Playing Politics

Tight race for attorney general Oct 12, 2022

Republicans try to take the office for the first time in decades. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

OPEC and the U.S. electorate Oct 05, 2022

Could the cartel's moves to raise oil prices decrease Democrats' midterm chances? Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Political fallout from the Feeding Our Future scandal Sep 28, 2022

The race for governor and other state offices in Minnesota is scrambled. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

The Feeding Our Future scandal Sep 21, 2022

The Justice Department's allegations have broad legal and political implications. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Takeaways from Omar's narrow victory Aug 10, 2022

The Fifth District representative barely beat her DFL challenger. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Birk's comments roil race Jul 20, 2022

The Republican lieutenant governor candidate put the focus on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

What matters most from Jan. 6 hearing Jun 29, 2022

Witness Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony included several revelations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

GOP witnesses center stage at Jan. 6 hearings Jun 22, 2022

The House hearings have featured fellow Republicans testifying about what led to the attack on the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Governor's race already heating up Jun 15, 2022

Key issues will likely include inflation and crime. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Gearing up for the Jan. 6 hearings Jun 08, 2022

Broadcast and cable news networks - except for Fox News - will carry the primetime coverage starting Thursday night. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash.

Federal money on the table, but Legislature stalled Jun 01, 2022

A special session would be needed to get Minnesota's share of the infrastructure bill. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Jensen's post-endorsement challenges May 18, 2022

The GOP's pick for Minnesota governor will face new scrutiny as he heads to the general election. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Rising prices may mean sinking fortunes for Democrats May 11, 2022

Inflation is likely to frame the debate around the midterms. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Report on MPD will reverberate Apr 27, 2022

A searing analysis from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will impact city and state politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Mask ruling causes confusion, then controversy Apr 20, 2022

The political and public health dynamics of the decision are discussed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

A budget surplus but a deficit of agreement Apr 06, 2022

Republicans and Democrats are far apart at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Biden's popularity soars - abroad Mar 30, 2022

The president's U.S. approval ratings don't match their rise overseas. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Biden heads to Europe Mar 23, 2022

The president looks to advance allied unity on Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Zelenskyy's address to Congress Mar 16, 2022

The Ukrainian president's speech is analyzed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Report roasts Mpls. riot response Mar 09, 2022

Mayor Jacob Frey and other leaders failed to follow protocols. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

The invasion - and sanctions - begin Feb 23, 2022

The U.S. and Western allies react to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Mixed signals on Ukraine Feb 16, 2022

The status of Russian forces and communication between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents is unclear. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Locke shooting roils Minneapolis Feb 09, 2022

Police-community relations in the city are once again national news. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Sheletta Brundidge and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Breyer retirement Jan 26, 2022

The impending vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court comes at a key moment for the Biden administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

The president meets the press Jan 19, 2022

Nearly a year into his tenure, President Joe Biden will hold a news conference on Wednesday. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Showdown on voting rights Jan 12, 2022

President Joe Biden's legislative push gets pushback from key GOP leaders. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Jan. 6 shadows 2022 politics Jan 05, 2022

The congressional investigation into the 2021 attack on the Capitol will affect the runup to the midterm elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

A turbulent 2021 Dec 22, 2021

A very vexing year heading into crucial midterm and state elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Will surplus break the legislative logjam? Dec 15, 2021

State lawmakers consider Minnesota's robust revenue forecast. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Roe v. Wade case tests the court, and maybe soon the country Dec 01, 2021

Supreme Court justices weigh in on a Mississippi case on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

COVID's hold grimly endures Nov 24, 2021

Despite major medical advancements, the pandemic continues - and continues its impact on politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Jill Burcum and John Rash.

U.S. House debates fate of Paul Gosar Nov 17, 2021

The Republican representative may be censured for posting an animated, violent video. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Judge rejects Trump's executive-privilege claim Nov 10, 2021

The former president is trying to shield information related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

A good night for Frey Nov 03, 2021

The Minneapolis mayor was reelected and ballot measures went his way. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

City elections down to final days Oct 27, 2021

Minneapolis, St. Paul voters are most focused on public safety. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Dems' narrow majority slims down bill Oct 20, 2021

Many of President Joe Biden's priorities are the subject of tense congressional negotiations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Election (and endorsement) season Oct 13, 2021

Voters in Minneapolis and St. Paul - as well as the Star Tribune Editorial Board - focus on the campaign. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Biden administration besieged Sep 22, 2021

From foreign policy to domestic dynamics, the president faces persistent challenges - and criticism. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Woodward's bombshell book on Trump Sep 15, 2021

