Political Breakdown

Highs and Lows From Week 1 of Hearings for Trump Cabinet Picks Jan 18, 2025

The Senate confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees took center stage in Washington D.C. this week.

The Democrats tried to derail candidates, and the hearings tested G.O.P. unity. Concerns circulated around national security considerations to reinvigorating the economy and protecting environment, indicating that for these picks, and the nation, the stakes are high.

On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg discusses this week’s highlights on Capitol Hill, and explores what we can expect going forward with Zack Beauchamp. He’s a senior correspondent at Vox, covering challenges to democracy in the United States and abroad, and right-wing populism.

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What RFK Jr.'s Confirmation Would Mean for the Health of the Nation Jan 17, 2025

One of the most controversial cabinet nominations is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

He’s President-elect Trump's pick to be the country’s top health official. RFK is armed with his 'Make America Healthy Again' platform and Trump's promise to let him 'go wild.' So, what will that look like on the ground? RFK has controversial views on vaccines, fluoride, and food regulation.

On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg speaks with Dr. Céline Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and CBS News medical contributor.

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Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire in Gaza Jan 16, 2025

Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire deal, putting an end to the deadly war in Gaza.

President Biden outlined the deal in an address to the United States this morning. He said, “There was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal. And I’m deeply satisfied. This day has finally come for the sake of the people of Israel and for the sake of the people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war.”

Qatar announced the breakthrough following weeks of bumpy negotiations to end 15 months of devastating conflict. According to the health ministry in Gaza 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since Hamas’s deadly on October 7th, 2023.

On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg speaks with Omar Dajani, he’s an International Law professor with the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific.

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How Cutting Medi-Cal Could Leave a Generation of Californians Without Health Care Jan 15, 2025

What happens when Medi-Cal, a lifeline for 2 in 5 Californians, faces potential cuts?

The state’s health insurance program is vital for children, low-income families, and seniors. But with Trump back in the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, sweeping cuts are on the table.

We’ll explore the stakes for Californians, look at how the state might respond and discuss how changes could ripple out into the larger community.

On Political Breakdown, KQED's Leslie McClurg is joined by Anthony Wright, executive director Families USA, a consumer health advocacy organization.

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Vallejo's New Mayor Wants Police Reform Jan 14, 2025

Today, we're airing an episode of our sister podcast, The Bay.

The Bay's host Ericka Cruz Guevarra sat down with Andrea Sorce, Vallejo's newest mayor. Sorce is the chair of the city's Surveillance Advisory Board and co-founder of the ACLU’s Solano County chapter. She and Ericka discuss plans for the beleaguered Vallejo Police Department, dealing with the city's housing and homelessness and more.

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Politics Of The LA Wildfires Jan 11, 2025

President Joe Biden was quick to visit Southern California this week to pledge federal assistance during the devastating wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the president for not playing political games — a not-so-subtle comparison to President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism directed at California during the crisis. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the politics of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Then, they're joined by KQED's Sydney Johnson to talk about San Francisco's new Mayor Daniel Lurie taking the baton from London Breed with promises to prioritize public safety.

And in Oakland, Barbara Lee says she's running for mayor in the city's special election in April. The veteran lawmaker says she wants to use her rolodex and experience to help right the ship in Oakland.

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It’s Free Speech Vs. National Security As Supreme Court Considers The TikTok Ban Jan 10, 2025

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could determine the future of TikTok. The expedited arguments come just nine days before the video sharing app is set to be banned under a bipartisan law passed by Congress last year calling for TikTok to either be sold to a non-Chinese company or be blocked in the U.S. Marisa and Scott are joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Stu Woo to talk about the legal case and the politics at play.

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Media Companies and Journalists Brace for Trump’s Threats and Hostility Jan 09, 2025

The start of a second Trump term brings with it new — and old — challenges for the media. Trump has threatened to prosecute reporters and media outlets, has used his regulatory power to punish companies whose coverage he doesn't like and has called reporters the enemy of the people.

The rise of social media has also helped usher in a new era in media more broadly, marked by a fragmented environment and a rise in right wing outlets. Scott and Marisa are joined by Politico's Ian Ward to talk about what this means for the next few years.

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Exit Interview: Barbara Lee’s Political Accomplishments – And Possible Future Jan 07, 2025

For nearly 30 years in Congress, Oakland Democrat Barbara lee was a leading voice for military restraint, civil rights and HIV/AIDS funding. After losing a bid for the U.S. Senate, Lee has left Congress, but she's being urged by some to run for mayor of Oakland.

Lee joins Scott and Marisa in studio to talk about her trailblazing past and possible future in politics.

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Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on January 6th Then and Now Jan 07, 2025

South Bay Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren was in the nation’s capitol four years ago as a violent mob stormed the building to stop certification of the 2020 election results. And she was back there again today, as a peaceful transition of power played out. Marisa and Scott are joined by Lofgren, who was a member of the congressional committee that investigated the January 6th attack.

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Adam Schiff Explains How Prosecuting a Russian Spy Prepared Him for Trump Jan 04, 2025

Today we’re revisiting an interview with California's newest U.S. senator.

Senator Adam Schiff built his reputation in Washington as President-elect Donald Trump’s chief nemesis, playing a leading role in prosecuting the first impeachment of Trump. Schiff joined Scott and Marisa back in February to talk about his support for Israel, his evolution from a tough-on-crime Democrat to now embracing reform and what he wants to do if elected.

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How Daniel Lurie Will Balance the Need for Insider Knowledge With Outsider Perspective Jan 03, 2025

Today we’re revisiting an interview with San Francisco's next mayor.

Daniel Lurie will be the city’s first leader in over a century with no previous elected government experience. Lurie made a lot of promises on his way to an impressive victory over the incumbent, Mayor London Breed. From homelessness to public safety, housing and the economy, Lurie will have his hands full when he takes office in January. Scott and Marisa are joined in studio by Lurie to discuss his agenda, his mandate and how he’ll keep those promises even as the city faces a budget deficit.

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The Emotional Highlights of the DNC Jan 01, 2025

For our last episodes of 2024, we’re looking back at some of our favorite shows of the year.

From President Biden dropping out as the Democratic nominee, to Vice President Kamala Harris running a hundred-day presidential campaign, to the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump, this was a historic and monumental election year. As we wrap up this whirlwind year, knowing now that we’re heading into a second Trump administration, we're revisiting one of this year’s most pivotal moments when history was being made at the Democratic National Convention.

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Inside or Out of Government, Jessica Bartholow Is an Advocate for Economic Equity Dec 31, 2024

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024.

Jessica Bartholow has worked behind the scenes at the state Capitol for years. She’s known for her fierce anti-poverty advocacy and budget expertise, as a lobbyist and more recently as chief of staff to East Bay State Senator Nancy Skinner. Bartholow now works for SEIU, the state’s largest and most powerful union. She joins Scott and Guy to talk about the revolving roles she’s played inside and outside of state government.

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The Political Messaging Behind 2024 Election Fashion Dec 28, 2024

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024.

President-elect Donald Trump rarely strays from his red tie, white shirt and blue suit, while Vice President Kamala Harris’ uniform consists of tailored suits in a variety of colors. But what does it all mean? What are they saying to voters? And why do fashion choices in politics even matter? Marisa talks about the politics of fashion with Vanessa Friedman, the fashion director and chief fashion critic at The New York Times.

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Newsom’s “Swiss Army Knife” Advisor Reflects Upon Leaving the Administration Dec 27, 2024

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024.

Governor Gavin Newsom calls Jason Elliott his “Swiss Army knife.” Elliott is Newsom’s longest serving aide, and he’s had his fingers in just about every major issue, from homelessness and housing to COVID, mental health care and regulating AI. As Elliott prepared to leave the administration, he joined Scott and Marisa to reflect on those many years of service in government.

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Sam Liccardo and Lateefah Simon: The Bay Area’s Two Freshmen Members of Congress Dec 24, 2024

Today we're revisiting an interview with the Bay Area's newly elected U.S. House representatives.

Democrats Lateefah Simon and Sam Liccardo will be among the 119th Congress when they’re sworn in next month. The two have very different life stories, but they share a commitment to getting things done, even though Democrats will be in the minority. Simon and Liccardo join Scott in studio to discuss their agenda.

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A Preview For 2025? Musk and Trump Send Congress Scrambling Dec 20, 2024

The 118th Congress is in its final days, and it’s not going quietly. With a government shutdown looming, Republicans killed a bipartisan budget deal then resurrected another plan that Democrats rejected.

The chaos in Washington could be a preview of what’s coming in the second Trump administration, with a closely divided House and a bitter partisan climate.

Scott and Marisa talk with two Democratic members of Congress: Sydney Kamlager-Dove from Los Angeles and Jared Huffman from Marin. They discuss the prospect for a budget deal, Elon Musk’s influence and why Republicans defied President-elect Donald Trump last night.

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Will She Or Won’t She? Kamala Harris Mulls A Race For Governor Of California Dec 20, 2024

As the year comes to an end, Marisa and Scott are joined by Politico California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago to look ahead to 2025, mulling over questions like: What's next for Vice President Kamala Harris? How is the California governor's race shaping up? Will Speaker Mike Johnson be able to keep his job as a government shutdown looms? Are Democrats learning any lessons from their losses and looking to turn the page to a new generation of leadership?

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The Politics of a Constitutional Convention Has Democrats in a Panic Dec 19, 2024

Republicans will soon have control of Congress and the White House, leaving Democrats concerned that they might call for a constitutional convention to rewrite our country’s constitution and fundamentally change anything from abortion access to immigration.

California has several dormant calls for a constitutional convention on the books, and now, State Senator Scott Wiener wants to rescind those calls. Scott talks with Wiener and New York Times San Francisco Bureau Chief Heather Knight about the politics of a constitutional convention.

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A Win For Identity Politics? How Newcomer Derek Tran “Blew Up The Democratic Playbook” Dec 18, 2024

One of the House races that Democrats flipped from red to blue this election was California’s 45th congressional district in Orange County. Democratic newcomer Derek Tran narrowly defeated the incumbent Michelle Steel by about 650 votes in the nation’s most expensive House race. Melanie Mason, senior political reporter at Politico, covered that race and says Tran’s victory “blew up the Democratic Playbook.” She joins Scott to discuss how Tran managed to beat Steel in what was a very challenging political climate for Democrats.

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The Diploma Divide: A New Political Alignment Dec 17, 2024

Educated liberals have won the culture war, but that hasn't necessarily translated into winning elections. The Republican party is attracting larger numbers of working class voters without college degrees while Democrats are now the party preferred by educated Americans. This shift, referred to as the "diploma divide" reveals a new political alignment that is shaking up our politics. It's the subject of the book "Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics." Co-author Matt Grossman is director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and a professor of political science at Michigan State University and he joins Scott.

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Harmeet Dhillon: Conservative Firebrand Is Trump’s Pick To Oversee Civil Rights Dec 14, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump signaled his intention this week to make Harmeet K. Dhillon the deputy attorney general, running the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Dhillon is a San Francisco attorney who has long been a supporter of Trump. On this special edition of Political Breakdown, we're sharing an interview from 2018 when Marisa and Scott interviewed Dhillon about Republican politics, being an outspoken conservative living in liberal San Francisco, her time as a board member of the ACLU and her passion for knitting.

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Here’s How Californians Voted on Statewide Propositions Dec 14, 2024

Today marks the day California Secretary of State Shirley Weber certifies the final election results for all the races and measures voters cast their ballots on last month.

The certification puts the November 2024 election officially in the history books, and so we’re bringing you an episode of our sister podcasts The Bay and Bay Curious breaking down how Californians voted on each of the statewide propositions.

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London Breed Has Few Regrets As She Prepares to Leave the Mayor’s Office Dec 13, 2024

San Francisco Mayor London Breed was president of the board of supervisors when former Mayor Ed Lee suddenly died in 2017. She was sworn in as acting mayor in the middle of the night then went on to win election the following year. Breed has led the city through most of the first Donald Trump presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. She joins Marisa and Scott for an exit interview as her six years leading the city comes to a close, having lost reelection to Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie.

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Santa Clara County’s First Vietnamese American Supervisor Dec 12, 2024

Betty Duong made history last week when she was sworn in as the first Vietnamese-American supervisor in Santa Clara County. The county has one of the largest Vietnamese-American populations in the country and Duong is among a generation of children of refugees shaping life in the South Bay. Guy talks with Duong about decisions over housing, labor and health care that she’ll face as a member of the board of supervisors.

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Historical Context Of Biden’s Pardon Of His Son Dec 11, 2024

When President Joe Biden gave his son Hunter an unconditional pardon, there was scathing criticism, including from fellow Democrats like Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Adam Schiff. Some criticized the president for giving President-elect Donald Trump cover to follow through on pardoning anyone from himself to the January 6th rioters.

But historian and Politico Magazine contributor Joshua Zeitz disagrees and argues that Biden’s pardon is neither unique nor uniquely polarizing. Scott talks with Zeitz about the historical context of presidential pardons.

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S.F. Democratic Party’s Nancy Tung on Steering the Party Toward the Middle Dec 10, 2024

Since the successful recall of three school board members and progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin two years ago, moderate politics have been on the rise in San Francisco. The 2024 election saw the ousting of two of the city’s most progressive supervisors. Nancy Tung is the chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and joins Scott to talk about the party's move toward the middle and a new policy on sexual assault and harassment following a string of allegations against local politicos.

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Why Does Processing Ballots Take So Long In California? Dec 07, 2024

Nearly a month after election day, Democrat Adam Gray was declared the winner in California’s 13th congressional district race in the Central Valley. It was the last House race called in the nation. So why does it take so long for California to process votes? Scott and Guy talk with Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who chairs the Assembly Elections Committee, about how to make elections more efficient.

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The Bay Area’s Two Freshmen Members of Congress Dec 06, 2024

Bay Area Democrats Lateefah Simon and Sam Liccardo will be among the newest members of Congress when they’re sworn in next month. The two have very different life stories, but they share a commitment to getting things done, even though Democrats will be in the minority. Simon and Liccardo join Scott in studio to discuss their agenda.

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San Mateo County Will Ask Voters For Power To Remove the Sheriff Dec 05, 2024

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is calling on Sheriff Christina Corpus to resign over allegations of abuse of power, conflicts of interest and using fear and retaliation to run the department. The sheriff says she’s done nothing wrong and refuses to step down from a job she was elected to. Scott talks with San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, who is leading calls to have Sheriff Corpus removed.

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How Trump’s Plan for “Mass Deportations” Could Play Out Dec 04, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump is promising to enact mass deportations of people in the U.S. without documents. Scott is joined by KQED’s senior editor for immigration Tyche Hendricks to talk about how those policies could play out, how immigrant communities and legal advocacy groups are preparing and the extent to which so-called “sanctuary” laws can protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.

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Special Session to “Trump-proof” California Opens in Sacramento Dec 03, 2024

California lawmakers began a special legislative session today to protect the state from President-elect Trump's administration on issues like immigration, climate change, abortion and gun safety. Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the special session, wants to add funding to the state Department of Justice to prepare for upcoming legal battles with Trump. Scott is joined by KQED politics correspondent Guy Marzorati, who's in Sacramento talking with lawmakers about the special session and what's on the agenda in the new year.

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Trump 2.0: Immigration and Foreign Affairs Nov 28, 2024

This holiday week, we are revisiting a series of conversations examining what a second Donald Trump term could look like. Trump focused his campaign around cracking down on immigration and promoting a more isolationist foreign policy which, he’s coined American First. Marisa and Scott spoke with Franco Ordoñez, White House Correspondent for NPR's Washington Desk about what that could all look like.

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Trump 2.0: Government and Democracy Nov 27, 2024

This holiday week, we are revisiting a series of conversations examining what a second Donald Trump term could look like. Marisa talks with Vann R Newkirk II, senior editor at The Atlantic and the host of the podcasts “Floodlines” and “Holy Week,” about how Trump and his allies want to change the federal government and what it would mean for civil rights and democracy.

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Trump 2.0: Project 2025 Nov 26, 2024

This holiday week, we're revisiting a series of conversations examining what a second Donald Trump term could look like. Although Trump tried to distance himself from Project 2025 during the campaign, the president-elect has already named some of its authors as members of his incoming administration. Back in July, Marisa and Scott talked with Washington Post columnist Philip Bump about what Trump and those close to him have signaled they want to do with another four years.

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How Daniel Lurie Will Balance The Need For Insider Knowledge With Outsider Perspective Nov 22, 2024

Voters chose Daniel Lurie to be San Francisco's next mayor, and he'll be the city's first leader in over a century with no previous elected government experience. Lurie made a lot of promises on his way to an impressive victory over the incumbent, Mayor London Breed. From homelessness to public safety, housing and the economy, Lurie will have his hands full when he takes office in January. Scott and Marisa are joined in studio by Lurie to discuss his agenda, his mandate and how how he’ll keep those promises even as the city faces a budget deficit.

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L.A. County’s New D.A. Explains How He Plans To Embrace The “Hard Middle” Nov 22, 2024

Nathan Hochman will be sworn in as Los Angeles County’s new district attorney next month. He’s promised to roll back his predecessor’s progressive policies and return order to the sprawling county, but has also said he won’t restore the mass incarceration policies of the past. Marisa and Scott talk with Hochman about how he plans to strike that balance.

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What’s Next For Oakland? Nov 21, 2024

Today, we bring you an episode from our sister podcast The Bay: A conversation about the future of Oakland now that voters have recalled Mayor Sheng Thao, making her the first mayor in the city’s history to be removed from office by her constituents. It leaves a lot of unanswered questions about who will lead the city in the coming months and years. Host of The Bay Ericka Cruz Guevarra talks with The Oaklandside’s Eli Wolfe.

Who is running for Oakland mayor after Sheng Thao’s recall?

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How Trump Is “Flooding the Zone” With Unqualified Nominees Nov 20, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominations have been a series of surprises, comprising of people widely regarded as unqualified or worse — potentially dangerous to national security. Scott and Marisa talk with The Atlantic staff writer David A. Graham about what Trump’s picks say about his priorities and agenda for the next four years.

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How Democrats’ Vaunted Ground Game Failed Harris Nov 19, 2024

In the 1960s and ‘70s, political organizer Marshall Ganz worked with Cesar Chavez and the farmworker rights movement. He also worked on campaigns with Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Brown and others. Scott talks with Ganz, whose new book “People Power Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal” comes at a time when Democrats are finding themselves without clear leadership.

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Why Democrats Fell Short in Campaigns to Unseat California GOP Incumbents Nov 15, 2024

It’s clear Republicans have enough seats to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives – barely – and once again a few seats in California are still too close to call with thousands of ballots left to be counted.

Democrats have picked up at least one seat in California and could possibly grab a few more, but even if the outstanding races all go their way, they’ll still be stuck in the minority for at least two more years.

Scott, Marisa and Guy about what happened there and ask the question of how to know when it’s time to retire. The line between honorable public service and just hanging around too long can be a subtle one. This discussion comes amid rumors that 78-year-old Oakland Congress member Barbara Lee is considering a run for mayor.

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Is It Still Relevant To Talk About the Latino Vote? Nov 15, 2024

In this year's election, Latino voters shifted along many of the same lines as the electorate as a whole: such as gender, age and educational attainment. Marisa and Scott talk to Christian Paz, senior politics reporter at Vox about 2024 voting trends, whether it's still relevant to talk about "Latino voters," and what potential immigration policy under the Trump administration will mean for both parties moving forward.

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Republicans Close To Taking The House – Here’s How Nov 14, 2024

Republicans are one seat away from maintaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives, winning them a governing trifecta in Washington next year. Some of the closest, still uncalled House races are here in California. Scott is joined by Matthew Klein, the U.S. House and governors analyst for the non-partisan Cook Political Report, to discuss how Republicans will likely hold onto their majority, where Democrats fell short and why.

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How A Republican Trifecta Could Change Tech Policy Nov 13, 2024

Republicans have won the presidency and Senate majority and appear on the cusp of holding a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. How might a Republican governing trifecta affect tech policy — on everything from AI to cryptocurrency, consumer privacy, antitrust lawsuits and TikTok? Scott talks with Cristiano Lima-Strong, a tech policy reporter and co-author of The Washington Post's Tech Brief newsletter.

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After Voter Backlash, What’s Next For The Criminal Justice Reform Movement? Nov 12, 2024

California voters sent a clear message on criminal justice reform in last week’s election, striking down progressive policy and candidates. In addition to overwhelmingly passing Proposition 36, which toughens penalties on some retail theft and drug-related crimes, voters ousted two liberal district attorneys in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. Scott and Marisa talk about California's rightward shift on crime with Emily Bazelon, a fellow at Yale Law School and author of the book “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration.”

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This Was Not a Good Election to Be an Incumbent Nov 09, 2024

America's national and local election results are reflecting a global anti-incumbent sentiment. San Francisco voters chose a new mayor, seeking a fresh start with an untested newcomer. In the East Bay, Oakland's mayor and Alameda County's district attorney are on track to be recalled. And the crushing defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris — the de facto incumbent — leaves Democrats wondering how to recover. Scott, Marisa and Guy get together for a post-election analysis.

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California Prepares Lawsuits To Slow Or Block Trump Policies Nov 08, 2024

During former President Donald Trump's first term, California took on the role of the resistance state. Now, state leaders are gearing up for round two. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special session will convene next month aimed at strengthening the state's legal resources to fight back and protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, the environment and immigrants.

Marisa and Scott discuss those plans with the person who will be leading the legal fights: Attorney General Rob Bonta.

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What Another Trump Term Could Mean For California Nov 07, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election today, encouraging a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump. From national to local races, yesterday's election results show that voters seem to be in the mood for change. Scott, Marisa and Guy sort through the stunning results, what they mean for California and what's next for the Democratic party.

Track all the latest election results at KQED.org/elections

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When It Comes to Turnout, 2024 and 2020 Are Nothing Alike Nov 05, 2024

Tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots in early voting, including more than 8 million here in California. Scott is joined by Paul Mitchell, vice president at Political Data Inc, which collects political data to help Democratic campaigns. They discuss voter behavior and how redistricting, race and gender affect how people vote.

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The Path to a House Majority Nov 05, 2024

With one day before the election, Scott is joined by Erin Covey, the editor of the non-partisan Cook Political Report’s coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives. They discuss the toss-up House contests that could decide which party controls the lower chamber.

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Close All Tabs: Influencer Endorsements Gone Wild Nov 02, 2024

In this final episode of the Close All Tabs miniseries, host Morgan Sung examines the increasing power of social media influencers in politics. Joined by WIRED senior tech and politics writer Makena Kelly, Morgan dives into the growing tensions between influencers and traditional journalists and explores how “shadow money” is quietly flowing to influencers for political endorsements, keeping the public in the dark about who’s funding content.

Read the transcript of this episode here.

Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at podcasts@KQED.org

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Last Minute Election Questions and Key Below the Radar Races Nov 01, 2024

On their final Friday roundtable before election day, Marisa, Scott and Guy share their top under-the-radar races they're following and discuss the biggest burning questions they have ahead of Tuesday's vote.

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What Do LA Times, Washington Post Non-Endorsements Mean for Journalism? Nov 01, 2024

Two of the nation’s largest newspapers have seen upheaval following their billionaire owners' decisions to block endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris and keep the editorial boards silent. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik joins Marisa and Scott to fill us in on the drama at the LA Times and Washington Post and examine what these non-endorsements could tell us about the media under a potential second Trump presidency.

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The Republicans Voting Against Trump Oct 31, 2024

Waves of Republicans, including former advisors, have been speaking out against former President Donald Trump, saying he meets the “definition of a fascist” and lacks fitness for office. Scott and Marisa are joined by "Never-Trumper" Republican strategist Sarah Longwell to get her take on the election. Longwell is the executive director of Republican Voters Against Trump, publisher of The Bulwark and host of "The Focus Group" podcast.

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Top Issue for Young Voters? Hint: It’s Not Gaza or Climate Change Oct 30, 2024

A large percentage of voters under the age of 40 say they’re planning to vote, including some 40 million members of Gen Z who will be eligible to vote by November 5th in the U.S. So what are their priorities in choosing a candidate for president? Is it the war in Gaza? The economy? Immigration? Climate change?

Scott is joined by KQED's Ezra David Romero, who’s been reporting on how three first-time Gen Z voters in the Bay Area are feeling about the election. Then, Cathy J. Cohen, founder and director of the GenForward Survey, talks with Scott about what polling tells us about young voters' top issues this election.

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Prop. 33: Should Residential Rent Control Be Expanded? Oct 29, 2024

Proposition 33 on the statewide ballot would remove state limits on rent control that have been in place since 1995 and give power back to local governments to enact or change rent control policies.

Bay Curious host Olivia Allen-Price talks about Proposition 33 with KQED housing reporter Vanessa Rancaño as a part of Prop Fest, a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where they break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November ballot. Check out KQED’s Voter Guide for more information on state and local races.

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Close All Tabs: Stan Wars, The Fandom Menace Oct 26, 2024

In this episode of Close All Tabs, host Morgan Sung examines the rise of “stan culture” in politics, where passionate supporters rally around political figures with the same fervor typically reserved for pop stars. Morgan is joined by tech and culture reporter Kat Tenbarge to unpack the evolution of cults of personality in digital spaces, what makes some candidates more “stan-worthy” than others, and how all of this has troubling implications for public discourse.

Read the transcript here.

Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at podcasts@KQED.org

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Can California’s Prop 36 Crime Measure Fulfill Its Promises? Oct 26, 2024

One of the most controversial initiatives on the California ballot this year is Proposition 36, which would roll back some criminal justice reforms and make it easier to send repeat shoplifters and drug users to jail or prison. Marisa and Guy are joined by the San Francisco Chronicle's Sophia Bollag to talk about whether Prop 36 can do what its proponents say it will.

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On A Roadtrip Through The American Southwest, LA Times Columnist Asks Latino Voters About Their Hopes And Fears Oct 25, 2024

As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump court Latino voters, Marisa and Scott talk with Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano about the elusive “Latino vote.” Arellano recently took a seven-day road trip through the American Southwest to talk to Latinos about the 2024 presidential election and what issues matter to them most.

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Balance of Power: Democrats Are Hoping An Aerospace Executive Can Beat A Republican Navy Combat Pilot Oct 24, 2024

Political Breakdown continues their series “Balance of Power” covering California’s key congressional districts that could determine the balance of power in Congress next year.

Today, Scott and Marisa are joined by Los Angeles Times enterprise reporter Hailey Branson-Potts to talk about the 27th congressional district race in northern Los Angeles County. Republican incumbent and former Navy combat pilot Mike Garcia is facing Democrat George Whitesides, who’s a former chief of staff at NASA.

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How California Election Officials are Bracing for Misinformation and Mistrust Oct 22, 2024

Election day is just two weeks away and local officials are bracing for what happens before and after the voting ends. In conservative Shasta County, a new election chief is trying to carry out an election that is secure and accurate in the face of widespread rumors, misinformation and false conspiracy theories from local residents. KQED's enterprise and accountability reporter Alex Hall has been reporting on the political climate in Shasta — a county Trump won with 65% of the vote in 2020 — and other counties to see how partisanship and general distrust of government are playing out this election season.

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The Guardrails That Preserved Democracy Under Trump’s First Presidency Might Not Work The Next Time Oct 22, 2024

In the closing weeks of his campaign, former President Donald Trump has ratcheted up threats that if he wins, he’ll use federal agencies like the FBI, the IRS and even the U.S. military to go after perceived enemies who oppose his agenda or criticize him. Scott and Marisa talk about this with Protect Democracy's Ben Raderstorf, who says the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity makes those threats a real possibility.

For more, check out our series from the summer examining Project 2025 and what a second Trump presidency might look like:

If Trump Wins: Project 2025

If Trump Wins: Government and Democracy

If Trump Wins: Immigration and Foreign Affairs

If Trump Wins: Climate

If Trump Wins: Economy

Plus, listen back to our interview with Raderstorf from June: “Protect Democracy” Warns How Trump 2.0 Could Lead to Authoritarianism

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Close All Tabs: Couch F***** Memes vs The Truth Oct 19, 2024

In this episode of Close All Tabs, host Morgan Sung dives into the world of viral political memes with TechCrunch senior writer Amanda Silberling, unraveling the origins of the infamous JD Vance “couch rumor.” What began as a seemingly frivolous post on X about the Republican VP nominee spiraled into a meme with real-world consequences, shifting the tone of the race. Morgan is also joined by Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, to explore the fragile line between satire and disinformation in modern politics.

Read the transcript here.

Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at podcasts@KQED.org

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Former Mayor Libby Schaaf Endorses Recall of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Oct 19, 2024

With the election less than three weeks away, the temperature is rising, the attacks are escalating and the candidates are making last minute moves with an eye toward the finish line.

In Oakland, the proposed recall of Mayor Sheng Thao is heating up. Thao has been on a media blitz this week, pushing back against the recall, which will appear on the November ballot. This morning, former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf told Scott that she supports the recall of Thao. Marisa, Scott and Guy discuss this East Bay political battle.

