POLITICO Tech

The POLITICO Tech podcast is your daily download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. From AI and the metaverse to disinformation and microchips, we explore how today’s technology is shaping our world — and driving the policy decisions, global rivalries and industries that will matter tomorrow.

Tech News
Politics
Daily News
501
Could angry parents decide Virginia?
In a potential preview of the 2022 midterms, Republican Glenn Youngkin is trying to harness parental frustration in his bid to become governor of Virginia. POLITICO’s Michael Stratford reports. Plus, the FCC votes to halt China Telecom operations in America. And the U.S. plans to defer 33 million Covid vaccine doses to Africa.
11 min
502
Facebook fights back
Facebook is fighting bitterly to save its image. But as POLITICO’s Emily Birnbaum reports, the company isn’t up against your average whistleblower. Plus, the Biden administration rolls out new rules for international travelers. And the U.S. Education Department aims to ‘stop’ Florida from pulling federal aid over school mask mandates.
10 min
503
The chopping block
Democrats hope to have a deal on their spending plan by the end of the week. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna breaks down which provisions are facing the chopping block as the party tries to win over moderates. Plus, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expects inflation to linger into next year. And the CDC’s Rochelle Walensky says you can trick-or-treat.
12 min
504
Inside New York’s mayoral debate
Ever wonder what it’s like to moderate a debate? POLITICO New York’s Sally Goldenberg shares her experience putting questions to Democratic frontrunner Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa in their first one-on-one matchup. Plus, the Fed cracks down on trading by top officials. And Gov. DeSantis calls for a special session to fight Biden’s vaccine mandate.
11 min
505
An unofficial guide to boosters
From mixing and matching to what age groups are approved, POLITICO’s Lauren Gardner breaks down the latest on boosters. Plus, the director of the NIH decries unproven Covid origin theories. And California Gov. Newsom signs an order to ease supply chain issues.
12 min
506
Could Dems lose it all in Virginia?
The governor’s mansion isn’t the only thing on the line in November. Republicans could also take back control of the State House. POLITICO’s Liz Crampton reports. Plus, Facebook will pay up to $14.3M to settle claims it discriminated against U.S. workers. And DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tests positive for Covid.
11 min
507
Bitcoin's big week
Federal regulators are letting the cryptocurrency move one step closer to legitimacy. POLITICO's Kellie Mejdrich reports. Plus, the State Department's Inspector General launches investigations into the end of diplomatic operations in Afghanistan. And Trump sues the Jan. 6 committee.
11 min
508
WTH is happening in Congress?
Infrastructure, reconciliation and debt ... oh my! POLITICO's Congress editor Elana Schor breaks down the latest from the Hill. Plus, Transportation Secretary Buttigieg warns some supply chain problems will persist into 2022. And Dr. Fauci tamps down concerns about the Covid booster review process.
12 min
509
A Christmas crisis?
President Biden is trying to ease supply chain issues as Republicans latch onto looming shortages ahead of the holidays. POLITICO’s Steven Overly reports. Plus, the FDA’s vaccine panel endorses Moderna’s booster shot for elderly people and others at high risk. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vows to sue the Biden administration over vaccine mandates.
12 min
510
What to expect when the vax mandate drops
President Biden's vaccine mandate is inching its way closer to reality. POLITICO's Rebecca Rainey looks at what'll happen when it takes effect. Plus, the Department of Justice opens a civil rights probe into youth correctional facilities in Texas. And the Education Department settles a union lawsuit over debt forgiveness.
12 min
511
‘Hunger Games’-meets-musical chairs in West Vir...
West Virginia has three incumbent members of Congress. But it’s losing a seat to redistricting. POLITICO’s Ally Mutnick reports. Plus, Southwest and American airlines say their workers will have to get vaccinated despite Gov. Abbott’s order banning vaccine mandates. And a divided Supreme Court considers who can defend abortion restrictions.
10 min
512
The ‘tip of the iceberg’ for Facebook
Facebook has been in hot water before. But this time could be different. POLITICO’s Alexandra LeVine reports. Plus, 24 countries plan to join a pledge led by the U.S. and E.U. to reduce methane emissions. And Merck asks the FDA for emergency use approval of experimental Covid pill.
