logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
33m 51s

The Harris VS Trump Debate... and a Tayl...

BBC News
About this episode

And why is "THEY'RE THE EATING DOGS" trending on X?

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia, sparring over key issues and exchanging deep personal attacks. The momentous meeting was marked by question dodging, finger pointing… and pet-eating!

The Americast Team analyses the night from the heart of the action. Who will go viral after tonight? Did Trump stick to his messaging? And how big a deal is Taylor Swift's support?

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America editor * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & social media correspondent * Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Purvee Pattni and Claire Betzer. 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 The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. 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.... The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Up next
Nov 21
Marjorie Taylor Greene v Donald Trump
<p>The Georgia Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is being celebrated by Democrats for being one of the few Republicans to stand up to Donald Trump in recent weeks. From the Epstein Files to the cost of living, Greene has been vocal in her criticism of the current a ... Show More
36m 28s
Nov 19
Will Trump delay releasing the Epstein Files?
<p>Donald Trump says he will sign a bill to release the Epstein Files after it passed nearly unanimously through both houses of Congress. It’s a notable shift in position from the president, who’s come under increasing pressure from Republicans and Democrats to release all files ... Show More
31m 5s
Nov 17
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Has Donald Trump changed his mind on the Epstein Files?
<p>On Sunday night Donald Trump told Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote in favour of releasing files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “because we have nothing to hide”. It’s a striking change in position from the president who has so fa ... Show More
24m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Could Zelensky Still do a Deal With Trump?
Today, in this extra episode, Laura and Paddy get back together to talk after Laura met President Zelensky.He told her, and a group of other journalists, that he is still "ready to sign" a US-Ukraine minerals deal after leaving the White House without it being agreed.Laura explai ... Show More
17m 3s
Oct 18
'The Interview': The Culture Wars Came for Wikipedia. Jimmy Wales Is Staying the Course.
<p>Attacks on the site are piling up. Its co-founder says trust the process.</p><ul><li>Thoughts? Email us at <strong>theinterview@nytimes.com</strong></li><li>Watch our show on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theinterviewpodcast"><strong>youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodca ... Show More
43m 34s
Aug 21
The Right-Wing Provocateur Who Has Trump’s Ear
<p><i>Warning: This episode contains strong language.</i></p><p>In President Trump’s second term, Laura Loomer has emerged as the most influential outside adviser, telling the president whom to fire and shaping major policy decisions.</p><p>Ken Bensinger, who covers media and pol ... Show More
37m 7s
Oct 24
Roundup: A Trade War With Canada, Inflation Ticks Up, And The Shutdown Persists
This week in Washington, President Trump halted trade talks with Canada, announced a private donation to help pay the military and authorized new sanctions on Russian oil. We discuss these developments, as well as how Trump uses his carefully cultivated image.This episode: politi ... Show More
23m 59s
Oct 4
'The Interview': Sen. Alex Padilla Says His Viral Moment Was a Sign of Things to Come
<p>The California politician on his “wake-up call” at an earlier moment of political upheaval, and the one he’s experiencing today.</p><ul><li>Thoughts? Email us at <strong>theinterview@nytimes.com</strong></li><li>Watch our show on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thei ... Show More
46m 4s
Sep 19
Jimmy Kimmel and Free Speech in the United States
<p>The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel are creating concerns and conversations about the state of free speech in the United States.</p><p>Rachel Abrams, Jim Rutenberg, Jeremy W. Peters and Adam Liptak, all journalists f ... Show More
30m 16s
Oct 15
Buckle Up and Fight This Thing, with Rachel Maddow and the hosts of “I’ve Had It”
<p>Many of your favorite MSNBC hosts gathered recently at an annual fan event to talk about the future of the Democratic party and democracy itself. Jen teamed up with Rachel Maddow to tackle tough and thoughtful questions from audience members including how to cut through all th ... Show More
36m 17s
Sep 19
F.C.C. Head Says Kimmel Not ‘the Last Shoe to Drop,’ and Musk Goes All In on A.I.
<p>Plus, your Friday news quiz. </p><p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/us/politics/trump-fcc-licenses.html" target="_blank"><strong>Trump Pressures Broadcasters Over Critical Coverage, Escalating Attack on Speech</strong></a> ... Show More
14m 40s
Sep 18
The Trump vs Jimmy Kimmel fallout + Alan Jones' charges downgraded
Donald Trump’s war on the media has just escalated, with the Jimmy Kimmel Show cancelled after the late-night night host made comments about the US President’s reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. President Trump today also banned Australia’s ABC from attending a news c ... Show More
16m 32s
Sep 18
US TV host Jimmy Kimmel suspended over Charlie Kirk shooting comments
The American television network ABC has suspended late-night talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel, indefinitely over comments he made about the shooting of the right-wing influencer, Charlie Kirk. The announcement has reignited the debate about free speech in the US. Also: the latest on ... Show More
27m 34s