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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May 11, 2020 · 11 min
Coronavirus: A crisis for farmworkers
There's no work from home for the more than 2 million farmworkers in the US who have been deemed "essential" during the coronavirus pandemic. But with packed transportation to the fields and crammed living quarters, many of them are facing conditions similar to before the crisis, putting them at risk of exposure to the virus. POLITICO's Helena Bottemiller Evich explains the "unprecedented" anxiety among agriculture workers. Plus, the White House fights an outbreak of its own. And Georgia's AG calls for a federal probe of the Ahmaud Arbery case. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 8, 2020 · 13 min
What disasters come after coronavirus?
Catastrophic earthquakes. Solar flares that bring down the entire power grid. The global rise of white supremacy. As if the coronavirus pandemic wasn't enough to worry about, POLITICO Magazine looked into the world-changing threats that could be next. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff breaks it down. Plus, the Justice Department drops its case against Michael Flynn. And days after cell phone video sparked national outrage, Georgia authorities have charged a white father and son with murdering a 25-year old black man who was jogging in their neighborhood in February. Garrett Graff is a journalist, director of cyber initiatives at The Aspen Institute, and author of multiple books, including The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11. 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: Experts Knew a Pandemic Was Coming. Here’s What They’re Worried About Next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 7, 2020 · 11 min
The race for more coronavirus testing
Fifty-two days ago, President Trump vowed that widespread drive-thru coronavirus screening was finally coming. Now, the White House is declaring victory in the race for more testing. POLITICO's Dan Diamond explains where we really are — and whether it's enough to get the country on track for reopening. Plus, the Trump administration shelves a CDC guide to reopening. And Trump dismisses an ousted vaccine expert as "disgruntled." 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: How a 96-hour project helped Trump's team reverse its testing debacle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 6, 2020 · 10 min
The Senate is back (but the lobster rolls aren't)
"A very strange eeriness to this whole thing." That's how POLITICO's Marianne LeVine describes the scene at the Capitol right now. We look at what's different in the Senate amid the coronavirus pandemic — including a lack of lobster rolls at the GOP's weekly lunch. Plus, ousted HHS vaccine expert Rick Bright files a whistleblower complaint. And new research sheds light on how the pandemic is disproportionately hitting African American communities. Marianne LeVine is a congressional 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
May 5, 2020 · 11 min
Sustainability in the age of coronavirus
Pollution has dropped dramatically. Los Angeles' skyline is no longer obscured by smog. Kangaroos have been spotted hopping through deserted Australian streets. POLITICO's Nick Juliano explains how the climate effects of the coronavirus pandemic are changing the way we think about sustainability. Plus, the Senate is baaaaaaack. And more states are letting businesses reopen. Nick Juliano is POLITICO's sustainability policy editor. 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. Sign up for The Long Game, POLITICO's new sustainability newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 4, 2020 · 10 min
'Armageddon in Atlantic City'
In February, Atlantic City was finally rebounding after years of financial turmoil. Then coronavirus hit. POLITICO's Matt Friedman explains why the coastal city could be one of the biggest economic disasters of the pandemic — and the harsh lessons we can learn. Plus, Dr. Birx calls anti-lockdown protests "devastatingly worrisome." And the Supreme Court hears arguments over the phone ... Up next: SCOTUS on TikTok. Matt Friedman is a reporter for POLITICO New Jersey. 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
May 1, 2020 · 10 min
The culture war over masks
For progressives, it's a sign of taking coronavirus seriously. On the right, it's a symbol of overreaction. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza breaks down the emerging cultural and political divide over wearing a mask — and how it gives a glimpse into the two Americas emerging amid the pandemic. Plus, Dr. Fauci warns against reopening too quickly. And the top intelligence agency rules out the theory that the coronavirus was manmade. Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent. 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: Wearing a mask is for smug liberals. Refusing to is for reckless Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 30, 2020 · 11 min
Chaos at the health department
“Alex is doing an excellent job!” That's what President Trump tweeted after POLITICO broke the story on White House officials weighing a plan to replace HHS secretary Alex Azar — just the latest in a series of chaotic and confusing events at the health department. Dan Diamond and Adam Cancryn explain what it all means for the agency at the center of the country's response to coronavirus. Plus, the White House's "Stay at Home" guidelines are expiring. And the head of the central bank warns of a lengthy economic recovery. Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO. 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: 'HHS has been kicked in the teeth' White House weighing plan to replace Azar Trump rejects reports of Azar firing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 29, 2020 · 9 min
Trump and Republicans bet big on reopening. Will it work?
