Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
What is Biden’s policy in the Middle East?: Politics Weekly Extra
As the world witnesses the worst violence in Jerusalem since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, the US president, Joe Biden, has been criticised for his silence. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the veteran negotiator Dennis Ross about the history of US policy in the Middle East. Help support our…
Queen’s speech to the new Tory base: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Gaby Hinsliff dissect what was and was not mentioned in the Queen’s speech on Tuesday. Ailbhe Rea and Ellie Mae O’Hagan look at where the Labour party is headed after very mixed election results. Plus, Peter Walker speaks to Francis Elliot about how successive governments have tried…
Tucker Carlson for president?: Politics Weekly Extra
As rumours swirl that Fox News’s primetime show host might run to be Republican nominee in 2024, Jonathan Freedland speaks to former GOP communications director Tara Setmayer about the danger this would pose to American democracy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Party leaders brace for Super Thursday: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Polly Toynbee assess party campaigns in the run-up to the regional and local elections on 6 May. Aubrey Allegretti asks the pollsters Emily Gray and Joe Twyman what to expect. Plus, 100 years after the partition of Ireland, Rory Carroll is joined by Prof Peter Shirlow and…
Biden’s ‘transformative’ 100 days in office: Politics Weekly Extra
Despite Joe Biden only being president for a little more than three months, some are calling his tenure ‘transformative’. Jonathan Freedland and Robert Reich dissect the US leader’s first 100 days in office. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Tories scramble to defend Johnson: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot is joined by Zoe Williams and Sonia Sodha to make sense of the chaos at No 10 Downing street. Peter Walker, Helena Smith and Jon Henley discuss the pressure European leaders are under to get people travelling again this summer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Does Biden’s cabinet ‘look like America’? Politics Weekly Extra
Joe Biden promised to build the most diverse administration in history. So how did he do? Jonathan Freedland talks to Paul Begala, the former adviser to Bill Clinton. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
‘Stench of sleaze’ over Johnson’s government: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and John Crace discuss the prime minister’s texts to a billionaire businessman, as well as his attempt to save the beautiful game he doesn’t watch. Peter Walker looks into the dos and don’ts of lobbying in parliament. Plus Aubrey Allegretti speaks to Jayne Ozanne about why she resigned…
Cuomo and the ‘macho’ problem in New York: Politics Weekly Extra
As the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, tries to cling on to power, Jonathan Freedland and Alexis Grenell discuss why the state with one of the most liberal cities in the world has failed to match its politics with modern society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Tories grapple with Greensill scandal: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Martin Kettle run through the week’s biggest stories, including the growing Greensill scandal. Rory Carroll and Naomi Long discuss what’s happening in Northern Ireland. Plus, Aubrey Allegretti previews that all-important byelection in Hartlepool. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
The hypocrisy of the Christian right: Politics Weekly Extra
Amidst allegations central to the Matt Gaetz scandal, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Peter Wehner of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. They discuss the decades-old pattern of prominent Christian political leaders and commentators, who forgive allies for the same transgressions for which they harshly judge their opponents. Help support our…
Labour’s reckoning at the ballot box: Politics Weekly podcast
It has been a year since Keir Starmer took over as Labour leader. Rafael Behr and Gaby Hinsliff look at how he should push the party forward after a frustrating year in opposition. Lisa O’Carroll speaks to the EU ambassador to the UK about violence in Northern Ireland and vaccine…
The battle for DC statehood: Politics Weekly Extra
The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief, David Smith, speaks to the campaign director for 51 for 51, Stasha Rhodes, who is advocating for the US capital to become a state, giving more than 700,000 residents equal representation in Congress. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
A sleazy week for Westminster: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Peter Walker look at the latest news from Westminster. Libby Brooks reports on the current state of Scottish politics. Plus, Katie Perrior and Paul Harrison dissect No 10’s communications strategy, including a new press briefing room. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
The Republican party's problem with race: Politics Weekly Extra
This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican national committee. The pair discuss why he chose to campaign for a Joe Biden victory, and how the Republicans are getting it wrong when it comes to Black and minority voters. Help support our independent journalism…
Regrets, Johnson has a few: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Rafael Behr discuss calls for a public inquiry into the UK government’s handling of coronavirus, as well as the ongoing vaccine battle with the EU. Plus, Jessica speaks to several key political figures in Westminster and beyond about their memories of when the prime minister announced the…
Why Medicare for All is a political headache: Politics Weekly Extra
The Guardian health reporter Jessica Glenza steps in for Jonathan Freedland this week. She speaks to Dr Abdul El-Sayed, co-author of a new book, Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide, about why the concept of providing healthcare coverage for all Americans is so politically vexing. Help support our independent journalism…
A government fearful of protest: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Aubrey Allegretti discuss the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill, and the integrated defence review. Peter Walker talks to Richard Adams and Justine Greening about government plans to help children who have missed out on vital schooling in the last year. Plus, Anand Menon updates us on…
The fight for voting rights in the US: Politics Weekly Extra podcast
As Republicans continue to pass bills that would restrict voting rights for many, and as the Democrats try to fight back on the federal level, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Janai Nelson of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund about the importance of the battle for minority voters across the…
Johnson defensive over NHS pay: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Sonia Sodha run over a turbulent week in Westminster. Henry Hill and Laura Round discuss the difficulties for Conservatives in responding to the proposed overseas aid cut. Plus, Severin Carrell speaks to the new leader of the Scottish Labour party leader, Anas Sarwar. Help support our independent…