Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

We continue our conversations with local congressional candidates who are running in the upcoming midterm elections. On Today's Show:Darializa Avila Chevalier, Democratic nominee for Congress (NY-13), organizer and sociologist, talks about her big win and what her priorities will be if she is elected to Congress in November. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We continue our conversations with lawmakers and candidates ahead of this year's midterm elections. On Today's Show: U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (D NY3) talks about national politics and his call for Democrats to embrace patriotism and defend capitalism in the wake of DSA victories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's the state of the midterm elections after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, and the withdrawal of Graham Platner from his Senate race? On Today's Show:Elana Schor, senior Washington editor at Semafor, talks about the latest national political news, including the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Graham Platner's withdrawal from his Senate race in Maine, and the latest on tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Note: During the live airing of this conversation, there was breaking news discussed. Always check for the latest coverage on developing stories to be sure you are up to date. The live radio show airs from 10 AM to noon, Eastern time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the Supreme Court held against President Trump's executive order challenging birthright citizenship, he has pushed the House of Representatives to find a legislative pathway to challenge it. On Today's Show: U.S Representative (D NY-6) Grace Meng talks about her primary victory, the state of the Democratic party and where birthright citizenship stands after the Supreme Court ruled to preserve it last month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the NATO summit is underway, geopolitical questions center on Iran and Ukraine, as well as other conflict zones.  On Today's Show:Drew Hinshaw, senior reporter at The Wall Street Journal, and Joe Parkinson, chief, world enterprise team at The Wall Street Journal, share their reporting on the changing relationship between Europe and the USA under President Trump, especially in light of complications from the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the midterm elections loom, a look at some key battlegrounds and headlines that could have an impact on the results in November.  On Today's Show:Astead Herndon, host and editorial director at Vox, talks about the state of the midterm elections, including the fallout in Maine after an ex-girlfriend accused Democratic candidate for Senate Graham Platner of rape, a tight senate race in Michigan and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Democratic Socialist candidates finding successes in elections around the country, why has the far-left party's agenda stopped emphasizing a former tentpole issue? On Today's Show:Robinson Meyer, founding executive editor of Heatmap talks about the DSA's evolving relationship to the Green New Deal and climate policy in general, as its members keep winning elections in big cities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that the 250th birthday party is over, what are your feelings about country? On Today's Show:USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page, author of The Queen and Her Presidents (HarperCollins, 2026), discusses the America 250 speeches and celebrations, as listeners share how they are feeling about the country today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A look at President Trump's recent financial disclosure paperwork reveals a number of lucrative streams of income.  On Today's Show:David Uberti, a reporter covering the intersection of financial markets and the economy for The Wall Street Journal, discusses those financial disclosures, including gains from his crypto businesses, and more.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of this weekend's semiquincentennial July 4th celebrations, some historians bring their insights on the Revolutionary era in New York.  On Today's Show:Thomas Wermuth, co-founder and director of the Hudson River Valley Institute and chair of Hudson River Valley History at Marist University, and Iris De Rode, a Dutch historian specializing in the American Revolution, share some of the untold stories of New York's role in the American Revolution and discuss their book Fire & Freedom: American Revolution in New York (Cornell University Press, 2026). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today marked the final day in session for the Supreme Court, which ruled on a number of key, and in some cases, divisive issues. On Today's Show:Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, senior research scholar in law and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019), offers legal analysis of the last cases argued this term. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Congress back in session, how are lawmakers and their political parties squaring up their agendas ahead of the November elections? On Today's Show:Nicholas Wu, congressional reporter at Semafor, talks about the latest from Capitol Hill, including the president's push for the SAVE Act and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show: Lisa Kashinsky, national political reporter at POLITICO, talks about the Democratic Party's infighting and its broader implications for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race as establishment Democrats sweat over some key primary election wins by progressives in New York. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of the key economic levers the government can manipulate are in pursuit of anti-trust policy. On Today's Show:Alvaro Bedoya, senior advisor at the American Economic Liberties Project and former FTC commissioner, offers his opinion on how the Paramount - Warner Brothers Discovery mega merger will affect everyday people and their jobs, and more on what he calls the pervasiveness of monopolies and their effects in the US today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Politics often involves matters of conscience, especially on consequential issues like gun violence, voter suppression and climate change. On Today's Show: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D GA), senior pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the author of  (Penguin Press, 2026) draws on the book of Isaiah to offer a sermon on the moral crises facing America, and how to address them spiritually and politically. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An agreement has been reached between the United States and Iran to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Today's Show:David Sanger, White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times and the author of New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West (Crown, 2024), discusses the details of the deal.