Listen to Thao's interview on Political Breakdown from earlier this week: Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Makes Her Case Against A Recall

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Meet the Candidates in One of California’s Toss-Up House Races Oct 18, 2024

Political Breakdown continues their series examining the key California congressional races that could determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year.

Today, Marisa and Scott have conversations with the candidates in the 13th congressional district — a Central Valley district including all of Merced County and parts of Madera, Stanislaus, Fresno and San Joaquin counties. The Republican incumbent John Duarte faces a rematch against Democrat and former state Assemblyman Adam Gray.

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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Makes Her Case Against A Recall Oct 17, 2024

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing a recall less than two years after taking office. Her critics say the city is out of control with crime, homelessness and a general lack of leadership. Adding to her problems, the FBI raided her home a several months ago as part of a federal investigation into a recycling company. Thao joins Scott to answer her critics and make her case for defeating the recall.

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Riverside Rematch Will Help Decide Which Party Controls the House Oct 16, 2024

Political Breakdown continues their tour of California's key congressional districts that could determine the balance of power in Congress next year.

Today, Marisa and Scott go to California's Inland Empire, where Scott's been reporting on the rematch for the 41st congressional district. The Republican incumbent Ken Calvert, who's held the seat for more than three decades, faces the openly gay 39-year-old Democrat Will Rollins, who helped prosecute the January 6th rioters.

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Close All Tabs: From the Dean Scream to Brat Memes Oct 12, 2024

Welcome to Close All Tabs, a special KQED podcast series exploring the intersection of internet culture and politics. In this first episode, host Morgan Sung takes us through the evolution of online campaigning—from the early days of dial-up modems to today’s Twitch streams. We’ll revisit iconic moments like “the Dean scream” and “Pokemon Go to the polls,” examine how memes became a legitimate political force, and discuss why Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are turning to podcasters and streamers to reach voters.

Read the transcript here.

Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at podcasts@KQED.org

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Prop. 36: A Return to Failed Crime Policies or a Necessary Tweak? Oct 12, 2024

Proposition 36 on the statewide ballot would roll back some of the criminal justice reforms voters passed a decade ago and make it easier to increase penalties for some drug and retail theft crimes.

Marisa talks with Bay Curious host Olivia Allen-Price about the measure as part of Prop Fest, a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where they break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November ballot. Check out KQED’s Voter Guide for more information on state and local races.

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Criminal Justice Reform Is on the Ballot in the LA District Attorney Race Oct 11, 2024

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has been a lightning rod for criticism since he was sworn into office in December 2020. The former San Francisco police chief and DA came into office in LA promising a change from the “tough on crime” policies of his predecessor.

Now, multiple recall attempts and four years later, Gascón is seeking reelection. His opponent, former federal prosecutor and defense attorney Nathan Hochman, appears to be mounting an incredibly strong challenge for the office. Marisa and Scott discuss the race and candidates with Elex Michaelson, co-anchor of the evening news on FOX 11 LA and host of the weekly statewide political show The Issue Is.

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Orange Is The New Purple Oct 10, 2024

The Political Breakdown team continues their coverage of the most competitive congressional races in California that could determine control of the House next year.

Today, Scott and Marisa talk with Guy about Orange County's purple congressional district 47, currently represented by Democrat Katie Porter. Porter gave up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate and lost in the March primary. Now, Republican Scott Baugh and Democratic state Senator Dave Min are vying to win her seat.

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Asian American Voters Are Key In This Orange County Congressional Race Oct 09, 2024

The Political Breakdown team continues their coverage of the most competitive congressional races in California that could determine control of the House next year.

Today, Scott and Marisa are joined by Politico’s senior political reporter Melanie Mason to discuss the 45th congressional district race in Orange County, where 37% of the district's voting age citizens are Asian American. The Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, who was born in South Korea and has never lost an election, is being challenged by Democrat Derek Tran, an attorney and son of Vietnamese refugees.

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Unpacking Ranked Choice Voting Oct 08, 2024

Early voting begins today in California, and some Bay Area cities including Oakland and San Francisco are using a system known as ranked choice voting. Supporters say allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference saves money by avoiding a separate runoff and rewards candidates with broad appeal, but it’s also confusing for many voters. Scott talks about how ranked choice voting works and clears up some common misconceptions with Lisa Bryant, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at California State University, Fresno.

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Home Stretch of the SF Mayor’s Race Brings Attacks From a Wealthy Outsider Oct 05, 2024

Early voting is set to begin on Monday and new polls show the race for mayor of San Francisco is up for grabs. A Democratic member of Congress comes out in favor of recalling Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Plus, a statewide ballot measure to toughen penalties for drug use and retail theft seems headed for victory. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss this week's news in politics.

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London Breed Makes Her Case for Re-Election Oct 04, 2024

San Francisco voters will choose their next mayor this November, and we are going to bring you interviews with all of the top candidates. Today, Marisa and Scott sit down with incumbent mayor London Breed who talks about her tenure as mayor, her family, scandals at city hall and how she's approaching the city's ranked-choice election.

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Democrats Are Hoping To Flip This Central Valley House Seat. It Won’t Be Easy. Oct 03, 2024

California has six competitive congressional districts that could determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year. In the lead-up to the November election, the Political Breakdown team will cover each of these races. Today, Scott and Marisa discuss the 22nd congressional district in the Central Valley… where Republican incumbent David Valadao is once again facing former Assemblymember Rudy Salas. They’re joined by reporter Joshua Yeager, who covers Kern County and the Southern San Joaquin Valley for KVPR.

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Can California Still Lead on AI Regulation Following Newsom’s Veto of AI Safety Bill? Oct 02, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a high profile bill aimed at regulating the artificial intelligence industry. Senate Bill 1047 would have implemented rules for AI developers and was aimed at preventing catastrophes like an attack on the power grid. The bill divided Silicon Valley, with tech titans on both sides of the issue. Scott and senior editor of KQED's Silicon Valley news desk Rachael Myrow talk with state Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the legislation

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Can SF Schools Dig Out of Their Fiscal Hole? Oct 01, 2024

San Francisco’s public schools are in crisis. The district is facing a budget deficit, potential school closures and HR problems. Mayor London Breed has sent in a team of city experts to help the district, but it comes as she faces a tough re-election. Marisa and Scott talk about all that with the San Francisco Chronicle's education reporter Jill Tucker.

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Can California Really Push Gas Prices Lower? Sep 28, 2024

Yesterday the state Assembly passed two bills taking aim at gasoline price spikes, after hours of hearings in a special session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Plus, the governor signs a package of reparation bills including one issuing a formal apology for California perpetuating slavery in its early days as a state. Scott and Guy are joined by Politico senior California politics and policy reporter Jeremy B. White.

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The Sonoma Ballot Measure That Could Change the Farm Industry Sep 27, 2024

A controversial ballot measure in Sonoma County could reshape agriculture in the region and beyond. Measure J would ban so-called “concentrated animal feeding operations" — essentially a prohibition on large farms, which proponents of the measure derisively call factory farms. It has split the historic agricultural community, pitting, as Politico put it, “people who shop at farmers markets against those who supply them." Marisa and Guy talk with The Press Democrat's Phil Barber and University of Iowa professor Silvia Secchi about how Measure J could affect farming far beyond California's borders.

Learn more about Measure J and everything else on your ballot with the KQED Voter Guide.

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Barbara Boxer Is Retired, But Still Deeply Engaged in Politics Sep 26, 2024

Barbara Boxer retired from the U.S. Senate in 2016, but she’s still actively engaged in politics. Part of that includes supporting the Democrat Will Rollins against incumbent Republican Rep. Ken Calvert in one of the hotly contested congressional races in California that could determine control of the House. Scott talks with Boxer from her home in Rancho Mirage about that race, the historic 2024 election, thoughts about her friend Joe Biden dropping out and what's at stake in November.

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Can Democrats Flip Enough House Seats in California to Retake the House? Sep 25, 2024

Everyone knows that California is not a swing state when it comes to presidential races, but the state could decide which party controls Congress. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists 69 competitive House races across the country and 10 of them are in California.

Marisa, Scott and Guy analyze a new poll this week that shows incredibly tight races in six of those California congressional districts. Democrats seem to have the edge, but the survey shows all the races within the margin of error.

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Lessons from Two Failed Attempts to Kill Donald Trump Sep 24, 2024

The two recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump raised troubling questions about why the U.S. Secret Service failed. Scott and Marisa talk with The Washington Post's national investigative reporter Carol Leonnig about how the agency works, its past failures and what we've learned in the past three months. Leonnig is the author of "Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service."

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Highlights and Takeaways From KQED’s Lively Mayoral Debate Sep 21, 2024

The dust has settled on last night’s debate — sponsored by KQED and The San Francisco Chronicle — with the leading candidates for mayor of San Francisco. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss highlights and takeaways from the debate, where incumbent London Breed was regularly in the hot seat.

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Panelists for the KQED/SF Chronicle Mayoral Debate Assess the State of the Race Sep 20, 2024

KQED and The San Francisco Chronicle host a live debate with the top five candidates for mayor of San Francisco tonight at 7 p.m. Scott, Marisa and the Chronicle's Joe Garofoli preview the debate and discuss the state of the race and how it could be affected by ranked choice voting.

The debate will be available live, streaming online and broadcast on 88.5FM and KQED 9 TV

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Pension Amnesia? Two SF Measures Would Reward Police and Firefighters Sep 19, 2024

In the 2000s, ballooning pension costs were blowing up city and state budgets in California, leading cities like San Francisco to raise the retirement age for firefighters and abandon a program that let police collect a salary and a pension at the same time. Now, San Francisco voters will consider two ballot measures to reinstate those benefits. Marisa talks with Joe Eskenazi, the managing editor at Mission Local, about why these measures are on the ballot and what they would mean for the city budget.

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Black Sororities and Fraternities: Kamala Harris’ Secret Weapon? Sep 18, 2024

A national network of Black sororities and fraternities might just be Vice President Kamala Harris’ secret weapon. Known as the Divine Nine, with more than 2.5 million members nationwide, they're in high gear to help usher Harris into the presidency. Scott talks with one member: Los Angeles Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove.

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Why the Media is Still Falling Short in Covering Trump Sep 17, 2024

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have doubled down on false claims that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating pets. Over the weekend, Vance said on CNN that he was willing "to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people." In an era of misinformation, how should the media be covering claims like these? And are political journalists doing enough to hold Trump, Vance and even Kamala Harris accountable?

Scott talks with Dan Froomkin, who founded Press Watch, an independent non-profit site devoted to political journalism. They analyze this year’s media coverage of the presidential election and what political journalists can and should do better to ensure that the electorate has an accurate sense of the candidates and the stakes in this election.

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Ethics Questions Swirl as SF Mayor’s Race Heats Up Sep 14, 2024

The San Francisco mayor’s race is heating up, as a scandal over the misuse of city funds lands on Mayor Breed’s desk and another candidate is hit with questions about ethics.

Plus, former President Donald Trump is collecting campaign cash in California while tying the state's problems to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Next Thursday, September 19th at 7 pm, KQED is teaming up with the San Francisco Chronicle to host a debate with the top candidates for mayor of San Francisco. It'll be available live, streaming online and broadcast on 88.5FM and KQED 9 TV.

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Former CIA Officer Examines Election Threat from Russia, China and Iran Sep 13, 2024

With the presidential election fast approaching, foreign adversaries are working hard behind the scenes to sow chaos and influence U.S. public opinion. Marisa and Scott are joined by Emily Harding, who has worked for the CIA, led the Senate investigation into 2016 Russian election interference and now works at the at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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Will Kamala Harris’ Decisive Smack Down of Donald Trump Help Her Win? Sep 12, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris is widely considered to have won last night's debate against former President Donald Trump. Harris had Trump playing defense most of the night — a stark contrast to the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.

Scott, Marisa and Guy dissect each candidate's best and worst moments and what difference it'll make in November.

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NY Times Columnist Jamelle Bouie on the Politics Around Tonight’s Debate Sep 11, 2024

It’s Debate Night in America: former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are squaring off in their one and only scheduled debate. This event is historic in many ways and the stakes could not be higher for the candidates and for the nation. What do both candidates need to accomplish? And what kinds of questions will they get? And how should we judge their performances? Scott and Marisa talk about the what to expect and what to look for on the debate stage with New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie.

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Can It Be Democracy If Only One Candidate Runs? Sep 10, 2024

Real democracy involves two or more candidates squaring off in elections giving voters a real choice for office. And yet, throughout the United States thousands of elections go uncontested, leaving voters with no choice other than to vote for the one candidate on the ballot or not vote at all. The progressive non-profit Contest Every Race say more often than not, the party not fielding a candidate is the Democrats. The organization is trying to change that by recruiting and financing Democrats to run for office, especially in battleground states. Lauren Gepford, executive director of Contest Every Race, joins Scott to talk about what uncontested races mean for America.

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What Do Harris and Trump Need to Accomplish in Tuesday’s Debate? Sep 06, 2024

Next week could be the most consequential week in politics before the November election, with former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala set to square off in their one and only scheduled debate. Scott, Marisa and Guy talk about the stakes for both Harris and Trump, what they need to accomplish and how they might try to define themselves. Plus, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan seems to be itching for a debate with Governor Gavin Newsom over a high profile ballot measure aimed at toughening up penalties for retail theft.

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Aaron Peskin on Kamala, Housing and Life in Recovery Sep 06, 2024

San Francisco voters will choose their next mayor this November, and we are going to bring you interviews with all of the top candidates. Today, Marisa and Scott sit down with Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who talks about attending elementary school with Vice President Kamala Harris, his college activism, corruption at city hall, his record on housing and his recovery from alcohol addiction.

We want to hear your questions! If you have a burning question that you want us to ask the mayoral candidates, you can send us an email: politicalbreakdown@kqed.org.

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Why are the Governor and Legislative Leaders Fighting Over Gas Prices? Sep 05, 2024

California legislative leaders are in a rare public standoff in Sacramento after Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday called for a special session of the legislature to address gas prices. Why is Newsom pushing this now, two months out from the election? And why is the Democratic leader of the Senate unwilling to go along? Scott and Marisa talk about the political drama unfolding with The Sacramento Bee’s Nicole Nixon.

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How Groups Like “Swifties for Kamala” Are Shaping the 2024 Election Sep 04, 2024

Soon after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek another term, identity groups began forming to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Everything from “Swifties for Harris” to “White Dudes for Harris.” Thousands of people have joined Zoom calls to talk her up, raise money and figure out what they can do to elect the nation’s first Black and South Asian woman as president. Scott talks with KQED reporter Nisa Khan about the rise of pop culture fan groups getting involved in politics.

Read more of KQED's Fandom Vote series, digging into the oft-overlooked voting bloc of fan armies.

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The End-of-Session Drama in California’s Capitol Aug 31, 2024

It's crunch time in the California Capitol. Lawmakers have until midnight tomorrow to pass legislation out of both houses and send it to the governor for his signature or veto. Marisa and Guy talk about the end-of-session controversies and Sacramento drama with KCRA capitol correspondent Ashley Zavala.

This conversation was recorded on Friday morning.

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Behind the Fight to Combat California’s Retail Theft Problem Aug 30, 2024

Shoplifting and retail theft are hot button issues in California, and Rachel Michelin has been at the center of the debate over solutions. Michelin is the head of the California Retailers Association and she joins Marisa and Guy to talk about new legislation to crack down on thefts and a controversial ballot measure going before voters in November.

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The Political Messaging Behind 2024 Election Fashion Aug 29, 2024

Former President Donald Trump rarely strays from his red tie, white shirt and blue suit, while Vice President Kamala Harris’ uniform consists of tailored suits in a variety of colors. But what does it all mean? What are they saying to voters? And why do fashion choices in politics even matter? Marisa talks about the politics of fashion with Vanessa Friedman, the fashion director and chief fashion critic at The New York Times.

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Crypto's Election Influence Aug 28, 2024

After Sam Bankman-Fried’s fall from grace, it seemed like the crypto industry was on the ropes. But this election season, it's becoming a potent political player — and both parties seem to want its support. Marisa talks about the state of play with Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and author of "Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall."

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The Democrats' Updated Messaging Strategy Aug 27, 2024

Strength. Patriotism. Freedom. Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris jumped into the presidential race, Democrats have been all in on language and messaging historically more associated with Republicans. Marisa talks with Democratic communications researcher and campaign adviser Anat Shenker-Osorio to get her take on messaging strategies at last week's convention and what Harris needs to do in the weeks ahead to win this dead heat of a presidential race.

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Acceptance Speech Wraps Up Kamala Harris’ Big Week Aug 23, 2024

On the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted her party's nomination for president, capping a whirlwind 32 days since she entered the race.

It was Harris’ opportunity to introduce herself to the nation, and although her speech included attacks on her Republican opponent Donald Trump, it was centered on lessons from her mother, their middle-class life and her own realization of the American dream. Scott, Marisa and Guy share their highlights and takeaways.

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How California Is Showing Up At The DNC Aug 22, 2024

It’s the final day of the Democratic National Convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept her party’s nomination. The Political Breakdown team has been in Chicago for the DNC all week, talking with delegates, party leaders and elected officials. Today, Marisa, Scott and Guy share some of their conversations with the movers and shakers they’ve run into this week in Chicago.

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The Emotional Highlights of the DNC Aug 22, 2024

The Political Breakdown team is in Chicago all this week for the Democratic National Convention. Today, Scott, Marisa and Guy bring you an inside look at the first two days of the DNC. They recap the speeches and performances and talk to delegates about their excitement for Vice President Kamala Harris on the democratic ticket.

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They Knew Kamala Before She Was, Like, Famous Aug 20, 2024

The Political Breakdown team is in Chicago for day two of the Democratic National Convention. This evening, the party is holding a ceremonial roll call to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, though she secured that nomination in an online vote nearly two weeks ago.

On today's show, Scott and Marisa bring together some of Harris’ old friends and colleagues to reminisce, share stories and give us a deeper understanding of the woman who is hoping to become the 47th president of the United States.

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Sen. Laphonza Butler on the Rise of Her Friend Kamala Harris Aug 19, 2024

Today is the first day of the Democratic National Convention, taking place in Chicago, Illinois. The Political Breakdown team is at the convention all week, and today, Scott and Marisa sit down with California Senator Laphonza Butler.

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Butler to the Senate last year following the death of Dianne Feinstein, but Butler will not seek election to a full term this year. Butler helped run Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign and shares what a Harris presidency would mean for her and her family.

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If Harris Wins: Immigration Aug 17, 2024

To wrap up our weeklong series examining what a Kamala Harris presidency might look like, Marisa and Scott talk with Jazmine Ulloa, national politics reporter for The New York Times. They dig into Harris' potential immigration policy plans, which remain top of mind in this race for voters and a line of attack for Harris' opponents.

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If Harris Wins: Economy Aug 15, 2024

With just days left before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Political Breakdown continues our series examining what a potential Kamala Harris presidency would look like. Today, Marisa and Scott are digging to the issue voters say is number one for them: the economy.

Just hours ago, Vice President Harris appeared alongside President Joe Biden to tout a new deal with drug companies to bring down costs on 10 commonly used drugs for Medicare recipients. Tomorrow, Harris is expected to roll out more details of her broader economic agenda in a speech in North Carolina.

To talk about what we know so far about Harris' economic plans and her record, Marisa and Scott are joined by Alan Rappeport, economic policy reporter for The New York Times.

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If Harris Wins: Foreign Policy Aug 15, 2024

The next U.S. president will likely inherit wars in Ukraine and Gaza, along with complicated relationships with China and Russia. As vice president, Kamala Harris has mostly supported Biden Administration policies, but how would she recalibrate those positions if she is elected president?

Political Breakdown continues their series digging into what a Harris administration might look like. Today, Scott and Marisa talk about foreign policy with Eric Bazail-Eimil, national security reporter and co-writer of POLITICO's "National Security Daily."

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If Harris Wins: Climate Aug 14, 2024

Political Breakdown continues our week-long series looking at how Vice President Kamala Harris would tackle a range of major issues if she’s elected president. Today, Scott and Marisa talk with Grist's Zoya Teirstein about how a Harris administration would handle climate change and environmental protection.

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If Harris Wins Aug 12, 2024

What would a Kamala Harris presidency look like and how would her policies differ from President Biden? Just three weeks after Harris got into the race and ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Political Breakdown team is spending all week analyzing what we know about the vice president’s policy agenda.

To kick us off, Marisa and Scott talk with NPR White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, who's traveling with Harris as she campaigns across the country.

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Are the Political Fortunes of Mayor London Breed Improving? Aug 10, 2024

A new poll from the San Francisco Chronicle shows Mayor London Breed with surprising strength against four main challengers, with former Supervisor Mark Farrell in second followed by non-profit founder Daniel Lurie.

Plus, a rare political move in Sacramento: A state senator representing a rural part of California announces an abrupt switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party.

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Mark Farrell on His Run for Mayor, the Police Department and Outside Lands Aug 09, 2024

San Francisco voters will choose their next mayor this November, and we are going to bring you interviews with all of the top candidates. Today, Marisa and Scott sit down with former interim mayor and supervisor Mark Farrell, who discusses his German heritage, growing up and raising kids in the city; along with his plans for policing and encampment sweeps.

We want to hear your questions! If you have a burning question that you want us to ask the mayoral candidates, you can send us an email: politicalbreakdown@kqed.org.

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Harris vs. Trump is Dividing Silicon Valley Aug 08, 2024

The presidential election is dividing big money donors from across the political spectrum in Silicon Valley. Although some prominent venture capitalists are backing Kamala Harris, there are a handful of other tech billionaires who have recently thrown their support behind former President Donald Trump. Scott discusses this campaign battle over deep pockets in Silicon Valley with the Washington Post's Trisha Thadani.

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Who is Tim Walz, the Minnesota Governor with ‘Dad Energy’? Aug 07, 2024

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is joining Vice President Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket. They’re hoping the former school teacher and football coach can help reach swing voters in the midwest, but Republicans are already trying to paint him as a West Coast liberal. Scott talks with Minnesota Public Radio politics reporter Dana Ferguson and Brendon Gehrke, a former congressional staffer for Walz, about the governor's personal and political image — plus, why people are saying he has "Midwestern dad energy."

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Biographer Dan Morain On Harris' Road from Oakland to Washington D.C. Aug 05, 2024

Veteran Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee reporter Dan Morain wrote a biography in 2021 titled “Kamala’s Way: An American Life," which traces Harris’ rise in politics starting from her upbringing in the Bay Area to her getting elected vice president. Scott talks with Morain about Harris then and now and how she matches up against former President Donald Trump.

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Inside the Black Journalists Convention Where Trump Attacked VP Harris’ Race Aug 03, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris officially won enough votes from Democratic delegates to become the party’s presidential nominee. She also hired new senior advisors including David Plouffe, a top strategist for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns.

Scott and Marisa talk about all that with Bradford William Davis, a reporter, culture critic and fellow with the National Press Foundation. Plus, Davis shares an inside view of the National Association of Black Journalists convention where former President Donald Trump questioned Harris' ethnicity.

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Why Swing Voters Are Open to Kamala Harris’ Pitch Aug 02, 2024

Sarah Longwell spends a lot of her time talking to swing voters about how they view the presidential race and politics more broadly. A Republican pollster and Never Trumper, Longwell joins Marisa and Scott to discuss how these key voters view Vice President Kamala Harris and what both Harris and former President Donald Trump would need to do to get those “double haters” over to their side this November.

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How Will Kamala Harris Tell Her Family Story? Aug 01, 2024

Former President Donald Trump derided Vice President Kamala Harris' multiracial identity during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention earlier today. It reveals how some Republicans are trying to make Harris' gender and racial identity a liability in the race.

As the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, how will Harris talk about her personal biography as she reintroduces herself to voters? Scott talks with New Yorker writer Jay Caspian Kang who argues that Harris shouldn’t shy away from talking about her parents.

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How J.D. Vance Went from Never Trumper to MAGA Warrior Jul 30, 2024

Ever since Donald Trump picked Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to be his running mate two weeks ago, more than a few Republicans have wondered aloud if it was a mistake.

Vance’s memoir Hillbilly Elegy describes growing up in poverty in a dysfunctional family ripped apart by opioid addiction. Since then he’s gone from Appalachia to Yale Law School to a San Francisco venture capital firm to the U.S. Senate and Republican ticket.

Politico's Ian Ward had many conversations with Vance before he became Trump's running mate and he talks with Scott and Marisa about how Vance transformed from Never Trumper to MAGA warrior.

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Adam Schiff on His Call for Biden to Step Down Jul 30, 2024

Earlier this month, Los Angeles Representative Adam Schiff called on President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential ticket, helping Vice President Kamala Harris ascend to where she is today – as the likely Democratic nominee for president. Scott talks with Rep. Schiff about his decision to make that call, how Trump's pick of J.D. Vance came at the perfect time for Democrats and his plan to reshape the U.S. Supreme Court.

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How Will Trump Use Kamala Harris’ California Record Against Her? Jul 27, 2024

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris quickly consolidated support in the Democratic Party for her campaign for president, and Republicans are already using her record as a prosecutor here in California against her. Scott, Marisa and Guy chew over this blockbuster week of news including the launch of Governor Newsom's podcast "Politickin'" with Super Bowl champion Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch and agent Doug Hendrickson.

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‘Kamala IS Brat’ Jul 26, 2024

“Kamala IS brat.” The tweet from British pop singer Charli XCX set the internet on fire. Marisa and Scott talk to Guardian features writer Alaina Demopoulos about the memeification of Vice President Kamala Harris and whether any of it translates into donations or votes in the November election.

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Nancy Pelosi, The Lord Almighty Jul 24, 2024

Earlier this month, President Biden said in an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, "I mean, if the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race." And then, Nancy Pelosi stepped in.

The former House speaker played a big role in convincing the president to drop out of the presidential race – but why does Pelosi still have so much clout? Marisa talks with the SF Chronicle's Washington correspondent Shira Stein about Pelosi's hand in the 2024 presidential race.

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Lateefah Simon on Kamala Harris’ Bay Area Roots Jul 24, 2024

Lateefah Simon worked for Vice President Kamala Harris two decades ago in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, and she's remained friends with Harris ever since. Simon, who serves on the BART board of directors and is running for U.S. Congress in Oakland, joins Marisa to talk about how the vice president's Bay Area roots have shaped her career and life.

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The Kamala Harris Pitch Jul 23, 2024

Now that President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as nominee, all eyes are on the Bay Area native and former state and local prosecutor. Marisa is joined by NPR White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram to talk about Harris' reputation in D.C., where her policy views diverge from Biden's and her pitch to voters.

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Biden Drops Out, Endorses Kamala Harris. Now what? Jul 22, 2024

President Joe Biden announced he's dropping out of the 2024 election and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. It's a move that wholly upends this presidential race, which until now has been a contest between the two oldest nominees ever. This is all happening with just weeks left before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and just 107 days before election day.

On this special edition episode of Political Breakdown, Marisa, Scott and Guy discuss reactions to this news, whether Democrats will coalesce behind Harris, who she might pick as a running mate and what to expect next.

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Our Takeaways From Trump’s RNC Speech Jul 19, 2024

KQED's Political Breakdown team has been in Milwaukee all week for the Republican National Convention. Now that former President Donald Trump has accepted his party's nomination and the balloons have dropped, Scott, Marisa and Guy analyze his 93-minute speech and share their takeaways on the week, including the Democrats' turmoil.

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Gays, God and Trump at the RNC Convention Jul 18, 2024

It’s the final day of the Republican National Convention, where former President Donald Trump will accept his party’s nomination. The Political Breakdown team has been in Milwaukee for the RNC all week, talking with delegates, candidates, party leaders and elected officials. Today, Marisa, Scott and Guy share some of the interesting conversations they've had and their takeaways from an extraordinary week for both Republicans and Democrats.

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Schiff Calls on Biden to Drop Out, Biden Gets COVID, and Rep. Vince Fong Joins Us on a Bus Outside the Harley-Davidson Museum Jul 18, 2024

Scott and Marisa talk about the news of the day, including Rep. Adam Schiff joining a chorus of Democrats calling on President Joe Biden to drop his bid for reelection. Later, they're joined by Republican Congressman Vince Fong, who won the election to finish the rest of Kevin McCarthy's term in Washington, about his new job, gun control, California's toss-up House races and Trump's anti-immigration rhetoric.

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GOP Chair Jessica Patterson on How Trump’s Message Plays in California Jul 17, 2024

The Political Breakdown team is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on day two of the Republican National Convention.

Today, Scott and Marisa talk with the Chairperson of the California Republican Party Jessica Patterson after the delegation’s breakfast gathering, where Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump’s son Eric both gave speeches.

Then, Scott is joined by Milwaukee's Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson to talk about the RNC's impact on the city.

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Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson Talks Democracy and Cheese Curds Jul 16, 2024

The Political Breakdown team is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this week where the Republican National Convention is already underway and delegates from across the country have nominated Donald Trump for president. Wisconsin is a critical swing state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 and President Joe Biden narrowly carried in 2020.

Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss Trump's pick for VP, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Then, they're joined by Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson to talk about guns, contesting election results and how to tone down political rhetoric to find common ground.

