The NPR Politics Podcast

Episodes

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  How Democrats overperformed in the South 12.11.2026 19m

  Mississippi is sending its first Democrat to the U.S. Senate since the 1980s, and its first Black senator to Washington since Reconstruction. It's another example of how Democrats romped in unexpected places during this midterm cycle, and on today's episode, we unpack how & why they did so well.This episode: HOST, REPORTER, and REPORTER.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  These voters say the election won’t change much 11.11.2026 18m

  A focus group of swing voters in North Carolina met after the midterms to talk to NPR about how the results made them feel. Many expressed skepticism Democrats would be able to use their upcoming congressional majorities to great effect, both because of President Trump's pledges to veto legislation, and because of the party's own inefficiencies. We look into how they’re feeling and explore what issues they still have post-election.This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Hegseth faces impeachment effort 10.11.2026 13m

  The eight articles of impeachment allege Hegseth has acted improperly with his conduct related to U.S. military action in Iran, Venezuela and Yemen. Hegseth said he stands by his actions. We look at why a Republican, outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is trying to impeach a member of a Republican administration, and what could happen if the impeachment effort moves forward.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and justice correspondent Ryan Lucas.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Trump confronts his lame duck era 09.11.2026 15m

  Come January, Democrats will control both houses of Congress, making legislating and governance potentially more difficult for Republican Donald Trump as his term expires. But, his administration has often bypassed Congress and used executive action to advance policy goals. We explore whether that might increase during Trump’s lame duck period, and how new chief of staff Stephen Miller might factor into those decisions.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  How badly did partisan gerrymandering backfire? 06.11.2026 28m

  Republicans, at Donald Trump’s behest, carried out partisan gerrymandering plans to try and make GOP-held seats in the House of Representatives less competitive ahead of elections this year. But, the midterm results suggest that plan backfired in a big way. What lessons will each party learn from what happened?Plus, we look at the state of play in the U.S. Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi, and why cries of election denial have been muted following Tuesday’s votes.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Meet the new Dems. Same as the old Dems? 05.11.2026 20m

  With the Democratic Party's wide majorities in the House and Senate, members of the caucus will have different ideas and approaches on offer for how they think issues should be addressed. We look at where some of the divisions may be, and how the youth vote impacted this midterm's results.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, and congressional reporter Eric McDaniel.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  What will Democrats do with their new majorities? 04.11.2026 17m

  Democrats had a very successful midterm cycle, with wins in local, state and federal offices. With new working majorities to come, how might they govern — especially with a Republican president?This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Dems win big in midterm elections 04.11.2026 19m

  Democrats flipped a number of Senate and House seats in the midterm elections, taking control of both chambers. We unpack the results, and will return later Wednesday for more detailed analysis.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  How we know when someone wins an election 03.11.2026 24m

  When you follow NPR's coverage of elections, you'll see or hear that race results are "called" by the Associated Press. What does that mean, and how does the AP make those determinations? We ask their head of elections to explain.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and AP Elections vice president David Scott.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Where things stand as voting winds down 02.11.2026 17m

  More than 56 million Americans have cast ballots in this year's midterm elections, and candidates across the country are making their closing arguments to win over those yet to vote. We look at the state of play before voting ends Tuesday.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Answering your questions before Election Day 30.10.2026 29m

  As voters vote throughout the U.S., many have questions about the country's political landscape. Our experts tackle a few of them.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Michigan's Senate race is coming down to the wire 29.10.2026 17m

  Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are making their closing arguments in their campaigns for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. What are they saying, and how are voters responding?This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Why some Dems back independent candidates for Senate 28.10.2026 15m

  The Democratic Party's image in places like Montana and Nebraska isn't great. So, in Nebraska, the state's Democratic Party opted not to run a candidate in the U.S. Senate race, and is backing an independent. In Montana, some Democrats see their party's candidate for Senate as a spoiler, preventing an independent candidate from winning. We look at both races, and what could happen next.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and congressional reporter Sam Gringlas.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  How are voters feeling before Election Day? 27.10.2026 17m

  Our latest poll captures a glimpse at how both likely and registered voters are feeling ahead of Election Day. We talk about the issues influencing their decisions, and where both Democratic and Republican candidates can find reasons to be optimistic & worried.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  The DOJ wades into elections with unprecedented cases 26.10.2026 20m

  The Department of Justice has pressured states to look into allegations of illegal voting by noncitizens, and has moved to intervene in Alaska's upcoming U.S. Senate election. What is the department's goal, and what are the implications?This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and justice correspondent Ryan Lucas.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Midterm campaigning enters home stretch 23.10.2026 18m

  President Trump continued to campaign for Republican congressional candidates, visiting traditionally red states as he tries to increase turnout among the GOP base. We discuss whether the strategy can pay off.Then, we talk about a recent campaign ad in the Ohio gubernatorial race attracting widespread controversy in some quarters.And, as usual on Fridays: Can't Let It Go.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  The peril and promise of presidential power 22.10.2026 19m

  Every president wields some amount of executive power, but Donald Trump has sought to use it more broadly than his predecessors. We look at the impacts of expanding executive power.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and congressional reporter Eric McDaniel.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Texas: Democrats' eternal hope 21.10.2026 22m

  Democrats have long seen Texas as the next state for their politicians and ideas to break through, but they haven't won a statewide race there since 1994. We look at why they think this year may break that trend.This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  Why Dems see opportunity in Alaska 20.10.2026 16m

  Democrats think they have a shot at winning a U.S. Senate seat and the governor's mansion in Alaska this election. We look at the issues at stake, and why Republicans are playing defense in a state Donald Trump won by 13 points in 2024.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and Alaska Public Media Washington correspondent Liz Ruskin.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
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  The Kansas Senate race is looking like a toss up. Yes, really. 20.10.2026 19m

  Kansas hasn't elected a Democratic senator since the 1930s. But political headwinds against Republicans are turning this year's race between incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton into a real contest. This episode: Voting correspondent Miles Parks, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced and edited by Lexie Schapitl and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy