Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

The Jan. 6 insurrection was an attack on the democratic process. How is the investigation into the events that day a defense of that same process? On Today's Show:Kimberly Wehle, law professor at the University of Baltimore, former U.S. Attorney, author of What You Need to Know About Voting--and Why (Harper Collins, 2020) and an opinion writer for many publications including Politico and The Atlantic, discusses the latest developments in the House Select Committee's investigation of the January 6th Attack.

Many activist movements today are leaning on an old protest method: the hunger strike. So why is this tactic seeing a resurgence, and what makes these demonstrations effective? On Today's Show:Sharman Apt Russell, author of several books including Hunger: An Unnatural History (Basic Books, 2006) and Within Our Grasp: Childhood Malnutrition Worldwide and the Revolution Taking Place to End It (Deckle Edge, 2021), discusses the history of hunger strikes and explains how they work.

What does a progressive freshman member of Congress have to say about the politics of this past election, and the process of passing Democrats' agenda? On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY15, South Bronx) talks about the postponed vote on Build Back Better, and about the just-passed infrastructure bill.

COP26 is wrapping up, and some last-minute commitments from the U.S. and China could help push the world toward its emissions reduction targets. On Today's Show:Mark Hertsgaard, executive director of Covering Climate Now and environmental correspondent of The Nation, has the latest key developments from the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Democrats don't have one single name for the legislative agenda that's working through Congress. They have many. Could more focused messaging help pass it more easily? On Today's Show:Anat Shenker-Osorio, strategic communications consultant and host of the "Words To Win By" podcast, discusses the Democratic party's messaging around the Build Back Better (or human infrastructure or reconciliation or $3.5 trillion social spending) bill and what she thinks they could do better, and listeners call in with their own suggestions.

The trials of Kyle Rittenhouse, accused of shooting Black Lives Matter protesters, and of Ahmaud Arbery's alleged killers are both in jury selection. On Today's Show:Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, joins to discuss the jury selection process, and how technicalities invite the possibility of racial bias into the courtroom.

As the climate changes, and famine, drought and other displacing forces get more frequent & more severe, how will the world deal with those forced to flee their homes for safer ground? On Today's Show:David Miliband, president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee, discuss how climate change is fueling conflicts all over the world, and what solutions are being discussed at COP26 -- the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Race and racism were key factors in this past week's elections, which centered largely around the debate over teaching kids about the history of racism in America. On Today's Show:Jamelle Bouie, New York Times opinion columnist and CBS News analyst, reflects on electoral strategy following state and local Republican wins including what he calls "moral panic" over race in education as well as the role of progressive messaging for future Democrat campaigns.

It's not always easy to have conversations about race and racism. Why is it important to do it anyway, and how can we most effectively talk about it? On Today's Show:Celeste Headlee, author of Speaking of Race: Why Everybody Needs to Talk About Racism―and How to Do It (Harper Wave, 2021) draws on science and her own experience to offer guidance for having good conversations around issues of racial identity.

Two incumbent Democratic governors have not had the success they expected against GOP challengers. What can we glean from yesterday's election about politics going forward? On Today's Show:Nancy Solomon, reporter and editor in the WNYC newsroom, and Elena Schneider, national political reporter at POLITICO, break down preliminary results from New Jersey, where the governor's race is too close to call, and races across the nation, including the victory by Republican Glenn Youngkin as governor in Virginia.