America, Actually with Astead Herndon

Don’t call it a blue wave. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore outlines what a winning Democratic playbook actually looks like.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo credit: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in New York City. Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right no...

Political strategist David Axelrod discusses how the new wave of congressional Democrats can deliver the affordability relief voters need while facing President Trump. 

This show was produced and video edited by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian.  

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.  

Lear...

Ahead of the midterm elections, we look at Republicans’ closing arguments and whether MAGA’s loyalty to President Trump will help the party win the most critical races. 

This show was produced and video edited by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian , fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to lea...

Nevada is in many ways “ground zero” for this year’s midterms. The state swung to the right in 2024 and voted for Donald Trump. Now, many voters there are grappling with buyer’s remorse. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Vox’s Astead Herndon joins volunteers from the Las Vegas Culinary Workers Union canvassing before the midterm election. Photo by Pavel Gazdyuk.

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Pablo Torre discusses what sports reveal about President Trump, billionaire power, and America’s mood ahead of the midterms. 

This show was produced and video edited by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsle...

Between the Trump administration’s executive orders, lawsuits, and relentless rhetoric, it feels like voting systems in America are under constant threat. Is it working? 

Editor’s note: Earlier in this episode, Sweren-Becker said that 26 courts had decided that the DoJ is not entitled to voter records. Oklahoma settled its suit, and the state agreed to provide its voter data.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: President Donald Trump arrives for a cam...

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) makes the case for new leaders and a stronger strategy for standing up to Trump.

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s w...

Republicans are entering the midterm home stretch with a staggering $1 billion campaign war chest. Will it make a difference? 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Vasilis Fotopoulos, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: President Donald Trump speaks during an election rally for local Republican candidates in Youngstown, Ohio. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Most of the focus in this year’s midterms is naturally on Congress. But the battle to control state legislatures matters just as much, if not more.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Francesca Hong during a primary election night watch party in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo by Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Why are Democrats playing it safe and missing an opportunity to make a stronger case for abortion rights?

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s wee...

Can a Republican candidate run for governor in a red state without bringing up Donald Trump a single time? We went to Ohio to find out. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Republican Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a town hall. Photo by Arden S. Barnes/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

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What do Democrats misunderstand about voters, and why isn’t opposing Trump enough to win them over?

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsl...

Polling says less than 1 percent of voters consider AI a top concern this election cycle. Michigan congressional candidate Will Lawrence sees things differently.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Emily Taylor leads chants during a protest against data center development in Austin. Photo by Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images.

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Mehdi Hasan, journalist and founder of Zeteo, explains how coverage of Israel and President Trump has fueled the media’s credibility crisis.

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up...

Latino voters swung hard to the right in 2024. Now, they’re giving Dems another look.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: A Sun Valley resident votes at the polling station located at Our Lady of The Holy Church on election day at the Sun Valley's Latino district, Los Angeles County. Photo by Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images.

Editor's note: In her interview, Stephanie Valencia said that the zip code with th...

With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, we’re asking a simple question: What actually matters to voters right now?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A polling station at Colebrook Academy and Elementary School in Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vo...

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon overcame a 17-to-1 fundraising gap to win the state’s Democratic Senate primary. Can she score another upset in November? 

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon greets people as she campaigns in Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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What’s up with the kids these days? We asked a Gen Z researcher to explain her generation’s politics. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

An attendee wears a Vote hair accessory during a debate watch party with the Miami-Dade Young Democrats . Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Read more about Gen Z:

The Up and Up: https://www.theupandup.us/ 

You can also watch this e...

Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates? 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs after speaking to the press in the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images.

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Democrats have been duking it out all summer. He’s at the center of it all.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Hasan Piker at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada in 2026. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off th...

Progressives are racking up primary wins. Is the Democratic establishment getting the message?

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian. 

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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Will high gas prices actually change how people vote? We went to Pennsylvania to find out. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A customer refuels his van at a gas station in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania in July. Photo by Matthew Hatcher / AFP via Getty Images.

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Journalists Astead Herndon, Don Lemon, and Kara Swisher hold a fantasy draft to find out who has the best shot at becoming president in 2028. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Flags are displayed on the lawn of the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol Building in the background. Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a V...

Democratic Congressman James Clyburn turned 86 years old this week. He has no plans to retire.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) announcing he is running for a 18th term. Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.

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First there was New York, then Colorado. But can a progressive candidate win in the Rust Belt?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Benjamin Stephen, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. Photo by Sarah Rice/Getty Images.

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The former vice president’s loyal base seems ready for another go, but Democratic donors are wary. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on ⁠youtube.com/vox⁠. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ⁠vox.com/members⁠. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. 

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What should the progressive left take away from the collapse of Graham Platner’s campaign? 

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon.  Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian. 

You can also watch this episode on ⁠youtube.com/vox⁠. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ⁠vox.com/members⁠. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast⁠.⁠

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Can the country’s founding ideals still unite a divided nation? This episode is presented by the Rockefeller Foundation.  

This show was produced by Dustin DeSoto, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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The group of men that famously helped propel Trump to the White House in 2024 is having second thoughts. Here’s what that means for Republicans in the future.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Fans at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the South Lawn of the White House where President Trump hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship matches. Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Li...

AI, policing and generational change are among the issues influencing two primary races in New York that reflect the broader 2026 midterms.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Voting signage at a polling location for the primary election in New York. Photo by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Hasan Piker has become one of the most prominent leftist voices in the US. But his rapid rise has sparked a furious backlash from establishment Democrats -- specifically the Third Way think tank.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Further reading: Third Way’s critique of Hasan Piker in the Wall Street Journal.

The streamer Hasan Piker speaking at a conference in Vancouver. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Ge...

We went to Virginia to report on redistricting. What we found was a potential new message for Democrats to win over voters. 

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Voters attending a candidate forum hosted by RVA indivisible at the Libby Mill Library in Richmond, VA. Photo credit Alex Peterson.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New V...

Democrats talk a lot about protecting democracy, but for most Americans, the system was written to exclude them a long time ago.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo by Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vo...

What skills will matter most in the AI era, and how can workers avoid being left behind? We look at one big bet aimed at supporting the US workforce. This episode is presented by The Rockefeller Foundation. 

This show was produced by Dustin DeSoto, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo by Getty Images/Kindamorphic.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ⁠vox.com/members⁠. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. 

Learn more a...

There’s a growing disconnect between a local community that says it’s being treated as the "guinea pigs" in a new industrial revolution, and Washington politicians.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Shelby Smith, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A massive new data center in Vineland, New Jersey. Photo by Alex Peterson.

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What do buzzwords like “progressive” and “affordability” mean to voters? We went to one of the most Democratic congressional districts to find out.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) rolling out out a new affordability strategy along with other House Democrats from the Progressive Caucus. Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images.

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America at 250 years old may need a new founding document. Historian Heather Cox Richardson drafts a new social contract. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. In this episode, Richardson references a tweet of Boebert's, not a text.

A protester holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a US flag at a rally. Photo by ANDREW HOLBROOKE/Corbis via Getty Images.

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We were set to talk to Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego about solving our immigration crisis. Then Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Rep. Eric Swalwell and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

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Immigration might be President Donald Trump’s signature issue, but what do Americans actually think about border security and enforcement?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A migrant climbs over the border fence into the US after fetching groceries for other migrants waiting to be processed by authorities on the US-Mexico border. Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images.

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What does US politics look like when Donald Trump is no longer at the center of it? In 2028, voters will get to decide. But for now, we explore.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact-checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Christopher Snyder is our video editor, and Koon Nguy is our senior art director. Our executive producer is Christina Vallice. Additional support from Miranda Kennedy, David Tatasciore, and Nisha Chittal.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step on an escalator as they arrive for the 80...