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
626
Will free beer and a chance at $1M save us from...
Probably not, but it certainly won’t hurt. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg breaks down the state of vaccinations across the country — and some of the creative ways states are trying to curb sinking vaccination rates. Plus, the U.K. launches a new study on vaccine boosters. And the EU is set to allow vaccinated travelers to return.
11 min
627
Another GOP loyalty test
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is urging his party to oppose a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection. But a rebellion within his party is growing ahead of today’s vote. POLITICO’s Melanie Zanona reports on how the commission has become another litmus test for loyalty to former President Trump. Plus, Democrats abandon a push to delay the Biden administration’s latest arms sale to Israel. And TikTok refuses to appear before Congress.
12 min
628
Inside the GOP strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade
This moment has been decades in the making. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein reports on how Republican lawmakers have been intentionally passing strict abortion laws for years that will spark lawsuits in an effort to get a case challenging Roe v. Wade before the high court. Plus, the U.S. will send 20 million more vaccine doses abroad. And the Education Department plans to launch a Title IX hearing in June.
11 min
629
How to not wear a mask (but also maybe still we...
The CDC says you don’t need a mask in most situations if you’re fully vaccinated. But some states — and businesses — aren’t fully onboard yet. POLITICO’s Adam Canryn looks at the sticky situations arising in the aftermath of the new guidance. Plus, Cheney continues to question the future of the GOP. And a group of Senators tout their effort to combat sexual assault in military as a template for bipartisanship.
12 min
630
Don’t freak out about inflation … yet.
Sure, prices are up. But it makes sense, given all the excitement about reopening. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why you shouldn’t worry too much about inflation — at least not yet. Plus, masks are off at the White House. And a government watchdog says HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge violated the Hatch Act earlier this year.
12 min
631
Is the U.S. failing in the global Covid fight?
We’re giving more money than any nation to the global vaccination program. But doses are better than dollars — and critics say we’re not giving enough. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, a CDC panel endorses the use of Pfizer's vaccine in young teens. And Republicans draw a ‘red line’ on infrastructure.
13 min
632
Why the Big Four meeting will be a Big Disappoi...
What happens when you get Washington's four most powerful lawmakers in the same room with the President? Not much. POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris breaks down why you shouldn’t expect any major movement on infrastructure negotiations at today’s White House meeting between Biden, Schumer, Pelosi, McConnell and McCarthy. Plus, former Trump officials testify about the Jan. 6 insurrection. And federal agencies move to boost gasoline availability after the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack.
12 min
633
Why Biden can't escape the Israeli-Palestinian ...
The Biden administration has de-emphasized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But tensions in the region are making it hard to ignore. POLITICO's Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, the FDA authorizes Pfizer's vaccine for kids 12 to 15 years old. And California has a staggering $75.7B budget surplus.
12 min
634
Why the GOP turned on Cheney
Earlier this year, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stood by Rep. Liz Cheney’s side as she faced an unsuccessful attempt to strip her of her leadership position after voting to impeach Trump. Now, months later, McCarthy and his allies say she’s gotta go. What changed? POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers reports. Plus, Biden plans to appoint former union official Thea Lee to a key Labor Department post. And the White House’s Covid response chief has no regrets on the Johnson & Johnson pause.
12 min
635
The Black correspondents at the White House
White House reporters have access to the highest seat in the country — and they’re a small group. An even smaller group? Reporters of color. On Dispatch, we're featuring a special episode of Playbook Deep Dive. POLITICO's Eugene Daniels gets honest with fellow Black White House correspondents April Ryan (TheGrio) and Ayesha Rascoe (NPR) about everything from microaggressions to death threats. “Covering the White House from Bill Clinton to now, race touches everything,” says Ryan. “Everything.” Plus, a look at the first Black female White House reporter Alice Dunnigan and her faceoffs with Eisenhower — who refused to take her questions for two years.
34 min
636
Your health data is for sale
There’s an app for everything. There’s also data on everyone. POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath breaks down how companies are slyly buying and selling the information we share with health apps — and explains why that data isn’t protected like medical records. This episode originally aired January 28, 2021.
12 min
637
The next disaster after Covid
Catastrophic earthquakes. Solar flares that bring down the entire power grid. The global rise of white supremacy. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff breaks down the other looming threats after the coronavirus pandemic. This episode originally aired May 8, 2020.
11 min
638
The edge of legalization, part two: Ripe for co...
By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states have unintentionally created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism. POLITICO's Mona Zhang reports. This episode is the second in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.