Republicans are resisting another massive coronavirus relief package and hoping the economy booms back sooner rather than later. POLITICO's Ben White explains why that's a big risk ahead of the November election. Plus, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US tops 1 million. And Dr. Fauci says he has "no doubt" new cases will emerge with reopening. Ben White is chief economic 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: Trump faces the risk of a coronavirus cliff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 28, 2020 · 11 min
How we trace the spread of coronavirus
Tracking who comes in close contact with people infected by the coronavirus is essential to understanding the spread of the disease — and getting regions on track to lift restrictions. POLITICO's Victoria Colliver explains how California plans to "build an army" of 10,000 contact tracers. Plus, Trump touts a new blueprint for increased testing that punts responsibility to states. And the WHO says the pandemic is far from over. Victoria Colliver 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: How California's contact tracing army could serve as model for nation's reopening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 27, 2020 · 11 min
Campaigning in the age of coronavirus
Campaigns are adjusting to life during a pandemic just like everyone else. POLITICO's Elena Schneider explains why that means a pivot to mail-in ballots — even for Republicans who have slammed remote voting in the past. Plus, Italy announces a plan for reopening. And Trump disputes reports of replacing HHS Secretary Alex Azar. Elena Schneider is a national political 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
Apr 24, 2020 · 13 min
The cartoon life of Matt Wuerker
"I have very little adult supervision." Matt Wuerker, POLITICO's Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, has a colorful career sketching Trump, Pelosi, and other characters. We go inside the wonderful world of Wuerker as he shares some of his best stories... including that one time he tried using a Rumsfeld cartoon to negotiate troop withdrawals. Also, be sure to check out the new video series Punchlines featuring Matt Wuerker's cartoons and register for a free virtual cartoon workshop POLITICO Live is hosting with Matt on April 29. Matt Wuerker is the political cartoonist for POLITICO. Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 23, 2020 · 14 min
Coronavirus: Why was Jerome Adams pushed to the sidelines?
Surgeon General Jerome Adams was back at the podium for the coronavirus task force briefing Wednesday after being sidelined earlier this week. POLITICO's Dan Diamond and Maya King look at why Adams was pushed away — and what his shifting role at the White House means for the conversation about racial disparities in the pandemic. Plus, Trump denies knowledge of a top vaccine expert's ouster. And the House is set to pass funding for small businesses. Maya King is a 2020 reporting fellow at POLITICO. 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: Surgeon general gets pushed to sidelines, sparking questions. Black doctors blast 'woefully anemic' data on minority coronavirus cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 22, 2020 · 10 min
Coronavirus: The fight over reopening the country
Some state are taking a cue from President Trump and pressing ahead with lifting coronavirus restrictions. Others are seeing anti-lockdown protests. POLITICO's Anita Kumar explains what's next in the fight over reopening. Plus, the first coronavirus death happened weeks earlier than previously believed. And Trump's immigration order falls short of his initial announcement. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor 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 allies have their fingerprints on lockdown protests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 21, 2020 · 12 min
Coronavirus: The fight over saving small businesses
Congress is on track to pass another round of relief for small businesses after cash for sorely-needed loans dried up last week. But POLITICO's Zach Warmbrodt says the lending program has been riddled with problems — and the next wave of funding could only last a couple days. Plus, Trump says he is suspending immigration into the US. And some states are beginning to reopen. Zach Warmbrodt is a financial services 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: Banks warn that new small-business funding could evaporate in 2 days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 20, 2020 · 12 min
Coronavirus: A lack of trust — and information — in minority communities
The coronavirus pandemic is already disproportionately hitting black and brown people in the US. POLITICO's Laura Barrón-López explains why decades of distrust and a lack of public health messaging in those communities is making things worse. Plus, Canada is reeling from the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. And the White House and Congress are close to a deal on small business relief. Laura Barrón-López is a national political 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
Apr 17, 2020 · 10 min
Coronavirus: A new dynamic between Trump and states
Earlier this week, President Trump said he had total authority over states to tell them when to lift stay-at-home orders. Now, he's kicking more responsibility back to governors in his "Opening Up America Again" plan. POLITICO's Anita Kumar breaks down the delicate dance between the president and the states. Plus, China increases the official death toll in Wuhan by 50%. And the number of cases worldwide tops 2.1 million. Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor 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
Apr 16, 2020 · 12 min
Coronavirus: Inside America's two-decade failure to prepare
POLITICO's Dan Diamond traces today's coronavirus crisis back through three presidents — and explains what we can learn from past failures. Plus, Trump threatens to adjourn Congress to push through nominees. And New York requires face masks in public. 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: Inside America’s 2-Decade Failure to Prepare for Coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 15, 2020 · 11 min
Coronavirus: How much power does Trump have?
President Trump's claim that he has total authority over states to override their decisions on when to reopen their economies has been widely panned by legal experts as unconstitutional. POLITICO's Josh Gerstein explains why. Plus, the US plans to halt funding to the WHO. And California considers how to reopen schools in the fall. Josh Gerstein is a senior legal affairs contributor 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: ‘Flat-out wrong’: Conservatives clobber Trump’s ‘total' power boast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 14, 2020 · 9 min
Can rural hospitals get loans in time?
Rural hospitals are in danger of running out of money as the coronavirus pandemic hits America's heartland. But POLITICO's Rachel Roubein says many of them are unable to access stimulus loans. Plus, states are making their own plans for how to reopen the economy. And Sanders endorses Biden. 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: Rural hospitals shut out of stimulus loans face financial crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices