POLITICO Tech

The POLITICO Tech podcast is your download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. New episodes on Thursdays.

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701
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
702
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
703
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
704
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
705
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
706
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
707
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
708
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
709
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
710
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
711
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
712
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
713
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
714
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
715
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
716
The future of Covid testing
Sure, vaccines are the talk of the town. But Covid testing will still play a massive role in the return to some semblance of normalcy. POLITICO's David Lim reports on what's next for Covid tests — in schools and at home. Plus, prosecutors will not charge the U.S. Capitol Police officer who fatally shot a rioter on Jan. 6. And the White House Correspondents' Association cancels its 2021 dinner.
12 min
717
Everything you need to know about the Johnson &...
POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle is one of more than 6 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine before regulators pressed the pause button over fears of extremely rare blood clotting events. Owermohle joins Dispatch to break down regulators’ decision to halt the J&J shots — and what it could mean for vaccine hesitancy. Plus, new data shows that 80 percent of student loan borrowers would have their debt completely erased if Biden agrees to a progressive proposal. And HUD moves to restore fair housing rules weakened under Trump.
16 min
718
How a fake reporter infiltrated the White House...
Who is “Kacey Montagu”? POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago tells the wild and weird story of how a fictitious correspondent rose from the depths of internet role playing to the White House briefing room. Plus, Biden plans to nominate Pentagon veteran Christine Wormuth to be the first female Army secretary. And Secretary of State Blinken names Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the department’s newly created chief diversity and inclusion officer.
13 min
719
A conversation with Navajo Nation President Jon...
Almost a year ago, the Navajo Nation had the worst Covid infection rate in America. Now, it's vaccinated more of its population than any state. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez talks with Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel about how the nation fought back against the virus. Plus, Secretary of State Blinken says China has been forthright on the virus. And some Republican leaders aren’t pleased with Trump’s fiery Mar-a-Lago speech over the weekend.
18 min
720
What Biden’s executive orders on guns really do
In the aftermath of mass shootings in Georgia and Colorado, President Biden signed several executive orders on Thursday aimed at reducing gun violence. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar digs into what they really do — and why they’re set to face obstacles in the courts and in red states. Plus, Florida sues the Biden administration over cruise restrictions. And senators are set to question two top health nominees next week.
11 min
721
How we lost 15 million Covid vaccines
15 million doses. Gone. All because a plant accidentally mixed ingredients. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle looks at how such a big mistake happened. Plus, Virginia’s legislature votes to speed up marijuana legalization. And a Cuomo accuser says the New York governor urged her to stay silent.
11 min
722
Three key moments from the Chauvin trial
The nation is on trial. And race is front and center in the courtroom. POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down three key moments from the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer charged with murdering George Floyd. Plus, the State Department says it isn't considering a joint boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. And California aims to “fully reopen” its economy by June 15.
12 min
723
Big business gets ‘woke’ in Georgia
From Coca Cola to the MLB to Delta, big companies are criticizing a Georgia law that advocates say infringes on voting rights. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down what’s in the legislation — and looks at what the corporate backlash could mean for Republican efforts to change voting rules in other states. Plus, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoes a ban on youth transgender care. And former Rep. Katie Hill says Rep. Matt Gaetz should resign if allegations of sexual misconduct prove true.
11 min
724
A one-on-one with Dr. Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, joins Dispatch to discuss rising Covid cases, vaccine passports, the timeline for returning to normal and — not joking — Lord of the Rings. Plus, the Derek Chauvin trial enters its second week. And Buttigieg defends Biden’s infrastructure plan amid Republican criticism of the price tag.
15 min
725
All aboard the $2 trillion infrastructure train!
Expanded rail systems. Funding for crumbling roads and bridges. A new fleet of electric vehicles.. There’s a lot in Biden’s new infrastructure proposal. There’s also a big price tag. POLITICO’s Sam Mintz and Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel hop aboard the ‘$2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan Express’ for a quick tour of Biden’s goals — and look at whether they have any chance of making it through Congress. Plus, Democrats are poised to reintroduce legislation that aims to reshape college sports. And a group of unions are demanding the Biden administration forgive student loans for public service workers.
10 min