POLITICO Tech

POLITICO

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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1,037 episodes
Updated Dec 18, 2025

Episodes1037

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Jul 9, 2020 · 12 min
Half a year of Covid
It's been 6 months since the World Health Organization warned about an unknown virus circulating in Wuhan, China. Now, the US has more than 3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and there are more than 12 million globally. POLITICO's Dan Diamond breaks down how we got here — and what's next for the rest of 2020. Plus, the CDC is updating its guidelines for schools to reopen. And the Ivy League cancels fall sports. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 8, 2020 · 10 min
A spike in families struggling to get enough food
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in families considered food insecure — and that’s true across demographic groups. But for Black and Hispanic families, the numbers are unprecedented. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich breaks down how the pandemic has intensified pre-existing disparities. Plus, Trump says he’ll pressure schools to reopen. And the US is formally withdrawing from the WHO. Helena Bottemiller Evich is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Stark racial disparities emerge as families struggle to get enough food Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 7, 2020 · 10 min
Why November is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for Democrats
In 2010, Republicans won state houses across the country and redrew electoral maps to their advantage. Now, as President Trump trails in the polls, Democrats see an opportunity to take back power. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki explains why the party is starting to think bigger than just beating Trump — and what message Biden needs to send to help Dems in down-ballot races. Plus, America's coronavirus death toll tops 130,000. And the Supreme Court says states can punish "faithless" electors. Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Democrats smell a rout — and the chance to control redistricting in 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 2, 2020 · 13 min
Inside Operation Warp Speed
Yeah, it’s got a cool name. But what exactly is it? POLITICO’s Dan Diamond takes us inside the federal government’s $10 billion dollar effort to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine — and explains why it’s dangerous to bet on a vaccine that might never come. Plus, Trump changes his tune on face masks. And the House passes a massive infrastructure bill. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Trump’s bet on a vaccine could come at a cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 1, 2020 · 11 min
The anti-mask movement
Last year, it was anti-vaxxers. Now, it’s anti-maskers. POLITICO’s Mackenzie Mays looks at how the same activists are once again turning a public health issue into a culture war — and why that’s a big problem for state lawmakers and school teachers. Plus, Oklahomans vote to expand Medicaid. And the Senate agrees to extend the small business rescue program. Mackenzie Mays is a reporter for POLITICO California. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 30, 2020 · 13 min
The epidemic behind the pandemic
Remember the opioid epidemic? America’s other big health crisis? It’s still here. And getting worse. But as POLITICO’s Brianna Ehley reports, attention — and resources — are mostly going to the pandemic, as overdoses rise in its shadow. Plus, the WHO warns the pandemic is speeding up globally. And China passes a sweeping law giving it more power over Hong Kong. Brianna Ehley is a health reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Pandemic unleashes a spike in overdose deaths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2020 · 11 min
Trump’s church dilemma
A month ago, President Trump pushed governors to let churches reopen. Now, he’s got a problem on his hands with several coronavirus clusters tied to houses of worship across the country. POLITICO’s Gabby Orr explains why churches can be super-spreaders — and why Trump is in a bind as he tries to keep evangelical voters on his side. Plus, governors are reimposing coronavirus restrictions. And the number of global cases tops 10 million. Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: A new dilemma for Trump’s team: Preventing super-spreader churches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 26, 2020 · 12 min
Cases are surging. Where’s the White House?
Multiple states are seeing alarming spikes in coronavirus cases. But the White House has remained hands-off, attributing the surge to an increase in testing. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn explains how that’s left state officials overwhelmed — and why those claims about testing are misleading. Plus, the Trump administration calls for the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare. And the Health Department whistleblower claims he’s facing retaliation. Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: States plead for help while White House touts success in curbing virus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 2020 · 11 min
Trump’s 180 on China
First, he praised President Xi’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he’s blaming China (again). POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down Trump’s back and forth on China — and how John Bolton’s explosive memoir sheds new light on the White House’s response to the pandemic. Plus, the House is set to pass a sweeping police reform bill. And Democrats urge delegates to stay away from their party convention. Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Bolton casts light on Trump’s deference to China on coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 24, 2020 · 13 min
The coronavirus goes red
As the coronavirus surges in Texas, Florida and Arizona, it’s hitting counties that lean Republican more than Democrat-leaning ones. POLITICO’s Texas correspondent Renu Rayasam explains why. Plus, NY incumbent Elliot Engel’s time in the House appears to be over. And Dr. Fauci says he's still optimistic there will be a vaccine by the beginning of next year. Renu Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 23, 2020 · 12 min
