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Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the week in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political…

KQED


    • Aug 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 634 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Political Breakdown podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in California politics. Hosted by Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer, this show delivers smart, sharp, and timely discussions on the political landscape of the state. With their expert analysis and engaging interviews, Lagos, Shafer, and their guests provide listeners with the information they need and want.

    One of the best aspects of The Political Breakdown podcast is its focus on California politics. For those searching for a podcast centered around the political happenings in this state, this show is a perfect fit. Lagos and Shafer dive deep into the issues that matter most to Californians, offering in-depth discussions that shed light on important topics. Whether it's exploring statewide policies or examining local elections, they provide crucial insights to keep listeners informed.

    The dynamic between Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer is another highlight of the show. Their chemistry as hosts creates an enjoyable listening experience. They bring different perspectives to the table but manage to find common ground in their discussions. This balance allows them to tackle complex events with ease while maintaining clarity and understanding for their audience.

    Furthermore, Lagos and Shafer's interviewing skills are commendable. They approach their guests with respect and conduct thoughtful conversations that delve into their backgrounds and expertise. They have a knack for asking tough questions without being confrontational or overly partisan. This approach gives interviewees the space to fully explain their positions while challenging them when necessary.

    While there are many positives about The Political Breakdown podcast, there are few negatives worth mentioning. Occasionally, some episodes may feel limited by time constraints, leaving listeners wanting more in-depth analysis or additional questions explored further. However, this is a minor drawback compared to the overall quality of the show.

    In conclusion, The Political Breakdown podcast is an outstanding source of information on California politics thanks to its knowledgeable hosts Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer. Their ability to make complex events understandable, combined with their respectful interviewing style, sets this show apart. With each episode, listeners are treated to intelligent and insightful discussions that keep them engaged and informed. Whether you're a California resident or just curious about its political landscape, The Political Breakdown is well worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Political Breakdown

    30 Years After His Death, A Reflection On Grateful Dead Jerry Garcia's Political Legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 25:58


    This week marks 30 years since the death of Grateful Dead frontman and San Francisco native Jerry Garcia. Despite Garcia's disdain for government and politics, he navigated his band through the counterculture revolution of the 1960s and had a remarkable influence on American culture.  In a new biography of Garcia, writer and former Los Angeles Times journalist Jim Newton describes how Garcia did his best to shun politics even as the band performed in support of political causes. Scott talks with Newton about his book, “Here Beside the Rising Tide: Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead and an American Awakening."  Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why is California's Unemployment Rate the Highest in the Nation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 30:59


    New unemployment numbers show that California is tied with Nevada for the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Experts point to uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy, immigration raids and the rise of Artificial Intelligence as some of the main contributors.  So what does a high unemployment rate mean for one of the world's largest economies?   Scott talks with economist Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, an independent research and consulting firm. Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Kamala Harris Won't Run for Governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 31:41


    After months of speculation, Kamala Harris announced that she will not run for governor of California, which keeps her options open for a potential campaign for president in 2028.  The decision has created a political earthquake throughout the state, as Democrats already running for governor step on the gas for campaign operations now that the biggest threat to their candidacy is removed. Scott and Guy are joined by Politico's senior political reporter Melanie Mason to discuss what's ahead for the 2026 California governor's race.  Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Will California Counter Texas's Political Power Grab?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 30:29


    As Texas Republicans move ahead on plans to redraw their congressional districts to boost GOP candidates for the House of Representatives, Governor Gavin Newsom is fighting back, saying California will follow suit. But can Newsom really overcome the legal obstacles to putting political gerrymandering back into practice? Scott is joined by Paul Mitchell, the vice president at Political Data Inc, which uses polling and other data to help Democratic campaigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Voters Approve of Mayor Lurie, But What About His Social Media?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 25:56


    A new poll shows that six months into San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie's term, voters are very happy with his overall performance. But are his social media posts a little too positive given the city's issues with ICE arrests and a budget deficit? Scott, Guy and KQED's Sydney Johnson discuss the mayor's popularity. Plus, they talk about a plan for "geographic equity" of shelter placement throughout the city.  Read more: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Is All Over Instagram. Is He Saying Enough? Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What Zohran Mamdani's Win in NYC Means for Democrats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 32:07


    Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City's Democrat primary for mayor has energized the left while shaking up establishment Democrats. Scott is joined by Vox politics reporter Christian Paz to discuss the split within the party, the potential for a Democratic Tea Party moment and what Mamdani's victory means for the party's future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Sup. Bilal Mahmood Wants to Spread Homeless Services Across the City

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 29:09


    Bilal Mahmood became the first Muslim American elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors last year. Now, Mahmood is proposing controversial legislation to put homeless shelters in each supervisorial district throughout the city. Scott is joined in studio by Mahmood, who represents the city's fifth district including the Haight-Ashbury, Fillmore, Western Addition and Tenderloin neighborhoods.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Democrats Plotting a Path Out of The Political Wilderness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 26:31


    President Trump is pressuring Texas to redraw its political map to try and gain a few more Republican congressional seats. In response, Governor Newsom has threatened to gerrymander California's political lines to help Democrats win more House seats in next year's midterm election.  Plus, both parties are already shaping the narrative around Trump's huge domestic policy bill that, among other things, slashes health care funding. Scott and Guy are joined by the San Francisco Chronicle politics reporter Sophia Bollag.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why is Trump Set on Dismantling the Department of Education?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 32:30


    The U.S. Supreme Court this week cleared the way for President Trump to fast track the dismantling of the Department of Education. Plus, California and 23 other states are suing the Trump administration over nearly $6 billion in education funds they say are owed to them. Scott is joined by Politico education reporter Juan Perez Jr. to discuss who will be affected by the massive cuts underway and how it could play out politically.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Immigrant Communities are Bracing for ICE Expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 23:33


    President Trump's massive domestic policy bill allocates an unprecedented amount of money to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's budget, significantly expanding their ability to carry out Trump's aggressive deportation agenda.  Already, weeks of intensified raids by federal immigration agents have generated fear and panic among many immigrant communities in California. Scott is joined by the Los Angeles Times immigration reporter Rachel Uranga to discuss the legal status of the raids and their impact on workers, their families and their employers. Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Derek Tran: First Vietnamese American to Represent Little Saigon in D.C.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 27:02


    In November, Orange County Congressman Derek Tran became the first Vietnamese American to represent Little Saigon in Washington, D.C. Tran barely defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, helping Democrats flip three California House seats from red to blue. We revisit a conversation from May, when Scott and Marisa talked with Tran about representing a very purple district and his father's harrowing story as a refugee after the Vietnam War.   Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How To Win Over The Working Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 32:06


    In the last election, voters with college degrees leaned heavily toward Kamala Harris. But most voters without a degree backed President Trump. It's not just about policy. It's about pride, identity, and who feels like they're on your side. Republicans are speaking directly to working-class values like hard work, tradition, and loyalty, even while passing bills that slash healthcare and education. Meanwhile, Democrats often sound like they're talking down to people, using terms like “Latinx” or “climate denier” that might seem progressive, but to a lot of voters feels like a lecture. So how can Democrats reconnect and actually earn back trust? KQED Health Correspondent Lesley McClurg is joined by Joan Williams, the author of Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back. She's also Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Law San Francisco. Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.  Plus, take the Class Bubble Quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Healthcare Cuts In Trump's Megabill Will Hurt Californians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 28:57


    President Trump's megabill is now law and it's sending shockwaves through California's healthcare system. The legislation makes major cuts to Medicaid, known here as Medi-Cal, which covers about one in three Californians.  Supporters say the bill reins in government spending. But critics warn it could shutter hospitals and force the state into painful budget choices. KQED Health Correspondent Lesley McClurg is joined by Angela Hart, senior correspondent for KFF Health News, to dig into what's at stake.  Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Will Rolling Back California's Landmark Environmental Law Jumpstart Housing Construction?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 30:42


    Today marks the start of a new fiscal year in California, and the budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom is going into effect now that the legislature met his demands for a major overhaul of California's landmark environmental bill. Newsom and others have long seen the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, as a major impediment to building housing. Scott and Marisa are joined by Dustin Gardiner, the co-author of Politico's California Playbook, to analyze the potential impact and political fallout of changes to CEQA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What's In California's Budget Deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 28:30


