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

The hosts analyze early voting trends in the US midterms, noting high enthusiasm among Democratic, Hispanic, and Black voters, alongside Republican strategies to mobilize their base through Donald Trump's campaigning in Kansas. The discussion further examines Republican campaign spending, the impact of MAGA PAC, and controversial attack ads in Ohio. Additionally, the episode marks the return of The Interface from its summer break, introducing a new season and co-host while recapping recent news trends.

Capítulos

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Destacados

It's not Election Day here in the United States anymore. It's election weeks, election month even.

00:02:17 · The host explains how the voting period has expanded beyond a single day through various methods like mail-in and early voting.

So that is a presidential election where a lot of people obviously voted. So these are these are numbers that tell us they can definitely tell us one of things, and that is that enthusiasm is high, that there are a lot of people who want to get out there and vote.

00:05:16 · The speaker uses record-breaking turnout in certain areas to argue that voter engagement remains high.

They're sending him to safe conservative areas because he can't do any harm there.

00:14:40 · The speaker suggests that Trump is being directed to non-battleground states to avoid damaging Republican prospects in competitive districts.

I just wonder if quite a lot of Republicans are thinking, you know what, it'd be great to lose this really badly because it throws everything up in the air.

00:24:13 · The speaker speculates that some Republicans might view a major defeat as an opportunity to reset the party direction away from Trump.

I'm Jess Maddox, and the interface is back from its summer break.

00:28:57 · The hosts announce the return of the podcast after a seasonal hiatus.

Episodios

661-

Can Trump’s $400 million save Republicans at the midterms?

The hosts analyze early voting trends in the US midterms, noting high enthusiasm among Democratic, Hispanic, and Black voters, alongside Republican strategies to mobilize their base through Donald Trump's campaigning in Kansas. The discussion further examines Republican campaign spending, the impact of MAGA PAC, and controversial attack ads in Ohio. Additionally, the episode marks the return of The Interface from its summer break, introducing a new season and co-host while recapping recent news trends.

21 oct. 2026
660-

Americanswers! How far will Trump go in siding with Putin against Ukraine?

The hosts examine recent political developments within the Trump administration, including Donald Trump's decision to waive certain Russian sanctions and the implications for upcoming midterm elections. The discussion covers internal White House dynamics, specifically focusing on personnel stability following the brief tenure of Katie Zakaria and potential instability surrounding Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The episode also explores Republican midterm strategies, analyzing shifts in campaign finance toward defensive battlegrounds and the use of organic social media content. Finally, the hosts discuss Donald Trump's intensive travel schedule, his impact on voters, and the potential political risks regarding the acceptance of election results.

19 oct. 2026
659-

Are Latino voters turning on Trump?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the shifting dynamics of the Latino vote in the United States, focusing on how economic concerns and immigration enforcement policies impact Republican and Democratic strategies. The discussion highlights the non-homogeneous nature of the Latino electorate and examines specific political battles in Texas between candidates James Tallarico and Ken Paxton. Republican strategist Mike Madrid and Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha discuss a 'de-alignment' from both major parties driven by economic concerns. They argue that Latino voters are increasingly driven by pocketbook issues rather than cultural or racial identity, making them a volatile and influential swing demographic in upcoming congressional races.

15 oct. 2026
658-

Your US Midterm Election Guide (A Global News Podcast collab)

In this special edition of AmeriCast, BBC journalists discuss the fundamentals of U.S. midterm elections and their significance in determining control of Congress. The episode covers the mechanics of congressional elections, the concept of being an informed voter amidst misinformation, and the practice of gerrymandering. The hosts also explore various American political terms, including 'stump speeches,' the differences between PACs, super PACs, and lobbyists, and the impact of 'dark money.' Additionally, the discussion examines the perception of Washington D.C. elites as being out of touch with the rest of the country and how political figures use an 'outsider' persona to appeal to voters.

14 oct. 2026
657-

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