America, Actually with Astead Herndon
Donald Trump has defined American political discourse for more than a decade. In 2028, Americans will have a different choice. On America, Actually, host Astead Herndon is joined by people in politics, people in the news, and voters to chart the journey toward the next presidential election. Every week, they dig into the most pressing questions people across the country are asking: How will AI change the way we work? What does affordability mean for different communities? And what is America’s place in the world? America, Actually is your weekly deep dive into the people and ideas that will shape what the future looks like — beyond Trump. New episodes drop every Saturday. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Can Dems flip state legislatures?
Most of the focus in this year’s midterms is naturally on Congress. But the battle to control state legislatures matters just as much, if not more.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo caption: Francesca Hong during a primary election night watch party in Madison, W
Democrats’ abortion blind spot
Why are Democrats playing it safe and missing an opportunity to make a stronger case for abortion rights?
This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becomi
The GOP strategy: Ignore Trump
Can a Republican candidate run for governor in a red state without bringing up Donald Trump a single time? We went to Ohio to find out.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo caption: Republican Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a town hall. Photo by Arden S. Barnes
What Democrats don’t get
What do Democrats misunderstand about voters, and why isn’t opposing Trump enough to win them over?
This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a V
The AI election
Polling says less than 1 percent of voters consider AI a top concern this election cycle. Michigan congressional candidate Will Lawrence sees things differently.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo caption: Emily Taylor leads chants during a protest against data ce
Israel, Trump, and the media
Mehdi Hasan, journalist and founder of Zeteo, explains how coverage of Israel and President Trump has fueled the media’s credibility crisis.
This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Americ
Latino voters swing back
Latino voters swung hard to the right in 2024. Now, they’re giving Dems another look.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo caption: A Sun Valley resident votes at the polling station located at Our Lady of The Holy Church on election day at the Sun Valley's Latino d
Your midterms study guide
With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, we’re asking a simple question: What actually matters to voters right now?
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
A polling station at Colebrook Academy and Elementary School in Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Election Day, November 5,
Florida’s progressive test
Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon overcame a 17-to-1 fundraising gap to win the state’s Democratic Senate primary. Can she score another upset in November?
This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon greets peo
The politics of Gen Z
What’s up with the kids these days? We asked a Gen Z researcher to explain her generation’s politics.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
An attendee wears a Vote hair accessory during a debate watch party with the Miami-Dade Young Democrats . Photo by Eva Marie Uz
Is MAGA still electable?
Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates?
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
U.S. Speaker of the House Mi
Hasan Piker’s challenge to the center
Democrats have been duking it out all summer. He’s at the center of it all.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Hasan Piker at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada in 2026. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Getty Images.
You can al
The Democratic divide
Progressives are racking up primary wins. Is the Democratic establishment getting the message?
This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming
The gas price vote
Will high gas prices actually change how people vote? We went to Pennsylvania to find out.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
A customer refuels his van at a gas station in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania in July. Photo by Matthew Hatcher / AFP via Getty Images.
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Fantasy draft: 2028 presidential race
Journalists Astead Herndon, Don Lemon, and Kara Swisher hold a fantasy draft to find out who has the best shot at becoming president in 2028.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Flags are displayed on the lawn of the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol Building
The Boomer politicians who won't retire
Democratic Congressman James Clyburn turned 86 years old this week. He has no plans to retire.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) announcing he is running for a 18th term. Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.
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Progressives take on the Rust Belt
First there was New York, then Colorado. But can a progressive candidate win in the Rust Belt?
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Benjamin Stephen, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. Photo by Sarah R
Kamala, 2028
The former vice president’s loyal base seems ready for another go, but Democratic donors are wary.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/me
The lessons from Graham Platner’s implosion
What should the progressive left take away from the collapse of Graham Platner’s campaign?
This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian.
You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member:
America’s 250-year checkup
Can the country’s founding ideals still unite a divided nation? This episode is presented by the Rockefeller Foundation.
This show was produced by Dustin DeSoto, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transc
How Trump lost the bro vote
The group of men that famously helped propel Trump to the White House in 2024 is having second thoughts. Here’s what that means for Republicans in the future.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Fans at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the South Lawn of the White House w
The young candidates shaking up the Dem Party
AI, policing and generational change are among the issues influencing two primary races in New York that reflect the broader 2026 midterms.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Voting signage at a polling location for the primary election in New York. Photo by Michael N
Hasan Piker vs. The Establishment
Hasan Piker has become one of the most prominent leftist voices in the US. But his rapid rise has sparked a furious backlash from establishment Democrats -- specifically the Third Way think tank.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Further reading: Third Way’s critique
Can corruption drive voter turnout?
We went to Virginia to report on redistricting. What we found was a potential new message for Democrats to win over voters.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Voters attending a candidate forum hosted by RVA indivisible at the Libby Mill Library in Richmond, VA. P
You voted. Does it matter?
Democrats talk a lot about protecting democracy, but for most Americans, the system was written to exclude them a long time ago.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo by Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.
You can also watch this episode on youtu
Working in the age of AI
What skills will matter most in the AI era, and how can workers avoid being left behind? We look at one big bet aimed at supporting the US workforce. This episode is presented by The Rockefeller Foundation.
This show was produced by Dustin DeSoto, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Photo by Getty Images/Kindamorphic.
Listen to Today, Explained
The data center war
There’s a growing disconnect between a local community that says it’s being treated as the "guinea pigs" in a new industrial revolution, and Washington politicians.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Shelby Smith, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
A massive new data center in Vineland, New Jersey. Ph
"Affordability" is the new progressive
What do buzzwords like “progressive” and “affordability” mean to voters? We went to one of the most Democratic congressional districts to find out.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) rolling out out a new affordability strategy along with other H
Grading America's first 250 years
America at 250 years old may need a new founding document. Historian Heather Cox Richardson drafts a new social contract. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. In this episode, Richardson references a tweet of Boebert's, not a text.
A protester holds a copy of the Declarati
This Senator has an Eric Swalwell problem
We were set to talk to Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego about solving our immigration crisis. Then Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
Rep. Eric Swalwell and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Im
Why both sides fail on immigration
Immigration might be President Donald Trump’s signature issue, but what do Americans actually think about border security and enforcement?
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.
A migrant climbs over the border fence into the US after fetching groceries for other migrants
America Post-Trump
What does US politics look like when Donald Trump is no longer at the center of it? In 2028, voters will get to decide. But for now, we explore.
This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact-checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Christopher Snyder is our video editor, and Koon Nguy is our senior art director. Our executive producer is Christina Vallice.
Introducing: America, Actually with Astead Herndon
America, Actually is a new podcast from Vox where host Astead Herndon explores what US politics looks like without Donald Trump at the center. It’s been a one-man show for more than a decade, but now, the US is heading towards the first open presidential election since 2016. It will play out in a country that feels inherently different.
Every Saturday, America, Actually will be in your feed with
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