Political Breakdown

Political Breakdown debuted in 2017 as a podcast and radio program that unpacked politics with a California perspective. The show is an essential part of KQED, especially during presidential election years. That’s why we’re launching a daily version of Political Breakdown — on the air and in your podcast feed. Political Breakdown will be informative, fact-based and focused on democracy. It will be a news-driven show, unflinchingly taking on the topics of the moment while providing context.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott close out the year by looking back at two interviews recapping legislative highlights at the state Capitol. They revisit a conversation with labor leader Tia Orr on 2023's "hot labor summer" and historic accomplishments by and for organized labor. Then, they revisit a conversation with the governor's chief of staff Dana Williamson and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg about historic reforms on mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa, Scott and Guy wrap up 2023 by looking ahead into what's sure to be a wild election year. They're joined by KQED's Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Politico's Melanie Mason to chat about big issues and campaigns to watch and even make some predictions for the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American West used to be Republican territory. But in recent years, Democrats have gained ground in formerly red states like Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. Marisa and Scott chat with LA Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak about his series "The New West" and how this political shift transpired.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott talks to CalMatters reporter Sameea Kamal about the state's $68 billion budget deficit and the petition from Capitol staffers calling for a permanent cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.Plus, as the death toll in that war continues growing in the Middle East, a very different kind of toll is being felt at elite universities. Scott dives into how the war is roiling campuses across the country with LA Times columnist Robin Abcarian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California is losing another high-profile power broker now that Kevin McCarthy has announced he is resigning from Congress at the end of the year. What does this mean for his hometown of Bakersfield and the half dozen vulnerable Republicans running for reelection in California?Scott is joined by KVPR's Joshua Yeager, Republican political consultant Mike Madrid and Washington correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle Shira Stein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Utility companies are bracing for a future affected by climate change and evolving energy markets. Marisa and Scott are joined by Patti Poppe, the CEO of PG&E. Poppe has been trying to navigate these challenges and more since her tenure started in 2021, after the company emerged from bankruptcy for the second time in two decades.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special Tuesday edition of Political Breakdown, Scott Shafer and veteran political journalist Carla Marinucci give us the state of play in American politics. Then, they’re joined by KQED transportation reporter Dan Brekke to talk about whether public transit in the state is facing an existential crisis. Plus: Tune in to find out who’s already ordered their BART ugly holiday sweater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's up with Governor Gavin Newsom debating a presidential candidate? Marisa and Scott break down Newsom's motivations for going head-to-head with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tonight. Then, KQED science reporter Danielle Venton joins to dig into the home insurance crisis in California, brought on by a changing climate and the resulting natural disasters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa revisit a pair of conversations about politics and family, with California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and political strategist Dane Strother.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices