Episodes
America through the looking glass - enter a world where nothing is as it seems.As America heads into a presidential election, Gabriel Gatehouse dives back into the labyrinthine rabbit warren of American conspiracy culture.Whilst liberals across the world worry about a possible return of Donald Trump, millions of Americans are convinced that their democracy has already been highjacked - by a sinister Deep State cabal. How did this happen? And who is behind it?Gabriel meets a January 6 rioter running for office who sees his detention as political imprisonment and goes on the trail of a Califo...
After a second assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, Americast hears from a former Secret Service agent on what goes into protecting a secret service agent, particularly on a golf course.
Sarah, Justin and Marianna are joined by Bill Gage, who helped protect President George W. Bush and President Obama. They discuss what went wrong, what secret service agents hide in their golf bags, and he also picks out out some of his most memorable experiences on the job. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation &...
The FBI has confirmed it is treating the incident involving a would-be attacker on Sunday as "an attempted assassination" against Donald Trump. We answer your questions on the fallout from another dramatic event in the campaign. Is political violence becoming normalised in the US?And, a controversial right-wing conspiracy theorist was spotted on board Trump's plane for the presidential debate in Philadelphia before joining him at an event the following day. Who is Laura Loomer, and why are some Republicans concerned she could cost Trump the election?HOSTS: * Marianna Spring, Disinformation ...
Former President Donald Trump was rushed to safety on Sunday after what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt at Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach. The incident comes almost exactly two months after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left Trump wounded. Anthony and Sarah - reporting from Florida - answer key questions around what we know so far, who the suspected gunman is, and how it might impact the election. HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: ht...
The self-proclaimed ‘Childless Cat Lady’ Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris… but what difference is it likely to make, in terms of persuading the undecideds, and getting new voters registered? We also look back at the history behind celebrity endorsements from Frank Sinatra’s backing of JFK to Bruce Springsteen and Ronald Reagan, what motivates a star to back a politician? When does an endorsement backfire? Justin, Sarah and Marianna speak to Tyler Foggatt, a senior editor at The New Yorker magazine. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Maria...
And why is "THEY'RE THE EATING DOGS" trending on X?Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia, sparring over key issues and exchanging deep personal attacks. The momentous meeting was marked by question dodging, finger pointing… and pet-eating!The Americast Team analyses the night from the heart of the action. Who will go viral after tonight? Did Trump stick to his messaging? And how big a deal is Taylor Swift's support?HOSTS:
* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Sarah Smith, North America editor
* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & social medi...
We answer your questions about the upcoming presidential debate.Including:- Their strategies
- How they're preparing (and who's role playing Donald Trump for during Democrat rehearsals)
- What the rules areHOSTS:* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief PresenterGET 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 #AmericastUS Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155This episode w...
Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. How did JD Vance, whose memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” about growing up in Ohio amidst alcoholism and drug addiction, become Trump’s VP pick for the White House? Once a fierce critic of Trump, publicly declaring himself a “never Trumper”, Anthony looks into what JD Vance stands for, and why he changed his mind about the former President. We also find out which song makes him cry, and how Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings influenced his career.HOST:
• Anthony Zurcher, North Am...
This week is all about predictions, polling and risk taking - what do current polls tell us about who might win the 2024 presidential race? We get a behind the scenes look at how statisticians make their predictions, and how accurate they are. Our guest Nate Silver developed a forecasting system which correctly predicted the outcome of the presidential election in 49 out of 50 states in 2008, and all 50 states in 2012. He also talks to Marianna and Sarah about his new book on risk - On the Edge - and his journey from professional poker playing to politics.HOSTS:
Sarah Smith, BBC North Ameri...
Following her first interview since entering the presidential race, where does Vice-President Kamala Harris stand on the issues that matter to Americans?And, is campaigning a family affair? We take a look at whether a single person could run for the White House, or whether a candidate could lose the race because of a media-shy partner.HOSTS:* Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor
* Marianna Spring, BBC Disinformation & Social Media CorrespondentGET 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 ...
