Americast
Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. 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 disinformation and social media 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, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday night on BBC Radio 4 and every weekend on the BBC News Channel. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. 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. By the way, you can now 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. See ya’ll later...
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Episodes
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Why has Elon Musk been pushing for a government shutdown?
Thursday, 19 December 2024
The US could face a government shutdown at midnight on Saturday, and Elon Musk is pushing for it.President-elect Donald Trump followed his calls to reject a bill that would have kept the government funded through March.Without it, some public services could be put of hold…So what’s it all about and how serious would it be? Justin, Anthony and Marianna explain. Plus, Walker Watch returns!HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Marianna Spring, Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent - Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:- Join our online community: https://discord...
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Why has ABC News given Donald Trump $15 million?
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Donald Trump has achieved a legal victory after ABC News announced that it was paying Trump $15 million and legal fees to settle a defamation lawsuit related to remarks made in March by morning news presenter George Stephanopoulos.Following the settlement Trump said he intends to pursue further lawsuits against “dishonest” media, including the Des Moines Register newspaper for "brazen election interference" over a poll published days before the 2024 presidential election.Could ABC’s decision to settle with Trump set a dangerous precedent for media freedoms in the US, and will there be a chi...
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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Where has Kamala Harris gone?
Monday, 16 December 2024
It’s been over a month since Democrats lost the election, and questions linger over the future of the party. One prominent member who has stayed quiet in recent weeks is vice president Kamala Harris. Is she plotting to run again in 2028? Or does she have her eyes on the California governor’s mansion? And, mystery continues to swirl after nearly a month of drone sightings over New Jersey and other states. Officials have not provided any definitive answers to what they are, only saying that they are unlikely to pose a risk to residents. So what do we know about them, and why are people so wor...
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Why is the internet obsessed with a suspected CEO killer?
Friday, 13 December 2024
Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania on Monday after a days-long, multi-state manhunt following the suspected murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson.It’s led to a debate about the health system in America and also prompted anonymous donors to chip in thousands of dollars towards Mangione's defence through online fundraisers.Sarah, Anthony and Marianna assess the reaction to the case, and why the case is dividing the public. This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Catherine Fusillo, Rufus Gray and Claire Betzer. The technical producers were Michael Regaard and Hannah Mo...
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What will Trump do about Syria?
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
As Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria fell over the weekend, president-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” But how will American interests in the Middle East develop under a second Trump term? And will it get in the way of the ‘America First’ agenda that helped take him to the White House?The team assess how Trump might respond when he takes office in January, after Justin spoke with John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN and former National Security Advisor under Trump, about what recent events mean for the region and whether or not Trump will want to sta...
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Americanswers... on 5 Live! What will Trump do on his first day back in the White House?
Monday, 9 December 2024
Donald Trump has sat down with NBC's Meet the Press in his first broadcast network interview since winning November's election. The president-elect revealed a number of policy positions that the world can expect when he returns to office. Will one of them be an end to automatic citizenship for people born in the US?And, it’s now five days since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in a seemingly targeted attack in New York City. The brazen nature of his killing has shocked the US but also exposed deep resentments at inequities in US healthcare. Is it too far to suggest that s...
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Donald Trump vs the media...Round 2!
Friday, 6 December 2024
Key figures in Donald Trump’s transition team have suggested changing which journalists have access to the White House press briefing room, and who is allowed to put questions to Trump’s new administration. The influence of ‘new media’ platforms - streamers and podcasters - helped win the election for Trump, so could content-creators such as Joe Rogan be included? Also, how will Trump deal with the media in his second term? And how will the media deal with him this time? Sarah and Marianna are joined by Peter Hamby, Host of ‘Good Luck America’ on Snapchat, to discuss the future of the news...
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Where do the Democrats go from here?
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
It’s been one month since Kamala Harris lost the US presidential election and soul-searching within the Democratic Party has already begun as the party prepares for opposition.It’s not yet clear how Democrats intend to approach the next four years with Trump in office. Will they work with or against him? And how do they shape a new pitch to American voters?The fallout continues from Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter. Gavin Newsom is the most senior Democrat to publicly criticise the president’s decision, and now Donald Trump is arguing the case against him should be thrown out ...
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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Why has Joe Biden pardoned his son?
Monday, 2 December 2024
In one of his final acts before leaving the White House, Joe Biden has taken the decision to pardon his son, Hunter, who was set to face sentencing this month on federal felony gun and tax convictions.In doing so he becomes the first president to issue a pardon for his son, which forgives any convictions for federal crimes. The president argued that despite his belief in the justice system, politics had “infected” this process and led to his son being treated differently. Donald Trump has called the decision an "abuse and miscarriage of justice".Where does the decision leave America’s justi...
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The Trump Trials... Cases Closed?
Friday, 29 November 2024
This week the last federal criminal case against Donald Trump was dropped. It's a dramatic end to a year in which began with Trump facing nearly 100 criminal charges connected to the two federal cases and others.It was unprecedented legal territory for a former president, becoming the first to face a criminal trial and later conviction, in a case tied to a payment made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.With just under two months until he's back in office, is he likely to use the Justice Department to pursue his enemies, and will there be wholesale pardons for people convicted for the Jan...
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Will Trumponomics crash the world economy?
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Donald Trump has given the world an insight into what the economic vision for his second term might be, and it can be summarised in what he calls the “most beautiful word": tariffs. The president-elect says he will introduce 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico on day one of his presidency, and add an extra 10% on goods coming from China. Mexico and China have baulked at Trump's proposals, but are they a disguised bargaining chip on drugs and border policy?Justin, Marianna and Anthony convene to discuss, and are joined by a former senior economist at the White House during the...
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Americanswers…on 5 Live! Who will pay for Trump's inauguration?
Monday, 25 November 2024
Social media platform Bluesky has passed the 20 million user mark and its growing popularity has some listeners wondering if it will lead people towards their existing beliefs and away from political debate. Could its rise further polarise an already divided electorate?And it's just under two months until Donald Trump is inaugurated as president for a second time. We answer your questions on whether his supporters will descend upon Washington DC and whether Elon Musk is likely to foot the bill...HOSTS:• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Di...
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Will RFK Jr Make America Healthy Again?
Friday, 22 November 2024
RFK is seen as a controversial choice for Health Secretary, not least because he’s a vaccine sceptic who has also rallied against big pharmaceutical companies, but also because of his attitude to big pharma and medical research. Justin, Marianna and Sarah look in more detail at RFK’s record on public health, what his stance on vaccines means for Americans, and whether he’ll realistically be able to take on America’s big food companies. Also, will he definitely be confirmed - as Health Secretary - by the Senate? How does that process work?HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter • Sarah S...
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What will Trump do about Russia?
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
As Donald Trump’s list of appointments becomes longer and more controversial, there’s one area that seems set for drastic change: defence.The announcements come alongside Joe Biden’s decision to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles to fire into Russia, just months before Trump becomes commander in chief.We speak to Robert Wilkie, the man in charge of preparing Trump’s defence policy. He tells us what’s happening behind the scenes, how Trump could negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, and why he’s picked a Fox New presenter as his defence secretary. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 present...
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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Biden's last effort to help Ukraine?
Monday, 18 November 2024
Over the weekend, President Biden authorised Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike Russia. Is this his last-ditch effort to help before Trump takes over?Also, Trump’s cabinet picks continue to draw criticism. The Americast team discuss how the president-elect is making his decisions, and whether he’s actually interested in governing once his team is in place.And what do Americans mean by the middle class?HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5Live presenterGET IN TOUCH: • Join our online...
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The Trump-whisperers
Friday, 15 November 2024
The involvement of Donald Trump’s close-knit family defined his first term in the White House. Eight years later, his circle of advisers appears to have expanded, welcoming a cadre of media personalities and influencers. Who’s in Trump’s orbit now? Which of his family members are raising their profiles, and who is taking a step out of the spotlight? Sarah and Marianna examine who has the president-elect’s ear with Trump biographer Marc Fisher.HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGUEST: • Marc Fisher, Associate editor at The...
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You’re hired! Trump chooses his top team
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has spent the week since his election picking out his cabinet members and closest advisors who will help him through his second term. Sarah, Marianna and Anthony give you the latest on who’s been nominated so far.Among them is Elon Musk, who has been tipped to run the new Department of Government Efficiency. But what does that mean, exactly?And, this afternoon Trump met with President Biden in the White House for a transition meeting, which was partly drowned out by the sound of a fireplace. HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North Ame...
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Americanswers… on 5Live! How did the polls get the election so wrong?
Monday, 11 November 2024
BBC News - Join Justin, Sarah and Marianna as they answer your questions live with Matt Chorley from 5Live. In today’s episode, the Americast team discuss questions which include: at why the polling didn’t more accurately predict Trump’s win, whether the media got it wrong, whether everyone will accept the election result and, how might President Biden help Ukraine before he leaves office?HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5Live presenterGET IN TOUCH: • Join our on...
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Profile: Who is Donald Trump? (Part 2… The Politician)
Saturday, 9 November 2024
We look back at how Trump ran the United States during his 2016 presidency. In an administration defined by “building the wall”, North Korea, 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.This episode was first aired during the election campaign, as Americast profiled all the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Look out for Part 1: Trump the Brand, which looks at his rise as a politician and celebrity.HOST: • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondentGUE...
