Politics feels overwhelming with new headlines flooding in every day, making it hard to know what’s really happening or who to trust.
Political podcasts can help by explaining what’s going on and why it matters. You can listen while you drive, work out, or cook without staring at a screen.
The problem is that there are hundreds of political podcasts, so we did the research for you. We checked real numbers from YouTube and Spotify to find the best ones.
This guide covers 15 top political podcasts in three categories: liberal podcasts with progressive views, conservative podcasts with right-leaning views, and unbiased podcasts that focus on facts or feature multiple viewpoints.
Best White House & Liberal Political Podcasts
If you lean left politically, these podcasts will match your views. They cover news and politics from a progressive angle. The hosts believe in things like stronger social programs, climate action, and protecting voting rights.
These shows are popular among Democrats and people who identify as liberal or progressive. You’ll hear criticism of conservative policies and support for Democratic politicians.
We picked these based on their audience size and their consistent delivery of quality content.
1. Pod Save America
Hosts: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor
YouTube Subscribers: 1.05 million
Average Views: 250 million total channel views
How Often: 3-4 times per week
Best For: People who want insider views on Democratic politics
These four guys are former Obama staffers who worked in the White House. They know how politics works from the inside. That means they can explain what’s really happening behind the scenes in Washington.
The show feels like listening to smart friends talk about the news. They break down complicated political stories in ways that make sense. They also interview politicians, activists, and journalists.
Pod Save America focuses on elections, policy debates, and what Democrats are doing in Congress. During election years, this becomes one of the most essential podcasts for understanding campaign strategy.
The hosts don’t hide their political views; they’re clearly progressive. But they also criticize Democrats when they think the party is making mistakes.
The podcast averages over 1.5 million listeners per episode and regularly ranks #1 in Politics on Apple Podcasts. One listener review states, “Pod Save America makes politics approachable and fun without sugarcoating the stakes.”
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
2. The Daily
Hosts: Rachel Abrams, Natalie Kitroeff, and Michael Barbaro (rotating)
YouTube Subscribers: Part of The New York Times channel with millions of subscribers
Average Downloads: Millions per episode
How Often: Every weekday morning
Best For: People who want one daily deep dive into a big story
The New York Times makes this podcast that picks one important story every morning and spends 20-30 minutes explaining it in detail.
Sometimes it’s a political story, like a Supreme Court decision or an election update. Other times it’s about the economy, global events, or social issues. But they always go deeper than a regular news article.
The hosts interview the Times reporters who covered the story. You hear directly from the journalists who did the research. This gives you more context than just reading a headline.
While The New York Times is often seen as leaning liberal, The Daily tries to stick to solid reporting. They focus on facts and let the reporters explain what they found.
The Daily consistently ranks among the most downloaded podcasts worldwide. Listeners appreciate it for “providing clarity in a complex news landscape” and “delivering journalism with heart and depth.”
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, NYT website
3. Strict Scrutiny
Hosts: Melissa Murray, Kate Shaw, Leah Litman
YouTube Subscribers: 39.9K
How Often: Weekly
Best For: People who want to understand Supreme Court decisions
Three law professors from top law schools run this podcast and know the Supreme Court inside and out. Melissa Murray teaches at NYU Law, Kate Shaw at Cardozo Law, and Leah Litman at the University of Michigan Law.
Every week, they break down what the Supreme Court is doing. When the Court makes a big decision, it explains what it means in plain English. They also predict what cases the Court might take next.
This show has a liberal perspective. The hosts often disagree with the conservative majority on the Supreme Court. But they explain the legal reasoning clearly, even when they don’t like the outcome.
If you want to understand how Supreme Court decisions affect your life, this is the podcast to follow. They cover everything from abortion rights to voting laws to free speech cases.
