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The NPR Politics Podcast

The NPR Politics Podcast

NPR 1750 Episodes Sep 18, 2026

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened; they tell you why it matters. This podcast provides in-depth analysis of U.S. politics and elections.

Episodes

Campaign messaging, concerts & Can't Let It Go
Campaign messaging, concerts & Can't Let It Go Sep 18, 2026 1765 Some Republican candidates are using inflammatory and anti-Muslim rhetoric in their campaign ads and public statements. We look at what they're saying, and why they're saying it.Then, a free speech controversy made its way to the music world. After making pro-Palestinian statements during recent concerts, rapper Macklemore was removed from shows opening for Ed Sheeran. We explain what's going on.A
How to watch the midterms like we do
How to watch the midterms like we do Sep 17, 2026 1249 Ever wondered how we pick some of the key races we watch during elections? Here's your chance. In this special edition of The NPR Politics Podcast, which was recorded before a live virtual audience, our reporters break down some of the elections and issues they'll be paying especially close attention to this November, and why they stand out.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith
How do you solve a problem like AI?
How do you solve a problem like AI? Sep 16, 2026 1094 Evangelists say AI saves time and increases productivity. Doomsayers argue AI will destroy humanity. While the truth may be somewhere in between, lawmakers and businesses are figuring out how to put the toothpaste back in the tube & find ways to regulate the burgeoning industry. We take a look at the risks, and what Congress can do.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congres
Voters say the American Dream is dead. Why?
Voters say the American Dream is dead. Why? Sep 15, 2026 1131 Voters tell us they're frustrated with the economy, that costs are too high, and that neither Democrats nor Republicans seem able to solve their problems. We listen to swing voters in Michigan to understand how their worries could impact that state's Senate race.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior national political corresponde
Missouri's map mayhem
Missouri's map mayhem Sep 14, 2026 1133 Like other Republican-led states, Missouri heeded President Trump's call to redraw congressional maps to try and create new, safe seats for Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. Those efforts, though, are on hold due to court orders and efforts by citizens to put the maps up for a vote in a referendum this November. We explain what's going on.This episode: senior political corresponden
How 9/11 reshaped U.S. intelligence | Sources & Methods
How 9/11 reshaped U.S. intelligence | Sources & Methods Sep 12, 2026 3576 September 11th presented a new kind of national security threat, so a new national security architecture was built to confront it. Has it worked? Are we safer? This special episode from Sources & Methods, the national security podcast from NPR, host Mary Louise Kelly and former top intelligence officials discuss what happened behind closed doors on 9/11, and how the events of that day are still sh
The legacy of 9/11
The legacy of 9/11 Sep 11, 2026 2168 We reflect on how U.S. domestic and foreign policy have changed since, and continue to be influenced by, the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Support public media
The young conservative movement post-Charlie Kirk
The young conservative movement post-Charlie Kirk Sep 10, 2026 934 The activist is credited for increasing support of conservative causes among young voters, but nobody has had a similar influence since Kirk was killed last year. Who may pick up the mantle, and will these voters continue to support conservatives?Plus, a discussion of President Trump's latest pitch to voters: a $5,000 check if Republicans maintain control of Congress after the midterms.This episod
How Trump's immigration policy has evolved
How Trump's immigration policy has evolved Sep 9, 2026 1320 After campaigning on a platform to curtail illegal immigration to the United States, President Trump has shifted federal immigration policy to severely limit all forms of immigration. We look at what's happened, and what the impacts have been.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.This podcast w
What is the GOP convention happening this week?
What is the GOP convention happening this week? Sep 8, 2026 1090 Republicans are trying to win back skeptical voters by holding a midterm convention in Dallas this week. What will they do there, will the rally work, and how are their plans different than from what Democrats are planning?This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced a
Trump's oil "deal" and gunboat diplomacy | Sources & Methods
Trump's oil "deal" and gunboat diplomacy | Sources & Methods Sep 4, 2026 1626 The U.S. military is now in the oil business and once again targeting what it says are "narco terrorist" drug boats. What is the Trump administration trying to achieve in the Western Hemisphere?In this episode of NPR's national security podcast Sources & Methods, guest host Scott Detrow, national security correspondent Greg Myre and international reporter John Otis break down how the Trump adminis
A tale of two Senate candidates
A tale of two Senate candidates Sep 3, 2026 1110 Sen. Jon Ossoff is the only incumbent Democratic senator running in a state Donald Trump won in 2024. Abdul El-Sayed is running to try and hold on to Democrats' Senate seat. We compare and contrast their campaigns as both Republicans and Democrats try to win these competitive races.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior national p

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