A crisis for mental health providers
Demand for mental health and addiction services has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. But providers are strapped for cash and say they aren’t getting the help they need. POLITICO’s Rachel Roubein explains the two-fold crisis — and why providers shouldn’t count on a quick fix from Congress. Plus, Dr. Fauci’s headed to the Capitol. And Senate Democrats threaten to block the GOP’s police bill. Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: Swamped mental health and addiction services appeal for Covid bailout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 22, 2020 · 12 min
Why Tuesday could be another election disaster
Chaos. Confusion. Hours-long lines. That’s what we saw in Georgia’s primary election — and likely what we’ll see in New York and Kentucky this week. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro explains why. Plus, Biden outraises Trump. And Trump plans to extend his executive order restricting foreign workers. Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 19, 2020 · 12 min
What the US can learn from Europe’s coronavirus response
Countrywide lockdowns. Closed borders. Coordination between nations. The EU’s unified response to the coronavirus has squashed a spike, while a number of states in the US have seen a surge. POLITICO’s Sarah Wheaton breaks down what America can learn from Europe — and what both regions can learn from the resurgence in China. Plus, Facebook removes Trump ads that have symbols used by Nazis. And Trump wants more debates with Biden. Sarah Wheaton is a senior health reporter for POLITICO Europe. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2020 · 13 min
The problem with a coronavirus vaccine
The Trump Administration is rushing the production of a coronavirus vaccine. But it probably won’t be widely available until next spring or summer — and that’s if it even works. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle and Dan Diamond give the hard truths about a coronavirus vaccine. Plus, John Bolton claims Trump asked China for help getting reelected. And Senate Democrats are split on what to do with the GOP police reform bill. Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO. Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 2020 · 12 min
Can Congress save the economy?
Sure, the economy’s shown some positive signs recently, with a spike in retail and lower-than-expected unemployment. But that good news may be fueled by the government’s massive coronavirus relief measures — some of which are set to expire soon. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why Congress might need to take more sweeping action to keep the economy afloat. Plus, Sen. Tim Scott plans to introduce his police reform bill. And a judge allows Trump’s Tulsa rally to go on as planned. Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 16, 2020 · 12 min
The complicated case of Covid in Florida
When images of packed Florida beaches flashed across TV screens, critics grimly predicted overrun hospitals. But that didn’t happen. Now as Florida prepares to host the GOP convention, cases are spiking. POLITICO’s Marc Caputo breaks down how concerned Governor Ron DeSantis — and his political ally President Trump — should be. Plus, Trump prepares to unveil his executive order on policing. And surprise! The GOP largely backs Gorsuch’s LGBTQ decision. Marc Caputo covers Florida and the 2020 election for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Read more: DeSantis defies critics as coronavirus spreads in Florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 15, 2020 · 13 min
Will contact-tracing apps save the day?
Health experts say contact tracing is essential while we wait for a coronavirus vaccine. But tracing the virus’ spread requires a lot of work … and a lot of people. POLITICO’s Steven Overly explains how apps could save the day — and why a lack of coordination between states could spell trouble. Plus, the police killing of a black man in Atlanta sparks more unrest. And Europe’s borders reopen. Steven Overly covers technology policy for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2020 · 11 min
Inside the city that disbanded its police department
Camden, New Jersey, was once known as the most dangerous city in the country. Now, it's being held up as an example of policing reform. POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan explains the complicated history of how Camden dismantled and rebuilt its police department — and what other cities can learn. Plus, Trump says he’s working on an executive order on policing. And Wall Street is looking gloomy. Katherine Landergan is a New Jersey reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 11, 2020 · 13 min
The White House's growing silence on coronavirus
States are lifting restrictions. The masks are coming off. But coronavirus is still here. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond explains why the White House has gone quiet on the crisis even as cases spike — and looks at how public health experts are struggling to find a unified message on protesting during the pandemic. Plus, confirmed cases in the US top 2 million. And Trump is headed to Oklahoma for one of his signature rallies. Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 10, 2020 · 14 min
How drug policy fueled racism in policing
“America’s public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse.” With that statement in 1971, President Richard Nixon’s war on drugs began — and policies that target black and brown communities became embedded in America’s criminal justice system. POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig explains how decades of drug policy have fueled the crisis in policing that’s unfolding today. Plus, George Floyd is laid to rest. And the WHO walks back confusing claims about asymptomatic spread of coronavirus. Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO. Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices