Mitch McConnell has been described as "opaque," "drab," and even "dull." He is one of the least popular - and most polarizing - politicians in the country. So how did he win eight consecutive elections? And what does it tell us about how he operates? NPR's Embedded deep dived into the man and the politician. This episode: political correspondent Scott Detrow, Congressional correspondent Susan Davis, and Embedded host Kelly McEvers. Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

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How Did Mitch McConnell Become One Of The Most Powerful People In The World?

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Sen. Jon Tester is an experienced political strategist and capable campaigner whose reputation as a working farmer has helped him to defy the odds as a Democratic in ruby-red Montana. But can he win re-election in a year that one of opponents, Republican Tim Sheehy, could benefit from Donald Trump's coattails?

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Susan Davis, and Montana Public Radio Capitol Bureau Chief Shaylee Ragar. 

This podcast was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. 

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Donald Trump Won Montana By Double-Digits. Can Its Democratic Senator Keep His Seat?

Texas's 15th Congressional District is held by Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a Republican. Her Democratic challenger is Michelle Vallejo. Organizers from both parties believe they've got the right message to win the district's Tejano voters.

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.

This podcast was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. 

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Tejano Votes And A Competitive Texas Congressional Race

The 2024 presidential race will come down to two key regions: the industrial Midwest and the Sun Belt, The number of white voters without a college degree is dwindling as a share of the total electorate, but can Trump's inroads with voters of color help him to make up the ground he needs to defeat President Biden?

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.

This podcast was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. 

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Sneak Peek: NPR's Electoral College Map Analysis

Foreign aid legislation is advancing to a vote in the House thanks to Democratic support, as a third Republican signs on to the effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson. And a prospective juror in the Trump trial was excused after the press published details that could have led to her being publicly identified.

This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.

This podcast was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. 

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Weekly Roundup: Congressional Bipartisanship, Trump Jury

The Biden campaign and allied groups are aggressively advertising to win over persuadable voters. Trump and his affiliates are almost nowhere to be found.

This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.

This podcast was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. 

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

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How Did Mitch McConnell Become One Of The Most Powerful People In The World?

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