Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

Daily thoughtful conversation about the latest news and politics.

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Recent Episodes

AI as an issue in hotly contested House race Wednesday, October 7, 2026

With AI technology and its accompanying data centers taking up some of the spotlight as a midterm issue, we look at how it's playing out in a key house race.

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'Socialist Manifesto' author on past failures and governing in the real world Tuesday, October 6, 2026

As the DSA and other ideologies on the political left begin to gain footholds in elected offices including NYC's mayoralty, we look at what 'socialism' really is, in practice.

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Affordability debate clips from crucial house race Monday, October 5, 2026

With affordability as a central political issue this midterm season, how are candidates in a key New Jersey race addressing it?

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Algorithms price gouge us. This guest wants to change that Friday, October 2, 2026

The free market supposedly sets fair prices based on supply and demand. How are algorithmic pricing models helping profiteers charge more for the same?

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The right and women’s sports (not about trans athletes) Friday, October 2, 2026

With right wing voices taking aim at transgender athletes, who they say create unfairness in women's sports, a look at the Trump administration's cuts to Title IX enforcement.

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The law and politics of the Cornell gang rape investigation Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The national discussion about sexual assault on campus has been revived in the wake of a scandal at Cornell.

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The departing UN Sec’y General cared about climate change. Did he make a difference? Tuesday, September 29, 2026

With a host of geopolitical issues including military conflicts, trade wars and more, a look at the legacy of outgoing UN Sec. Gen. António Guterres.

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Malcolm Gladwell thinks we’re having the wrong gun control debates Monday, September 28, 2026

Longstanding discussions about gun control in the US and the 2nd Amendment may be missing some of the important pieces of the conversation.

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Trump and Gen Z soften on China Friday, September 25, 2026

After a big week for international politics, we look at one of the key geopolitical relationships of our era.

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How to end the partisan redistricting wars Friday, September 25, 2026

For today's policy deep-dive ahead of the midterms, we look at the redrawing of electoral district lines, gerrymandering and fair representation.

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'People are wild.' Sarah Longwell on our weird political contradictions Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Focus groups are often a good way to pair political opinions with voters' identity and demographics in ways that polling can't.

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30 Issues Election Series Debut: Universal Health Care? Tuesday, September 22, 2026

This midterm year, several candidates have included a version of "Medicare for All" in their campaigns.

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What can the U.N. do without US funding? Monday, September 21, 2026

This week, the United Nations General Assembly gavels into session as numerous conflicts around the world draw international attention.

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How state abortion bans are affecting women's health nationwide Friday, September 18, 2026

Shefali Luthra, reproductive health reporter at The 19th, breaks down a lawsuit against Texas AG Ken Paxton, which claims a state abortion ban led to a woman's death. Plus, a look at the rising numbers of pregnancy-related deaths in states with similar bans.

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Riding the MAGA wave for racial purity and profit Thursday, September 17, 2026

A new article argues that the Trump administration's foreign policy approaches are more about enriching officials than national security or prosperity.

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One Democrat’s formula for building a supermajority Wednesday, September 16, 2026

In a midterm year, many in the political sphere have ideas about the direction of their party.

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Close read of Amodei’s existential AI threat essay Wednesday, September 16, 2026

A recent essay from a leader in the AI industry raised concerns about the threats that this technology poses to humanity.

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Alaska , Ohio and Iowa are in play? Monday, September 14, 2026

After the Republican National Convention, have the political conditions in battleground midterm states changed?

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Hillary Clinton grapples with pre- and post-9/11 failures Friday, September 11, 2026

The September 11th, 2001 terror attacks were an inflection point for New York, and for the United States.

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FDNY 9/11 Chief on the hidden documents and lessons learned Thursday, September 10, 2026

Disaster response around the world can draw on the lessons of 9/11.On Today's Show:Joseph Pfeifer, retired FDNY assistant chief, founding director of the FDNY’s Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness, and the author of Ordinary Heroes: A Memoir of 9/11 (Portfolio, HC 2021, PB 2026), talks about the lessons learned from the 9/11 response, and the heroes who stepped up that day and after. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.