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
526
Where is Xavier Becerra?
The HHS Secretary is staying out of the spotlight and away from major Covid decisions. POLITICO’s Adam Canryn reports. Plus, the Fed signals that it plans to pull back economic support. And Biden commits to communication with France.
12 min
527
Ds and Rs agree: We hate Biden’s migration policy
Bipartisanship? POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez explains why both sides of the aisle are mad at Biden for his handling of the Southern Border. Plus, Rep. Adam Schiff says the panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection is preparing to issue subpoenas. And the Justice Department plus several states sue to block a joint venture between American Airlines and JetBlue.
12 min
528
The unlikely story of Germany’s election
Earlier this year, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative party was poised to hold onto power even after its leader stepped down. But now, the uncharismatic head of the rival Social Democrats is on track to win an upcoming national election. POLITICO’s Chief Europe Correspondent Matt Karnitschnig reports. Plus, manufacturers urge the Biden administration to drop its push to waive intellectual property protections for Covid vaccines. And the White House buys at least 60 million over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits.
13 min
529
Battle of the boosters
POLITICO’s Lauren Gardner gives an inside look at the contentious debate among federal health officials over booster shots. Plus, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves argues against Biden’s vaccine mandate. And French President Macron is set to speak with Biden in the ‘next few days’ amid diplomatic tensions.
14 min
530
Inside the global race to dominate tech
It’s a three-way race between the US, China and the EU — and the final result could reshape our lives. Global Insider host Ryan Heath reports. Plus, a judge blocks Biden from using a Trump-era public health order to expel migrant families. And Obama endorses Trudeau (again).
13 min
531
Ron DeSantis’ flirtation with anti-vaxxers
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis isn't anti-vaccine. But he has started standing beside those who are. POLITICO’s Gary Fineout reports. Plus, Moderna says new data supports its booster shot. And Sen. Klobuchar says she’s confident Congress can pass legislation targeting tech giants.
11 min
532
A kick in the Fed
A group of progressive lawmakers is calling for President Biden to ditch Jerome Powell and nominate a new Federal Reserve Chair. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida reports. Plus, the Treasury plans to release more rental assistance funds to prevent evictions. And the Justice Department announces a ban on no-knock entries and chokeholds.
11 min
533
Lessons from Las Vegas’ reopening
Las Vegas tried to reopen without widespread vaccination, but those plans crashed into reality. Will things be different this time? POLITICO’s Megan Cassella reports. Plus, Homeland Security chief of staff Karen Olick abruptly resigns. And Secretary of State Antony Blinken defends Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal before Congress.
12 min
534
Newsom’s judgment day
Polling shows California Gov. Gavin Newsom coming out on top in tomorrow’s recall election. But that doesn’t mean his political future will go unscathed. POLITICO’s Kevin Yamamura reports. Plus, six Capitol Police officers are being disciplined for their conduct on Jan. 6. And Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer defends himself against calls to step down.
12 min
535
‘It was a mistake’: The 9/11 response reconsidered
After 20 years to think it over, many of the architects of the post-9/11 world would have done some things differently. POLITICO’s Daniel Lippman explains what he learned from conversations with the officials behind America’s response, including former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and former Deputy Director of the CIA John McLaughlin. Plus, the DOJ sues Texas over its restrictive abortion law. And the FDA says more than 5 million electronic cigarettes must be taken off the market.
15 min
536
Covid, hunger and a surprising statistic
As Covid destroyed the economy, the percentage of American households facing food insecurity remained stagnant — likely due to unprecedented government spending. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich explains how pandemic programs could provide a path for ending hunger in the U.S. Plus, a Florida judge blocks DeSantis’ attempt to halt a mask mandate ruling. And Obama stars in Newsom ads ahead of the California recall election.
13 min
537
Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: These Republican...
For today's episode of POLITICO Dispatch, we're featuring the most recent episode of Playbook Deep Dive. Check it out — and subscribe below! There's an intra-party fight on the right — and it's not (all) about Trump! For decades, conservatives have called for the government to take a hands-off approach to the economy. But now, a group of self-styled “common good capitalists” — like Sen. Marco Rubio — want to change that. And, they’re gaining power. It’s a divide not only over what policy approach is best, but what the most effective political strategy is for the GOP in the 21st century. Playbook co-author Tara Palmeri talks with an influential voice in this new economic counterculture — Oren Cass, head of American Compass and Mitt Romney's former campaign advisor, as well as Eliana Johnson, POLITICO Magazine contributor and editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon, about this policy divide and where the 2024 GOP hopefuls land on this spectrum. Subscribe to Playbook Deep Dive: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playbook-deep-dive/id1111319839
25 min
538
Rebroadcast: A genocide recognized
For more than a century the U.S. has not formally recognized the killing of more than a million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI as genocide. This year, that changed. POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian explains what it means for Armenian Americans. Plus, the U.S. pledges aid to India amid a Covid surge. And a group of Senators Biden to push for Medicare expansion. This episode originally aired on April 26, 2021.