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If Trump Wins: Economy Jul 13, 2024

In the final episode of Political Breakdown's weeklong series examining what a second Donald Trump presidency would look like, Marisa and Scott dig into the economy with Peter Coy, opinion writer for the New York Times. They discuss what the former president accomplished in his first White House stint and what his proposed tariffs, tax cuts and even immigration crackdowns could mean for your pocketbook.

In August, Political Breakdown will do the same analysis of the Democrats’ agenda for 2025 the week before they hold their nominating convention in Chicago.

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If Trump Wins: Climate Jul 12, 2024

Political Breakdown continues our weeklong series looking at the possibility of a second Donald Trump presidency. Today, Marisa and Scott look into the impact on climate with Dharna Noor, fossil fuels and climate reporter at Guardian US. In his first term, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement and he’s promised to go farther in a second term.

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If Trump Wins: Immigration and Foreign Affairs Jul 11, 2024

Political Breakdown continues our weeklong series looking at the possibility of a second Donald Trump presidency. Today, Marisa and Scott are joined by Franco Ordoñez, White House Correspondent for NPR's Washington Desk, to talk about what Trump 2.0 could mean for immigration enforcement, the NATO alliance and more.

We will continue looking into policy areas in the coming days, including the economy and climate.

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If Trump Wins: Government and Democracy Jul 10, 2024

Political Breakdown continues our weeklong series looking at the possibility of a second Donald Trump presidency. Marisa talks with Vann R Newkirk II, senior editor at The Atlantic and the host of the podcasts "Floodlines" and "Holy Week," about how Trump and his allies want to change the federal government and what his reelection would mean for civil rights and democracy.

We will continue looking into several policy areas in the coming days, including climate, economy, foreign policy and immigration.

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If Trump Wins: Project 2025 Jul 09, 2024

The Republican National Convention starts one week from today, and we will spend this entire week examining what a second Donald Trump presidency would look like based on what he and his allies have been saying and have laid out in public. Today, Marisa and Scott are joined by Philip Bump, national columnist for the Washington Post, to dig into Project 2025, the conservative playbook by Trump allies that aims to consolidate presidential power and sideline critics.

We will continue looking into several policy areas in the coming days, including democracy, climate, economy, foreign policy and immigration.

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Could Nevada Be The Swing State to Decide The Presidency? Jul 04, 2024

Kevin Spillane is a Republican political consultant who’s spent a lot of time in the swing state of Nevada. What he’s seen there makes him think this presidential election is Donald Trump’s to lose. Marisa talks with Spillane about purple states, shifting voter demographics and ticket splitting.

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How a Controversial Flag Policy Ignited a Recall in the Town of Sunol Jul 03, 2024

The Bay Area town of Sunol is the latest to hold a school board recall election. The recall is aimed at two members who voted to ban the use of flags other than the state or federal ones — a policy widely seen as blocking the use of the LGBTQ Pride flag. Guy Marzorati joins Ericka Cruz Guevarra, the host of The Bay, to talk about how the issue bubbled up and how the town is feeling about it.

In Sunol, a School Board Recall Divides the Town

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SCOTUS Analysis: Presidential Immunity, Homeless Encampments and Abortion Jul 02, 2024

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term today with a controversial decision on presidential immunity — a ruling widely seen as a big victory for former President Donald Trump as he faces charges of trying to subvert the results of the 2020 election. In addition to that case, Scott analyzes the high court’s recent decisions on homeless encampments, abortion and the environment with Vikram Amar, professor at UC Davis Law School, and Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School and host of the podcast "Passing Judgment."

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The Aftermath of the Trump-Biden Debate Jun 29, 2024

Last night’s presidential debate was President Biden’s chance to make the case to the American public that he’s up for another four-year term. But did he succeed?

Marisa and Scott dissect both Biden's and Trump’s performances, discuss why some Democrats are panicking and assess Vice President Kamala Harris’s role in the coming weeks.

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Sen. Padilla on the Presidential Debate, Immigration, Two Years Since Dobbs Jun 28, 2024

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was sworn in to represent California in January 2021. Since then, he’s made a name as an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and reproductive rights — someone who’s not afraid to take on his own party over their rightward lurch on border policy. Senator Padilla joins Marisa just moments before the first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump and shares what he's hoping to see in the debate.

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Rep. Robert Garcia on Being the First LGBTQ Immigrant Elected to Congress Jun 27, 2024

Representative Robert Garcia made history two years ago by becoming the first LGBT immigrant elected to Congress, where he represents Long Beach. Garcia has quickly established himself as a rising star, and the self-described comic book nerd seems to relish taking on hard-right representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia. Scott talks with Garcia at NPR headquarters in Washington D.C.

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Rep. Jared Huffman Preparing for Trump 2.0 With a Task Force to Block Authoritarianism Jun 26, 2024

Since getting elected to Congress in 2012, Jared Huffman has represented a sprawling district that stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border. Huffman recently co-founded a Democratic task force aimed at heading off the most authoritarian parts of Project 2025, the blueprint of extreme policies and plans for Donald Trump if he wins in November. Scott talks with Huffman about the task force's goals.

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How a New and Fragile LGBTQ Rights Movement Defeated a Measure to Ban Gay Teachers in 1978 Jun 25, 2024

In 1978, a California ballot measure known as the Briggs Initiative sought to ban openly gay teachers from the classroom. It seemed headed for an easy victory based on polls released months before the election, but a coalition of odd bedfellows — including gay Supervisor Harvey Milk in San Francisco, organized labor, Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter — came together to crush the initiative.

The rise and fall of the Briggs Initiative and the huge stakes the measure posed for a very young and fragile gay rights movement are documented in this season of Slate’s podcast "Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs."Scott is joined by Slow Burn host Christina Cauterucci.

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How Courtrooms and Sacramento Back Rooms are Shaping the November Ballot Jun 22, 2024

In a big win for Democrats, the California Supreme Court says a ballot measure that would have fundamentally changed the way state and local governments impose taxes cannot appear on the November ballot. It’s the first time in decades that the state Supreme Court has removed a citizen initiative from the ballot before voting.

Plus, it's crunch time in Sacramento as the deadline for ballot measures approaches. Scott, Marisa and Guy talk chew over this blockbuster week of news.

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“Protect Democracy” Warns How Trump 2.0 Could Lead to Authoritarianism Jun 21, 2024

Authoritarianism is rising around the globe … but why? Marisa and Scott are joined by Ben Raderstorf, a policy advocate at Protect Democracy who helps direct policy and communications work around systemic threats to American democracy. They talk about the seven basic tactics used by modern authoritarians, how a Trump 2.0 presidency will bring the U.S. closer to autocracy and some reasons for hope.

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California Reparations Task Force Chair on Addressing the Legacy of Slavery, Systemic Racism Jun 19, 2024

Kamilah Moore chairs California’s Reparations Task Force, which is charged with addressing the legacy of slavery and systemic racism in the Golden State. The task force is supporting a package of 14 bills aimed at education, health care, criminal justice and more, and the deadline for bill passage is quickly approaching in Sacramento. Scott is joined by Chair Moore and KQED's Annelise Finney, who covers reparations.

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Can Trump’s Veep Pick Help Him Win in November? Jun 18, 2024

Republicans gather in Milwaukee one month from today, and between now and then Donald Trump will settle on a running mate. Scott and Marisa discuss the list of finalists, which includes several people of color, and what Trump needs to win in November with POLITICO's Brakkton Booker.

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Prop 47 Criminal Justice Reform Qualifies For November Ballot Jun 15, 2024

The state legislature passed its plan on Thursday to close a $45 billion budget shortfall, but negotiations continue with Governor Gavin Newsom on a final state spending plan.

Plus, a controversial proposal to crack down on retail and drug crime by rolling back parts of California’s landmark criminal justice reform law is heading to the ballot … for now. Guy is joined by Lara Korte, state politics reporter and co-author of the California Playbook for POLITICO, and Lindsey Holden, legislative reporter for The Sacramento Bee.

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Daniel Lurie Runs Against City Hall in Quest for Mayor's Office Jun 14, 2024

San Francisco voters will choose their next mayor this November, and we are going to bring you interviews with all of the top candidates.

Marisa and Scott sat down recently with Daniel Lurie, founder of the nonprofit Tipping Point Community to talk about his roots in philanthropy, Tipping Point's initiatives to reduce homelessness and whether that work has prepared him for the mayor's office.

We want to hear your questions! If you have a burning question that you want us to ask the mayoral candidates, you can send us an email: politicalbreakdown@kqed.org.

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Budget Breakdown: Health Care Jun 13, 2024

The single largest cut in Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal is payments to health care providers who treat low-income Californians on the state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal. Guy talks about that with CalMatters reporter Kristen Hwang, as well as how the back-room budget negotiations at the state capitol are closely linked to the ballot measure campaigns going before voters in November.

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Budget Breakdown: Education Jun 12, 2024

We continue our look at California’s budget shortfall and examine its impact on schools. K-12 education makes up the largest chunk of the budget. Guy is joined by Patrick O'Donnell, the government relations chief for the California School Board Association, to talk about how the shortfall might impact students and teachers, as well as the political turmoil roiling school boards up and down the state.

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Budget Breakdown: Housing and Homelessness Jun 11, 2024

It’s crunch time in Sacramento as the state faces a $45 billion shortfall — the result of declining tax revenue and some big misses in recent budget projections.

After spending billions to reduce the state’s unhoused population during his time in office, Governor Gavin Newsom is not setting aside a new round of funding for Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. Guy is joined by Chione Lucina Munoz Flegal, the executive director of the advocacy group Housing California.

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Border Issues Divide Democrats as Latino Voters Drift to Trump Jun 08, 2024

In a week where both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris stumped for cash in California, there are signs of a growing split among Democrats over President Biden’s new crackdown at the southern border. The president is playing defense as images of migrants seeking asylum are creating pressure on the Administration to act.

Scott is joined by KQED politics correspondent Guy Marzorati and Politico senior political reporter Melanie Mason to talk about how immigration and border issues might play out in the November election.

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Health Secretary Becerra on Running for Governor, Immigration and Cannabis Jun 07, 2024

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined the Biden administration as the COVID-19 vaccine was rolling out. Scott talks with him at the Ideas Festival produced by CalMatters about issues ranging from cannabis policy to abortion, health disparities and climate change as a health issue.

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LGBTQ Rights at the Center of School Board Recalls Jun 06, 2024

An attempt to recall a conservative school board president in the Riverside County city of Temecula seems to be succeeding. It’s been a battle over issues also playing out nationally, like the rights of parents versus transgender kids, critical race theory and banning books with references to LGBTQ history. Scott and Guy talk about the implications of the recall.

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Kounalakis Hopes Her Abortion Super PAC Helps Biden — And Her Run for Governor Jun 05, 2024

Six years ago, Eleni Kounalakis became the first woman elected lieutenant governor in California. Now she's running for the top job, hoping to become the first woman elected governor of California after Gavin Newsom is termed out in 2026.

Scott is joined by Lt. Gov. Kounalakis to talk about the Super PAC she recently launched aimed at promoting abortion rights and what she'd like to do as governor.

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Direct Democracy Means a Crowded California Ballot. Here's What You Could Be Voting on this November Jun 04, 2024

Direct democracy means that Californians are used to seeing a crowded ballot. This fall, voters could be weighing in on more than a dozen ballot measures. Marisa is joined by Politico's Emily Schultheis to talk about what initiatives may and may not appear before voters in the November election.

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New York Jury Gives Trump an Unmistakable Verdict, 34-0. Does it Matter Politically? Jun 01, 2024

Now that Donald Trump will run for president as a convicted felon, the KQED politics team assesses the political implications for November. Trump will be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee where he's expected to be nominated, and serving time in prison is possible.

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The Politics of Trump Running as a Convicted Felon May 31, 2024

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 felony charges related to falsifying records to cover up hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Marisa and Scott are joined by longtime Republican operative Mike Madrid to digest this historic news. Madrid spent 25 years helping Republicans get elected, but in recent years he's emerged as one of Trump's harshest critics. He's the author of a new book, The Latino Century.

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Reading the Tea Leaves of Trump’s Trial, the Jury and the Coming Verdict May 30, 2024

Donald Trump’s legal fate is now in the hands of a jury in Manhattan, where the former president is facing 34 felony counts related to hush money payments made to former porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Scott is joined by legal scholar and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman to break down what he heard and saw in the courtroom these past weeks.

Check out Litman's podcast Talking Feds, which analyzes cases before the federal courts.

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Newsom’s “Swiss Army Knife” Advisor Reflects Upon Leaving the Administration May 29, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom calls Jason Elliott his "Swiss Army knife.” Elliott is Newsom's longest serving aide, and he's had his fingers in just about every major issue, from homelessness and housing to COVID, mental health care and regulating AI. As Elliott prepares to leave the administration, he joins Scott and Marisa to reflect on those many years of service in government.

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UCLA’s Chancellor Escapes Harsh Criticism in House Hearing May 25, 2024

Scott, Marisa and Guy get into their Friday roundup of politics stories from the week, including a hearing Thursday in the House subcommittee looking into anti-semitism on college campuses. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block skated by without any tough questions about the violence that broke out when pro-Palestinian students were attacked by counterprotesters. Plus, a Silicon Valley billionaire will host a big ticket fundraiser for Donald Trump in San Francisco next month.

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How Waiting Tables, Working in Hollywood Prepared Laura Friedman for Politics May 24, 2024

Assemblymember Laura Friedman is all but guaranteed a seat in Congress next year, after she beat out a very crowded field in Representative Adam Schiff’s LA district and landed a spot in the November runoff. She joins Scott and Marisa to talk about her career in politics, which she entered in her 40s after a career in film.

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Pollster Sounding the Alarm About RFK Jr.’s Presidential Campaign May 23, 2024

Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin helped guide the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020. Now he’s sounding the alarm about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent race for president and his concern that Kennedy could pull support — especially among young and Latino voters – from President Joe Biden.

Scott and Marisa chat with Ben Tulchin about the Kennedy candidacy and what his own battleground polls tell him about the November election.

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Fate of Gig Workers’ Benefits Now Up to the State Supreme Court May 22, 2024

The State Supreme Court today heard a case that could have a profound impact on app-based companies like Uber and Lyft as well as on their drivers. Proposition 22, which was passed by voters four years ago, allowed gig companies to reclassify workers as self-employed contractors, rather than employees. Now the state Supreme Court will decide whether to uphold the law, strike it down or strip out part and leave the rest intact.

Scott and Marisa are joined by Brandon Stracener, an attorney in private practice and a senior research fellow at the California Constitution Center at Berkeley Law.

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State Senate Minority Leader On How The GOP Can Be Relevant Again In California May 21, 2024

The California Republican Party wrapped up its state convention in Burlingame on Sunday. It was a low-key gathering that focused on winning congressional and state legislative seats that are in play while also trying to undo the impact of Donald Trump’s message that voting by mail can’t be trusted.

State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones spoke with Scott and Marisa on Friday about his party’s struggle for statewide relevance, the loss of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and more.

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At the California GOP Convention, Optimism About November May 18, 2024

The California Republican Party is holding a statewide convention this weekend in Burlingame. Scott, Marisa and Guy are at the convention talking with delegates, elected leaders and party officials about the fall election and their strategy for holding onto congressional seats in purple districts.

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Born in Iran, Educated at MIT, Now SF Supervisor Ahsha Safaí Wants to Be Mayor May 17, 2024

San Francisco voters will choose their next mayor this November, and we are going to bring you interviews with all of the top candidates. Today, Marisa and Scott are kicking things off with District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Safaí, an Iranian immigrant with a master's in city planning, was elected to represent portions of the Excelsior, Outer Mission and OMI neighborhoods in 2016.

We want to hear your questions! If you have a burning question that you want us to ask the mayoral candidates, you can send us an email: politicalbreakdown@kqed.org.

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AIPAC: Israel's Political Enforcer in the U.S. May 16, 2024

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, has long been regarded as one of the most powerful advocacy groups in Washington. Their goal: support candidates who are strongly pro-Israel and oppose those they feel are are too critical. The October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza have intensified AIPAC’s political activities and its involvement in the 2024 election. Scott and Marisa discuss the role AIPAC plays in U.S. policy and politics with Joan Greve, senior political reporter for Guardian US.

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Trump Conviction Hangs on Cohen’s Testimony. So – How’d He Do? May 15, 2024

It’s day two of Michael Cohen’s testimony about Donald Trump’s hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. As the prosecution begins to dig into Cohen’s story and motivations, Scott and Marisa talk with Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson about the trial so far, the legal strategies on both sides and how the jury might be interpreting it all.

Check out Levinson's weekly podcast, Passing Judgment, wherever you get your podcasts.

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Newsom’s Solution to a $45 Billion Budget Deficit May 14, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget tackles a total deficit of $45 billion, including cuts made earlier this year. The governor is proposing to spread the pain widely, with cuts to programs ranging from healthcare and scholarships for the middle class to climate change initiatives he supports. Scott, Marisa and Guy hash out the winners and losers in the May Revise budget.

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Liberal Republican Pete McCloskey Dies at 96; SF Mayor’s Race Heats Up May 11, 2024

Scott and Marisa remember a Republican maverick: former Bay Area Congressman Pete McCloskey. He fought for the environment, helped write the Endangered Species Act, opposed the Vietnam War and was the first House Republican to call for Nixon’s impeachment. McCloskey died this week at age 96.

Then, KQED politics reporter Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez joins to talk with Scott and Marisa about the race for mayor of San Francisco. Mayor London Breed is facing several strong challengers as she struggles to convince voters she’s turning around the city she’s led for six years.

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Shasta County Elections Chief Who Fought Far Right Extremists Reflects on Democracy May 10, 2024

Cathy Darling Allen was Shasta County’s elected county clerk and registrar of voters for two decades, and for the first part of that, like most registrars, she toiled in relative obscurity. Then came 2016, Donald Trump and a growing narrative on the right that the voting system couldn't be trusted.

Darling Allen retired on Sunday, after announcing several months ago that she's facing some serious health problems. Marisa and Scott chat with her about her tenure and the growing pressure on election workers.

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The Campus Protests from the Eyes of Student Journalists May 09, 2024

Campus protests over Israel’s war in Gaza, and universities' response to them, have attracted international attention. Months after it began, the movement shows no signs of slowing down, even as the school year comes to an end.

Scott is joined by two student journalists who have been on the front lines covering the protests at UC Berkeley, where the Free Speech Movement began in the 1960s, and UCLA, where the actions of police officers and counterprotesters are under scrutiny after a violent confrontation last week.

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Why Cities Call This Ballot Measure an “Existential” Threat May 08, 2024

Tomorrow the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over whether to remove a controversial constitutional amendment from the November ballot. The measure – sponsored by the California Business Roundtable – has triggered a huge battle between business on the one hand and Democrats with their allies in organized labor on the other.

Scott and Marisa are joined by Bloomberg News correspondent Laura Mahoney to talk about what the constitutional amendment would do and why the governor is asking the state's Supreme Court to remove it from the ballot.

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How Arizona and Nevada Became So Pivotal in 2024 May 07, 2024

Joe Biden narrowly won both Arizona and Nevada in 2020. Now, both states have emerged as key battleground states in 2024, as abortion, border security, election conspiracy theories and the economy are all playing out there. Scott is joined by New York Times reporter Kellen Browning to discuss what impact the two states will have on who controls the White House and Senate.

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Behind The Scenes with Political Breakdown May 04, 2024

Political Breakdown started as a way to give our listeners a peek behind the curtain of politics. Over the past six years, we’ve brought you conversations with presidential candidates, governors, mayors, political consultants, pollsters and regular people involved in politics. This work is important because the policy debates that will shape our country are happening in California first. That's why this election year, we're bringing you those insights EVERY weekday.

Our journalism is totally independent — we're mostly funded by individual donors, so we can operate free from corporate interests and ask hard questions of powerful people. If you want to support us continuing this work, please consider visiting donate.kqed.org/podcasts and give any amount you can.

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Congressional Recount Drama and Questions About Campus Protests May 04, 2024

Scott, Marisa and Guy tackle the political intrigue behind the race for Anna Eshoo’s congressional seat, where a recount knocks out one contender. Plus, they dig into the ongoing turmoil and controversy involving campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza, how campuses are responding and the political implications for November.

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When Presidential Candidates are the Source of Election Year Disinformation May 03, 2024

As America’s presidential election approaches, we are facing an unprecedented rise in mis and disinformation fueled by populist political movements, foreign actors and online platforms. Marisa and Scott are joined by NPR disinformation correspondent Shannon Bond and University at Buffalo professor Yotam Ophir to talk about why this has become such a problem, the impact it's having and practical advice for spotting and combatting disinformation.

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Kanishka Cheng: The Most Influential San Franciscan You’ve Never Heard Of? May 02, 2024

When the San Francisco Chronicle recently compiled a list of the 20 most influential people working mostly behind the scenes in San Francisco, Kanishka Cheng was first on the list. She co-founded and heads the group TogetherSF Action and its sister organization TogetherSF. Like similar groups recently created in the city, TogetherSF wants to push city policy from the left toward the middle. Cheng joins Scott to talk about their priorities, tactics and potential conflicts of interest.

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She Heads the Most Trusted Source of Political Data in California May 01, 2024

California Target Book is a goldmine of information for campaigns, journalists, and political insiders. For three decades, Target Book has provided non-partisan research on voter registration, campaign contributions, candidate profiles and more. Scott and Marisa talk with publisher Marva Diaz, the first woman and first Latino to have that position.

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The Politics and Policy Around Newsom’s Vatican Climate Summit Trip Apr 30, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom will be heading to Rome next month as one of several state and local officials invited from around the world to speak at the Pope’s Vatican Climate Summit. The governor will focus on how the changing climate is affecting California’s ability to cope with droughts, wildfires and floods. Scott is joined by Marisa and Guy to talk about the politics and policy of Newsom’s trip.

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California Moves To Create a “Sanctuary” for Arizona Women Seeking Abortions Apr 27, 2024

A bill to ban non-disclosure agreements while outside groups negotiate legislation failed in committee, creating some interesting alliances in the process. Meanwhile, a bill to allow licensed doctors from Arizona to perform abortions in California moves forward. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss it all in this week's roundtable.

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UC Regent John Pérez on the Gaza Protests Roiling College Campuses Apr 26, 2024

As protests over the war in Gaza roil college campuses from New York to California, Marisa and Scott sit down with UC Regent John Pérez, who has served on the board overseeing the University of California system since 2014 and was recently appointed to another 12 year term. Pérez was also Speaker of the State Assembly from 2010 to 2014.

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Voters Under 35 Have A Lot At Stake in November. Here’s What They’re Thinking About Apr 25, 2024

As part of KQED's Youth Takeover Week, we’ll hear from young voters and what they care about most. From the war in Gaza to climate change, student debt and how they might vote in November. In addition to hearing from young Bay Area voters, Scott talks with Erin Heys, policy director and senior researcher for the Berkeley Institute for Young Americans and Saa’un Bell with Power California, which focuses on young people of color and LGBTQ voters throughout the state.

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Writer Mark Leibovich on Newsom, Biden, Trump and the “D.C. Carnival” Apr 24, 2024

Writer Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic is known as a shrewd observer of presidents, Congressional leaders, insurgents and insiders, capturing it all in books like “This Town," which describes what he calls “the carnival that D.C. has become.” He just wrote a profile of Gov. Gavin Newsom, and he joins Scott to talk about this strange and unsettled moment in U.S. politics.

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NYU’s Melissa Murray Dissects Trump’s Trial and Presidential Immunity Apr 23, 2024

The first criminal trial against Donald Trump got underway in New York Monday– a case where prosecutors say Trump engaged in a conspiracy to cover up a sex scandal with adult film star Stormy Daniels in order to get elected president in 2016.

The former president is facing dozens of felony charges and the possibility of prison time. The trial comes days before the U.S. Supreme Court considers the limits of presidential immunity as Trump also faces federal charges over his involvement in the Jan. 6 uprising at the U.S. Capitol and charges in another case over his handling of national security documents at his home in Florida.

Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University and co-author of The Trump Indictments joins Scott to explain what’s at stake and what’s ahead for the Republican presidential nominee.

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Newsom Promises to Get Tough With Local Homeless Programs Apr 20, 2024

After a state audit slammed California for not carefully tracking outcomes of public money spent on homelessness programs, Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week, “I’m not interested in funding failure any longer,” and promised to hold local governments accountable.

And on Monday the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a major case that could change how West Coast cities police homelessness.

Political journalist Nikki Laurenzo joins Political Breakdown to discuss these and more developments in California's approach to homelessness.

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Meet the O.C. State Senator Guiding California’s AI Regulations Apr 19, 2024

State Senator Tom Umberg from Orange County is a retired Army colonel, a former federal prosecutor and he once served as a deputy drug czar under President Bill Clinton. He’s known for his pragmatism, his ability to reach across the aisle and now, in his position of senate judiciary committee chair, as a gatekeeper of artificial intelligence regulations being proposed in Sacramento.

Sen. Umberg joins Marisa and Scott to talk about those regulations, the state's drug crisis and political sea change in Orange County.

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Ready or Not, Autonomous Vehicles Are Here. Lawmakers Try To Keep Up Apr 18, 2024

Despite bumps in the road, literally and politically, driverless cars and trucks continue expanding their reach even as critics – including organized labor, regulators and some local governments – say “not so fast.”

KQED Transportation Editor Dan Brekke to joins Political Breakdown to talk about several bills being heard in Sacramento that aim to regulating the autonomous vehicle industry. That plus this week’s protester shutdown of Bay Area bridges and the impact on commuters and the overall make-or-break moment facing public transit in this post-pandemic moment.

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Veteran Organizer of Women Voters on How Abortion Is Scrambling the 2024 Election Apr 17, 2024

Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, leaving abortion access up to the states, extreme legal decisions and abortion restrictions from Florida to Arizona have mobilized women and supporters of abortion access.

Heidi Sieck, co-founder of #VOTEPROCHOICE, joins Scott and Marisa to discuss the changed political landscape and how it's impacting the 2024 election.

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How Trump, Election Deniers and Barriers to Voting Threaten Our Democracy Apr 16, 2024

After the U.S. Supreme Court decimated much of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, casting a ballot has become harder, not easier, in many states. Limits on how and where to vote, gerrymandered voting districts that diminish the power of voters of color, challenges to vote-by-mail laws and former President Donald Trump's lies that legitimate election results were not valid all contribute to the problem.

Richard Hasen is a professor of Law and Political Science at UCLA Law School, where he directs the Safeguarding Democracy Project. His new book titled, "A Real Right to Vote" suggests the only way to really address these barriers to voting is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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At 90, Willie Brown Reflects on His Rise to Top of California Politics Apr 13, 2024

The name Willie Brown is synonymous with power politics in California. He became the first Black Speaker of the State Assembly in 1980 and held the job for a record 14 years, often with help from Republicans. After term limits forced him to leave the legislature, he ran for mayor of San Francisco, serving 8 years in that job.

Scott and Marisa sit down with Brown in his San Francisco office to discuss his path from segregated Mineola, Texas to the height of power in California.

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Inside or Out of Government, Jessica Bartholow is an Advocate for Economic Equity Apr 12, 2024

Jessica Bartholow has worked behind the scenes at the state capitol for years. She’s known for her fierce anti-poverty advocacy and budget expertise, as a lobbyist and more recently as Chief of Staff to East Bay State Senator Nancy Skinner. Bartholow now works for SEIU, the state's largest and most powerful union. She joins Scott and Guy to talk about the revolving roles she's played inside and outside of state government.

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What’s Behind The Rightward Shift of Voters of Color? Apr 11, 2024

Why are voters of color shifting toward Republicans, including Donald Trump? Black, Latino and Asian American voters have long been solid Democratic Party voters, but polls and voting trends show that is changing. Scott talks about why and how the trend might affect the 2024 elections with Brakkton Booker, a national political correspondent for POLITICO where he covers the intersection of race, politics, culture and power.

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Meet the 19-year-old From Silicon Valley Leading the Youth-Led Charge on AI Apr 10, 2024

Sneha Revanur is quickly establishing herself as the leading Gen Z voice on generative AI. In 2020, at the age of 15, the San José native founded Encode Justice, a youth-led group pushing policymakers and AI companies to put people at the center of the AI revolution.

Plus, a package of bills introduced Tuesday in Sacramento aims to target large scale retail theft operations. KQED's Guy Marzorati joins to explain the bills, how they would change theft prosecutions and how they fit within the context of California's Proposition 47.

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The Money Behind San Francisco’s Move to the Political Middle Apr 09, 2024

San Francisco has long been a beacon for liberal politics and social causes. But lately a steady diet of viral videos of car break-ins and smash-and-grabs have put the city on something of a mid-course correction.

Plus, the recalls of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three members of the San Francisco school board, and the recent passage of measures bolstering police powers and requiring drug screenings, have added to the sense that something is shifting in San Francisco.

Scott is joined by New York Times San Francisco Bureau Chief Heather Knight, who recently penned a profile of Garry Tan, the controversial leader of a well-known venture capital firm in the Bay Area, and Joe Garofoli of the San Francisco Chronicle, who’s been reporting on an attempt to move the Republican Party in San Francisco toward more moderate positions.

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SF Mayor London Breed Facing Stiff Competition from the Left and Right Apr 06, 2024

The race for mayor of San Francisco gets a new heavyweight contender as Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin throws his hat into the ring. Peskin is the most prominent progressive challenging incumbent Mayor London Breed. Scott and Marisa are joined by KQED politics reporter Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about the San Francisco mayor's race.

Plus, in the race to replace retiring Congresswoman Anna Eshoo in Silicon Valley, Assemblyman Evan Low and County Supervisor Joe Simitian tied for second place, deadlocking at 30,249 votes each in the March primary. That means three Democrats will compete in a general election for Congress, in what's believed to be a first in California history. Guy Marzorati joins Scott and Marisa to talk about the unpredictable path to November.

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Rep. DeSaulnier on How to Make Flying More Safe Apr 05, 2024

Summer travel season is approaching, but after months of headlines about safety issues on airplanes, some travelers may be questioning whether air travel is the best bet. Marisa and Scott are joined by East Bay Congressman Mark DeSaulnier who has some thoughts on the matter after years of digging into aviation safety.

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California’s Former Water Czar on the State’s Coming “Water Nightmare” Apr 04, 2024

Yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newsom surveyed the Sierra snowpack and outlined a new state water plan focused on climate change. Scott and KQED climate reporter Ezra David Romero are joined by California's former top water regulator Felicia Marcus. As the state’s top water czar, she navigated severe droughts, balancing demands for scare water by cities, farms, businesses and homeowners.

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14 Bills Address the Legacy of Slavery and Racism in California Apr 03, 2024

After two years of work examining the legacy of slavery and racism, the California Legislative Black Caucus is prioritizing 14 bills aimed at addressing past wrongs.

The bills range from ending involuntary servitude in prison to banning discrimination based on hair styles and a formal apology for the damage done by California’s role in supporting slavery before the Civil War. But one thing that's not on the agenda is cash payments for California residents who are descendants of slaves.

Scott is joined by KQED's Guy Marzorati and Annelise Finney to talk about the importance of these bills as hearings get underway.

Check out KQED's bill tracker following the progress of those 14 reparations bills.

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Jail Populations Are Down. So Why Are Inmate Deaths Up? Apr 02, 2024

Fewer people are being held in county jails across California than a decade ago, and yet record numbers of incarcerated people are dying while in custody. Among the leading causes of death are drug overdoses and suicide. Scott talks with CalMatters reporter Nigel Duara, who spent the last nine months looking at the roots of these increased deaths in county jails and what's being done to address it.

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How Tomiquia Moss, Newsom’s Top Housing Official, Plans to Reduce Homelessness Mar 29, 2024

As California grapples with how to reduce homelessness, Marisa and Guy sit down with Governor Gavin Newsom’s top housing official. Tomiquia Moss spent her career trying to chip away at the state's homelessness crisis, starting as a social worker in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood to now, as the Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

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The Stakes in the Supreme Court's Abortion Pill Case Mar 28, 2024

The Supreme Court took up abortion access this week for the first time since overturning Roe v. Wade two years ago. This time, they're considering whether to restrict access to abortion pill mifepristone. Marisa talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about what the conservative-led court might do.

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Silicon Valley Lawyer Wins RFK Jr. Veepstakes Mar 27, 2024

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his running mate in Oakland today: Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan. Guy and Marisa talk about what the Oakland native brings to a presidential ticket that's adding a wild card to the 2024 race for the White House.

Plus, can California Democrats find a way to transition to clean energy while promoting equity and affordability? Guy talks with New York Times reporter Ivan Penn about the political question lurking beneath the skyrocketing energy bills facing Californians.

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California Voters Could Require High School Personal Finance Class Mar 26, 2024

How can young Californians prepare for today’s turbulent economy? Supporters of personal finance education say a mandatory class in pocketbook economics is the answer. Guy Marzorati talks with Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance, who's pushing to place a personal finance measure on the November ballot.

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Garvey’s Huge Tax Bill, Newsom Calls for a Ceasefire and RFK Jr’s Running Mate Mar 23, 2024

Republican Senate candidate Steve Garvey owes at least $350,000 in back taxes. Plus, Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for a ceasefire and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie L. Brown Jr. celebrates his 90th birthday. Scott, Marisa and Guy talk about all that and other top political stories from the week.

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Prop. 1’s Razor Margin, Plus Ro Khanna on TikTok, Gaza and Biden Mar 22, 2024

More than two weeks after the primary election, Gov. Gavin Newsom's ballot measure to build housing and mental health treatment beds for Californians experiencing homelessness was narrowly approved by voters. Marisa, Scott and Guy talk about why it was such a close margin.

Plus, Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna is a progressive stalwart who’s not afraid to take on his own party, but he’s all in on President Biden’s reelection. Marisa and Scott talk with Khanna about the 2024 election, the crisis in Gaza and why he voted against the TikTok ban.

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Oppo Research: Digging Up Dirt on Your Political Opponents Mar 21, 2024

Behind the negative attack ads on candidates that we see on TV and social media is what’s known as opposition research — basically, digging up dirt on your opponent.

Scott talks to campaign consultant Eric Jaye about how opposition research has changed in recent years and whether it still matters to voters.

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The Unpredictable Politics of Banning TikTok Mar 20, 2024

After House lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation to force China to sell TikTok or face a ban in the U.S., the Senate seems to be putting the bill on a slower track. What would a ban mean for the economy and how could it affect tech companies in Silicon Valley?

Scott is joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Stu Woo to talk about the coming legal battle between national security interests and First Amendment rights for users of TikTok.

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Oregon Decriminalized Drug Possession. Now It’s Reversing Course Mar 19, 2024

In 2020, Oregon voters passed a first-in-the-nation law to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, including heroin and fentanyl. The idea behind Measure 110 was that the criminal justice system was not the place to steer people away from drugs and deal with a user's addiction. But now, Measure 110 is widely blamed for the spike in overdose deaths in Oregon and a worsening homeless crisis. Earlier this month, the legislature sent a bill to the governor to recriminalize drug possession.

Scott is joined by Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Conrad Wilson to talk about Oregon's U-turn on decriminalizing drugs and what it might say about California's efforts to fight fentanyl use and overdose deaths.

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SF Voters Give Police More Power – How Will That Affect Public Safety? Mar 16, 2024

The March primary signaled a shift toward the middle of the political spectrum, as San Francisco voters approved Mayor London Breed’s measures to empower the SF police and screen public assistance recipients for drugs.

Scott is joined by Marisa and KQED's Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about what this means for public safety and the San Francisco mayor's race, where Breed faces a growing field of challengers.

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How Assembly Speaker Rivas’ Rural Farmworker Background Affects His Leadership Style Mar 15, 2024

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas is coming up on one year as leader of the lower house. Rivas joins Marisa and Scott to talk about what he's learned and his priorities as the state faces a budget deficit.

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Trump Mocks Biden’s Stutter, Prompting Advocates Into Action Mar 14, 2024

President Joe Biden has been open about dealing with a stutter that sometimes trips him up during public speaking. But when former President Donald Trump mocked Biden’s stutter at a rally in Georgia this week, a San Francisco-based stuttering advocate launched a public relations campaign urging people with stutters to come forward

Marisa and Scott are joined by Maya Chupkov, a stuttering activist and host of the podcast Proud Stutter.

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Why Women Are Making Big Gains in the State Legislature Mar 13, 2024

2024 has been a very mixed year for women in state politics. California is poised to have two male U.S. Senators for the first time since 1992, and men are replacing several women in the state’s congressional delegation. However, women still made gains in Sacramento. Scott and Marisa talk about the record numbers of women representing their districts in the California State Legislature with Susannah Delano, executive director of Close the Gap, which helps elect women to office.

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Is “Panera-Gate” a Real Scandal Or Politics As Usual? Mar 12, 2024

The process of creating laws is under new scrutiny after a political ally of Gov. Gavin Newsom – the owner of the Panera Bread chain – appeared to benefit from an exemption in a new state law taking effect next month that will raise the hourly wages of fast food workers to $20 an hour.

Finding out exactly how the exemption got into the legislation was complicated after it was revealed that a major labor union required negotiators working on the bill to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Now a Republican lawmaker is trying to ban NDAs in lawmaking.

Scott talks with Chris Micheli, a registered lobbyist and former general counsel for the California Manufacturers Association, about the use of NDAs in drafting state legislation.

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Hot Takes on Biden’s State of the Union Speech Mar 09, 2024

President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech was an energetic and blunt performance, including many direct attacks on his political rival, former President Donald Trump. Scott breaks down the speech with KQED political correspondents Marisa Lagos and Guy Marzorati. Plus, updates on Super Tuesday election results for congressional races and Governor Gavin Newsom's Proposition 1.

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Who Voted, Who Didn’t And What Difference It Made Mar 08, 2024

The votes are still being counted, but Tuesday's primary is shaping up to be a low-turnout election. Who voted and who stayed home? Marisa and Scott talk about turnout and the voter enthusiasm deficit with Paul Mitchell, vice president at Political Data Inc. Plus, Mitchell explains why Adam Schiff boosting Steve Garvey boosted Republicans up and down the ballot.

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Progressive Women Fall Short in the U.S. Senate Race Mar 07, 2024

Democrat Adam Schiff will face off against former baseball star Republican Steve Garvey in November, ensuring that California will soon be without a female U.S. senator for the first time in 32 years. Plus, Democrats seem to have avoided disaster in a Central Valley House district that they want to flip from red to blue. Scott and Marisa break down results from Tuesday’s primary election with San Francisco Chronicle political writer Joe Garofoli.

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Results, Analysis and Takeaways From Tuesday's Election Mar 06, 2024

Both President Biden and former President Trump overwhelmingly win their party’s primary in California and most other Super Tuesday states. Republican former baseball star Steve Garvey will face off against Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff for California’s coveted U.S. Senate seat this November. Marisa Lagos, Scott Shafer and LAist's Austin Cross are joined by a slew of guests to analyze the Super Tuesday results so far.

From our California Newsroom live special coverage of California’s primary election, which aired at 9pm PST.

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How L.A.’s District Attorney Went From Criminal Justice Reform Warrior to Endangered Incumbent Mar 05, 2024

Concerns over crime and public safety are the backdrop for a lively and very competitive race to be L.A. County’s top prosecutor. When he first ran for office four years ago, incumbent George Gascón promised to make big changes, like not seeking the death penalty, not charging juveniles as adults and getting rid of cash bail. Now he's facing an uphill battle, with 11 candidates challenging him — including three of his own deputies.

Scott and Marisa are joined by LAist correspondent Frank Stoltze to talk about the dynamics of the race, the stakes for criminal justice reform and Gascón's chances for political survival.

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What’s In A Name? Why SF Election Officials Rejected Some Chinese Names for the Bilingual Ballot Mar 02, 2024

For years, candidates for office in San Francisco have been allowed to include Chinese names to appear on bilingual ballots. But after complaints that some of those Chinese names are a little over the top, with Chinese characters symbolizing qualities like “virtue” or “power," local elections officials are cracking down. Scott talks with reporter Han Li, who has been covering this for the San Francisco Standard.

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Newsom Sees Prop. 1 As A Chance to Finally Meet the Needs of Mentally Ill Californians Mar 01, 2024

Days before the Super Tuesday primary, Governor Gavin Newsom joins Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer to talk about his ballot measure to build mental health treatment facilities and how he thinks the state should be handling retail theft.

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Adam Schiff Explains How Prosecuting a Russian Spy Prepared Him for Trump Feb 29, 2024

Los Angeles Congressman Adam Schiff built his reputation in Washington as former President Trump’s chief nemesis. Now he’s hoping to parlay that role into a U.S. Senate seat. Scott and Marisa talk to Schiff about his support for Israel, his evolution from a tough-on-crime Democrat to now embracing reform and what he wants to do if elected.

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Why Democrats Fear Their Chance to Flip a House Seat Could Slip Away Feb 28, 2024

Two of the most competitive House races in the U.S. are here in California’s Central Valley, where two incumbent Republicans are locked in tight reelection races. Scott and Marisa are joined by KVPR's Joshua Yeager to analyze why the two districts are such a challenge for Democrats.

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When Do Congressional Races Become Toss-Ups? Feb 27, 2024

The Cook Political Report is the gold standard in covering campaigns. Its founder Charles Cook started it in 1984 to provide unbiased, nonpartisan analysis of every House and Senate race in the nation.

One of the tools Cook developed is a shorthand for analyzing those races — a rating system that ranges from solid Republican to solid Democrat to “toss-ups," which are races that could go either way.

On today's Political Breakdown, Scott chats with Cook about how analyzing political campaigns has changed, and his decision to step back and have Amy Walter be the lead face of the Cook Political Report.

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Are Women to Blame If California Ends Up With 2 Male Senators? Feb 24, 2024

For most of the last three decades, California had two female senators – Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. But after the November election, there’s a chance we’ll have two men. Scott, Marisa and Guy are joined by Los Angeles Times reporter Benjamin Oreskes, who recently wrote about how women appear to be the reason why California's streak of female senators may be ending.

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Katie Porter on Israel-Hamas War, Not Taking PAC Money and Her Expert Quilter Mother Feb 23, 2024

Katie Porter won the Orange County House seat in 2018, flipping a Republican district blue. Now, the self-described "mini-van driving mom" is in a tight race for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Dianne Feinstein. Marisa and Scott chat with Congresswoman Porter about her Iowa roots, consumer advocacy and the key differences between herself and fellow Democrats Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee.

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Competitive SoCal House Races for Schiff, Porter Seats Feb 22, 2024

While Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter is in a tough race for the U.S. Senate, two Democrats vying to replace her in the House are engaged in a knockdown, drag-out race. Plus, 15 candidates are vying to replace Congressman Adam Schiff. Scott and Marisa chat with POLITICO's Melanie Mason about the most competitive congressional races in Southern California.

We’ll continue covering the California congressional races over the weeks leading up to Super Tuesday.

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Homelessness, Mental Illness and Drug Addiction: Prop. 1 Takes Aim at All 3 Feb 21, 2024

Scott and Marisa

Protests over the Israel-Hamas War continue dividing Democrats, with disagreement over what the Biden Administration should do. Scott and Marisa talk about what this means as President Biden visits California this week to fundraise.

Then, Guy Marzorati joins Olivia Allen-Price, host of Bay Curious, to break down everything you need to know about Proposition 1. It’s the only statewide ballot measure in the March primary, and it's meant to address homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness.

Bay Curious Breaks Down Prop. 1

Transcript: Proposition 1 — Behavioral Health Funding

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Why Labor Won’t Take No for an Answer in Sacramento Feb 17, 2024

Scott, Marisa and Guy chat about the week's top stories in politics, including why labor won't take no for an answer in Sacramento and Democrats' big win in the New York special election to replace George Santos. Plus, is an intra-party primary squabble killing Democrats' chance to pick up a GOP House seat?

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Are Billionaires Staging a Hostile Takeover of Bay Area Politics? Feb 16, 2024

Are billionaires taking over politics in the Golden State? Marisa and Scott sit down with longtime political insider and journalist Gil Duran to talk about the ongoing political plays by tech and finance elites in San Francisco, Solano County and beyond.

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Open House Seat in Silicon Valley Triggers A Robust Race to Replace Eshoo Feb 15, 2024

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is retiring after more than 30 years representing Silicon Valley, and several well-known Democrats are vying to replace her. Scott talks to Guy Marzorati, who lives in that congressional district and has been following the race closely.

We'll continue covering the most competitive congressional races in California over the next three weeks leading up to Super Tuesday.

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Critics Say Prop. 47 Has Fueled a Spike In Property Crime. The Data Do Not Show That Feb 14, 2024

The 2014 criminal justice ballot measure Prop. 47 has been the subject of discussion, debate, criticism and pushback for years. Critics blame Prop. 47 for what they say is a rise in property crimes like shoplifting — but is that real, or just perception? Would changing Prop. 47 to toughen penalties reduce high profile smash and grab crimes? Or does law enforcement already have the tools to prosecute that? Marisa Lagos joins Scott Shafer to discuss what she found after months of reporting.

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California’s Reparations Plan: Too Much Too Soon? Or Too Little, Too Late? Feb 13, 2024

Members of California’s Legislative Black Caucus released its list of priorities following recommendations from the state’s Reparations Task Force. They include 14 bills aimed at addressing inequities in education, healthcare, criminal justice and business … but no mention of cash payments.

KQED’s Scott Shafer and Annelise Finney discuss the process so far with LA Times columnist Erika D. Smith, who calls the recommendations “half-baked and disorganized.”

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Battling Ads As Democrats Take Each Other On In Key Races Feb 10, 2024

The U.S. Senate race is heating up with battling TV ads ahead of next week's second candidate debate. Plus, the congressional race for Katie Porter's Orange County House seat gets down and dirty with two Democrats trading allegations. Scott, Marisa and Guy chat about the week's top political news.

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Why the Supreme Court Seems Poised to Hand Trump a Victory Feb 09, 2024

Another day in court for former President Donald Trump — this time, the Supreme Court considers whether he can be taken off the Colorado presidential ballot. Marisa and Scott talk with Justin Levitt, a constitutional law professor at Loyola Law School, about the oral arguments and other legal questions Trump is facing.

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Race to Win McCarthy’s House Seat Echoes D.C. Chaos Feb 08, 2024

The Republican effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed — in part due to a surprising defection from a conservative House member from California. Plus, the congressional race to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is getting nasty in Kern County, as MAGA Republicans pile onto McCarthy's anointed successor, Assemblymember Vince Fong. Scott and Marisa chat about all that with Jeremy B. White, senior political reporter for POLITICO.

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What Will It Take to Win Over Latino Voters? Feb 07, 2024

Latino voters are likely to play a big role in determining the outcome of races up and down the state and up and down the ballot this year. About a quarter of the Latinos who are eligible to vote in the entire nation live here in California. But for candidates trying to win over Latino voters, there are some obstacles. For a better sense of the state’s growing Latino electorate, Scott Shafer spoke with Matt Barreto of the Latino Policy and Politics Institute at UCLA.

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Ballot Measure Titles Are Supposed to Be Non-Partisan. But Are They? Feb 06, 2024

Ballots for the March 5th primary election are arriving in mailboxes across the state this week. In California, the titles and summaries for ballot measures are written by the attorney general, but some say Democrats in the job too often put their thumb on the scale with skewed summaries to help their allies.

Plus, the life and death of legislation in Sacramento. Why are some bills introduced knowing they'll never make it out of committee, much less to the governor's desk? Scott and Marisa chat about all this with CalMatters reporter Sameea Kamal.

Also: KQED has a voter guide! Check out our roadmap to voting in California at kqed.org/voterguide.

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Why Does Taylor Swift Twist the GOP Into Knots? Feb 03, 2024

New fundraising totals in the U.S. Senate race show Adam Schiff with a huge monetary advantage over fellow Democrats Katie Porter and Barbara Lee and Republican Steve Garvey. Plus, does the GOP have a Taylor Swift problem? Scott, Marisa and Guy take a look at some of the top stories bubbling up in the world of politics this week.

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How Did the Crisis at the Southern Border Get So Bad? Feb 02, 2024

With migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border in record numbers, immigration is becoming one of the top issues in this year’s presidential campaign. President Biden is adopting some hard-line positions, even vowing to "shut down" the border if Congress passes a bipartisan deal. Marisa and Scott dig into the crisis at the border with Hamed Aleaziz, an immigration reporter for the New York Times who's covered the issue since former President Trump’s tumultuous term.

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Cal’s Law School Dean Chemerinsky Thinks Trump Is Ineligible to Be President Feb 01, 2024

The dean of UC Berkeley’s Law School has signed onto a legal brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that Donald Trump is ineligible to be president due to his participation in the January 6th insurrection. Scott talks with Dean Erwin Chemerinsky about that issue and all the other legal perils Trump is facing.

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“Train to Nowhere” Is Actually Going Somewhere Jan 31, 2024

California’s high-speed rail project has been way over budget and way behind schedule since voters approved it in 2008. But progress is actually being made. Scott talks with KQED transportation editor Dan Brekke and CalMatters reporter Yousef Baig about the impact of the high-speed rail project in the Central Valley.

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Could Pot Policy Light Up Younger Voters’ Support for Biden? Jan 30, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris’ push to rally voters in San José around support for reproductive rights ran headlong into protests on Monday, demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Scott talks about that with Guy Marzorati, who was there before and during Harris' appearance.

Plus, President Joe Biden is facing major problems with younger voters. They’re upset his climate change policies haven’t gone further, and they're disaffected by his unwavering support for Israel in its war with Hamas. Some think a push for decriminalizing marijuana use could help Biden win back voters under 30. Scott talks to David Downs, senior editor and reporter with Leafly.com, an online publication that covers marijuana policy.

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What are California Politicians Doing in New Hampshire and South Carolina? Jan 27, 2024

With the New Hampshire primary in the rearview mirror, the presidential race is heating up. Next up? South Carolina.

Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris stumps in California, keeping abortion rights at the top of Democrats' agenda. And, how California politicians are stepping up to help President Joe Biden. Scott, Marisa and Guy chat about the week's news in politics.

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Here’s What You Should Know About Barbara Lee Jan 26, 2024

Barbara Lee is the only woman of color and the most progressive candidate running for U.S. Senate in California. If elected, it would be the cap to a long career that started with Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign. Marisa and Guy chat with Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee in the first of Political Breakdown's interviews with the candidates hoping to claim the seat held for more than 30 years by the late Dianne Feinstein.

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L.A. Times Layoffs Decimate Journalists of Color Jan 25, 2024

A wave of layoffs decimates the Los Angeles Times newsroom, with cuts hitting younger journalists of color especially hard and upending the billionaire owner's promise to expand the paper's coverage of L.A.'s diverse communities.

Scott talks with Geeta Anand, the dean of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and L.A. Times columnist Gustavo Arellano about the threat to local journalism and how sweeping media layoffs will affect coverage of a high-stakes election year.

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Senate Debate Winners, Zingers and Head Scratchers Jan 24, 2024

Last night the four leading candidates for the U.S. Senate once held by Dianne Feinstein squared off in their first debate. The candidates spelled out their positions on the Israel-Hamas war, Trump, the economy and abortion. Scott and Marisa dissect the debate with POLITICO's California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago.

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Good Polls, Bad Polls and How to Tell the Difference Jan 23, 2024

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is the latest Republican presidential candidate to drop out, a victim of bad poll numbers that show him far behind Donald Trump. Why do polls carry so much weight? And how do they shape voters' impressions of candidates? Scott talks with veteran pollster David Binder about the science of polling and the art of telling good ones from bad ones.

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A Bot for a Presidential Candidate Raises Questions Jan 20, 2024

There’s a new entry into the 2026 race for Governor of California. State Senate President Toni Atkins is seeking to become the first woman and first openly LGBTQ person to be governor. Plus, Scott, Marisa and Guy test out an AI bot made by Silicon Valley billionaires trying to get Dean Phillips elected as president.

Relisten to past Political Breakdown interviews with some of the candidates running for California Governor in 2026:

She Broke 2 Glass Ceilings in Sacramento. Will She Try for 3

Tony Thurmond on Culture Wars in California Schools

Betty Yee on a Lifetime of Running the Numbers

Eleni Kounalakis on the Lieutenant Governor's Role During the Coronavirus Outbreak and Lessons from Diplomacy in Hungary

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How to Win the Messaging War Jan 19, 2024

It’s a common complaint among Democrats: The GOP is winning the messaging war. So how can they do better? Marisa and Scott are joined by Democratic strategists Anat Shenker-Osorio and Jenifer Fernandez Ancona who released new research examining what economic messaging is most likely to work for Democratic candidates this election year.

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Janet Napolitano on What Political Security Means in 2024 Jan 18, 2024

California Democrats are split on immigration and border security, according to a new poll. KQED's immigration editor Tyche Hendricks joins Scott to break down how this could affect the 2024 elections. Then, Scott is joined by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to talk about what security means in the age of AI and rising doubts about the integrity of our elections.

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3 Tickets Out of Iowa – And 2 Tickets Back Home Jan 17, 2024

There were no big surprises in Monday’s Republican Iowa Caucuses. Donald Trump grabbed more than half the votes, leaving Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley to fight over the crumbs. Now it’s on to New Hampshire, where those three will once again square off. Scott and Marisa talk to POLITICO's Brakkton Booker about the state of the presidential race.

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One Republican Shows Momentum in California's U.S. Senate Race Jan 13, 2024

Scott, Marisa and Guy analyze the week's top political stories, including a fresh poll showing California's U.S. Senate race is still very much up for grabs and the very real possibility that the top two will include one Republican and one Democrat. Plus, they look ahead to next week, when Republicans will brave the snow and cold in Iowa to caucus for their candidate.

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She Broke 2 Glass Ceilings in Sacramento. Will She Try for 3? Jan 12, 2024

Toni Atkins is the only person in California to have served as both speaker of the Assembly and president of the Senate in the past 150 years. The San Diego Democrat has broken several glass ceilings as a woman and a lesbian. Will she try to break another by running for governor in 2026? Marisa and Scott chat with Atkins about her path from growing up in Appalachia to the top of the California State Legislature.

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The Incredible Shrinking Deficit? Why Newsom’s Budget Plan Looks Relatively Rosy Jan 11, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom today rolled out his plan for solving California's budget deficit. And the good news is the deficit according to Newsom is $38 billion, far less than the $68 billion shortfall that had been expected by many. Scott is joined by Marisa, who is in Sacramento covering the governor's budget blueprint. Then, they're both joined by Chris Hoene of the California Budget and Policy Center to sort through some of the big spending decisions ahead.

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Can Election Law Keep Up with AI and Deep Fakes? Jan 10, 2024

The 2024 election will be the first where artificial intelligence, or AI, could play a big role — and not necessarily a good one. Today in Sacramento, the head of California Common Cause announced proposals to address the potential problems from things like deepfakes intended to confuse voters. Scott Shafer is joined by Jonathan Mehta Stein, head of Common Cause, to discuss threats posed by technology for this election.

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2024: Year of The Rematch Jan 09, 2024

KQED is launching a new daily version of Political Breakdown today! So what should you expect and why now? Co-hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos sat down to talk about it. Then the rest of the KQED politics team joins them to chat through the big political news of the day.

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No Business As Usual As Protesters Disrupt Day 1 of New Legislative Session Jan 05, 2024

The 2024 legislative session is just underway and in addition to agenda items like closing a massive $68 billion budget deficit, the governor and lawmakers face many big issues on the docket. Scott Shafer and Guy Marzorati check in with CalMatters reporter Sameea Kamal, who is in Sacramento as the Legislature kicks off with a Gaza protest.

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Political Breakdown Goes Daily! Jan 02, 2024

Political Breakdown debuted in 2017 as a podcast and radio program that unpacked politics with a California perspective. The show is an essential part of KQED, especially during presidential election years. That’s why we’re launching a daily version of Political Breakdown — on the air and in your podcast feed. Political Breakdown will be informative, fact-based and focused on democracy. It will be a news-driven show, unflinchingly taking on the topics of the moment while providing context.

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The Forces Behind Landmark Legislation of 2023 Dec 29, 2023

Marisa and Scott close out the year by looking back at two interviews recapping legislative highlights at the state Capitol. They revisit a conversation with labor leader Tia Orr on 2023's "hot labor summer" and historic accomplishments by and for organized labor. Then, they revisit a conversation with the governor's chief of staff Dana Williamson and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg about historic reforms on mental health.

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California Political Stories to Watch in 2024 Dec 22, 2023

Marisa, Scott and Guy wrap up 2023 by looking ahead into what's sure to be a wild election year. They're joined by KQED's Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Politico's Melanie Mason to chat about big issues and campaigns to watch and even make some predictions for the new year.

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Political Shifts In "The New West" Dec 15, 2023

The American West used to be Republican territory. But in recent years, Democrats have gained ground in formerly red states like Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. Marisa and Scott chat with LA Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak about his series "The New West" and how this political shift transpired.

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The Israel-Hamas War Pits Free Speech vs. Student Safety Dec 12, 2023

Scott talks to CalMatters reporter Sameea Kamal about the state's $68 billion budget deficit and the petition from Capitol staffers calling for a permanent cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Plus, as the death toll in that war continues growing in the Middle East, a very different kind of toll is being felt at elite universities. Scott dives into how the war is roiling campuses across the country with LA Times columnist Robin Abcarian.

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Kevin McCarthy: A Greek Tragedy? Dec 09, 2023

California is losing another high-profile power broker now that Kevin McCarthy has announced he is resigning from Congress at the end of the year. What does this mean for his hometown of Bakersfield and the half dozen vulnerable Republicans running for reelection in California?

Scott is joined by KVPR's Joshua Yeager, Republican political consultant Mike Madrid and Washington correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle Shira Stein.

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The Future of PG&E with CEO Patti Poppe Dec 08, 2023

Utility companies are bracing for a future affected by climate change and evolving energy markets. Marisa and Scott are joined by Patti Poppe, the CEO of PG&E. Poppe has been trying to navigate these challenges and more since her tenure started in 2021, after the company emerged from bankruptcy for the second time in two decades.

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The State of American Politics and the Transit Doom Loop Dec 06, 2023

On a special Tuesday edition of Political Breakdown, Scott Shafer and veteran political journalist Carla Marinucci give us the state of play in American politics. Then, they’re joined by KQED transportation reporter Dan Brekke to talk about whether public transit in the state is facing an existential crisis. Plus: Tune in to find out who’s already ordered their BART ugly holiday sweater.

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Why California's Insurance Market Is In Trouble Nov 30, 2023

What's up with Governor Gavin Newsom debating a presidential candidate? Marisa and Scott break down Newsom's motivations for going head-to-head with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tonight. Then, KQED science reporter Danielle Venton joins to dig into the home insurance crisis in California, brought on by a changing climate and the resulting natural disasters.

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Thanksgiving Special: Politics and Family Nov 24, 2023

Scott and Marisa revisit a pair of conversations about politics and family, with California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and political strategist Dane Strother.

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David DePape Found Guilty In Paul Pelosi Attack Nov 17, 2023

Scott and Marisa are joined by KQED’s Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about the trial and verdict in the case of David DePape, who is accused of attacking Paul Pelosi with the hammer. Then, KQED politics and government correspondent Guy Marzorati joins to talk about protestors shutting down the Bay Bridge, Biden’s successful meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Guy’s weekend plans: covering the state Democratic Convention in Sacramento.

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Election Takeaways and Eric Early on His Run for U.S. Senate Nov 10, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss the role of abortion in Tuesday's elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Then, Eric Early, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, joins to discuss his background in the entertainment industry, why he joined striking actors on the picket line, why he believes former president Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election and how he would vote on abortion in the Senate.

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Jerry Brown on Newsom's Trip to China Nov 03, 2023

Marisa and Scott talk to San Francisco Chronicle politics reporter Sophia Bollag about covering Governor Gavin Newsom's trip to China. Then, former governor Jerry Brown joins to discuss Newsom's trip, U.S.-China relations, the upcoming APEC conference and his work at the California-China Climate Institute.

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Tia Orr on Labor's Big Year in California Oct 27, 2023

Scott and Marisa analyze Governor Gavin Newsom's trips to Israel and China and discuss a state review of San Francisco's housing approval process. Then, Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California, joins to talk about her rise in the labor movement, wins for labor in this year's legislative session and the ballot measure fight she's focused on in 2024.

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Laphonza Butler's Decision and Nancy Pelosi on Paul Pelosi, San Francisco and the Grateful Dead Oct 20, 2023

Senator Laphonza Butler announces she won't run for a full term 2024. Scott and Marisa discuss the surprise announcement as well as Governor Gavin Newsom's trip to Israel and what the ongoing dysfunction in the House of Representatives means for vulnerable California Republicans. Then, in the second part of their conversation at KQED Live, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi talks to Marisa and Scott about her husband Paul's recovery, her decision to run for re-election, homelessness in San Francisco and the Grateful Dead.

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Nancy Pelosi on Israel and the House Speaker Fight Oct 13, 2023

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joins Scott and Marisa at KQED Live to talk about the Israel-Hamas war and the Republican scramble to find a new speaker of the House of Representatives.

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Remembering Feinstein and California's Senate Question Oct 06, 2023

Marisa and Scott recap Dianne Feinstein's memorial service and hear Nancy Pelosi's memories of the former mayor and senator. Guy Marzorati joins to discuss Feinstein's legacy, California's new Senator Laphonza Butler and the choice facing Butler over whether to run for a full term.

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Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies at Age 90 Sep 30, 2023

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a champion of gun control who broke glass ceilings for women in local, state and national politics, died Thursday night. Marisa and Scott revisit their 2018 conversation with Feinstein about her life and career.

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Matt Mahan on Zuckerberg's Advice and Homeless Housing in San José Sep 29, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss the Republican presidential primary debate in California and preview this weekend's GOP state party convention. Then, San José Mayor Matt Mahan joins to discuss his childhood in Watsonville, the career advice he got from Mark Zuckerberg and his efforts to build temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness in San José.

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Changes Coming to California's Property Insurance Marketplace Sep 22, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss the moves by Governor Gavin Newsom and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to shore up California's home insurance marketplace in the face of growing wildfire risk with Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy program at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment. Then, KQED Labor Correspondent Farida Jhabvala Romero joins to talk about the wins for organized labor in this year's legislative session.

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Inside California's Landmark Mental Health Reforms Sep 15, 2023

On the last day of the legislative session, Scott and Marisa head to Sacramento and recap the most controversial bills heading to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. Then, they talk about the governor's landmark reforms to mental health spending with Dana Williamson, Newsom's chief of staff and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. They discuss the history of the Mental Health Services Act, and share their personal connection to the issue and their response to criticisms of the reforms.

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Reggie Jones-Sawyer on the Fentanyl Crisis, Retail Theft and His 'New Journey' Sep 08, 2023

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, talks to Marisa and Guy Marzorati about his uncle Jefferson Thomas and the Little Rock Nine, Proposition 47 and retail theft, his response to the fentanyl crisis, reparations for Black Californians, how he learned self-forgiveness and his "new journey" after a near-death experience.

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Tony Thurmond on Culture Wars in California Schools Sep 01, 2023

Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to discuss the transgender reporting policies roiling local school districts. Thurmond also discusses the family members who helped him through childhood loss, his path to state office and education in California during the pandemic.

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John Duarte on Immigration, Abortion and the GOP Primary Aug 25, 2023

Tax fights between business groups and the Democratic legislature intensify in Sacramento. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the implications for 2024 and head to Turlock to talk with Republican Rep. John Duarte about his plant nursery business, why he split with the GOP caucus in recent votes on immigration and abortion and his thoughts on the Republican presidential primary.

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Betty Yee on a Lifetime of Running the Numbers Aug 18, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss the latest on Gov. Gavin Newsom's push for a U.S. constitutional amendment on gun safety and Sen. Dianne Feinstein's family legal battle. Then, former State Controller Betty Yee joins to discuss working at her parents' laundry business, the desegregation busing debate that sparked her political involvement, working as a budget advisor for Gov. Gray Davis, her vision for California's fiscal future, and why she's launching a run for governor in 2026.

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Evan Low on Barriers to Democracy and California's Travel Ban Aug 11, 2023

City employees hit the picket lines in Los Angeles while government workers in San Jose plan to strike next week. Scott and Guy Marzorati discuss the politics of labor unrest at city halls and a new survey on voter participation in California. Then, state Assemblyman Evan Low joins to discuss barriers to civic participation, his groundbreaking rise in elected office, whether California should sunset its state-sponsored travel ban to states with anti-LGBTQ laws and his effort to remove Proposition 8 from the state constitution.

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Trump's California Advantage and Encampment Politics Aug 04, 2023

As Donald Trump faces his third criminal indictment, Scott and Guy Marzorati discuss changes to the state's Republican primary that could benefit the former president, with Los Angeles Times political writer Seema Mehta. Then, as mayors around the state push to clear homeless encampments, Scott and Guy share what voters in a recent San Jose focus group had to say about the issue.

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School Board Clashes and a Look Inside Newsom's San Quentin Reforms Jul 28, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to reform San Quentin State Prison — and Scott shares what inmates are saying about it. Then, Los Angeles Times reporter Mackenzie Mays joins to discuss school board fights in Southern California that have caught the attention of Newsom and other state officials.

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Lexi Reese on AI Regulation and Breaking Polarization in the Senate Jul 21, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss the ongoing feud between the Temecula Valley Unified school board and Governor Gavin Newsom, after the board rejected instructional material referencing Harvey Milk. Then, tech executive and U.S. Senate candidate Lexi Reese joins to discuss her family's economic turmoil, her siblings' battles with addiction, what separates her from other Democrats in the race, how the Senate should regulate artificial intelligence and whether Congress should adopt Gusto's no-shoes policy.

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Investigation Explores San Francisco - Honduras Drug Trade Links Jul 14, 2023

Scott and Marisa talk to Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle crime reporter, and Gabrielle Lurie, San Francisco Chronicle staff photographer, about their investigation into Honduran migrants selling drugs in San Francisco. They talk about the genesis and findings of the investigation, respond to criticisms of their story and analyze the political fallout in San Francisco.

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Willie Brown at KQED Live (Pt. 2) Jul 07, 2023

In the second part of their conversation at KQED Live, Scott and Marisa talk to former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown about his unorthodox strategy for winning an Assembly seat, what he learned from Jesse Unruh, forging bonds with San Francisco's LGBTQ community and his years in the crosshairs of the FBI.

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A Split-Screen Moment for Racial Politics Jun 30, 2023

The Supreme Court strikes down affirmative action in college admissions. Hours later, a California task force studying reparations for African-Americans delivers a groundbreaking final report. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the political crosscurrents at play with Stephen Menendian, the Assistant Director and Director of Research at the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. Plus, Alexei Koseff, State Capitol Reporter at CalMatters joins to discuss the final state budget deal.

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Anthony Rendon Reflects on Historic Speakership Jun 23, 2023

Anthony Rendon will soon step down as Assembly Speaker after the second-longest tenure in California history. Marisa and Guy Marzorati talk to Rendon about fatherhood and child care, the legislature's historic 2017 session, losing his speakership to Robert Rivas and his plans for the future.

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Liz Ortega on the State Budget and Interpreting for Her Community Jun 16, 2023

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the legislature's budget agreement and Governor Gavin Newsom's interview with Sean Hannity. Then, Assemblywoman Liz Ortega joins to talk about her journey to America, interpreting for family members and neighbors as a kid, her career in organized labor, her reaction to the budget deal to aid public transit and her thoughts on labor disputes over CEQA and housing.

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Migrant Flights and Marlene Sanchez on Bringing Incarcerated Voices to the Halls of Power Jun 09, 2023

Marisa and Guy Marzorati react to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal for a 28th amendment on gun safety and talk to KQED politics editor Tyche Hendricks about the political and legal fallout from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' flights carrying migrants to California. Then, Marlene Sanchez, executive director of the Ella Baker Center, joins to talk about getting arrested at age 11, her work bringing the voices of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Californians to the halls of power, her views on the appropriate policy response to the fentanyl crisis and her support of Senate Bill 94, a controversial bill to allow the review of some older life sentences.

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Annie Fryman on Public Transit in 'Emergency Mode' Jun 02, 2023

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss how the deal to raise the federal debt limit divided California House Democrats, with implications for the 2024 U.S. Senate race. Then, Annie Fryman, Director of Special Projects at SPUR joins to discuss her work with State Senator Scott Wiener crafting landmark changes to California housing law. She also lays out the stakes for California transit agencies in the ongoing negotiations over the state budget.

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Willie Brown at KQED Live (Pt. 1) May 26, 2023

In the first part of a conversation at KQED Live, Scott and Marisa talk to former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown about his childhood in Texas, the unlikely clients who propelled his early law career and how he met Dianne Feinstein.

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Dane Strother on AI in Campaigns and Big Wins in Wisconsin May 19, 2023

Then, veteran political strategist Dane Strother joins to discuss his father's role in inventing modern political consulting, what ended his career in journalism, the use of artificial intelligence in campaigns, his firm's recent campaign victories in Wisconsin and why he thinks Gavin Newsom is "the most adroit politician in America."

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‘I Worry About the Public Trust’: Former California Chief Justice on Supreme Court Ethics May 12, 2023

Scott and Marisa talk Sen. Dianne Feinstein's return to D.C. and Gov. Gavin Newsom's upcoming May budget proposal, which is expected to feature an ever-growing deficit. Then, former California chief justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye joins the show to talk about her new role as president and CEO of the Public Policy Institue of California, her legacy on the bench, and weighs in on the recent Supreme Court ethics scandal as reporting shows Justice Clarence Thomas accepting lavish gifts.

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Robert Rivas Prepares to Become Speaker of the State Assembly May 05, 2023

Scott and Marisa sit down with Robert Rivas, the incoming Speaker of the state Assembly, to discuss his grandfather's farmworker activism, politics in San Benito County, the legislature's response to the fentanyl crisis, his priorities as Assembly speaker and how he will address concerns about conflicts with his brother's political work.

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History of the Anti-Abortion Movement with Professor Mary Ziegler Apr 28, 2023

Scott and Marisa talk about the booming business of massive warehouses sprouting up in Riverside as lawmakers seek to curb their climate impacts on neighbors, and President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election bid. Then, abortion historian and UC Davis School of Law professor Mary Ziegler joins the show to discuss how early concepts of "fetal personhood" influenced decades of arguments from abortion access opponents, and the future of the abortion pill Mifepristone, which is facing a legal threat.

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CA Political Consultant Bill Wong on 30-Year Political Career Helping AAPI Communities Apr 21, 2023

Scott and Marisa talk about Gov. Gavin Newsom's surprise visit to San Francisco's beleaguered Tenderloin neighborhood and what the state is doing to tackle the fentanyl crisis, as well as the struggle for abortion rights nationally and how that's impacting the GOP's strategy. Then, decades-long California political strategist Bill Wong talks about retirement and his new book "Better to Win," reflecting on what qualities make a strong leader, how Asian American Pacific Islanders fought open bigotry to ascend into state leadership, and how those AAPI leaders, in turn, helped their communities.

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Lateefah Simon on Her Work with Kamala Harris and Run for Congress Apr 14, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss the latest calls for Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign and her call for a temporary replacement on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Then, BART Board Director Lateefah Simon joins to discuss growing up in San Francisco, her early work with Kamala Harris, facing threats in office and her run for Congress.

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Gale Kaufman Reflects on Her Biggest Ballot Fights Apr 07, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's trip through southern states and some big fundraising totals in California's U.S. Senate race. Then, longtime political consultant Gale Kaufman joins to discuss her early interactions with Harvey Milk, learning from Willie Brown, her breakthrough campaigns in support of California unions and what she'd change about the state's system of direct democracy.

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Sabrina Cervantes on the Latino Caucus at 50 and Parenting Triplets Mar 31, 2023

Scott and Guy Marzorati discuss the oil pricing reforms signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and the conspiracy-driven changes to voting in one California county. Then, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes joins to share why she voted for the oil bill, her unlikely election to the state legislature, chairing the California Latino Legislative Caucus in its 50th year and raising triplets with her wife.

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CalChamber CEO Jennifer Barrera On "Job Killer" Legislation and Navigating the Culture Wars Mar 24, 2023

Hours after the state Assembly passed Gov. Gavin Newsom's legislation to create new oversight for the oil industry, Scott and Marisa discuss the proposal and its evolution since last fall. They also chew over this week's Los Angeles school strike -- and what it means for new L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Then, California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer Barrera joins to offer the industry take on the oil legislation, and talk about the business climate here in California.

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Assemblyman Matt Haney on Going from SF to Sacramento and the "Generational Shift" on Housing in California Mar 17, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss the fallout from the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Governor Gavin Newsom's tour of California in lieu of a traditional State of the State speech. Then, they sit down with San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney to discuss his Bay Area upbringing, time on the San Francisco school board and what he's working on as he embarks on his first full term in Sacramento.

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'Nepo' Legislators and a Conversation with Rick Zbur Mar 10, 2023

Marisa and Scott talk with CalMatters reporter Ben Christopher about his reporting on families ties in the state capitol and the special session on oil prices in the legislature. Then, state Assemblyman Rick Zbur joins to talk about his childhood on a New Mexico farm, his breakout fundraiser for Barbara Boxer, the state of LGBTQ candidates in California and what inspired him to run for the Assembly.

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Mark Ghaly on the End of California's COVID-19 Emergency Mar 03, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss new polling on Californians views of gun violence and how the 2024 Senate race is shaping the state's congressional playing field. Then, Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency, joins to share his thoughts on the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency, what drew him to medicine, reflections on the state's response to the pandemic and the implementation of CARE Court reforms to mental health care.

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Teresa Romero on Organizing California Farmworkers Feb 24, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss a new poll on California's U.S. Senate race from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and what they learned from the first hearing of the legislature's special session on oil prices. Then, Teresa Romero, president of United Farm Workers, joins to discuss her childhood in Mexico, her journey into union leadership, the future of the UFW and her reaction to the mass shooting of farmworkers in Half Moon Bay.

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DiFi's Exit Marks End of an Era in California Politics Feb 17, 2023

Scott and Marisa talk about the controversial firing of Oakland's police chief before reflecting on the career of Senator Dianne Feinstein, who announced this week that she won't be running for another term in 2024. And Shira Stein, Washington correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle, joins to discuss reaction to Feinstein's retirement in D.C. and Feinstein's legacy on gun control.

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Joaquin Arambula Eyes Assembly Speakership Feb 10, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss the Californians at the center of Joe Biden's State of the Union and the latest referendum to qualify for the 2024 ballot. Then, Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula joins to talk about his family's journey to California, watching his father's career in politics, his career as an emergency room doctor and his bid to be Speaker of the state Assembly.

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Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher on California Farmworkers and Labor Politics Feb 03, 2023

Scott and Marisa discuss the latest endorsement news in California's U.S. Senate race and Governor Gavin Newsom's spat with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. Then, California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher joins to talk about farmworker living conditions in the wake of the Half Moon Bay shootings, the referendum challenging California's new fast-food labor law and the speakership transition in the Assembly.

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Pamela Price on Bringing Civil Rights Experience to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office Jan 27, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss the political reaction to the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay and the latest entrant into California's 2024 Senate race: Congressman Adam Schiff. Then, new Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price joins to talk about her childhood in foster care and the juvenile justice system, her activism in the civil rights movement and Yale, her career as a civil rights lawyer and her early moves as Alameda County's top prosecutor.

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A Way-Too-Early 2024 U.S. Senate Preview Jan 20, 2023

Scott and Marisa take an early look at California's burgeoning race for U.S. Senate with Debbie Mesloh, longtime advisor to Kamala Harris, and Joe Garofoli, Senior Political Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. They discuss what's ahead for Senator Dianne Feinstein, what's needed to launch a statewide campaign and the outlook for Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Ro Khanna.

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Lori Wilson on Her Faith, Family and the Special Session on Oil Prices Jan 13, 2023

Marisa and Guy Marzorati analyze the early field in California's 2024 U.S. Senate race and discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal. Then, Solano County Assemblywoman Lori Wilson joins to talk about the turmoil in her childhood, the role of faith in her life, parenting a transgender child and what Newsom's special session targeting oil prices means for the refinery community in her district.

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Dana Williamson Previews Newsom's Second Term Jan 06, 2023

Marisa and Scott discuss Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy's quixotic quest of the House speakership. Then, Dana Williamson, Governor Gavin Newsom's new chief of staff discusses her return to the "horseshoe," what to expect from Newsom's inauguration, the special legislative session on gas prices and how a potential budget shortfall could affect the governor's agenda.

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2023 California Politics Preview and a Conversation with Sheng Thao Dec 30, 2022

Marisa and Scott preview the year ahead in California politics, including oil policy at the capitol, new progressive prosecutors, housing fights and a brewing U.S. Senate race. Then, they revisit their conversation with Oakland's new mayor Sheng Thao.

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Retiring Jackie Speier Vows 'I Am Not Losing My Voice' Dec 23, 2022

Congresswoman Jackie Speier joins Scott and Marisa to talk about the end of her final session in the House, her work combatting sexual violence in the military, how personal trauma has shaped her political career, the promise to her husband that led to her retirement and the foundation she is launching in San Mateo County.

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Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola Makes History Dec 16, 2022

Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola made history when she won election to the House this year, becoming the state's first Alaska Native representative. Peltola talks to Marisa and Scott about her childhood and Yup’ik heritage, the dynamics of Alaska politics, her relationship with Sarah Palin and the future of rural Democrats.

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Sheng Thao on Her Mayoral Victory and Oakland's Future Dec 09, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's legislation targeting oil companies and what Congress' passage of the Respect for Marriage Act means for Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Then, Oakland Mayor-Elect Sheng Thao joins to discuss her family's journey from Laos, experiencing homelessness and living in "survival mode," the internship at Oakland city hall that changed her life, and how she'll deal with public safety, homelessness and the Oakland A's.

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Georgia Runoff Preview and the State of the House Dec 02, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss the upcoming Senate runoff in Georgia with Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor for the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Rahul Bali, political reporter with WABE. Then, Marc Sandalow with the University of California's Washington Center joins to talk about Nancy Pelosi's legacy, the new faces in House Democratic leadership and the challenges ahead for Kevin McCarthy's potential speakership.

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A Conversation with Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco's District Attorney Nov 25, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins' first few months in office and her election victory. Then, they revisit their July conversation with Jenkins, who talked about the loss of her son, her path to becoming the city's top prosecutor and her vision for the office.

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Aisha Wahab on Her Historic Election to the State Senate Nov 18, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati react to Nancy Pelosi's announcement that she will not remain in House leadership, before recapping some of the latest results from around the state. Then, Hayward city councilmember Aisha Wahab discuss her historic victory in a race for state senate, her journey through foster care and the small business perspective she hopes to bring to Sacramento.

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Awaiting California House Results with Will Rollins Nov 11, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss the midterm results in California: from tight House races to statewide offices and propositions. Then, Democratic congressional candidate Will Rollins joins to talk about waiting for results in his deadlocked race with incumbent Ken Calvert, his career in counterterrorism and how redistricting reshaped his run for Congress.

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'Prebunking' Disinformation and a Los Angeles Election Preview Nov 04, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss the spread of falsehoods about the Paul Pelosi attack and prebunking disinformation with NPR correspondent Shannon Bond, before looking ahead to the races for mayor and sheriff in Los Angeles with Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano.

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Garry South on the Debate, Kamala Harris and the 'Dark Arts' Oct 28, 2022

Scott and Marisa recap their experience moderating California's only gubernatorial debate of the 2022 election and discuss the results of the latest polling on Proposition 30. Then, longtime California political consultant Garry South joins to share his thoughts on the debate and the future political prospects of Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, the Los Angeles mayoral election and how he got the nickname "the Mouth."

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London Breed on Law Enforcement, the Tenderloin and Those Resignation Letters Oct 21, 2022

Scott and Marisa revisit parts of their October 5 conversation with San Francisco Mayor London Breed at KQED Live. Breed discusses her tenure as mayor and the criticism she faced for asking some appointees to sign undated letters of resignation. Breed also made controversial comments about Hondurans and drug dealing, which she apologized for on Thursday.

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Swing District Road Trip with Will Rollins and Rudy Salas Oct 14, 2022

Marisa and Scott hit the road to spend time in two of the most competitive congressional districts in California. Scott heads to Riverside County to interview Will Rollins, the Democrat taking on incumbent Republican Ken Calvert in the 41st district. And Marisa talks to Rudy Salas, the Democratic Assemblyman running for Congress against Republican David Valadao in the 22nd district.

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Mike Garcia on Top Gun, Flying in Iraq and January 6th Oct 07, 2022

Scott and Marisa preview their upcoming governor's debate and discuss why expensive campaigns to legalize sports betting are falling flat with California voters. Then, Congressman Mike Garcia joins to talk about his childhood and what inspired him to serve as a Navy pilot, his pitch to Biden opponents who disagree with his stance on abortion and why he voted against certifying the electoral votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania on January 6.

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Nathan Hochman Makes His Case to Be California's Attorney General Sep 30, 2022

Marisa and Scott sit down with attorney Nathan Hochman, a Republican running for Attorney General against incumbent Rob Bonta. Hochman shares his campaign slogan for high school class president, how he'll pursue the "hard middle" on criminal justice policy, his views on Propositions 47 and 57, his thoughts on Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and how he will tackle the state's fentanyl crisis.

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Rob Bonta Shares His Vision for Public Safety in California Sep 23, 2022

Scott and Marisa are joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta, who discusses his new initiative to reduce gun violence and how the state is preparing for the potential arrival of migrants from red states. Bonta also shares his vision for public safety in California, and how his background has shaped his views on a controversial farm worker unionization bill.

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Brian Dahle on Running for Governor and His Unique Marriage Proposal Sep 16, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss how key state ballot measures are fairing in a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California. Then, State Senator Brian Dahle joins to talk about his family's farming history, his run for governor and what it's like being married to a fellow state legislator, Megan Dahle.

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NPR's Tamara Keith on Biden, Harris, Trump -- And Her New Children's Book Sep 09, 2022

This week Scott and Marisa talk about the rolling blackouts that didn't happen, and why -- despite that political win -- Governor Gavin Newsom seems grumpy this week. Then, they're joined by NPR White House Correspondent Tamara Keith (a former KQED reporter!) to talk about Biden's recent speech, the midterm elections and her new children's book, "Claire and the Eager Speaker."

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End of Session Recap and Jessica Morse on Wildfire Resilience Sep 02, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati head to Sacramento to recap the end of the legislative session with POLITICO's Lara Korte, including Governor Gavin Newsom's climate agenda and the deal to extend the life of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Then, Jessica Morse, Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildland Resilience at the California Natural Resources Agency, joins to discuss the wildfire threat from the state's heat wave, her family's history in California, her time in Iraq and run for Congress in 2018, and the administration's plan for wildfire resilience.

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Alex Padilla on Student Loans, Drought and His New Commute Aug 26, 2022

U.S Senator Alex Padilla joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to talk about the federal response to the Monkeypox outbreak and President Biden's forgiveness of student loan debt. They also discuss water shortages on the Colorado River, working with Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, the midterms and Padilla's adjustment to a cross-country commute.

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Fast Food Fight and CARE Court Plan Near Finish Line Aug 19, 2022

With two weeks left in the legislative session, Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss two of the most controversial bills in the state capitol. First, KQED Labor Correspondent Farida Jhabvala-Romero joins to talk about the changes to the fast food industry proposed in Assembly Bill 257 and Jason Elliot, Senior Counselor to Governor Gavin Newsom on housing and homelessness, discusses the administration's CARE Court proposal (Senate Bill 1338) for Californians with severe mental illness.

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Adam Gray Talks Water, Guns and Bucking His Own Party Aug 12, 2022

Marisa and Scott head to Sacramento, where the legislature is in the home stretch of the session. They analyze Governor Gavin Newsom's nomination of Supreme Court Associate Justice Patricia Guerrero to become the state's next Chief Justice and discuss whether Newsom will sign a bill to create safe drug consumption sites in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland. Then, Democratic Assemblyman Adam Gray joins to talk about growing up in Merced County, his splits with party leadership and his run for Congress.

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Jay Chen on Running For Congress, His Navy Service and Why He Thinks OC Will Go Blue Aug 04, 2022

Democrat Jay Chen is hoping to flip the 45th congressional district in northern Orange County -- it's one of the most competitive districts in California. Scott and Marisa talk to Chen about growing up the son of Taiwanese immigrants; his service in the U.S. Navy and why he's taking on Republican Michelle Steel in a district that's one-third Asian and home to the largest Vietnamese population in the nation. We spoke with Steel last year.

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Christy Smith Hopes Third Time Is the Charm in Run for Congress Jul 29, 2022

Marisa and Scott head to Southern California, where several key House contests are underway. First, they discuss California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye's decision not to seek another term and reaction to Governor Newsom's opposition to Proposition 30. Then, Democrat Christy Smith joins to share stories from her life and career and talk about her run for Congress in the 27th district.

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Malia Cohen on Her Early Meeting With DiFi and Her Run for State Controller Jul 22, 2022

Scott and Guy Marzorati discuss the House vote to recognize same-sex marriage on the federal level and local criticism to the federal response to the monkeypox outbreak. Then, Board of Equalization chair Malia Cohen joins to discuss her childhood in San Francisco, the meeting with then-mayor Dianne Feinstein that changed her life, her experience at Lowell High School and her run for state Controller.

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Meet Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco's New District Attorney Jul 15, 2022

Scott and Marisa sit down with new San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who talks about her family's experience with law enforcement, the loss of her first son and her path to the district attorney's office. Jenkins also discusses her approach to drug crimes, whether San Francisco police undermined Chesa Boudin and what policy changes she plans for the office.

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Prosecutor Politics, Filibuster Fights and a Conversation with Michelle Steel Jul 08, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss the latest in prosecutor politics around the state, from the milestone reached by the campaign to recall George Gascón to the appointment of Brooke Jenkins as San Francisco's District Attorney. They also talk about Governor Gavin Newsom's forays into other states and Senator Dianne Feinstein's position on a carve-out to the filibuster to pass abortion rights legislation. Then, they revisit a January 2021 conversation with Orange County Rep. Michelle Steel.

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Pete Aguilar on the January 6 Hearings and a Ballot Measure Preview with Marva Diaz Jul 01, 2022

Rep. Pete Aguilar joins Scott and Guy Marzorati to discuss his work on the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Then, political strategist Marva Diaz joins for an early look at the state ballot measures going before California voters in the fall.

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Rebecca Bauer-Kahan on Preparing for Abortion Decision and John Myers Signs Off Jun 24, 2022

Marisa and Scott talk with Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan about how Democrats in the state legislature are preparing for a possible reversal of Roe v. Wade and where talks stand on an inflation relief legislation. Then, John Myers, former capitol bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times and KQED, joins to talk about his career covering state government as he heads to become Chief of Public Affairs at CalPERS.

