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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.

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
The NPR Politics Podcast

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The NPR Politics Podcast

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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

Trump Is Breaking All The Rules Of The Iowa Caucuses — And Still Winning

The Iowa caucuses are less than two months away, and former President Trump remains the clear frontrunner in state polls. But, challengers Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis have recently picked up key endorsements that could challenge Trump's hold on that state.

Trump Is Breaking All The Rules Of The Iowa Caucuses — And Still Winning

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A Court Ruling Poses A New Threat To The Voting Rights Act's Protections

Last week, a federal appeals court ruled that private individuals and groups, like the ACLU or NAACP, can't sue under a key section of the Voting Rights Act. It's a decision that could reshape the political landscape, at a time when states across the country are already fighting over district lines.

A Court Ruling Poses A New Threat To The Voting Rights Act's Protections

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The Supreme Court's Shadow Docket

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

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Catie Dull/NPR

The Supreme Court's Shadow Docket

Roe. Brown. Obergefell. Dobbs. These Supreme Court decisions are the ones that make headlines, and eventually history books. But today, the vast majority of the Court's work actually happens out of the public eye, on what's become known as the shadow docket. The story of that transformation spans more than a century, and doesn't fall neatly along partisan lines. Today, thanks to our friends at NPR's history podcast Throughline: how the so-called court of last resort has gained more and more power over American policy, and why the debates we don't see are often more important than the ones we do.

The Supreme Court's Shadow Docket

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A Thanksgiving Treat: The NPR Politics Podcast Quiz

US President Joe Biden pardons Chocolate, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, as he is joined by the National Turkey Federation Chairman Ronnie Parker (C) and Alexa Starnes, Daughter of the Owner of Circle S Ranch on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on November 21, 2022. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

A Thanksgiving Treat: The NPR Politics Podcast Quiz

In this edition of the podcast, originally only available to NPR Politics Podcast+ supporters, Tamara Keith and Ron Elving quiz one lucky listener on the month that was in political news.

A Thanksgiving Treat: The NPR Politics Podcast Quiz

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Israel and Hamas Agree to Temporary Cease-fire and Hostage Release

After six weeks of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day pause in hostilities. As part of the agreement, 50 hostages currently held by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel will be released.

Israel and Hamas Agree to Temporary Cease-fire and Hostage Release

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The Jan. 6 Case Against Donald Trump is Taking Shape

The federal election interference case against former President Trump is months away from going to trial, but last week we got a sneak peek at how prosecutors plan to make the case that Trump was responsible for the violence of Jan. 6.

The Jan. 6 Case Against Donald Trump is Taking Shape

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GOP Presidential Hopefuls Are Trying To Thread The Needle On Abortion

For decades, abortion has been a motivating force for the Republican base. But in a post-Roe, world, it's become a political liability in general elections.

GOP Presidential Hopefuls Are Trying To Thread The Needle On Abortion

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Fights, Fowl, Flagging Polls & Funding The Government

The United States Capitol on Oct. 4, 2023. Catie Dull/NPR hide caption

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Catie Dull/NPR

Fights, Fowl, Flagging Polls & Funding The Government

It was a busy week in Washington. President Biden's support from Arab-American and Muslim American voters over Israel's war with Hamas. Congress managed to avoid a shutdown, but not without members verbally — and physically — attacking each other. And, two turkeys get ready for a stay of execution.

Fights, Fowl, Flagging Polls & Funding The Government

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Poll: Americans Divided Over Israel's War With Hamas

Demonstrators in support of Israel gather to denounce antisemitism and call for the release of Israeli hostages, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2023. Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Poll: Americans Divided Over Israel's War With Hamas

The latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll shows a growing number of Americans think Israel's military actions against Hamas have gone too far compared to data from last month. Respondents also are split on whether to continue financial & military support to Israel and to Ukraine in their wars, and whether the U.S. should play a leadership role in global affairs.

Poll: Americans Divided Over Israel's War With Hamas

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Speaker Mike Johnson's Ties To The Christian Right

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during a news conference with families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, in the Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol November 7, 2023 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images hide caption

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Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Speaker Mike Johnson's Ties To The Christian Right

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., has long-held ties to Christian activists and leaders — some of whom are linked to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and the growing Christian nationalism movement. We explore what those views are, and why they matter in today's political landscape.

Speaker Mike Johnson's Ties To The Christian Right

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