Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
What is the state of US-China relations? Politics Weekly Extra
It’s been 50 years this month since Henry Kissinger, the then national security advisor, made a secret trip to the People’s Republic of China. Joan E Greve talks to the Guardian’s China affairs correspondent, Vincent Ni, to find out how the current diplomatic relationship compares with 1971. Help support our…
Politicians wrestle with patriotism: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Martin Kettle discuss the government’s narrow win to slash foreign aid spending. Plus, Sienna Rodgers, Will Tanner and Sunder Katwala reflect on how politicians are waking up to a progressive patriotism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Is Harris a good vice-president? Politics Weekly Extra
After a rocky few weeks for Kamala Harris, Joan E Greve speaks to Lawrence Haas, former communications director for Al Gore, about the ins and outs of being a successful second in command to the president. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s gamble with Covid: Politics Weekly – podcast
Heather Stewart is joined by Sonia Sodha to discuss the government’s announcement that most coronavirus restrictions in England will end on 19 July. Plus, after last week’s win in Batley and Spen, Labour feels emboldened. How does Keir Starmer use this victory to his advantage?. Help support our independent journalism…
Trump’s true battle with coronavirus: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland speaks to Yasmeen Abutaleb, author of a new book that details just how serious the president’s condition was when he contracted Covid-19 last October. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Javid brings confidence after scandal: Politics Weekly Podcast
Jessica Elgot and Rafael Behr discuss Matt Hancock’s departure and the issues facing the new health secretary, Sajid Javid. Plus, after one of the nastiest campaigns in UK politics in recent times, will the Batley and Spen byelection cause another electoral upset for Labour?. Help support our independent journalism at…
Biden v US Catholic bishops: Politics Weekly Extra
Last week Catholic bishops in the US voted to move forward with plans that could result in Joe Biden being banned from receiving communion because of his stance on abortion. Jonathan Freedland speaks to former congressman Tom Perriello about the decision and its potential impact on voters. Help support our…
Did Brexit transform UK politics forever? Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Gaby Hinsliff look at the latest news out of Westminster. Plus: as we mark the fifth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, has it changed British politics irreversibly? Laura Parker, James Starkie and Anand Menon look back.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Joe Manchin and the filibuster: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland and Prof Sarah Binder discuss why two Democratic senators are proving a thorn in Joe Biden’s side. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s reluctant surrender to science: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Martin Kettle discuss the political fallout of the announced delay to the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England. Plus: Peter Walker is joined by Sonia Sodha and Katy Balls to ask why MPs are so keen to get involved in the perennial culture wars. Help support our…
How much trouble is Rudy Giuliani in? Politics Weekly Extra
As an investigation and lawsuit hang over the former New York mayor and lawyer to Donald Trump, Jonathan Freedland finds out about the man from biographer Andrew Kirtzman. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Domestic pressures ahead of hosting the G7: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Polly Toynbee discuss the Tory rebellion over foreign aid cuts in a week in which the government will host the G7 group of wealthy nations. Jessica Elgot is joined by Patrick Wintour and Sir Ivan Rogers to look ahead to the summit. Plus: Rory Carroll asks Dr…
Republicans grapple with Marjorie Taylor Greene: Politics Weekly Extra
Jonathan Freedland and Joan E Greve look at what it might take for the Republican leadership to properly punish Marjorie Taylor Greene for the outrageous and offensive comments she continues to make. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Johnson’s latest lockdown dilemma: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Zoe Williams look at the arguments for and against pushing over that last hurdle in England on 21 June. Libby Brooks, Dani Garavelli, and Kezia Dugdale discuss the newly elected Scottish parliament. Plus, Aubrey Allegretti talks to Sajjad Karim about the Tory Islamophobia report, published last week…
Should Biden reform the supreme court? Politics Weekly Extra
Last week, the US supreme court agreed to hear a case that could significantly roll back abortion rights. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Christopher Kang, former deputy counsel to President Obama, about calls to restructure the highest federal court in the country. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Cummings throws government under the bus: Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Sonia Sodha discuss the rather dramatic revelations from Dominic Cummings’ marathon evidence session before a Commons select committee. Daniel Trilling and David Blunkett talk about the problems in the Home Office. Plus, Peter Walker and Will Jennings look at the politics of levelling up. Help support our…
The Guardian’s history in the US: Politics Weekly Extra
As celebrations marking the Guardian’s 200th year continue, Jonathan Freedland and David Smith explore the paper’s rocky road through covering the biggest stories in US political history. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
India variant creates tension among Tories – Politics Weekly podcast
Heather Stewart and Rafael Behr look at domestic pressures over the India coronavirus variant as the UK continues to unlock. Plus, to celebrate the Guardian’s 200th birthday, Heather speaks with three former political editors about how the job, and its challenges, have changed. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
What is Biden’s policy in the Middle East?: Politics Weekly Extra
As the world witnesses the worst violence in Jerusalem since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, the US president, Joe Biden, has been criticised for his silence. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the veteran negotiator Dennis Ross about the history of US policy in the Middle East. Help support our…
Queen’s speech to the new Tory base: Politics Weekly podcast
Jessica Elgot and Gaby Hinsliff dissect what was and was not mentioned in the Queen’s speech on Tuesday. Ailbhe Rea and Ellie Mae O’Hagan look at where the Labour party is headed after very mixed election results. Plus, Peter Walker speaks to Francis Elliot about how successive governments have tried…