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Kate Kendell Says Advocates for Civil Liberties 'Can't Count on the Court Anymore' Jun 17, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss how updated vote counts have changed primary election night narratives and analyze the key role of Californians in the January 6 hearings. Then, longtime LGBTQ legal rights advocate Kate Kendell, with The California Endowment, joins to talk about her career of legal victories, why she thinks civil liberties advocates "can't count on the court anymore,' her roots in the Mormon church and career at the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

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Recapping California's Primary Election Jun 09, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and what Tuesday's election results say about criminal justice reform with Cristine Soto DeBerry, executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance. And Joe Garofoli, senior political writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, joins to talk about Boudin, statewide results and primaries in key congressional races.

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The Assembly Speaker Fight and a Congressional Primary Preview Jun 03, 2022

Scott and Marisa check in with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff about Assemblyman Robert Rivas' push to replace Anthony Rendon as Assembly Speaker. Then, Los Angeles Times national political correspondent Melanie Mason joins to discuss congressional primaries in Central Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County swing districts.

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CARE Court Update and Los Angeles Election Preview May 27, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss how Gov. Gavin Newsom and California legislators are responding to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas and KQED housing reporter Erin Baldassari gives an update on Newsom's CARE Court plan passing the state Senate. Then, KPCC Civics and Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson join to discuss the elections for mayor and sheriff in Los Angeles.

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'Our Issues are Just Like Everyone Else's': Christian Arana on Latino Voter Priorities May 20, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss where the money is going in contentious elections for attorney general and district attorney and the split between editorials and polling in the Chesa Boudin recall. Then, Christian Arana, Vice President of Policy at the Latino Community Foundation, joins to talk about the organization's recent poll of Latino voters in California ahead of the midterm election.

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Marc Levine on Challenging the 'Incumbent Industrial Complex' May 13, 2022

Marisa and Scott preview Governor Gavin Newsom's revised budget announcement and discuss his gas tax relief proposal. Then, Marin Assemblyman Marc Levine joins to discuss his path into politics, his upset election to the state Assembly, his record on housing policy and his current run to unseat fellow Democrat Ricardo Lara as Insurance Commissioner.

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Ricardo Lara on His Mother's Influence and His First Term as Insurance Commissioner May 06, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss the fallout in California from the leaked draft SCOTUS opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, including the legislature's response and a likely November ballot measure on abortion access. Then, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara joins to discuss his childhood with immigrant parents and his mother's influence, his work on immigration issues in the state legislature, the ethics scandals that he's faced as insurance commissioner and his campaign for re-election.

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Susan Talamantes Eggman on CARE Courts and End of Life Legislation Apr 29, 2022

Marisa and Scott talk with Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman about the debate over rebates for Californians, her CARE Courts plan for residents with severe mental illness, her family roots in agriculture, coming out while serving in the military and her work on end of life legislation.

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Shirley Weber on Voting Changes in California and Threats to Democracy Apr 22, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss the results from this week's special election for state Assembly in San Francisco, and preview the path ahead for Gov. Gavin Newsom's CARE Court and gas tax relief proposals. Then, Secretary of State Shirley Weber joins to discuss threats to democracy and election workers, changes to voting through the Voter's Choice Act, the proliferation of special elections in the state and her work on reparations in California.

From 2020: Dr. Shirley Weber on Her Family's Journey to California and the Teachers Who Paved Her Path

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Catherine Reheis-Boyd on Gas Prices and the Future of California Oil Apr 15, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the San Francisco Chronicle's bombshell report on Senator Dianne Feinstein's mental acuity, a new poll on California voter priorities and messaging challenges for the campaign to defeat the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Then, Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, joins to discuss California's high gas prices and the future of the state's cap-and-trade system to reduce emissions.

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Joaquin Esquivel Carries Coachella Valley Roots in Management of California Water Apr 08, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the rush to political responses after Sunday's mass shooting in Sacramento and the flood of spending in special legislative elections. Then, E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, joins to discuss his childhood in the Coachella Valley and family roots in agriculture, his path into government and the challenges and opportunities facing the state amid a historic drought.

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Lanhee Chen on His Run for State Controller Apr 01, 2022

Scott and Guy Marzorati analyze Governor Gavin Newsom's big water policy moves, along with legislation on evictions and vaccines. Then, Republican policy advisor Lanhee Chen joins to discuss his childhood in the San Gabriel Valley, early forays into political work, why he's running for state Controller and where he stands on issues including pension divestment and allowing the state to accept cryptocurrency.

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Sara Jacobs on Ukraine and Bringing a Millennial Voice to Congress Mar 25, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings and California's new state Supreme Court justice, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom's tax refund plan and the fate of bills to roll back criminal justice reforms. Then, Rep. Sara Jacobs joins to discuss the latest in the U.S. response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, her San Diego roots and bringing a millennial voice to Congress.

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Bill Wong on an AAPI 'Prop 187 Moment' and the State of the Democrats' Supermajority Mar 18, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss proposals in the state legislature to address rising gas prices and Gov. Gavin Newsom's push for his CARE Court plan. Then, Bill Wong, recently retired Political Director of the California Assembly Democrats, shares his thoughts on the rebate proposals, the "Prop 187 moment" facing AAPI voters and the history and future of the Democrats' supermajority in the state legislature.

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A California State Budget Explainer with Keely Bosler Mar 11, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State speech and his proposal for tax rebates in the face of rising gas prices. Then, Keely Bosler, Director of the California Department of Finance joins to break down the state budget process, the differences working for Newsom and Gov. Jerry Brown and her childhood in a family of dairy farmers in Siskiyou County.

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Bill Burton Talks Buffalo and Biden's State of the Union Mar 04, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss the political implications of the California Supreme Court's decision to freeze undergraduate enrollment at the University of California, Berkeley and Governor Gavin Newsom's new plan to compel more homeless people with mental health and addiction issues into care. Then, political consultant Bill Burton joins to analyze President Joe Biden's State of the Union and the party's changing relationship with tech. He also reflects on his childhood in Buffalo and his time in the Obama White House.

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Saikat Chakrabarti on Working for AOC and 'Supply-Side Progressivism' Feb 25, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss how California leaders are responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and new poll numbers showing support for vaccine and mask mandates in California schools. Then, Saikat Chakrabarti, president of the think tank New Consensus, joins to talk about the tools he developed while working for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, running Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign and congressional office and why progressives should focus more on building supply to address climate change and affordability.

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Unpacking San Francisco's School Board Recalls, Plus Mike Bonin on Facing a Recall Threat Feb 18, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss the Newsom administration's "new phase" of pandemic response and talk to Guy Marzorati about what can be gleaned (and not gleaned) from the recall of three San Francisco school board members. Then, Los Angeles city councilman Mike Bonin joins to talk about his decision to not seek re-election after facing a recall threat, being open about his struggles with depression, the overlap between critics of homelessness and opponents of new housing, and his spat with Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

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SFPD Chief Bill Scott Talks Birmingham Childhood and Rift with Chesa Boudin Feb 11, 2022

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott talks with Scott and Marisa about his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, witnessing the buildup to the 1992 Los Angeles uprising while serving in the LAPD, how he'd grade his work after five years at the helm of SFPD and his decision to pull out of an agreement that allows District Attorney Chesa Boudin's office to investigate officer shootings and other serious uses of force.

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Recall Fever in Shasta County and Kamilah Moore on California's Reparations Task Force Feb 04, 2022

Marisa and Scott discuss the failure of a bill to move California toward a single-payer health care system and a new mask controversy facing Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, Doni Chamberlain, reporter for A News Cafe in Shasta County, joins to talk about the results of a recall election there against Supervisor Leonard Moty. Finally, Kamilah Moore, chair of California's Reparations Task Force, discusses her work, California's role in chattel slavery and what forms reparations could take.

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Young Kim on Immigration and Her Family's 'American Dream' Jan 28, 2022

Scott and Marisa discuss whether a Californian will replace Stephen Breyer on the Supreme Court and react to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement that she'll run for another term. Then, Republican Congresswoman Young Kim shares stories from her childhood moves from South Korea to Guam and Hawaii, working for former Congressman Ed Royce as a liaison to Asian residents and her views on immigration, infrastructure, oil spills and changes to her district lines.

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Sara Sadhwani on California Redistricting and 'Social Lobbying' Jan 21, 2022

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss Senator Dianne Feinstein's filibuster vote, more congressional retirements and whether the state legislature will move to tighten California's vaccine requirements in schools and offices. Then, Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of politics at Pomona College joins to discuss her study of "social lobbying" in the state capitol and her role in drawing California's new political maps on the state's redistricting commission.

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Ash Kalra on Single-Payer and Vegan Cooking Jan 14, 2022

As California grapples with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Marisa and Scott discuss Governor Gavin Newsom and the legislature's approach to keep schools open and review the highlights from Newsom's spending plan. Then, San Jose Assemblyman Ash Kalra joins to discuss his proposal for a single-payer healthcare system in California, his family's journey from India to Canada and his vegan cooking.

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2022 California Politics Preview and Lorena Gonzalez on Leaving the Legislature Jan 07, 2022

Scott and Marisa are joined by Lorena Gonzalez, who resigned her seat as a state Assemblywoman this week, to talk about her new job with the California Labor Federation and reflect on her career in the legislature. Then, Joe Garofoli, senior political writer at the San Francisco Chronicle, joins to preview the year ahead in California politics, including the outlook for the GOP, the state's top House races, criminal justice politics and more.

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Honey Mahogany and Robert Garcia: Conversations with Two Rising Political Stars Dec 31, 2021

Marisa and Scott close out the year by revisiting conversations with two rising political stars from opposite ends of the state: Honey Mahogany, the head of San Francisco's Democratic Party and Robert Garcia, the mayor of Long Beach who recently announced a run for Congress.

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Jackie Speier on Her 'Undaunted' Journey from Jonestown to Congress Dec 24, 2021

Marisa and Scott talk about what the exodus of California congressmembers will mean for the state's clout in Washington D.C. Then, they revisit a 2018 conversation with Rep. Jackie Speier, who is retiring at the end of 2022. Speier discusses her memoir Undaunted and shares stories from her survival in Jonestown and her political journey.

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Elaine Howle Reflects on Two Decades as the 'Eyes and Ears' of California's Government Dec 17, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to use the framework of Texas' controversial abortion law for gun control legislation and the messaging from state and local leaders on concerns over crime. Then, California State Auditor Elaine Howle, who is retiring at the end of the year after more than two decades in the role, discusses the work of her office including the audit of the state's Employment Development Department, the biggest hurdles she sees to an effective government and what auditing skills she brings into her personal life.

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Gavin Newsom and Rob Bonta on Crime in California Dec 10, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom joins Marisa and Scott to talk about "Ben and Emma's Big Hit," his picture book about a child with dyslexia, before discussing how he deals with dyslexia in his daily life. Newsom also responds to large retail thefts in the state and critiques of Proposition 47, the 2014 criminal justice reform measure. Then, Attorney General Rob Bonta joins to discuss his parents' activism in the farmworker movement, how his office is responding to retail crimes and whether he'll work to reduce sentences of inmates on death row.

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The Dobbs Arguments and Abortion Access in California Dec 03, 2021

As the Supreme Court weighs a challenge to abortion rights established in the Roe v. Wade decision, Scott and Marisa talk to Katie Orr about the landscape of abortion access in California. Then, Jodi Hicks, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California joins to discuss the oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson and the case's potential impact on California and the 2022 midterms.

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Nancy Pelosi on 5 Images of Her Life and Career (at KQED Live, Pt. 2) Nov 25, 2021

In the second part of their conversation with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on stage at KQED Live, Scott and Marisa get the Speaker's reaction to five images from her life and career: from meeting Senator John Kennedy and running for Congress to high-profile clashes with former president Donald Trump.

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The Politics of Inflation with Lenny Mendonca Nov 19, 2021

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss Rep. Jackie Speier's decision to retire from Congress and the tough decisions facing Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats despite a projected $31 billion budget windfall. Then, Lenny Mendonca, Newsom's former chief economic and business advisor and senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Company joins to answer questions about the economy and its political fallout and the lessons he's sharing with business and political leaders from his battle with depression and anxiety.

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Lamar Thorpe on His 'Blaxican' Roots and Antioch's Groundbreaking Apology Nov 12, 2021

The California Citizen Redistricting Commission releases its first draft of the state's new political lines. Marisa and Guy Marzorati react to the proposal and criticisms of the line drawing process before discussing Governor Gavin Newsom's re-emergence and the latest local recall news in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Then, Antioch mayor Lamar Thorpe joins to discuss his childhood in a Mexican family, his political awakening, service in the Navy and his work on police reform and Antioch's groundbreaking apology for the past violence against the city's Chinese residents.

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Liane Randolph on COP26 and California's Local Air Quality Fight Nov 05, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss what the election results in Virginia and New Jersey mean for the midterms in California and pay tribute to Wilma Chan, the former state and local legislator who was killed on Wednesday. Then, Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, joins to discuss her upcoming trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as COP26) and how her agency plans to reduce emissions in California while protecting frontline communities from local pollution.

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Gloria Romero on the Political Struggle Over Schools Oct 29, 2021

Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the impact of new district maps and the Build Back Better agreement on next year's midterm races in California. Then, former Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero discusses why she supported Larry Elder in the recall, her critiques of teachers unions and school administrators, and her new book "Just Not That Likeable," about gender bias in the workplace.

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Allan Zaremberg Reflects on Two Decades as California's Top Business Advocate Oct 22, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's push to ban new oil drilling near schools and homes, and the local recalls heading to the ballot in San Francisco and Shasta. Then, Allan Zaremberg, the president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, joins to discuss his career working for two governors and representing business interests at the state capitol, before his planned retirement at year's end.

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Nancy Pelosi on Threats to Democracy and Tough Legislative Choices (at KQED Live) Oct 15, 2021

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joins Marisa and Scott on stage at KQED Live to discuss the threats facing America's democracy, the Democrats voting rights agenda, her experience during the January 6th riots at the Capitol and the tough choices facing her caucus as they narrow their social policy and climate agenda.

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Hannah-Beth Jackson on Oil Spill Politics and Boardroom Diversity Oct 08, 2021

Democrats in Congress continue to negotiate social policy legislation, and Facebook comes under increasing scrutiny from both parties. Scott and Marisa discuss those developments and the politics of COVID mandates in California. Then, former state senator Hannah-Beth Jackson joins to discuss the response to the oil spill in Orange County and its political implications, the impact of the law she wrote to boost diversity in corporate boardrooms and her Little League activism.

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Anna Eshoo on the 'Political Tightropes' Facing Democrats in Congress Oct 01, 2021

Marisa and Scott discuss police reform legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and an Assembly seat in San Francisco opened by David Chiu's appointment to serve as city attorney. Then, Democratic Congresswoman Anna Eshoo joins to discuss the vote to avoid a government shutdown and the path forward for the Democrats' agenda, the Kyrsten Sinema enigma, and her push to lower prescription drug prices.

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Judy Chu on the Democrats' Legislative Agenda and How a Psychology Degree Helps on the Hill Sep 24, 2021

Scott and Katie Orr discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's decisions on a pair of controversial labor bills and San Francisco Mayor London Breed's rewriting of the COVID apology script and reflect on the passing of Scott Lay. Then, Congresswoman Judy Chu joins to discuss the path forward for Democrats on their social policy legislation and her bill to codify the abortion rights of Roe v. Wade. She also talks about how Asian-American studies classes changed her life, balancing political ambitions in her marriage and how her psychology degree comes in handy on Capitol Hill.

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Juan Rodriguez on How the Newsom Campaign Defeated the Recall Sep 17, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's defeat of the recall attempt, ongoing recall attempts at the local level, the possibility of changes to the recall process and California Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar's decision to step down from the court. Then, Juan Rodriguez, manager of the campaign to defeat the recall, joins to discuss investments in the field campaign and how that organizing carries over into the 2022 midterms, lessons for national Democrats about campaigning on COVID response and his own journey in politics.

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Kevin Faulconer on Governing San Diego and His Agenda on COVID and Crime Sep 10, 2021

With just days until voting ends in the recall election, Marisa and Scott talk with Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc. about what early returns tell us about the electorate and what he's watching as in-person voting ramps up. Then, Kevin Faulconer, former Republican mayor of San Diego, joins to talk about his campaign for governor in the recall election, how his parents shaped his career path, his fellowship in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood and his plans on COVID-19 response and criminal justice.

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Kevin Paffrath on Running for Governor and Building a Pipeline to the Mississippi River Sep 03, 2021

Scott and Katie Orr talk with Kevin Paffrath, a Democrat running for governor in the recall election. The YouTube star and real estate investor talks about whether he'd really try to pipe water in from the Mississippi River, why he shouts out conservative news organizations on his channel and why he thinks Larry Elder would make a better governor than Gavin Newsom -- at least for now.

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John Cox on Lessons From His Mom, Housing Solutions and Yes, the Bear Aug 27, 2021

Scott and Marisa are joined by John Cox, Republican candidate for governor in the recall election. Cox shares stories about his single mother's career as a teacher and discusses his ideas to boost construction of housing in California. He also talks about his opposition to mask mandates in schools and his initial reaction to the idea of campaigning with a live bear: "I didn't want to do it," he said.

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Recall Election Preview and Talking About Larry Elder Aug 20, 2021

Larry Elder, the leading candidate to potentially replace Governor Gavin Newsom in the recall election, cancels his appearance on Political Breakdown for the second straight week. Marisa and Scott call up Politico California senior writer Carla Marinucci and KQED politics reporter Katie Orr to discuss Carla's story about Elder brandishing a gun at his ex-fiancée. They also discuss Elder's attitude toward women, the latest GOP candidate debate and preview the biggest themes in the recall election now that voting is underway.

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What is the Newsom Campaign Missing? Ludovic Blain Has Some Ideas Aug 13, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate for teachers and the sharp contrast it draws with his Republican challengers in the recall election. Then, Ludovic Blain, Executive Director of the California Donor Table joins to discuss the organization's work, the California law that is shrinking the electorate in local races and what's missing in the message and strategy of Newsom's campaign to defeat the recall.

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Teri Holoman on Being a 'Political Firefighter' for the California Teachers Association Aug 06, 2021

Marisa and Guy Marzorati recap the first recall candidate debate and discuss how the Newsom campaign is responding to the emergence of Larry Elder as the leading replacement candidate. Then, Teri Holoman, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations at the California Teachers Association joins to discuss her early mentors in politics, the importance of creating space for Black women in policymaking, how her role is like a "political firefighter," last year's negotiations around returning to in-person education and where the union stands on a vaccination mandate.

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Kevin Kiley on His Recall Bid and Plans for California Schools Jul 30, 2021

With weeks until ballots are mailed out in California's September 14th gubernatorial recall election, Guy Marzorati and Katie Orr talk with Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, one of the candidates vying to potentially replace Governor Gavin Newsom. Kiley shares how he would respond to the latest rise in COVID-19 cases, whether California should change its recall laws, his experience in Teach for America and his proposal for a school voucher program in California.

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Todd Gloria on Creating a 'Bigger City Vision' for San Diego Jul 23, 2021

The field of candidates hoping to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in the September 14 recall election is set at 46 contenders. Scott and Katie Orr discuss court rulings this week that reshaped the ballot. Then, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria joins to discuss his early interest in politics and coming out, the changing politics of his city, how to create a "bigger city vision" for San Diego and his favorite animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

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Suzette Martinez Valladares on the Reagan Legacy and Why 'We Need More Moms' in the Legislature Jul 16, 2021

Before the Friday deadline for candidates to enter the recall election, Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the state of the race and the challenge of turning out voters for a summer election. Then, Suzette Martinez Valladares, Republican Assemblywoman from Santa Clarita, joins to discuss her family's history in California and how it has shaped her views on issues like criminal justice, her recent resolution to honor Nancy Reagan, her work in the legislature's Problem Solvers Caucus, and why "we need more moms" in the state legislature.

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Jennifer Granholm on Biden's Infrastructure Push and Governing Michigan Jul 09, 2021

As President Joe Biden pitches a bipartisan infrastructure plan, Scott and Marisa revisit their May interview with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who discusses the rational for clean energy investments, and reflects on her time governing a purple state and how she has balanced career and political aspirations in her marriage.

This interview first aired on May 27, 2021.

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Mark Arax on Whether Drought Could Change California Water Politics Jul 02, 2021

Governor Gavin Newsom will face voters on September 14, as Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis announces the date of the recall election. Marisa and Scott discuss the latest in the recall campaign and Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights. Then, author Mark Arax joins to discuss whether California's latest drought could reshape the state's water politics, his reporting on the Resnick family in his latest book, "The Dreamt Land," and grower politics in the Central Valley.

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Kim Foxx on Biden's Anti-Crime Plan and Pursuing Reform in Chicago Jun 25, 2021

Scott and Marisa talk to Kim Foxx, the State's Attorney for Cook County, Illinois about President Joe Biden's plan to push back against a national surge in violent crime. Foxx also discusses what's causing the increase in crime and reacts to criticism of progressive prosecutors, before sharing stories of her childhood and 8th grade election victory.

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California and Florida's Pandemic Paths and Jessica Post on the Battle for Statehouses Jun 18, 2021

Marisa and Scott talk with WLRN's Caitie Switalski Muñoz to compare the pandemic response and recovery in California and Florida. Then, Jessica Post, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, joins to discuss what went wrong for Democrats in statehouse campaigns in 2020, her ten-year vision to flip state legislatures and the most important statehouse battlegrounds in 2022.

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Honey Mahogany on Activism and Drag Jun 11, 2021

California Democrats vow to fight a federal ruling overturning the state's assault weapons ban. Scott and Marisa reunite in-studio to analyze the political fallout from the ruling and discuss Vice President Kamala Harris' trip to Guatemala and Mexico. Then, Honey Mahogany, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee joins to discuss her childhood in the city, her career as a drag performer, her vision for the Democratic party in San Francisco and the nexus of politics and performance.

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Karen Tumulty on the Politics of Nancy Reagan Jun 04, 2021

Could Californians vote on the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom as soon as this summer? Scott and Marisa discuss the potential and politics of an expedited recall timeline with KQED's Guy Marzorati. Then, Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty joins to discuss her book "The Triumph of Nancy Reagan," sharing stories of the first lady's time in Sacramento and Washington, the Reagans as parents, and Nancy's role in the administration's handling of the AIDS epidemic.

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Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Convincing Green Energy Skeptics and Balancing Power in a Marriage May 27, 2021

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Liz Mair on the Newsom and Walker Recalls and Why Devin Nunes is Suing Her May 21, 2021

Marisa and Guy Marzorati are joined by Republican consultant Liz Mair to discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's vulnerabilities in the recall election. Mair also shares her experience on the 2012 campaign to defeat the recall of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, why California Rep. Devin Nunes is suing her and why she has remained in the Republican Party as a critic of former President Donald Trump.

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Anthony Rendon on the State Budget and Newsom's Executive Powers May 14, 2021

Marisa and Scott discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's plans for a projected $75.7 billion surplus, and new polling that finds flatlining support for recalling the governor. Then, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon joins to discuss the state budget, investments in transitional kindergarten, when the governor's emergency powers should end and his pandemic reading list.

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Mary Nichols on California's Climate Leadership and Biden's 'Inflection Point' May 06, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss the growing spectacle of the recall campaign, including John Cox stumping with a live bear and Caitlyn Jenner's interview on Fox News. Then, former California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols joins to discuss how she arrived in California, working for Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, how Joe Biden has followed California's lead on climate policy and the potential for ongoing collaboration with China on lowering emissions.

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Katrina Foley on Her Historic Victory in Orange County Apr 30, 2021

Marisa and Scott recap the historic Bay Area presence at President Joe Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday night and KQED's Guy Marzorati joins to discuss the major milestone in the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, new Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley discusses her special election victory, coronavirus politics in the county, how the recall campaign is playing in OC and why she touts her graduation from Head Start.

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Susan Page on Nancy Pelosi's 'Lessons of Power' Apr 23, 2021

How will the conviction of Derek Chauvin impact the debate over police reforms in California? Scott and Marisa discuss how police groups responded to the verdict and whether newly-confirmed Attorney General Rob Bonta can deliver on a progressive agenda. Then, Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, joins to discuss stories from her new book "Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power," including the influence of Pelosi's mother, Nancy D'Alesandro, her first run for Congress in 1987 and who might run succeed her in Congress.

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Diane Goldstein on the Role of State Legislatures in Police Violence Apr 15, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss the crucial decision facing Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature on whether to mandate classroom instruction in the fall. Then, retired police lieutenant Diane Goldstein, executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, joins to talk about the role of decisions made by state legislatures in police killings like the shooting of Daunte Wright, the lobbying power of law enforcement groups, Senate Bill 2 to decertify officers engaged in misconduct and how her brother's death from an overdose inspired her reform work.

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Dr. Jian Zhang on Combatting COVID-19 and Anti-Asian Hate in San Francisco's Chinatown Apr 09, 2021

Marisa and Scott discuss Vice President Kamala Harris' return to the Bay Area and Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement on the full reopening of California businesses, plus what a potential Caitlyn Jenner candidacy would mean for the likely gubernatorial recall election. Then, Chinese Hospital CEO Jian Zhang joins to discuss her journey to San Francisco, how Chinatown avoided a COVID-19 outbreak, the affects of anti-Asian violence on her staff, the challenges facing community hospitals and whether she ever tried to convince the late Rose Pak to quit smoking.

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Rose Kapolczynski on Newsom's Rising Fortunes and Her Love of the Underdog Apr 02, 2021

A new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California finds just 40% of likely voters in favor of recalling Governor Gavin Newsom from office. Scott and Katie Orr discuss the governor's political prospects and Thursday vaccination against COVID-19. Then, Democratic consultant Rose Kapolczynski joins to discuss why Democrats should not recruit a 'plan B' candidate to run in the recall, managing Barbara Boxer's 1992 campaign for Senate and why she enjoys working with underdog candidates. Plus, an April Fools Joke that Rose doesn't fall for.

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Randy Economy on the Campaign to Recall Governor Gavin Newsom Mar 26, 2021

Oakland Assemblyman Rob Bonta is Governor Gavin Newsom's pick to be California's next Attorney General. Scott and Marisa discuss the nomination and Vice President Kamala Harris' assignment to lead the Biden administration's handling of border issues. Then, Randy Economy, senior advisor on the campaign to recall Newsom shares the story behind his name, how he got into politics, and the path forward for the recall effort.

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María Elena Durazo on Building Los Angeles' Labor Movement Mar 19, 2021

The campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is heating up as proponents hand in the signatures they hope will force an election, while the governor lays out his strategy to defeat the recall. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the political path ahead for Newsom and how the rise in anti-Asian violence could affect his choice for Attorney General. Then, State Senator María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, joins to discuss growing up in a farmworker family, how she built political power for organized labor in Los Angeles, and why she decided to run for elected office.

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Alicia Garza on the Biden Rescue Plan and Turning Protest Into Power Mar 12, 2021

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's unique State of the State address, the potential recall election and Newsom's upcoming pick for attorney general. Then, Alicia Garza, Principal at Black to the Future Action Fund and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter, joins to discuss the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the trial of Derek Chauvin and growing up in Marin County.

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A School Reopening Update and Wendy Weiser on Voting Rights Debate Mar 05, 2021

The state legislature approves a $6.6 billion plan to incentivize a return to in-person instruction, but will it move the needle on reopenings? Marisa and Scott discuss the plan with KQED's Katie Orr and Guy Marzorati. Then, Wendy Weiser, Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins to discuss the voting restrictions moving through state legislatures around the country, as well as potential changes to voting rights from Congress and the Supreme Court.

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Diana Becton on California's Prosecutor Battles and Potential Attorney General Vacancy Feb 26, 2021

Scott and Marisa analyze California Attorney General Xavier Becerra's confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services Secretary and the heightened political tensions in the school reopening debate. Then, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton joins to discuss her transition from a judge to prosecutor, the divide between progressive district attorneys and unelected line prosecutors and her reaction to speculation that she's on Governor Gavin Newsom's shortlist to replace Becerra as Attorney General.

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Mark Takano on His Family's Internment History and His Agenda for Military Veterans Feb 19, 2021

On the eve of the 79th anniversary of the executive order that authorized the internment of Japanese-Americans, Congressman Mark Takano shares the story of his family's internment with Marisa and Scott. They also discuss how Takano was outed as gay during an early run for Congress, his legislative agenda to assist U.S. military veterans as chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and his thoughts on the recent attacks on Asian-Americans in California.

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Zoe Lofgren on Impeachment, Immigration Reform and Running as a 'Mother' Feb 12, 2021

New polling shows California Senator Dianne Feinstein's approval rating underwater for the first time. Scott and Marisa discuss the survey and their takeaways from former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. Then, San Jose Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren joins to share stories from her participation in all four impeachment proceedings in modern history, why she was drawn to working on immigration and what happened when she tried to list "Mother" as her ballot designation during her first run for Congress.

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Mayor Robert Garcia on Long Beach's Vaccine Success Feb 05, 2021

Marisa and Scott discuss two new statewide polls on Governor Gavin Newsom's performance and the state's response to the pandemic. Then, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia joins to discuss his city's success in distributing vaccines, its "hero pay" legislation, why his family idolized Ronald Reagan, overcoming self-hate after coming out as gay and losing his mother and step-father to COVID-19 last year.

