Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Trump Indictment Special Edition Mar 31, 2023

Amid the news that former President Trump has been served a 34-charge indictment, we explore the legal landscape with a former NY judge, and the politics with a local journalist. On today's show, Zachary Carter, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and most recently, corporation counsel for the City of New York, draws on his deep experience prosecuting high profile and white collar crimes to discuss the charges Donald Trump will be facing in Manhattan. Then, Errol Louis, political anchor of Spectrum NY1 News, host of Inside City Hall, New York Magazine columnist and host of the podcast You Decide, shares his political analysis of former President Trump's indictment by a Manhattan grand jury.

Can Artificial Intelligence Be Trained To Be “Loyal” To Human Values? Mar 30, 2023

An open letter, signed by several of Big Tech's key players, calls for a 6-month pause on AI development. On today's show, Sigal Samuel, senior reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect and co-host of the Future Perfect podcast, talks about why hundreds of these in-the-know leaders are worried, and what could happen if AI development continues full steam ahead.

Trump’s Indictment Fundraising Dud, Democrats Lukewarm On A Hush Money Charge Mar 29, 2023

Why some Democrats aren't excited about Trump's possible indictment on hush-money campaign contributions, and more on how the landscape of the 2024 election is taking shape. On today's show, Tara Palmeri, partner and senior political correspondent at Puck News and Peter Hamby, partner at Puck News and host of Snapchat's Good Luck America, talk about the latest national political news, including how Democrats feel about Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's investigation into Trump, and rumblings that Florida Gov. DeSantis may drop his White House bid.

Israel’s Massive Protests And The US Role Explained Mar 28, 2023

Israelis surged into the streets to protest Prime Minister Netanyahu's now delayed plan to weaken the judiciary. On today's show, Daniel Estrin, international correspondent for NPR based in Jerusalem, reports on why Israelis are protesting and what the prime minister's moves mean for the future of democracy in Israel.

Florida County Bans 20+ Jodi Picoult Books. Here's What She Thinks About That Mar 27, 2023

A book about a Holocaust survivor's granddaughter is one of about 20 books by author Jodi Picoult banned by a particular county in Florida. On today's show, Jodi Picoult and Suzanne Nossel, PEN America chief executive officer, explain what's at stake as states and local governments continue to ban books.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman Says Republicans Are Scapegoating TikTok. Agree? Mar 24, 2023

Congress grilled TikTok's CEO at a hearing on Thursday over the tech company's relationship with China's government, and the app's impact on teen mental health. On today's show, Louise Matsakis, tech reporter for Semafor, recaps the hearing and talks about why members of Congress are so concerned about the wildly popular app.

A Former Cop Argues Police Reform Is Possible Mar 23, 2023

During the midterms, crime rates and public safety were a hot-button issue, even as discourse around police reform and anti-Black violence continues. On today's show, Neil Gross, sociology professor at Colby College in Maine, former police officer, and author of Walk the Walk: How Three Police Chiefs Defied the Odds and Changed Cop Culture (Metropolitan Books, 2023), argues police culture can become more humane and effective using the examples of three departments whose chiefs made it happen—in Stockton, California; Longmont, Colorado; and LaGrange, Georgia.

What To Know If Trump's Indicted Today Mar 21, 2023

With the Manhattan DA poised to announce an indictment (or not) of former President Trump, here's some background, and what to expect from the possible charges. On today's show, Andrew Weissmann, professor of criminal and national security law at NYU School of Law, lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel's Office, and the author of Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation (Random House, 2020), shares his legal analysis of the case and what may happen next.

Does The Government Have To Choose Between Saving The Banks And Saving Us From Inflation? Mar 20, 2023

Amid questions about how to tackle inflation, and how to mitigate ripple effects from issues in the banking sector, a member of the House Financial Services committee has updates. On today's show, U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D, CT-4) brings us the latest from the Fed on inflation, congressional regulators on banks, and national security related headlines from Ukraine to Jan. 6.

The History (And Present) Of Food Stamps Mar 17, 2023

A COVID-era food security expansion of SNAP benefits has expired, returning to pre-pandemic levels. On today's show, Janet Poppendieck, professor emerita of sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York, a co-founder of the New York City Food Policy Center at Hunter College and a senior fellow at the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, discusses the history of SNAP, benefits that used to be known as "food stamps," which first began back in the 1930s.

How A Texas Judge Could Rule On Abortion Access Nationwide Mar 16, 2023

A federal judge in Texas could rule soon on the FDA's approval of an abortion drugs that could impact access around the country. On today's show, Sarah McCammon, national correspondent for NPR, reports on the hearing and what's at stake for reproductive rights.

Measuring The 'Glass Ceiling' For Working Women Around The World Mar 15, 2023

Balancing work and family is often seen as a choice that primarily affects women. But many countries have policies that mean that women don't have to choose one over the other. On today's show, The Economist has released its annual Glass Ceiling Index, a report on the role and influence of women in the workforce across developed nations. Lizzy Peet, lead data researcher for The Economist's Glass Ceiling Index, shares some of the findings.

The Politics of Bailing Out Banks Mar 13, 2023

The latest economic news includes proposed spending in Biden's federal budget proposal, and a run on a Big Tech bank that some argue needs government intervention. On today's show, Molly Ball, national political correspondent for TIME and the author of Pelosi (Henry Holt and Co., 2020), talks about the deal to protect banking in the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank's failure, plus Pres. Biden's budget plan, and other national political news.

A Cold Bank Failure Meets A Hot Job Market Mar 10, 2023

A look at some recent economic data and headlines, including February's jobs report, and Biden's proposed federal budget. On today's show, Felix Salmon, chief financial correspondent for Axios, host of the Slate Money Podcast, and author of the forthcoming The Phoenix Economy: Work, Life, and Money in the New Not Normal (‎Harper Business, 2023), talks about today's February jobs report and what it signifies for future interest rates and inflation, plus President Biden's budget plan.

Something To Avoid: The U.S.-China New Cold (And Maybe Hot) War Mar 09, 2023

China's geopolitical military posturing has some international observers, and some members of congress, concerned about the future of China-US relations. On today's show, Susan Shirk, research professor and chair of the 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego and the author of Overreach: How China Derailed its Peaceful Rise (Oxford University Press, 2022), shares her analysis of what some are calling a new cold war between the US and China, as officials in both countries trade barbs.

Persuasion Is Still Possible: MSNBC’s Mehdi Hasan on Winning Political Arguments Mar 08, 2023

A lot has changed about our political discourse over the past decade. On today's show, Mehdi Hasan, journalist and host of The Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC and Peacock and the author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking (Henry Holt and Co., 2023), offers pointers for persuading people with winning arguments.

Ron DeSantis And The Campaign To 'Eradicate' Transgenderism Mar 07, 2023

With a recent escalation of legislative and rhetorical attacks targeting trans people, we explore the human ramifications, as well as the politics. On today's show, after the alarming anti-trans rhetoric coming out of the Conservative Political Action Conference, which included a call to "eradicate" trans people from "public life", Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter at the 19th*, focusing on transgender rights, incarceration, politics and public policy, explains how these sentiments are present in state laws throughout the United States.

Rep. Pat Ryan On Crime, Retirement Funds, and Pres. Biden’s Veto Pen Mar 06, 2023

A local representative brings his updates and analysis on the latest issues of national policy. On today's show, U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) talks about the latest national political news and his priorities including rail safety standards, the SALT tax and more.

Weekend Special: President Jimmy Carter on Religion, Gender Equality and Foreign Policy Mar 04, 2023

For a weekend special, we present three conversations from our archives with a former president. Just over a week ago, the Carter Center announced that Jimmy Carter had entered hospice care. Carter has joined The Brian Lehrer Show a few times since leaving office, and in these excerpts from our archives, he reflects on his faith, on gender equality, and on the role of the United States as a moral leader on the international stage.

How The 13th Amendment Could Restore Abortion Rights Mar 03, 2023

Several headlines in the realm of legal news could have national implications, including federal judges of various political persuasions who could unilaterally set national policy. On today's show, Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer at Slate covering courts and the law, has reported that a single federal judge in Texas could outlaw abortion pills nationwide. And, in other legal news, Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch testified that some of his network hosts endorsed the stolen election lie. Mark joins us to provide an update on these and other headlines in legal affairs.

Rep. Ritchie Torres On U.S.- China Relations Mar 02, 2023

A local representative brings us updates and analysis on some of the latest politics from Congress. On today's show, Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative (D-NY15), talks about Tuesday's committee hearing on U.S./China relations and other Congressional news.

Is The House Of Representatives Too Small For Democracy? Mar 01, 2023

The House of Representatives was designed to scale up with the population of the country. How does the current cap at 435 impact democracy? On today's show, Danielle Allen, Washington Post contributing columnist, a political theorist at Harvard University, where she is James Bryant Conant University Professor and director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics and the author of Democracy in the Time of Coronavirus (University of Chicago Press, 2022) and the forthcoming Justice by Means of Democracy (University of Chicago Press, 2023), proposes expanding the number of members of the House of Representatives.

Why Is Bill McKibben Getting 50 Rocking Chairs Ready For A Climate Protest? Feb 28, 2023

A look at the latest in climate action targeting banks and other influential economic actors, plus, the first notable snowfall in the Northeast so far this year. On today's show, Bill McKibben, environmental activist, founder of Third Act, and author of many books, most recently: The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened (Henry Holt and Co., 2022), joins to talk about how a rapidly warming climate in the Northeast has altered this year's snow economy, and more on the latest climate news.

How Having A Record Number Of Women In Congress Changes The Policy Agenda Feb 27, 2023

Why is it important, in terms of policy, that women play a role as legislators in Congress? On today's show, Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021) and a forthcoming biography of Barbara Walters, rounds up the latest news from Washington.

Who Would Benefit From A 4-Day Workweek? Feb 24, 2023

A new study in the UK tested the impacts of reducing the workweek to four days. Could that be a workable business model to attract workers in the "Great Resignation" economy? On today's show, Niamh Bridson Hubbard, PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Cambridge, and Vanessa Fuhrmans, deputy bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal's careers and workplaces team, discuss the details of the study and what it would take for the US to update it's work culture.

Back From Ukraine, Biden Reportedly Deploys Troops To Taiwan Feb 23, 2023

One year since Russia invaded Ukraine, how much has U.S. military aid made a difference in the fighting, and in pushing both parties to negotiate for peace? On today's show, Ishaan Tharoor, foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post, joins to discuss President Biden's trip to Ukraine, how it's seen in the West and the latest polling data which gauges Americans' support of how involved the United States should or shouldn't be.

How Ending Economic Racism Could Help White People Too Feb 22, 2023

Would the impacts of racism be easier to communicate if we focused on the ways that bias and inequality are bad for everyone? On today's show, Heather McGhee, chair of Color of Change board of directors and the author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together (One World, 2021) and the new edition for young readers, The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone (Delacorte Press, 2023) talks about teaching young readers about the issues of equity and racism and building a future that benefits everyone.

Trans Contributors To The NY Times Protest Coverage Feb 21, 2023

It's been a week since hundreds of current and former contributors to the New York Times signed a letter criticizing the paper's coverage of issues affecting transgender people. On today's show, Jo Livingstone, critic, contributor to The New York Times and an organizer of NYTLetter.com, and Sabrina Imbler, staff writer at Defector, a worker-owned site, and former fellow for The New York Times, discuss the latest on the open letter to the New York Times, in which over 1,000 contributors have accused the paper of biased coverage of transgender issues.

Jimmy Carter Biographer And Appearances On Our Show Feb 20, 2023

On Presidents Day, we explore Jimmy Carter's political legacy, and hear excerpts from conversations he's had with Brian since leaving the White House. On today's show, Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, CNN political analyst, NPR contributor, and author of several books and co-author with Kevin Kruse of Myth America: Historians Take On the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past (Basic Books, 2023), talks about presidential history and where it connects to today's news.

Buttigieg Shrugs, The Right Benefits? Feb 17, 2023

After a train derailment in Ohio caused a dangerous chemical spill, what are the political optics at play for the Biden administration? On today's show, Jeet Heer, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation magazine and host of their weekly podcast, The Time of Monsters, talks about the federal government's response to the Ohio train derailment that resulted in the release of toxic chemicals.

What Would End The War In Ukraine? And Other Questions A Year After Russia's Invasion Feb 16, 2023

It's almost been a full year since Russia launched it's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. On today's show, Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), offers analysis of where things stand militarily.

What Was Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Like As A Governor? Feb 15, 2023

Yesterday, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who served as Trump's U.N. Ambassador, announced her presidential campaign. On today's show, Andy Shain, a managing editor at The Post and Courier in South Carolina, discusses Nikki Haley's time as South Carolina governor between 2011 and 2017. He also explains how her decisions and politics during her time as governor might shape her presidential run.

Are We Being Invaded By Mysterious Balloons? (Not Exactly But…) Feb 14, 2023

What should we make of the recent headlines about possible spy balloons hovering over US airspace? On today's show, Jeff Wise, science journalist, explains why the military has been shooting down high-altitude balloons over the United States and how these objects got there in the first place.

New York City Progressives Divided Over How To Achieve Public Safety Feb 13, 2023

A local legislator discusses the progressive approach to criminal justice, and how to enhance public safety without mass incarceration. On today's show, Tiffany Cabán, NYC Council Member serving parts of Queens, talks about the progressive caucus's hopes to reduce the "size and scope of the NYPD" and other public safety priorities.

What Rick Scott and Mike Lee Really Said About Social Security Feb 10, 2023

As the week of Biden's State Of The Union comes to a close, we explore the politics of one of the more viral moments from the speech.

On Today's Show:Toluse Olorunnipa, Washington Post White House bureau chief and the co-author of His Name is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice (Viking, 2022) talks about how President Biden's performance in the State of the Union speech is landing politically, including his live clash with Republicans over Social Security and Medicare, plus the latest on where federal police reform stands.

Why Civil Rights And Fair Housing Haven't Fixed The Racial Wealth Gap (And What Could) Feb 09, 2023

With almost 60 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, why does the racial wealth gap persist? On today's show, Kyle Moore, economist with the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy discusses the Black-white wealth gap, which is still evident despite civil rights and fair housing legislation.

How Biden And Huckabee Sanders Talked Differently About Cancer Says A Lot Feb 08, 2023

After yesterday's State Of The Union, a look at what President Biden said, how he said it, what the response has been so far, and what it means for politics. On today's show, Andrew J. Seligsohn, political scientist and president of Public Agenda, and Errin Haines, editor-at-large at The 19th, offer analysis of President Biden's State of the Union address and what the remarks reveal about the White House agenda for 2023.

Bidenomics Formula: Climate + Semiconductors = Good Jobs Revival Feb 07, 2023

The morning before President Biden delivers the State Of The Union address, we check in on his economic approaches. On today's show, Idrees Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, talks about how President Biden hopes to transform the economy, and how it's going so far.