Inside Trump’s White HouseLONG
After one of the greatest political surprises in American political history, Donald Trump’s 2016 victory gave way to a controversial and consequential presidency. We look back on the four years that were defined by staff fallouts, COVID, and an attempted insurrection. Anthony is joined by two journalists who were in the room with Trump while he was changing American politics one decision at a time.Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States.HOST:
* Anthony Zurcher, North America co...
Americast discovers how Donald Trump's business success came from creating a franchise out of his most valuable commodity: himself.Americast is profiling all the major candidates in the U.S. election - Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and JD Vance - look out for our special profile eps over the next few Sundays!HOST:
* Sarah Smith, North America EditorGUESTS:
* Marc Fisher, senior editor at the Washington Post and co-author of the biography ‘Trump Revealed’
* Bill Pruitt, former Apprentice producerGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* Send us a m...
In 2020 Joe Biden won this key swing state by fewer than 81,000 votes. In 2024, the path to the White House may be impossible for the Democrats unless they win over the people of Pennsylvania.And the Republican know it. Vance and Trump are both visiting this week.In this episode of Americast we investigate what makes Pennsylvania so important, and what makes its voters tick. Sarah and Sumi are joined by two people with their fingers on the pulse; a morning radio host and a political strategist on different sides of the aisle.HOSTS:- Sarah Smith, North America Editor
- Sumi Somaskanda, BBC C...
US prosecutors have issued revised charges against Donald Trump for the former president's alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election after losing the contest. How do they differ from the charges he’s already facing?RFK Jr has officially dropped out of the race for the White House after a campaign which at one point saw him polling in double digits. How will his withdrawal affect the race?And, it’s been confirmed that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will do an interview with CNN this week. Why are Democrats nervous about Harris’s first interview as a presidential candidate?HOSTS:* Marian...
Few people had heard of Governor Tim Walz when he was selected by Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States. The former teacher was chosen ahead of fierce competition, including an astronaut, and the governor of a key swing state - but why? Americast finds out how “Coach Walz” made his way onto the ticket.Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. HOST:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenterGUESTS:
• Leah Solo, Tim Walz’s former student and campaign manager
• Briana Bie...
Kamala Harris closed the DNC with a speech that she hopes will sway voters to the Democrats. The day began with speculation over whether she might be joined on stage by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. In the end, Harris took to the stage alone and focused on her upbringing and a pitch to America’s middle class.The team assemble on the final night of the convention to analyse whether she did enough to win over the undecided.HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondentGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://di...
Sarah, Justin and Anthony are at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Tim Walz and Bill Clinton have been sharing a stage with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondentGET 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 George Dabby and Claire Betzer in Chicago, with Hatty ...
Sarah, Justin and Anthony are at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Barack and Michelle Obama have been speaking.The gang unpack the speeches, which also included endorsements of Kamala Harris, innuendos, and classic Obama themes.Plus, a rousing musical appearance from rapper Lil Jon.HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondentGET 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
•...
The Democratic National Convention is officially underway. The president began his long goodbye from American politics with an address to the nation in which he sought to remind Americans of his achievements in office., at times angry and visibly emotional. And before that there was a speech from former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who used her time at the podium to say that it's time for Kamala Harris to break the 'glass ceiling'.Sarah, Justin and Anthony are all together in Chicago to chat through a defining week in Kamala Harris’s bid to defeat Donald Trump to the White House....
A collab with our friends at BBC Radio 5 Live.HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Tony Livesey, 5 Live presenterGET 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 US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 This episode was made by Radio 5 Live and the Americast team. ...
How much do we know about the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States? What are their backgrounds, and what do they stand for?
Americast kicks off its first profile series with Vice President Kamala Harris part 1.
