Episodes

  • Texas on the Brink: Will school vouchers transform education or create chaos, and a lottery scandal.

    Texas on the Brink: Will school vouchers transform education or create chaos, and a lottery scandal.
    Feb 28 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the Texas Lottery scandal, the possibility of the school voucher bill passing, destination gaming coming to Texas, President Trump's upcoming address to the joint session of Congress, and other national and state political news.NATIONAL TOPICSThe House of representatives passes the budget resolution.President Donald Trump to address at joint session of Congress.Federal Election Commission dismisses case against Senator Ted Cruz.TEXAS TOPICSTexas Lottery scandal.Destination gaming may come to Texas.Will Texas school vouchers bill pass?In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
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    27 mins
  • Pathways to Peace: The U.S. Moves Towards Reconciliation with Russia

    Pathways to Peace: The U.S. Moves Towards Reconciliation with Russia
    Feb 22 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss President Trump seeking to restore relations with Russia, Vice President JD Vance's comments at a recent AI Summit, the state of United States and Europe relations, budget wars at the capitol, 17 Department of Justice who resigned over an order to drop New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case, the potential 2026 race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina gearing up to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar, and the current dynamic of the "Big 3": Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump seeks peace with Russia.Vice President JD Vance AI Summit appearance.U.S. and Europe Relations.Budget Wars.Department of Justice resignations amid Adams case.TEXAS TOPICS:2026 Races: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vs. Senator John CornynWebb County Judge Tano Tijerina to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar.BIG 3: Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan PatrickIn addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
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    27 mins
  • Elon & X Visit Trump for Oval Office Conference. Trump SNUBS Vance?! Steel Tariffs and DOGE vs CFPB.

    Elon & X Visit Trump for Oval Office Conference. Trump SNUBS Vance?! Steel Tariffs and DOGE vs CFPB.
    Feb 13 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Elon Musk and his son X holding a press conference in the Oval Office alongside President Trump, Trump's implementation of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) targeting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Trump's refusal to acknowledge Vance as the next presidential candidate, Government Gregg Abbott seeking to recoup $11 billion spend on border security through Project Lone Star, Abbott not being opposed to gambling passing in Texas, and the Texas Senate passing two property tax bills.NATIONAL TOPICSMusk and son meet in the Oval Office with President Trump.Trump implements 25% Tariff on steel and aluminum.DOGE targets the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Trump refuses to back Vance as next presidential candidate.TEXAS TOPICSGovernor Greg Abbott seeks to recoup $11 billion spent on border security.Could gambling pass in Texas?Texas Senate passes two property tax bills.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
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    27 mins
  • Trump’s Trade Wars & Big Texas Budgets: School Vouchers & Abbott’s State Address

    Trump’s Trade Wars & Big Texas Budgets: School Vouchers & Abbott’s State Address
    Feb 7 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Trump's newest trade wars, how democrats are effecting change, big budgets in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, an update on school vouchers and Governor Greg Abbott's State of the State Address.NATIONAL TOPICSThe trade wars continue.How are democrats effecting change?TEXAS TOPICSMajor Texas House of Representatives and Senate Budgets.School voucher update.Governor Greg Abbott's State of the State Address.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
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    27 mins
  • Trump's Turbulent Tenure: Executive Orders, Trade Wars & Voter Sentiment

    Trump's Turbulent Tenure: Executive Orders, Trade Wars & Voter Sentiment
    Jan 31 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the short-lived trade war with Colombia, Trump's firing of Inspector Generals, the federal funding pause, this week's controversial nominee hearings, if voters are satisfied with Trump's presidency so far, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller rehiring of former aide Todd Smith who pleaded guilty to bribery, the new rules for the Texas House of Representatives and Governor Greg Abbott's upcoming State of the State Address.NATIONAL TOPICSTrade War with Colombia.Trump fires Inspector Generals.Federal Funding Paused.Controversial Nominee Hearings.Are voters satisfied with Trump?TEXAS TOPICSMiller Rehires SmithNew Texas House RulesState of the State AddressIn addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
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    27 mins
  • Trump's Comeback: What Does His Return Mean for America? Reflecting on Biden's Legacy.

    Trump's Comeback: What Does His Return Mean for America? Reflecting on Biden's Legacy.
    Jan 23 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Donald Trump's return to the White House, a look at Trump's first 100 days, Texas delegation's influence on Trump's presidency, implementation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and what is president Joe Biden's legacy.NATIONAL TOPICS:Donald Trump's return to office.Trump's first 100 days.Implementation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).President Joe Biden's Legacy.TEXAS TOPIC:The Texas delegation's influence on Trump's presidency.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
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    27 mins
  • Trump's Transition Drama: Behind the Scenes of the Senate Hearings

    Trump's Transition Drama: Behind the Scenes of the Senate Hearings
    Jan 17 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss how Trump's legal battles play into his transition to president, an update on the Senate confirmation hearings, what Texas will do with its new budget surplus, and the battle for the Texas Speaker race coming to a close with Rep. Dustin Burrows as the victor.NATIONAL TOPICS:Donald Trump's legal woes.Senate hearings underway.TEXAS TOPICS:New Texas budget surplus.Burrows announced Texas Speaker of the House.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
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    27 mins
  • 2025 Political Forecast: Key Trends and What to Expect!

    2025 Political Forecast: Key Trends and What to Expect!
    Jan 10 2025
    This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the republicans choosing a new Speaker of the House of Representatives, what to expect from the upcoming Trump presidency, the dynamics of the 2025 Texas Legislature, how Governor Abbot and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick plan to work with the Texas House of Representatives and will gambling finally come to Texas.NATIONAL TOPICSGOP chooses speaker the new Speaker of the House.Preview of Trump Presidency.TEXAS TOPICSTexas legislature session dynamics.Big 3: Abbot, Patrick & The House.Gambling in Texas?In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
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    27 mins