

The NPR Politics Podcast
NPR
Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics
Episodes
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13 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 15min
The politics of natural disasters
The discussion dives into the political fallout from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It highlights how misinformation can cripple disaster recovery efforts, with President Biden voicing frustration over false narratives. The interplay between natural disasters and election strategies reveals how political campaigning shapes responses. The conversation also contrasts past and present disaster management approaches, showcasing a shifting landscape of bipartisanship amid increasing political divides.

Oct 9, 2024 • 15min
Older Voters Worried About Economy, Abortion
Older voters express feeling overlooked by presidential campaigns, despite their significant voting power. Economic worries like inflation and healthcare costs dominate their concerns, contrasting sharply with younger voters' priorities. The evolving political landscape shows a shift in support from Biden to Harris among seniors, revealing changing allegiances. Candidates are urged to address critical issues like Social Security and Medicare to win this crucial demographic's backing. Personal anecdotes add depth to the understanding of these voters' perspectives.

Oct 8, 2024 • 14min
Call Her Daddy, The View, 60 Minutes: Kamala Harris Goes Wide
Vice President Kamala Harris is innovating her media strategy to reach young voters through both traditional and non-traditional platforms. Her appearance on popular podcasts like 'Call Her Daddy' highlights her focus on connecting authentically with diverse audiences. The discussion shifts to how political figures are evolving their engagement methods, particularly around significant community issues like mental health and caregiving. The podcast also delves into the widening gender gap in political preferences among younger voters.

Oct 7, 2024 • 15min
Fewer Than 30 Days Until This Whole Thing Is Over
Discover the dynamics of a nail-biting presidential race as ballots are cast in record numbers. The discussion highlights the unpredictable nature of polling and voter sentiment, particularly as shocks become commonplace. Natural disasters and global events are examined for their influence on swing states and voter turnout. The impending election raises questions about Trump’s reaction to the outcome and concerns about electoral fairness in a divided nation. Buckle up for a political rollercoaster that could reshape the future!

Oct 4, 2024 • 28min
Roundup: Harris Courts GOP; Trump Returns To Shooting Site
Vice President Harris teams up with Liz Cheney in Wisconsin, shaking up cross-party campaigning. Meanwhile, Trump intensifies his rally schedule and faces new allegations tied to the Capitol riots. The dynamics of immigration policy and election integrity create surprising bipartisan shifts. Legal battles loom over Trump's actions leading to January 6, while humor emerges in discussions about his luxury watch endorsements. Finally, the hosts share their escape through TV shows amid the political chaos.

Oct 3, 2024 • 15min
Ranked Choice Voting... Coming To A Ballot Near You?
Voters across several states are gearing up to decide on significant electoral reforms, particularly ranked choice voting. The discussion dives into how this system might change political polarization and candidate behavior, with insights drawn from both elections and even the Oscars. Despite its potential benefits, there’s notable resistance from both major parties, who fear losing control. Voter reactions vary, with excitement for more open voting clashing with confusion among less frequent voters. The political landscape is shifting as these changes loom.

Oct 2, 2024 • 14min
Control of House of Representatives Runs Through New York
The discussion reveals how Democratic missteps in New York led to a Republican gain in the House. As upcoming elections approach, both parties are recalibrating their strategies, particularly focusing on crime and immigration issues. The podcast also highlights how changes to the SALT deduction are reshaping political races in high-cost states. Lastly, it explores the tactical shifts between grassroots campaigning and addressing voter concerns, setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle.

Oct 2, 2024 • 19min
Vice Presidential Debate Recap
The vice presidential debate surprised many with its cordiality and lack of personal attacks. Key moments tackled Trumpism and reproductive health, revealing challenges for one candidate in appealing to women voters. Personal anecdotes emerged as powerful tools in debate strategies. Immigration took center stage, highlighting contradictions in democratic pledges. The discussion also delved into healthcare, the Affordable Care Act, and the ongoing influence of Trump on democracy and political narratives. It’s a revealing look at this election cycle's key themes.

Sep 30, 2024 • 13min
Visions of masculinity: Walz, Vance prepare for debate
The podcast dives into the pivotal vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance, exploring their contrasting political identities. It highlights their preparation strategies, including media engagements and public perception tactics. Discussions include the influence of vice presidential debates in a polarized political landscape and how these performances could sway voter opinions. The impact of their military backgrounds on their debate strategies adds another layer to this intriguing pre-debate analysis.

Sep 27, 2024 • 23min
Weekly Roundup: Latino Voters Could Be Key In PA, NV
The podcast highlights the crucial impact of Latino voters in Pennsylvania and Nevada. In Pennsylvania, outreach could empower Puerto Rican voters, while in Nevada, the Culinary Workers Union plays a vital role in mobilizing Latino votes. The discussion also dives into the disconnect between union leadership and workers, coupled with a Senate report on the Secret Service's security failures. Humor emerges as a theme, illustrating comedic takes on political incompetence and audience reactions at a tech conference.