    It's crunch time in the state Capitol, with a new fiscal year starting Tuesday. However, the legislature blew past its legally mandated June 15th deadline to approve a spending plan and is continuing to negotiate with Governor Gavin Newsom until the last minute. Marisa and Guy are joined by KCRA 3's California Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala to discuss what is in the budget and what's still being hashed out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Trump's Policies Could Impact Your Summer National Park Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 32:38


    It's officially summer, which for many Americans means camping and hiking in national parks. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, there's been a lot of upheaval in and around our federal open spaces, from budget cuts to proposals to sell off public lands. Marisa is joined by the San Francisco Chronicle's enterprise reporter Kurtis Alexander to discuss how all this will affect California's parks and monuments.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trump Pushes an Israel-Iran Ceasefire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 33:03


    Over the weekend, the United States entered the conflict between Israel and Iran, dropping never-before-used bunker-buster bombs on three nuclear sites in Iran. President Donald Trump is now trying to hold both sides to a ceasefire, but his own objectives in ordering American involvement seem unclear. Marisa is joined by Politico senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi to unpack why Trump chose to get involved and what could be ahead for the region and the U.S.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ICE Raids, Deportations Could Cripple California's Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 26:17


    As immigration raids across the state disrupt workplaces and families, a new report describes the negative impact the federal raids and mass deportations could have on California's economy.  Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the report, plus the fallout from this week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling to uphold a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming medical care for minors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fear and Panic as Immigration Raids Accelerate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 20:27


    President Donald Trump yesterday reversed his brief order instructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to stop raids on farms, hotels and restaurants. As federal immigration agents are told to increase the number of daily deportations, raids are stoking fear across California in workplaces, immigration courts, community flea markets and even churches. Scott is joined by the Los Angeles Times immigration reporter Andrea Castillo to describe what's happening in these communities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    An Unforgettable Week in California Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 22:16


    After protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, President Trump went over Governor Newsom's head to activate the California National Guard troops. This prompted the state to sue, and Thursday afternoon a federal judge in San Francisco ruled Trump acted illegally — a major victory for Newsom. But just hours later, an appeals court temporarily paused that decision until a hearing next week. Plus, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly pushed out of and handcuffed during Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss a whirlwind week in California politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    California's Legal Case Against Trump Deploying Troops to LA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 32:35


    The showdown continues between President Donald Trump and California over the president's move to send troops to quell anti-ICE protests. Marisa and Scott discuss the legal and constitutional implications of the confrontation and the state's lawsuit, which had its first hearing today at a federal court in San Francisco. Late Thursday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer issued a ruling instructing the Trump administration to hand back control of the National Guard on Friday at noon. Marisa and Scott are joined first by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed the suit, and later by Loyola Law School Professor Jessica Levinson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    LA Under Siege

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 29:49


    President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday in response to people protesting federal immigration raids. California is now suing the federal government, saying Trump is acting illegally by ignoring California's pleas not to inflame the situation by sending the troops. Scott and Marisa are joined by Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano to discuss the latest on what's happening, how we got here and where this might be heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trump's War on California Opens New Fronts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 23:38


    Just in time for LGBTQ Pride month, the Pentagon appears ready to rename a naval ship named for gay rights icon Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay official elected in California and a Navy veteran who was discharged during the Korean War because he was gay. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the latest in a series of attacks on the LGBTQ community by the administration.  Also in President Trump's crosshairs: California's troubled high speed rail project. The Department of Transportation announced this week it will pull $4 billion in federal funding for the project because they say it has no hope of being completed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How RFK Jr. is Radically Reshaping America's Health Care System

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 32:36


    Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is upending the nation's public health system and he's found some staunch supporters for his cause right here in the Bay Area.  Marisa and Scott are joined by KQED health correspondent Lesley McClurg to talk about the Marin County town that's seen a political schism centered around distrust of government and public health.  Then, they're joined by Dr. Céline Gounder, a physician, epidemiologist and editor-at-large for Public Health at KFF News, to discuss what Kennedy is doing on vaccines, drug testing and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Biden's Inner Circle Used Magical Thinking to Justify Running Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 33:40


    Few books have captivated the nation's capitol like “Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.” It describes in excruciating detail how a small circle of family and political insiders isolated and insulated President Joe Biden as his mental and physical condition declined throughout his term in the White House. Scott and Marisa are joined by the authors, CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios national political correspondent Alex Thompson, who interviewed more than 200 people who described how Biden's true condition was hidden from his own cabinet, congressional leaders and donors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    California Democrats Descend on Anaheim as the Governor's Race Heats Up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 31:13


    The 2026 governor's race is still more than 500 days away, but there is already a crowded field of candidates. On the Democratic side, they're all waiting to see if Vice President Kamala Harris decides to jump in.  KQED's Marisa Lagos and Guy Marzorati are joined remotely by San Francisco Chronicle Senior Political Writer Joe Garofoli who is in Orange County where Democrats are gathering for their biannual state party convention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    San Francisco's Joaquin Torres Talks Taxes, Theater and his 12 Years of Leading the Housing Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 32:31


    As San Francisco's elected assessor-recorder, Joaquin Torres' office decides the value of property in San Francisco, and tells you how much you owe in taxes.  But he's also spent the last dozen years as president of the San Francisco Housing Authority Commission, which oversees the city's public housing developments as well as its Section 8 program.  Torres joins Scott and Marisa on his last day as president to reflect on his time there and talk about what's next for both himself and the agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Asm. Buffy Wicks Takes on a Sacred Cow to Build More Housing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 29:41


    Buffy Wicks is a leading champion in Sacramento for building more housing in California. Her early political activities include working on both of Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. Now she represents parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in Sacramento where she chairs the powerful Assembly Appropriations Committee. To get more housing built, Wicks is taking on a sacred cow in state politics, the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. Wicks joins Scott and Marisa to talk about why reforming CEQA is such a hot button issue, and why she thinks it's so necessary to increase housing production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    San Francisco's Search for a Police Chief and the Possible Ousting of a Supervisor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 29:30


    San Francisco is looking for a new police chief after Bill Scott announced earlier this month that he is stepping down after eight years on the job through three mayoral administrations.  Although the city's civilian-led police commission will draw up a short list of candidates, Mayor Daniel Lurie will make the final decision.  Scott and Marisa are joined by KQED Politics Reporter Sydney Johnson to talk about that choice and what the next chief's success or failure may mean for the mayor.  They'll also talk about the recall effort against San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio after organizers announced this week that they've gathered enough signatures to put the recall question up to a vote.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Two Rising Democrats on the Battle for Their Party's Future

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 36:26


    Two young leaders are making waves in the Democratic Party. Oakland Congresswoman Lateefah Simon joins Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos, just hours after the House narrowly passed a sweeping policy bill that would cut trillions in taxes and slash safety net programs, including Medicaid and SNAP. Plus, Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, who became a gun control activist after surviving the Parkland school shooting in 2018, explains his plan to bring fresh perspectives — and elect younger candidates — to the Democratic party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Separating the Hype from the Substance of Trump's Middle East Trip

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 30:25


    President Trump's four-day visit to the Middle East featured splashy business deals, very little talk about human rights abuses and plenty of ethical questions – like ones raised by the gift of a lavish $400 million plane from Qatar for Trump to use as a temporary Air Force One. In many ways trip was a reset of relations – especially with Saudi Arabia, whose president was shunned by the Biden Administration, and Syria, whose new leader will benefit from Trump ending U.S. economic sanctions despite concerns over the country's new leader. NPR White House Correspondent Franco Ordoñez covered the trip and he joins co-hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Newsom's Plan to Balance Budget Could Face Tough Going in Sacramento

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 25:45


    Earlier this week, Governor Newsom unveiled his new plan to balance the California's $12 billion budget deficit--with cuts that are raising controversy. The governor wants to put the scalpel to Medi-Cal -- California's version of Medicaid. Newsom said that he wants to save the state money by capping enrollment of adult immigrants that are here illegally. He also proposed charging these individuals a $100 monthly co-pay for Medi-Cal access. Hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined by KQED Politics Correspondent, Guy Marzorati, to take a deep dive into how this all could play out in Sacramento. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Republican State Sen. Brian Jones on the Change He Wants for California

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 32:26


    Republican State Sen. Brian Jones heads the Senate GOP caucus, and represents parts of San Diego County-- a decidedly purple Southern California district. After stints in both houses of the legislature, He's serving his final term in Sacramento. Although Republicans make up a minority of lawmakers at the state capital, they've made headway in recent months pushing against Democrats on issues like public safety. On this episode of Political Breakdown, Sen. Jones joins hosts Marisa Lagos and Scott Schafer in studio at KQED's San Francisco office. His appearance comes just a day after Governor Newsom unveiled his updated budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Freshman Congressman Derek Tran on His Balancing Act in a Purple District

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 26:57


    In November, Orange County Congressman Derek Tran became the first Vietnamese American to represent Little Saigon in Washington, D.C. Tran barely defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, helping Democrats flip three California House seats from red to blue. Scott and Marisa talk with Tran about representing a very purple district and his father's harrowing story as a refugee after the Vietnam War.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    AP White House Reporter on California's Image in D.C.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 27:00


    On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The administration has barred journalists from The Associated Press from the White House press pool for refusing to adopt the renaming in its coverage. Scott and Marisa are joined by The AP's White House reporter Chris Megerian to discuss the president's renaming orders, including his plans to announce whether the U.S. will start referring to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf.  Plus, they dig into California's influence and reputation in D.C. and Governor Gavin Newsom's balancing act with the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Two Opposing Takes on Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 33:08


    Marisa and Scott talk to two Golden State politicians representing California in Washington, D.C. First, they're joined by Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley, who represents the state's third congressional district, which spans most of the California-Nevada border. Kiley is an ally of the president and shares his perspective on Trump's agenda including deportation flights and federal budget cuts.  Later, they're joined by Senator Adam Schiff for a very different take on how the Trump administration's policies are impacting California   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Democrats Desperately Seek a Winning Message

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 32:52


    The Political Breakdown team is reporting from Washington D.C. all this week. Today, Scott and Marisa sit down with Senator Alex Padilla at his office building on Capitol Hill to discuss the Trump administration's actions on deportations and immigration, including the recent appearance of ICE agents at two elementary schools in Los Angeles.  Then, they sit down with Suzan DelBene, who represents Washington State's first congressional district and also chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). They talk about Democrats' plan to win back the House next year.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Kamala Harris Breaks Her Silence

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 27:26


    After months of laying low, former Vice President Kamala Harris steps out with a speech in San Francisco, taking aim at President Trump and warning of a constitutional crisis.  Plus, the Trump administration is taking aim at sanctuary city laws limiting local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration agents. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss all that on this Friday roundtable.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Her Parents Couldn't Vote in the South. Now She's California's Top Election Official

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 32:26


    California's Secretary of State Shirley Weber is speaking out against federal Republican policies and proposed laws she says will disenfranchise voters. Weber is the daughter of southern sharecroppers and knows what voter suppression looks like. Her grandfather was never given the opportunity to vote and her father didn't cast a ballot until his 30s, after fleeing a lynch mob in Arkansas and moving to California when Weber was a toddler. She joins Marisa and Scott to discuss threats to voting rights in the U.S.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Check out KQED's New Show Hyphenación

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 2:40


    Join host Xorje Andrés Olivares and guests to explore what it means to live within a hyphenation. Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to have easy conversations about hard things: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. Hyphenación—where conversation and cultura meet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Rep. Eric Swalwell on Trump's First 100 Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 28:58


    One hundred days into President Donald Trump's second term, East Bay Representative Eric Swalwell joins Marisa to discuss how his party should be responding. In 2012, Swalwell was elected to represent Hayward, Livermore and Pleasanton in Congress and helped lead both impeachments of Trump. He's become a frequent critic and target of the president and his allies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Do Democrats Have an Age Problem?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 24:27


    In San Francisco, the county Democratic Party this week adopted resolutions aimed at repositioning themselves on issues like public safety, education and, most controversially, possible age limits for elected officials. Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass is trying to overcome the damage from being out of the country when the devastating fires struck her city while also dealing with a huge budget deficit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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