Political Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Republicans Seek to Weaken California’s Sanctuary Law Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

As the Trump Administration continues to slash federal funding, one of San Francisco’s crown jewels is in the crosshairs. Decades ago, the Presidio National Park was converted from an Army base to public open space, housing, restaurants and non-profit organizations. Scott and Marisa discuss why Trump is trying to dissolve the Presidio Trust, which oversees the park.

Then, they're joined by Guy to talk about the bill introduced by Republican lawmakers to weaken California's sanctuary laws, making it easier for law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE agents.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Assault on Science Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

One month into the new Trump administration, research funds have been frozen, data has been taken down and scientific discourse censored. Now, with vaccine skeptics in positions of incredible power, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the future of scientific research and healthcare access appears uncertain. Marisa and Scott discuss the state of American science with The Atlantic staff writer Katherine Wu.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winners and Losers in Republican Budget Blueprint Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

House Republicans have laid out a blueprint for the first federal budget under President Trump’s second administration. It calls for massive tax cuts, lifting the debt ceiling and deep cuts to programs like Medicaid. Scott and Marisa talk with New York Times congressional correspondent Catie Edmondson about the politics of cutting programs for low-income Americans to pay for tax cuts for the richest.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump Allies Weigh Running for Governor of California Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

As Kamala Harris considers her political future, including a possible run for governor of California, allies of President Trump are also weighing a bid for the Golden State's top job. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the campaign from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and possibly Trump's national security envoy Richard Grenell.

Plus, are we seeing an inflection point on the Bay Area's response to homelessness? Decisions in San José and Fremont suggest local governments are taking more aggressive measures to remove encampments in public spaces.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump Allies Weigh Running for Governor of California Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

Plus, are we seeing an inflection point on the Bay Area's response to homelessness? Decisions in San José and Fremont suggest local to governments are taking more aggressive measures to remove encampments in public spaces.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Trump Hungary for Power? Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

President Donald Trump’s moves to consolidate power have some observers comparing the U.S. to Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has enacted an authoritarian playbook. Marisa and Scott talk with Vox senior correspondent Zack Beauchamp, who's covered Orbán's rise. Later, they're joined by California's Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who was the U.S. ambassador to Hungary when Orbán returned to power in 2010.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Trump’s Lawsuits, Threats and Allegations Have a Chilling Effect on Journalism? Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

The Federal Communications Commission, led by President Trump's appointee Brendan Carr, is investigating San Francisco radio station KCBS for its coverage of a recent immigration enforcement action in San Jose. Plus, Carr is calling for an investigation into NPR and PBS for allegedly airing commercials and suggested the public broadcasters could be stripped of their federal funding. Scott and Marisa are joined by Ben Mullin, media reporter for The New York Times, to talk about the chilling effect the FCC's legal actions could have in newsrooms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Years of Attacks, Newsom Tries Flattery on Trump Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

After years of attacking President Donald Trump, Governor Gavin Newsom heads to Washington D.C. with compliments, gratitude and a request for Los Angeles wildfire recovery money.

Plus, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he won't run for governor, saying he's got his hands full taking on Trump. Scott and Marisa talk with Dustin Gardiner, co-author of Politico's California Playbook.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk’s Power Grab Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Since President Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk has moved at breakneck speed to seize power, cut government spending and install loyalists in government. Journalist Zoë Schiffer wrote a book on Musk's track record transforming Twitter, Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter, and says he's following a similar playbook on the federal government.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OpenAI Responds to DeepSeek Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Within the United States, San Francisco-based OpenAI, which released ChatGPT in 2022, is at the leading edge of AI technology. Until very recently the U.S. was seen as the clear global leader in artificial intelligence. But last week's release of a low cost, high performance AI model called DeepSeek by a Chinese startup sent the U.S. stock market reeling.

Scott talks with OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane to discuss AI’s potential, its future and competition from China.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices