Many Democrats might laugh at the idea that Sen. Mitch McConnell or any Republican deserves credit for acknowledging a reality that's been apparent for weeks, and simply stating that Biden is president-elect. "I applaud Mitch McConnell for talking to Joe Biden today," VP-Elect Kamala Harris told ABC News on Wednesday. "It would have been better if it were earlier, but it happened, and that's what's most important. So let's move forward." Plus, Dr. Deborah Birx joins the podcast to discuss the coronavirus vaccine, COVID trends across the U.S. and share her recommendations for holiday preparations. 
Guest: Dr. Deborah Birx, Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force
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"Respectful in Public and Very Clear in Private"

Headliner interviews and in-depth looks at the people and events shaping U.S. politics. Hosted by ABC News' Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl and Political Director Rick Klein.

News

Politics

Don't call it a "State of the Union." President Joe Biden tonight will address a joint session of Congress, 99 days after being sworn into office. Powerhouse Politics speaks with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki about what the look, sound and substance of the speech will be.
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"We Can't Afford Not To Go Big"

For the guilty findings in connection with the killing of George Floyd to mark a true turning point will take much more than verdicts in Minneapolis. It falls now to a president elected on the promise of unity to both heal and advance policy in tense and still-uncertain times. ABC's Rachel Scott joins from Minneapolis to talk about the road ahead. Plus, Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, talks about her newly released biography of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 
Guest: Susan Page, author of “Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power” 
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"A Master of the Inside Game"

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he would withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan before the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks because "it is time to end America’s longest war." Meanwhile, April 28th has been announced as the date of President Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress.
Guest: Journalist, Neil King
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"One Thing Leads to Another"

Amid the fallout over Georgia's new sweeping elections law, Texas Democrats and voting rights activists are strategizing how to get some of the state's biggest employers to apply political pressure on lawmakers weighing restrictive voting bills in the Lone Star State. Plus, Governor Asa Hutchinson joins to talk about the Arkansas state legislature's vote on Tuesday to override his veto on a bill that would ban gender-affirming treatments for transgender youths in the state.
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"Over-Broad" & "Extreme"

The $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill got more attention and its goals may matter more in addressing the challenges of the moment. But President Joe Biden's two-phase jobs and infrastructure package will carry a larger price tag along with potentially greater implications. 
Guest: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), author of the new book, "Every Day Is A Gift"
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"Respectful in Public and Very Clear in Private"

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