Justin explores her early rise in the state of California as a prosecutor and senator, to her journey towards becoming VP. What’s the connection between Toni Morrison and Kamala Harris? Why did she drop out of the 2020 race before a single ballot was cast?
Americast is profiling all the major candidates in the U.S. elect...
It’s the second part of our Kamala Harris profile, as Americast takes a closer look at all the major candidates in the U.S. election.
In this episode, Justin goes back to why Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his VP, and discusses what she stood for, and achieved during her time in the White House. Why did she lose confidence in 2021? Which issue redefined her, and which Democrats hope will be integral to success in the 2024 election?
Americast is also profiling Donald Trump, and Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance - look out for our special episodes over the coming weeken...
There is new and significant polling from the swing states which is energising the Democratic campaign. But beyond the headline numbers, what do the polls tell us about how long Kamala Harris’s boost in popularity might last? This week Justin and Sarah look at what voters in swing states think about both candidates, and how they decide to who to vote for.Ruth Igielnik, Polling Editor for the New York Times, gives us a behind the scenes insight into the accuracy of polls.HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America EditorGUEST:
Ruth Igielnik, polling editor for the ...
Elon Musk and Donald Trump connected on X to broadcast a long conversation which covered topics ranging from immigration, the economy and freedom of speech.The pair have developed a close relationship in the two years since Donald Trump called Musk a liar at a rally. So what's behind their new-found friendship? And how could Trump's return to the platform he once dominated impact his chances at becoming president?HOSTS:* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* Send...
Elon Musk does not stay on the fence when it comes to politics in the US or the UK. Are his comments regarding riots in England this summer intended to send a message ahead of the presidential election?And, Joe Biden gave an interview to CBS News explaining why he took the decision to withdraw from the election. He name-checked Nancy Pelosi in the interview. Just how powerful is Pelosi within the Democrat Party?HOSTS:* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
* Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief PresenterGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* ...
Fred Trump III, Donald Trump’s nephew, is on Americast. He speaks to Anthony about growing up with uncle Donald, their strained relationship, and why he’s backing Kamala Harris over a member of his own family. Plus we hear what it’s been like at rallies with Harris and Walz.HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
• Fred Trump IIIGET 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 #Am...
Tim Walz is not a household name in American politics and until recently wasn't even considered a frontrunner to be Kamala Harris's pick as vice president. But after days of speculation, Harris has chosen Walz as she looks to gain support among working class and progressive voters.What does his selection tell us about the Democrats strategy to retain the White House in November? Justin, Sumi and Marianna analyse Walz's selection with Newscast's Adam Fleming on another big day in the election campaign.HOSTS:* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Cor...
Barack Obama has already done his two terms as president of the US. Would he be allowed to then serve as vice president to Kamala Harris?And, Donald Trump made a controversial appearance at the convention for the National Association of Black Journalists last week. Why did he make comments questioning Kamala Harris’s racial identity?HOSTS:* Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
* Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief PresenterGET 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
* O...
After a breathless couple of weeks in American politics it’s time for the Americast team to take stock. Has there been a more tumultuous time in American politics? And what can history tell us about what’s happening today?This week we’re joined by former BBC correspondent and historian Nick Bryant who tells that Trump is as much product of US history as JFK, Lincoln and Reagan.HOST:
- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenterGUEST:
- Nick Bryant, former BBC Washington correspondent and authorGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
- Send us a message or voice note via W...
It’s been a tricky week for Donald Trump. With his presumed opponent, Kamala Harris, enjoying a wave of momentum after Joe Biden stood down from the 2024 race, Trump has been defending his VP pick - JD Vance - after criticism of his “childless cat lady” comments.Harris meanwhile has been campaigning in Georgia, challenging Donald Trump to a debate and pledging to solve the crisis at the US southern border. Harris has previously been criticised for not doing enough to come up with solutions. Can she convince voters that she now has the answers?HOSTS:
* Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspo...