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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Jakson tiivistelmä

This episode examines the failed impeachment attempt of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, detailing allegations ranging from illegal warfare in Iran to suppression of free speech. The discussion explores the political implications for both parties, specifically the strategic dilemma Democrats face between pursuing accountability and focusing on economic priorities like grocery costs. The episode also covers recent election developments, including Donald Trump's reactions to election results and highly competitive Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi. Finally, it addresses the uncertainty surrounding Democratic gains in the South and concludes with a look at upcoming podcast trailers.

Luvut

Klikkaa lukua siirtyäksesi suoraan kyseiseen kohtaan

Kohokohdat

What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it's not accountability. It's a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.

00:08:01 · Pete Hegseth defends himself against the impeachment efforts led by Thomas Massie.

Does impeaching Pete Hegseth bring down the cost of your groceries? No, it doesn't.

00:13:21 · The speaker highlights the political dilemma Democrats face in choosing between accountability and focusing on economic issues.

I would say there's something wrong with Thomas Massey. He was an automatic no vote.

00:14:22 · Donald Trump expresses his personal disapproval of Thomas Massey during a press briefing.

It felt half-hearted to me, if I'm completely honest. It felt like an afterthought, you know, several days after the election that President Trump is starting to question the results.

00:18:52 · The speaker evaluates the sincerity of Donald Trump's attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the recent election.

pretty much every Democrat I've spoken to, whether a lawmaker or a strategist, they just seem nervous.

00:26:32 · The speaker describes the anxiety felt by Democratic political figures regarding their ability to hold onto recent electoral gains.

Jaksot

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Pete Hegseth survives… but will Trump fire him?

This episode examines the failed impeachment attempt of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, detailing allegations ranging from illegal warfare in Iran to suppression of free speech. The discussion explores the political implications for both parties, specifically the strategic dilemma Democrats face between pursuing accountability and focusing on economic priorities like grocery costs. The episode also covers recent election developments, including Donald Trump's reactions to election results and highly competitive Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi. Finally, it addresses the uncertainty surrounding Democratic gains in the South and concludes with a look at upcoming podcast trailers.

11 marrask. 2026
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Americanswers! Does Trump really want UFC boss Dana White as his new press secretary?

This episode examines recent political developments within the Trump administration, including the appointment of Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff and potential impeachment proceedings against Pete Hegseth. The discussion also touches on rumors regarding a new press secretary and the social media speculation involving UFC's Dana White. The episode further explores the post-election political landscape, focusing on presidential veto power and Democratic strategies. Additionally, it details a major investigation at NVIDIA involving CEO Jensen Huang and allegations of a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy, highlighting the resulting national security concerns and economic impact on the AI industry.

09 marrask. 2026
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Midterms! The Democrat race for 2028 has already begun

In this episode of AmeriCast, Jim Acena discusses the Democratic Party's significant victories in the US midterms, highlighting shifts in voter demographics and geographic strongholds. He explores how focusing on economic issues and effective candidate recruitment allowed Democrats to win seats in traditionally Republican areas like rural America and Texas. The conversation further examines the aftermath of recent elections, noting that success was driven by economic concerns rather than social issues. The speakers also discuss the challenges facing future Democratic presidential candidates, including the need for clear economic plans, massive fundraising capabilities, and navigating the impact of Donald Trump on the political landscape.

06 marrask. 2026
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Midterms! What do the results mean for Trump's presidency?

This episode examines the aftermath of the US midterm elections, focusing on the significant losses faced by the Republican Party and the potential implications for Senate control. The discussion covers tight races in Mississippi and Alaska, the evolution of digital campaigning, and the long-term impact on judicial appointments. The program further explores internal Republican dynamics, including Ron DeSantis's future, J.D. Vance's critiques regarding foreign policy and Israel, and political tensions within the Trump administration involving Pete Hegseth. The episode concludes with a look at Mississippi's evolving racial identity through a listener's perspective.

06 marrask. 2026
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Midterms! Democrats make historic shift in US politics (results, part 2)

The hosts analyze a massive, unexpected Democratic victory in the US midterm elections, noting significant gains in traditionally Republican states like Texas and Kansas. The discussion explores whether these shifts are driven by economic concerns such as inflation and fuel prices or broader cultural changes. The episode further examines individual race dynamics, including Abdullah Syed's historic victory in Michigan and the impact of candidate quality on outcomes in South Carolina and Mississippi. Finally, the hosts reflect on Donald Trump's status as a 'lame duck' president following his electoral defeat and his potential for maintaining political influence.

04 marrask. 2026