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The test of the electoral system Dec 04, 2020

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Two weeks ago, The Wayne County Board of Canvassers in Michigan met to certify the presidential election results and both Republican members refused. The two Democratic canvassers voted to approve the results. That meant it was a tie. A few hours later, the Republicans relented - there was another vote, and the certification happened.

It wasn’t just these Republicans in Michigan. A Republican Secretary of State in Georgia, a Republican county supervisor in Arizona and Republican-appointed judges in Pennsylvania were among the state and local officials who ended up validating Joe Biden’s presidential win over Donald Trump in the presidential election.

Did it all come down to these few people?

Plus, President Trump wants to auction drilling rights in Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife Refuge.
And, a new genealogy database dedicated to enslaved people and their stories.

Guests: Noah Feldman, constitutional law professor at Harvard University, Axios' Ben Geman and Russell Contreras.

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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Rural states prepare for a vaccine Dec 03, 2020

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We're getting closer to the vaccine finish line with three promising candidates. Distributing this vaccine will be a challenge everywhere but especially in states that have large rural areas like Alabama where a three-phase plan to get the state vaccinated is being finalized next week.

Plus, the logic behind the CDC’s new quarantine guidelines.
And, the new hope for creating smart cities.

Guests: Alabama Public Health state health officer Dr. Scott Harris and Axios' Sam Baker and Jennifer Kingson.

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A dramatic day at the DOJ Dec 02, 2020

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Yesterday, three major pieces of news came out from the Department of Justice and Attorney General Bill Barr. And it all involves the Trump administration.

Plus, President-elect Biden’s economic team will write a new crisis playbook.
And, the broken pipeline for Latino executives.

Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Felix Salmon and Erica Pandey

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The reality of U.S. border cities Dec 01, 2020

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The U.S.-Mexico border is often described as a dangerous place by politicians including President Donald Trump. But in reality, data from the FBI shows U.S. border cities are some of the safest in the country.

Plus, a lame-duck attempt in Congress to revive another stimulus package.
And, the NFL’s COVID crisis.

Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras, Alayna Treene, and Jeff Tracy

State of play of the top vaccines Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

There are at least three promising vaccine candidates. Two are likely to get emergency use authorization in the coming weeks. A third showed promising results, but is facing questions. And more candidates are close behind. We walk you through what you need to know.

Plus, how news outlets are adjusting to a time after President Donald Trump.
And, a primer on the social media site Parler.

Guests: Axios' Sam Baker, Sara Fischer, and Dan Primack

How the transition affects you Nov 25, 2020

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President-elect Joe Biden and his team can now officially begin the transition of power. But President Trump's delay cost the new administration 20 days of highly valuable planning time that is essential to pulling off a smooth transition of power across multiple agencies in the vast federal government. Bestselling author Michael Lewis joins us for an exclusive interview.

Plus, the reality of 2020 holiday shopping.

Guests: Axios' Aja Whitaker-Moore and author and host of the Pushkin podcast "Against the Rules," Michael Lewis.

The Biden transition begins Nov 24, 2020

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Last night, a key government agency gave the green light for President-elect Joe Biden's transition to formally begin. The General Services Administration's order allows for more than $6 million to be released as well as office space and briefings on the pandemic and national security to begin.

Plus, why the rest of the world is very excited about the Oxford vaccine.
And, billionaire Charles Koch tells Mike Allen partisanship doesn’t work.

Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols, Dave Lawler, and co-founder Mike Allen.

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Air travel and the holidays Nov 23, 2020

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Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning against holiday travel. The day after 1 million Americans got on a plane, it's the highest volume of travelers airports have seen since the pandemic.

Plus, how the country’s largest public university system is handling Thanksgiving.
And, the life and death implications of delaying the presidential transition.

Guests: Axios' Joann Muller, and Russell Contreras and State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras.

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Joe Biden's transition talks Nov 20, 2020

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President-elect Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election 13 days ago. President Trump has not conceded and his administration has not taken any steps to prepare for a transition of power. In a press conference yesterday, Biden explained why he won't let that get in the way of his path to the White House.

Plus, the reality of COVID long haulers.
And, saving our oceans with marine sanctuaries.

Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, UC Davis pulmonologist Dr. Nicholas Kenyon and National Geographic's Pristine Seas expedition leader Paul Rose.

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The science of COVID restrictions Nov 19, 2020

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As of yesterday, 250 thousand Americans have died from the coronavirus. And yet, cases are still rising and government responses are varied and inconsistent. As partial restrictions take hold around the country, including curfews and some closed businesses, the question remains - are these responses actually based in science?

Plus, a new ruling on unaccompanied minors at the border.
And, the FAA gives the green light to bring back the Boeing 737 Max.

Guests: Axios' Bryan Walsh, Stef Kight and Courtenay Brown.

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