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Political Breakdown

Political Breakdown

Written by: KQED
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 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.Copyright © 2019 KQED Inc. All Rights Reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Newsom's Surprise Shake-Up at California’s Education Department

    Newsom's Surprise Shake-Up at California’s Education Department
    Jan 10 2026
    In his final State of the State address, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed to restructure the California Department of Education by shifting power away from the state superintendent and into the hands of the next governor. Marisa and Guy are joined by Politico's Dustin Gardiner to discuss how the announcement blindsided the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Then, they talk about the legacy of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who died during emergency surgery this week. LaMalfa was a Republican who represented Northern California in Congress for more than a decade and his death leaves Republicans with an even tighter majority in the House of Representatives. Plus, tensions rise between Democratic state officials and the Trump administration following the deadly shooting of a woman by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis. Days later, U.S. border patrol agents shot two people in Portland. Check out ⁠Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter⁠, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Newsom Gears Up for his Final Year as Governor

    Newsom Gears Up for his Final Year as Governor
    Jan 9 2026
    Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State address today, defending his record in office and contrasting California's successes to what he called President Trump's "carnival of chaos." Marisa and Guy hear how the address and budget priorities landed with two lawmakers, Santa Cruz Democratic Sen. John Laird and Fresno Republican Asm. David Tangipa. Check out ⁠Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter⁠, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Trump's Rare Supreme Court Defeat

    Trump's Rare Supreme Court Defeat
    Jan 7 2026
    The U.S. Supreme Court recently dealt a major loss to President Donald Trump when it ordered him to return control of the Illinois National Guard to the state’s governor. The ruling prompted Trump to relinquish control of California’s and Oregon’s National Guard troops as well. The decision capped a complicated legal fight that began in June, when Trump sent troops into Los Angeles to respond to immigration raid protests. Marisa unpacks the court's decision with Melissa Murray, a New York University law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
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