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POLITICO
The POLITICO Tech podcast is your download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. New episodes on Thursdays.
Episodes
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Jul 7, 2020 • 11min
Why November is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for Democrats
In 2010, Republicans won state houses across the country and redrew electoral maps to their advantage. Now, as President Trump trails in the polls, Democrats see an opportunity to take back power. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki explains why the party is starting to think bigger than just beating Trump — and what message Biden needs to send to help Dems in down-ballot races. Plus, America's coronavirus death toll tops 130,000. And the Supreme Court says states can punish "faithless" electors.Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Democrats smell a rout — and the chance to control redistricting in 2021
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Jul 2, 2020 • 13min
Inside Operation Warp Speed
Yeah, it’s got a cool name. But what exactly is it? POLITICO’s Dan Diamond takes us inside the federal government’s $10 billion dollar effort to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine — and explains why it’s dangerous to bet on a vaccine that might never come. Plus, Trump changes his tune on face masks. And the House passes a massive infrastructure bill.Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Trump’s bet on a vaccine could come at a cost
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Jul 1, 2020 • 11min
The anti-mask movement
Last year, it was anti-vaxxers. Now, it’s anti-maskers. POLITICO’s Mackenzie Mays looks at how the same activists are once again turning a public health issue into a culture war — and why that’s a big problem for state lawmakers and school teachers. Plus, Oklahomans vote to expand Medicaid. And the Senate agrees to extend the small business rescue program.Mackenzie Mays is a reporter for POLITICO California.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
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Jun 30, 2020 • 13min
The epidemic behind the pandemic
Remember the opioid epidemic? America’s other big health crisis? It’s still here. And getting worse. But as POLITICO’s Brianna Ehley reports, attention — and resources — are mostly going to the pandemic, as overdoses rise in its shadow. Plus, the WHO warns the pandemic is speeding up globally. And China passes a sweeping law giving it more power over Hong Kong.Brianna Ehley is a health reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Pandemic unleashes a spike in overdose deaths
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Jun 29, 2020 • 11min
Trump’s church dilemma
A month ago, President Trump pushed governors to let churches reopen. Now, he’s got a problem on his hands with several coronavirus clusters tied to houses of worship across the country. POLITICO’s Gabby Orr explains why churches can be super-spreaders — and why Trump is in a bind as he tries to keep evangelical voters on his side. Plus, governors are reimposing coronavirus restrictions. And the number of global cases tops 10 million.Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: A new dilemma for Trump’s team: Preventing super-spreader churches
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Jun 26, 2020 • 13min
Cases are surging. Where’s the White House?
Multiple states are seeing alarming spikes in coronavirus cases. But the White House has remained hands-off, attributing the surge to an increase in testing. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn explains how that’s left state officials overwhelmed — and why those claims about testing are misleading. Plus, the Trump administration calls for the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare. And the Health Department whistleblower claims he’s facing retaliation.Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: States plead for help while White House touts success in curbing virus
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Jun 25, 2020 • 11min
Trump’s 180 on China
First, he praised President Xi’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he’s blaming China (again). POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down Trump’s back and forth on China — and how John Bolton’s explosive memoir sheds new light on the White House’s response to the pandemic. Plus, the House is set to pass a sweeping police reform bill. And Democrats urge delegates to stay away from their party convention.Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Bolton casts light on Trump’s deference to China on coronavirus
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Jun 24, 2020 • 14min
The coronavirus goes red
As the coronavirus surges in Texas, Florida and Arizona, it’s hitting counties that lean Republican more than Democrat-leaning ones. POLITICO’s Texas correspondent Renu Rayasam explains why. Plus, NY incumbent Elliot Engel’s time in the House appears to be over. And Dr. Fauci says he's still optimistic there will be a vaccine by the beginning of next year.Renu Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
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Jun 23, 2020 • 13min
A crisis for mental health providers
Demand for mental health and addiction services has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. But providers are strapped for cash and say they aren’t getting the help they need. POLITICO’s Rachel Roubein explains the two-fold crisis — and why providers shouldn’t count on a quick fix from Congress. Plus, Dr. Fauci’s headed to the Capitol. And Senate Democrats threaten to block the GOP’s police bill.Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Swamped mental health and addiction services appeal for Covid bailout
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Jun 22, 2020 • 13min
Why Tuesday could be another election disaster
Chaos. Confusion. Hours-long lines. That’s what we saw in Georgia’s primary election — and likely what we’ll see in New York and Kentucky this week. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro explains why. Plus, Biden outraises Trump. And Trump plans to extend his executive order restricting foreign workers.Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
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