The NPR Politics Podcast

Robin Hilton, the senior producer of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, and Kara Frame, the video producer and director, share their insights on producing this beloved series. They discuss how it started as a joke in 2008 and evolved into a major platform for artists. Listeners learn about the strict rules, the authenticity that guides artist selection, and how big stars like Taylor Swift feel FOMO over the performances. They also highlight memorable shows, from puppets to genre-bending acts, showcasing the unique charm that keeps artists and fans coming back.

A recent poll reveals deep distrust between Republicans and Democrats, with both sides labeling each other as closed-minded and dishonest. As Thanksgiving approaches, families report avoiding political discussions due to past conflicts. The hosts share clever tactics for steering conversations away from politics, focusing on shared interests like sports and hobbies instead. They also touch on how the Trump era and social media have intensified divisions, while common concerns like grocery prices offer a unifying topic. Get ready for a holiday filled with harmony!

The podcast dives into how Trump's candidacy reshaped Republican values, blending populism with traditional conservatism. It highlights tensions within the GOP, including Marjorie Taylor Greene's exit and conflicts over spending. The discussion also examines how Trump's policies impacted their identity. On the Democratic side, the opposition to Trump has forged a distinct identity, but challenges remain. Voter concerns revolve around affordability and systemic issues, prompting parties to seek new candidates to reconnect with disillusioned voters.

The Trump administration's controversial peace proposal for Ukraine and Russia raises eyebrows, as critics argue it skews heavily in Russia's favor. The discussion reveals skepticism over the realism of deadlines and entrenched positions from both sides. There’s an analysis of the seriousness of diplomatic talks, mixed with concerns about mounting pressures on Ukrainian leadership. The hosts also touch on the domestic political motivations influencing foreign policy and noticeable splits within the Republican party on this approach.

This week, the political landscape shifts as President Trump faces backlash over the Epstein files and a Texas gerrymandering ruling. Democrats shoot ahead in new polls, raising questions about their midterm strategy. Discussions delve into bipartisan Congressional actions revealing Trump's waning influence and a Democratic call to military members to reject illegal orders. Meanwhile, the hosts highlight oddities like a Trump commemorative coin and concerns surrounding AI toys giving unsafe guidance.

Scott Horsley, NPR's chief economics correspondent, breaks down the surprising September jobs report that saw 119,000 jobs added, despite the rising unemployment rate. The discussion highlights how the Trump administration is framing positive job gains while addressing economic challenges. They also delve into the impact of tariffs on manufacturing, the uncertain future of Federal Reserve interest rates, and how perceptions of economic recovery vary between the wealthy elite and the general public. Insights into voter concerns about affordability round out the conversation.

Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, an NPR immigration correspondent, dives into the dramatic enforcement tactics in Chicago, including helicopter raids and mass arrests of over 600 immigrants, almost all of whom have no criminal records. He discusses the staggering details of U.S. citizens detained amid these operations and the troubling political motivations behind such aggressive actions. Sergio also highlights the looming fears in communities and the risk of eroding trust between immigrants and local law enforcement as similar strategies roll out in Charlotte.

President Trump says he won’t “rule out” sending troops to Venezuela, and over the weekend, the world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean Sea. We discuss why the United States has amassed such a large military presence in the region, and what reasons the Trump administration might have for targeting Venezuela specifically.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman.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 NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Selena Simmons-Duffin, an NPR health policy correspondent specializing in the Affordable Care Act, joins to discuss the looming expiration of healthcare subsidies affecting 22 million Americans. She explains how these enhanced subsidies transformed the landscape of health insurance, enhancing affordability. The conversation navigates congressional strategies for extension, revealing political divides and pressures. Selena also addresses whether the subsidies merely highlight flaws in the ACA or represent essential adjustments for broader coverage.

The House Oversight Committee has released a staggering 23,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate, unveiling new details that could pressure Trump. Discussions include emails referencing Trump, Epstein, and implications for the GOP's future. Trump's reaction frames the release as a partisan hoax, sparking debate within his base. The podcast also touches on economic concerns and the White House's attempts to navigate affordability issues amidst public skepticism. Finally, light-hearted segments share personal anecdotes about the last penny minted and a failed chase to see the Northern Lights.