Purplish
Colorado Public Radio
Purplish is a podcast about politics and policy and how they shape Coloradans’ lives, hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland and reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. They break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities, to find the bigger picture behind the political headlines.Purplish is produced by CPR News with support from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 11, 2024 • 35min
The Colorado congressional races to know about
For this episode, we're doing something we never have before: recording the show in front of a live studio audience. Hosts Caitlyn Kim, Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee discuss what's at stake for congress in the upcoming congressional races.Which party controls the U.S. House could have a lot to do with how voters in Colorado's newest district are feeling about their first term congresswoman, and her law-and-order challenger. Plus, Rep. Lauren Boebert's district-hopping gamble has scrambled the races in two of the state's Republican seats. And, what could a new congress hold for other members of the Colorado delegation?
6 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 30min
Will ranked-choice voting rewrite Colorado's elections? Prop. 131 explained.
Kent Theory, a multi-millionaire and former CEO of DeVita, is deeply involved in Colorado politics, advocating for the introduction of ranked choice voting through Proposition 131. He discusses how this reform could reshape elections by eliminating partisan primaries and promoting centrist candidates. The conversation dives into the motivations for these changes, potential impacts, and the challenges of educating voters about the new system. Theory also reflects on comparisons with other states, sparking debates around trust and accessibility in the electoral process.
Sep 27, 2024 • 3min
Coming soon: Purplish's 2024 election season
Purplish is coming back to help you prepare for Colorado's 2024 election, including contentious congressional races and 14 statewide ballot measures.Tune in for the stories behind those initiatives, and to hear arguments for and against them. Also, why Coloradans will choose new representatives in all the congressional seats Republicans hold. Episodes start October 4.Plus, you can participate in the first Purplish live taping on October 8 in Denver. Get tickets here: cpr.org/purplishlive.
Jun 28, 2024 • 32min
Assessing the primary as the dust settles
Our hosts discuss the big themes that emerged from Republican primary results and what they mean for the future of the party, and for the general election.
Jun 21, 2024 • 29min
GOP rifts in the Congressional Districts 5 and 8 primaries
How a pair of two-man races in El Paso County and along the northern Front Range are illustrating the increasingly bitter divisions in Colorado's Republican Party.
Jun 14, 2024 • 23min
The primary fight for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
With Rep. Lauren Boebert out of the running, which of the half dozen Republicans trying for the seat is likely to win the primary and take on Democrat Adam Frisch?
Jun 7, 2024 • 25min
In eastern Colorado, a primary and a vacancy election
What to make of the nine major party candidates -- including Rep. Lauren Boebert -- all running in Colorado's fourth congressional district? And how does the vacancy race to fill out Ken Buck's term factor into it all?
May 31, 2024 • 29min
What are Colorado voters worried about?
From the future of our democracy to the state of their bank accounts, Colorado voters have been telling us about their top concerns for the upcoming election.
May 11, 2024 • 27min
Ending on a high note
Lawmakers were in an usually good mood as they wrapped up their session this week, a marked change from recent years.
May 3, 2024 • 25min
Drinking at the Colorado Capitol
Lawmakers say sharing an occasional drink can build camaraderie and release stress during long days under the golden dome, but the legislature’s long tradition of social drinking comes with risks […]
