Political Breakdown

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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