11 min
639
The edge of legalization, part one: Border weed
Welcome to Ontario, Oregon, home of the tater tot — and now, a massive marijuana market for customers crossing the Idaho border. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how the tiny town border town of 11,000 people became one of America's cannabis capitals — and what it means for other towns as weed legalization spreads. This episode is the first in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.
14 min
640
Not another 'Biden's first 100 days' show
We’re sick of it, too. So on today’s show, we’re not looking back at the past couple months of the Biden presidency — we’re looking forward to the next 100 days with POLITICO’s Anita Kumar. Plus, cruise lines could start operating again as soon as mid-July. And de Blasio wants a “full reopening” for New York City on July 1.
11 min
641
The unlikely vaccines that could play a huge role
It might feel like Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are the center of the vaccine world, but there’s a lot more out there. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down everything you need to know about different vaccines in use globally. Plus, Biden is expected to invite lawmakers to the White House next week to discuss his big spending packages. And the Feds raid Rudy Giuliani’s home.
14 min
642
Miami’s Republican mayor on the future of his p...
Florida politics are complicated. So is the future of the GOP. POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez talks with Miami’s Republican mayor Francis Suarez about where Florida fits into that future — and the possibility of stepping onto the national stage in 2024. Plus, there will be no designated survivor for Biden’s joint address tonight. And the Capitol rioter who posed inside Pelosi’s office is released from D.C. jail.
12 min
643
Three freshman lawmakers on their first year in...
It’s the most diverse freshman class in the history of Congress. It’s also a group of lawmakers whose time in Washington has been marked by insurrection and hyper-polarization. POLITICO’s Eugene Daniels walks through conversations he had with three representatives from across the aisle: Byron Donalds, Nikema Williams and Ritchie Torres. Plus, the process of redrawing America’s political maps has begun. And the Justice Department launches a probe over Breonna Taylor's death.
14 min
644
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. Over the weekend, 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.
13 min
645
Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: The senators at ...
“If we miss this opportunity, God help us.” Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski. Two moderate senators smack in the middle — and on either side — of a split 50-50 Senate. On the first episode of Playbook Deep Dive, a new POLITICO podcast, the two friends open up in a rare interview with POLITICO’s Burgess Everett. They get personal: about reconciliation, frustration over the Senate’s hurdles — even why Murkowski hogs the best fishing holes. And Manchin reveals a major endorsement, heard first on this show.
28 min
646
A senator’s quest to avoid ‘failure’ on gun con...
The NRA is decimated and the GOP is out of power. For Sen. Chris Murphy, it’s an opportunity to do what’s been undoable for the past two decades. But as POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu reports, partisan gridlock might be unavoidable when it comes to gun legislation. Plus, Senate Democrats reject Republicans’ counterproposal to Biden’s infrastructure package. And 200 million Americans now have received vaccinations.
11 min
647
What’s next after the Chauvin verdict
Guilty on all three counts. But is it justice? POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down why activists say yesterday’s verdict is only the beginning. Plus, GOP senators float a $600-800 billion infrastructure counteroffer. And the U.S. considers more weapons shipments to Ukraine.
13 min
648
Inside Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghan...
For nearly two decades, U.S. presidents have followed the advice of top military leaders and kept troops in Afghanistan. But last week President Biden ovverode the brass and announced a complete withdrawal. POLITICO’s Lara Seligman gives the inside story of how Biden’s team "sidelined’’ the Pentagon. Plus, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cracks down on debt collectors evicting tenants. And Yellen’s pick for the Treasury’s climate czar sparks backlash on the left.
12 min
649
How to get back a school year lost to the pandemic
Kids aren’t just months behind in their classes, they’ve also been cut off from a key support system during the pandemic. POLITICO’s Delece Smith-Barrow — who sat down with a group of education leaders from across the nation to talk about bold, new ideas for post-pandemic schooling — breaks down how we can get schoolkids back on track. Plus, half of U.S. adults have now received a Covid shot. And Biden’s national security adviser warns “there will be consequences” for Russia if Navalny dies. This episode was produced as part of Recovery Lab, a new project from POLITICO on how to recover from the pandemic
13 min
650
Why Democrats are split on John Fetterman
With tattoos and the looks of a WWE body double, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman isn’t your average politician. He says that will help win over working class Trump voters in his bid to flip an open Senate seat in 2022, but he’s facing resistance from fellow Democrats who think the party should pick the most progressive candidate possible — not another white man with Rust Belt appeal. POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein reports on how the race has become an inflection point in the party. Plus, Speaker Pelosi says she won’t bring progressive “court packing” legislation to the floor. And House Minority Leader McCarthy meets with scandal-ridden Congressman Matt Gaetz.
14 min