Americast

When will we know the results and what are the key races to watch out for?

Anthony and Justin give you the definitive guide to the US midterm elections, including the races and themes they think are important, and what they’ll be looking out for when results start coming in.

In this episode, we talk exit polls, projected results, and timings for when we know who has won, and which party will take control of the US House of Representatives and Senate. What could Democrats actually do, and what would it mean for the rest of Donald Trump’s second presidential term?

We also discuss the gubernatorial - governor - races taking place across the country and why they’re particularly significant. Plus, could more American states make it easier for their citizens to cast their votes?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET 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 Purvee Pattni, George Dabby, Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

A Democrat in Michigan has unexpectedly endorsed the Republican candidate, in the state’s crucial US senate contest. Will this stop the Democrats taking back the Senate?

In this episode, Justin and Anthony are both in DC, and discuss why this defection is so significant and what it means for Democrats now, and in the 2028 presidential election.

We also look at Donald Trump’s final pitch to voters in this US midterms campaign as he gives his final speeches in Kansas and Iowa. What did he say to his supporters? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GET 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 Purvee Pattni. The operations engineer was Khyree Gray. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app. 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. US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

With just days to go until the midterm elections, the Democrats believe they could flip as many as six seats in the Senate. What are the polls telling us with just days to go until the midterm elections, and could results still go in Donald Trump's favour?

The Democrats have been trying to oust Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins for almost three decades. With the midterms days away, President Donald Trump’s unpopularity could see her finally removed. The Maine election has become a referendum on how voters view Senator Collins. Mainers are deciding if they continue to trust the woman who has climbed the ranks of the Republican party and brought millions of dollars of federal money to their state, or if they find her affiliation with Trump too much. Her contender, progressive Democrat Troy Jackson is a late entrant to the race, after his predecessor Graham Platner suspended his campaign following a series of scandals that included a woman accusing him of sexual assault. A former logger, his campaign has been marred after telling Collins to “shut up” during a debate.

Meanwhile, Anthony’s spoken to veteran election analyst Carrie Dann, the Managing Editor of The Cook Political Report. She explains to us where she sees the tightest races, what is mattering most to voters, and who she thinks will win.

HOSTS - Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GUEST - Carrie Dann, Managing Editor of the Cook Political Report

GET IN TOUCH: - Join our online community: Join the Newscast Discord Server! - 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 with Eleanor Harrison-Dengate and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: US Politics Unspun: Sign up for our BBC newsletter

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: BBC Sounds - Newscast - Available Episodes Top Comment: BBC Sounds - Top Comment - Available Episodes Radical: BBC Sounds - Radical with Gabriel Gatehouse - Available Episodes The Global Story: BBC Sounds - The Global Story - Available Episodes

It's been three decades since Texas last sent a Democrat senator to Congress. Will anger towards Donald Trump mean it could finally happen again? With under a week to go until the midterm elections, Republicans and Democrats are making their last pitch to voters with Texans already breaking records for early voting numbers. Donald Trump was in the state on Tuesday to shore up support for his candidate, Ken Paxton, while Elon Musk has poured over $150 million into Paxton's campaign. Republicans believe they can win the state if the base turns out, while Democrats hope that James Talarico, a former teacher and devout Christian, can convince independents and Republicans who are unhappy with Donald Trump's war in Iran and the cost of living. Anthony's been in Texas to assess the final campaign pitches in his home state. Meanwhile, Sarah's been in Michigan to look at another crucial Senate race, and got the opportunity to speak with Democrat candidate Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed's public speaking and association with the Democratic Socialists of America has helped gather interest across the US, but will it help him win over the voters he really needs in Michigan?

HOSTS

- Sarah Smith, US North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET 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 with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Can a star appearance from Barack Obama convince voters to send a Democrat to the Senate in Michigan, and beyond?

A clip from Obama’s appearance has gone viral after he took aim at Donald Trump’s new White House ballroom - saying the president had made the White House look like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory". Despite the former president’s broad appeal across the US, how will it have gone down with voters in Michigan, some of whom were unhappy with comments he made in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.

Also rapper Nicki Minaj said US president Donald Trump has “changed the energy of the country" as she joined him at a Michigan rally to campaign for Republicans ahead of the nationwide midterm elections. Minaj has called herself Trump's "number one fan" despite criticising some of his policies in his first term.

We also look at why Alaska’s senate race is being legally challenged by the Trump administration before the results are in, and why Pete Hegseth’s team are being accused of literally “dropping the ball”.

