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The Washington Post
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Apr 1, 2021 • 20min

Biden’s big bet on big government

How did Biden become a president with an ambitious agenda for major government expansion? Where will his proposals position him in history? And is he likely to accomplish much of what he’s put forth? The Post’s Dan Balz weighs in.Related reading and episodesBiden is betting on bigger government. The pandemic may be helping him.Biden signed a $1.9 trillion bill. How much relief will Americans feel?
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Mar 25, 2021 • 22min

Do presidents have the power to stop mass shootings?

After tragedies in Colorado and Georgia, Biden has pledged to tighten gun laws. But the country has been here before, in the aftermath of mass shootings. Regardless of which party is in power, little reform has happened. Will this time be different? Related reading and episodesHow much can a president affect gun policy?Shootings spur Biden to call for tighter gun rules
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Mar 18, 2021 • 29min

The political power of culture wars

We examine why transgender rights have risen to the forefront of our politics, and what the history of the modern Republican party reveals about how social issue battles work as a political tool, with reporter Samantha Schmidt and professor Brian Conley.Related reading and episodesA transgender girl struggles to find her voice as lawmakers attack her right to existTransgender rights emerge as a growing political flash pointThe Biden era begins
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Mar 11, 2021 • 27min

Biden signed a $1.9 trillion bill. How much relief will Americans feel?

Will low income Americans feel their lives change in tangible ways? On the other hand, might a fast-growing economy cause big problems? Plus, how might Biden make sure Americans know the government is responsible for some of economic changes they see?Related reading and episodesHow to fix our democracy? Start in Kindergarten.Will Biden get you a vaccine?Biden wants to sell the stimulus. The White House is still figuring out how.
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Mar 4, 2021 • 20min

How to fix our democracy? Start in Kindergarten.

A new report draws a line from today’s civics crises to a long-standing failure to effectively teach American government and history in our public schools. On this episode, we explain what the potential outcomes for civic engagement. Related reading and episodesBiden’s shifting benchmarks for reopening schoolsInvestment civics education proposed to address eroding trust in democracyThe Biden era begins
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Feb 26, 2021 • 29min

Reshaping the role of the Justice Department

Can Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland rebuild confidence in the DOJ's independence? How might his efforts on Biden policies like combating far-right extremism and curbing police violence make the perception of an independent DOJ harder?Related reading and episodesThe duty of a president during crisisTrump incited a mob. American Democracy suffered.How the Oklahoma City bombing case prepared Garland to take on domestic terrorism
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Feb 18, 2021 • 29min

Biden’s shifting benchmarks for reopening schools

Can President Biden come through on this promise of reopening most schools within his first 100 days? How much can the president influence when and how schools welcome students back into the classroom? And what are the political consequences?Related reading and episodesWill Biden get you a vaccine?Biden’s goal to reopen schools meets high-stakes political testThe battle over reopening schools
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Feb 12, 2021 • 27min

The duty of a president during crisis

Some of the arguments in Trump's second impeachment trial get at the core of presidential responsibilities. We examine two of them to clarify the duties of a president during crisis and to understand how free speech applies to the commander in chief.--Virtual event information: Want something fun to do on Presidents’ Day when you can’t leave the house? Join Presidential podcast host Lillian Cunningham for a(free!)'Presidential' trivia night with special guests, fun prizes, plus a demo of how to make Warren Harding’s favorite cocktail. Register here: bit.ly/2YwuEWyRelated reading and episodesOne impeachment is rare. Two is unprecedented.What’s next for Trump?Trump’s lawyers say he was immediately‘horrified’ by the Capitol attack. Here’s what his allies and aides said really happened that day.
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Feb 4, 2021 • 28min

Biden says he wants to reunite migrant families. It won’t be easy.

Families are still separated years after President Trump's policy ended. Latin America correspondent Kevin Sieff on the experiences of some migrant families. Plus, immigration policy expert Ali Noorani explains what it would take to reunite families.Related reading and episodesThey were one of the first families separated at the border. Two and a half years later, they’re still apart.Will Biden get you a vaccine?The Biden era begins 
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Jan 29, 2021 • 31min

Will Biden get you a vaccine?

How much power does Biden have to affect vaccine distribution and where is his power limited? What role should the federal government play in the process? Plus, officials on the ground explain what it's like to work to get vaccines to their communities.If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support the reporting that goes into it, the best way to do so is through a subscription to The Post. A subscription gets you unlimited access to everything we publish, from breaking news to baking tips. For a limited time, listeners can get two years of access for just $59. That’s less than one dollar a week. Learn more and subscribe at washingtonpost.com/subscribe

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