Playing Politics: Recent Episodes
Star Tribune Editorial Board
Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune’s John Rash in addition to editorial writer Patricia Lopez and columnists Lori Sturdevant and D.J. Tice – award-winning journalists who bring varied perspectives to the issues of the day.
Republicans try to take the office for the first time in decades. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Could the cartel's moves to raise oil prices decrease Democrats' midterm chances? Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The race for governor and other state offices in Minnesota is scrambled. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The Justice Department's allegations have broad legal and political implications. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
The Fifth District representative barely beat her DFL challenger. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The Republican lieutenant governor candidate put the focus on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Witness Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony included several revelations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The House hearings have featured fellow Republicans testifying about what led to the attack on the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Key issues will likely include inflation and crime. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Broadcast and cable news networks - except for Fox News - will carry the primetime coverage starting Thursday night. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's John Rash.
A special session would be needed to get Minnesota's share of the infrastructure bill. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The GOP's pick for Minnesota governor will face new scrutiny as he heads to the general election. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Inflation is likely to frame the debate around the midterms. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
A searing analysis from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will impact city and state politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The political and public health dynamics of the decision are discussed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Republicans and Democrats are far apart at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The president's U.S. approval ratings don't match their rise overseas. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
The president looks to advance allied unity on Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The Ukrainian president's speech is analyzed by WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Mayor Jacob Frey and other leaders failed to follow protocols. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The U.S. and Western allies react to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The status of Russian forces and communication between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents is unclear. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Police-community relations in the city are once again national news. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Sheletta Brundidge and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The impending vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court comes at a key moment for the Biden administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Nearly a year into his tenure, President Joe Biden will hold a news conference on Wednesday. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
President Joe Biden's legislative push gets pushback from key GOP leaders. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The congressional investigation into the 2021 attack on the Capitol will affect the runup to the midterm elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
A very vexing year heading into crucial midterm and state elections. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
State lawmakers consider Minnesota's robust revenue forecast. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Supreme Court justices weigh in on a Mississippi case on reproductive rights. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Despite major medical advancements, the pandemic continues - and continues its impact on politics. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Jill Burcum and John Rash.
The Republican representative may be censured for posting an animated, violent video. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The former president is trying to shield information related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The Minneapolis mayor was reelected and ballot measures went his way. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Minneapolis, St. Paul voters are most focused on public safety. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Many of President Joe Biden's priorities are the subject of tense congressional negotiations. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Voters in Minneapolis and St. Paul - as well as the Star Tribune Editorial Board - focus on the campaign. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
From foreign policy to domestic dynamics, the president faces persistent challenges - and criticism. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Among the reporter's revelations are that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff phoned his Chinese counterpart twice to reassure him during the final weeks of the president's administration. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The Senate majority leader becomes the latest Republican to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The president is pressed by allies and lawmakers to extend the Afghanistan withdrawal date past Aug. 31. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Republican and DFL leaders call for the St. Paul representative, a Democrat, to resign. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Despite the acrimony it appears that Minnesota will avoid a government shutdown. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The city contends with continued demonstrations over a law-enforcement shooting and the death of a protester. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Denise Johnson and John Rash.
Minneapolis struggles with implementing changes to the site. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
As time winds down, a wide divide is still apparent between DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Republican leaders at the State Legislature. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
House Republicans, toeing Trump's line (and lies), kick Liz Cheney from her leadership position. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's John Hines and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Reverberations from the jury's conviction continue. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
President Joe Biden proposes a $2 trillion plan. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
Mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder renew calls for congressional action. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
While managing the vaccine rollout and coronavirus mitigation measures, the governor is quarantined. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Rice and John Rash.
The president gets a victory with the passing of the $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The country deserves a definitive account of what happened. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
A sense of normalcy pervades politics despite the president's ambitious agenda. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Amid positive COVID trends, Minnesota's governor urges an accelerated return to in-person learning. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
For the second time, senators heard House managers present their case to impeach former President Donald Trump. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Gov. Tim Walz's proposal was met with Republican reluctance. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
In his inaugural address, the 46th president calls for national unity. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The U.S. House considers impeaching the president for his role in the Capitol attack. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Protests against the presidential election resulted in violence as Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Hear the “Playing Politics” analysis from WCCO Radio’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board’s Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
Despite repeated rebukes in court, the Trump campaign's push to overturn election results endures. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The attorney general says the Justice Department sees no widespread election fraud. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The unchecked pandemic leads to new restrictions, which may lead to new pushback. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
The continuing controversy over unfounded claims about the 2020 vote will have long-lasting impact. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast with WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.
The too-close-to-call campaign continues. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.
The presidential campaign heads into its last few days. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's D.J. Tice and John Rash.
Thursday's Trump-Biden match-up might be the campaign's final key event. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Adam Carter and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.