Political Breakdown

Some of the closest House races in recent elections have been in the Central Valley. Many of those congressional districts are truly purple – including the one near Bakersfield where incumbent Republican David Valadao held on to win reelection in November. Scott and Marisa are joined by Valadao’s former chief of staff Tal Eslick, now a consultant in the Central Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new podcast by Gov. Gavin Newsom made national headlines this week when Newsom, a longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights, told his guest, right wing talk show host and social media influencer Charlie Kirk, that he thinks it’s unfair for transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports. Scott, Marisa and Guy analyze the comment, the fallout and what it says about the Democratic party’s thoughts on rebranding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his campaign for president last year, Donald Trump consistently disavowed Project 2025, the right wing blueprint to remake the U.S. government. But since taking office, he’s been aggressively implementing many tenets of the controversial plan. Scott and Marisa discuss Trump's embracing of the plan and what it means for democracy with Ben Raderstorf, policy advocate at the nonpartisan organization Protect Democracy, which is dedicated to pushing back against authoritarianism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KQED's newest podcast, Close All Tabs, is out now! Tech journalist Morgan Sung spends most of her day online—so you don’t have to. Each week, Morgan tackles a new topic that might seem niche on the surface but is destined to impact our lives—both online and off. She pulls from experts, creators, and history to add context to the trends and depth to the memes. And she’ll wrestle with as many browser tabs as it takes to explain the cultural moment we’re all collectively living. Find Close All Tabs wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emergency shelters are often the first stop for unhoused people living on the streets. But a new investigation by CalMatters found shelters are unsafe and unsuccessful at getting residents into permanent housing. Their comprehensive review of shelter performance found a system often mired in chaos and scandals. Lead reporter Lauren Hepler joins Scott and Marisa to talk about what they found. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters in Oakland will face a big decision in April. A special election will determine who will be the city’s mayor following the recall of Sheng Thao last year. The candidates include former Congressmember Barbara Lee and former City Councilmember Loren Taylor, who almost beat Sheng Thao three years ago. They participated alongside several other candidates in a forum Wednesday night. Scott, Marisa, Guy and KQED's Alex Hall discuss the issues facing the next mayor and what's at stake for Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House, Marisa and Scott check in on how a shift in U.S. policy is impacting the Ukraine-Russia War as well as Europe and America's allies more broadly. They're joined by Eric Bazail-Eimil, a national security reporter and co-author of Politico's "National Security Daily" newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats have been struggling to respond to President Trump and Elon Musk’s rampage through the federal government. But California Representative Robert Garcia has become a leading critic of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and an example of one strategy to push back. Scott talks to Garcia about his approach. Then, Scott is joined by Vox senior politics reporter Christian Paz to discuss the most effective messaging strategies. Should Democrats make a populist appeal aimed at middle class voters worried about their privacy and economic well-being? Or should they focus on a defense of the system and democratic norms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Trump Administration continues to slash federal funding, one of San Francisco’s crown jewels is in the crosshairs. Decades ago, the Presidio National Park was converted from an Army base to public open space, housing, restaurants and non-profit organizations. Scott and Marisa discuss why Trump is trying to dissolve the Presidio Trust, which oversees the park. Then, they're joined by Guy to talk about the bill introduced by Republican lawmakers to weaken California's sanctuary laws, making it easier for law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One month into the new Trump administration, research funds have been frozen, data has been taken down and scientific discourse censored. Now, with vaccine skeptics in positions of incredible power, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the future of scientific research and healthcare access appears uncertain. Marisa and Scott discuss the state of American science with The Atlantic staff writer Katherine Wu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Republicans have laid out a blueprint for the first federal budget under President Trump’s second administration. It calls for massive tax cuts, lifting the debt ceiling and deep cuts to programs like Medicaid. Scott and Marisa talk with New York Times congressional correspondent Catie Edmondson about the politics of cutting programs for low-income Americans to pay for tax cuts for the richest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Kamala Harris considers her political future, including a possible run for governor of California, allies of President Trump are also weighing a bid for the Golden State's top job. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the campaign from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and possibly Trump's national security envoy Richard Grenell. Plus, are we seeing an inflection point on the Bay Area's response to homelessness? Decisions in San José and Fremont suggest local governments are taking more aggressive measures to remove encampments in public spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Kamala Harris considers her political future, including a possible run for governor of California, allies of President Trump are also weighing a bid for the Golden State's top job. