The NPR Politics Podcast

As Congress reopens, the spotlight is on Biden's Build Back Better initiative and the hurdles Democrats face. Key senators are divided, complicating negotiations amid mounting election pressures. Meanwhile, the push for voting rights takes center stage, with Biden and Harris rallying in Georgia. Discussions delve into the complexities of the Electoral Count Act, highlighting the ongoing challenges for marginalized voters. Amid all this, public anxiety about the state of democracy emerges, prompting a call for more engagement from citizens.

Miles Parks, an NPR reporter specializing in voting and disinformation, dives into current political narratives shaping elections. He discusses the troubling rise of candidates who propagate the false narrative of Trump's 2020 victory. The conversation emphasizes the vital role of secretaries of state in maintaining electoral integrity amidst disinformation. Additionally, they explore the implications of COVID vaccine mandates as they face Supreme Court scrutiny and examine public sentiment surrounding these contentious issues.

President Biden reflects on the January 6 Capitol attack, warning against the normalization of political violence and the ramifications of election lies. The conversation delves into his advocacy for voting rights and the hurdles faced by his administration amid fierce Republican opposition. Insights from reporters reveal challenges in restoring trust in electoral processes and the critical role of the January 6th committee uncovering details about the insurrection. Personal accounts from witnesses offer a poignant look at the event's lasting impact on American democracy.

Allison Aubrey, NPR's health correspondent, shares insights on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, particularly the surge of the Omicron variant. She discusses the strain on the healthcare system despite lower hospitalization rates and critiques the Biden administration's testing strategies amidst rising cases. The conversation addresses vaccination urgency and evolving treatments, including plans to increase Pfizer antiviral pill stock. Additionally, Aubrey highlights the emotional toll on reporters covering the pandemic and the impact of misinformation.

The Capitol Police are facing significant challenges in the aftermath of the January 6th attack. Chief Tom Manger discusses low morale and high turnover within the force. With over 9,000 threats against Congress members last year, security concerns have skyrocketed. The podcast highlights ongoing trauma among officers and staff while examining new reforms and wellness initiatives aimed at improving mental health. It also reflects on the struggles of support staff and the shifted dynamics of remembrance events.

Joel Rose, NPR's national correspondent, joins the conversation to unpack a striking NPR/Ipsos poll revealing that 64% of Americans feel democracy is at risk. The discussion highlights a significant divide in trust between Republicans and Democrats, especially regarding election integrity. Rose emphasizes the dangers of widespread misinformation and its relation to the January 6th insurrection. The panel also explores troubling views on political violence, with a notable portion justifying it in the name of democracy, raising urgent questions about the future of political discourse in America.

Dive into the vibrant intersection of politics and music! Discover how impactful tunes from 2021 encapsulate empathy and resilience, highlighting experiences of women and societal challenges. Songs like 'Racist Sexist Boy' spark discussions on race and gender. Explore the power of repetition in music and its connection to human emotions. Celebrating the rise of female rap artists and their bold narratives, the conversation wraps up with reflections on cultural expression and a hopeful nod to the future.

The hosts and guest dive into the standout political TV shows of 2021, exploring how entertainment shapes and reflects real-world politics. They unpack the last season of 'Pose,' highlighting its impact on LGBTQ+ representation and activism. The conversation shifts to the emotional layers of Bo Burnham's 'Inside,' discussing isolation and humor during the pandemic. They also examine the portrayal of women in the context of political scandals, specifically through 'American Crime Story,' shedding light on media influence and personal stories.

Whitney Phillips discusses the complex landscape of disinformation, especially during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and after the 2020 election. Trust in institutions is critically examined, revealing its detrimental impact on public health and electoral integrity. The conversation navigates the role of social media in perpetuating false narratives and highlights the importance of civic education. Additionally, the discussion touches on how leadership affects the spread of misinformation, illuminating the need for a more informed society.

Sasha Issenberg is a journalist and author of "The Engagement," which details the path to marriage equality in the U.S. He discusses the evolution of marriage as a pivotal civil rights issue, revealing the internal conflicts within the LGBT movement and the impact of wealthy donors on advocacy strategies. Issenberg also highlights how public opinion shifted dramatically, influenced by personal connections and pop culture. Lastly, he addresses future legal challenges to marriage equality, framing it as a unique struggle in the broader civil rights narrative.