The NPR Politics Podcast

The president's party typically loses seats in a midterm election, and President Trump's low favorability ratings aren't helping Republicans as November nears. We discuss how Republican candidates are pitching themselves to voters and what structural advantages could improve their odds. 

This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and political reporter Saige Miller.

This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye.

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

The economy is growing very slowly, and wages aren't keeping up with inflation, which is keeping gas and grocery prices high. We discuss how politicians are navigating the sluggish economy on the campaign trail and how President Trump is making Republicans' case harder. 

This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.

This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye.

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

Some Senate Republicans are refusing to approve President Trump's attorney general pick unless the Trump administration commits in writing to certain guarantees related to the president's settlement with the IRS. We discuss that fight, plus why the Patriot missile defense system matters so much to Ukraine. 

This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.

This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and edited by Rachel Baye.

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

This podcast was taped at 1:15 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong leads in the polls over Milwaukee County executive David Crowley. Hong's progressive views and membership in the Democratic Socialists of America has won her fans on the Democratic Party's left, but others in the party fear she couldn't win a general election. We look at the race, its candidates and the issues at play.

This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and Wisconsin Public Radio state house reporter Anya van Wagtendonk.

This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.
Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

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

Overwhelming majorities of voters think that corruption is a problem, according to research from the Brennan Center for Justice. Democrats plan on making allegations of corruption a key part of their midterm strategies, but will that succeed in getting voters' support?

This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and senior political correspondent Mara Liasson.

This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs.

Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

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