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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Resumen del episodio

This episode of AmeriCast explores the shifting political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, examining recent polling that suggests Democrats may perform unexpectedly well in traditionally Republican states like Texas and Kansas. The discussion delves into how economic pressures from inflation and tariffs, alongside candidate quality, are impacting voters in key states like Iowa. Featuring insights from pollster John Anzalone, the conversation analyzes the decline in branding for both major political parties and the emergence of 'double haters' who may drive ticket-splitting behavior. The episode also concludes with previews of upcoming podcast investigations into topics ranging from the Facebook whistleblower to historical technological shifts.

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Destacados

they are polling astonishingly well in what we would call deep red for Republican states, ruby red states.

00:03:12 · The speaker highlights the surprising strength of Democratic polling in traditionally conservative areas.

This is self-inflicted wounds.

00:25:23 · John Anzalone uses this to explain that the Republican Party's decline in branding is being caused by Donald Trump's actions.

People are not happy with either party. They're viewing and looking at these candidates individually.

00:26:41 · The speaker predicts a rise in ticket-splitting voting behavior due to widespread dissatisfaction with both major political parties.

We call them double haters. And if you look at those people in our Wall Street Journal poll, they're voting for Democrats by a 55 to 27 percent margin.

00:31:55 · The pollster highlights how voters who dislike both parties are currently leaning towards the Democratic side.

Part of why I blew the whistle was I didn't want to lay in bed in 20 years. Having seen another million people die, I know that I could have done something when I had a chance.

00:42:03 · The speaker explains her personal motivation for leaking documents regarding Facebook.

Episodios

656-

Are the Democrats heading for a midterms landslide?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the shifting political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, examining recent polling that suggests Democrats may perform unexpectedly well in traditionally Republican states like Texas and Kansas. The discussion delves into how economic pressures from inflation and tariffs, alongside candidate quality, are impacting voters in key states like Iowa. Featuring insights from pollster John Anzalone, the conversation analyzes the decline in branding for both major political parties and the emergence of 'double haters' who may drive ticket-splitting behavior. The episode also concludes with previews of upcoming podcast investigations into topics ranging from the Facebook whistleblower to historical technological shifts.

09 oct. 2026
655-

Did Trump really say Iran could “take out” Los Angeles?

This episode of AmeriCast examines the controversial 'State of the Force' speech by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on his significant reductions in military leadership and his emphasis on a 'warrior ethos.' The discussion explores the implications of his policies regarding diversity, masculinity, and religious influence within the Pentagon under the Trump administration. The episode also covers the political pressures facing Hegseth, including an impeachment effort led by Congressman Thomas Massie regarding military involvement in Iran. Additionally, the hosts analyze Donald Trump's controversial remarks concerning potential strikes on California cities and the resulting friction with Governor Gavin Newsom.

07 oct. 2026
654-

Americanswers…Will Christa Pike still face the death penalty after surviving two lethal injection doses?

This episode explores the shifting political landscape surrounding the U.S. midterm elections, examining potential 'October surprises,' the threat of AI-generated deepfakes, and Donald Trump's current campaigning strategy in red states. The discussion also covers the reopening of a criminal investigation into rape allegations at Cornell University and the legal debates regarding consent and institutional accountability. Additionally, the episode examines the implications of botched executions in Tennessee and Republican efforts to target former special counsel Jack Smith through congressional hearings.

05 oct. 2026
653-

Can the Democratic Socialists of America win over voters?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the rise and political strategy of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), examining their identity as a wing of the Democratic Party and their controversial policy positions. Through an interview with DSA national co-chair Ashik Sadiq, the discussion covers proposals for taxing billionaires to fund universal healthcare, housing, and education. The conversation further delves into the DSA's platform regarding wealth redistribution, critiques of DEI programs, and the impact of privatization in the public sector. The episode also addresses foreign policy stances concerning Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine, alongside a proposal to reduce the US overseas military presence to reallocate funds toward domestic social needs and the climate crisis.

02 oct. 2026
652-

Do Republicans need to ditch Trump before the midterms?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the shifting political landscape in Florida and the broader challenges facing Republicans in the US midterms. The discussion focuses on how candidates like Byron Donalds are attempting to navigate the tension between maintaining MAGA support and appealing to a wider electorate by distancing themselves from Donald Trump's influence. The analysis further examines how Trump's presence acts as a 'drag' on Republican candidates, with voters linking issues such as inflation, immigration enforcement, and trade tariffs directly to his policies. The episode also compares the current 'red undertow' to previous midterm dynamics under Obama and Biden.

30 sep. 2026