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the campaign from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and possibly Trump's national security envoy Richard Grenell. Plus, are we seeing an inflection point on the Bay Area's response to homelessness? Decisions in San José and Fremont suggest local to governments are taking more aggressive measures to remove encampments in public spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s moves to consolidate power have some observers comparing the U.S. to Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has enacted an authoritarian playbook. Marisa and Scott talk with Vox senior correspondent Zack Beauchamp, who's covered Orbán's rise. Later, they're joined by California's Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who was the U.S. ambassador to Hungary when Orbán returned to power in 2010. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Communications Commission, led by President Trump's appointee Brendan Carr, is investigating San Francisco radio station KCBS for its coverage of a recent immigration enforcement action in San Jose. Plus, Carr is calling for an investigation into NPR and PBS for allegedly airing commercials and suggested the public broadcasters could be stripped of their federal funding. Scott and Marisa are joined by Ben Mullin, media reporter for The New York Times, to talk about the chilling effect the FCC's legal actions could have in newsrooms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of attacking President Donald Trump, Governor Gavin Newsom heads to Washington D.C. with compliments, gratitude and a request for Los Angeles wildfire recovery money. Plus, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he won't run for governor, saying he's got his hands full taking on Trump. Scott and Marisa talk with Dustin Gardiner, co-author of Politico's California Playbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since President Trump’s inauguration, Elon Musk has moved at breakneck speed to seize power, cut government spending and install loyalists in government. Journalist Zoë Schiffer wrote a book on Musk's track record transforming Twitter, Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter, and says he's following a similar playbook on the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Within the United States, San Francisco-based OpenAI, which released ChatGPT in 2022, is at the leading edge of AI technology. Until very recently the U.S. was seen as the clear global leader in artificial intelligence. But last week's release of a low cost, high performance AI model called DeepSeek by a Chinese startup sent the U.S. stock market reeling. Scott talks with OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane to discuss AI’s potential, its future and competition from China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom had called on the state legislature to add millions of dollars to the state budget for lawsuits against President Trump. But this week, that plan hit a snag in Sacramento. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss why Assembly Democrats decided to delay votes on this funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump made demonizing transgender people a core tenet of his political pitch, and his administration has wasted no time enacting a series of executive actions to strip trans people of their rights. Marisa and Scott talk to Imani Rupert-Gordon, the president of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, about how advocates are fighting back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump's nomination of Kash Patel to lead the FBI has Democrats and even some Republicans sounding the alarm. Patel has promoted conspiracy theories including false claims about stolen elections and is promising to shut down the FBI headquarters in Washington. Scott and Marisa talk with Senator Alex Padilla ahead of tomorrow's Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Patel about why he sees Patel's nomination as "offensive." Plus, Scott and Marisa discuss the Trump administration’s effort to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As thousands of Los Angeles residents stare down the long road to recovery, questions remain about how the devastating Los Angeles wildfires will impact California’s already struggling insurance market. Marisa and Scott are joined by KQED science reporter Danielle Venton to discuss what’s next for your home insurance and what the state can do to guard against future disasters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since President Donald Trump took office, executive orders on immigration and highly publicized raids have grabbed headlines. As immigrant communities prepare for what’s coming, advocacy groups offer “know your rights” workshops and open rapid response hotlines. Scott and Marisa are joined by KQED senior editor for immigration Tyche Hendricks to dig into what’s happening on the ground, in courts and in immigrant communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump visits Los Angeles today to view the devastation of the recent wildfires, leaving Governor Gavin Newsom hanging as Trump ties federal disaster funding to water policy changes and voter IDs. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss whether this is just talk or if aid to California will really be held hostage to politics. Then, they're joined by San Francisco Chronicle senior political reporter Joe Garofoli, who's in Washington D.C. covering Trump's first week back in office and his slew of executive actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congressman George Whitesides has been warning about catastrophic wildfires in California even before he was elected to one of the most competitive House districts in the country in November. Now, the freshman lawmaker and former aerospace executive represents an area of northern Los Angeles grappling with a new wildfire that ignited on Wednesday. Whitesides joins Marisa and Scott to talk about the Hughes Fire, policies to prevent "megafires" and President Trump's executive actions on immigration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County have spurred an outpour of volunteers and donations. Many of those relief efforts are coordinated by California Volunteers, the agency overseeing service corps in the state. Marisa and Scott are joined by Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and head of California Volunteers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that President Donald Trump is back in the White House, San Francisco is already joining legal efforts to fight policy changes, including a federal lawsuit to stop Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship. Scott and Marisa are joined by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu to discuss priorities in challenging Trump in court and plans to defend the city's values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump took the oath of office today in the Capitol, ushering in a new era in Washington, D.C. and the country. In a break from tradition, Trump used his inaugural address to attack his predecessor, crow about his electoral victory, preview the policies he intends to implement and declare a new “golden age of America.” Marisa and Scott are joined by Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University and co-host of the podcast "Strict Scrutiny," to talk about the legal limitations of Trump's promises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Senate confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees took center stage in Washington D.C. this week. The Democrats tried to derail candidates, and the hearings tested G.O.P. unity. Concerns circulated around national security considerations to reinvigorating the economy and protecting environment, indicating that for these picks, and the nation, the stakes are high. On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg discusses this week’s highlights on Capitol Hill, and explores what we can expect going forward with Zack Beauchamp. He’s a senior correspondent at Vox, covering challenges to democracy in the United States and abroad, and right-wing populism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most controversial cabinet nominations is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the US Department of Health and Human Services. He’s President-elect Trump's pick to be the country’s top health official. RFK is armed with his 'Make America Healthy Again' platform and Trump's promise to let him 'go wild.' So, what will that look like on the ground? RFK has controversial views on vaccines, fluoride, and food regulation. On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg speaks with Dr. Céline Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and CBS News medical contributor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire deal, putting an end to the deadly war in Gaza. President Biden outlined the deal in an address to the United States this morning. He said, “There was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal. And I’m deeply satisfied. This day has finally come for the sake of the people of Israel and for the sake of the people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war.” Qatar announced the breakthrough following weeks of bumpy negotiations to end 15 months of devastating conflict. According to the health ministry in Gaza 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since Hamas’s deadly on October 7th, 2023. On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg speaks with Omar Dajani, he’s an International Law professor with the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when Medi-Cal, a lifeline for 2 in 5 Californians, faces potential cuts? The state’s health insurance program is vital for children, low-income families, and seniors. But with Trump back in the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, sweeping cuts are on the table. We’ll explore the stakes for Californians, look at how the state might respond and discuss how changes could ripple out into the larger community. On Political Breakdown, KQED's Leslie McClurg is joined by Anthony Wright, executive director Families USA, a consumer health advocacy organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're airing an episode of our sister podcast, The Bay. The Bay's host Ericka Cruz Guevarra sat down with Andrea Sorce, Vallejo's newest mayor. Sorce is the chair of the city's Surveillance Advisory Board and co-founder of the ACLU’s Solano County chapter. She and Ericka discuss plans for the beleaguered Vallejo Police Department, dealing with the city's housing and homelessness and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Joe Biden was quick to visit Southern California this week to pledge federal assistance during the devastating wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the president for not playing political games — a not-so-subtle comparison to President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism directed at California during the crisis. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the politics of the Los Angeles wildfires. Then, they're joined by KQED's Sydney Johnson to talk about San Francisco's new Mayor Daniel Lurie taking the baton from London Breed with promises to prioritize public safety. And in Oakland, Barbara Lee says she's running for mayor in the city's special election in April. The veteran lawmaker says she wants to use her rolodex and experience to help right the ship in Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could determine the future of TikTok. The expedited arguments come just nine days before the video sharing app is set to be banned under a bipartisan law passed by Congress last year calling for TikTok to either be sold to a non-Chinese company or be blocked in the U.S. Marisa and Scott are joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Stu Woo to talk about the legal case and the politics at play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The start of a second Trump term brings with it new — and old — challenges for the media. Trump has threatened to prosecute reporters and media outlets, has used his regulatory power to punish companies whose coverage he doesn't like and has called reporters the enemy of the people. The rise of social media has also helped usher in a new era in media more broadly, marked by a fragmented environment and a rise in right wing outlets. Scott and Marisa are joined by Politico's Ian Ward to talk about what this means for the next few years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly 30 years in Congress, Oakland Democrat Barbara lee was a leading voice for military restraint, civil rights and HIV/AIDS funding. After losing a bid for the U.S. Senate, Lee has left Congress, but she's being urged by some to run for mayor of Oakland. Lee joins Scott and Marisa in studio to talk about her trailblazing past and possible future in politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