Tell Ron DeSantis: It’s AP African-American Studies, Not Just African-America History. Why The Distinction Matters Feb 06, 2023

After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis banned the new AP African American studies course from the state, the College Board released a revised version of the course that many are saying is missing key elements of history. On today's show, Noliwe Rooks, department chair and professor of Africana studies at Brown University, reflects on what's in, and what students will be missing from the course as it now is.

The Public Grief That Follows Police Violence Feb 03, 2023

When police kill innocent Black people, victims' families are often thrust into a public mourning that's partially an tragic spectacle, and partially a motivator of change. On today's show, Charles Blow, New York Times opinion columnist, author and MSNBC political analyst, shares his thoughts on how family members of Black men and boys murdered by police officers are forced to mourn in public, and reflects on the week since the video was released.

Rep. Daniel Goldman On Santos, And The Democrats' House Minority Feb 02, 2023

A freshman House Democrat from New York brings the latest news from Congress, plus his analysis on George Santos, investigations into Trump, and more. On today's show, Rep. Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), former lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Trump in 2019, and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District NY, talks about the latest news from Congress.

If 500 COVID Deaths A Day Is No Longer An 'Emergency,' What Is It? Feb 01, 2023

What are we to call this phase of living with COVID-19, as a new variant dubbed "the Kraken" emerges, and as federal emergency measures are set to expire soon? On today's show, Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, infectious disease physician with a PhD in molecular medicine, researcher at Columbia, Optum chief of the division of Infectious Disease, president of Parasites Without Borders and co-host of the podcast "This Week in Virology", talks about what it means that President Biden plans to end the COVID emergency in May, planning for future boosters, and what we know about the "kraken" subvariant.

Elie Honig On Prosecuting Trump And The Accused Memphis Cops Jan 31, 2023

What's similar, and what's different, about the way the justice system treats the rich (like Trump), the powerful (like police officers), and average Americans? On today's show, Elie Honig, senior legal analyst at CNN, author of Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It (Harper, 2023), and former New Jersey and federal prosecutor, talks about the way the criminal justice system works differently for those with wealth and power, as well as weighing in on the prosecution of the police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols.

One Rogue Cop Is A Bad Apple, Five Is A System Jan 30, 2023

Amid the outrage over the killing of Tyre Nichols by police, we take stock of the discussion about whether the issue is individual cops, or the structure and culture of policing. On today's show, Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the Legal Defense Fund, talks about the murder charges for the former Memphis police officers in the death of Tyre Nichols, the release of the videotape of the encounter, and the federal civil rights investigation into the incident.

Steve Kornacki and Nicole Hemmer on the ‘90s Roots of Today's Radical Right Jan 27, 2023

The year 1993 saw the inauguration of a Democratic U.S. president and a Republican mayor of New York. We're exploring the dynamics that took root when Bill Clinton and Rudy Giuliani rose to the height of their political power—and their impact on the world in 2023.

On Today's Show: How today's hyper-partisanship got its start in the 1990s. Guests: Nicole Hemmer, political historian and founding director of the Rogers Center for the American Presidency at Vanderbilt University, co-host of the podcasts This Day in Esoteric Political History and Past Present and the author of Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries who Remade American Politics in the 1990s (Basic Books, 2022) and Steve Kornacki, national political correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC and the author of The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism (Ecco, 2018).

Is Legal Online Sports Betting Creating More Gambling Addicts? Jan 26, 2023

Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, talks about the problem with gambling addiction in New Jersey, which has been on the rise since sports betting was legalized a few years ago.

If you are in New Jersey and you or your loved one is struggling with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Fentanyl Business Model Includes Killing Customers Jan 25, 2023

What to do about fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid responsible for a continued rise in overdose deaths in New York City and across the country?

On Today's Show: Sam Quinones, independent journalist and the author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic and The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth, and Courtney McKnight, clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at NYU's School of Global Public Health, talk about the drug and what makes it so life-threatening and resistant to efforts to stem its abuse.

What Will Be the Legacy of the Baby Boom Generation? Jan 24, 2023

On today's show: Philip Bump, national columnist for The Washington Post and the author of The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America (Viking, 2023), talks about his new book that digs into the data on the baby boom generation and what to expect as its influence wanes.

Will No-Abortion States Start Imprisoning Women? Jan 23, 2023

On Today's Show: Shefali Luthra, a healthcare reporter at the 19th, discusses new FDA rules allowing pharmacies to distribute abortion pills, how red states are responding to underground pill movements, and how abortion access has changed in the 50 years since the Roe v. Wade decision.

How Bill Clinton's Political Moment Shaped Ours Jan 20, 2023

On the 30th anniversary of Pres. Bill Clinton's inauguration, we explore the the short- and long-term impacts of his tenure. On Today's Show: Eleanor Clift, columnist for The Daily Beast, and David Maraniss, associate editor at The Washington Post, Pulitizer Prize-winning reporter, and the author of several books and biographies, including First in His Class: A Biography Of Bill Clinton (Simon & Schuster, 1995) and his latest, Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe (Simon & Schuster, 2022), discuss the Clinton campaign and the factors leading to his victory.

Colette Coleman and Callers on 'Selling Houses While Black' Jan 19, 2023

Thanks to redlining, we know that historically, Black people have faced historical barriers to purchasing property. What about trying to *sell* property as a Black real estate agent? On today's show, Colette Coleman, a writer focused on race and equity, discusses her New York Times article "Selling Houses While Black" about the challenges faced, and strategies adopted, by Black real estate agents, who are underrepresented in the profession and earn less than their white counterparts.

We Hit The Debt Ceiling Tomorrow! Should We Care? Jan 18, 2023

With a key fiscal deadline looming over the federal government, we explore how important the national debt actually is. On today's show, John Cassidy, staff writer at The New Yorker, explains the economics -- and politics -- of the approaching "debt ceiling".

To Ban Gas Stoves, Or To Ban Bans On Gas Stoves: That Is The (GOP's) Question Jan 17, 2023

Gas stoves, versus electric stoves, have sparked some health and safety questions. What's the environmental impact of these appliances, and what are the politics of regulating them?

On Today's Show:Somini Sengupta, international climate reporter for The New York Times and lead writer for the Climate Forward newsletter, explains why gas stoves have recently become a political flashpoint, and digs into what the science says about risks they may pose to our health and to the environment.

Oral Histories From The Civil Rights Era Jan 16, 2023

For this year's MLK day show, we opened the phones for listeners to share their memories and personal experience with the civil rights movements of the 50s and 60s. On today's show, Peniel Joseph, Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values, founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin and the author of The Third Reconstruction: America's Struggle for Racial Justice in the Twenty-First Century (Basic Books, 2022), talks about what was accomplished, as well as the inequality that remained unaddressed.

A Rabbi And A Minister Discuss Racism and Anti-Semitism Jan 13, 2023

Ahead of MLK day on Monday, we hear from faith leaders who are continuing Dr. King's legacy of anti-racism, today. On today's show, Jacqueline Lewis, senior minister at the Middle Church and author of Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness that Can Heal the World (Harmony, 2021), and Joshua Stanton, rabbi at East End Temple in Manhattan, talk about Sunday's MLK Day teach-in "(Re)Building Black and Jewish Beloved Community."

Will The IRS Never Audit You If Republicans Defund The Tax Police? Jan 12, 2023

Why do Republicans want to give the IRS less money, and what would it mean for taxpayers across income brackets? On today's show, Catherine Rampell, an opinion columnist at the Washington Post, an economic and political commentator for CNN, a special correspondent for the PBS NewsHour and a contributor to Marketplace, explains why Republicans are trying rescind additional IRS funding, what that funding was intended for, and what might happen if they succeed.