12 min
513
Presenting Tradeoffs: Can Democrats Reconcile T...
Congressional Democrats’ blockbuster spending bill could include some historic health reforms, but major political hurdles remain. POLITICO reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein joins the health policy podcast Tradeoffs to discuss the tough health policy compromises facing Democratic lawmakers. Guest: Alice Miranda Ollstein, health care reporter, POLITICO This episode was hosted by Dan Gorenstein, produced by Leslie Walker and mixed by Andrew Parrella.
14 min
514
An international struggle for power
The US and China are locked in a power competition. POLITICO’s Alex Ward breaks down what he learned from conversations with lawmakers and experts about where the feud is headed. Plus, a new POLITICO-Harvard poll shows most Americans support vaccine mandates for schoolkids. And the Senate confirms three of Biden's Education Department nominees.
11 min
515
What to know about at-home testing
The White House has announced a new investment in at-home Covid testing. POLITICO’s David Lim breaks down everything you should know about rapid tests — and how much of a game changer the new push could be. Plus, Biden closes in on a pick to lead the FDA. And the former No. 2 of Trump’s Justice Department sits for an interview with the Jan. 7 committee.
12 min
516
The most important elections you're not thinkin...
Sure, congressional elections are important. But 36 states will also decide who becomes governor in 2022. POLITICO's Zach Montellaro reports. Plus, the chair of the SEC warns that defaulting on the national debt would shock markets. And a federal appeals court blocks a California law limiting private jails.
11 min
517
The biggest week yet for the Jan. 6 probe
The House effort to unearth Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 secrets has shifted into overdrive. POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney reports. Plus, a top State Department adviser resigns. And Sen. Warren calls the SEC to probe the Fed on insider trading.
11 min
518
How trauma and Trump mobilized AAPI voters
A year of violence and fear has reshaped the way Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders look at themselves and politics. POLITICO’s Rishika Dugyala breaks down the key takeaways from a new POLITICO/Morning Consult poll. Plus, Fauci sees hope in Merck’s new Covid drug. And Trump says he’d beat DeSantis in a potential GOP primary.
12 min
519
The ghost of Cuomo remains in Albany
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is promising big reforms in the aftermath of Andrew Cuomo’s resignation. But in Albany, change is easier said than done. POLITICO New York’s Anna Gronewold reports. Plus, two top privacy staffers resign from the FTC. And the House Judiciary Committee approves a sweeping marijuana legalization bill.
12 min
520
A crucial moment in the pandemic
Holidays and cold weather are coming. That could be bad for the Covid situation. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, the CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated. And top privacy lawmakers demand help from Biden administration.
12 min
521
The knives are out for Lina Khan
President Biden’s top trustbuster is making enemies in Washington. POLITICO’s Leah Nylen reports. Plus, the CDC says side effects from third doses of Covid-19 shots are mild. And health groups urge the FDA to step up its e-cigarette regulation.
11 min
522
A 'problematic' alliance with India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a troubling track record when it comes to human rights. But Biden needs him to counter China. POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, polls have Democrat Terry McAuliffe ahead in the Virginia gubernatorial election. And California becomes a permanent vote-by-mail state.
11 min
523
Two senators on their fight against military se...
Playbook’s Rachael Bade talks with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Joni Ernst about their bipartisan effort to overhaul the way the military handles sexual assault. Plus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defends his state’s audit of the 2020 election. And Pfizer’s CEO argues that first shots and boosters can be distributed simultaneously.
13 min
524
Presenting Global Insider: Colombian President ...
On this special presentation of POLITICO's new podcast Global Insider, host Ryan Heath sits down with Colombia’s leader Iván Duque.
14 min
525
FDA cracks down on vaping
Federal regulators are ordering millions of e-cigarette products off the market. POLITICO’s Katherine Foley breaks down how the move is reshaping the vaping industry. Plus, Biden picks up the tab for Florida school leaders fined by Gov. DeSantis. And the House sinks an effort to pull troops from Syria.
13 min