The podcast has gained particular significance in the post-Dobbs era, when the Supreme Court’s rulings sparked intense legal and political debates. It’s part of Crooked Media’s lineup and has thousands of reviews with high ratings across platforms.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
4. The Majority Report
Host: Sam Seder
YouTube Subscribers: 1.92 million
Total Views: Over 1.19 billion
How Often: Daily (weekdays)
Best For: People who want progressive commentary every day
Sam Seder has been doing this show for years. It’s one of the longest-running progressive podcasts.
Every day, the show covers the latest political news from a left-wing perspective. Seder interviews politicians, authors, and activists. He also debates conservative guests sometimes.
The show mixes serious political analysis with humor. Seder doesn’t take himself too seriously, but he takes the issues seriously.
This podcast is very popular on YouTube. The show posts clips that regularly attract tens of thousands of views. If you’re active on political YouTube, you’ve seen clips from this show.
Where to listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts
5. The Daily Beans
Hosts: AG (Allison Gill) and Dana Goldberg
How Often: Weekly
Best For: People who want detailed coverage of legal and political investigations
This podcast started during the Mueller investigation into Trump and Russia. Since then, it has covered all the legal cases involving Donald Trump and his allies.
The hosts are both journalists who cover legal news. They explain complicated court cases in ways that make sense. If you’ve ever been confused about indictments, trials, or legal procedures, this show breaks it down.
Mueller, She Wrote appeals to people who want accountability in politics. The hosts believe strongly in the rule of law. They follow every twist and turn in political prosecutions and investigations.
The podcast has won acclaim for its impact and representation in progressive media circles. Listeners value its informative yet approachable breakdown of legal and political issues, often praising it for “connecting the dots in the ongoing fight for justice.”
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, MSW Media website
6. What A Day
Hosts: Jane Coaston (since September 2024) and rotating Crooked Media team
YouTube Subscribers: 68.9K
How Often: Every weekday morning
Best For: People who want a quick morning news update with a progressive spin
This is the shorter, faster version of Pod Save America. The same media company (Crooked Media) makes both shows.
What A Day gives you the news in about 15-20 minutes. It’s perfect if you don’t have time for a long podcast. You get the most important stories, explained quickly, before you start your day.
The show has a young, energetic vibe. The hosts explain the news like they’re texting a friend. It’s informative but not boring.
The podcast ranks highly in the daily news podcast category, consistently charting within the top 10 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It also expanded to a YouTube video format in 2025.
If you want to stay informed but you’re short on time, start here.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
Best Conservative Political Podcasts
If you lean right politically, these podcasts will match your views. They talk about politics from a conservative angle. The hosts support things like limited government, traditional values, free markets, and strong national security.
These shows are popular with Republicans and people who consider themselves conservative. You’ll hear support for Republican policies and criticism of liberal ideas.
We picked these based on their huge audiences and consistent quality.
1. The Ben Shapiro Show
Host: Ben Shapiro
YouTube Subscribers: 7.23 million
How Often: Every weekday
Best For: People who want daily conservative commentary on news and culture
Ben Shapiro is one of the biggest names in conservative media. He’s a lawyer, author, and political commentator. His show is the largest conservative podcast in 2025.
Every day, Shapiro covers the top news stories from a conservative viewpoint. He talks fast and packs a lot of information into each episode. He covers everything from elections to Supreme Court cases to cultural debates.
Shapiro is known for his “facts don’t care about your feelings” approach. He focuses on logic and data to make his arguments. He’s also known for debating people who disagree with him.
The show is part of The Daily Wire, a conservative media company that Shapiro co-founded. His audience is massive—millions of people listen and watch every day. It frequently ranks among the top podcasts on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for conservative content.
Where to listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Daily Wire website
2. The Dan Bongino Show (Now The Vince Coglianese Show)
Host: Vince Coglianese (formerly Dan Bongino)
YouTube Subscribers: 22.8K
Monthly Downloads: 16.3 million in July 2024 (40% increase)
How Often: Every weekday
Best For: People who want conservative commentary from an experienced journalist and broadcaster
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and NYPD officer, built one of the most popular conservative talk shows before Vince Coglianese officially took over in March 2025. The show focuses on defending conservative values and criticizing government overreach, covering topics like election integrity, freedom of speech, and Second Amendment rights.