The Climate Numbers Are In For 2022 Jan 11, 2023

As part of our 'Climate Story Of The Week' series, we review climate change and policy since one year ago. On today's show, now that 2022 has come to a close, Henry Fountain, climate reporter for the New York Times provides an update on climate trends.

Rep. Ritchie Torres on his Stop Another Non Truthful Office Seeker (SANTOS) Act Jan 10, 2023

Now that Republicans are in control of the House of Representatives, what will be the fate of some of the Democrats' policy items? On today's show, Rep. Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative (D-NY15), recaps the grueling Speaker selection process and predicts what the change in leadership will mean for his constituents.

The 8 Crimes Of Jan. 6, According To Ari Melber Jan 06, 2023

On the 2nd anniversary of the attack on the Capitol, a look at what we now know about who's responsible for the events of Jan. 6. On today's show, Ari Melber, host of "The Beat with Ari Melber" and chief legal correspondent for MSNBC, talks about the official January 6 committee report and reflects on the insurrection, its fallout, and where the House is headed now.

It’s Not Just The 20 Holdouts: Who Are The Voters Behind The Never McCarthy Congresspeople? Jan 05, 2023

As the contest over who will be the next House speaker drags on, we look at the views of the voters in districts represented by those GOP members who want anyone but Kevin McCarthy. On today's show, Astead Herndon, New York Times national political reporter and host of their midterms podcast "The Run-Up", talks about the GOP's policy priorities in the House and what Republican voters expect of the representatives who are holding out against electing Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker.

Can We Ethically Enjoy Football After Damar Hamlin’s Injury? Jan 04, 2023

With the injury count as high as it is in a contact sport like football, what is there to say about the morality of being a fan? On today's show, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a tackle in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. Though medical personnel restored Hamlin's heartbeat, this emergency shines a light on the league's injury crisis. William Rhoden, columnist for Andscape and former longtime sports columnist at The New York Times, discusses the news.

Kevin McCarthy, George Santos, and Congress Day One Jan 03, 2023

With Congress's new term beginning, we explore what's next in national politics. On today's show, Molly Ball, national political correspondent for TIME and the author of Pelosi (Henry Holt and Co., 2020), kicks off the new year with a look at the new divided Congress and what the Republican majority in the House will do in the first weeks of January.

Were You Paying Attention to Jan. 6 News This Year? Dec 29, 2022

On Today's Show: An end-of-year news quiz about developments in the Jan. 6th investigation, featuring guest quizmaster Brooke Gladstone, host of WNYC's On the Media.

Historian Meets Watergate Prosecutor On The Right (And Wrong) Kinds Of Presidential Accountability Dec 28, 2022

As new details develop in the name of accountability for January 6th, we look at what it means to hold a president accountable, and whether it was done right in the wake of Watergate. On today's show, Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, CNN political analyst, NPR contributor, and author of The Presidency of Donald J. Trump: A First Historical Assessment (Princeton University Press, 2022) and co-author with Kevin Kruse of the forthcoming Myth America: Historians Take On the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past (Basic Books, 2023), and Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC legal analyst, former Watergate special prosecutor, co-host of the podcasts "#Sistersinlaw" and "IGenPolitics" and the author of The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President (Henry Holt and Co., 2020), look to lessons from Watergate for what needs to happen with the Jan. 6th committee report.

Year In Review Hangout: What Should 2022 Be Remembered For? Dec 27, 2022

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Zelensky's Speech, Trump's Tax Returns Dec 22, 2022

A look at a speech given yesterday by Ukrainian president Zelensky before Congress, and at two bits of bad news for Trump: the release of his tax returns, and the final Jan. 6 report. On today's show, Luke Broadwater, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, shares the latest from the Capitol, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's address to a joint session of Congress, the House Ways and Means Committee’s vote to make Trump’s tax returns public and the final report of the Jan 6th Select Committee.

How Hope Hicks Bolstered The Jan. 6th Committee’s Case For Charging Trump With Insurrection Dec 20, 2022

At its final public meeting yesterday, the January 6 committee recommended criminal charges for former President Trump. On today's show, Jacqueline Alemany, Congressional investigations reporter for The Washington Post and contributor to NBC News and MSNBC, recaps the day and explains whether the Department of Justice must act on the recommendations or not.

What Elon Musk’s 'Should I Step Down' Poll Means Dec 19, 2022

Elon Musk has made a series of changes to Twitter, which he recently purchased, that have left users and commentators questioning his approach to managing the platform. On today's show, Philip Bump, national correspondent for The Washington Post, bring his analysis on Musk's stewardship of Twitter, including what to make of a poll he posted asking whether he should step down as CEO.

Will We Have a Government Shutdown for Christmas? Dec 16, 2022

On Thursday, Congress passed a stopgap bill to fund the government for an extra week to avoid a shutdown, and to give them more time to agree on a full-year budget for 2023 when the GOP takes control of the House. On Today's Show, Emily Cochrane, reporter in the Washington bureau of The New York Times, covering Congress, brings us her latest reporting about Congress's spending bills, and Eric Toder, Institute Fellow at the Tax Policy Center, explains the federal budget process, and the latest deal passed by Congress, which averts a shutdown for a week to give lawmakers more time to agree on a full-year budget.

El Paso and DC Immigration Reporters Compare Notes On The New Surge Dec 15, 2022

An influx of asylum seekers have made their way to El Paso to seek entry into the United States, as a federal border regulation is set to expire next week. On today's show, Uriel García, immigration reporter at The Texas Tribune, brings the latest from the western corner of Texas, and Maria Sacchetti, reporter covering immigrant communities and Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Washington Post, shares the latest on Title 42.

Here’s How Much Of Your Taxes Go To The Military. We Ask, 'Why?' Dec 14, 2022

With Congress poised to pass a defense spending bill, we look at the cost of the US military, and why, even in a time of relative peace, that cost continues to rise. On today's show, Fred Kaplan, Slate's 'War Stories' columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War (Simon & Schuster, 2020), talks about the massive budget, and why very few in politics or media seem to raise an eyebrow at the size of the military budget.

The Science and Politics of The Fusion Energy Breakthrough Dec 13, 2022

A new scientific breakthrough in nuclear power, with political and economic implications, could completely change the course of our energy future. On today's show, Arthur Turrell, deputy director for research and economics at the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Science Campus, a visitor to the plasma physics group at Imperial College London and the author of The Star Builders: Nuclear Fusion and the Race to Power the Planet (Scribner, 2021), talks about the reports of a breakthrough in the pursuit of nuclear fusion which promises a cleaner source of energy.

How Brittney Griner Got Caught In The Culture War And The One In Ukraine Dec 12, 2022

Some right-wing voices claim that the prisoner swap that brought Brittney Griner back to American soil was a mistake. On today's show, Susan Glasser, a staff writer at the New Yorker, where she writes a column on life in Biden's Washington and co-anchors a weekly roundtable discussion on "The Political Scene" podcast, and co-author with Peter Baker of The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 (Doubleday, 2022), talks about the latest national political news, including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's change in party affiliation, the disparate reactions to the release of Brittney Griner, and more.

Prof. Eddie Glaude, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Jay Caspian Kang On The Year In Hate (and Love) Dec 09, 2022

After a year with so much hate-motivated politics and violence, we take a step back with three perspectives on bigotry and hate movements, and on responding with love. On today's show, Sharon Kleinbaum, senior rabbi and spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, Jay Caspian Kang, staff writer for The New Yorker, documentary film director, and the author of The Loneliest Americans (Crown, 2021), Eddie Glaude, Jr., chair of Princeton's African-American studies department and the author of Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own (Crown, 2020), on the verbal and physical expressions of hate in 2022, and how to combat it.

Brittney Griner Is Free! Plus German Coup Plot Meets Latest SCOTUS Case Dec 08, 2022

There's news of a prisoner swap in Russia, a thwarted QAnon coup attempt in Germany, and a Supreme Court case about elections and democracy in North Carolina. On today's show, Jonathan Lemire, host of “Way Too Early" on MSNBC, Politico White House bureau chief, and the author of The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron Books, 2022), talks about the latest developments in national politics, including the Warnock victory in Georgia, Brittney Griner's release, and more.

Elon, Hunter, and Trump’s Call To 'Terminate' The Constitution Dec 07, 2022

What does a calculated leak from Elon Musk to a journalist suggest about partisan fairness in the realm of social media, and what does it mean for responsible reporting? On today's show, Michael Grynbaum, a media correspondent for The New York Times, explains controversies in the tech and media worlds surrounding Elon Musk's leak of internal Twitter documents to journalist Matt Taibbi. Musk handed over a trove of documents related to Twitter's decision to limit posts related to a story about Hunter Biden in 2020. The nature of the leak and Taibbi's story have set off debates about Musk's leadership and media ethics.

How Absurd Were These Hypotheticals In SCOTUS’s Gay Wedding Website Case? Dec 06, 2022

Can a website designer refuse too bake a cake... wait, no, design a website, for a gay couple's wedding? And what can we glean from SCOTUS's oral arguments in the case? On today's show, Katherine Franke, professor of law at Columbia Law School and the director of the Center for Gender & Sexuality Law, explains the details of the case, where a website designer did not want to create a site for a gay wedding, and what's at stake for religious liberty, LGBTQ rights, and speech.

Presidential Primary Overhaul. Goodbye Iowa and New Hampshire? Dec 05, 2022

Joe Biden wants to switch around the order of the Democratic primary contests. We look at why he wants to do that, and what it could mean for the party. On today's show, Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, host of the podcast "FAQNYC," host of "The Blackest Questions" podcast on the Grio and the author of Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream (Oxford University Press, 2013), talks about the latest national political news, including that President Biden is pushing for a change in the order of presidential primaries, starting with South Carolina instead of Iowa, which traditionally held the first Democratic caucus.

California Has An Actual Task Force Considering Reparations. Here’s How. Dec 02, 2022

In California, a group has been tasked with studying a way to implement a system of reparations for the racism and repression of slavery and segregation. On today's show, Kurtis Lee, economics correspondent for the New York Times, discusses his reporting on California's first-of-its-kind task force which is looking at how the state can best make up for its history of racism and discrimination.

Stories From China’s Lockdown State Dec 01, 2022

On Today's Show: Eunice Yoon, Beijing bureau chief and senior correspondent at CNBC and NBC News, reports on the rare protests happening China as frustrations over COVID policies simmer.

It's Official: January 6th Involved Sedition. A Jury Says So. Nov 30, 2022

On Today's Show: Devlin Barrett, Washington Post reporter focusing on national security and law enforcement, discusses the verdict in the Oath Keepers trial and developments in the special counsel's investigation into former President Trump.

Sen. Gillibrand on Marriage Liberty vs. Religious Liberty Nov 29, 2022

With Republicans soon to take over as the majority in the House, what could Senate Democrats get done during this lame duck session, and beyond? On today's show, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY) talks about her work in Washington.

What To Expect When You’re Expecting A New Congress Nov 28, 2022

With a little over a month until Congress begins its next term, with a new GOP House majority, we look at what the political shifts will mean for federal policy going forward. On today's show, Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021), talks about the latest national political news, including Nancy Pelosi's tenure as Speaker of the House coming to a close, the makeup of the next Congressional session, and how the 2024 presidential races are shaping up.

How A Newly Elected Democrat and Republican See The Next Congress Nov 25, 2022

With a spate of new representatives headed to Congress, we heard from two Congressmen-elect about the political landscape, and their agenda for the upcoming legislative term. On today's show, we speak with George Devolder-Santos, capital investment manager and US representative-elect (R, NY-3) and Dan Goldman, US representative-elect (D, NY-10), formerly lead counsel for the impeachment investigation of President Trump in 2019 and former assistant US attorney for the Southern District of NY.

How The Latest Student Debt News Might Affect You Nov 23, 2022

The White House plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student loans for millions of Americans hit a snag this month after legal challenges from conservative interest groups. On today's show, Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, national higher education reporter at the Washington Post, explains these court developments and what they mean for student debt holders.

Hakeem Jeffries On Preparing To Be House Democratic Leader Nov 22, 2022

With Nancy Pelosi stepping down as the leader of House Democrats, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries seems likely to take up the mantle. How does he plan to work with a GOP majority? On today's show, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-8th, Brooklyn and Queens), the House Democrats' chairman, talks about his bid to be the next House minority leader, the big changes in leadership happening in Congress, and how he'd unite the fractured caucus.

Joan Walsh On Trump Special Counsel and Colorado Springs Nov 21, 2022

A progressive voice brings her analysis in the wake of fatal violence at a night club in Colorado Springs, and the announcement of a special counsel to investigate Trump's role in Jan. 6. On today's show Joan Walsh, The Nation's national affairs correspondent, talks about the latest national political news, including how GOP flips of Congressional seats in New York helped Democrats lose control of the House - and who is responsible for that in New York.

Pelosi Speech Excerpts and Leadership Stories Nov 18, 2022

On Thursday, Nancy Pelosi announced she will step aside as a House Democratic leader. On Today's Show: Steve Israel, former member of Congress, writer and director of the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs at Cornell University, and Molly Ball, national political correspondent for TIME and the author of Pelosi (Henry Holt and Co., 2020) talk about these big changes to the balance of power in Washington, D.C. leadership.

Should You Boycott Qatar's World Cup? Nov 17, 2022

Some soccer fans intend to boycott the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which begins next Sunday in the gulf state nation of Qatar, over concerns about the country's human rights and labor records. On today's show, Dan Friedman, writer, digital consultant and former Executive Editor of the Forward, tells us the history of this World Cup and why it matters.

Trump? Pence? DeSantis? How About Chris Christie? Nov 16, 2022

With Donald Trump officially kicking off his campaign last night, we look at what it means for the Republican party, the conservative movement, and the politics of the 2024 election.

On Today's Show:Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon, unpacks the announcement and the early reactions from within the Republican Party.

Kari Lake As The Last Election Denier Domino Nov 15, 2022

Election deniers — many endorsed by former President Trump — didn't do so well at the polls last week, and voting was relatively smooth nationwide. On today's show, Nick Corasaniti, domestic correspondent covering national politics for The New York Times, talks about the possibility that the threat they posed to democracy is waning or even over.

What Does The Dems' Narrow Control Mean For The Senate? Nov 14, 2022

With the Senate race in Arizona called, officially delivering control of at least one house of Congress to Democrats, by an extremely tight margin. On today's show, Molly Ball, national political correspondent for TIME and the author of Pelosi (Henry Holt and Co., 2020), talks about the weekend's big political news.

How Blue New York May Turn Congress Red Nov 11, 2022

Republicans won four congressional races in New York, even though a national 'red wave' never materialized.

On Today's Show: Larry Levy, vice president of Economic Development and Professional Studies and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, and Nicholas Fandos reporter on the Metro desk of The New York Times talk about why Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley are sending Republicans to Congress.

