The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

WAMU 88.5

Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.

7hr 44min

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: D.C. GOP Chair Patrick Mara on why Trump will be good for D.C.".

D.C. GOP Chairman Patrick Mara on why a Trump presidency will be a good thing for the District. Plus, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin discusses on how city officials are preparing for another Trump adminstration.

November 15, 202450min 30sec48.48 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Local lawmakers on what Trump's executive actions mean for the region".

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on President Trump's executive action requiring federal workers to return full time to the office. Plus, Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart on how the county will manage the federal government's threat of mass deportations.

January 24, 202550min 28sec48.46 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Regional leaders weigh in on inauguration security and the future of local federal workers".

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger and D.C. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lindsey Appiah on inauguration preparations. Plus, Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen on what a second Trump term means for local federal workers.

January 17, 202550min48.01 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: The latest from Maryland and Virginia’s legislative sessions".

Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon on the projected $3 billion budget gap. Plus, Virginia Senate Majority Whip Barbara Favola talks tax cuts, a Tysons Corner casino, and constitutional amendments.

January 10, 202550min 28sec48.45 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie".

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie on recommending to expel Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White and what's next for the RFK Stadium site. Plus, a panel of local politics reporters talks 2024's top stories and what to expect in 2025.

December 20, 202450min 8sec48.13 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on automated trains and increasing ridership".

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on the need to expand service, how automating trains saves money, and what a return-to-office mandate for federal workers could mean for Metro.

December 13, 202437min 47sec36.29 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson".

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on why cutting federal agencies could mean a tax increase for county residents. Plus, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson talks about what he hopes is his lasting legacy.

December 6, 202450min 28sec48.45 MB

Thumbnail for "The Politics Hour: Prince George County's Jolene Ivey and Congressman-elect Eugene Vindman".

Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey on the future of the new FBI headquarters and the candidates who could replace Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks as county executive. Plus, Virginia Congressman-elect Eugene Vindman on his victory earlier this month and navigating a Republican-controlled House.

November 22, 202449min 19sec71.04 MB

Nov. 8, 2024

November 8, 202450min 28sec48.46 MB

Thumbnail for "WAMU's Election Night Special".

Kojo and Tom were joined by by reporters from across the region providing context about the biggest local races

November 6, 202424min 4sec23.11 MB

The Politics Hour: D.C. GOP Chair Patrick Mara on why Trump will be good for D.C.

November 15, 202450min 30sec

While many District residents are concerned a Republican-led Congress could rescind the city's autonomy, not everyone sees doom and gloom. The chair of the Republican Party of D.C. Patrick Mara got behind the mic to explain why a Trump presidency will be good for the District of Columbia.

Mara said public safety and concerns over crime could lead the federal government to assert more control of the city. He said he's heard from both Republicans and Democrats who blame the D.C. Council for not taking enough action.

"The council has to do a much better job on public safety....the Council is not seen in a good light on either side of the Hill," Mara said, who made clear he's a "staunch advocate" of D.C. Home Rule.

He also weighed in on why more District residents voted Republican than in 2020 and 2016.

Someone vandalized a kosher restaurant in D.C. this week in what may have been a hate crime. We asked Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin to weigh in. Plus, we discussed how city officials are preparing for a second Trump administration.

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