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On July 1, there will be changes to the student loan repayment system that change the situation for new and old borrowers alike. On Today's Show:Cory Turner, NPR education correspondent and senior editor, shares what's changing, and how those impacted can navigate the changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the country gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the plans that President Trump has in mind are raising eyebrows. On Today's Show:Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic, talks about his reporting on the conflicts over the 250th anniversary celebration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As top athletes from around the world gather for the World Cup, many are representing nations embroiled in military conflict.  On Today's Show:Franklin Foer, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Harper Perennial, new edition 2026), talks about the new edition of his book and looks ahead to the start of World Cup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As trust in science and institutions has eroded, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science is teaching scientists how to better communicate their work to lay people.  On Today's Show:Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and professor of communication at Stony Brook University, explains how improv can help bridge the science gap, and how science communication intersects with politics.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With basketball fresh on everyone's mind, someone with his feet in both the sports world, and the political world, discusses.  On Today's Show:Bill Bradley, two-time NBA champion with the Knicks and former U.S. senator (D NJ), host of American Voices on Sirius XM and featured in the autobiographical documentary "Rolling Along: Bill Bradley" talks about this year's NBA finals, his take on national politics, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Speeches have an important history in the United States, not only for their historical impact, but for their role in shaping a national identity. On Today's Show:Ben Rhodes, contributor to MS NOW, the co-chair of National Security Action and an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a consequential week in D.C., as some issues, like war powers, have driven a wedge between President Trump and members of Congress, including some Republicans. On Today's Show:Elana Schor, senior Washington editor at Semafor, talks about the news out of Washington this week, including how some Republican senators are standing up to President Trump on war powers, the $1.8 billion dollar payout fund and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Trump administration continues to use the US military for geopolitical leverage, a look at the work of boots-on-the-ground service members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of the midterms, a look at some key races. On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, talks about the latest national political news, including the latest regarding the midterm elections, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The far-left politics of NYC's new(ish) mayor have drawn national attention, and raised questions about the future of Democratic politics. On Today's Show: New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani takes questions from listeners and talks about this week's news in the city, and other issues important to New Yorkers, including childcare, trans healthcare and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration announced that those seeking green cards would need to apply from their home countries, not within the U.S. as many had been able to do.  On Today's Show:Allan Wernick, legal advisor to CUNY Citizenship Now!, CUNY's free immigration law service program, offers the latest guidance on who will be affected by the change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A recent Supreme Court decision weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. On Today's Show:Daniel Squadron, co-founder of The States Project, former New York State senator and author of the forthcoming book The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union (Zando, 2026), talks about the interplay between state legislatures and the redistricting fights happening now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On our radio show, we're kicking off a series of forums for candidates running for Congress in consequential, local races. On Today's Show:Dan Goldman, US representative (D, NY-10), and Brad Lander, former NYC comptroller and former mayoral candidate, discuss key issues as they campaign in the June primary election to be the Democratic nominee for Congress for New York's 10th congressional district. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show: U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., talks about his new book, Crisis of the Common Good: The Fight for Meaning and Connection in a Broken America (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2026), and the underlying crises that have resulted in our current politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Trump administration ramps up its pressure campaign against Cuba, a look at what it means for the geopolitics of the region. On Today's Show:Nahal Toosi, Politico’s senior foreign affairs correspondent and columnist, discusses her latest reporting on how President Donald Trump and his aides have grown frustrated that their posture towards Cuba doesn't seem to be working, and what sort of military action might be on the table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Remembering Barney Frank and his recent advice for Democrats. On Today's Show: Hear excerpts from our 2015 interview with the former Massachusetts Congressman, followed by Jonathan Lemire, co-host of Morning Joe on MSNOW; writer for MSNOW and staff writer for The Atlantic, who talks about the late Barney Frank's advice for Democrats, including his defense of incremental change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A legal expert weighs in on the ways President Trump has used the legal system to evade accountability and enrich himself. On Today's Show:Andrew Weissmann, professor of practice at NYU School of Law, co-host of the podcast Main Justice and author of Liar’s Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America (Little, Brown, 2026), talks about the changes to the legal system needed to preserve US democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CBS has canceled "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." On Today's Show: As the final episodes air Bill Carter, editor at large for LateNighter.com, discusses what its loss says about today's media landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump and some of his administration officials have made recent 'gaffes' that could impact the GOP's prospects for the midterms in November. On Today's Show:David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic daily newsletter, plus author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2025), offers analysis of FBI director Kash Patel's performance during Congressional testimony, plus how he says President Trump's recent gaffes may hurt the GOP. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A New Yorker journalist has been reporting on the AI dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, as well as developments around the new PM of Hungary. On Today's Show:Andrew Marantz, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation (Viking Press, 2019), talks about his recent reporting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump has claimed that the US will sign a nuclear deal with Iran, but there are major obstacles standing in the way. On Today's Show:Nate Swanson, former director for Iran at the National Security Council between 2022 and 2025 and current director of the Iran strategy project for the Atlantic Council, offers analysis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Between the impact of AI on the job market, and geopolitics on the energy market, the current economic situation is a lot to make sense of. On Today's Show:Kai Ryssdal, host and senior editor of Marketplace, talks about the latest economic news, including recent data on inflation, jobs and productivity, the effects of President Trump's tariffs and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the November midterms start ramping up, a look at some recent polling, and some redistricting battles that could impact the outcomes.  On Today's Show:Mara Liasson, NPR national political correspondent, talks about the latest national political news, including what's happening in foreign policy as President Trump travels to China and a deal to end the Iran war is still not happening. Plus, she discusses the redistricting wars and what a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll found about the president's approval ratings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As academic terms like "critical race theory" have been reshaped by their use in political spheres, a conversation with someone who helped originate those ideas. On Today's Show: Civil rights scholar Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, co-founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, founder and executive director of the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School, distinguished professor and Promise Institute chair for human rights at UCLA Law School and Isidor and Seville Sulzbacher professor at Columbia Law School, and the author of Backtalker: An American Memoir (Simon & Schuster), talks about key moments in her life that helped her develop groundbreaking legal concepts. Crenshaw is popularly known for her development of “intersectionality,” “Critical Race Theory” and as the host of the podcast Intersectionality Matters! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, SCOTUS released a decision in a gerrymandering case in Virginia, blocking Democrats from an election map with 4 more likely blue districts.  On Today's Show:Janai Nelson, president-director counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, talks about the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Callais v. Louisiana, which they say gutted the Voting Rights Act. Plus, her reaction to the news that the Virginia Supreme Court overturned the voter-approved redistricting ballot measure that would have been a boon to Democrats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be prescribed via telemedicine.  On Today's Show: Melissa Murray, NYU law professor, co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny, MSNOW commentator and the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader (Simon & Schuster, 2026), explains the Constitution and how all the problems inherent in the founding are contained in it, not solved by it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court's recent voting rights decision could fundementally change not only the nation's electoral landscape, but how the maps themselves are drawn. On Today's Show:Nick Corasaniti, New York Times reporter covering national politics, with a focus on voting and elections, talks about the possibility of "endless redistricting wars," and how this may affect this year's midterm elections and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on two cases where the Trump administration is attempting to end TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, for thousands of Haitians and Syrians living in the US.  On Today's Show: Ciarán Donnelly, senior vice president for International Programs at International Rescue Committee, and Daniel Berlin, policy director of Protection Pathways at the International Rescue Committee, offer their take on why the program should stay legal, as well as talk about the humanitarian crisis they say is ongoing in Haiti. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court was busy today, hearing oral arguments over an immigration case, and issuing opinions on a number of other issues. On Today's Show:Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing and law at Yale Law School and author of Charged (Random House, 2019), offers legal analysis of today's arguments before the Supreme Court over Temporary Protected Status for certain refugees, and reacts to the Louisiana redistricting decision. NOTE: Today's discussion took place Wednesday morning, before SCOTUS's oral arguments began. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With an abundance of national news, a look at how Democrats in the Congress are thinking about the nation's priorities. On Today's Show: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D, NJ), author of Stand (St. Martin’s Press, 2026), talks about his ongoing efforts to gain support for a war powers resolution to stop the war in Iran and the approaching 60-day deadline, plus other national news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner be thought of as an assassination attempt, or an attempted mass shooting? On Today's Show:Brian Stelter, chief media analyst for CNN Worldwide, lead author of the Reliable Sources newsletter and the author of several books, including Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for America (Atria/One Signal Publishers, 2024), offers his perspective of the shooting at this weekend's White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mayor Mamdani's populist politics and affordability agenda have brought him national attention, as well as comparisons to his predecessor, Fiorello La Guardia.  On Today's Show: We present a live conversation in The Greene Space with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and WNYC’s Senior Politics Reporter Brigid Bergin, about his first months in office, what he has accomplished so far, and what comes next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A debate is underway among Democratic party leaders over whether to engage with influential, controversial streamer Hasan Piker. On Today's Show:Jonathan Cowan, co-founder and president of the centrist think tank Third Way, and Daniel Denvir, journalist, host of the Jacobin podcast The Dig, and author of All-American Nativism (Verso Books, 2020), address Piker's statements and debate whether or not politicians should interact with him, and more broadly, if he belongs in the Democratic coalition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump has signed an executive order in support of research into whether psychedelic drugs could be used in mental health treatments. On Today's Show:Frederick S. Barrett, director of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and professor of the Neuropsychopharmacology of Consciousness in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, talks about the use of psychedelics for mental illness and the effects of President Trump's executive order speeding up research. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.