Two Coasts, Two Environmental Ballot Measures, And Why Only NY's Passed Nov 10, 2022

In the wake of the midterms, we explore why an ballot measure too fight climate change failed in California, and why a different one succeeded in New York. On Today's Show, voters in New York approved a $4.2 billion dollar environmental bond initiative while voters in California rejected a ballot measure that would have levied a tax on high earners to pay for electric vehicle infrastructure. Blanca Begert, reporting fellow at Grist, discusses what New Yorkers will be going into debt to pay for, and how Californians will now prepare for their EV future.

Democracy In The Wake Of The 'Red Ripple' Nov 09, 2022

With the 2022 midterm elections in our rearview mirror, we look ahead at what the next session of Congress will look like, and where our democracy goes from here. On today's show, Kai Wright, host of WNYC's Notes From America, Alexis Grenell, columnist for The Nation and the cofounder of Pythia Public, and Charlie Sykes, founder and editor-at-large and host of a podcast at The Bulwark, MSNBC contributor and author of How the Right Lost Its Mind (St. Martin's Press, 2017), deconstruct yesterday's results and how the democratic process has held up this election. PRODUCERS NOTE: This conversation took place the morning after Election Day 2022. Official vote tallies and other news have likely developed. Check WNYC or Gothamist.com for the latest updates, or listen to the next live Brian Lehrer Show, weekdays from 10 AM to noon.

How to Watch the Election Returns Nov 08, 2022

Happy Election Day! Listen to our conversation about what to expect tonight, tomorrow and further into the week as official ballot counts roll in. On today's show, Aaron Blake, senior political reporter, writing for The Fix at The Washington Post, joins to discuss the competitive races around the country, and which results might come as a surprise.

Election Day Information — And Disinformation — Are Upon Us Nov 07, 2022

What reforms have there been to curb election-impacting misinformation, and what does the information landscape look like ahead of the 2022 midterms? On today's show, Andrea Bernstein, who covers Democracy for ProPublica and contributes to NPR covering Trump legal matters, co-host of "Will Be Wild", and the author of American Oligarchs: The Kushners, the Trumps, and the Marriage of Money and Power, and Ilya Marritz, freelance reported for ProPublica, NPR, and co-host of the podcasts "Trump, Inc." and "Will be Wild", talk about how the Biden administration's actions to address disinformation hasn't been as strong as they initially indicated.

Health Care Takes a Back Seat in the Midterms Nov 04, 2022

On Today's Show: Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for Kaiser Health News and host of KHN's What the Health podcast, discusses the politics of health care costs and the competing approaches by Democrats and Republicans this midterms season.

Is There A Democratic and Republican Way To Fight Inflation? Nov 03, 2022

How different are the two major political parties policy approaches to combatting inflation, one of the key issues in this midterm season? On today's show, Jim Tankersley, New York Times White House correspondent with a focus on economic policy, talks about how Democrats and Republicans say they will fight it, and historically, what has worked and what hasn't.

Is There A Democratic And Republican Way To Fight Poverty? Nov 02, 2022

What does each of the major political parties think is the right approach to combating poverty? On today's show, Chris Howard, Pamela C. Harriman Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William & Mary and the author of Who Cares: The Social Safety Net in America (Oxford University Press, 2022), discusses how Republicans and Democrats approach the issue of poverty and which party, if either, can eradicate it.

Affordable Housing On The Ballot In NY Nov 01, 2022

In New York, where the real estate industry represents a powerful interest group, how are the candidates for governor thinking about affordable housing, and addressing homelessness? On today's show, Kathryn Brenzel, senior reporter at The Real Deal, joins to discuss where Kathy Hochul and Lee Zeldin stand on the issue of affordable housing as Election Day looms.

After The Apparent Assassination Attempt On The Speaker Of The House Oct 31, 2022

As details have surfaced around the invasion of Nancy Pelosi's home by a violent intruder, we ask whether voters will be considering the risk of political violence at the ballot box. On today's show, Lisa Lerer, national political correspondent for The New York Times, and Philip Bump, national columnist for The Washington Post, talk about what the polls and reporting are saying as voting for the midterm elections has begun in most of the United States.

How the Left and the Right (but Mostly the Right) Want to Transform the Constitution Oct 28, 2022

What might updating the United States' Constitution do to our democracy? On today's show, Russ Feingold, former U.S. senator, president of the American Constitution Society, and co-author of The Constitution in Jeopardy: An Unprecedented Effort to Rewrite Our Fundamental Law and What We Can Do About It (Public Affairs, 2022), discusses the calls — coming from both the right and the left — to update the U.S. Constitution.

In The Midterm Election Campaigns, Corporations Are People Too Oct 27, 2022

Over a decade since the Supreme Court ruled that corporate political contributions constitute free speech, what has it meant for democracy? On today's show, Adam Winkler, UCLA professor of law and author of We the Corporations (Liveright, 2018) and Gunfight: The Battle Over the Right to Bear Arms in America (W. W. Norton & Company, 2011), delves into the impact of so-called "dark money" on our democracy.

Lincoln Expanded The Supreme Court. Should We? Oct 26, 2022

Today, we look at the structure and practices of the Supreme Court, and discuss whether reforms could reshape it in defense of democracy. On today's show, Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing and law at Yale Law School, and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019), joins the show to discuss the history of the Supreme Court, its role in American democracy, and proposals to change it.

Threats Against Election Workers Could Sow Midterm 'Chaos' Oct 25, 2022

Election officials around the country have been resigning amid threats and intimidation. What does that mean for democracy? On today's show, Dana Milbank, columnist for The Washington Post, discusses the uptick in threats of violence against election official workers, intimidation of voters, and the potential for chaos at the polls on Election Day.

Legal Abortion, Legal Cannabis And The New GOP Attack On Referendums Oct 24, 2022

With the midterms fast approaching, we explore some of the ballot measures that voters around the country are being asked to decide on. On Today's Show, Zach Montellaro, state politics reporter at Politico, covering gubernatorial, legislative and other state-based elections, joins to discuss how Democrats and Republicans are using ballot initiatives and referendums to push policy proposals.

The House of Unrepresentatives Oct 21, 2022

How do we make the legislative branch more democratic?

On Today's Show: David Daley, senior fellow at FairVote and author of the books Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count (Liveright 2016) and Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy (Liveright 2020), discusses the undemocratic nature of the United States Senate and offers solutions to make it more representative of all Americans.

Why The Party With The Most Votes Won’t Necessarily Control Congress Oct 20, 2022

With election districts being redrawn around the country, how do changing electoral boundaries change the politics that come out of those elections? On today's show, Michael Li, senior counsel for the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, talks about the process of redrawing district lines after the census every 10 years and how that process can favor parties and incumbency, or voters.

Four Candidates Who Might Upend Electoral Democracy Oct 19, 2022

In four swing states, some gubernatorial candidates have indicated that they would have refused to certify Biden's 2020 election win. What might those midterms mean for 2024? On today's show, Kira Lerner, democracy reporter at States Newsroom, talks about the four swing states with governors races that could upend the 2024 presidential election.

It’s Getting Easier (And Harder) To Vote Oct 18, 2022

How some jurisdictions are making it harder to vote, while others are expanding opportunities to ensure that everyone eligible has the chance to cast a ballot? On today's show, Ari Berman, senior reporter at Mother Jones, covering voting rights and author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America, joins our midterm election series to discuss the attack on democracy and the continued fight for voting rights in America.

