The NPR Politics Podcast

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.

Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for The NPR Politics Podcast.
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Episode's summary

Voters have many ways to learn about the candidates and issues they'll vote on each election cycle. Some are now turning to AI chatbots to get that info, asking the tools to tell them about who they should vote for. We look at the trend, and why voters are doing it. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Maham Javaid, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. 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

Episodes

3418-

AI chatbots: the new voter guides?

Voters have many ways to learn about the candidates and issues they'll vote on each election cycle. Some are now turning to AI chatbots to get that info, asking the tools to tell them about who they should vote for. We look at the trend, and why voters are doing it. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Maham Javaid, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. 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

14 Oct 2026
3417-

Why the GOP Is now worried about Ohio

Ohio was a political bellwether for many years, but has trended solidly Republican since Donald Trump entered politics. But now, Democrats are closing the gap in races for Ohio governor and U.S. senator. Why are Republicans worried they'll lose these seats — and what's making Democrats optimistic of their chances? This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and Ohio Statehouse Newsroom bureau chief Karen Kasler. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. 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

13 Oct 2026
3416-

What does the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq mean for the region? | Sources & Methods

Earlier this month, American forces fully withdrew from Iraq for the second time since the 2003 invasion. In this episode of NPR's national security podcast Sources & Methods, host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR International Correspondent Jane Arraf who is in Baghdad to see how Iraqis are greeting the moment. And NPR Pentagon Correspondent Tom Bowman explains how this withdrawal and the ongoing war with Iran are changing America's footprint in the region. He also discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "State of the Force" address. We'll be back with a new episode of the NPR Politics Podcast tomorrow, October 13. 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

12 Oct 2026
3415-

It's a great time to spy on America

The FBI has cut counterintelligence efforts, dedicating fewer resources to finding and preventing espionage in the United States. What are the practical, and political, implications? Then, we take listener questions about the midterms, and talk about the things from the week we can't stop thinking about in Can't Let It Go. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. 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

09 Oct 2026
3414-

What is the Protect College Sports Act?

During many college sports events recently, ads have run encouraging people to call their congressmembers to support the Protect College Sports Act. But what exactly would be protected, and how would it impact athletes? We explain the legislation, and why Congress is showing interest in regulating college sports. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel, and sports correspondent Becky Sullivan. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. 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

08 Oct 2026