South Bay Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren was in the nation’s capitol four years ago as a violent mob stormed the building to stop certification of the 2020 election results. And she was back there again today, as a peaceful transition of power played out. Marisa and Scott are joined by Lofgren, who was a member of the congressional committee that investigated the January 6th attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re revisiting an interview with California's newest U.S. senator. Senator Adam Schiff built his reputation in Washington as President-elect Donald Trump’s chief nemesis, playing a leading role in prosecuting the first impeachment of Trump. Schiff joined Scott and Marisa back in February to talk about his support for Israel, his evolution from a tough-on-crime Democrat to now embracing reform and what he wants to do if elected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re revisiting an interview with San Francisco's next mayor. Daniel Lurie will be the city’s first leader in over a century with no previous elected government experience. Lurie made a lot of promises on his way to an impressive victory over the incumbent, Mayor London Breed. From homelessness to public safety, housing and the economy, Lurie will have his hands full when he takes office in January. Scott and Marisa are joined in studio by Lurie to discuss his agenda, his mandate and how he’ll keep those promises even as the city faces a budget deficit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our last episodes of 2024, we’re looking back at some of our favorite shows of the year. From President Biden dropping out as the Democratic nominee, to Vice President Kamala Harris running a hundred-day presidential campaign, to the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump, this was a historic and monumental election year. As we wrap up this whirlwind year, knowing now that we’re heading into a second Trump administration, we're revisiting one of this year’s most pivotal moments when history was being made at the Democratic National Convention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024. Jessica Bartholow has worked behind the scenes at the state Capitol for years. She’s known for her fierce anti-poverty advocacy and budget expertise, as a lobbyist and more recently as chief of staff to East Bay State Senator Nancy Skinner. Bartholow now works for SEIU, the state’s largest and most powerful union. She joins Scott and Guy to talk about the revolving roles she’s played inside and outside of state government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024. President-elect Donald Trump rarely strays from his red tie, white shirt and blue suit, while Vice President Kamala Harris’ uniform consists of tailored suits in a variety of colors. But what does it all mean? What are they saying to voters? And why do fashion choices in politics even matter? Marisa talks about the politics of fashion with Vanessa Friedman, the fashion director and chief fashion critic at The New York Times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final days of the year, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favorite shows from 2024. Governor Gavin Newsom calls Jason Elliott his “Swiss Army knife.” Elliott is Newsom’s longest serving aide, and he’s had his fingers in just about every major issue, from homelessness and housing to COVID, mental health care and regulating AI. As Elliott prepared to leave the administration, he joined Scott and Marisa to reflect on those many years of service in government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're revisiting an interview with the Bay Area's newly elected U.S. House representatives. Democrats Lateefah Simon and Sam Liccardo will be among the 119th Congress when they’re sworn in next month. The two have very different life stories, but they share a commitment to getting things done, even though Democrats will be in the minority. Simon and Liccardo join Scott in studio to discuss their agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 118th Congress is in its final days, and it’s not going quietly. With a government shutdown looming, Republicans killed a bipartisan budget deal then resurrected another plan that Democrats rejected. The chaos in Washington could be a preview of what’s coming in the second Trump administration, with a closely divided House and a bitter partisan climate. Scott and Marisa talk with two Democratic members of Congress: Sydney Kamlager-Dove from Los Angeles and Jared Huffman from Marin. They discuss the prospect for a budget deal, Elon Musk’s influence and why Republicans defied President-elect Donald Trump last night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year comes to an end, Marisa and Scott are joined by Politico California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago to look ahead to 2025, mulling over questions like: What's next for Vice President Kamala Harris? How is the California governor's race shaping up? Will Speaker Mike Johnson be able to keep his job as a government shutdown looms? Are Democrats learning any lessons from their losses and looking to turn the page to a new generation of leadership? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans will soon have control of Congress and the White House, leaving Democrats concerned that they might call for a constitutional convention to rewrite our country’s constitution and fundamentally change anything from abortion access to immigration. California has several dormant calls for a constitutional convention on the books, and now, State Senator Scott Wiener wants to rescind those calls. Scott talks with Wiener and New York Times San Francisco Bureau Chief Heather Knight about the politics of a constitutional convention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the House races that Democrats flipped from red to blue this election was California’s 45th congressional district in Orange County. Democratic newcomer Derek Tran narrowly defeated the incumbent Michelle Steel by about 650 votes in the nation’s most expensive House race. Melanie Mason, senior political reporter at Politico, covered that race and says Tran’s victory “blew up the Democratic Playbook.” She joins Scott to discuss how Tran managed to beat Steel in what was a very challenging political climate for Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Educated liberals have won the culture war, but that hasn't necessarily translated into winning elections. The Republican party is attracting larger numbers of working class voters without college degrees while Democrats are now the party preferred by educated Americans. This shift, referred to as the "diploma divide" reveals a new political alignment that is shaking up our politics. It's the subject of the book "Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics." Co-author Matt Grossman is director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and a professor of political science at Michigan State University and he joins Scott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices