Americast

It’s been a year since the world watched as the life of a black man was extinguished under the knee of a white police officer, sparking months of protests nationally and internationally. It was a moment that demanded change. So has law enforcement learned any lessons?Nick Bryant rejoins Emily and Anthony from Minneapolis as we ask former White House special advisor and Americast regular, Ron Christie, whether issues of race are uniting or dividing the United States. And we talk through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with Lynda Williams, the country’s most senior black police executive.

The BBC’s legendary New York correspondent Nick Bryant swaps in for Sopes. He comes carrying a cocktail of stories, including how some states are using boozy incentives to boost their vaccination campaign. And as the President hardens his position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, we ask veteran pollster John Zogby why it puts Biden in a bind with his party. And hold on to your sequins! The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to the United States… and it’s going to get Political. We talk to one of its producers and America’s most fanatical Eurovision lover.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Daniel Wittenburg Editor: Dino Sofos

Following a long and bitter public spat, House Republicans have voted to remove their number three, Liz Cheney, from leadership - Emily, Jon and Anthony reflect on the massive moment. We go inside the room where it happened with Congressman Chris Stewart who explains why he decided to vote to remove Cheney. And, while the GOP is taking aim at itself, President Biden met with leaders of the House and Senate to discuss his trillion dollar legislative agenda.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Facebook's Trump ban is upheld for six more months. Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the decision and what Nick Clegg has to do with it. And it's war for the Republicans as establishment figures face off against loyal Trump supporters in a battle for who controls the party - former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman joins us to discuss why Trump adversaries like him, Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney are being turned on by their own.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

What has President Biden achieved in 100 days?Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss President Biden’s first 100 days in office and historic first address in Congress. Jim Messina who was Deputy Chief of Staff to Obama joins the team to mull over what the President has achieved, whether he’s bitten off more than he can chew and whether the Biden he knows will be running for re-election.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

After just ten hours of deliberation, a jury finds Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. Emily and Jon reflect on what this huge moment means. Correspondent Larry Madowo joins us from the crowded street where George Floyd was murdered and Ron Christie replaces his political hat with his legal hat to tackle your emergency Americanswers.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As the Chauvin trial enters its third week in Minneapolis, the city’s streets saw the tragic death of Daunte Wright at the hands of the police. Jon speaks to BBC correspondent Larry Madowo for the latest from the city the world is watching. And we go into the Americast archives and take you back to the week which changed America - when George Floyd lost his life and protests broke out around the world. Studio Manager: Russell Newlove Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Trump finally breaks his silence over the alleged sex crimes of Congressman Gaetz. Emily, Jon and Anthony get the inside track on Gaetz-Gate from one of the journalists who broke the story, New York Times correspondent Nicholas Fandos. Coca Cola and other companies have taken a stand against Georgia's new voting law and North America correspondent Larry Madowo explains how the so-called blue wall of silence is breaking at the George Floyd trial.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Biden builds bridges and Trump crashes weddings.As the trial of Derek Chauvin is finally underway, Americast regular, Ron Christie, shares his thoughts on what the outcome could mean for the future of America. Congressman Garamendi joins us from his Californian ranch to explain why Biden’s big bill on infrastructure matters. America puts aside partisanship for March Madness - Englishman in New York Roger Bennett explains why the sporting tournament is like the World Cup meets Eurovision.And ever wondered what a Donald Trump wedding speech would sound like? Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Two familiar issues are already threatening to cause a major political headache for President Biden’s administration: gun laws and the southern border. We speak to gun control lobbyist Robyn Thomas from the Gifford Law Centre, and Florence Chamberlin, an El Paso based immigration attorney with the Kids in Need of Defense programme. And Joe Biden holds his first press conference as President, so how did he do? Jon, Emily and Anthony look at how the new President differed tonally from his predecessor, if not in content. AndStudio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Frankie Tobi, Caitlin Hanrahan Editor: Dino Sofos

