New Culture War Cudgel: GOP Ads Blame Opioid Crisis On Migrants

Brian Mann, NPR's national correspondent covering addiction, dives into the intricate connections between the opioid crisis and political campaigns. He discusses how Republican candidates are harnessing the crisis to target immigrants, framing them as linked to crime and drug smuggling. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between punitive Republican strategies and Democratic harm reduction methods. Mann also touches on the evolving drug policy landscape and the ongoing challenges of addressing addiction while navigating political narratives as midterms approach.