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PODCAST

Playing Politics

Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune’s John Rash in addition to editorial writer Patricia Lopez and columnists Lori Sturdevant and D.J. Tice – award-winning journalists who bring varied perspectives to the issues of the day.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 5, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 151

    Tight race for attorney general

    Republicans try to take the office for the first time in decades. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  2. 150

    OPEC and the U.S. electorate

    Could the cartel's moves to raise oil prices decrease Democrats' midterm chances? Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  3. 149

    Political fallout from the Feeding Our Future scandal

    The race for governor and other state offices in Minnesota is scrambled. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  4. 148

    The Feeding Our Future scandal

    The Justice Department's allegations have broad legal and political implications. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  5. 147

    Takeaways from Omar's narrow victory

    The Fifth District representative barely beat her DFL challenger. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  6. 146

    Birk's comments roil race

    The Republican lieutenant governor candidate put the focus on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  7. 145

    What matters most from Jan. 6 hearing

    Witness Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony included several revelations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  8. 144

    GOP witnesses center stage at Jan. 6 hearings

    The House hearings have featured fellow Republicans testifying about what led to the attack on the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  9. 143

    Governor's race already heating up

    Key issues will likely include inflation and crime. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  10. 142

    Gearing up for the Jan. 6 hearings

    Broadcast and cable news networks - except for Fox News - will carry the primetime coverage starting Thursday night. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash.

  11. 141

    Federal money on the table, but Legislature stalled

    A special session would be needed to get Minnesota's share of the infrastructure bill. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  12. 140

    Jensen's post-endorsement challenges

    The GOP's pick for Minnesota governor will face new scrutiny as he heads to the general election. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  13. 139

    Rising prices may mean sinking fortunes for Democrats

    Inflation is likely to frame the debate around the midterms. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  14. 138

    Report on MPD will reverberate

    A searing analysis from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will impact city and state politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  15. 137

    Mask ruling causes confusion, then controversy

    The political and public health dynamics of the decision are discussed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  16. 136

    A budget surplus but a deficit of agreement

    Republicans and Democrats are far apart at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  17. 135

    Biden's popularity soars - abroad

    The president's U.S. approval ratings don't match their rise overseas. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  18. 134

    Biden heads to Europe

    The president looks to advance allied unity on Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  19. 133

    Zelenskyy's address to Congress

    The Ukrainian president's speech is analyzed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  20. 132

    Report roasts Mpls. riot response

    Mayor Jacob Frey and other leaders failed to follow protocols. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  21. 131

    The invasion - and sanctions - begin

    The U.S. and Western allies react to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  22. 130

    Mixed signals on Ukraine

    The status of Russian forces and communication between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents is unclear. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  23. 129

    Locke shooting roils Minneapolis

    Police-community relations in the city are once again national news. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Sheletta Brundidge and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  24. 128

    Breyer retirement

    The impending vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court comes at a key moment for the Biden administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  25. 127

    The president meets the press

    Nearly a year into his tenure, President Joe Biden will hold a news conference on Wednesday. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  26. 126

    Showdown on voting rights

    President Joe Biden's legislative push gets pushback from key GOP leaders. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  27. 125

    Jan. 6 shadows 2022 politics

    The congressional investigation into the 2021 attack on the Capitol will affect the runup to the midterm elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  28. 124

    A turbulent 2021

    A very vexing year heading into crucial midterm and state elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  29. 123

    Will surplus break the legislative logjam?

    State lawmakers consider Minnesota's robust revenue forecast. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  30. 122

    Roe v. Wade case tests the court, and maybe soon the country

    Supreme Court justices weigh in on a Mississippi case on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  31. 121

    COVID's hold grimly endures

    Despite major medical advancements, the pandemic continues - and continues its impact on politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Jill Burcum and John Rash.

  32. 120

    U.S. House debates fate of Paul Gosar

    The Republican representative may be censured for posting an animated, violent video. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  33. 119

    Judge rejects Trump's executive-privilege claim

    The former president is trying to shield information related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  34. 118

    A good night for Frey

    The Minneapolis mayor was reelected and ballot measures went his way. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  35. 117

    City elections down to final days

    Minneapolis, St. Paul voters are most focused on public safety. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  36. 116

    Dems' narrow majority slims down bill

    Many of President Joe Biden's priorities are the subject of tense congressional negotiations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  37. 115

    Election (and endorsement) season

    Voters in Minneapolis and St. Paul - as well as the Star Tribune Editorial Board - focus on the campaign.  Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  38. 114

    Biden administration besieged

    From foreign policy to domestic dynamics, the president faces persistent challenges - and criticism. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  39. 113

    Woodward's bombshell book on Trump

    Among the reporter's revelations are that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff phoned his Chinese counterpart twice to reassure him during the final weeks of the president's administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  40. 112

    Gazelka enters the race for governor

    The Senate majority leader becomes the latest Republican to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  41. 111

    Biden's deadline dilemma

    The president is pressed by allies and lawmakers to extend the Afghanistan withdrawal date past Aug. 31. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  42. 110

    Bipartisan heat on John Thompson

    Republican and DFL leaders call for the St. Paul representative, a Democrat, to resign. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  43. 109

    Special session sprints to finish

    Despite the acrimony it appears that Minnesota will avoid a government shutdown. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  44. 108

    Uptown upheaval latest test for Minneapolis

    The city contends with continued demonstrations over a law-enforcement shooting and the death of a protester. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.

  45. 107

    Reopening George Floyd Square vexes Mayor Frey

    Minneapolis struggles with implementing changes to the site. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  46. 106

    State budget brinkmanship

    As time winds down, a wide divide is still apparent between DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Republican leaders at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

  47. 105

    The Cheney purge

    House Republicans, toeing Trump's line (and lies), kick Liz Cheney from her leadership position. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.

  48. 104

    The Chauvin verdict

    Reverberations from the jury's conviction continue. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  49. 103

    Infrastructure Week (era, actually)

    President Joe Biden proposes a $2 trillion plan. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.

  50. 102

    Will Washington finally act on guns?

    Mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder renew calls for congressional action. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune’s John Rash in addition to editorial writer Patricia Lopez and columnists Lori Sturdevant and D.J. Tice – award-winning journalists who bring varied perspectives to the issues of the day.

HOSTED BY

Star Tribune Editorial Board

Produced by Terry Sauer

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Playing Politics have?

Playing Politics currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Playing Politics about?

Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the...

How often does Playing Politics release new episodes?

Playing Politics has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Playing Politics?

You can listen to Playing Politics on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Playing Politics?

Playing Politics is created and hosted by Star Tribune Editorial Board.
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