Happy St Patrick’s Day! We Americanswer just how much of an influence the Irish have on American politics. And as Biden embarks on his stimulus victory tour, the team are joined by Obama’s National Economic Council director Larry Summers to discuss why the American Rescue Plan may have gone too far. Also, the Cuomo crisis continues and the Governor’s former employee Stephanie Stark shares her research on how voters respond to allegations of sexual assault at the polls. And why are Trump supporters sceptical about taking the vaccine?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, has landed in London – and makes a podcast pitstop to Americanswer your questions. And as the George Floyd murder trial begins, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss America’s reckoning with race. Joined by Black Votes Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown and Editor-at-large of The 19th, Errin Haines, they discuss how the Meghan and Harry interview proves the monarchy is not immune from that reckoning and why the black vote is being targeted by a new bill in Georgia.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Trump’s back – but did his CPAC appearance hit the right notes? Emily, Jon and Anthony talk to Ron Christie about whether the former president’s speech shows he is on his way to 2024 candidacy. Also, we go inside the Orlando convention to hear from Trump’s most conservative supporters. And finally, has Biden been tough enough on Saudi Arabia for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi?Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Political big beast Andrew Cuomo has landed himself in hot water with a nursing home scandal. As the NY Governor faces calls for his impeachment, Emily, Jon and Anthony speak to New York Assemblyman Ron Kim who alleges Cuomo threatened him for publicly criticising him. And as the US reaches a sobering pandemic milestone, how is President Biden faring in his aim to become the healer-in-chief? And remember former President Trump? He is finally ordered to hand over those long-awaited tax returns...Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

While Texas battles devastating winter weather, Ted Cruz’s badly timed trip to Mexico leaves him at the centre of a political storm – Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the power blackouts and the political fallout. Also, Americast’s favourite Texan Ryan returns to tell us how the sub-freezing temperatures have affected locals like him. And State House Representative Tony Tinderholt on what needs to be done to safeguard Texas in future.Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Senate acquits Trump... again.Emily, Jon and Anthony love nothing more than spending a cold Saturday night recording an Emergency Americast about the end of the Donald Trump impeachment trial. The 57-43 tally falls short of the two-thirds vote needed to convict the former President on a charge of inciting the Capitol riot. But will this be the last time Trump is put on trial? Studio Director: Holly Palmer Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The impeachment trial heats up.The Democrats have finished laying out their arguments against Donald Trump in the impeachment trial by looking at the insurrectionists themselves. So did Trump’s language incite them to violence? We speak to the man who warned against the former President’s use of threats following the election: Gabriel Sterling. The Georgia elections official speaks to Emily and Jon about his now viral intervention. And while the TV cameras have focused on the impeachment trial, President Biden has been addressing the pandemic, working up the country’s vaccination programme.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

From the viral court-zoom cat, to day two of Trump’s impeachment trial – it’s been a day of high legal drama in the USA.Emily, Jon and Anthony talk us through the biggest moments in the Senate so far – including never-before-seen footage of the Capitol riots. Why is Donald Trump angry at his own legal team? And can Republicans be convinced to convict the former president?Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Trump may have quit the Screen Actors Guild, but his presence in the GOP looms large as ally Marjorie Taylor Greene gets party support. Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the Congresswoman, conspiracy theories and what we can make of her apology to Congress. Also, Republican Representative Robert Aderholt explains why he voted not to certify President Biden’s victory. And we bring you the Americast half-time show, a performance to rival this weekend’s Super Bowl!Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

Is the House GOP leader back to backing Trump? Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss why Kevin McCarthy took a trip to Mar-a-Lago to visit the former president. Meanwhile, the Republican party divide deepens as Congressman Matt Gaetz rallies against his GOP colleague in Wyoming. And we bring you a bumper Americanswer with an A-Level politics class takeover.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

President Biden says Donald Trump's impeachment trial "has to happen". House impeachment managers deliver the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, formally triggering a trial. Meanwhile, President Biden continues to reverse many of the executive orders from the Trump era while emphasising his message of unity. Oh, and Rudy Giuliani is being sued by the Dominion voting machine firm for $1.3bn (£950m).Emily, Jon and Anthony are joined by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick.Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Piers Morgan tells us an incredible story about how Donald Trump was called on Air Force One last year by a prankster posing as... Piers Morgan.Piers also helps Emily and Jon find a Frank Sinatra impersonator to perform 'His Way', written by Americaster, Trevor Knight. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

