Americast

Americast

Insight and analysis on what's happening inside Donald Trump's White House. Podcast episodes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Watch on iPlayer here: https://bbc.in/4j3DjKy. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s social media investigation correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on BBC Radio 4 and every Saturday on the BBC World Service. Oh, and you can now watch us on YouTube and on iPlayer: https://bbc.in/4j3DjKy.

Also, you can listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from our friends, including BBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

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Samenvatting van de aflevering

A Democrat in Michigan has unexpectedly endorsed the Republican candidate, in the state’s crucial US senate contest. Will this stop the Democrats taking back the Senate? In this episode, Justin and Anthony are both in DC, and discuss why this defection is so significant and what it means for Democrats now, and in the 2028 presidential election. We also look at Donald Trump’s final pitch to voters in this US midterms campaign as he gives his final speeches in Kansas and Iowa. What did he say to his supporters? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Purvee Pattni. The operations engineer was Khyree Gray. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please…

Afleveringen

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Midterms! A November surprise upsets Democrats in Michigan

A Democrat in Michigan has unexpectedly endorsed the Republican candidate, in the state’s crucial US senate contest. Will this stop the Democrats taking back the Senate? In this episode, Justin and Anthony are both in DC, and discuss why this defection is so significant and what it means for Democrats now, and in the 2028 presidential election. We also look at Donald Trump’s final pitch to voters in this US midterms campaign as he gives his final speeches in Kansas and Iowa. What did he say to his supporters? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Purvee Pattni. The operations engineer was Khyree Gray. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please…

02 nov. 2026
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Midterms! Are the Democrats about to take back the Senate?

This episode of AmeriCast examines the highly competitive Senate race in Maine between incumbent Republican Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, analyzing how local issues like logging, personal scandals, and national stances on abortion and Donald Trump are influencing voters. The discussion also explores shifting political dynamics in Midwestern states such as Iowa and Kansas, alongside recent controversies in the Alaska Senate race. The conversation further delves into the broader national landscape, noting how economic concerns like gas prices and inflation are driving voter behavior. Additionally, the hosts explore the rising tide of anti-corruption sentiment across the political spectrum, as voters increasingly link perceived political corruption to their personal cost-of-living struggles.

30 okt. 2026
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Can Musk and Trump stop Democrats winning Texas?

This episode of AmeriCast examines the high-stakes Senate races in Texas and Michigan. In Texas, the discussion focuses on the competitive battle between Democrat James Tallarico and Republican Ken Paxton, analyzing how Donald Trump's endorsement and active campaigning are influencing party dynamics and voter turnout amidst economic pressures. The coverage also explores the political landscape in Michigan, specifically focusing on Abdul El-Sayed's campaign strategy and the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Additionally, the hosts analyze Elon Musk's financial influence in Texas politics and the emergence of left-wing populism within the Democratic Party.

28 okt. 2026
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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Can Barack Obama still win votes for the Democrats?

The hosts of AmeriCast analyze the impact of Barack Obama's recent appearances in Michigan and Ohio on the Democratic midterm campaign, evaluating his ability to mobilize key voter blocs. The discussion also explores the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements, such as Nicki Minaj's support for Donald Trump, and examines the legal implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. The episode further covers the political dynamics within the Democratic Party, specifically the challenge of uniting its diverse ideological wings. Additionally, the hosts discuss the impact of the Brazilian election on Donald Trump's stance, a news story regarding damage to an Eisenhower globe, and the high-stakes Senate race in Alaska involving candidate name confusion.

26 okt. 2026
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We speak to Hasan Piker... Is he a liability for the dems?

This episode explores the high-stakes Senate race in Michigan between Democrat Abdul El Saeed and Republican Mike Rogers, analyzing how political rhetoric regarding El Saeed's Muslim identity is impacting the campaign. The discussion also examines the influence of Hassan Piker on young progressive voters and his role in mobilizing demographics through unorthodox communication. The conversation further delves into the systemic drivers of American polarization, arguing that Trumpism is a logical conclusion of corporate rule and oligarchy. By examining economic inequality, military spending, and the potential for future Democratic leadership in 2028, the episode addresses the root causes of social resentment and the search for political cohesion.

23 okt. 2026