The U.S. presidential election is in less than two weeks, and with so much at stake, this “home stretch” can feel particularly excruciating on an existential level.
Whether it’s intense political engagement you’re looking for or an opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture, we’ve rounded up political podcasts that approach election coverage from a variety of different angles, allowing for listeners to engage with updates and analysis in whatever way feels most sustainable to them.
We’ll be frank: there’s no crystal ball here. Across all of these shows there is a distinct sense of uncertainty about the outcome of the election and its aftermath, even amongst experts. But it can still feel empowering to be armed with the most relevant and helpful information. As Americans navigate uncharted waters, the right podcast can serve as, if not the whole lifeboat, then at least a small, useful flotation device.
Election 101 (CNN)
Whether you consider yourself a novice to electoral politics or a weary veteran, “Election 101” is intended to bring you back to basics. From voter registration to voting by mail to the accuracy of polling, host Kristen Holmes boils down the American electoral process to its nuts and bolts. And the face of wild uncertainty about the outcome of the election, a strong working knowledge of how things are supposed to work can feel empowering, and possibly combat feelings of confusion or helplessness.
Latest episode: Who Should Get Your Vote?
Winning Wisconsin (Wonder Media Network)
Much like the state that inspired it, “Winning Wisconsin” could be viewed as an underdog among the current political podcasts—but under no circumstances should it be overlooked. Host Grace Lynch does an excellent job contextualizing the myriad factors that led to Trump winning the state in 2016, including the election of former Governor Scott Walker and the rise of conservative media. With Wisconsin poised to repeat its role as a key swing state in the 2020 election, “Winning Wisconsin” is arguably one of the most essential listens of election season, particularly for audiences outside the Midwest who may not be overly familiar with the shapeshifting politics of America’s Dairyland over the past decade.
Latest episode: Milwaukee’s Fight
Can He Do That? (The Washington Post)
With “Can He Do That?”, host Allison Michaels nails the question currently underpinning Americans’ collective anxiety. Two weeks before the election, there are so many topics “that” could refer to—and Michaels meticulously addresses each one, serving as a calm proxy for a (likely) frazzled listener. Can Trump push through a Supreme Court confirmation before the election? Can he legally send law enforcement to polling places, as he’s suggested doing? And what would actually happen if Trump refuses to concede a loss in November, and/or vacate the White House in January? As one might imagine, the hypothetical scenarios discussed range anywhere from “extremely worrying” to “outright disturbing” — but Michaels and her guests manage to walk a line that leaves listeners feeling more informed than agitated.
Latest episode: The 2020 election is facing big challenges. Which ones matter most?
Women Belong in the House (Wonder Media Network)
“Women Belong in the House” was launched in the leadup to the 2018 midterm elections, when a record number of women ran for Congress. Hosted by Jenny Kaplan, the podcast seeks to understand the state of gender representation in office, and asks the question: how would Congress change if it looked more like the people it represents? Since kicking off the third season in early September, Kaplan has interviewed notable Congresswomen including Rep. Deb Haaland, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Lauren Underwood. More recent episodes have focused on the women representing or running for office in key swing states, including Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin. “Women Belong in the House” not only centers and illuminates the stories, achievements, and challenges faced by women in Congress—it also serves as an important reminder that the presidential race is not the only one that deserves our attention and energy over the next two weeks.
Latest episode: Going Purple in the Peach State: GA-06
In the Thick (Futuro Media Group)
Hosted by Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela, “In the Thick” invites journalists of color to discuss stories and perspectives that are often missing from mainstream news sources. Alongside guests like Black Lives matter co-creator Alicia Garza and New York Congressional nominee Jamaal Bowman, Hinojosa and Varela illuminate important topics including the contributions of women of color organizers in grassroots movements, voter suppression in the South, the significance of Kamala Harris’ mixed heritage, and the history of reproductive rights for women of color and immigrants. Although the issues are weighty, the co-hosts bring crackling energy and wit to each episode, another reason “In the Thick” stands out from the pack.
Latest episode: LIVE From Home: The Final Countdown
Majority 54 (Wonder Media Network)
Hosted by Jason Kander and Ravi Gupta, “Majority 54” appeals to Americans who didn’t vote for Donald Trump and want to change the minds of those who did. Reaching across the aisle is never easy, and with election day looming, it may seem more daunting then ever—but Gupta and Kander provide listeners with the tools they need to combat disinformation, and set an example by speaking with Republican guests on a number of key talking points. After absorbing episodes on topics like climate change, abortion, and Trump’s taxes, listeners will be better equipped to have productive and informed discussions with their conservative family members, friends, and coworkers—should they choose to do so.
Latest episode: Inside the GOP Playbook
Politics Podcast (FiveThirtyEight)
“If you're looking for some type of existential certainty that Biden will win the election, this is not the place you're going to find that,” says political journalist Clare Malone in a recent episode of FiveThirtyEight’s Politics Podcast. “You’re asking the model to soothe your anxieties for two weeks, but you just have to sit with the discomfort that this is just a thing you need to wait for.” It’s a tough love approach, but Malone and the FiveThirtyEight team, including Nate Silver, Micah Cohen, Perry Bacon Jr., and Galen Druke, are adamant about sticking to their strengths—i.e. breaking down political polls and providing data-driven insights into potential outcomes. They’re not here to soothe your jangled nerves, but while the FiveThirtyEight team refuses to coddle its listeners, the matter-of-fact tone can actually be grounding, even if you’re not a numbers person by nature.
Latest episode: The Most Competitive Races in 2020
The Brown Girls Guide to Politics (Wonder Media Network)
Created and hosted by A’shanti Gholar, “The Brown Girls Guide to Politics'' provides a space for women of color to learn about the current state of women in politics, and to amplify the voices and achievements of women who are often left out of mainstream media coverage. BGG’s inaugural episode featured an interview with Stacey Abrams, in which Abrams discussed voter suppression and collective aspirations for the future; since then, Gholar has facilitated engaging, compassionate discussions impressive array of politicians and activists including Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Gholar’s fifth season, which premiered last week, will focus on what’s happening on the ground during the 2020 Election, and has already featured a panel with BIPOC working in community organization and government policy.
Latest Episode: Breonna’s Law: Why We Need Police Reform
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