Plus, Brazil's veteran left-wing president Lula has claimed a surprise victory in the country’s presidential election by defeating his right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro. Though the US president did not back Bolsonaro in the election, Lula’s victory is a check on Trump’s influence in Latin America. Is he starting to lose his grip on politics in the region?

Justin, Marianna and Sumi are back with Matt Chorley to answer your questions on 5 Live.

HOSTS - Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent - Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Presenter

GET 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 Alix Pickles with Nik Sindle, Caroline Ferguson and Eleanor Harrison-Dengate. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Are Hasan Piker’s controversial views a help or a hindrance for the Democrats this midterms?

He’s arguably America’s most high-profile left-wing influencer but he’s not loved by all Democrats. He made his name streaming on Twitch and helped propel Abdul El-Sayed as the Democrat candidate in Michigan for the state’s all important Senate seat. Justin’s been speaking to Hasan Piker about comments he’s made in the past which are now being used by Republicans on the campaign trail.

And with less than two weeks to go, the race for the state’s open seat is close, and could help decide who controls the US Senate. Sarah’s there and joins Justin and Marianna to discuss the final debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates in Michigan, and whether Democrats can win back voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024.

HOSTS

- Sarah Smith, US North America Editor - Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GUEST:

- Hasan Piker, political commentator and streamer

GET 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 with Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

With early voting already underway across several states in America, Republicans have just two weeks to land their closing arguments. The US president says he will be spending over $400 million on Republican candidates by election day, but what is the strategy and will the money be enough to turn around low poll ratings in key states?

In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at what early voting numbers can and can’t tell us about turnout and enthusiasm, and what’s going on behind the scenes within the Republican party.

Trump has been holding rallies in states he won comfortably in 2024. One of them is Kansas, which hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in almost a century. Now Republicans are fighting to hold the seat. Trump says he has spent, or will spend, more than $400 million by Election Day. His super PAC is also running a wave of Facebook and Instagram ads urging Republicans to vote early. How much difference can that money make?

Plus, the controversial attack ad in Ohio’s race for governor featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother, made by the campaign of her Republican rival, Vivek Ramaswamy. Do personal attacks like this work?

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 - now twice weekly for the midterms!

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What happens to Donald Trump’s power if the Democrats take back Congress in the midterms? With just over two weeks to go, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna are back with Matt Chorley to answer your questions.

What would a Democratic House and Senate mean for the president? Could they try to impeach him for a third time? And why are the Republicans diverting campaign money into races that should be safe?

They also look at how Trump was able to waive new sanctions on Russia, even though Congress had recently passed them with bipartisan support. And how do Americans feel about his approach to Putin and Ukraine?

Plus, the sudden exit of White House press secretary Katie Zacharia. She’s now taken the record from Anthony Scaramucci for the shortest time in a top White House job.

HOSTS - Sarah Smith, US North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET 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 Purvee Pattni with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Latino voters could decide which party controls Congress after November’s midterm elections. Two years ago, 48% of them voted for Donald Trump, a record for a Republican presidential candidate. But with fuel prices still high, and his immigration crackdown affecting families who have lived in the US for a long time, is that support slipping away?

Justin and Anthony discuss the campaign in Texas, where the Senate race is becoming a fight to win over Latino voters. Trump has mocked the Democratic candidate James Talarico for being vegan (though he isn’t), and Talarico has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging his Republican rival Ken Paxton to a TV debate on Fox News.

Justin then talks to Mike Madrid and Chuck Rocha, the Republican and Democratic strategists behind The Latino Vote podcast. They say Latino voters are angry, mostly about the economy. Mike argues that they are drifting away from both parties rather than switching sides, and that Trump’s immigration enforcement has backfired on the Republicans. Chuck, who works for the Talarico campaign, warns Democrats against complacency: Latino voters turning against Trump might not translate into lasting support for the party.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent GUESTS: • Mike Madrid, Author of “The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy” • Chuck Rocha, Democratic strategist and adviser to the James Talarico campaign

GET 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 Emma Close with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What happens if Donald Trump loses the midterms, and why does this election matter for Republicans and Democrats? In this episode, Anthony and Sumi de-jargon and explain some of the basics in this November’s election, unpicking key terms such as ‘gerrymandering’, super PACs, dark money, stump speeches, and what it really means to be an ‘informed voter’. We’re joined by Celia Hatton from the Global News Podcast, with questions from around the world.

HOSTS: • Celia Hatton, Global News Podcast presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET 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 Emma Close and Helena Burke with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

How has US defence secretary Pete Hegseth justified the decision to livestream the execution of former US soldier, Nidal Hassan by firing squad at the Fort Hood military base - where he killed 13 unarmed US soldiers - in 2009? Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna are back with Matt Chorley to answer your questions on the case and whether Hegseth’s plan will actually go ahead after public scepticism by vice president JD Vance. President Trump is reportedly weighing up the decision, with other Republicans also voicing concerns.

And, Donald Trump has announced a deal to buy diesel from Russia and called for Ukraine to elect a new leader to replace Zelensky. The deal has sparked outrage from many US allies and highlights the need for Republicans to lower the price of diesel ahead of the midterm elections. Will the deal finally cause mainstream Republicans to break with the president?

Plus, the “energy ceasefire” that Trump announced over the weekend between Russia and Ukraine already appears broken after Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants. The deal has sparked online conspiracy theories surrounding data centres and so-called Russian bot farms. How does it relate to the upcoming midterm elections?

HOSTS - Sarah Smith, US North America Editor - Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET 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 with Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

How confident should Democrats be about surprise new polling which puts them ahead in deep Republican territory? In states such as Kansas which haven’t elected a Democratic senator since 1932, Democrat candidates are doing well - why is that, and how much can we trust the polls?

The party’s hope for a blue wave in this year’s midterm elections rest on their ability to flip four Republican seats in the Senate. While the polls suggest the Democrats are ahead in Texas, Alaska and Ohio, the picture is more complicated in Democratic states like Maine and Michigan, which many believe the party must hold on to if they’re to reclaim control of Congress.

Sarah and Justin unpack the latest polls and what it tell us about Democrat and Republican strategy before we speak to the Democratic strategist and pollster John Anzalone. He’s currently working on Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign in North Carolina and most recently served on Joe Biden’s successful 2020 campaign. He tell us why Democrats should be cautious about hopes for a blue wave in November and the issues candidates need to focus on in the run-up to polling day.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor • Justin Webb, BBC Radio 4 Presenter

GET 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 with Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The president has started a war of words with California Governor Gavin Newsom after saying that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego. Trump made the comments during his midterms campaign tour, telling the audience it would be “very small price to pay” in the war. Newsom has responded by calling the comments “deranged and dangerous”.

And Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has re-iterated his plans to remove “beirdos” and “weirdos” from the US military, in an ongoing campaign against DEI initiatives. In a speech to service members at a military base in Virginia he told them “the ideological clowns are out, the patriotic cowboys are in”.

Anthony and Sumi discuss Hegseth’s idea of masculinity in the army, why he is calling for routine testosterone screening of soldiers, and where calls for his impeachment over his handling of the war with Iran stand.

HOSTS: • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GET 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 with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

How has the botched execution of a woman convicted of murder in Tennessee 30 years ago prompted a debate about the death penalty in the US? Marianna, Sumi and Anthony answer your questions on the case of Christa Pike, which has led to the resignation of Tennessee's prisons chief.

Also, why has a rape allegation at Cornell University become one of America's biggest stories, with New York Attorney General Letitia James now investigating and Governor Kathy Hochul promising to close a legal loophole? There are also questions around the culture of fraternity parties at US universities and whether it’s possible to ban or change how they’re run.

The team also discuss why, with weeks to go before midterm elections, Donald Trump began his 32-day campaign tour in red states, and why he is now urging Republicans to vote by mail? And why are Republican senators still investigating Jack Smith, the former special counsel who brought two criminal cases against Trump?

HOSTS - Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET 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 Alix Pickles with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Abolish ICE? Abolish borders, No prisons? The co-chair of the DSA speaks to us about what the party really stands for and whether they can persuade undecided Americans to vote for them.

The Democratic Socialists of America can count some of the country’s most high-profile politicians in its ranks, such as Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Until recently, the organisation had only a few thousand members and sat on the fringes of US politics.

But since the rise of Donald Trump and opponents like Bernie Sanders, the DSA has grown into a nationwide force that’s turning the Democratic Party on its head as it prepares to choose a new leader for the party ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

In today’s episode, Justin speaks to the DSA’s national co-chair Ashik Siddique about their vision for the country, including on housing, healthcare as well as Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. What do they really stand for, and could they one day end up taking over the Democratic Party?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GUEST: • Ashik Siddique, National co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America

GET 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 Emma Close, George Dabby and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Is Donald Trump now more of an electoral hindrance than a help, even in his home state of Florida, where one candidate has talked down his links with the US president. In this episode, we hear Anthony’s reporting from Florida where the race to replace Ron DeSantis as governor won’t be an easy win for Republicans. Byron Donalds is looking to become Florida's first African American governor. He has Trump's endorsement and is a loyal MAGA supporter of the president, but in recent weeks, he’s played down his association with the president on his campaign website. He isn’t the only Republican candidate to do so. What does that tell us about how Republicans are messaging in this state, and beyond? Sarah and Anthony also discuss the issues most important to Republican voters with five weeks go to before November’s midterm elections, and where early voting has already started.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET 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 with Alix Pickles and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Ahead of November’s midterm elections, are we any closer to knowing who might lead the Democrats into the 2028 presidential election?

Americanswers is back answering your questions and this week we’re looking ahead at a number of important issues at this year’s midterms. The Democrats might fancy their chances to take back the House – and possibly even the Senate – but public opinion still looks unfavourably at the party’s leadership, so why doesn’t it have a new leader yet, and will this hurt them at the polls?

And, Donald Trump’s meeting with China’s president Xi Jinping earned warm words and plenty of photo opportunities, but did the two leaders agree anything of substance, and will it be enough to convince other world leaders that the two superpowers are really prepared to tackle major issues like artificial intelligence and Russian aggression towards NATO allies?

Plus, Donald Trump is reportedly considering a ban on US diesel exports as American consumers face record average prices of more than $6 per gallon. The president hopes it could lower prices ahead of the midterms but it could raise prices around the world. Would it actually make fuel cheaper for US consumers?

HOSTS: - Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter - Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET 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 Alix Pickles with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

The US president has lost his court battle with CNN, Politico and MS NOW in the latest battle between Donald Trump and the media. What did the judge say and what happens next?

At the end of the last week Donald Trump banned three news outlets - CNN, Politico and MS Now - from reporting inside the White House. But the ban has been overturned - for now - in an emergency hearing by a federal judge, who ordered the banned journalists’ press credentials be immediately reinstated for 14 days.

It’s still not entirely clear what prompted Donald Trump to punish the outlets although it’s been reported that it may have been prompted by negative coverage he was shown by his aide, Natalie Harp.

In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Marianna speak to former CNN correspondent, anchor and bureau chief Frank Sesno, who is now a Journalism professor at The George Washington School of Media and Public Affairs. The latest row comes at a difficult moment for the president who’s fighting historically low approval ratings and an unpopular war in Iran. It’s yet to be seen what the president will do next after the judgement or if it’s a sign of growing pressure ahead of November’s midterm elections.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GUEST: Frank Sesno, former White House Correspondent, anchor and Washington Bureau Chief for CNN. Director of Strategic Initiatives at the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs.

GET 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 with Nik Sindle and Keiligh Baker. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Americast is in New York as Donald Trump tells world leaders he could “annihilate” Iran, whilst also - behind the scenes - talking up the progress of peace talks between Iran and the United States. Sumi and Anthony unpack the US president’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, discussing whether the speech was aimed more at his domestic audience than world leaders.

With just over six weeks from midterm elections and record low approval ratings, is Donald Trump now more isolated amongst world leaders than at any other point in his presidency? We discuss how much influence the US president really has behind the scenes at the UN.

Also, why did the Cuban delegation walk out, and what made Anthony’s jaw “hit the floor” when Trump talked about Venezuela?

There is also a new agreement with Denmark and Greenland that puts more American troops on the island. Has Trump got what he wanted, or given up on annexing it?

HOSTS: • Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET 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 with Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

What do we know about Denmark’s new deal with the US president over Greenland, and has Donald Trump actually got what he wants out of it? Sarah, Anthony and Marianna answer your questions in today’s episode. The team also look at whether Donald Trump is legally allowed to kick out media organisations he doesn’t like from the White House? The US president has withdrawn White House press credentials for journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico, citing fake news. But does this decision go against the US constitution? There are also questions over Trump’s new ideas to place snipers on top of his new arch in Washington DC, a shooting by ICE agents in Texas, and what is happening with the former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro since his capture and arrest?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

GET 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 Purvee Pattni with Chris Flynn, Josh McMinn and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. 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 button on the app.

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.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd