Episodes
We are live at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.Sarah and Anthony talk through the big announcement of the night. Donald Trump has announced that JD Vance, the senator of Ohio, will be his running mate and vice-president if he returns to the White House. HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North American Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
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We get the inside track on presidential security at the highest levels from an expert who has worked with Donald Trump. Justin is joined by Miles Taylor, a former Chief of Staff at the Department for Homeland Security when Trump was President.
Also, as the Republican Convention gets underway in Milwaukee, Justin and Miles discuss Trump’s call for America to “UNITE”. Can the former President reunite not just the country, but the Republican party? What does this mean for Joe Biden and the Democrats? And - Anthony joins us for some breaking news on one of Donald Trump’s legal cases - an...
What happened at the Pennsylvania rally on Saturday? Justin, Sarah and Marianna get together on Sunday morning to talk through what we know about the assassination attempt. HOSTS:
* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Sarah Smith, North America Editor
* Marianna Spring, 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 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...
The president’s press conference on Thursday was hailed as one of the most important in his political life - make or break for his chances of re-election. After a disastrous debate performance two weeks ago, Democrats have been voicing concerns about Biden’s ability to win against Donald Trump in November. We’ll find out if he managed to hold off the rebels trying to oust him from the White House.Justin and Sarah also spoke to a friend of the President, Steve Israel, former congressman and former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He explains why Jill Biden has suc...
Joe Biden has issued a warning to his critics to challenge him at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Anthony and Miles answer criticism on whether the BBC focus too much on the president’s cognitive abilities.And with momentum building behind the idea of Kamala Harris taking over from Biden, we answer your questions on why she has been largely absent from the campaign so far.HOST:
Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland SecurityGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* Send u...
One week on from his disastrous presidential debate performance, Joe Biden has given his first interview to the American network ABC, to try and reassure the voices calling for him to stand aside. Justin and Sarah convene for an emergency episode to analyse his performance, in which the president defends his health, and presidential record. They also discuss who might replace Biden if and when he goes. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note v...
In one of its most pivotal decisions of the year, the top US court has ruled that American presidents can have absolute immunity for ‘official’ acts. But what does that mean exactly? How far could the leader of the free world push the definition of a presidential duty? Sarah and Anthony have been combing through the opinion, and call in constitutional law expert Alison LaCroix to help them understand all the details - from the practical to the farcical. Does the ruling impact Donald Trump’s other legal cases? Could Joe Biden order Trump’s assassination and claim immunity?Elsewhere in the wo...
After last week’s presidential debate, Justin and Marianna discuss whether President Biden is likely to step down – or be forced to stand down – as the Democratic nominee. Who might replace him? Or if he stays, what are his chances of winning the election against Donald Trump? Justin and Marianna also answer questions on how the media covered Trump’s performance in the debate, and why many of his false claims were not fact checked.
GUESTS:
Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security
HOSTS:
Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
Marianna Spring, Disinformation & So...
Joe Biden and Donald Trump face off in their first presidential debateThe testy showdown was marked by personal attacks and a stumbling Biden performance. The Americast Team reacts to the policies debated as well as each candidate’s performance.Sarah and Anthony join us from the Spin Room after the debate, where they talk about the Democrats’ mood and how the Trump team is reacting.GUESTS:
Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland SecurityHOSTS:
Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
Sarah Smith, North America Editor
Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
* J...
More questions, more answers: Anthony and Miles disect how Democrats in the deep south lost the working class vote.The team tackle who Trump’s current VP pick might be, and respond to the most asked question in the Americast inbox: whether if it’s too late for Trump or Biden to drop out of the race.We also find out how politics is breaking up American families, and whether Western allies fear the return of Donald Trump.GUESTS:
Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland SecurityHOSTS:
Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: h...
Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off next week in the first presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election season. Questions are swirling about how prepared both candidates are before they meet each other at the podium once again. Sarah and Justin sit down with Mike Murphy, a veteran Republican strategist who has prepared many Republican candidates for debate, to break down what we can expect from the rematch. Can Biden calm concerns about the economy? Can Trump swat away attacks about his criminal conviction? What should Americasters be watching out for?The showdown could be the most mo...
Justin gets grilled by the Americasters on why he didn’t correct an interviewee who referred to Donald Trump as “President”... And why he refers to the world wide HQ of Americast as being in “London, England”. He and Sarah also tackle precinct issues like how Trump and Keir Starmer would interact if elected this year, and whether he could run for a third term, and how a President builds his cabinet. We also hear from a caller who wants to know what happened to the political centre ground in the United States.HOSTS:
Sarah Smith, North America editor
Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenterGET IN TOUC...
Hunter Biden has been found guilty on all three charges in his federal gun trial, becoming the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be criminally convicted. Prosecutors said Biden lied about his drug use when he bought a handgun in 2018. Sarah Smith - who has just returned from Delaware where the trial took place - and Justin Webb unpack the evidence and the consequences for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. Also, Justin and Sarah speak to Jill Biden’s former Press Secretary, Michael LaRosa on how the case will be affecting Joe Biden’s inner circle. Could the U.S. pres...
Sarah Smith is reunited with the Zurch! She’s back from her holiday, and returns to a very full inbox of Ameriquestions to answer.They include queries on whether the U.S. would ever elect a President who isn’t a Christian, and why politicians “approve this message” at their end of their campaign adverts? And we speak to Americaster Joanna, who wants to know whether Americans harbour desires for their own monarchy. HOSTS: - Sarah Smith, North America editor
- Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a mes...
Donald Trump has been speaking out after being convicted last week on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. His team say they will continue to appeal, but on what grounds, and how likely are they to overturn the verdicts? Justin and Anthony hear directly from the Trump campaign, and also put forward questions from Americast listeners. Sentencing takes place on July 11th. Also, what happened in Hunter Biden’s criminal trial which got underway in Delaware this week?
It is the first trial for the son of a sitting US president. He is accused of lying about his drug use on a form w...
Black Americans could be the deciding vote this election year. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are making their case to court black voters, but are their messages breaking through? Justin sits down with Charlamagne Tha God, one of the most influential radio broadcasters in the US whose show has become a campaign stop for presidential candidates. As the author of the new title ‘Get Honest or Die Lying,’ Charlamagne gets straight to the point on how both Biden and Trump are losing support.
Also, Biden has unveiled new executive actions aimed at curbing the number of migrants seeking asylu...
Former President Donald Trump is now the first former US president to be criminally convicted. The historic verdict has drawn Americasters from all over the world to send in their burning questions: Could the fallout trigger civil unrest? Is Trump’s status causing Republicans to think twice about supporting him?Marianna and Anthony tackle all these questions and more in this special edition of Americanswers!HOSTS:
* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqN...
The Libertarian Party is known for being unconventional in US politics. But could it have an outsized influence in who wins the Oval Office this election year? Americast sits down with Chase Oliver, the man who beat both Trump and RFK Jr for his party’s 2024 nomination. But what does he and his party believe in? Could he make it all the way to the top? And will he give the BBC his first interview if he’s elected president.HOSTS:
* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
* Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter
* Chase Oliver, 2024 Libertarian presid...
Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his historic criminal trial in New York. He called the verdict a “disgrace” and maintained his innocence - the sentencing happens on 11 July. HOST:
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUESTS:
* Kayla Epstein, BBC reporter covering the trial in New York
* Madeline Halpert, BBC reporter covering the trial in New York
* Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland SecurityGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* Send us a message or voice note via W...
Arguments are taking place inside (and outside) the courtroom.Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its sixth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.After hearing closing arguments from the prosecutors and defence, jurors in Donald Trump's historic criminal trial will begin their deliberations. The 12 New Yorkers must reach a unanimous verdict.As always, there’s been drama outside the courtroom. The actor Robert De Niro has been speaking out against Donald Trump, much to the chagrin of the former President’s followe...
Last week, Donald and Melania Trump attended Barron Trump's high school graduation ceremony in West Palm Beach, Florida. Melania has been largely absent so far from the campaign trail. Is that likely to change in the coming months?Americasters have also been in touch about candidates who could run in the 2028 presidential election. Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez likely to be one of them?Plus, we answer your request for travel recommendations during the presidential election…HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America Editor
* Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET IN TOUCH:
* Join our onlin...
Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its sixth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.This week, there was a moment of chaos when Justice Merchan ordered the jury out of the courtroom to admonish defence witness Bob Costello for his conduct on the stand.Sarah and Anthony, alongside the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein, take a look at Costello’s evidence, and when we could expect a verdict on t...
With both candidates gearing up for the first presidential debate and national party conventions, the Americast team takes a step back to look at where the race stands now. Justin Webb and Sarah Smith give their analysis on recent polling and ask whether the Biden camp should be worried, and how polls could influence the next six months. Also, the Trump campaign reposted a video this week which referenced a “unified reich.” Marianna Spring looks into where this video came from and why it matters that staffers are posting videos that they did not make themselves.HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North...
The team regroup to make more predictions about possible candidates for the Democrats and Republicans in 2028. We also take stock of foreign influence operations ahead of the upcoming US election. What has the US learnt since the last election? Plus, Ivanka Trump played an influential role in her father’s first administration, but she’s since disappeared from the public eye. Could she reappear in Trump’s next White House?HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
• Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Departm...
Donald Trump’s former lawyer takes the stand. Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its fourth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.This week, the man at the centre of those allegations - Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and right hand man - took the stand. Anthony Zurcher, alongside the BBC’s US reporters, Kayla Epstein and Madeline Halpert, take a detailed look at Cohen’s evidence, and ...
Donald Trump and Joe Biden have made plans for two televised election debates. But who benefits? And, crucially, who has more to lose? Justin Webb, Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring look into the drama behind the announcement, and the strategy of holding the first debate in just six weeks’ time. Also, should independent candidate RFK Jr - Robert F Kennedy - also be allowed to take part? And, speaking of presidential nominees, we speak to one! Jill Stein, the candidate for the Green Party, joins us on the podcast. She’s been criticised in the past for taking votes away from Democrats and f...
Americanswers is back and this week we take a look at presidential term limits. Joe Biden once said he wanted to be viewed as a “bridge” to the next generation in 2020. But did he ever commit to one term in office? Meanwhile, Donald Trump once praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for getting rid of their two-term limits. The team assesses whether Trump would have the ability to follow suit.And, social media algorithms are powerful. How do you leave your own echo chamber in an election year?HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• Anthony Zurcher, North Americ...
The former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its third week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to hear what happened when Ms Daniels herself took the stand, and court artist Jane Rosenberg reveals how she creates those incredibly candid sketches from the trial.HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America...
JFK’s nephew is taking on Biden and Trump as an independent. He’s a big outsider but his high polling numbers are worrying the main parties, who fear that his bi-partisan policies could steal votes.Sarah, Anthony and Marianna talk about who RFK Jr is, why he’s running, and if he lives up to his reputation as one of America’s most famous conspiracy theorists. And they get to the bottom of how he came to have a dead worm in his brain.HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• Sarah Smith, North America editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TO...
Americanswers is back and we take a deep dive into Joe Biden’s TikTok account and the type of content his campaign is prioritising to win over young voters.A vice presidential hopeful has revealed she killed her dog due to behavioural issues. Will the admission end her chances of being Donald Trump’s running mate?And, Kamala Harris has been given a new nickname by a daytime television host. Who is the White House hoping she can win over on the campaign trail?HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online...