The new president begins dismantling Trump’s legacy... After all the festivities, Biden promises to get straight to work, signing executive orders and taking other actions that don’t require congressional approval. And at Americaster Francis’ request, we take some time to assessing Donald Trump’s achievements in the past 4 years. Also, what was the rationale behind Trump’s ‘generous’ letter to Biden?Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

On his final day in office, President Trump gives his farewell address and gets ready to head back to Florida. And on the eve of their inauguration, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hold a Covid memorial service to remember those who have lost their lives.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Donald Trump has become the only US president to have been impeached by the House of Representatives for a second time. Emily, Jon and Anthony speak to Republican Representative French Hill on why he believes this was the wrong action to take, and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on what will happen next when this goes to trial in the Senate. This episode also contains harrowing details about Lisa Montgomery, the woman who was executed this week in Indiana. Not just about her execution - but our reporter, Hilary Andersson, also tells us about the awful crime she committed and abuse she suffered in her life. If you're affected by anything you’ve heard and require support or advice, you can contact the BBC Action Line - bbc.co.uk/actionlineStudio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Posting for the first time since his Twitter account was suspended for 12 hours, President Trump criticised the violent protests that saw five people lose their lives, and called for an ‘orderly transition of power’. But, what’s behind this change in rhetoric? Emily, Jon and Anthony talk through this and all the fallout from Wednesday’s dramatic events.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Violent scenes of Trump supporters storming the US Capitol have shocked the world. On the day that Joe Biden’s electoral win was supposed to be confirmed, and the Georgia run-offs confirmed a Democratic majority in the Senate, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the day’s extraordinary events.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

Georgia takes centre stage as Trump’s phone call to its Secretary of State is leaked – Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss whether his latest attempt to cling to power is illegal. And in a big week for the Senate, could the results of the election be overturned?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Maitlis, Sopel and Anthony take a look back at 2020 - an extraordinary year, that featured a global pandemic, civil unrest sparked by the killing of an African American man, and the small matter or a presidential election. But did any of their analysis prove to be right?? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Americasters! We'll be back next year. Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino [email protected]

A large-scale and sophisticated hack targeting multiple US departments has been confirmed, with fingers being pointed at the Russian government. Our Moscow Correspondent Steve Rosenberg tells us why Russia say the claims are baseless, and, what the new era of US-Russian relations might look like under President-Elect Joe Biden. And big news... Sopes is back on home turf!Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As covid cases continue to rise, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss how Biden will fight the pandemic. Also, how Texas is making a bid to overturn Biden’s win. And why is Trump carrying out federal executions in the dying days of his Presidency?Studio Direction: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close

As Biden asks people to ‘mask’ for his first 100 days, Emily, Jon and Anthony look at his policies and whether he will be a reassuring or radical President. Also, why is Anthony Fauci apologising to the UK? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena and Frankie Tobi Lead Producer: Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As Trump confirms he will leave the White House, Emily Jon and Anthony compare his testy press conference with the Bidens’ Thanksgiving message. Also, rumoured cabinet pick Heidi Heitkamp discusses Democrats and the rural vote. And we Americ-answer – is Trump going to pardon himself?Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

With the transition now formally underway, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss whether a Trump tweet is the closest we will get to a concession speech. Also, why Biden’s diverse cabinet picks look like an Obama third term. And, could Trump reveal classified information post-presidency?Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As Biden gets on with the business of transition, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss the Trump campaign’s latest outlandish press conference – and how Rudy Giuliani’s hair-dye stole the scene. Also, how is the White House press pack reacting to the White House’s war on the media? And is Fox News abandoning President Trump? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Fresh from his surprise cameo in The Crown, Jon joins Emily and Anthony to discuss all the latest on the transition in limbo. Also, historian David Olusoga joins us to discuss Barack Obama's book and his exclusive UK interview with the 44th president. And how Trump’s election message could be an own goal in the battleground Georgia senate race.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Sej Asar Editor: Dino Sofos

As Biden increases his electoral college tally, Emily, Jon and Anthony go behind-the-scenes in the Trump camp with New York Magazine correspondent Olivia Nuzzi. Also, is Trump frightened of prison? And we speak to former US Ambassador to the EU, Anthony Gardner, about whether Biden and Boris will be good for the UK-US relationship.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena and Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

It's our election post-mortem. As Biden’s transition team steps up, Emily, Jon and Anthony are joined by red and blue strategists for a forensic look at the election. Also, is Trump’s firing of his Defence Secretary an act of revenge? And we Americ-answer who can be considered for President-Elect Biden’s cabinet.A big shoutout to BBC Builders Merchants Ltd in Dewsbury for being good sports.Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Joe Biden has won the race to become the next US president. And Donald Trump is on his way back from the golf course. Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch discuss an extraordinary 24 hours in Washington. Studio Director: Nick Jones Producer: Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As the counting continues, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss how a fresh Biden lead may have broken the Presidential stalemate. Reporter Julia Terruso takes us inside the Pennsylvania vote centre. And could there be a dark endgame for Trump’s legal suits? Also we Americanswer – if Trump loses, can he run again in 2024?Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Caitlin Hanrahan Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Things are moving so quickly, but it looks like the presidency is slipping away from Donald Trump. We'll be recording a proper episode with the whole gang later. Until then, here's a quick update from Sopes. It's a bit like Letter from America, but recorded on an iPhone in his flat, after very little sleep.Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As Donald Trump prematurely declares victory, Emily, Jon, Anthony and Ron Christie discuss which paths to the White House are still in play.Also, will the swing states be decided in the Supreme Court? And our Texan Trump supporter Ryan returns to the podcast.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Morgan Gisholt Minard, Caitlin Hanrahan Editor: Dino Sofos

What a night! Emily, Jon, Anthony and Nick Bryant get together to bring you the story of election night so far. We don’t have a winner, and it could be a long time until we do. We recorded this at midnight EST / 5am GMT.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Morgan Gisholt Minard, Caitlin Hanrahan Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As the candidates roll out the red carpet, Emily, Jon and Anthony explain how Lil Wayne, Bruce Springsteen and Nigel Farage are attempting to bring out the votes. Campaign insiders Guy Cecil and Jenna Ellis make their final pitches for their candidate to be President. And the team bring you Americast’s ultimate guide to election night.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

With less than a week until election day, Jon, Emily and Anthony consider the candidates’ final pitches to the American people. BBC News at Ten's Clive Myrie joins us from Arizona where he’s been reporting on coronavirus and race. And remember Heather, our undecided voter who we heard from after the first debate? She’s back, and she’s no longer undecided…Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Editor: Dino Sofos

With record early voter turnout, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss whether the candidates’ calm and focused performances will make a difference at the ballot. Also, one Texan tells us whether the night’s events have made him question his early vote. And how former President Barack Obama is trying to get inside Trump’s head.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Donald Trump thinks the media should be talking about the content of Joe Biden’s son Hunter’s old laptop; we explain why they’re not. Plus with polls favouring Joe Biden, Emily, Jon and Anthony look at how Trump could beat the odds to a second term in the White House. And as the Democrats try to flip the Senate, we find out how sexting and the price of soybeans could shape the race. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As Donald Trump and Joe Biden field voter questions at the same time on different TV networks, Emily, Jon and Anthony compare their performances. And we "Americanswer" why swing states are so swingy.Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalies Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Just over a week after leaving hospital, President Trump returned to the campaign trail with a big rally in Florida. It's a crucial state, and in this episode we explain why it might decide the election, and hear from the voters who could swing it.Studio director: Wayne Moses Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jon, Emily and Anthony talk us through the flies, the highs and lows of the VP debate in Utah. And two undecided voters tell us if the candidates' sparring on race helped them make their pick.Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos