Ron Elving

Well before we know who wins the presidential election, a clock is ticking, counting down to the next administration. The transition between one president to the next can be tumultuous, and the current transition to Donald Trump's second term is proving to be bumpier than usual.

This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and editor/correspondent Ron Elving.

The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han and Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

In 2018, Tim Walz said he carried weaponry "in war" when pushing for gun control, despite never serving in combat. He also said he chose to retire from the military after 24 years, shortly before his unit deployed to Iraq, in order to focus on his run for Congress.

This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, veterans correspondent Quil Lawrence, and senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving.

The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

A flag flap for a Supreme Court justice, and both major presidential campaigns agree to debates, albeit earlier than is traditional, with some rule changes.

President Biden says he could hold back more weapons if Israel launches a full assault on Rafah, details from the criminal trial of former President Trump, and we have to talk about the brain worm.

We look at the Grand Jury indictments in Arizona, focusing on former President Donald Trump's inner circle, and President Biden and the latest round of military aid to Israel in the wake of protests.

We discuss today's upcoming vote on the multiple aid packages before Congress today as well as the jury selection in the hush money trial of former president Donald Trump.

We look at the dustup over the vote to renew FISA, how former President Donald Trump is responding to new abortion laws, and President Biden's latest plan for additional student loan forgiveness.

We look at the Biden administration's response to Israel killing seven aid workers in Gaza this week, as President Biden comes under increasing pressure from his party to change his policy on Israel.

The Republican majority in the House narrows, making it harder for the party to accomplish the agenda and more likely to compromise with Democrats. Also, remembering the late Sen. Joe Lieberman.

A second package of budget bills passed Congress, just narrowly averting a partial government shutdown. Also, Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel.

President Biden made the traditionally solemn State of the Union address into a lively — and very partisan — event. Plus, Donald Trump's takeover of the Republican National Committee.

There is little chance of comprehensive immigration reform despite broad agreement for its need and rising public concern about it.

Reverberations of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn federal abortion protections are likely to figure into November's elections.

President Biden wants the U.S. to forcefully counter Russian aggression but additional aid to Ukraine is being held up by House Republicans.

A special counsel questioned Pres. Biden's mental acuity while saying he should not be indicted concerning his handling of classified documents. Meanwhile former Pres. Trump faces criminal charges.

Former President Trump owes former columnist E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her. Meanwhile he wants to scuttle a Senate deal on tightening restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Bad weather and a commanding Trump lead may take some of the excitement out of the Iowa caucuses. Meanwhile President Biden is juggling world events and a restless Democratic party.

President Biden points to January 6, 2021, as a reminder of what's at stake in the 2024 presidential election.

We look at the impact of Nikki Haley's gaffe on the campaign trail, Trump's place on the Michigan and Maine primary ballots and what Biden can do about tightening security at the southern border.

We look at President Biden's use of the word "indiscriminate" to describe Israel's bombing in Gaza, as well as the ongoing quest by some House Republicans to impeach him.