Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a tight race in key battleground states, but recent polling shows the Vice President gaining a slight edge. Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, takes a look at the numbers and offers analysis.

Despite Republican claims on "freedom" as a value, VP Kamala Harris is leaning into the word on the campaign trail.  On Today's Show:Carlo Invernizzi-Accetti, professor of political science and executive director of the Moynihan Center at The City College of New York, and author of the forthcoming 20 Years of Rage: How Resentment Took the Place of Politics (Mondadori, 2024), explains the origins of freedom in political rhetoric and how the Harris-Walz ticket is seeking to redefine freedom after the American right carried the mantle as the party of freedom for decades.

Tim Walz's climate record has advocates mostly pleased. On today's show, Dharna Noor, fossil fuels and climate reporter at Guardian US, takes a look at that record.

Alex Shephard, a senior editor at The New Republic, dives into the recent political landscape, highlighting J.D. Vance's calls for a militant stance in support of Project 2025. The discussion unpacks Vance's media presence and his alignment with Trump's agenda, as well as the Heritage Foundation's influential role in shaping conservative strategies. Shephard also addresses the controversial rhetoric surrounding recent literature that reflects the chaotic political climate, analyzing its implications for the upcoming election.

Tim Walz, the newly-nominated Democratic VP candidate and former Minnesota governor, shares insights into his transformative political journey. With a background shaped by working-class values and military service, he discusses his shift from a DUI incident to becoming an advocate for inclusivity and LGBTQ rights. The conversation highlights his evolving stance on gun control, driven by recent tragedies, and emphasizes connection with voters through personal narratives. Ernesto Londoño enriches the dialogue with a deeper understanding of Walz's impactful policies.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joins Politico's Jonathan Lemire to discuss his surprising selection as Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 election. Walz’s relatable persona and progressive ideals are examined, alongside the internal dynamics within the Democratic party. The conversation dives into the reactions from voters and the strategic implications of his candidacy, including geographic considerations and voter demographics. They also highlight the effectiveness of unconventional communication in politics, shedding light on how it can resonate with everyday voters.

Nancy Cook, a senior national political correspondent at Bloomberg News, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Kamala Harris's upcoming VP pick. She highlights how Harris is polling better than Biden did before his exit, ramping up the pressure on her decision. Cook discusses potential candidates like Josh Shapiro and Mark Kelly, examining their appeal to swing states and voter demographics. The conversation also touches on the shifting political landscape and the fallout within the Republican Party, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolving 2024 race.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Griffith, a New York Times reporter specializing in tech and Silicon Valley, uncovers the shifting political climate of the tech industry as wealthy entrepreneurs pivot towards Republican support for the 2024 election. She explores the fraying alliances within the influential PayPal Mafia and highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration among investors. Griffith also addresses the ethical responsibilities tech leaders face as their influence in politics and the economy continues to expand.

Elie Mystal, a justice correspondent and columnist for The Nation, dives into the implications of President Biden's proposed reforms for the Supreme Court, including term limits and a code of ethics. He discusses the recent controversies surrounding justices, such as undisclosed gifts and the presidential immunity debate. Mystal analyzes the political dynamics of term limits and their potential to increase accountability within the Court, illustrating how these changes could reshape America's judicial landscape.

Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, and Christopher Cadelago, California bureau chief at Politico, discuss Kamala Harris's emerging role as the likely Democratic nominee. They delve into her biography and rising popularity post-Biden. Key topics include her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and implications for voter perceptions, especially among Jewish constituents. The conversation also touches on her grassroots support in rural areas and how her focus on reproductive rights resonates with evolving voter priorities.