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Political Breakdown: Daily Summaries Delivered
by KQED
Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the day in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago28 min
Will Newsom Really Sit Out 2028?
Gov. Gavin Newsom this week told CNN he would not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris runs. Marisa, Guy and Scott make sense of the governor’s promise. Then, one of California’s most competitive congressional races runs through the 48th District in Riverside and San Diego counties. Guy has been reporting from the district and walks through the candidates and the issues driving voters. They also unpack the slipping support for Proposition 45, the November ballot measure that would reform the California Environmental Quality Act. Support for the measure was at 73% in July according to the Public Policy Institute of California. This week, it fell to 49%. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 days ago32 min
Jane Kim’s Bold Plan to Protect You When Disaster Strikes
Former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim is one of two Democrats running to be California’s next insurance commissioner, a powerful position that regulates insurance rates and acts as a consumer advocate. Kim’s biggest proposal is a single-payer disaster insurance policy, but critics say she won’t be able to deliver on that promise. She joins Marisa in studio to explain her vision. You can listen to last week’s interview with the other candidate in this race, state Sen. Ben Allen. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 6 days ago34 min
California AG Takes on Trump, OpenAI, Meta
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the office’s 92nd lawsuit against the Trump administration yesterday to block a rule change that would make it harder for immigrants to qualify for green cards and for their kids to receive public benefits. Bonta joins Marisa in studio to discuss the latest legal challenge. Plus, they talk about the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of the president’s mail-in voting restrictions, Bonta’s investigation into the summer’s OpenAI hack and the $17 billion settlement his office led against Meta. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago28 min
Pelosi's Shadow Hangs Over The Race to Replace Her
Rep. Nancy Pelosi is retiring from Congress, but as State Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan compete for her seat, Pelosi continues to draw the spotlight. Marisa, Scott and Guy break down the latest accusations, alliances and drama in the increasingly heated race. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago31 min
Ben Allen Wants to Take on The Insurance Industry for You
For the first time, voters in California will decide between two Democrats for insurance commissioner, a powerful position that regulates insurance rates and acts as a consumer advocate. The race comes as the state faces increasingly destructive wildfires, rising energy prices and a volatile insurance market. Marisa sits down with state Sen. Ben Allen, who said his experience in Sacramento makes him the best candidate for the job. Tune in next week to hear from the other candidate, former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Jane Kim. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago33 min
AIPAC Is Spending Millions to Reshape the Democratic Party. Is It Working?
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, also known as AIPAC, has emerged as one of the biggest spenders in this year’s midterm elections. The pro-Israel lobbying group isn’t just weighing in on swing districts. It’s jumping in on Democrat-on-Democrat races as well, including the East Bay special election to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell. Despite spending millions against Aisha Wahab, AIPAC failed to keep her from winning last month’s contest. Marisa talks to David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, about AIPAC’s agenda, how the group has tried to hide its spending by transferring donations through other PACs and whether AIPAC spending hurts or helps campaigns. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago26 min
Newsom's Final Months: A Failed Deal and Regulating AI
Governor Gavin Newsom failed to strike a deal on wildfire liability with lawmakers in the state legislature this week after months of negotiations that pitted California utilities against insurance companies. Marisa and Guy break down how the deal collapsed and what it means for Newsom as he enters his final months in office. Then, they turn to the few dozen bill on the governor’s desk aiming to regulate the state’s burgeoning Artificial Intelligence industry. The sector has cozied up to politicians like Newsom, but its products and plans are increasingly facing voter backlash. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago31 min
Steve Hilton Supports Mail-In Voting, Remains Confident in California's Election Security
Republican candidate for governor Steve Hilton is campaigning to break Democrats’ iron clad grip on state governance. It’s a steep challenge, but Hilton remains bullish that his message of change can win over independent and Democratic voters while his conservative credentials and endorsement by President Donald Trump help him maintain Republican support. He joins Marisa in studio to discuss his views on inequality in the state, how he would regulate AI and the backlash to data centers. He split with Trump, disagreeing with the president's attempts to limit mail-in voting. Hilton also said he is not concerned about the integrity of the November election and would accept the results. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Political Breakdown
Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the day in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.
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