pro-Israel group AIPAC’s increased spending on elections may not be yielding the results the group was hoping for. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, Pentagon correspo…
Is there a rift within the Democratic Party?
Aug 13, 2026 · 20 min
This year's primary contests have given Democratic voters a chance to choose between left-wing and moderate candidates and there seems to be a divide emerging within the party. Or is there? We discuss what the primary results tell us about the Democratic Party's future. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive pr…
Voters sent mixed messages in Tuesday's primaries
Aug 12, 2026 · 19 min
Voting wrapped up in several states’ primaries on Tuesday, and the results were a mixed bag. We discuss takeaways from primaries in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Connecticut. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and Minnesota Public Radio host Clay Masters. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy…
Women could be the deciding votes in Maine Senate race
Aug 11, 2026 · 21 min
More women than men have voted in every election in Maine in the last decade, and women are a key reason Republican Sen. Susan Collins won reelection six years ago. We discuss how Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson are trying to win the support of women voters in that state’s Senate race, plus what Tuesday’s primaries could reveal about the fight between progressive and establishment Democrats. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, political reporter Elena Moore, and senior politica…
How Trump's focus on his legacy drives his decisions
Aug 10, 2026 · 25 min
President Trump has said repeatedly, publicly and privately, that he doesn't want to be compared in the history books to former President Herbert Hoover, who led the country during the economic collapse of the Great Depression. We discuss how Trump's concerns about his legacy shape the president’s actions, from the war in Iran to construction projects in Washington, D.C. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and senior political correspondent T…
GOP grapples with misconduct allegations against two lawmakers
Aug 7, 2026 · 30 min
It was another busy week in the world of politics. We discuss a Senate committee's vote to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, Todd Blanche's newly cleared path toward confirmation as attorney general, and how Republicans are handling misconduct allegations against two House members. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson and White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram. This podcast wa…
What is Trump's interest in Paramount's merger with WB?
Aug 6, 2026 · 19 min
President Trump has taken a particular interest in Paramount's plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion. We discuss why the president is backing the deal — which is on hold after a group of Democratic attorneys general challenged it in court — and how the president's relationship with the press is influencing the deal. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, media correspondent David Folkenflik, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podc…
Progressives had a good night in Michigan
Aug 5, 2026 · 22 min
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens to win the Democratic nomination for Michigan's open Senate seat. We discuss how the results could shape November's general election, plus results from several other races across Michigan, Missouri and Washington state. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and Michigan Public Radio Network reporter Colin Jackson. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited…
How the GOP plans to fight an anti-incumbent wave
Aug 4, 2026 · 19 min
The president's party typically loses seats in a midterm election, and President Trump's low favorability ratings aren't helping Republicans as November nears. We discuss how Republican candidates are pitching themselves to voters and what structural advantages could improve their odds. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and political reporter Saige Miller. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye. Our execu…
It's (still) the economy, stupid
Aug 3, 2026 · 18 min
The economy is growing very slowly, and wages aren't keeping up with inflation, which is keeping gas and grocery prices high. We discuss how politicians are navigating the sluggish economy on the campaign trail and how President Trump is making Republicans' case harder. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive…
Why is Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general in limbo?
Jul 31, 2026 · 31 min
Some Senate Republicans are refusing to approve President Trump's attorney general pick unless the Trump administration commits in writing to certain guarantees related to the president's settlement with the IRS. We discuss that fight, plus why the Patriot missile defense system matters so much to Ukraine. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. This podca…
Who will Wisconsin Democrats pick to run for governor?
Jul 30, 2026 · 17 min
This podcast was taped at 1:15 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, July 30, 2026. State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong leads in the polls over Milwaukee County executive David Crowley. Hong's progressive views and membership in the Democratic Socialists of America has won her fans on the Democratic Party's left, but others in the party fear she couldn't win a general election. We look at the race, its candidates and the issues at play. This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior poli…
How power, corruption & lies influence voters' choices
Jul 29, 2026 · 16 min
Overwhelming majorities of voters think that corruption is a problem, according to research from the Brennan Center for Justice. Democrats plan on making allegations of corruption a key part of their midterm strategies, but will that succeed in getting voters' support? This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and senior political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. Our executive producer is…
This Senate race may shape the Democrats' future
Jul 28, 2026 · 17 min
The Democratic Party's progressive and moderate wings are squaring off in Michigan as voters decide who the party's nominee for an open Senate seat will be. We look at the race and why it is reflective of broader debates in the party about policy, politics and more. This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and congressional reporter Sam Gringlas. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every e…
Is Troy Jackson Maine's new main man?
Jul 27, 2026 · 22 min
Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson, a former gubernatorial candidate and president of the Maine Senate, to replace Graham Platner on November's ballot. While Jackson shares many of Platner's political views, can he bring Platner's supporters along and unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins? This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Elena Moore, and Maine Public state house correspondent Kevin Miller. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria…
How Trump's agenda complicates midterm races for Republicans
Jul 24, 2026 · 31 min
House Republicans had a busy week before heading out for an August recess. We discuss what measures they passed, how those items fit into President Trump's agenda and how that agenda is making life difficult for some Republicans on the midterm campaign trail. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram. This podcast was produced and edited by Bria Suggs. Our executive producer is Muthoni Mut…
Fatal ICE shootings reignite campaign debate over immigration
Jul 23, 2026 · 21 min
Campaigns across the country are leaning into immigration issues, spurred in part by recent fatal shootings by federal immigration officers in Maine and Texas. We discuss how politicians on both sides of the aisle are using the issue and why Republicans in particular see immigration enforcement as a winning message. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast wa…
As casualties rise, do the politics of the Iran war change?
Jul 22, 2026 · 21 min
President Trump attended the dignified transfer on Wednesday of four U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war. We discuss how the latest casualties affect the politics of the war, and how Congress took Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s request for billions more in funding for the war. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondent Quil Lawrence, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye.…
2028 fantasy draft: Republicans
Jul 21, 2026 · 31 min
The next presidential election is more than two years away, but it's not too early to start discussing likely contenders. We do an NFL-style draft of the candidates who may lead the Republican field in 2028. If you missed our Democratic candidate draft, you can catch that here. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. O…
The races we’re watching in Arizona’s primary
Jul 20, 2026 · 23 min
Tuesday is Primary Day in Arizona. We discuss the Republicans hoping to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in November and the competitive primaries for an open Phoenix-area House seat. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and KJZZ correspondent Wayne Schutsky. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unl…
New NPR Series: "We Keep Us Safe" from the Embedded podcast
Jul 18, 2026 · 3 min
In the summer of 2020, sixteen-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. traveled a thousand miles to join the racial justice movement of his generation in the wake of George Floyd's killing. Antonio arrived in Seattle during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, known as CHOP. Less than a week later, he was shot and killed there. The case remains unsolved. In this eight-part series, hosts Sydney Brownstone of The Seattle Times and Will James of KUOW team up with NPR's Embedded to investigate Antonio's death. They…
Trump pushes unsubstantiated claims of election fraud — again
Jul 17, 2026 · 32 min
In a national address Thursday night, President Trump said he has new evidence of fraud in the American election system. We discuss whether facts back up Trump's claims and what to make of Trump devoting a primetime address to this topic now. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and senior national political correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Mu…
These swing voters shrug at Trump earning billions last year
Jul 16, 2026 · 20 min
NPR reporters observed focus groups of 12 Pennsylvania voters who backed former President Biden in 2020 and President Trump in 2024. We discuss their cynicism about politicians and the Iran war, and what they think about democratic socialism. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. List…
Trump warns that communism is coming for America
Jul 15, 2026 · 24 min
President Trump has been pushing a new warning lately: communism is coming. He’s referring to candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America who have won Democratic primaries in deep blue House districts in Colorado and New York and are on the ballot in a few other states. We discuss similarities between these left-leaning candidates and Trump, and whether Trump’s message is likely to be persuasive. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Elena Moore, and…
2028 fantasy draft: Democrats
Jul 14, 2026 · 27 min
The next presidential election is more than two years away, but it’s not too early to start discussing likely contenders. We do an NFL-style draft of the candidates who may lead the Democratic field in 2028. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the…
With Graham's death, the Senate loses a key Trump whisperer
Jul 13, 2026 · 19 min
Longtime South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham died suddenly over the weekend at age 71. We discuss how Graham helped President Trump reshape the federal judiciary and achieve priorities such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, while also serving as one of the last remaining Republican defense hawks. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, a…
Where is Mitch McConnell?
Jul 10, 2026 · 25 min
It was another busy week in politics. We discuss Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell’s extended absence from the Senate and the latest news in the Michigan Senate primary. Plus, when does a sex scandal cross a line and make a politician too controversial for voters? This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Su…
What’s next after Democrat Platner exits Maine Senate race?
Jul 9, 2026 · 22 min
Democrat Graham Platner has announced that he is dropping out of the race to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate, following new allegations — which Platner denies — that he raped a woman he once dated. We discuss how the Democratic Party ended up with such a controversial nominee and what comes next in the race for this Senate seat that the party desperately hopes to flip. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, and Maine Public chief politics an…
Trump says the Iran ceasefire is over. What happens now?
Jul 8, 2026 · 19 min
While attending a NATO summit in Turkey, President Trump said the ceasefire in Iran is over. We discuss what comes next for the conflict and why the United States hasn’t won a war in at least 25 years. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of th…
This Supreme Court term gave presidents a lot more power
Jul 7, 2026 · 18 min
The U.S. Supreme Court term that ended last week greatly expanded power not just for President Trump but for future presidents, too. It also gave Republicans an advantage in this year’s midterm election. We discuss the biggest cases and look ahead to cases the court plans to hear in the fall. This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bri…
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