Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

It's a big week for Congress, as the GOP's congressional majorities vote for new congressional leadershipOn Today's Show:Molly Ball, senior political correspondent atThe Wall Street Journal, discusses the latest in national political news.NOTE: The fatal vehicle attack in New Orleans and the Tesla explosion in Las Vegas are developing stories. Authorities might provide updates that are not reflected in this discussion as the investigations continue. 

President-elect Donald Trump's brand of "America First" foreign policy seems at odds with his recent statements about the US's posture toward Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal.On Today's Show:Jacqueline Alemany, congressional investigations reporter for The Washington Post, talks about the latest political news out of Washington.

This discussion centers on the Lehrer Prize for Community Well-Being, honoring those who support transgender youth and their families. Listeners share nominations for impactful individuals and organizations. The conversation tackles political and social challenges facing trans minors, including harmful rhetoric and legal restrictions. Local initiatives provide free queer literature to foster understanding. The importance of community programs for trans and non-binary middle schoolers is highlighted, emphasizing the need for safe spaces during critical developmental years.

Jonathan Lemire, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, dives into the political landscape as President-elect Trump asserts a binary view of gender. They discuss the implications for transgender and non-binary individuals, highlighting the cultural war that surrounds this issue. Lemire also unpacks the complexities of government shutdowns, healthcare reform debates, and the influence of figures like Elon Musk in shaping policy. Additionally, a poignant caller shares her struggles for recognition as a trans woman, underscoring the urgent need for acceptance in a shifting political climate.

Katie Fallow, deputy litigation director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, offers legal analysis of the settlement between ABC and President-elect Trump, after the latter filed a defamation lawsuit against the news outlet and its anchor George Stephanopoulos, and what effect this and other threats and lawsuits by the president elect might have on the media.  

On today's show: New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand takes some questions about the week's news, including the looming government shutdown, the Equal Rights Amendment, and the drone situation.

A series of unidentified drones have been reportedly flying over the tri-state area, leading to confusion, concern, conspiracy theories. On Today's Show:Andrew Tangel, enterprise reporter covering aviation safety and regulation for The Wall Street Journal, breaks down the latest news, and what the federal response has been so far.

Rachel Cohrs Zhang, Chief Washington correspondent for STAT News, dives into the intricate issues plaguing the health insurance landscape, especially after recent tragedies in the sector. She discusses Congress's efforts to fix a system perceived as broken, highlighting key topics like Medicare improvements and the urgent need for bipartisan health insurance reforms. Cohrs also addresses disparities in healthcare access across the U.S. and the complexities faced by small pharmacies amidst rising pricing pressures from pharmacy benefit managers.

Meryl Kornfield, a politics reporter for The Washington Post, dives into President Biden's recent wave of pardons, including his controversial decision regarding his son, Hunter. She discusses the political pressure surrounding preemptive pardons, especially with Trump’s potential return. The complexities of clemency powers and differing public opinions are highlighted. Kornfield also delves into historical precedents, reflecting on past presidents' actions and the implications for criminal justice reform in today's landscape.

The discussion dives into the implications of recent antitrust appointments under Trump and their potential effects on trade regulation. The failed merger between major supermarket chains raises questions about corporate concentration and its impact on democracy. Lena Kahn's rise as a key figure in antitrust advocacy captures attention across the political spectrum. There's a fascinating exploration of the new conservative skepticism toward corporate power and the connection between market concentration and free speech, especially in the age of social media.