Election Fraud and Election Fraud Fraud Oct 17, 2022

With the midterms approaching, how secure is our election system, non-withstanding the former president's lies about widespread election fraud in 2020? On today's show, William Adler, senior technologist in elections and democracy at the Center for Democracy and Technology, joins to discuss when and where election fraud actually takes place, and how it can be prevented and tracked.

The Jan 6th Committee Hearings End(?) with a Bombshell Oct 14, 2022

On Today's Show, NPR's Claudia Grisales recaps what was likely the final January 6 hearing by the House Select Committee, and explains where the investigation goes from here.

Sen. Gillibrand: Hooray For The Big Increase In Social Security Benefits! Oct 13, 2022

On today's show, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discusses some policy matters before Congress, and how the midterms could change things in Washington, D.C.

Your Nutrition, And The FDA's New Food Labeling Proposals Oct 12, 2022

The FDA might enact new policies around food labeling. Here's what you should know in order to understand the nutrition of the food you buy. On today's show, Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health at NYU and the author of many books, including her latest, Slow Cooked: An Unexpected Life in Food Politics (University of California Press, 2022) talks about the changes, how the food industry is heavily invested, plus how food insecurity and access to healthy food play into these decisions.

Biden's Cannabis Pardons, And More Legal Weed News Oct 11, 2022

As President Biden announces the pardons for federal cannabis possession charges, we look at where the piecemeal process of legalization and decriminalization stands today. On today's show, Alyson Martin, co-founder of Cannabis Wire and adjunct professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, joins to discuss President Joe Biden's recent announcement to pardon convicted cannabis users and how states might follow his lead.

Does Either Party Have A Plan For Our COVID-Endemic Future? Oct 10, 2022

Joe Biden said last month that the pandemic era of COVID was over. Is there a public policy approach to the endemic future of the virus? On today's show, Eric Topol, physician, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, professor of molecular medicine and executive VP at Scripps Research, talks about whether either Republicans or Democrats have a plan for the future of endemic COVID-19, and shares what he thinks needs to be done.

How Republicans Acknowledge Climate Change While Supporting Fossil Fuels Oct 07, 2022

With the midterms approaching, we look at some key races where climate policy has been an issue for the candidates and their campaigns. On today's show, Maxine Joselow, climate reporter at The Washington Post and author of The Climate 202 newsletter, discusses recent climate news and what a Republican-led or Democratic-led Congress would (or wouldn't) do about the climate crisis.

Maggie Haberman On How '80s NYC Created Trump Oct 06, 2022

One of the most prolific reporters to cover Donald Trump both before, and in the White House, discusses her new book about the 45th president's roots. On today's show, Maggie Haberman, senior political correspondent for The New York Times, political analyst for CNN and the author of Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America (Penguin Press, 2022), talks about her new book on the former president.

The Conservative-Led Supreme Court Takes on Racial Gerrymandering Oct 05, 2022

On Today's Show: Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation and author of Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution (The New Press, 2022), discusses Merrill v. Milligan, the high-stakes Alabama case on racial gerrymandering that the Supreme Court will be hearing arguments for this term.

Florida’s Insurance Industry Is Factoring In Climate Change More Than Its Top Politicians Oct 04, 2022

As parts of Florida and other southern states begin to recover from Hurricane Ian, we look at how the insurance industry is, and isn't, keeping up with climate risks. On today's show, Leslie Scism, a news editor for the Wall Street Journal, covering life and property-casualty insurance, joins to discuss how climate change, and the catastrophic damage it's causing to coastal communities, is changing the way home insurance works.

The Supreme Court vs. The Courts Themselves? Oct 03, 2022

We look ahead at some of the cases that the Supreme Court will hear in its upcoming session, plus a look at the state of the federal judiciary as an institution. On today's show, as the new Supreme Court term gets underway, Dahlia Lithwick, senior legal correspondent at Slate, host of their podcast Amicus, and the author of Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America (Penguin Press, 2022), talks about her new book on the women who fought back on the Trump administration's policies and on the major cases before the Court between now and next June.

Why Democrats Continue to Struggle on Immigration Policy Sep 30, 2022

Years after the Trump administration's family separation policy at the border, Democrats continue to struggle to come up with a detailed immigration plan. On today's show, Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic, spent 18 months investigating the Trump administration's family separation policy at the border. She joins to discuss her reporting and how immigration, political asylum and the border are playing out as issues today as midterm elections loom.

Iranian-Americans Call In On The Protests And The ‘Morality Police’ Sep 29, 2022

In the weeks after a woman died in the custody of Iran's 'morality police,' women across the country and around the world have taken to the streets in protest. On today's show, Pardis Mahdavi, provost of the University of Montana and the author of Passionate Uprisings: Iran’s Sexual Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2008), who had her own run in with the morality police in Iran, shares her analysis of the protests happening now and what may come of them.

Lindsey Graham’s 15 Week Abortion Plan Does Not Guarantee 15 Weeks Of Rights Sep 28, 2022

Today, we look at how abortion policy is playing in midterms around the country, and whether the next congress might pursue a nationwide abortion policy, one way or the other. On today's show, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Early 202 newsletter co-author and Washington Post Live anchor, joins to break down how candidates for Congress are talking about abortion on the campaign trail.

Will Kentucky Be The New Kansas On Abortion Rights? Sep 27, 2022

With abortion up for a referendum in Kentucky, we look at how the politics of abortion in red states has played out since SCOTUS's Dobbs decision. On today's show, Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky and publisher of The Rural Blog and Kentucky Health News, and Caroline Kitchener, national political reporter covering abortion at The Washington Post, discuss how "trigger abortion bans" are playing out across conservative states and how the issue might impact the midterm elections in those states.

Spending Bill In The Senate & Jan. 6 Hearings In The House Sep 26, 2022

With a big week ahead in Washington D.C., we look at a few of the most important things coming up in national politics. On today's show, Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power (Twelve, 2021), talks about the latest news from Washington, including a spending bill that might be held up by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and the upcoming January 6th hearing.

Chronicling the Trump Presidency and His Current Legal Challenges With Two Washington Insiders Sep 23, 2022

Now that he’s no longer in office, there have been a lot of stories coming out about Trump’s presidency. A new book offers a detailed account – more than 650 pages – of the four years of the Trump’s administration, and it’s written by two of the most respected journalists in Washington.

Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times and a political analyst for MSNBC, and Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of its weekly "Letter from Trump's Washington," as well as a CNN global affairs analyst, talk about their new book The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 (Doubleday, 2022), as well as some of the latest developments in the former president's legal challenges.

Anti-War Protests In Russia, Anti-Misogyny Protests In Iran During UN Debate Week Sep 22, 2022

As the UN General Assembly deliberates over a number of issues facing the international community, we look at some recent global events. On today's show, Nahal Toosi, senior correspondent for foreign affairs and national security for Politico, and Gideon Rose, distinguished fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, the former editor of Foreign Affairs and author of How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle (Simon & Schuster, 2010), recap the major themes so far, which include the war in Ukraine, China's relationship to the US and others and the many looming conflicts happening around the world.

Sarah Koenig From “Serial” On The Prosecutorial Misconduct Shocker Sep 21, 2022

The incarcerated man at the center of a groundbreaking True Crime podcast has been released from prison, following new details uncovered in part by the podcast's listening community. On today's show, Sarah Koenig, host and co-creator of "Serial," joins us to discuss the news that the subject of Serial's first season, Adnan Syed, has been released from prison after 20 years.

U.S. Surgeon General Decodes Biden’s 'Pandemic Is Over' Remark Sep 20, 2022

The nation's chief medical advisor makes sense of this moment in the trajectory of COVID-19, plus, what's needed to address youth mental health. On today's show, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about why he is prioritizing the nation's mental health, especially among young people, plus talks about the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Independent” Voters Seeing Country More On The Right Track Sep 19, 2022

With about 8 weeks left before this year's midterm elections, we look at what public opinion polling has to say about the state of the races, and the direction of the country. On today's show, Steven Shepard, senior campaign and elections editor and chief polling analyst for Politico, shares his analysis on the state of the midterm elections, including a recent New York Times/Siena poll where Democrats appeared stronger than some thought they would, and how the issue of migrants seeking asylum is playing out in campaigns.

Fake Electors Front and Center Sep 16, 2022

On today's show: CNN national security reporter Zachary Cohen brings updates on investigations into January 6th and the Big Lie.

Nina Totenberg On Sexism Under The Law And Her Friendship with RGB Sep 15, 2022

A legendary Supreme Court reporter's new book describes her relationship with the late Justice Ginsberg, and the common experiences of misogyny that they shared. On today's show, Nina Totenberg, NPR legal correspondent and the author of Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships (Simon & Schuster, 2022), looks back on her 50-year friendship with the woman who would become a Supreme Court Justice and how they each fought to overcome barriers and face personal challenges.

Obama And Biden's Different Approaches And Ongoing Partnership Sep 14, 2022

Former president Obama is back out on the campaign trail, stumping for midterm candidates. We look at what he's been up to, and take a closer look at his relationship with President Biden.

On Today's Show: Gabriel Debenedetti, national correspondent at New York Magazine and author of The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama (Henry Holt and Co., 2022), joins to discuss his latest book on the unlikely partnership between former president Barack Obama and President Joe Biden and how it has transformed American politics.

Underlying Biden’s “Moonshot”: Who Gets Cancer In America? Sep 13, 2022

On the 60th anniversary of JFK's 'moonshot' speech, Joe Biden outlined a similarly aspirational plan to invest in cancer cures and treatment. On today's show, Sarah Owermohle, Washington correspondent at STAT News, and Barrett Rollins, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer emeritus at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and author of the forthcoming book In Sickness: A Memoir (Post Hill Press, November 2022), discuss the details of the president's initiative.

Lin-Manuel Miranda On Politics, Art and Mentorship Sep 09, 2022

The famed artist behind Broadway's Hamilton dropped by to talk about his relationship with politics, and the importance of helping the next generation raise themselves up. On today's show, Songwriter, actor, director and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda and the filmmaker Agustina San Martín talk about their mentor/mentee relationship, the art, music and films they are working on and more.

Bannon Indicted, Alleged Victims Were Trump Supporters Sep 08, 2022

With the news today that Steve Bannon has been indicted on conspiracy and money laundering charges, we check in on the case against him.

On Today's Show: Devlin Barrett, Washington Post reporter focusing on national security and law enforcement, talks about his reporting, which found that at least one of the documents seized from Mar-a-Lago by the FBI contained highly-sensitive information on the nuclear capabilities of other countries. Plus, what to make of the news that Steve Bannon turned himself in to the authorities.

California’s Coming Gas-Powered Car Ban Sparks Debate Nationwide Sep 07, 2022

What would it mean for climate change if California can phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035, an ambitious target set recently by state regulators? On today's show, Dan Gearino, reporter covering clean energy and the Midwest for Inside Climate News, discusses California's move to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars, which other states now look to emulate.

The Puzzling Land of Oz and Other Midterm Updates Sep 06, 2022

Now that primaries have mostly wrapped up, we turn to some congressional and gubernatorial races that are heating up around the country. On today's show, Steven Shepard, senior campaigns and elections editor and chief polling analyst for Politico, joins to break down the most hotly contested congressional and gubernatorial races in the country ahead of the midterm elections.

Raising Antiracists: Advice For Parents And Caregivers Sep 02, 2022

Understanding race and racism is an important step toward helping children make sense of their world, and to try to make it better. On today's show, Ibram X. Kendi, professor in the Humanities and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research and the author of How to Raise an Antiracist (One World, 2022) talks about his new book offering guidance to parents and caregivers.

Humanitarian Aid, Refugees, and More Updates From Afghanistan Sep 01, 2022

Over a year since the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, we check in on the Taliban government, the status of Afghan refugees and the US posture toward the region. On today's show, Najib Aminy, reporter and producer at Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting, talks about his recent work that explores the question of whether the U.S. should recognize the Taliban, as well as why so few applications for humanitarian parole have been approved by the U.S. after its departure from Afghanistan.

Live Shows Are Back. Why Aren’t Live Audiences Back As Much? Aug 31, 2022

With COVID still weighing on people's minds, and inflation on people's wallets, has the allure of staying in kept audiences away from the return of live performances? On today's show, live performers have been back on stage for over a year, but attendance remains below pre-pandemic numbers. Javier C. Hernández, culture reporter for The New York Times, discusses why show-goers are staying home and what the live entertainment industry is doing to bring them back.

Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, And Merrick Garland’s Really Hard Decision Aug 30, 2022

The ball is in the Attorney General's court after the release of an affidavit that outlines why the FBI executed a search warrant for presidential documents held at Trump's residence. On today's show, Katie Benner, Justice Department reporter at The New York Times, joins with takeaways and the latest news from the release of the affidavit in the FBI search of former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Bellweather Win For Democrats? Meet Congressman-Elect Pat Ryan Aug 29, 2022

After winning a special election in a purple-ish district, we speak with a Congress-bound freshman about what his win means for Democrats' prospects in the midterms. On today's show, after defeating his Republican opponent in a special election in New York, Ulster County executive and Congressman-elect Pat Ryan (D NY-19th), joins to discuss.

Why Some On The Left Are Abandoning The Word 'Progressive' Aug 26, 2022

Over time, political labels come into and out of fashion. So between liberal, progressive, socialist, leftist and more, what are Democrats calling themselves these days? On today's show, Blake Hounshell, editor of The New York Times' On Politics newsletter, discussed his latest article on how some Democrats, who once ran away from the "liberal" label in the 1990s, are now also moving away from the term "progressive."

Your Student Loan Forgiveness Questions Answered Aug 25, 2022

President Biden announced a measure to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for many borrowers. On today's show, Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, national higher education reporter at The Washington Post, explains the ins and outs of the president's loan forgiveness plan.

Meet The Impeachment Lawyer-Turned Congressional Nominee Aug 24, 2022

New York's primaries have wrapped up, and odds are good that Empire State voters will send former impeachment lawyer Dan Goldman to Congress. On today's show, Democratic nominee Dan Goldman joined us to take a "victory lap on the air," after winning yesterday's primary ballot. Plus, Elizabeth Kim, reporter for the People and Power team at Gothamist and WNYC, and Ben Max, executive editor of Gotham Gazette and the host of the “Max Politics” podcast, discuss the latest results in the NY-10 and NY-12 races in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Today’s Florida Primary: A Battle Over How To Beat DeSantis Aug 23, 2022

What do today's congressional primaries in the Sunshine State tell us about what the next Congress could look like? On today's show, Lori Rozsa, who covers Florida for The Washington Post, drops in to give an overview on the midterm primary races underway in Florida.

Why Democracy Tops Inflation As #1 Midterms Issue Aug 22, 2022

A new poll on voters' midterm priorities lists "threats against democracy" as the top issue, behind things like inflation, and even abortion. On today's show:Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of Cook Political Report, joins to discuss the latest political headlines, including that poll,and Mitch McConnell's less-than-rosy assessment of the GOP's midterm prospects.

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