The NPR Politics Podcast The NPR Politics Podcast

Two planes, a president and a catering truck

Aug 14, 2026 · 28m

Summary

Hosts Miles Parks, Deepa Shiveram, and Tom Bowman discuss President Trump’s secret plane switch from Air Force One due to Iranian missile threats, highlighting security protocols and press transparency issues. Later, Barbara Sprunt joins to analyze AIPAC’s increased political spending, its mixed electoral success, and the growing backlash against its influence in Democratic primaries. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing personal updates on Phoebe Bridgers’ new album, a lottery winner, and the dilemma of restaurant gatekeeping.

Topics discussed

Intro and Trump's secret plane switcheroo Timeline of Trump's covert flight from Turkey Iranian missile threats and aircraft defenses Press transparency and historical context Ad break and NPR promo AIPAC's history and rising campaign spending Effectiveness of AIPAC's political investments Backlash, foreign money myths, and strategy Future of U.S.-Israel support and AIPAC Ad break and NPR promo Phoebe Bridgers' new album release Man wins $100k with two lottery tickets Gatekeeping favorite local restaurants Outro and sponsor messages
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