The NPR Politics Podcast

Where is Mitch McConnell?

It was another busy week in politics. We discuss Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell’s extended absence from the Senate and the latest news in the Michigan Senate primary. Plus, when does a sex scandal cross a line and make a politician too controversial for voters?This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye.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

What’s next after Democrat Platner exits Maine Senate race?

Democrat Graham Platner has announced that he is dropping out of the race to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate, following new allegations — which Platner denies — that he raped a woman he once dated. We discuss how the Democratic Party ended up with such a controversial nominee and what comes next in the race for this Senate seat that the party desperately hopes to flip.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Elena Moore, and Maine Public chief politics and government correspondent Steve Mistler.This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye.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

Trump says the Iran ceasefire is over. What happens now?

While attending a NATO summit in Turkey, President Trump said the ceasefire in Iran is over. We discuss what comes next for the conflict and why the United States hasn’t won a war in at least 25 years.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, national security correspondent Greg Myre, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Rachel Baye.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

This Supreme Court term gave presidents a lot more power

The U.S. Supreme Court term that ended last week greatly expanded power not just for President Trump but for future presidents, too. It also gave Republicans an advantage in this year’s midterm election. We discuss the biggest cases and look ahead to cases the court plans to hear in the fall.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, Supreme Court and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.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

Trump calls FIFA, then FIFA lifts ban on U.S. star player

President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card and one-game suspension given to U.S. men’s national team star striker Folarin Balogun. Now Balogun can play in Monday’s game against Belgium. We discuss the politics behind FIFA’s unusual decision and how much of a role Trump played.This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, sports correspondent Becky Sullivan, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.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