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

Latino voters could decide which party controls Congress after November’s midterm elections. Two years ago, 48% of them voted for Donald Trump, a record for a Republican presidential candidate. But with fuel prices still high, and his immigration crackdown affecting families who have lived in the US for a long time, is that support slipping away? Justin and Anthony discuss the campaign in Texas, where the Senate race is becoming a fight to win over Latino voters. Trump has mocked the Democratic candidate James Talarico for being vegan (though he isn’t), and Talarico has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging his Republican rival Ken Paxton to a TV debate on Fox News. Justin then talks to Mike Madrid and Chuck Rocha, the Republican and Democratic strategists behind The Latino Vote podcast. They say Latino voters are angry, mostly about the economy. Mike argues that they are drifting away from both parties rather than switching sides, and that Trump’s immigration enforcement has backfired on the Republicans.…

Episodios

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Are Latino voters turning on Trump?

Latino voters could decide which party controls Congress after November’s midterm elections. Two years ago, 48% of them voted for Donald Trump, a record for a Republican presidential candidate. But with fuel prices still high, and his immigration crackdown affecting families who have lived in the US for a long time, is that support slipping away? Justin and Anthony discuss the campaign in Texas, where the Senate race is becoming a fight to win over Latino voters. Trump has mocked the Democratic candidate James Talarico for being vegan (though he isn’t), and Talarico has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging his Republican rival Ken Paxton to a TV debate on Fox News. Justin then talks to Mike Madrid and Chuck Rocha, the Republican and Democratic strategists behind The Latino Vote podcast. They say Latino voters are angry, mostly about the economy. Mike argues that they are drifting away from both parties rather than switching sides, and that Trump’s immigration enforcement has backfired on the Republicans.…

15 oct. 2026
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Your US Midterm Election Guide (A Global News Podcast collab)

What happens if Donald Trump loses the midterms, and why does this election matter for Republicans and Democrats? In this episode, Anthony and Sumi de-jargon and explain some of the basics in this November’s election, unpicking key terms such as ‘gerrymandering’, super PACs, dark money, stump speeches, and what it really means to be an ‘informed voter’. We’re joined by Celia Hatton from the Global News Podcast, with questions from around the world. HOSTS: • Celia Hatton, Global News Podcast presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast This episode was made by Emma Close and Helena Burke with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. If you want to be notified every time we publish a new…

14 oct. 2026
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Americanswers! Will Trump really livestream a firing squad execution?

This episode examines controversial US policy proposals and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The panel discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to live-stream the execution of Nidal Hassan, alongside the political implications of Donald Trump's deal to import Russian diesel despite existing sanctions. The discussion further explores Republican unease regarding oil policy, the mechanics of modern digital influence operations via bot farms, and Democratic strategies for the upcoming midterms. Finally, the episode analyzes Marco Rubio's recent speech in Athens, focusing on his critiques of European identity and potential future political partnerships within the Republican party.

12 oct. 2026
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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
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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