Vince Coglianese brings nearly two decades of experience in conservative journalism and broadcasting to the show. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller and hosted “Mornings on the Mall” on WMAL, which reached number one in the DC market.
He routinely guest-hosted for Dan Bongino before taking over permanently and has made regular appearances on popular television news shows. Talkers Magazine includes him in their annual “Heavy Hundred” list of the most important radio talk show hosts in America.
The show experienced significant growth in 2024, ranking #2 overall on Apple Podcasts and #1 in the News category during July 2024. It performs well on both podcast platforms and YouTube, thanks to its passionate, direct style that doesn’t shy away from strong opinions.
Where to listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
3. The Megyn Kelly Show
Host: Megyn Kelly
YouTube Subscribers: 4.2 million
Total Views: Over 2.5 billion
How Often: Every weekday
Best For: People who want in-depth interviews from a center-right perspective
Megyn Kelly is a former Fox News and NBC journalist. Now she runs her own independent show. She’s known for tough, fair interviews with politicians, authors, and newsmakers.
Kelly describes herself as independent, but her show appeals mostly to conservative audiences. She often criticizes what she calls “woke” culture and mainstream media bias.
What makes her show different is the long-form interview format. Episodes can run 90 minutes or more. She lets guests fully explain their views. She also isn’t afraid to push back when she disagrees.
Kelly covers politics, but she also dives into culture, parenting, and social issues. Her YouTube channel boasts strong audience engagement with episodes drawing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of views.
Where to listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
4. The Charlie Kirk Show
Host: Charlie Kirk (Wife Erika Kirk now co-hosts/holds the podcast)
September 2025 Ranking: Moved up 28 places to #6 in U.S. Unique Monthly Audience
How Often: Daily
Best For: People who want to hear from young conservative voices
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a conservative organization that works on college campuses. He’s one of the most influential young conservatives in America.
His show focuses on engaging younger people with conservative ideas. He talks about campus activism, faith, and traditional values. He also covers daily political news.
Kirk is very active on social media and knows how to reach young audiences. His show often discusses how to fight back against liberal bias in schools and universities.
The podcast saw significant attention in September 2025, with content topping Apple Music and Spotify podcast charts during that period. If you’re a younger conservative or want to understand what motivates young right-wing activists, this show offers that perspective.
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
5. Verdict with Ted Cruz
Host: Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson
Monthly Downloads: Over 1.4 million in July 2025
How Often: Twice a week
Best For: People who want to hear from an actual U.S. Senator
Ted Cruz is a sitting U.S. Senator from Texas. Having a real senator host a podcast gives you insider access to how Congress actually works.
Cruz and his co-host Ben Ferguson discuss what’s happening in the Senate, Supreme Court decisions, and conservative legal issues. Cruz brings his experience as a former Supreme Court clerk and constitutional lawyer.
The show gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Senate debates, votes, and strategy. You hear what senators are really thinking about the issues.
In July 2025, Verdict with Ted Cruz recorded the most downloads among politician podcasts, far outpacing peers. It also airs on iHeartRadio’s network of conservative stations, expanding its reach beyond digital platforms.
If you want to understand conservative legal and political strategy from someone who’s making decisions in Washington, this is a valuable show.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio
6. Candace Owens
Host: Candace Owens
2025 Ranking: Debuted in the top 50 U.S. podcasts
YouTube Subscribers: 5.4 million
How Often: Varies
Best For: People who want conservative commentary on culture and politics
Candace Owens is a conservative commentator and author. After leaving The Daily Wire in 2024, she launched an independent show focused on cultural issues, including race, free speech, and media narratives.
Her podcast often provokes intense discussions around socio-political topics, blending personal reflections with broader cultural critiques. Owens is known for her unapologetic conservative views and bold, direct style.
According to Edison Research’s 2025 rankings, Candace’s podcast quickly rose in popularity thanks to her dedicated following and cultural relevance. Though episode frequency can vary, the podcast consistently delivers content that highlights current events and controversies from a conservative perspective.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
7. The Tucker Carlson Show
Host: Tucker Carlson
YouTube Subscribers: 4.86 Million
How Often: Nearly every day
Best For: People who want conservative commentary that challenges mainstream media and political leaders
Tucker Carlson is one of the most well-known conservative voices in America. He spent years hosting the top-rated show on Fox News before leaving in 2023 to start his own podcast and media company.
His show became the #1 political podcast on Spotify by mid-2025. Every day, he covers the biggest political stories from a conservative viewpoint. He talks about immigration, free speech, cultural issues, and what he sees as problems with government and big corporations.
Carlson is known for conducting interviews that other news outlets won’t. He asks tough questions and isn’t afraid to challenge influential people. His style is direct and sometimes controversial.
The podcast appeals to conservatives who support the “America First” movement and feel that mainstream media doesn’t tell the whole story. Carlson criticizes what he calls “woke” culture and progressive politics. He believes strongly in protecting free speech.
Many people watch his interviews and commentary clips on social media. He has built a massive following by speaking directly to everyday Americans who feel ignored by politicians in Washington.
If you want to hear someone question the political establishment and mainstream news from a conservative perspective, this podcast delivers that view.
Where to listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Best Unbiased/Centrist Political Podcasts
These podcasts give you the facts without pushing a political agenda. Some use data and statistics to stay objective. Others bring together people with different viewpoints to discuss issues.
If you’re tired of partisan shouting matches, these shows offer a different approach. They help you understand all sides of an issue so you can make up your own mind.
1. FiveThirtyEight Politics
Host: Galen Druke (and rotating analysts)
How Often: 3 times per week
Best For: People who want politics explained through data and statistics
FiveThirtyEight is famous for using math and data to understand politics. The website was founded by Nate Silver, who became well-known for accurately predicting elections.
The podcast brings that same data-driven approach to audio. Instead of giving opinions, the hosts show you what the numbers say. They look at polls, election data, and statistical trends.
During elections, this podcast is incredibly valuable. They explain which polls to trust, what the numbers really mean, and what could change. They also cover topics like Congress, the Supreme Court, and policy issues.
The hosts have different political views, but they focus on what the data shows rather than what they want to be true. This makes the show feel more objective than most political podcasts.
Nate Silver’s track record of accurately predicting presidential results in 2008 and 2012 built trust with audiences. Listeners appreciate its “clear and smart use of data to explain politics” and “balanced perspective on electoral dynamics.”
If you like facts and numbers more than hot takes, this is your show.
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
2. All In Podcast
Hosts: Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, David Friedberg
YouTube Subscribers: 940K
Total Views: Over 138 million
How Often: Weekly
Best For: People who want to hear smart people from different backgrounds discuss politics
Four successful tech investors and entrepreneurs host this show. They’re all wealthy and connected, which gives them interesting perspectives on economics, policy, and politics.
What makes this podcast unique is that the four hosts don’t all agree. They come from different political backgrounds. Some lean left, some lean right, and some are in the middle. But they’re all friends who respect each other.
Every week, they discuss the biggest stories in politics, business, and technology. The conversations get heated sometimes, but they stay civil. You hear multiple perspectives in one conversation.
The show covers topics like economic policy, foreign policy, tech regulation, and social issues. Because the hosts run companies and invest money, they think a lot about how policies actually work in practice.
Episodes generally attract tens of thousands of views, supporting a strong and engaged community. If you want to hear people disagree respectfully and work through complex issues, this is a great choice.
Where to listen: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
3. The Realignment
Hosts: Marshall Kosloff and Saagar Enjeti
YouTube Subscribers: About 70,500
Average Views: 2,000 to 40,000 per episode
How Often: 2-3 times per week
Best For: People interested in how American politics is changing
This podcast focuses on the significant shifts happening in American politics. The hosts believe the old left-right divide no longer explains everything.