Among the reporter's revelations are that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff phoned his Chinese counterpart twice to reassure him during the final weeks of the president's administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Gazelka enters the race for governor Sep 08, 2021

The Senate majority leader becomes the latest Republican to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Biden's deadline dilemma Aug 25, 2021

The president is pressed by allies and lawmakers to extend the Afghanistan withdrawal date past Aug. 31. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Bipartisan heat on John Thompson Jul 21, 2021

Republican and DFL leaders call for the St. Paul representative, a Democrat, to resign. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Special session sprints to finish Jun 23, 2021

Despite the acrimony it appears that Minnesota will avoid a government shutdown. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Uptown upheaval latest test for Minneapolis Jun 16, 2021

The city contends with continued demonstrations over a law-enforcement shooting and the death of a protester. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

Reopening George Floyd Square vexes Mayor Frey Jun 09, 2021

Minneapolis struggles with implementing changes to the site. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

State budget brinkmanship Jun 02, 2021

As time winds down, a wide divide is still apparent between DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Republican leaders at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

The Cheney purge May 12, 2021

House Republicans, toeing Trump's line (and lies), kick Liz Cheney from her leadership position. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

The Chauvin verdict Apr 21, 2021

Reverberations from the jury's conviction continue. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Infrastructure Week (era, actually) Mar 31, 2021

President Joe Biden proposes a $2 trillion plan. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Will Washington finally act on guns? Mar 24, 2021

Mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder renew calls for congressional action. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Walz sidelined by COVID exposure Mar 17, 2021

While managing the vaccine rollout and coronavirus mitigation measures, the governor is quarantined. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Rice and John Rash.

Biden's big bill Mar 10, 2021

The president gets a victory with the passing of the $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Getting answers on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol Mar 03, 2021

The country deserves a definitive account of what happened. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Biden's 'quiet' beginning Feb 24, 2021

A sense of normalcy pervades politics despite the president's ambitious agenda. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Walz rings the school bell Feb 17, 2021

Amid positive COVID trends, Minnesota's governor urges an accelerated return to in-person learning. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

An impeachment trial - at the crime scene Feb 10, 2021

For the second time, senators heard House managers present their case to impeach former President Donald Trump. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

New budget, same gridlock Jan 27, 2021

Gov. Tim Walz's proposal was met with Republican reluctance. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

President Joe Biden Jan 20, 2021

In his inaugural address, the 46th president calls for national unity. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Impeachment, take two Jan 13, 2021

The U.S. House considers impeaching the president for his role in the Capitol attack. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

MAGA mobs storm the Capitol Jan 06, 2021

Protests against the presidential election resulted in violence as Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Hear the “Playing Politics” analysis from WCCO Radio’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board’s Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Listen: Election contention continues Dec 09, 2020

Despite repeated rebukes in court, the Trump campaign's push to overturn election results endures. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Listen: Barr contradicts Trump Dec 02, 2020

The attorney general says the Justice Department sees no widespread election fraud. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Listen: Walz acts on virus crisis Nov 18, 2020

The unchecked pandemic leads to new restrictions, which may lead to new pushback. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Listen: The endless election Nov 11, 2020

The continuing controversy over unfounded claims about the 2020 vote will have long-lasting impact. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast with WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Listen: Election Day(s) Nov 04, 2020

The too-close-to-call campaign continues. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

Listen: Finally, the final stretch Oct 28, 2020

The presidential campaign heads into its last few days. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

Listen: Will the last debate matter? Oct 21, 2020

Thursday's Trump-Biden match-up might be the campaign's final key event. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

Listen: The COVID campaign Oct 07, 2020

Listen: Court fight convulses Congress, campaign Sep 24, 2020

Listen: Trump's night with undecided voters Sep 17, 2020

Listen: Woodward book's bombshells Sep 10, 2020

Listen: The Republican National Convention Aug 26, 2020

Listen: The real consequences of a virtual conventions Aug 19, 2020

Listen: The Harris effect Aug 12, 2020

Listen: Walz, Frey spar over National Guard deployment Aug 05, 2020

Listen: Hearings, but is anyone listening? Jul 30, 2020

Listen: Minnesota's mask mandate Jul 22, 2020

Listen: Schools loom as next big decision Jul 15, 2020

Listen: Pandemic, police and politics Jul 08, 2020

Listen: Bolton bombshells emerge Jun 18, 2020

Listen: Protests roil locally, and nationally Jun 11, 2020

Listen: Ellison ups charges in George Floyd case Jun 03, 2020

Listen: Frey, his city and nation call for justice May 28, 2020

Listen: As Walz turns the dial, critics turn up the heat May 20, 2020

Listen: Walz faces most consequential call yet May 14, 2020

Listen: Rising deficit, COVID-19 deaths shake state May 06, 2020

Listen: Mike Pence, unmasked at Mayo Apr 29, 2020

Listen: Pandemic protest and process Apr 22, 2020

Listen: Growing partisan divisions on pandemic response Apr 16, 2020

Listen: Bernie Sanders leaves the race — and a legacy Apr 08, 2020

Listen: The press, the president, and the pandemic Apr 02, 2020

Listen: Mixed signals on pandemic Mar 26, 2020

Listen: Pandemic response Mar 19, 2020

Listen: Biden's big breakthrough Mar 04, 2020

Listen: Democrats debate (and shout) Feb 27, 2020

Listen: The Bloomberg factor Feb 19, 2020

Listen: The 'Playing Politics' podcast on the New Hampshire results Feb 13, 2020

Listen: Impeachment, Iowa and the State of the Union Feb 06, 2020

Listen: Impeachment questions Jan 29, 2020

Listen: Impeachment strategies emerge Jan 22, 2020

Listen: Impeachment (and Iowa) Jan 16, 2020

Listen: Iran crisis cools – for now Jan 08, 2020

Listen: Impeachment Dec 19, 2019

Listen: Impeachment strategies Dec 13, 2019

Listen: Impeachment polarization Dec 05, 2019

Listen: The Sondland and the fury Nov 20, 2019

Listen: Lights, camera, impeachment Nov 13, 2019

Listen: Impeachment hearings set: What will Americans listen for? Nov 07, 2019

Listen: Attacks on impeachment process — and witnesses Oct 30, 2019

Listen: Taylor’s damning testimony Oct 24, 2019

Listen: Trump talk from Minneapolis to the Mideast Oct 09, 2019

Listen: Impeachment issue intensifies Oct 03, 2019

Listen: Trump focuses on the Mideast — and Rep. Omar Sep 18, 2019

Listen: Dissent disinvited Sep 12, 2019

Listen: After new round of shootings, will anything change? Sep 04, 2019

Listen: How much will Mueller matter? Jul 24, 2019

Listen: The politics of the Jeffrey Epstein case Jul 10, 2019

Listen: Border crisis resonates Jun 26, 2019

Listen: Trump kicks off 2020 (or is it 2016?) campaign Jun 20, 2019

Listen: Omar controversies continue Jun 12, 2019

Listen: Mueller memo at center of Barr hearings May 01, 2019

Listen: Can Klobuchar break through? Apr 18, 2019

Listen: White House wrestles with border issue Apr 10, 2019

Listen: A slow-going legislative session Mar 20, 2019

Listen: The politics of grounding planes Mar 14, 2019

Listen: Cohen questioning reflects nation’s partisan split Feb 28, 2019

Listen: Walz budget, Mueller investigation Feb 20, 2019

Listen: Shutdown impact intensifies Jan 23, 2019

Listen: Washington stalemate Jan 10, 2019

Listen: Shutdown showdown Jan 03, 2019

Listen: Pipe bombs reflect overheated political environment Oct 25, 2018

Listen: Khashoggi case becomes foreign policy crisis Oct 18, 2018

Listen: Supreme Court rulings boost Trump, GOP Jun 27, 2018

Listen: Firestorm forces Trump reversal on detained children Jun 20, 2018

Listen: Legislature stalls as state races heat up May 16, 2018

Listen: Shutdown showdown Jan 18, 2018

Listen: North Korea crisis escalates Nov 29, 2017

Listen: In St. Paul, attacks scramble mayoral race Nov 02, 2017

Listen: Trump-Corker feud fuels more White House turmoil Oct 11, 2017

Listen: Minnesota’s political impasse intensifies Sep 27, 2017

Listen: Rising crime in downtown Minneapolis Sep 13, 2017

Listen: The global, local impact of the Justine Damond case Jul 19, 2017

Listen: Minnesota National Guard members train in Lithuania Jun 30, 2017

Listen: Capitol Hill hearings amplify Russia issue Jun 07, 2017

Listen: Hard work ahead after Trump speech, state budget forecast Mar 01, 2017

Listen: A low point for debates and democracy Oct 10, 2016

Listen: Nondisclosure dogs both campaigns Sep 15, 2016

Listen: Full-speed ahead for Trump, Clinton Apr 27, 2016

Playing Politics podcast: Building a community, countering extremism in Minnesota Apr 24, 2016

Trump’s momentum continues, and Sanders shows new life Mar 10, 2016

Big primary victories for outsider candidates Feb 11, 2016

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