The NPR Politics Podcast Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

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The NPR Politics Podcast

From NPR

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics

Most Recent Episodes

The Arizona state seal on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Capitol in Phoenix. Matt York/AP hide caption

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Matt York/AP

Arizona's largest voting bloc? Folks who don't identify with either party.

Independent voters aren't necessarily swing voters. Most usually vote with one party. But in Arizona, they now represent the single largest group of voters in a state that is essential for both the presidency and control of the Senate.

Arizona's largest voting bloc? Folks who don't identify with either party.

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FILE: The debate stage is set ahead of the start of the second and final presidential debate Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Patrick Semansky/AP hide caption

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Patrick Semansky/AP

Weekly roundup: Next week's debate; masculinity in politics

Like two heavyweights looking for a rematch, President Biden and former President Trump have their first of two scheduled debates next week. But, this debate will look and feel different than others before — how are the candidates preparing? Plus, a look at the intersection between masculinity and politics, and Can't Let It Go.

Weekly roundup: Next week's debate; masculinity in politics

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President Joe Biden speaks about reproductive freedom on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

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Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Abortion on the campaign trail

Nearly two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has been playing a large role in campaign messaging. We explore how both Democratic and Republican candidates are using the issue to shape their pitches to voters.

Abortion on the campaign trail

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Rep. Andy Kim talks to reporters at the Bergen County Democratic convention in Paramus, N.J., Monday, March 4, 2024. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

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Seth Wenig/AP

Rep. Andy Kim on his Senate bid & political career

Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., didn't expect to run for the Senate. But when Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted on corruption allegations, he decided to act. In a wide-ranging interview with NPR's Susan Davis, Kim talks about his decision, his political career, and his hopes for the future of American politics.

Rep. Andy Kim on his Senate bid & political career

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Border Patrol agents talk with migrants seeking asylum as they prepare them for transportation to be processed, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, near Dulzura, Calif. Gregory Bull/AP hide caption

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Gregory Bull/AP

Biden launches new immigration action

In an executive action released today, President Biden announced plans to offer protection against deportation to an estimated half a million undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, and noncitizen minors & stepchildren of American citizens. It would also allow eligible immigrants to apply for legal permanent status.

Biden launches new immigration action

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People arrive before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the "People's Convention" of Turning Point Action Saturday, June 15, 2024 in Detroit. Carlos Osorio/Detroit hide caption

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Carlos Osorio/Detroit

Does Trump have the rizz?

Young voters historically vote for Democrats. But, former President Trump's style and rhetoric are drawing attention among some casting their first ballots. We went to a conservative convention in Detroit to learn more.

Does Trump have the rizz?

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

Politics Roundup: Trump on the Hill, older voters in Florida

Donald Trump returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since his supporters disrupted the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6, 2021. The event was a clear demonstration of how the party has coalesced entirely behind him.

Politics Roundup: Trump on the Hill, older voters in Florida

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The Supreme Court on October 4, 2023. Catie Dull/NPR hide caption

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Catie Dull/NPR

Supreme Court punts on abortion pill access.

In a unanimous decision, the justices ruled that the litigants did not have standing to bring the case. But there will more challenges to abortion access ahead, including another pending case this term.

Supreme Court punts on abortion pill access.

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Inside the Arizona State Capitol, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Phoenix after the Arizona legislature gave final approval to a the proposal that will ask voters to make it a state crime for noncitizens to enter the state through Mexico at any location other than a port of entry. Matt York/AP hide caption

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Matt York/AP

In Arizona, will abortion access and immigration ballot measures drive turnout?

As abortion access advocates canvas the state gathering signatures to get a ballot initiative in front of voters, Republican lawmakers in Arizona advanced an immigration enforcement referendum of their own. Both are likely to drive turnout in November's election, though figuring out exactly who that benefits is complicated.

In Arizona, will abortion access and immigration ballot measures drive turnout?

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President Joe Biden stands with his son Hunter Biden, left, as he looks at a plaque dedicated to his late son Beau Biden while visiting Mayo Roscommon Hospice in County Mayo, Ireland, Friday, April 14, 2023. Patrick Semansky/AP hide caption

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Patrick Semansky/AP

Trump attacks the DOJ as "rigged." It just convicted Hunter Biden of three felonies.

Hunter Biden, the president's son, has been convicted on three felony charges tied to his purchase of a firearm while addicted to illegal drugs. President Biden says he will not pardon his son.

Trump attacks the DOJ as "rigged." It just convicted Hunter Biden of three felonies.

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