Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Daily thoughtful conversation about the latest news and politics.

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Recent Episodes

Elon vs. Sam; Plus fighting “competitive authoritarianism” Friday, May 15, 2026

A New Yorker journalist has been reporting on the AI dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, as well as developments around the new PM of Hungary.

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Getting to yes vs. getting to no nukes in Iran Thursday, May 14, 2026

President Trump has claimed that the US will sign a nuclear deal with Iran, but there are major obstacles standing in the way.

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Why stocks shrug off inflation and the war Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Between the impact of AI on the job market, and geopolitics on the energy market, the current economic situation is a lot to make sense of.

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Why Democrats could get more midterm votes but lose the House anyway Tuesday, May 12, 2026

As the November midterms start ramping up, a look at some recent polling, and some redistricting battles that could impact the outcomes.

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She named 'critical race theory' and 'intersectionality' and would like to explain Monday, May 11, 2026

As academic terms like "critical race theory" have been reshaped by their use in political spheres, a conversation with someone who helped originate those ideas.

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Now what? Janai Nelson after arguing the SCOTUS voting rights case Friday, May 8, 2026

Today, SCOTUS released a decision in a gerrymandering case in Virginia, blocking Democrats from an election map with 4 more likely blue districts.

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Abortion pill rights, voting rights and the constitution according to Melissa Murray Tuesday, May 5, 2026

On Monday, the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be prescribed via telemedicine.

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Did SCOTUS revive Jim Crow districting? Monday, May 4, 2026

The Supreme Court's recent voting rights decision could fundementally change not only the nation's electoral landscape, but how the maps themselves are drawn.

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What TPS recipients might experience if they're sent back to Haiti Thursday, April 30, 2026

The Supreme Court heard arguments on two cases where the Trump administration is attempting to end TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, for thousands of Haitians and Syrians living in the US.

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SCOTUS considers mass deportation of people here legally Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The Supreme Court was busy today, hearing oral arguments over an immigration case, and issuing opinions on a number of other issues.

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Sen. Cory Booker: The 60 day war gives Congress a chance Tuesday, April 28, 2026

With an abundance of national news, a look at how Democrats in the Congress are thinking about the nation's priorities.

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How the president and White House correspondents are now more like you Monday, April 27, 2026

Should the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner be thought of as an assassination attempt, or an attempted mass shooting?

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Weekend Special: NYC Mayor Mamdani’s First 100ish Days, and Lessons from LaGuardia Saturday, April 25, 2026

Mayor Mamdani's populist politics and affordability agenda has brought him national attention, as well as comparisons to his predecessor, Fiorello La Guardia.

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Debate: Should Dems appear with Hasan Piker? Thursday, April 23, 2026

A debate is underway among Democratic party leaders over whether to engage with influential, controversial streamer Hasan Piker.

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Just say yes to psychedelics research Tuesday, April 21, 2026

President Trump has signed an executive order in support of research into whether psychedelic drugs could be used in mental health treatments.

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Inflation, Iran, Israel and the midterm elections Monday, April 20, 2026

With congressional elections coming up in November, how are certain national (and international) issues impacting the polls?

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Europe’s leaders pledge to not forget Ukraine Friday, April 17, 2026

With the war in Iran taking up much geopolitical attention, how has focus changed on other conflicts of global importance?

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What Viktor Orbán's loss in Hungry could mean for Vance in 2028 Thursday, April 16, 2026

JD Vance is in the spotlight after a number of international stories involving the vice president.

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Vance vs. Pope Leo on what’s a just war Wednesday, April 15, 2026

In a now-deleted social media post, President Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. He has also recently attacked Pope Leo XIV.

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“Voluntary intoxication” and the Swalwell allegations Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Explosive reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle made public sexual assault allegations against California Representative (and erstwhile candidate for governor) Eric Swalwell.