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Profile: Who is Donald Trump? (Part 1… The Brand)
Saturday, 9 November 2024
Americast looks back at how Donald Trump succeeded in business by creating a franchise out of his most valuable commodity: himself. Sarah hears from a former Apprentice producer, who gives us a behind the scenes insight into why Trump was picked for the TV series, and how it was integral in building his image as a successful businessman. This episode was first aired during the election campaign, as Americast profiled all the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Look out for Part 2: Trump the politician! HOST: • Sarah Smith, Radio 4 presenterGUESTS: • Marc Fisher, senior edit...
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Why Trump won (and why Harris lost)
Friday, 8 November 2024
As Republicans celebrate Donald Trump’s historic sweep of the US election, Democrats are left reckoning with how Kamala Harris failed to mobilize support. Americast gets together for an election inquest to examine what went right and wrong. Is Joe Biden to blame for Harris’ loss? Or did something else cause the VP to underperform with the voters she needed to win? Was Trump’s straight-forward messaging a winning strategy? Or has there been a fundamental shift among American voters that goes beyond politics? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anth...
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Americanswers... on 5 Live! Will the US ever elect a female president?
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Joe Biden has promised a peaceful transition of power after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. He's also called on Americans to "turn down the temperature" after a fractious campaign that has divided voters. Will public figures who have been openly critical of Donald Trump feel safe when he takes office again?And, a listener challenges whether Americast and other parts of the media really foresaw Donald Trump's return to the White House as a genuine possibility. Marianna explains his appeal to the "manosphere" which exists outside of traditional media.HOS...
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Election Results (Part 3): What Will Trump (And Harris) Do Now?
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Donald Trump has become the 47th, as well as the 45th President. But the question is this: what will actually change when his new term begins? The team assemble to separate the fact from fiction - will he really declassify the JFK files and end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office?And Kamala Harris has conceded the election. Justin was on the ground and reports back on what the mood was like in the losing camp. HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Co...
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Election Results (Part 2): Donald Trump Elected President
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election.He's already delivered a victory speech in Florida in front of his supporters where he hailed a "magnificent victory" as leaders from around the globe have begun sending their congratulations to Trump.On a stunning night for the Republican Party, they also took back control of the Senate and are leading in the House of Representatives, although several races are still undecided.How did Trump achieve such a huge victory, and where does this leave the Democratic Party?HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Sm...
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Election Results (Part 1): A Trump Win?
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
The US presidential election is not yet decided but the race is tilting towards Donald Trump. North Carolina and Georgia were two states that the Democrats were eyeing up in their bid to make Kamala Harris the first female president in US history.But with those states now out of play, the Harris campaign is pinning its hopes on winning the "blue wall" states and the crucial state of Pennsylvania, which Fox News has already declared for the former president.HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna S...
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Trump VS Harris… The Americast guide to election night!
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
What is the current state of the race as voters in the United States go into election day? When can we expect a result? Which swing states will declare first, and what should we be reading into early results? Justin, Marianna, Sarah and Anthony are all in the U.S. with their insight and analysis, plus what they’ll each be looking out for on election night itself. Plus, election night snacks - what is Sarah scared to try? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations...
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Americanswers... on 5 Live! Why do TV networks call a winner in the US?
Monday, 4 November 2024
The 2024 presidential election is nearly here and as America gets ready to head to voting booths up and down the country, the team offer their advice on timings, key states to watch out for, and when you can head to bed.And Justin, Marianna and Sarah submit their choices for Americast's election day bingo card...This episode has been updated since it was originally uploaded.HOSTS:* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a m...
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Surprise polling! Is Harris pulling ahead?
Sunday, 3 November 2024
The gang talk through two surprises in 24 hours in the election race. New polling suggests that Kamala Harris will win in Iowa - a state Trump won by nearly 10 points in the last two elections.But polling is only an indication… they discuss what we can conclude from the result.Plus, Harris appeared on popular late night comedy show Saturday Night Live. Could it help her in the battle for the undecided voter? Talking of undecideds.. Marianna has been investigating how they’re being targeted by social media platforms. HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presen...
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Americanswers in Philadelphia!
Saturday, 2 November 2024
Marianna and Justin are street side in the Pop-Up Podcast Studio answering your questions. HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations 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 #AmericastThis episode was made by Purvee Pattni in Pennsylvania. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe ...
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Trick or treating with Philadelphia's Republicans
Friday, 1 November 2024
Welcome to another day on the road with the Americast pop-up studio!Justin and Marianna are trick-or-treating in Philadelphia, a crucial area in the key state of Pennsylvania. They're speaking to voters on their doorsteps about how they’re feeling ahead of 5 November, which is now just five days away…They discuss whether people are concerned about the fallout after election day, their trust in the election process, and why some voters are pinning their hopes on a second Trump term. HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations CorrespondentGET IN TOU...
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