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Mike Pence's televised vaccination Dec 18, 2020

Show notes

It's been a week since the FDA granted emergency authorization to Pfizer’s vaccine. The Moderna vaccine is expected to get that same go-ahead today.

But, there is still a significant share of Americans who don't trust the vaccines. Top government and health officials have been doing their best to change those minds. That now includes Vice President Mike Pence who will receive the Pfizer vaccine on live TV. He'll be the highest ranking official to do so so far.

Plus, the massive Russian hack that’s roiling the government.
And, the state of play on stimulus negotiations.

Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Mike Allen and Alayna Treene.

Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Carol Wu, Cara Shillenn, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Dan Bobkoff, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alex Sugiura and Naomi Shavin. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.

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The great American economic chasm Dec 17, 2020

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The entire country has been living the pandemic since March, but the realities between corporate America and working America are very different.

According to a Washington Post analysis, 45 of America’s 50 biggest publicly traded companies have turned profits since March. Around the same time, almost million Americans have fallen into poverty.

Plus, Google is in the antitrust crosshairs.
And, the downward spiral of public life.

Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon, Bryan Walsh and Ashley Gold.

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Joe Biden's latest cabinet picks Dec 16, 2020

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This week, we're hearing about even more cabinet nominations for the Biden administration. Former South Bend mayor and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is one - and now, we have the scoop on who will fill the roles of Energy Secretary and the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Plus, what’s standing in the way of COVID herd immunity.
And, how virtual reality could help fight racism.

Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols, Sam Baker and Russell Contreras.

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Inside Barr's resignation Dec 15, 2020

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Tensions between President Trump and Attorney General William Barr have been running high for weeks. They came to a head on Monday when Trump tweeted that Barr will resign from his post before Christmas, moments after the Electoral College affirmed President-elect Joe Biden's election victory.

Plus, could 2020 be the end of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong?
And, what happens if the job you lost during the pandemic won’t come back.

Guests: Axios' Jonathan Swan, Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian and Erica Pandey.

Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Carol Wu, Cara Shillenn, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Dan Bobkoff, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alex Sugiura and Naomi Shavin. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.

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The Electoral College votes Dec 14, 2020

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Electors around the country are heading to their state capitol buildings today to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s election win. It’s normally a big ceremonial event, where guests and members of the public are welcome to watch the vote. But this year - masks, social distancing and police escorts will make it look a lot different.

Plus, an explainer on Brexit’s latest delay.
And, we take you inside a Michigan warehouse shipping out the vaccine.

Guests: Axios' Stef Kight, Dave Lawler and Joann Muller.

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The opposition to Biden's cabinet Dec 11, 2020

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It's been a busy week for President-Elect Biden, who is in the middle of naming his cabinet picks. Marcia Fudge for Housing and Urban Development, Xavier Becerra for Health and Human Services, and retired general Lloyd Austin for Defense Secretary. But some of those announcements are getting a lot of backlash.

Plus, enforcing who gets a COVID vaccine first.
And, Jonathan Swan’s scoop on President Trump’s expansive pardon plans.

Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols, Caitlin Owens and Jonathan Swan.

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Facebook's Antitrust battle begins Dec 10, 2020

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On Wednesday, both the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of attorneys general from 48 States and territories filed lawsuits against Facebook. The two parallel sets of lawsuits accused the company of violating anti-trust laws by creating a monopoly on social media, using the company's vast amount of money and data to stifle competition.

Plus, the investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes.
And, big tech's racism problem.

Guests: Axios' Scott Rosenberg, Mike Allen and Ina Fried.

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What small businesses need to survive Dec 09, 2020

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Congress is getting closer to passing a stimulus bill. The focus now is on an over $900 billion plan that will include more unemployment benefits, money for schools and aid for small businesses. Both Republicans and Democrats seem ready to compromise - but for many small businesses, it might be too little too late.

Plus, American hospitals are in a covid crisis.
And, the pandemic has expedited the streaming revolution.

Guests: Axios' Dion Rabouin, Sam Baker and Sara Fischer.

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Axios Investigates: A Chinese Spy Dec 08, 2020

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For over a year, Axios has been investigating a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who cultivated extensive ties with local and national U.S. politicians, including a sitting congressman.

Today, we present a special episode: the story of the alleged intelligence operation, which offers a rare glimpse into the lengths Beijing will go to access U.S. political circles.

Guests: Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Axios Codebook author Zach Dorfman of the Aspen Institute, former Cupertino, CA mayor Gilbert Wong, former CIA intelligence official Rodney Faraon and Alameda County chief-of-staff Shawn Wilson.

Credits: This story was edited by Alison Snyder, Scott Rosenberg and Sara Goo. This special podcast episode was produced by Dan Bobkoff and Carol Wu and mixed by Alex Sugiura. Special thanks to Mike Allen, Qian Gao and Naomi Shavin.

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Exclusive: Suspected Chinese spy targeted California politicians

Trump’s final immigration moves Dec 07, 2020

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xThe past four years have been marked by hardline immigration policies. Now in his final days in office, President Donald Trump is trying to cement his legacy on immigration.