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.

126
Listen: Cohen questioning reflects nation’s par...
The president's former lawyer's testimony rivets the nation. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Jason DeRusha and the Star Tribune's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
16 min
127
Listen: Walz budget, Mueller investigation
The Minnesota governor's call for a gas tax to fund roads and bridges might mean legislative gridlock. Plus, news from Washington. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
16 min
128
Listen: Shutdown impact intensifies
Washington's ongoing gridlock is having widespread political and governance ramifications. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
13 min
129
Listen: Washington stalemate
Primetime addresses by President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders fail to end the partial shutdown of the federal government. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
19 min
130
Listen: Shutdown showdown
The standoff between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats reflects a changing political dynamic in Washington. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
22 min
131
Listen: Pipe bombs reflect overheated political...
Explosive devices were sent to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, CNN and others. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
16 min
132
Listen: Khashoggi case becomes foreign policy c...
The disappearance and apparent murder of a Saudi journalist has international and domestic political implications. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
14 min
133
Listen: Supreme Court rulings boost Trump, GOP
Three key decisions go the administration's way. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
20 min
134
Listen: Firestorm forces Trump reversal on deta...
As the president heads to Duluth, he signs an executive order on his controversial policy. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
16 min
135
Listen: Legislature stalls as state races heat up
Unfinished business at the Capitol contrasts with an active campaign season. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
22 min
136
Listen: Shutdown showdown
Washington works against a deadline – again – to keep the government running. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
19 min
137
Listen: North Korea crisis escalates
The latest ballistic missile test is the latest governing test for President Donald Trump and other world leaders. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
2 min
138
Listen: In St. Paul, attacks scramble mayoral race
A controversial campaign ad is met with backlash in the capital as both St. Paul and Minneapolis near next Tuesday's election. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Lori Sturdevant.
19 min
139
Listen: Trump-Corker feud fuels more White Hous...
The president spars with a senator of his own party, and Democrats reel after allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
18 min
140
Listen: Minnesota’s political impasse intensifies
The enduring dispute between DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and GOP legislative leaders shows no sign of ending. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Lori Sturdevant.
20 min
141
Listen: Rising crime in downtown Minneapolis
Public safety in a booming downtown is a key issue for Minneapolis, and for the city's Nov. 7 election. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and Denise Johnson.
4 min
142
Listen: The global, local impact of the Justine...
The shooting of the Minneapolis woman brings police-community relations to the forefront. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Jordana Green and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
22 min
143
Listen: Minnesota National Guard members train ...
WCCO Radio's Jordana Green interviews John Rash about his trip to Lithuania to cover the Minnesota National Guard taking part in a multinational military exercise called Saber Strike 17.
3 min
144
Listen: Capitol Hill hearings amplify Russia issue
Senators questioned top Trump officials as Washington braced for former FBI Director James Comey's testimony on Thursday. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Jordana Green and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
22 min
145
Listen: Hard work ahead after Trump speech, sta...
Congress and the Minnesota Legislature must focus on governing after president's address and an update on state revenues. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Jordana Green and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Lori Sturdevant.
25 min
146
Listen: A low point for debates and democracy
Amid mounting controversy over a recently released video, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton engage in their second presidential debate. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Williams and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and Patricia Lopez.
26 min
147
Listen: Nondisclosure dogs both campaigns
A lack of transparency on health, foundation and other issues trips up both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Williams and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash and D.J. Tice.
21 min
148
Listen: Full-speed ahead for Trump, Clinton
But will their parties unite behind them any time soon? Hear the Playing Politics podcast analysis from editorial writers Patricia Lopez and Lori Sturdevant and host John Rash.
15 min
149
Playing Politics podcast: Building a community,...
Hear editorial writer Jill Burcum and host John Rash discuss local and national efforts to strengthen Minnesota's Somali community and fight terrorism.
14 min
150
Trump’s momentum continues, and Sanders shows n...
Despite extraordinary efforts, it's looking less likely that the Republican establishment will be able to derail Donald Trump's march toward the GOP nomination, while Democrat Hillary Clinton can't seem to shake Bernie Sanders.
15 min