Two Presidential Elections, Two Seismic Shifts
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
- Two veteran NPR reporters share the most memorable reporting moments from major elections.
- Don recalls a 2016 moment when a key Democratic voting bloc began drifting toward the GOP candidate.
- Deepa recalls Biden’s exit in 2024 and Harris’ first rally as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
- Listeners can submit a “most” type question for future bonus episodes.
Overview
In today’s bonus NPR Politics Podcast episode, Don Gonyea (national political correspondent) and Deepa Shivaram (White House correspondent) share the “most” memorable story they’ve covered. The format invites listeners to hear firsthand moments from reporters who’ve witnessed pivotal political moments up close.
Moments That Shaped the Race
Don discusses a moment in the 2016 presidential election when he began noticing a key voting bloc for Democrats drift toward then-candidate Donald Trump. The episode frames how such shifts can emerge in real time and alter polling and coverage dynamics.
Don’s 2016 Shift
The takeaway: a shift in a crucial demographic can foreshadow broader changes in the political landscape. Don’s reflection demonstrates how frontline reporting can reveal undercurrents that aren’t yet visible in headlines or polling data.
Deepa’s 2024 Moment
Deepa recalls the day President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and shares her experience covering Kamala Harris’ first campaign rally as the presumptive Democratic nominee. The moment highlights how newsroom coverage pivots when a candidate defines the race’s trajectory.
How to Participate
Listeners are invited to submit a “most-type” question for future bonus episodes. This interactive element is a hallmark of NPR’s commitment to listener-driven content.
Bonus Content & Subscription
To unlock this and other bonus content, and get sponsor-free listening, sign up for NPR Politics Podcast+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Regular episodes haven’t changed and remain available every weekday!
Sponsor Message
(Sponsor messages appear mid-episode as part of NPR’s standard podcast sponsorships.)
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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/01/18/nx-s1-5675281/two-presidential-elections-two-seismic-shifts-politics
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