Saagar Enjeti leans populist-right. Marshall Kosloff has a more centrist view. Together, they interview thinkers, politicians, and writers who have interesting ideas about where politics is heading.
The show features extended interviews, often 45-60 minutes. Guests have time to explain their views fully. You’ll hear from people across the political spectrum.
Listeners praise its nuanced and data-informed approach to contemporary political issues. If you’re interested in ideas and big-picture thinking about politics, rather than just daily news, this podcast digs deeper.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
4. The Dispatch Podcast
Hosts: Jonah Goldberg, David French, Sarah Isgur (rotating)
YouTube Subscribers: 21.8K
How Often: Multiple shows per week
Best For: Conservatives who value principles over party loyalty
The Dispatch is a conservative publication, but it’s different from most right-wing media. The hosts believe in conservative ideas, but they’re willing to criticize Republican politicians when they think it’s necessary.
These are “Never Trump” conservatives– they disagree with Donald Trump and think the Republican Party has lost its way. But they still believe in limited government, free markets, and traditional conservative values.
The podcast covers news, Supreme Court cases, elections, and policy. The hosts are all experienced journalists and lawyers. They explain issues clearly and back up their arguments with facts.
The podcast has a growing loyal subscriber base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Listeners praise the podcast for its “thoughtful approach” and “steadfast commitment to principle rather than party.”
If you’re a conservative who’s frustrated with where the Republican Party is going, or if you want to hear principled conservative thinking, this show offers that perspective.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
5. Up First (NPR)
Hosts: Rotating NPR journalists
How Often: Every weekday morning
Best For: A quick, balanced news briefing to start your day
NPR makes this short podcast to get you caught up on the news fast. Each episode is only 10-15 minutes and covers the three biggest stories of the day.
NPR journalists report the facts and interview the reporters who covered the stories. Like BBC journalists, they maintain strict editorial standards. They don’t give opinions, they tell you what happened and why it matters.
Some people think NPR leans liberal, but the organization has strict rules requiring it to remain neutral in its news coverage. They work hard to present all sides of political issues.
Up First is perfect if you want to know what’s happening with world events without spending a lot of time or hearing a bunch of opinions. You get the news, explained clearly, then you can move on with your day.
In 2025, Up First was one of the most downloaded news podcasts in the U.S., with millions of listeners who value its consistent, no-nonsense news delivery. NPR ranks among the top podcast publishers nationally, with Up First playing a significant role.
Where to listen: NPR website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
How to choose political podcasts during electoral dysfunction
Choosing the right political podcast can seem overwhelming given the vast selection available today. The key is to identify what matters most to you and adopt a thoughtful approach that keeps you both informed and engaged. This decision framework helps narrow choices and find shows that fit your personal preferences and goals.
Consider your goals.
Start by clarifying why you want to listen. If staying updated daily is your priority, daily podcasts like The Daily, Up First, or The Ben Shapiro Show offer consistent, concise news summaries and commentary. For deep dives into policy, legal reasoning, or Supreme Court analyses, explore shows like Strict Scrutiny, which unpack complex issues with expert insight.
During election seasons, podcasts such as FiveThirtyEight and Pod Save America provide focused coverage and strategic discussions. To broaden your understanding, consider listening to one show from each major category—liberal, conservative, centrist—to immerse yourself in diverse perspectives.
Evaluate your time commitment.
Podcasts vary widely in length. If you have little time, look for short-form options of 5-15 minutes like Up First or What A Day, designed for busy mornings or commutes. Most daily political shows run 30-60 minutes, balancing depth and accessibility. Long-form interview and panel podcasts, such as the All In Podcast, can run for more than 90 minutes, offering extensive discussions for dedicated listeners.
Test your comfort with bias.
Recognize your preference for bias and perspective. If you want content that aligns with your views, stick to your ideological comfort zone by choosing shows from your favored category. To challenge and expand your worldview, intentionally sample shows from across the political spectrum. For minimal bias and data-driven analysis, the unbiased or centrist podcasts provide fact-based content designed to foster balanced understanding.
Check production quality.
Quality production enhances listening enjoyment and trustworthiness. Look for podcasts with substantial subscriber counts and consistent engagement metrics. Reading user reviews on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps assess reliability and appeal. Before committing to a show long-term, sample 2-3 episodes to see if the hosts’ style, pacing, and content resonate with you.
Start with multiple sources.
A diversified podcast diet enriches political knowledge. Experts recommend subscribing to at least one podcast from each category—liberal, conservative, and centrist—and rotating through different shows weekly. Comparing how different podcasts handle the same political story provides insight into narrative framing and reinforces critical thinking.
By considering goals, time, tolerance for bias, production, and the diversity of sources, listeners can curate a political podcast lineup that fits their lifestyle and encourages informed civic engagement. With so many outstanding podcasts available, thoughtful exploration unlocks rewarding learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
FAQs
What is the most popular political podcast?
Among the most popular political podcasts for 2025, Pod Save America leads the liberal category with over 1.5 million listeners per episode and about 1.05 million YouTube subscribers. On the conservative side, The Ben Shapiro Show is the largest, boasting around 6.6 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of thousands of average views per episode, making it a dominant voice in conservative media.
What are the best politics podcasts for news?
Top political news podcasts include:
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The Daily (New York Times): Deep investigative coverage and daily news
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Up First (NPR): Quick, 10-15-minute balanced morning briefs
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What A Day (Crooked Media): Concise, sharp progressive morning updates
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The Ben Shapiro Show: Fast-paced conservative commentary and analysis
These shows offer reliable news coverage in a variety of formats and lengths, suited to different schedules and preferences.
Are there unbiased political podcasts?
Yes, podcasts like FiveThirtyEight Politics and All In Podcast emphasize data-driven analysis and pragmatic policy discussion, minimizing partisan bias. NPR’s Up First also maintains a balanced, fact-focused approach trusted across political lines. These shows prioritize facts and multiple perspectives over ideological slant, appealing to listeners seeking a nuanced understanding.
What’s the difference between liberal and conservative political podcasts?
Liberal podcasts often focus on social justice, equity, and government intervention to address systemic inequalities. Conservative podcasts emphasize traditional values, limited government, free speech, and economic freedom. Both offer diverse voices within their spheres, but differ in their frameworks and priorities for culture, policy, and governance, reflecting distinct ideological worldviews.
Where can I listen to political podcasts?
Political podcasts are widely available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. These apps offer subscriptions, notifications, and offline downloads. YouTube is notably popular for video and audio podcasts. Many podcasts also have dedicated websites hosting episodes and bonus content.
How often should I listen to political podcasts?
Listening frequency depends on goals and schedule. Daily podcasts keep you updated on fast-moving events, but risk information overload. Weekly shows offer more synthesis and analysis, ideal for deeper insights. Balance quantity with quality—focus on podcasts whose hosts and content consistently add value.
Do political podcasts have fact-checkers?
It varies—major network podcasts (e.g., NPR, FiveThirtyEight) employ editorial standards and fact-checking teams. Independent podcasts may rely on hosts’ research expertise and audience feedback to ensure accuracy. Cross-referencing multiple sources improves reliability.
Can I trust political podcast hosts?
Trust depends on verifying credentials, understanding biases, and transparency. Check multiple shows, research host backgrounds, and compare perspectives. Critical listening and source diversity are essential for navigating inherent partisanship and finding well-informed content.
Capping off
There’s a political podcast on this list for you, whether you lean liberal, conservative, or prefer unbiased analysis. We ranked these 15 shows using real data like audience size and host expertise.
Pick what fits your life. Want quick morning updates? Try Up First or What A Day. Need deep analysis? Check out Strict Scrutiny. Prefer data-driven politics? Try FiveThirtyEight Politics.
We recommend listening to different perspectives, not just voices that agree with you. Subscribe to your favorites on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Compare how different shows cover the same story and think critically about what you hear.
The best political podcast challenges you to think while keeping you informed. Start listening today.
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