12 min
539
Your ulti-mutt guide to pets in the White House
On today's special episode of Dogs-patch — er, Dispatch: a brief history of presidential pets at 1600 Pennsylvania, featuring the Kennedy's dog Pushinka (who might have helped avert nuclear war), Teddy Roosevelt's badger (really more questions than answers here) and Nixon's dog Checkers (who sadly passed before he could rescue his owner from Watergate). Andrew Hager, the historian-in-residence at the Presidential Pet Museum, provides biting commentary on the furry residents of the White House.
16 min
540
Presenting POLITICO Energy: Humanity’s code red
The UN’s top climate panel has released a milestone report on the status of climate change, and according to scientists, it’s very unlikely the world will meet the most ambitious target of limiting global climate change rising 1.5 degrees Celsius. But POLITICO’s Zack Colman says things could still get much worse if bold action isn’t taken. This episode originally aired on POLITICO Energy on August 10, 2021.
10 min
541
Billionaires are in space. Is Washington ready?
Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson have kicked off what's on track to be a commercial space boom in the coming years. POLITICO's Bryan Bender reports on how prepared Washington is to regulate it all.
10 min
542
How much is your immunity waning?
We know that the effectiveness of vaccines appears to be dipping. But we don't know how much yet — or when it will become a big problem. POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle reports. Plus, a group of progressive lawmakers call for Biden to Dump Jerome Powell as Fed chair. And the US is dropped from the EU's safe travel list.
12 min
543
Boston's big choice
Boston has an historically diverse field of mayoral candidates. But voters are having a hard time figuring out who to support. POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky reports. Plus, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he expects the Taliban won’t seal off Afghanistan after Aug. 31. And Dr. Fauci says the Biden administration is "sticking with" its booster shot recommendations.
11 min
544
‘The ultimate test of Trudeau’s Teflon’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held onto power despite a series of scandals. But a flash election is putting his popularity to the test. POLITICO Canada’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey reports.Plus, Biden vows retaliation after 12 U.S. troops were killed in ISIS attacks in Kabul. And the USDA projects record agricultural exports over the next year.
11 min
545
A shortage of health workers
Hospitalizations are up. But some areas don’t have enough health workers to handle the influx of patients. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein reports. Plus, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces 12,000 deaths will be added to the state's Covid tally. And Pfizer and BioNTech ask the FDA to approve their booster shot.
11 min
546
The gun issue we don’t talk about
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives hasn’t had a permanent director since 2015. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar breaks down why the post has become virtually unfillable amid fierce debate over gun laws. Plus, the House advances Democrats’ $3.5T budget. And new CDC studies point to waning immunity from vaccines.
13 min
547
Inside Greece’s ‘unprecedented’ wildfires
Greece is reeling from a brutal heat wave and devastating wildfires that couldn’t have come at a worse moment. POLITICO Europe’s Nektaria Stamouli reports. Plus, Biden presses businesses to mandate vaccines. And the Capitol Police has cleared the officer who fatally shot someone during the Jan. 6 insurrection of wrongdoing.
10 min
548
A growing college gap
Colleges are reopening their gates this fall. But experts worry the most vulnerable students are still turning their back to higher education. POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan reports. Plus, polls show Biden’s approval slipping to new lows. And Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says states can’t block federal funds for districts that mandate masks.
11 min
549
What to know about boosters
The Biden administration says we need them. The WHO says we should wait for the rest of the world. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn breaks down everything you need to know about vaccine boosters. Plus, the FTC files a new antitrust suit against Facebook. And the Biden administration plans to cancel the federal student loans of Americans who have severe disabilities.
13 min
550
Investigation: America’s Covid-reporting breakdown
Crashing computers, three-week delays tracking infections, lab results delivered by snail mail. Health officials couldn’t keep up with Covid’s spread. Americans paid the price. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, Israeli PM Naftali Bennett will visit the White House later this month. And the Treasury moves to prevent the Taliban from receiving IMF aid.
12 min