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Congresswoman Michelle Steel on Emigrating to America, Her Mother's Small Business, and Why She Voted Against Impeachment Jan 29, 2021

With criticism mounting over California's reopening guidelines, unemployment insurance system and the stalemate in reopening public schools, Scott and Marisa analyze the political fallout for Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, Orange County Congresswoman Michelle Steel joins to discuss her journey from South Korea to America, how her mother's small business inspired her to run for political office, Orange County's resistance to COVID-19 orders and her vote against the second impeachment of President Trump.

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Dee Dee Myers on White House Briefings and California's Economic Outlook Jan 22, 2021

Dee Dee Myers, Director of Governor Gavin Newsom's Office of Business and Economic Development and the former White House Press Secretary for President Bill Clinton, talks to Marisa and Scott about the importance of the White House daily briefing, California's slow distribution of vaccines and the state's economic outlook -- before revisiting her showdown with Scott in San Francisco's 1991 mayoral election.

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Inauguration Preview (Pt. 2): The Biden Administration and California Jan 20, 2021

In the second part of Political Breakdown's inauguration preview, Scott and Marisa discuss how the Biden Administration will impact policy and politics in the Golden State, with U.S. Senator-designate Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, former state GOP chair Duf Sundheim and Rep. Anna Eshoo.

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Inauguration Preview (Pt. 1): Capitol Security and the Future of Extremism Jan 19, 2021

In the first part of Political Breakdown's inauguration preview, Marisa and Scott discuss the latest safety precautions at the U.S. and California State Capitol buildings, the threat of extremist groups during Joe Biden's first term and how domestic extremism could affect Republican Party politics, with KQED's Katie Orr, USA Today national correspondent Will Carless and The Bulwark writer-at-large Tim Miller.

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Barbara Boxer on the Capitol Attack, Impeachment and Biden's Climate Agenda Jan 15, 2021

Former California Senator Barbara Boxer joins Scott and Marisa to share her reaction to the insurrection at the Capitol last week, the harrowing experiences she's heard from former colleagues and her memories of being in the Senate on September 11th, 2001. Boxer also discusses the House impeachment of President Trump, what to expect from the Biden administration on climate change, the controversy over her registration to advise a Chinese surveillance firm and how she spends her days in the Coachella Valley.

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Steve Phillips on the Transformation of Georgia Politics and How the South 'Never Surrendered in the Civil War' Jan 08, 2021

Marisa and Scott discuss the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the response of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Republicans in Congress. Then, political organizer Steve Phillips, founder of Democracy in Color, joins to talk about the connection between the coup attempt and the Democrats' Senate wins in Georgia and his upcoming book on how the Civil War continued beyond Appomattox. Phillips also discusses his first meeting with Stacey Abrams in 2011 and the reluctance of some national organizations to invest in candidates of color.

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2021 California Politics Preview Jan 01, 2021

As 2020 comes to a close, Marisa, Katie Orr and Guy Marzorati preview the year ahead in California politics, including the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom and the role that Californians will have in shaping the agenda of the Biden administration. Plus, a look at the policy debates ahead in education, child care, criminal justice and voting.

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Holiday Special: Steve Kerr on Beirut, Basketball During the Pandemic, and Learning from his Players Dec 24, 2020

With the NBA season tipping off in empty arenas around the country, Scott and Marisa revisit one of their favorite interviews of the year: a conversation with Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Kerr discussed the league's response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the deadly August explosion in his birthplace of Beirut, his family's long history in the Middle East and how he continues to learn from his players.

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BONUS: Alex Padilla Named California's New U.S. Senator Dec 23, 2020

Secretary of State Alex Padilla is tapped by Governor Gavin Newsom to fill California's soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat. Scott and Marisa discuss the pick with KPCC Senior Politics Reporter Libby Denkmann. Then, we revisit Padilla's appearance on Political Breakdown earlier this year, when he discussed his childhood in Pacoima, his early pursuit of a career in rocket science, and how he ended up as mayor of Los Angeles on September 11th, 2001.

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Tom Ammiano on Activism, Comedy and a Life in Progressive Politics Dec 18, 2020

Former State Assemblyman and San Francisco supervisor Tom Ammiano joins Scott and Marisa to discuss his memoir Kiss My Gay Ass and reflect on the homophobia he faced growing up in New Jersey, his arrival in San Francisco, fighting the 1978 Briggs Initiative, his write-in campaign for mayor in 1999, using humor in politics and corruption in San Francisco city government.

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Sam Oh on How the GOP Flipped Back House Seats in California Dec 11, 2020

Changes inside the Newsom administration come as the Governor faces a nascent recall campaign and criticism over COVID-19 restrictions. Scott and Marisa discuss Newsom's chief of staff pick, his upcoming appointments for Senate and Attorney General, and new questions around Senator Dianne Feinstein's fitness for office. Then, Sam Oh, Vice President of Targeted Victory, joins to discuss lessons from leading the campaigns of Republicans Young Kim and Michelle Steel, who knocked off Democratic incumbents in Orange County congressional races.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci on California's New COVID Restrictions and Lessons from the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Dec 04, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins Marisa and Scott to discuss California's new regional stay-at-home order, the politicization of vaccines and the 'spectacular' advances in their development, and lessons he learned from fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Then, San Francisco Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins to discuss the new statewide order and how public health guidance has evolved since the spring.

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Lateefah Simon and Ron Davis on Reforming Policing Nov 27, 2020

The calls for police reform after the killing of George Floyd moved from the streets to the ballot box in California this year, as voters approved changes to oversight and funding from San Diego and Los Angeles to Oakland and San Francisco. Scott and Marisa revisit two interviews from earlier this year with BART Director and activist Lateefah Simon and former police chief Ron Davis, who are serving as policing advisors to Governor Gavin Newsom.

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Dr. Bob Wachter on California's Coronavirus Curfew and Pandemic Leadership Nov 20, 2020

With cases of COVID-19 spiking across the state, the Newsom administration announces a curfew for counties with the highest rates of transmission. Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine, joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to react to the announcement, and shares his thoughts on Governor Newsom's leadership, coronavirus response during the presidential transition, vaccine development and weighing joy and risk during the pandemic.

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Nikema Williams on Building Political Power in Georgia Nov 13, 2020

Orange County maintains its status as a purple county, as Republicans appear likely to flip two Congressional seats while Democrats are poised to knock off two Republican state legislators. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the latest Congressional results and how California's successful election could set the stage for future voting changes. Then, Congresswoman-elect Nikema Williams joins to discuss her relationship with the late Rep. John Lewis and how it feels to succeed him in the House, how Democrats built political power in Georgia and the effect of the national spotlight on the state's two U.S. Senate runoffs.

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California Election Update: State Props and Down-Ballot Surprises Nov 06, 2020

As vote counting continues in California and across the country, Scott and Marisa talk with KQED's Katie Orr and Politico's Carla Marinucci about the results of Calfornia's propositions, Congressional and state legislative races, early U.S. Senate speculation and some down-ballot surprises.

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A (Virtual) Trip to Arizona with Janet Napolitano Oct 30, 2020

With less than a week until Election Day, Marisa and Scott take a (virtual) trip to the bordering battleground state of Arizona. First, Arizona Republic editor Wyatt Buchanan joins to talk about the changing politics of the Grand Canyon State and how transplanted Californians are playing a role. Then, former Arizona governor and University of California president Janet Napolitano shares how she won statewide office as a Democrat, how Arizona has become a swing state and her thoughts on Proposition 16, the California ballot measure to end the ban on affirmative action.

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Proposition 22 Update and Barbara Lee on the 2020 Campaign Oct 22, 2020

With less than two weeks until Election Day, Scott and Marisa discuss the latest on the record-breaking Proposition 22 with KQED's Sam Harnett. Then, Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee joins to share her thoughts on Prop 22, her recent campaign trip to Arizona, Gov. Gavin Newsom's potential Senate pick and what she hopes to hear from Joe Biden in Thursday night's debate.

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The Political Fight Over Voting with Dan Schnur Oct 16, 2020

California's Republican Party defends its operation of unofficial vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes across the state in the face of potential legal action. Marisa and Scott are joined by KQED's Guy Marzorati to discuss the dispute and the politics of vote-by-mail in California. Then, UC Berkeley and USC professor Dan Schnur joins to talk about voting and whether California's Secretary of State should be nonpartisan. Finally, Scott and Marisa end the show with their thoughts on the performances of California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

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VP Debate Recap and María Teresa Kumar on Turning Out Latinx Voters Oct 09, 2020

Scott and Marisa analyze California Senator Kamala Harris' performance in Wednesday night's vice presidential debate, and KUER politics and government reporter Sonja Hutson joins from Salt Lake City to share her experience at the debate and discuss politics in the Beehive State. Then, María Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino shares what was missing from the debate, her journey into civic work, Latinx enthusiasm for Harris' addition to the Democratic ticket, and Voto Latino's voter registration campaign.

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Tori Verber Salazar: The Central Valley District Attorney Pushing for Criminal Justice Reform Oct 02, 2020

As California ballot measure campaigns heat up, CalMatters reporter Laurel Rosenhall joins Marisa and Scott to discuss her story about the ballot endorsements of Alice Huffman, the California NAACP President who is also a professional campaign consultant. Then, San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar joins to discuss her family's law enforcement background, the barriers to reform among prosecutors, the new progressive Prosecutors Alliance of California, and her thoughts on Proposition 20.

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Justice Goodwin Liu Shares Memories of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sep 25, 2020

President Trump nears a nomination for a successor to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Scott and Marisa preview the roles of California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris in a potential confirmation hearing. They also discuss why so many Californians are undecided on key state ballot measures. Then, California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu joins to share his memories of clerking for Ginsburg, his childhood as a first-generation American, the importance of diversity on the bench and the events that led to his appointment to the state Supreme Court.

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Wade Crowfoot on Confronting President Trump over Climate Change Sep 18, 2020

President Trump visits California as the state deals with a historic wildfire year. Marisa and Scott discuss the president's visit with Katie Orr, along with new polls on Proposition 15 and Proposition 16. Then, California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot shares the story behind his confrontation with the President over climate change and wildfires, the future of forest management in California, the Newsom administration's fracking policy and open streets during the pandemic.

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Mike Gatto on End of Session Fallout, Parenting in Office and Prison Realignment Sep 11, 2020

The finger-pointing continues at the state Capitol after a frantic end to the legislative session. Katie Orr joins Scott and Marisa to talk about Senate vs. Assembly feuding, Anthony Rendon's leadership and how criminal justice reforms fell short. Then, former Assemblyman Mike Gatto joins to talk about legislative leadership styles, parenting in office, running for Assembly while in college, his father's murder in 2013 and his vote on California's prison realignment law.

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Buffy Wicks on Voting with Her Newborn, a Prop 20 Update and a Conversation with Jamal Trulove Sep 04, 2020

After a wild end to the legislative session, Marisa and Guy Marzorati talk with Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, who voted on the floor with her four-week old baby. They also provide an update on Proposition 20, and former governor Jerry Brown opening his wallet to defeat the measure. Then, actor and activist Jamal Trulove joins to talk about being framed and wrongfully imprisoned for murder in San Francisco and why he's still supporting then-District Attorney Kamala Harris on the presidential ticket.

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COVID Case Stalls Legislature and Joseph Rodota Opens 'The Oppo File' Aug 27, 2020

A COVID-19 infection derails the state legislature just days before the final recess of the session. Marisa and Guy Marzorati get the latest from KQED politics reporter Katie Orr on how the Senate and Assembly are planning to finish the year's work. Then, Joseph Rodota joins to discuss his podcast "The Oppo File" about campaign opposition research. Rodota shares stories from his time as an opposition researcher on Republican presidential and gubernatorial campaigns and discusses how oppo researchers could be approaching the 2020 campaign.

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Democratic Convention Special with Addisu Demissie and Ro Khanna Aug 20, 2020

Before the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Scott and Marisa discuss the week's program and Senator Kamala Harris' vice presidential acceptance speech. Addisu Demissie, senior advisor for the convention, joins to talk about his work planning the unprecedented virtual event and Rep. Ro Khanna discusses the party platform debate and Harris' speech.

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"I Can't Just Go Away": Katie Hill Charts Path Forward after Resigning from Congress Aug 14, 2020

California Senator Kamala Harris is Joe Biden's pick for vice president. Marisa and Scott discuss the selection and the rollout of the Democratic ticket. Then, former Congresswoman Katie Hill joins to discuss her resignation from Congress last fall, her political action committee to elect more (Democratic) women to office, the media's coverage of female candidates, and why she decided to stay in Washington D.C.

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Steve Kerr on Beirut, the NBA Restart and Learning from His Players Aug 07, 2020

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks with Scott and Marisa about the re-started NBA season and the league's response to the Black Lives Matter movement. He also discusses this week's deadly explosion in his birthplace of Beirut, his family's long history in the Middle East, and how he continues to learn from his players.

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Joe Trippi on the Veepstakes, Pioneering Netroots and the Real Story of Doug Jones' Victory Jul 31, 2020

As Joe Biden nears his decision on a vice presidential pick, Marisa and Scott discuss the contenders on his shortlist and the latest on negotiations to extend COVID-19 unemployment aid. Then, political strategist Joe Trippi, host of the new podcast That Trippi Show joins to discuss his career running Democratic presidential campaigns, pioneering 'netroots' on the 2004 Howard Dean campaign for president, the overlooked lessons of Doug Jones' 2017 Senate victory in Alabama, and his thoughts on Biden's vice presidential choice.

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Karen Bass on Volunteering for RFK, Life on the VP Shortlist and Reclaiming the Name 'Caren' Jul 24, 2020

L.A. Congresswoman Karen Bass joins Scott and Marisa to discuss the legacy of Congressman John Lewis, volunteering for Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign, coalition building after the L.A. Riots, the status of police reform in Congress, talking with Joe Biden about grief and personal loss, and reclaiming the name 'Caren.'

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Jay Jordan on the Ballot Fight over Criminal Justice Reforms and the COVID Outbreak in State Prisons Jul 17, 2020

California schools take center stage in the state's reopening debate, as Marisa and Scott discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of the accelerated spread of COVID-19. Then, Jay Jordan, executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, discusses his childhood in Stockton, his own experience going through the criminal justice system and spending time in state prison, what's at stake with Proposition 20 on the November ballot, and why the outbreak of coronavirus in state prisons could be a recurring problem.

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Hilda Solis on Her Union Roots, Environmental Justice Fights and Biden's Pitch to Latino Voters Jul 10, 2020

With unemployment claims again rising as states struggle to contain the spread of COVID-19, Scott and Guy Marzorati talk with KQED's Sam Harnett about his new series "How We Got Here" about the decline of worker power in America. Then, Los Angeles Supervisor Hilda Solis joins to talk about her parent's union experiences, her fights for environmental justice in the state legislature, the upset win that sent her to Congress in 2000, how she became President Obama's Secretary of Labor, and how the Biden campaign is planning to win over Latino voters who supported Bernie Sanders.

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Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager on COVID Concerns, Reforming Crisis Response, and Her 'Money Makeover' Jul 03, 2020

With the spread of COVID-19 increasing throughout the state, Governor Gavin Newsom orders many counties to halt their reopening. Scott and Katie Orr discuss the governor's actions and the newly signed state budget. Then, Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) shares why she felt concerned about the pace of reopening, her proposal to remove police from some crisis response situations, her #WatchWednesdays Twitter videos, and her 1997 "Money Makeover" in the Los Angeles Times.

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The 'Divided States' of COVID-19 Response and a New Push to Hold Big Tech Accountable Jun 26, 2020

With COVID-19 cases growing rapidly in California and Florida, Scott and Marisa are joined by WLRN reporter Caitie Switalski to explore how officials in the Golden State and the Sunshine State have responded to the ongoing pandemic, and how prepared the two state's hospitals are for the surge in cases. Then, Nicole Gill, executive director of Accountable Tech, joins to discuss how the new group plans to fight misinformation on social media platforms.

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John Pérez on a Historic Week at the Supreme Court and the Push to Bring Back Affirmative Action in California Jun 19, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom announces a requirement for face-coverings in high-risk settings, as masks become a political flash point in some California counties. Marisa and Scott also discuss the differences in how officials in California and Florida have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, University of California Board of Regents Chair John Perez, the former Assembly speaker, joins to discuss the Supreme Court's decisions on the DACA program and LGBT workplace discrimination. He also talks about the effort to reverse California's ban on affirmative action and compares the state's current budget crisis to the shortfall during the Great Recession.

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Ron Davis on Reimagining Public Safety After a Career in Law Enforcement Jun 12, 2020

Ron Davis, former Director of the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services under President Obama, talks with Scott and Marisa about reimagining public safety after the killing of George Floyd. He also discusses his current advising of the Newsom administration and reflects on following his father's footsteps into law enforcement and his years with the Oakland and East Palo Alto police departments.

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'There's No Going' Back': Lateefah Simon on Her Career of Activism and Ideas for Changing Policing Jun 05, 2020

BART Director Lateefah Simon joins Scott and Marisa to discuss the protests against police violence, steps cities can take to reform policing, the re-entry programs she created with Kamala Harris, her Bay Area roots and her late husband Kevin Weston.

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Tom Steyer on California’s Economic Recovery and What He Learned on the Campaign Trail May 28, 2020

Tom Steyer, chair of Gov. Gavin Newsom's Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, talks with Scott and Marisa about the work ahead to rebuild California's economy. He also discusses what he learned on the presidential campaign trail and shares the story behind his bulk purchase of tartan ties.

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Carmela Coyle on How California Hospitals are Weathering COVID-19 May 22, 2020

The Legislature delves into Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal, and Marisa and Scott talk with KQED's Katie Orr about how lawmakers are pushing to reassert themselves in spending negotiations. Then, Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association, joins to discuss the financial hit hospitals are taking during the coronavirus pandemic, the outlook for support in the state budget, how hospitals are preparing for a future surge of patients and how the crisis could change the ways hospitals operate for years to come.

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Assemblyman Kevin Kiley on California’s Budget and the Legislature’s Response to COVID-19 May 15, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom plans massive cuts to California's budget unless Congress approves more aid. KQED's Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos discuss the governor's May Revise and the budget process ahead with KQED's Katie Orr. Then, Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, joins to share his thoughts on the governor's proposal, Assembly Bill 5, how to manage cuts to public education and the Legislature's response to the pandemic.

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Stephanie Valencia on the 2020 Latino Vote May 08, 2020

California's contracts for protective gear draw increased scrutiny, and the Newsom administration projects a $41 billion drop in revenues. Marisa and Scott discuss those developments with KQED's Guy Marzorati, along with a preview of next week's special election in the 25th Congressional District. Then, Stephanie Valencia, president of Equis Labs, joins to discuss her extensive surveying of Latinos in 2020 battleground states, what she's watching for in pandemic polling and her time working in the Obama White House.

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Dr. Shirley Weber on Her Family’s Journey to California and the Teachers Who Paved Her Path May 01, 2020

As Gov. Gavin Newsom orders the closure of Orange County beaches, Scott and Marisa talk with Assemblywoman Dr. Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, about the ongoing stay-at-home order and the timeline of the Legislature's return to Sacramento. Weber also shares the story of her father fleeing a lynch mob in Arkansas, and discusses the influence of her elementary school teachers and her hopes for education and criminal justice reform in the coming years.

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April Verrett on Leading the Nursing Home Workers at the Center of the Coronavirus Pandemic Apr 24, 2020

With outbreaks of COVID-19 at skilled nursing facilities around the state, April Verrett, President of SEIU 2015, talks to Marisa and Scott about the members she represents and efforts to protect them at their job. She also discusses her childhood in Chicago, how organizing in California offers a national platform, and her hopes for the rebuilding of the state's economy.

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Alex Padilla on Preparing for the November Vote and His Stint as Mayor of L.A. on 9/11 Apr 17, 2020

As the country braces for the potential of a general election impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, Scott and Marisa are joined by California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to get an update on how California is preparing to carry out the vote, and how Los Angeles County can improve voter experience in November. Padilla also shares stories from his childhood in Pacoima, his early pursuit of a career in rocket science, and how ended up as mayor of Los Angeles on September 11th, 2001.

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Dr. Mitchell Katz on Battling Outbreaks from AIDS to Coronavirus Apr 10, 2020

Dr. Mitchell Katz, head of New York City's public hospitals, updates Marisa and Scott on the coronavirus outbreak in New York City, the health system's greatest need, and what is necessary to restart the economy. He also discusses how his siblings' developmental disabilities influenced his career and his time spent as the leading health official in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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Congressman Raul Ruiz on Expanding Coronavirus Testing, Fundraising to Attend College, and Going from the ER to Congress Apr 03, 2020

Marisa and Scott are joined by Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) to talk about the state's progress in battling COVID-19 and expanding testing in medically underserved communities. Ruiz also discusses his childhood in the Coachella Valley, his strategy to raise money in order to attend college and the reason he left the emergency room to run for Congress.

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Eleni Kounalakis on the Lieutenant Governor’s Role During the Coronavirus Outbreak and Lessons from Diplomacy in Hungary Mar 26, 2020

Scott and Marisa discuss California's response to the coronavirus outbreak -- analyzing Governor Gavin Newsom's latest executive orders and private sector partnerships. Then, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis joins to discuss her work repatriating Californians abroad during the coronavirus outbreak, her father's journey from Greece, and her time as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary during the leadership of conservative prime minister Viktor Orbán.

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State Sen. Dr. Richard Pan on California’s Coronavirus Response Mar 20, 2020

As California cities shut down and the state prepares for a surge of coronavirus cases, Scott and Marisa check in with KQED's Katie Orr on the state government's response (0:20). Then, state Sen. Dr. Richard Pan joins to talk about battling disinformation in the public health sphere, the state's preparation for the outbreak and the personal responsibility of Californians residents in slowing infections (8:35).

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Coronavirus Update: Six Bay Area Counties Issue ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order Mar 17, 2020

Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos talk with San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Santa Clara Supervisor Joe Simitian, Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman, and Amanda Fried, chief of policy and communications at the San Francisco Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office, after six Bay Area counties issue a stay-at-home order.

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Lenny Mendonca on the Coronavirus’ Economic Impact — and His Career From Dairy Farms to the Newsom Administration Mar 13, 2020

Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined by Lenny Mendonca, chief economic and business advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, to discuss the latest on how the coronavirus could impact the state's economy. They also talk with Mendonca about his childhood on a dairy farm in Turlock, his business consulting career and the Newsom administration's vision for high-speed rail, the Central Valley economy and the future of work.

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Warren’s Exit and a California Primary Recap Mar 06, 2020

Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined by KQED's Guy Marzorati and Politico's Carla Marinucci to talk about Sen. Elizabeth Warren's exit from the presidential race, chew over the results of California's primary and discuss the returns for the Proposition 13 school bond and the state's competitive congressional races.

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: The Thrust Feb 29, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown." Scott Shafer spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics.

In the series' final episode, Brown uses ballot initiatives to create a forward-moving agenda: leading California off a fiscal cliff and enacting reforms on criminal justice and water. And when Donald Trump wins the presidency, Brown rejects the label of the California “resistance” in favor of pushing ahead with progressive policy.

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Ace Smith on California Campaign Strategy, What Happened to Kamala Harris and Writing About Satchel Paige Feb 28, 2020

Scott and Marisa check-in with South Carolina Public Radio's Gavin Jackson ahead of Saturday's primary in the Palmetto State (0:30). Then, political consultant Ace Smith joins to talk about his work on his father's campaigns, the challenge of field organizing in California, what went wrong in Kamala Harris' run for president, why top California politicians are holding off on endorsing presidential candidates, and his book on baseball pitcher Satchel Paige (8:05).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: Think for Myself Feb 22, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown." Scott spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics.

In the series' seventh episode, Brown ignores the conventional wisdom of political consultants in his runs for attorney general and governor. Back in the governor's office, Brown blocks out criticism from his own party and carries out painful budget cuts in the face of a massive deficit.

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Nevada Caucus and Health Care Politics with Culinary Workers Union Leader Geoconda Argüello-Kline Feb 21, 2020

Marisa and Scott hit the road — first to Sacramento, where Gov. Gavin Newsom breaks format and focuses on homelessness in his State of the State address (0:21). Then, it's off to Las Vegas, where Democratic presidential candidates have gathered in advance of Saturday's caucus. Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline joins to talk about her journey to the U.S., her concerns with single-payer health care, attacks from Bernie Sanders' supporters and organizing in a right-to-work state (06:03).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: Direct Action Feb 15, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown." Scott Shafer spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics.

In the series' sixth episode, Brown takes office as mayor of Oakland in 1999, with the goals of improving development, public safety and schools. He learns that solving the city’s issues will take direct action: negotiating with neighbors, riding along with cops and walking the hallways of the city’s schools. But critics say getting closer to the problems didn’t remove Brown’s blind spots.

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Dan Pfeiffer on the State of the Primaries and ‘Un-Trumping America’ Feb 14, 2020

Pod Save America host and former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer joins Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos to talk about the state of the race for the Democratic nomination, and his new book "Un-Trumping America."

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: Holy Water Feb 09, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown." Scott Shafer spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics.

In the series' fifth episode, Jerry Brown returns to politics in the early 1990s after six years in the political wilderness. In 1992, he runs for president, fighting against the influence of money and swearing off big contributions. But by the end of his career, he questions demands for more transparency and the rejection of certain donations, returning to an old saying of his father’s: “You can’t sprinkle holy water on campaign money."

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The Latest From New Hampshire and a California Primary Explainer With Paul Mitchell Feb 07, 2020

Days before the New Hampshire primary, Scott and Marisa check in on the latest from the Granite State with Dan Barrick from New Hampshire Public Radio (0:40). Then, data guru Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc., joins to discuss how he works with the California voter file, how campaigns are targeting early voters and the process of determining results from California's March 3 primary (11:29).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: The Eye Feb 01, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Scott spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics.

In the show's fourth episode, California Democrats are shell-shocked by Proposition 13, but Jerry Brown sees a political opening. But in his second term as governor, Brown’s political eye begins to fail him; in a disastrous run for president, a bungled response to an agricultural crisis, and a losing Senate campaign that leaves him out of politics.

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A Caucus Update From Iowa and Robin Johansen on a Career in Political Law Jan 31, 2020

Days before the Iowa caucuses, Scott and Marisa get an update from the Hawkeye State from Iowa Public Radio reporter Kate Payne (0:30). Then, attorney Robin Johansen joins to talk about her work on the House Judiciary Committee during the Nixon impeachment, representing Willie Brown and the state Legislature, battling changes to term limits and redistricting, and the future of the state's initiative system (6:49).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: But for Me Jan 25, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED’s new podcast The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Scott spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics. In the show’s third episode, Brown takes office as governor in 1975, with a guiding vision on how to apply what he sees as limited power; and an ambition that soon has him looking toward higher office.

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State Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar on Growing Up in a Border Town and Switching from Academia to the Courts Jan 24, 2020

San Francisco Mayor London Breed becomes the latest California mayor to endorse Michael Bloomberg in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination (0:32), and the impeachment battle heats up in Washington (4:10). Then, California Supreme Court associate justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar joins to talk about what it was like making the switch from academia to the courts (8:50), crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as a kid with his grandmother to get McDonald's (13:20) and what he thinks makes a good judge (25:25).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: Ins and Outs Jan 18, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED's new podcast The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Scott spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics. In the show’s second episode, hear about Brown's political rise -- when he learned that his path to statewide office could not come from inside the halls of power.

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NPR’s Steve Inskeep on California’s First Political Power Couple Jan 17, 2020

A new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California shows Bernie Sanders leading a tight race in the state's Democratic primary. Scott and Marisa also discuss voters' focus on homelessness, as Governor Gavin Newsom travels the state to promote investment on the issue (0:58). Then, NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep joins to talk about the lives of 19th century explorer and California Senator John C. Frémont and his groundbreaking wife, Jessie Benton Frémont, the subject of his new book, Imperfect Union: How Jessie and John Frémont Mapped The West, Invented Celebrity, and Helped Cause the Civil War (5:34).

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown: The Novice Jan 10, 2020

Explore lessons from a lifetime in politics in KQED's new podcast The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Scott spent more than 40 hours interviewing the former governor at his ranch in Colusa County, covering a life and career unmatched in California politics. In this episode, hear about Brown's early years as a Jesuit (and political) novice, when he discovered that the world of ideas was very different from the world of politics.

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Steve Glazer on Working for Jerry Brown and the Challenges of Reaching Across the Aisle Jan 03, 2020

Scott and Guy Marzorati kick off the new year by discussing the making of KQED's new series The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Then, State Senator Steve Glazer joins to share his experiences working for the former governor; from volunteering for Brown in college, to running Brown's campaign for governor in 2010. Glazer also talks about life as a moderate in the state legislature and politics in his Bay Area swing district.

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The Political Mind of Jerry Brown Jan 03, 2020

Jerry Brown often complains that no one comes to him for political advice. So we came knocking, and we’re glad we did. Across more than forty hours of exclusive interviews, Brown shares his lessons on politics and government gleaned from his five decades in the arena. You can hear it all in KQED’s latest podcast, “The Political Mind of Jerry Brown.”

Catch a sneak preview of the first episode right here on Political Breakdown on Thursday, January 9. And in the meantime, subscribe to The Political Mind of Jerry Brown on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, Spotify, or wherever you listen. The entire season of the show comes out on Saturday, January 11.

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Holiday Special with Libby Schaaf and Eric Garcetti Dec 27, 2019

Scott and Marisa revisit a couple of their favorite interviews from the past year: conversations with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf (0:45) and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (10:15).

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Wrapping Up the Year in California Politics Dec 20, 2019

Marisa and Scott are joined by Guy Marzorati and San Francisco Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli to recap the year in California politics and look ahead to 2020.

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Former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George on the Politicization of the Courts and His Historic Gay Marriage Ruling Dec 13, 2019

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg gains some California endorsements in his presidential bid (1:00), and polls still have Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren at the top of the pack in the Golden State (2:40). Then, former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George discusses the state of the judicial branch (6:55) and what it was like issuing his landmark ruling in favor of same-sex marriage (19:50).

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Kamala Harris’ Exit and Angela Glover Blackwell on ‘Radical Imagination’ Dec 06, 2019

Politico national political reporter Christopher Cadelago joins Scott and Marisa to analyze Kamala Harris' exit from the presidential race and her political future (0:25). Then, Angela Glover Blackwell discusses her career in shaping public policy, and her new podcast examining 'radical' policy ideas (13:25).

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Thanksgiving Special with Anne Marie Schubert and Katie Porter Nov 29, 2019

Scott and Marisa revisit two of their favorite interviews from the past year: conversations with Sacramento County district attorney Anne Marie Schubert (0:15) and Orange County congresswoman Katie Porter (14:10).

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Corrin Rankin on Recruiting African-American Candidates to the GOP and Growing Up in the Bail Industry Nov 22, 2019

Marisa and Scott recap a hectic week of impeachment hearings and the most recent Democratic debate, and analyze the State Supreme Court ruling against the law to force disclosure of presidential candidates' tax returns (0:30). Then, Republican activist Corrin Rankin joins to discuss her childhood experience with redlining, her family bail bonds business, leaving the Democratic party, and her efforts to recruit African-American Republicans to run for office (6:14).

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Chesa Boudin on His District Attorney Victory, Parents’ Incarceration and Travels in South America Nov 15, 2019

Chesa Boudin pulls off an upset victory and wins the San Francisco district attorney's race (0:28). Marisa and Scott discuss what the result means for San Francisco and the criminal justice reform movement, and talk with Boudin about the moment the race was decided, his parents' incarceration, his early struggles in school, traveling in South America, cash bail reform, and his plans for the office (5:17).

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Proposition 187 at 25 with MALDEF President Thomas Saenz Nov 08, 2019

San Francisco's closely watched District Attorney's race remains too close to call. Scott and Marisa discuss how the contest fits into the growing attention paid to local prosecutor elections and analyze the rest of the SF election results (0:39). Then, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Thomas Saenz joins to discuss the lead-up to the passage of Proposition 187 in 1994, the legal strategy that MALDEF used to defeat the measure in court, and the political and legal repercussions of the initiative, 25 years later (7:00).

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The Politics of California’s Wildfire and Power Crisis with Michael Wara Nov 01, 2019

Representative Katie Hill's promising House career comes to an end with her resignation from Congress, after the release of explicit photos and accusations of an improper relationship with an aide. Marisa and Scott discuss the political fallout and generational divide in the reaction to Hill's resignation (0:40) . Then, Stanford researcher Michael Wara joins to discuss the ongoing wildfire and utility crisis, including Gavin Newsom's response, PG&E's responsibility, 're-imagining' the CPUC, and how other states are dealing with similar problems (5:58).

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Bill Dodd on Utility Reform, Leaving the GOP and His High School Cover Band Oct 25, 2019

As the Kincade Fire threatens homes in Sonoma County, Scott and Marisa discuss a new KQED/Change Research poll on PG&E's decision to shut off power in hopes of avoiding future blazes (0:20). Then, Napa State Senator Bill Dodd joins to talk about his childhood in Napa, switching to the Democratic party, and the future of California law governing utilities (5:53).

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Katie Porter on Congressional Hearings, Class With Elizabeth Warren and Learning to Surf Oct 18, 2019

Scott and Marisa check in with NPR's Scott Detrow for an update on the presidential campaigns of Californians Kamala Harris and Tom Steyer. Then, Orange County Rep. Katie Porter joins the show to talk about her first year in Congress, her Iowa roots, learning from then-professor Elizabeth Warren (her daughter's namesake), grilling witnesses in the House Financial Services Committee and learning to surf.

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BONUS: Impeachment Inquiry Update from Washington, D.C. Oct 17, 2019

Californians take center stage in the House Democrats' ongoing impeachment inquiry. Scott and Marisa head to Washington, D.C., to talk with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, and fellow committee members Jackie Speier and Eric Swalwell.

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Nancy Skinner on PG&E Shutoffs, Criminal Justice Reform, and the NCAA ‘Fair Pay’ Law Oct 11, 2019

Scott and Marisa discuss the "power politics" of PG&E's blackouts with state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. Skinner also shares stories of her college activism, working on criminal justice reform with former Gov. Jerry Brown and whether she got snubbed during the signing of her bill to allow NCAA athletes in California to receive endorsements.

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Chris Lehane on Impeachment War Rooms, Warren’s Rise and Kennebunkport Politics Oct 04, 2019

Scott and Marisa are joined by Airbnb policy and communications head Chris Lehane to discuss his days dealing with impeachment in the Clinton White House, the differences with the current impeachment inquiry, his early career in Maine politics, the 'dark arts' of opposition research, and Elizabeth Warren's rise.

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Libby Schaaf on Her Oakland Roots, Clashing with Trump and Fundraising for Spider Monkeys Sep 27, 2019

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf joins Scott and Marisa to discuss Nancy Pelosi's decision on impeachment, Schaaf's own clashes with President Donald Trump, her childhood in Oakland, lessons from her predecessor Jean Quan, and her involvement on Governor Gavin Newsom's Council on Homelessness.

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Jessica Patterson on Her Vision for the Republican Party, CEQA Reform and ‘Mexican Chop Suey’ Sep 20, 2019

A new KQED poll finds Senator Kamala Harris slipping in California. Scott and Marisa talk about the survey results on California's presidential primary and the recently-signed AB 5, and discuss KQED's new partnership with Change Research. Then, California Republican Party chair Jessica Patterson talks about her family background and early involvement in the party, how she'll measure success in her job, and her party's solution to the state's housing crisis.

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Mayor Eric Garcetti on the Homeless Crisis, Kosher Burritos and LA’s Green New Deal Sep 13, 2019

Some Trump administration officials take a trip to California's biggest city for "fact-finding" on homelessness. Scott and Marisa sit down with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti in his office to talk about the Trump team's visit (0:35), what he thinks the President could do to help LA's homeless crisis (2:20), his "Jew-tino" heritage (7:50), what it was like watching the O.J. Simpson trial while his dad was District Attorney (12:30), and LA's Green New Deal (24:00).

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Ted Lieu on Tweeting at Trump, Running Against Kamala and Selling Jade Sep 06, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom's request to amend a vaccination bill causes confusion in the legislature. Scott and Marisa analyze Newsom's move, and how he has dealt with other controversial bills as the legislative year draws to a close (0:37). Then, Congressman Ted Lieu joins to talk about his families emigration from Taiwan, selling jewelry in his parent's store, serving in the Air Force, taking on President Trump on Twitter, and running against (and now supporting) Kamala Harris (6:12).

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Jordan Cunningham on Coastal Republicanism, Charter Schools and Nuclear Energy Aug 30, 2019

Negotiations over gig worker regulations heat up and lawmakers and the governor reach a deal on charter schools. Katie Orr joins Scott and Marisa for an update as the legislative year nears the finish line (0:40). Then, Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham joins to discuss the charter school deal, his law enforcement pedigree, Central Coast politics, nuclear energy, and regulating vaping (7:51).

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Andrew Yang on Support from Tech Workers, Universal Basic Income, and the ‘Bizarre’ Democratic Debates Aug 23, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom signs landmark legislation changing California's police use-of-force law, and Scott and Marisa recap a big win for the Newsom administration on auto emissions. (0:45) Then, Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang joins the show to talk about his UC connections, academic lineage, support from tech workers, universal basic income, and the 'bizarre' Democratic primary debates (5:33).

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Marianne Williamson on Reparations, Vaccinations, and Spirituality in Politics Aug 16, 2019

Author and presidential candidate Marianne Williamson joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to discuss her childhood travels, discovering A Course in Miracles, her charity work with AIDS patients in Los Angeles, her stance on changes to vaccine exemption law, her proposal on reparations for slavery, and the past and future of the religious left.

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Massaging the Message with Anat Shenker-Osorio Aug 09, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom warns of white nationalism's threat to California, and faces a legal challenge over his decision to sign a presidential tax return bill, plus Scott asks Marisa about her trip to prison with the governor (0:50). Then, political messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio joins to discuss the "messaging quadrant," the difference in how Republican and Democratic campaigns search for messages, and the Race Class Narrative (6:13)

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Ro Khanna on Anti-War Activism, Regulating Silicon Valley, and Keeping His Kids Off of Social Media Aug 02, 2019

A new California law could keep President Trump off of the state's 2020 primary ballot, and Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss how Senator Kamala Harris performed in this week's Democratic debates (0:42). Then, Congressman Ro Khanna joins to discuss his grandfather's freedom fighting, early anti-war activism, the best advice he got from Nancy Pelosi, representing Silicon Valley while pushing for tech regulations, and why he keeps his kids off of social media (5:32).

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Amanda Renteria on Central Valley Politics, Working for DiFi, and Life on the Hot Corner Jul 25, 2019

Marisa and Guy Marzorati preview next week's Democratic presidential debates, and discuss why criminal justice policy could take center stage on Wednesday night (0:36). Then, Amanda Renteria, interim president of Emerge, joins to talk about her childhood in the Central Valley, playing third base on the Stanford softball team, working for Senator Dianne Feinstein, running for congress and governor, and helping more women win office (5:42).

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Scott Wiener on Coming Out to His Frat Brothers, San Francisco Politics and Fashion Tips from Kamala Jul 18, 2019

House Democrats are united against President Trump's racist attack on four Congresswomen, but divided over how to respond. Marisa and Guy Marzorati also discuss the latest in California presidential fundraising and polling (0:55) Then, San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener joins to discuss the anti-semitism he faced growing up, coming out to his fraternity brothers, fashion advice from Kamala Harris and his approach to legislating on controversial issues (6:00).

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Chad Mayes on Cap and Trade, Working With Democrats and the Future of the Republican Party Jul 12, 2019

Eric Swalwell is out and Tom Steyer is in. Scott Shafer and Katie Orr discuss changes in the presidential race, the wildfire bill on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk and the winning U.S. women's soccer team.

Then Assemblymember Chad Mayes, a Republican from the Inland Empire, discusses his Christian upbringing, working with Democrats and the future of the GOP.

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Newsom’s First Budget, Kamala’s Big Night and Cory Booker on His California Roots Jul 05, 2019

Gov. Gavin Newsom takes an extended victory lap after signing his first state budget, and Sen. Kamala Harris tries to make the most of her standout performance at the first Democratic presidential debate. Plus, we revisit our conversation with fellow presidential contender Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey. He talks about race, his California roots, living in public housing in Newark and why he talks so much about love on the campaign trail.

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Lorena Gonzalez on Labor Organizing, Working as a Single Mom, and Handling Online Harassment Jun 28, 2019

San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez tells Marisa and Katie about making it as a single mom in politics for most of her career, giving up on love and finding it again, championing labor issues, and how she handles online harassment.

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Catharine Baker on Losing an Election, Overcoming Cancer, and Reaching Across the Aisle Jun 21, 2019

A Sacramento police officer was killed in the line of duty Wednesday night. Marisa and Scott discuss how that might affect the conversation on the death penalty. Then, former Bay Area Assemblywoman Catharine Baker discusses why that “R” next to hear name on the ballot doomed her re-election, battling cancer her senior year of college, and why bipartisanship was the only way to get stuff done.

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Adam Schiff on His Mother’s Campaigning, Prosecuting an FBI Agent, and Working with Devin Nunes Jun 14, 2019

A new poll finds Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren surging in California. Marisa and Scott discuss how the top candidates are fairing in the Golden State. Then, Los Angeles congressman Adam Schiff discusses how his kids view his newfound political celebrity, his mother's campaigning skills, his prosecution of an FBI agent, and his relationship with California Republican Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee.

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Cory Booker on His Push for ‘Civic Grace,’ Football at Stanford, and Dating in the Projects Jun 07, 2019

California takes center stage in the Democratic primary, as fourteen candidates make their case to delegates at the party convention in San Francisco. Scott and Marisa recap the speeches and the election of a new party chair. Then, an interview from the convention with New Jersey Senator and presidential hopeful Cory Booker, who discusses his push for "civic grace," his California roots, why he still has a year of college football eligibility, the difficulty of dating in the projects of Newark, and his friendship with South Carolina Republican Tim Scott.

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Julián Castro on Growing Up in Texas and Taking On President Trump’s Immigration Policy May 31, 2019

California Democrats are gearing up for their annual party convention in San Francisco this weekend, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is blasting Facebook after the tech giant didn't take down a doctored video of her. Then, presidential candidate Julián Castro joins the breakdown to discuss growing up in Texas, tying with his twin brother in a college student senate election, and why he's made immigration a central issue in his bid for the presidency.

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The Identity Politics of Being ‘Enough’ with Tonya Mosley, and Jenifer Ancona on Organizing a New American Majority May 24, 2019

Tonya Mosley, host of KQED's new podcast Truth Be Told, joins Marisa and Scott to talk about identity politics and the struggle for candidates of color to be "enough." Then, Jenifer Ancona of Way to Win discusses the group's focus on voters of color, the importance of year-round organizing, why funding candidate campaigns isn't sustainable, and the "reverse coattails" effect they are hoping to spark on the local level.

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Kimberly Ellis on ‘Losing with Grace,’ Her Brother’s Death, and Her Run for Party Chair May 17, 2019

Scott and Marisa discuss how Governor Gavin Newsom is spending his political capital, as the legislature stalls a clean water tax and legislation to increase housing density. Then, Kimberly Ellis joins to discuss her 2017 loss in the Democratic party chair race, her childhood in a military family, the death of her brother from cancer, and her current bid to lead the state party.

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Pollster David Binder on Focus Groups, the Myth of Voters in the Middle, and the 2020 Primary May 10, 2019

Gavin Newsom lays out a revised state budget, and Marisa and Scott discuss the governor's break with Attorney General Xavier Becerra over the release of police misconduct records. Then, pollster David Binder joins to talk about polling vs. focus groups, early indications of Trump's electoral success, the myth of voters in the 'middle,' and the 2020 Democratic primary.

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Jay Inslee on Hooping with Obama and His Climate Change Campaign for President May 03, 2019

California Senator Kamala Harris grabs the spotlight in her questioning of Attorney General William Barr. Then, Washington Governor Jay Inslee joins Scott and Guy Marzorati to talk about his Jimi Hendrix connection, hooping with Obama, the vote that cost him his House seat in 1994, climate change politics, and his campaign for President.

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David Chiu on Rent Control, San Francisco Politics, and Electric Violining Apr 26, 2019

Joe Biden enters the 2020 fray, more Democratic nominees head west, and Scott and Marisa are joined by Guy Marzorati to talk about the latest in housing politics at the state Capitol (0:30). Then, San Francisco Assemblyman David Chiu joins to talk about renter protections, his relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom, growing up with a "tiger mom," San Francisco vs. state politics, and jamming out on the electric violin (8:35).

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Rusty Hicks on His Campaign for Democratic Party Chair Apr 18, 2019

The race for California Democratic Party chair is heating up, and Scott and Marisa discuss what's at stake. Then, they're joined by Rusty Hicks, candidate for chair, who discusses his vision for the state party, meeting his father at age 11, his decision to join the Navy Reserves, and the political work of the LA County Federation of Labor.

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Laphonza Butler on Her Move from Labor Leadership to the Harris Campaign Apr 12, 2019

A lukewarm poll and an ongoing utility crisis greet Governor Gavin Newsom upon his return from El Salvador. Then, Scott and Marisa are joined by Laphonza Butler, campaign advisor to Kamala Harris, who discusses her role on the campaign, her childhood in Mississippi and time at Jackson State, advocating for home care workers at SEIU and high-stakes negotiations with Governor Jerry Brown's office.

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Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert on the Death Penalty, Stephon Clark and Forensic DNA Apr 05, 2019

The debate over a proposed navigation center in San Francisco exposes the challenge local electeds face in addressing homelessness in California. Then, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert joins Marisa and Scott to talk about opposing her brother at the ballot box, Governor Newsom's death penalty moratorium, leading a breakthrough in the use of forensic DNA, her public announcement in the Stephon Clark case, and leaving the Republican party.

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TJ Cox on His Nail-Biting House Victory, the Green New Deal and High-Speed Rail Mar 29, 2019

Freshman Congressman TJ Cox tells Scott and Marisa about waiting three weeks before emerging victorious in his Central Valley House district, the moment he knew the Democratic Party was abandoning his race, his childhood and the early death of his father, the Green New Deal, high-speed rail, and his bi-coastal family.

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Amy Klobuchar on Early Moments of Leadership, Adding ‘The Voice of a Midwesterner’ on Climate Change, and Prom Night Trauma Mar 22, 2019

Minnesota Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar joins Scott and Marisa to talk about embracing leadership at an early age, prom night trauma, why it's important to have "the voice of a Midwesterner" on climate change, her treatment of Senate staff, and using Dr. Seuss to convince colleagues to allow babies on the Senate floor.

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Inside the Horseshoe With Newsom Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary Mar 15, 2019

Gavin Newsom places a moratorium on executions in California, and Scott and Marisa delve into the factors that weighed into the governor's decision. Then, Newsom's chief of staff Ann O'Leary joins to discuss life inside the governor's office, her childhood in Maine, clipping newspapers in the Clinton White House, running the Clinton-Kaine transition, and the days leading up to Newsom's death penalty decision.

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Aimee Allison on Empowering Women of Color, Rep. Omar Controversy and Identity Politics in the 2020 Election Mar 08, 2019

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says the two Sacramento police officers who shot and killed Stephon Clark last year will not face criminal charges, and advocates are calling for a change to the state's use of force standards (0:45). Then, Marisa and Scott are joined by Aimee Allison, president of Democracy in Color, to discuss the controversy sparked by Rep. Omar's criticism of Israel, empowering women of color in politics and how she thinks identity politics will play into the 2020 presidential election (6:53).

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Anthony Rendon, from Dostoyevsky to Social D, His Leadership Style, and Working with Governor Newsom Feb 15, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom delivers his first state of the state, and struggles to keep his high-speed rail announcement on track (0:40). Then, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon joins Scott and Marisa to discuss his journey from school struggles to a Ph.D, what he learned from his first run for speaker, whether his leadership style is too deferential, the internal karma of the Capitol, and his relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom after their single-payer spat (5:24).

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Carl Guardino on Representing Silicon Valley in the Halls of Power Feb 08, 2019

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi becomes a meme again, and California's delegation tries to flex its muscle as the majority on House committees. Scott and Marisa also look ahead to Gavin Newsom's first State of the State and new legislation on policing and deadly force (0:46). Then, Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino joins to discuss his organization's corporate philosophy, why he's stayed away from running for office, letting go of Olympic dreams in martial arts, meeting his wife at a city council meeting, and the tech industry's responsibility in addressing the region's housing crisis (7:30).

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Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on Her Journey to America, Negotiating with Pelosi, and How Democrats Should Talk About Single-Payer Feb 01, 2019

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal joins Scott and Marisa to share the story of her move to America at 16, going from Wall Street to immigration advocacy, negotiating with Nancy Pelosi, how Democrats should approach the issue of single-payer healthcare, and what she wants to see in the 2020 primary.

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The Kamala Harris ‘Progressive Prosecutor’ Debate, and San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi Jan 25, 2019

Cal Fire finds that PG&E equipment did not start the deadly Tubbs Fire in the North Bay -- what does that mean for the utility's impending bankruptcy claim? Scott and Marisa also discuss Kamala Harris' entrance into the 2020 presidential field, and the debate over how "progressive" a prosecutor she was in California. Then, San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi joins to discuss Harris' time as district attorney, his work in the public defender's office, and further changes he'd like to see to California's bail system.

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Buffy Wicks on Parenting in Politics, Running Campaigns vs. Running for Office, and Her Race for State Assembly Jan 18, 2019

The government shutdown turns into a Trump/Pelosi showdown, and Governor Gavin Newsom is greeted with a teachers strike in LA and the possible bankruptcy of PG&E (0:58). Then, Scott and Marisa are joined by East Bay Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, who talks about juggling parenting and politics, her childhood in the Sierra foothills, working for President Obama, and facing challenges from the left in her race for State Assembly (6:44).

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Newsom Inauguration Special: LIVE Coverage Jan 08, 2019

Gavin Newsom takes the oath of office to become California's 40th governor. Live coverage and analysis from KQED's politics team and Capital Public Radio.

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Aaron McLear on Working for Arnold and the ‘Campaign’ Culture at Uber Jan 04, 2019

Nancy Pelosi regains the gavel as the new Congress is sworn in, and California's new members fall in line behind the speaker (0:25). Then consultant Aaron McLear joins Marisa and Scott to talk about leaving the Republican Party, working for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, why working for Uber was like working on a campaign, and managing a gubernatorial transition (6:00).

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Kevin de Leon on Fatherhood, His Legislative Battles, and Taking on DiFi in the U.S. Senate Race Aug 10, 2018

The state legislature continues to weigh reforms around utilities and wildfires, and Republicans jump on a failed attempt to audit the state DMV (00:40). Then, State Senator Kevin de Leon joins the show to talk about his childhood in San Diego, fatherhood, how he chooses his legislative battles, bringing organized labor into a clean-energy future, and his run for U.S. Senate (8:11).

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Eric Swalwell on His Iowa Roots, Lessons of Knocking Off an Incumbent, and How to Talk About Trump and Russia Aug 03, 2018

The skyrocketing costs of California's wildfires raise new fiscal questions for the Governor and the legislature, while Barack Obama and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez make splashes in California (0:40). Then, Congressman Eric Swalwell joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to talk about his Iowa roots (6:31) student loans (8:57), why his dad got fired from an Iowa police department (10:51), being the lone Democrat in his family (12:32), why Dianne Feinstein is not Pete Stark (15:49), and what event to focus on in the saga of Russian election interference and President Trump (21:24).

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Governor Brown Unveils Controversial Plan on Wildfire Damages, and Drew Godinich Talks Orange County Swing Seats Jul 27, 2018

Governor Brown proposes new changes to laws governing utility liability in response to the state's wildfires (1:12) and Scott and Marisa talk about new data that sheds a different light on poverty in California (6:46). Then, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman Drew Godinich discusses Democrat's prospects in Orange County House races (9:19), political diversity in his Texas family (13:20), how to make health care a top voting issue (16:25), and asking candidates to drop out in order to avoid a top-two primary disaster (23:25).

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Attorney General Xavier Becerra on California’s Legal Battles with the Trump Administration Jul 13, 2018

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra joins Scott and Katie Orr to talk about the recent dismissal of challenges to California's sanctuary state law (1:30) how his parents dealt with bigotry as Mexican immigrants (6:30) what's to blame for California's increase in hate crimes (10:00) how he prepared for an interview with Stephen Colbert (13:17) and the story behind his appointment by Governor Jerry Brown (21:30).

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Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on His Reforms to California’s Initiative System and Addressing Homelessness Locally Jun 29, 2018

Marisa and Scott run through a wild day in the state legislature, with last-minute deals on digital privacy, lead paint cleanup, and soda taxes to avoid ballot measure battles in November (0:50). Then, Sacramento mayor Darrell Steinberg talks about his 2014 law that allowed the legislature to negotiate ballot measures (8:32), his reputation as a nice guy in politics (14:50) the difference between addressing homelessness as a mayor and a legislator (16:47), the "cutting the ribbon syndrome" (17:45), how Jerry Brown has dealt with homelessness (19:02), and the statewide effort to expand rent control (22:27).

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Emergency Breakdown: Anthony Kennedy, California’s Supreme Court Justice, Announces Retirement Jun 28, 2018

Scott and Marisa discuss the retirement of Supreme Court Justice (and Sacramento native) Anthony Kennedy, and his departure's impact on California.
With McGeorge School of Law Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz, Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson, Cook Political Report senior editor Jennifer Duffy, and the Family Research Council's Travis Weber.

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Reporting from Border Migrant Camps and State Senator Connie Leyva on Labor Politics and #WeSaidEnough Legislation Jun 22, 2018

California Report host John Sepulvado joins Scott and Marisa to share his experience of reporting from migrant camps in Tornillo, Texas (0:45) Then, State Senator Connie Leyva makes the case for visiting Chino (9:49), her rise from working at a supermarket to leading the California Labor Federation (11:55), why California Democrats need to choose more progressive candidates (19:55), and lessons from the legislature's handling of sexual misconduct claims (21:55).

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The #MeToo Movement’s Primary Impact and Josh Newman on the Lessons of His Recall Jun 08, 2018

Scott and Marisa are joined by KQED's Katie Orr and the San Francisco Chronicle's Joe Garofoli to recap Tuesday's primary, look ahead to the general election in the Governor's race, and analyze the impact of the #MeToo movement on some state contests. State Senator Josh Newman, recalled by Orange County voters, calls in to discuss his gas tax vote and the impact of his recall on politics in Orange County and the state legislature.

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June Primary Special: Newsom and Cox Advance to November Governor’s Race Jun 06, 2018

After a heated jungle primary, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox are set to face off in the November governor's race. Plus, both Democrats and Republicans appear pleased with their performances in some of the state's hotly contested Congressional races. In this Political Breakdown special, hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined by pollster Mark DiCamillo and reporters from across the state to discuss all the latest numbers in California's June primary election.

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‘Call Me a San Franciscan’: Angela Alioto on Political Lessons from Her Dad and Her Run for Mayor May 18, 2018

The State Assembly wraps up its sexual harassment investigation of Cristina Garcia, and California Republicans gather at the White House to denounce the state's 'sanctuary' law (0:45) Then, Scott and Marisa are joined by San Francisco mayoral candidate Angela Alioto, who talks about growing up as the daughter of the mayor (8:20), her mother's brief disappearance in 1974 (12:05), what Joe Alioto taught her about politics (13:56), her proposal to change San Francisco's 'sanctuary' law (17:15), and how she's changed politically over her career (23:08).

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The Sacrifice Question and a Look Inside The Press Office with Gil Duran May 11, 2018

The six leading candidates for Governor square off in a high-profile debate, and (try to) talk about sacrifices in their lives. Political Breakdown hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos recap the debate with KQED's Guy Marzorati, and talk about where past GOP donors are spending their money in the race. Then, Democratic political operative Gil Duran talks about growing up in Kentucky (10:30) meeting Jerry Brown while working as a janitor (14:34), Mayor Jerry vs. Governor Jerry (15:43), and the most disciplined politician he's worked for (19:13).

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Jane Kim on Learning from Losses, Clean Streets, and Wu-Tang Love Apr 13, 2018

A shakeup of leadership in the House of Representatives sets California up for increased influence in 2019 (00:25), and a California mayor has his sights on Iowa (3:23). Then, San Francisco supervisor and mayoral hopeful Jane Kim joins Political Breakdown hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos to talk about Wu-Tang as her campaign anthem (6:55), coming up in Chinatown politics as a Korean-American (11:50), learning from losses (19:10) and why she's focusing on clean streets in her mayoral campaign (24:49)

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Attorney John Burris on How to Turn Police Shootings into Long-Term Reforms Mar 30, 2018

The shooting of Stephon Clark sparks protests in Sacramento and renews the conversation around statewide policing reforms. KQED's Katie Orr gives an update from Sacramento after Thursday's funeral. (00:37) Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris joins to talk about how the city of Sacramento has handled the response to the shooting (9:00), what he looks for before taking on a case (11:25), how video changed police misconduct cases (16:00), and why certain cases gain national attention (25:07).

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Sessions in Sacramento and Consumer Politics with Shannon Coulter Mar 09, 2018

Attorney General Jeff Sessions visits the Capitol on the heels of the Trump administration's immigration lawsuit against California (00:20). Devin Katayama, host of The Bay, joins to discuss the continued fallout from Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf's decision to warn of an immigration raid (1:00). Shannon Coulter, founder of #GrabYourWallet, tells Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos about her movement of consumer boycotts (10:10), and the time Tyra Banks called to get her name off of the boycott list (15:00).

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Willie Brown on Power at the Capitol, the Mayoral Election, and His Newspaper Column Feb 23, 2018

Former California Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown talks with Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos about the levers of power in Sacramento (5:40), growing up in Texas (12:15), his weekly newspaper column (23:25), and the Mayor's race (26:00).

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